Hand Dynamometry Research Articles

DYNAMICS OF ANTHROPOMETRIC AND PHYSICAL MARKERS OF SARCOPENIC OBESITY IN ELDERLY PERSONS WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE HIP IN THE PROCESS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

Purpose: to determine the effect of a physical therapy program on anthropometric and physical indicators of elderly people with osteoarthritis of the hip, which occurs against the background of sarcopenic obesity. Material. 68 elderly people with osteoarthritis of the hip and sarcopenic obesity and 36 of their healthy peers (control group) were examined. Representatives of the comparison group (33 persons) corrected the signs of osteoarthritis according to the clinical guideline "Osteoarthrosis". Representatives of the main group (35 persons) were engaged in a physical therapy program for six months. Its goal was: reduction of pain and discomfort in the hip; improvement of the amplitude of movements in the hip, joints of the lower limbs, spine; optimization of general mobility and motor stereotype; decrease of body weight; facilitating activities of daily living; improvement of geriatric status. The physical therapy was implemented in rehabilitation center and in the form of telerehabilitation. It included kinesitherapy, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation of the lower limbs and lower back; massage, kinesiological taping of the hip, thigh and lower back muscles; a course of shock wave therapy of the hip, nutritional correction, education of patients and their family members. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated by the dynamics of anthropometry (mass, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences and their ratio), body composition (fat content, muscle tissue, visceral fat), sarcopenia markers (hand dynamometry, Short Physical Performance Battery). Results. Application of the physical therapy program led to a decrease in body weight in patients of the main group: in men by 5.4 kg, in women by 4.51 kg, p<0.05. Corresponding changes occurred in body mass index, and the women of the main group reached the level of overweight. The dynamics of the abdominal nature of obesity also changed: the decrease in waist circumference in men was 8.3 cm, in women - 5.9 cm, which had a favorable effect on the ratio of waist and hip circumferences. A decrease in the severity of the signs of sarcopenia in main group persons was confirmed by the results of a statistically significant increase in the content of muscle tissue both in men (from 22.17±1.30% to 28.12±1.09%) and in women (from 19, 01±1.20% to 23.44±1.15%). The content of visceral fat in the subjects of the main group decreased by almost 25%. The content of adipose tissue in the whole body decreased in men from 42.29±1.73% to 34.50±1.22%, in women – from 46.53±1.19% to 40.57±1.57%. The increase in hand dynamometry results in women was from 13.48±1.14 kg to 17.22±0.56 kg, in men - from 19.80±1.07 kg to 26.15±1.01 kg. The complex nature of the physical therapy program contributed to the improvement of performance of all Short Physical Performance Battery subtests in the main group, and the improvement of its total score was 35.5% (from 6.49±0.53 points to 10.07±0.44 points, p<0, 05). Patients of the comparison group, who underwent rehabilitation according to the standard program for the correction of osteoarthritis, did not show improvement in the studied indicators of anthropometry and markers of sarcopenia (p>0.05). Conclusions. Elderly patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and sarcopenic obesity require the development of physical therapy programs taking into account and correcting the specifics of each condition, which will increase the overall effectiveness of rehabilitation measures.

Alverin with Simethicone Combination: Efficacy and Safety Clarification in Overlap Syndrome (Dyspepsia with Nonspecific/ Unspecified Irritable Bowel Syndrome) by Patients’ Self-assessment

