Extremity Flexibility Research Articles

Lower Extremity Flexibility Profile in Basketball Players: Gender Differences and Injury Risk Identification.

Analysis of the flexibility profile of basketball players (BPs) can reveal differences in range of motion (ROM) by gender and also identify those players who are at higher risk for sports injuries. A descriptive observational study was conducted to determine the lower extremity flexibility profile of sixty-four basketball players and gender differences to identify players at higher risk of injury due to limited and asymmetric ROM in one or more movements. Participants: Sixty-four (33 male and 31 female) competitive athletes from the national leagues of the Spanish basketball league system participated in the present study (power of sample size ≥0.99). The eight passive ROM tests of the hip, knee and ankle were assessed using the ROM-SPORT battery. Each player completed a questionnaire on age, basic anthropometric data, dominant extremities, and training and sport-related variables. The lower extremity flexibility profile was established at 15° and 10° hip extension (HE), 39° and 38° ankle dorsiflexion with knee extended (ADF-KE), 40° and 39° ankle dorsiflexion with knee flexed (ADF-KF), 43° and 43° hip abduction (HAB), 75° and 61° hip abduction with the hip flexed (HAB-HF), 78° and 83° hip flexion with the knee extended (HF-KE), 134° and 120° knee flexion (KF), and 145° and 144° hip flexion (HF) by male and female basketball players, respectively. Sex differences in HE, HAB-HF, and KF were observed in BPs (p ≤ 0.01; Hedges’ g ≥ 1.04). Players reported limited ROM in ADF-KF, HE, HAB-HF, HF-KE, and KF; and asymmetric ROM mainly in HE, ADF-KE, KF, ADF-KF, and HF-KE. In conclusion, this study provides gender-specific lower extremity flexibility profile scores in BPs that can help athletic trainers and athletic and conditioning trainers to identify those players who are at higher risk of injury due to abnormal ROM scores.

소도구 협응운동이 여성노인의 낙상관련 체력 및 하지근기능에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of personal equipment exercise on fall-related physical fitness and lower extremity muscle function in elderly women. For this purpose, Personal equipment exercise was performed at an intensity of 40 to 70% of the maximum resting heart rate for women aged 65 and over(experimental group 15, control group 15) for 60 minutes at a time, 3 times a week, for 12 weeks, and the results are as follows. First, among the fall-related physical changes, significant differences were found in lower extremity strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Second, there was a significant difference in hip extension and hip flexion among the changes in lower extremity muscle function, but no significant difference was found in knee extension and knee flexion. Through the above results, it is considered that periodic small tool coordination exercise has a positive effect on fall-related physical strength and lower extremity muscle function in elderly women. It is thought that additional research on the gender and age of the elderly should be conducted in the future.

Investıgatıon of the effect of Pilates Exercıses on the Functıonal Parameters of Middle Age Sedantery Women

This study aimed to investigate the effects of 8-week mat and reformer pilates exercises on functional movement skills, flexibility of adult healthy sedentary women. 58 [reformer exercise group (n: 20), mat exercise group (n: 21) and control group (n: 17)] volunteer women participated in the study. Functional Movement Screen test (FMS), sit and reach test, Trunk lateral flexion test, Quadriceps Femoris and M.Iliopsoas flexibility test were applied to the participants. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used in the analysis of the obtained data. Additionally, Bonferroni test, one of the multiple comparison tests, was used to determine the source of the difference between groups. Moreover, the percentage changes of eight-week exercises on FMS scores, flexibility and strength parameters of adult women were determined by using the formula %Δ= [(Post-test - Pre-test) / Pre-test*100]. According to the results of the study, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference in the total FMS mean scores and flexibility test results of the exercise group and the control group. There was a higher increase in FMS scores and lower extremity flexibility values of the reformer group compared to the mat group, on the other hand, upper extremity flexibility levels of the mat group were found to be higher than the reformer group. As a result, it was determined that 8-week mat and reformer pilates exercises had a positive effects on some functional movement skills and flexibility parameters in adult healthy sedentary women. Keywords: Mat pilates, Reformer pilates, Functional movement screen

Alternative exercise methods for children with cerebral palsy: effects of virtual vs. traditional golf training

