Evaluation Of Muscle Strength Research Articles

Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis (DM) is distinguished from other idiopathic inflammatory myopathies by the characteristic skin rashes, muscle pathology, and muscle symptoms. Five myositis-specific autoantibodies have been identified in DM, and the correlation between each antibody and the clinical picture is clear. Pathological analysis has also identified DM as a type I interferonopathy of the skeletal muscle. Consideration of treatment strategies requires careful evaluation of muscle strength, systemic inflammatory findings, muscle pathology, muscle imaging, and complications such as malignancy and interstitial lung disease. Corticosteroids are administered as first-line treatment, and immunosuppressive agents and intravenous immunoglobulins are employed as important second-line treatments. Some patients exhibit resistance to these therapies. Currently, treatment strategies for refractory cases are not well established, necessitating further development of treatment methods.

Emotion recognition in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a dynamic environment

ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to measure the ability of ALS patients to process dynamic facial expressions as compared to a control group of healthy subjects and to correlate this ability in ALS patients with neuropsychological, clinical and neurological measures of the disease. MethodsSixty-three ALS patients and 47 healthy controls were recruited. All the ALS patients also underwent i) the Geneva Emotion Recognition Test (GERT) in which ten actors express 14 types of dynamic emotions in brief video clips with audio, ii) the Edimburgh Cognitive and Behavioral ALS Screen (ECAS) test; iii) the ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised (ALSFRS-R) and iv) the Medical Research Council (MRC) for the evaluation of muscle strength. All the healthy subjects enrolled in the study underwent the GERT. ResultsThe recognition of irritation and pleasure was significantly different between ALS patients and the control group. The amusement, despair, irritation, joy, sadness and surprise had been falsely recognized differently between the two groups. Specific ALS cognitive impairment was associated with bulbar-onset phenotype (OR = 14,3889; 95%CI = 3,96-52,16). No association was observed between false emotion recognition and cognitive impairment (F(1,60)=,56,971, p=,45,333). The number of categorical errors was significantly higher in the ALS patients than in the control group (27,66 ± 7,28 vs 17,72 ± 5,29; t = 8723; p = 0.001). ConclusionsALS patients show deficits in the dynamic processing of a wide range of emotions. These deficits are not necessarily associated with a decline in higher cognitive functions: this could therefore lead to an underestimation of the phenomenon.

Efficiency of a structured squat-based program in knee osteoarthritis rehabilitation

BACKGROUND: Squat exercise, in which eccentric and concentric contractions are present simultaneously in different muscle groups, is one of the closed kinetic chain exercises commonly used in knee rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: In the scope of the study, our objective is to determine the effectiveness of a structured squat-based exercise approach in patients with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: In this study, 75 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to three distinct groups: isoinertial exercise, a combination of home exercise and electrotherapy, and exercise solely. The assessment encompassed the application of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the Time Up and Go test, evaluation of quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength and activation levels, along with pain threshold assessment. The treatment program was administered three days a week over a span of eight weeks and was assessed both prior to and following the intervention. RESULTS: Across all groups, considerable enhancements were noted in the majority of parameters. Particularly noteworthy were the substantial improvements observed in the first group, specifically concerning WOMAC total score (p = 0.001), muscle strength, activation levels (p = 0.001), and pain tolerance (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the group in which we applied isoinertial exercise, a positive increase was observed in most of the parameters.We suggest that isoinertial exercise applications, which are generally encountered in sports fields, should be used in different fields in future studies.

Muscle strength and foot pressure vary depending on the type of foot pain

This study compared muscle strength and foot pressure among patients with metatarsalgia, patients with plantar fasciitis, and healthy controls. A total of 31 patients with foot pain (14 metatarsalgia and 17 plantar fasciitis) and 29 healthy controls participated in the study. The strengths of the plantar flexor and hip muscles were measured using isokinetic and handheld dynamometers, respectively. Foot pressure parameters, including the pressure–time integral (PTI) and foot arch index (AI), were assessed using pedobarography. Compared with the healthy control group, plantar flexor strength was significantly reduced in the affected feet of the metatarsalgia and plantar fasciitis groups (F = 0.083, all p < 0.001); however, hip strength was significantly decreased only in the affected feet of the metatarsalgia group (F = 20.900, p < 0.001). Plantar flexor (p < 0.001) and hip (p = 0.004) strength were significantly lower in the metatarsalgia group than in the plantar fasciitis group. The PTI was lower in the forefeet of the affected feet in the metatarsalgia (p < 0.001) and plantar fasciitis (p = 0.004) groups. Foot AI (p < 0.001) was significantly reduced only in the metatarsalgia group. These results suggest the need to consider the evaluation of muscle strength and foot pressure in both feet for the diagnosis and treatment of foot pain.

