Flexor Endurance Research Articles

Examination of the Effect of Short-term Whole Body Vibration Training on Flexibility, Endurance and Dynamic Balance In Healthy Young People: A Randomized Controlled Study

Objective: To investigate the effect of short-term (3 weeks) whole body vibration training (WBVT) in healthy young people. Materials and Methods: Seventy six healthy individuals (mean age=22.55±1.22 years, 41 females and 35 males) were included in the study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups as WBVT group (n=41) and control group (n=35). WBVT, consisting of 14 exercises for the trunk and lower extremities, was applied to the WBVT group 3 times a week for 3 weeks. The control group did not receive any training. Flexibility, lower extremity endurance, trunk endurance and dynamic balance respectively; measured with sit and reach test, sit and stand test, Biering Sorensen tests, lateral bridge and shuttle, Y balance test. All measurements were made at baseline and at the end of the 3rd week. Results: After 3 weeks, in WBVT group, curl up test (p=0.023), chair stand test (p=0.015) and Y balance test were perfomed on right anterior (p=0.003), right posteromedial (p=0.001), right posterolateral (p=0.001), left anterior (p=0.001), left posterolateral (p=0.000), and left posteromedial (p=0.000) aspects were significant. In the control group, the results in the right anterior (p=0.019) and left anterior (p=0.025) aspects of the Y balance test were significant. When the delta values were compared, the difference in the right (p=0.018) and left (p=0.006) posterolateral directions of the Y balance test; it was significant in favor of the WBVT group. Conclusion: It was observed that short-term whole body vibration training had positive effects on trunk flexor endurance and dynamic balance in healthy young people. New insights into the use of musculoskeletal rehabilitation and sports training programs can be provided by WBVT. Further studies are needed to examine the effectiveness of whole-body vibration training by comparing different loads, volumes and types.

Sağlıklı kadınlarda klinik Pilates egzersizlerinin fiziksel uygunluk ve psikososyal parametreler üzerine etkilerinin incelenmesi

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of supervised and home-based clinical Pilates exercises on physical fitness, psychosocial status, and exercise beliefs in healthy women. Methods: Thirty-eight healthy women (mean age=29.95±7.16 years) were divided into two groups: supervised group (N=19) and home-based group (N=19). Physical fitness was assessed with modified push-up, sit-up, sit to stand, anterior plank, lateral plank, Biering-Sorensen, trunk flexors endurance, timed up and go and 6-min walking tests. Body composition was assessed with body mass index and waist to hip ratio. Psychosocial status was assessed with Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Body Image Scale and Exercise Beliefs Questionnaire. Both groups completed a 24-session exercise program for 8 weeks, 3 days a week. Results: After the program, a significant improvement was seen in the modified push-up, sit-up, sit to stand, anterior plank, lateral plank, Biering-Sorensen, trunk flexors endurance tests with SAAS, RSES and Exercise Beliefs Questionnaire scores in the supervised group (p<0.05). In the home-based group, significant improvement was achieved in the modified push-up, sit-up, anterior plank, trunk flexors endurance tests with Exercise Beliefs Questionnaire scores (p<0.05). Comparing delta values, it was observed that there was a significant difference in the sit to stand and anterior plank tests with the Exercise Beliefs Questionnaire scores in favor of the supervised group (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was seen that clinical Pilates exercises, both supervised and home-based, similarly increased endurance and muscle strength, as well as positively affected participants’ perspectives on exercise in healthy women. In addition, clinical Pilates exercises performed under supervision made a difference in both lower extremity strength evaluated by sit to stand test and endurance results evaluated by anterior plank test.

