Lower Extremity Muscle Strength Research Articles

Core training for pain management and functional improvement in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To investigate the effects of core strengthening exercises on pain, mobility, and lower extremity muscle strength in patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFP). Six databases were searched from inception until August 11, 2023. Pain, function and muscle strength related outcomes were extracted and the quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale and the level of evidence was assessed using the GRADE. Nineteen studies involving 1138 patients were included. Very low-grade evidence supported the short-term pain-relieving effect of core training (SMD = -0.60 95% CI [-0.95, -0.25]), high-grade evidence supported the short-term functional improvement effects of core training (WMD = 3.61 95% CI [1.44, 5.78]), which was similarly significant within 3-12 months of follow-up. The results of the subgroup analyses suggested that hip-knee training was most advantageous in relieving pain and enhancing motor function. Although training that includes trunk core is clearly superior to knee strengthening alone, the effectiveness of hip-knee training, which is also a core training program for pain and function, is more pronounced. The available evidence supports that hip-knee training is the most valuable treatment option for patients with PFP.

The Impact of Regular Diet Recovery on Postoperative Rehabilitation After Elective Cesarean Section

Abstract Objective To determine the role of regular diet recovery after restoration of normal muscle strength of both lower extremities in promoting postoperative recovery in women undergoing elective cesarean section. Methods This was a prospective observational cohort study. Patients who underwent elective cesarean section at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, from October 2022 to December 2022, were categorized into two groups based on the duration of postoperative fasting: the observation group resumed eating after regaining lower extremity muscle strength, while the control group adhered to traditional postoperative fasting guidelines, waiting 6 hours before eating. Primary outcomes included postoperative pain levels assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores and time to first flatus. Demographic characteristics, time to first lactation, hospital stay length, and patient satisfaction were also assessed. Statistical analysis was conducted using Student’s t test and Chi-squared test, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results Out of a total of 300 patients, 240 were included in the analysis, comprising 112 in the control group and 128 in the observation group. There were no significant differences in baseline demographic characteristics. The median values of the first flatus time and the first lactation time were 33.37 ± 1.22 vs. 18.06 ± 6.34 hours (P = 0.003) and 26.34 ± 8.21 vs. 7.05 ± 1.26 hours (P = 0.001) in the control and observation groups, respectively. The median hospital stay duration in the control and observation groups was 6.54 ± 0.53 vs. 4.84 ± 0.18 days (P = 0.000), respectively. Median postoperative VAS pain scores and patient satisfaction values were 8.57 ± 0.11 vs. 4.91 ± 0.27 (P = 0.000) and 9.36 ± 0.16 vs. 9.72 ± 0.08 (P = 0.005) in the control and observation groups, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in other postoperative outcomes, such as intestinal obstruction, infection, and readmission within 42 days (P > 0.05). Conclusion Food intake after restoration of lower extremity muscle strength improves first flatus, relieves postoperative pain, shortens hospital stay, and enhances satisfaction after elective cesarean section, without adverse effects. It is crucial for postoperative rehabilitation and should be encouraged.

Efektifitas Home Program untuk Meningkatkan Kekuatan Otot Ekstremitas Bawah dan Resiko Jatuh Bagi Lanjut Usia di Posyandu Lanjut Usia Dusun Plosokerep, Bendosari, Sukoharjo

Efektifitas Home Program untuk Meningkatkan Kekuatan Otot Ekstremitas Bawah dan Resiko Jatuh Bagi Lanjut Usia di Posyandu Lanjut Usia Dusun Plosokerep, Bendosari, Sukoharjo

Advanced liver fibrosis is associated with decreased gait speed in older patients with chronic liver disease

This study investigated whether the progression of liver fibrosis affects the prevalence of sarcopenia and incidence of decreased gait speed in older patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). Patients with CLD aged ≥ 60 years were classified into low, intermediate, and high fibrosis 4 (FIB-4) index groups according to the degree of liver fibrosis. The prevalence of sarcopenia and incidence of decreased gait speed (< 1.0 m/s) were compared among the three groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate factors affecting the risk of decreased gait speed. No significant difference was observed in the prevalence of sarcopenia among the three groups, but the incidence of decreased gait speed significantly differed (p = 0.029). When analyzed individually, a significant difference in decreased gait speed incidence was observed between the high and low FIB-4 index groups (p = 0.014). In logistic regression analysis, the progression of liver fibrosis (odds ratio: 1.32, 95% confidence interval: 1.13–1.55) and lower extremity muscle strength (LEMS) (odds ratio: 0.92, 95% confidence interval: 0.88–0.97) were significantly associated with decreased gait speed. As liver fibrosis progresses in older patients with CLD, it becomes important to focus on not only skeletal muscle mass and grip strength, but also gait speed and LEMS.

