Assessment Of Physical Performance Research Articles

Phenyllactic acid modulates the gut microbiota, enhances intestinal health, and alleviates physical frailty in aging mice

Phenyllactic acid (PLA) is a natural antibiotic-like compound derived from certain foods and probiotics. PLA levels have been associated with age-related sarcopenia and provide benefits to metabolic health when derived from probiotics. However, the specific regulatory effects of PLA in aging remain largely unexplored. In this study, aging mice were administered PLA via gavage, followed by fecal 16S rRNA sequencing, measurements of targeted metabolites, glucose metabolism monitoring, and physical performance assessments. Our results indicate that PLA administration significantly altered gut microbiota composition, increased the abundance of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and succinate producing microbiota, and enhanced gut integrity in aging mice. Furthermore, PLA treatment raised fasting blood glucose levels and improved physical activity. Mechanistically, PLA intake elevated the levels of circulating SCFAs and succinate, promoting glycogen metabolic homeostasis and maintaining skeletal muscle oxidative capacity. This study provides evidence that PLA modulates the gut microbiota in aging mice, supports intestinal health, promotes glucose homeostasis, and enhances physical activity.

Assessment of physical factors of the educational environment in schools of the Chelyabinsk region and their influence on students’ adaptation

Introduction. The health of children and adolescents is a criterion of their body’s relationship with the environment and is formed under the influence of a complex set of social, biological and environmental factors. Educational organizations are the only system of public education that covers the entire child and adolescent population of the country for a long period of time. Physical factors of the intra-school environment affect the physiological processes of the body of schoolchildren and ensure adaptation to physical exertion. The purpose of the study: to study and evaluate the physical factors of the educational environment in schools of the Chelyabinsk region in the dynamics of five years and the adaptive potential of students. Materials and methods. Statistical, mathematical and instrumental research methods are used in the work. The conditions of physical education classes in 10 schools in the cities of the Chelyabinsk region from 2018–2022 were studied and an assessment of physical performance was carried out in 102 students of grades 8–9. It was found that the largest share was accounted for by objects classified as medium risk and moderate risk in 2020–82.8 %. Results. The proportion of educational institutions that do not meet sanitary and hygienic standards in terms of artificial illumination and electromagnetic studies remained high and amounted to 14.2 % and 8.9%, respectively, excess air temperature was detected in 20 % of the studied schools. In 60 % of the schools studied, outdoor sports grounds have not been repaired since they were put into operation. Conclusion. 26.7 % of respondents showed satisfactory adaptation to physical exertion, 73.3 % (2.8 times more) of respondents noted the strain of adaptation mechanisms. The number of students with overweight and revealed stress of adaptation mechanisms was 66.7 %, and with a lack of body weight, this figure was 2.1 times less and amounted to 28.5 %. A third (33.3 %) of overweight respondents showed satisfactory adaptation, while underweight students showed 2.2 times higher (71.5 %).

The Benchmarking Exercise Programme for Older People (BEPOP): Design, Results and Recommendations from The First Wave of Data Collection.

The Benchmarking Exercise Programme for Older People (BEPOP) service improvement project seeks to determine and promote the exercise training characteristics associated with positive outcomes for resistance exercise for older people living with, or at risk of, sarcopenia or physical frailty. Mixed-methods service improvement project. Ten UK National Health Service physiotherapist-led therapy services delivering exercise interventions for older people submitted anonymized data for up to 20 consecutive patients. A multidisciplinary expert panel generated a report and recommendations with site-specific benchmarking data and feedback. In parallel, participating physiotherapy team members were interviewed to elicit feedback on BEPOP rationale, processes and perceived value. Data from 188 patients were included, mean age 80 years (range 60-101). 115 (61%) received objective assessment of strength-based physical performance. Bodyweight exercises (173 [92%]) and resistance bands (49 [26%]) were the commonest exercise modalities. Exercises progressed predominantly through increased repetitions (163 [87%]) rather than increased load. 50 (30%) had no reassessment of outcomes; only 68 (41%) were signposted to follow-on exercise services. Staff interviews identified themes around knowledge, diagnosis, data collection and practice reflection. BEPOP was feasible to deliver and generated actionable insights for service improvement via improved diagnosis, measurement and progression of resistance exercise.