Relationship between Cross-Sectional Area and Function of Core Muscles: An MRI Study

Background Particular attention has been paid to the core muscles because they serve as a muscular corset that works as a unit to stabilize the body and spine. Training programs for improving core stability often target improving core strength and endurance. Increased muscle size is also an expected effect of training programs. However, the relationship between core muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and strength, stability, and clinical core test scores has not been identified. Purpose To investigate the relationship between core muscle CSA and muscle functions (strength, endurance, and stability). Study design A cross-sectional study Methods Fifty healthy participants (24 men, 26 women) participated in this study. The CSA of core muscle was measured using MRI. Maximal isometric trunk flexor strength, endurance, the score of double leg loading test were used to measure core muscle function. The relationship between core muscle CSA and muscle function was examined by Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Spearman rho correlation coefficient. Results Maximal isometric trunk flexor strength and side bridge strength were positively correlated with core muscle CSA. The isometric endurance test scores also showed a positive correlation with core muscle CSA except for the score of trunk flexor endurance test. Conclusions Only core strength showed moderate to excellent correlation with core muscle CSA. These findings indicate that core training to achieve muscle hypertrophy could lead to improved core strength but not core endurance.

A comparison of lumbopelvic muscle endurance, stability, mobility, and respiratory functions in children and adolescents with and without nocturnal enuresis

BackgroundPostural deterioration, delayed maturation, and accompanying respiratory diseases in children and adolescents with nocturnal enuresis have been reported in previous studies. This study aimed to compare lumbopelvic muscle endurance, stability, mobility, and respiratory functions in children and adolescents with and without nocturnal enuresis. MethodsChildren and adolescents with (n:25, nocturnal enuresis group) and without nocturnal enuresis (n:29, control group) were included. The bladder and bowel dysfunctions with the Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Questionnaire and voiding diary, lumbopelvic muscle endurance with the McGill trunk muscle endurance tests, lumbopelvic stability with the Sahrmann test, lumbopelvic mobility with the Modified Schober test, and respiratory function with a spirometer were assessed. Independent samples t-test, Mann Whitney U test, and Chi-square tests were used for analysis. FindingsTrunk flexor (p = 0.043), extension (p = 0.045), and right (p = 0.008) and left lateral flexion endurance test scores (sec) (p = 0.005), the Sahrmann test score (p = 0.005), and Modified Schober test (p < 0.001) results were lower in the nocturnal enuresis group compared to the control group. However, there were no differences between groups in terms of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (p = 0.415), forced vital capacity (p = 0.522), forced expiratory volume in 1 s/ forced vital capacity (p = 0.970), and peak expiratory flow values (p = 0.495). InterpretationThe children and adolescents with nocturnal enuresis had lower lumbopelvic muscle endurance, stability, and mobility compared to those without nocturnal enuresis; however, the respiratory functions were similar. The lumbopelvic structure changes may be taken into consideration for the management of nocturnal enuresis.

The Effect of Eight Weeks of Exercises Based on Prayer Movements on Pain and Endurance of Trunk Flexor and Extensor Muscles in Patients with Non-Specific Chronic Back Pain

The Effect of Eight Weeks of Exercises Based on Prayer Movements on Pain and Endurance of Trunk Flexor and Extensor Muscles in Patients with Non-Specific Chronic Back Pain

CORE STABILITY EXERCISE OUTWEIGHS SURYA NAMASKAR YOGA IN IMPROVING ABDOMINAL MUSCLE ENDURANCE AMONG STUDENTS OF YOGA AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT OF UHN I GUSTI BAGUS SUGRIWA DENPASAR

A reduced level of physical activity can cause a decline in core muscle endurance, one of which is abdominal muscle endurance. Abdominal muscle endurance plays a crucial role to support daily physical activity. Abdominal muscle endurance can be enhanced through physical exercises such as surya namaskar yoga and core stability exercise. This study aims to examine the difference in the effect of surya namaskar yoga and core stability exercise in improving abdominal muscle endurance among students of the yoga and health department at UHN I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa Denpasar. This study is an experimental study using a randomized pre- and post-test control group design. The subjects of this study were 12 students, which were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 received surya namaskar yoga and Group 2 received core stability exercise. Abdominal muscle endurance was measured using the flexor endurance muscle test. Based on the results of the independent t-test, there was a difference in the average abdominal muscle endurance after treatment between groups, with p-value = 0.008 (p &lt;0.05), where the Mean of increase in abdominal muscle endurance in Group 1 was 20.16 ± 0.75, while in Group 2, it was 32.00 ± 2.09. Therefore, core stability exercise outweighs surya namaskar yoga in improving abdominal muscle endurance among students of yoga and health department of UHN I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa, Denpasar.

