Flexion Test Research Articles

Validity and reliability of the DiCI for the measurement of shoulder flexion and abduction strength in asymptomatic and symptomatic subjects.

BackgroundA higher risk of shoulder injury in the athletic and non-athletic population is frequently associated with strength deficits. Therefore, shoulder strength assessment can be clinically useful to identify and to quantify the magnitude of strength deficit. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of a DiCI (a new hand-held dynamometer) for the measurement of shoulder flexion and abduction strength in asymptomatic and symptomatic subjects.MethodsForty-three recreational athletes (29 males and 14 females; age: 22.1 ± 0.47 years; body mass: 68.7 ± 13.1 kg; height = 173.3 ± 9.7 cm) and 40 symptomatic subjects (28 males and 12 females; age: 49.9 ± 8.1 years; body mass: 70.6 ± 14.3 kg; height = 171.7 ± 9.0 cm) completed shoulder flexion and abduction strength tests in two identical sessions one-week apart. Both types of movement were evaluated at 45º and 90º.ResultsRelative reliability analysis showed excellent intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) for all evaluated movements (ICC range = 0.90 to 0.99). Absolute reliability analysis showed a standard error of measurement (SEM) ranging from 1.36% to 2.25%, and minimal detectable change (MDC) ranging from 3.93% to 6.25%. In conclusion, the DiCI is a valid and reliable device for assessing shoulder strength both in recreational athletes and in subjects with restricted mobility and loss of strength.

Numerical Simulation for the Honeycomb Core Sandwich Panels in Bending by Homogenization Method

Nowadays, with the continuous development of science and technology, computer software has been widely applied and is increasingly popular in many fields such as the automobile, aviation, space, and shipbuilding industries. Numerical simulation is an important step in finite element analysis and product design optimization. However, it is facing challenges of reducing CAD model building time and reducing computation time. In this study, we have developed a homogenization model for the honeycomb core sandwich plate to reduce the preparation of the CAD model as well as the computational times. The homogenization consists of representing an equivalent homogenized 3D-solid obtained from the analysis calculation in-plane properties of honeycomb 3D-shell core sandwich plate. This model was implemented in the finite element software Abaqus. The simulations of tensile, in-plane shear, pure bending, and flexion tests for the case of the 3D-shell and 3D-solid models of the honeycomb core sandwich will be studied in this paper. Comparing the results obtained from the two models shows that the 3D-solid model has close results as the 3D-shell model, but the computation time is much faster. Thereby the proposed model is validated.

Effects of Proprioceptive and Craniocervical Flexor Training on Static Balance in University Student Smartphone Users with Balance Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PurposeUniversity student smartphone users adopt flexed neck postures during smartphone use, creating an increased compressive load on their neck structures. This study was conducted to compare the effects of proprioceptive and craniocervical flexor training with a control group on static balance in a group of university student smartphone users with balance impairment.MethodsA double-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 42 university students (19.67±1.68 years old) with balance impairment. Participants were randomized into a proprioceptive training (ProT) group (n=14), a craniocervical flexor training (CCFT) group (n=14), and a control group (CG; n=14) for a 6-week intervention. The balance error scoring system (BESS), cervical joint position sense (CJPS), craniocervical flexion (CCF) test, and visual analog scale (VAS) for neck pain were evaluated using univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).ResultsAfter 6 weeks of intervention, the ProT group showed significantly greater improvement of CJPS than the CG (p=0.000) and the CCFT group significantly improved of CCF test than CG (p=0.002). Findings, at 4 weeks after intervention, were (i) the ProT group had significantly more improvement in BESS than the CCFT group (p=0.014) and CG (p=0.003), (ii) the ProT group had significantly more improvement of CJPS than the CG (right and left rotate) (p=0.001, p=0.016, respectively) and CCFT group (right rotate) (p=0.004), (iii) the CCFT group had significantly more improvement of craniocervical flexor strength than CG (p=0.004), and (iv) the ProT group and CCFT group had significantly more decreased pain than CG (p=0.015, p=0.033, respectively). No adverse effects occurred during or after training in any group.ConclusionProT is important for regaining static balance and CJPS, while CCFT improved craniocervical flexor strength. Moreover, both ProT and CCFT can reduce neck pain. We recommend performing ProT to improve static balance, CJPS and to reduce neck pain in smartphone users with static balance impairment.Clinical Trail Registration NumberTCTR20190909003.