Hypoxia matters: comparison of external and internal training load markers during an 8-week resistance training program in normoxia, normobaric hypoxia and hypobaric hypoxia.

To compare external and internal training load markers during resistance training (RT) in normoxia (N), intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (HH), and intermittent normobaric hypoxia (NH). Thirty-three volunteers were assigned an 8-week RT program in either N (690m, n = 10), HH (2320m, n = 10), or NH (inspired fraction of oxygen = 15.9%; ~ 2320m, n = 13). The RT program (3x/week) consisted of six exercises, with three sets of six to 12 repetitions at ~ 70% of one repetition maximum (1RM) with the first session of each week used for analysis. 1RM in back squat and bench press was used to evaluate muscle strength before and after the program. External load was assessed by the volume load relative to body mass (RVL, kg·kg-1). Internal load was assessed by the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR). Smaller relative improvements were found for the back squat in the N group (11.5 ± 8.8%) when compared to the NH group (22.2 ± 8.2%, P = 0.01) and the HH group (22 ± 8.1%, P = 0.02). All groups showed similar RVL, HR responses and RPE across the program (P˃0.05). However, reduced HR recovery values, calculated as the difference between the highest HR value (HRpeak) and the resting heart rate after a two min rest, were seen in the N and NH groups across the program (P 0.05). It seems that 8weeks of intermittent RT in hypoxic environments could maximize time-efficiency when aiming to improve strength levels in back squat without evoking higher levels of physiological stress. Performing RT at hypobaric hypoxia may improve the cardiorespiratory response, which in turn could speed recovery.

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

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

Ebbing Strength, Fading Power: Unveiling the Impact of Persistent Fatigue on Muscle Performance in COVID-19 Survivors.

The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus infection is over 621 million. Post-COVID-19 syndrome, also known as long COVID or long-haul COVID, refers to a persistent condition where individuals experience symptoms and health issues after the acute phase of COVID-19. The aim of this study was to assess the strength and fatigue of skeletal muscles in people recovered from COVID-19. A total of 94 individuals took part in this cross-sectional study, with 45 participants (referred to as the Post-COVID Cohort, PCC) and 49 healthy age-matched volunteers (Healthy Control Cohort, HCC). This research article uses the direct dynamometry method to provide a detailed analysis of post-COVID survivors' strength and power characteristics. The Biodex System 4 Pro was utilized to evaluate muscle strength characteristics during the fatigue test. The fatigue work in extensors and flexors was significantly higher in the PCC. The PCC also showed significantly less power in both extensors and flexors compared to the HCC. In conclusion, this study provides compelling evidence of the impact of post-COVID-19 fatigue on muscle performance, highlighting the importance of considering these effects in the rehabilitation and care of individuals recovering from the virus. PCC achieved lower muscle strength values than HCC.

Correlation of Train Of Four with Frontal EMG measured by Patient State Index monitor in extubation phase of general anesthesia

Aim: The routine use of processed electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring (like Patient State Index-PSI) and train of four (TOF) monitors is recommended for patients under general anesthesia. The aim of our study is to examine the correlation of the frontal electromyography (EMG) parameter, which can evaluate muscle strength in PSI monitoring, with the measured TOF value, so that both muscle strength and anesthetic depth can be evaluated with a single monitoring technique.&#x0D; Materials and methods: One hundred patients aged 18-65 years old, American Society of Anesthesiologists risk score (ASA) I-III who underwent general anesthesia that lasted more than 1 hour were included in our study. Following the end of the procedure, PSI and EMG values were recorded at TOF of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 90% time points. When TOF was 90%, patients were extubated. Final measurements for TOF, PSI and EMG were recorded 5 minutes after extubation. &#x0D; Results: A strong positive relationship was found both between TOF and PSI (r=0.74 p

Causal relationship between lipid profile and muscle atrophy: A bi-directional Mendelian randomization study.

