Changes In Muscle Strength Research Articles

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors Improve Body Composition by Increasing the Skeletal Muscle Mass/Fat Mass Ratio in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A 52-Week Prospective Real-Life Study

Background: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) induce body weight loss, but their effect on skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and strength needs to be better elucidated. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of SGLT2i on SMM in a real-life population setting of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Secondary outcomes included changes in liver steatosis and in anthropometric and glucometabolic parameters. Methods: Seventy-one patients were treated with SGLT2is as an add-on to metformin for 52 consecutive weeks. Visits were scheduled at baseline (T0) and after 6 (T6) and 12 months of therapy (T12) and included the checking of laboratory tests, measurement of anthropometric parameters, bioimpedance analysis of body composition, and abdominal ultrasound (US). Results: Fat mass (FM) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) progressively decreased compared to the baseline (FM: −2.9 ± 0.6 kg at T6; −2.8 ± 0.6 kg at T12; VAT: −0.3 ± 0.1 L at T6; −0.4 ± 0.1 L at T12; all p < 0.01). Changes in SMM were less pronounced (−0.4 ± 0.3 kg at T6, ns; −0.7 ± 0.4 kg at T12, p < 0.05), yielding a beneficial increase in the SMM/FM ratio (+0.3 ± 0.05 at T6 and +0.2 ± 0.05 at T12, all p < 0.01). No significant changes in sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, fat-free mass, muscle strength, and water compartments were observed at the end of the follow-up period. Anthropometric and glucometabolic parameters, insulin resistance, liver enzymes, and biometric indices and US grading of hepatic steatosis improved throughout this study. Conclusions: In a real-life setting, SGLT2i therapy is associated with weight loss attributable to FM rather than SMM loss without any relevant deterioration in muscle strength. In addition, SGLT2is proved to have beneficial effects on steatotic liver disease.

Effects of Nordic Hamstring Exercise on knee joint muscle strength in adolescent soccer players. A pilot study

Objective: Given the emerging imbalances in knee stabilising muscle strength, the aim of the study was to determine whether performing a single NHE intervention would alter the isometric strength of the knee flexor muscles (HAM). Material and Methodology: A group of 56 players of a youth football team (age range 13-16 years), were recruited for a pilot study. The group involved healthy players, training football at the central junior level. After meeting the inclusion criteria inclusion, 32 players were enrolled into the study. Participants were randomly allocated to a study group (A) and a control group (B). In the study group, the intervention consisted of a single NHE exercise in the form of a two series of trunk slumps, eight repetitions each. The control group performed one series of of forward trunk bends, five repetitions each. Participants (group A and B) were tested on the ForceFrame platform before the procedure experiment and immediately after the intervention was performed. Maximum force of the knee extensors (QUAD) and knee flexors (HAM) was measured. Results: Statistical analysis of the results indicated that maximal HAM muscle strength increased after a single NHE intervention (p = 0.04) relative to the control group. At the same time, after the intervention, there was no increase in the strength of the Quadriceps muscles (extensors of the knee joint) relative to the control group. Conclusions: The results obtained indicate that a single performance of the NHE exercise has the effect of increase in the maximum isometric strength of the HAM muscles. This increase, although not statistically significant, correlated with no change in quadriceps muscle strength. The work is pilot study and further research may have benefits in maintaining the balance between the two muscle groups, i.e. HAM and QUAD, which contributes to the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries.

Focused shock wave and ultrasound therapies in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis - a randomized control trial

Persistent symptoms of lateral epicondylitis prompt patients to seek effective conservative treatment. The study aimed to determine the effects of focused shock wave (FSWT) and ultrasound therapies for lateral epicondylitis. Sixty patients with tennis elbow were randomly divided into three equal groups: A, B, and C. Group A received a total of 3 FSWT sessions, with 7 days between treatments; Group B received ultrasound therapy in 10 sessions over 2 weeks, while patients in Group C were treated with placebo ultrasound. All patients were also given deep friction massage. Before the start of therapy, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 weeks after its completion, pain intensity and function of the affected upper limb were assessed in all patients. Wrist extensor and flexor strength and grip strength were measured in the affected and unaffected limb. Significant reductions in pain and significant improvements in the function of the affected limb compared to baseline values were observed in all study groups at 6 and 12 weeks after the completion of therapy. Analysis of percentage changes in these variables showed significant differences between Groups A and B in favor of Group A. The strength of wrist extensors and grip strength of the affected limb at 6 and 12 weeks after treatment completion was significantly higher in Groups A and B compared to pre-therapy values. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding percentage changes in muscle strength in the affected limb. Pain reduction and function improvement in patients with lateral epicondylitis were significantly greater after FSWT (0.2 mJ/mm2 / 4 Hz / 2000 shocks) than after sonotherapy (3 MHz / 0.5 W/cm2 / 20%). Increases in wrist extensor strength and grip strength of the affected limb were comparable after both therapies. Given the greater therapeutic effect in the subjective evaluation, we recommend a combination therapy of FSWT with deep friction massage.Trial registration The trial was prospectively registered in the ISRCTN registry (no. ISRCTN11907358 registration date 30.07.2020).

