Functional Performance Tests Research Articles

Age-Group Differences in the Performance of Selected Tests of Physical Function and Association With Lower Extremity Strength.

It is not known whether short functional performance tests used in aging research are appropriate for use in healthy older adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate age-group differences (sixth decade vs seventh decade) in selected functional performance tests and the association between lower extremity strength and functional performance. One hundred fifty-nine (18.2% [n = 29] male) healthy older adults (mean (standard deviation) age 60.4 (5.3) years), adults were recruited from the University of Limerick Campus Community. Knee extensor (KE) peak torque (PT) was assessed from a maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Subsequently, participants completed 10-m maximal and habitual gait speed tests, 5 repetition and 30-second chair rise tests, and a 900-m gait speed test. There was no difference in 10-m gait speed between those in the sixth and seventh decades (P > .05). Compared with the sixth decade, those in the seventh decade required an extra 39 seconds to complete 900 m, an extra 0.6 seconds to complete 5 chair rises and performed 2 fewer chair rises in a 30-second time period (P < .05). All tests had a weak association with KE strength (r = 0.226-0.360; P < .05), except for 900-m gait speed that had a moderate association (r = -0.537; P < .001). Our findings suggest that gait speed tests of 10 m or less cannot detect age-related difference in functional capacity when used in healthy older adults. Extended physical performance tests should be used in aging research on healthy older adults.

官庁施設におけるコミッショニングプロセス適用に関する実証的研究 （第4報）機能性能試験による室内環境評価

官庁施設におけるコミッショニングプロセス適用に関する実証的研究 （第4報）機能性能試験による室内環境評価

Evaluation of the Safety and the Influence of a W Whole Body Cryotherapy on the Level of Pain Perception and Functional Capacity of Patients at Different Age

Introduction: Whole body cryotherapy with kinesitherapy can potentially improve the everyday functioning of patients. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of whole body cryotherapy on the pain perception and functional efficiency of patients with pain syndromes in a different age and to assess the occurrence of adverse effects during treatment. Material and Methods: The study involved 40 patients with pain syndromes aged between 24 and 73 divided into 2 groups: group I (younger) up to 55 years old and group II (older) over 55 years old. The subjects underwent a series of 10 treatments of cryotherapy. The following tests were used to assess functional performance and pain: FTSST (Five Times Sit- to- Stand Test), TUG (Timed Up and Go Test), VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) Modified Pain Questionnaire according to Laitinen. Results: In the group I: the intensity of pain on the VAS scale was reduced after the first treatment (p=0.003); after a series of 10 treatments improvement in pain scales (VAS: p = 0.001, Laitinen Questionnaire: p = 0.002) and functional tests (TUG: p = 0.002, FTSST: p &lt;0.001) was obtained. In the group II: improvement in pain perception at VAS scale after first treatment (p = 0.01) was achieved and after a series of 10 treatments, functional improvement (TUG: p = 0.006, FTSST: p &lt;0.001) and in results in pain scales (VAS: p = 0.04, Laitinen questionnaire: p = 0.05) was obtained. Conclusions: Whole body cryotherapy with kinesitherapy contribute to the reduction of pain after only a single exposure, and after a series of 10 treatments occur to improve performance of functional tests. Cryotherapy may be associated with adverse effects, which are relatively rare, disappear quickly and do not endanger the life or health of patients. The age of patients has no significant effect on the final outcomes of therapy and on the occurrence of adverse effects.

