Forearm Circumference Research Articles

The impact of maternal adiposity specialization on infant birthweight: upper versus lower body fat

BackgroundThe specialization of human fat deposits is an inquiry of special importance in the study of fetal growth. It has been theorized that maternal lower-body fat is designated specifically for lactation and not for the growth of the fetus. ObjectiveOur goal was to compare the contributions of maternal upper-body versus lower-body adiposity to infant birth weight. We hypothesized that upper-body adiposity would be strongly associated with infant birth weight and that lower-body adiposity would be weakly or negligibly associated with infant birth weight—after adjusting for known determinants. Study designIn this prospective cohort study, 355 women initiated medical pre-natal care during the first trimester of pregnancy at The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center during 1990–1993. Maternal anthropometric measurements were assessed at the first clinic visit: (a) height; (b) weight; (c) circumferences of the upper arm, forearm, and thigh; and, (d) skin-fold measurements of the bicep, subscapular region, and thigh. ResultsInfant birth weight was regressed on known major determinants to create the foundational model. Maternal anthropometric variables subsequently were added one at a time into this multiple regression model. The highest contribution by a single anthropometric variable to infant birthweight was, in order: subscapular skin-fold, forearm circumference, and thigh circumference. With one upper-body (subscapular skin-fold) and one lower-body (circumference of the thigh) adiposity measure in the model, the z-score regression coefficient (s.e.) was 85.7g (30.8) [p=0.0057] for maternal subscapular skin-fold and 19.0g (31.6) [p=0.5477] for circumference of the thigh. When the second-best upper-body contributor to infant birthweight (circumference of the forearm) was entered with one lower-body measure into the model, the z-score regression coefficient (s.e.) was 77.5g (38.5) [p=0.0451] for maternal forearm circumference and 14.1g (38.5) [p=0.7146] for circumference of the thigh. When both subscapular skinfold and forearm circumference were added to the model in place of BMI, the explained variance (r2=0.5478) was similar to the model using BMI (r2=0.5487). ConclusionUpper-body adiposity – whether operationalized by subscapular skin-fold or circumference of the forearm – was a markedly larger determinant of infant birth weight than lower-body adiposity.

Radiological and Clinical Evaluation of the Transosseous Cortical Button Technique in Distal Biceps Tendon Repair

One of the options to repair a ruptured distal biceps tendon to the radial tuberosity is by means of a transosseous cortical button. Although excellent functional outcomes have been reported, no studies have been performed to quantify the effect of the transosseous fixation technique on the radius. Our study evaluated the clinical outcome and radiological outcome of this technique. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the radiographic evolution of the bone tunnel in the radius. Patients with an acute distal biceps tendon rupture treated with a transosseous cortical button were invited to take part in the study. Fourteen patients were included in the final analysis. All patients were evaluated both clinically and by computed tomography scanning of the proximal radius after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Outcomes were recorded using the visual analog scale score for pain, the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores. Bone tunnel volume was measured with semiautomated computed tomography segmentation using image-processing software. There were no failures of fixation in the patient group examined. Elbow mobility, arm, and forearm circumference were symmetric for all patients. Average visual analog scale for pain was less than 2. Mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score and Mayo Elbow Performance Score were 2.3 and 97.6, respectively. Computed tomography images showed an average closure of the radial bony tunnel of 64% of the initial volume. Biceps tendon repair with cortical button fixation only shows partial tunnel closure. This could reduce the risk of potential complications due to osteolysis, such as radius fracture or hardware failure. Functional results were excellent and comparable to other fixation methods. The role of interference screws in transosseous cortical button techniques to strengthen the repair and to avoid osteolysis may therefore be questioned. Therapeutic IV.

