Higher Muscle Strength Research Articles

Prospective associations of genetic susceptibility to high blood pressure and muscle strength with incident cardiovascular disease outcomes.

This study explored the prospective associations of genetic susceptibility to high blood pressure (BP) and muscle strength with cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, incident coronary heart disease (CHD) and incident stroke. This study included 349 085 white British individuals from the UK Biobank study. Genetic risk of high BP was estimated using a weighted polygenic risk score that incorporated 136 and 135 nonoverlapping single-nucleotide polymorphisms for systolic BP and diastolic BP, respectively. Muscle strength was assessed using a hand dynamometer and expressed relative to fat-free mass. Sex- and age-specific tertiles were used to classify muscle strength into three categories. Cox regressions with age as the underlying timescale were fit for CVD mortality (n = 8275), incident CHD (n = 14 503), and stroke (n = 7518). Compared with the lowest genetic risk of high BP (bottom 20%), the highest (top 20%) had greater hazards of each outcome. Low muscle strength was associated with higher hazards of CVD mortality [hazard ratio (HR): 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.43-1.59], incident CHD (HR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.11-1.21), and stroke (HR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.14-1.27), independently of confounders and genetic predisposition to high BP, compared with high muscle strength. Joint analyses revealed that the estimated 10-year absolute risks of each outcome were lower for high muscle strength combined with high genetic risk, compared with low muscle strength combined with low or medium genetic risk. Individuals who are genetically predisposed to high BP but have high muscle strength could have lower risk of major CVD events, compared with those who have low or medium genetic risk but low muscle strength.

Expiratory muscle strength training reduces oxidative stress and systemic inflammation in men with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a double-blinded, randomized parallel trial

Abstract Study Objectives This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of high and low-intensity expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) on disease severity, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, respiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity, symptoms, daytime sleepiness, fatigue severity, and sleep quality in male patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Methods Thirty-one male patients diagnosed with moderate OSAS were included in this double-blind, randomized, parallel study. Patients were randomized into two groups: High-EMST and Low-EMST groups. EMST was used at home 7 days/week, once a day, for 25 breaths, 12 weeks. Respiratory muscle strength was measured using a mouth pressure device. Disease severity (Apnea–Hypopnea Index [AHI]) and, respiratory sleep events by polysomnography, total oxidant level(TOS), total antioxidant level(TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels by blood serum were evaluated. Results The percentage of AHI change in the high-EMST group(50.8%) was significantly higher than in the low-EMST group(6.3%; p = .002, d = 1.31). In general, as MEP increased by one unit, AHI decreased by 0.149 points (b = −0.149; CR = −3.065; p = .002), and as AHI increased by one unit, ODI increased by 0.746 points (b = 0.746; CR = 10.604; p < .001). TOS, OSI, TNF-α and IL-6 levels decreased at similar rates in both groups. Conclusions EMST significantly reduces systemic inflammation and oxidative stress while improving expiratory muscle strength in male patients with moderate OSAS. High-EMST is more effective in enhancing the severity of disease than low-EMST. EMST is a practical, effective, and promising treatment for pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with moderate OSAS. Clinical Trials Effect of EMST systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with moderate OSAS, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05242406, with the number NCT05242406.

Intervention control of aerobic exercise in maintaining quality of life and pulmonary hypertension in hemodialysis patients.

