Increase In Grip Strength Research Articles

Dynamic Analysis of Upper- and Lower-Extremity Performance During Take-Offs and Landings in High-Wall Climbing: Effects of a Plyometric and Strength Training Intervention

This study used a 12-week plyometric and strength training program as an intervention to improve upper- and lower-extremity muscle strength for jumping and landing when climbing high walls. Sixty general non-athlete male college students were openly recruited and divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group underwent a plyometric and strength training program twice a week for 12 weeks (24 sessions). The intervention was divided into three phases, each lasting four weeks, with the training intensity gradually increasing in each phase. A hand grip dynamometer was used to measure grip strength, and a PASCO double-track force plate was used to assess upper-extremity push-up force and lower-extremity take-off and landing strength. The results of the 12-week intervention showed that the experimental group experienced significant increases in grip strength (both hands), hand-ground reaction force, and upper-extremity hang time. Additionally, the time of upper-extremity action on the force plate decreased. Lower-extremity take-off strength improved, as reflected in increased ground reaction force, rate of force development, and passage time. Upon landing, ground reaction force decreased by 3.2%, and cushioning time shortened by 52.7%. This study concludes that plyometric and strength training have promising effects in enhancing upper- and lower-extremity strength, particularly in climbing and landing tasks.

Grip strength predicts postoperative ileus among patients undergoing abdominal minimally invasive surgery: a prospective multicenter cohort study.

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a prevalent complication following abdominal surgery, leading to extended hospitalization and escalated medical expenses. Few studies have investigated the association between grip strength and POI after abdominal minimally invasive surgery (MIS). A prospective multicenter cohort study was conducted using data from a prospectively registered database of patients undergoing abdominal MIS from March to December 2022. Grip strength levels were categorized and analyzed for their association with POI using multiple regression analysis with demographic adjustments. A smooth curve was generated to visualize the linear relationship. Out of 501 eligible patients, 393 were analyzed, with 67 (17.05%) developing POI. Grip strength was significantly and independently associated with POI, with each 1kg and 8.57kg (SD) increase in grip strength resulting in ORs of 0.94 and 0.61, respectively. Grip strength categories specific to sex and age were significantly associated with POI incidence, with individuals in the high grip strength group having a lower risk. Subgroup analysis showed grip strength as a significant predictor of POI risk, especially for males and older individuals. Higher grip strength was associated with a significantly lower risk of POI in males (OR = 0.29, 95% CI 0.09-0.90, p = 0.031) and older adults over 60years old (OR = 0.31, 95% CI 0.10-0.98, p = 0.046). Grip strength can predict the occurrence of POI in patients undergoing abdominal MIS. This can help identify high-risk individuals and improve perioperative management for better outcomes.

Muscle Quality and Physical Function in Men With and Without HIV.

People with HIV (PWH) experience faster physical decline than those without HIV (PWoH), despite antiretroviral therapy. We compared skeletal muscle density and area and their relationship with physical function among PWH and PWoH. Quantitative computed tomography scans were performed at the L4-L5 spinal region and the thigh to evaluate muscle groups in Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study participants at baseline. Using exploratory factor analysis, we summarized aggregated muscle measures based on factor loadings. Longitudinal associations between muscle area and density with gait speed and grip strength were examined using multivariable linear regression models with generalized estimating equations, adjusting for demographics, HIV serostatus, and other health metrics. We included 798 men (61% of PWH). The median age was 54 years (interquartile range: 49-59), 61% were White, 32% Black, and 10% Hispanic. Among them, 22% had a body mass index over 30kg/m2, and 14% had diabetes. Two factors emerged from the factor analysis explaining 55.9% of variance. Factor 1 (explained 32.5% of variance) encompassed all density measures. Factor 2 (explained 23.4% of variance) encompassed all area measures. Associations between muscle density and gait speed were more pronounced with aggregated measures than with individual ones. Specifically, each unit increase in overall muscle density correlated with a 0.028 m/s increase in gait speed (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.017, 0.038, p < .01). Grip strength was associated with aggregated measures of both muscle density and area, with overall muscle density associated with a 1.88kg increase in grip strength (95% CI: 1.29, 2.46, p < .01), and overall muscle area with a 1.60kg increase (95% CI: 1.02, 2.19, p < .01). Aggregated muscle density and area measurements were significantly associated with physical function. These correlations underscore the importance of interventions to enhance skeletal muscle to improve healthy aging for PWH and PWoH.