Quantitative assessment of human motion for health and rehabilitation: A novel fuzzy comprehensive evaluation approach

In the pursuit of advancing health and rehabilitation, the quintessence of human motion recognition technology has been underscored through its quantitative contributions to physical performance assessment. This research delineates the inception of a novel fuzzy comprehensive evaluation-based recognition method that stands at the forefront of such innovative endeavours. By synergistically fusing multi-sensor data and advanced classification algorithms, the proposed system offers a granular quantitative analysis with implications for health and fitness monitoring, particularly rehabilitation processes. Our methodological approach, grounded in the modal separation technique and Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD), effectively distills the motion acceleration component from raw accelerometer data, facilitating the extraction of intricate motion patterns. Quantitative analysis revealed that our integrated framework significantly amplifies the accuracy of motion recognition, achieving an overall recognition rate of 90.03 %, markedly surpassing conventional methods, such as Support Vector Machines (SVM), Decision Trees (DT), and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), which hovered around 80 %. Moreover, the system demonstrated an unprecedented accuracy of 97 % in discerning minor left-right swaying motions, showcasing its robustness in evaluating subtle movement nuances—a paramount feature for rehabilitation and patient monitoring. This marked precision in motion recognition heralds a new paradigm in health assessment, enabling objective and scalable analysis pertinent to individualized therapeutic interventions. The experimental evaluation accentuates the system's adeptness at navigating the dichotomy between complex, intense motions and finer, subtler movements with a high fidelity rate. It substantiates the method's utility in delivering sophisticated, data-driven insights for rehabilitation trajectory monitoring.

Relationship between physical fitness parameters and match time motion performance in international footballers with cerebral palsy

ABSTRACT The goal of this study was to describe the physical performance of international football players with cerebral palsy (CP) using commonly employed field tests to determine whether these characteristics are correlated with, or even predictive of, physical performance during competitive matches. Ten international footballers with CP performed a physical performance assessment that included anthropometry, sprint capacity, change of direction ability and intermittent endurance conducted before a worldwide competition. Match running performances were recorded using global positioning system devices during five official matches, including speed and distance variables. Moderate-to-high correlations were found between 5-m and 30-m sprints with maximal acceleration, deceleration and distances covered at moderate-to-high intensities. The change of direction capacity correlated to maximal deceleration and high-intensity variables. Furthermore, intermittent endurance correlated with average velocity, total distance and distances covered at varying intensities. Multiple linear regression showed predictive relationships for maximal acceleration, average velocity, total distance and intensity-specific distances. Practitioners must consider the main test that correlates with the demands of the sport and key performance parameters in CP football. The results offer practical insights for optimising training strategies tailored to specific performance variables for match football performance.

Accelerometric assessment of physical performance during the sit-to-stand test in knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional study

Accelerometric assessment of physical performance during the sit-to-stand test in knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional study

Gender Differences in Physical Performance and Psychological Assessment Among Cuban National Athletics Team

Introduction: Elite sports pose potential health risks, but are vital to the well-being of society. In Cuban society, sport is an integral part of personal development and public health, fostering unity and promoting female participation for sustainable growth. Athletics is one of the most important sports in Cuban sport, and should be approached both from the point of view of sports training and sports psychology. Purpose: The aim of this study was to provide a description of conditional variables in a countermovement jump (CMJ), mood profile, self-efficacy, and the leg-hip height index among athletes from the Cuban national athletics pre-selection team, differentiated by gender. Methods: Our sample consisted of the Cuban national athletics pre-selection team. Results: Mood profile analysis using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) did not reveal significant gender differences, with a small effect size for gender. Men showed a slightly greater trend towards vigor compared to women. Significant differences in self-efficacy were observed between men and women in their confidence levels to achieve jump heights between 21 and 40 cm using the CMJ. However, no significant differences were found for jumps exceeding 40 cm, highlighting the importance of strategies to enhance athletes’ psychological needs and self-efficacy. Conclusions: This study suggests that the association between tension-related anxiety and performance indicators related to jump height may play a crucial role in determining specific profiles in male and female Cuban athletes. Our comprehensive analysis contributes to understanding gender differences in performance factors. These findings provide valuable insights for future research and athlete development strategies.