Association of physiological factors with grip and leg extension strength: tohoku medical megabank community-based cohort study

BackgroundUpper and lower extremity muscle strength can be used to predict health outcomes. However, the difference between the relation of upper extremity muscle and of lower extremity muscle with physiological factors is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between physiological data and muscle strength, measured using grip and leg extension strength, among Japanese adults.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of 2,861 men and 6,717 women aged ≥ 20 years living in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. Grip strength was measured using a dynamometer. Leg extension strength was measured using a hydraulic isokinetic leg press machine. Anthropometry and physiological data, including blood pressure, calcaneal ultrasound bone status, pulmonary function, carotid echography, and blood information, were assessed. We used a general linear model adjusted for age, body composition, and smoking status to evaluate the association between muscle strength and physiological factors.ResultsGrip and leg extension strength were positively associated with bone area ratio, vital capacity, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, and estimated glomerular filtration rate, and negatively associated with waist circumference and percentage body fat mass in both the sexes. Diastolic blood pressure was positively associated with grip strength in both the sexes and leg extension strength in men, but not women. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and red blood cell counts were positively associated with grip and leg extension strength in women, but not men. In both the sexes, pulse rate, total cholesterol, and uric acid were consistently associated with only leg extension strength, but not grip strength. In women, glycated hemoglobin demonstrated negative and positive associations with grip and leg extension strength, respectively.ConclusionsGrip and leg extension strength demonstrated similar associations with anthropometry, pulmonary function, and estimated glomerular filtration rate, but the associations with the other factors were not always consistent.

Distribution characteristics of perioperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and risk factors of postoperative DVT exacerbation in patients with thoracolumbar fractures caused by high-energy injuries.

To investigate the distribution characteristics of perioperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients with thoracolumbar fractures caused by high-energy injuries and analyze the risk factors of postoperative DVT exacerbation. From October 2016 to July 2021, a total of 550 patients with thoracolumbar fractures due to high-energy injuries in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Both lower limbs were examined by ultrasound before and after operation. Depending on whether the postoperative DVT was exacerbating, the group was divided into a DVT exacerbation group and a non-DVT exacerbation group. Clinical data were used to study the characteristics of perioperative DVT. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to explore the risk factors of postoperative DVT exacerbation. DVT was found in 97 patients before operation, including 78 cases of distal thrombus, 6 cases of proximal thrombus, and 13 cases of mixed thrombus. Postoperative DVT increased to 116, including 87 distal thrombus, 10 proximal thrombus, and 19 mixed thrombus. The intermuscular vein was the most easily involved vein. Compared with lumbar fractures, thoracic fractures were more likely to have postoperative proximal thrombus (P=0.014). There were 48 cases of thrombus exacerbation after operation. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, lower extremity muscle strength, time from injury to operation, and blood loss were risk factors for postoperative DVT exacerbation. The intermuscular vein is the most easily involved vein. The anatomical distribution of DVT at different fracture sites is different, and patients with thoracic fractures are more likely to have proximal DVT after operation. Age, lower extremity muscle strength, time from injury to operation, and blood loss were risk factors for postoperative DVT exacerbation.

Effect Of Balance Exercise and Tandem Stance Interventions to Improve Balance in the Elderly

Elderly people are identified with various declining health conditions, especially physical health conditions. The health conditions of the elderly decline along with increasing age, which will affect the quality of life of the elderly. The worsening health condition of the elderly is contrary to the elderly's desire to remain healthy, independent, and able to carry out activities. Balance disorders are something that often occurs in the elderly. Balance is the basis of functional human movement for both children and the elderly. Weakened lower extremity muscle strength in the elderly can cause slow movement, short steps, feet not being able to move firmly enough and being more easily swayed so that balance becomes disturbed. Methods: This research is a pre-experimental research with a one-group pre-test &amp; post-test design. The sample population is elderly people with balance disorders in Pekanbaru nursing homes. Collecting patient data using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) pre-test and post-test. During the research period, the total sample was 22 respondents the sampling technique used was the cluster sampling technique, namely the selection of samples referring to groups with certain predetermined characteristics, namely those who met the inclusion criteria. Result: The results of the study showed an increase in balance before &amp; after the intervention showing a significant change from the p value = 0.000 with a confidence level of 95%. Based on the Paired Sample T Test with a value of p = 0.000 &lt; (0.05), it shows that there is an increase in balance in the elderly. Conclusion: It was concluded that the increase in balance before &amp; after giving balance exercise and tandem stance showed an increase in balance in the elderly after being given with a frequency of 3 times a week for 1 month.