Ice Water Immersion as an Additional Method in Physiology Recovery in the Sport

Objective: Soccer has a reduced overall recovery time. If these situations are not properly controlled they can cause the athlete chronic fatigue, an increase in delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and thus result in a decrease in athletic performance. There are several therapies that have attempted to improve athletic performance, decrease the percentage of injuries and results in soccer. Training and recovery instances are opportunities to find ways to address this issue. Understanding the physiology of recovery is essential to accelerate some processes, with the aim of shortening the times. Subjects: Cryotherapy could improve functional performance tests and decrease pain in soccer players. Our work design is an experimental prospective study. Method: Twenty subjects (10 experimental subjects and 10 control group subjects), between the ages of 17 and 23, who are members of a university men's soccer team, participated in the study. The following variables were controlled: power; the number of jumps, the average height of a jump in a 30-second continuous jump test, and DOMS perception through visual analog scale (VAS). Both groups shall be subjected to a more active recovery as well as elongation carried out by the coaching staff. In addition to this, the experimental group shall also be subjected to ice baths (42-47 °F) for three minutes. Results: We found significant statistical differences in the number of jumps and the power of the same in the control group, thus obtaining improvements. No significant differences were observed in either group for the average jump height and percentage yield variables. In the assessment of DOMS significant differences were observed, with a lower perception of DOMS seen in the experimental group. Conclusion: Ice baths provide favorable results in some aspects of the 30-second continuous jump test, decreasing the perception of leg pain and fatigue, and therefore they can be considered a valid alternative in the management of these athletes.

Bone and muscle specific circulating microRNAs in postmenopausal women based on osteoporosis and sarcopenia status.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNA molecules that fine tune posttranscriptional protein expression. Aging is accompanied by progressive declines in muscle mass and strength, and in bone mineral density (BMD). Although miRNAs in pathology have been extensively studied, the role of circulating miRNAs (c-miRNAs) in osteoporosis and sarcopenia has to date not been well understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in bone and muscle specific c-miRNAs in postmenopausal women based on their bone and muscle status, and to determine the associations between these specific c-miRNAs and muscle and bone variables. Seventy-five postmenopausal women aged 60 to 85 years old participated in this study. Body composition and BMD, functional performance tests (grip strength, gait speed, and countermovement jumps) were assessed. Levels of c-miRNAs (miR-1-3p, -21-5p, -23a-3p, -24-3p, -100-5p, -125b-5p, -133a-3p, -206) and bone turnover markers were analyzed. Statistically, there were no significant differences in specific c-miRNAs based on sarcopenia and osteoporosis status. However, fold changes of miR-21-5p (FC = 2.59) and -23a-3p (FC = 2.09) indicated upregulation and miR-125b-5p (FC = 0.46) indicated downregulation in the osteoporotic group compared to the non-osteoporotic group. The relative expression level of miR-125b-5p was significantly positively correlated with age (p < 0.05). The relative expression level of miR-21-5p was significantly negatively correlated with trochanter BMC (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the relative expression level of miR-23a-3p was significantly positively correlated with TRAP5b levels (p < 0.05). Although no statistical differences were found in target c-miRNAs based on muscle and bone status, our results indicate that there are biological differential expressions in some c-miRNAs between osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic individuals. Other circulating miRNAs need to be studied in the future.

Design and performance test of a batch system rotary vacuum dryer with a 50-liter capacity to dry basidiomycota classmushrooms

The community’s most common drying process is drying under the sun for at least two to three days, depending on the weather. Research aimed to resolve the weather dependency of this drying process by drying mushroom in the oven at 40-degrees Celsius and drying process using tray dryer under a vacuum condition and obtained optimum cap and stalk drying results at 60-degrees Celsius under 20 kPa vacuum pressure. However, the shelf drying process resulted in differences in the moisture content. To resolve this problem, a dryer that can operate at a low temperature by vacuuming. The objectives of this research were to design and test the performance of a rotary vacuum dryer with a batch system for drying mushrooms from the Basidiomycota class. The results of functional test and performance tests using 1000 g of mushrooms were obtained: vacuum pressure 16 cmHg, temperature of drying chamber (60 ± 1) oC, drying time 16 hours, rpm drying cylinder 6-8 rpm, and final mushroom moisture content: 13% wb.

Executive Function Performance Test: transcultural adaptation, evaluation of psychometric properties in Brazil.