Metabolic, cardiovascular, neuromuscular and perceptual responses to repeated military-specific load carriage treadmill simulations.

Bouts of military load carriage are rarely completed in isolation; however, limited research has investigated the physiological responses to repeated load carriage tasks. Twelve civilian men (age, 28±8years; stature, 185.6±5.8cm; body mass 84.3±11.1kg and maximal oxygen uptake, 51.5±6.4mL·kg-1min-1) attended the laboratory on two occasions to undertake a familiarisation and an experimental session. Following their familiarisation session, participants completed three bouts of a fast load carriage protocol (FLCP; ∼65min), carrying 25kg, interspersed with a 65-min recovery period. Physiological strain (oxygen uptake [V̇O2] and heart rate [HR]) was assessed during the FLCP bouts, and physical performance assessments (weighted counter-movement jump [wCMJ], maximal isometric voluntary contraction of the quadriceps [MIVC] and seated medicine ball throw [SMBT]) was measured pre and post each FLCP bout. A main effect for bout and measurement time was evident for V̇O2 and HR (both p<0.001 and Ѡ2=0.103-0.816). There was no likely change in SMBT distance (p=0.201 and Ѡ2=0.004), but MIVC peak force reduced by approximately 25% across measurement points (p<0.001 and Ѡ2=0.133). A mean percentage change of approximately -12% from initial values was also evident for peak wCMJ height (p=0.001 and Ѡ2=0.028). Collectively, these data demonstrate that repeated FLCP bouts result in an elevated physiological strain for each successive bout, along with a substantial reduction in lower body power (wCMJ and MIVC). Therefore, future research should investigate possible mitigation strategies to maintain role-related capability.

Reliability of tele-assessment of five repetition sit to stand and timed up and go tests in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain

BackgroundTelerehabilitation has become a frequently preferred option in the follow-up and treatment processes of non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) in recent years. One of the most important components in the rehabilitation of patients with NSLBP is a comprehensive assessment. Physical performance assessments such as the Five Repetition Sit to Stand Test (5xSTS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) stand out as tests often used in clinical measurements in patients with NSLBP.AimsThis study aimed to assess reliability of tele-assessment of 5xSTS and TUG tests in patients with NSLBP.MethodsPatients with NSLBP with low back pain for at least 3 months were included in the study. All tests were performed face-to-face and remotely. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were used to determine the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).ResultsInter-rater reliability results between face-to-face and tele-assessment were excellent for both 5xSTS (ICC = 0.966) and TUG (ICC = 0.900). In addition, the intra-rater reliability results obtained between face-to-face and tele-assessment showed excellent for both 5xSTS (ICC = 0.979) and TUG (ICC = 0.958).ConclusionsThis study suggests that these tests can be used reliably at home or remotely in different settings as well as in the clinic.

Effects of whole-body vibration training on lower extremity muscle strength and physical function in elderly patients with sarcopenia

ABSTRACT Objectives To investigate the feasibility and benefits of WBV training in enhancing muscle strength and physical performance in older inpatients with sarcopenia. Methods We included 40 patients with sarcopenia (mean age 85 years; age range 80~90 years) and randomly separated into the WBV group or control (CON) group. The WBV group underwent 8 weeks of conventional rehabilitation training combined with WBV, whereas the CON group received 8 weeks of conventional rehabilitation training alone. The primary outcome was maximal isometric muscle strength. The secondary outcomes were the time-up-and-go test (TUGT), the five-times sit-to-stand test (FTSST), the 6-m gait speed test, and the Morse Fall Scale (MFS). Results After an 8-week intervention, only the quadriceps and tibialis anterior muscles in the CON group showed substantial gains in strength. In the WBV group, significant increases were observed in iliopsoas (P&lt;0.05), quadriceps (P&lt;0.01), hamstring(P&lt;0.01), and tibialis anterior muscle (P&lt;0.01) respectively. For all physical performance assessments, improvements were observed in both CON and WBV groups (P&lt;0.05), the improvement in the WBC group was greater than the CON group (P&lt;0.05). However, there was no significant difference in fall risk between the two groups (P&gt;0.05). Conclusion This result highlights a eight weeks of whole-body vibration training can increase the lower-limb muscular strength and physical performance of older inpatients with sarcopenia.

