Hand Strength Research Articles

Cross-education Effects of Wrist Flexor Strengthening on Grip Strength: Comparison of Eccentric and Concentric Training

Introduction: Time away from training and competition from sport injuries may lead to detrimental effects on muscle strength and endurance. The cross-education effect plays an important role in preserving strength during recovery and rehabilitation; however, the effects have been found to be inconclusive. In addition, the distinct impacts of eccentric and concentric strengthening exercises need to be explored. The objective of this study was to compare the cross-education effects of eccentric and concentric wrist flexor strengthening exercises on hand grip strength among recreational athletes. Methods: A total of 39 recreational athletes aged between 18-25 years old were randomly assigned into two groups of wrist flexor strengthening exercise: eccentric (ECC) and concentric (CON) training groups. The training period for the study was 4 weeks with 3 sessions of strengthening exercises per week. Handgrip strength was measured bilaterally, before and after the intervention using the JAMAR handgrip dynamometer. Results: Significant increases in hand grip strength were observed for the ECC and CON groups in both the trained and untrained hands following 4 weeks of training. However, the handgrip strength between the two groups in the untrained hand was not significantly different (p=0.64). The strength gain in the untrained hand was 9.8% and 10.8%, for ECC and CON groups, respectively. Conclusion: The cross-education effect was significant in improving strength in the untrained hand. There was no difference in strength gains between concentric and eccentric strength training.

Relationship Between Hand Function and Handheld Ultrasound Imaging in Inclusion Body Myositis.

Ultrasound studies in inclusion body myositis (IBM) have reported a characteristic pattern of increased echointensity in the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) with relative sparing of the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU). We examined the relationship between echointensity of the FDP and FCU muscles and hand strength or patient-reported outcomes (PROs). A total of 15 patients with IBM were recruited. Ultrasound images of the FDP and FCU muscles were obtained by a point-of-care ultrasound and graded using the modified Heckmatt score. Hand grip and neutral pinch strength were measured by dynamometry. PROs were assessed by the IBM Upper Extremity Function Scale. FDP and/or FCU modified Heckmatt score showed a significant relationship with grip, neutral pinch strength, and PROs. Point-of-care ultrasound examination of the forearm may serve as an extension of the neuromuscular examination. The semi-qualitative echointensity rating based on modified Heckmatt score seems to correlate well with the objective strength measurement and PROs.

The Effect of Acute Physical Fatigue on Information Processing, Pain Threshold and Muscular Performance

This study explores the multifaceted effects of acute physical fatigue on information processing, pain threshold, and muscular performance. Enrolling 28 recreational athletes, we used a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol to induce fatigue and conducted pre- and post-intervention assessments. Our findings revealed significant physiological and performance adaptations following the HIIT sessions. Key observations included increased heart rate and rate of perceived exertion and an enhancement in horizontal jump performance and isometric hand strength but no significant change in cognitive processing speed. Remarkably, participants demonstrated a notable increase in pain threshold and blood lactate levels post-exercise. These results challenge traditional views of fatigue, indicating not only a physiological but also a psychological resilience to high-intensity stress. This study provides new insights into the complex interplay between physical fatigue, cognitive function, and pain perception, highlighting the comprehensive effects of HIIT on both physiological and psychological dimensions of human performance.

Outcome of Transfer Flexor Carpi Ulnaris And Plmaris Longus Tendons for Hand Deformity in Persistance Radial Nerve Palsy

