Lower Body Positive Pressure Research Articles

Fat Oxidation During Ambulation On A Normal And Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill

Fat Oxidation During Ambulation On A Normal And Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill

The Effect of Short-Term Exposure to Lower Body Positive Pressure on Motor Signal Processing, Reaction Times, and Cardiovascular Parameters in Healthy Volunteers Using Medical Anti-shock Trousers.

Microgravity, as experienced during spaceflight has notable effects on the cognition and cardiovascular systems. However, its effect on motor signal processing is not known. Inthis study, we planned to study the effect of microgravity simulation with a lower body positive pressure of 50 mmHg on motor signal processing, reaction times, and cardiovascular parameters. Thirty healthy human volunteers participated in this investigation, and continuous ECG and non-invasive blood pressure were measured at baseline, during, and after a lower body positive pressure of 50 mmHg.Bereitschafts potential was recorded at 0 mmHg and 50 mmHg pressure values in a lower body positive pressure (LBPP) suit.Parameters recorded during the pressure change of 0 mmHg to 50 mmHg were RR interval, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, stroke volume, cardiac output, and peripheral vascular resistance. Heart rate variability (HRV) was calculated from RR intervals during resting and pressure of 50mmof Hg.We also compared simple and choice reaction times for visual and auditory stimuli during 50 mmHg LBPP exposure with baseline recording. We found a significant increase in systolic blood pressure, stroke volume, and cardiac output from baseline at 50 mmHg of LBPP. We found a significant change in amplitude and area of Bereitschaft potential at the C4 site at 50 mmHg of LBPP. We found a significant change in low-frequency power (LF)as compared to the baseline in HRV. Simple reaction time (visual & auditory) and auditory choice reaction time were improved at 50 mmHg of LBPP. Motor signal processing and reaction time were improved during 50 mmHg of lower body positive pressure exposure.

Rapid Onset Vasodilation during Baroreceptor Loading and Unloading.

The purpose of these experiments was to determine if the increase in vascular conductance following a single muscle contraction (50% MVC) (6 male & 6 female subjects) was altered by baroceptor loading and unloading. Rapid onset vasodilation (ROV) was determined by measuring brachial artery blood flow (Doppler ultrasound), and blood pressure (Finapress). Brachial artery vascular conductance was calculated dividing blood flow by mean arterial pressure. ROV was described by the area under the ∆VC-time curve during the 30 s following muscle contraction. ROV was determined using chamber pressures of +20, +10, 0, -10, -20, & -40 mmHg chamber pressure (lower body positive and negative pressure, LBPP and LBNP) . We tested the hypothesis that the impact of baroreceptor loading and unloading produce a proportion change in ROV. The level of ROV following each contraction was proportional to the peak force ( r2 = 0.393, p = 0.0001). Peak force was therefore used as a covariate in further analysis. ROV during application of -40 mmHg LBNP (0.345 ± 0.229 ml • mmHg-1) was lower than during Control (0.532 ± 0.284 ml • mmHg-1, p=0.034) and +20 mmHg LBPP ( 0.658 ± 0.364 ml • mmHg-1, p=0.0008). ROV was linearly related to chamber pressure from -40 to +20 mmHg chamber pressure (r2 = 0.512, p = 0.022, n = 69) and from -20 to +10 mmHg chamber pressure (r2= 0.973, p < 0.0425, n=45), Overall, vasoconstrictor tone altered with physiologically relevant baroreceptor loading and unloading resulted in a proportion change in ROV.

Investigation Of Biomechanical Accommodation During Submaximal Running On A Lower-body Positive Pressure Treadmill (LBPPT).

Investigation Of Biomechanical Accommodation During Submaximal Running On A Lower-body Positive Pressure Treadmill (LBPPT).

A preliminary study on the effect of loaded and unloaded exercise on N-propeptide of type II collagen and serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein activity of articular cartilage in healthy young adults.