The aim of this study was to analyze the bi-directional causal relationship between lipid profile and characteristics related to muscle atrophy by using a bi-directional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. The appendicular lean mass (ALM), whole body fat-free mass (WBFFM) and trunk fat-free mass (TFFM) were used as genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for evaluating muscle mass; the usual walking pace (UWP) and low grip strength (LGS) were used as GWAS data for evaluating muscle strength; and the triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), apolipoprotein A-1 (Apo A-1), and apolipoprotein B (Apo B) were used as GWAS data for evaluating lipid profile. For specific investigations, we mainly employed inverse variance weighting for causal estimation and MR-Egger for pleiotropy analysis. MR results showed that the lipid profile predicted by genetic variants was negatively correlated with muscle mass, positively correlated with UWP, and was not causally correlated with LGS. On the other hand, the muscle mass predicted by genetic variants was negatively correlated with lipid profile, the UWP predicted by genetic variants was mainly positively correlated with lipid profile, while the LGS predicted by genetic variants had no relevant causal relationship with lipid profile. Findings of this MR analysis suggest that hyperlipidemia may affect muscle mass and lead to muscle atrophy, but has no significant effect on muscle strength. On the other hand, increased muscle mass may reduce the incidence of dyslipidemia.

Effectiveness of massage and range of motion exercises on muscle strength and intensive care unit-acquired weakness in Iranian patients with COVID-19: a randomized parallel-controlled trial.

Muscle weakness is prevalent in intensive care patients. This study focused on comparing the effects of massage and range of motion (ROM) exercises on muscle strength and intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study was a randomized clinical trial that recruited patients (n=45) with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU and divided them into three groups (ROM exercises, massage, and control). We evaluated muscle strength and ICU-AW in the arms and legs using a hand dynamometer. The Medical Research Council sum score was determined before and after the intervention. The study findings were that 0%, 20%, and 100% of the participants in the ROM exercises, massage, and control groups had ICU-AW on the 7th day of ICU admission. The ROM exercise group had greater muscle strength in the hands and legs than the massage and control groups, and the massage group had greater muscle strength than the control group. Massage and ROM exercises could improve muscle strength and reduce ICU-AW in COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU.

Evaluation of Balance and Muscle Strength of Upper and Lower Limbs in Rock Climbers

Abstract Introduction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of bouldering on upper and lower limb muscle strength and body balance. Material and Methods. The study group consisted of 22 climbers (aged 27.23 ± 4.81) with at least 2 years of bouldering experience, while the control group consisted of 20 men (aged 23.10 ± 5.28) not practicing rock climbing. The study received approval from the local bioethical commission in Poland. Static and dynamic stabilographic parameters were measured with eyes open (EO) and closed (EC) on the Biodex Balance System SD USA (BBS) platform. Subsequently, the maximum muscle torques of the elbow, hip, knee and ankle joints were measured in isometric conditions. Hand-grip strength (HGS) with and without the thumb was assessed using a handheld dynamometer. Results. Climbers achieved significantly higher values of HGS with the thumb of both hands (p &lt; 0.005), foot extensors strength (FES) in both limbs (p &lt; 0.05) and left hip extensors (HES L) (p &lt; 0.05). They also achieved significantly lower values of all stabilographic parameters, indicating better balance compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.05). An interaction of HES x SIDE across the groups was observed (F(1,40) = 13.588, p &lt; 0.001 η2 = 0.254). Moreover, there was a statistically significant negative correlation of ankle extensors strength with medial-lateral stability index (MLSI EC) (right: r = -0.418; left: r = -0.331) and fall risk index (FRI6-2) (right: r = -0.520; left: r = -0.435). Conclusions. Regular climbing training develops muscle strength, especially FES, HES, HGS, and improves balance. Climbing can be used for prevention of muscle weakness and equilibrium disorders.

The association between reproductive period and handgrip strength in postmenopausal women: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

Menarche and menopause are associated with muscle loss and strength in women. Handgrip strength (HGS) is a reliable measurement method of muscle strength. However, it is unclear whether the entire reproductive period, which encompasses both menarche and menopause, is associated with HGS in postmenopausal women. A total of 2,354 postmenopausal women aged 45-75 years were included for statistical analysis. The reproductive period was divided into tertiles, and HGS was divided into four quartiles. HGS was measured to evaluate muscle strength. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant predictors with the first quartile HGS, derived from quartile data. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between the reproductive period (exposure) and low HGS (outcome). We found that the more extended the reproductive period, the lower the risk of low absolute HGS. This trend persisted even after controlling for other variables. Specifically, the odds ratio for low absolute HGS was 0.752 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.563-1.000) for the second tertile reproductive period and 0.683 (95% CI, 0.513-0.900) for the third tertile reproductive period, with the first tertile reproductive period as the reference. The odds ratio for low relative HGS was 0.761 (95% CI, 0.551-1.052) for the second tertile reproductive period and 0.732 (95% CI, 0.533-0.972) for the third tertile reproductive period, using first tertile reproductive period as the reference, after covariate adjustment. A longer reproductive period is associated with a decreased risk of low HGS in postmenopausal women.