Investigating the effects of synbiotic supplementation on functional movement, strength and muscle health in older Australians: a study protocol for a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundAging has been associated with a progressive loss of skeletal muscle quality, quantity and strength, which may result in a condition known as sarcopenia, leading to a decline in physical performance, loss of independence and reduced quality of life. While the cause of impaired physical functioning observed in elderly populations appears to be multifactorial, recent evidence suggests that age-associated alterations in gut microbiota could be a contributing factor. The primary objective will be to assess the effects of a dietary synbiotic formulation on sarcopenia-related functional outcomes such as handgrip strength, gait speed and physical performance within older individuals living independently. The secondary objective will be to examine associations between changes in gut microbiota composition, functional performance and lean muscle mass.MethodsSeventy-four elderly (60–85 years) participants will be randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion to either an intervention or control group. The intervention group (n = 37) will receive oral synbiotic formulation daily for 16 weeks. The control group (n = 37) will receive placebo. Assessments of physical performance (including Short Physical Performance Battery, handgrip strength and timed up-and-go tests) and muscle ultrasonography will be performed at 4 time points (baseline and weeks 8, 16 and 20). Likewise, body composition via bioelectric impedance analysis and blood and stool samples will be collected at each time point. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry will be performed at baseline and week 16. The primary outcomes will be between-group changes in physical performance from baseline to 16 weeks. Secondary outcomes include changes in body composition, muscle mass and architecture, fecal microbiota composition and diversity, and fecal and plasma metabolomics.DiscussionGut-modulating supplements appear to be effective in modifying gut microbiota composition in healthy older adults. However, it is unclear whether these changes translate into functional and/or health improvements. In the present study, we will investigate the effects of a synbiotic formulation on measures of physical performance, strength and muscle health in healthy older populations.Trial registrationThis study was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622000652774) in May 2022.

Physical performance strongly predicts all-cause mortality risk in a real-world population of older diabetic patients: machine learning approach for mortality risk stratification.

Prognostic risk stratification in older adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is important for guiding decisions concerning advance care planning. A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted in a real-world sample of older diabetic patients afferent to the outpatient facilities of the Diabetology Unit of the IRCCS INRCA Hospital of Ancona (Italy). A total of 1,001 T2D patients aged more than 70 years were consecutively evaluated by a multidimensional geriatric assessment, including physical performance evaluated using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). The mortality was assessed during a 5-year follow-up. We used the automatic machine-learning (AutoML) JADBio platform to identify parsimonious mathematical models for risk stratification. Of 977 subjects included in the T2D cohort, the mean age was 76.5 (SD: 4.5) years and 454 (46.5%) were men. The mean follow-up time was 53.3 (SD:15.8) months, and 209 (21.4%) patients died by the end of the follow-up. The JADBio AutoML final model included age, sex, SPPB, chronic kidney disease, myocardial ischemia, peripheral artery disease, neuropathy, and myocardial infarction. The bootstrap-corrected concordance index (c-index) for the final model was 0.726 (95% CI: 0.687-0.763) with SPPB ranked as the most important predictor. Based on the penalized Cox regression model, the risk of death per unit of time for a subject with an SPPB score lower than five points was 3.35 times that for a subject with a score higher than eight points (P-value <0.001). Assessment of physical performance needs to be implemented in clinical practice for risk stratification of T2D older patients.

