Muscle Balance Research Articles

Effects of Wound Localisation on Balance, Performance, Muscle Strength, and Gait Speed in Individuals with Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Muscle strength, balance, performance, and gait speed of individuals diagnosed with diabetic foot wound are negatively affected. This study aimed to investigate the effects of wound localisation on balance, performance, muscle strength, and gait speed in individuals with diabetic foot wounds. Individuals (n = 48) with a mean age of 59.35 ± 11.28 years and were divided into two groups according to wound localisation as group 1 (n = 24) with forefoot wounds and group 2 (n = 24) with hindfoot wounds. Four Step Square Test was used for dynamic balance assessment, Timed Up and Go Test for performance, Manual Muscle Tests for muscle strength, and 10 Meter Walk Test for gait speed assessment. When compared in terms of muscle strength, there was a difference only between the injured side Gluteus Medius (p = 0.02), Gastrosoleus (p = 0.00), and Tibialis Anterior (p = 0.03) muscles. Other muscle groups strength, balance, performance, and gait speed were similar (p > 0.05). Loss of muscle strength can lead to serious negative consequences such as deformity and new wound formation if not intervened in time. The effects on balance and performance are similar in different wound localizations.

Gait changes induced by a 6-min walking exercise in individuals with myotonic dystrophy type 1: relationship with muscle strength.

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is an inherited muscular dystrophy characterized by muscle weakness, myotonia, and balance deficits, contributing to early fatigue and increased risk of fall during walking. This study investigated gait changes due to continuous walking exercise. Fourteen individuals with myotonic dystrophy type 1 were included (age 42.0±8.8years, height 1.63±0.10m, mass 75.2±22.2kg). Maximal isometric hip and knee strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer. A 3D gait analysis, using a 12-camera optoelectronic system, was performed during a 6-min walking exercise on a quasi-oval track. A decrease in step length (-3.4%, P=0.002), walking speed (-7.1%, P=0.002) and cadence (-3.4%, P=0.013) was observed following the 6-min walking exercise. Double support time increased (10.0%, P=0.032) and maximum base of support width increased (5.7%, P=0.023), while center of mass amplitude decreased (-5.3%, P=0.048). Hip and knee extensor strength positively correlated with step length at the beginning of the 6-min walking exercise (P=0.010 and P=0.022 respectively). This study reveals key gait changes during a 6-min walking exercise in individuals with myotonic dystrophy type 1. Spatiotemporal changes highlight the importance of targeted interventions to manage muscle weakness and improve mobility in this population. Future studies should examine these changes over longer periods and in various conditions to better understand gait changes during typical daily activities in individuals with myotonic dystrophy type 1.

Effect of Plyometric Exercises of Lower Limb on Strength, Postural Control, and Risk of Falling in Stroke Patients

Background and Objective: Stroke, a major contributor to long-term disability worldwide, often results in significant impairments in motor function. These impairments can include weakness, impaired balance, and decreased coordination, which can have a significant influence on one’s quality of life and independence. Finding an effective protocol for rehabilitation to improve these points will decrease the impact of stroke and its coast of rehabilitation. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted to assess the effect of lower limb plyometric exercises on strength, postural control, and risk of falling in stroke patients. Materials and Methods: This study involved 40 chronic left stroke patients randomly divided into two equal groups. The experimental group participated in a 12-week supervised plyometric training program, while the control group received conventional physical therapy program. Lower limb muscle strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer, and balance and fall risk were assessed via the Biodex Balance System (BBS). These measurements were conducted before and after the intervention period to evaluate treatment effects. Results: The results of this study demonstrated significant improvements in muscle strength and balance parameters among stroke patients who underwent plyometric exercise compared to those receiving a conventional program. The plyometric group exhibited significantly greater increases in knee extension strength (p < 0.05), hip abduction strength (p < 0.05), ankle dorsiflexion strength (p < 0.05), and ankle eversion strength (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the plyometric group showed significant improvements in overall stability (p < 0.05), mediolateral stability (p < 0.05), and anteroposterior stability (p < 0.05), as measured by the Biodex Balance System (BBS). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that plyometric exercise may be an effective intervention for decreased risk of falling and enhancing muscle strength and balance during recovery from stroke.

