Hand-held Dynamometer Research Articles

Estimation of Hand Function Impairment in Breast Cancer Survivors with Lymphedema

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most frequent cancers in women, and breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a common side effect of BC treatment. When the lymphatic drainage system is damaged, lymphedema develops, which further exacerbates swelling and leads to pain, an increase in limb circumference, a reduction in joint range of motion, and a decrease in the use of the affected hand for functional tasks. Handgrip strength is essential for performing upper limb functional daily activities. Less is known about the long-term effects of lymphedema on hand function. The objective of the study was estimation of hand function impairment in BC survivors with lymphedema. This study was carried out by randomly selecting 100 out of 1,200 women with lymphedema, aged between 40 and 80 years, and who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy along with radiotherapy, were included in this study. The handgrip strength was tested using an electronic handheld dynamometer. The functional wrist and hand scales were used to evaluate hand function. The Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire (MHQ) was used to evaluate the hand's overall function. A statistical analysis was done using SPSS statistical software (version 23.0). Handgrip strength of the affected hand by BCRL when compared with the unaffected hand was reduced. Functional hand and wrist scale have shown very poor results of the affected hand when compared with the unaffected hand. Majority of participants in the MHQ were unsatisfied with the overall functioning of the hand (p < 0.0001). This study concluded that there was significant hand function impairment in BC survivors with lymphedema. BCRL had a negative impact on daily activities of the individual and also affected the mental, emotional, and social aspects. BCRL also had an impact on overall self-reported physical function and quality of life.

Efficacy of neck muscle activation versus strengthening for adults with chronic cervical radiculopathy: a study protocol for a randomised clinical trial

IntroductionChronic cervical radiculopathy is a common condition characterised by neck and arm pain, numbness and weakness. Both neck muscle activation and strengthening exercises are widely recognised treatments for cervical radiculopathy,...

Co-Occurrence of Sarcopenia and Frailty in Acutely Admitted Older Medical Patients: Results from the Copenhagen PROTECT Study

BackgroundSarcopenia and frailty are often used interchangeably in clinical practice yet represent two distinct conditions and require different therapeutic approaches. The literature regarding the co-occurrence of both conditions in older patients is scarce as most studies have investigated the prevalence of sarcopenia and frailty separately.ObjectivesWe aim to evaluate the prevalence and co-occurrence of sarcopenia and frailty in a large sample of acutely admitted older medical patients.DesignSecondary analyses using cross-sectional data from the Copenhagen PROTECT study.SettingPatients were included from the acute medical ward at Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark, between November 2019 and November 2021.ParticipantsAcutely admitted older medical patients (≥65 years).MeasurementsHandgrip strength (HGS) was investigated using a handheld dynamometer. Lean mass (SMI) was investigated using direct-segmental multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analyses (DSM-BIA). Low HGS, low SMI, and sarcopenia were defined according to the recent definitions from the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2). The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) was used to evaluate frailty, with a value > 5 indicating the presence of frailty. Patients were enrolled and tested within 24 hours of admission.ResultsThis study included 638 patients (mean age: 78.2±7.6, 55% female) with complete records of SMI, HGS, and the CFS. The prevalence of low HGS, low SMI, sarcopenia, and frailty were 39.0%, 33.1%, 19.7%, and 39.0%, respectively. Sarcopenia and frailty co-occurred in 12.1% of the patients.ConclusionsIt is well-known that sarcopenia and frailty represent clinical manifestations of ageing and overlap in terms of the impairment in physical function observed in both conditions. Our results demonstrate that sarcopenia and frailty do not necessarily co-occur within the older acutely admitted patient, highlighting the need for separate assessments of frailty and sarcopenia to ensure the accurate characterization of the health status of older patients.

Hip and Trunk Variables in University Students with and without Recurrent Low Back Pain.