Objective; the aim of our study is to evaluate the functional outcome of transfer flexor carpi ulnaris and palmaris longus for patients with persistence radial nerve palsy by minimal tendon transfer technique.
 Methods; The study included 10 patients 8 male and two female, mean age 25 years, range from 20 to 30 years. They underwent transfer of flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) and palmaris longus (PL) tendon for patient with persistence radial nerve palsy, the duration of outcome of tendon transfer after radial nerve injury evaluated after one year. Clinical evaluation include wrist joint range of movement by Geniometry and compared with the contralateral normal side.
 Results; The average ranges of wrist movements were as the follows: the mean wrist flexion was 52⁰(range 46⁰–56⁰), the mean wrist extension was 34⁰(range 30–38), radial deviation 18⁰(range 16⁰–20⁰) and ulnar deviation 21⁰ (range 18–23). The mean extension of the fingers in wrist extension was 7⁰(range 5⁰–10⁰) and in wrist neutral position was 12⁰(range 9⁰–16⁰). The mean abduction of the thumb was 38⁰(range 35⁰–44⁰). In comparison to the measure of joints in the contralateral normal hand, the final extension of the wrist was less, but extension of the fingers and MCP joints was similar to that of the normal hand. All of the patients in our study were able to extend their fingers with the wrist in the neutral position. Thumb abduction and extension was sufficient to deal with daily activities and, even, heavy jobs in most of the patients. Postoperative follow up of the patients was ranged (12–24) months. After 45 days, 8o% of the patients were able to do the normal non heavy daily work. In 20% of cases recovery was not progressing satisfactorily at 5 weeks. These were referred to physiotherapy for a planned exercise program, which the two patients improved their movements.
 Conclusion; The purpose of this study was to evaluate function of the hand after transfer of the FCU to EDC and PL to EPL, with persistence high nerve injuries. The FCU & PL tendons transfer has some advantages over the other techniques, short duration of operation time, no morbidity, improve range of motion of hand and less surgical scares. It is a viable option to restore hand function and strength following radial nerve injuries.

Pull-out vs. suture in zone Ia-Ib flexor tendon injuries: clinical results from a multicentre cohort study.

Several surgical techniques have been reported for flexor tendon zone 1a-b lacerations without a clear consensus on the gold standard treatment. The purpose of this multicentre study was to measure the outcomes of zone 1a-b flexor tendon injuries treated with a pull-out suture (POS) versus direct suture (DS) technique. Fifteen patients were treated with the pull-out technique and 22 patients with a direct suture technique between 2014 and 2020. The controlled active motion (CAM) regimen protocol and a standardised follow-up schedule were used in both groups. Data on the demographics, surgery, and treatment characteristics were collected at baseline as well as at week 6 and 13 post-operatively. The primary outcome measurement was the complication rate. Secondary outcome measurements were reoperation rate, finger range of motion (ROM), strength as well as patient satisfaction. The patient age ranged from 18 to 75 years in both groups with all patients having a complete FDP lesion after a clean-cut injury. The complication rate was 41% in the POS group and 16% in the DS group. The reoperation rate was 29% in the POS group and 8% in the DS group. Significant between-group differences in favour of the DS group were found in the passive DIP and passive PIP+DIP ROM at week 6 and week 13. Mean hand strength was 28.7 (11.6) kg in the POS group at week 13 and 21.3 (7.9) kg in the DS group. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.012) with a medium effect size (r=-0.41). Average patient satisfaction at week 13 was 7.5 (2.2) points in the POS and 7.7 (1.3) points in the DS group. The difference between groups was not significant (p=0.839). This register-based study demonstrates lower complication and reoperation rates with the direct suture approach compared with a pull-out button technique. Although clinical results were similar between the two surgery techniques at week 13 post-surgery, a direct suture approach should always be attempted whenever possible. If necessary, other local structures should be included to increase suture strength and allow for early active motion rehabilitation regimens.

The frequency of sarcopenia in haemophilia patients: Effects on musculoskeletal health and functional performance.