Quantitative relationship between grip strength and quality of life in the older adult based on a restricted cubic spline model.

Grip strength have been showed diverse associations with quality of life for the older adult population in the literature, still there is lack of evidence of the threshold value of grip strength for maintaining good quality of life in older adults. The purpose of this study was to study the dose-effect relationship between grip strength and quality of life in the older adult, and to explore the factors affecting quality of life in the older adult, so as to provide effective theoretical basis for realizing healthy aging. A total of 105 older adult people over 60 years old were selected from 3 communities in Beijing. Grip strength was measured by hand dynamometer apparatus and quality of life was assessed by 36-item Short-Form (SF-36). On the basis of controlling confounding factors, the dose-effect relationship between grip strength and quality of life was analyzed with the restricted cubic spline model. The results showed that there was a dose-effect relationship between grip strength and physical component summary (PCS) (p < 0.01). However, grip strength was not significantly associated with mental component summary (MCS) (p > 0.05). The threshold value of grip strength for male and female is 34.75 and 23.2 kg, for normal weight group and overweight and obesity group is 24.82 and 29.00 kg, for 60-69, 70-79, 80+ years group is 24.88, 23.37, and 22.97 kg, respectively. When the grip strength value is lower than the threshold value, the increase of grip strength was related to significant improvement of quality of life of the older adult, and when the grip strength value is higher than the threshold value, the quality of life can be maintained in good condition. A dose-effect relationship was found between grip strength and physical health in quality of life. Results of our study indicated that the grip strength of the older adults needed to be greater than certain threshold values to maintain good quality of life.

Study on Anti-Inflammatory Effects of and Muscle Recovery Associated with Transdermal Delivery of Chaenomeles speciosa Extracts Using Supersonic Atomizer on Rat Model.

Repetitive motion or exercise is associated with oxidative stress and muscle inflammation, which can lead to declining grip strength and muscle damage. Oleanolic acid and ursolic acid have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can be extracted from Chaenomeles speciosa through ultrasonic sonication. We investigated the association between grip strength declines and muscle damage induced by lambda carrageenan (LC) injection and exercise exposure in rats. We also assessed the reparative effects of transdermal pretreatment and post-treatment with C. speciosa extracts (CSEs) by using a supersonic atomizer. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of CSEs for cells was 10.5 mg/mL. CSEs significantly reduced the generation of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory factors (interleukin [IL]-6 and IL-1β) in in vitro cell tests. Rats subjected to LC injection and 6 weeks of exercise exhibited significantly increased inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6). Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed inflammatory cell infiltration and evident muscle damage in the gastrocnemius muscle, which exhibited splitting and the appearance of the endomysium and perimysium. The treated rats' grip strength significantly declined. Following treatment with CSEs, the damaged muscles exhibited decreased IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels and normal morphologies. Moreover, grip strength significantly recovered. Pretreatment with CSEs yielded an immediate and significant increase in grip strength, with an increase of 180% and 165% occurring in the rats exposed to LC injection and exercise within the initial 12 h period, respectively, compared with the control group. Pretreatment with CSEs delivered transdermally using a supersonic atomizer may have applications in sports medicine and training or competitions.

Synergistic Effects of Nutrients on Musculoskeletal Health in Gerontology: Understanding the Combined Impact of Macronutrients and Micronutrients.

With the global aging population, addressing prevalent age-related conditions such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia is crucial. Traditional nutritional strategies focusing on single nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, or protein have limitations, prompting a nuanced exploration of the relationship between aging, nutrition, and musculoskeletal health. This cross-sectional study examines the complex interplay between dietary intake of macronutrients, common micronutrients, and water, as well as their association with musculoskeletal health in adults aged 50 to 80 years, using U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (NHANES). Employing multiple linear regression, restricted cubic splines, weighted quantile sum (WQS), and quantile-based g-computation (QGC) regression models, our initial analysis using the WQS model revealed that a one-quartile increase in mixed macronutrient intake was associated with a significant 0.009 unit increase in bone mineral density (BMD) and a 0.670 unit increase in grip strength, while a similar increase in mixed micronutrient intake showed a 0.007 unit increase in BMD and a 0.442 unit increase in grip strength. Our findings highlight the importance of a balanced dietary approach in promoting musculoskeletal health in the elderly, offering holistic strategies for overall well-being.

