Extremity Strength Research Articles

Sensor-Based Assessment of Variability in Daily Physical Activity and Frailty

Introduction: Frailty is a common geriatric syndrome associated with decline in physiological reserve. While several digital biomarkers of daily physical activity (DPA) have been used in frailty assessment, the association between DPA variability and frailty is still not clear. The goal of this study was to determine the association between frailty and DPA variability. Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional study conducted between September 2012 and November 2013. Older adults (≥65 years), without any severe mobility disorder, and the ability to walk 10 m (with or without an assistive device) were eligible for the study. DPA including sitting, standing, walking, lying, and postural transition were recorded for 48 h continuously. DPA variability was analyzed from two perspectives: (i) DPA duration variability in terms of coefficient of variation (CoV) of sitting, standing, walking, and lying down durations; and (ii) DPA performance variability in terms of CoV of sit-to-stand (SiSt) and stand-to-sit (StSi) durations and stride time (i.e., slope of power spectral density – PSD). Results: Data was analyzed from 126 participants (44 non-frail, 60 pre-frail, and 22 frail). For DPA duration variability, CoV of lying and walking duration was significantly larger among non-frail compared to pre-frail and frail groups (p < 0.03, d = 0.89 ± 0.40). For DPA performance variability, StSi CoV and PSD slope were significantly smaller for non-frail compared to pre-frail and frail groups (p < 0.05, d = 0.78 ± 0.19). Conclusion: Lower DPA duration variability in pre-frail and frail groups may be attributed to the set daily routines frail older adults tend to follow, compared to variable physical activity routines of non-frail older adults. Higher DPA performance variability in the frail group may be attributed to reduced physiological capabilities toward walking for longer durations and the reduced muscle strength in the lower extremities, leading to incosistency in performing postural transitions.

Effect of androgen deprivation therapy on plasma irisin levels, muscle strength, and physical functions tests of lower extremities

Objective: Losses in muscle strength and decreases in physical functions, and therefore a decrease in quality of life, have been observed in prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Irisin is a new exercise-induced myokine, released from the muscles. It is predicted that muscle tissue irisin release as a result of muscle loss, may be affected in patients receiving ADT. The aim of this study is to compare irisin levels, together with muscle strength and physical functions, in patients receiving ADT, patients not receiving ADT, and healthy individuals. Material and methods: A total of 21 healthy individuals (control group: CG); 28 local- or local-advanced prostate cancer patients, not receiving ADT (non-ADT group); and seven prostate cancer patients receiving luteinizing hormone releasing hormone agonist (ADT group) were included in the study. Blood biochemistry (lipid profile, hormones, prostate specific antigen, glucose, insulin, and creatine phosphokinase) and irisin analyses were conducted. Physical functions were assessed by using the Five Times Sit to Stand (5TSTS), climbing stairs, walking pace, and functional reach (FRT) tests. Lower extremity isometric muscle strength was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Results: It was observed that the 5TSTS test results were higher (p=0.03), but FRT results were lower (p=0.04) in the ADT group. It was found that isometric muscle strength in lower extremities was significantly lower in the ADT group (p˂0.05). Plasma irisin levels did not reveal a significant difference between the groups (p=0.31). Conclusion: It was determined that muscle strength and physical function test performances of prostate cancer patients receiving ADT were worse, but their irisin levels were similar to patients who were not receiving ADT, and the healthy CG. Muscle strength and physical functions of patients who are receiving ADT, and who will start receiving ADT should be monitored, and protective measures should be taken.

