Muscle Exercise Research Articles

Efectos sobre la presión máxima de cierre uretral durante la contracción voluntaria de los músculos del suelo pélvico en mujeres

Introduction: Pelvic floor muscle exercises represent voluntary contractions and relaxations of the levator ani muscles. This muscle group gives support to the vagina, bladder, and urethra. Urethral profilometry is a study that assesses the closing function of the urethral sphincter. There is limited scientific evidence regarding the changes in pressure values of the Maximum Urethral Closing Pressure (MUCP) during a voluntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles (C-MUCP). Objective: During a urodynamic test, evaluate the change in MUCP at rest and during voluntary contraction after verbal command, in patients from two tertiary referral hospitals. Material and methods: Retrospective and cross-sectional study of two tertiary referral hospitals in Mexico. This study focused on reviewing hospital records of adult patients who underwent a urodynamic study from January 2016 to February 2022. Obstetric clinical history data and MUCP results at rest and in C-MUCP during urodynamics were taken. IBM SPSS Statistics version 22 statistical program was used. Results: 928 patients with a mean age of 58 years were evaluated. Eighty three percent were postmenopausal women. An inverse relationship was observed between age and MUCP both at rest (p=<0.001) and in C-MUCP (p=0.009). Neurogenic disease and postmenopausal status had no significant relationship with the ability to increase MUCP. Sixty five percent ​​of the population achieved a clinically significant increase of the MUCP. Conclusion: There is a direct negative relationship between age, resting MUCP and C-MUCP. In patients with both neurogenic and non-neurogenic pathology, the rate of clinically significant increase in MUCP was low.

Analysing the Relationship between Gluteus Maximus Muscle Activity and Hamstring Muscle Length and its Influence on Sit to Stand Activity in Persons with Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Background: The sacroiliac (SI) joint has been found to be a source of discomfort for 25 to 35% of people sufferingfrom persistent low back pain. Though the Gluteus Maximus and Hamstring muscles play a vital role in sit-tostandactivity in normal people, its role in individuals with sacroiliac joint dysfunction is yet to be studied.Purpose: To assess the association between Gluteus Maximus activity and Hamstring muscle length and determinethe efficacy of Gluteus Maximus activation exercise and Hamstring muscle eccentric training on improving sit-tostandactivity in people with SI Joint dysfunction.Materials and Methods: In the first phase of the study, Hamstring muscle length, Gluteus maximus muscleactivity, Pain during sit-to-stand activity was recorded. All thirty participants in the second phase of the studyunderwent six weeks of Hamstring muscle eccentric exercise and Gluteus Maximus muscle activation exercise.Results: A Pearson correlation test shows a positive correlation (r = 0.208) but the weaker relationship between thevariables. Paired t test analysis shows a significant improvement after the treatment in terms of Gluteus Maximusmuscle activity, Hamstring muscle length and pain reduction with a P value < 0.001.Conclusion: This study concluded that Gluteus Maximus activation exercise and Hamstring muscle eccentrictraining will significantly improve sit to stand activity and reduce pain.

Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique and Strengthening Exercises by KOOS in Knee Osteoarthritis Strengthening Exercise in Reducing Pain to Improve Functional Activity Measured by KOOS in Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: According to 2012 data, the prevalence rate of OA in both rural and urban India was ranging from33% to 46% of the older adult population where females were more affected than men. Participants with knee OAfrequently need to perform strengthening exercises since they have weaker muscles due to decreased physicalactivity and pain tolerance.Purpose: The Purpose of the study is to find out the efficacy of Muscle energy technique and strengthening exercisein pain management to improve ROM in knee osteoarthritis.Materials and methods: This study included a sample of 196 between the age group of 45- 60 years were takenfrom Shri Shakthi’s centre for pain relief and rehabilitation according to selection criteria for this experimentalstudy which was divided into two groups, strengthening exercise group (n=98) and muscle energy techniquegroup (n=98) . Interventions were given as 5 sessions a week and continued for 2 weeks.Study period: March 2023 to July 2023.Result: The Pre-test and post-test values were analysed, pain score was decreased and functional outcome wasimproved significantly in strengthening exercise groups when compared to muscle energy technique.Conclusion: The study shows that strengthening exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee in older adults is moreeffective than muscle energy technique.