Pulmonary hypertension is a serious complication in the treatment of maintenance hemodialysis patients, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients and threatens their life safety. Prevention, treatment and improvement of pulmonary hypertension are of great significance to improve the quality of life of patients. To investigate the intervention and control of pedal-powered bicycle in maintaining quality of life and pulmonary hypertension in hemodialysis patients. 73 patients with maintenance hemadialysis combined with pulmonary arterial hypertension at a hemodialysis center in a certain hospital from May 2021 to May 2022 are selected. Patients are divided into two groups, 37 cases in the control group (group C) and 36 cases in the intervention group (group I). Patients are divided into two groups, group C is treated with oral administration of betaglandin sodium combined with routine nursing care. Based on group C, group I conducts power cycling exercises. After treatment, group I patients had higher muscle strength, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores, and Kidney Disease Targets Areas scores; The 6-minute walk distance test index level was higher and the Borg score was lower; The group I had lower systolic blood pressure, greater vital capacity, higher positive emotion, lower systolic pulmonary artery pressure index level, higher arterial partial oxygen pressure level, lower pulmonary vascular resistance index level, and higher blood oxygen saturation level [158.91 ± 11.89 vs 152.56 ± 12.81, 1795.01 ± 603.18 vs 1907.20 ± 574.15, 24.00 (22.00, 29.00) vs 24.00 (22.00, 28.00), P < 0.001]. Aerobic exercise combined with Western medicine treatment can effectively improve patients' pulmonary hypertension, alleviate their negative emotions, and enable them to achieve a higher level of quality of life.

Shoulder muscle weakness and proprioceptive impairments in type 2 diabetes mellitus: exploring correlations for improved clinical management.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder with systemic implications, potentially affecting musculoskeletal health. This study aimed to assess shoulder muscle strength and joint repositioning accuracy in individuals with T2DM, exploring potential correlations and shedding light on the musculoskeletal consequences of the condition. The objectives were two-fold: (1) to assess and compare shoulder strength and joint repositioning accuracy between individuals with T2DM and asymptomatic counterparts, and (2) to examine the correlation between shoulder strength and joint repositioning accuracy in individuals with T2DM. A cross-sectional study enrolled 172 participants using the convenience sampling method, including 86 individuals with T2DM and an age-matched asymptomatic group (n=86). Shoulder strength was assessed using a handheld dynamometer, while joint repositioning accuracy was evaluated with an electronic digital inclinometer. Individuals with T2DM exhibited reduced shoulder muscle strength compared to asymptomatic individuals (p<0.001). Additionally, joint repositioning accuracy was significantly lower in the T2DM group (p<0.001). Negative correlations were observed between shoulder strength and joint repositioning accuracy in various directions (ranging from -0.29 to -0.46, p<0.001), indicating that higher muscle strength was associated with improved joint repositioning accuracy in individuals with T2DM. This study highlights the significant impact of T2DM on shoulder muscle strength and joint repositioning accuracy. Reduced strength and impaired accuracy are evident in individuals with T2DM, emphasizing the importance of addressing musculoskeletal aspects in diabetes management. The negative correlations suggest that enhancing shoulder muscle strength may lead to improved joint repositioning accuracy, potentially contributing to enhanced physical functioning in this population.

Effect of Plyometrics Hexagonal Drill and Zig-Zag Drill with Muscle Strength towards Leg Muscle Power and Vo2max of the Volleyball Extracurricular Members of SMA Negeri 5 Kota Magelang

This research aims to determine: (1) the effect of hexagonal plyometrics and zig-zag drill training towards leg muscle power and vo2max, (2) the difference in the effect between high and low leg muscle strength towards leg muscle power and vo2max, and (3) the interaction between hexagon plyometrics training and zig-zag drill as well as leg muscle strength (high and low) towards leg muscle power and vo2max.This research method was an experiment with a 2x2 factorial design. In this research, the number of samples was for about 20 students who were selected by using purposive sampling. To measure leg muscle power, the researcher used the vertical jump instrument, for vo2max, used the bleep test (multi stage), and for leg muscle strength, used a leg dynamometer. The data analysis used a two-way ANOVA test with a significance level of 0.05. The results of this research are: (1) there is a significant difference in the effect of plyometrics hexagonal drill and zig-zag drill training towards leg muscle power and Vo2max of the volleyball extracurricular members, (2) there is a significant difference in the effect between low muscle strength and high muscle strength towards leg muscle power and Vo2max of the volleyball extracurricular members with a value &lt; 0.05, and (3) there is no significant interaction between plyometrics training and leg muscle strength (high and low) towards leg muscle power and Vo2max of the volleyball extracurricular members with a value &gt; 0.05.

