Finger-floor Distance Research Articles

Deep Squating Posture will be Influenced by Intrinsic Factor apart from Passive Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion

A total of 50 subjects participated in the study. The study was conducted in the department of Physiotherapy, Uttaranchal (PG) College of biomedical sciences and Hospital, Dehradun. The subjects were recruited from Uttaranchal (PG) College of biomedical sciences and Hospital Dehradun. Subjects were chosen as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria and informed consent should be obtained from all of them. After explaining the procedure, the subjects were assessed and divided into two groups possible squatting group and impossible squatting group. The subjects were asked to sit in the deep squatting posture with their heel down and arm Crossed and maintain the posture for more than 5 second and they were divided into 2 groups. Two points to be kept in mind while squatting were as follows: (a) Both the knees and feet should be brought together to the maximum possible extent throughout the deep squat and (b) The thigh and calf should be in contact with each other. The subjects were divided into two groups possible squatting and impossible deep squatting groups. The possible deep squatting group can be described as those who can performed the squatting i.e, both the knee and feet should be brought together to maximum possible and the thigh and calf should be in contact with each other and maintain these posture more than 5 second whereas impossible deep squatting group can be described as those who cant performed to contact calf and thigh while squatting. shows the deep squatting posture. The following parameter were measure in two groups, The straight leg raise (SLR), The Heel-buttock distance (HBD), The modified finger floor distance (MFFD), The modified Thomas tests, Ankle dorsiflexion flexibility. To examine the possible differences between the two squatting groups regard to each test parameters the Mann-Whitney u test (if the distribution of the data is not normal) was used. The dependent variables for the deep squatting posture were analyzed by step wise linear discriminate analysis to determine their relative importance for differentiating between the two groups. The dependent variables for the deep squatting posture are hip flexibility, knee flexibility, trunk flexibility, flexibility of hip and pelvis and ankle dorsiflexion flexibility. The possible deep squatting group shows increase in ankle dorsiflexion flexibility than the impossible deep squatting posture. Thus deep squatting posture is easy and objective method to measure the ankle joint dorsiflexion flexibility.

The Association among Physical Activity, Sociodemographic, Trunk Muscles Thickness and Low Back Pain-Related Disability in Amateur Soccer Players: An Observational Study

Abstract Objective Although low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, there is limited evidence assessing which factors contribute LBP severity in amateur athletes. We aimed to analyze relationships between sociodemographic, clinical, lifestyle and lumbar multifidus (LM) at L4 and L5 levels, rectus abdominis (RA), external and internal obliques (EO and IO) and transversus abdominis (TrA) muscles thickness assessed with ultrasound imaging (US) variables with lumbar disability in amateur athletes with LBP and lumbar disc herniation. Methods Eighty-two male amateur soccer athletes were analyzed. Demographic data, internal hip rotation, finger-floor distance, pain intensity, number of LBP episodes within the last year, metabolic equivalent of tasks for physical activity, sitting time, muscle thickness and disability caused by LBP were collected. Results Pain intensity showed significant associations with LBP recurrence, disability, sedentarism, trunk and hip flexibility, vigorous physical activity and TrA, EO and RA muscles thickness (p<0.05). Similarly, disability was associated with number of LBP episodes, vigorous activity, sitting time, finger floor distance, and RA, EO and IO muscles thickness (p<0.05). TrA thickness and internal hip rotation were not associated with lumbar disability (p>0.05). Conclusion LBP intensity and pain-related disability were significantly associated with LBP episodes, vigorous activity, sitting time, finger floor distance, and thickness of abdominal muscles were associated with pain intensity and disability. However, lumbar multifidus thickness at rest, ankle dorsiflexion and walking time were not associated with clinical severity.

Effects of spinal segmental flexion and extension exercises on spinal flexibility

BackgroundWe considered spinal segmental movement exercise that voluntarily control local muscles as a convenient treatment to correct the trunk muscle recruitment pattern in individuals with global muscle overactivity. The purpose of this study was to verify the effects of segmental flexion and extension movements of the spine and overall flexion and extension movements of the spinal column on the flexibility of the spinal column among healthy university students who had completed a day of lectures and had a certain load on their lower back as a preliminary step to applying the exercise to low back pain patients with a broken trunk muscle recruitment pattern. MethodsThe subjects performed trunk flexion/extension exercises that required segmental control of the spine (segmental movement) and trunk flexion/extension exercises that do not require segmental control of the spine (total movement) in the chair position. As an evaluation task, finger floor distance (FFD) and muscle tension of the hamstrings were evaluated before and after exercise intervention. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the FFD value and the passive pressure before the intervention between the two exercises. FFD decreased significantly after the intervention compared to that before, and passive pressure did not change in both motor tasks. The FFD change amount of segmental movement was significantly larger than that of total movement. (P < 0.01). ConclusionsIt has been suggested that segmental spinal movements improve spinal mobility and may reduce global muscle tension.