The Influence of Sacroiliac Joint Manipulation on Changes in the Values of the Center of Pressure in the Process of Maintaining Static Body Balance

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to determine the influence of manipulative treatment of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) hypomobility on the ability to maintain static balance of the body. MethodsWe compared displacements of the center of pressure (COP) in 2 groups of students of the University of Physical Education: the experimental group (30 people exhibiting SIJ hypomobility) and the control group (29 people without SIJ hypomobility). A manipulation was performed in the experimental group and a placebo procedure in the control group. Sacroiliac joint hypomobility was diagnosed by the following SIJ mobility tests: forward flexion test, Gillet test, long sitting test, lower limb adduction test. These and podometric tests were performed on all participants twice—before and after the procedure. The influence of experimental manipulation was examined by applying repeated-measures analysis of variance, and comparisons were made with Student's t test for dependent and independent samples and nonparametric tests. ResultsA statistically significant difference between before and after treatment was found in the experimental group (P < .05) in terms of COP pathway, COP pathway area, and average COP speed. Furthermore, the groups differed in before-treatment values of these parameters in favor of the control group, but after-treatment measurement revealed normalization of the levels of these characteristics in the experimental group to the level of the control group. ConclusionAs a result of SIJ manipulation, parameters related to the ability to maintain balance improved in the experimental group.

Effects of myofascial release applied to neck muscles and craniocervical flexor training in patients with chronic myofascial TMD: A single arm study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of myofascial trigger point release applied to superficial neck muscles and strengthening of the deep flexor muscles in subjects with myofascial temporomandibular disorders (mTMD). MethodsFourteen women (23.4 ± 3.32 years old) presenting with mTMD and trigger points (TrPs) in the sternocleidomastoid, suboccipital, and upper trapezius muscles were included in this study. They were evaluated on two occasions during a baseline period (3 weeks apart) with no intervention and a third time after a 5-weeks intervention protocol. Outcome measures included pressure pain threshold (PPT) over the masticatory muscles, mandibular function, orofacial pain intensity, maximum mouth opening, and the craniocervical flexion test. All women received 10 treatment sessions that included strain-counterstrain technique applied to TrPs found in the prior listed superficial neck muscles and stabilization exercise using a pressure biofeedback for the deep neck flexor muscles. One-way ANOVA or correspondent non-parametric tests as well as effects sizes were used to compare the outcomes at baseline and after the treatment. ResultsStatistically significant improvements were found in the PPT over left masseter and temporalis (p < 0.05) (mean difference (MD) of 0.50 and 0.42 kg/cm2), orofacial pain intensity (MD = −3.39 points), mandibular function (MD = −7.22 points) and performance of the deep cervical muscles (MD = 130.42 points) compared to baseline period. Effect sizes were moderate or large. ConclusionThe protocol intervention may have positive effects in patients with mTMD. However, studies with better methodological quality need to be performed to confirm those effects. Registrationensaiosclinicos.gov.br (RBR-7x828q);

Spinal mobility in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: criterion concurrent validity of classic and novel measurements

BackgroundLimitations in spinal mobility are a characteristic feature of Axial Spondyloarthritis. Current clinical measurements of spinal mobility have shown low criterion-concurrent validity. This study sought to evaluate criterion-concurrent validity for a clinically feasible measurement method of measuring spine mobility using tri-axial accelerometers.MethodsFifteen radiographic-Spondyloarthritis patients were recruited for this study. Two postural reference radiographs, followed by three trials in forward, left and right lateral bending were taken. For all trials, three measurements were collected: tape (Original Schober’s, Modified Schober’s, Modified-Modified Schober’s, Lateral Spinal Flexion Test and Domjan Test), followed immediately by synchronized radiograph and accelerometer measurements at end range of forward and bilateral lateral flexion. The criterion-concurrent validity of all measurement methods was compared to the radiographic measures using Pearson’s correlation coefficients. A Bland-Altman analysis was conducted to assess agreement.ResultsIn forward bending, the accelerometer method (r = 0.590, p = 0.010) had a stronger correlation to the radiographic measures than all tape measures. In lateral bending, the Lateral Spinal Flexion tape measure (r = 0.743, p = 0.001) correlated stronger than the accelerometer method (r = 0.556, p = 0.016). The Domjan test of bilateral bending (r = 0.708, p = 0.002) had a stronger correlation to the radiographic measure than the accelerometer method.ConclusionsAccelerometer measures demonstrated superior criterion-concurrent validity compared to current tape measures of spinal mobility in forward bending. While a moderate correlation exists between accelerometer and radiographs in lateral bending, the Lateral Spinal Flexion Test and Domjan Test were found to have the best criterion-concurrent validity of all tests examined in this study.