Bio-Inspired Iron-Based Carbonic Anhydrase Mimic for CO2 Hydration and Conversion

CO2 conversion by stable, cost-effective carbonic anhydrase (CA)-like nanozymes emerges as an efficient and sustainable approach for CO2 fixation. In this work, a novel iron-based nanomaterial (Fe10@CN-Mg) was first reported to be a CA mimic, in which FeNx sites and Mg(OH)2 play a synergistically catalytic effect for CO2 conversion. Although this material has much lower metal content and cost, it has comparable kinetic constants (Km 6.37 mM and Vmax 30.74 mM/min) and a significantly higher CaCO3 formation rate (20.60 g·g–1·h–1, the quality of CaCO3 produced per hour per gram of the catalyst) than that of reported CA mimics. Fe10@CN-Mg is stable when processed at extreme pH, high temperature, organic solvents, and high ionic strength and also retains high activity after long storage times (two months) and seven cycles. In addition, Fe10@CN-Mg was successfully applied to convert CO2 into cyclic carbonates with high economic efficiency.

A Comparison of Squat Depth and Sex on Knee Kinematics and Muscle Activation.

The squat is an essential exercise for strengthening lower body musculature. Although squats are frequently employed to improve lower extremity strength and neuromuscular control, differences between sexes and slight modifications, such as squat depth, can dramatically alter muscle recruitment and thus the foci of the exercise. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of sex and squat depth on lower extremity coactivation and kinematics. Twenty recreationally active (female = 10) participants were recruited. The first visit consisted of one repetition maximum testing. For the second visit, muscle activation was recorded of the gluteus maximus (GM), semitendinosus, biceps femoris (BF), vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and gastrocnemius. Reflective markers were placed on the lower body for three-dimensional motion capture. Participants performed a series of squats to 90 deg knee flexion and 120 deg knee flexion. Benjamin-Hochberg procedure was employed and the alpha level was set at 0.05. Knee flexion (p < 0.001), adduction (p < 0.001), and external rotation (p = 0.008) were reduced during 90 deg compared to deep squats. Hip flexion, abduction, and external rotation were greater in deep squats (p < 0.001). Males had greater hip extensor to quad (HE:Q) cocontraction in 90 deg compared to deep squats (p = 0.007); females produced greater posterior chain activation in deep squats (p = 0.001) on ascent. When comparing sexes, males displayed greater HE:Q in the 90 deg squat during ascent (p = 0.013). The addition of deep squats into a preventative training program could be beneficial in reducing deficits prevalent in females and decrease injury incidence.

Is blood group a risk factor in lateral epicondylitis?

Lateral epicondylitis is a common disorder in the community. Identification of risk factors plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of the disease. In our study, the relationship between risk factors in lateral epicondylitis and blood group, which has not been mentioned before in the literature, will be examined. In our study, patients' age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), dominant upper extremity, affected upper extremity, duration of symptoms, duration between onset of symptoms and hospital admission, occupation, number of children and youngest child age (if the patient is a mother), smoking, alcohol use, presence of additional diseases, sports activities, job requiring repetitive movements and strength in the upper extremities in daily life, marital status, where he/she lives and his/her blood type were questioned. In our study, there were 304 patients in the patient group and 304 patients in the control group. In our study, blood type 0 was significantly more common in the patient group (p<0.001). In our study, it was concluded that there is a relationship between 0 blood group and lateral epicondylitis.

The influence of isometric resisted ankle strength on dynamic foot plantar pressure in diabetes and non-diabetes participants