Comparison of blood flow restriction training rehabilitation and general rehabilitation exercise after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) has been found to reduce quadriceps atrophy and weakness after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. However, the clinical benefit of BFRT as compared to general rehabilitation exercise (GRE) alone remains uncertain. This study aimed to compare the effects of BFRT and GRE on ACL reconstruction rehabilitation through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Elsevier and Biosis were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing BFRT and GRE following ACL reconstruction. Primary outcomes included muscle strength (extensor and flexor muscle general strength), Lysholm score, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, extensor muscle torque (peak torque and average torque) and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA). The secondary outcomes included a range of motion (ROM), pain, Y-balance and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). Thirteen randomized controlled trials involving 376 participants were included. The change in muscle strength (Mean difference, MD: 12.96, 95% confidence interval, [95% CI]: 7.02-18.91, heterogeneity, I2 = 39%), Lysholm score (MD: 9.41, 95% CI: 8.93-9.88, I2 = 40%) and IKDC score (MD: 9.88, 95% CI: 0.57-19.19, I2 = 87%) of the BFRT group were superior to that of the GRE group at the time of last follow-up. However, no significant difference was found between the BFRT and the GRE groups regarding the change in muscle CSA, ROM, extensor muscle torque, pain score, Y-balance and PROMIS. BFRT seems to perform better than GRE in terms of functional improvement and muscle strength following ACL reconstruction, but there seems to be no significant difference between them in terms of joint mobility, pain relief, stability improvement and patient's perception of their disease and treatment. Level II.

Effect of Comprehensive Renal Rehabilitation in Hemodialysis: Systemic Review

Background: Renal rehabilitation is a multimodal, coordinated intervention aimed at improving a patient's physical, psychological, and social functioning. Additionally, a growing body of research indicates that exercise training improves left ventricular function, cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic disharmony, as well as Vo2 max in hemodialysis patients. Purpose: To systematically summarize the randomized controlled studies and investigated the effect of comprehensive renal rehabilitation in hemodialysis. Data source: Four electronic data base (PubMed, Pedro, Cochrane and Google scholar) were searched from 2014 till 2024. Study selection: Two independent reviewers screened studies for eligibility first by title then by title then by abstract then finally full text. Data extraction: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria of this review, all of them were about comprehensive renal rehabilitation in hemodialysis studies quality was assessed using Pedro and the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Data synthesis: Fourteen studies were included in the quality assessment, studies were of good quality while the rest were fair quality on the Pedro scale, studies state that. Results: Met-analysis showed that there was significant effect of comprehensive renal rehabilitation in hemodialysis in the outcome measurers (Fatigue level, Vo2 max, muscle strength, physical, mental function and blood pressure change). Conclusion: This analysis showed that there were effects of comprehensive renal rehabilitation in hemodialysis.

The Influence of Eccentric Muscle Actions on Concentric Muscle Strength: An Exception to the Principle of Specificity?