The study results showed the high efficiency of the combination in one form of two active substances- alverine (alverine) and simeticone (simeticone)-in the drug Meteospasmyl according to the results of self-assessment by patients with overlapping symptoms of uninvestigated dyspepsia(UD) and nonspecific irritable bowel syndrome(IBS-N), with a positive effect of 86.7% (95% CI Fisher’s 78.6–92.5) cases and a high Odds ratio (chance) (22.7, at 95% CI 8.9–58.4) of the effect compared with the comparator group (treatment without the use of Meteospasmyl). Treatment adherence higher in 12 times (Odds ratio) (95% CI 1.42– 112.06) with Meteospasmyl (85.7% (95% CI 63.7–97.0)), versus the comparator group (33.3% (95% CI 7.5–70.1)). Thus, Meteospasmyl can be used as a first-line drug in overlapping dyspepsia with an nonspecific variant of irritable bowel syndrome, especially during the period of performing and waiting for the results of the patient’s clarifying examination. A high safety degree of this drug has been demonstrated, both in terms of clinical and laboratory parameters. Results were obtained confirming the effect of Meteospasmyl on skeletal muscles with a significant increase in the grip strength of the right hand both at the 2nd week of treatment with Meteospasmyl (increase by 0.4 kg) and by the 4th week of treatment (by 0.6 kg), in contrast with comparison group (F-test ANOVA (2; 60) = 7.2; p=0.0015; Kruskal – Wallis test-H (2; 63) = 27.6161; p=0.00001). The applied method of multivariate analysis of variance with a hypothesis decomposition model confirmed the effect of Meteospasmyl on the increase in the values of hand dynamometry on the 28th day of admission (p trend less than 0.001). The advantages of the presented study are the following characteristics: • New data were obtained on the option of overlapping uninvestigated dyspepsia with nonspecific irritable bowel syndrome. • Patients’ self-assessment of effectiveness in this variant of disorders was not previously studied. • Meteospasmyl demonstrated greater efficiency in comparison with mebeverine and drotaverine. • Meteospasmyl increased the functional state of skeletal muscles. • Meteospasmyl showed a high safety profile.

Optimizando la evaluación de la mano desde una perspectiva de funcionalidad

The primary goal of this manuscript is to provide a functional perspective on hand physical examination. Therefore, the key points that are considered necessary to make a functional approach to the hand were compiled from bibliographic sources and the experience of the authors. Since it is an anatomical structure with high relevance for functionality, it is commented that it represents 33 % of the functionality of an upper extremity, for this it is relevant to know how to approach it based on the functionality, which is why the evaluation of the hand and fingers is essential, emphasizing their mobility, performing quantitative and qualitative measurements such as the use of indices of mobility and the useof a finger goniometer, the measurement of force can be measured in the same ways with the use of manual muscle examination and hand dynamometry, respectively, and thus consider biomechanical concepts such as the use of levers .For these reasons, it is necessary to implement an assessment of the hand and fingers focused on functionality, keeping in mind the factors that could modify the examination and thus be able to report an assessment more oriented to the patient's deficiencies and needs. Keywords: Hand; fingers; functionality; strength; evaluation

P128 ESTABLISHING A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BLOOD PRESSURE AND HANDGRIP STRENGTH AMONG OBESE PATIENTS

Background: While grip strength is known to correlate with cardiovascular health, its relationship with blood pressure (BP) remains unclear, especially when considering adiposity. Methods: We investigated the grip strength-BP association in 12,000 individuals aged 18–65 years, stratifying by body mass index (BMI) and Dietary diversity (DDS). Grip strength, BP, and Body-fat(BF%) were measured using hand dynamometry, digital blood pressure instrument, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. DDS was measured using the FAO validated DDS tool. Results: Overall, elevated BP was associated with greater grip strength (37.1 kg vs 36.5 kg, p < 0.001), particularly in overweight or obese individuals (42.0 kg vs 40.2 kg, p = 0.003 and 41.7 kg vs 40.0 kg, p = 0.03), and those in the highest DDS (12 Vs 9, p < 0.01). Higher grip strength increased the odds of elevated BP (OR = 1.014, p = 0.004), particularly in overweight or obese individuals (OR = 1.025, p < 0.001) and those with the highest DDS (OR = 1.036, p < 0.001). However, individuals with low grip strength and high DDS had lower odds of elevated BP (OR = 0.514, p = 0.002), while those with low grip strength and low DDS had higher odds (OR = 2.162, p = 0.043). Conclusion: Our study reveals that increased grip strength is linked to higher blood pressure in overweight or obese individuals or those with a high dietary diversity score (DDS). However, individuals with a BMI < 25 kg/m2 or lower DDS may experience a reduced association between grip strength and blood pressure. These findings underscore the importance of considering both body mass index and dietary diversity in assessing cardiovascular health. We suggest integrating dietary analysis and handgrip evaluation in hypertension screening. Intervention trials combining dietary modifications with strength training are vital. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and potential interventions targeting grip strength, adiposity, and dietary factors to mitigate the risk of hypertension.

Plasma C-terminal agrin fragment concentrations across adulthood: Reference values and associations with skeletal muscle health.