The Influence of Active Hamstring Stiffness on Markers of Isotonic Muscle Performance.

Background: Previous research demonstrates hamstring muscle-tendon stiffness (HMTS) influences isometric strength, landing biomechanics and architectural tissue properties. However, the influence on kinetics & kinematics during other modes of strength testing (isotonic dynamometry) has yet to be established. Purpose: Investigate how HMTS influences kinetics and kinematics during a novel isotonic muscle performance test which has never been done for the hamstrings. Previous work using dynamometry has been limited to isometric or isokinetic contractions, so the novelty arises from our custom isotonic protocol which allows quantitative assessment of the stretch-shortening cycle. Methods: Twenty-six recreationally active individuals (15 males, 11 females, 23.8 ± 2.5 years) completed baseline testing for anthropometry and maximum isometric hamstring strength (MVIC). At least 48 h later, subjects completed a measure of HMTS (damped oscillation technique) followed by an isotonic knee flexion test (eccentric velocity 180°/s; concentric torque 25% of MVIC). Separate linear regression models with examination of residuals were conducted between HMTS and each muscle performance variable. Standardized coefficients determined the magnitude of the relationships. Results: Significance was found for all outcome variables tested. HMTS and rate of torque development demonstrated the strongest relationship followed by isotonic concentric peak torque. The weakest relationship observed was with isometric peak torque. Conclusions: These findings build off previous work quantifying HMTS by showing HMTS more strongly relates to dynamic versus static muscle testing and identifies the potential clinical utility of isotonic dynamometry.

Alexander Technique vs. Targeted Exercise for Neck Pain—A Preliminary Comparison

Background: Alexander technique private lessons have been shown to reduce chronic neck pain and are thought to work by different mechanisms than exercise. Group classes may also be effective and would be cost-effective. Design: A two-group pre-test/post-test design. Participants were assigned to either a general Alexander technique class or an exercise class designed to target neck pain. Both groups met over 5 weeks for two 60 min sessions/week. Participants: A total of 16 participants with chronic neck pain (aged 50+/−16 years) completed this study. Interventions: The Alexander class used awareness-building methods to teach participants to reduce habitual tension during everyday activities. The exercise class was based on physical therapy standard of care to strengthen neck and back muscles thought to be important for posture. Measures: We assessed neck pain/disability, pain self-efficacy, activation of the sternocleidomastoid muscles during the cranio-cervical flexion test, and posture while participants played a video game. Results: Both groups reported decreased neck pain/disability after the interventions. Sternocleidomastoid activation decreased only in the Alexander group. Conclusion: In this small preliminary study, Alexander classes were at least as effective as exercise classes in reducing neck pain and seemed to work via a different mechanism. Larger, multi-site studies are justified.

Soil-cement bricks with insertion of scheelite-tailings: Mechanical behavior and physico-chemical evaluation of kneading water

Through the environmental perspective of producing new construction materials with the inclusion of tailings or residues that improve their properties and, at the same time, promote a practice that mitigates environmental impacts, the objective of this work is to diagnose the effect of incorporating scheelite- tailings as recycled aggregate in soil-cement bricks, partially replacing the soil, seeking to make its use feasible in interlocking pavements, as well as studying the physical-chemical properties of the mixing water used in the making of soil-cement bricks, originating from drains air conditioning system at IFPB Campus Campina Grande. The bricks produced used CP II Z-32 class cement, landfill cut-off soil for disposal, scheelite-tailings, and kneading water from air conditioning drains at the IFPB Campus Campina Grande. Conformation was performed manually with the aid of a hydraulic press, with subsequent curing at room temperature and periodic wetting during the first 7 days of cement hydration (alkaline stabilizer), until the ages of laboratory tests of compressive strength reached (28 days) and direct flexion (180 days). It was noted that the results of compressive strength exceeded the minimum limits of ABNT NBR 10834:2013, as well as the results of the flexion test demonstrated that the mechanical strength of the bricks is superior when incorporating the mineral tailings, a phenomenon also noticed through of the compressive strength test. The quality of the water used to manufacture the bricks, in addition to ensuring better chemical potential in the hydration reaction based on the state of the art, promotes a reduction in the use of water from the public supply, which comes from a relatively low water source.