Skeletal muscle involvement in patients with truncations of titin and familial dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background Variants in TTN are associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and skeletal myopathy with or without cardiac affection. However, the skeletal muscle phenotype has not been systematically evaluated in patients with predisposition to or manifest cardiac involvement due to heterozygous truncating TTN variants (TTNtv), the most common cause of DCM. Purpose Assess the skeletal muscle phenotype associated with TTNtv. Methods This cross-sectional study examined skeletal muscle involvement in individuals with TTNtv by quantifying and comparing fat fraction from muscle magnetic resonance imaging to controls (matched on body-size, sex, and age), and evaluating muscle strength by dynamometry and features from muscle biopsies. Results Twenty-five participants (11 women, age 51±15 years, left ventricular ejection fraction 45±10%) with TTNtv were included (19 had DCM). Compared to controls, participants with TTNtv had higher fat fraction in calf- (12.5% vs 9.9%, p=0.013), thigh- (12.2% vs 9.3%, p=0.004) and paraspinal muscles (18.8% vs 13.9%, p=0.008), see figure. Muscle strength was relatively intact (within 1 SD of normal values). Muscle biopsies in 21 participants showed that 13 (62%) displayed myopathic features, most notably an increased proportion of central nuclei. Electron microscopy showed well-ordered Z-lines and T-tubuli but uneven and discontinuous M-lines and excessive glycogen depositions flanked by large autophagosomes, lysosomes, and abnormal mitochondria with mitophagy. Conclusion Skeletal muscle involvement is prevalent in patients with cardiac involvement or predisposition to DCM due to TTNtv and is characterized by an increased muscle fat fraction, and excessive accumulation of glycogen, possibly due to reduced autophagic flux. This emphasizes the need for specialized diagnostic work-up in patients with TTNtv, especially if reporting symptoms or objective signs of muscle involvement.

A comparative study on the overlapping effects of clinically applicable therapeutic interventions in patients with central nervous system damage.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of anti-gravity treadmill (AGT) training, which provides visual feedback and Biorescue training on proprioception, muscle strength, balance, and gait, in stroke patients. A total of 45 people diagnosed with post-stroke were included as study subjects; they were randomized to an AGT training group provided with visual feedback (Group A), a Biorescue training group provided with visual feedback (Group B), and an AGT/Biorescue group that subsequently received AGT training and Biorescue training (Group C). A muscle strength-measuring device was used to evaluate muscle strength. Timed Up and Go and Bug Balance Scale assessment sheets were used to evaluate balance ability. Dartfish software was used to evaluate gait ability. The results of the study showed that Groups A and C had a significant increase in muscle strength compared with Group B; in terms of balance and gait abilities, Group C showed a significant increase in balance ability and gait speed and a significant change in knee joint angle compared with Groups A and B. In conclusion, this study suggests that including a method that applies multiple therapeutic interventions is desirable in the rehabilitation of stroke patients to improve their independence.

Application of digitization and visualization-based muscle strength measurement in ischemic stroke patients with motor dysfunction

Ischemic stroke stands as a prevalent neurological ailment, where a paucity of methodologies exists for the assessment of functional outcomes post-stroke. Our objective was the development of a WeChat applet for the evaluation of muscle strength and the subsequent evaluation of its validity in ischemic stroke patients experiencing motor dysfunction. The assessment encompassed Lovett and NIHSS, followed by muscle strength values (MSV) and muscle strength ratios (MSR). These metrics were then scrutinized in relation to NIHSS and Lovett, followed by examination of their interrelationships. We enrolled a cohort of 157 patients, with an average age of 65 years, consisting of 96 males and 61 females. Lovett scores in the range of 2–4 and NIHSS scores spanning from 0 to 3 were found to correspond to specific values of MSV and MSR, respectively. Upon conducting correlation analysis, we noted that both MSV and MSR exhibited significant positive correlations with Lovett scores and NIHSS. Remarkably, the correlation of MSR with Lovett scores or NIHSS surpassed that of MSV. The WeChat applet offers a means of digitization and visualization of muscle strength. It correlates well with Lovett score and NIHSS, especially MSR. This bears potential significance in guiding the rehabilitation of stroke patients.

