Isometric Handgrip Strength Research Articles

Depressive symptoms, sleep quality, physical fitness, and fatigue among adult women with different obesity status

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the association between depressive symptoms, sleep quality, objectively assessed physical fitness, and fatigue, among a sample of adult women with different obesity status. One hundred and ninety-four volunteer adult women (36.1 ± 11.1 years) participated in the study. Based on body mass index (BMI), the participants were allocated into three groups: normal weight (n = 134), overweight (n = 32), and obese (n = 25). Physical fitness-related parameters such as aerobic fitness, flexibility, lower limb explosive strength, isometric handgrip strength, and sprint performance were assessed with a battery of field tests. Total body fat and trunk fat levels were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck depression inventory, sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburg sleep quality index, and fatigue levels were examined using the fatigue severity scale. Obese women experienced a significantly worse score regarding depressive symptoms (p < 0.05). Similarly, the obese and overweight women were found to exhibit lower levels of aerobic fitness compared to women with normal BMI (p < 0.05). All examined body composition variables were shown to be inversely associated with the score on all physical fitness tests as well as with poor sleep, depressive symptoms, and fatigue levels (p < 0.05). Depressive symptoms and performance on various physical fitness tests were found to be significantly impaired in obese and overweight adult women indicating the negative impact of increased body weight in health and well-being.

Blood pressure lowering effects of a novel isometric exercise device following a 4-week isometric handgrip intervention.

Background: Hypertension is the leading risk factor for global mortality. Isometric resistance exercise training reduces blood pressure (BP). However, the protocols used are often limited by cost/immobility and the use of rigid exercise modalities. In response, a novel more versatile, isometric exercise (IE) device, the IsoBall (IB) was created.Purpose: The aim of this study was to test the BP-lowering effectiveness of this prototype.Methods: Twenty-three healthy participants (29.10±2.19 years old, 173.95±3.83 cm, 75.43±5.06 kg, SBP 127.10±10.37 mmHg, DBP 70.40±6.77 mmHg) were randomly allocated to either a control group (CON) or 2 isometric handgrip (IHG) training groups that used the Zona plus (ZON) and IB devices. The intervention groups completed 3 sessions each week of 4, 2 min IHG at 30% maximal voluntary contraction, with a 1-min rest, for 4 weeks. Resting BP, heart rate (HR) and IHG strength were measured in all groups at baseline and postintervention.Results: Postintervention systolic BP (SBP) was significantly lower in both ZON (114.5±8.2 mmHg, p = 0.000) and IB (119.9±7.0 mmHg, p = 0.000) compared to control (131.0±12.4 mmHg). Postintervention diastolic BP (DBP) was reduced in both intervention groups (ZON 66.6±7.4 mmHg, p = 0.004; IB 65.7±10.0 mmHg, p = 0.012) compared to CON (71.1±8.8 mmHg). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was reduced in both groups (ZON 82.6±6.8 mmHg, p = 0.000; IB 84.3±9.1 mmHg, p = 0.000) compared to control (91.0±9.7 mmHg). No significant changes were seen in HR or strength (p > 0.05).Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that both the ZON and IB devices elicit significant SBP, DBP and MAP reductions. Despite the ZON group having larger reductions in BP, no significant differences were found between the two devices. Thus, this study indicates the IB device to be an effective alternative to the ZON that can also be used to perform other IE modalities.