&lt;b&gt;Introduction&lt;/b&gt;: Patients with diabetes are more likely to fall due to increased plantar pressure and decreased strength in the lower extremities.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Objectives:&lt;/b&gt; To determine the influence of isometric ankle strength on dynamic foot plantar pressure in diabetes and non-diabetes participants.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Methods: &lt;/b&gt;Twenty diabetes patients and twenty non-diabetes participants with age 28-54 years, height 150-182 cm, weight 48-90 kg, and BMI 25-54 kg/m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; participated in the study. The diabetes level was determined based on fasting plasma glucose levels. The resisted isometric muscle strength of the foot during dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion, and eversion was measured using an electronic handheld dynamometer. The plantar pressure distribution during dynamic conditions was determined by using a 48.7×44.7 cm pressure platform. The outcome measures between diabetes and non-diabetes groups were statistically compared by student t-test. The correlation coefficient was determined by the Pearson correlation coefficient test. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Result: &lt;/b&gt;The significant differences were found between diabetes and non-diabetes participants for the dorsiflexion (p=.048), plantarflexion (p=.031), inversion (p=.011), eversion (p=.024), peak pressure (p=.024), pressure per square inch (p=.012), pressure time integral (p=.014), and peak pressure gradient (p=.009). Significant relationships between resisted isometric ankle joint strength and foot plantar pressure for diabetes patients and non-diabetes participants were found.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/b&gt;The present study’s findings reflect the higher frequency of plantar pressure distribution and higher muscle weakness in diabetes patients than in non-diabetes participants. These findings suggested that pressure data could help us to customize therapy strategies for patients with diabetes and prescribe a proper exercise intervention’s short-and long-term effects on gait biomechanics.

Scapular Winging in a Young Tennis Player: A Case Report

BACKGROUND: Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is often characterized by weakness of the scapular stabilizing muscles. FSHD is a genetic disorder in which skeletal muscles of the face (facio), the shoulder blades (scapulo), arms (humeral), and other muscles progressively weaken over time. 5 CASE PRESENTATION: A 13-year-old tennis player developed progressive right shoulder pain and limited range of motion. He did not have a precedent injury and his symptoms were exacerbated by tennis. His exam was notable for medial scapular winging. An electromyogram was read as a long thoracic nerve palsy, presumed to be a tennis-related traction injury. He was treated with aggressive therapy, taping, and bracing to improve scapulothoracic and glenohumeral biomechanics for optimal upper extremity strength and range of motion. OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP: His pain and motion improved, but he was unable to return to his prior level of tennis competition. Eighteen months after the initial diagnosis, the patient presented with similar symptoms and findings on the contralateral side, raising concern for a neuromuscular etiology. DISCUSSION: A repeat electromyogram and genetic tests were consistent with FSHD, rather than a sport-related peripheral nerve injury. JOSPT Cases 2023;3(2):96–99. Epub: 13 March 2023. doi:10.2519/josptcases.2023.10887

The Effect of Twelve-Week Karate and Salsa Dance Training on the Physical Fitness Performance of University Students

This study was performed to determine the effect of 12-weeks Karate and Salsa Dance training on the physical fitness performances of university students. A total of 124 students (age: 21.35 ± 1.59 year; height: 1.70 ± 0.08 cm; body weight: 67.1 ± 10.78 kg) have voluntarily participated in the study. The participants were divided into three groups using a random coin toss. The numbers of Karate group (KG), the Salsa Dance Group (SDG) and Control Group (COG) are 43 people (20 female, 23 male), 40 people (17 female, 23 male) and 41 people (12 female, 29 male), respectively. Technical training programs including two days a week and 90 minutes a day for 12 weeks were applied to the KG and SDG members accepting to the study. Body weight, height measurement, BMI calculation, bass stick balance test, handgrip strength test in upper and lower extremity strength measurements, wall squat leg strength test and plate tapping test for movement speed were performed to all participants before and after 12 weeks training. Since the data did not show normal distribution, Kruskal Wallis test was used in more than two groups and Mann Whitney-U test was used in binary comparisons. Looking at the results of KG and SDG, it was found that the BMI and muscle strength values of KG were better than the SDG values (p= .00). It was determined that the static balance values of SDG were higher than KG (p= 0.00). However, there was no significant difference between the movement speed of both groups (p&amp;gt; .05). All physical fitness parameters of both groups were found to be better than COG. We can suggest that sedentary individuals can benefit from karate technique training in gaining muscle strength. In addition, we can emphasize that it may be more appropriate to use salsa dance training in the development of static balance.