Executive dysfunction occurs in 18.5% to 39% of patients who present with cognitive impairment. Occupational therapy aims to facilitate independence and autonomy, hence improving quality of life. The Executive Function Performance Test - Brazilian version (EFPT-BR) has been developed to assess the need for assistance in performing four basic daily tasks. The aims of this research were: (1) to offer cross-cultural adaptation in patients with stroke; (2) to assess the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the EFPT-BR in patients with stroke; (3) to assess the relationship between scores on the EFPT-BR in patients with stroke, and demographic variables, stroke location, symptoms of anxiety and depression. The transcultural adaptation and validation were performed based on standard procedures, and psychometric properties were assessed in 86 Brazilian patients who suffered a stroke. The test has shown a good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.819). The ICC for intra-rater reliability was 0.435 and for the inter-rater was 0.732. Significant correlations between scores in the EFPT-BR and executive measures (verbal fluency test, clock drawing test, digit span - forwards and backwards, zoo map test and Six Elements Test) were observed. The EFPT-BR is a valid and reliable tool for occupational therapists to assess executive dysfunction in daily routine tasks in patients with stroke in Brazil.

大規模複合用途建物の熱源・空調設備改修プロジェクトのコミッショニング 第8報 熱回収ターボ冷凍機システムの機能性能試験・適正化

大規模複合用途建物の熱源・空調設備改修プロジェクトのコミッショニング 第8報 熱回収ターボ冷凍機システムの機能性能試験・適正化

Angle-specific knee muscle torques of ACL-reconstructed subjects and determinants of functional tests after reconstruction

ABSTRACTThe purposes of this study were to analyse (a) if “angle-specific” (AS) flexor and extensor torques were different between ACL-reconstructed and uninvolved limbs, (b) the difference in peak torque occurrence angles for concentric and eccentric knee flexor and extensor torques between involved and uninvolved limbs and (c) if AS concentric and eccentric knee flexor and extensor torques are determinants of performance in the “single-leg hop test” (SLHT) and “vertical jump and reach test” (VJRT) in ACL-reconstructed legs. Twenty-seven male ACL-reconstructed volunteers were included in the study. Isokinetic knee muscle strength, SLHT and VJRT were performed 6 months after ACL reconstruction. No difference was found in extremity and knee joint angle interaction for concentric and eccentric flexor and extensor torques (p > 0.05). Peak torque occurrence angles were not different between involved and uninvolved limbs (p > 0.05). In involved extremities, concentric knee extensor strength at 90° was a determinant of SLHT performance (R2 = 0.403, p < 0.05), and concentric knee extensor strength at 60° was a determinant of VJRT (R2 = 0.224, p < 0.05). Assessment of AS concentric knee extensor strength at 60° and 90° might be important, because these were determinants of functional test performance.

Greater knee flexion excursion/moment in hopping is associated with better knee function following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Individuals with impaired knee function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) may be at greater risk of developing knee osteoarthritis related to abnormal knee joint movement and loading. The aim of this study was to assess the association between knee biomechanics and knee laxity during hopping and clinically assessed knee function (i.e., patient-reported knee function and hop tests) following ACLR. Sixty-six participants (23 women, mean age 28 ± 6 years, mean 18 ± 3months following ACLR) completed a standardized single-leg hopping task. Three-dimensional movement analysis was used to assess knee flexion excursion and body weight/height normalized knee flexion moments during landing for the involved limb. Anterior-posterior knee laxity was assessed with a KT-1000 knee arthrometer. Participants then completed a patient-reported knee function questionnaire and three separate hop tests (% of uninvolved limb) and were divided into poor and satisfactory knee function groups (satisfactory: ≥85% patient-reported knee function and ≥ 85% hop test symmetry). Associations between knee function and hop biomechanics/knee laxity were assessed using logistic regression and interquartile range scaled odds ratios (ORIQR). Greater knee flexion excursion (ORIQR 2.9, 95%CI 1.1-7.8), greater knee flexion moment (ORIQR 4.9, 95%CI 1.6-14.3) and lesser knee laxity (ORIQR 4.7, 95%CI 1.5-14.9) were significantly associated with greater odds of having satisfactory knee function (≥ 85% patient-reported knee function and ≥ 85% hop test symmetry). Greater knee flexion excursion/moment during hop-landing and lesser knee laxity is associated with better patient-reported knee function and single-leg hop test performance following ACLR. Patients with lower levels of knee function following ACLR demonstrated hop-landing biomechanics previously associated with early patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Therefore, interventions aimed at improving hop landing biomechanics in people with poor knee function are likely required. III, Cross-sectional study.