An open-label feasibility trial of transdermal cannabidiol for hand osteoarthritis

Hand osteoarthritis (OA) is an irreversible degenerative condition causing chronic pain and impaired functionality. Existing treatment options are often inadequate. Cannabidiol (CBD) has demonstrated analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical models of arthritis. In this open-label feasibility trial, participants with symptomatically active hand OA applied a novel transdermal CBD gel (4% w/w) three times a day for four weeks to their most painful hand. Changes in daily self-reported pain scores were measured on a 0–10 Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Hand functionality was determined via daily grip strength measures using a Bluetooth equipped squeeze ball and self-report questionnaire. Quality of life (QoL) ratings around sleep, anxiety, stiffness and fatigue were also measured. All self-report measures and grip strength data were gathered via smartphone application. Urinalysis was conducted at trial end to determine systemic absorption of CBD. Eighteen participants were consented and 15 completed the trial. Pain ratings were significantly reduced over time from pre-treatment baseline including current pain (− 1.91 ± 0.35, p < 0.0001), average pain (− 1.92 ± 0.35, p < 0.0001) and maximum pain (− 1.97 ± 0.34, p < 0.0001) (data represent mean reduction on a 0–10 NPRS scale ± standard error of the mean (SEM)). A significant increase in grip strength in the treated hand (p < 0.0001) was observed although self-reported functionality did not improve. There were significant (p < 0.005) improvements in three QoL measures: fatigue, stiffness and anxiety. CBD and its metabolites were detected at low concentrations in all urine samples. Measured reductions in pain and increases in grip strength seen during treatment reverted back towards baseline during the washout phase. In summary, pain, grip strength and QoL measures, using smartphone technology, was shown to improve over time following transdermal CBD application suggesting feasibility of this intervention in relieving osteoarthritic hand pain. Proof of efficacy, however, requires further confirmation in a placebo-controlled randomised trial.Trial registration: ANZCTR public trials registry (ACTRN12621001512819, 05/11/2021).

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of In-Hospital Exercise Rehabilitation in Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Combined with Sarcopenia Effect of Lifestyle Management on Disease Status in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to explore the effects of in-hospital exercise rehabilitation on glucose and lipid metabolism and healthy physical fitness in middle-aged and elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) combined with sarcopenia, and to provide a reference for the effective implementation of exercise rehabilitation for middle-aged and elderly patients with T2DM combined with sarcopenia in healthcare institutions. Methods This study retrospectively included 122 patients with T2DM combined with sarcopenia treated at the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from August 2017 to August 2020 and randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group. The control group was given conventional treatment and the experimental group was given exercise rehabilitation in the hospital for 12 weeks to compare the indexes related to glucose and lipid metabolism and healthy fitness in the two groups. Results After the intervention, the experimental group showed significant decreases in fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C) and body fat percentage (p < 0.05), while high-density cholesterol (HDL-C), grip strength, lower limb extension, lower limb flexion, peak oxygen uptake were significantly higher (p < 0.05) and were more significant at 12 weeks compared to the 6-week intervention (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant changes in any of the glucose metabolism indicators in the control group before and after the intervention. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA showed that at control baseline levels, HbA1c decreased significantly in the experimental group after both 6 and 12 weeks of intervention compared to the control group (p < 0.05). After 6 weeks of intervention, the experimental group showed a significant decrease in body fat percentage and a significant increase in grip strength. After 12 weeks of intervention, the experimental group showed an increase in glycemic control from 33.3% to 73.3%, a significant decrease in body fat percentage and a significant increase in grip strength, lower limb extension and lower limb flexion strength and peak oxygen uptake. Conclusion In-hospital exercise rehabilitation can effectively improve the glycemic and lipid profiles of patients with T2DM combined with sarcopenia and enhance their health fitness, with good clinical rehabilitation effects.