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability. Recurrent low back pain (rLBP) is defined as two or more episodes of LBP in a 12-month period, each lasting more than 24 hours and separated by at least one pain-free month. Many studies have shown that hip and trunk variables have an influence on LBP. However, most of these are studies of participants with acute or chronic LBP rather than rLBP. To examine the difference between hip and trunk variables of university students with and without rLBP. Cross-Sectional. Participants with and without rLBP between 18 and 35 years of age not currently undergoing clinical orthopedic care were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Bilateral hip range of motion (ROM) and trunk ROM were measured with a goniometer or measuring tape (hip motions in all planes along with trunk flexion, extension, and lateral flexion). Strength of the hip extensors, abductors, and external rotators was measured using a handheld dynamometer, and a single-leg bridge endurance test was performed to assess differences and correlations between outcomes. Twenty-six subjects aged 18 to 35 years with rLBP (n=10) and without rLBP (n=16) participated. Statistically significant differences between the two groups were found for right and left hip flexion (p = 0.029 and 0.039, respectively), right hip adduction (p = 0.043), and right hip extension (p = 0.021). No significant differences were found between groups for strength, endurance, or other ROM measures. The findings of this study show statistically significant although clinically non-meaningful differences in hip flexion, extension, and adduction ROM in the rLBP group compared to the control group. This lack of clinically meaningful difference may be relevant to testing procedures and treatment of patients or athletes with rLBP. This study also suggests that hip strength and endurance may not play a major role in the development or treatment of rLBP. Level of Evidence: 3.

Efficacy of modified active physical therapy program on pain, muscle strength, and function in adolescent football players with osteitis pubis

BackgroundIn athletes, osteitis pubis (OP) is considered a major cause of chronic groin pain. In addition to the difficulties with diagnosis, controversy exists regarding the most appropriate treatment approach. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of a modified active physical therapy program (MAPT) on pain, hip and trunk muscle strengths, and lower extremity function in adolescent football players with OP.MethodsFifty football players aged from 12 to 18 years with OP were included and allocated into two groups: the MAPT group (n = 24) and the traditional physical therapy (TPT) group (n = 26). Each group received a different treatment protocol for 60 min applied 3 times/week for 12 weeks. A visual analog scale, digital hand-held dynamometer (HHD), and lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) were used to measure pain, hip and trunk muscle strengths, and lower limb function, respectively, at baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention.ResultsThere was a highly significant difference in the TPT group’s pain score (p < 0.001) compared with the MAPT group. Also, the strength of hip flexors, abductors, adductors, internal rotators, external rotators, and trunk flexors and extensors improved significantly (p < 0.05) than the TPT group. However, the between-group analysis revealed that the strength of hip extensors and LEFS in the MAPT group achieved a highly significant difference (p < 0.001) compared with the TPT group.ConclusionMAPT could be recommended strongly in the rehabilitation of OP in adolescent football players in which the functional abilities of OP patients improved because of reduced pain levels and increased hip and trunk muscle strength. (IRCT20210909052421N3, Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, https://www.irct.ir/trial/68946/pdf, 9-April-2023).

Musculoskeletal fitness: relative handgrip strength and vertical jump power from 10 to 18 years old

BackgroundThere is an increasing consensus on the relevance of musculoskeletal fitness for health throughout the life cycle, requiring evaluation approaches and description of results capable of characterizing different age groups and body sizes. This study aimed to describe the musculoskeletal fitness of young Portuguese people aged 10–18 through handgrip strength (HGS) and vertical jump power (VJP) and investigate differences between the sexes.MethodsThe sample included 736 participants (359 girls recruited from schools. HGS (kg) was assessed using a handheld dynamometer, and VJP (W) was assessed using a force platform; both measurements were standardized for body mass.ResultsHigher HGS and VJP were observed in boys than in girls from 13 years old (13 years: p ≤ 0.05; 14–18 years: p ≤ 0.001), with no significant differences before this age. The percentile distributions of HGS and VJP are described for each sex using the lambda, mu, sigma (LMS) method. The pattern of development of these variables as a function of age is presented.ConclusionsHandgrip strength and vertical jump power show differences between the sexes from 13 years of age and similar trajectories to populations in other countries in the same age group.

