Increased Muscle Tension Research Articles

Population Analysis of Masseter Muscle Tension Using Shear Wave Ultrasonography across Different Disease States.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the distribution and trends of masseter muscle tension in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, examining gender-specific differences and the impact of various TMJ disorders. Methods: From January 2020 to June 2024, a total of 734 patients presenting with facial pain radiating to the head and neck, localized around and extending from the TMJ, were referred for ultrasonographic examination. After applying exclusion criteria, 535 patients (72.9%) were included in the study. The patient cohort consisted of 343 females (64.1%) and 192 males (35.9%), with muscle tension measured using the Aixplorer ultrasound system equipped with a shear wave device. Data were collected and analyzed across different age groups and TMJ conditions, including "no changes", "exudate", "arthrosis", and "disc displacement". Results: The study found that males exhibited higher muscle tension across all conditions, particularly in the "no changes" (40.4 kPa vs. 32.1 kPa, 25.9% higher) and "exudate" (38.5 kPa vs. 29.7 kPa, 29.6% higher) categories, indicating increased muscle strain and inflammation during middle age. In females, a trend of decreasing muscle tension with age was observed, with a significant reduction from 36.2 kPa in the 20-30 age group to 24.3 kPa in the 60-70 age group (32.9% reduction), suggesting a reduction in muscle mass or strength due to aging. Both genders showed high muscle tension in the presence of exudate, with females peaking in the 40-50 age group at 37.1 kPa and males peaking earlier in the 20-30 age group at 41.2 kPa (10.9% higher in males), highlighting potential gender differences in inflammatory response. In the arthrosis group, males displayed a consistent increase in muscle tension with age, peaking at 37.5 kPa in the 50-60 age group (50.7% increase from the 20-30 age group), while females showed high tension, particularly in the 40-50 age group at 31.0 kPa (82.4% higher compared to the 20-30 age group), indicating the need for targeted joint health interventions in middle-aged women. Conclusions: This study reveals significant gender-specific differences in masseter muscle tension among patients with TMJ pain. Males were found to be more affected by muscle strain and inflammation during middle age, whereas females showed a significant decrease in muscle tension with age. The presence of exudate significantly impacted muscle tension across all age groups for both genders. These findings underscore the importance of tailored clinical interventions and preventive strategies to manage TMJ disorders effectively.

Impact of Standing and Sitting Postures on Spinal Curvature and Muscle Mechanical Properties in Young Women: A Photogrammetric and MyotonPro Analysis.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the effect of standing and sitting positions on spinal curvatures evaluated using projection moire and muscle tone and stiffness using the MyotonPRO hand-held device in young women. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-three healthy women, aged 21 to 23 years, volunteered in the study. We used the projection moire method to examine spinal curvatures in both positions and the MyotonPRO device to measure the tone and stiffness of muscles in 3 regions. We evaluated the effects of positions (standing vs sitting), regions (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar), and side factor (right vs left) using multivariate analysis. RESULTS The sitting position significantly decreased the lumbosacral and thoracolumbar angles (P<0.001), but had no effect on the superior thoracic angle. Muscle tension and stiffness were the highest (P<0.001) in the cervical region and did not differ between positions (P>0.05) in this region. We found significantly higher muscle tone and stiffness in the thoracic and lumbar regions during sitting than during standing (P<0.001). There was symmetry in the muscle tone and the stiffness between the right and left sides of the spine. CONCLUSIONS The sitting posture decreased lumbosacral and thoracolumbar angles but increased muscle tension and stiffness in the lumbar and thoracic regions only. The symmetry of muscle tone and transverse stiffness in both positions was the normative value. This study provides insight into the adaptive physiological changes in spinal curvature and muscle mechanical properties in young women and serves as an important reference point for clinical studies of women.

Exploring the link between occupationally relevant whole body vibration and headache and neck pain: is elevated muscle tension an intermediary factor?