Increasing interest surrounds the utility of blood-based biomarkers for diagnosing sarcopenia. C-terminal agrin fragment (CAF), a marker of neuromuscular junction stability, is amongst the most promising candidates; however, a dearth of reference data impedes the incorporation of its use in public health settings. This study aimed to establish reference values for plasma CAF concentrations across adulthood in a large, well-characterized cohort of healthy adults; and comprehensively examine the association between plasma CAF levels and skeletal muscle health. One thousand people aged between 18 and 87years took part in this study (mean age=50.4years; 51% females). Body composition and muscle strength were examined using DXA and hand dynamometry. Plasma CAF concentrations were measured, in duplicate, using commercially available ELISA kits. Sarcopenia and individual sarcopenia signatures [low skeletal muscle index (SMI) only/low grip strength only] were classified using the EWGSOP2 algorithm. Detailed reference CAF values, according to sex and age, are presented. A significant but modest age-related increase in plasma CAF concentration was observed (P=0.018). Across adulthood, CAF concentrations were negatively associated with grip strength and SMI (both P<0.001). In people ≥50years old, CAF concentrations were 22.6% higher in those with sarcopenia (P<0.001), 11.3% higher in those with low SMI (P=0.006) and 9.6% higher in those with low grip strength (P=0.0034), compared with controls. People in the highest CAF concentration quartile, had 3.25 greater odds for sarcopenia (95% CI=1.41-7.49, P=0.005), 2.76 greater odds for low SMI (95% CI=1.24-5.22, P=0.012), and 2.56 greater odds for low grip strength (95% CI=1.07-5.57, P=0.037), compared with those in the lowest quartile. People with a CAF Z-score ≥2 had 9.52 greater odds for sarcopenia (95% CI=3.01-30.05, P<0.001) compared with a Z-score <1. Plasma CAF concentration had an acceptable level of diagnostic accuracy for sarcopenia (AUC=0.772, 95% CI=0.733-0.807, P<0.001). The reference values presented herein may guide the clinical interpretation of circulating CAF and help identify people at risk of poor skeletal muscle outcomes for inclusion in therapeutic interventions. Our findings add clarity to existing data, demonstrating a robust relationship between circulating CAF and skeletal muscle integrity in the largest adult cohort to date, and support the use of CAF as an accessible, cost-effective screening tool for sarcopenia. However, further research into the prognostic utility of plasma CAF, and the establishment of normative data from other populations, are urgently needed if routine CAF screening is to be embedded into public healthcare settings.

Association Between Dynapenia, Central Obesity, and Physical Function in Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Muscle strength is recognized as a key indicator of overall health and can help identify the risk of cardiometabolic disease. This study explores the relationship between low muscle strength, central obesity, and physical function among young adults. We conducted a cross-sectional study from a convenience sample of 513 adults aged 18-25. Participants' anthropometric measures such as height, weight, and circumferences of both waist and hip were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Subjects were tested for hand grip strength (HGS) using hand dynamometry. Relative hand grip strength (RHGS) was derived by dividing maximum HGS by BMI. Physical function was assessed using a six-minute walk test. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was administered. Overweight and obesity were present in 313 (61%) of the study population. Central obesity was observed in 194 (37.8%) of the population. RHGS showed a positive association with physical function and physical activity, and a negative association was observed with BMI and waist circumference. Low RHGS was categorized as < 25th percentile by gender. The non-dynapenic non-central obese group had higher physical function (644± 124.2) than others. There was no difference in the dynapenic and central obese groups. The dynapenic central obese group had significantly lesser physical function (424.9±69.1) than all other groups in both genders. Our study supports the importance of early investigation of dynapenia, which can increase the risk of chronic disease and accelerate the development of physical limitations. Understanding how dynapenia and central obesity relate to low physical function is of growing importance in young adults, and it can play an important role in overall health.

Supplementary management of symptomatic hand osteoarthritis with Pycnogenol®.