The serum concentration of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (sCOMP) is considered a mechanosensitive biomarker of articular cartilage turnover, and N-propeptide of type II collagen (PIIANP), a proposed biomarker of type II collagen synthesis. Few studies have investigated the anabolic and turnover response of articular cartilage in response to acute changes in body mass during exercise. Using a repeated measure cross-over design, 15 healthy adults (age 18-30 years) performed three 30 min bouts of treadmill walking exercise under three loading conditions: (1) control (no alteration to body mass); (2) loaded (12% increase in body mass using a weighted vest); and (3) unloaded (12% decrease in body mass using lower body positive pressure). Venous blood was collected before, immediately after, and 15 and 30 min after exercise to investigate cartilage turnover (sCOMP) and anabolism (PIIANP). A main time effect (p≤0.05) revealed that sCOMP levels were significantly greater post-exercise (for all three body loading conditions) as compared to before exercise, 15 and 30 min post-exercise. There was a significant condition×time interaction (p≤0.05) for PIIANP, indicating that in the loaded condition, PIIANP concentrations at 15 min post-exercise were 13.8% greater than immediately following exercise, and 12.9% greater than before exercise. In summary, sCOMP concentration was acutely increased with all three loading conditions. However, PIIANP increased only after exercise in the loaded condition, suggesting an acute anabolic effect on articular cartilage. NCT05925244.

How about running on Mars? Influence of sensorimotor coherence on running and spatial perception in simulated reduced gravity.

Motor control, including locomotion, strongly depends on the gravitational field. Recent developments such as lower-body positive pressure treadmills (LBPPT) have enabled studies on Earth about the effects of reduced body weight (BW) on walking and running, up to 60% BW. The present experiment was set up to further investigate adaptations to a more naturalistic simulated hypogravity, mimicking a Martian environment with additional visual information during running sessions on LBPPT. Twenty-nine participants performed three sessions of four successive five-min runs at preferred speed, alternating Earth- or simulated Mars-like gravity (100% vs. 38% BW). They were displayed visual scenes using a virtual reality headset to assess the effects of coherent visual flow while running. Running performance was characterized by normal ground reaction force and pelvic accelerations. The perceived upright and vection (visually-induced self-motion sensation)in dynamic visual environments were also investigated at the end of the different sessions. We found that BW reduction induced biomechanical adaptations independently of the visual context. Active peak force and stance time decreased, while flight time increased. Strong inter-individual differences in braking and push-off times appeared at 38% BW, which were not systematically observed in our previous studies at 80% and 60% BW. Additionally, the importance given to dynamic visual cues in the perceived upright diminished at 38% BW, suggesting an increased reliance on the egocentric body axis as a reference for verticality when the visual context is fully coherent with the previous locomotor activity. Also, while vection was found to decrease in case of a coherent visuomotor coupling at 100% BW (i.e., post-exposure influence), it remained unaffected by the visual context at 38% BW. Overall, our findings suggested that locomotor and perceptual adaptations were not similarly impacted, depending on the -simulated- gravity condition and visual context.

Cerebral blood flow autoregulation assessment by correlation analysis between mean arterial blood pressure and transcranial doppler sonography or near infrared spectroscopy is different: A pilot study.

Recently, cerebral autoregulation indices based on moving correlation indices between mean arterial pressure (MAP) and cerebral oximetry (NIRS, ORx) or transcranial Doppler (TCD)-derived middle cerebral artery flow velocity (Mx) have been introduced to clinical practice. In a pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the validity of these indices using incremental lower body negative pressure (LBNP) until presyncope representing beginning cerebral hypoperfusion as well as lower body positive pressure (LBPP) with added mild hypoxia to induce cerebral hyperperfusion in healthy subjects. Five male subjects received continuous hemodynamic, TCD and NIRS monitoring. Decreasing levels of LBNP were applied in 5-minute steps until subjects reached presyncope. Increasing levels of LBPP were applied stepwise up to 20 or 25 mmHg. Normobaric hypoxia was added until an oxygen saturation of 84% was reached. This was continued for 10 minutes. ORx and Mx indices were calculated using previously described methods. Both Indices showed an increase > 0.3 indicating impaired cerebral autoregulation during presyncope. However, there was no significant difference in Mx at presyncope compared to baseline (p = 0.168). Mean arterial pressure and cardiac output decreased only in presyncope, while stroke volume was decreased at the last pressure level. Neither Mx nor ORx showed significant changes during LBPP or hypoxia. Agreement between Mx and ORx was poor during the LBNP and LBPP experiments (R2 = 0.001, p = 0.3339). Mx and ORx represent impaired cerebral autoregulation, but in Mx this may not be distinguished sufficiently from baseline. LBPP and hypoxia are insufficient to reach the upper limit of cerebral autoregulation as indicated by Mx and ORx.

Neuromuscular adjustments to unweighted running: the increase in hamstring activity is sensitive to trait anxiety.

