Limb Strength Research Articles

Discipline-specific adaptation patterns in respiratory and lower limb musculotendinous structures: cyclists vs. basketball players.

This study aimed at assessing how chronic exposure to specific exercise training (high-intensity intervals vs. endurance), comparing experienced basketball-players (BP, N.=16), cyclists (CY, N.=16), and non-specifically trained individuals (CN, N.=16), influences the structural and functional characteristics of both lower limb and respiratory musculotendinous structures. Vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius lateralis, and medialis, diaphragm muscles, as well as patellar tendon and Achilles tendon, were assessed using B-mode ultrasonography. Maximal voluntary isometric and passive torque measurements were conducted in the knee-extensors and plantar-flexors. Additionally, a subset of participants (N.=10 for each group) underwent a fatigue-inducing exercise-till-exhaustion protocol, and the strength of lower limb and respiratory muscles was evaluated immediately before and after the trial. Athletes had bigger and stronger musculotendinous structures and greater endurance to fatigue than CN (P<0.05). BP had bigger plantar-flexors and diaphragm, greater fascicles length, more explosive plantar-flexors and respiratory muscles and bigger tendons than CY (P<0.05). On the other hand, CY showed greater muscle pennation angle and greater endurance to fatigue for both, lower limb, and respiratory muscles (P<0.05). The present study emphasizes that chronic and specific exercise training leads to distinctive adaptations, not only in lower limb musculotendinous structures but also in other components such as respiratory muscles.

Association of 5-times sit-to-stand test with muscle weakness and prognosis in older patients with cardiovascular disease

Abstract Background/Introduction In the elderly with cardiovascular disease (CVD), maintaining muscle strength and physical function is essential for preventing adverse outcomes like falls and hospitalizations. The decline in lower limb strength signals increased morbidity and mortality risks. The 5-times sit-to-stand test (5STS) is a practical method for assessing lower limb strength, yet its predictive value for muscle weakness and prognosis in older CVD patients is underexplored. Purpose This study aims to elucidate the 5STS's role in identifying muscle weakness and its impact on the prognosis of older patients with CVD, offering insights for targeted interventions. Methods We included 3585 patients aged ≥ 65 years with CVD (mean age, 75.8 ± 6.6 years, 64.5% male) who underwent assessment of the 5STS before discharge. Maximal quadriceps isometric strength (QIS) was evaluated as a marker of lower limb strength and expressed relative to body weight (% body weight: BW). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. We used the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for each sex to calculate the cut-off values of the 5STS for low QIS (male &amp;lt; 45%BW, female &amp;lt; 35%BW), which have been reported to be associated with prognosis. In addition, we performed Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analyses in five groups defined by 5STS time quartile and 5STS inability to assess the prognostic significance of 5STS. Cox regression analysis was performed as a multivariate model including the following variables; age, sex, body mass index, acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, current smoker, prior myocardial infarction, prior heart failure, prior chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, prior dementia, albumin, hemoglobin, estimated glomerular filtration rate, C-reactive protein. Result Over a median follow-up of 2.23 years (interquartile range 0.87-4.52 years), 657 (18.3%) patients died. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that both slow 5STS performance and inability to execute the 5STS were significantly linked with poorer prognosis (log-rank p &amp;lt; 0.001, Figure 1). After comprehensive adjustment, the slowest quartile and inability to perform the 5STS were associated with significantly higher mortality rates compared to the fastest quartile (HR 1.34; 95% CI: 1.05-1.72; p = 0.021; HR: 2.28; 95% CI: 1.60-3.24; p &amp;lt; 0.001, Figure 2). The ROC AUC for 5STS in identifying low QIS was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.73-0.77) for males and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.72-0.77) for females, with cut-off times established at 9.71s for males and 9.48s for females. Conclusion The 5STS, assessable in diverse settings without specialized equipment and reflecting key clinical outcomes, could serve as a standard tool for evaluating lower limb function.

The Effect of Blood Flow Restriction Exercise Prior to Total Knee Arthroplasty on Postoperative Physical Function, Lower Limb Strength and Patient-Reported Outcomes: ARandomized Controlled Trial.

