Endurance Scores Research Articles

Identifying factors affecting sports achievement and endurance using artificial intelligence

Abstract Introduction Sports achievements and performance are not solely based on outstanding endurance, especially in tactical and technical sports. Artificial intelligence (AI) can help us to identify correlations that can contribute to the successful preparation of athletes. Purpose Our aim was to further analyze and evaluate our previously initiated AI-based sports performance studies, identifying the parameters that determine athletes’ achievement and endurance. Methods First, sports cardiology screening was performed in all athletes containing the following examinations: patient’s history, ECG, laboratory test, body composition analysis, echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. A database from the sports cardiology screening results was established. Then, we created two scoring systems based on the best ever result (Achievement Score) and the performance on the cardiopulmonary exercise test (Endurance Score). We identified the most important influencing factors using a neural network and characterized the strength of the variables using Shappley Additive Explanation (SHAP) values. Results We examined 1932 tests of 891 athletes and the AI analysis included 917 tests of 546 athletes (20.2±6.2 years, males: 397, 72.7%). Majority of the examined athletes were swimmers (27.4%), followed by basketball players (21.8%), water polo players (15.2%), handball players (13.3%) and football players (13.1%). The most important Achievement Score determinants were the weekly training hours (SHAP=0.27), training years (SHAP=0.26) and the age (SHAP=0.15). Meanwhile, Endurance Score was mainly affected by skeletal muscle mass (SHAP=0.85), weight (SHAP=0.6) and peak heart rate during exercise (SHAP=0.32). Our results were validated on a test population (N=102) and in the Achievement Score the mean absolute error (MAE) was 0.64, the determination coefficient (R2) was 0.56, in Endurance Score the MAE was 0.84 and the R2 was 0.71. Conclusion Based on our results, while endurance is mainly determined by the athlete’s physical characteristics, in athletic achievement experience is more important. With our scoring systems the athlete’s achievement and endurance can be predicted well.

Comparison of the effects of dry needling and spinal manipulative therapy versus spinal manipulative therapy alone on functional disability and endurance in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain: An experimental study.

Low back pain (LBP) is a global musculoskeletal ailment. Over the past few years, dry needling (DN) has garnered interest from both physical therapists and patients. Physical therapy commonly employs spinal manipulation to alleviate persistent LBP and other musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of spinal manipulation alone and in combination with DN on functional disability and endurance in individuals suffering from chronic nonspecific LBP. Patients of both genders who had chronic nonspecific LBP and who had not received physical therapy within the last 3 months were included in this single-blind, randomized controlled trial using purposive sampling. All participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental (SMT + DN) or control (SMT alone) group using computer-generated random numbers. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. For between-group comparisons, the Mann-Whitney U test was used. A P-value < .05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. The analysis of the difference between the 2 groups revealed that the mean ± standard deviation (SD) for the SMT alone group was 16.09 ± 3.963 at baseline and 12.66 ± 3.801 at 8 weeks, whereas for the DN + ST group, it was 13.67 ± 3.904 at baseline and 10.92 ± 3.534 at 8 weeks, with a P-value of .003. Thus, the RMDQ score improved gradually in both groups, and the mean endurance score reported for the ST group was 2.5 to 4.5, while that reported for the DN + ST group was 3.1 to 5.1. The results of this study showed that both therapies effectively reduced LBP. When comparing the effects of spinal manipulation alone to those of spinal manipulation combined with DN, the latter showed significantly greater benefits.

Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Complex Endurance and Diaphragm Contractility in Females with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Case-Control Study

Background: The diaphragm muscle constitutes the internal component of the Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Complex (LPHC), and its stability is suggested to influence lower limb joint function, particularly the alignment of the patellofemoral joint and the tracking path mechanism of the patella. Objectives: To compare the endurance of the LPHC and diaphragm contractility in females with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and a healthy control group. Methods: Fifty-six females, including twenty-eight diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome and twenty-eight healthy females matched as controls (aged 15 - 45), were invited to participate in this case-control study. Endurance scores of trunk extensor, flexor, and lateral flexor muscles, endurance ratios, and the percentage of diaphragm muscle contractility using the ultrasonography method were compared between the two groups. Results: The endurance time of trunk flexors and right and left lateral muscle groups in the PFPS group significantly differed compared to the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Diaphragm contractility in both the right (Mean ± SD: 21.82 ± 3.61; P &lt; 0.001) and left (Mean ± SD: 22.92 ± 2.99; P = 0.007) sides was significantly lower in the PFPS group compared to the control group. Conclusions: Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Complex stability and diaphragm respiratory function and contractility were impaired in females with PFPS.

Effect of hamstring flexibility on cervical range of motion and deep neck flexor endurance in healthy young adults: A study to explore myofascial tensegrity network

IntroductionAccording to the concept of biotensegrity, the whole body consists of fascial lines. The relationship between muscles and fascia is important to ensure full and proper range of motion. This study investigated the effect of hamstring flexibility on cervical range of motion and deep neck flexor muscle endurance. The aim was to explore the relationship between the hamstring muscles and neck region in the myofascial tensegrity network. MethodSixty healthy participants with a median age of 22.0 years (24 male, 36 female) were included. Hamstring flexibility was categorized as “normal (n = 31)” or “limited (n = 29)” according to hip flexion angle (HFA) using the passive straight leg raise (PSLR) test. Active cervical range of motion was measured by the Clinometer smartphone application, and the following movements were recorded: flexion, extension and lateral flexion. The craniocervical flexion test was performed to evaluate deep neck flexor endurance using performance index and highest-pressure score. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis. ResultsNo significant differences in cervical range of motion were observed between the groups (p > 0.05). Participants with limited hamstring flexibility presented lower deep neck flexor muscle endurance scores (performance index and highest-pressure score) than participants with normal hamstring flexibility (p = 0.002, and p = 0.012, respectively). ConclusionThe results suggest that hamstring flexibility can influence deep neck flexor muscle endurance in healthy young adults. This preliminary clinical finding supports the hypothesis of a myofascial network between the hamstring muscles and neck region.

An Intervention to Improve Mental and Physical Health of Undergraduate Nursing Students.

Nursing students experience poorer mental and physical health relative to students in other health-related disciplines and young adults of similar age outside post-secondary school. Compromised mental and physical health has numerous negative impacts on nursing students and can result in burnout and development of chronic diseases. To determine whether an asynchronous online yoga intervention would improve mental and physical health of students. An asynchronous online 6-week yoga intervention was carried out between January and December 2021, using a pre/post design. Participants' symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and self-compassion were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale and Self-Compassion Scale and core endurance was assessed using the Mackenzie Core Endurance Test prior to commencement and at the conclusion of the program. Of 114 participants, 68 completed the online program and pre and post measures showed that the mean depression, anxiety, stress, self-compassion and core endurance scores improved significantly (p<0.001) between baseline and study completion. A six-week virtual yoga program significantly improved mental and physical health of undergraduate nursing students. Targeted modifications to the yoga program might enhance participant retention.

Evaluation of Subjective Visual Vertical and Cervical Neuromotor Control in Young Nomophobians: A Cross Sectional Study.

Misperceptions of subjective visual vertical are associated with poor balance, increasing the risk of falls and accidents. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of nomophobia on verticality perception using subjective visual vertical (S.V.V.) test and cervical neuromotor control of the deep neck flexors (DNF) in adults aged 18-29 years old. This cross-sectional study employed convenience sampling and was conducted at a tertiary health institute over an eight-month period.After obtaining the written informed consent, 102 participants were asked to fill the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) and based on the responses participants were stratified into mild (n1 = 34), moderate(n2 = 34), and severe(n3 = 34) nomophobian group. Each nomophobian group underwent testing for verticality perception by using the SVV test and cervical neuromotor control. 102 healthy age and gender matched controls were recruited and underwent testing for verticality perception by using the SVV test and cervical neuromotor control. The mean age of the study participants was 22 ± 3.15 years with 35(33.98%) males and 67(65.04%) females. There was a statistically significant difference between the median scores across the three nomophobian groups with S.V.V. (p = 0.005), activation score (p = 0.012), and endurance score (p = 0.000) of the deep neck flexors in the severe nomophobia group. This study demonstrated that SVV and cervical neuromotor control was predominantly affected in the severe nomophobian group.

FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY WITH DUAL MOBILITY CUPS IN HIP ARTHRITIS-A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Background: Dual mobility (DM) total hip arthroplasty (THA) has gained popularity due to its potential to enhance stability and reduce dislocation rates compared to traditional THA constructs. However, there is a need for further investigation into its functional outcomes, complications, and implant survivorship. Method: We conducted a hospital-based prospective study involving 50 patients undergoing total hip replacement over a one-year period. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Posterior Muscle Endurance (PME) Score. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results: The study population consisted predominantly of older patients (mean age 64.30 years), with a higher representation of males (56%). The most common diagnosis was neck of femur fracture (NOF#) (75%), with a balanced distribution of cemented (40%), uncemented (40%), and hybrid (20%) fixation techniques. HHS and PME scores showed significant improvements over 12 months, with excellent outcomes observed in 61.1% of participants. Complications occurred in 14% of patients, with peri-prosthetic fracture and surgical site infection being the most common. Implant survivorship at final follow-up was 94%. Conclusion: Dual mobility cup total hip replacement demonstrates promising outcomes in terms of functional improvement, low complication rates, and high implant survivorship. It represents a viable option for patients undergoing THA, particularly those at risk of dislocation. Further research, including prospective comparative studies, is needed to better understand its long-term efficacy and suitability across different patient populations.

Isometric tongue endurance and incomplete laryngeal vestibule closure in Parkinson's disease.

Dysphagia is a common symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). A delay in laryngeal vestibule closure (LVC) and a reduction in tongue pressure, may affect swallowing safety and increase the risk of pulmonary aspiration. To verify the relationship between tongue pressure and airway protection in PD patients: (1) comparing tongue pressure measures and physiological events in the pharyngeal phase of swallowing between PD and controls and (2) analysing the association between tongue pressure and LVC in the PD group. Twenty-three patients with idiopathic PD (64.9 years) and 24 healthy controls (64.1 years) participated in this study. All participants underwent the following procedures to verify tongue pressure measurements using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument: maximum anterior and posterior pressure, isotonic and isometric tongue endurance and anterior and posterior tongue pressure during saliva swallowing. To verify swallowing safety, videofluoroscopic swallowing studies focusing on the pharyngeal phase were performed based on the MBSImP protocol. Compared to healthy controls, PD exhibited a statistically significant decline in tongue pressure tasks: posterior maximum pressure, isotonic endurance, anterior and posterior isometric endurance and tongue pressure during posterior swallowing. Patients with PD had worse pharyngeal scores, including LVC scores, than controls. PD and incomplete LVC had lower anterior isometric endurance scores when compared to those with complete LVC. PD with incomplete LVC scored lower in the anterior isometric endurance task. We observed a potential clinical use of this task for the assessment and management of dysphagia in patients with PD.

Tongue strength and endurance among typically developing children and children with idiopathic speech sound disorders in the United Arab Emirates.