Effects of Gluteal Muscle Focused Exercise Regimen on Functional Movement and Posture in Children with Down Syndrome: Pilot Study

Background: This article emphasizes the importance of the gluteal muscles in children with Down syndrome,revealing their impact on posture and functional movement.Purpose: The motive of this study was to assess the remedial effects of the gluteal muscle exercise regimen ascompared to the conventional protocol for Down syndrome and develop the most efficient treatment protocol forchildren with down syndrome.Materials and Methods: Twelve children with Down syndrome received 8 weeks of continuous therapy, dividedinto conventional and Gluteal muscle exercise regimen groups using randomization. Pre and post-treatmentlevels of functional movement and posture were recorded and analyzed using GMFM and Posture Screen MobilePosture Assessment.Results: The Glutes group showed higher mean GMFM scores and better improvement in posture in 67% of the 6comparisons, while the remaining subjects didn’t show any notable difference.Conclusion: The gluteal muscle exercise regimen group demonstrated more remarkable improvement than theconventional exercise group in both functional movement and posture in children with downs syndrome in a 8week protocol.

Impact Of Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise During Pregnancy On Maternal Outcome: A Systematic Review

Impact Of Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise During Pregnancy On Maternal Outcome: A Systematic Review

Decreased phrenic nerve compound muscle action potential, inspiratory muscle strength, and exercise capacity after COVID-19.

Respiratory muscle weakness with higher ventilatory demands were reported even in patients recovering from only mild COVID-19 symptoms. Aim of this study was to assess the function of phrenic nerve and inspiratory respiratory muscle as well as cardiopulmonary exercise capacity in patients with prolonged exertional dyspnea after COVID-19 infection. In this observational exploratory study, electrophysiological examination of the phrenic nerve, inspiratory muscle capacity as well as lung function test, 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and cardiopulmonary exercise test, have been performed in 22 patients post COVID-19 diagnosis (post-CoV). Exercise capacity (peak workload, Wpeak % predicted and peak oxygen uptake, VO2peak % predicted) were significantly affected in the post-CoV patients (61.8 ± 23.3 Wpeak % and 70.9 ± 22.3 VO2peak %). Maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) was reduced (60.1 ± 25.5 mbar). In 6 of the 22 patients the electrophysiological response of the phrenic nerve was pathologically decreased (reduced compound muscle action potential, CMAP), while nerve conduction velocity (NCV) was normal, which corresponds to reduced muscle fiber contraction capacity. Positive relationships were demonstrated between 6MWD and MIP (rs = 0.88) as well as quality of life questionnaire (CRQ) and MIP (rs = 0.71) only in patients with reduced CMAP. Respiratory muscle weakness and exercise capacity is associated with reduced phrenic nerve CMAP without signs of neuropathy. This indicates that muscle fiber pathology of the diaphragm may be one pathophysiological factor for the prolonged respiratory symptoms after COVID-19 infections.

Exercise training: which impact on COPD patients?

Introduction: Exercise training reactivates the aerobic pathway through physical exercise, thereby improving dyspnea and breaking deconditioning spiral in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Method: 60 COPD patients were selected to benefit from a four-week outpatient exercise training and muscle strengthening program, at a rate of 3 sessions per week, after excluding the following cases: patients who have contraindications to exercise training; severe patients or those receiving long-term oxygen therapy. The program combined exercise training on a bicycle ergometer for 45 min, muscle strengthening of the lower limbs and nutritional monitoring. Nutritional management included a diet based on nutritional status and the prescription of oral food supplements for malnourished COPD patients. Parameters assessed before and after training were bioimpedance analysis (BIA),6MWT, quadriceps isometric voluntary contraction (MVC) and dynamic endurance, and the quality-of-life questionnaire (Q11). Result: Forty COPD patients (36 men and 4 women) aged 67.22 (± 10) years were able to complete the program. Amid them, 36 were non-smokers. Ten patients (GOLD I), 14 patients (GOLD II), 16 patients (GOLD III), no patients (GOLD IV). Dyspnea was stage 2 (± 1) m MRC. After training, quadriceps muscle function ((MVC) and endurance) improved significantly (p < 0.0001). The improvement in distance covered during 6MWT was also significant (p < 0.0001). A significant improvement in quality of life after training was noted on the total score of the Q11 questionnaire. No significant improvement in body composition after training in COPD patients. Conclusion: this study has confirmed the beneficial effects of training mainly on muscle function, effort capacity and quality of life in COPD patients.

Amplified P2X3 pathway activity in muscle afferent dorsal root ganglion neurons and exercise pressor reflex regulation in hindlimb ischaemia-reperfusion.