The aim of this 4-week pilot registry, supplement study was to assess the effects of Pycnogenol® compared to a standard management on hand osteoarthritis associated with pain. As Pycnogenol® decreases inflammation and pain, chronic use of drugs, causing side effects may be reduced. The registry patients included suffered finger pain associated with hand osteoarthritis All subjects used a standard management (SM). A supplementary group additionally used 150 mg Pycnogenol® per day. In addition, a retrospective group with 40 comparable subjects using oral diclofenac was used for comparison. Forty-two subjects with hand osteoarthritis completed the study. The registry patients were former sport professionals, fishermen and subjects working with their hands in a common manual activity. 22 subjects took Pycnogenol® in addition to standard management and 20 subjects followed the standard management only and served as controls. The two groups were comparable at inclusion. No subject had to stop supplementation or the SM. No side effects were observed. After 4 weeks, spontaneous pain in the morning and pain after work were significantly reduced with Pycnogenol® supplementation compared to controls (P<0.05). Residual pain at rest in the evening was significantly improved after 4 weeks with the supplement compared to controls (P<0.05). The number of subjects requiring pain medication during the 4-week study period was significantly lower in the supplement group (2/22) compared to controls (8/20) (P<0.05). Hand dynamometry results show significant improvement in hand-finger strength (due to decreased pain and stiffness) with the supplement compared to controls (P<0.05). At inclusion, all subjects presented hyperthermic joints, 2°C higher than the surrounding tissues as shown by thermography. After 4 weeks, the number of subjects with hyperthermic joints was lower in the Pycnogenol® group than in controls (P<0.05). Both nonspecific markers of inflammation (ESR and C-reactive protein levels in blood) were significantly lower after 4 weeks in the Pycnogenol® group than in controls (P<0.05). Other routine blood tests were normal at inclusion and at the end of the study. Within 4 weeks, plasma oxidative stress decreased by 14.4% (P<0.05) in the Pycnogenol® group vs 5.5% in the control group. The retrospective comparison with a group of 40 comparable subjects using oral diclofenac showed that after 4 weeks, the efficacy of Pycnogenol® on improving pain in the morning, after work and in the evening, on hand-finger strength and on decreasing C-reactive protein was significantly higher (P<0.05) than in the diclofenac group (comparable, non-parallel group, CNPG). In conclusion, supplementation with Pycnogenol® was well tolerated and effectively controlled pain while improving grip strength in patients with hand osteoarthritis. All supplement subjects showed an improved operativity.

Normal Weight Obesity Associated with Enhanced Echo Intensity, Insulin Resistance, and Decreased Muscle Strength in Young Adults

Abstract Context: Obesity refers to the accumulation of excess body fat. Even individuals with a normal body mass index (BMI) of &lt;23 Kg/m2 but a high percentage of body fat have an increased risk for noncommunicable disease. This condition is referred to as normal weight obesity (NWO). Aim: To assess the association between muscle strength, ultrasound-derived muscle thickness, insulin resistance, and echo intensity in NWO and normal weight nonobese (NWNO) young adults. Methods and Material: Eighty young adults of a normal BMI of 18.5 to 22.9 Kg/m2 were recruited in this current study. Forty subjects with cutoff points of body fat percentage ≥ 20.6% for men and ≥ 33.4% for women were taken as NWO group and 40 were NWNO. Fasting glucose and insulin were used for calculating insulin resistance, sensitivity, and beta cell function. Ultrasonography (USG) was done to measure forearm radial and ulna muscle thickness. The echo intensity was measured from an ultrasound image as a mean pixel value using Adobe Photoshop. Subjects were tested for handgrip strength using hand dynamometry. Results: Hand grip strength was higher in NWNO group, and subcutaneous fat thickness and echo intensity were higher in the NWO group. Glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance were significantly higher in the NWO group. Linear regression showed a significant correlation between ulna muscle thickness, forearm circumference, echo intensity, and insulin resistance with handgrip strength (r = 0.835 P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: NWO adults have higher insulin resistance and echo intensity, indicating decreased muscle quality compared to NWNO individuals.

FITNESS LEVEL OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ENGAGED IN SPORTS

School physical education is effective means of providing children with the knowledge for lifelong physical activity. The research was aimed to examine the influence of different sports activities (badminton, basketball, football) on fitness level of boys aged 10-11. 72 boys aged 10-11 were engaged in the research. Evaluation of children’s fitness level involved anthropometric parameters of body length (cm); body mass (kg); hand dynamometry (kg). Cardiovascular and respiratory systems were also assessed: heart rate (HR, bpm) – method of palpation; blood pressure – systolic (SBP, mm Hg) and diastolic (DBP, mm Hg) – method of Korotkoff sounds; vital capacity of lungs (VC, L) – spirometer measuring. The Ruffier index, life index, strength index, the Robinson index and the Quetelet index were considered as well. Summing the points of five parameters, fitness levels were defined as low, below average, average, above average, and high. Comparative analysis of ball games influence on children’s fitness level revealed the highest growth rate among badminton players, though their initial and final parameters were the lowest ones. Research findings made it possible to conclude that extramural engagement in ball games throughout school year had beneficial effect on fitness levels of boys aged 10-11.

Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis, Nutritional Ultrasound®, and Handgrip Strength as Innovative Methods for Monitoring Critical Anorexia Nervosa Physical Recovery: A Pilot Study.

Eating disorders (EDs) manifest as persistent disruptions in eating habits or related behaviors, significantly impacting physical health and psychosocial well-being. Nutritional assessment in ED patients is crucial for monitoring treatment efficacy. While dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) remains standard, interest in alternative methods such as bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) and Nutritional Ultrasound® (NU) has risen due to their affordability and portability. Additionally, hand dynamometry offers a user-friendly approach to assessing grip strength (HGS), indicative of nutritional status. A prospective study was carried out to evaluate the utility of BIVA, NU®, and HGS in 43 female AN patients. Measurements were taken at baseline and hospital discharge. A total of 41 patients completed the study. After the intervention, numerous BIVA-related parameters such as fat (3.5 ± 2 kg vs. 5.3 ± 2.7 kg, p < 0.001) and free fat mass (33.9 ± 3.8 kg vs. 37.5 ± 4.1 kg, p < 0.001) were partially restored. Similarly, Nutritional Ultrasound® showed promising results in assessing body composition changes such as total abdominal fat tissue (0.5 ± 0.3 cm vs. 0.9 ± 0.3 cm, p < 0.05). In the same way, rectus femoris cross-sectional area values correlated with clinical outcomes such as free fat mass (0.883, p < 0.05) and appendicular muscle mass (0.965, p < 0.001). HGS reached the normality percentile after the intervention (21.6 ± 9.1 kg vs. 25.9 ± 12.3 kg, p < 0.05), demonstrating a significant association between grip strength and body composition parameters such as free fat mass (0.658, p < 0.001) and appendicular muscle mass (0.482, p < 0.001). Incorporating BIVA-, NU®-, and HGS-enhanced nutritional assessment into the treatment of AN patients offers cost-effective, portable, and non-invasive alternatives to DEXA. These techniques offer valuable insights into changes in body composition and nutritional status, which, in turn, facilitate treatment monitoring and contribute to improved patient outcomes.

Are women with endometriosis more likely to experience reduced physical performance compared to women without the condition?

Endometriosis is a condition of the female reproductive system associated with pelvic pain. Chronic pain can affect physical performance by limiting the functional activities, thus, it is hypothesized that women with endometriosis may also present decreased functional capacity, decreased strength, and mobility. The objective of this study is to compare physical performance in women with and without endometriosis. This is a cross-sectional study composed of 115 women equally divided into two groups: the endometriosis group (EG), composed of women with a confirmed diagnosis of the disease by magnetic resonance imaging, and the comparator group (CG), consisting of women without suspicion of the disease. Physical performance (dependent variable) was assessed using hand dynamometry, the 6-min walk test (6MWT), gait speed, and the chair stands test. CG participants performed the tests during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Descriptive statistics, unpaired t-tests, and chi-square tests were used to describe and compare the groups. Multiple linear regression tested the associations adjusted for covariates (age, income, education, age at menarche, and body mass index). The EG had worse gait speed (mean difference: -0.11; 95% CI: [-0.18 to -0.04]), weaker grip strength (mean difference: -3.32; 95% CI: [-5.30 to -1.33]), shorter distance covered in the 6MWT (mean difference: -83.46; 95% CI: [-121.38 to -45.53]), and a lower number of repetitions in the chair stands test (mean difference: -8.44; 95% CI: [-10.64 to -6.25]) than the CG, even after adjusting for covariates. Grip strength, lower limb strength, mobility, and functional capacity were worse in women diagnosed with endometriosis. Women with endometriosis should be encouraged to engage in physical exercise, adopt healthy lifestyle habits, and participate in rehabilitation activities to control pain, with the aim of reducing functional impairments.