Aim: Sport activities can increase the number of motor tasks performed by children with disabilities, helping to motivate these children to sustain life-long exercise. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of virtual and traditional golf training on balance, muscle strength, lower extremity flexibility and aerobic endurance in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: 19 children with unilateral cerebral palsy were divided into two groups, each of them received either virtual (n = 9) or traditional (n = 10) golf training, for over 12 weeks with three days of a 60-minute session/day. The effect of golf training was assessed with the Gross Motor Function Measure-88, the Modified Ashworth Scale and Lateral Step Up, Curl Up, Six-Minute Walk, Sit and Reach, Modified Thomas, and balance tests. Results: Both training methods were associated with improved lower extremity flexibility and muscle strength, aerobic endurance and Gross Motor Function Measure-88 compared with the pre-training baseline values (p < 0.05). There was no difference found between virtual and traditional golf training groups except for balance and lateral step up tests (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Both virtual and traditional golf training applied for 12 weeks on children with unilateral cerebral palsy improved lower extremity functions and physical performance. The use of virtual and traditional training as a complementary application to reduce motor problems in children with cerebral palsy could enhance the sustainability of this type of training because of its edutainment features. Virtual golf has an important advantage over traditional golf in that (a) the latter can be expensive and inaccessible for people with disabilities, and (b) making virtual golf a safer activity.

The Entire Body Quiver Effect on Lower Extremity Flexibility in Healthy Young Female

Flexibility is one of the most important parts of the normal muscular system. Thus, before this when athletes start the competitions and exercises they should warm up their body muscles in regular and systematic ways. In the studies that were carried out in this field, the effects of flexibility difference which has an alike impact on the right and left feet as well difference were not declared. In this research, the variation of flexibility also cleared which do not have a similar impact on feet; as a result, there is only the existence of difference. The objective of the study is the effects of WBV on lower extremity organs of Healthy young females. About materials and methods, a total of 30 healthy young women with an average age of 22 ± 4 years participated in the present study. Their resilience was measured using passive knee extension tests, hip flexibility, testing and modified sessions and interventions before and after reaching the test. Participants stand on WBV equipment (f = 25 Hz, Amp = 2 mm 5 × 1 minute hold +60 seconds rest) in semi-squat position. The items of the participant case were analyzed by using IBM 26 version of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). After WBV, hamstrings and hip flexors, as well as general flexibility, increased significantly (P = 0/001). The results showed that before WBV, there was a significant difference in hamstring and hip flexion between both legs (P ≤ 005), but after WBV, there was no significant difference in hip flexion flexibility. The findings of the study indicate that WBV appears to be appropriate training for lower extremity muscle flexibility. The results of this study showed that WBV can be an effective training method to increase flexibility and due to the contradictory results in the benefits of using stretching in training programs may be used as a complementary method to improve flexibility.

스트레칭 밸런스 보드 장비가 젊은 여성의 하지둘레, 유연성 및 균형능력에 미치는 급성 효과

스트레칭 밸런스 보드 장비가 젊은 여성의 하지둘레, 유연성 및 균형능력에 미치는 급성 효과

Efficacy of belt electrode skeletal muscle electrical stimulation on muscle flexibility of lower limbs: A randomized controlled pilot trial.

Background:Muscular contracture may be caused by immobility-induced muscle atrophy and skeletal muscle hypoxia. Belt electrode skeletal muscle electrical stimulation (B-SES) is a new type of neuromuscular electrical stimulation that can simultaneously contract the lower limb muscle groups, in contrast to the conventional pad-type electrodes. B-SES can suppress muscular atrophy and relieve hypoxia of the skeletal muscle and is considered an appropriate strategy for preventing muscular contracture. However, the effect of B-SES on muscle flexibility has not been verified. This study aimed to compare the immediate effects of B-SES on skeletal muscle flexibility using different stimulation modes before the clinical study.Methods:We conducted a randomized controlled pilot trial with cross-over analysis of 10 healthy subjects. The participants were subjected to three stimulus conditions (Disuse B-SES, Metabolic B-SES, and Control) with a minimal interval of 1 day between interventions, and the lower limb flexibility before and after the B-SES intervention was evaluated. Lower extremity flexibility was evaluated based on the hamstring muscle stiffness and sit-and-reach distance. For each endpoint, within-group comparisons were performed before and after the intervention and were compared between the groups using paired t-tests. Changes in each endpoint before and after the intervention were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and the Bonferroni method. The significance level was 0.05.Results:Ten healthy individuals participated in all three interventions with a washout period between each intervention. In the Metabolic B-SES group, the sit-and-reach distance after the intervention was significantly higher than that before the intervention (P < 0.05). A comparison of the change in the sit-and-reach distance among the three groups before subsequent tests showed that the Metabolic B-SES group had a significantly increased sit-and-reach distance compared with the control group (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Metabolic B-SES was effective for the immediate improvement of flexibility of the lower limb muscles. Therefore, Metabolic B-SES may be useful as a strategy for preventing muscular contracture.