A Bilateral Comparison of the Underlying Mechanics Contributing to the Seated Single-Arm Shot-Put Functional Performance Test.

Functional performance tests (FPTs) are tools used to assess dynamic muscle strength and power. In contrast to the lower extremity, fewer FPTs are available for the upper extremity. The seated single-arm shot put test has the potential to fill the void in upper extremity FPTs; however, the underlying mechanics have not been examined and, therefore, the validity of bilateral comparisons is unknown. To examine the effects of upper extremity dominance and medicine-ball mass on the underlying mechanics of the seated single-arm shot put. Crossover study. Biomechanics laboratory. Fifteen women (age = 23.6 ± 2.1 years, height = 1.65 ± .07 m, mass = 68.1 ± 11.7 kg) and 15 men (age = 24.3 ± 4.0 years, height = 1.80 ± 0.06 m, mass = 88.1 ± 16.4 kg), all healthy and physically active. Seated single-arm shot-put trials using the dominant and nondominant limbs were completed using three 0.114-m-diameter medicine-ball loads (1 kg, 2 kg, 3 kg). Customized touch-sensitive gloves, synchronized with kinematic data of the hands, signaled ball release, so that release height, release angle, and peak anterior and vertical velocity could be quantified for each trial. In addition, the horizontal range from release to first floor impact was recorded. The dominant-limb horizontal ranges were 7% to 11% greater ( P < .001) than for the nondominant limb for each of the 3 ball masses. No bilateral release-height or -angle differences were revealed ( P ≥ .063). Release velocities were 7.6% greater for the dominant limb than the nondominant limb ( P = .001). Our results support the use of the seated single-arm shot put test as a way to compare bilateral upper extremity functional performance. The near-identical release heights and angles between the dominant and nondominant limbs support the interpretation of measured bilateral horizontal-range differences as reflecting underlying strength and power differences.

Functional performance tests identify lateral ankle sprain risk: A prospective pilot study in adolescent soccer players.

Determining the clinical utility of functional performance tests (FPTs) and establishing cutoff scores could be useful in identifying those athletes who could benefit from effective injury prevention interventions. Our purpose was to determine the accuracy of FPTs in identifying adolescent athletes who go on to experience lateral ankle sprain(s) and establish specific cutoff scores capable of identifying those who sustain a lateral ankle sprain in the near future. Sixty-four participants (age=15.5±1.3years; height=161.7±7.7cm; mass=57.1±8.4kg) were recruited from a junior soccer club and tracked for 10months. Participants performed the anterior (AN), posterior-medial (PM), and posterior-lateral (PL) reach directions of the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and the Single-Leg Hop Test (SLHT) in pre-season, and then were followed for the 10-month competitive season (12 injured, 52 uninjured). Significant Area Under the Curve (AUC) values and cutoff scores were found for the PM (AUC=0.78; 95% CI 0.61-0.95; P=0.003; Sn=0.83; Sp=0.77; cutoff=76%) and the PL (AUC=0.82; 95% CI 0.71-0.94; P=0.001; Sn=0.92; Sp=0.65; cutoff=70%) reach directions of the SEBT and the SLHT (AUC=0.77; 95% CI 0.60-0.95; P=0.003; Sn=0.67; Sp=0.94; cutoff=15.4seconds). The PM and PL reach directions of the SEBT and the SLHT may be useful as pre-season screening measures to help clinicians identify adolescents who will go on to experience a lateral ankle sprain.