In patients with haemophilia A, chronic arthropathy develops over time as a result of recurrent joint bleeds, which leads to restricted mobility and disability in the affected joints. There are limited studies in the literature evaluating sarcopenia in patients with haemophilia. The present study aims to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in severe haemophilia-A patients and to evaluate musculoskeletal health and functional performance. Thirty haemophilia-A patients and 26 adult male volunteers were enrolled in the study. For detection of sarcopenia, the appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was divided by height squared (m2 ) to obtain the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) value. The thighs of both lower extremities were measured using the Modified Sonographic Tight Adjustment Ratio (STAR) method, which was obtained by adding the bilateral rectus femoris and vastus intermedius muscle thicknesses measured by ultrasound. Hand and quadriceps muscle strength (MS) were measured with a dynamometer. Physical performance was determined using the walking speed (WS), timed up-and-go test (TUGT), 5-repetition sit-to-stand test (5RSTS), and 6-min walk test (6MWT). Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) and Haemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection-Ultrasonography (HEAD-US) were also used to assess the musculoskeletal system. According to the modified STAR values calculated based on body mass index, sarcopenia was present in 15 (50%) of 30 patients. However, based on the ASMI-BIA values, sarcopenia was present in only two (6.6%) patients. A weak correlation was found between ASMI and HJHS, HEAD-US, WS, TUGT, and hand MS (left), while a moderate correlation was found with knee MS (right), knee MS (left), and 5RSTS. A strong correlation was found between the modified STAR score and HEAD-US, HJHS, knee MS (left), 5RSTS, TUGT, and WS, while a moderate correlation was found with hand MS (left), hand MS (right), and knee MS (right). This study showed muscle loss, joint mobility restrictions, and decreased functional capacity in haemophilia patients and demonstrated the presence of sarcopenia in these patients. The STAR measurement method showed stronger relationships with MS and functional performance values than ASMI measurements in terms of evaluating sarcopenia.

Muscular fitness profiles in relation to the response in body fat during school-based high-intensity intervention.

We aimed to assess the equivalence of the muscular fitness (MF) between body fat percentage (BFP) responders (Rs<inf>BFP</inf>) and non-responders (NRs<inf>BFP</inf>) to school-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Adolescents aged 16 (N.=73, 42.5% of males) were identified as Rs<inf>BFP</inf> (N.=45) or NRs<inf>BFP</inf> (N.=28). MF was assessed based on hand strength (HS), abdominal muscle strength (ABS), and leg power (VJ). Profile analysis showed distinct patterns of MF changes in both response categories. Despite the presence of parallelism (Wilks' Λ=0.979, Pillai's V=0.212, P=0.473), a gradient of increasing changes (HS-ABS-VJ) was found in the Rs<inf>BFP</inf>, while a gradient of decreasing changes was shown in the NRs<inf>BFP</inf>, and a significant level of inequality (F<inf>(1,71)</inf>=7.823, P=0.047, partial eta-squared [η2<inf>p</inf>] 0.041). One-way analysis showed a significant and moderate effect on VJ (F<inf>(1,71)</inf>=7.080, P=0.010, η2<inf>P</inf>=0.091), a close to significant effect on ABS (F<inf>(1,71)</inf>=3.300, P=0.074, η2<inf>P</inf>=0.044) and lack of an effect on HS (F<inf>(1,71)</inf>=0.699, P=0.406, η2<inf>P</inf>=0.010). The test of equal means across the condition categories (separately for Rs<inf>BFP</inf> and NRs<inf>BFP</inf>) indicated that there was no multivariate statistically significant within-group effect (F<inf>(2, 70)</inf>=0.517, P=0.599). The findings may help teachers assess the potential and indirect changes in muscle performance after employing a body weight intervention (based on the HIIT program). A more targeted approach to treating adolescents with excessive BF, in parallel with improving MF, can be individually tailored.