An Open Source 3D-Printed Transitional Hand Prosthesis for Children

ABSTRACT Introduction Advancements in computer-aided design programs, additive manufacturing, and open-source image editing software offer the possibility of designing, printing, and fitting transitional prosthetic hands and other prosthetic devices at very low cost. The development and use of 3D-printed transitional prosthetic devices to increase range of motion (ROM), strength, and other relevant variables would have a significant clinical impact for children with upper-limb deficiencies. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify anthropometric, active ROM, and strength changes after 6 months of using a wrist-driven 3D-printed transitional prosthetic hand for children with upper-limb deficiencies. Materials and Methods Anthropometric, active ROM, and strength measurements were assessed before and after 6 months of using a 3D-printed transitional hand prosthesis. Five children (two girls and three boys, 3–10 years of age) with absent digits (one traumatic and four congenital) participated in this study and were fitted with a 3D-printed transitional hand prosthesis. Results There were significant hand × time interactions for the forearm circumference (p = 0.02), active ROM for flexion (p = 0.02), and extension values (p = 0.04). There were no significant hand × time interactions, however, for wrist flexion strength (p = 0.29), wrist extension strength (p = 0.84), active ROM for ulnar deviation (p = 0.5), active ROM for radial deviation (p = 0.25), and forearm skinfold values (p = 0.11). Conclusion Although durability, environment, and lack of printing standards for the manufacturing of 3D-printed prostheses are factors to consider when using these types of devices, the practicality and cost-effectiveness represent a promising new option for clinicians and those patients with upper-limb deficiencies living in developing countries. Thus, the Cyborg Beast transitional prosthetic hand represents a low-cost prosthetic solution for those in need of a transitional device to increase ROM and forearm circumference.

Vascular Access Effects on Motor Performance and Anthropometric Indices of Upper Extremities.

A decrement of upper extremity motor performance is a concern with vascular access creation. We analyzed differences in handgrip strength, tapping test and anthropometric indices of arms with and without vascular access (N = 87) and compared them to bilateral differences in control subjects (N = 140). Fistula harboring arms had weaker grip strength than contralateral arms of 2.7 kg and this difference was statistically marginally larger than the difference between non-dominant and dominant arms in controls of 1.6 kg (mean difference 1.1 kg, P = 0.06). No difference in the magnitude of inferiority of fistula arms compared to control non-dominant arms was present in the tapping test. Absolute results of both motor tests on any side were significantly worse in dialysis patients. Although weaker and slower, fistula arms showed larger mean upper-arm and forearm circumferences of 0.4-0.6 cm. Our results show no significant negative effect of arteriovenous access on motor performance of upper extremities.

24-channel transcutaneous electrical sensory stimulation of the forearm: Effects on cognitive performance and autonomic arousal compared with single-electrode stimulation

AbstractWe sought to establish the effects on cognitive performance and autonomic arousal of a multi-electrode transcutaneous electrical sensory stimulator compared with single-electrode stimulation. Progressing from a feasibility study (n = 10) to a repeated-measures, within-subject study (n = 67), healthy, right-handed participants (34 male, mean age 28 ± 11.5 yrs.) received four separate predictable (“lines” or “ring”) or unpredictable (“fly” or “random”) complex electrical stimulation patterns to the non-dominant forearm via 24 individually programmable electrodes, or single-electrode stimulation. During stimulation, participants in the main study performed a series of cognitively demanding tests or a two-point discrimination task and had their autonomic arousal (skin conductance response) monitored. Single-electrode “first felt” current intensity decreased from distal to proximal forearm, was positively correlated with forearm circumference and was lower in females. Single-electrode stimulation was a...

Distal biceps tendon repair: comparison of clinical and radiological outcome between bioabsorbable and nonabsorbable screws

Distal biceps tendon repair to the radial tuberosity can be conducted by means of an interference screw in combination with a transosseous button. Bioabsorbable interference screws have been associated with complications such as severe osteolytic reactions. We questioned whether patients with a distal biceps tendon repair with bioabsorbable poly-L-lactide (PLLA) screws had different functional, clinical, and radiologic outcome than patients with nonabsorbable poly-ether ether ketone (PEEK) screws. Between 2010 and 2014, 23 patients with an acute distal biceps tendon rupture were treated with reinsertion of the distal biceps tendon in a bone tunnel at the radial tuberosity through a single anterior incision using a transosseous button combined with an interference screw. A PLLA screw was used in 12 patients and a PEEK screw in 11 patients. All patients were retrospectively evaluated with a minimal follow-up of 1 year clinically and by means of the visual analog scale for pain, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome Measure score. Bone tunnel volume was measured with computed tomography segmentation. Elbow mobility and arm and forearm circumference were symmetric for all patients. The visual analog scale for pain was 0.2 in the PLLA group and 0.7 in the PEEK group. The Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score and Mayo Elbow Performance Score were 5.4 and 98.7 in the PLLA group vs. 3.1 and 95.9 in the PEEK group. Bone tunnel enlargement of 43% in the PLLA and 38% in the PEEK group was noted. Clinical and functional outcome at more than 1 year after distal biceps tendon repair was excellent in both groups. Bone tunnel widening occurred in all patients.