Effects of a 10 vs. 20-Min Injury Prevention Program on Neuromuscular and Functional Performance in Adolescent Football Players.

BackgroundRegular injury prevention training is not only effective in reducing sports injury rates, but also in improving neuromuscular and performance-related variables. However, it is currently unknown if this effect can be modified by varying the training dosage.ObjectiveTo compare the effects of two injury prevention programmes with a different training duration on neuromuscular control and functional performance in adolescent football players.Methods342 (15.4 ± 1.7 years) male football players from 18 teams were initially included. The teams were cluster-randomized into two intervention groups. Both groups performed an injury prevention program twice a week during one football season (10 months) using the same exercises but a different duration. One intervention group (INT10, n = 175) performed the program for 10 min, while the other intervention group (INT20, n = 167) for 20 min. At the beginning and end of the season, balance control (Balance Error Scoring System = BESS), jump performance (Squat Jump, Countermovement Jump) and flexibility (Sit and Reach Test, ankle flexibility, hip flexibility) tests were performed. For the final analysis, nine teams with 104 players were considered.ResultsSignificant group by time interactions were found for the sit and reach test (p < 0.001) and ankle flexibility (p < 0.001) with higher improvements in the INT20 group. Improvements over the period of one season but no group differences were found for the BESS, Squat Jump and hip flexibility.ConclusionWithin a single training session, performing structured neuromuscular training with a longer duration is more effective than a shorter duration for improving lower extremity flexibility.

Factors Predicting the Utilization of Center-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.

Although cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is clearly beneficial to improving patients’ physical functioning and reducing heart disease progression, significant proportions of patients do not complete CR programs. To evaluate the prevalence and predictors of completion of a center-based CR program in eligible cardiac patients, existing data collected from electronic medical records were used. To identify the predictors of CR completion, we used principal components analysis (PCA) and an artificial neural network (ANN) module. Among 685 patients, 61.4% (n = 421) completed the program, 31.7% (n = 217) dropped out, and 6.9% (n = 47) were referred but failed to initiate the program. PCA was conducted to consolidate baseline data into three factors—(1) psychosocial factors (depression, anxiety, and quality of life), (2) age, and (3) BMI, which explained 66.8% of the total variance. The ANN model produced similar results as the PCA. Patients who completed CR sessions had greater extremity strength and flexibility, longer six-minute walk distance, more CR knowledge, and a better quality of life. The present study demonstrated that patients who were older, obese, and who had depression, anxiety, or a low quality of life were less likely to complete the CR program.

Collegiate Club Figure Skater Lower Extremity Performance Assessment Bilaterally In And Out Of Skates

Prior research has demonstrated that the most prominent injury among all figure skaters involved the ankle. This finding is surprising in that the skate boot itself is quite stiff with lateral rigidity meant to offer medial-lateral support to the ankle joint. A clinical literature review suggested that there should be emphasis placed on properly fitting skate boots, intrinsic foot and ankle strengthening, and lower extremity flexibility. PURPOSE: To determine if the skate boot plays a role in ankle range of motion, balance or lower extremity power, all three of which may be linked to ankle injuries. METHODS: 20 members of the Merrimack Figure Skating Team participated in the study. Testing was conducted with skates on followed by skates off. Odd numbered participants started with their dominant leg, even numbered participants started with their non-dominant leg. Weight bearing dorsiflexion (DF), Y-balance test (YB), and single leg hop for distance (SL) were performed and measured bilaterally. RESULTS: No significant interaction was reported for DF, YB, or SL between skate type (no skate vs. skate) and leg dominance (dominant vs. non dominant), (p >.05). DF, YB, and SL were significantly higher when subjects were in no skates (MDF-NOSK = 28.8; MYB-NOSK = 93.61; MSL-NOSK = 123.45) compared to when in skates (MDF-SK = 11.15; MYB-SK = 85.89; MSL-SK = 101.51), (p = .00). SL was also higher on the dominant leg (MSL-DOM = 114.21) compared to the non-dominant leg (MDF-NONDOM =110.75) (p = .01). DF and YB were not statistically different between the dominant and non-dominant leg. CONCLUSION: The results suggest with lower extremity performance testing in collegiate figure skaters leg dominance does not impact ankle range of motion or balance. However, with lower extremity power, leg dominance does play a role. The findings that range of motion, balance, and power are greater without skates than with the skates, it is plausible to conclude that the skate boot does in fact play a role in these three measurements. Further research is needed in order to examine the specifics of how the skate boot affects each of these measurements.