Short-term treatment of Tat-Beclin1 and endurance exercise enhances autophagy and increases grip strength in old male mice but not in female

Sarcopenia is a geriatric disease causing loss of muscle mass and function, ultimately declining quality of life and causing death. Despite substantial efforts to prevent sarcopenia, there are no approved drugs for treating this muscle disease. Autophagy, a critical process for maintaining muscle health, offers potential avenues for intervention. However, an integrative therapy comprised of an autophagic-specific compound and endurance exercise in old animals has yet to be tested. We hypothesize that combining Tat-Beclin1 (a potent autophagy-specific inducer) and endurance exercise improves muscle force and autophagy in both male and female old mice. Female and male mice at 23 months of age were divided into four groups: Control, Tat-Beclin1 (TB), endurance exercise (Exe), and TB+Exe. Short-term combined treatment underwent for one month. Exercise training at moderate intensity (70% of running peak test) was performed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Tat-Beclin1 administration (15 mg/kg/day) was conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We assessed muscle function through forelimb grip strength and muscle autophagic markers by western blotting. There was no difference in grip strength in female groups. In contrast, there was an increase in grip strength in treated male mice (p&lt;0.05; TB, Exe, and TB+Exe vs. Control group). Notably, the combination treatment in the TB+Exe group outperformed the individual treatments (TB and Exe groups) in enhancing grip strength (p=0.05). Beclin1 and GLIPR2 (a novel autophagic suppressor) were unchanged in both male and female mice. Sequestosome/p62 was decreased in males only, indicating autophagy cargo degradation. Our findings demonstrate that a short-term treatment of Tat-Beclin1 combined with endurance exercise improves grip strength (muscle force) and autophagy in old male mice. Notably, female mice did not exhibit a similar response to the short-term treatment, suggesting that a more extended therapy duration may be necessary to explore potential benefits for female mice. This synergy of an autophagic-specific agonist with endurance exercise may represent a novel strategy to tackle sarcopenia. Camden Health Research Initiative - Startup fundings. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

EXERCISE AND CANCER PROGRAM: A PRESCRIPTIVE EXERCISE PROGRAM IN A NON-CLINICAL SETTING

INTRODUCTION &amp; AIMS This study aimed to establish a low-cost, sustainable exercise program for cancer patients in Gippsland, Australia, where access to such programs was previously limited. By developing and implementing a collaborative program, the program aimed to improve the physical and psycho-social well-being of cancer patients while reducing burden on healthcare services. METHODS Collaboration between Latrobe Community Health Service, Morwell Leisure Centre, and Gippsland Integrated Cancer Service led to the development of a prescriptive exercise program to provide cancer survivors a sustainable cost-effective exercise and cancer program in a community leisure centre. Exercise physiologists provided initial assessments, in which clients allocated to group-based, one-on-one, or home-based exercise sessions. RESULTS After 12 weeks in the program, 100% of participants that had a reassessment improved on at least one physical test and all improved on a subjective measure like fatigue, depression, or self-worth. On average, they saw a 14.88% increase in leg strength, a 12.70% increase in grip strength, and a 16.65% increase in aerobic fitness. Additionally, they reported an average decrease in anxiety (10.96%), depression (1.59%), fatigue (6.09%), and reported illness symptoms (5.24%). Overall, participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the benefits of the program’s psycho-social support and the opportunity to exercise outside a healthcare setting. CONCLUSION Collaboration between healthcare and leisure centres can provide sustainable and cost-effective exercise programs for cancer patients, improving physical and psycho-social well-being while reducing healthcare burden. Participants valued the support, social interaction, and sense of belonging provided by the program.

Risk of subsequent gastrointestinal disease assessed by skeletal muscle strength and mass in a prospective cohort study

Skeletal muscle may mutually interact with gastrointestinal disease through metabolic homeostasis and nutritional status and therefore may be a marker for early risk detection. We conducted a prospective cohort analysis including 393,606 participants (mean age 56.0 years, 53.9% female) from the UK Biobank. The exposures were grip strength and skeletal muscle mass (SMM). The primary outcomes were 24 incident gastrointestinal diseases. During a mean follow-up of 12.1 years, we found that one sex-specific SD increase in grip strength and SMM were associated with reduced risk of 16 and 19 gastrointestinal diseases, respectively. For grip strength, the HRs ranged from 0.94 (for ulcerative colitis) to 0.80 (for liver cancers). For SMM, the HRs ranged from 0.92 (for colorectal cancer) to 0.51 (for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). Our finding suggested that grip strength and SMM might be significant indicators for gastrointestinal diseases risk screen.