Hip Arthroscopy Followed by 6-Month Rehabilitation Leads to Improved Periarticular Muscle Strength, Except for Abductors and External Rotators

PurposeTo evaluate the variations in hip muscles strength following arthroscopy and 6-month rehabilitation in patients treated for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) MethodsA retrospective analysis was carried out on a series of patients who were arthroscopically treated for FAI at La Tour Hospital between 2020 and 2022. Bilateral isometric strengths of eight hip-related muscles (abductors, adductors, hamstrings, quadriceps, extensors, flexors, internal and external rotators) were assessed using a handheld dynamometer before surgery and postoperatively after six months of rehabilitation in terms of relative strength changes between time-points. ResultsA total of 29 patients (aged 26.9±7.1, 86% of women) were included. Except for the abductors which remained of comparable strength than before surgery, a statistically significant (p<0.05) increase in hip muscles strength on the operated side could be noted at 6 postoperative months for hamstrings (9%±17%, p=0.041), quadriceps (11%±27%, p=0.045), extensors (17%±32%, p=0.006), flexors (17%±29%, p=0.003), adductors (18%±23%, p<0.001), and internal rotators (32%±36%, p<0.001). The proportion of patients who reached a strength level above their pre-operative status ranged from 62% (quadriceps) to 86% (adductors and flexors) depending on the muscle studied. The external rotators were the only muscles that remained significantly weakened at 6 months on both operated (-13%±26%, p=0.002) and non-operated (-17%±25%, p<0.001) sides, with a decrease beyond 15% in almost half of the patients (45% and 48% respectively). ConclusionsArthroscopic treatment followed by 6-month rehabilitation granted to most FAI patients a higher strength level for several hip muscles, except for abductors and external rotators which remained comparable and weakened, respectively.

DOP13 Effect of 8 weeks of combined aerobic and resistance exercise on quality of life, muscle strength, aerobic capacity, and disease activity in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease; a parallel group randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background Sarcopenia is prevalent in patients with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). This study aimed to assess the effects of an 8-weeks combined aerobic and resistance training program on the quality of life, disease activity, muscle strength, and aerobic capacity in patients with IBD. (Registration ID: NCT05455762) Methods This study was a single-blind parallel-group randomized clinical trial. Inclusion criteria were patients 18 to 65 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of IBD. Exclusion criteria: active malignancy, consumption of systemic corticosteroids, and patients with moderate to severe physical activity more than 150 minutes/week. Patients were allocated to each group by block randomization with a 1:1 ratio. The intervention consisted of walking sessions on even days and six resistance exercises on odd days. The primary outcome was the patients' quality of life, measured by the Persian version of the ibdq-9 questionnaire. secondary outcomes included disease severity, muscle strength, 6-minute walk test, and 30-second sit-to-stand test. We measured muscle strength by a handheld dynamometer. Results Of 72 patients screened 64 were eligible for the study. During the follow-up period, 13 patients, 8 from the exercise group and 5 from the control group, were excluded from the study. 51 patients, 28 females and 23 males, with a mean age of 34.9 ± 10.57 were analyzed. Two groups were matched in demographic and IBD-related characteristics. Unlike the control group, the exercise group showed a significant increase in overall quality of life (40.29 to 47.75, p=0.005), particularly in intestinal and systemic symptoms domains (p=0.01 and p=0.004). the inter-group analysis found no significantly higher mean difference in QOL scores between the exercise and control groups (p=0.053). The Partial Mayo score in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) significantly decreased in the intervention group but not in the control group. The Harvey-Bradshaw index in Crohn patients didn’t change in either group. There were no exercise-related serious complications. The 6-minute walk test distance significantly increased in the exercise group but not in the control group. The 30-second sit-to-stand test didn’t significantly change in either group. Of muscles examined (hand grip, shoulder abductor, hip flexor, knee extensor, and elbow flexor) only knee extension strength increased in both groups. Conclusion Combined resistance and aerobic exercise in patients with IBD is safe and can significantly improve the quality of life and aerobic capacity. This regimen also improved clinical severity in patients with UC but not in Crohn’s. Muscle strength did not significantly improve when comparing the two groups, possibly due to the short duration of the intervention.