Handgrip strength as determinant of upper body strength/physical fitness: a comparative study among individuals performing gymnastics (ring athletes) and gymnasium (powerlifters)

Background: This study was conducted on two different exercising groups, that is, gymnasium (powerlifters) and gymnastics (ring users). Although the type of physical activity is different, but both of the groups require stamina and coordination of central nervous system and skeletal muscles. In the two groups, the muscle strength of the upper body is remarkable and the handgrip has to be effectual for holding rings (gymnastics) and weights (gymnasium). Also, the time for which the grip can be maintained, which determines the endurance of the individual, is vital. Objective: To find the difference in handgrip strength (HGS) and handgrip endurance (HGE) among the two physically active groups. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on a total of 75 subjects, divided into three groups of 25 each, namely, gymnastics, gymnasium, and control, that is, non-exercising group. Anthropometric hand measurements and skinfold thickness, forearm circumference, and forearm muscle were taken with HGS and HGE. Statistical analysis was then done to draw inference. Result: The study revealed statistically significantly high HGS and HGE in exercising group, in comparison to the control group, also the HGS was maximum in the gymnasium group (p < 0.0001). Moreover, the forearm circumference and the forearm muscle area were maximum (p < 0.0001) and the skin fold thickness was found to be the least in the gymnasium group. The study revealed positive correlation among HGS and HGE with forearm muscle mass. Thus, the study concluded the positive effect of physical activities on HGS and the weight training of the muscles increases their efficiency due to more acquisition of strength and development. Conclusion: In view of the fact that our day-to-day activities, right from household work, official work, to sports, require good HGS, a consistent assessment of handgrip forms an integral part of rehabilitation, not only to assess the strength of muscles involved in gripping but also to apply as a tool in rehabilitating patients with variable levels of hand injuries and in many clinical conditions such as diabetes. Also, in the field of sports, it affects the performance and, therefore, can be implemented as a useful parameter by the coach in their fitness and training program.

Anthropometric and body composition parameters of Kaduna and Rivers State women aged 18–30 years

Differences in anthropometry and body composition in populates arising from ecological habitat has been documented in several studies. The study attempted to evaluate the differences between the anthropometric and body composition parameters in young women of Kaduna and Rivers State, Nigeria. The study involved young women, without physical deformities within the age range of 18–30 years (mean age 22.10 ± 2.62 and 22.55 ± 3.78 for Kaduna and Rivers women respectively) that are indigenes of Kaduna and Rivers State. The study was based on a cross-sectional sampling of 788 tertiary institution students (401women from Rivers State females and 387 Kaduna females). The following anthropometric variables were measured: weight to the nearest 0.1 kg and height to the nearest 0.5 cm using a stadiometer, limb circumferences, and body circumferences using a nonstretchable tape. Body composition parameters were measured using bioimpedance analyzer. Data obtained showed that limb circumferences of Kaduna women are signifi cantly higher than Rivers women (P < 0.000 for arm circumference, P < 0.01 for calf circumference, and P < 0.000 for forearm circumference) except for the thigh circumference. However, weight, height, iliac and tricep skinfold of women from Rivers State was signifi cantly higher than Kaduna women (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, and P < 0.05). Muscle mass, percentage body fat, basal metabolic rate, and metabolic age of Rivers women were signifi cantly higher than that of their Kaduna counterparts at a signifi cant level of P < 0.001, P < 0.05, P < 0.01, and P < 0.01, respectively. Rivers state women presented higher anthropometric variables and body composition parameters, but a lower limb circumference than their counterparts from Kaduna State. The difference in body composition could be tied to genetics and physiological variation that exists between individuals of a different population.

Physical exercises for breast cancer survivors: effects of 10 weeks of training on upper limb circumferences.

[Purpose] The aims of this study were to verify the effects on upper limb circumferences and total body extracellular water of 10 weeks of Nordic Walking (NW) and Walking (W), both alone and combined with a series of exercises created for breast cancer survivors, the ISA method. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty breast cancer survivors were randomly assigned to 4 different training groups and evaluated for upper limb circumferences, total body and extracellular water. [Results] The breast cancer survivors who performed NW, alone and combined with the ISA method, and Walking combined with the ISA method (but not alone) showed significantly reduced arm and forearm circumferences homolateral to the surgical intervention. [Conclusion] For breast cancer survivors, NW, alone and combined with the ISA method, and Walking combined with the ISA method should be prescribed to prevent the onset and to treat light forms of upper limb lymphedema because Walking training practiced alone had no significant effect on upper limb circumference reduction.