The principle of specificity suggests that the largest changes in strength occur when training resembles the specific strength test. A one-repetition maximum (1RM) test, which tests the maximal concentric strength, is commonly used as a surrogate for strength adaptation. When separating muscle actions into concentric or eccentric phases, multiple lines of evidence suggest that eccentric muscle actions possess several distinct physiological properties compared with concentric actions. In accordance, there are instances where the increases in 1RM strength test were similar between eccentric-only and concentric-only resistance training. This is at odds with the principle of specificity which suggests that individuals who trained with concentric actions would be expected to have an advantage in that specific task. Although the mechanistic reasons why eccentric-biased training carries over to maximal concentric strength remains to be elucidated, the lack of discernible differences in strength gains with eccentrically-biased training (e.g., eccentric-only and accentuated eccentric training) may imply that the effects of eccentric loading in training are transferable to concentric strength. Our review revisits the role of eccentric loading in enhancing concentric maximal muscle strength. We also speculate on potential physiological factors (i.e., molecular and neural factors) that may differentiate the effects of eccentric and concentric resistance training on the changes in muscle strength. Currently, the majority of the studies investigating the changes in strength have been conducted using isokinetic eccentric training. This is important as there is a viewpoint that the magnitude of chronic adaptations with different modalities of eccentric exercises (i.e., isotonic, isokinetic, and isoinertial training) may also differ from each other. While it has been suggested that eccentric action has a greater transferable capacity for strength adaptations compared to concentric actions, future investigations are warranted to investigate with different modalities of eccentric exercises. There also remains a host of unanswered questions related to the role of eccentric action for maximal concentric strength. For example, future studies may examine whether the eccentric action would be additive when the training is already maximally loaded during the concentric action for increasing concentric maximal strength. We suggested a few different designs that could be used to answer some of these questions in future studies.

Genetic factors associated with changes in muscle strength and mass during glucocorticoid therapy

Genetic factors associated with changes in muscle strength and mass during glucocorticoid therapy

Improvements in upper extremity isometric muscle strength, dexterity, and self-care independence during the sub-acute phase of stroke recovery: an observational study on the effects of intensive comprehensive rehabilitation.

Stroke often impairs upper extremity motor function, with recovery in the sub-acute phase being crucial for regaining independence. This study examines changes in isometric muscle strength, dexterity, and self-care independence during this period, and evaluates the effects of a comprehensive intensive rehabilitation (COMIRESTROKE). Individuals in sub-acute stroke recovery and age- and sex-matched controls were assessed for pre- and post-rehabilitation differences in primary outcomes (grip/pinch strength, Nine Hole Peg Test [NHPT], Action Research Arm Test [ARAT]). COMIRESTROKE's effects on primary and secondary outcomes (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS], Modified Rankin Scale [MRS], Functional Independence Measure [FIM]) were evaluated. Outcomes were analyzed for dominant and non-dominant limbs, both regardless of impairment and with a focus on impaired limbs. Fifty-two individuals with stroke (NIHSS 7.51 ± 5.71, age 70.25 ± 12.66 years, 21.36 ± 12.06 days post-stroke) and forty-six controls participated. At baseline, individuals with stroke showed significantly lower strength (dominant grip, key pinch, tip-tip pinch, p adj < 0.05), higher NHPT scores (p adj < 0.05), and lower ARAT scores (p adj < 0.001). COMIRESTROKE led to improvements in dominant key pinch, non-dominant tip-tip pinch, NHPT, and both dominant and non-dominant ARAT (p adj < 0.05). Notably, non-dominant key pinch improved significantly when considering only impaired hands. Pre- and post-test differences between groups were significant only for ARAT (both limbs), even after adjustment (p adj < 0.05). All secondary outcomes (NIHSS, MRS, FIM) showed significant improvement post-COMIRESTROKE (p adj < 0.001). Individuals with stroke exhibit reduced muscle strength and dexterity, impairing independence. However, comprehensive intensive rehabilitation significantly improves these functions. Data are available from the corresponding author upon request and are part of a sub-study of NCT05323916.