The Effect Of Massed Practice And Distributed Practice Methods Practice Method In Terms Of Arm Muscle Strength Training On The Accuracy Of Passing Down The Ball

This research aims to determine: 1) the impact of Massed Practice and Distributed Practice training methods on enhancing the accuracy of volleyball underhand passes, 2) the difference in underhand passing accuracy between students with high and low arm muscle strength, and 3) the interaction effect of training methods and arm muscle strength on the accuracy of volleyball smashes. The study employs a quantitative approach with experimental techniques and data collection through tests. The population consists of male students from class IX at SMPN 1 Pucanglaban Tulungagung, with a sample size of 30 selected through purposive random sampling. Data analysis was conducted using t-tests and ANOVA tests. The results are as follows: 1) There is a significant difference in the impact of Massed Practice and Distributed Practice training methods on improving the accuracy of volleyball underhand passes. This is evidenced by the t-test results showing a significance value of 0.011, which is less than the 0.05 threshold, leading to the acceptance of the null hypothesis (Ha). 2) There is no significant difference in underhand passing accuracy between students with high and low arm muscle strength. The t-test results indicate a significance value of 0.336, which is greater than 0.05, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis (Ha). 3) There is a significant interaction effect between training methods and arm muscle strength on the accuracy of volleyball smashes. The calculation results yield a significance value of 0.006, which is less than 0.05, indicating the acceptance of the null hypothesis (Ha).

Effect of Altered Sleep, Perceived Stress on Muscle Strength between Night and Day Shift Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chennai

A minimum of 20% of the global population suffers from sleep debt, which includes shift workers. The risks to one's health and well-being are caused by shift work, increased workload, and other substantial problems. Sleep disruptions will lead to stress, catabolize muscle proteins, and reduce muscular strength in night shift workers. To assess whether sleep quality and perceived stress level have an effect on muscle strength among shift workers. A cross-sectional analysis was performed on the airport workers. One hundred night duty workers and one hundred day duty workers aged 25-40 were randomly selected, and the study was conducted for four months in Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Tamil Nadu. A validated questionnaire evaluated the quality of sleep and stress levels. Muscle strength was determined using Mosso’s ergograph. Version 3.6.3 of the R statistical software was used to analyze the data. Kolmogorov-Smimov ‘Z’ test was used to determine the data set's normality. Significant negative correlations are observed between Mosso'sergo graph and both PSS (r = -0.501, p &lt;0.001) and global PSQI score (r = -0.331, p &lt;0.001). P-value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. This indicates that higher muscle strength is related to decreased perceived stress levels and better sleep quality. Workplace health policies have to be improved. Adequate resting time and stress management training are essential to reduce the adverse effects of rotational work on theworker’s performance in addition to their well-being.

Higher dietary methyl donor micronutrient consumption is associated with higher muscle strength in adults: a cross-sectional study.

Methyl donor micronutrients might affect muscle strength via DNA methylation. We aimed to evaluate the combined relationship of dietary methyl donor micronutrients containing betaine, choline, methionine, vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and folate on muscle strength. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 267 subjects including 113 men and 154 women. Dietary intake of micronutrients was assessed utilising a validated 168-item semi-quantitative FFQ, and methyl donor micronutrient score (MDMS) was calculated. The muscle strength of the participants was measured using a digital handgrip dynamometer. The association was determined using linear regression analysis. The mean age of participants was 36·8 ± 13·2 years. After taking into account potential confounding variables, there was no significant association between dietary methyl donor micronutrient score (MDMS) and the mean left-hand muscle strength (β: 0·07, se: 0·05, P = 0·07); however, the changes were significant in the mean right-hand muscle strength (β: 0·09, se: 0·04, P = 0·03). There was also a significant positive relationship between mean muscle strength and methyl donors' intake after fully adjusting for potential confounders (β: 0·08, se: 0·04, P = 0·04). In conclusion, our findings revealed that higher dietary methyl donor micronutrient consumption is associated with enhanced muscle strength. As a result, advice on a higher intake of methyl donor-rich foods including grains, nuts, dairy products and seafood might be recommended by dietitians as a general guideline to adhere to. Additional prospective studies are needed to confirm the findings.