Clinical determinants of the modified incremental step test in adults with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

This study primarily aimed to investigate the clinical determinants of the Modified Incremental Step Test (MIST) in adults with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). A secondary objective was to compare the cardiopulmonary responses after the MIST and Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT), two commonly adopted symptom-limited maximum field tests in chronic respiratory diseases. Forty-six patients with clinically stable bronchiectasis participated in this cross-sectional study. MIST and ISWT were performed to determine exercise capacity, while disease severity, fatigue, and quality of life were assessed using the Bronchiectasis Severity Index (BSI), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), respectively. Quadriceps muscle strength was evaluated using a hand-held dynamometer, walking speed with a wireless inertial sensing device, and the level of physical activity (steps/day) with a pedometer. The BSI score, quadriceps muscle strength, daily step count, and the SGRQ total score explained 61.9% of the variance in the MIST (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.67, AR2 = 0.619). The BSI score (r = -0.412, p = 0.004), quadriceps muscle strength (r = 0.574, p = 0.001), daily step count (r = 0.523, p < 0.001), walking speed (r = 0.402, p = 0.006), FSS score (r = -0.551, p < 0.001), and SGRQ total score (r = -0.570, p < 0.001) correlated with the MIST. The patients achieved higher heart rates (HR), HR%, desaturation, dyspnea, and leg fatigue in the MIST compared to the ISWT (p < 0.05). Disease severity, quadriceps muscle strength, physical activity level, and quality of life were determinants of MIST. The advantages of the MIST, including higher cardiopulmonary response than ISWT and greater portability, which facilitates its use in various settings, make MIST the preferred choice for investigating symptom-limited exercise capacity in patients with NCFB.

Effect of combined Kinesiotaping and resistive exercise on muscle strength and quality of life in breast cancer survivors: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundBreast cancer (BC) and its treatment affect women's tissue architecture and physiology, which leads to impaired muscle strength and joint dysfunction, affecting quality of life (QOL). Most evidence has focused on exercises; however, due to the complexity and heterogeneity of patients’ rehabilitation needs, further research is required to investigate more adjunctive methods to help optimal rehabilitation according to patients’ needs, preferences, and effective interventions.MethodsThis study aimed to determine the effect of Kinesiotaping (KT) combined with resistive exercise on muscle strength and QOL in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Forty premenopausal BCS treated with chemotherapy postmastectomy participated in this study. Their age ranged from 40 to 55 years, and their body mass index (BMI) was 25–29.9 kg/m2. They were randomly distributed into two equal groups. The control group received resistive exercise two times/week for 12 weeks, while the study group received resistive exercise and KT applied to the lower limbs. Hip, knee, and ankle muscle strength were measured using a hand-held dynamometer, and QOL was evaluated using 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) before and after treatment.ResultsBoth groups showed a significant increase (p = 0.0001) in the strength of hip flexors, knee extensors, flexors, ankle plantar flexors, and dorsiflexors, as well as SF-36 score after treatment. However, the study group showed a more significant increase in strength of hip flexors (p = 0.005), knee extensors (p = 0.01) and flexors (p = 0.02), ankle plantar flexors (p = 0.01), and dorsiflexors (p = 0.01), as well as SF-36 score (p = 0.006) than the control group.ConclusionsKT plus resistive exercise is more effective than exercise alone for improving muscle strength and QOL in BCS. So, the KT can be recommended as a non-invasive, adjunctive method added to the protocol therapy for BCS to help better outcomes during the rehabilitation period.

Comparison of Obliques Muscles Strength Between Left and Right Side in Normal Young Adults Using Handheld Dynamometer - A Pilot Study

Background: Asymmetry of abdominal muscles is a potential cause for lowback pain. Most studies assume therotational strength towards non dominant side to be more but no studies have been conducted to objectivelymeasure the asymmetry. In subjects with spinal deformity like scoliosis which has a rotational component to it,it can be presumed that there could be asymmetry between the oblique force couplehowever this study aims tofind out whether this asymmetry exists in normal healthy individuals. By using manual muscle testing for assessingoblique muscle strength only gross asymmetry can be detected. Therefore there is a need for more objectivemeasure to detect subtle discrepancies within strength of both sides.Objective: The objective of this study is to measure the strength of external and internal oblique on both sideusing handheld dynamometer and to compare the strength on both sides.Methodology:30 healthy young individuals in the age group of 18-30 years were selected to participate in thestudy. All subjects were right hand dominant.External oblique and internal oblique muscle strength was measuredin KGs using a Jamar type of hydraulichand held dynamometer.Results: There was a significant difference between the strength of external obliques on right and left side withstrength on right side being more whereas there was no significant difference between strength of internaloblique between right and left side.