Custom-made hinged knee braces with extension support can improve dynamic balance

Background/Objective: We investigated whether custom-made hinged knee braces can facilitate knee extensor and flexor strength and influence functional performance as compared with other knee braces. MethodsWe enrolled 28 healthy young participants with no history of physical activity or brace use. The participants executed functional performance tests under the following 5 conditions: 1) without a knee brace, 2) wearing a knee sleeve, 3) wearing a hinged knee brace without assistance, 4) wearing a knee brace with extension support (KBE), and 5) wearing a knee brace with flexion support (KBF). The KBE and KBF were custom-made hinged knee braces equipped with rubber tubes. The functional performance tests performed assessed maximal isokinetic strength, single-leg jumping height/distance, anterior and posterior reach distance on a single leg, and dynamic balance ability. ResultsThe benefit of the custom-made hinged knee brace was observed only during the anterior reach distance on a single leg. The KBE allowed a significantly greater single-leg anterior reach distance when compared to that in the no brace condition. There was a significant relationship between the improvement in the single leg anterior reach distance with KBE and the changes in isokinetic knee extension with KBE compared to the no brace condition. With regard to other parameters, there were no differences compared with the use of other knee braces and thus no apparent benefit. ConclusionOur findings suggest that using a KBE enhances performance during dynamic balance activity in individuals who benefit from improved knee extension strength.

Relationship of muscle function to circulating myostatin, follistatin and GDF11 in older women and men

BackgroundMyostatin, its inhibitor follistatin, and growth/differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) have been proposed as factors that could potentially modify biological aging. The study aimed to test whether there is a relationship between these plasma circulating proteins and muscle strength, power and optimal shortening velocity (υopt) of older adults.MethodsThe cross-sectional study included 56 women and 45 men aged 60 years and older. Every participant underwent examination which included anthropometric and bioimpedance analysis measurements, functional and cognitive performance tests, muscle strength of upper and lower extremities, muscle power testing with two different methods and blood analyses.ResultsWomen had higher plasma levels of myostatin and GDF11 than men. Men had higher plasma level of follistatin than women. In women, plasma level of myostatin was negatively correlated with left handgrip strength and υopt. Follistatin was negatively correlated with maximum power output (Pmax), power relative to kg of body mass (Pmax∙kg− 1) (friction-loaded cycle ergometer) and power at 70% of the 1-repetition maximum (1RM) strength value (P70%) of leg press (Keiser pneumatic resistance training equipment), and positively correlated with the Timed Up & Go (TUG) test. GDF11 was negatively correlated with body mass, body mass index, waist circumference, fat mass and the percentage of body fat. In men, there were no significant correlations observed between circulating plasma proteins and muscle function measures.ConclusionsThe circulating plasma myostatin and follistatin are negatively associated with muscle function in older women. There is stronger relationship between these proteins and muscle power than muscle strength. GDF11 has a higher association with the body mass and composition than muscle function in older women.

Pain extent is more strongly associated with disability, psychological factors, and neck muscle function in people with non-traumatic versus traumatic chronic neck pain: a cross sectional study.