Post Infectious Triggered Anti-Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD) via CMV in an Immunocompetent Host (P10-5.030)

<h3>Objective:</h3> N/A <h3>Background:</h3> A previously healthy, immunocompetent 38-year-old female presented with initial complaints of subacute, waxing and waning high grade fevers, general malaise, and muscle aches for two weeks. Acutely she developed severe lumbar radiculopathy with significant urinary retention and bilateral lower extremity weakness leading to ED presentation. The patient was subsequently admitted with rapidly progressive lower extremity paraplegia and brisk reflexes over a 24-hour span. MRI imaging was notable for longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) over continuous cervical and thoracic segments with significant gray matter involvement and left parahippocampal FLAIR hyperintensities Serum subsequently demonstrated positive anti-CMV IgM/IgG antibodies with a PCR load of 61 copies/mL indicative of a CMV infection with low viremia. LP CSF was CMV PCR negative with mildly elevated opening pressures and trace neurotrophic pleocytosis. Given stagnant clinical changes after five days of IV steroids, plasmapheresis was initiated with marked improvements in functional lower extremity strength. Soon afterwards, initial presenting lab work resulted, demonstrating high serum titers (1:2560) of anti-MOG antibodies. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> N/A <h3>Results:</h3> N/A <h3>Conclusions:</h3> In immunocompetent hosts, CMV infection itself is a rarely described cause of inflammatory myelopathy with only 14 prescribed cases. With both deep gray matter FLAIR hyperintensities and cervical and thoracic LETM, a concomitant para-infectious CMV and new MOGAD is unlikely in our clinical setting. Additionally, systemic findings typically indicative of severe CMV infections such as retinitis, pericarditis/myocarditis, transaminitis, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia were absent. Given prior reports of sequence similarities between MOG T-cell epitopes and a major capsid protein of CMV, molecular mimicry between antigen presenting cells has been hypothesized. Here we detail a first described case report of a possible post-infectious MOG antibody transverse myelitis triggered presumptively via CMV infection. Furthermore, presenting in an immunocompetent host, our case report highlights a further wrinkle into the pathophysiology and presence of post infectious triggered autoimmunity for MOGAD. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Chen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kwon has nothing to disclose.

Feasibility, Reliability, and Safety of Remote Five Times Sit to Stand Test in Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer.

Background: To determine the feasibility, reliability, and safety of the remote five times sit to stand test (5STS) test in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Methods: Consecutive adult patients undergoing surgical treatment for lower gastrointestinal cancer at a major referral hospital in Sydney between July and November 2022 were included. Participants completed the 5STS test both face-to-face and remotely, with the order randomised. Outcomes included measures of feasibility, reliability, and safety. Results: Of fifty-five patients identified, seventeen (30.9%) were not interested, one (1.8%) had no internet coverage, and thirty-seven (67.3%) consented and completed both 5STS tests. The mean (SD) time taken to complete the face-to-face and remote 5STS tests was 9.1 (2.4) and 9.5 (2.3) seconds, respectively. Remote collection by telehealth was feasible, with only two participants (5.4%) having connectivity issues at the start of the remote assessment, but not interfering with the tests. The remote 5STS test showed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.957), with limits of agreement within acceptable ranges and no significant systematic errors observed. No adverse events were observed within either test environment. Conclusions: Remote 5STS for the assessment of functional lower extremity strength in gastrointestinal cancer patients is feasible, reliable, and safe, and can be used in clinical and research settings.

Impact of residential status on sports activity, anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities of adolescents

The world’s leading health institutions warn that adolescents do not meet the minimum level of physical activity necessary for the proper physical development of young people, which is considered one of the main problems of public health. In addition to personal preference, environmental and cultural factors play an important role in the involvement of young people in sports. This study aimed to examine potential differences in involvement in sports, anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities, in adolescents of different residential statuses. The sample included 83 adolescents, of whom 45 (54.2%, 13.51±0.55 yrs) were from urban areas and 38 (45%, 13.45±0.50 yrs) were from rural areas in the Belgrade region. Surveying detected their involvement in sports, and anthropometric characteristics were assessed through body height (BH) body mass (BM), body mass index (BMI), and motor abilities through explosive strength of lower and upper extremities and agility. A Mann-Whitney U test has shown that place of residency impacts involvement in sports and motor abilities, while there was no impact on anthropometric characteristics. Cohen’s criteria (r) detected the level of impact. Adolescents from urban areas are more involved at sports and have better motor abilities. There is no difference in anthropometric characteristics. Considering the relatively small sample of respondents and variables assessed, the obtained results can hardly be generalized. However, this does not diminish the importance of the present study which examined the urban-rural state of sports activity, anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities of adolescents in Serbia, thus making an important contribution to this field.