Hindlimb ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) is among the most prominent pathophysiological conditions observed in peripheral artery disease (PAD). An exaggerated arterial blood pressure (BP) response during exercise is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular events in individuals with PAD. However, the precise mechanisms leading to this exaggerated BP response are poorly elucidated. The P2X3 signalling pathway, which plays a key role in modifying the exercise pressor reflex (EPR), is the focus of the present study. We determined the regulatory role of P2X3 on the EPR in a rat model of hindlimb IR. In vivo and in vitro approaches were used to determine the expression and functions of P2X3 in muscle afferent nerves and EPR in IR rats. We found that in IR rats there was (1) upregulation of P2X3 protein expression in the L4-6 dorsal root ganglia (DRG); (2) amplified P2X currents in isolated isolectin B4 (IB4)-positive muscle DRG neurons; and (3) amplification of the P2X-mediated BP response. We further verified that both A-317491 and siRNA knockdown of P2X3 significantly decreased the activity of P2X currents in isolated muscle DRG neurons. Moreover, inhibition of muscle afferents' P2X3 receptor using A-317491 was observed to alleviate the exaggerated BP response induced by static muscle contraction and P2X-induced BP response by α,β-methylene ATP injection. P2X3 signalling pathway activity is amplified in muscle afferent DRG neurons in regulating the EPR following hindlimb IR.

Impairments of functional exercise capacity, muscle strength, balance and kinesiophobia in patients with chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMuscle weakness, balance, and functional capacity are affected in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in dialysis. However, studies about kinesiophobia, peripheral and respiratory muscle strength, balance, exercise capacity, fatigue, and physical activity level in patients with CKD 3–4 are limited. The study aimed to compare the functional exercise capacity, peripheral and respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, balance, kinesiophobia, physical activity, fatigue, and dyspnea between patients with CKD 3–4 and controls.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 43 patients and 45 controls. Functional exercise capacity [6-Minute Walking Test (6MWT)], peripheral and respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, dyspnea, fatigue, physical activity, balance [Berg Balance Scale (BBS)], and kinesiophobia were evaluated.ResultsDemographic characteristics were similar in patients [53(50–57) y, 26 M/17F] and controls [51(4.506-55) y, 33 M/12F] (p > 0.05). The 6MWT, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, pulmonary function, physical activity, and BBS were significantly lower, and the level of dyspnea and kinesiophobia were higher in patients compared with controls (p < 0.05).ConclusionsPatients had impaired functional exercise capacity, upper and lower extremity muscle strength, respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, and balance, increased perception of dyspnea and kinesiophobia, and reduced physical activity level compared with controls. Patients should be directed to cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs.

A century of exercise physiology: effects of muscle contraction and exercise on skeletal muscle Na+,K+-ATPase, Na+ and K+ ions, and on plasma K+ concentration-historical developments.

This historical review traces key discoveries regarding K+ and Na+ ions in skeletal muscle at rest and with exercise, including contents and concentrations, Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA) and exercise effects on plasma [K+] in humans. Following initial measures in 1896 of muscle contents in various species, including humans, electrical stimulation of animal muscle showed K+ loss and gains in Na+, Cl- and H20, then subsequently bidirectional muscle K+ and Na+ fluxes. After NKA discovery in 1957, methods were developed to quantify muscle NKA activity via rates of ATP hydrolysis, Na+/K+ radioisotope fluxes, [3H]-ouabain binding and phosphatase activity. Since then, it became clear that NKA plays a central role in Na+/K+ homeostasis and that NKA content and activity are regulated by muscle contractions and numerous hormones. During intense exercise in humans, muscle intracellular [K+] falls by 21mM (range - 13 to - 39mM), interstitial [K+] increases to 12-13mM, and plasma [K+] rises to 6-8mM, whilst post-exercise plasma [K+] falls rapidly, reflecting increased muscle NKA activity. Contractions were shown to increase NKA activity in proportion to activation frequency in animal intact muscle preparations. In human muscle, [3H]-ouabain-binding content fully quantifies NKA content, whilst the method mainly detects α2 isoforms in rats. Acute or chronic exercise affects human muscle K+, NKA content, activity, isoforms and phospholemman (FXYD1). Numerous hormones, pharmacological and dietary interventions, altered acid-base or redox states, exercise training and physical inactivity modulate plasma [K+] during exercise. Finally, historical research approaches largely excluded female participants and typically used very small sample sizes.