Valores normativos de la fuerza de puño en la población española en edad laboral. Influencia de las variables antropométricas de la mano y el antebrazo

ObjetivesTo determine in adult healthy subjects if some particular grip spans of a dynamometer have the same competence to reach the maximum handgrip strength and, if so, whether those optimal grip spans are related to anthropometric measures of hand and forearm. To examine the association between handgrip strength and anthropometric measures of hand and forearm, to recognize parameters defining better a subject's handgrip. Methods99 men and 103 women (age 20-60) were evaluated. Each hand was randomly tested on 10 trials using 5 grip spans with TKK dynamometer. The anthropometric measures taken were hand span, second, third and fourth fingers length, palm width, palm length, hand length, forearm length, forearm circumference and adductor pollicis longs thickness. ResultsWith only two grip spans (5,5-6cm in men, 5-5,5cm in women) attain more than 60% of the maximum handgrip strength. The optimal grip span and anthropometric measures of hand and forearm correlated only in women, not in men. Anthropometric parameters that best define handgrip strength were different in men and women, and between sides, but the value of r2 did not exceed 0,50 of the predictive ability in any case. ConclusionsTo obtain maximum grip strength is assumed to use middle positions of the dynamometer, but women need smaller openings than men. Using hand and forearm parameters, we do not get as good results as others using anthropometric parameters.

Sports anthropological and somatotypical comparison between young male shotputters and javelin throwers of different performance classes and recreational athletes

This study examines anthropometric and somatotypical differences between German male junior shot putters (n = 19) and javelin throwers (n = 19). Recreational athletes (n = 11) served as the control group (age range 16 – 23 years). Overall, the shot-putters were larger and had longer legs and arms as compared to the junior javelin throwers. For the smaller javelin throwers of the higher performance category shorter legs compared to the height of the hull were observed on average. There was a notably shorter leg of the spear throwers. The powerful javelin throwers had longer arms than the less powerful. For all anthropometric widths and depths, and the circumferences and the body weight, the junior shout putters achieved higher values than the spear throwers and recreational athletes. The skinfold thicknesses, the body fat mass and the BMI were highest among the shot putters. The shot putters had the highest values for endomorphy and pyknomorphia (Knussmann), on the other hand, the lowest values for ectomorphy. For the shot putters body height, shoulder width, hand width, foot width, chest circumference, minimal forearm circumference, calf circumference, arm span, plastic index and macrosomia were positively related to performance. Some skinfolds (calf, thigh) correlated negatively with the shot put distances. For the javelin throwers radiale, stylion, dactylion and ectomorphy correlated negatively with the throw widths, but the AKS index, the BMI, the Quetelet index, the Rohrer index, the Livi index, the Pelidisi index, the Broca index, mesomorphy, the metric index and plastic index correlated positively with the performance. The higher class shot putters of the present study achieved a mean somatotype of 2.9 – 5.6 – 1.1 and the higher class javelin throwers of 2.1 – 4.9 – 1.8. As the shot putters and the javelin throwers of the present investigation were rather young, there is still a significant development potential for the mesomorphic component in comparison to Olympians.

Predicting fat-free mass index and sarcopenia in assisted-living older adults

Age-related muscle loss, termed sarcopenia, has been linked to functional deficits and an increased risk of falling. Such risk is of alarming concern due to the high disability and mortality rates associated with falling in older adults. Our laboratory recently developed a prediction model for fat-free mass index (FFMI) and, subsequently, sarcopenia within a community-dwelling older adult population using functional measures that are easily accessible to clinicians. The purpose of this study was to (1) determine how our prediction model performed in an older and less mobile assisted-living population, and if performance of the model was poor; (2) to improve and modify our previous prediction model using data acquired from this unique population. Forty assisted-living older adults (10 males) aged 86.1 ± 6.2 years participated in the study. Each completed four questionnaires to examine their mental and physical health status and anxiety levels related to falling. Anthropometric, balance, strength, and gait tests were conducted. Fat-free mass values, determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis, were normalized by height to obtain FFMI. Using an algorithm proposed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People, FFMI along with grip strength and gait speed were used to identify sarcopenic individuals. FFMI was significantly correlated with sex, body mass index (BMI), circumference measures, handgrip strength, gait velocity, and measures of gait variability. The percentage of the variable variation explained by our previous model was reduced for a population of assisted-living older adults (R(2) of 0.6744 compared to the reported R(2) of 0.9272 for community-dwelling older adults; McIntosh et al. Age (Dordrecht, Netherlands), 2013). The prediction equation that accounted for the greatest variability of FFMI for the assisted living group included the independent variables of forearm circumference, BMI, handgrip strength, and variability of the double support time during gait (adjusted R(2) = 0.7950). This prediction model could be used by clinicians working in an assisted-living facility to identify individuals with reduced muscle mass and, once identified, aid with the planning and implementation of appropriate intervention strategies to attenuate the progression of additional muscle loss and improve quality of life.