Brake time is correlated with lower extremity strength, dynamic balance and low-contrast sensitivity in unpredictable driving situations in elderly drivers compared with young drivers: A cross-sectional study.

To compare physical function, driving fitness and brake time of young and elderly drivers, and to identify the association of physical function and driving fitness with brake time in elderly drivers in predictable or unpredictable situations during driving. This study included 86 participants (50 men and 36 women), comprising 52 elderly drivers (age: 72.44 years, weight: 60.39 kg, height: 158.06 cm) and 34 young drivers (age: 26.53 years, weight: 63.74 kg, height: 153.65 cm), with a valid driver's license who drive at least once a week. Physical function was measured as upper and lower body flexibility and strength, dynamic balance and aerobic endurance. Driving fitness was measured as high- and low-contrast sensitivity, route planning, visualization of missing information, visual search with divided attention and visual information processing speed using the DrivingHealth® Inventory. Brake time and braking distance was evaluated as unpredictable and predictable driving situations. Measurements of all categories, except lower extremity flexibility, endurance and high-contrast sensitivity, were significantly lower in elderly drivers than in young drivers. Brake time did not differ in predictable situations but was slower (P = 0.004) in elderly drivers in unpredictable situations. In elderly drivers, upper body strength (P = 0.036), dynamic balance (P < 0.001) and low-contrast sensitivity (P = 0.003) were associated with brake time in unpredictable driving situations. In unpredictable situations, slower brake time in elderly drivers is associated with lower limb muscle strength, agility and low-contrast sensitivity. Therefore, for safe driving, these parameters should be considered as guidelines for maintaining the driving ability of elderly drivers and aging people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••-••.

Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on Physical Fitness in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Whole-body electromyostiulation (WB-EMS) has experienced a boom in recent years, even though its effectiveness is controversial. A sedentary lifestyle is deeply rooted in the European population, mainly in the elderly. This experimental study analyzed the impact of WB-EMS on the physical fitness of postmenopausal women. Thirty-four healthy sedentary women between 55 and 69 years followed an experimental design pre–post-test. Both groups conducted a ten-week aerobic and strength training program. The experimental group overlaid the WB-EMS during exercise. At the end of the intervention, both groups improved upper and lower body strength, lower extremity flexibility, agility, and speed levels (pBonferroni < 0.05). Significant interactions were observed at upper and lower body strength, agility, speed, and cardiovascular endurance (p < 0.05). The WB-EMS group scored better agility than the control group at the end of the intervention (pBonferroni < 0.05) and was the only group that improved cardiovascular endurance. WB-EMS shows a favorable isolate effect on the development of dynamic leg strength, agility, and cardiovascular endurance but did not in dynamic arm strength, gait speed, balance, or flexibility of postmenopausal women.

Relationship Between the Changes of the Lower Extremity Flexibility in Years of Elementary Baseball Players and the Disability

Relationship Between the Changes of the Lower Extremity Flexibility in Years of Elementary Baseball Players and the Disability

Which Stretching Method is Superior in Plantar Fasciosis?

Plantar fasciosis is prevalent in orthopedic clinic particularly foot and ankle sections. First-line treatment includes rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, orthotics, and stretching. However, approximately 10-40% of patients will have persistent symptoms after 2 years.Several stretching methods have been proposed, targeting plantar fascia and calf muscle. Plantar fascia specific stretching alone showed superior result in short-term follow up only, compare to calf muscle stretching, but combine stretching effectiveness is still inconclusive.The practical conclusion is difficult to draw because foot arch type and leg flexibility are not included in those stretching studies. We believe that the possible benefit of combined stretching benefits should not be overlooked, especially in patients with a high arch or tight calf muscles.In our opinion, future studies of plantar fasciosis and stretching should include foot type and lower extremity flexibility.

Identification of Risk Factors for Injury in Women's Collegiate Gymnastics With the Gymnastics Functional Measurement Tool.