Effects of Neurodynamic Mobilization on Health-Related Quality of Life and Cervical Deep Flexors Endurance in Patients of Cervical Radiculopathy: A Randomized Trial.

Purpose Cervical radiculopathy is disorder of cervical spinal nerve root affecting large number of population. Previously many studies are conducted to design suitable protocol for management of this disorder, but they lack in quality. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of neural mobilization and cervical isometrics on health-related quality of life and deep flexors endurance in cervical radiculopathy. Methods A double-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Eighty-eight patients within the age range of 35-50 years were included in the study after taking their consent. In the experimental group (n = 44), median nerve mobilization was applied along with cervical isometric exercises. The control group (n = 44) performed cervical isometric exercises alone. Muscle endurance was measured by craniocervical flexion test and quality of life on 36 items short form health survey SF-36 scale. Measurements were taken at baseline, at 2nd week, and at 4th week. For missing data, intention-to-treat analysis was used. Results Within-group comparison with Friedman test showed a significant difference between pre, mid, and posttreatment scores on craniocervical flexion test and in all domains of SF 36 in both groups. While between-group comparison with Mann–Whitney U test showed all variables were similar at baseline but after 4 weeks there was a statistically significant improvement in craniocervical flexion test scores and all domains of SF 36 in the experimental group. But domain of pain showed mean rank of 49.43 after 4 weeks in the experimental group and 39.57 in the control group with p = 0.065 and d = 0.579, while for all the other 7 domains values were p < .05 and d > 0.25. Conclusion Neural mobilization combined with cervical isometrics shows significant effects in improving quality of life and deep flexors endurance in patients with cervical radiculopathy than cervical isometrics alone.

Functional Performance, Leg Muscle Strength, and Core Muscle Endurance in Multiple Sclerosis Patients With Mild Disability: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship of sit-to-stand and walking performance with leg muscle strength and core muscle endurance in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) with mild disabilities. In this study, 49 PwMS (Expanded Disability Status Scale score = 1.59 ± 0.79) and 26 healthy controls were enrolled. The functional performances, including sit-to-stand and walking performances, were evaluated with the five-repetition sit-to-stand test, timed up and go test, and 6-min walking test. The PwMS finished significantly slower five-repetition sit-to-stand, timed up and go, and 6-min walking test than the healthy controls. In addition, the significant contributors were the weakest trunk lateral flexor endurance for five-repetition sit-to-stand; the Expanded Disability Status Scale score, and the weakest hip adductor muscle for timed up and go; the weakest hip extensor muscles strength for 6-min walking test. The functional performances in PwMS, even with mild disabilities, were lower compared with healthy controls. Decreases in both leg muscle strength and core muscle endurance are associated with lower functional performance in PwMS.

Student-Athlete Burnout: A Division I Women’s Soccer Coach’s Perspective

The importance of resistance training (Conley &amp; Pennington, 2022; Pennington, 2020) cardiovascular fitness (Pennington, 2015; 2016), and anaerobic power (Pennington, 2014) cannot be overstated for individuals enlisted in our country’s armed forces. The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is the new branch wide fitness test designed to replace the outdated Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) (USAPHC TG 358, n.d.). The APFT was implemented in 1980 as the measure of Service Member (SM) fitness. However, this test is very limited in scope and failed to tell unit commanders how ready their SMs were for the rigors of a combat environment (US Army ACFT Field Testing Manual, n.d.). The APFT was a gender-based test that consisted of three events: a two-minute pushup evaluation to measure upper body endurance. The second event was a two-minute sit up evaluation to measure core and hip flexor endurance. While the final evaluation was a two-mile timed run, which was designed to test aerobic endurance and leg endurance. This test was simple to set up and administer but, it was not a good metric to judge SM’s actual fitness in a combat environment. If a SM had good endurance than he or she would max the test with ease. This is not a complete reflection of what is required in a combat environment. In a combat environment the SM will be loaded down with a rifle, helmet, rucksack, plate carrier, water, and ammo which often exceeds 80 pounds. The new ACFT which is still being implemented into the forces as of the writing of this paper is a much better test as it has more events to it which measure soldier strength and ability to move while under load.