The Influence of the Tissue Adhesive Material as a Surgical Wound-Closure Technique Following Carpal Tunnel Decompression on Neurological and Functional Outcomes: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. The effect of tissue adhesives as a material for wound closure following CTS decompression has been insufficiently investigated. This study aimed to evaluate outcomes by comparing two modalities of wound closure following carpal surgery in patients randomly assigned to either tissue adhesives or sutures. Methodology This randomized, prospective study was conducted in April 2022 at the University Hospital of Split in Croatia. Patients aged 61.56 ± 12.03 years were randomized to either tissue adhesive Glubran Tiss 2®-based (n = 50) or suture-based (n = 50) wound-closure techniques. The following outcomes were assessed before surgery and six months postoperatively: hand strength, electroneurographic characteristics of the median nerve, and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Results Significant differences between glue-based and suture-based wound-closure techniques were found in the six-month postoperative hand grip strength (25.06 ± 6.69 vs. 21.41 ± 5.62 kg; p = 0.002), postoperative sensory amplitude (10.08 ± 5.50 vs. 7.54 ± 5.41 mV; p = 0.012), and postoperative sensory velocity (42.22 ± 11.04 vs. 35.23 ± 16.40 m/s; p = 0.008). In the glue-based group, significantly more patients achieved a postoperative sensory velocity greater than 45 m/s (47.9% vs. 22.0%; p= 0.006), postoperative distal sensory latency less than 3.5 ms (89.6% vs. 84.0%; p = 0.304), and postoperative motor latency of less than 4.2 ms (60.42% vs. 38.00%; p = 0.022). Conclusions This trial demonstrated that cyanoacrylate-based adhesion material for wound closure after open CTS decompression compared with sutures showed a significant six-month postoperative increment in hand grip strength and median nerve sensory conduction.

Hand Strength Changes Following a Clinical Rotation in Hand Therapy: A Pilot Study

Hand Strength Changes Following a Clinical Rotation in Hand Therapy: A Pilot Study

Influence of sarcopenia on surgical efficacy and mortality of percutaneous kyphoplasty in the treatment of older adults with osteoporotic thoracolumbar fracture

BackgroundSarcopenia is an age-related condition that causes loss of skeletal muscle mass and disability. Sarcopenia is closely related to the prognosis of patients suffering osteoporotic thoraco-lumbar compression fractures (OTLCF). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of sarcopenia on the efficacy of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in the treatment of older adults with OTLCF surgery and postoperative mortality. MethodsFrom February 2016 to June 2019, 101 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this study. The grip strength of the dominant hand was measured using an electronic grip tester. The diagnostic cutoff value of grip strength for sarcopenia was <27 kg for males and <16 kg for females. The cross-sectional area (cm2) of the musculature at the level of the pedicle of the thoracic 12th vertebra (T12) was measured by chest CT. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) was calculated by dividing the muscle cross-sectional area at the T12 pedicle level by the square of the height. The diagnostic cut-off value of SMI at T12 level is 42.6 cm2/m2 for males and 30.6 cm2/m2 for females. Sarcopenia was diagnosed when the grip strength and SMI values were both lower than the diagnostic cut-off value. All included patients received PKP treatment for OTLCF. The age, gender, operation time, bleeding volume, time to ground, length of hospital stay, visual analog scale (VAS) score before operation and one month after operation, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) one month after operation and the incidence of refracture within 36 months after operation were compared between the two groups. The survival curves of the two groups were analyzed by Kaplan Meier. Chi-square test was used to compare the differences in survival rates between the two groups at 12, 24, and 36 months after operation. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis compared multivariate factors on OTLCF postoperative mortality. ResultsThere was no significant difference in gender, operation time, blood loss and preoperative VAS score between the two groups (χ2 = 1.750, p = 0.186; t = 1.195, p = 0.235; t = −0.582, p = 0.562; t = −1.513, p = 0.133), respectively. The patients in the sarcopenia group were older (t = 3.708, p = 0.000), and had longer postoperative grounding time and hospitalization time (t = 4.360, p = 0.000; t = 6.458, p = 0.000). The VAS scores and ODI scores one month postoperatively were also higher in sarcopenia group (t = 5.900, p = 0.000; t = 7.294, p = 0.000), and there was a statistical difference between the two groups. Interestingly, there was no significant difference in the incidence of spinal refracture within 36 months between the two groups (χ2 = 1.510, p = 0.219). The sarcopenia group had a higher mortality rate at 36 months after operation, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.002). Sarcopenia is an independent risk factor for long-term mortality in OTLCF patients received PKP surgery. ConclusionsPatients with sarcopenia combined with OTLCF have poor postoperative recovery of limb function and a high risk of death in the long-term (36 months) after surgery. Active and effective intervention for sarcopenia is required during treatment.