Comparison of immediate effects of myofascial release and fascial distortion model on the range of motion, pain pressure threshold, and balance in healthy adults

BackgroundMany fascial therapies have been demonstrated to positively affect the range of motion, pain sensitivity, balance, daily functioning, and participation in social activities. Among these therapies, myofascial release has been extensively studied and widely used in clinical trials. The fascial distortion model was recently introduced, and it has received much attention due to its rapid onset of action and ease of application. ObjectiveThis study aims to compare the effects of myofascial release and the fascial distortion model on range of motion, pain sensitivity, and balance, with the goal of helping therapists select the most appropriate treatment. MethodsSixteen healthy adults were included in a prospective, randomized, single-blind study. The subjects were randomly assigned to either the myofascial release or fascial distortion model groups. The outcome measures were functional reach test, pain pressure threshold, straight leg-raising test angle, and finger floor distance. ResultsThe myofascial release and fascial distortion model groups showed significantly increased straight leg-raising angle and finger floor distance, but no between-group differences were observed (p > .05). The fascial distortion model group demonstrated significantly better pain control (p < .05), which was also better than in the myofascial release group (p < .05). The myofascial release group showed significantly improved balance control (p < .05); however, there was no difference between the two groups (p > .05). ConclusionsEither myofascial release or fascial distortion model can be chosen to improve the range of motion. However, if pain sensitivity is the goal, it is expected that the fascial distortion model will be more effective.

Characteristics of adolescent athletes with pain during sports activities: evaluation of flexibility using ultrasound elastography

Medical checkups for adolescent athletes aim to prevent or detect sports injuries and manage them before they hamper future sports activities and daily life. However, effective items for evaluation, as well as the areas of intervention to prevent sports injuries, remain unclear. We aimed to clarify the checkup items and intervention areas to prevent sports injuries in adolescent athletes. This is a cross-sectional observational study that investigated the presence or absence of pain in adolescent athletes and associated factors at the time of checkup. We investigated joint laxity, range of motion (ROM), finger-floor distance (FFD), heel–buttock distance (HBD), straight leg raising (SLR) angle, too many toes sign, and presence or absence of low back pain during lumbar extension in 301 junior high school athletes. Additionally, after confirming the developmental stage of the tibial tuberosity using ultrasonography, ultrasound elastography was used to quantify the elasticity of the quadriceps femoris, and items related to pain during sports activities were extracted. Items related to pain included the too many toes sign, low back pain during lumbar extension, and elasticity of the quadriceps femoris. Athletes with a positive too many toes sign were less likely to experience pain; conversely, the harder the quadriceps femoris, the more likely they were to experience pain. Medical checkups focusing on these items are effective for adolescent athletes who are prone to knee pain.

Finger-Floor Distance Is Not a Valid Parameter for the Assessment of Lumbar Mobility