The effects of clinical pilates training on disease-specific indices, core stability, and balance in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of clinical Pilates training on disease-specific indices, core stability, and balance in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. MethodsAS patients were randomly assigned to either the Pilates group (PG) or control group (CG). The PG participated in Pilates training 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Patients in the CG were instructed to follow a home exercise program for 8 weeks. Assessments were performed before and after the interventions. BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, and the AS Quality of Life (ASqOL) questionnaire were used were used to evaluate disease activity, functionality spinal mobility and quality of life respectively. Static core endurance was assessed with trunk flexor, extensor endurance, and lateral bridge tests, while dynamic core endurance was assessed using modified sit-up test. Balance was evaluated with bilateral and unilateral stance static postural stability (PS), bilateral stance dynamic PS and limits of stability (LOS) tests using the Biodex Balance System. ResultsTwenty-one patients in the PG and 21 patients in the CG completed the study. PG showed statistically significant improvements in BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, and ASQoL scores, all core endurance tests, and dynamic PS and LOS results. The CG demonstrated significant improvement only in flexor endurance and LOS results. Post-intervention BASDAI, BASMI, and all core endurance tests were significantly better in the PG than in the CG (p < 0.05). ConclusionPilates training has positive effects on disease activity and functional capacity, spinal mobility, core endurance, balance, and quality of life in AS patients. Clinicaltrials.gov identifierNCT04292028.

Evaluation of Cervical Endurance by Craniocervical Flexion Test in Patients with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: A Preliminary Study

Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate deep cervical flexor endurance in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) and compare it with norm values proven in the literature in asymptomatic individuals. &#x0D; Materials and Methods: The patients’ age, weight, height, duration of complaints and dominant side information were recorded. 35 patients (25 female, 10 male) diagnosed with SIS by physicians participated in the study. Pain intensity was evaluated by numerical rating scale at rest, during elevation and at night. Craniocervical flexion test (CFT) is used for evaluating cervical endurance. “Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback” device is used for this test. Two types of points are obtained as a result of this test. One is the CFT activation score, which expresses the activation level of the deep cervical muscles, and the other is the CFT performance index, which expresses the endurance of the deep cervical muscles. &#x0D; Results: Both the activation score (3.9±1.9) and the performance index (31.4±14.2) of CFT were significantly different in patients with SIS when compared with those of asymptomatic individuals.&#x0D; Conclusion: Cervical endurance is reduced in patients with SIS. Treatments including cervical stabilization should be planned in these patients.

Fat Infiltration of Multifidus Muscle Is Correlated with Neck Disability in Patients with Non-Specific Chronic Neck Pain.

Background: Chronic non-specific neck pain (CINP) is common, but the etiology remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship between cervical muscle composition (cervical multifidus and longus capitis/longus colli), morphometry, range of movement, muscle function, and disability severity (Neck Disability Index) in patients with CINP. Methods: From September 2020 to July 2021, subjects underwent cervical MRI and clinical tests (cervical range of motion, cranio-cervical flexion test, neck flexor, and extensor muscle endurance). MRI analysis comprised muscle cross-sectional area, volume, and fat infiltration of multifidus and longus colli between C4 and C7 levels. Results: Twenty-five participants were included. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that NDI was positively correlated with the volume percentage of fat infiltration of the multifidus (B = 0.496), negatively correlated with fat-free muscle volume of the multifidus normalized by subject height (B = −0.230), and accounted for 32% of the variance. There was no relationship between neck disability and longus capitis/longus colli morphology. We also found no relationship between neck disability scores, neck flexor or extensor muscle endurance, or the outcome motor control test of craniocervical flexion (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Neck disability was moderately correlated with the percentage of fat volume in the multifidus muscle and fat-free volume of the multifidus. There was no relationship between NDI scores and muscle function test outcomes or any fat or volume measures pertaining to the longus colli muscle.