The effect of respiratory muscle training on respiratory muscle strength, diaphragm thickness/mobility, and exercise capacity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and associated shrinking lung syndrome.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can impact any organ in the body. The pathophysiology of shrinking lung syndrome (SLS), a rare pulmonary complication of SLE, remains unknown. The objective of the current case series was to investigate the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on diaphragm thickness/mobility, respiratory muscle strength, peripheral muscle thickness/strength, and functional exercise capacity in patients with SLE and associated SLS. Three patients with SLE were included in the case series. Respiratory muscle strength, peripheral muscle strength, peripheral muscle thickness, diaphragm muscle thickness, diaphragm muscle mobility, functional exercise capacity, and pulmonary function test were assessed. A significant improvement has been determined in respiratory muscle strength, functional exercise capacity, peripheral muscle strength, peripheral muscle thickness, diaphragm muscle thickness, and diaphragm muscle mobility. This is the first case series showing the beneficial effects of IMT on respiratory muscle strength, diaphragm thickness/mobility, peripheral muscle thickness/strength, and exercise capacity in patients with SLE.

Oral health and healthy ageing: a scoping review

BackgroundGood oral health is an important part of healthy ageing, yet there is limited understanding regarding the status of oral health care for older people globally. This study reviewed evidence (policies, programs, and interventions) regarding oral health care for older people.MethodsA systematic search of six databases for published and grey literature in the English language by the end of April 2022 was undertaken utilising Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework.ResultsThe findings from oral health policy documents (n = 17) indicated a lack of priorities in national health policies regarding oral health care for older people. The most common oral health interventions reported in the published studies (n = 62) included educational sessions and practical demonstrations on oral care for older adults, nurses, and care providers. Other interventions included exercises of facial muscles and the tongue, massage of salivary glands, and application of chemical agents, such as topical fluoride.ConclusionThere is currently a gap in information and research around effective oral health care treatments and programs in geriatric dental care. Efforts must be invested in developing guidelines to assist both dental and medical healthcare professionals in integrating good oral health as part of healthy ageing. Further research is warranted in assessing the effectiveness of interventions in improving the oral health status of the elderly and informing approaches to assist the integration of oral health into geriatric care.

The effect of using mobile phone applications for intelligent pelvic floor rehabilitation on elderly female patients with stress urinary incontinence.

Stress urinary incontinence is prevalent among women and the incidence increases with age. To explore the effect of intelligent pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation on elderly female patients with incontinence. A total of 209 patients with urinary incontinence who were treated with pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation at Peking University International Hospital from September 2020 to January 2022 were selected by convenient sampling. All subjects were divided into the 50-60 year old patient group (n= 51) and over 60 years old patient group according to age (n= 158). The subjects of different age group were divided into an experimental group and a control group. The patients in the control group received routine nursing and health education, and the patients in the observation group received a combination of mobile application use and smart dumbbells. Based on this, we constructed an intervention model for intelligent, continuous pelvic floor rehabilitation. After 7 and 12 weeks, pelvic floor muscle function knowledge and exercise compliance in the two groups were evaluated. The improvement of urinary incontinence symptoms, pelvic floor muscle strength grades and quality-of-life scales were evaluated. The results showed that pelvic floor knowledge and exercise compliance in the experimental group were better than in the control group at 7 and 12 weeks after intervention (P< 0.05). There was no significant difference in pelvic floor muscle strength and quality of life between the two groups at 7 weeks after intervention (P> 0.05). However, there was a significant difference in pelvic floor muscle strength and quality of life between the two groups at 12 weeks after intervention (P< 0.05). There was no significant difference between different age groups. The intelligent pelvic floor rehabilitation model that combines a mobile application with smart dumbbells can maintain and strengthen the clinical treatment effect for elderly patients with urinary incontinence.

METTL21C mediates autophagy and formation of slow-twitch muscle fibers in mice after exercise.

Homeostasis is essential for muscle repair and regeneration after skeletal muscle exercise. This study investigated the role of methyltransferase-like 21C (METTL21C) in skeletal muscle of mice after exercise and the potential mechanism. First, muscle samples were collected at 2, 4 and 6 weeks after exercise, and liver glycogen, muscle glycogen, blood lactic acid and triglyceride were assessed. Moreover, the expression levels of autophagy markers and METTL21C in skeletal muscle were analyzed. The results showed that the expression levels of METTL21C and MYH7 in the gastrocnemius muscle of mice in the exercise group were significantly higher after exercise than those in the control group, which suggested that long-term exercise promoted the formation of slow-twitch muscle fibers in mouse skeletal muscle. Likewise, the autophagy capacity was enhanced with the prolongation of exercise in muscles. The findings were confirmed in mouse C2C12 cells. We discovered that knockdown of Mettl21c reduced the expression of MYH7 and the autophagy level in mouse myoblasts. These findings indicate that METTL21C promotes skeletal muscle homeostasis after exercise by enhancing autophagy, and also contributes to myogenic differentiation and the formation of slow muscle fibers.