Low back pain (LBP) could be associated with a reduced lumbar mobility. For the evaluation of lumbar flexibility, parameters such as finger-floor distance (FFD) are historically established. However, the extent of the correlation of FFD to lumbar flexibility or other involved joint kinematics such as pelvic motion, as well as the influence of LBP, is not yet known. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional observation study with 523 participants included (167 with LBP > 12 weeks, 356 asymptomatic). LBP-participants were matched for sex, age, height, and body-mass-index with an asymptomatic control cohort, resulting in two cohorts with 120 participants each. The FFD in maximal trunk flexion was measured. The Epionics-SPINE measurement-system was used to evaluate the pelvic and lumbar Range-of-Flexion (RoF), and the correlation of FFD to pelvic- and lumbar-RoF was evaluated. In an asymptomatic sub-cohort of 12 participants, we examined the individual correlation of FFD to pelvic- and lumbar-RoF under gradual trunk flexion. Participants with LBP showed a significantly reduced pelvic-RoF (p < 0.001) and lumbar-RoF (p < 0.001) as well as an increased FFD (p < 0.001) compared to the asymptomatic control cohort. Asymptomatic participants exhibited a weak correlation of FFD to pelvic-RoF and lumbar-RoF (r < 0.500). LBP patients revealed a moderate correlation of FFD to pelvic-RoF (male: p < 0.001, r = -0.653, female: p < 0.001, r = -0.649) and sex-dependent to lumbar-RoF (male: p < 0.001, r = -0.604, female: p = 0.012, r = -0.256). In the sub-cohort of 12 participants, gradual trunk flexion showed a strong correlation of FFD to pelvic-RoF (p < 0.001, r = -0.895) but a moderate correlation to lumbar-RoF (p < 0.001, r = -0.602). The differences in FFD in an individual patient, assuming consistent hip function, may be attributed partially to the differences in lumbar flexibility. However, the absolute values of FFD do not qualify as a measure for lumbar mobility. Rather, using validated non-invasive measurement devices should be considered.

Impact of Physical Flexibility Changes on Respiratory Function after Posterior Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery.

Corrective scoliosis surgery in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) increases thoracic volume but does not improve respiratory function (RF). This study evaluates the effect of physical flexibility (PF) improvement after scoliosis surgery on RF. This study reviewed the records of 61 consecutive patients with AIS (56 female and 5 male; mean±standard deviation age: 14.8±2.2 years, range: 11-20 years) who had undergone posterior spinal fusion (PSF) of the thoracic curve. PF evaluated as finger-floor distance (FFD) was measured preoperatively and one year after surgery. After dividing the cohort into the PF improvement group and the PF nonimprovement group, RF changes at two years postoperative were statistically compared. Using logistic regression analysis, we evaluated the impact of a PF improvement on % forced vital capacity (%FVC) two years after surgery. The rate of patients with increased FVC, %FVC, and forced expiratory volume 1.0 second two years after surgery was 79%, 51%, and 80%, respectively. The PF improvement group exhibited a significantly higher gain in %FVC versus the PF nonimprovement group (P=0.043). Moreover, PF improvement significantly prevented a %FVC decrease (odds ratio 8.43, 95% confidence interval 1.92-59.70; P<0.001), with an adjusted odds ratio of 11.86 (P<0.001). Patients with diminished PF after PSF for AIS may be less likely to achieve postoperative %FVC improvement. As increased postsurgical %FVC had a positive effect on physical function, treatment strategies that focus on maintaining and increasing PF are desirable from an RF viewpoint.

IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF POST FACILITATION STRETCH TECHNIQUE ON STRAIGHT LEG RAISE WITH/WITHOUT THORACO-LUMBER DIRECT MYOFACIAL RELEASE IN NON-SYMPTOMATIC ADULTS

Background: Hamstring tightness is a condition which if it is remaining untreated it could be related later on to the posture imbalance and movement restriction. There are many techniques to increase the elasticity of hamstrings. Post facilitation stretching (PFS) along with thoraco-lumbar direct myofascial release (MFR) technique is emerging as a novel therapy for improving hamstring muscle length. Objective: To determine the immediate effects of post facilitation stretching technique on SLR with/without thoraco-lumber direct myofascial release on straight leg raise among non-symptomatic adults. Methods: A randomized control trial (RCT) was conducted at FIMS College of rehabilitation Abbottabad Pakistan after approval from HOD. A total of n=24 non symptomatic adults were recruited through non-probability convenient sampling technique. The inclusion criteria were non symptomatic adults with tight hamstrings, age group 18 to 40 years, normal healthy adults, both gender groups, SLR (passive) of 80° degree or less, finger floor distance of 5 cm or more. The participants were than randomly divided into two control group (n=12) and experimental group (n=12). The post facilitation stretch technique was applied in both groups, but experimental group additionally received thoraco-lumber direct myofascial release technique as well. To assess the total mobility of the lumbo-pelvic region and hamstring elasticity fingertip to floor distance was measured and straight leg raise test with the help of goniometer. The data was collected at the baseline and immediately after session. Results: The mean age of the study participant was 23.41±2.31 years. The pre-post analysis showed that right and left straight leg raise (SLR) as well as fingertip floor distance were significantly (p&lt;0.001) improved immediately after the intervention with large effect size. When compared both groups immediately after the intervention, experimental group which received myofascial release in addition post facilitation stretch showed more significant improvement with large effect size in right &amp; left SLR and fingertip floor distance (p&lt;0.001) as compared to control group where only post facilitation stretch technique was applied. Conclusions: The present study concluded that post facilitation stretch along with the thoracolumbar direct myofascial release technique significantly improve hamstrings flexibility. The efficacy of thoracolumbar direct myofascial release has contributed in increasing SLR and Finger Floor Distance tests parameters. Keywords: hamstring, muscle length, myofascial release, muscle energy technique, post facilitation stretch, stretching exercises.