Effects of a Home-Based Exercise Program on Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Fitness in Dementia Caregivers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Regular exercise can be an effective health-promotion strategy to improve the physical and mental health of informal caregivers. A randomized controlled trial study was designed to evaluate the effects of a 9-month home-based exercise intervention on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and physical fitness in female family caregivers of persons with dementia. Fifty-four female caregivers were randomly assigned to two groups for the 9-month study period. Participants of the intervention group (n = 25) performed two 60-min exercise sessions per week at home, under the direct supervision of a personal trainer. Participants in the control group (n = 23) continued their habitual leisure-time activities. HRQoL was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire, and physical fitness was measured using a battery of appropriate fitness tests. After 9 months, significant improvements were observed in general health, social function, vitality, hand and leg strength, trunk flexor and extensor endurance, and aerobic endurance in the intervention group. The present intervention was highly adherent and safe for the participants, with no dropout related to the intervention. As a home-based exercise program conducted by a personal trainer face to face, it can be considered as a feasible and appropriate method to improve the most deficient HRQoL dimensions and contribute to preserving the functional capacity of female family caregivers of persons with dementia.

Is the Side Bridge Test Valid and Reliable for Assessing Trunk Lateral Flexor Endurance in Recreational Female Athletes?

Simple SummaryAlthough the side bridge test has been widely used for assessing trunk lateral flexor endurance in sport, clinical, and scientific settings, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study has analyzed its validity and reliability in an only female population. The surface electromyography of eight abdominal, back, shoulder and hip muscles was measured during the test to analyze its validity. A one-week test-retest design was performed to evaluate its reliability. No significant differences were found between the trunk lateral flexors and the deltoids. The study data showed that the test performance could be significantly predicted by external oblique and deltoid normalized median frequency slopes and by body mass and trunk height. Based on the results of this study, the shoulder muscle activation and fatigue and the individuals’ anthropometric characteristics, especially the mass, played an important role in the side bridge test performance, which questions the validity of this multi-joint test to specifically assess trunk lateral flexor endurance. In addition, although the side bridge test showed a good data consistency, its intra-subject variability was high, which reduces its utility when small intra-subject changes in muscle endurance are important (e.g., elite sport).The side bridge test (SBT) is one of the most popular tests to assess isometric trunk lateral flexor endurance. The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the SBT in healthy females. Twenty-four (24.58 ± 3.92 years) physically active (1–2 h of moderate physical activity, 2–3 times a week) females voluntarily participated in this study. The surface electromyography (EMG) of eight abdominal, back, shoulder and hip muscles was measured during the SBT. Normalized median frequency slopes (NMFslope) were calculated to analyze the muscle fatigue. The EMG amplitudes were normalized to maximum EMG values to assess muscle activity intensity. A one-week test-retest design was performed to evaluate the SBT reliability through the ICC3,1 and typical error. Higher NMFslopes and normalized EMG amplitudes were found in deltoids, abdominal obliques, rectus abdominis, and erector spinae in comparison to latissimus dorsi, gluteus medius, and rectus femoris. However, no significant differences were found between the trunk lateral flexors and the deltoids. Linear regression analysis showed that SBT performance could be significantly predicted by external oblique and deltoid NMFslope (adjusted R2 = 0.673) and by body mass and trunk height (adjusted R2 = 0.223). Consistency analysis showed a high intraclass correlation coefficient (0.81) and a relatively high typical error (10.95 s). Despite the good relative reliability of the SBT, its absolute reliability was low and its validity questionable, as the shoulder muscle activation and fatigue and the individuals’ anthropometric characteristics played an important role in SBT performance.

Correlation of Intensity of Pain, Functional Disability and Deep Neck Flexor Endurance in Individual with Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain: An Observational Study

Background: Musculoskeletal deficits of the craniocervical region play an important role in causing various cervical disorders. Cervical disorders and neck pain are almost as prevalent as low back pain and like low back pain; in most of the cases it is difficult to determine the actual cause of neck pain hence it is regarded as “non-specific neck pain”. This study was conducted to determine the correlation between deep neck flexor endurance, the intensity of pain, and functional disability in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on twenty individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain. Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Craniocervical Flexion Test (CCFT) were used to measure neck pain intensity, neck disability, and deep neck flexor endurance respectively. The correlation was found using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient test. Result: The results showed that there was a positive correlation found between NPRS and NDI, and CCFT has negative correlations with NPRS and NDI respectively. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the lesser deep neck flexor endurance corresponded to greater neck pain intensity and disability. Keywords: cervical spine, neck disability index, neck pain, craniocervical flexion test, deep neck flexors endurance, correlation.