Whole body vibration (WBV) is linked to short- and longer-term adverse health outcomes, including cognitive impairment, stress and memory loss, loss of balance, reduced proprioception, visual and vestibular disturbances, gastrointestinal problems, and musculoskeletal disorders. Epidemiological evidence supports the link between WBV and headache and head discomfort, but few experimental studies have examined this relationship, particularly with increased muscle tension, as an intermediary. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between muscle tension and vibration intensity, between perceived neck pain and headache/head discomfort and vibration intensity, and between muscle tension and reported neck pain and headache symptoms from simulated WBV based on field measurements of all-terrain vehicle operation on farm terrain. We observed significantly higher electromyography amplitude in the High condition (equivalent to EU Directive's Exposure Limit Value) compared to both Low (equivalent to EU Directive's Exposure Action Value) and Control (quiet sitting) conditions at the left upper trapezius muscle but there were no significant time effects. Neck pain and headache/head discomfort significantly increased after both Low (91% increase from baseline) and High (154% increase from baseline) vibration conditions but there were no significant differences between conditions. Based on simple regression modeling, the relationship between muscle activity and neck pain or headache was very weak (R2 = 0-0.093). Given the possibility of multiple factors contributing to headache symptoms, future research should not only consider the role of muscle tension but also sensory conflict, excessive noise, biodynamic responses, and a combination of these factors.

Effects of stretching exercises on muscle tension, fatigue, strength, and lactic acid accumulation: A pre-experimental study among fish transport workers.

Fish transport workers in Indonesia lift loads more than the specified limits, both in weight and frequency. This could cause lactic acid accumulation, fatigue and reduced physical performance. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of stretching intervention on muscle tension, fatigue, strength, and lactic acid level in fish transport workers in Indonesia. A pre-experimental study design with one group (pre- and post-test) design was conducted among male fish transport workers at the Tawang fish auction, Weleri, Central Java, Indonesia, in June 2022 for two weeks. We created a 1.5-minute stretching exercise video based on the University of New Castle's Manual Handling guideline, involving hand, feet, and shoulder movements. Participants performed these exercises independently before and during work every two hours, guided by the video. Data on lactic acid, muscle tension, fatigue, and strength were collected before and after the 2-week intervention. Data analysis was performed using Wilcoxon and paired Student t-tests to compare the outcome between post- and pre-intervention. A total of 18 fish transport workers were included in the study. The results showed a statistically significant increase in lactic acid levels following the intervention (p=0.016). However, the increase in muscle tension was not statistically significant (p=0.292). There was a significant increase in fatigue levels after the intervention (p=0.000). This could suggest that the stretching intervention may have had an unintended effect of increasing fatigue among the participants. On the other hand, there was a statistically significant decrease in muscle strength after the intervention (p=0.003). In conclusion, this study suggests that while stretching exercises can affect lactic acid accumulation, fatigue, and muscle strength, they do not influence muscle tension. Therefore, it is advised for workers to incorporate stretching exercises into their daily routine to mitigate potential injury risks.

Diagnosis and management of complications following pelvic organ prolapse surgery using a synthetic mesh: French national guidelines for clinical practice

Diagnosis and management of complications following pelvic organ prolapse surgery using a synthetic mesh: French national guidelines for clinical practice

Prevelence of temporomandibular joint dysfunctions (TMDs) and depressive symptoms and feelings of stress in physiotherapy students with type D personality

Background. Recent scientific reports in dentistry and psychology tend to emphasize the role of various personality traits in temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) multimodal etiology. Since type D personality is a new construct, there has not been much research published regarding this subject. It encompasses both the tendency to experience negative emotions and the tendency to refrain from expressing them. The impact of this combined effect on the increase in stress intensity and the development of somatic and psychiatric illnesses is clearly highlighted. The data presented in the scientific report complement previous insights during ongoing research on Type D personality in people with TMD predisposing factors. Aim. The aim of this article was to assess the influence of type D personality and its two dimensions on the prevalence of symptoms located in TMJ and adjacent tissues, predisposing factors, depression, and levels of perceived stress. Material and methods. The study was conducted on a group of 240 physiotherapy students. The study group (G1) comprised of 120 students with DS. 14 type D personality. The control group (G2) consisted of the same number of people without Type D personality. Data obtained included symptoms of TMJ symptoms, and predisposing factors according to original questionnaire form developed for the study; PSS10 stress severity questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were also used. Results. In the study group, TMD symptoms significantly positively correlate with type D personality (with NE a stronger correlation than with SI), PSS10 and BDI, and negatively correlate with age. Students with type D personality had significantly more frequent and higher TMD symptoms than those without stress personality (p = 0.000). The exception was the symptom of increased muscle tension which showed no statistical difference (p = 0.222). People with Type D personality are more than 6 times more likely to clench their teeth (OR = 6.76) and 3 times more likely to have TMJ acoustic symptoms (OR = 3.35) and teeth grinding (OR = 3.27). In the study group, as the level of perceived stress and degree of depression increased, the number of TMJ and preauricular area complaints reported were also on the rise. In the group of students with type D personality, depression was significantly more frequent than in the group without stress personality (p = 0.000). Conclusion. Students with Type D personality risk experiencing more TMJ and preauricular area issues, while coping with more stress and depressed mood.