Effect of Closed Kinetic Chain Exercise Via Telerehabilitation on Muscle Strength, Balance, Fatigue and Hemoglobin Levels in Beta Thalassemia Major Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Effect of Closed Kinetic Chain Exercise Via Telerehabilitation on Muscle Strength, Balance, Fatigue and Hemoglobin Levels in Beta Thalassemia Major Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Progress of the Exercise Therapy on Chronic Ankle Instability

This research delves into the effectiveness of various exercise therapies for Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI), a condition that frequently develops when initial ankle sprains are not adequately treated. CAI is characterized by repetitive sprains, joint instability, and reduced mobility, which can severely impact an individual's daily activities and sports performance. Different methods of rehabilitation, including muscle strengthening exercises, proprioceptive training, and balance improvement, were evaluated. The study emphasizes the advantages of combining traditional approaches such as resistance band exercises and newer techniques like blood flow restriction (BFR) training. These methods help enhance both strength and functionality in patients with CAI. Additionally, integrating proprioceptive exercises that focus on improving balance through unstable surface training has shown significant progress in restoring postural stability. Further, novel therapeutic interventions, including motor imagery, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and exergaming, demonstrate promising results in complementing traditional treatments. Ultimately, this review suggests a comprehensive rehabilitation plan that merges conventional and modern therapies to improve functional outcomes for individuals with CAI, though further research is necessary to optimize the combination of these therapies for long-term efficacy.

The Feasibility of non-motorized Treadmill Training on Lower Extremity Muscle Strength, Balance, and Gait in Patients with Stroke: A Pilot Study

Background Non-motorized treadmills have been used for health improvement in healthy individuals and for enhancing physical fitness in athletes. However, there is a lack of research focusing on their use with patients with stroke. Objective This study aims to assess the impact of non-motorized treadmill training on lower limb strength, balance, and gait in patients with stroke, and compare it with flat ground walking training. Methods The participants included 22 patients with stroke, divided into two groups: non-motorized treadmill training group ( n = 11) and flat ground walking training group ( n = 11). All participants underwent 20 training sessions, 30 min each, five times a week for four weeks. Outcome measures included the digital dynamometer, Medical Research Council scale (MRC), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Four Square Step Test (FSST), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and GAITRite. Results The non-motorized treadmill training group showed significant improvements compared to the flat ground walking group in hip abductor and extensor muscle strength, knee flexor and extensor muscle strength, MRC, BBS, FSST, 6MW and gait parameters ( p < 0.05). Conclusions Non-motorized treadmill training may be considered an effective gait rehabilitation method in clinical settings for patients experiencing stroke with reduced lower limb strength, balance, and walking ability.

Influence of cervical muscle strength and pain severity on functional balance and limits of stability in elderly individuals with chronic nonspecific neck pain: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundChronic nonspecific neck pain (CNSNP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder, particularly in the elderly, leading to reduced cervical muscle strength, impaired functional balance, and decreased postural stability. This study investigated the correlation between cervical muscle strength, functional balance, and limits of stability (LOS) in elderly individuals with CNSNP. Additionally, it assessed the moderating effect of pain severity on the relationship between cervical muscle strength and these balance outcomes.MethodsA prospective study included a total of 186 participants, including 93 with CNSNP and 93 asymptomatic individuals, were recruited. Cervical flexor and extensor muscle strength were assessed using an ergoFET hand-held dynamometer. Functional balance was measured using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, while LOS were evaluated using the Iso-Free machine.ResultsIndividuals with CNSNP exhibited significantly lower cervical flexor strength (32.45 ± 5.67 N vs. 40.75 ± 5.20 N, p < 0.001) and extensor strength (28.30 ± 6.05 N vs. 36.90 ± 5.90 N, p < 0.001) compared to asymptomatic individuals. Functional balance was also poorer in the CNSNP group, with lower BBS scores (47.85 ± 4.20 vs. 53.65 ± 3.85, p < 0.001) and slower TUG times (11.30 ± 2.05 s vs. 8.45 ± 1.80 s, p < 0.001). Cervical muscle strength showed moderate to strong positive correlations with LOS (r = 0.56 to 0.62, p < 0.001) and BBS (r = 0.48 to 0.53, p < 0.001). Pain severity significantly moderated the relationship between cervical muscle strength and functional balance (β = 0.20, p = 0.045) as well as LOS (β = 0.22, p = 0.038), suggesting that higher pain levels diminish the positive effects of muscle strength on balance.ConclusionCervical muscle strength plays a crucial role in maintaining functional balance and postural stability in elderly individuals with CNSNP. Pain severity moderates the relationship between cervical muscle strength and balance outcomes, emphasizing the importance of integrating muscle strengthening and pain management in rehabilitation programs for elderly individuals with CNSNP to optimize postural control and minimize fall risk.