Videoconference-Based Physical Performance Tests: Reliability and Feasibility Study.

Validated tools to evaluate physical performance remotely with real-time supervision are lacking. We assessed test–retest and inter-rater reliability, as well as the feasibility of carrying out the five-repetition sit-to-stand (5RSTS), kneeling push-up (KPU) and Shirado–Ito trunk flexor endurance (SIF) tests by 1:1 real-time videoconference. We also evaluated the correlation of these tests with measures of self-reported physical fitness, physical activity, health state and pain. A total of 96 healthy adults participated in the study (18–65 years). Relative and absolute reliabilities were assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM), respectively. Feasibility outcomes included testing duration, participant acceptability (1–5 Likert scale) and presence of adverse events. Self-reported measures were obtained with validated online questionnaires, and correlations were analyzed with Pearson’s partial correlation coefficients controlling for age. ICCs were excellent (>0.9), and SEMs were generally low (2.43–16.21%). The mean duration of all tests was <5 min, mean acceptability was ≥4.5, and adverse events were few. The KPU showed statistically significant correlations with various self-reported measures (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the 5RSTS, KPU and SIF were reliable and feasible when conducted by 1:1 real-time videoconference. This study provides a tool that could be logistically and economically advantageous.

Effects of Forearm Compression Sleeves on Muscle Hemodynamics and Muscular Strength and Endurance Parameters in Sports Climbing: A Randomized, Controlled Crossover Trial.

Purpose: Wearing compression garments is a commonly used intervention in sports to improve performance and facilitate recovery. Some evidence supports the use of forearm compression to improve muscle tissue oxygenation and enhance sports climbing performance. However, evidence is lacking for an effect of compression garments on hand grip strength and specific sports climbing performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immediate effects of forearm compression sleeves on muscular strength and endurance of finger flexor muscles in sports climbers. Materials and Methods: This randomized crossover study included 24 sports climbers who performed one familiarization trial and three subsequent test trials while wearing compression forearm sleeves (COMP), non-compressive placebo forearm sleeves (PLAC), or no forearm sleeves (CON). Test trials consisted of three performance measurements (intermittent hand grip strength and endurance measurements, finger hang, and lap climbing) at intervals of at least 48 h in a randomized order. Muscle oxygenation during hand grip and finger hang measurements was assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy. The maximum blood lactate level, rate of perceived exertion, and forearm muscle pain were also determined directly after the lap climbing trials. Results: COMP resulted in higher changes in oxy[heme] and tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) during the deoxygenation (oxy[heme]: COMP –10.7 ± 5.4, PLAC –6.7 ± 4.3, CON –6.9 ± 5.0 [μmol]; p = 0.014, ηp 2 = 0.263; StO2: COMP –4.0 ± 2.2, PLAC –3.0 ± 1.4, CON –2.8 ± 1.8 [%]; p = 0.049, ηp 2 = 0.194) and reoxygenation (oxy [heme]: COMP 10.2 ± 5.3, PLAC 6.0 ± 4.1, CON 6.3 ± 4.9 [μmol]; p = 0.011, ηp 2 = 0.274; StO2: COMP 3.5 ± 1.9, PLAC 2.4 ± 1.2, CON 2.3 ± 1.9 [%]; p = 0.028, ηp 2 = 0.225) phases of hand grip measurements, whereas total [heme] concentrations were not affected. No differences were detected between the conditions for the parameters of peak force and fatigue index in the hand grip, time to failure and hemodynamics in the finger hang, or performance-related parameters in the lap climbing measurements (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Forearm compression sleeves did not enhance hand grip strength and endurance, sports climbing performance parameters, physiological responses, or perceptual measures. However, they did result in slightly more pronounced changes of oxy [heme] and StO2 in the deoxygenation and reoxygenation phases during the hand grip strength and endurance measurements.

