Lower Extremity Muscle Strength Research Articles

Pleiotropic Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is an urgent problem due to its widespread prevalence and disability of patents in result of macro- and microvascular complications. Diabetic neuropathy (DN) considerably impairs the quality of life of patients. Use of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) prevents the development of oxidative stress and improves oxidation of fatty acids.
 AIM: To study the influence of alpha-lipoic acid on the variability of glycemia, lipid spectrum, positive and negative neurological symptoms in patients with DM2 and DN.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prospective study included 39 patients with DM2 and DN in the clinical stage: patients of group 1 (n = 20) were administered intravenous drip infusion of ALA 600 mg once a day for 2 weeks in hospital conditions followed by intake of 600 mg once a day per os for 2.5 months on an outpatient basis; patients of group 2 (n = 19) did not receive ALA preparations. In all the patients, parameters of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism were studied, pain, tactile, temperature, vibration sensitivity and muscle strength of lower extremities were evaluated.
 RESULTS: In patients of group 1, after 12 weeks of using ALA, decrease in positive symptoms in the lower legs and feet, improvement in vibration (0.6 0.5 points, p = 0.0095), tactile (0.7 0.6 points, p = 0.037), temperature sensitivity (0.2 0.4 points, p = 0.027), and also decrease in the average value of glycemia (8.7 [7.4; 9.2] mmol/l, p = 0.0078), decrease in glycated hemoglobin with the achievement of the target value (7.5 0.1%, p = 0.046) and improvement of lipid spectrum (total cholesterol 5.9 0.1 mmol/ l, p = 0.043) were recorded; low density lipoproteins 3.6 0.1 mmol/l, p = 0.0076; high density lipoproteins 1.2 0.1 mmol/l, p = 0.034).
 CONCLUSION: In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic neuropathy in the clinical stage who received preparations of alpha-lipoic acid in complex treatment, reduction of neurologic deficit, of positive neurologic symptoms was achieved in 12 weeks; with that, improvement of lipid spectrum and of glycemic control was found, which may be considered as pleiotropic effects associated with acceleration of mitochondrial biosynthesis.

Relationship between lower limb muscle strength and knee function with quality of life after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction patients: a literature review

Background: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) is an orthopedic surgical procedure used to restore a functional knee. Surgical treatment in the form of ACL reconstruction can be performed to optimize quality of life after ACL injury. Decreased knee function after ACLR is closely related to a person's quality of life in the long term considering that the knee and other lower limbs have a crucial role in mobilizing and controlling the human body. 
 Objective: To determine if there is a relationship between lower limb strength after ACL reconstruction and knee function also quality of life.
 Methods: The research method used is a literature review method using secondary data sources through a database of various scientific treatises accessible from internet sites. Scientific papers were searched using keywords such as ACL reconstruction, lower limb strength, knee function, and quality of life to facilitate proper literature retrieval.
 Result: Based on the results of the journal study, it was found that there was a decrease in lower extremity muscle strength and a decrease in knee function compared to participants who did not experience ACL injury-ACLR which caused a decrease in the quality of life of a person so that the preference of physical activity carried out in daily activities also changed with a low level of satisfaction from the expectations and expectations of individuals with ACLR.
 Conclusion: Based on some literature that has been discussed, there may be a correlation between the strength of the lower extremities and knee function with the quality of life of a person after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the main predictor of decreased performance in daily physical activity which is closely related to the main function of the lower extremities, especially the knee.

Which field test should be used to compare the functional exercise capacities of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without diabetic peripheral neuropathy? Cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe 6-minute step test (6MST) has begun to be used as a simple and effective alternative for assessing functional exercise capacity. There is no study using 6MSTs to evaluate the exercise capacities of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) with and without diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). ObjectiveTo compare the cardiorespiratory responses of the 6-minute walk test (MWT) and the 6MST exercise tests and to analyze the usability of the 6MST in Type 2 DM patients with and without neuropathy. Methods32 non-neuropathic Type 2 DM, 32 neuropathic Type 2 DM patients, and 30 healthy volunteers were included in this cross-sectional study. Functional exercise capacity was evaluated with the 6MWT and the 6MST. The 30-second sit-stand test (30s STS) was used to evaluate general lower extremity muscle strength and function. ResultsThere was a significant difference in the results of 6MWT (m), 6MST (number of steps), and 30s STS of the three groups (p<0.05). The 6MST results of patients with neuropathic Type 2 DM were significantly lower than those of non-neuropathic diabetics and those who were healthy (number of steps; 114.07±25.57 vs. 133.48±33.57 vs. 160.35±28.52, respectively) (p=0.001). The change in cardiorespiratory response in systolic blood pressure, heart rate, perceived dyspnea, and leg fatigue severity was significantly higher at 6MST than 6MWT in the three groups (p<0.05). 6MST was correlated with 6MWT (r=0.679, p=0.001), and 30s STS (r=0.589, p=0.001) in patients with Type 2 DM. ConclusionsCardiorespiratory responses increased more in 6MST compared to 6MWT. In patients with Type 2DM, 6MWT and 6MST were moderately correlated with each other. 6MST is an effective and safe assessment method that may better reveal the differences in functional exercise capacity between neuropathic and non-neuropathic individuals in clinics.