Effect of Body-Weight-Based Resistance Training on Balance Ability and Fear of Falling in Community-Dwelling Older Japanese Women.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week body-weight-based resistance training program on balance ability and fear of falling in community-dwelling older women. Twenty-three older women were assigned to either an intervention group that performed the low-load resistance training with slow movement using the body weight (LRT group; n = 12) or a control group (CON group; n = 11). The LRT group participated in the exercise session twice weekly for 12 weeks, while the CON group maintained their daily routine. The 30 s chair stand test (CS-30) was applied to measure lower-extremity muscle strength, balance ability was evaluated using one-leg standing tests with eyes open (OLST-O) and closed (OLST-C), and fear of falling among all participants was assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I) before (pre) and after (post) the intervention. A two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures [group (LRT and CON) × time (pre and post)] was carried out to evaluate the intervention effects. Significant interactions were observed in the CS-30 (F = 9.503, p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.312), OLST-O (F = 5.211, p < 0.05, ηp2 = 0.199), and OLST-C (F = 5.257, p < 0.05, ηp2 = 0.200), though significant simple main effects from pre to post were observed only in the LRT group. The CS-30 scores (pre: 19.8 ± 3.8 times, post: 25.5 ± 5.6 times; p < 0.001), OLST-O time (pre: 78.8 ± 35.8 s, post: 96.2 ± 29.9 s; p < 0.01), and OLST-C time (pre: 10.2 ± 5.9 s, post: 17.4 ± 12.2 s; p < 0.01) were improved before and after the intervention. However, a significant interaction was not observed in FES-I (F = 1.335, p = 0.261, ηp2 = 0.06). The 12-week body-weight-based resistance training program enhanced lower-extremity muscle strength and balance ability but did not lessen the fear of falling in community-dwelling older women. The study findings offer relevant information for fall prevention in older adults.

Impacts of hippotherapy simulation on balance, postural control, and spasticity of thigh adductor muscles in children with spastic bilateral Cerebral Palsy: A single-blind clinical trial study.

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of movement disorders. A recently proposed occupational therapy approach to reduce spasticity and improve balance and postural control is Hippotherapy Simulation (HS). The present study attempts to investigate how HS impacts balance, postural control, and spasticity of adductor muscles in children with spastic bilateral CP. Thirty-one children with bilateral spastic CP, five to nine years old, were selected via availability sampling and divided into the intervention group (n=16) and the control (n=15) through stratified block randomization. Assessment tools, including Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), and goniometry, were completed by an assessor unaware of the children's grouping. After the intervention, the average total scores of all variables in the HS group significantly exceeded those in the control group (P<0.01). However, no significant differences were observed between the groups at follow-up, underlining the necessity of providing long-term or recurrent interventions to maintain improvements in gross motor function. This approach also constructively influenced postural control and mitigated the spasticity of adductor thigh muscles. This study showed the multimodal effect of simulated hippotherapy combined with occupational therapy routine exercises on the physical performance of children with bilateral spastic CP.

Effective adaptation of flight muscles to tebuconazole-induced oxidative stress in honey bees.

The widespread and excessive agricultural use of azole fungicide tebuconazole poses a major threat to pollinator species including honey bee colonies as highlighted by recent studies. This issue is of growing importance, due to the intensification of modern agriculture and the increasing amount of the applied chemicals, serving as a major and recent problem from both an ecotoxicological and an agricultural point of view. The present study aims to detect the effects of acute sublethal tebuconazole exposure focusing on the redox homeostasis of honey bee flight muscles. The results show that the redox homeostasis, especially the glutathione system, of the exposed animals is severely impaired by the treatment, but flight muscles are able to successfully counteract the detrimental effects by the effective activation of protective processes. This efficient adaptation may have led to overcompensation processes eventually resulting in lower hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde concentrations after exposure. It could also be assumed that tebuconazole has a non-monotonic dose-response curve similarly to many other substances with endocrine-disrupting activity concerning parameters such as superoxide dismutase activity or total antioxidant capacity. These findings shed light on the detrimental impact of tebuconazole on the redox balance of honey bee flight muscles, also highlighting, that unlike other organs such as the brain, they may effectively adapt to acute tebuconazole exposure.