Effect of core stabilization versus rebound therapy on balance in children with cerebral palsy

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the effect of core stabilization exercises and rebound therapy on balance in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP).MethodsFifty- two children of spastic hemiplegic CP aged 5 up to 8 years from both genders were assigned randomly into two groups: core stability and rebound therapy groups. Both groups received 3 sessions/week, 1.5-h training per session, for 12 successive weeks. The measurement was performed at baseline and post-treatment. Balance as a primary outcome for this study was measured by a Biodex Balance System (BBS), and knee extensor strength and functional capacity as secondary outcomes were assessed using a hand-held dynamometer, and a six-minute walk test (6MWT), respectively.ResultsAll variables showed a significant improvement after intervention in each group (p < 0.0001), with significant improvement in all stability indices (overall, anteroposterior, and mediolateral) in core stability group when compared to rebound therapy group.ConclusionCore stability exercises and rebound therapy are recommended in the rehabilitation of children with hemiplegic CP. Core stability exercises were more effective than rebound therapy for balance improvement.Trial registration numberNCT05739396.

Handheld dynamometry: Validity and reliability of measuring hip joint rate of torque development and peak torque.

Measuring rate of torque development (RTD) and peak torque (PT) for hip muscle performance presents challenges in clinical practice. This study investigated the construct validity of a handheld dynamometer (HHD) versus an isokinetic dynamometer (IKD), and intra-rater repeated reliability for RTD and PT and their relationship in hip joint movements. Thirty healthy individuals (mean age = 30 ± 8 years, 13 males) underwent two test sessions in a single day. RTD (0-50, 0-100, 0-150, 0-200ms) and PT normalised to body mass in maximal voluntary isometric contractions were measured using a HHD and an IKD in hip flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal and external rotation. For validity between the devices, RTD0-50 exhibited the largest significant systematic bias in all hip movements (3.41-11.99 Nm·s-1 kg-1) and widest limits-of-agreement, while RTD0-200 had the lowest bias (-1.33-3.99 Nm·s-1 kg-1) and narrowest limits-of-agreement. For PT, agreement between dynamometers was observed for hip flexion (0.08 Nm·kg-1), abduction (-0.09 Nm·kg-1), internal (-0.01 Nm·kg-1), and external rotation (0.05 Nm·kg-1). For reliability, intra-rater intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1) ranged from moderate to good in RTD0-50 and RTD0-100 (0.5-0.88), and good to excellent in RTD0-150 and RTD0-200 (0.87-0.95) in all movements. The HHD displayed excellent intra-rater, relative reliability values (ICC2,1) in all movements (0.85-0.95). Pearson's correlation revealed good linear correlation between PT and RTD0-150 and RTD0-200 in all movements (r = .7 to .87, p = < .001). Validity analysis demonstrated significant systematic bias and lack of agreement in RTD measures between the HHD and IKD. However, the HHD displays excellent to moderate intra-rater, relative reliability for RTD and PT measures in hip movements. Clinicians may use the HHD for hip muscle PT assessment but note, late phase RTD measures are more reliable, valid, and relate to PT than early phase RTD. Additionally, the correlation between RTD and PT at various time epochs was examined to better understand the relationship between these measures.

Reliability of belt-stabilized handheld or isokinetic dynamometer-based isometric knee-extensor strength-testing when seated with the toes of the contralateral nonexamined side off the floor.