The Effect of Training Model and Arm Muscle Strength on Arm Power in Judo Sport

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of training models and arm muscle strength on arm power judo sports in Bandar Lampung City in order to determine whether there is an effect of training models and arm muscle strength on arm power in athletes. The type of research is factorial 2 x 2. The sample used was judo athletes in Bandar Lampung City totalling 50 athletes. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. The instrument used was the Two Medicine Ball Put test. Data analysis techniques include descriptive analysis, prerequisite tests (normality and homogeneity tests), hypothesis testing using paired sample tests and independent sample tests. The data analysis technique used in this study using SPSS 20 is by using two-way ANOVA (two-way ANOVA). The results showed (1) There was a significant difference in influence between elastic training of Uchikomi tyres and push ups on arm power of judo athletes in Bandar Lampung City, with a p-value of 0.009 &lt; 0.05. The Uchikomi elastic tyre training group was better than the push up group with an average posttest difference of 0.37 metres. (2) There is a significant difference between athletes with high and low arm muscle strength on arm power of judo athletes in Bandar Lampung City, with a p-value of 0.003 &lt;0.05. Athletes with high arm muscle strength are better than athletes with low arm muscle strength with a posttest average difference of 0.44 metres. (3) There is a significant interaction between Uchikomi tyre elastic training and push ups and arm muscle strength (high and low) on arm power of judo athletes in Bandar Lampung City, with a p-value of 0.002 &lt;0.05. The results showed that the Uchikomi tyre elastic training group was a more effective method used for athletes with high arm muscle strength and the push up group was more effective for athletes with low arm muscle strength.

Assessment of the Correlation Between Serum Phosphate Level and Muscle Strength as Measured by Handgrip Strength in Patients Treated With Hemodialysis.

Sarcopenia, commonly observed in patients treated with hemodialysis, correlates with low serum phosphate levels. Although normophosphatemia is desired, dietary phosphate restriction is difficult to achieve and may result in undesirable protein restriction. We aimed to evaluate whether hyperphosphatemia is associated with higher muscle strength in patients receiving hemodialysis treatment. A single-center prospective observational study. Ambulatory prevalent patients undergoing hemodialysis treatments in a dialysis unit of a tertiary hospital. Participants included prevalent patients treated with hemodialysis. All patients were above 18 years. Only patients with residual kidney function below 200 mL/24 hours were included to avoid bias. Muscle strength was measured by handgrip strength (HGS). Each patient repeated 3 measurements, and the highest value was recorded. Handgrip strength cutoffs for low muscle strength were defined as <27 kg in men and <16 kg in women. Biochemical parameters, including serum phosphate level, were driven from routine monthly blood tests. Hyperphosphatemia was defined as serum phosphate above 4.5 mg/dL. Handgrip strength results were compared to nutritional, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters-in particular phosphate level. Long-term mortality was recorded. Seventy-four patients were included in the final analysis. Handgrip strength was abnormally low in 33 patients (44.5%). Patients with abnormal HGS were older and more likely to have diabetes mellitus and lower albumin and creatinine levels. There was no correlation between HGS and phosphate level (r = 0.008, P = .945). On multivariable analysis, predictors of higher HGS were body mass index and creatinine. Diabetes mellitus and female sex predicted lower HGS. Hyperphosphatemia correlated with protein catabolic rate, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine. On multivariable analysis, predictors of hyperphosphatemia were higher creatinine level, normal albumin level, and heart failure. During mean follow-up time of 7.66 ± 3.9 months, 11 patients died. Mortality was significantly higher in patients with abnormally low HGS compared with normal HGS (odds ratio = 9.32, P = .02). A single-center study. All measurements were performed at one time point without repeated assessments. Direct dietary intake, degree of physical activity, and medication compliance were not assessed. Hyperphosphatemia correlated with increased protein intake as assessed by protein catabolic rate in patients treated with hemodialysis; however, neither correlated with higher muscle strength as measured by HGS.Trial registration: MOH 202125213.