Which field test should be used to compare the functional exercise capacities of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without diabetic peripheral neuropathy? Cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe 6-minute step test (6MST) has begun to be used as a simple and effective alternative for assessing functional exercise capacity. There is no study using 6MSTs to evaluate the exercise capacities of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) with and without diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). ObjectiveTo compare the cardiorespiratory responses of the 6-minute walk test (MWT) and the 6MST exercise tests and to analyze the usability of the 6MST in Type 2 DM patients with and without neuropathy. Methods32 non-neuropathic Type 2 DM, 32 neuropathic Type 2 DM patients, and 30 healthy volunteers were included in this cross-sectional study. Functional exercise capacity was evaluated with the 6MWT and the 6MST. The 30-second sit-stand test (30s STS) was used to evaluate general lower extremity muscle strength and function. ResultsThere was a significant difference in the results of 6MWT (m), 6MST (number of steps), and 30s STS of the three groups (p<0.05). The 6MST results of patients with neuropathic Type 2 DM were significantly lower than those of non-neuropathic diabetics and those who were healthy (number of steps; 114.07±25.57 vs. 133.48±33.57 vs. 160.35±28.52, respectively) (p=0.001). The change in cardiorespiratory response in systolic blood pressure, heart rate, perceived dyspnea, and leg fatigue severity was significantly higher at 6MST than 6MWT in the three groups (p<0.05). 6MST was correlated with 6MWT (r=0.679, p=0.001), and 30s STS (r=0.589, p=0.001) in patients with Type 2 DM. ConclusionsCardiorespiratory responses increased more in 6MST compared to 6MWT. In patients with Type 2DM, 6MWT and 6MST were moderately correlated with each other. 6MST is an effective and safe assessment method that may better reveal the differences in functional exercise capacity between neuropathic and non-neuropathic individuals in clinics.

Newly compiled Tai Chi (Bafa Wubu) promotes lower extremity exercise: a preliminary cross sectional study.

Tai Chi (Bafa Wubu) is a new type of simplified Tai Chi widely practiced by Tai Chi enthusiasts that has developed and perfected simplified Tai Chi movement and enriched Tai Chi practice methods. When practicing, Tai Chi athletes and enthusiasts can choose the Bafa Wubu movements to practice according to their physical conditions. The purpose of this article is to discuss the mechanism by which Bafa Wubu promotes lower extremity exercise from the perspective of exercise biomechanics. This article aims to explore the scientific training methods and technical characteristics of Bafa Wubu, and its contribution to comprehensive exercise of the lower extremities, by analyzing the biomechanical characteristics of the lower extremities of participants who practice Bafa Wubu at different levels and by comparing their ground reaction force, lower limb joints, and muscles during Bafa Wubu. A total of 16 male participants were recruited and divided into an amateur group (N = 8) and a professional group (N = 8). The data were collected by a BTS 3D infrared-based motion capture system, and Kistler 3D force plate. The lower extremity joint forces and muscle strength were calculated by anybody simulation software with inverse dynamics. During elbowing and leaning sideways with steps sideways (ELS), the ground reaction force of the professional group was significantly higher than that of the amateur group in the sagittal, vertical, and frontal axes (P < 0.01). While stepping forward, backward, and sideways, the professional group's joints loading at the hip, knee, and ankle was always higher in the vertical direction (P < 0.01). Furthermore, during warding off with steps forward (WOF), laying with steps forward (LF), and rolling back with steps backward (RBB), hip joint loading increased in the med-lat direction. During actions with steps backward and sideways, the professional group's ankle flexion/extension torque and hip abduction/rotation torque were significantly larger than those of the amateur group (P < 0.01). Different actions in Bafa Wubu activate muscles to different degrees, whereas the iliacus is mainly responsible for stabilizing postures when practitioners perform standing knee lifting motions. Professional groups who have been practicing Tai Chi (Bafa Wubu) for a long time have higher ground reaction force, and the force on the three joints of the lower extremities is different for various movements, which has positive significance for exercising the joints of the lower extremities. In addition, various motions activate muscles of different types at different levels. For amateurs to practice different movements to stimulate the muscles, targeted areas of practice promote the lower extremity muscles' synergistic force. In summary, the muscles and joints of the lower extremity can obtain comprehensive and balanced exercise through Bafa Wubu.