Pre-donation Hydration and Muscle Tensing exercises to Reduce Donor adverse Reactions due to Blood Donation.

Introduction: Blood Donors are the backbone of a Blood Transfusion service.Since blood donors are considerate volunteers, they should be encouraged , motivated and should be safe without any adverse reactions. As the quote says , people who have not donated have never been asked for .Post donation well being and donors being fine fettle will definitely have implications on blood donor return rate .voluntary repeat donations should be encouraged. If the donors are ensured of a pleasant experience, they will be motivated to become regular repeat donors. This can be accomplished by preventing adverse reactions during and post donation. Objectives: 1.To study the frequency of occurrence of adverse reactions in voluntary whole blood donors. 2. To evaluate the efficacy of pre dontion hydration and muscle tensing exercises in preventing Adverse donar reactions 3. To look for associated factors like age, sex,mental status in the causation of donor adverse reactions Methodology: Study duration : 3 months . Total of 800 donors will be included in the present study , of which 200 will in the standard group and 600 ( 200 each) in intervention group. Randomly donors were assigned to one of four groups: 1) standard donation, 2) Leg exercise prior to Donation (venipuncture/Phlebotomy) 3) Pre-donation water (500 ml of bottled water consumed 20 to 30 minutes before donation), 4) Pre-donation water combined with leg exercise during donation Statistical analysis: Analysis :using SPSS 19.0 software. All data will be entered in Excel and further analysed. Results : There was significant reduction in the VVR in group 3 and 4 when compared to group 1 and 2.Anxiety was more in group 1 and 2.we found that pre donation exercise was not acceptable/ tolerated by many donors and they became more restless / showed anxiety when compared to group 3 .there was no much difference between group 3 and group 4 with respect to VVR.Pre donation hydration and muscle exercise were associated with significantly lower VVR. Implications : Pre Donation Hydration ( 500 ml of water 15 to 20 minute before donating) and leg exercises will help reduce vasovagal reactions specially in Novice donors, thus adding them to the Donor Pool. Hilights : Pre donation Hydration and Muscle tensing exercise to reduce the Adverse donor reactions Increase the Donor Pool Key words : Predonation Hydration, Muscle tensing exercise, donor adverse reaction.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises can Effectively Improve Urinary Incontinence after Radical Prostatectomy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on Randomised Controlled Trials.

This study aims to assess the effect of pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) on urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP and other domestic and foreign databases were searched for published literature until December 2023 on the effect of pelvic muscle exercise on urinary incontinence in patients after radical prostatectomy. The retrieved literatures were screened, and data were extracted. After evaluating the quality of the literatures, RevMan 5.4 software was used for meta-analysis. This work included nine articles consisting of 1208 sufferers with urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. The forest plot showed that patients in the experimental group had better postoperative outcomes at 1 month (Relative Risk (RR) = 3.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.83; 6.25)), 3 months (RR = 1.99, 95% CI (1.67; 2.38)) and 6 months (RR = 1.34, 95% CI (1.20; 1.49)). The incidence of urinary incontinence was statistically significant compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Patients in the experimental group 12 months after surgery (RR = 1.13, 95% CI (0.99; 1.23)) showed no significant difference in the incidence of urinary incontinence compared with the control group (p > 0.05). PFME can significantly increase the recovery rate of urinary incontinence in sufferers with prostate cancer at 1, 3 and 6 months after radical surgery but have no significant improvement at 12 months. Urodynamic analysis may be needed for patients with long-term urinary incontinence.