Association between muscle strength and depression in a cohort of young adults.

The study investigated the association between knee joint muscle strength and the prevalence of depression in a cohort of young adults. The observational, population-based study was performed with 909 participants (29.02 ± 2.03 years; 48.73% male) from the Central European Longitudinal Studies of Parents and Children: Young Adults (CELSPAC: YA), who were retained to analysis. Quadriceps and hamstring knee muscle strength were assessed by isokinetic dynamometry, and depression by Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI-II). Statistical comparisons (Mann-Whitney and Chi-squared test) and effect size analyses (Eta-Squared, and Odds Ratio) were conducted. The main findings revealed an inverse association between knee joint muscle strength and depression, with individuals who had low muscle strength having 3.15 (95% CI = 2.74-3.62) times higher odds of experiencing depression. Specifically, participants with low extensor strength had 4.63 (95% CI = 2.20-9.74) times higher odds, and those with low flexor strength had 2.68 (95% CI = 1.47-4.89) times higher odds of experiencing depression compared to those individuals with high muscle strength. Furthermore, gender-specific analyses revealed that males with low muscle strength had 2.51 (95% CI = 1.53-4.14) times higher odds, while females had 3.46 (95% CI = 2.93-4.08) times higher odds of experiencing depression compared to individuals with high muscle strength. Strong knee muscles seems to be a key factor in preventing depression, specially in female young adults. The results support the importance of promoting an increase in muscle strength through physical activity as a preventive strategy against depression in this population.

Acute responses of strength-related gene expressions to maximum strength and force sense acuity.

Although high muscle strength worsens the sense of force, it is unknown whether there is a relationship between this deterioration and the underlying molecular mechanisms. This study examined the relationship between decreased force sense (FS) acuity and strength-related gene expressions. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and FS (50% MVIC) tests were performed on the knee joints of twenty-two subjects. The expression analyses were evaluated by qRT-PCR in blood samples taken before, after MVIC, after 50% MVIC, and 15 min after the test. MVIC and FS error values were significantly correlated with each other (r = .659, p = .001). The qRT-PCR analyses demonstrated that the expressed mRNAs of the interleukin 6 (IL-6), alpha-actinin 3 (ACTN3), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor (CNTFR) genes dramatically increased until 50% MVIC and subsequently decreased 15 min after the exercise (p < .05). The muscle-specific creatine kinase (CKMM), myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), and G-protein β3 subunit (GNB3) genes reached their peak expression levels 30 min after MVIC (p < .05). ACE and ACTN3 gene expression increased significantly in parallel with the increased FS error (p < .05). These gene expression fluctuations observed at 50% MVIC and after the rest could be related to changes in cellular metabolism leading to fatigue. The time points of gene expression levels during exercise need to be considered. The force acuity of those whose maximal force develops too much may deteriorate.

Posterior deltoid shoulder tightness and greater contralateral lower limb muscle strength are associated with swimmers' shoulder pain