Introduction: Originally developed for astronauts, lower body positive pressure treadmills (LBPPTs) are increasingly being used in sports and clinical settings because they allow for unweighted running. However, the neuromuscular adjustments to unweighted running remain understudied. They would be limited for certain lower limb muscles and interindividually variable. This study investigated whether this might be related to familiarization and/or trait anxiety. Methods: Forty healthy male runners were divided into two equal groups with contrasting levels of trait anxiety (high, ANX+, n = 20 vs. low, ANX-, n = 20). They completed two 9-min runs on a LBPPT. Each included three consecutive 3-min conditions performed at 100%, 60% (unweighted running), and 100% body weight. Normal ground reaction force and electromyographic activity of 11 ipsilateral lower limb muscles were analyzed for the last 30s of each condition in both runs. Results: Unweighted running showed muscle- and stretch-shortening cycle phase-dependent neuromuscular adjustments that were repeatable across both runs. Importantly, hamstring (BF, biceps femoris; STSM, semitendinosus/semimembranosus) muscle activity increased during the braking (BF: +44 ± 18%, p < 0.001) and push-off (BF: +49 ± 12% and STSM: +123 ± 14%, p < 0.001 for both) phases, and even more so for ANX+ than for ANX-. During the braking phase, only ANX+ showed significant increases in BF (+41 ± 15%, p < 0.001) and STSM (+53 ± 27%, p < 0.001) activities. During the push-off phase, ANX+ showed a more than twofold increase in STSM activity compared to ANX- (+119 ± 10% vs. +48 ± 27, p < 0.001 for both). Conclusion: The increase in hamstring activity during the braking and push-off phases may have accelerated the subsequent swing of the free-leg, likely counteracting the unweighting-induced slowing of stride frequency. This was even more pronounced in ANX+ than in ANX-, in an increased attempt not to deviate from their preferred running pattern. These results highlight the importance of individualizing LBPPT training and rehabilitation protocols, with particular attention to individuals with weak or injured hamstrings.

Effects of backward walking exercise using lower body positive pressure treadmill on knee symptoms and physical function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a protocol for RCT

ObjectivesThe primary aim is to compare the effects of backward walking exercise to forward walking exercise on knee pain, knee functions, and thigh muscle strength in individuals with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis using lower body positive pressure, in addition to mobility functions, balance, and self-reported health status.MethodsThe study is a single blind randomized clinical trial with two independent groups. This study will enroll 26 participants with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. The participants will be randomized into either experimental group (backward walking exercise) or control group (forward walking exercise). Both groups will use lower body positive pressure treadmill for walking exercise. Both groups will perform regular conventional exercise and worm-up exercise before walking exercise. The treatment will be three times a week for six weeks. Walking session will be up to 30 min each session. Data collection will be collected during pre- and post- intervention including primary outcomes including numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), and thigh muscle strength test. The secondary outcomes include five times sit to stand test (FTSTS), 3-meter backward walk test (3MBWT), timed up and go test (TUG), four square step test (FSST), functional reach test (FRT), 10-meter walk test (10-MWT), six minute walk test (6MWT), medical outcomes study short form 12 (SF-12), patient health questionnaire -9 (PHQ-9), and rapid assessment of physical activity (RAPA). An independent t-test will be used to evaluate the effect of treatment on the outcome measures.ResultsNot applicable.ConclusionUsing lower body positive pressure may have promising results against knee osteoarthritis. Moreover, walking backward exercise using lower body positive pressure might add more benefits to individuals with knee osteoarthritis and help clinicians in decision making.Trial registration: This study was registered in ClinicalTrails.gov (ID: NCT05585099).

Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill Gait Training for Walking Recovery After Stroke

Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill Gait Training for Walking Recovery After Stroke

Comparison of those with high versus low kinesiophobia on the lower body positive pressure treadmill.