Single-leg vertical jumping in young adults with spastic cerebral palsy

BackgroundMaximum-strength tests are commonly used to detect muscle weakness in persons with cerebral palsy (CP). Tests of explosive strength (power) in the lower extremities, such as vertical jump tests, are more uncommon but might supplement maximum-strength testing by providing additional information about motor function. Research questionIs it feasible and useful to measure single-leg vertical jumping in young adults with CP? MethodsEleven persons with spastic CP (18–30 years), able to walk without support, were compared with a reference group. Jump height and power generation in jumping were measured using a 3D motion-analysis system and force plates. Maximum strength in plantarflexors was measured on the same occasion. Data were analysed using non-parametric statistics. ResultsJump height was significantly greater in the reference group than in the group with CP, both relative to the less-involved leg of the participants with CP (p = .007) and relative to their more-involved leg (p < .001). In the group with CP, jump height was twice as great for the less-involved leg than for the more-involved leg (p = .008). Power generation at the hip joint was similar between the groups but differed for the knee and ankle joints (p = .001–.033). In the reference group, most of the power was generated at the ankle joint, while the hip was the dominant power generator for the more-involved leg in the group with CP.Muscle strength in the group with CP showed a high correlation with jump height (rho = .745, p < .001) and power generation at the ankle (rho = .780, p = .001). SignificanceThe single-leg vertical jump test proved capable of measuring jump height and power generation in participants with CP. It also identified explosive muscle weakness both relative to a reference group and between legs. Hence the jump test may provide information additional to common tests of maximal muscle strength in persons with CP.

Spatial characteristics of reactive stepping among people living with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury

Objective: Compare the spatial characteristics of reactive stepping between individuals with chronic motor incomplete spinal cord injuries (iSCI) and able-bodied (AB) individuals. Design: Cross sectional. Setting: Lyndhurst Centre. Participants: Twelve individuals with iSCI (3 males, 53.6 ± 15.2 years old) and 11 age- and sex-matched AB individuals (3 males, 54.8 ± 14.0 years old). Interventions: The Lean-and-Release test was used to elicit reactive stepping. A horizontal cable, attached at waist height, was released when 8-12% body weight was supported in a forward lean position. Participants underwent up to 10 Lean-and-Release trials in a session. Kinematic and kinetic data were recorded. Outcome measures: The length, width and height of the first reactive step of each trial were calculated. Standard deviation between trials was calculated to represent the variability in step length, width and height within a participant. Among participants with iSCI, correlation coefficients were used to explore the relationship between step length and width variability and (1) Lean-and-Release test behavioral responses, (2) 3-month fall history, and (3) lower extremity strength. Results: Step length (P = 0.94), width (P = 0.52) and height (P = 0.97), normalized for participant height, did not differ between groups. Participants with iSCI showed greater variability in step length (P = 0.02) and width (P = 0.01), but not height (P = 0.32). No correlation was found between step length or width variability and behavioral responses, 3-month fall history, or lower extremity strength. Conclusions: Individuals with iSCI showed increased variability in length and width of reactive stepping compared to AB individuals, which may contribute to their impaired ability to execute single-step reactive responses. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02960178.