Tongue strength and endurance in adults have been extensively studied, but data on these parameters in young children remain largely unavailable. This study aimed to collect normative objective tongue strength and endurance data from a pediatric population in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and to examine the effects of age and sex on these parameters. This normative study included a total of 65 typically developing (TD; n = 36) children and children with idiopathic speech sound disorders (ISSDs; n = 29). The participants were assigned to four age groups (range: 3-8 years) and stratified by sex. Data on their tongue strength and endurance were collected using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. Tongue strength scores and endurance time increased with age in both the TD and ISSD groups. Sex had no statistically significant effects on tongue strength or endurance in either group. Furthermore, tongue strength and endurance time scores were higher in the TD group than in the ISSD group. The data obtained in this study would add important normative data to the database of standardized measurements for maximal strength and endurance scores in the pediatric population of the UAE. Future research is encouraged to collect additional data that can help healthcare professionals objectively evaluate children with feeding, swallowing, and speech sound production difficulties.

Effect of tDCS Combined With Physical Training on Physical Performance in a Healthy Population

ABSTRACT Purpose: The effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with physical training has shown inconsistent results through research. Hence, a study utilizing a long-term tDCS application over the primary motor cortex and a large sample size is required to determine whether tDCS combined with physical training can increase physical performance (muscular strength, endurance, and explosive strength) in healthy adults. Material and methods: Fifty-six healthy adults were randomly distributed into two groups: active (active tDCS+ physical training) and sham (sham tDCS + physical training) and received the intervention three times per week for six weeks. Muscle strength was assessed using maximal isometric muscle strength (MIMS) by a digital dynamometer. Muscular endurance and lower limb explosive strength were assessed by using muscle fitness testing (MFT), and the Sargent jump test. Results: The active and sham groups exhibited significant improvement in all measured parameters in intragroup analyses. However, intergroup analyses revealed no significant difference between the groups. Conclusion:Our findings suggest that only physical training improved MIMS in the upper and lower extremities, MFT endurance scores, and lower limb explosive power. Thus, tDCS failed to demonstrate its effectiveness in a healthy population according to the protocol used in this study.

Muscle contraction exercise for low back pain.

Low-back pain (LBP) continues to be one of the main problems for which sufferers seek treatment in primary care. It can be treated with different physiotherapy mechanisms. The purpose of the study is to compare the effect of isotonic and isometric exercise on the reported pain of patients with low back pain. Thirty participants, 16 males and 14 females aged between 22 and 50 years suffering from nonspecific low back pain were included. The sample was divided randomly into two groups, group A isometric exercises and group B isotonic exercises, both groups received conservative therapy of TENS and infrared (IR) therapy. The following outcome measures were used: Visual analogue scale, modified Oswestry disability index (MODI) and Endurance Test Measurement were administered pre-treatment and at the end of four weeks of treatment. Both groups were comparable in terms of demographic data, except for weight. Inter group analysis was done using the Mann-Whitney test. When comparing pre- and post-treatments using VAS scores, there were no significant differences between group A and group B (pre-test: ; Post-test: ). Mann-Whitney test was used to calculate the P-value test between pre-treatment and post- treatment for MODI and there was no significant difference between group A and group B, where the pre-test P-value was 0.061, and post-treatment was 0.077. Comparing between groups, pre- and post-abdominal endurance scores were done using the Mann-Whitney test. The pre-treatment scores revealed P value of 0.345, and the post-treatment scores revealed P value of 0.305. Therefore, there is no statistically significant difference between group A and group B in endurance scores. There was no difference between the use isotonic and isometric exercises on LBP patients.

Interests, Barriers, Stress, and Resilience of High School Students: A Caring Christian Religious Education Teacher

This study identified the interests and barriers felt by students as an illustration of the concern of Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers. This study aims to describe the level of stress and resilience of students, their preferred coping strategy, and the correlation of stress with student resilience. This research uses a quantitative approach with a nonexperimental design. A total of 147 respondents was sampled from the 700 teenage students population. The age range of students is 16 – 18. A survey questionnaire was used to investigate the stress and resilience scale of students, namely the Perceived Stress Scale which consists of 10 items (PSS-10), and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale which consists of 10 items (CDRS-10). The results from the descriptive analysis show that very few students have an interest in learning CRE and the highest barrier is self-confidence. The results from the descriptive analysis show that the level of stress that students feel is mostly in the middle category and the low category. The level of student resilience is mostly in the medium and high categories. The results of the correlation analysis show that stress is related to resilience where the direction of the correlationis negative. It means that the students who scored higher on PSS-10 is more likely to have difficulty or lower survival capacity (low endurance score). Therefore, to reduce the impact of stress so that the students have high resilience, coping strategy efforts by CRE teachers must be carried out with high concern, so that students can focus on interests and can face various barriers.