A ROUTINE BLOOD PARAMETER BIOLOGICAL AGE COMPOSITE IS ASSOCIATED WITH FRAILTY IN THE BERLIN AGING STUDY II (BASE-II)

Abstract High-quality biomarkers are needed to predict age-related phenotypes and evaluate health-related interventions. Telomere length has been known as a biomarker of aging for some time, however, its potential for clinical use is limited. Epigenetic age estimators and biological age (bioage) composites have been developed and refined over the past decade and their evaluation is ongoing. Aim of the current study was to further evaluate a recently developed bioage composite based on 12 routine laboratory blood parameters which have been shown to individually predict mortality risk. To this end, we assessed the relationship between the bioage composite, frailty and a number of functional assessments. The bioage composite was calculated for participants of the Berlin Aging Study II (BASE-II) aged ≥ 60 years (N=1,278, mean age 68.6 ±3.7 years, 53.3% women). Frailty was operationalized by Fried’s five-point frailty score. Functional capacity was assessed with a battery of tests including the Tinetti mobility test, finger-floor distance (FFD), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumented ADL (IADL). In covariate adjusted regression analyses the deviation of the bioage composite from chronological age was significantly associated with frailty (beta = -0.014, p= 0.014), the CES-D and ADL in men, and with the FFD in women. These results will be discussed with respect to their clinical relevance and compared to previously reported BASE-II data on the relationship between frailty, functional assessments and the biomarkers of aging derived from epigenetic clock algorithms and telomere length.

The effects of Pilates on pain, functionality, quality of life, flexibility and endurance in lumbar disc herniation.

Aim: To assess the effects of clinical Pilates exercises (CPE)on the level of pain, functional status, flexibility, static and dynamic endurance of the trunk muscles and quality of life(QoL)in patients with lumbar disc herniation. Materials & methods: Individuals were divided into twogroups: the CPE (6weeks, three-times a week) group (n=27) and the control group (n=27). The clinical outcome measures were the visual analog scale for the evaluation of the pain intensity, Oswestry disability index for functional disability, short form-36for healthrelated QoL, sit and reach and hand finger floor distance test for the flexibility, side-bridge and sit-ups test for the static and dynamic endurance. Results: At the end of the 6weeks the amount of decrease in the level of pain and Oswestry disability index, amount of increase in sit-reach test and hand-finger-to-floor distance, duration of the lateral bridge and sits-ups testand most of the shortform-36 subparameters was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the CPEgroup. Conclusion:CPEwas an effective and safe method for symptomatic patients with lumbar disc herniation in reducing the pain level and functional disability and improving flexibility, static and dynamic endurance and partially their QoL. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03198273 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Skin Displacement as fascia tissue manipulation at the lower back affects instantaneously the flexion-and extension spine, pelvis, and hip range of motion.