Thermal radiation image based on neural network algorithm for muscle balance simulation during exercise training: Thermal conduction of exercise cells

Thermal radiation image based on neural network algorithm for muscle balance simulation during exercise training: Thermal conduction of exercise cells

ANALYSIS OF THE UTILIZATION OF TRADITIONAL HOPONG DANCE IN TEACHING RHYTHMIC ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS

This study aims to analyze the utilization of the traditional Hopong dance as a medium for teaching rhythmic activities to seventh-grade students at SMP Negeri 6 Kupang Barat. Originating from the Helong tribe in East Nusa Tenggara, the Hopong dance carries profound cultural and philosophical values. Its movements combine elements of aesthetics, rhythm, and expression, which are relevant to the development of rhythmic activities in physical education. This research employs a naturalistic qualitative descriptive method, with data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The research subjects include physical education teachers and seventh-grade students. The data were analyzed to identify the role of basic Hopong dance movements in supporting students' physical abilities, such as muscle strength, balance, flexibility, and agility, as well as their impact on understanding local culture. The results show that the use of the Hopong dance as a teaching medium for rhythmic activities significantly benefits students, both in physical aspects and in their appreciation of regional culture. Students demonstrated high enthusiasm during the learning process, creating a fun and supportive atmosphere for creativity. This study recommends that the Hopong dance be more widely used as a teaching medium to preserve cultural heritage while enhancing students' skills

Balance in children with chronic kidney disease: the relationship between skeletal muscle mass index, fatigue, and physical function.

The study evaluated the relationship between balance function and skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), physical function, and fatigue in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A cross-sectional study of 83 children with CKD (stages 1-4, dialysis, transplant) and 71 healthy controls was conducted. Functional performance tests, including gait speed, 6-min walk distance (6MWD), five-repetition sit-to-stand (5RST), and timed up-and-go (TUG) tests, were administered. Quadriceps muscle strength (QMS) and hand grip strength (HGS) were assessed alongside bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) for muscle mass evaluation. Fatigue was measured using the Child Fatigue Scale, and balance was assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale. Multivariate linear regression, performed exclusively on the CKD cohort, was used to determine factors influencing balance. Children with CKD exhibited significantly lower muscle strength, physical performance, and balance than controls. Specifically, QMS on the right side was 7.16 ± 5.36kg in the dialysis group versus 16.51 ± 8.66kg in the CKD stages 1-4 group and 18.58 ± 7.27kg in controls (p < 0.001). The 6MWD was 392 ± 50.34m in the dialysis group compared to 476 ± 49.67m in CKD stages 1-4 and 425 ± 68.94m in controls (p < 0.001). Fatigue levels were highest in the dialysis group (41.00 ± 11.51), and balance scores were lowest in this group (47.71 ± 8.55) (p = 0.001 for both). Regression analysis showed that QMS (β = 0.333, p = 0.042), ASMI (β = 0.259, p = 0.043), gait speed (β = -0.347, p = 0.012), TUG (β = -0.656, p = 0.001), GFR (β = 0.238, p = 0.033), and lean mass (β = 0.710, p = 0.028) were significant predictors of balance. The dialysis group presented the most significant reductions in ASMI, muscle strength, balance, and functional performance, alongside the highest fatigue levels. Balance was mainly influenced by fatigue, ASMI, QMS, and declining functional capabilities. Considering the negative impact of balance impairments on prognosis, early implementation of rehabilitation programs is essential for improving outcomes in CKD patients.

A novel multi-level 3D pose estimation framework for gait detection of Parkinson’s disease using monocular video

IntroductionParkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by muscle stiffness, bradykinesia, and balance disorders, significantly impairing the quality of life for affected patients. While motion pose estimation and gait analysis can aid in early diagnosis and timely intervention, clinical practice currently lacks objective and accurate tools for gait analysis.MethodsThis study proposes a multi-level 3D pose estimation framework for PD patients, integrating monocular video with Transformer and Graph Convolutional Network (GCN) techniques. Gait temporal and spatial parameters were extracted and verified for 59 healthy elderly and PD patients, and an early prediction model for PD patients was established.ResultsThe repeatability of the gait parameters showed strong consistency, with most of the estimated parameters yielding an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) greater than 0.70. Furthermore, these parameters exhibited a high correlation with VICON and ATMI results (r &amp;gt; 0.80). The classification model based on the extracted parameter features, using a Random Forest (RF) classifier, achieved an accuracy of 93.3%.ConclusionThe proposed 3D pose estimation method demonstrates high reliability and effectiveness in providing accurate 3D human pose parameters, with strong potential for early prediction of PD.SignificanceThis markerless method offers significant advantages in terms of low cost, portability, and ease of use, positioning it as a promising tool for monitoring and screening PD patients in clinical settings.