The Relationship between Trunk Endurance and Functional Tests in Military Students

Background: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between trunk endurance and functional tests related to lower limb injury in students of Imam Ali (AS) Military Universi-ty. Methods: For this study, 90 students of the officer university with average age: 20.86 ± 1.56 year, height: 1.78 ± 0.05 meters, weight: 72.76 ± 8.46 kg and BMI: 22.73 ± 2.30 kg/m2 were selected by availability. In this study, Core endurance was assessed with the McGill test set. The Static and dynamic balance were also assessed by stork and Y balance tests, respectively. Single leg hop, triple crossover hop for distance and timed single leg hop tests were used to assess lower limb function. Since the number of subjects was 90, Kolmogo-rov-Smirnov test was used to assess the normality of data distribution; Due to the normality of data distribution to investigate the relationship between predictor variables and criterion variable, Pearson correlation coefficient method was used with a significance level of 0.05. Results: The results of Pearson statistical test showed that there is a significant relationship between McGill endurance tests and also the total endurance score with static balance (p=0.008), total dynamic balance score (p=0.003), single leg hop test (p=0.001), triple crossover hop for distance test (p=0.005). But the relationship between endurance and timed single leg hop test was not significant (p <0.05). In general, the results of this study showed that there is a relationship between postural stability, muscle endurance and functional tests related to lower limb injury in officer University students. Conclusions: It can be interpreted that the injury-related functional tests such as single leg hop test and triple crossover hop for distance test of the students who can take their body Move forward in a controlled way are better. Moreover, it can be considered that the postural stability of the students with high core muscle endurance is higher. Therefore, it is important to apply exercise programs that enhance postural stability and increase core muscle endurance to improve functional suc-cess.

The Association between Temperament, Chronotype, Depressive Symptoms, and Disease Activity among Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease-A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study.

The psychological aspect may play an important role in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). The aims of this study were to explore the differences between patients with UC and CD regarding chronotype, temperament and depression, and to assess the psychological factors mentioned as predictors of disease activity. In total, n = 37 patients with UC and n = 47 patients with CD were included in the study. They underwent a clinical assessment, including the Mayo score or Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI), and completed questionnaires: a sociodemographic survey, Formal Characteristics of Behavior–Temperament Inventory (FCB-TI), Chronotype Questionnaire (CQ), and the Beck Depression Index II (BDI). The Sensory Sensitivity score was higher among patients with CD than UC (p = 0.04). The emotional reactivity and endurance scores were higher among women than men with CD (p = 0.028 and p = 0.012 respectively). CQ Morningness–Eveningness (ME) correlated with Endurance (p = 0.041), Emotional Reactivity (p = 0.016), and Activity (p = 0.004). ME correlated with Rhythmicity among CD patients (p = 0.002). The Mayo score was predicted by Perseverance. The CDAI score was predicted by the BDI score. The pattern of the relationship between chronotype and temperament may differentiate patients with UC and CD. Personal disposition may play a role in the clinical assessment of patients with IBD.