Type, prevalence, and risk factors for the development of orthopedic injuries in endurance horses during training and competition.

To report the type, prevalence, and risk factors for the development of orthopedic injuries in endurance horses. 235 endurance horses. Medical records of horses examined between January 2007 and December 2018 were reviewed. Recorded data were birth; breed; sex; dates of first and last examinations; presence of any conformation fault, lameness, positive flexion test result, and orthopedic injury; starts in endurance competitions; level of athletic activity; professional status of trainer or rider; and whether an orthopedic injury developed in > 1 limb or during or within 2 days after competition, lameness resolved after treatment, reinjury occurred, horse was eliminated from competition after treatment, and the horse required retirement from endurance competitions. Anatomic locations of injuries were classified as proximal portion of the metacarpal area, midportion of the metacarpal area, metacarpo- or metatarsophalangeal (fetlock) area, tarsus, or foot. For each outcome, multivariable logistic regression models were developed after bivariable logistic regression and collinearity analyses. 351 orthopedic injuries were detected in 76.6% of the horses, with 27.1% that affected the fetlock area, 21.4% the proximal portion of the metacarpal area, 21.1% the foot, 12.8% the tarsus, 9.1% the midportion of the metacarpal area, and 8.5% other sites. High suspensory disease (21.4%) was the most common condition, followed by arthropathy of the metacarpo- or metatarsophalangeal joint (19.4%) and solar pain (14%). Age at first examination (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.37 to 2.11), months of observation (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.05), conformation fault of forelimbs (OR, 4.08; 95% CI, 1.53 to 10.89), and amateur status (OR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.86 to 7.99) remained significant in the final multivariable regression model for the development of orthopedic injuries. A large number of endurance horses developed ≥ 1 orthopedic injury during training or competition. Clinical and diagnostic examinations should be focused with particular attention to the metacarpophalangeal joints, proximal portion of the metacarpal area, and foot.

Cervico-thoracic pain and associated impairments in air force personnel: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPain and impaired function in the cervical region are common in Air Force personnel (AFP), but evidence is limited regarding the thoracic region. This cross-sectional cohort study examined associations between cervico-thoracic pain and physical performance among Swedish AFP and explored possible differences and similarities in test performance between fighter pilots (FP), helicopter pilots (HP) and rear crew (RC).MethodsAFP (n = 73) from one airbase performed eight tests of movement control of the spine, active cervical range of motion (ROM) in all six directions and isometric strength and endurance of the cervical flexors and extensors. The association between test performance and cervico-thoracic pain (based on the ‘Musculoskeletal screening protocol’ questionnaire) were analysed in a multiple binary logistic regression model.ResultsFor AFP with cervico-thoracic pain (30%), movement control was impaired in the ‘neck flexion test’ (OR [95%CI] =3.61 [1.06–12.34]) and the ‘forward lean test’ (OR [95%CI] =3.43[1.04–11.37]), together with reduced flexion ROM (OR [95%CI] =0.93 [0.87–0.99]). Test performance was in general similar between the three groups, but FP and HP could control the ‘forward lean test’ to a significantly higher degree than RC (p = 0.000). Further, FP showed significantly greater ROM in lateral flexion to the right compared to HP and RC (mean: 40.3°, 36.2° and 33.4°, respectively, p = 0.000), and they showed higher, although not significant, flexor strength than RC (p = 0.026).ConclusionsThe impaired function associated with cervico-thoracic pain highlights the need for a deeper understanding of such relationships when designing tools to systematically optimize the physical performance and prevent pain among AFP. Studies with a longitudinal design are warranted to examine any causative associations between pain and impairments.

The influence of rotational movement exercise on the abdominal muscle thickness and trunk mobility – Randomized control trial

BackgroundTrunk rotations are important functional movements which form the foundations of human motion pattern, especially in the functions of walking and running. They prevent the functional impairments and structural lesions resulting from axial overloading in static positions such as sitting. ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the influence of rotational movement training exercises on the abdominal muscle thickness and spinal mobility range. Study design: Randomized controlled trial. MethodsThe study involved 73 individuals aged 18–45. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups. The study group (TG) comprised 40 people who performed rotational movement exercises over the period of 4 weeks (16 training sessions). In the control group (CG) the training was not applied. Changes in the thickness of selected abdominal muscles on ultrasound imaging were evaluated, as well as trunk mobility, based on the trunk lateral flexion test. ResultsThe analysis of the obtained data has demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the thickness of the abdominal internal (IO) (p < 0.05) and external oblique muscles (EO) (p < 0.001) in the study group (TG) between measurements I and II, and measurements I and III. A similar increase in the thickness was found in the summation measurement of TrA + IO + EO. Bilateral increase in the trunk lateral flexion range in the frontal plane has also been noted. ConclusionsRotational movement training of the trunk leads to an increase in the thickness of the abdominal oblique muscles. Rotational movement exercise training increases trunk mobility in the frontal plane.