Low back pain (LBP), associated with spine, pelvis, and hip mobility impairments can be caused by tight muscle contractions, to protect sensitized lumbar fasciae. Fascia tissue manipulations are used to treat lumbar fascia in LBP. The effect of fascia tissue manipulations through lumbodorsal skin displacement (SKD) on mobility is inconclusive likely depending on the location and displacement direction of the manipulation. This study aimed to assess whether lumbodorsal SKD affects the flexion -and extension range of motion (ROM), in healthy subjects. Furthermore, we aimed to test the effect of SKD at different locations and directions. Finally, to assess intertester and intratester reliability of SKD. Effects of SKD were tested in a motion capture, single-blinded, longitudinal, experimental study. Sixty-three subjects were randomly assigned to SKD- or sham group. SKD group was subjected to either mediolateral directed SKD during flexion or extension movement, versus a sham. The thoracic, lumbar, and hip angles and finger floor distance were measured to assess the change in ROM. Statistics indicated that the effect size in instantaneously change of flexion -and extension ROM by SKD was large (Effect size: flexion η2 p = 0.12-0.90; extension η2 p = 0.29-0.42). No significant effect was present in the sham condition. Flexion ROM decreased whereas the extension ROM increased, depending on SKD location- and displacement direction (p < 0.05). The ICC indicates a good intertester and intratester reliability (resp. ICC3,k = 0.81-0.93; ICC3,1 = 0.70-0.84). Lumbodorsal SKD affects the flexion- and extension spine, pelvis, and hip range of motion. The effects of SKD are direction- and location dependent as well as movement (flexion/extension) specific. Lumbodorsal SKD during flexion and extension may be useful to determine whether or not a patient would benefit from fascia tissue manipulations. Further research is required to obtain insight into the mechanisms via which the SKD affects ROM and muscle activation, in healthy, asymptomatic-LBP, and LBP subjects.

Effects of Competition Level on the Prevalence and Incidence of Lumbar Disk Degeneration in Japanese Collegiate Gymnasts

Lumbar disk degeneration (LDD) occurs frequently in athletes. Researchers have found that LDD occurs mainly in the lower disks (L4/L5 and L5/S1) in the general and athletic populations. However, a retrospective study showed a high prevalence of LDD in the upper lumbar disks (L1/L2), especially in elite gymnasts. To investigate the effect of competition level on the prevalence and incidence of LDD in the upper lumbar disks(L1/L2). Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3; and cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. We conducted 2 studies to evaluate the effect of competition level on the prevalence and incidence of LDD in Japanese collegiate gymnasts. In study 1, a cross-sectional study of 298 collegiate gymnasts was conducted between 2011 and 2015. Competition levels were categorized as regional, national, and international, and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate LDD. Chi-square testing was applied to assess differences in the prevalence of LDD and spinal levels among the 3 competition levels. In study 2--a prospective cohort study--LDD progression and its related risk factors were investigated in 51 collegiate gymnasts. Baseline lumbar MRI scans and measurements of physical function (generalized joint laxity and finger-floor distance test) were performed in March 2014. Follow-up lumbar MRI scans were obtained 2 years later, in February 2016. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between competition level and LDD progression. In study 1, the prevalence of at least 1 degenerated disk in the regional, national, and international groups was 44.2% (19/43), 44.7% (98/219), and 52.8% (19/36), respectively (P = .655). The prevalence of LDD at L1/L2 in the international group was significantly higher than that in the other 2 groups (P = .018). In study 2, the presence of LDD at L1/L2 was associated significantly with international-level competition (adjusted odds ratio, 47.8; 95% CI, 2.75-830.50). In Japanese collegiate gymnasts, competing at the international level was found to be a risk factor for LDD at L1/L2.

The influence on menstrual cycle phases on trunk flexion mobility assessed with finger floor distance test: a preliminary study

Background: The menstrual cycle plays an important role in a woman's body and the relationship between different phases of the menstrual cycle and flexibility has not been well known. Aim of the study: This study aimed to examine whether the different phases of the menstrual cycle could affect trunk flexion mobility in young, healthy, physically active women who had not used hormonal contraception and had not received hormone treatment. Material and methods: In total, ten healthy female nulliparas aged 25 - 30 participated in the study. The inclusion criterion for the study was regular menstruation (25 - 35 cycle days). The exclusion criteria were: hormonal treatment, use of hormonal contraception, BMI &gt; 25, and history of pregnancy. To assess trunk flexion mobility the finger floor distance test was used. The test was performed on each participant three times: during menstruation (follicular phase), during ovulation (ovulatory phase), and after day 15 of the cycle (luteal phase). Friedman ANOVA was used to determine the effect of the menstrual cycle phases on the finger floor distance test results. It was followed by Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: There was a significant effect of the phases of the menstrual cycle on the results of the finger floor distance test (p = 0.03). Significantly higher values for the finger floor distance test result in the follicular phase as compared to the ovulatory phase were found (p = 0.02). Conclusions: The comparison of finger floor distance test results obtained in young healthy nulliparas in three phases of the menstrual cycle indicates decreased trunk flexion mobility in the follicular phase.