Effect of physiotherapeutic procedures on the bioelectric activity of the masseter muscle and the range of motion of the temporomandibular joints in the female population with chronic pain: a randomized controlled trial

SummaryIntroductionPhysical therapy (PT) methods applied in dentistry are increasingly discussed nowadays. Taking into account a rapidly growing number of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and orofacial pain patients, it is reasonable to determine which of the available physiotherapeutic (PT) methods are more effective than others, especially in terms of their possible analgesic and myorelaxant effects.ObjectiveTo assess manual and physical factors influencing pain reduction or elimination and increased muscle tension in patients with TMD; yet the influence of the applied forms of PT on the range of motion (ROM) of temporomandibular joints (TMJ).Material and methodsA randomized, parallel-group, RCT, single-blind, equi-randomized (1:1) study was conducted in DC/TMD Group Ib patients (20–45 years of age). An experimental group (G1, n = 104) and a control group without TMD (G2, n = 104) were created according to CONSORT guidelines. Diagnostic measurements were performed in both groups (mass sEMG, temporomandibular joint range of motion-ROM, pain intensity - NRS). Group G1 was randomly divided (envelope method) into 4 therapeutic groups, in which therapy was carried out for 10 days: magnetostimulation (MS), magnetoledotherapy (MLE), magnetolaserotherapy (MLA), manual therapy (MT). Each time after the therapy, ROM and NRS measurements were performed, and after the 5th and 10th day sEMG.ResultsStatistically significant differences were found in the sEMG values of the masseter muscles, TMJ ROM and the pain intensity in G1 and G2 (p < 0.00). The largest decrease in sEMG (% MVC) of the masseter muscle occurred in the subgroup in which the manual therapy (MT) procedures were applied, p < 0.000. There was no clinically significant difference in and between other subgroups. There was a distinct mandible ROM increase noted in the MT group, with minimal changes in the MLA and MLE groups and no changes in the MS group. There was a clear increase in the lateral mobility of both right and left TMJ in the MT group. There were no differences in the course of the study in the MS group, and slight increases in the MLA and MLE groups. In the case of pain measurements, the greatest decrease in pain intensity was observed in the MT subgroup.ConclusionsAccording to our results manual therapy is an effective form of treatment in patients with pain, increased masticatory muscle tension and limitation in mandible ROM. Dental physiotherapy should become an integral part of multimodal TMD patients’ treatment.

Features of changes and effects of masticatory muscle tone on the maxillary system of ballet dancers of various age groups

Ballet dancers experience tremendous physical exertion every day, which leads to the early development of serious diseases of the whole body, to increased muscle tension in all parts of the body, including the muscles of the facial skeleton. In turn, this can lead to injuries and the development of increased tooth abrasion, and as a consequence, to various occlusive disorders. The purpose of the study: to improve the efficiency and quality of dental care for ballet dancers of various age groups based on the identified features of changes in the tone of the masticatory muscles. Materials and methods: 75 ballet dancers of various age groups underwent myotometry of masticatory muscles in various conditions. Results and conclusions: the age and work experience of a ballet dancer directly affects the contractility of the masticatory muscles of the facial skeleton. This leads to increased tooth abrasion, occlusive disorders and TMJ diseases of varying severity, which requires the provision of preventive and curative dental care to this group of patients already at the early stages of their professional activity.

Combined influence of psychological and biomechanical factors in muscular loads in soccer : Anew approach for the prevention of muscle injuries

When mental stress and musculoskeletal loading interact, the risk for injury increases due to altered body kinematics and increased muscle tension. These changes can be detected with musculoskeletal models, and mental loading and stress must be analyzed at emotional, cognitive, and behavioral levels. To investigate these kinematic and loading changes under stress, competitive athletes were subjected to mental stress during highly dynamic movements, and musculoskeletal models were used to analyze the biomechanical loading. It was shown that under mental stress, independent of the subjective perception, astrong change in muscle forces can occur. Accordingly, competitive athletes should undergo screenings to assess individual movement patterns and promote general stress resilience.