Longitudinal Associations Between Handgrip Strength and Cardiovascular Biomarkers Among Rural Adults: A Project FRONTIER

The decrease in muscular strength is one of the key symptoms of sarcopenia in older adults. A growing body of literature shows inverse associations of maximal isometric handgrip strength, a simple and non-invasive measure of skeletal muscle strength, with risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related morbidity and mortality. However, the evidence is equivocal and there is little research examining the relationship of the concurrent longitudinal change in handgrip strength and CVD biomarkers. PURPOSE: This study examined longitudinal relationships between maximal handgrip strength and CVD biomarkers in older adults living in rural areas. METHODS: Data for this study came from Project FRONTIER (N=138; 59±12y, average 2.8 follow-up years), an ongoing epidemiological study monitoring the health of adults in rural northwest Texas, USA. Handgrip strength normalized to body mass index and CVD biomarkers including triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure (BP) were obtained. The association between strength and CVD biomarkers was examined at baseline, with strength as a predictor of the annual change in biomarkers, and in a parallel fashion between the annual change in strength and CVD biomarkers. RESULTS: After adjusting for demographic information, results for the total sample showed strength to associate with WC (b= -13.6, P<.001) and diastolic BP (b=6.1, P=.025) at baseline. Strength was not found to predict the annual change in any biomarker. Rather, the annual change in strength was positively associated with the change in HDL-C (b=12.7, P=.003). Interestingly, when participants were stratified into low and higher CVD risk groups, low risk adults who did not lose strength had greater annual increases in HDL-C than low risk adults that lost strength (2.3 vs. -1.4 mg/dl/year, P<.001). Adults with higher CVD risk who did not lose strength had greater annual decreases in triglycerides (P=.054) and BP (P’s≤0.05) than higher risk adults that lost strength. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, the present findings suggest that maintenance of muscle strength with aging is related to positive changes in CVD risk factors.

High relative consumption of vegetable protein is associated with faster walking speed in well-functioning older adults.

Adequate nutrition and, especially, optimal protein intake are necessary to preserve physical function during aging. Increased consumption of animal-derived protein is often advocated as a strategy to support physical performance in old age. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence to support this claim. To assess the relationship of protein consumption and specific protein sources with physical function in older adults. Participants were community dwellers aged 60years and older recruited in São Paulo, Brazil. Enrollees had their medical books reviewed and were evaluated for anthropometry, physical performance, and diet. Physical performance was evaluated by isometric handgrip strength and walking speed (WS) tests. Diet was assessed using a 24-h recall diary. Ninety older adults were recruited (mean age: 68.0 ± 6.7years; 87.0% women). Body weight-adjusted protein consumption was significantly associated with upper-limb muscle strength (r = 0.21; p < 0.05), but not with usual (r = 0.09; p > 0.05) or fast WS (r = 0.08; p > 0.05). Conversely, relative protein consumption was correlated with usual WS (r = 0.13; p < 0.05), while fast WS was negatively associated with relative animal protein intake (r = -0.18; p < 0.05) and positively associated with relative plant-based protein ingestion (r = 0.15; p < 0.05). Findings of the present study indicate that different measures of protein intake are associated with distinct components of physical function. In addition, high relative ingestion of vegetable protein is associated with faster WS. A comprehensive dietary evaluation is necessary to appreciate the impact of specific nutrients on physical performance in older people. Future interventional studies are needed to establish the optimal blend of protein sources to support physical performance in old age.

A physical profile of novice and experienced professional motorcycle speedway riders.

There is a paucity of data relating to Professional Motorcycle Speedway riders physical characteristics despite its growing popularity. The participants were divided into two categories depending on their Calculated Match Average (CMA); high performers (CMA>5.0, N.=16) and low performers (CMA<4.9, N.=16). Anthropometric data, isometric hand grip strength, isometric knee extension strength, dynamic stability of the upper and lower limbs and functional movement scores were measured to establish differences between high and low performing professional speedway riders. High performing riders had significantly better functional movement screen composite scores than low performers (P=0.003) and hurdle step (P=0.002) and shoulder mobility movements (P=0.032). Significant hand grip and leg strength was observed in riders right limbs compared to their left (P=0.004 and P=0.000 respectively) and greater dynamic stability in their right leg than left (P=0.011). High performing riders had greater grip strength (right hand P=0.016 and left hand P=0.034) and knee extension strength in the right (P=0.036) legs than their low performing counterparts. The findings of this study provide a benchmark of physical characteristics of high and low performing riders, highlighting mobility, functional movement, dynamic stability and isometric strength as essential attributes of an elite rider.