Level of physical fitness and physical development of volleyball players

In modern volleyball, the physical training of athletes acquires special importance in connection with the expansion of the range of game actions, the increase in the tension of the game, which requires maximum physical effort from athletes in situations that change quickly on the volleyball court.&#x0D; The purpose of the work is to determine the level of physical fitness and physical development of volleyball players based on the results of pedagogical testing.&#x0D; Research results. The study was conducted at Polis National University (10 team players, trainer-teacher: A. P. Denisovets). Pedagogical testing was conducted, in which 10 volleyball players of the student team took part. In the pedagogical testing, the following control exercises were used to assess the development of motor skills: long jump from a standing position, jumping up from a standing position, jumping up from a running run according to Abalakov), bending and extending the arms in a resting position while lying down, lifting the trunk into a sitting position from a lying position, throwing stuffed ball weighing 1 kg, "shuttle" run 4×9 m and a combined test.&#x0D; The results of the study indicate that volleyball players have different levels of physical fitness. The results of hand and static dynamometry show that the highest indicators are observed in players who perform the role of the first pace, followed by players of the second pace. Linking players have a lower level of physical fitness.&#x0D; Based on a study of the physical development of volleyball players, it was established that their average body length was 185 cm, and their average weight was 75 kg. First pace players had a height advantage compared to other playing roles, although libero players were shorter compared to other players. These data indicate a tendency to favor tall players in the formation of teams, regardless of their qualification and competition rank.&#x0D; Conclusions. The conducted research will enable specialists and coaches to determine the optimal ways of planning to improve indicators of physical fitness and physical development of volleyball players, both during educational and training sessions of groups improving the sportsmanship of students and highly qualified athletes at all stages of multi-year improvement.

Characteristics of 16-17-year-old young males' physical development in the process of judo club activities.

Aim: To investigate the influence of judo club activities on the physical development indicators of 16-17-year-old young males. Materials and Methods: The research, conducted in 2022-2024, involved 54 young males aged 16-17, who were divided into experimental (EG) and control (CG) groups of 27 each. The physical development was assessed by body weight, hand dynamometry, lung capacity, heart rate, and blood pressure indicators. Cooper, Rufier, Stange, Genchi, vital, strength, body weight, Robinson, and maximum oxygen consumption indices were calculated. Results: The positive influence of judo club activities on the physical development of 16-17-year-old young males was revealed: all studied indicators significantly improved in the EG young males during the experiment. Judo training sessions had the most effective impact on the indicators characterizing the development of the muscular system and the level of strength qualities. At the end of the experiment, young males of the EG showed significantly better physical development than the CG representatives in terms of strength index (by 6.33 %), static endurance of stronger (by 2.07 s) and weaker (2.03 s) hands. According to the indicators characterizing the state of cardiovascular and respiratory systems, the indicators of young males of both groups were significantly the same. Conclusions: It has been established that judo club activities, which were conducted taking into account the age characteristics of 16-17-year-old young males, create the most favorable conditions for the harmonious physical development of boys, promoting their health and preparing them for future educational and professional activities.

Dynamics of strength capabilities of the organism in conditions of ecological and biological well-being

Regular physical activity is of great importance in relation to the formation of all human physical qualities. Differences in the level of strength development within individual sports are recognized. Taking into account this fact, it seems important to study the level of development of strength quality as athletes-athletes grow older. The aim of the study: to evaluate the dynamics of age-related changes in strength abilities in different categories of unicycling athletes. Eighty-one male athletes in adolescence or young adulthood, who regularly trained in judo, hand-tohand combat or Greco-Roman wrestling sections, were studied. A group of adolescents (14 individuals) who had not practiced sports during their lives and a group of non-sports-connected young men (13 individuals) were examined. Hand muscle strength was recorded by hand dynamometry with calculation of Student's t-criterion. During the evaluation of the level of strength in unicycling athletes, it was found that its greatest development was in wrestlers in adolescence and adolescence. In judoists and hand-tohand athletes it was a little less pronounced and comparable. The lowest level of it took place in non-sport-related examinees. As growing up, for all categories under consideration, an increase in strength capabilities in adolescence compared to the level in adolescence was noted.

Accounting for an individual approach to training of athletes in playing sports (on the example of basketball, volleyball and futsal)