A prospectively collected observational study of pelvic floor muscle strength and erectile function using a novel personalized extracorporeal perineometer

To investigate the association between pelvic floor muscle strength and erectile function in a prospectively collected observational cohort. 270 male volunteers were prospectively collected and grouped by International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores. Pelvic floor muscle strength was compared. Patients with obvious neurologic deficits, abnormal pelvic bones, history of pelvic radiation therapy, prostatectomy, or urinary incontinence were excluded. We analyzed 247 patients with mean (± standard deviation, SD) age of 62.8 (± 10.1) years. Mean (± SD) maximal and average strength were 2.0 (± 1.5) and 1.1 (± 0.8) kgf, respectively. Mean (± SD) endurance and IIEF-5 scores were 7.2 (± 2.6) seconds and 13.3 (± 7.9), respectively. Patients with IIEF-5 scores ≤ 12 tended to be older, with a higher occurrence of hypertension and lower body mass index. Age [odds ratio (OR) 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.12, p < 0.001], and maximal strength < 1.9 kgf (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.38–4.97, p = 0.003) were independent predictors for IIEF-5 scores ≤ 12 in multivariate regression analysis. Patients with erectile dysfunction were older and showed lower pelvic floor muscle maximal strength. Future prospective trials needed for using physiotherapy are required to verify our results.

Evaluation of Posture and Core Endurance in Elite Junior Climbers

Objectives: Climbing, which is a popular sport in recent years, requires high performance and agility levels. The characteristics of climbers are still unclear. This study has been carried out to evaluate the posture and core endurance levels of climbers. &#x0D; Methods: Forty-nine elite climbers (mean age 15.02±2.68 years) and forty-four healthy sedentary controls (mean age 14.48±1.17 years) participated in this study. Postural assessment was conducted with New York Posture Rating Chart. McGill Core Endurance Test was used to assess the core endurance levels of the participants. &#x0D; Results: Of the participants included in the study, 58.2% were male and 41.8% were female. 69.3% of the climbers had been involved in climbing for more than 2 years. No statistically significant differences were found between in age, height, and body weight between the groups (p&gt;0.05). A difference was observed in the core endurance scores between the groups (p

Reliability of five trunk flexion and extension endurance field-based tests in high school-aged adolescents: ISQUIOS programme

ABSTRACT This study aimed to explore the inter-session reliability of the measures obtained from 2 trunk extension (Biering-Sorensen and Dynamic Extensor Endurance (DEE) tests) and 3 trunk flexion (Ito, Side Bridge and Bench Trunk Curl-Up (BTC) tests) endurance field-based tests in adolescents. A total of 208 (males, n = 100; females, n = 108) adolescents performed all the field-based tests on 2 separate testing sessions, 7-days apart. The inter-session reliability scores were explored through relative reliability, inter-session differences and precision of measurements. Most of the trunk endurance measures demonstrated acceptable relative reliability (the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) ranged from 0.75 to 0.94). However, significant inter-session differences were identified for measures from the DEE and BTC tests. Likewise, the precision of the measurement of each field-based test was poor (the the standard error of measurement expressed as a percentage of the mean score (CVTE) ranged from 11.3 to 24.4%) with the minimal detectable change (MDC95) revealing that changes higher than 42% for trunk extension endurance tests and 31.4% for trunk flexion endurance tests after an intervention are required to indicate a significant change above measurement error. Therefore, the findings from this study indicate that only the BTC test demonstrates acceptable inter-session reliability (ICC > 0.9, CVTE ~ 10%, MDC95 ~ 30%) to monitor the changes in trunk endurance scores that may be expected in adolescents after performing an intervention programme.

Poor health-related physical fitness performance increases the overweight and obesity risk in older adults from Taiwan

BackgroundThe purpose of the present study was to investigate the associations between health-related physical fitness performance and overweight/obesity risk among Taiwanese healthy older adults.MethodsA secondary dataset from the nationwide survey was applied in this study. Data from a total of 21,630 respondents aged 65–96 years were collected in this study. Demographic characteristics, life habits, perceived health status, anthropometric assessments, and health-related physical fitness measurements from this dataset were analyzed using the chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, and logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe results indicated that overweight and obesity significantly associated with health-related physical fitness performance in the Taiwanese older adult population. In particular, the upper extremity muscular endurance scores of older adults with poor activity and physical fitness scores revealed obesity as a critical indicator of health-related physical fitness performance.ConclusionsFuture studies can use muscle quality or body fat classification to predict obesity in older adults, which could more precisely portray the relationship between obesity and health-related physical fitness performance.