Effect of lower-limb isokinetic muscle strengthening on knee function and joint contact force in knee osteoarthritis patients awaiting total knee arthroplasty: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and serious joint disease and patients mainly suffer from knee pain and dysfunction, significantly impacting their quality of life and daily activities. Non-pharmacological treatments and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are the two major treatments for knee OA. TKA is the primary treatment for severe knee OA patients, however, the postoperative rehabilitation results are not entirely satisfactory. To enhance postoperative rehabilitation outcomes, preoperative lower-limb muscle strengthening has aroused attention and demonstrated significant results on functional recovery after TKA. Specifically, isokinetic muscle strengthening (IMS) has been highly anticipated as an efficient training method. Nevertheless, its effects in perioperative and long-term periods of TKA require further investigation. This study aims to evaluate the impact of preoperative lower-limb IMS during the 4weeks before TKA on the perioperative and postoperative outcomes, with particular attention on knee function, pain, and inflammatory response. In this study, 104 patients awaiting TKA will be randomized to 2 groups: the IMS and health education groups. All patients will be evaluated at baseline, post-intervention, discharge day, and postoperative day 14, with follow-up assessments at 6weeks, 3, 6, and 12months after discharge. The primary outcome will be the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score 3months after TKA and the medial-to-lateral knee contact force ratio. The secondary outcomes will be changes in lower-limb muscle strength, knee pain, inflammation response, active range of motion, performance-based function (5-times Sit-to-Stand Test, Time Up-and-Go Test, 3m walking speed), Berg Balance Scale, and surgical need. Lower-limb IMS can improve muscle strength, pain, and function for early knee OA patients. However, the effects of different doses of IMS on perioperative and postoperative knee pain, inflammation response, and function after TKA are inconclusive. This study will provide high-quality evidence to assess the efficacy of IMS in end-stage patients who will undergo TKA. Understanding IMS in end-stage knee OA patients will help guide future surgical management for this population. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2400088136.

Assessment of Cervical Joint Position Sense and Head Posture in Individuals With Myogenic Temporomandibular Dysfunctions and Identifying Related Factors: A Case-Control Study.

Temporomandibular dysfunctions (TMDs) have the potential to cause changes in cervical muscle strength, muscle endurance and position sense by changing muscle activation patterns, especially as a result of forward head posture. The effects of TMDs on cervical joint position sense (CJPS) and head posture remain controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the head posture and CJPS of individuals with TMDs and compare them with healthy individuals. This research, which was designed as a case-control study, was concluded with the inclusion of total of 84 participants (42 individuals diagnosed with myogenic TMDs, 42 controls). The assessment of participants included pain severity, neck and jaw functionality and disability, CJPS, head posture and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) range of motion (ROM). Individuals with TMDs exhibited higher angular deviation in CJPS during flexion and extension (p < 0.001). Additionally, individuals with TMDs demonstrated higher TMJ pain, limitation and dysfunction severity, as well as a more limited TMJ ROM (p < 0.001). Head posture was similar between groups (p > 0.05). There is a significant relationship between VAS-TMJ with VAS-cervical, FAI, NDI, JFLS-8 and TMJ ROM (p < 0.05). Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between NDI with FAI and TMJ ROM (p < 0.05). These results indicate that in addition to higher pain severity, disability and lower jaw ROM, CJPS of individuals with TMDs is also negatively affected. Also, parameters related to disability and functionality of cervical and TMJ were significantly correlated. Further studies are needed to determine the factors contributing to these results.

The Effect of Exercises with Blood Flow Restriction in the Limbs on the Development of Muscle Strength and Hypertrophy: A Pilot Study

Weight training with regulated blood flow in the limbs is characterized by low load intensity ranging from 30-50% of the one repetition maximum. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of weight training with regulated blood flow in the limbs on changes in muscle strength and hypertrophy. The research sample consisted of 5 participants aged 26.40±7.16 years who performed 10-week intervention program. The weekly microcycle consisted of three training sessions, which intensity was regulated by inflatable cuffs placed on proximal parts of upper and lower limbs. Body composition was assessed with InBody 720. Muscle strength of knee and elbow flexors and extensors was assessed with Cybex HUMAC NORM isokinetic dynamometer at four speeds ranging from 60-240°·s-1, supplemented by front squat and bench press with emphasis on speed during the concentric phase of the movement. The results showed an increase in knee flexor muscle strength that was not statistically significant. The present pilot-study points to the need for further verification of methods how to use regulated blood flow in training related to muscle strength and hypertrophy.

The Effectiveness of High Intensity Laser in Improving Motor Deficits in Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation.

High-Intensity Laser (HIL) therapy, known for its biostimulatory effects on nerve cell growth and repair, shows promise for improving motor deficits caused by morphopathological changes. This research study aimed to comprehensively assess muscle strength changes through muscle testing, complemented by functional tests evaluating factors contributing to disability in patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation (LDH) and associated motor impairment, following a complex rehabilitation protocol incorporating HIL therapy. A total of 133 individuals with LDH and motor deficits were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 66) received HIL therapy followed by standard rehabilitation, while Group 2 (n = 67) underwent only the standard rehabilitation program. Functional parameters, including muscle strength, the ability to walk on tiptoes or heels, and self-assessed fall risk, were monitored. Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in all monitored parameters. A comparative analysis revealed a significant result for the HIL therapy regimen across all indicators. The group undergoing a rehabilitation program with integrated HIL therapy displayed significantly greater improvement in motor deficits, affirming the positive impact of HIL therapy on functional parameters among LDH patients.