30-s sit to stand (30STS). Timed Up&Go, 40-m walk test (40mWT), knee range of motion (ROM) 1-repetition maximum (1RM) leg press and knee extensor strength, maximal isometric contraction (MVIC) for the knee extensors and flexors, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Euroqol 5-dimensions (EQ-5D-L5) questionnaire. Data were collected at baseline (12 weeks pre-surgery), ~3 days pre-surgery, 3 and 12 months postoperatively. Intention-to-treat analysis revealed no significant between-group differences in the change from baseline to 3 and 12 months postoperatively on 30STS, TUG, or 40mFWT. Significant between-group differences were observed at 3 but not 12 months postoperatively for the corresponding changes in 1RM leg press strength, 1RM knee extensor strength, and MVIC knee extensor favoring BFR-RT. No between-group differences were observed for the delta changes from baseline in knee ROM, KOOS subscales or EQ-5D-L5 at any postoperative time points. These findings suggest that preoperative BFR-RT offered no superior effects compared with usual preoperative care on postoperative physical function or patient-reported outcomes. Preoperative BFR-RT produced amplified gains in lower limb muscle strength at 3 months postoperatively. NCT04081493.

Associations Between Inter-Limb Asymmetry in Lower Limb Strength and Jump Performance in 14–15-Year-Old Basketball Players

This study aims to (1) assess the inter-limb asymmetry in hip, knee, and ankle strength and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance among adolescent basketball players and (2) examine the relationship between inter-limb asymmetry and CMJ performance. Moreover, 30 adolescent basketball players (15 boys and 15 girls) aged 14 to 15 years participated in this study. The strength of the lower limb joints was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at a speed of 60 degrees per second. Three maximal CMJs were performed, and the highest jump was used for the final analysis. The subjects were median-split into high-asymmetry (n = 15) and low-asymmetry (n = 15) groups based on the calculated strength asymmetry scores. The asymmetry scores were calculated using the formula: (dominant–non-dominant)/dominant* 100%. The inter-limb asymmetry data ranged from 12.2% to 21.6%. A Spearman correlation analysis showed that only the inter-limb asymmetry of the ankle plantar flexor was significantly correlated with the CMJ heights (ρ = −0.56, p = 0.001). An independent t-test revealed no significant differences in strength asymmetry between boys and girls (all p &gt; 0.05). The low-asymmetry group demonstrated significantly greater CMJ performance compared to the high-asymmetry group (ES = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.34–1.87, p = 0.007), indicating that inter-limb asymmetry of the ankle plantar flexor has a significant negative impact on CMJ performance. Coaches should focus on enhancing both the strength and symmetry of the ankle joints to improve athletic performance and prevent injuries in sports, where jumping is a common movement.

Effects of variable resistance training within complex training on strength and punch performance in elite amateur boxers

ObjectivesThis study explored the effects of 6 weeks of variable resistance training (VRT) and constant resistance training (CRT) within complex training, on muscle strength and punch performance.MethodsTwenty-four elite female boxers from the China National team were divided randomly between an experimental group (VRT) and a control group (CRT). Maximum strength of the upper and lower limbs, countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, and punch performance (single, 10s and 30s continuous) were assessed pre- and post- intervention.ResultsVRT and CRT showed significant increases (p &amp;lt; 0.001) in the bench press (ES = 1.79 and 1.07, respectively), squat (ES = 1.77 and 1.10, respectively), and CMJ (ES = 1.13 and 0.75, respectively). The bench press (p &amp;lt; 0.05) and squat (p &amp;lt; 0.05) improved significantly more following VRT compared to CRT. Additionally, single punch performance (speed, force, and power) increased significantly in the experimental group (ES = 1.17–1.79) and in the control group (ES = 0.58–1.32), except for the lead punch force in the control group (p &amp;gt; 0.05, ES = 0.20). 10s continuous punch performance (number, speed, force, and power) increased significantly (both p &amp;lt; 0.05) in the experimental group (ES = 0.52–1.65) and in the control group (ES = 0.32–0.81). 30s continuous punch performance (number, force, and power) increased significantly increased significantly (both p &amp;lt; 0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were found between groups for punch performance.ConclusionThese findings provide evidence that VRT may improve maximum muscle strength in both upper and lower limbs, vertical jump and punch performance in elite amateur boxers.