Biochemical Mechanisms and Rehabilitation Strategies in Osteoporosis-Related Pain: A Systematic Review.

Osteoporosis causes a bone mass reduction and often determines acute and chronic pain. Understanding the biochemical and neurophysiological mechanisms behind this pain is crucial for developing new, effective rehabilitative and therapeutic approaches. This systematic review synthesizes recent advances in muscle-bone interactions and molecular pathways related to osteoporosis-associated pain. We carried out a systematic review including studies published from 2018 to 2024 using PubMed, Scopus, clinicaltrials.gov and Cochrane Library. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to assess bias risk. The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024574456); Results: Thirteen studies were included. It emerged that osteoporosis causes progressive bone loss due to disruptions in biochemical processes and muscle-bone interactions. This condition is also closely associated with the development of pain, both acute and chronic. Key findings include the role of the miR-92a-3p/PTEN/AKT pathway and the impact of muscle-bone disconnection on bone health. Mechanotransduction is critical for bone maintenance. Effective pain management and rehabilitation strategies include physical therapy and physical exercise, yoga, Pilates, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); they all improve pain relief and functional outcomes by enhancing muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. Pharmacological options such as NSAIDs, opioids, and new agents like SHR-1222, along with surgical interventions like percutaneous vertebroplasty, offer additional pain reduction, especially when included in individualized rehabilitation projects; Conclusions: This review highlights advancements in understanding osteoporotic pain mechanisms and identifies promising treatments. Integrating targeted therapies and rehabilitation strategies can enhance patients' pain relief.

Relationship of stump length with muscle strength, proprioception, and balance in patients with traumatic unilateral transfemoral amputation.

Many factors affect the rehabilitation of lower limb amputation. One of these factors is the length of the stump. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of stump length with muscle strength, proprioception, and balance in patients with traumatic unilateral transfemoral amputation. Sixteen patients with traumatic unilateral transfemoral amputation were included in this cross-sectional study. Stump length was determined by measuring the distance from the trochanter major to the tip of the stump. Hip extensor and flexor muscle strength on the amputated side was determined using the computer-assisted isokinetic system. The proprioceptive sensation of the lower extremities was measured at hip flexion with computer-assisted isokinetic system. Balance of the patients was determined using the Berg Balance Scale. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the stump length and proprioception measurements (r = -0.508, p = 0.044). There was also a statistically significant correlation between Berg Balance Scale and the flexion total work value at 60° angular velocity (r = 0.541, p = 0.03). There was no significant correlation between stump length and other muscle strength, proprioception, and balance parameters. A relationship was found between stump length and proprioception, and balance and hip flexor muscle strength in patients with traumatic unilateral transfemoral amputation. In elective lower limb amputations, the level of amputation should be determined at the most functional level with the longest possible stump.

Latent profile analysis of spinal deep muscle strength and physical fitness in elite Taekwondo athletes

In Taekwondo, core stability and physical fitness are vital for performance, with spinal deep muscles playing a key role. This study explored the relationship between spinal deep muscle strength and physical fitness in 104 adolescent Taekwondo athletes, using a cross-sectional design in a laboratory setting. Participants were classified into groups based on spinal muscle strength at various angles, measured with a Centaur 3D machine. Outcome measures included body composition (height, weight, BMI) and physical fitness (grip strength, back muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and leg strength). Latent profile analysis identified five profiles: G2 and G4 showed higher body weight and skeletal muscle mass, with G2 also having the highest grip, back, and leg strength. No significant relationship was found between spinal muscle strength and balance. The findings suggest spinal muscle strength and physical fitness do not always correlate, highlighting the need for further research to optimize training.