Neck pain is presented with a variety of symptoms. Pain drawings are used in the clinical assessment of people with neck pain. Pain extent based upon pain drawings can be associated with different factors. However, the relation between pain extent and function limitations in people with neck pain is unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between pain extent extracted from pain drawings, and self-reported neck pain related disability, quality of life, depression, self-reported neck function, cervical muscle function, and range of motion in a chronic neck pain population and possible differences depending on the onset of pain being traumatic or not. Observational cross-sectional study. Primary and secondary healthcare. People with chronic neck pain (N.=200) of traumatic (N.=120) or non-traumatic (N.=80) origin. Outcome measures: Pain extent, Short Form 36 Health Survey Physical and Mental Component Summary (SF36-PCS/MCS), TAMPA Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Craniocervical Flexion Test (CCFT), Cervical Extension Test (CE), and Cervical Range of Motion (ROM). Correlations were calculated using Spearman or Pearson correlation coefficients. Correlation between pain extent and outcomes were calculated for all participants collectively and then separately for those with a traumatic versus non-traumatic neck pain. Overall, significant positive correlations were observed between pain extent and NDI (r=0.33; P<0.001), BDI-II (r=0.29; P<0.001), CCFT (r=-0.24; P=0.001) and CE (r=-0.19; P=0.006). No difference was observed in pain extent between patients with traumatic (mean: 7.6±6.7%) and non-traumatic onset (7.4±6.8%). Pain extent correlated moderately with NDI, BDI-II, TSK, CCFT and CE in those with non-traumatic onset, but weakly with NDI, BDI-II, CCFT and CE in those with trauma-induced chronic neck pain. Pain extent is correlated with patient-reported neck function, depression and muscle test performance in people with chronic neck pain. These correlations were strongest in those with non-traumatic neck pain. Patients presenting with larger pain areas show poorer psychological and physical function. Pain drawings can therefore indicate a need for addressing these functions in management of a person with chronic neck pain.

Body Composition, IGF1 Status, and Physical Functionality in Nonagenarians: Implications for Osteosarcopenia

ObjectivesBody composition alterations occur during aging. The purpose of the present analysis was to explore the functional consequences of the overlap of sarcopenia and osteoporosis, and the potential role of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) in their development in the oldest old. Setting and ParticipantsEighty-seven nonagenarians from the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study were included. MeasuresThe definition of sarcopenia was based on appendicular lean mass (ALM). Osteoporosis was diagnosed based on bone mineral density (BMD) T score. Four phenotypes were compared: (1) healthy body composition, that is, nonosteoporotic nonsarcopenic (CO, control group), (2) osteoporotic (O, low BMD T score), (3) sarcopenic (S, low ALM), and (4) osteosarcopenic (OS, low BMD T score and low ALM). Sex- and age-specific IGF1–Standard Deviation Scores (SDS) were calculated. The Continuous Scale–Physical Functional Performance (CS-PFP) test was performed. ResultsIn OS men, IGF1-SDS values (−0.61 ±0.37 vs −0.04 ± 0.52, P = .02) were lower than those in CO males (control group), whereas IGF1-SDS were similar in the 4 body composition phenotypes in women. In men only, ALM was positively associated with IGF1-SDS values (P = .01) independent of age and C-reactive protein concentration. Regarding bone health, we found no association between IGF1-SDS values and BMD. IGF1-SDS was not associated with functional performance (CS-PFP) in men and women. Conclusions/ImplicationsIGF1 sensitivity in skeletal muscle and bone may differ by sex in the oldest old. IGF1 status did not appear to affect physical functionality. Determinants and clinical and functional characteristics of osteosarcopenia need to be further investigated in order to define conclusive diagnostic criteria.

Yoga education program for older women diagnosed with sarcopenia: A multicity 10-year follow-up experiment

ABSTRACTThis article reports a multicity yoga education program (YEP) experiment aimed at improving gait speed, muscular strength, and functional performance in Asian and African older women diagnosed with sarcopenia. Posttest gait speed and muscle strength scale scores were higher, and the six functional performance tests scores were above average for women who were from Asian cities; middle class; currently married; living with spouse, children, or kin; with good self-rated health; who regularly attended the YEP lessons and regularly self-practiced. Instructors’ self-practice record was the strongest predictor of higher posttest scores. The YEP is an effective long-term prevention for sarcopenic older women.