Association of Physical Fitness with Leisure Time Physical Activity in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract Background: Physical fitness of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) is related to their upper limb strength and range of motion. A change in these factors may impact their participation in physical fitness, and consequently leisure time activities. The objective of the study was to examine an association of physical fitness with leisure time physical activity (LTPA) in people with SCI. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted among 30 male and female participants with SCI. Physical fitness and LTPA were assessed using a 6-min push test and physical activity recall assessment for people with SCI, respectively. Spearman’s Rank correlation coefficient was used to estimate the correlation between physical fitness and LTPA in persons with SCI. Results: The mean age of the participants was 33.6 ± 7.73) years. This study found a positive weak to no correlation between physical fitness and LTPA in individuals with SCI (r s = 0.1008) that was statistically nonsignificant (P &gt; 0.596). In this study, 28 (93.33%) participants had good physical fitness, and 19 (63.33%) participants performed LTPA for 20 min or more in a day, whereas 11 (36.67%) performed less than 20 min per day. Conclusion: Though most of the participants had good physical fitness, they performed only exercise-based activities such as walking with orthosis, pushups exercises, and resistance training exercises for upper limb muscles in their leisure time. They did not participate in LTPA such as sports, gardening, swimming, and other recreational activities. Furthermore, studies can be done to understand the perception of physiotherapists and SCI individuals toward the participation of LTPAs.

Biomechanical Analysis of Rectus Femoris Kinesio Taping Effects on Post-Muscle Fatigue Stop-Jump Task Performance

Objectives: This study aims to compare the effects of kinesio tape (KT) on the rectus femoris muscle in athletes and novices under pre- and post-fatigue conditions. Methods: Nineteen male volunteers took part, and fatigue was assessed using the Borg CR10 Scale. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected using Vicon MX13+ infrared cameras (250 Hz) and Kistler force platforms (1500 Hz), respectively. Visual 3D v5.0 software analyzed the data, focusing on parameters like angular displacement, ground reaction forces (GRFs), impulse, and joint moments during a stop-jump task. A two-way mixed-design ANOVA was used to assess group, fatigue, and KT effects. Results: There was a significant effect after applying KT. The results showed significant differences in knee flexion range of motion (ROM), hip flexion moment, vertical impulse, and peak vertical GRFs between pre- and post-fatigue conditions (all p &lt; 0.05). The trained group exhibited less knee valgus ROM, higher hip flexion velocity at initial contact, and prolonged time to peak proximal tibia anterior shear force. Conclusions: KT application was found to reduce lower limb loading, improve force acceptance and joint stability, and alleviate fatigue-induced disparities. These findings highlight the potential of KT in enhancing lower limb strength and performance, particularly under fatigue.

An Adapted Physical Activity Program for Adolescents with an Intellectual Disability: An International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health Perspective.

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) offers a comprehensive bio-psycho-social model for evaluating the multifaceted needs of individuals with disabilities. While its adoption in healthcare settings is widespread, its utilization within the domain of physical activity interventions, particularly for adolescents with intellectual disabilities (IDs), remains insufficiently explored. This study rigorously examines the efficacy of a 6-month ICF-based Adaptive Physical Activity (APA) intervention on the development of fundamental motor skills (FMSs), improvements in physical fitness (PF), and enhancements in quality of life (QoL) among adolescents with ID. A total of thirty-eight adolescents were randomly allocated into either an intervention group (IG), which participated in the tailored APA program, or a control group (CG), which received standard physical education. The findings demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the IG's test of gross motor development (TGMD) total, locomotor, object control, and QOL scores relative to the CG (p < 0.001, η² = 0.330, 0.249, 0.224, and 0.439, respectively). Furthermore, substantial gains were observed in PF measures, including upper and lower limb strength as well as cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.001, η² = 0.254, 0.351, 0.176). Strong positive correlations were noted between FMS, PF, and QoL (r = 0.34-0.71, p < 0.05). This study underscores the importance of tailoring physical activity programs for adolescents with ID, offering insights into the relationships between FMS, PF, and QoL, and guidance for future interventions aimed at improving health outcomes in this population.