Effect of shoulder stability exercises on hand grip strength in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome

Background: Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is the second most common musculoskeletal condition that causes shoulder pain in the general population. Shoulder girdle muscle imbalance and posterior capsule tightness have been implicated as contributing factors.Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of shoulder stability exercises (SSEs) on hand grip strength in patients with unilateral SIS.Methods: A total of 16 patients with a mean age of 32 ± 9.3 years diagnosed with stage II unilateral SIS participated in this study. A standardized SSE programme was conducted in the clinic under the direct 1-to-1 supervision of a physical therapist thrice weekly for 4 weeks for a total of 12 sessions on the affected and non-affected shoulders. The effect of the SSE programme on isometric hand grip strength was analysed.Results: A significant difference (p = .016) was observed in the hand grip strength of the affected shoulder side before and after the intervention, but no significant difference (p = 1.0) was found in the hand grip strength of the non-affected shoulder side post-intervention.Conclusion: The reduction in isometric hand grip strength of the affected shoulder side compared to that of the non-affected shoulder side in the same subject before the intervention shows that SIS significantly affects the hand grip strength of the affected side. SSEs significantly affect the isometric hand grip strength of SIS patients.

Local cryostimulation acutely preserves maximum isometric handgrip strength following fatigue in young women

Several types of cryostimulation have been recently proposed to rapidly lower skin temperature therefore gaining a possible neuro/muscular recovery after strenuous exercise or, more generally, in sports. Local cryostimulation may be a viable and relatively portable tool to obtain physiological benefits in previously-efforted muscular districts. However, cohesive and standardized cryo-exposure protocols are lacking as well as the righteous procedure to efficaciously combine duration, treatments and temperature in relation to desirable effects on muscular strength. In this randomized-controlled study, fifty young women were tested for maximum isometric handgrip strength, before and after exhausting contractions.Following the fatiguing protocol, the intervention group (cryo, n = 25, 24.7 ± 2.5 years, BMI 21.7 ± 1.8 kg/m2) underwent a 6-min local cryostimulation (−160 °C) on the extensor-flexor muscles of the dominant arm, while control-matched peers sat rested in a thermo-neutral room (22 ± 0.5 °C). Handgrip tests were repeated at baseline (T0), after cryostimulation (T1), and 15 min after T1 (T2). Throughout the protocol, the AUC of the strength performance was significantly higher in the cryo- compared to control group (P = 0.006). In particular, following fatigue and cryostimulation, the cryo group preserved higher strength at T1 with respect to controls (26.8 ± 2.8 vs 23.9 ± 2.8 kg, Bonferroni's post-hoc, P < 0.01). Likewise, ventral and dorsal temperature, recorded with a thermal camera, were lower in cryo- than control group (P < 0.0001).In conclusion, a brief session of local cryostimulation may acutely preserve maximal isometric force in young women following a fatiguing protocol. These findings may have implications in orchestrating strategies of district muscular recovery.

Neuromuscular and postural control in visually and nonvisually impaired judo athletes: case study.

This study aimed to analyze neuromuscular and postural control in visually and nonvisually impaired judo athletes. Two judo athletes, one visually impaired and the other nonvisually impaired, participated in the study. The athletes presented similar demographic, anthropometric, and judo-technical characteristics. They performed maximal isometric handgrip strength (dominant and nondominant hand), vertical jumps (countermovement jump [CMJ] and squat jump [SJ]), and center of pressure assessment in three positions: neutral, anteroposterior, and judo combat base (Migi-shizentai). The main findings showed that the visually impaired athlete presented higher standing balance in the neutral and anteroposterior positions than non-visually impaired athlete (effect size [ES]>2.0). In the Migi-shizentai position, the disparity between both athletes was reduced, particularly in the displacement area (ES=0.52). The visually impaired athlete showed higher performance in the SJ but lesser performance in CMJ and handgrip strength tests than nonimpaired athlete (ES>2.0). We concluded that the postural stability was higher in the visually impaired athlete in the neutral and anteroposterior position, but similar to the nonvisually impaired athlete in Migi-shizentai position, possible due to the influence of judo practice. Moreover, the visually impaired athlete showed higher performance in the SJ than nonvisually impaired.