[Purpose] To determine the intra-rater and inter-devices reliability of isometric knee-extensor muscle-strength-measurement. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 77 university students (50 males; 27 females) who underwent isometric knee-extension muscle-strength measurement twice with a belt-stabilized handheld dynamometer and isokinetic dynamometer. The intra-rater and inter-devices reliability was ascertained from measurements that were performed with the participant seated on the edge of the bed, the toes of the contralateral nonexamined side off the floor, and the trunk supported by the upper limb. [Results] In the overall, male, and female cohorts, the 95% confidence intervals of intra-rater reliabilities (1,1) in the belt-stabilized handheld and isokinetic dynamometers were 0.96-0.98, 0.92-0.97, and 0.81-0.96, 0.82-0.92, 0.73-0.90, and 0.78-0.95, respectively, and the inter-device 95% confidence intervals were 0.52-0.77, 0.28-0.69, and -0.03 to 0.63, respectively. Compared to the belt-stabilized handheld dynamometer group, the isokinetic dynamometer group had higher knee-extension muscle strength. [Conclusion] The intra-rater reliability was rated good-to-excellent and moderate-to-excellent for the belt-stabilized handheld and isokinetic dynamometers, respectively. The inter-devices reliability was poor, and isometric knee-extension muscle strength in the isokinetic dynamometer group was higher than that in the belt-stabilized handheld dynamometer group.

Effectiveness of Physiotherapy Intervention in the Symptomatic Management of Hirayama Disease: A Case Report

Hirayama Disease (HD) is an infrequent condition. Due to its rarity and misdiagnosed nature, epidemiological data is limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to find the effectiveness of physiotherapy intervention in the symptomatic management of HD. The results of the present study provided evidence for the development of standardised protocol for treatment to manage the symptoms of HD. Hereby. the authors present a case of a 20-year-old male, who presented with the chief complaint of weakness in bilateral hands for the past 3 years. The patient was examined for upper limb motor functions using Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV), Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), Patient-related Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) and Patientrelated Hand Evaluation, Quality of Life (QoL) Scale, Handheld Dynamometer (HHD) and Pinchmeter. Pre and post-intervention analysis of outcome measures were used to show the differences n the improvement of the patient’s symptoms. There was a clinical and symptomatic improvement in the scoring of PRWE from 29 to 6, NCV (30.17 m/s to 35.80 m/s on right side median nerve, 28.23 m/s to 32.06 m/s on right side ulnar nerve, 32.87 m/s to 37.23 m/s on left side median nerve, 32.13 m/s to 40.12 m/s on left ulnar nerve), MMT (from grade 2 or 3 to grade 3, 4 or 4+), QOL (72 to 99), HHD (0.3 lb to 0.5 lb of left side and 0.1 lb to 0.5 lb of right side) and Pinchmeter (0.5 lb to 3 lb of left and 0.2 lb to 1 lb of right side). The treatment given was effective in improving the patient’s symptoms. The results can be used to conduct further studies to add evidence-based literature in physiotherapy practice.

Shoulder and Elbow Synergy for Lateral Epicondylalgia Management: A Case Report

Lateral epicondylalgia, commonly known as tennis elbow, is a chronic overuse injury characterised by acute inflammation at the common wrist extensor origin, resulting in pain. Scapular muscle weakness has been linked to lateral epicondylalgia, as weakness or instability in proximal muscles can trigger distal issues. Non-operative interventions, such as activity adjustments, physiotherapy, and various therapeutic methods, have been effective in managing symptoms. This case report demonstrates the effectiveness of scapular muscle strengthening in improving lateral epicondylalgia, along with extensor strengthening. The patient, a 36-yearold male construction manager, underwent a comprehensive course of physical therapy, including scapular muscle strengthening exercises. Comprehensive follow-up using outcome measures such as the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and handheld dynamometer was done. The treatment resulted in improvements in daily function, physical activity, and sports performance, indicating the potential benefits of incorporating scapular muscle strengthening in the management of lateral epicondylalgia. This case emphasizes the need for a tailored approach, suggesting scapular muscle strengthening exercises as a more targeted intervention for lateral epicondylalgia.

Is there a subgroup of females with patellofemoral pain syndrome likely to benefit from proximal control exercises?

IntroductionPatellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most popular complaints among young females. Proximal hip control exercises can improve hip strength and reduce the stresses and pain. However, there is a lack of studies that investigate predictors of the success of proximal hip control exercises in this disorder. This predictive validity diagnostic trial aimed to investigate the effect of body mass index, age, duration of symptoms, and knee angle valgus on proximal control exercise success to improve hip muscle abductors and external rotator isometric strength.MethodsFifty females with PFPS recruited from Ain shams University Hospital with a mean age of 25 years received proximal control exercises (transversus abdominis and multifidus activation, hip extensor, abductor and external rotator strengthening). Participants were assessed for hip strength using a handheld dynamometer, and dynamic knee valgus via video analysis using the Kinovea v.0.8.15 computer program.ResultsAge was found to be a predictor of success in hip abductor strength, and duration of symptoms a predictor of success in hip external rotator strength with proximal control exercises in patellofemoral pain syndrome female individuals, with no specific cut-off points.ConclusionsProximal control exercises can improve hip strength in females with PFPS with no specific cut-off points for the significant predictors found (age and duration of symptoms).