Core Strength Training Can Alter Neuromuscular and Biomechanical Risk Factors for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Background: Core stability is influential in the incidence of lower extremity injuries, including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, but the effects of core strength training on the risk for ACL injury remain unclear. Hypothesis: Core muscle strength training increases the knee flexion angle, hamstring to quadriceps (H:Q) coactivation ratio, and vastus medialis to vastus lateralis (VM:VL) muscle activation ratio, as well as decreases the hip adduction, knee valgus, and tibial internal rotation angles. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 48 male participants were recruited and randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 32) or the control group (n = 16). Three-dimensional trunk, hip, knee, and ankle kinematic data and muscle activations of selected trunk and lower extremity muscles were obtained while the participants performed side-step cutting. The core endurance scores were measured before and after training. Two-way analyses of variance were conducted for each dependent variable to determine the effects of 10 weeks of core strength training. Results: The trunk endurance scores in the intervention group significantly increased after training (P < .05 for all comparisons). The intervention group showed decreased knee valgus (P = .038) and hip adduction angles (P = .032) but increased trunk flexion angle (P = .018), rectus abdominis to erector spinae coactivation ratio (P = .047), H:Q coactivation ratio (P = .021), and VM:VL activation ratio (P = .016). In addition, the knee valgus angle at initial contact was negatively correlated with the VM:VL activation ratio in the precontact phase (R2 = 0.188; P < .001) but was positively correlated with the hip adduction angle (R2 = 0.120; P < .005). No statistically significant differences were observed in the trunk endurance scores, kinematics, and muscle activations for the control group. Conclusion: Core strength training altered the motor control strategies and joint kinematics for the trunk and the lower extremity by increasing the trunk flexion angle, VM:VL activation ratio, and H:Q activation ratio and reducing the knee valgus and hip adduction angles. Clinical Relevance: Training core muscles can modify the biomechanics associated with ACL injuries in a side-step cutting task; thus, core strength training might be considered in ACL injury prevention programs to alter the lower extremity alignment in the frontal plane and muscle activations during sports-related tasks.

Swallowing evaluation by the Kuchikara Taberu Balance Chart and videoendscopic examination reveals that respiratory conditions, chewing, and position are strongly related to dysphagia.

This study focused on the Kuchikara Taberu Balance Chart (KTBC) as a tool for swallowing function evaluation. To clarify the relationship between videoendoscopic (VE) examination of swallowing function and the KTBC, we compared median KTBC scores with and without laryngeal penetration identified by VE. Sixty-five patients with a mean age of 84.3 ± 7.9years were examined at the Towada City Hospital. The patients were classified into groups based on laryngeal penetration, including 28 patients with and 37 patients without penetration. We found no significant differences in patient backgrounds. The median KTBC score (interquartile range) was 36.5 (31-44.5) in the group with laryngeal penetration and 42 (35-48.5) in the group without penetration, but the scores were not significantly different (level of statistical significance at α = 0.0036 determined by the Bonferroni correction method) when compared with the Mann-Whitney U test (36.5 vs. 42, z = -2.33, p = 0.020). The median respiratory condition (3 vs. 4, z = -3.23; p < 0.0036), oral preparatory and propulsive phases (3 vs. 4, z = -2.96; p < 0.0036), and position and endurance (1 vs. 3, z = -3.25; p < 0.0036) scores were significantly lower in the group with laryngeal penetration. This study revealed a correlation between laryngeal penetration confirmed by VE and KTBC scores. Consequently, respiratory condition, oral preparatory and propulsive phases, and position and endurance may be useful as tools for the assessment of swallowing. In particular, we recommend adding respiratory status to dysphagia screening.