Performance, rating of perceived exertion and physiological responses during a Brazilian jiu-jitsu match: comparisons between winning and losing athletes

The purpose of the present study was to describe the physiological, perceptive and performance responses across Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) match simulation and compare them between winning and losing athletes. Fourteen male adult BJJ athletes (age: 25.8 ± 3.4 years; height: 174.8 ± 9.2 cm; body mass: 79.6 ± 12.4 kg; training experience: 7.0 ± 2.5 years), 6 brown and 8 black belts participated in this study. All athletes performed a combat simulation of 10 min. Heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and maximal isometric handgrip strength (MIHS) were evaluated before the combat and during the combat after the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th minutes, while blood lactate ([La]) was measured before and after the combat simulation. Results indicated that, irrespective of the match outcome (i.e. winner or loser), significantly higher (P 0.05). These results suggest that the effort performed and the physiological and perceptual responses are similar among BJJ athletes competing against each other.

Muscle dysfunction is associated with poorer health-related quality of life in adults with sickle cell anaemia

It is known that episodes of microvascular obstruction and oxidative stress in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) can damage muscle tissue. As a consequence, deterioration in muscle function may potentially contribute to poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in subjects with SCA, particularly those who do not use long-term treatment. To evaluate muscle function in adults with SCA, to study the correlations between muscle function and HRQoL and to analyse the impact of hydroxyurea treatment. Twenty-two adults with SCA and 20 matched controls were subjected to Short Form-36 (SF-36), respiratory muscle strength measurement, isometric hand grip strength (iHGS) measurement and knee isokinetic dynamometry. In relation to their healthy peers, adults with SCA had lower SF-36 scores, respiratory muscle strength and iHGS. Regarding the isokinetic test, adults with SCA showed lower values, especially in the variables measured in flexion and with an angular velocity of 240∘/s. There was a significant correlation between the peak torque (PT) at 240∘/s and the physical component summary (SF-36PCS) in both extension (r= 0.77; p< 0.001) and flexion (r= 0.82; p< 0.001). Significant correlations were also observed between the agonist/antagonist ratio at 240∘/s and the SF-36PCS (r= 0.50; p< 0.001). The use of hydroxyurea led to higher scores on the SF-36 and higher values in knee isokinetic dynamometry. Adults with SCA have muscle dysfunction, especially with regard to endurance of the knee flexor muscles. In these patients, there is a significant association between muscle function and HRQoL. Moreover, the use of hydroxyurea is associated with better HRQoL and less muscle dysfunction.

Urinary Sex Steroid and Glucocorticoid Hormones Are Associated With Muscle Mass and Strength in Healthy Adults.