Bruegger's exercises vs deep cervical flexor training in asymptomatic participants with forward head posture: a randomised controlled trial

Background/Aims Forward head posture is the most frequent postural deviation in typically healthy individuals and is associated with rounding of the shoulders. Prevention should be considered when it is at the asymptomatic stage by screening and early exercise intervention. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of Bruegger's exercises compared to deep cervical flexor training in asymptomatic participants with forward head posture. Methods This randomised controlled trial included 51 participants with asymptomatic forward head posture, who were allocated to one of three groups. One group undertook Bruegger's exercises with an elastic resistance band, another group performed deep cervical flexor training with a pressure biofeedback unit and the control group performed isometric neck exercises. Outcomes measured were the craniovertebral angle, the craniocervical flexion endurance test and the Pectoralis Minor Index, which were assessed at baseline on day 1 and at the end of the 3-week intervention. Follow-up assessment was undertaken for craniovertebral angle at 6 and 9 weeks from day 1 of the intervention. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, analysis of variance and the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results All three groups showed improvements in craniovertebral angle and the craniocervical flexion endurance test when compared between pre- and post-intervention. Only those in the Bruegger's exercises group showed an increase in the length of the pectoralis minor according to the Pectoralis Minor Index. Deep cervical flexor muscle endurance increased significantly (P&lt;0.0002) for those in the Bruegger's exercises group and deep cervical flexor training group. At the end of the intervention (week 3) (P&lt;0.0205) and follow up at week 9 (P&lt;0.0029), individuals in the Bruegger's exercises group had maintained the craniovertebral angle correction for longer than those in the deep cervical flexor training and control group. Conclusions Bruegger's exercises with an elastic resistance band was found to be an effective intervention exercise to correct posture from head to scapula and can be included in the treatment of patients with postural head and neck issues.

Effects of Static and Dynamic Exercises on Core Muscle Strength and Endurance

Background. Rehabilitation research is currently focused on the effects of exercise on patients with acute or chronic low back pain. However, there is a lack of preventive research investigating the effects of dynamic and static exercises on the strength and endurance of the core stability muscle in individuals engaged in leisure-time non-professional sports activities.&#x0D; The aim. To determine the effect of static and dynamic muscle exercises on core stability muscle strength and endurance.&#x0D; Methods. The study involved 12 volunteers (20–30 years old) engaged in leisure-time non-professional sports activities that did not experience back pain. Two groups were formed: the first (n = 7), in which the subjects performed static exercises, and the second (n = 5), in which the subjects performed dynamic exercises. The strength and endurance of the core flexor and extensor muscles were assessed at the beginning and end of the study. The study lasted 5 weeks. Exercise sessions were held 3 times a week for 20–30 minutes.&#x0D; Results. Strength and endurance of the core flexor and extensor muscles significantly increased in both groups. Comparing the effects of static and dynamic exercises on core flexor and extensor muscle strength and endurance, a statistically significant difference was observed in the change in core extensor muscle strength.&#x0D; Conclusions. The strength and endurance of the core flexor and extensor muscles increased both after dynamic exercise and static exercise interventions. Core muscle strength increased more after the dynamic exercise intervention.&#x0D; Keywords: core stability, isometric strength, physical therapy, exercise, young individuals.&#x0D;

Optimization of an Intermittent Finger Endurance Test for Climbers Regarding Gender and Deviation in Force and Pulling Time.

Performance diagnostics of finger strength is very relevant in climbing. The aim of our study was to find modalities for an intermittent finger flexor muscle endurance test that optimize the correlation of test performance with lead climbing performance. Twenty-seven female and 25 male climbers pulled with 60% MVC and a work-to-rest ratio of 7:2 s on a fingerboard until fatigue. The highest correlations, R = 0.429, were found for women when 9% deviation in the required force and 1 s deviation in the required pulling time was tolerated. For men, the optimum was reached with the same time deviation and a force deviation of 6%, R = 0.691. Together with maximum finger strength the repetitions explained 31.5% of the variance of climbing ability in women and 46.3% in men. Consequences from our results are to tolerate at least 7% force deviation for women and 5% for men and to terminate the finger endurance test quickly after the force falls below the threshold.