Incidence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Other Coexisting Brachial Plexus Neuropathies in Bullseye Shooters—A Pilot Retrospective Clinical and Neurophysiological Assessment

Shooting may impact the frequency of neuropathies in the upper extremity nerves or of cervical disc–root conflicts. This study was undertaken to assess whether shooting sports trained with a handgun by civilians may influence the risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and other neuropathies of the brachial plexus nerve fibers. Neurophysiological studies using surface electromyography (rEMG at rest and mcEMG during maximal contraction), electroneurography (ENG), and motor-evoked potential recordings (MEPs) were performed in a select population of nine shooters, which were rigorously screened as positive through a clinical examination for carpal tunnel syndrome and other brachial plexus neuropathies among a population of forty-two subjects, to confirm the existence of pathologies in the upper extremities. Increased muscle tension in rEMG and a simultaneous decrease in motor unit activity in mcEMG were recorded both in the proximal and distal muscles of the upper extremities more frequently in the shooters than in the healthy controls—volunteers. An ENG examination confirmed CTS in the shooting hand of four subjects (4/42; 9.5%), additionally revealing a significantly decreased F-wave at the C6–C7 levels in the dominant extremities of the shooting group in comparison to the control population (p = 0.05). All the examined subjects had revealed brachial plexus pathologies on both sides according to the results of the MEP recordings upon stimulation at the C4–C8 levels (various significant differences between the shooters and control group were found), and two had ulnar neuropathy in the wrist on the shooting side. It was concluded that shooting sports are a moderate risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome and that they significantly influence the development of other brachial plexus neuropathies.

Botulinum toxin type A in treatment of chronic migraine, spasticity and bruxism

Introduction: Nowadays, botulinum toxin has found use in many disease entities such as chronic migraine, spasticity, bruxism and many others. Among serotypes A-E, type A is mainly used in treatment. For the therapeutic effect to be maintained, injections need to be repeated most often after 12 weeks. More frequent injections of the toxin may result in the production of neutralizing antibodies. Aim of the study: The aim was to collect and analyze publications of application of botulinum toxin type A (BT-A) in the treatment of chronic migraine, spasticity and bruxism. Methods and materials: We reviewed the literature available in the PubMed database using the key words: “botulinum toxin”; “migraine”; “spasticity”; “bruxism”. Results: The use of botulinum toxin type A in patients with chronic migraine reduces the frequency of pain episodes and alleviates the symptoms. BT-A therapy reduces increased muscle tension, resulting in improved function of the upper or lower limb, facilitating the rehabilitation process, reducing pain associated with spasticity and protecting against the development of muscle contractures and secondary joint deformities. BT-A treatment of patients with bruxism reduces the level of pain and the maximum generated bite force, resulting in an improved quality of life for patients. Conclusion: Intramuscular administration of botulinum toxin is a safe, effective and minimally invasive method of treating chronic migraine, spasticity and bruxism. The botulinum toxin type A is the most studied serotype used for therapeutic purposes. Future research on botulinum toxin will certainly allow wider use.

Deep muscle stimulator in the treatment of post-stroke spasticity: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

Spasticity is one of the most common complications and sequelae of stroke, with the main clinical manifestations being increased muscle tension, pain, stiffness, and other disorders. It not only increases the length of hospitalization and medical costs but also affects the quality of daily life and the stress of returning to society, increasing the burden on patients and their families. At present, 2 driver types of deep muscle stimulator (DMS) have been used in the clinical treatment of post-stroke spasticity (PSS) with good clinical results, but there is no evidence of clinical efficacy and safety. Therefore, this study aims to integrate direct and indirect comparative clinical evidence through a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA). According to the data, different driver types for DMS with the same body of evidence will be collected, analyzed, and sequenced in a quantitative and comprehensive manner and then screened for the optimal driver type of DMS device for PSS treatment. The study also aims to provide reference value and an evidence-based theoretical basis for the clinical optimization of DMS equipment selection. A comprehensive retrieval of China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese scientific journal database, China biological feature database, Wanfang Chinese databases and the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase foreign databases will be conducted. Randomized controlled trials of these 2 driver types of DMS devices combined with conventional rehabilitation training of PSS will be searched and published. The retrieval time is from the establishment of the database to December 20, 2022. The 2 first authors will screen references that meet the inclusion criteria, independently extract data according to predesigned rules, and assess the quality of the included studies and the risk of bias according to the Cochrane 5.1 Handbook criteria. R programming and Aggregate Data Drug Information System software will be used to perform a combined NMA of the data and to evaluate the probability of ranking for all interventions. The NMA and probability ranking will determine the best driver type of DMS device for PSS. This study will offer a comprehensive evidence-based approach to DMS therapy and assist doctors, PSS patients, and decision-makers in selecting a more efficient, secure, and cost-effective treatment option.