Relations Between Trunk Muscle Endurance, Stability, Balance Function, and Head Position in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis

Background. Correct head position, torso endurance, stability, and balance are essential factors that ensure proper body posture and functional mobility. In the case of idiopathic scoliosis, the interaction of these factors can influence the progression of scoliosis and the effectiveness of rehabilitation. Aim. To determine the correlations between the static endurance of trunk muscles, trunk stability, balance, and head position in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Methods. Study participants were 22 teenagers (10–17 yrs., mean age 13.5 ± 2.09 yrs.) diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis. This cross-sectional study measured subjects’ trunk muscle static endurance, head position, trunk stability, and balance. Results. The static endurance of the abdominal muscles (51.6 ± 27.43 s) was significantly worse than the static endurance of the back muscles (93.0 ± 46.05 s). A total of 95.5 % of subjects failed the functional torso stability test. Additionally, 86.36 % of the subjects exhibited a forward-shifted head position with a craniovertebral angle equal to 42.93 ± 5.15°. Moderately strong indirect significant correlations were found between the size of the craniovertebral angle and balance (r = -0.675, p = 0.001), and strong direct relationships between trunk stability and balance (r = 0.803; p = 0.001), dynamic stability and balance (r = 0.824; p = 0.001), static stability and balance (r = 0.778; p = 0.001). Conclusions. Adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis are characterized by a forward head position. Moderate and strong relationships between balance, head position, functional torso stability, and postural stability were determined. No significant correlations were found between trunk muscle static endurance ratios and balance. Keywords: adolescents, idiopathic scoliosis, head position, stability, balance.

Neuromuscular transmission deficits in patients with CMT and ClC-1 inhibition in CMT animal models.

Charcot-Marie Tooth (CMT) is a hereditary neuropathy characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue with no approved therapies. Preclinical studies implicate neuromuscular junction (NMJ) transmission deficits in muscle dysfunction in CMT. This study aimed to evaluate NMJ function in patients with CMT types 1 and 2, and to determine whether enhancing NMJ transmission can improve muscle function in preclinical CMT models. First, an observational study involving single fiber electromyography (SFEMG) and clinical testing in patients with CMT 1 and 2 and healthy controls (HC) was conducted. Next, preclinical studies examined muscle function, specifically nerve-stimulated muscle force after partially inhibiting ClC-1 chloride channels with the novel small molecule NMD670. Twenty-one CMT patients (46.4 ± 14.4 years) and 10 HC (43.3 ± 12.7 years) were enrolled. SFEMG jitter (NMJ variability) was higher [median (range)] in the CMT patients [56 μs (35; 197 μs)] vs. HC [29 μs (19; 36 μs)], (p < 0.05). Blocking (NMJ failure) was higher in the CMT patients (13.4% (0.0; 90.9%)) vs. HC (0.0% (0.0; 4.5%)), (p < 0.05). In CMT, jitter and blocking correlated inversely with muscle strength, mobility, balance, and endurance. In CMT 1A and 2D mice, NMD670 increased both peak force and contractile endurance in vivo. Our study suggests that NMJ dysfunction contributes to muscle dysfunction in patients with CMT 1 and 2. Furthermore, our preclinical data provide proof-of-mechanism for recovery of muscle function with ClC-1 inhibition in CMT mouse models. Collectively, these findings suggest that targeting NMJ dysfunction with ClC-1 inhibitors could enhance muscle function in CMT patients, warranting further clinical trials.

Age-related differences on low back pain and lower extremity isokinetic muscle strength and balance

Background: Given the growing population of the elderly, understanding how aging impacts pain, muscle strength, and balance, especially in individuals with chronic low back pain, is imperative. Objective: This study aims to investigate age-related differences in lower extremity muscle strength and balance in patients with chronic low back pain. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 110 people with chronic low back pain were divided into two age groups (Group 1, age: 29.89 ± 6.82, Group 2, age: 51.42 ± 6.33). Both groups used Oswestry for low back pain and disability assessment, isokinetic device for muscle strength, and Biodex Balance System for balance assessment. Results: There were no significant differences between groups in terms of pain (p = 0.426) or disability (p = 0.056). In contrast, significant differences were observed in isokinetic muscle strength: peak torque for the dominant side at 60°/s for quadriceps (p = 0.003) and hamstring (p = 0.007), and at 180°/s for hamstring (p = 0.012) and quadriceps (p = 0.011). The balance assessment revealed significant differences in fall risk (p = 0.004) and postural stability (p = 0.006) variables. The most significant regression association was found between dominant side 60°/s quadriceps and fall risk variables across age groups. Conclusion: Understanding age-related differences in muscle strength and balance among patients with chronic low back pain is critical. Customizing rehabilitation interventions improves efficacy and quality of life. Further research is necessary to optimize clinical approaches and elucidate underlying mechanisms.