Sex steroid hormones exhibit anabolic effects whereas a deficiency engenders sarcopenia. Moreover, supraphysiological levels of glucocorticoids promote skeletal muscle atrophy, whereas physiologic levels of glucocorticoids may improve muscle performance. To study the relationship between both groups of steroid hormones at a physiological range with skeletal muscle mass and function in the general population. Cross-sectional analysis of the associations between urinary excreted androgens, estrogens, glucocorticoids, and steroid hormone metabolite ratios with lean mass and handgrip strength in a population-based cohort. Three centers in Switzerland including 1128 participants. Urinary steroid hormone metabolite excretion by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, lean mass by bioimpedance analysis, and isometric handgrip strength by dynamometry. For lean mass a strong positive association was found with 11β-OH-androsterone and with most glucocorticoids. Androsterone showed a positive association in middle-aged and older adults. Estriol showed a positive association only in men. For handgrip strength, strong positive associations with androgens were found in middle-aged and older adults, whereas positive associations were found with cortisol metabolites in young to middle-aged adults. Sex steroids and glucocorticoids are strongly positively associated with skeletal muscle mass and strength in the upper limbs. The associations with muscle strength appear to be independent of muscle mass. Steroid hormones exert age-specific anabolic effects on lean mass and handgrip strength. Deficits in physical performance of aged muscles may be attenuated by androgens, whereas glucocorticoids in a physiological range increase skeletal muscle mass at all ages, as well as muscle strength in particular in younger adults.

Reference data on hand grip and lower limb strength using the Nintendo Wii balance board: a cross-sectional study of 354 subjects from 20 to 99\u2009years of age

BackgroundAccurate assessment of isometric hand grip strength (HGS) and isometric lower limb strength (LS) are often limited to specialized clinics due to high costs and need for specialized equipment and personnel. A mobile and user-friendly device would facilitate a wider use of these measures in the clinical setting. The Nintendo Wii Balance Board (WBB) is a novel and pragmatic tool that has been validated for measuring muscle strength and other clinically relevant physiological variables. However, reference data for HGS and LS are lacking. The purpose of the current study is to establish reference data for HGS and LS in individuals ≥20 years of age using the WBB method, and to characterize the effects of age in these measurements.MethodHealthy participants were recruited at various locations and their HGS and LS were tested by six assessors using the WBB. Reference data were analysed and presented in age-groups, while the age-related change in HGS and LS was tested and characterized with linear regression models.ResultsThree hundred and fifty-four participants between 20 and 99 years of age were tested. Data are presented separately according to gender and the following age categories: 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, and 80+, and presented in absolute values as well as percentiles. The main findings were; (1) Significantly higher HGS and LS among males compared to females and for the dominant limb compared to the non-dominant limb, (2) a significant decline in strength with increasing age, and (3) the rate of decline increased significantly (i.e. it was non-linear) with age for HGS, but not for LS.ConclusionThis study reported reference data with percentiles for a novel method for assessing HGS and LS. Data were consistent with previously known effects of age and gender on HGS and LS. The presented data may supplement future trials using the WBB in research or in the clinical setting.

Resisted and Endurance High Intensity Interval Training for Combat Preparedness.

BACKGROUND: Studies support the use of new training models based on low volume and high intensity in athletes, especially in soldier populations, showing greater physical improvements than conventional and classic approaches. We conducted this study to analyze the psychophysiological response of soldiers in two different high intensity interval training protocols (HIIT), resisted (RHIIT) and endurance (EHIIT), in order to determine which HIIT elicits a psychophysiological response similar to that in actual theaters of operation.METHODS: We recruited 21 professional soldiers from the Spanish Army. HIIT protocols were conducted in accordance with actual military scenarios, performed at 36-38°C.RESULTS: Both protocols, RHIIT and EHIIT, produced a significant increase in blood lactate (1.6 ± 0.3 to 6.4 ± 4.8 and 1.7 ± 0.6 to 11.2 ± 5.0, respectively), rate of perceived exertion, heart rate, and lower limb explosive strength; skin temperature and bodyweight presented significant decreases. Only EHIIT presented a significant increase on cortical arousal (35.9 ± 2.1 to 37.3 ± 2.8) and isometric hand-grip strength, achieving similar psychophysiological response as in previous simulated combat studies.DISCUSSION: Both endurance and resisted high interval intensity training protocols produced a significant increase in the psychophysiological response of soldiers. EHIIT presented more similarities with actual combat situations.Tornero-Aguilera JG, Clemente-Suárez VJ. Resisted and endurance high intensity interval training for combat preparedness. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2019; 90(1):32-36.