ObjectivesTo identify factors associated with shoulder pain in swimmers based on elastic muscle modulus, joint range of motion, and isometric muscle strength. DesignCohort study. MethodsForty-eight competitive swimmers without shoulder pain (age: 18–28 years; men: 29) were followed-up for 6 months. Baseline measurements of the elastic modulus of the pectoralis minor, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, posterior deltoid, and pectoralis minor muscles were obtained using shear wave elastography. Range of motion and isometric strength were measured using a goniometer and a hand-held dynamometer, respectively. A questionnaire was administered weekly for 6 months to determine shoulder pain occurrence. Each item was compared between shoulders with and without pain at baseline. For participants with shoulder pain exceeding 2 weeks, shear wave elastography and range of motion at baseline (pre pain) and during follow-up (post pain) were compared. ResultsOf 46 swimmers followed-up for 6 months, 20 reported shoulder pain. 14 swimmers with pain were evaluated twice. Participants with shoulder pain during follow-up had significantly higher posterior deltoid and pectoralis minor stiffness at baseline and high lower extremity isometric muscle strength contralateral to the shoulder with pain compared to those without pain (p < 0.05). Swimmers with pain exceeding 2 weeks exhibited no differences in ultrasound shear wave elastography and range of motion at baseline and after pain onset. ConclusionsPosterior deltoid and pectoralis minor muscle stiffness, and high isometric lower extremity strength contralateral to the shoulder with pain may be associated with shoulder pain development, thereby indicating the importance of maintaining posterior deltoid and pectoralis minor muscle flexibility during conditioning.

Relationship between VO2peak, VO2 Recovery Kinetics, and Muscle Function in Older Adults

Introduction: The efficiency of the cardiovascular system to recover following an exercise bout is measured by oxygen (VO2) recovery kinetics. In older adults with a chronic disease, a higher aerobic capacity (VO2peak) and faster VO2 recovery kinetics are associated with higher muscle strength and physical capacity. Yet, this relationship in healthy older adults remains unclear. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine whether a higher VO2peak and faster VO2 recovery kinetics are associated with higher muscle strength and physical performance in healthy community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Thirty-five healthy older adults (female 25/male 10, mean age 73 ± 6 years) performed a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer. VO2peak and VO2 recovery kinetics were assessed through gas exchange analysis. Muscle strength was determined by maximal leg (one-repetition maximum on leg press; 1RM) and grip strength, and physical performance was determined by the physical performance test (PPT) which assessed gait speed, stair ascent and descent, and timed up-and-go. Results: Higher VO2peak was associated with stronger leg (r = 0.59, p < 0.001) and grip strength (r = 0.39, p < 0.03), but no relationship to PPT (p > 0.05). There was also no relationship between VO2 recovery kinetics and leg and grip strength or PPT (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In healthy community-dwelling older adults, VO2peak, but not VO2 recovery kinetics, is associated with muscle strength. This suggests that muscle strength may be an important factor related to aerobic capacity that could assist in identifying older adults who should be prioritized for resistance training.

The Effect of Combination of Plyometric Exercises on Normal Smash Skills in the Review of Leg Muscle Strength

The aim of this study to find out the effect of the combination of plyometric exercises on normal smash skills in terms of leg muscle strength. The method in this study using the experimental method uses a 2 x 2 factorial design. This method is validation, namely testing the effect of one or more variables on other variables. The number of samples in this study were 60 people divided into 2 groups by ordinal pairing and each got 20 athletes with high limbs, 20 athletes with low muscles and 20 athletes without treatment. And the jump height was measured in each group before and after being given the plyometric depth jump exercise treatment. Based on the results of the study, it shows the effect of a combination of plyometric exercises on normal smash skills in terms of leg muscle strength. The average jump height in the group (Pylometric jump and high jump Depth) increased from 52.20 to 61.60 in the A1B1 group, in the A2B1 group from 155.85 to 170.25. While the average jump height in (Pylometric jump and low depth jump groups) also increased from 32.50 to 45.00 in the A1B2 group, in the A2B2 group it also increased from 113.05 to 131.64. The results of the effect test in the treatment group and the control group showed a significant value (P &lt; 0.005). The results of the different effect test showed that there was a different effect between the treatment group and the control group in increasing jumps. There is a significant effect between Plyometric exercises (box jumps and depth jumps) and leg muscle strength (high and low) on the increase in leg muscles in athletes. The results showed that the box jump training method was a more effective method used for athletes who had low leg muscle strength and depth jump training was used for athletes who had high leg muscle strength.