A Real-World Study on the Effect of Imrecoxib for Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis.

PurposeNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have generally been viewed as first-line therapy for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Imrecoxib is a selective COX-2 inhibitor developed independently in China. At present, only one single-center RCT trial has shown that imrecoxib is equally effective as celecoxib in treating axSpA. Based on real-world data, our study aims to explore the efficiency of imrecoxib and TNF inhibitor (TNFi) combined with imrecoxib in treating axSpA.Patients and MethodsA total of 163 patients with axSpA who had more than two follow-up records in 6 months and treated with imrecoxib/celecoxib/TNFi combined with imrecoxib/TNFi combined with celecoxib from the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University SpA Real World Database (AHSpA) were selected for analysis of our study. The linear mixed model was used to compare efficacy indexes before and after treatment and between different groups, adjust baseline measurement value and follow-up time. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to identify the differences in cumulative clinical remission rates between groups with different treatment at the follow-up period.ResultsResults showed that after treatment ASDAScrp was slightly improved in imrecoxib group and celecoxib group within 6 months (p < 0.05). CRP, ESR, BASDAI, ASDAScrp, BASFI, occiput to wall distance and finger floor distance all significantly improved in TNFi combined with imrecoxib group and TNFi combined with celecoxib group within 6 months (all p < 0.05). According to the Kaplan–Meier survival curve and Log rank test analysis, the clinical remission rate was not significantly different between different treatment during 24-month follow-up (all p > 0.05).ConclusionASDAScrp improved slightly within 6 months after treatment with imrecoxib, and TNFi combined with imrecoxib significantly improved multiple effect indexes in axSpA patients. The efficacy of imrecoxib and celecoxib in the treatment of axSpA is equivalent. Also, they have the same efficacy after being combined with TNFi.

Physical Function in Amateur Athletes with Lumbar Disc Herniation and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Case-Control Study.

This study aimed to analyze if chronic low back pain (LBP) and lumbar disc herniation induce biomechanics, flexibility, body balance, physical activity, and muscular function alterations compared to a similar asymptomatic cohort. Fifty male volunteers (n = 25 with chronic LBP and lumbar disc herniation and n = 25 pain-free subjects) were enrolled. Range of motion (internal and external hip rotation, ankle dorsiflexion, and active straight leg raise, ASLR), trunk flexibility (finger–floor distance), body balance (Y-balance test) and muscle function (Biering–Sorensen test, prone and lateral bridges) outcomes were assessed. Comparative analyses between sides and group were conducted. Results: Patients showed greater weight and BMI compared with controls (p < 0.05). None of the outcomes bilaterally assessed showed side-to-side differences for pain-free participants (all, p > 0.05) or LBP patients (all, p > 0.05). Regarding the differences between groups, LBP patients showed limited internal hip rotation (p < 0.001), finger–floor distance (p < 0.001), body balance (p < 0.001), and muscle endurance (planks p < 0.001; Biering–Sorensen test p < 0.05). External hip rotation, ASLR, and ankle dorsiflexion range of movement were comparable in both groups (p > 0.05). The sample of pain-free amateur athletes showed greater range of movement for internal hip rotation, lower finger–floor distance, better body balance, and muscle function. However, the external hip rotation, ankle dorsiflexion, and ASLR tests showed no difference between cases and controls.

Assessment of efficacy of transcaudal injection in patients with chronic low back pain

Background: Chronic low back pain, which has negative effects on life and which causes labor force loss, is an important community health problem. The present study was conducted to assess efficacy of transcaudal injection in patients with chronic low back pain. Materials &amp; Methods: 94 patients of chronic low back pain of both genders were hospitalized and 20 mL, triamcinolone, prilocaine and bupivacaine were administered. Visual analog scale was used for both low back and radicular pain. Parameters such as straight leg rising (SLR) degree, hand finger-floor distance (HFFD) were determined. Results: Out of 94, there were 46 males and 48 females. Common surgical indications were spinal instability in 44, signs of conus medullaris, cauda equina in 26, neurologic claudication in 16 and neurologic deficit in 8 cases. The difference was significant (P&lt; 0.05). VAS (Radicular pain) at 1 month was 7.6, at 3 months was 4.3 and at 6 months was 2.6. VAS (back pain) was 8.4 at 1 month, 6.2 at 3 months and 3.1 at 6 months. The mean straight leg rising was 40.6 degree at 1 month, 60.3 degree at 3 months and 72.4 degree at 6 months.