Assessment of the level of oral hygiene and the condition of the hard tissues of the teeth in ballet dancers of different age groups

The profession of ballet dancers is always associated with excessive physical exertion, which in turn leads to increased muscle tension in all parts of the body, including the muscles of the facial skeleton. This, in turn, can lead to injuries and increased abrasion of the hard tissues of the teeth and, as a result, to various occlusive disorders. Against the background of an excessively busy training schedule, a ballet dancer may lack time for oral hygiene. All of the above can affect the level of oral hygiene and the condition of the hard tissues of the teeth. The purpose of the study is to improve the efficiency and quality of dental care for ballet dancers of various age groups based on the identified features of oral hygiene and the condition of hard dental tissues and the need for dental treatment. Materials and methods: 75 ballet dancers were assessed for oral hygiene OHI-S and tooth erasability, determination of the area of occlusal contacts and registration of supracontacts. Results and conclusions: the age and work experience of a ballet dancer directly affects the level of oral hygiene and the condition of the hard tissues of the teeth. Ballet dancers have average satisfactory and high unsatisfactory indicators of the level of oral hygiene, as well as increased tooth abrasion and occlusive disorders of varying severity.

Muscle Tension Dysphonia in Singers and Professional Speakers with Ankyloglossia: Impact of Treatment with Lingual Frenuloplasty and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

Introduction: Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) describes a condition affecting the feeling or quality of the voice due to increased muscle tension in and/or around the neck and larynx. Ankyloglossia is a condition of restricted tongue mobility that has been shown to be associated with increased muscle tension. This case series explores outcomes for voice users with MTD who have been treated for ankyloglossia. Methods: Twelve professional or recreational voice users diagnosed with ankyloglossia were surveyed on their symptoms of MTD before and after treatment with lingual frenuloplasty and pre- and post-operative orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT), a multidisciplinary approach known as functional frenuloplasty. Two investigators independently compiled a list of themes reported by participants and agreed upon common themes. Results: Eleven out of twelve patients (91.6%) reported clinical improvement in the use of their voice after functional frenuloplasty; one patient reported no change. Five primary themes were noted: improved voice quality, improved ease of singing and/or speaking, increased stamina, increased pitch range, and improved breath support. Discussion: OMT with lingual frenuloplasty can be an effective adjunctive intervention for treatment of symptoms of vocal tension and fatigue for singers and professional speakers with ankyloglossia. These findings suggest a possible association between MTD and restricted tongue mobility presumably due to underlying myofascial tension.

Prevalence and factors influencing the occurrence of spasticity in stroke patients: a retrospective study

ABSTRACT Background To describe the prevalence and clinical characteristics of stroke patients withoutspasticity, and simultaneously analyse the factors related to post-strokenon-spasticity. Methods In this retrospective study, information on patients hospitalized in thedepartment of rehabilitation, Daping Hospital, over the past eight years wascollected. Demographic information and clinical characteristics werestatistically analysed. Results A total of 819 stroke patients with an average age of 61.66±13.72 years old wereanalysed, including 561 males (68.5%), and 258 females (31.5%). In this study,201 (24.5%) patients developed spasticity, and 618 (75.5%) patients had nospasticity. Patients without spasticity were older than those with spasticity.Patients with ischemic stroke and mild functional impairment were also lesslikely to have spasticity. Post-stroke spasticity may be related to age [oddratio (OR): 0.982; 95% CI:0.965 to 0.999; P = 0.042), hemorrhagic stroke (OR:1.643; 95% CI: 1.029 to 2.626; P = 0.038), National Institute of Health StrokeScale (NIHSS) Scores (OR: 1.132; 95% CI: 1.063 to 1.204; P = 0.000]. Conclusion Most stroke patients do not have spasticity, especially the elderly, patients withischemic stroke, and those with mild functional impairment, suggesting that notall upper motor nerve injuries lead to increased muscle tension. For youngindividuals, patients with hemorrhagic stroke, and those with moderate tosevere functional impairment, close follow-up is necessary to identify theoccurrence of spasticity early on and then formulate corresponding rehabilitationstrategies for prompt intervention.