Structured-unstructured activity behaviours on preschoolers’ mental and physical health: a compositional and isotemporal reallocation analysis

This study analysed the relationship between the structured and unstructured activities of preschoolers and their mental and physical health, and also investigated the predicted changes in mental and physical health by reallocating activity time. This cross-sectional study was carried out with 324 preschoolers. Video recording and SOPARC activity observation system was used for the division of structured and unstructured activities. An accelerometer sensor was used to measure activity intensity. The SDQ psychological questionnaire was adopted to collect data on internalizing difficulties, externalizing difficulties, total difficulties and pro-social behaviours. Physical indices including body shape (height, weight, BMI), and physical fitness (upper and lower limb strength, flexibility, agility, and balance) were collected using Chinese toddler physical fitness measurement tools. Component data and isotemporal reallocation analyses were conducted using R Studio (Version 4.2). A total of 308 preschoolers (160 boys; aged 4.50 ± 0.93 years) were included in the data analysis. The activities composition, adjusted for sex, area, mental level (for mental indicators), or age (for physical indicators), was significantly correlated with various measurement indicators (p < 0.05). Specifically, structured (β=-0.87, p < 0.05) and unstructured (β=-1.24, p < 0.05) moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were significantly positive correlated with internalizing difficulties, while structured MVPA was significantly positively correlated with body shape (β = 2.17, p < 0.05). Replacing structured light physical activity (LPA) with 10 min of structured MVPA has a positive effect on internalizing difficulties (SMD=-1.28, 95%CI: -2.30 to -0.27) and body shape (SMD = 1.76, 95%CI: 0.37 to 3.15). When the total replacement time reaches 25 min, the benefits become even more pronounced. Structured and unstructured MVPA are both beneficial to preschoolers’ mental and physical health, with the incorporation of MVPA for over 25 min in structured activities and supplementary unstructured MVPA yielding even greater benefits.

The Use of Diagnostic Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as a Predictor of the Functional Outcome in Ischemic Stroke

ABSTRACT. Determination of rehabilitation potential (RP) is necessary for optimal rehabilitation strategy and the best rehabilitation measures. Navigational transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) has been proposed as a method for PR determination in after-stroke patients.THE AIM. was to study the importance of navigational diagnostic transcranial magnetic stimulation as a neurofunctional predictor of motor function recovery after ischemic stroke.MATERIAL AND METHODS. The study included 28 after-stroke patients, 19 men and 9 women, the mean age was 60.07±5.67 years, who underwent a course of inpatient medical rehabilitation at the Moscow Research and Practice Center for Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine named after S.I. Spasokukotsky in 2022–2023. Clinical examination and assessment were conducted before and after the rehabilitation course using validated scales and questionnaires — the Medical Research Committee (MRCs) scale, the Box and Block Test (BBT), the modified Rankin scale (mRS); the rehabilitation routing scale (RRS). The patients were also examined using nTMS at the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine with the determination of motor evoked potential (MEP) parameters from the muscles of the upper and lower extremities.RESULTS. In patients with preserved MEP, there was a significant increase in the strength of the paretic limb on the MRCs scale from 4.00 (2.94–4.06) to 4.22 (3.83–4.89) points (p &lt;0.001) for the upper limb and from 4.00 (3.67–4.00) to 4.44 (3.83–4.61) (p&lt;0.001) for the lower limb. Improvements were revealed according to the mRS scale — the number of patients with an mRS score of 2 points in the group of patients with defined MEP increased by 26.1%, reached values of 1 point — 13.0% of patients, and the number of patients with an assessment of disability and self-care ability of 4 points decreased by 8.7%.CONCLUSION. Navigational transcranial magnetic stimulation is one of the methods for assessing the rehabilitation potential in patients with ischemic stroke. But TMS should not be used as the only method of evaluating rehabilitation potential. The assessment of RP should be comprehensive and based on the complex data obtained.