Relationship Between 5 Epigenetic Clocks, Telomere Length, and Functional Capacity Assessed in Older Adults: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Analyses.

DNA methylation age acceleration (DNAmAA, derived from an epigenetic clock) and relative leukocyte telomere length (rLTL) are widely accepted biomarkers of aging. Nevertheless, it is still unclear which aspects of aging they represent best. Here we evaluated longitudinal associations between baseline rLTL and DNAmAA (estimated with 7-CpG clock) and functional assessments covering different domains of aging. Additionally, we made use of cross-sectional data on these assessments and examined their association with DNAmAA estimated by 5 different DNAm age measures. Two-wave longitudinal data were available for 1 083 participants of the Berlin Aging Study II who were reexamined on average 7.4 years after baseline as part of the GendAge study. Functional outcomes were assessed with Fried's frailty score, Tinetti mobility test, falls in the past 12 months (yes/no), finger-floor distance, Mini-Mental State Examination, Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale, activities of daily living, instrumented ADL, and mini nutritional assessment. Overall, we found no evidence for an association between the molecular biomarkers measured at baseline, rLTL, and DNAmAA (7-CpG clock), and functional assessments assessed at follow-up. Similarly, a cross-sectional analysis of follow-up data did also not show evidence for associations of the various DNAmAA measures (7-CpG clock, Horvath's clock, Hannum's clock PhenoAge, and GrimAge) with functional assessments. In conclusion, neither rLTL nor 7-CpG DNAmAA was able to predict impairment in the analyzed assessments over a ~7-year time course. Similarly, DNAmAA estimated from 5 epigenetic clocks was not a good cross-sectional marker of health deterioration either.

Physical Function and Low Back Pain in Leek Farmers: A Comparison with Non-Farmers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the low back pain (LBP) and physical function of young to middle aged farmers of leeks in western Tottori Prefecture.Fifteen farmers (55 years old or younger) cultivating leeks in western Tottori Prefecture were recruited as the subjects, and 14 non-farmers matching the age and sex of the subjects were recruited as the control group. A questionnaire survey was conducted to determine the presence or absence of LBP, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Physical functions were measured by anthropometry (body fat percentage and muscle mass), Finger-Floor distance (FFD), back muscle strength, and upper body bending, and lumbar muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Weight, BMI, body fat percentage, upper body bending, back muscle strength, and L3/4 iliocostalis lumborum CSA, current LBP were significantly higher in the leek farmer group. One-way analysis of variance showed significant differences in upper body bending, and history of LBP.LBP was more common among leek farmers. The characteristics of leek farmers with LBP were history of LBP.

The relationship between duration of exercise using ergometer with electric assist for osteoarthritis of the knee and changes of finger floor distance

The relationship between duration of exercise using ergometer with electric assist for osteoarthritis of the knee and changes of finger floor distance

Acute and Short-Term Effects of Dry Needling in Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain and Hamstring Tightness: A Pilot Study.

Background Chronic nonspecific low back pain (LBP) is one of the common health issues. Hamstring tightness contributes to the development of LBP. This study aimed to investigate the acute and short-term effects of deep dry needling (DN) in patients with chronic nonspecific LBP and hamstring muscle tightness. Methods A single-group pretest-posttest clinical study design was followed. The outcome measures were the visual analog scale (VAS), passive knee extension (PKE) test, finger-floor distance (FFD) test, and functional rating index (FRI). Patients underwent one session of deep DN of three points on both hamstring muscles, each point for one minute. Patients were assessed before (T0), immediately after (T1), and one week after DN (T2). The FRI was assessed at T0 and T2. Results Ten women with a mean age of 21.1 years (SD = 1.6) participated in the study. Significant large effect sizes in VAS pain reduction (d = 1.25) and PKE hamstring tightness were obtained (hamstring: right, d = 0.82; left, d = 0.88) at T2. Medium effect sizes were obtained for FFD (d = 0.45) and FRI (d = 0.72) at T2. Conclusion A single session of deep DN improved pain and function and increased hamstring flexibility. This pilot study supports the use of DN in patients with LBP and hamstring tightness; however, future research with a rigorous study design of randomized controlled trial is required to confirm the findings. This trial is registered with IRCT20180511039612N1.