Pleiotropic Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is an urgent problem due to its widespread prevalence and disability of patents in result of macro- and microvascular complications. Diabetic neuropathy (DN) considerably impairs the quality of life of patients. Use of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) prevents the development of oxidative stress and improves oxidation of fatty acids.&#x0D; AIM: To study the influence of alpha-lipoic acid on the variability of glycemia, lipid spectrum, positive and negative neurological symptoms in patients with DM2 and DN.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prospective study included 39 patients with DM2 and DN in the clinical stage: patients of group 1 (n = 20) were administered intravenous drip infusion of ALA 600 mg once a day for 2 weeks in hospital conditions followed by intake of 600 mg once a day per os for 2.5 months on an outpatient basis; patients of group 2 (n = 19) did not receive ALA preparations. In all the patients, parameters of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism were studied, pain, tactile, temperature, vibration sensitivity and muscle strength of lower extremities were evaluated.&#x0D; RESULTS: In patients of group 1, after 12 weeks of using ALA, decrease in positive symptoms in the lower legs and feet, improvement in vibration (0.6 0.5 points, p = 0.0095), tactile (0.7 0.6 points, p = 0.037), temperature sensitivity (0.2 0.4 points, p = 0.027), and also decrease in the average value of glycemia (8.7 [7.4; 9.2] mmol/l, p = 0.0078), decrease in glycated hemoglobin with the achievement of the target value (7.5 0.1%, p = 0.046) and improvement of lipid spectrum (total cholesterol 5.9 0.1 mmol/ l, p = 0.043) were recorded; low density lipoproteins 3.6 0.1 mmol/l, p = 0.0076; high density lipoproteins 1.2 0.1 mmol/l, p = 0.034).&#x0D; CONCLUSION: In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic neuropathy in the clinical stage who received preparations of alpha-lipoic acid in complex treatment, reduction of neurologic deficit, of positive neurologic symptoms was achieved in 12 weeks; with that, improvement of lipid spectrum and of glycemic control was found, which may be considered as pleiotropic effects associated with acceleration of mitochondrial biosynthesis.

Relationship between lower limb muscle strength and knee function with quality of life after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction patients: a literature review

Background: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) is an orthopedic surgical procedure used to restore a functional knee. Surgical treatment in the form of ACL reconstruction can be performed to optimize quality of life after ACL injury. Decreased knee function after ACLR is closely related to a person's quality of life in the long term considering that the knee and other lower limbs have a crucial role in mobilizing and controlling the human body. &#x0D; Objective: To determine if there is a relationship between lower limb strength after ACL reconstruction and knee function also quality of life.&#x0D; Methods: The research method used is a literature review method using secondary data sources through a database of various scientific treatises accessible from internet sites. Scientific papers were searched using keywords such as ACL reconstruction, lower limb strength, knee function, and quality of life to facilitate proper literature retrieval.&#x0D; Result: Based on the results of the journal study, it was found that there was a decrease in lower extremity muscle strength and a decrease in knee function compared to participants who did not experience ACL injury-ACLR which caused a decrease in the quality of life of a person so that the preference of physical activity carried out in daily activities also changed with a low level of satisfaction from the expectations and expectations of individuals with ACLR.&#x0D; Conclusion: Based on some literature that has been discussed, there may be a correlation between the strength of the lower extremities and knee function with the quality of life of a person after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the main predictor of decreased performance in daily physical activity which is closely related to the main function of the lower extremities, especially the knee.

The Effect of Eight-Week Repetitive Sprint Exercise on Blood Lactate Level, Speed, Vertical Jump and Lower Extremity Strength Development in Futsal Players