The Gymnastics Functional Measurement Tool (GFMT) is a series of 10 sport-specific tests that evaluates the physical fitness of female gymnasts. The standardized scoring system has been validated in a wide range of competitive levels. To date, there is no screening tool to identify risk factors for injury in female gymnasts. To determine if the total score on the GFMT or the individual test components can identify female collegiate gymnasts who are at risk of developing an injury. Prospective cohort study. Collegiate gymnastics training and competition facilities. One hundred female gymnasts from seven National Collegiate Athletic Association, Division I teams. Gymnasts were tested with the GFMT (vertical jump, hanging leg lifts, agility sprint, 20-meter sprint, pull-ups, push-ups, rope climb, handstand hold, lower extremity flexibility, and shoulder flexibility). Each team's certified athletic trainer recorded injuries over the course of one season. Logistic regression modeling was used to assess the relationship between each individual test and the development of upper extremity, lower extremity, or trunk injuries. Gymnastics-related injuries. A total of 160 injuries from 100 gymnasts were included in the analysis. No tests were significantly associated with developing of upper or lower extremity injuries. A higher score on the vertical jump test was associated with fewer trunk injuries (odds ratio [OR] 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52-0.91; P = .01). This relationship existed even after adjusting for gymnast characteristics in a multivariable analysis. A one-unit increase in vertical jump score was associated with a 30% decrease in trunk injuries in collegiate-level female gymnasts. Future research to identify risk factors for gymnastics-related injury and methods for prevention are needed. II.

Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Single-Dose Hyaluronic Acid for the Treatment of Patellofemoral Chondromalacia.

Background:Patellofemoral pain is common in the young and active populations. Nonoperative management is limited and focuses on physical therapy. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an injectable device that has been used for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.Hypothesis:A single injection of HA would reduce pain and improve function in patients with patellofemoral pain who had previously failed conservative management.Study Design:Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:A total of 86 patients with patellofemoral pain (65 females, 21 males; mean ± SD age, 27.0 ± 7.7 years; height, 168.6 ± 8.9 cm; weight, 74.6 ± 17.0 kg; body mass index, 26.2 ± 5.2 kg/m2) enrolled in this study after failing conservative management. Patients were randomly allocated to either 6 mL of HA or a sham injection. All patients were prescribed an additional home exercise program, including lower extremity strengthening and flexibility exercises, and were evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months. Outcome assessments included patellofemoral pain assessment with a visual analog scale during a single-legged squat, KOOS (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score), Kujala score, Tegner activity rating, and normalized isometric knee extension strength. Group assignment was revealed after the 6-month assessment, and crossover treatment was offered to patients in the sham group who were still symptomatic. Linear mixed models were used to compare outcomes between groups and across time.Results:A total of 45 patients were randomized to HA injection and 41 to sham, with 6 patients lost to follow-up (93% follow-up rate). Patients in both groups experienced a significant reduction in visual analog pain ratings and significant improvements in all domains of the KOOS and in Kujala scores at 6 months when compared with baseline measurement (P < .05); however, there was no significant difference between groups. There were no differences observed over time or between groups for normalized knee extension strength or Tegner activity rating (P > .05).Conclusion:HA injection had no clinically meaningful effect on pain or functional outcomes in patients diagnosed with patellofemoral pain. Improvements were observed for both groups in patient-reported pain and function, with no change in quadriceps strength or activity rating.Registration:NCT01771952 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Age-related differences in flexibility in soccer players 8-19 years old.

BackgroundMuscle flexibility is a main component of health-related fitness and one of the basic components of fitness for the performance in some sports. Sport and health professionals require the flexibility profile of soccer to define quantitative aims in the training of flexibility. The aim of this study was to identify age-related differences in lower extremity flexibility in youth soccer players.MethodsSeventy-two young male soccer players (age: 13.0 ± 3.1 y; body mass: 50.5 ± 15.3 kg; stature 158.2 ± 16.8 cm; BMI: 19.6 ± 2.6 kg/m2) completed this study. Measures of eleven passive hip (hip extension (HE), hip adduction with hip flexed 90°(HAD-HF90°), hip flexion with knee flexed (HF-KF) and extended (HF-KE), hip abduction with hip neutral (HAB) and hip flexed 90°(HAB-HF90°), hip external (HER) and internal (HIR) rotation), knee (knee flexion (KF)) and ankle dorsiflexion (ankle dorsiflexion with knee flexed (ADF-KF) and extended (ADF-KE)) ranges of motion (ROM) were taken. Descriptive statistics were calculated for hip, knee and ankle ROM measured separately by leg (dominant and non-dominant) and age-group (U10, U12, U14, U16 and U19). The data was analysed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to examine the interaction of 11 ROM in the different players’ age-group.ResultsGenerally, U10 and/or U12 soccer players obtain the highest mean value in almost all ROM evaluated (U10: HAD-HF [39.6° ± 4.3°], ADF-KE [32.3° ± 4.1°], HER [63.5° ± 5.6°] and HAB-HF90°[64.1° ± 7.5°]; U12: HE [17.7° ± 6.2°], HAB [35.6° ± 3.0], HIR [60.8° ± 4.7°] and KF [133.8° ± 7.1°]). Nonetheless, significant differences between the players’ age-groups are just found in HAD-HF90°(p = .042; ES = .136), HAB (p = .001; ES = .252), HIR (p = .001; ES = .251), HER (p < .001; ES = .321) and HAB-HF90°(p < .001; ES = .376) ROM, showing a progressive and irregular decrease in these ROM until the U19 team.ConclusionThe findings of this study reinforce the necessity of prescribing exercises aimed at improving HAD-HF90° ROM in U16, HAB ROM in U14, HIR ROM in U16 and U19, HER ROM in U12 and U19, and HAB-HF90° ROM in U16 and U19 players within everyday soccer training routines.