Bioavailable testosterone and androgen receptor activation, but not total testosterone, are associated with muscle mass and strength in females.

Testosterone, the major androgen, influences the reproductive and non-reproductive systems in males and females via binding to the androgen receptor (AR). Both circulating endogenous testosterone and muscle AR protein content are positively associated with muscle mass and strength in males, but there is no such evidence in females. Here, we tested whether circulating testosterone levels were associated with muscle mass, function, or the muscle anabolic response to resistance training in pre-menopausal females. Twenty-seven pre-menopausal, untrained females (aged 23.5 ± 4.8 years) underwent a 12-week resistance training programme. Muscle strength, size, power, and plasma and urine androgen hormone levels were measured. Skeletal muscle biopsies were collected before and after the training programme to quantify the effect of resistance training on AR content and nuclear localisation. Primary muscle cell lines were cultured from a subset (n=6) of the participants' biopsies and treated with testosterone to investigate its effect on myotube diameter, markers of muscle protein synthesis and AR cellular localisation. Physiological levels of total testosterone were not associated with muscle mass or strength at baseline or with the changes in muscle mass and strength that occurred in response to resistance training in our cohort of pre-menopausal females. In contrast, bioavailable testosterone and the proportion of nuclear-localised AR were positively associated with skeletal muscle mass and strength in pre-menopausal females. In vitro, supra-physiological doses of testosterone increased myocyte diameter, but this did not occur via the Akt/mTOR pathway as previously suggested. Instead, we show a marked increase in AR nuclear localisation with testosterone administration in vitro. KEY POINTS: Total circulating testosterone was not related to muscle mass or strength before or after resistance training in pre-menopausal females. Bioavailable testosterone was positively related to exercise-induced muscle hypertrophy in pre-menopausal females. In vivo nuclear localisation of the androgen receptor was positively related to muscle mass in pre-menopausal females at baseline, but not to resistance training-induced hypertrophy. Testosterone treatment induced androgen receptor nuclear translocation but did not induce mTOR signalling in primary skeletal myocytes cultured from pre-menopausal female muscle.

A Natural History Study of Hindlimb Physiology and Histopathology in a Heterozygous OPMD Mouse Model

ABSTRACTBackgroundOculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) is an adult‐onset autosomal dominant myopathy. OPMD is caused by a short alanine expansion in the gene encoding for poly(A) binding protein nuclear 1 (PABPN1) forming insoluble nuclear aggregates. OPMD patients are predominantly heterozygous, and the knock‐in Pabpn1+/A17 mouse, which expresses one copy of the expanded Pabpn1 gene under the PABPN1 promoter genetically, mimics OPMD. Insights into the A17/+ mouse model are necessary to evaluate its preclinical value and test therapeutics for OPMD. Here, we performed a natural disease history study for the A17/+ model.MethodsWe combined muscle force measurements of the tibialis anterior with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements of the calf muscles made in 4‐, 8‐ and 12‐month‐old wild‐type and A17/+ mice. These measures were complemented by muscle histopathology staining and image quantification to detect PABPN1 aggregates and to assess muscle wasting. Statistical significance between genotypes over the three time points was assessed using ANOVA or Student's t test.ResultsPABPN1 nuclear aggregates were found in the 12‐month‐old A17/+ mice at similar quantities of ~2% across hindlimb muscles. We did not observe changes in muscle strength of the tibialis anterior in A17/+ mice. MRI analyses of hindlimb muscles revealed no metabolic difference, no fatty infiltration and limited muscle atrophy between A17/+ and +/+ mice. The plantaris muscle in A17/+ showed 30% atrophy at 12 months of age, which was corroborated by a 30% myofiber shift in the myosin heavy chain −2A to −2B ratio. Histopathologic staining did not reveal muscle wasting in the hindlimb muscles.ConclusionsDespite the presence of PABPN1 insoluble aggregates in hindlimb muscles, muscle involvement in the 12‐month‐old A17/+ mice was limited. Our results query the usefulness of A17/+ hindlimb muscles for preclinical studies.