Bu araştırmanın amacı, erkek futsalcılarda sekiz haftalık tekrarlı sprint egzersizinin kan laktat düzeyi, sürat, dikey sıçrama ve alt ekstremite kuvvet gelişimine etkisinin belirlenmesidir. Araştırmada nicel araştırma yöntemi deneysel modellerinden ön test-son test kontrol gruplu desen kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın deney grubunu, düzenli futsal antrenmanın yanı sıra sekiz hafta boyunca haftada 3 gün tekrarlı sprint egzersizi uygulanan Muş Alparslan Üniversitesi futsal takımındaki 12 erkek futsalcı (X̄ yaş:21,42±1,31) oluştururken, araştırmanın kontrol grubunu, yalnızca düzenli futsal antrenmanı uygulanan Spor Bilimleri Fakültesi’nde öğrenim gören 12 erkek sporcu (X̄ yaş:21,08±1,00) oluşturmuştur. Araştırmaya gönüllü olarak katılan sporculara, antrenmanlar öncesi ve sekiz haftalık antrenmanlar sonunda kan laktat, 10-20 m sürat, dikey sıçrama ve bacak kuvveti testleri uygulanmıştır. Verilerin normallik düzeyi Shapiro- Wilk testi ile belirlenmiştir. Normal dağılım gösteren verilerin analizinde bağımsız gruplar için Independent Sample T Testi ve bağımlı gruplar için Paired Sample T Testi kullanılmıştır. Araştırma bulgularına göre deney grubunda dinlenik laktat ve egzersiz sonrası laktat düzeylerinde anlamlı bir fark bulunmazken (p&amp;gt;0,05) dikey sıçrama, bacak kuvveti, 10 m sürat ve 20 m sürat testlerinde son testler lehine anlamlı düzeyde bir fark tespit edilmiştir (p&amp;lt;0,05). Kontrol grubunda ise uygulanan biyomotor test ve ölçümlerde ön test ve son test değerleri arasında anlamlı bir fark bulunmamıştır (p&amp;gt;0,05). Araştırma sonucuna göre erkek futsalcılara uygulanan sekiz haftalık tekrarlı sprint egzersizinin dikey sıçrama, sürat ve alt ekstremite kuvvet gelişimine olumlu etkiler sağladığı belirlenmiştir. Futsalda sportif başarıya ulaşmak için antrenmanlarda tekrarlı sprint egzersizleri uygulanabilir.

Evaluation of the strength of the upper extremity in children with hemiplegia after stroke: a case series study

The brain is a system with multidimensional organization and architecture and requires a continuous supply of blood in order to normally function. If blood flow is interrupted for more than a few seconds, the brain is deprived of blood and oxygen, causing death in nerve cells in the affected area. Stroke in children after birth appears even more rarely than in adults. For the study, 10 children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (7 boys and 3 girls) participated (mean age 10, 9 years), from the “General Hospital Hippocratio” of Thessaloniki, according to the inclusion criteria. The strength of the upper extremity was measured using the Jamar dynamometer and for the assessment of the balance the pediatric balance scale (PBS) affected and contralateral hands, results were analyzed and compared with norms for age and sex and related to the affected balance. It was found that the strength of the non-affected upper extremities was also reduced according to the data of the normal children and the balance was also affected because of the stroke. Physiotherapy programs may include exercises that give emphasis on the non-affected upper extremities, more similar research must be done on a bigger population.

The therapeutic effects of multimodal exercise for people with Parkinson's: A longitudinal community-based study

IntroductionIndividuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) can develop a range of motor and non-motor symptoms due to its progressive nature and lack of effective treatments. Exercise interventions, such as multimodal (MM) programmes, may improve and sustain physical or cognitive function in PD. However, studies usually evaluate physical performance, cognition, and neuroprotective biomarkers separately and over short observation periods. MethodsPart one evaluates the effects of a weekly community-based MM exercise class (60 min) on physical function in people with PD (PwP). Exercise participants (MM-EX; age 65 ± 9 years; Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) scale ≤ IV) completed a battery of functional assessments every 4 months for one (n = 27), two (n = 20) and three years (n = 15). In part two, cognition and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were assessed over 6-to-8 months and compared to aged-matched non-active PwP (na-PD, n = 16; age 68 ± 7 years; H&Y scale ≤ III) and healthy older adults (HOA, n = 18; age 61 ± 6 years). ResultsMM-EX significantly improved walking capacity (5% improvement after 8 months), functional mobility (11% after 4 months), lower extremity strength (15% after 4 months) and bilateral grip strength (9% after 28 months), overall, maintaining physical function across 3 years. Group comparisons showed that only MM-EX significantly improved their mobility, lower extremity strength, cognition and BDNF levels. ConclusionWeekly attendance to a community-based MM exercise group session can improve and maintain physical and cognitive function in PD, with the potential to promote neuroprotection.