Comparison and Relationship of Quadriceps Femoris Angle, Muscle Strength, and Balance in Athletes and Non-Athletes.

Q-angle is an important parameter to assess quadriceps muscle's function and its effect on knee. The present study aims to investigate the potential relationships between Q-angle, muscle strength, and balance in both athlete and non-athlete populations. Fifty-six athletes and non-athletes aged between 18 and 20 were included in this cross-sectional study. The Q-angle of each participant was measured using a universal goniometer. Muscle strength was evaluated using hand-held dynamometer, and static and dynamic balance were assessed using the one-leg stand test and Y balance test, respectively. Our findings revealed that athletes had a significantly smaller Q angle than non-athletes (p < 0.05). Furthermore, male participants had both higher muscle strength and better static balance with eyes closed than female participants (p < 0.05). Similarly, athletes had both higher muscle strength and better static balance than non-athletes (p < 0.05). Moreover, we found that the dominant limb had a significantly smaller Q angle than the non-dominant limb (p < 0.05). However, we did not observe a significant relationship between Q angle and dynamic balance (p > 0.05). Our study suggests that individuals who participate in sports have lower Q angle values than those who do not participate in sports. Additionally, gender differences may exist in muscle strength and static balance. Furthermore, the Q angle was found to be lower in the non-dominant extremity compared to the dominant extremity. Finally, our study revealed a significant association between Q angle and knee muscle strength and static balance. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these relationships.

Combination of low muscle strength and malnutrition is associated with longer length of hospital stay among older patients with heart failure

BackgroundMuscle strength and nutritional status are associated with length of hospital stay (LOHS) in older patients with heart failure (HF). ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to examine the association of the combination of muscle strength and nutritional status on LOHS in older patients with HF. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 414 older inpatients with HF (men, 57.2%; median age, 81 years; interquartile range, 75–86 years). Patients were categorized into four groups according to their muscle strength and nutritional status: group 1, high muscle strength and normal nutritional status; group 2, low muscle strength and normal nutritional status; group 3, high muscle strength and malnutrition; and group 4, low muscle strength and malnutrition. The outcome variable was the LOHS, and an LOHS of >16 days was defined as long LOHS. ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for baseline characteristics (reference, group 1) showed that group 4 was associated with a more significant risk of long LOHS (odds ratio [OR], 3.54 [95% confidence interval, 1.85–6.78]). In the subgroup analysis, this relationship was maintained for the first admission HF group (OR, 4.65 [2.07–10.45]) but not for the HF readmission group (OR, 2.80 [0.72–10.90]). ConclusionsOur results suggest that the long LOHS for older patients with HF at first admission was associated with a combination of low muscle strength and malnutrition but not by either factor individually.

Effect of Internet combined with pelvic floor muscle training on postpartum urinary incontinence.

Urinary incontinence is one of the most common complications associated with parturition or child delivery. The Internet combined with pelvic floor training may be a good way to reduce the spread of the epidemic and treat postpartum incontinence. A total of 38 participants were randomly assigned to Kegel alone (group A = 14), Internet plus Kegel (group B = 12), or Internet plus Pilates (group C = 12). We used the 1-h pad test, the number of episodes of incontinence, the number of pads used, the Oxford Scale, and The International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire for evaluation. In the 1-h pad test (g), group A decreased from 40.93 ± 4.66 to 24.00 ± 3.94, group B from 41.75 ± 3.62 to 20.67 ± 3.89, and group C from 40.33 ± 3.89 to 18.67 ± 3.55. In the number of episodes of incontinence, group A decreased from 4.71 ± 1.13 to 2.93 ± 0.62, group B from 4.92 ± 1.16 to 2.42 ± 0.52, and group C from 4.92 ± 1.08 to 2.08 ± 0.52. In the use of urinary pads, group A decreased from 7.14 ± 0.95 to 3.50 ± 0.52, group B from 7.25 ± 0.75 to 3.00 ± 0.95, and group C from 7.42 ± 1.08 to 2.50 ± 0.67. In the Oxford Scale and International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form, the difference among the three groups before and after treatment was statistically significant. After 6weeks of pelvic floor muscle training, most patients achieved grade 3 or higher muscle strength on the Oxford scale. The Internet combined with pelvic floor training is a good choice during the current pandemic. Pelvic floor exercises can improve urinary incontinence symptoms.