Association of scoliosis with lower extremity alignments, muscle strengths, and foot characteristics and their alterations in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

The association between changes occurring in the spine and lower body parts is not well understood in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The first aim of the study was to investigate the association of scoliosis with lower extremity (LE) alignments, foot characteristics, and muscle strengths in adolescents. Secondly, comparisons of the data among AIS with single and double curves and control groups were determined. Thirty-one participants were recruited and classified into 3 groups; AIS with a single curve (n= 7), AIS with double curves (n= 14), and controls (n= 10). Association of the presence of scoliosis with LE alignments (Q and TC angles), LE muscle strengths (hip, knee, and ankle), and foot characteristics (arch indexes) were examined using the point biserial correlation, and the data among three groups were compared using the ANOVA. Scoliosis was associated with Q angle, arch indexes, and all LE muscle strengths except for hip extensors and ankle plantar flexors strengths. Comparisons among the three groups showed significant increases in LE alignments and foot characteristics in AIS. Almost all LE muscle strengths decreased in AIS, especially for the single curve group. Apart from spinal deformity, the AIS has changed in LE alignments, muscle strengths, and foot characteristics. Therapists should consider these associations and alterations for designing proper management.

Impairments of functional exercise capacity, muscle strength, balance and kinesiophobia in patients with chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMuscle weakness, balance, and functional capacity are affected in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in dialysis. However, studies about kinesiophobia, peripheral and respiratory muscle strength, balance, exercise capacity, fatigue, and physical activity level in patients with CKD 3–4 are limited. The study aimed to compare the functional exercise capacity, peripheral and respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, balance, kinesiophobia, physical activity, fatigue, and dyspnea between patients with CKD 3–4 and controls.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 43 patients and 45 controls. Functional exercise capacity [6-Minute Walking Test (6MWT)], peripheral and respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, dyspnea, fatigue, physical activity, balance [Berg Balance Scale (BBS)], and kinesiophobia were evaluated.ResultsDemographic characteristics were similar in patients [53(50–57) y, 26 M/17F] and controls [51(4.506-55) y, 33 M/12F] (p > 0.05). The 6MWT, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, pulmonary function, physical activity, and BBS were significantly lower, and the level of dyspnea and kinesiophobia were higher in patients compared with controls (p < 0.05).ConclusionsPatients had impaired functional exercise capacity, upper and lower extremity muscle strength, respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, and balance, increased perception of dyspnea and kinesiophobia, and reduced physical activity level compared with controls. Patients should be directed to cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Associations of Lower Extremity Muscle Strength, Area, and Specific Force With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Older Men: The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in older men are associated with an increased risk of mobility limitations. Lower extremity muscle quality may represent a novel shared mechanism of both LUTS and mobility limitations. We evaluated associations of thigh skeletal muscle measures (strength, area, and specific force) with total LUTS severity (American Urologic Association Symptom Index; AUASI) and voiding and storage subscores among 352 men aged ≥60 years enrolled in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Thigh muscle strength (Nm) was defined as maximum concentric 30°/s knee extensor torque, area (cm2), and specific force (Nm/cm2) defined as strength/area. Associations with AUASI score were estimated using multivariable linear regression and linear mixed models. Mean thigh muscle strength at baseline was 139.7Nm. In cross-sectional multivariable models, each 39Nm increment in thigh muscle strength and 0.28Nm/cm2 increment in specific force was associated with -1.17 point (95% CI: -1.93 to -.41) and -0.95 point (95% CI: -1.63 to -0.27) lower AUASI score, respectively. Similar associations were observed for voiding and storage subscores, although somewhat attenuated. In longitudinal analyses, baseline muscle measures were not associated with annual change in AUASI, and current changes in muscle measures and AUASI were unrelated. Cross-sectionally, higher thigh muscle strength and specific force were associated with decreased LUTS severity in older men. However, we did not observe concurrent worsening LUTS severity with declining thigh muscle strength, area, or specific force in longitudinal analyses.