Dear Editor, Individuals living with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) tend to have difficulty with various daily activities, including squatting, stair climbing, and walking.1–3 An important activity barrier identified by individuals with KOA is exercise-induced pain. Individuals with KOA often have increased walking disability, with decreases in both gait velocity and endurance, as well as increased pain with walking.1,3 Kinesiophobia, fear of movement, is a maladaptive strategy that causes the avoidance of physical activity because of pain-related fear.4,5 Damsgard et al. studied increased pain with activity in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal conditions.6 These authors reported that increased pain during activity was present in 66% of participants with chronic pain and that fear of movement was a significant factor associated with increased pain during activity. Lower body positive pressure treadmills (LBPPT) use air pressure to decrease body weight while an individual is walking or running. There is a decrease in pain during walking on an LBPPT in patients with KOA, compared with an increase in pain while walking on a regular treadmill for the same amount of time.7,8 The purpose of the present study was to the compare the within-group and between-group pain responses and walking speeds with an unweighted walking protocol of subjects with high kinesiophobia versus subjects with low kinesiophobia.

Bodyweight support alters the relationship between preferred walking speed and cost of transport

Humans tend to select a preferred walking speed (PWS) that minimizes the metabolic energy consumed per distance traveled, i.e. the Cost of Transport (CoT). The aims of this study were to: 1. compare PWS overground vs. on a treadmill at 100 and 50% of body weight, and 2. explore whether with body weight support, PWS corresponds to the speed that minimizes CoT. Fifteen healthy adults walked overground and on a lower body positive pressure treadmill with and without bodyweight support. Walking speeds (m.s−1) were recorded for each condition. Rate of energy expenditure (J.kg−1.min−1) and CoT (J.kg−1.m−1) were then determined from 5-min walking trials with 50% bodyweight support at PWS and ± 30% of the self-selected walking speed for that condition. PWS did not differ across conditions. With 50% body weight support, for each 30% increase in walking speed, rates of metabolic energy expenditure increased ∼15% while CoT decreased by ∼14%. Thus, with 50% body weight support, PWS did not correspond with the speed that minimized CoT. Bodyweight support decreases cost of maintaining an upright body but does not decrease the metabolic demand of limb advancement, contributing to the linear yet not proportional changes in rates of energy expenditure and CoT. We conclude that bodyweight support via an AlterG® treadmill disconnects the association between PWS and minimum CoT. These findings have implications for clinical populations (e.g., obese, elderly) who may benefit from walking on a bodyweight supporting treadmill but may select speeds incompatible with their physical activity goals.

The Effectiveness of Lower-Body Positive Pressure Treadmill Gait Training on Mobility Function and Quality of Life in Individuals with Chronic Stroke: Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Lower body positive pressure (LBPP) emerges for rehabilitation practice tool for athletic and orthopedic conditions. However, LBPP may provide an opportunity therapeutic intervention for gait training in neurological conditions. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of LBPP gait training on ambulation ability, gait speed, walking endurance, dynamic and static balance, and quality of life in individuals with chronic stroke. Methods: Participants performed LBPP gait training three days a week for six weeks. The main outcome measures were functional ambulation categories (FAC), 10-meter walk test (10-MWT), 6 minutes walking test (6MWT), timed up and go (TUG), functional reach test (FRT), and short-form (SF-36) health survey. Results: Nine chronic stroke (one female, eight males) aged 57 ± 15.4 years with stroke since 4.8 ± 3.9 years participated in LBPP gait training. participants showed significant improvement in FAC (pre, 4 ± 2; post, 5 ± 1; P = 0.034); 10-MWT (pre, 16.35 ± 9.34 s; post, 13.25 ± 7.57 s; P = 0.021) and 6 MWT (pre, 166.22 ± 94.15; post, 206.66 ± 103.64; P = 0.048). No significant differences were observed in the other outcomes. Conclusions: Six weeks of LBPP gait training may potentially improve ambulation ability, gait speed, and walking endurance in individuals with chronic stroke.

The combined influence of body weight support and running direction on self-selected movement patterns

We investigated metabolic costs, muscle activity, and perceptual responses during forward and backward running at matched speeds at different body weight support (BWS) conditions. Participants ran forward and backward on a lower body positive pressure treadmill at 0%BWS, 20%BWS, and 50%BWS conditions. We measured oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide production, heart rate, muscle activity, and stride frequency. Additionally, we calculated metabolic cost of transport. Furthermore, we used rating of perceived exertion and feeling scale to investigate perceptual responses. Feeling scale during running was higher with increasing BWS (0–50%BWS), regardless of running direction (p < 0.05). Oxygen uptake, heart rate, and metabolic cost of transport were influenced by the interaction of running direction and BWS (p < 0.01). For example, metabolic cost of transport during backward running was greater than when running forward only when running at 0%BWS (i.e., 4.4 ± 1.1 and 5.8 ± 1.4 J/kg/m for forward and backward running, respectively: p < 0.001). However, rectus femoris muscle activity, stride frequency, and rating of perceived exertion during backward running were averages of 113.5%, 11.3%, and 2.8 rankings greater than when running forward, respectively, regardless of BWS (p < 0.001). We interpret our observations to indicate that environment (in the context of effective body weight) is a critical factor that determines self-selected movement patterns during forward and backward running.