O exercício de agachamento recruta músculos do tronco tanto quanto exercícios localizados

Abstract Introduction In the context of resistance training, which encompasses both strengthening and rehabilitation, the incorporation of global range exercises demands intense activation of the trunk muscle groups, which play a primary role in body stabilization. The squat, notorious for its complexity and effectiveness in activating stabilizers during execution, raises a central question: whether this exercise recruits the muscles more significantly compared to localized exercises, such as push-ups and trunk exten-sions. Objective To identify the degree of activation of the trunk muscles during squats and compare it with localized exercises for the trunk muscles: lumbar and abdominal. Methods Using surface electromyography, the activation of the iliocostalis, multifidus, internal oblique, external oblique and rectus abdominis muscles was evaluated. The sample included 16 physically active volunteers of both sexes. A repeated measures t-test (α &lt; 0.05) was used as an analysis method. Results The iliocostalis, multifidus and internal oblique muscles showed similar levels of activation both in the squat and in their respective isolated exercises, while the rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles showed greater activity during trunk flexion. Conclusion It is possible to infer that squats are an effective exercise for training the iliocostalis, multifidus and internal oblique muscles, while localized exercises are more suitable for strengthening the external oblique and rectus abdominis muscles. Such conclusion can contribute to optimizing the planning of exercise sessions by replacing isolated trunk exercises with squats.

Impact of a passive upper-body exoskeleton on muscular activity and precision in overhead single and dual tasks: an explorative randomized crossover study.

Tasks performed at or above head height in industrial workplaces pose a significant challenge due to their association with musculoskeletal disorders. Upper-body exoskeletons have been identified as a potential solution for mitigating musculoskeletal loads and fighting against excessive muscular fatigue. However, the influence of such support on fine motor control, as well as on cognitive-motor interference, has received limited attention thus far. Therefore, this crossover randomized study aimed to investigate the impact of the use of a passive upper-body exoskeleton in the presence of muscular fatigue or not. Additionally, focusing on differences between single (ST) and dual (DT) industrial tasks consisting of overhead speed and accuracy exercises. In both scenarios, N = 10 participants (5 male/5 female) engaged in an overhead precision task using a nail gun to precisely target specific areas on three differently sized regions, based on Fitts' law paradigm (speed-accuracy trade-off task). This was done with and without the passive upper-body exoskeleton, before and immediately after a fatiguing exercise of shoulder and leg muscles. In addition, a second task (dual-task, DT) was carried out in which the occurrence of an auditory signal had to be counted. The main outcomes were muscular activation of the shoulder girdle as well as the time to perform speed-accuracy tasks of different difficulty indexes (calculated by means of Fitts' law). In the absence of fatigue, the exoskeleton did not affect the speed-accuracy trade-off management of participants in the single task, but it did in the dual-task conditions. However, after muscle fatigue, the speed-accuracy trade-off was differently affected when comparing its execution with or without the exoskeleton. In general, the dual task resulted in longer times to perform the different tasks, whether it was with or without the exoskeleton. Furthermore, the use of the exoskeleton decreased muscle activity, which is associated with less physical effort, but only significantly for the M. deltoideus and M. trapezius when compared by tasks. Overall, these study findings highlight the potential supportive effects of using an upper-body exoskeleton for industrial overhead tasks.

The effect of special exercises for the leg muscles and the achievement of the long jump under 18 years of age

The effect of special exercises for the leg muscles and the achievement of the long jump under 18 years of age

Physical exercise and chicken egg white supplementation increase muscle mass of stable COPD patients.

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) commonly exhibit muscle atrophy and dysfunction due to a reduction in muscle mass; and protein supplements such as chicken egg whites have been reported to improve muscle mass. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of physical exercise and egg white supplementation on the muscle mass of COPD patients. An experimental study was conducted among stable COPD patients at Universitas Sumatra Utara Hospital Medan, Indonesia, between August and October 2022. The patients were divided into two groups, control and interventional groups, with each patient subjected to a pre- and post-muscle mass assessment. All the patients performed respiratory endurance and upper extremity muscle strength training three times/week for a total of 12 weeks. In addition, the patients in the intervention group were also given egg white supplementation (10 eggs/day) during the period of intervention in addition to the physical training. The Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were performed to identify the significance of the difference between pre- and post-intervention and between the control and intervention groups, respectively. A total of 38 COPD patients were included in the study, 19 from each group. Our data suggested no significant difference in muscle mass of the patients in the control group before and after 12 weeks of physical exercise (pre-intervention 27.37±4.54% and post-intervention 27.68±4.5% with p=0.174). However, there was a significant muscle mass increment of patients in the intervention group upon 12 weeks of physical training and egg white supplementation (pre-intervention 27.18±4.15%, post-intervention 29.95±3.76%, p<0.001). A significant difference in muscle mass was observed between patients in the control and the intervention groups (p=0.046) after the intervention. The study highlights that physical exercise in combination with egg white supplementation may serve as potential and effective non-pharmacological treatment for muscle mass restoration in COPD patients as compared to physical exercise alone.