Effects of visual restoration on gait performance and kinematics of lower extremities in patients with age-related cataract.

Visual inputs are critical for locomotor navigation and sensorimotor integration in the elderly; however, the mechanism needs to be explored intensively. The present study assessed the gait pattern after cataract surgery to investigate the effects of visual restoration on locomotion. The prospective study recruited 32 patients (70.1 ± 5.2 years) with bilateral age-related cataracts in the Department of Ophthalmology at Peking University Third Hospital from October 2016 to December 2019. The temporal-spatial gait parameters and kinematic parameters were measured by the Footscan system and inertial measurement units. Paired t -test was employed to compare data normally distributed and Wilcoxon rank-sum test for non-normally distributed. After visual restoration, the walking speed increased by 9.3% (1.19 ± 0.40 m/s vs. 1.09 ± 0.34 m/s, P =0.008) and exhibited an efficient gait pattern with significant decrease in gait cycle (1.02 ± 0.08 s vs. 1.04 ± 0.07 s, P =0.012), stance time (0.66 ± 0.06 s vs. 0.68 ± 0.06 s, P =0.045), and single support time (0.36 ± 0.03 s vs. 0.37 ± 0.02 s, P =0.011). High amplitude of joint motion was detected in the sagittal plane in the left hip (37.6° ± 5.3° vs. 35.5° ± 6.2°, P =0.014), left thigh (38.0° ± 5.2° vs. 36.4° ± 5.8°, P =0.026), left shank (71.9° ± 5.7° vs. 70.1° ± 5.6°, P =0.031), and right knee (59.1° ± 4.8° vs. 56.4° ± 4.8°, P =0.001). The motor symmetry of thigh improved from 8.35 ± 5.30% to 6.30 ± 4.73% ( P =0.042). The accelerated gait in response to visual restoration is characterized by decreased stance time and increased range of joint motion. Training programs for improving muscle strength of lower extremities might be helpful to facilitate the adaptation to these changes in gait.

The Use of a Single-Time Sit-To-Stand Test in Ambulatory Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury by Primary Health Care Providers.

The uncertain health care situations, such as that created by the COVID-19 pandemic, has limited hospital access and facilitated a paradigm shift in health care toward an increased demand for standard home visits and community-based rehabilitation services, including by ambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). This 6-month prospective study explored the validity and reliability of a single-time sit-to-stand (STSTS) test when used by primary health care (PHC) providers, including a village health volunteer, caregiver, individual with SCI, and health professional. Eighty-two participants were assessed for the STSTS using four arm placement conditions (arms on a walking device, arms on knees, arms free by the sides, and arms crossed over the chest) and standard measures, with prospective fall data follow-up over 6 months. Thirty participants involved in the reliability study were also assessed and reassessed for the ability to complete the STSTS conditions by PHC providers. Outcomes of the STSTS test, except the condition with arms on a walking device, could significantly discriminate lower extremity muscle strength (LEMS) and mobility of the participants (rpb = -0.58 to 0.69) with moderate concurrent validity. Outcomes of the tests without using the arms also showed moderate to almost-perfect reliability (kappa = 0.754-1.000) when assessed by PHC raters. The findings suggest the use of an STSTS with arms free by the sides as a standard practical measure by PHC providers to reflect LEMS and mobility of ambulatory individuals with SCI in various clinical, community, and home-based settings.

비만 중년여성을 위한 앱기반 무릎골관절염 예방프로그램 개발 및 효과

This study aimed to develop and apply an mobile app-based knee osteoarthritis prevention program based on the IMB (InformationMotivation-Behavioral Skills) model to prevent knee osteoarthritis in obese middle-aged women. This is a quasi-experimental study of unequal control group repeated measures design to verify the effect on knee osteoarthritis prevention knowledge, health attitude, social support, self-efficacy, knee osteoarthritis prevention behavior, body mass index, lower extremity muscle strength, and health-related quality of life in obese middle-aged women. The subjects of this study were a total of 67 obese middle-aged women aged 45 to 60 (experimental group: 32, control group: 35). Data were analyzed using a SPSS 22.0 program with frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, χ2 -test, Fisher's Exact test, Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Two-way Repeated measure ANOVA, Friedman test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. As a result of the study, obese middle-aged women in the experimental group had higher knee arthritis prevention knowledge (p &lt;.001), health attitude (p =.008), and social support (p =.007) compared to the control group), self-efficacy (p &lt;.001), knee osteoarthritis prevention behavior (p =.002), body mass index (p &lt;.001) and lower extremity muscle strength (p =.001) were significantly improved. Through this, this study proved that the app-based knee osteoarthritis prevention program developed based on the IMB model is an effective and appropriate program for preventing knee osteoarthritis in obese middle-aged women who develop degeneratively with aging. In particular, its utilization and practical value of this app-based program is high in everyday life.