The Safety and Feasibility of Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill Training in Individuals with Chronic Stroke: An Exploratory Study.

Lower body positive pressure (LBPP) may provide a novel intervention for gait training in neurological conditions. Nonetheless, studies investigating the safety and feasibility of LBPP in patients with stroke are insufficient. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of LBPP as a rehabilitation intervention for individuals with chronic stroke. Individuals with chronic stroke were recruited from the community to participate in LBPP gait training three times a week for six weeks. The LBPP's safety and feasibility were documented throughout the study and at the end of six weeks. Safety and feasibility referred to the incidence of adverse events, complications, the participant and therapist satisfaction questionnaire, and the device limitation including but not limited to technical issues and physical constraints. In addition, blood pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen saturation were taken pre- and post-session. Dependent t-tests were used to analyze the difference between assessments. A Wilcoxon test was used to assess the ordinal data (Trial registration number NCT04767334). Nine individuals (one female, eight males) aged 57 ± 15.4 years were enrolled. All participants completed the intervention without adverse events. All participants reported positive scores from 4 (very satisfying) to 5 (extremely satisfying) in the safety and feasibility questionnaire. No significant differences were observed in blood pressure and oxygen saturation during the intervention sessions. However, significant increases were observed in heart rate from 82.6 ± 9.1 beats/min (pre-session) to 88.1 ± 6.8 beats/min (post-session) (p = 0.027). LBPP is a safe and feasible rehabilitation tool to use with individuals with chronic stroke.

Physiological Responses To Running On The Boost Anti-gravity Treadmill

Lower body positive pressure treadmills have become popular as a training supplement to full weight bearing running. However, the effects of reduced body mass (BM) on an individual’s physiological response to running at high velocity on the Boost Treadmill (BT) has not been investigated. PURPOSE: To determine the physiological responses of running at a range of running velocities and BM support using the BT. METHODS: Twenty trained collegiate distance runners (11 M, 9F, 20 ± 1 yrs) completed maximal running GXTs at three different percentages (100%, 90%, 80%) of BM in a counterbalance manner separated by 7-days. Cardiorespiratory responses were measured at each incremental stage until participants were no longer able to sustain steady-state VO2. Thereafter, the treadmill was increased by 1% grade per minute until volitional exhaustion. An independent t-test was used to compare differences in the dependent variables between genders at 9 and 10 mph and maximal velocity. ANOVA with repeated measures were used to assess differences in these variables at 100, 90 and 80% BM with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: VO2max was different between genders at all three BM percentages (64 ± 4 to 52 ± 3, 66 ± 4 to 55 ± 3, and 71 ± 5 to 60 ± 4 ml*kg-1*min-1 for M vs F at 100%, 90% 80%, respectively, p < 0.05). Gender combined VO2 values were lower at 80% BM at 9 and 10mph than at 90% and 100% BM (44 ± 5 vs 45 ± 5 and 45 ± 4 and 49 ± 6 vs 50 ± 6 and 50 ± 4 ml*kg-1*min-1,p < 0.05) and greater at maximal velocity (66 ± 7 vs 61 ± 7 and 58 ± 8 ml*kg-1*min-1, p,0.05) but not different between 90% and 100% BM. Fractional utilization of O2 measurements were lower at 80% BM at 9 and 10mph than at 90% and 100% BW (67 ± 8 vs 74 ± 9 and 77 ± 10 and 74 ± 9 vs 82 ± 8 and 83 ± 6%, respectively, p < 0.05) but not different between 90% and 100% BM. HR responses were lower at 80% BM at 10mph than at 90% and 100% BM (155 ± 14 vs 169 ± 13 and 172 ± 10 bpm, respectively, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results are predicated on the fact that the participants in this study were actually tested at 94%, 90%, and 80% of their BM. The 100% setting produces positive lifting pressure on the participant resulting in a mean 6% reduction in BM. The metabolic demands of running at 80% BM is significant less than running at 90% and 100% BM and minuscule differences in the metabolic demands while running at the same velocity at the 90% and 100% BM settings on the BT

Acute effects of postural changes and lower body positive and negative pressure on the eye.