Changes in shoulder function and muscle strength following rehabilitation exercise program in male patients with forward shoulder posture undergoing rotator cuff repair

BackgroundAbnormal posture is known to affect the efficacy of exercise therapy for musculoskeletal diseases. However, no studies to date have examined the effect of exercise programs should take into account the posture of the upper body in patients with rotator cuff disease. This study aimed to assess how rotator cuff and corrective exercises impact shoulder function and muscle strength post-arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery, providing tailored rehabilitation programs for patients with forward posture.MethodsNinety male patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair participated in this study. The patients were randomly divided into three groups corrective exercise group (CEG, n = 29), rotator cuff exercise group (REG, n = 27), and control group (CG, n = 28). Each group was instructed to apply different exercise programs to correct posture and enhance rotator cuff strength. All patients were checked by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant score and muscle strength, and range of motion preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 months and 1 year.ResultsASES shoulder function scores showed significant difference between the three groups (p = 0.002, F = 7.03), indicating that the corrective exercise program was more beneficial than rotator cuff exercises (p = 0.009, F = 3.78). A significant intergroup difference in mean Constant score was also noted (p = 0.025, F = 3.86), while a statistically significant interaction between time and group was observed (p = 0.032, F = 2.96).ConclusionsThese results suggested that a corrective exercise program can improve shoulder muscle strength and function after rotator cuff repair in male patients with a forward shoulder posture.

A single-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, two-arm study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of once-weekly sirolimus (rapamycin) on muscle strength and endurance in older adults following a 13-week exercise program

BackgroundAging leads to a decline in muscle mass and strength, contributing to frailty and decreased quality of life. Sirolimus (rapamycin) , an mTOR inhibitor, has shown potential in preclinical studies to extend lifespan and improve health span. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of once-weekly sirolimus (rapamycin) administration on muscle strength and endurance in older adults engaged in a 13-week exercise program.MethodsThis randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will enroll 40 participants aged 65–85. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either sirolimus (rapamycin) 6 mg/week or placebo for 13 weeks, in conjunction with an at-home exercise program. The primary outcome measure is the change in muscle strength and endurance, assessed by the 30-Second Chair-Stand Test. Secondary outcome measures include adverse events, changes in muscle strength and endurance as measured by the 6-min walk test, handgrip strength, and participant-reported outcomes using the SF-36 survey. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, mid-intervention (week 6), and post-intervention (week 13). Blood samples will be collected for hematology and biochemistry analyses, including full blood count, urea and electrolytes, liver function tests, HbA1c, lipids, serum IGF-1, and hs-CRP. DNA methylation will be analyzed using TruDiagnostic™ to explore changes in biological age.DiscussionThis study aims to provide insights into the potential benefits of intermittent sirolimus (rapamycin) administration on muscle performance in older adults. By alternating periods of mTOR inhibition through rapamycin and activation via exercise, this study will explore a novel approach to enhancing muscle strength and endurance in the aging population. The results could have significant implications for developing interventions to improve physical function and overall health outcomes in older adults. Safety and tolerability will also be closely monitored to ensure the feasibility of this regimen for wider application.Trial registrationAustralia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12624000790549. Registered on 26 June 2024 https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12624000790549.

Changes of muscle strength and anthropometric measures during inpatient rehabilitation in patients with and without malnutrition and sarcopenia

Changes of muscle strength and anthropometric measures during inpatient rehabilitation in patients with and without malnutrition and sarcopenia

The Impact of Traditional Chinese Herbal Decoctions Combined with Rehabilitation Therapy on Pulmonary Function and Respiratory Muscle Strength in COVID-19 Recovery Patients.