The article is devoted to the study of ways to optimize the training process for student basketball, volleyball and futsal teams, taking into account the individual biorhythmic properties of female athletes. The study determines the importance of individualizing training and preparation, in particular, taking into account circadian rhythms and other biorhythmic aspects that determine physiological and psychological changes in female athletes during the day. The tasks of the study included testing the biological rhythms of female athletes to improve the training process. 36 sportswomen (14 basketball players, 12 volleyball players, 10 soccer players) of the teams of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine took part in the study. The analysis of the biological rhythms of female athletes included various indicators that help to understand their physiological reactions and determine the optimal schedule of training and rest. Among them were taken: heart rate, rhythmic changes in body temperature (measurement of body temperature during the day to determine the circadian rhythm of heat exchange), rhythmic changes in blood pressure (observation of changes in blood pressure during the day to determine the circadian rhythm of cardiovascular activity), indicators of activity and sleep (determination of activity and sleep mode, including time of awakening, time of falling asleep and duration of sleep), hand strength (hand dynamometry), standing long jump. The article examines the results of the study, which include an analysis of the optimal time for training, fatigue and recovery management, adaptation of training programs to biorhythms, and the impact on psychological readiness. The conclusions drawn indicate that an individual approach to training, based on biorhythmic properties and psychomotor qualities, can improve the performance of sportswomen in the aforementioned teams. This article is aimed at coaches, scientists and physical training specialists interested in innovative methods of training female athletes aimed at taking into account their individual biorhythms to achieve optimal results in basketball, volleyball and futsal.

Emerging markers of cancer cachexia and their relationship to sarcopenia

PurposeEmerging biomarkers of cancer cachexia and their roles in sarcopenia and prognosis are poorly understood. Baseline assessments of anthropometrics, sarcopenia, cachexia status and biomarkers of cachexia were measured in patients with advanced cancer and healthy controls. Thereafter, relationships of the biomarkers with cachexia and sarcopenia were explored.MethodsA prospective case–control design was used, including 40 patients with advanced cancer and 40 gender, age-matched controls. Bioelectrical impedance [skeletal muscle index (SMI)] and hand dynamometry [hand grip strength (HGS)] assessed sarcopenia and a validated tool classified cancer cachexia. Albumin, lymphocyte and platelet counts, haemoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP), pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and citrullinated histone H3 (H3Cit) were measured.ResultsPatients had significantly lower SMI (6.67 kg/m2 versus 7.67 kg/m2, p = < 0.01) and HGS (24.42 kg versus 29.62 kg) compared to controls, with 43% being sarcopenic. Significant differences were found for albumin, lymphocyte and platelet counts, haemoglobin, CRP, and tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), (p < 0.01). Interleukin (IL)-6 (p < 0.04), IL-8 (p = 0.02), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), p = 0.02, platelet/lymphocyte (PLR) ratio, p < 0.01 and systemic immune inflammatory index (SII), p < 0.01 differed significantly. No difference was observed for CXC motif chemokine ligand 5 [CXCL5 or epithelial neutrophil-activating peptide 78 (ENA78)] or H3Cit. Albumin and haemoglobin correlated negatively with total protein, skeletal muscle mass and SMI (all p < 0.01). The presence of sarcopenia associated significantly with albumin, haemoglobin and CRP.ConclusionSignificant relationships and differences of haemoglobin, CRP and albumin supports future use of these biomarkers in cancer cachexia. CXCL5 and H3Cit as valuable biomarkers in cancer cachexia remains to be defined.

Dynamics of indicators of cadets’ physical state in the process of high-intensive interval training

The article examines the impact of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the dynamics of indicators of the physical state of cadets i.e. future officers of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The study was conducted at the Odesa Military Academy in 2022-2023. 60 male cadets took part in the study. Two groups were formed: EG (n=30), whose cadets were engaged in HIIT, and CG (n=30), whose cadets were engaged in current forms of physical training. The physical state of the cadets was assessed using anthropometric and physiometric indicators. Research methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of literature sources, pedagogical observation, medical and biological methods, the methods of mathematical statistics. The positive influence of HIIT on the dynamics of physical state indicators of paratrooper cadets was established. At the end of the experiment, the most of the EG cadets indicators turned out to be significantly better than that of the CG cadets. The most pronounced effect of HIIT was found on indicators of body weight, vital capacity of the lungs, heart rate and hand dynamometry. The obtained results confirm the effectiveness of HIIT in modern conditions of military personnel training. The high level of physical state of paratrooper cadets is the basis of the effectiveness of their educational and future professional and combat activities.