Prospective, Multicenter Evaluation of a Polyherbal Supplement alongside Standard-of-Care Treatment for Mild Knee Osteoarthritis.

Background This study aimed to provide clinical information on general and joint performance from individuals taking Tregocel® (containing curcuminoid and extracts of the herbs Harpagophytum procumbens, Boswellia serrata, Apium graveolens, and Zingiber officinale) alongside a standard therapy of symptomatic mild knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods This was a multicenter, open-label, prospective, single-arm study, in which Tregocel® was supplemented for 36 weeks. Participants with symptomatic mild knee OA requiring pharmacologic treatment for pain were enrolled. Physical performance (6-minute walk test, WOMAC-pain and functional domain, and heel-thigh distance flexion test), general performance (WOMAC questionnaire), and VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) assessment of knee pain, as well as anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication consumption, were assessed. Results Between January and April 2019, 107 participants were enrolled and analysed in per protocol population. Mean age was 59.7 (SD 10.8) years, and there were 68.2% women. Mean observation time was 291.1 (SD 7.7) days. Mean increase in 6MWT result observed at the end of the study was 26.0 (SD 30.4) m (p < 0.001). Median VAS score decreased from 60.0 (IQR 50–72) mm at the beginning of the study to 21.0 (IQR 14–30) mm after 36 weeks of product administration (p < 0.001). Regular knee OA medications were taken in 99.1% of subjects at baseline decreasing to 55.1% at the end of the Tregocel® supplementation. Conclusions During Tregocel® supplementation, participants observed improved functional capacity confirmed in the distance in 6MWT and in the heel-thigh distance flexion test, decreased level of pain, and improved WOMAC scores for all domains.

Comparison of specific and non-specific treatment approaches for individuals with posterior capsule tightness and shoulder impingement symptoms: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPosterior capsule tightness (PCT) is associated with shoulder pain and altered shoulder kinematics, range of motion (ROM), external rotation (ER) strength, and pain sensitization. ObjectiveTo assess the effects of two interventions on shoulder kinematics, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores, ROM, strength, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) in individuals with PCT and shoulder impingement symptoms. MethodsIn this prospectively registered randomized controlled trial 59 individuals were randomized to either an Experimental Intervention Group (EIG, n=31) or a Control Intervention Group (CIG, n=28). The low flexion (LF) test was used to determine the presence of PCT. Shoulder kinematics, SPADI scores, internal rotation (IR) and ER ROM, ER strength, and PPT were measured pre- and post-treatment. Those in the EIG received an intervention specific to pain and PCT and those in the CIG received a non-specific intervention, both 4 weeks in duration. ResultsIndividuals in the EIG demonstrated more scapular upward rotation (P=.03; mean difference (MD)=3.3°; 95% Confidence Interval (CI)=1.3°, 4.9°) and improved value on the LF test (P=.02; MD=4.6°; 95%CI=0.7°, 8.6°) than those in the CIG after treatment. Both groups presented less anterior (P<.01; MD=-0.7mm; 95%CI=-1.3mm, -0.2mm) and superior (P<.01; MD=-0.5mm; 95%CI=-0.9mm, -0.2mm) humeral translations, decreased SPADI score (P<.01; MD=-23.6; 95%CI=-28.7, -18.4), increased IR ROM (P<.01; MD=4.6°; 95%CI=1.8°, 7.8°) and PPTs for upper trapezius (P<.01; MD=60.1kPa; 95%CI=29.3kPa, 90.9kPa), infraspinatus (P=.04; MD=47.3kPa; 95%CI=2.1kPa, 92.5kPa), supraspinatus (P<.01; MD=63.7kPa; 95%CI=29.6kPa, 97.9kPa), and deltoid (P<.01; MD=40.9kPa; 95%CI=12.3kPa, 69.4kPa) after treatment. ConclusionThe experimental intervention was more effective at improving PCT as measured through changes in the LF test. No benefit of the specific approach over the non-specific intervention was noted for the remaining variables.