The relationship between skeletal muscle mass and exercise capacity in patients undergoing hemodialysis: An exploratory secondary-analysis.

Protein-energy wasting is commonly observed in patients undergoing hemodialysis, leading to reduced muscle mass and, in severe cases, sarcopenia, which significantly impacts the patients' quality of life and clinical outcomes. Exercise interventions are frequently employed to address muscle loss in these patients. However, the relationship between exercise capacity and skeletal muscle mass in this context remains uncertain. In this study, researchers conducted a series of body composition analysis and exercise capacity test to explore the relationship between exercise capacity and skeletal muscle mass. This study recruited 32 patients undergoing hemodialysis and analyzed their demographic and clinical parameters. To assess aerobic exercise capacity, the incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) was conducted, while the handgrip strength test was used to evaluate muscle strength. The patients' body compositions were assessed using the Fresenius Body Composition Monitor, and the appendicular skeletal muscle was scanned using a GE Healthcare Lunar iDXA scanner. Three sequential linear models were employed to model the relationship between ISWT and skeletal muscle mass. Model 1 regressed ISWT against gender and age; Model 2 added handgrip strength, fat tissue index, and Davies comorbidity scores as additional predictors; and Model 3 further included the appendicular skeletal muscle index (appendicular skeletal muscle/height). After controlling for age and gender (Model 1: R2 = 0.373), and subsequently including handgrip strength, fat tissue index, and Davies comorbidity score effects (Model 2: R2 = 0.581), the impact of appendicular skeletal muscle on ISWT was found to be non-significant (Model 3: R2 = 0.600). There was no significant correlation observed between exercise capacity and skeletal muscle mass in patients undergoing hemodialysis, indicating the factors influencing exercise capacity in this patient population are complex and that increasing skeletal muscle mass may not necessarily involve solely addressing the improvement of exercise capacity.

Clinical and paraclinical features of psychopathological disorders in right hemisphere stroke

Aims: To investigate correlations between psychopathological disorders, clinical-neurological changes, and stroke severity in right-hemispheric ischemic stroke, considering age and gender influences. Study design: A descriptive cross-sectional approach was used. Place and Duration of Study: A group of 171 patients who suffered from right-hemisphere strokes were included in the study. These patients received treatment at the medical and diagnostic department No. 1 of the private company "LORITOM". Methodology: A pre-tested questionnaire was utilised to gather information from patients who were receiving treatment for right-hemispheric strokes at Treatment and Diagnostic Department No. 1 of the private enterprise "LORITOM." The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was created to assess the seriousness of stroke symptoms. A scale ranging from 0 to 5 was employed to evaluate Muscle Strength, with plegia being a separate category. Results: Gender distribution among stroke patients was balanced (48% males, 52% females), highlighting equal susceptibility. The age analysis revealed a mean of 70.79 years, with significant differences across the age groups. Prevalence was notably high in the over 70s (χ2=57.0877, p&lt;0.0001) and 60-69 age group (Z=5.3, p&lt;0.0001). Gender differences exist in certain age categories. The stroke severity is associated with patient characteristics but not gender. The muscle strength correlates with the stroke severity (Z=9.93, p&lt;0.05). The neglect is prevalent (61.91%) and linked to the stroke severity. Right-hemispheric stroke is associated with higher anxiety than depression, with a weakening correlation at severe levels (R=0.782, p=0.00000). Conclusion: The comprehensive analysis of stroke patient data underscored the need for gender-specific healthcare strategies, highlighted the age-related prevalence patterns, and emphasised the significance of assessing psychomotional well-being, particularly in individuals with right-hemispheric stroke.