Factor analysis for construct validity of a trunk impairment scale in Parkinson's disease: a cross-sectional study.

To investigate the construct validity of the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), which was developed to assess trunk impairment in patients with stroke, in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). This retrospective, cross-sectional study enrolled consecutive PD inpatients. Correlation analysis was performed to clarify whether the TIS assessment was related to other balance functions, lower extremity muscle strength, or walking ability. Factor analysis was performed to see how the background factors of TIS differ from balance function, lower limb muscle strength, and walking ability. Examining the data of 471 patients with PD, there were relationships between TIS and the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (r = 0.67), Barthel Index (r = 0.57), general lower limb extension torque (r = 0.51), two-minute walk test (r = 0.54), Hoehn and Yahr stage (r = -0.61), and Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III total points (r = -0.59). Factor analysis showed that TIS items were divided into three factors (an abdominal muscles and righting reflex component; a perception and verticality component; and a rotational component), differing from other scales that included clinical assessment items. The TIS can be useful for assessing the underlying trunk impairment as a basis for activities of daily living, gait function, and balance ability in patients with PD.

Effects of whole-body vibration exercise on physical function in patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe current state of knowledge regarding the efficacy of whole-body vibration (WBV) training for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is limited. To address this gap, the present study seeks to undertake a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials to evaluate the impact of WBV on physical function and quality of life outcomes in CKD patients.MethodsA systematic search was performed on the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from inception to March 2023 and updated in June 2023. The inclusion criteria comprised randomized controlled studies, quasi-experimental studies, and single-arm trials that evaluated the impact of WBV on physical function, encompassing cardiopulmonary fitness, muscle strength, mobility, and balance, in CKD patients. Adverse events that were included in the study reports were recorded. The pooled evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) method.ResultsNine studies were identified, of which seven were included in the meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis indicated a statistically significant improvement in upper (mean difference: 3.45 kg; 95% confidence interval 1.61 to 5.29) and lower (standardized mean difference: 0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.08 to 0.59) extremity muscle strength in patients with CKD who underwent WBV training compared to baseline (low-level evidence). Furthermore, WBV training favored improved cardiorespiratory fitness, mobility, and balance function, but no statistical difference was observed. The impact of WBV training on quality of life in patients with CKD requires further validation. Notably, only one adverse event (nausea) was reported in the included studies.ConclusionsWBV has demonstrated efficacy and feasibility in enhancing muscle strength among patients with CKD. However, further investigation is warranted to determine its potential for improving cardiorespiratory adaptations, mobility, balance function, and quality of life. Additionally, future research should prioritize comprehensive reporting of WBV protocols to establish an optimal training regimen for the CKD population.

Normative values for isometric quadriceps peak torque using fixed dynamometry in healthy young adults

RATIONALE: Assessment of muscle strength is recommended to measure weakness and inform exercise prescription in adults undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation. There is a lack of normative data for lower extremity muscle strength using fixed dynamometry in the clinical setting in young adults. OBJECTIVES: Primary objectives were to determine (i) normative values for isometric quadriceps peak torque (QT) using fixed dynamometry and (ii) the relationship between isometric QT with demographics, body composition, habitual physical activity and one-repetition maximum (1-RM) for knee extension. A secondary objective was to develop a preliminary equation to predict 1-RM knee extension using isometric QT. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of healthy adults aged 18–39 years. Isometric QT was assessed using fixed dynamometry (MedUp®). A 1-RM test was performed in the same setting. Age, sex and body composition using bioelectiral impedance analysis (Tanita, DC-430U) were collected. Physical activity was assessed by the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA). RESULTS Eighty-two participants were included (44 females, 54%). Isometric QT was 89 (77-132) Nm for females and 158 (133-187) Nm for males (p < 0.0001). There was a strong correlation between isometric QT and 1-RM (r = 0.85, p < 0.0001). The multi-linear regression model to predict 1-RM included sex, isometric QT and BMI (F (3, 78) = 60.819; p < 0.001; R 2 = 0.701). CONCLUSION Normative isometric QT values to quantify lower limb strength impairment and a preliminary equation using isometric QT to predict 1-RM and prescribe resistance quadriceps exercise training may inform pulmonary rehabilitation programs for a younger respiratory population. Validation of the 1-RM equation in clinical populations is needed.