Reallocation of time to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and estimated changes in physical fitness among preschoolers: a compositional data analysis

BackgroundPrevious research has examined the associations of preschoolers’ 24-h movement behaviours, including light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (LPA and MVPA), sedentary behaviour (SB), sleep, with physical fitness in isolation, ignoring intrinsically compositional nature of movement data while increasing the risk of collinearity. Thus, this study investigated the associations of preschoolers’ 24-h Movement behaviours composition with physical fitness, estimated changes in physical fitness when time was reallocated between movement behaviours composition, and determined whether associations differ between different genders, using compositional data analysis.MethodsIn the cross-sectional study, a total of 275 preschoolers (3 ~ 6 y) from China were included. SB, LPA and MVPA times were objectively monitored with an ActiGraph GT9X accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. Sleep duration was obtained using parental reports. Physical fitness parameters, including upper and lower limb strength, static balance, speed-agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), were determined with the PREFIT battery. The associations of 24-h movement behaviours composition with each physical fitness parameter were examined employing compositional multivariable linear regression models. The changes following time reallocation among behaviours were estimated employing compositional isotemporal substitution analyses.ResultsGreater MVPA, but not LPA, was significantly related to better upper and lower limb strength, speed-agility, and CRF. Reallocating time from LPA or SB to MVPA was related to better physical fitness. The associations were non-symmetrical: the estimated detriments to physical fitness from replacing MVPA with LPA or SB were larger than the estimated benefits associated with adding MVPA of the same magnitude. The aforementioned associations with lower limb strength, CRF, and speed-agility were observed in boys, while associations with upper and lower limb strength were noted in girls.ConclusionOur findings reinforce the importance of physical activity (PA) intensity for the development of physical fitness in preschoolers. Replacing LPA or SB time with MVPA may be an appropriate strategy for enhancing preschoolers’ physical fitness.

Age Is a New Indicator of Long-Ball Kicking Performance in Young Soccer Players: Analysing Kinanthropometry, Flexibility and Strength

(1) Background: The kick of the ball in soccer is considered one of the most important technical gestures in soccer. Despite this, there is little evidence on ball-striking performance factors in base soccer. The main objectives of the present study were to identify the potential factors of long-ball kicking (LBK) performance and to determine the target training cut-off for LBK performance in young soccer players. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 31 soccer players, with ages ranging from 12 to 18 years. Age, anthropometric data, sport experience, range of motion (ROM) and maximal isometric strength (MIS) of the lower limb were noted. Kick-of-the-ball performance was assessed by maximum ball displacement per kick. A k-mean cluster analysis determined two groups according to ball-kicking performance: low group (LPG-LBK) and high group (HPG-LBK). (3) Results: Differences were found between both groups in age, body mass, body mass index, leg length and knee flexion ROM (BF10 ≤ 6.33; δ ≥ 0.86 (moderate or higher)). Among the factors discussed above, age was the strongest predictor of ball-striking performance (odds ratio = 2.867; p = 0.003). The optimal cut-off for age predicting those players most likely to have a higher ball-striking performance was determined to be 13.5 years (p = 0.001; area under the curve = 85.3%). (4) Conclusions: Age over 13.5 increases the chances of a higher optimal ball-striking performance. The flexibility (knee flexion ROM) and strength (knee flexors) must be specifically trained in soccer players beginning at an early age.

Relationships of body build and physical activity with the physical fitness of high school students

Background: Physical fitness determines resourcefulness, i.e. the ability to effectively solve various tasks faced by a person and, therefore, to cope with various situations. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships of body build and physical activity with physical fitness in high school students. Methods: The research covered 194 students (104 women and 90 men) aged 16-18, attending randomly selected high schools in the Rzeszów district. The research methods were a diagnostic survey and the Eurofit test battery. The Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson’s chi-square test, and Spearman’s rank correlation were used in the analyses. Results: Statistically significant relationships were found between the preferred forms of physical activity (p=0.041, p=0.008) and the subjective assessment of physical fitness (p=0.015) and the sex of the respondents. There were statistically significant sex-related differences in the Sit-and-Reach (p&lt;0.001), Standing Broad Jump (p&lt;0.001), Hand Grip (p&lt;0.001), Sit- Ups (p&lt;0.001), Bent Arm Hang (p&lt; 0.001), Shuttle Run (p&lt;0.001), and Endurance Shuttle Run (p&lt;0.001). In both groups, there were statistically significant relationships between the subjective assessment of physical fitness and the results of physical fitness tests (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Women chose dancing more frequently and considered their physical fitness to be average, while men preferred team sports and assessed their physical fitness as very good. Women are characterized by greater flexibility, and men by greater explosive strength of lower limbs, static strength, strength endurance of trunk muscles, speed and agility, and cardiorespiratory endurance. In both groups, the higher the subjective assessment of physical fitness, the better the results of individual physical fitness tests.