This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine rehabilitation treatment during the recovery period of COVID-19, providing a scientific basis for developing more effective rehabilitation protocols. The study included 120 COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) recovery patients treated at our hospital from November 2021 to April 2022. After registration, patients were randomly divided into two groups, namely the study group and the control group. The control group received conventional rehabilitation treatment, while the study group underwent integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine rehabilitation treatment, with 60 cases in each group. The clinical observation indicators in this study include the results of the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), respiratory and circulatory parameters, pulmonary function, changes in respiratory muscle strength, and quality of life in both groups of patients. The 6MWT distance increased significantly in both groups, with the study group showing a larger improvement (P < 0.05). SpO2 and PaO2 values improved significantly in both groups, with greater increases in the study group (P < 0.05). Lung function parameters (FEV1 and FEV1/FVC) improved significantly in the study group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Diaphragmatic thickness and mobility were also significantly higher in the study group (P < 0.05). The SF-36 quality of life scores were significantly better in the study group (P < 0.05). Integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine rehabilitation treatment has achieved significant efficacy during the recovery period of COVID-19. The complementary use of traditional Chinese medicine's differential diagnosis and treatment and modern medical approaches from Western medicine provides patients with comprehensive and personalized rehabilitation services, offering new ideas and methods to improve the quality of patient recovery.

Associations Among Changes in Body Composition, Activity, Muscle Recovery, and Obesity Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Study.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is expected to improve knee pain and enable patients to regain the ability to walk, but the associations between preoperative and postoperative changes in body composition, muscle strength, and activity remainunclear. In this study, we investigated the association between changes in body composition before and after TKA surgery, the recovery process of muscle strength, and changes in activity, as well as the effects of obesity on TKA. A total of 124 patients with unilateral knee osteoarthritis (OA) who underwent TKA were retrospectively evaluated. Body weight (BW) and body composition (body fat percentage (BFP) and diseased limb muscle mass (DLMM)), measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis, quadriceps muscle strength (QMS), measured using theisometric muscle strength meter, number of steps (NOS), and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) OAknee diseases treatment outcome criteria (JOA score) before the operation, at postoperative six months (PO6M), and at postoperative one year (PO1Y) after the operation were investigated and compared between the non-obese (BMI< 25 kg/m2) group, including underweight (<18.5 kg/m2) and normal weight patients (18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2),and obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) group, including overweight (25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2) or obese patients (≥30.0 kg/m2). In all patients, JOA scores significantly improved from 59.7 preoperatively to 81.2 at PO6M, and 82.7 at PO1Y (both p < 0.01). QMS significantly increased from 112.4 N preoperatively to 144.0 N at PO6M, and 151.0 N at PO1Y (both p < 0.01). On the other hand, there was no significant change in BW, BFP, NOS, and DLMM. A comparison between the obese (n = 76) and non-obese (n = 48) groups demonstrated that there was no significant difference in JOA scores preoperatively, but scores at PO1Y were significantly higher in the non-obese group (p < 0.01), and QMS increased significantly postoperatively in both groups, but the enlargement rate at PO1Y was 1.4% in the obese group versus 10.4% in the non-obese group (p = 0.04). In the body composition of TKA patients, BW, BFP, and DLMM/BW did not change significantly from preoperatively to PO1Y, but QMS and JOA scores showed significant improvement at PO6M and PO1Y compared to preoperatively. The obese patients showed less improvement in JOA scores than non-obese patients, and the rate of increase in QMS at PO1Y was smaller, suggesting that rehabilitation focusing on muscle-strengthening training is necessary even at PO6M, especially in obese patients.

Linear jerk variability evaluation in measurements of motor control trainability: Could kinematic variables encompass information about strength and dynamic balance?

As the natural conclusion of talent identification in sports, talent development is the process that involves improving biomechanical capacities and bio-motor abilities. The development progress can be objectively assessed and monitored through measurements of trainability. This study introduces a practical methodology to assess motor control as a trainable factor using kinematic data. The study focused on establishing the relationship between kinematic data and changes in muscle strength and dynamic balance. It illustrates how wearable technology can assess trainability during a functional training programme. Twenty-six female university students were selected and divided into intervention and control groups to investigate motor control trainability. The intervention group performed step aerobics exercises for 24 sessions. A single inertial measurement unit (IMU) mounted on S1 captured the oscillatory motion profiles of the centre of mass during these rhythmic exercises. Analysis revealed that the amplitude of linear jerk variability in different anatomical planes could reflect core and lower limb muscle strengthening caused by training. Furthermore, the results indicated that the dynamic balance adaptation to the changing tempo throughout the training programme was dictated primarily by step width. The mediolateral linear jerk variability reflected this adaptation. The minimum instrumentation approach proposed by this study could prove very practical for the talent development monitoring. The methodology illustrates how the recorded kinematic data from an appropriately placed single IMU could become an information-rich source for the coach to monitor, assess and quantify the trainee's progress during long-term athletic development.