Gender-Related Effectiveness of Personalized Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation.

Background: Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) may affect a substantial proportion of patients who have had COVID-19. The rehabilitation program might improve the physical capacity, functioning of the cardiopulmonary system, and mental conditions of these patients. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of personalized rehabilitation in patients with PCS according to gender. Methods: Adults who underwent a 6-week personalized PCS rehabilitation program were enrolled in a prospective post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation (PCR-SIRIO 8) study. The initial visit and the final visit included the hand-grip strength test, the bioimpedance analysis of body composition, and the following scales: modified Borg's scale, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), Functioning in Chronic Illness Scale (FCIS), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, and tests: 30 s chair stand test (30 CST), Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Short Physical Performance Battery test (SPPB)e. Results: A total of 90 patients (54% female) underwent the rehabilitation program. Rehabilitation was associated with an increase in skeletal muscle mass (24.11 kg vs. 24.37 kg, p = 0.001) and phase angle (4.89° vs. 5.01°, p = 0.001) and with a reduction in abdominal fat tissue volume (3.03 L vs. 2.85 L, p = 0.01), waist circumference (0.96 m vs. 0.95 m, p = 0.001), and hydration level (83.54% vs. 82.72%, p = 0.001). A decrease in fat tissue volume and an increase in skeletal muscle mass were observed only in females, while an increase in grip strength was noticed selectively in males. Patients' fatigue (modified Borg's scale, MFIS), physical capacity (30 CST, 6MWT), balance (SPPB), dyspnea (mMRC), and functioning (FICS) were significantly improved after the rehabilitation regardless of gender. Conclusions: Personalized rehabilitation improved the body composition, muscle strength, and functioning of patients diagnosed with PCS. The beneficial effect of rehabilitation on body composition, hydration, and phase angle was observed regardless of gender.

Association between grip strength and albuminuria in the general United States population: NHANES 2011-2014.

Grip strength has been shown to be associated with chronic renal insufficiency, but the relationship between grip strength and albuminuria has not been confirmed. In this study, we used NHANES data to explore the association between grip strength and albuminuria in a US population. In this analytical study, we utilized data sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), specifically spanning the years 2011 to 2014. The dataset included 9,638 participants aged 20 years or older. After adjusting for potential confounders, multiple regression models were developed to infer the interrelationship between grip strength and albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR), and subgroup analyses were conducted. After adjusting for all covariates, ACR by 0.49 mg/g [-0.49 (95% CI: -0.93, -0.04)] for each 1 kg increase in grip strength decreased. Subgroup analysis showed that gender, age, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, alcohol consumption and body mass index did not influence the negative correlation between grip strength and albuminuria. There is a negative correlation between grip strength and albuminuria in the general U.S. population.

Mid-Term Results of Surgical Treatment for Rhizarthrosis Using Interposition and Suspension-Interposition Arthroplasty

Background. Rhizarthrosis is most commonly observed in individuals whose work and activities involve heavy use of the wrist. Conservative treatment methods are effective in the early stages of the disease, but in advanced stages, surgical intervention becomes the primary treatment approach. In recent years, resection interposition and resection suspension-interposition arthroplasty techniques for the first carpometacarpal joint have gained popularity. However, there is a lack of comparative studies on the effectiveness of these techniques based on key indicators.&#x0D; The aim of this study was to compare the results of surgical treatment for stages II–IV rhizarthrosis using resection suspension-interposition arthroplasty and resection interposition arthroplasty of the first carpometacarpal joint.&#x0D; Methods. This prospective cohort study included 85 patients with stages II–IV rhizarthrosis who underwent surgery between 2017 and 2022. Patients were divided into two groups. In the first group (52 patients), resection suspension-interposition arthroplasty of the first carpometacarpal joint was performed using an original technique. In the second group (33 patients), resection interposition arthroplasty was performed. The effectiveness of surgical treatment was assessed based on the intensity of pain using the Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS), upper limb function recovery assessed with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scale, measurement of the distance between the base of the first metacarpal bone and the distal pole of the trapezium bone on anteroposterior X-rays, and an increase in grip strength of the affected hand at 12 months postoperatively.&#x0D; Results. At the 12-month follow-up, the first group showed superior results compared to the second group: a 73% improvement in DASH score (p0.01); a 76% improvement in VAS (p = 0.000); a 60% increase in cylindrical grip strength (p = 0.010); and a 30% improvement in the measurement of the distance between the base of the first metacarpal bone and the distal pole of the trapezium bone (p0.01).&#x0D; Conclusion. Resection suspension-interposition arthroplasty of the first carpometacarpal joint is more effective than resection interposition arthroplasty in terms of pain relief, improvement in function and grip strength of the affected hand, and preservation of the distance between the base of the first metacarpal bone and the distal pole of the trapezium bone.