Stress Detection Smartwatch

Abstract: When a person is unable to handle their circumstances, responsibilities, and workload, stress is a natural emotion that is produced. A person's physical and mental health may suffer when the body is triggered, which can be deadly. The physical impacts of stress on a person's body can include an increase in blood pressure, a rapid heartbeat, increased muscle tension, headaches, a decrease in bodily immunity functions, and a decrease in sleepiness, among other things. The latest technology, known as smartwatches, provides the user with easy access to mobile features. Users can employ the stress-detecting capabilities of high-end smartwatches. Although they can be used to understand things better, these stress applications for smartwatches are not precise in how they operate. Heart rate variability, or HRV, is used by smartwatches and involves the intervals between each heartbeat that the sensor records. A person who has a low HRV is likely under stress. Although stress applications may not be as precise as medical equipment, they are dependable when necessary because there is a good likelihood that the data is accurate. An Electro Dermal Activity (EDA) sensor, found in some smartwatches, monitors tension by electrically altering the amount of sweat on our skin. You must spend two minutes with your palm on the watch dial to achieve the same. As an increase in heart rate is a direct outcome of stress, stress is recognized in the project utilizing heart rate. Since it is also an immediate outcome of stress, heart rate is used in the implementation. In this sector, mobile applications give users a way to explore this data graphically or in greater detail. The user of mobile applications might utilize them for medical purposes and to understand the data

Gender-Related Biomechanical Properties of Masseter Muscle among Patients with Self-Assessment of Bruxism: A Comparative Study.

It seems extremely important to know the biomechanical properties of the orofacial tissues among patients with increased activity of masticatory muscles, such as bruxism. The aim of this study was to evaluate biomechanical properties of the masseter muscle by using MyotonPRO in adults with probable bruxism and to define gender relations. This study was conducted in the Temporomandibular Disorders Department at Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland (June 2021–November 2021) among patients that reported bruxism symptoms The patients underwent a clinical examination, then the biomechanical properties of the masseter muscles were assessed. The MyotonPro measured masseter tone, stiffness and elasticity in 36 patients with a self-assessment of bruxism (18 women and 18 men). Data were collected from relaxed and contracted muscles. In relaxed masseter muscles there were no statistically significant differences between the sexes in muscle tone, stiffness and elasticity. During contraction significant differences were found between the sexes in the tension and the stiffness of the masseter muscles. Moreover, women often experienced headaches in the temporal region and pain in the masseter muscles during palpation. Among patients with a self-assessment of bruxism, accompanying pain was significantly more frequent in women. Male gender was associated with increased muscle tension and stiffness of the contracted masseter muscle.

Dynamics of muscle electric activity parameters and maximum power characteristics in different phases of performance of weightlifting snatch

Weightlifting exercises are coordinately complex, speed and power based movements, which simultaneously combine the maximum muscle work with different contraction types and limit the result with special functional features of the neuromuscular apparatus. According to modern views, indicators of biomechanics of the motor act and electromyographic characteristics of leading muscles during performance of the act show different aspects of the same process of contraction and can be used as criteria for an evaluation of muscle efforts and the functional state of the neuromuscular apparatus. The objective of this study is to identify special features of dynamics of muscle electric activity parameters and maximum power characteristics in different phases of weightlifting snatch. The study involved 35 male elite weightlifters with the Master of Sports qualification. The study was conducted with the BTS Motion System (made by BTS Bioengineering, Italy). A computer program was developed to analyze the technique of the snatch (the certificate RU 2020660142 from 28.08.2020). The study included registration and following analysis of biomechanical (dynamic, kinematic) and electromyographic indicators during performance of the snatch by athletes with 80 % intensity of the maximum weight directly during the training session. Features of dynamics of muscles’ electric activity parameters and maximum power characteristics, which are significantly changing in different phases of performance of the snatch, were revealed in the study. Pull phases are characterized by the increase of muscle tension, muscle work in the concentric dynamic contraction. Snatch phases are characterized by the maximum power of muscle tension and the speed of its dynamics according to both biomechanical features and electrical processes in muscles: a maximum tension and high frequency of impulsion of motor units of extensor muscles were noted. Squat phases are characterized by the decrease of muscle tension and speed of its changing, muscle work in the combined type of contraction, including eccentric and static types. High, but not maximum indicators of power and tension of muscles characterize phases of standing-up. It was revealed that the eccentric muscle contraption, according to EMG indicators, is manifested in the decrease of both amplitude and frequency characteristics. The concluded study allowed to present data characterizing biomechanics of the motor act and special physiological features of leading muscles’ work of elite weightlifters during performance of the exercise. Power and electromyographic parameters in various types of muscle work in different phases of the snatch were determined.