Anthropometric characteristics of Indian volleyball players in relation to their performance level

The purpose of this study was to find out the differences in anthropometric characteristics of volleyball players in relation to their performance level (i.e., inter-university and inter-college). For this study, two hundred and forty (N=240) male volleyball players (inter-university level, N1=120, inter-college level, N2=120) of age ranging from 18-25 years were selected as subjects from various colleges and universities of North India. The purposive sampling technique was used to select the subjects. All subjects were assessed for height, weight, lengths, circumference and diameters. The independent samples t-test revealed that inter-university volleyball players had significantly higher height (p<0.05), weight (p<0.05), leg length (p<0.05), lower leg length (p<0.05) than inter-college volleyball players. However, inter-college volleyball players had significantly greater forearm length (p<0.05). The inter-university volleyball players also had significantly greater upper arm circumference (p<0.05), forearm circumference (p<0.05), thigh circumference (p<0.05) and calf circumference (p<0.05) than inter-college volleyball players. The inter-university volleyball players had significantly wider elbow diameter (p<0.05), shoulder diameter (p<0.05) and lesser hip diameter (p<0.05) than inter-college volleyball players. It is concluded that there were significant differences between inter-university and inter-college volleyball players with regard to anthropometric characteristics. Inter-university players showed better anthropometric measurements as compared to inter-college volleyball player

Application of alternative anthropometric measurements to predict metabolic syndrome

OBJECTIVE:The association between rarely used anthropometric measurements (e.g., mid-upper arm, forearm, and calf circumference) and metabolic syndrome has not been proven. The aim of this study was to assess whether mid-upper arm, forearm, calf, and waist circumferences, as well as waist/height ratio and waist-to-hip ratio, were associated with metabolic syndrome.METHODS:We enrolled 387 subjects (340 women, 47 men) who were admitted to the obesity outpatient department of Istanbul Medeniyet University Goztepe Training and Research Hospital between September 2010 and December 2010. The following measurements were recorded: waist circumference, hip circumference, waist/height ratio, waist-to-hip ratio, mid-upper arm circumference, forearm circumference, calf circumference, and body composition. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure plasma glucose, lipids, uric acid, insulin, and HbA1c.RESULTS:The odds ratios for visceral fat (measured via bioelectric impedance), hip circumference, forearm circumference, and waist circumference/hip circumference were 2.19 (95% CI, 1.30-3.71), 1.89 (95% CI, 1.07-3.35), 2.47 (95% CI, 1.24-4.95), and 2.11(95% CI, 1.26-3.53), respectively. The bioelectric impedance-measured body fat percentage correlated with waist circumference only in subjects without metabolic syndrome; the body fat percentage was negatively correlated with waist circumference/hip circumference in the metabolic syndrome group. All measurements except for forearm circumference were equally well correlated with the bioelectric impedance-measured body fat percentages in both groups. Hip circumference was moderately correlated with bioelectric impedance-measured visceral fat in subjects without metabolic syndrome. Muscle mass (measured via bioelectric impedance) was weakly correlated with waist and forearm circumference in subjects with metabolic syndrome and with calf circumference in subjects without metabolic syndrome.CONCLUSION:Waist circumference was not linked to metabolic syndrome in obese and overweight subjects; however, forearm circumference, an unconventional but simple and appropriate anthropometric index, was associated with metabolic syndrome and bioelectric impedance-measured visceral fat, hip circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio.