Causal effect of sarcopenia-related traits on the occurrence and prognosis of breast cancer - A bidirectional and multivariable Mendelian randomization study.

Background and aims: although sarcopenia is associated with several types of cancer, there is limited research regarding its effect on breast cancer. We aimed to explore the causality between sarcopenia-related traits and the incidence and prognosis of breast cancer. Methods: two-sample bidirectional and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were utilized in this study. Genome-wide association studies were used to genetically identify sarcopenia-related traits, such as appendicular lean mass, grip strength of both hands, and walking pace. Data on the incidence and prognosis of breast cancer were collected from two extensive cohort studies. Multivariate MR analysis was used to adjust for body mass index, waist circumference, and whole-body fat mass. The primary method used for analysis was inverse-variance weighted analysis. Results: a significant association was found between appendicular lean mass and ER- breast cancer (OR = 0.873, 95 % CI: 0.817-0.933, p = 6.570 × 10-5). Increased grip strength of the left hand was associated with a reduced risk of ER- breast cancer (OR = 0.744, 95 % CI: 0.579-0.958, p = 0.022). Stronger grip strength of the right hand was associated with prolonged survival time of ER+ breast cancer patients (OR = 0.463, 95 % CI: 0.242-0.882, p = 0.019). In the multivariable MR analysis, appendicular lean mass, grip strength of both hands, and walking pace were still genetically associated with the development of total breast cancer and ER-/+ breast cancer. Conclusions: several sarcopenia-related traits were genetically associated with the occurrence and prognosis of breast cancer. It is crucial for elderly women to increase their strength and muscle mass to help prevent breast cancer.

Development of physical qualities of athletes aged 9-11

Background: Great importance is paid to the physical development of school children, the positive influence of physical culture for the growth and development of children has been proven. At the same time, indicators in sports schools are falling due to insufficient development of physical qualities. The problem requires studying and improving the training process of athletes.&#x0D; The aim of the study: To increase the effectiveness of the training process of athletes aged 9-11 years due to the development of certain motor qualities.&#x0D; Study design: Pedagogical experiment.&#x0D; Research methods: The pedagogical experiment was conducted on the basis of the Olympic Reserve School number 1 (Kirov, Russia) from August to November 2022. The study involved children aged 9-11 years. 2 groups were formed: experimental and control consisting of 25 boys each. Classes were held 3 times a week. Children from the control group were engaged in the usual program, and children from the experimental group performed exercises to develop physical qualities. The complex was used for 10 weeks. Tests that were used in the study: Long jump from a place, Shuttle run 3 x 10m, Squats for 30 seconds, Hand strength, Leaning forward from a sitting position.&#x0D; Results: After the study, the experimental group was ahead of the control group in almost all indicators. In the long jump test, the difference between the experimental and control groups was 2.3cm (P&lt;0.05). In the test, the shuttle run is 3x10m, the difference is 0.5 sec (P&lt;0.05). In the “Squat for 30 seconds” test, the difference is 1.6 squats (P&lt;0.05). In the test, the brush strength is 2 kg difference (P&lt;0.05). There is no difference in the forward tilt test at the end of the experiment (P&gt;0.05). Comparison of the results of the children of the control and experimental groups at the end of the pedagogical experiment indicates the superiority of the children of the experimental group. Thus, analyzing the results of testing the physical fitness of athletes aged 9-11, we can talk about the positive impact of the methodology proposed during the pedagogical experiment for the development of physical qualities of younger athletes.&#x0D; Conclusion: If a set of exercises aimed at developing physical qualities is purposefully applied in sports schools in working with children aged 9-11 years, then the indicators of children will improve significantly. This will increase the efficiency of the training process.&#x0D; Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 01 January’24 Page : 246-253