Assessment of phase angle as a novel indicator for sarcopenic obesity according to the ESPEN/EASO criteria in older adults with diabetes mellitus

Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is a clinical condition in which sarcopenia and obesity occur together, and is associated with more poor clinical outcomes, increased mortality, and morbidity than sarcopenia. Phase angle (PhA), a parameter derived from bioimpedance analysis (BIA), provides data on cellular health, membrane integrity, and cellular function. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between SO and PhA among older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). We performed a cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital, and all participants underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment, the hand-grip strength test (HGST), the chair stand test (CST) for muscle strength evaluation, the 4-meter walking test, and the timed up-and-go (TUG) test for physical performance assessment. The diagnosis of SO was made according to the ESPEN/EASO criteria. The PhA was determined automatically by the BIA using resistance and reactance at 50 kHz for each participant. A total of 322 participants were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 72.5 ±5.8, and 203 (63%) of them were female; 63 (19.6%) of them were sarcopenic obese. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, a significant relationship was found when the model was adjusted for age, female gender, MNA-sf scores, HbA1c level, and CCI scores (OR: 0.53, 95%CI: 0.29-0.98, P = 0.04). In ROC analyses, for PhA in predicting SO diagnosis, the AUC was 0.586 (95%CI: 0.505-0.678, P = 0.033). At the cut-off score 4.4, sensitivity was 57.1% and specificity was 61.4%; positive predictive value (PPV) was 26.5%; negative predictive value (NPV) was 85.5%. The study identified a significant relationship between SO and PhA among older adults with type 2 DM. However, larger prospective studies are needed to confirm the potential utility of PhA as a biomarker for SO.

Physical performance and sarcopenia assessment in patients with a recent fracture visiting the Fracture Liaison Service

SummaryImpaired physical performance is associated with increased fracture risk. Performance on four physical functioning tests and prevalence of sarcopenia were assessed for 1789 fracture patients and compared to reference data. Performance was low on all tests, especially for patients with a hip, major or ≥ 1 prevalent vertebral fracture.Purpose IntroductionImpaired physical performance and sarcopenia are associated with increased fracture risk. This study aims to assess physical performance and the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with a recent clinical fracture attending the Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) compared to population means.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, chair stand test (CST), handgrip strength (HGS), timed-up-and-go (TUG), 6-min walking-test (6MWT), and sarcopenia (following EWGSOP2) were assessed. The proportion of patients with impaired/poor performance compared to reference data was calculated (Z-score: ≥ − 2SD to < − 1 (impaired) and < − 2 SD (poor)). Associations of fracture type, sex, age, and time since fracture with Z-scores were assessed using linear regression analyses.ResultsA total of 1789 consecutive FLS patients were included (median age (IQR): 66 (59–74), 70.7% females, 3.9 (± 1.6) months after fracture). The prevalence of impaired/poor performance for CST, HGS, TUG, and 6MWT was 39.2%, 30.4%, 21.9%, and 71.5%, respectively (expected proportion of 16%) and 2.8% had sarcopenia. Lower Z-scores (P < 0.001) were found for hip, major, and ≥ 1 prevalent vertebral fracture (VF) in CST (major: regression coefficient (B) (95%CI) = − 0.25 [− 0.34, − 0.16]; hip: B = − 0.32 [− 0.47, − 0.17], VF: B = − 0.22 [− 0.34, − 0.11]), TUG; (major: B = − 0.54 [− 0.75, − 0.33]; hip: B = − 1.72 [− 2.08, -1.35], VF: B = − 0.61 [− 0.88, − 0.57]), 6MWT (major: B = − 0.34 [− 0.47, − 0.21]; hip: B = − 0.99 [− 1,22, − 0.77], VF: B = − 0.36 [− 0.53, − 0.19]).ConclusionsPhysical performance is significantly lower in FLS patients compared to healthy peers, especially in patients with hip, major or prevalent VF. These findings underline the need to assess and improve the physical performance of FLS patients, despite a low prevalence of sarcopenia.

Water Distribution Systems: Integrated Approaches for Effective Utility Management

An extensive review of research advances in distribution system management was conducted to include methods, tools, and frameworks for integration. Sources included archival journals and water industry reports from research institutes, government regulators, and industry media covering case studies of advances that were implemented. Results showed that while effective management of water distribution systems requires an integrated approach, none of the available frameworks for one are in broad use in the water supply industry. Frameworks developed include a management standard of the American Water Works Association and Distribution System Optimization, a methodology for physical, hydraulic, and water quality performance assessment. The intelligent systems framework also offers a promising pathway to integration, but it lacks a definite structure. The voluntary aspect of adopting innovations within the fragmented and uncoordinated nature of the water utility industry poses a barrier to adoption of such innovations. Another barrier is the uncoordinated arrangements of water research stakeholders with different incentive structures. Intelligent water systems offer a way to incentive the utility industry to encourage implementation. They can provide a bottom-up approach where the utility industry can see advantages, as opposed to a top-down approach where they are expected to adopt a method without seeing clear benefits. Research to develop new and improved tools is needed, but the research roadmap should prioritize implementation.