Forearm pressure distribution during ambulation with elbow crutches: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundIncreasing numbers of patients require permanent walking aids to maintain mobility. Current elbow crutches are not designed for long-term use, and overuse is often associated with hematoma formation and pain along the forearm. We therefore hypothesized that the highest pressures between the forearm and crutch cuff during walking and stance are located in the ulnar region and that the level of weight-bearing, forearm circumference and kinematic parameters influence peak pressure values and pressure distribution.MethodsTen healthy adults participated in a cross-sectional study. A pressure sensor array was attached to the forearm of each participant separating the forearm into four quadrants (lateral, ulnar, intermediate and medial). Measurements were taken during crutch gait and during partial and full weight-bearing stance. A three-dimensional motion analysis system with reflective markers attached to the subject’s body and to the crutches was used to obtain kinematic data.ResultsThe mean pressure on the forearm during crutch gait was 37.5 kPa (SD 8.8 kPa). Highest mean pressure values were measured in the ulnar (41.0 kPa, SD 9.6 kPa) and intermediate (38.0 kPa, SD 9.0 kPa) quadrants. The center of pressure was mainly located in an oblique lamellar area in these two quadrants. With increasing weight-bearing on the crutches during stance, we observed a shift of the peak pressures towards the ulnar quadrant. The circumference of the forearm correlated with the peak pressure in the medial and intermediate quadrants during crutch gait (P < 0.05). Peak pressures on the forearm showed a trend towards correlation with crutch abduction, but no association with other kinematic parameters was detected.ConclusionThe pressure load on the forearm during crutch-assisted gait is located predominantly over the ulna and may be linked to a range of secondary conditions caused by crutch use including hematoma formation and pain.

Study of correlation between hand circumference and Maximum Grip Strength (MGS)

Background: Testing the grip strength is a useful screening tool in managing chronic wrist pain. Normal hand grip strength is positively related to normal bone mineral density in postmenopausal women, with some researchers suggest that grip strength can be a screening tool for women at risk of osteoporosis. Grip strength is predictive of increased mortality from cardiovascular disease and from cancer in men. Aims & Objective: The objective of this study was to establish the correlations between anthropometric data like forearm circumference, hand circumference, and Body Mass Index (BMI) with maximal grip strength (MGS) in order to establish a simple model to predict normal MGS based on anthropometric measurements. Materials and Methods: Forty males and 40 females in the age group 17-19 years were recruited for the study. MGS was measured with a computerized Hand Dynamometer (AD Instrument, Australia). BMI, forearm circumference and hand circumference were measured. The circumference was measured by flexible measuring tape. Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was applied to evaluate the correlation. Results: There was a positive correlation between all anthropometric data and MGS in both males and females. The hand circumference had the strongest correlation with MGS in both males and females for right hand. However, the correlation was observed only in females for the left hand. Conclusion: Hand circumference is a good indicator to predict normal MGS than BMI and forearm circumference.

The effect of two different hand exercises on grip strength, forearm circumference, and vascular maturation in patients who underwent arteriovenous fistula surgery.

ObjectiveTo compare the effect of two different hand exercises on hand strength and vascular maturation in patients who underwent arteriovenous fistula surgery.MethodsWe recruited 18 patients who had chronic kidney disease and had undergone arteriovenous fistula surgery for hemodialysis. After the surgery, 10 subjects performed hand-squeezing exercise with GD Grip, and other 8 subjects used Soft Ball. The subjects continued the exercises for 4 weeks. The hand grip strength, pinch strength (tip, palmar and lateral pinch), and forearm circumference of the subjects were assessed before and after the hand-squeezing exercise. The cephalic vein size, blood flow velocity and volume were also measured by ultrasonography in the operated limb.ResultsAll of the 3 types of pinch strengths, grip strength, and forearm circumference were significantly increased in the group using GD Grip. Cephalic vein size and blood flow volume were also significantly increased. However, blood flow velocity showed no difference after the exercise. The group using Soft Ball showed a significant increase in the tip and lateral pinch strength and forearm circumference. The cephalic vein size and blood flow volume were also significantly increased. On comparing the effect of the two different hand exercises, hand-squeezing exercise with GD Grip had a significantly better effect on the tip and palmar pinch strength than hand-squeezing exercise with Soft Ball. The effect on cephalic vein size was not significantly different between the two groups.ConclusionThe results showed that hand squeezing exercise with GD Grip was more effective in increasing the tip and palmar pinch strength compared to hand squeezing exercise with soft ball.