The Importance of Type D Personality in the Development of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) and Depression in Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: a type D personality is a factor in a person’s susceptibility to general mental stress, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although many studies were conducted on the relationships among stressful situations, an individual’s personality, depression, and the occurrence of various diseases, e.g., cardiovascular disease or cancer, there are no analogous data on people with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Aim: the assessment of TMDs and depression symptoms in students with type D personality. Material and Methods: the research was carried out with the participation of 240 physiotherapy students. The study group (G1) consisted of 120 participants with type D personalities, the control group (G2) consisted of the same number of participants, without “stress” personalities. All subjects were assessed for the occurrence of TMD symptoms, as well as for depression and anxiety symptoms, using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), based on the proprietary questionnaire. Results: in students with type D personality symptoms, TMDs occurred significantly more often and in greater number (p = 0.00) than in those without stress personalities. The exception was the symptom of increased muscle tension, which showed no statistical difference (p = 0.22). Among the 240 respondents, depression was found in 128 people (53.3%). In the group of students with type D personalities, depression was significantly more frequent than in the group without type D personalities (p = 0.00). In participants with depression, TMD symptoms were more common, i.e., headaches, neck, and shoulder girdle pain, TMJ acoustic symptoms, increased masticatory muscle tension, teeth clenching, and teeth grinding. There was no significant difference between the incidence of depression and TMJ pain and jaw locking. There was a significant interaction between the occurrence of headaches and acoustic symptoms and the occurrence of depression. For headache and depression interactions, the OR was >1; based on the results, we may assume that a headache depends more on the occurrence of depression rather than it being a symptom of a TMJ disorder in people with type D personalities. Conclusion: type D personality and depression may contribute to the development of TMD symptoms.

Integration with Spilanthes Achmella in fibromyalgia syndrome: open-label study six months after the treatment

Fibromyalgia, also known as fibromyalgia syndrome (FM), is a rheumatic syndrome which is currently considered idiopathic and multifactorial. It causes an increase in muscle tension associated with stiffness, asthenia (loss of strength with fatigue), cognitive impairment, insomnia or sleep disorders and impaired sensitivity to stimuli. We performed a prospective evaluation of 149 patients suffering from fibromyalgia syndrome according to the 2010 ACR Criteria. Patients were clinically assessed at baseline and after 1-3-6 months, using the patient-reported outcomes thermometer - 5-item scale (5TPROs). In addition to their therapy, all patients received a supplementation with Spilanthes Achmella. This food supplement is characterized by synergy of bioactive compounds, such as Acmella oleracea extract, and has neurotrophic, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. All patients were randomized at baseline to receive Spilanthes Achmella, 2 tablets per day for one month and subsequent tapering to 1 tablet per day for 5 months. At six months, a statistically significant difference in the following parameters was shown: pain P&lt;0.001, fatigue P&lt;0.001, physical function P&lt;0.001, depression: P&lt;0.001, general health P&lt;0.001. Conversely, the post-hoc analysis data did not report any significant difference for the parameters between the third and sixth month. A drug-sparing effect was observed (P&lt;0.001). The posthoc analysis revealed a significant difference between T0 and T3 P=0.00066 and between T0 and T6 P=0.00008. Our data indicate that supplementation with Spilanthes Achmella may lead to a significant improvement in pain, fatigue, physical function, depression and general health in fibromyalgia syndrome.