The OASIS walking study-Older adults with cognitive impairment performing sit to stands and walking in transitional care programs: Protocol for a feasibility study.

Older adults with cognitive impairment often experience low mobility and functional decline in hospital, transfer to facility-based transitional care programs, and have poorer outcomes compared to those without cognitive impairment. This protocol paper describes a study which aims to determine the feasibility of, satisfaction with, and efficacy of a nurse-led mobility intervention (OASIS Walking Intervention) for older adults with cognitive impairment in facility-based transitional care programs in Ontario, Canada. A quasi-experimental one-group time series feasibility study will be conducted. A sample size of 26 participants will be recruited from two transitional care programs in Ontario, Canada. Participants will receive the OASIS Walking Intervention for up to 45 minutes per session, 5 sessions per week, for 6 weeks. The intervention consists of: 1) a patient-centered communication care plan; 2) sit to stand activity; and 3) a walking program. Feasibility will be determined by: a) recruitment rate; b) retention rate; and c) adherence. Efficacy of the intervention will be determined by the change over time in older adults' lower extremity muscle strength, mobility, and functional status and by their discharge destination (home vs. nursing home). Satisfaction will be measured using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire. Efficacy outcomes will be measured before the start of the intervention, after 3 weeks of the intervention, and immediately after 6-week intervention. Descriptive statistics will be used for measures of feasibility, satisfaction, and discharge destination. Repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) will be used to analyze efficacy. Ethics approval has been received for this study. Findings from the study will be used to refine the intervention for use in a definitive pilot trial. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, international conferences, through group presentations at the study sites, and through the study site networks. Trial registration: The trial has been registered on Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06150339).

The Relationships Between Upper and Lower Extremity Muscle Strength, Rate of Force Development, and Fatigue in Adults

The Relationships Between Upper and Lower Extremity Muscle Strength, Rate of Force Development, and Fatigue in Adults

Association of Lower Extremity Muscle Strength and Function with Renal Resistive Index in Individuals with and without Chronic Kidney Disease.

Age-related loss of lower extremity muscle strength is pronounced in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In contrast, an increase in intrarenal flow pulsatility results in initial age-related changes in renal hemodynamics, leading to the development of CKD. To date, it remains unclear whether lower extremity muscle strength determines elevated renal flow pulsatility. This study aimed to determine the association of lower extremity muscle strength and function with intrarenal hemodynamics in individuals with and without CKD. One hundred seventy-six individuals without CKD (aged 63 ± 9 years) and 101 individuals with CKD (aged 66 ± 8 years) were included in this study. Using Doppler ultrasound, the renal resistive index (RI) was measured as a parameter of renal hemodynamics. Knee extensor muscle strength (KES), gait speed (GS), and the 30 s chair stand test (30s-CST) were used to measure lower extremity muscle strength and function. Multivariate analyses showed that GS and 30s-CST scores were independent determinants of renal RI, whereas the KES score was not associated with renal RI in individuals with and without CKD. In the two-way analysis of covariance, renal RI was the highest in individuals with CKD who had lower KES, GS, and 30s-CST scores. Reduced lower extremity muscle strength and function are independent determinants of elevated renal flow pulsatility in individuals with and without CKD.

Electroacupuncture for acute transverse myelitis following viral infection: A case report

BackgroundElectroacupuncture (EA) has a positive effect on neurological repair and functional recovery following spinal cord disease. However, evidence of its effectiveness in acute transverse myelitis (ATM) cases is limited. Patient presentationA 48-year-old woman experienced headache and fever for 5 days, followed by a sudden onset of back pain, lower limb paralysis, and urinary and bowel dysfunction. The patient received intravenous medications. However, she did not experience improvement in clinical symptoms. She subsequently underwent acupuncture treatment. She regained walking ability and experienced improved bladder function and bowel control after 36 sessions of EA treatment. MethodsCARE guidelines informed the case study report. The MRC and ICIQ-UI-SF scores were used to verify changes in lower-extremity muscle strength and urination after EA treatment. Qualitative information was collected using feedback tables. ConclusionPharmacological treatment for ATM lacks clear advantages because of its complex pathophysiological mechanisms. Hence, EA could be recommended as a promising treatment modality for ATM.