Criteria of syndrome frailty in Parkinson´s disease

To evaluate syndrome frailty by the Fried phenotype in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Seventy-three patients over 65 years of age with Hoehn and Yahr stage 2-4 PD were tested for the presence of subjective criteria of the Fried phenotype of syndrome frailty: fatigue, difficulty in performing habitual activities, weight loss and objective criteria: grip strength and walking speed. The relationships of the objective criteria of Fried with indicators of age, sex, sports history, prescription of PD, the number of medications, blood pressure and MDS UPDRS part III scores, the severity of depression on the Beck scale and cognitive disorders on the MOCA were evaluated. All patients complained of fatigue, difficulties in performing habitual activities. Four people noted a decrease in body weight of more than 5 kg per year. Objective criteria of Fried were absent in 38 (51%) patients, 23 (32%) people had one objective criterion: reduced walking speed (less than 0.8 m/s) or hand strength (less than 16 kg for women and 26 kg for men), in 12 (17%) people both objective criteria were reduced. The values of objective criteria of weakness were correlated with age, sex and MDS UPDRS part III total scores. Frailty syndrome is difficult to diagnose in patients with PD due to the coincidence of complaints of the underlying disease and the syndrome. Objective criteria of the Fried phenotype suggest the presence of syndrome frailty in patients. The increase in the age of the patient, the female sex and the severity of PD are interrelated with the presence of objective criteria for the frailty of an elderly person.

Association between relative grip strength and depression among U.S. middle-aged and older adults: results from the NHANES database.

Mental health issues among middle-aged and older adults are gaining increasing attention. Recent studies have shown that relative grip strength is associated with cardiovascular diseases and various cancers, but its relationship with depression remains unclear. This cross-sectional study included data from adults aged 50 years and older from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Relative grip strength is calculated by dividing the maximum absolute grip strength of both hands by BMI. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to evaluate the depressive outcome. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the association between relative grip strength and depression. In this study, a total of 3,639 participants (≥50 years) with a mean age of 64.3 ± 9.3 years were enrolled, of whom 48.9% were male. Compared with individuals with lower relative handgrip strength in Q1 (≤1.64 kg/BMI), the adjusted OR values for relative handgrip strength and depression in Q2 (1.64-2.17 kg/BMI), Q3 (2.17-2.84 kg/BMI), and Q4 (≥2.84 kg/BMI) were 0.69 (95% CI: 0.51, 0.93, p = 0.016), 0.36 (95% CI: 0.24, 0.55, p < 0.001), and 0.32 (95% CI: 0.20, 0.51, p < 0.001), respectively. The relationship between relative grip strength and depression presented an L-shaped curve (nonlinear, p = 0.006), with an inflection point of roughly 2.98 kg/BMI. Among participants with relative grip strength < 2.98 kg/BMI, the OR of incident depression was 0.41 (95% CI: 0.30-0.55, p < 0.001). Our findings indicated that relative grip strength was inversely associated with incident depression and demonstrated an L-shaped relationship among U.S. middle-aged and older adults. Relative grip strength could be the indicator for future screening of mental health.