Self-Assembled Construction of Robust and Super Elastic Graphene Aerogel for High-Efficient Formaldehyde Removal and Multifunctional Application.

Simultaneously achieving exceptional mechanical strength and resilience of graphene aerogel (GA) remains a challenge, while GA is an ideal candidate for formaldehyde removal. Herein, flexible polyethyleneimine (PEI) is grafted chemically onto carbon nanotube (CNT) surface, and CNT-PEI@reduced GA (rGA) is fabricated via hydrothermal self-assembly, pre-frozen, and hydrazine reduction process. Introducing CNT-PEI contributes to well-interconnected/robust 3D network construction by connecting reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets through enhancing cross-linking, while entangled CNT-PEI is intercalated into rGO layers to avoid serious restacking of sheets, producing larger surface area and more formaldehyde adsorption sites. Ultralight CNT-PEI@rGA exhibits extreme high strength (276.37 kPa), reversible compressibility at 90% strain, and structural stability, while FA adsorption capacity reached 568.41 mg g-1 , ≈3.28 times of rGA, derivable from synergistic chemical-physical adsorption effect. Furthermore, CNT-PEI@rGA is ground into powder for first preparing polyoxymethylene (POM)/CNT-PEI@rGA composite, while formaldehyde emission amount is 69.63%/73.96% lower than that of POM at 60/230 °C. Moreover, CNT-PEI@rGA presents outstanding piezoresistive-sensing and thermal insulation properties, exhibiting high strain sensitivity, wide strain detection range, and long-term durability.

Effects of visual restoration on gait performance and kinematics of lower extremities in patients with age-related cataract.

Visual inputs are critical for locomotor navigation and sensorimotor integration in the elderly; however, the mechanism needs to be explored intensively. The present study assessed the gait pattern after cataract surgery to investigate the effects of visual restoration on locomotion. The prospective study recruited 32 patients (70.1 ± 5.2 years) with bilateral age-related cataracts in the Department of Ophthalmology at Peking University Third Hospital from October 2016 to December 2019. The temporal-spatial gait parameters and kinematic parameters were measured by the Footscan system and inertial measurement units. Paired t -test was employed to compare data normally distributed and Wilcoxon rank-sum test for non-normally distributed. After visual restoration, the walking speed increased by 9.3% (1.19 ± 0.40 m/s vs. 1.09 ± 0.34 m/s, P =0.008) and exhibited an efficient gait pattern with significant decrease in gait cycle (1.02 ± 0.08 s vs. 1.04 ± 0.07 s, P =0.012), stance time (0.66 ± 0.06 s vs. 0.68 ± 0.06 s, P =0.045), and single support time (0.36 ± 0.03 s vs. 0.37 ± 0.02 s, P =0.011). High amplitude of joint motion was detected in the sagittal plane in the left hip (37.6° ± 5.3° vs. 35.5° ± 6.2°, P =0.014), left thigh (38.0° ± 5.2° vs. 36.4° ± 5.8°, P =0.026), left shank (71.9° ± 5.7° vs. 70.1° ± 5.6°, P =0.031), and right knee (59.1° ± 4.8° vs. 56.4° ± 4.8°, P =0.001). The motor symmetry of thigh improved from 8.35 ± 5.30% to 6.30 ± 4.73% ( P =0.042). The accelerated gait in response to visual restoration is characterized by decreased stance time and increased range of joint motion. Training programs for improving muscle strength of lower extremities might be helpful to facilitate the adaptation to these changes in gait.