115 Association between muscle strength, body composition and stroke incidence- findings from the UK biobank prospective cohort study

Abstract Background Stroke incidence is growing. Muscle strength and muscle mass are inversely associated with cardiovascular health and the ageing process. The aim of this study was to examine the association between components of body composition and incident stroke. Methods UK Biobank is a prospective, population-based study wherein 348,198 participants aged 40–69 years (56% women) were recruited. The associations of handgrip strength and muscle mass (kg) with stroke incidence over follow-up were investigated using Cox-proportional hazard models. Results Among 348,198 participants, 5,480 (0.02%) participants developed a fatal or non-fatal stroke event over the mean follow-up period of 8.92 (SD 1.15) years. Findings demonstrated inverse and independent associations between hand grip strength and stroke incidence (HR: 0.92, 95% CI 0.89; 0.95, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and stroke mortality (HR: 0.85, 95% CI 0.78; 0.92, p = 0.005) in the full-adjusted models. Findings also show inverse associations between body fat and stroke incidence (HR: 0.93, 95% CI 0.87; 0.99, p = 0.02) and stroke mortality (HR: 0.83, 95% CI 0.71; 1.00, p = 0.02). Muscle mass was not associated with stroke risk or mortality. Conclusion Handgrip strength and body fat were inversely associated with a higher risk of stroke among middle-aged participants in this population-based cohort study. These findings support the importance of body composition and muscle strength evaluation in screening for stroke risk among adults 40+ years old without pre-existing disease.

Effectiveness of a theory-driven mHealth intervention in promoting post-surgery rehabilitation adherence in patients who had anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A randomized clinical trial

RationalePatients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction often have poor adherence to post-surgery rehabilitation. ObjectiveThis study applied the integrated model of self-determination theory and the theory of planned behavior to examine the effects of a smartphone-delivered intervention on the recovery outcomes of patients with an ACL rupture during post-surgery rehabilitation period. Additionally, we explored the effects of the intervention on participants with different beliefs toward rehabilitation at baseline. MethodsThe randomized control trial recruited 96 eligible participants (M age = 27.82 years, SD = 8.73; female = 39%) who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 41), which received standard post-surgical treatment (usual-care) and smartphone application (“ACL-Well”), or a usual-care control group (n = 55). The primary outcomes were recovery outcomes from ACL surgery measured by knee muscle strength and laxity, and subjective knee evaluation completed 4-month post-intervention. Secondary outcomes were the psychological and behavioral outcomes measured at baseline, at 2- and 4-month post-intervention. ResultsANCOVA indicated no significant between-group differences in primary outcomes: knee muscle strength, knee laxity and subjective knee evaluation, Fs(1, 27 to 55) = 0.01 to 1.36, p = .25 to .99, η2 = 0.01 to 0.03. For the secondary outcomes, growth mixture modelling revealed self-determined treatment motivation declined significantly over the intervention period in the control group (M slope = −0.39 to −0.12, p = .01 to .04), but not in the intervention group (M slope = −0.19 to −0.08, p = .06 to .38). ConclusionsThe smartphone application fell short in promoting orthopedic outpatients' recovery outcomes. Yet, it shows some promises as a mean to maintain patients’ motivation and adherence to treatment.

Salbutamol ameliorates skeletal muscle wasting and inflammatory markers in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes accelerates muscle atrophy, leading to the deterioration of skeletal muscles. This study aimed to assess the potential of the β2-adrenoceptor agonist, salbutamol (SLB), to alleviate muscle atrophy in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into four groups (n=6): control, SLB, STZ (55 mg/kg, single i.p.), and STZ + SLB (6 mg/kg, orally for 4 weeks). After the final SLB dose, animals underwent tests to evaluate muscle strength and coordination, including forelimb grip strength, wire-hanging, actophotometer, rotarod, and footprint assessments. Rats were then sacrificed, and serum and gastrocnemius (GN) muscles were collected for further analysis. Serum evaluations included proinflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6), muscle markers (creatine kinase, myostatin), testosterone, and lipidemic markers. Muscle oxidative stress (malonaldehyde, protein carbonyl), antioxidants (glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase), and histology were also performed. Additionally, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance serum profiling was conducted. SLB notably enhanced muscle grip strength, coordination, and antioxidant levels, while reduced proinflammatory markers and oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Reduced serum muscle biomarkers, increased testosterone, restored lipidemic levels, and improved muscle cellular architecture indicated SLB's positive effect on muscle condition in diabetic rats. Metabolomics profiling revealed that the STZ group significantly increased the phenylalanine-to-tyrosine ratio (PTR), lactate-to-pyruvate ratio (LPR), acetate, succinate, isobutyrate, and histidine. SLB administration restored these perturbed serum metabolites in the STZ-induced diabetic group. In conclusion, salbutamol significantly protected against skeletal muscle wasting in STZ-induced diabetic rats.