Functional performance deficits in adolescent athletes with a history of lateral ankle sprain(s)

ObjectiveTo determine if adolescent athletes with a history of lateral ankle sprain(s) (LAS) displayed deficits on functional performance tests (FPTs) and if deficits on FPT were related to the number of previous LAS. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingBiomechanics Laboratory. ParticipantsThe injured group (n = 24) had a history of ≥1 moderate-severe LAS. The uninjured group (n = 34) had no history of LAS. Main outcome measure(s)The average reach distance of three trials in each direction of the star excursion balance test (SEBT) was normalized to leg length (%). The average of two trials of single-leg-hop test (SLHT) was calculated in seconds. ResultsThe injured group performed significantly worse in 3 directions of SEBT than the uninjured group (P < 0.05). SLHT was significantly slower in the injured group compared to the uninjured group (P < 0.05). Statistically significant, strong to moderate inverse relationships were found between the numbers of LAS and each of the three directions of the SEBT (P ≤ 0.01). No relationship was revealed between the number of LAS and the SLHT (P > 0.05). Conclusion(s)Adolescent athletes with a history of LAS exhibit functional performance deficits on the SEBT and SLHT. Therefore, the SEBT and SLHT may provide clinicians cost- and time-effective objective tools.

Partial Anterior Cruciate Ligament Ruptures: Advantages by Intraligament Autologous Conditioned Plasma Injection and Healing Response Technique-Midterm Outcome Evaluation.

The historical treatment options for partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures were conservative therapy or ACL reconstruction by injured bundle or entire ACL replacement. In awareness of the regenerative potential of biologic agents such as mesenchymal stem cells or platelet rich plasma (PRP), the healing response technique was developed to preserve the injured ACL with better outcomes than the conservative therapy. Further improvement of this technique seems to be obtained by the additional application of PRP products. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the midterm outcome after intraligament autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) by a clinical, scoring, and functional performance assessment. 42 patients were evaluated in this study. The failure rate was 9.5%. Outcome evaluation showed good to excellent results. The scores were IKDC subjective 83.2 (SD 14.5), Lysholm 85.5 (SD 15.5), Tegner 4.7 (SD 1.7), and Cincinnati 85.4 (SD 15.5) after a mean follow-up of 33 months. Clinical examination showed stable Lachman test, negative pivot shift phenomenon, and a significant reduction in AP-laxity compared to preoperative status (rolimeter preoperative: 1.9 (SD1.4); postoperative 0.6 (SD1.8), p=0.001) in all patients. Functional performance testing showed no significant differences between the injured and healthy side. Return to sport was achieved after a mean of 5.8 months (SD 3.6) in 71.1% of the included patients. In summary, this new treatment option revealed in midterm follow-up promising results to treat partial ACL lesions with a reduced need for conversion to ACL reconstruction and with a high percentage of return to preinjury sport activity.

Remediation of perceptual organisation in schizophrenia

ABSTRACTIntroductionImpaired perceptual organisation in schizophrenia has been repeatedly described in clinical and research literatures. It has also been associated with problems in more complex aspects of visual function, including visuospatial and visual cognitive test performance. Two therapeutic interventions were developed here that target perceptual organisation: (1) Computer-based training, which emphasized stimulus-driven processing (bottom-up approach), and (2) Instrumental Enrichment therapy, which is a therapist-guided interactive learning method (top-down approach).MethodsTwenty-eight patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder participated in a 12-week programme. For both forms of interventions, task difficulty increased progressively, based upon successful performance. The third group of patients, which served as controls, received a similar therapeutic intervention that did not include a perceptual organisation component. Before and after intervention, participants received tests of perceptual organisation, as well as a battery of neuropsychological tests.ResultsResults indicate that both forms of intervention improved perceptual organisation ability relative to the control condition. In addition, the improvement was found for select neuropsychological tests, although the pattern of improvement did not favour capacities more closely associated with visual organisational or visuospatial function.ConclusionsTogether, results demonstrate the effectiveness of new remediation protocols that target mid-level visual processing, which generalized to select visual cognitive functions.