Assessing Static Balance, Balance Confidence, and Fall Rate in Patients with Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Comprehensive Analysis.

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex clinical syndrome, associated with frailty, higher fall rates, and frequent hospitalizations. Heart Failure (HF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is defined as a condition where a patient with HF have a diagnosis of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≥ 50%. The risk of HFpEF increases with age and is related to higher non-cardiovascular mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate static balance and examine the effect of task difficulty on the discriminating power of balance control between patients with HFpEF (Patients with HFpEF) and their healthy controls. Moreover, the associations between static balance parameters, balance confidence, falls, lean muscle mass, and strength were assessed. Seventy two patients with HFpEF (mean age: 66.0 ± 11.6 years) and seventy two age- and gender-matched healthy individuals (mean age: 65.3 ± 9.5 years) participated in this study. Participants underwent a 30 s bilateral stance (BS) test and a 20 s Tandem-Romberg stance (TRS) on a force platform, evaluating the Range and Standard Deviation of Center of Pressure (COP) displacement parameters in both axes. Balance confidence was evaluated by the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, and the number of falls during the last year was recorded. Lower limb strength was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer, isometric leg strength, and a Sit-to-Stand test. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was conducted to assess lean fat mass, lean fat mass index, and lean%. Patients with HFpEF presented with lower static balance in BS and TRS compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05), lower balance confidence by 21.5% (p < 0.05), and a higher incidence of falls by 72.9% (p < 0.05). BS was a better descriptor of the between-group difference. Furthermore, static balance, assessed in controlled lab conditions, was found to have little if no relationship to falls, strength, lean muscle mass, and balance confidence. Although no correlation was noted between the static balance parameters and falls, the fall rate was related to balance confidence, age, muscle strength, and lean fat.

Effects of Detraining on Physical Capacity and Its Relationship With Depressive Symptoms, Quality of Life and Sedentary Behavior in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study.

Detraining is the partial or complete loss of physical training-induced adaptations as a result of exercise interruption or reduction. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the discontinuation of many older adult exercise programs and led to increased depressive symptoms (DS), increased sedentary behavior (SB), and decreased quality of life (QoL). To evaluate the effects of detraining, in the pandemic, on physical capacity and its relationship with DS, QoL, and SB of community-dwelling older adults. The physical capacity (static balance, dynamic balance, and lower limb and handgrip strength) of 35 participants was assessed prepandemic and after 18 and 24 months of the pandemic. DS, QoL, and SB were evaluated only at 18-month period. The analysis of variance for repeated measures or the Friedman and Pearson or Spearman tests were used for statistical analysis. There was a decline in dynamic balance (p < .001) and strength in the lower limbs (p < .001) in the first 18months, as well as maintenance in the following 6months. The reduction in dynamic balance during the 18months of the pandemic was associated with greater DS (p = .015; r = .414) and worse QoL (p = .024; r = -.381) in this period. More time spent on SB (p = .024; r = .386) in the 18th month was associated with worse dynamic balance in the following 6months. Detraining in the pandemic setting led to long-lasting harmful effects, which can last for 2years, on the physical capacity of community-dwelling older adults. Our findings highlight how periods of detraining can interfere in physical and mental health of older adults.

Correlations of Postural Stability to Proprioception, Tactile Sensation, and Strength Among People With Chronic Ankle Instability.

The static and dynamic correlations of postural stability to its three potential contributors, namely, proprioception, tactile sensation, and strength remain unclear among people with chronic ankle instability (CAI). This study aimed to compare static and dynamic postural stability, along with proprioception, tactile sensation, and strength between people with and without CAI and explore their correlations. Sixty-seven participants with CAI and 67 participants without CAI were enrolled in this study. Ankle proprioception, plantar tactile sensation, and lower limb strength were measured by a proprioception test device, a set of monofilaments, and a strength testing system, respectively. Static and dynamic postural stability were measured during standing and jump landing on a force plate and indicated by the root mean square of center of pressure and time to stability. Compared to people without CAI, people with CAI had poorer postural stability, proprioception, tactile sensation, and strength. Both groups demonstrated correlation between proprioception and static postural stability, but only people without CAI showed correlation between proprioception and dynamic postural stability. Both groups demonstrated a correlation between tactile sensation and static postural stability, but not with dynamic stability. Both groups demonstrated a correlation between strength and both static and dynamic postural stability. People with CAI had deficits in static and dynamic postural stability, proprioception, tactile sensation, and strength. Among people with CAI, proprioception, tactile sensation, and strength can help maintain static postural stability; strength can help maintain dynamic postural stability, whereas proprioception may not provide sufficient information for dynamic postural stability.