Do measures of physical capacity and walking self-efficacy relate to frailty in older adults with difficulty walking outdoors? A secondary data analysis

Purpose Measures of physical capacity and self-efficacy may help rehabilitation professionals better understand and detect frailty in older adults. We aimed to characterize frailty, walking self-efficacy, physical capacity, and their inter-relationships in older adults with difficulty walking outdoors. Materials and methods A secondary analysis of baseline data from 187 older adults (age ≥ 65 years) with mobility limitations was performed. Frailty was evaluated using the cardiovascular health study frailty index. Physical capacity was measured using the 10-meter walk test (10mWT), 6-min walk test (6MWT), 30-second sit-to-stand test (30STST), mini balance evaluation systems test (mini-BESTest), and hand dynamometry. Self-efficacy was assessed using the ambulatory self-confidence questionnaire (ASCQ). We evaluated associations between scores on physical capacity and walking self-efficacy measures and frailty level using an ANOVA or the Kruskal Wallis H-test. Results The percentage of participants not frail, pre-frail, and frail was 33.7%, 57.2%, and 9.1%, respectively. Median score on the 10mWT-comfortable pace, 10mWT-fast pace, 6MWT, 30STST, mini-BESTest, grip strength, and ASCQ was 1.06 m/s, 1.42 m/s, 354.0 m, 9.0 repetitions, 22 points, 23.0 kg, and 8.1 points, respectively. Scores on physical capacity and walking self-efficacy measures were associated with frailty level (p < 0.01). Conclusions Findings provide insight into the utility of rehabilitation measures to indicate frailty among older adults with mobility limitations.

Handgrip strength asymmetry as a new biomarker for sarcopenia and individual sarcopenia signatures

BackgroundAlthough handgrip strength (HGS) asymmetry has clinical screening utility, its relevance to sarcopenia is unknown. This study examined the relationship between HGS asymmetry and sarcopenia signatures, and explored the relevance of circulating neural/neuromuscular markers.Methods9403 individuals aged 18–92 years participated in this study. Maximal HGS and skeletal muscle index (SMI) were determined using hand dynamometry and DXA. Sarcopenia was diagnosed upon the presence of low HGS and low SMI, according to cohort-specific thresholds. Plasma biomarkers were measured by ELISA in a sub-group of 269 participants aged 50–83 years. Asymmetry was determined as the highest recorded HGS divided by the highest recorded HGS of the opposite hand. Individuals with a ratio > 1.10 were classified as having asymmetrical HGS.ResultsSubjects with asymmetrical HGS had significantly lower SMI (7.67 kg/m2 vs 7.71 kg/m2, p = 0.004) and lower HGS (37.82 kg vs 38.91 kg, p < 0.001) than those with symmetrical HGS. In those aged ≥ 50 years asymmetrical HGS was associated with 2.67 higher odds for sarcopenia [95% confidence interval: (CI) = 1.557–4.561, p < 0.001], 1.83 higher odds for low HGS only (CI 1.427–2.342, p < 0.001), and 1.79 higher odds for low SMI only (CI 1.257–2.554, p = 0.001). HGS asymmetry demonstrated acceptable diagnostic accuracy for sarcopenia (AUC = 0.727, CI 0.658–0.796, p < 0.001). Plasma neural cell adhesion molecule concentrations were 19.6% higher in individuals with asymmetrical HGS (185.40 ng/mL vs 155.00 ng/mL, p < 0.001) than those with symmetrical HGS.DiscussionOur findings demonstrate the utility of HGS asymmetry as a screening tool that may complement existing strategies seeking to combat sarcopenia. Biomarker analyses suggest that heightened denervation may be an important aetiological factor underpinning HGS asymmetry.

Ретестовая надежность кистевой динамометрии для измерения максимальной произвольной силы

Hand dynamometry is a technique frequently used in physiological and clinical studies. To determine maximum hand strength, several test attempts are made. Establishing the necessary and sufficient number of these attempts will help to avoid fatigue that can occur during the test and allow researchers to record other parameters as well. The purpose of this paper was to determine the number of hand dynamometry attempts sufficient to record maximum voluntary strength. Materials and methods. The study involved 24 male students aged 19.04 ± 1.37 years who made three hand dynamometry attempts before and after the experimental (modified Stroop test) or control (watching a neutral film) tasks. Differences between the attempts were assessed, as well as the relative reliability of repeated tests using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results. No differences in dynamometry results between the experimental and control groups were observed; therefore, to determine reliability of repeated testing, the entire sample was considered, without division into groups. Statistically significant differences (p &lt; 0.006) between the 1st and 2nd attempts before completing the tasks were detected; whereas between the 2nd and 3rd attempts before as well as between all attempts after completing the tasks, no significant differences were found. At the same time, retest reliability of this method was observed between all attempts (ICC = 0.852–0.930). Thus, we believe that in hand dynamometry it is necessary to either include a preliminary warm-up similar to the main physical task or choose the best attempt of the first two.