Clinical Utility of Robot-Assisted Gait Training in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury Caused by Electrical Burns: A Case Report

Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) has been proven effective in improving gait function in not only patients with central nervous system damage, but also in patients who have undergone musculoskeletal surgery. Nevertheless, evidence supporting the efficacy of such training in burn patients remains insufficient. This report aimed to evaluate the effect of RAGT in burn patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) caused by electrical trauma. We reported a case of two patients. The total duration of each session was about 1 h 30 min. This included 10 min to put on the exoskeleton, 30 min of robot-assisted training using SUBAR®, 10 min to remove the exoskeleton, 10 min to observe whether complications such as skin abrasion, ulcer, or pain occur in the scar area after RAGT, and 30 min of conventional physiotherapy, at a rate of 5 days a week for 12 weeks. All measurements were assessed before training (0 week) and after training (12 weeks). The American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA) lower extremity motor score (LEMS), passive range of motions (ROMs) of different joints (hip, knee, and ankle), ambulatory motor index (AMI), functional ambulation categories (FAC), and 6 min walking (6 MWT) distances were evaluated to measure the degree of gait function through training. In both patients, manual muscle test measurement and joint ROM in the lower extremities improved after 12 weeks training. The first patient scored 0 in the FAC before training. After 12 weeks of training, he could walk independently indoors, improving to an FAC score of 4. He also reached 92.16 m in the 6 MWT. LEMS improved from 22 before training to 30 after training, and AMI score improved from 12 before training to 16 after training. In the second patient, an independent walking function was not acquired. LEMS improved from 10 before training to 26 after training. AMI scores were the same at 10 points before and after training. The results suggested the possibility of achieving clinical effects in terms of improving lower extremity muscle strength, joint ROMs, and gait performance in patients with SCI caused by electrical trauma.

Exploring the Relationship between Muscular Strength, Flexibility, and mSEBT Test Performance in Saudi Arabian Women

Saudi females exhibit a higher susceptibility to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), particularly impacting balance, in comparison to their male counterparts. The current study was aimed at determining the association between the modified Star Excursion Balancing Test (mSEBT) score and the muscular strength and flexibility of the lower-extremity muscles among a group of young healthy Saudi females. The mSEBT assessed balance, complemented by measurements of lower-extremity muscle strength and flexibility. Statistical analysis, utilizing SPSS software (version 26.0), with a significance level of p &lt; 0.05, unveiled valuable insights. Results indicate a moderate positive correlation between hip flexor strength and reach distance, notably in the anterior and posteromedial directions. Conversely, no statistically significant associations emerged between hip extensor, hip abductor, or knee extensor strength and reach distances across all directions. Furthermore, there were weak negative correlations between hip flexion angle (assessed via the Thomas test) and reach distances, primarily within the anterior direction. Interestingly, the sit-and-reach flexibility test demonstrated no significant correlations with reach distances. These findings underscore the role of hip flexor strength and flexibility in influencing mSEBT performance in young, healthy Saudi females. This study advocates for the incorporation of the mSEBT as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for identifying individuals with deficits in lower extremity muscle strength and flexibility.

Abnormal gait pattern in downhill hiking is related to muscular deficits of the knee flexors and extensors in active patients with total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundTo assess the in-field walking mechanics during downhill hiking of patients with total knee arthroplasty five to 14 months after surgery and an age-matched healthy control group and relate them to the knee flexor and extensor muscle strength. MethodsParticipants walked on a predetermined hiking trail at a self-selected, comfortable pace wearing an inertial sensor system for recording the whole-body 3D kinematics. Sagittal plane hip, knee, and ankle joint angles were evaluated over the gait cycle at level walking and two different negative slopes. The concentric and eccentric lower extremity muscle strength of the knee flexors and extensors isokinetically at 50 and 120°/s were measured. FindingsLess knee flexion angles during stance have been measured in patients in the operated limb compared to healthy controls in all conditions (level walking, moderate downhill, steep downhill). The differences increased with steepness. Muscle strength was lower in patients for both muscle groups and all measured conditions. The functional hamstrings to quadriceps ratio at 120°/sec correlated with knee angle during level and downhill walking at the moderate slope in patients, showing higher ratios with lower peak knee flexion angles. InterpretationThe study shows that even if rehabilitation has been completed successfully and complication-free, five to 14 months after surgery, the muscular condition was still insufficient to display a normal gait pattern during downhill hiking. The muscle balance between quadriceps and hamstring muscles seems related to the persistence of a stiff knee gait pattern after knee arthroplasty. LoE: III.