Physiotherapy practices in the clinical assessment of lateral elbow tendinopathy: An international survey.

Understanding physiotherapy practices is important to identify variations from empirical evidence and highlight requirements for training. This survey explored international physiotherapy practices for assessment of lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET). Two hundred ninety-nine surveyed physiotherapists from eight member countries of the International Federation of Manual and Orthopaedic Physical Therapists completed the survey. Respondents rated their frequency of use (never, rarely, sometimes, often, and always) for items related to: patient history; diagnostic tests; grip and upper limb strength; cervical and neurological assessment; and medical imaging. To establish practices, the five response categories were dichotomised into routine practice (often, always) and not-routine practice (sometimes, rarely, never). A response rate of ≥70% for each dichotomy was used to determine whether an assessment item was deemed routine practice or not, with items not meeting either criterion considered neither routine nor not-routine practice. Most respondents were from United States (63%). The 'chair pick up test', 'cervical special tests', and 'plain radiograph' met our criteria for not routine practice (i.e., 70%, 72%, and 71%, respectively). All other assessment items did not meet the criteria to be considered routine or not-routine practice. The chair pick-up test, cervical spine special tests (e.g., Spurling's test), and plain radiography appear to not be routinely used in the assessment of LET. The finding that no assessment technique met the criteria for routine use may imply that physiotherapists adopt a nuanced approach to selecting clinical assessment items as opposed to routinely applying tests.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of a Fall Prevention Program Incorporating an Interprofessional Team Collaboration Model on Reducing Fall Risk in Elderly Living in Long-term Care Facilities

Concurrent with population ageing, falls have become a significantly more challenging public health issue among older adults. Three years of data collected recently from a nursing home in northern Taiwan reveals an increasing trend in fall density that is primarily associated with aging, physiological decline, chronic diseases, polypharmacy, osteoporosis, and lack of exercise. The percentage of nursing home residents at high risk of falls is currently at 12.6%, and the fall rate has been reported as reaching as high as 30% annually. A fall prevention program was implemented to reduce the fall incidence rate to 18%, with secondary goals of improving fall prevention awareness, behavior, self-efficacy, lower limb muscle strength, balance, and gait by 10% on average, respectively, between pre-test and post-test. From September 30, 2023 to February 29, 2024, a health promotion activity and fall prevention exercise course were implemented using an interdisciplinary team collaboration model over a six-week period, providing individualized exercise for the participants. The study included 20 older adults with an average age of 88 years. Most (90%; n = 18) had chronic diseases, 25% (n = 5) were on more than nine medications, 70% (n = 14) had reduced bone mass, and 40% (n = 8) were at high risk of falls, with a fall incidence rate of 30% during the immediately preceding year. Post-intervention, the fall incidence rate dropped to 5%, fall prevention awareness, behavior, and self-efficacy increased by 18.3%, and lower limb muscle strength, balance, and gait improved by 11.7%. The post-test results in fall prevention awareness, behavioral changes, self-efficacy, and lower limb strength, balance, and gait were all significantly better than pre-test results, with all results achieving statistical significance. The project results support the positive effects of the developed intervention effectively on elderly physical fitness and fall risk, providing valuable insights for the implementation of fall prevention strategies in nursing homes.

Lower Limb Strength Asymmetries Predicts Perceptions Of Limb Function In University Athletes

Lower Limb Strength Asymmetries Predicts Perceptions Of Limb Function In University Athletes

Muscle Localized Phase Angle Is Related To Lower Limb Strength In Amateur Female Soccer Players

Muscle Localized Phase Angle Is Related To Lower Limb Strength In Amateur Female Soccer Players