Positive Effects of Yoga on Physical and Respiratory Functions in Healthy Inactive Middle-Aged People.

Context:Yoga improves physical and respiratory functions in healthy inactive middle-aged people.Aim:This study aimed to assess the effects of 8 weeks of asana and asana with pranayama lessons in order to clarify the influence of two different combinations of yoga practice on physical and respiratory functions in healthy inactive middle-aged people.Subjects and Methods:A total of 28 participants (mean age: 52.7 years) were divided into a yoga asana (YA) group and YA with pranayama (YAP) group. Participants attended a 70-min session once a week for 8 weeks. The YA group practiced basic asana without specific breathing instructions, while the YAP group practiced basic asana with specific breathing instructions (pranayama). Respiratory function was measured with an autospirometer. Physical function assessments included the 30-s chair stand test and upper and lower extremity flexibility. All tests were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention.Statistical Analysis:Changes in scores were analyzed with the paired t-test for each group. Pre-post results were compared for all the measured values. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:Both groups showed significant improvements in physical and overall respiratory functions after the 8-week yoga intervention. However, the maximal inspiratory pressure and lower extremity flexibility improved only in the YAP group.Conclusions:The 8-week yoga intervention for healthy inactive middle-aged people improved the overall respiratory and physical functions, and the inclusion of pranayama had the added benefit of improving inspiratory muscle strength and global body flexibility.

Senior fitness test; a useful tool to measure physical fitness in persons with acquired brain injury

ABSTRACTObjectives: To evaluate the feasibility and usability of the senior fitness test (SFT) in persons with acquired brain injury (ABI).Methods: A pilot cohort design with a convenience sample of persons with ABI was used.Results: Persons with ABIs (n = 47) were younger than their healthy counterparts (n = 172) were but performed significantly worse on sit to stand, 6-min walk test (6MWT) and 2.45-m up and go. This difference was accentuated in the age groups >60 years of age. Persons with ABIs, divided into subgroups traumatic brain injury (TBI; n = 12) and cerebral insult (CI; n = 35), showed significant differences in leg strength, upper extremity flexibility and walking capacity. Persons with CI were weaker, less flexible in upper and lower extremities, walked shorter distance and were less mobile. CI but not TBI performed significantly worse when compared to healthy elderly persons.Conclusion: This study indicates that SFT is feasible, safe and useful tool for persons with ABI, to evaluate physical capacity, endurance, strength and flexibility. The submaximal test was well tolerated and could be performed by all participants irrespective of age or diagnosis. The distribution of test scores indicates responsiveness to change and no ceiling or floor effects.

An integrative dance class to improve physical function of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities: a feasibility study

ABSTRACT Background: This paper examines the feasibility of utilizing an integrative contemporary dance class for improving physical function in adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Methods: Eighteen individuals participated in a 12-week dance class alongside 11 matriculated college students registered in an integrative dance course. Lower extremity strength, flexibility, mobility and balance testing was measured at pre- and post- testing. The dance class comprised 60 min of dance training two times per week. College students participated by dancing alongside the individuals in the class and assisting, if required. Results: Significant improvements were found in lower extremity strength in all muscle groups tested, hamstring flexibility, generalized mobility and stability. Conclusions: Integrative contemporary dance may provide meaningful physical improvements for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and are in need of further development and research.