Maximal isometric handgrip strength: comparison between weight categories and classificatory table for adult judo athletes.

The aims of this study were to compare the maximal isometric handgrip strength of judo athletes from different weight categories and to create a classificatory table for this test. A total of 406 athletes had their maximal isometric handgrip strength measured, following standardized recommendations. Absolute and relative values were calculated for each hand and for the sum of both hands. Weight categories were compared through a one-way analysis of variance, followed by Tukey test. The effect size was determined by partial eta squared, and the relationship between variables was determined using Pearson correlation coefficient. There was a large effect of weight category in absolute handgrip strength for each hand and for the sum of both hands, with lower values for the lighter categories. Conversely, when the relative strength was considered higher values were found for the lighter categories (P<0.001). Very large and significant positive correlations (P<0.001) were found between right and left for absolute (r=0.886) and relative (r=0.883) handgrip values. Overall, there was an increase in absolute and a decrease in relative handgrip strength across weight categories. These differences found in grip strength in weight categories are probably linked to differences in muscle mass between them. There was a high correlation between each hand for absolute and relative values, which suggests that assessing only one hand may be enough, and therefore a faster way of evaluation. Finally, the normative classificatory table created may serve as a reference for different purposes.

The Influence of Clinically Diagnosed Neuropathy on Respiratory Muscle Strength in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Objectives This cross-sectional study investigated the influence of clinically diagnosed neuropathy (cdNP) on respiratory muscle strength in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods 110 T2DM patients and 35 nondiabetic healthy controls (≥60 years) were allocated to one of three groups depending on the presence of cdNP: T2DM without cdNP (D−; n = 28), T2DM with cdNP (D+; n = 82), and controls without cdNP (C; n = 35). Clinical neurological diagnostic examination consisted of Vibration Perception Threshold and Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom score. Respiratory muscle strength was registered by maximal Inspiratory and Expiratory Pressures (PImax and PEmax), and respiratory function by Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF). Isometric Handgrip Strength and Short Physical Performance Battery were used to evaluate peripheral skeletal muscle strength and physical performance. Univariate analysis of covariance was used with age, level of physical activity, and body mass index as covariates. Results PImax, PEmax, and PEF were higher in C compared to D− and D+. Exploring more in detail, PImax, PEmax, and PEF were significantly lower in D+ compared to C. PEmax and PEF were also significantly lower in D− versus C. Measures of peripheral muscle strength and physical performance showed less associations with cdNP and T2DM. Conclusions The presence of cdNP affects respiratory muscle strength in T2DM patients compared to healthy controls. Both cdNP and diabetes in themselves showed a distinctive impact on respiratory muscle strength and function; however, an accumulating effect could not be ascertained in this study. As commonly used measures of peripheral muscle strength and physical performance seemed to be less affected at the given time, the integration of PImax, PEmax, and PEF measurements in the assessment of respiratory muscle weakness could be of added value in the (early) screening for neuropathy in patients with T2DM.

Handgrip strength in old and oldest old Swiss adults \u2013 a cross-sectional study