The Effect of Muscles Fatigue on the Knee’s Kinetics and Kinematics Characteristics

Badminton is very popular on college campuses. In badminton, the anterior cruciate ligament of the players has a higher risk of injury. There are many studies investigating the impact of fatigue on the injury of professional athletes, but few studies focused on college students. We hypothesized that the knee joint would experience greater ground reaction forces, valgus moments, and flexion moments of lunge contact in amateur after fatigue than those indicators before fatigue. Ten male badminton amateurs were enrolled in this study. They performed a lunge to hit the shuttlecock at the designated position and then quickly returned to the starting position before and after fatigue. Fatigue was induced by repeated isokinetic flexion/extension of the knee. Lower body kinematics and ground reaction force (GRF) were collected and further used to calculate the lower body joint moments from initial contact to maximum knee flexion. Compared to the pre-fatigue condition, the peak flexion moment (p = 0.012) and peak abduction moment of knee joint (p = 0.01), and maximum horizontal ground reaction force (p = 0.027) increased significantly at the initial contact (p = 0.01). After muscle fatigue, the knee buckling moment and valgus moment increased significantly at initial contact, and the horizontal backward maximum GRF also increased significantly. These changes might increase the injury risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The fatigue of the muscles around the knee joint did not change the maximum GRF in the vertical direction at the moment of contact. Combined with the results of our study, badminton coaches and teachers should increase the training of lower extremity muscle strength and endurance in our daily class and training, and also should pay special attention to the coordinated development of muscles.

Comparisons of postural control, proprioception, muscle strength, pain and disability between individuals with acute, subacute and chronic low back pain

Purpose/Aim Postural control, proprioception and lower extremity muscle strength are affected in individuals with low back pain (LBP). However, it is yet unknown whether these variables differentiate between acute, subacute and chronic stages of LBP. The aim was to investigate if there were any differences in postural control, proprioception, lower extremity muscle strength, pain intensity and disability between individuals in the different stages of LBP. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, 124 individuals with LBP were grouped as acute LBP (ALBP) (n = 38), subacute LBP (SLBP) (n = 30) and chronic LBP (CLBP) (n = 56) groups. Postural control was assessed via computerised technology. Lumbar proprioception, lower extremity muscle strength, pain intensity and disability were assessed using Joint Repositioning Error Test, hand-held dynamometer, Numeric Rating Scale and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), respectively. Kruskal–Wallis Tests, ANCOVA and post hoc Mann–Whitney U-Test with Bonferroni correction were performed. Results While there were no significant differences in terms of postural control, proprioception and pain intensity (p > 0.05), significant differences were found in terms of lower extremity muscle strength and ODI scores between groups when adjusted for age (p < 0.05). Individuals with CLBP demonstrated poorer lower extremity muscle strength than those with ALBP and SLBP, and higher disability than those with ALBP (p < 0.017). Conclusions Although postural control, proprioception and pain intensity were similar between individuals with acute, subacute and chronic LBP, muscle strength and disability seem to worsen stepwise as the pain becomes chronic. Muscle strength and disability should be taken into account while evaluating and/or managing individuals with acute and subacute stages of LBP.

The relationship between the backward walking and proprioception, trunk control, and muscle strength in children with cerebral palsy.

This study was planned to determine the factors affecting backward walking in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The study included 30 children with CP, with a mean age of 10.43 ± 2.76years. Backward walking abilities were evaluated with the 3-Meter Back Walk Test (3MBWT). A digital goniometer was used to evaluate proprioception, the Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS) was used for trunk control, a digital muscle dynamometer was used for muscle strength, and the Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ) was used for gait evaluation. When the spasticity of children at levels I and II according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was compared, a significant difference was found in favor of level I in hamstring, gastro-soleus, and gastrocnemius spasticity (p < 0.05). When the results of the 3MBWT, TCMS, and FAQ were compared, a significant difference was found in favor of level I (p < 0.05). No significant relationship was revealed between the 3MBWT and lower extremity proprioception and TCMS (p > 0.05). A significant negative correlation was observed between the 3MBWT and FAQ (p < 0.05). No significant correlation was found between the 3MBWT and lower extremity muscle strengths (p > 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found only between hip extension proprioception and iliopsoas muscle strength (p = 0.023). There was no significant correlation between the FAQ and lower extremity muscle strength (p > 0.05). It was revealed that the backward walking ability increased as the forward walking function improved in children with CP, but it was not affected by proprioception, trunk control, and muscle strength. NCT05088629 (10/11/2021).