Analysis on the Change of Hand Grip Strength as per the Circumference of Upper Arm and Forearm and the Muscle Activity of Upper Arm and Forearm as per the Duration of Gripping

Recently, people ’s interest in health are beingincreased and it is easily found in a fitness centerthat women show keen interest in muscle develop -ment and muscular strength as well as men. When it comes to the symbol of exerciser, you cant’beat the abdominal muscles, pectoralis muscle, firmarm muscle and broad shoulders. Everyone may havehis own reason for exercising. However, most ofexercisers try to make their arm muscle so firm as tobe exposed even with the clothes on it. And peopleestimate the arm strength generally with the girthof arm, that is, the extent of muscle thickness ofarm. The grip strength is the grasping power of handsand normally indicates the muscular strength ofmuscles of arm. The hand is a part of human bodythat is used frequently in activities of daily living andcarries out complex functions. The hand movementsare assorted into 3 big categories of clenching, pick -ing up and grasping. Making all these movementsrequires various kinds of element, among which thegrip strength comes under the most important ele -ment(1). The item of grip strength is indispensable to evalu -ate the hand function in the fields of orthopedics,rehabilitation medicine and industrial medicine. Notonly the muscles of hand are related to the gripstrength but also such muscles as flexor carpi radi-alis, flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor digitorum superfi-cialis, flexor pollicis longus, flexor hallucis brevis,flexor digiti minimi brevis, lumbricale andinterosseous muscle are related and the grip strengthappears as the result of cooperation among all theserelated muscles. Generally the grip strength isrecalled when people talk about the strength ofarm(2). The grip strength both of male and female starts togrow from the age of 10s and it reaches the top levelat the age of 30s to dwindle afterwards. The highestgrip strength of female in their 30s is weaker by43.31%, compared to that of male in their 30s andfemales are weaker by 39.67% than males when wecompare them in terms of overall average(3). The grip strength turns out to show the highest

Development of breast cancer-related lymphedema: is it dependent on the patient, the tumor or the treating physicians?

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (LE) is relatively common. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors involved in the development of this complication. This was a cross-sectional study of breast cancer patients treated at our Center between 2004 and 2009. A total of 515 patients were included. Lymphedema was defined as a mid-arm or forearm circumference difference between both limbs of 2cm or more. The incidence of LE in this population was 21.4%. Patients with a BMI of 25 or higher had a significantly higher risk of LE (p=0.002). The presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) (p=0.05) and the number of positive lymph nodes (LN) (p=0.001) were both associated with LE. Patients who underwent axillary dissection (AD) had a significantly higher incidence of LE than patients who had a sentinel LN biopsy (25 vs. 4.5%). Adjuvant radiotherapy was also a significant risk factor in patients who had a mastectomy (p=0.003). There are multiple risk factors for LE. Most of those factors can be influenced by early tumor detection. Early tumors are smaller with no LVI or axillary LN metastasis. They do not usually require AD or axillary radiotherapy, which are the strongest factors associated with the development of LE.

A comparison between male judo-kas and karate-kaswithin body composition and physical fitness

The purpose of the study was to compare the body composition and physical fitness between male judo-kas and karate-kas. The subjects were selected from the male Judokas and Karatekas of different colleges and training centers, who had participated last 2 years at Punjab state level competitions for this study. Ten (10) male Judokas and Karatekas from three different weight categories namely light weight, middle weight and heavy weight were selected as the subject for the study. Selected body composition such as Standing Height, Weight, HumerusBiepicondylar, Wrist Diameter, Femur Biepicondylar, Ankle Diameter, Upper arm Circumference, Forearm Circumference, Thigh Circumference, Calf Circumference, Bicep Skinfold, Forearm Skinfold, Suprailiac Skinfold, Subscapular Skinfold, Thigh Skinfold, Calf Skinfold and Physical fitness variables such as 50 meter Dash, Shuttle Run, Shot Put, 600 yards Run or Walk and Bend and Reach Test were presented to compare the male Judokas and Karatekas from three different weight categories namely light weight, middle weight and heavy weight. To see the significant difference of selected body composition and physical fitness variables among the male Judokas and Karatekas from three different weight categories namely light weight, middle weight and heavy weight, the analysis of “mean, standard deviation and t test” was applied at .05 level of significance. The judokas are found to be taller and having greater diameters and circumferences and leaner in all skinfolds except suprailiac skinfold. The karatekas found to be heavier and having greater upper arm and forearm circumferences and leaner in suprailiac skinfold than judokas. However, the Judokas have greater bone mass, muscle mass and less fat percentage than Karatekas. Further Judokas have more speed, coordinative ability and endurance than Karatekas.