The use of resurfacing capitate pyrocarbon implants (RCPI) in chronic diseases of the wrist: outcomes of more than 100 cases.

In advanced chronic post-traumatic wrist pathology, the goal of surgery has always been to reduce pain while trying to preserve the function of the wrist itself as much as possible; numerous interventions have been developed to achieve these goals (partial arthrodesis, 4-angle arthrodesis, the use of prosthetic implants…). The purpose of the study is to evaluate outcomes and complications rate of proximal row carpectomy associated with the resurfacing capitate pyrocarbon implant (RCPI) for chronic diseases of the wrist. A retrospective analysis of the patients operated on between June 2004 and March 2021 was performed. Pain, wrist range of motion in flexion, extension, radial and ulnar deviation and grip strength were compared preoperatively and at 1, 6, 12 and 24months. Complications and additional procedures were recorded. A total of 112 patients underwent surgery for proximal row carpectomy and placement of RCPI with a mean follow-up of 6.6years. Between the preoperative and the 2-year follow-up, a reduction in pain (VAS from 7.3 to 0.5), an increase in grip strength (from 8 to 17kg) and an increase in ROM in all planes (flexion from 19° to 44°, extension from 20° to 46°, radial deviation from 7° to 14° and ulnar deviation from 13° to 28°) were recorded. Ten (8.9%) patients required additional surgery, with only 2 (1.8%) patients requiring revision of the implant. Proximal row carpectomy associated with RCPI is an excellent surgical strategy to relieve pain and to improve wrist range of motion and grip strength in patients with chronic diseases of the wrist.

Exercise attenuates polyglutamine-mediated neuromuscular degeneration in a mouse model of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy.

Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is a hereditary neuromuscular disorder caused by the expansion of trinucleotide cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeats, which encodes a polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in the androgen receptor (AR) gene. Recent evidence suggests that, in addition to motor neuron degeneration, defective skeletal muscles are also the primary contributors to the pathogenesis in SBMA. While benefits of physical exercise have been suggested in SBMA, underlying mechanism remains elusive. We investigated the effect of running exercise in a transgenic mouse model of SBMA carrying human AR with 97 expanded CAGs (AR97Q). We assigned AR97Q mice to exercise and sedentary control groups, and mice in the exercise group received 1-h forced running wheel (5m/min) 5days a week for 4weeks during the early stage of the disease. Motor function (grip strength and rotarod performance) and survival of each group were analysed, and histopathological and biological features in skeletal muscles and motor neurons were evaluated. AR97Q mice in the exercise group showed improvement in motor function (~40% and ~50% increase in grip strength and rotarod performance, respectively, P<0.05) and survival (median survival 23.6 vs. 16.7weeks, P<0.05) with amelioration of neuronal and muscular histopathology (~1.4-fold and ~2.8-fold increase in motor neuron and muscle fibre size, respectively, P<0.001) compared to those in the sedentary group. Nuclear accumulation of polyQ-expanded AR in skeletal muscles and motor neurons was suppressed in the mice with exercise compared to the sedentary mice (~50% and ~30% reduction in 1C2-positive cells in skeletal muscles and motor neurons, respectively, P<0.05). We found that the exercise activated 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signalling and inhibited mammalian target of rapamycin pathway that regulates protein synthesis in skeletal muscles of SBMA mice. Pharmacological activation of AMPK inhibited protein synthesis and reduced polyQ-expanded AR proteins in C2C12 muscle cells. Our findings suggest the therapeutic potential of exercise-induced effect via AMPK activation in SBMA.

Gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor antagonism suppresses intramuscular adipose tissue accumulation and ameliorates sarcopenia.

Intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) formation derived from muscle fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) has been recognized as a pathological feature of sarcopenia. This study aimed to explore whether genetic and pharmacological gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) receptor antagonism suppresses IMAT accumulation and ameliorates sarcopenia in mice. Whole body composition, grip strength, skeletal muscle weight, tibialis anterior (TA) muscle fibre cross-sectional area (CSA) and TA muscle IMAT area were measured in young and aged male C57BL/6 strain GIP receptor (Gipr)-knockout (Gipr-/- ) and wild-type (Gipr+/+ ) mice. FAPs isolated from lower limb muscles of 12-week-old Gipr+/+ mice were cultured with GIP, and their differentiation into mature adipocytes was examined. Furthermore, TA muscle IMAT area and fibre CSA were measured in untreated Gipr-/- mice and GIP receptor antagonist-treated Gipr+/+ mice after glycerol injection into the TA muscles. Body composition analysis revealed that 104-week-old Gipr-/- mice had a greater proportion of lean tissue mass (73.7±1.2% vs. 66.5±2.7%, P<0.05 vs. 104-week-old Gipr+/+ mice) and less adipose tissue mass (13.1±1.3% vs. 19.4±2.6%, P<0.05 vs. 104-week-old Gipr+/+ mice). Eighty-four-week-old Gipr-/- mice exhibited increases in grip strength (P<0.05), weights of TA (P<0.05), soleus (P<0.01), gastrocnemius (P<0.05) and quadriceps femoris (P<0.01) muscles, and average TA muscle fibre CSA (P<0.05) along with a reduction in TA muscle IMAT area assessed by the number of perilipin-positive cells (P<0.0001) compared with 84-week-old Gipr+/+ mice. Oil Red O staining analysis revealed 1.6- and 1.7-fold increased adipogenesis in muscle FAPs cultured with 10 and 100nM of GIP (P<0.01 and P<0.001 vs. 0nM of GIP, respectively). Furthermore, both untreated Gipr-/- mice and GIP receptor antagonist-treated Gipr+/+ mice for 14days after glycerol injection into the TA muscles at 12weeks of age showed reduced TA muscle IMAT area (1.39±0.38% and 2.65±0.36% vs. 6.54±1.30%, P<0.001 and P<0.01 vs. untreated Gipr+/+ mice, respectively) and increased average TA muscle fibre CSA (P<0.01 and P<0.05 vs. untreated Gipr+/+ mice, respectively). GIP promotes the differentiation of muscle FAPs into adipocytes and its receptor antagonism suppresses IMAT accumulation and promotes muscle regeneration. Pharmacological GIP receptor antagonism may serve as a novel therapeutic approach for sarcopenia.

Prospective analysis of grip strength and load distribution after surgical treatment of common diseases of the hand with novel's manugraphy® system.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, A1 annular pulley stenosis and Dupuytren's contracture are among the most common conditions of the hand. In this study, we investigated the impact of surgical procedure on hand grip strength and high-resolution spatial load distribution in individuals suffering from those diseases over a follow-up period of one year. In this prospective study, data of 9 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, 12 patients with A1 annular pulley stenosis and 7 patients with Dupuytren's contracture were evaluated. Only patients with unilateral disease were included providing the contralateral hand as an intra-individual control. Grip strength was measured with cylindrical instruments in two different sizes with respect to the hand size of the patients. Maximum and average values of grip strength as well as spatial load distribution in each finger, thenar, hypothenar and palm were analyzed. Data of the affected patients were collected preoperatively and 6weeks, 6months and 1year postoperatively. Grip strength and spatial load distribution were compared preoperatively to postoperatively. In addition, DASH score, Levine score, 2-point discrimination and degree of flexion contracture were assessed. The patients with A1 annular pulley stenosis showed a significant increase in grip strength 6months and one year postoperatively. Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and Dupuytren's contracture showed no significant difference in grip strength over the course of time. An increase in the percentual grip strength of the thenar in patients with carpal tunnel disease and within the affected finger in A1 annular pulley stenosis was observed over the course of time. The DASH score was significantly lower in all patient cohorts one year postoperatively. Surgical procedure in carpal tunnel syndrome, A1 annular ligament stenosis and Dupuytren's contracture improves the functionality of the hand in everyday life. Some areas of the hand seem to compensate other weaker areas in grip strength.