Lighting the way: Exploring diurnal physical performance differences in school-aged visually impaired children and adolescents

ABSTRACT Circadian rhythms play a pivotal role in governing various physiological processes, including physical performance. However, in individuals deprived of light perception, such as the blind, these circadian rhythms face disruption. This study aimed to explore the influence of disturbed circadian rhythms on short-term maximal physical performance in children and adolescents with visual impairment. Forty-five volunteers participated in this study, comprising 17 blind, 13 visually impaired, and 15 sighted participants. The participants underwent a series of tests assessing maximal isometric strength performance across two days. To mitigate the influence of morning session fatigue on the evening results, each participant group performed in two separate testing sessions (i.e. in the morning (7:00 h) and in the evening (17:00 h)) on non-consecutive days in a randomized and counterbalanced setting, with approximately 36 h of recovery time between sessions. To mitigate the impact of inter-individual differences on mean values and to account for the influence of age and sex on the studied variables, data were normalized. The outcomes revealed a significant diurnal variation in maximal isometric strength performance among sighted individuals, with peak performance observed in the evening. This pattern aligns with their well-entrained circadian rhythm. In contrast, blind and visually impaired individuals did not display significant diurnal variation, signaling disrupted circadian rhythms due to the absence of light perception. These findings emphasize the crucial consideration of circadian rhythms in assessments of physical performance, especially among participants with visual impairments.

Is Immune Thrombocytopenia and its Treatment Associated with Sarcopenia?

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is defined as an isolated platelet count less than 100 × 109/L in the absence of other causes of thrombocytopenia. Sarcopenia is a body-wide muscular disorder with a progressive nature that leads to reduced mobility, physical disability, falls, and poor quality of life. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of objectively diagnosed sarcopenia in patients with ITP and to determine whether ITP therapies have sarcopenic effects. This prospective study included patients who were followed up with ITP in the hematology outpatient clinic. Patients who had received corticosteroids within 3 months were excluded. The handgrip strength test, appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM), ASMM/height2 value, soft lean mass (SLM), trunk soft lean mass (SLMT), and the 6-min walking speed test were applied for muscular evaluations and physical performance assessment. We included 53 patients (female/male: 73.58%/26.42%). While sarcopenia was not observed in 77.36% of ITP patients, possible sarcopenia was diagnosed in 9.43% and confirmed sarcopenia in 13.21%. Severe sarcopenia was not seen in any of the patients. Loss of muscle strength was observed in 22.64% of patients. SLM was found to be low in 92.45%. Sarcopenia may be more frequent among patients with ITP compared to the population, and it is important to note that 92.45% of patients had low SLM and 54.72% had low SLMT. Eltrombopag therapy might be beneficial as demonstrated by higher SLM, ASMM, and ASMM/height2 values.

Things to keep in mind when selecting physical assessments in youth soccer: Correlations between test performances, interlimb asymmetries, and effects of maturation.