Postshift Hand Fatigue in Emergency Service Nurses

Objective: Hand functionality, defined as the ability to perform tasks requiring fine motor skills, is crucial for emergency service nurses as it directly affects their ability to perform tasks requiring fine motor skills, such as administering medication, operating equipment, and providing patient care. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the effects of an 8‐h work shift on hand functionality and perceived exertion among emergency service nurses.Method: Employing a cross‐sectional design, the study measured manual dexterity, handgrip, and pinch strength, and perceived exertion using the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT), Nine‐Hole Peg Test (9‐HPT), Handgrip Strength Test, Pinch Strength Test, and the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale. Data were collected from 34 emergency service nurses both before and after their shifts.Results: The present findings indicated significant postshift declines in manual dexterity as evidenced by the MMDT and 9‐HPT, with the former demonstrating a large effect size and the latter a small effect size. No significant changes were observed in handgrip and pinch strength. Notably, Borg RPE scores increased significantly postshift, indicating substantial perceived fatigue with a nearly perfect effect size. Correlation analyses revealed significant relationships between increased physical exertion and changes in hand dexterity and strength, underscoring the physical demands placed on nurses during typical work shifts.Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for healthcare institutions to reassess work schedules and ergonomic practices to mitigate fatigue and preserve nurses’ hand functionality, thereby enhancing patient care and nurse well‐being. The study calls for further research to explore more comprehensive strategies aimed at reducing the occupational strain on emergency service nurses.

Neuro-Muscular Responses Adaptation to Dynamic Changes in Grip Strength.

Precise control of strength is of significant importance in upper limb functional rehabilitation. Understanding the neuro-muscular response in strength regulation can help optimize the rehabilitation prescriptions and facilitate the relative training process for recovery control. This study aimed to investigate the inherent characteristics of neural-muscular activity during dynamic hand strength adjustment. Four dynamic grip force tracking modes were set by manipulating different magnitude and speed of force variations, and thirteen healthy young individuals took participation in the experiment. Electroencephalography were recorded in the contralateral sensorimotor cortex area, as well as the electromyography from the first dorsal interosseous muscle were collected synchronously. The metrics of the Event-related desynchronization, the electromyography stability index, and the force variation, were used to represent the corresponding cortical neural responses, muscle contraction activities, and the level of strength regulation, respectively; and further neuro-muscular coupling between the sensorimotor cortex and the first dorsal interosseous muscle was investigated by transfer entropy analysis. The results indicated a strong relationship that the increase of force regulation demand would result in a force variation increase as well as a stability reduction in muscle motor unit output. Meanwhile, the intensity of neural response increased in both the α and β frequency bands. As the force regulation demand increased, the strength of bidirectional transfer entropy showed a clear shift from β to the γ frequency band, which facilitate rapid integration of dynamic strength compensation to adapt to motor task changes.

Resistant Plyometric Training İncreases Muscle Strength in Young Male Basketball Players

Purpose: In this study, the effect of 12-week resisted, and non-resistive plyometric training applied to young male basketball players on hand, trunk and leg muscle strength was examined. &#x0D; Method: 27 athletes aged 15+0.8 years old were included in the study. Athletes were divided into 3 groups: control (C), plyometric (P) and weight vest + plyometric (W), with 9 athletes each. All 3 groups performed routine basketball training for 12 weeks. Group C performed routine basketball, group P performed plyometric training using body weight, and group W performed plyometric training with a weight vest. Following the end of the training program, the hand, back and leg muscle strength of all athletes was measured using a dynamometer. The data obtained in the study were presented as mean + SD, comparison between measurements was evaluated with the t test, and p

Analysis of Hand Function, Upper Limb Disability, and Its Relationship with Peripheral Vascular Alterations in Raynaud's Phenomenon.