Structure, place, and clinical efficacy of the interactive brain therapy (stimulation) technology in cerebrovascular diseases

Highlights.Interactive brain stimulation is the next step in neurofeedback technology, it implies the possibility of volitional regulation of the hemodynamic response of specific brain region in order to transform entire brain network and obtain the desired clinical and behavioral dynamics in patients (subjects). One of the indications for using the technology is post-stroke movements disorders when the volitional influence is focused on the motor area of the brain.Background.Neurofeedback and closely related concepts of neural interface system and “interactive brain” are considered as the foundation for developing algorithms for controlling neuroplasticity. Interactive brain therapy (stimulation) is a recently developed type of neurofeedback therapy, which implies dependence of feedback on a hemodynamic response signal recorded by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The technology focuses on the region of interest with good accuracy and enables teaching the subject to control the activity of both individual cerebral structures and the functional connectivity between them, causing behavioral metamorphoses.Aim.To demonstrate the study design involving interactive stimulation of secondary motor areas of the brain using a bimodal fMRI-electroencephalography platform, and to describe the dynamics of the motor networks during treatment in patients with hemiparesis in the early period of recovery from stroke.Methods.The study involved 11 patients who were trained to regulate the activity of the secondary motor area and premotor cortex of the affected hemisphere, receiving feedback on the fMRI signal and the activity of the mu- (8–13 Hz) and beta2 (18–26 Hz) EEG ranges of the areas of interest. The block-designed training consisted of 6 sessions (imagination of movement – rest) with an interval of 2–3 days. During treatment the dynamics of the hemodynamic response of the areas of interest was analyzed. In test sessions (before treatment, immediately after the end, and six months later) functional connections within the motor network were reconstructed and hand function was assessed (grip strength, Fugle-Meyer Assessment, Box and Blocks test).Results.Upon completion of treatment, an increase in grip strength and dexterity was achieved; there was an increase in the fMRI signal of the premotor cortex of the ipsilateral hemisphere, and a strengthening of the interhemispheric functional connectivity of the secondary motor areas.Conclusion.fMRI and the interactive brain therapy technology built on its basis, on the one hand, provide the technological foundation for the “interactive brain” and the transformation of spontaneous neuroplasticity into a controlled one, and on the other hand, serve as an important tool for monitoring the process of restructuring of cerebral networks after a stroke, providing the ability to record the emergence (or disappearance) of connectivity between brain regions, and to measure its strength in dynamics, that is, to give a numerical description of neuroplasticity.

Adolescence as a critical period for nandrolone-induced muscular strength in relation to abuse liability, alone and in conjunction with morphine, using accumbal dopamine efflux in freely moving rats.

Nandrolone, an anabolic androgenic steroid, is included in the prohibited list of the World Anti-Doping Agency. Drugs of abuse activate brain dopamine neurons and nandrolone has been suspected of inducing dependence. Accordingly, possible critical periods for the effects of nandrolone on muscular strength and dopaminergic activity have been investigated, including the effects of chronically administered nandrolone alone and on morphine-induced increases in dopamine efflux in the nucleus accumbens. Six- or 10-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Treatment with nandrolone was initiated in adolescent (6-week-old) and young adult (10-week-old) rats. Nandrolone (5.0 mg/kg s.c.) or sesame oil vehicle was given once daily, on six consecutive days per week, for 3 weeks and then once per day for 4 consecutive days. Nandrolone enhanced the developmental increase in grip strength of 6- but not 10-week-old rats, without altering the developmental increase in body weight of either age group. Using in vivo microdialysis in freely moving 6-week-old rats given nandrolone for 4 weeks, basal accumbal dopamine efflux was unaltered, while the increase in dopamine efflux induced by acute administration of morphine (1.0 mg/kg s.c.) was reduced. The present study provides in vivo evidence that adolescence constitutes a critical period during which repeated administration of nandrolone enhances increases in muscular strength without influencing increases in body weight. Though repeated administration of nandrolone during this period of adolescence did not stimulate in vivo mesolimbic dopaminergic activity, it disrupted stimulation by an opioid, the drug class that is most commonly coabused with nandrolone.