A range of field-based tests have been proposed for inclusion in physical performance assessment batteries. However, there are obvious time and human resources constraints in applied settings. The knowledge of potential relationships between tests on performance, asymmetries, as well as maturation-induced changes, may help select the most informative and least time-consuming testing battery. The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine correlations in performance between different field-based tests, in interlimb asymmetry between those unilateral tests, and between asymmetry scores and test performances, and (2) to determine the influence of players' maturity status on test performances and asymmetries. A total of 309 male youth soccer players completed a nine-test battery including y-balance test, drop vertical jump, countermovement jump, single leg countermovement jump, standing long jump, single leg hop for distance, Illinois agility test, 10 m sprint, and 20 m sprint. The results revealed moderate-to-very large relationships between jump, sprint, and agility performances (r = 0.43-0.94), but weak-to-moderate correlations between these tests and balance scores (r ≤ 0.38). No relevant relationship (r ≤ 0.32) for asymmetries detected through different unilateral tests was found, nor between asymmetries and performance scores (r < 0.29). While maturity status clearly influenced players' performance, a limited impact on asymmetries was evident. Despite the mentioned relationships, the low shared variance between tests indicates that they should not be used interchangeably, and coaches should select those with the greatest specificity for the sport. Asymmetries do not influence performance, but their prevalence and unchanging nature with maturation can be seen as an opportunity for the identification of highly asymmetrical players and the application of interventions to improve the weaker limb, irrespective of the athlete's stage of development. To this end, the single leg countermovement jump might be viewed as an appropriate test in male youth soccer.

Correlation of Body Mass Index and Work Profile on Hand Grip Strength and Endurance in Healthy Adults

Background and need of research: Hand Grip Strength (HGS) is an integral part of performing precise and refined fine motor activities. Many professions necessitate lifting and holding heavy loads with a proportionately static grip or repetitive or forceful gripping movements. Hence it is important to consider measurement of handgrip endurance (HGE) as an important component of assessment of physical performance. Most of studies have shown that HGS and BMI is associated with mortality and cardiovascular disease. So, need of this study is to fulfill the lacunae of literature. Method: A cross-sectional study-conducted on 80 healthy adults(age:18-40) after obtaining Institutional Ethical Committee clearance. Participants who met with the inclusion criteria were invited for study. BMI was calculated using the formula weight(kg)/height(m)2.HGS and HGE were measured in office worker and labourer using hand grip dynamometer. Results: Mean age, BMI, strength and endurance of office worker is (32.78+5.96), (26.15+5.36), (29.04+9.34), (44.63+28.53) and labourer is (32.47+4.46), (25.35+3.33), (37.26+8.57), (32.82+29.44) respectively. Spearman correlation test was used for analysis. Significant negative correlation (r=-0.507, p&lt;0.05) is found between labourer BMI and HSG and very weak correlation found between BMI and HGE (r=-0.010, p&gt;0.05). Weak and very weak correlation found between office worker’s BMI, HGS and HGE (r=-0.274, p&gt;0.05 and r=0.110, p&gt;0.05) respectively. Conclusion and clinical implication: There is significant negative correlation found between BMI and grip strength in labour group. This result supports that HGS can be effective tool for predicting physical fitness. Moreover, through normative value of HGS, clinician can detect low level of physical fitness at early stage in order to prevent future health problems. Keywords: BMI, hand grip strength, hand grip endurance, work profile

The association between disability and physical performance, pain intensity, and pain-related anxiety in patients after lumbar decompression surgery: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMost patients with lumbar spinal stenosis improve significantly within 6 months of lumbar decompression surgery, however, unfavorable long-term disability may persist in some patients. It was unclear which potential influencing factors were more likely to be associated with disability. This study aimed to assess the association between disability and physical performance, pain, and pain-related anxiety in patients after lumbar decompression surgery.MethodsPatients who underwent decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis were included. Participants completed the visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale-20 to collect pain intensity, disability, and pain-related anxiety information. For physical performance assessment, participants performed timed up and go (TUG), functional reach test (FRT), 6-min walking test, and modified Sorensen test, 6–12 months after lumbar decompression surgery. The associations were examined with bivariate and multivariable linear regression analyses.ResultsA total of 80 patients were included. A significant association between disability and pain-related anxiety, the FRT, and the modified Sorensen test scores was confirmed in multivariable analyses. Both bivariate (r = − 0.75) and multivariable (β = 0.60, 95% CI, 0.24, 0.54; P = 0.00) analyses confirmed that pain-related anxiety was the strongest indicator of disability. The association between disability and pain intensity, TUG, and 6-min walking test scores was not confirmed.ConclusionPain-related anxiety should be considered in the rehabilitation programs after lumbar decompression surgery. The evaluation of all aspects of physical performance following lumbar decompression surgery is also recommended.