BackgroundHandgrip strength is indicative of overall physical health and mobility in the elderly. A reduction in strength below a certain threshold severely increases the risk of mobility limitations and is predictive for adverse outcomes such as dependence in daily activities and mortality. An overview of age- and geography- specific handgrip strength values in older adults provide a reference for further investigations and measures in clinical practice to identify people at risk for clinically meaningful weakness. The aim of this study was to evaluate handgrip strength in the Swiss-German population aged 75 and over.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, maximal isometric handgrip strength of the dominant hand was evaluated in 244 Swiss people aged 75 years and over (62.7% women), with mean age (SD) of 84.5 (5.6) years in men and 83.1 (5.9) years in women. Demographic data and information about comorbidities, medication, fall history, global cognitive function, self-reported physical activity and dependence in activities of daily living were collected, and correlated with grip strength measures. Age- and gender specific grip strength values are reported as means, standard deviations and standard error of mean.ResultsSex-stratified handgrip strength was significantly lower with advancing age in men (p < .01), from 37.7 (6.5) kg to 25.6 (7.6) kg and in women (p < .01) from 22.2 (4.0) kg to 16.5 (4.7) kg. Handgrip strength in our sample was significantly higher than in Southern European countries. Handgrip strength was independently associated with age, height and ADL dependence in men and women. Overall, 44% of men and 53% of women had handgrip strength measures that were below the clinically relevant threshold for mobility limitations.ConclusionThis study reports the age- and sex-stratified reference values for handgrip strength in a representative sample of the Swiss population, aged 75–99 years. Although grip strength decreased with advancing age in both sexes; the relative decline was greater in men than women. Nonetheless men had significantly higher grip strength in all age groups. While the Swiss population sampled had greater grip strength than that reported in other European countries, about 50% were still classified as at risk of mobility limitations.

Work Ability and Employment in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Role of Muscle Strength and Lower Extremity Function.

Objective The aim of the present study was to assess the association between muscle strength, lower extremity function, employment status, and work ability in RA patients. Methods One hundred seropositive RA outpatients of working age were included in this cross-sectional study. Employment status was assessed by interview and work ability by the Work Ability Index-Single Item Scale (WAS). Muscle strength was determined using dynamometer measurement of isometric hand grip and knee extensor strength. Lower extremity function was measured using the short physical performance battery (SPPB). Regression models estimate the association between unemployment, work ability and muscle strength, and lower extremity function, controlling for sociodemographic and disease-related factors. Results Forty-one percent of the RA patients were not gainfully employed, and their median work ability had a good WAS value (7.00 [4.00-7.00]). Patients with better knee extensor strength (OR=1.07, 95% CI [1.02-1.12) and better physical performance (OR=1.71, 95% CI [1.18-2.49]) had a significantly better chance of gainful employment. The odds for hand grip strength remained significant when adjusted for sociodemographic (OR=1.5, 95% CI [1.00-1.09]), but not for disease-specific variables. Better hand grip strength (β=0.25, p=0.039) and better knee extensor strength (β=0.45, p=0.001) as well as better lower extremity function (SPPB) (β=0.51, p<0.001) remained significantly associated with work ability following adjustment for sociodemographic and disease-specific variables. Conclusions The association of employment status and work ability with parameters of physical fitness suggests that improvement in muscle strength and lower extremity function may positively influence work ability and employment in individuals with RA.

Influence of body composition and muscle strength on functional outcomes in post-acute stroke

Despite skeletal muscle is the main effector organ of disability in stroke, there is a paucity of data on skeletal muscle disorders in stroke. In addition to loss of muscle mass as a result of normal ageing, reduced physical activity, poor nutrition, and hormonal changes can play a role in the development of sarcopenia in stroke. This preliminary study was aimed to determine the influence of body composition and muscle function on functional outcomes in patients with post-acute stroke. Within 2 weeks of stroke onset, 45 subjects (66.1 ± 8.8; 32 men) with a first ischemic stroke event were prospectively assessed during in-patient rehabilitation hospitalization. The main variables were fat-free mass and fat-mass (in kg and as a percentage of reference values) assessed with electrical impedance, body mass index (BMI), maximal isometric handgrip strength of non-paretic upper limb, and functional status assessed with the Barthel Index (BI) at hospital discharge. According to BMI, patients were classified in low weight ( n = 2), normal weight ( n = 10), overweight ( n = 20) and obesity ( n = 13). Fat-free mass was reduced in 3 patients and fat-mass in 8. Obese patients had lower BI (mean difference: 22.7, 95% CI: 8.6–36.8, P = 0.002, at admission; 14.9, 95% CI: 0.58–29.1, P = 0.042, at discharge). Twenty-eight patients had reduced strength of the non-paretic handgrip; these patients had lower BI (mean difference 15.2, 95% CI: 0.8–29.6, P = 0.039), but no differences in BI improvements at discharge were detected. Strength in the non-paretic hand is reduced in 62% of the sample. Obesity and reduced handgrip strength are associated with worse functional status during stay in a neurorehabilitation ward. Further studies are required to assess the influence of body composition and muscle strength on functional outcomes.