This study aimed to compare vascular involvement, hand functionality, and upper limb disability between Raynaud's phenomenon participants and controls. Also, we analyzed the relationships between vascular impairment, mobility, and strength with disability in this Raynaud population. We conducted a case-control study with fifty-seven participants. We registered sociodemographic and clinical data; vascular variables (temperature, cold test, blood flow, and oxygen saturation); functional variables (pinch strength, range of motion), and disability (Shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire) (Q-DASH). Raynaud participants present more disability in all Q-DASH subscales, lower hands' temperature pre and post cold test, decreased blood flow on radial artery, decreased ranges of motions at passive extension of index finger, and active flexion and extension of thumb than the healthy controls. The multivariate regression analysis showed that extension of the index finger, lateral pinch strength, and oxygen saturation were significantly associated with disability in RP, almost the 55% of the total variance on the upper limb, 27% at sports/arts, and 42% at work. Our findings suggest that RP has a disabling effect on the upper extremities and a practice of activities in people who suffer it. Also, disability in Raynaud seems to be more related with hand mobility and strength impairment than vascular injury.

Correlation of Handgrip Strength with Thumb Flexibility, Strength and Pain in Manual Therapists

Objective: To find the correlation bwteen hand grip strength with thumb muscle strength, flexibility and thumb pain in manual therapists and to find out the variation of these variables in healthy manual therapists. Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional Study. Place and Duration of Study: Pakistan Society of Rehabilitation and Disability, Jinnah Hospital, Ittefaq Hospital, and Riphah University Pakistan, from Nov 2021 to Jan 2022. Methodology: One hundred thirty-five manual therapists were enrolled. Informed consent was taken from participants meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. The questionnaire was filled out using a Dynamometer for Handgrip strength check, a Manual Muscle testing technique for Thumb muscle strength check, a Numeric pain rating scale for Pain intensity, and Goniometry for Flexibility of the Thumb muscles. Results: Results showed that most manual therapists had no wrist pain (99,73.3%) or thumb pain (104,77%). The majority of therapists (116 ,85.9%), had less than normal grip strength of hand, and 58(43%) had maximum thumb strength. There was a positive correlation between grip strength and thumb strength (r=0.234). There was a negative correlation between grip strength and thumb pain (r=-0.077). Conclusion: The study concluded that most manual therapists did not suffer from wrist and thumb pain. The majority had good thumb muscle strength but poor hand grip strength. Thumb strength positively correlates with grip strength, while thumb pain negatively correlates with handgrip strength.

BOTH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND DEPRESSION MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF POOR MUSCLE FUNCTION IN OLDER PEOPLE

Abstract Muscle loss might occur in aging, target organ failure, metabolic and endocrine disorders, etc. The aim of this study was to identify the high-risk group of low grip strength, a key component of sarcopenia. 100 subjects aged 65 or older who received Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) and grip strength measurement were enrolled at EDA Hospital, Taiwan, form January 2022 to February, 2023 (IRB: EMRP-110-108). Exclusion criteria: unclear consciousness or unable to cooperate 、advanced disease. CGA and grip strength measurement were performed by well-trained nurses and geriatrician. Depressive mood was defined as Geriatric Depression Scale-5 ≧2 or with diagnosed depression. Cognitive impairment was defined as Short Portable Mental State Questionnaire (SPMSQ) &amp;lt; 8 (SPMSQ &amp;lt; 6 in those without education) or with diagnosed dementia. Multiple linear regression was constructed to assess the independent associated factors on increased average grip strength of bilateral hands. Univariate analysis showed male, weight, ADL significantly associated with greater grip strength. Multiple linear regression revealed CKD(ß= -7.70, 95%CI -13.35~-2.05, p=0.011), COPD(ß= -9.15, 95%CI -17.15~-1.17, p=0.027 ), cognitive impairment(ß= -7.67, 95%CI -12.66~-2.65, p=0.005) and depressive mood(ß= -8.39, 95%CI -13.46~-3.32, p=0.003) have detrimental effect on grip strength even after adjustment of age, sex, BMI, socioeconomics, chronic comorbidities, and other geriatric syndromes. Our results resemble another sarcopenia study in which poor muscle function, but not reduced lean muscle mass, was associated with late-life cognitive impairment. Therefore, early screening, education, and intervention of sarcopenia should be applied on high-risk population such as those with CKD, COPD, cognitive impairment, and depressive mood.