Ab. No. 86 Comparison of Shoulder Rotation Range, Strength and Proprioception in Racket Sports Players Versus Normal Individuals

Introduction: Racket sports; involve agility, power and coordination. Repetitive nature of swinging a racket can lead to muscle imbalance, affect joint flexibility and strength, thus impacting shoulder range, strength and proprioception in racket sports players (RSP). The study compared shoulder rotation range, strength and proprioception between RSP and normal Individuals (NI). The results could help modify training protocols in light of unique demands placed on the shoulder in racket sports. Method: Players playing racket sports like lawn tennis and badminton, aged 18 and above, at least 1hr/day, minimum 3days/week, since at least a year were included. NI were also included for comparison. Players with acute shoulder pain, shoulder and neck surgeries were excluded. This was an Observational study. Ethical approval was taken. Shoulder ranges were measured with an inclinometer, strength with a hand held spring dynamometer and proprioception with an inclinometer. Data was analyzed by SPSS 25. Data was normally distributed. The level of significance was kept at p&lt;0.05. Unpaired t-test and paired t-test were used for inter &amp; intra group comparison respectively. Result: Total 30 RSP and 30 NI, had mean age 28.53±6.45 years, average range of IR (dominant hand) (RSP-65.470±2.610, NI-67.200 ±4.410), range of ER (dominant hand) (RSP-92.870±2.220, NI-90.830 ±3.490), average strength IR (RSP-5.43±1.21kg, NI-5.56±1.33kg), ER (RSP-4.49±0.98kg, NI-4.98±1.35kg) mean proprioception IR(RSP-2.23±0.63, NI-2.33±0.66),ER (RSP-2.00±0.91, NI-2.50±0.68). ER range was significantly higher (p=0.0094) in RSP. No significant difference was seen in IR range, IR &amp; ER strength and proprioception (p&gt;0.05). Conclusions: The ER range was higher in RSP. There was no difference in IR range, strength and proprioception between RSP and NI. Implication: In RSP, shoulder rotator strength &amp; proprioception should be increased to optimize shoulder function.

Lower limb muscle strength is associated with disability in non-specific chronic low back pain

Low back pain is one of the most common health problems that affects daily living activities of most people at some time in their lifetime. Non-specific chronic low back pain (NS-CLBP) can be seen in 85-95% of the population. Although it is known that disability and lower limb muscle strength are affected in patients with NS-CLBP, no study investigated the relationship between these variables. The aim of this study was to identify association between disability and lower limb muscle strength in these patients. 79 patients with NS-CLBP were enrolled. The strength of knee extensor and ankle dorsiflexor muscles were measured using a hand-held dynamometer. The disability was assessed using Oswestry Disability Index. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that there were negative significant correlations between Oswestry Disability Index score and right knee extensor muscle strength, left knee extensor muscle strength and left ankle dorsiflexor muscle strength (r=-0.290, p=0.009; r=-0.408, p

Impact of Prolonged use of Video Gaming on Grip and Pinch Strength in Young Adult

Background: Video gaming has become an increasingly popular and globally recognized phenomenon in recent years. While playing, there are multi repetitive movements of the fingers, which may lead to significant hand grip or pinch grip problems. Purposes: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of prolonged use of video games on the grip and pinch strength. Materials and Methods: Forty male students from King Abdulaziz University participated in this study, their age ranged from 18-24 years. They were divided into two groups, prolonged user, and non-user group. The hand grip and pinch strength for all participants were measured by a handheld dynamometer and the level of video game addiction was assessed by Game Addiction Test. Results: There was a significant decrease in hand grip strength of the prolonged user group compared with non-user group, while there was a non-significant difference between both groups in the pinch strength.