Genetic risk, muscle strength and risk of incident major depressive disorder: results from the UK Biobank.

Genetic factors and muscle strength both contribute to the risk of major depressive disorder (MDD), but whether high muscle strength can offset the risk of MDD with different genetic risk is unknown. This study aims to examine whether a higher muscle strength is associated with lower risk of MDD regardless of genetic risk among middle-aged and older adults. This cohort study obtained data from the UK Biobank, which includes 345,621 individuals aged 40-69years (mean (standard deviation): 56.7 (7.99) years) without baseline MDD. Polygenic risk score for MDD was categorised as low, intermediate or high. The mean of the right- and left-hand grip strength values was used in the analysis and was divided into three categories. 9,753 individuals developed MDD within 2,752,461 person-years of follow-up. The multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidence intervals (CIs)) of MDD across increased grip strength categories were 1.00, 0.72 (0.68-0.75) and 0.56 (0.53-0.59) (P for trend <0.0001). The HRs (95% CIs) of incident MDD across the genetic risk categories were 1.00, 1.11 (1.05-1.17) and 1.20 (1.13-1.28) (P for trend <0.0001); 4.07% of individuals with a high genetic risk and low grip strength developed MDD, and 1.72% of individuals with a low genetic risk and high grip strength developed MDD, with an HR (95% CI) of 0.44 (0.39-0.50). Both muscle strength and genetic risk were significantly associated with incident MDD. A higher muscle strength was associated with a lower MDD risk among individuals with a high genetic risk. Improving muscle strength should be encouraged for all individuals, including individuals with high genetic risk for MDD.

The association between muscle strength and executive function in children and adolescents: Based on survey evidence in rural areas of China.

In recent years, muscle strength in children and adolescents has continued to decline, especially in rural areas. Executive function as a higher function of the brain, is closely related to the future achievement of children and adolescents. For this reason, this study analyzed the correlation between muscle strength and executive function in children and adolescents in rural areas of China to better promote the development of muscle strength and executive function. Demographic factors, muscle strength, and executive function were tested in 1,335 children and adolescents in rural China using a three-stage stratified whole-group sampling method. One-way ANOVA and chi-square test were used to compare the differences in executive function among children and adolescents with different muscle strengths. Multiple linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the association that exists between muscle strength and executive function. When comparing the inconsistently, congruent, 1back, 2back, conversion, size parity, and cognitive flexibility response times of children and adolescents with different muscle strength indexes in rural China, the differences were statistically significant (F = 46.592, 45.610, 10.809, 32.068, 24.095, 19.260, 11.501, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis was performed using children and adolescents with muscle strength index >P80 as the control group. The results showed that the risk of 1back dysfunction was higher (OR = 1.764, 95% CI:1.094, 2.843) in children and adolescents with muscle strength index <P20 (p < 0.05). The risk of 2back dysfunction was higher in children and adolescents with a muscle strength index <P20 (OR = 2.129, 95% CI:1.329, 3.410) (p < 0.01). Compared with children and adolescents with muscle strength index >P80. The muscle strength index <P20 group had a higher risk of cognitive flexibility dysfunction (OR = 1.820, 95% CI:1.111, 2.982) (p < 0.05). There is a association between muscle strength and executive function in children and adolescents in rural areas of China. Those with higher muscle strength have shorter executive function reaction times and are at lower risk of developing executive dysfunction. Future measures should be taken to improve muscle strength and executive function levels in children and adolescents in rural areas to promote healthy physical and mental development.