Introduction: Entry into weightlessness results in a fluid shift and a loss of hydrostatic gradients. These factors are believed to affect the eye and contribute to the ocular changes that occur in space. We measured eye parameters during fluid shifts produced by lower body negative pressure (LBNP) and lower body positive pressure (LBPP) and changes in hydrostatic gradient direction (supine-prone) in normal subjects to assess the relative effects of fluid shifts and hydrostatic gradient changes on the eye. Methods: Ocular parameters (intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular geometry, and optical coherence tomography measures) were measured in the seated, supine, and prone positions. To create a fluid shift in the supine and prone positions, the lower body chamber pressure ranged from -40 mmHg to +40 mmHg. Subjects maintained each posture and LBNP/LBPP combination for 15 min prior to data collection. A linear mixed-effects model was used to determine the effects of fluid shifts (as reflected by LBNP/LBPP) and hydrostatic gradient changes (as reflected by the change from seated to supine and from seated to prone) on eye parameters. Results: Chamber pressure was positively correlated with both increased choroidal thickness (β = 0.11 p = 0.01) and IOP (β = 0.06 p < 0.001). The change in posture increased IOP compared to seated IOP (supine β = 2.1, p = 0.01, prone β = 9.5, p < 0.001 prone) but not choroidal thickness. IOP changes correlated with axial length (R = 0.72, p < 0.001). Discussion: The effects of hydrostatic gradients and fluids shifts on the eye were investigated by inducing a fluid shift in both the supine and prone postures. Both hydrostatic gradients (posture) and fluid shifts (chamber pressure) affected IOP, but only hydrostatic gradients affected axial length and aqueous depth. Changes in choroidal thickness were only significant for the fluid shifts. Changes in hydrostatic gradients can produce significant changes in both IOP and axial length. Fluid shifts are often cited as important factors in the pathophysiology of SANS, but the local loss of hydrostatic gradients in the head may also play an important role in these ocular findings.

Novice Users of a Bodyweight-Supporting Treadmill Require Familiarization.

Previous work has demonstrated an improvement in running economy during sustained running on a lower body positive pressure treadmill, but neuromuscular and spatiotemporal measures have only been investigated during short-duration running bouts on these devices. The current study sought to replicate the noted metabolic response and investigate whether neuromuscular and/or spatiotemporal adaptations underlie the noted improvements in running economy. Cross-sectional. Fifteen trained runners (11 males and 4 females) ran three 15-minute trials with 30% bodyweight support at 70% of the speed that elicited their peak oxygen consumption while running on a standard treadmill. A series of 1-way analyses of variance with repeated measures were used to explore differences in dependent variables over the 45minutes of running. Dependent variables included oxygen consumption, root-mean-square electromyography of the vastus medialis and medial gastrocnemius during stance, and spatiotemporal parameters. Oxygen consumption decreased after the initial exposure, with no further reductions after 20minutes. Root-mean-square electromyography of the vastus medialis and medial gastrocnemius also decreased over time, with no further reductions after 20 and 10minutes, respectively. No differences in spatiotemporal parameters were found. Future research should provide sufficient time for runners to develop a more economical gait pattern prior to collecting dependent variables, and previous findings using lower body positive pressure treadmills may need to be reconsidered. Athletes using these devices for training or rehabilitation should note that increased economy will lower the intensity of a given treadmill setting over time.

Calf Strain in Athletes.

Calf strain is a common condition. In high-performance athletes, calf strain contributes to a substantial absence from competition. Player age and history of a calf strain or other leg injury are the strongest risk factors for calf strain injury and reinjury. Although the diagnosis is often clinical, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound are valuable to confirm the location of the strain and the grade of injury. Nonoperative treatment is effective for most calf strain injuries. Operative management, although rarely indicated, may be appropriate for severe cases with grade-III rupture or complications. Further investigation is necessary to elucidate the benefits of blood flow restriction therapy, deep water running, lower-body positive pressure therapy, platelet-rich plasma, and stem cell therapy for calf strain rehabilitation.

Relationships between Percentage of Body Weight Support and Individual Characteristics on a Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill for Participants with Knee Osteoarthritis

Relationships between Percentage of Body Weight Support and Individual Characteristics on a Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill for Participants with Knee Osteoarthritis