Lower-Limb Pain Differentiation by a Physical Therapist in an Amateur Cyclist: A Case Report

Background Cycling is one of the most popular sports worldwide, and cycling-related injuries often involve overuse of the musculoskeletal system. However, cyclists who have been referred to a physical therapist may also present with nonmusculoskeletal conditions. Case Presentation A 57-year-old recreational amateur cyclist presented with a 2-month history of thigh and leg pain. At the clinical examination, a positive pedal plantar flexion test, a reduced 6-minute walk test, and a reduced ankle brachial index confirmed a vascular impairment. Therefore, the patient was referred to a vascular surgeon, and his symptoms were resolved with angioplasty. Outcome and Follow-Up After 3 months of physical therapy treatment, all screening tests showed normal values. The ankle brachial index value for the left lower extremity was normal. The Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey and the Vascular Quality of Life questionnaire showed large improvements in all domains. Discussion Clinicians should consider vascular conditions, even in endurance sports, to differentiate between musculoskeletal and nonmusculoskeletal conditions and refer patients to the appropriate health care professional. JOSPT Cases 2021;1(2):114–123. doi:10.2519/josptcases.2021.10089

Craniocervical flexion test in patients with migraine: Discriminative validity and accuracy.

To evaluate the discriminative validity and provide a clinical cut-off of the craniocervical flexion test (CCFT) in migraineurs stratified by the report of neck pain, headache-related disability and neck disability. Fifty women without headache and 102 women with migraine were recruited by convenience from a local tertiary care setting. Migraine diagnosis followed the International Classification of Headache Disorders. All volunteers underwent the CCFT. Patients with migraine answered the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaires. Discriminative validity was verified by group comparison, and the clinical cut-off was obtained and classified according to the diagnostic accuracy of the CCFT. The CCFT presented discriminative validity for comparing control (median=28, IQR=6) with migraine (median=26, IQR=4, P=.01) and migraine with neck pain (median=26, IQR=4, P=.01), but not among the migraine subtypes with disability by migraine or neck pain-related disability on the MIDAS and NDI. The diagnostic accuracies were classified between poor and not discriminating with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ranging from 57% to 69% and non-acceptable values of sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative likelihood ratios. The CCFT can discriminate asymptomatic controls from migraine patients with and without neck pain. However, it cannot discriminate patients with migraine according to their pain-related disability. Also, the CCFT does not offer an optimal cut-off value in migraine patients adequate to clinical practice.

Age-Related Changes in Concentric and Eccentric Isokinetic Peak Torque of the Trunk Muscles in Healthy Older Versus Younger Men

This study investigated age-related changes in trunk muscle function in healthy men and the moderating effect of physical activity. Twelve older (67.3 ± 6.0years) and 12 younger (24.7 ± 3.1years) men performed isokinetic trunk flexion and extension tests across a range of angular velocities (15°/s-180°/s) and contractile modes (concentric and eccentric). For concentric trunk extension, mixed-effects analysis of covariance revealed a significant interaction between Angular velocity × Age group (p = .026) controlling for physical activity. Follow-up univariate analysis of covariance revealed that the younger group produced significantly greater peak torque for all concentric extension conditions. Eccentric trunk strength was somewhat preserved in the older group. Age-related changes in trunk strength were independent of physical activity. The normal loss of trunk muscle strength in older age is muscle- and contractile-mode specific. These findings provide guidance for effective intervention strategies to offset adverse health outcomes related to trunk strength loss in older adults.

Estudio comparativo entre la condición física funcional de adultos mayores institucionalizados y no institucionalizados de la ciudad de Bogotá, Colombia