Relationship Between Functional Movement Screen and Some Athletic Abilities in Karate Athletes

In karate athletes, quality of movement and trunk control are important factors. Power output that is performed in short time requires functional movement capabilities. It’s quite important to know that which athletic abilities are related to functional movement. Due to this concern, the aim of the study was to examine relationship between functional movement screen (FMS) and some athletic abilities.20 male, 12 female karate athletes (Blue or higher belts; age: 16,06±0,9 years; training age: 7,5±1,1 years; weight: 63,06±11,6 kg; height: 171,9±6,1 cm) voluntarily participated in the study. Measurements have been taken on non-consecutive days in Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test battery, core stabilization test battery, back-leg extension isometric strength (BS), handgrip strength (HS), flexibility (S&amp;R) and vertical jumping (SJ).The results showed that there is the significant relationship between FMS and S&amp;R, SJ, core stabilization (p&lt;0.01), and BS (p&lt;0.05). There is no the significant correlation between HS. Due to the relationship between FMS Score and core stabilization, S&amp;R, SJ and BS.It’s recommended practicing all these abilities to increase the quality of movement. Likewise, functional movement levels should be increased to perform better these athletic abilities.

Development of tables for classifying judo athletes according to maximal isometric strength and muscular power, and comparisons between athletes at different competitive levels

The objectives of this study were to develop normative tables to classify judo athletes by maximal isometric strength and muscular power, and to compare performance at different competitive levels. 102 male athletes performed tests of maximal isometric handgrip strength (MIHS), scapular humeral traction (MISHT), lumbar traction (MILT), lower body traction (MILBT), plyometric push-up (PPU), countermovement jump (CJ) and squat jump (SJ). Performance was classified as: ≤ 10th percentile = very poor, 11–25th percentile = poor, 26–75th percentile = regular, 76–90th percentile = good and > 90th percentile = excellent. Classification relative to body mass [isometric (kg/kg) and power (cm kg)] was as follows: MIHS—very poor: ≤ 0.81; poor: 0.82–0.96; regular: 0.97–1.51; good: 1.52–1.79; excellent: ≥ 1.80, MILT—very poor: ≤ 1.14; poor: 1.15–1.41; regular: 1.41–2.0; good: 2.0–2.5; excellent: ≥ 2.6, MILBT—very poor: ≤ 1.15; poor: 1.16–1.44; regular: 1.45–2.15; good: 2.16–2.62; excellent: ≥ 2.63, MISHT—very poor: ≤ 0.34; poor: 0.35–0.41; regular: 0.42–0.62; good: 0.63–0.73; excellent: ≥ 0.74, PPU—very poor: ≤ 635.4; poor: 635.5–901.9; regular: 902.0–1801.4; good: 1801.5–2369.7; excellent: ≥ 2369.8, SJ—very poor: ≤ 1690.7; poor: 1690.8–1990.3; regular: 1990.4–3387.9; good: 3388.0–4029.4; excellent: ≥ 4029.5 and CJ—very-poor: ≤ 1775.4; poor: 1775.5–2195.4; regular: 2195.5–3667.2; good: 3667.3–4208.3; excellent: ≥ 4208.4. State athletes had lower MISHT (p = 0.015) than international athletes and lower CJ than national athletes (p = 0.05). International athletes showed better PPU performance than others (p < 0.05). MIHS, MISHT and PPU were sensitive to identify differences between competitive level of judo athletes (state, national and international level).