IntroductionThe admission of an older adult to a geriatric institution is associated with a negative impact on their functionality, mainly due to the little physical activity they perform. However, this relationship is not clearly evidenced in older adults in the city of Bogotá, Colombia. ObjectiveTo compare the functional physical condition (FPC) of institutionalized and non-institutionalized older adults in the city of Bogotá, Colombia. Materials and methodsDuring the first semester of 2018, a descriptive and cross-sectional study was developed in 769 older adults, 233 institutionalized and 536 non-institutionalized, from the city of Bogotá. The sample was selected by means of non-probabilistic convenience sampling. FPC was assessed through the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) battery. For the comparative analysis between the FPC of institutionalized and non-institutionalized adults, they were divided into subgroups by age range (60-69, 70-79, and over 80). Subsequently, a Student's t test was applied for independent samples. ResultsThe non-institutionalized older adults presented better FPC compared to the institutionalized ones. In men, this behaviour was shown in the tests of getting up and sitting, elbow flexion, putting hands together, stationary gait, agility and balance compared to the institutionalized patients (P<.05); however, in the group aged 60-69 years, in the trunk flexion test, there were no significant differences in the results (P>.05). The women showed similar behaviour, the institutionalized women presented better results in most of the tests (P<.05), except for the test of putting hands together in the range of 60-69 years and in the variable of elbow flexion in the group aged from 70-79 years (P>.05). ConclusionThe main conclusion of this research is that the lifestyle of older adults in the institutional context becomes a factor associated with the deterioration of FPC in older adults in the city of Bogotá, Colombia.

Sex and Age Comparisons in Neuromuscular And Biomechanical Characteristics of the Knee in Young Athletes.

BackgroundThe identification of risk factors for injury is a key step for musculoskeletal injury prevention in youth sports. Not identifying and correcting for injury risk factors may result in lost opportunity for athletic development. Physical maturation and sex affect these characteristics, which may indicate the need for both age and sex-based injury prevention programs.Hypothesis/PurposeThis study examined age and sex differences in knee strength, static balance, jump height, and lower extremity landing biomechanics in school- and high school-age athletes.Study DesignCross-sectionalMethodsForty healthy school aged (10.8±0.8 yrs) and forty high school (16.8±0.8 yrs) athletes completed isokinetic knee flexion and extension strength tests, single-leg static balance and single-leg vertical stop jump tasks.ResultsHigh school athletes were significantly stronger (~67% and 35% stronger for males and females, respectively) and jumped higher (regardless of sex) compared to school age athletes. High school males had worse balance (~28%) compared to their younger counterparts. High school females had lower strength (~23%) compared to males but had better balance (~46%). Conclusion: Maturation had different effects on the variables analyzed and sex differences were mainly observed after maturation. These differences may be minimized through appropriate age and sex specific training programs.Levels of Evidence3aClinical RelevanceNeuromuscular and biomechanical differences between sex and age groups should be accounted for in injury prevention and rehabilitation. Inadequate training may be a primary factor contributing to injuries in a young athletic population. When designing training programs for long term athlete development, programs should be dependent on decrements seen at specific time points throughout maturation.What is known about the subject: Generally, both males and females get stronger and jump higher as they get older but the results comparing balance and biomechanics between genders or across age groups have been mixed.What this study adds to existing knowledge: The current study looks at multiple neuromuscular and biomechanical variables in male and female participants at different maturation statuses. The current data supports the significant changes observed in strength and jump height, as both genders age, but the data also demonstrates significant differences in balance between age groups in males and between genders in balance and knee flexion angles.

Reliability of five trunk flexion and extension endurance field-based tests in high school-aged adolescents: ISQUIOS programme

ABSTRACT This study aimed to explore the inter-session reliability of the measures obtained from 2 trunk extension (Biering-Sorensen and Dynamic Extensor Endurance (DEE) tests) and 3 trunk flexion (Ito, Side Bridge and Bench Trunk Curl-Up (BTC) tests) endurance field-based tests in adolescents. A total of 208 (males, n = 100; females, n = 108) adolescents performed all the field-based tests on 2 separate testing sessions, 7-days apart. The inter-session reliability scores were explored through relative reliability, inter-session differences and precision of measurements. Most of the trunk endurance measures demonstrated acceptable relative reliability (the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) ranged from 0.75 to 0.94). However, significant inter-session differences were identified for measures from the DEE and BTC tests. Likewise, the precision of the measurement of each field-based test was poor (the the standard error of measurement expressed as a percentage of the mean score (CVTE) ranged from 11.3 to 24.4%) with the minimal detectable change (MDC95) revealing that changes higher than 42% for trunk extension endurance tests and 31.4% for trunk flexion endurance tests after an intervention are required to indicate a significant change above measurement error. Therefore, the findings from this study indicate that only the BTC test demonstrates acceptable inter-session reliability (ICC > 0.9, CVTE ~ 10%, MDC95 ~ 30%) to monitor the changes in trunk endurance scores that may be expected in adolescents after performing an intervention programme.