"Cave-in" decompression under unilateral biportal endoscopy in a patient with upper thoracic ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament: Case report.

Thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (TOPLL) requires surgery for spinal cord decompression. Traditional open surgery is extremely invasive and has various complications. Unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) is a newly developed technique for spine surgery, especially in the lumbar region, but rare in the thoracic spine. In this study, we first used a different percutaneous UBE "cave-in" decompression technique for the treatment of beak-type TOPLL. A 31-year-old female with distinct zonesthesia and numbness below the T3 dermatome caused by beak-type TOPLL (T2-T3) underwent a two-step UBE decompression procedure. In the first step, the ipsilateral lamina, left facet joint, partial transverse process, and pedicles of T2 and T3 were removed. In the second step, a cave was created by removing the posterior third of the vertebral body (T2-T3). The eggshell-like TOPLL was excised by forceps, and the dural sac was decompressed. All procedures are performed under endoscopic guidance. A drainage tube was inserted, and the incisions were closed after compliance with the decompression scope via a C-arm. The patient's preoperative and postoperative radiological and clinical results were evaluated. Postoperative CT and MR films conformed complete decompression of the spinal cord. The patient's lower extremity muscle strength was greatly improved, and no complications occurred. The mJOA score improved from 5 to 7, with a recovery rate of 33.3%. UBE spinal decompression for TOPLL showed favorable clinical and radiological results and offers the advantages of minimal soft tissue dissection, shorter hospital stays, and a faster return to daily life activities.

Effects of short-term whole-body vibration training on muscle strength, balance performance, and body composition.

[Purpose] This study aimed to evaluate the changes in lower-extremity muscle strength, balance performance, and body composition. [Participants and Methods] In this study, 21 healthy university students who underwent short-term whole-body vibration training without previous whole-body vibration training participated. The study design was randomized between-groups design. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the three groups; control, training, and whole-body vibration training. All participants completed a six-week training protocol comprising a first two-week training period, two-week rest period following the first training period, and second two-week training period. Over four periods, the participants' lower-extremity muscle strength, balance performance, and body composition were evaluated. Separate three-by-four repeated-measure analyses of variance, with three exercise mode groups and four periods, were initially used to analyze the primary outcome variables; lower-extremity muscle strength, balance performance, and body composition. [Results] In the three groups, lower-extremity muscle strength, static and dynamic balance performances, and body composition showed no changes during all periods. [Conclusion] This study provides a better insight on the responsiveness of short-term whole-body vibration training and will help determine whole-body vibration programs in revalidation and training.

Virtual-Based Aquatic Plyometric Training: How it Effects Lower Extremity Muscle Strength?

The low achievement of long jump athletes and the limited virtual-based aquatic plyometric exercises to increase lower extremity muscle strength are the gaps in this study. This study aims to increase lower extremity muscle strength of long jump athletes through virtual-based plyometric aquatic training. This research adopted a mixed methods research. This study involved participants from long jump athletes at the University of Tanjung Pura in Indonesia (n = 20). Participants were divided into two groups, namely an experimental group (n = 10) and control group (n = 10). The quantitative instrument involved a leg dynamometer for measuring lower extremity muscle strength. While, the qualitative instrument used in-depth interview. Quantitative data analysis was carried out through IBM SPSS to calculate descriptive statistics and normality, while the paired sample t-test to test differences in lower extremity muscle strength values in the experimental and control groups. Qualitative analysis was carried out through recording, describing and coding stages, which categorized into three themes. Based on quantitative results, it showed that virtual-based plyometric aquatic training was proven significantly increase lower extremity muscle strength (ps0.05), but there was no significant effect in the control group (p &amp; 0.05). Qualitative results found out that most of the participants gave a positive opinion regarding virtual-based plyometric aquatics. Thus, this study confirms that virtual-based plyometric aquatic training can be used to increase lower extremity muscle strength.

Dynamic Changes and Relevant Factors of Perioperative Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Thoracolumbar Fractures Caused by High-Energy Injuries.

To investigate the dynamic changes and relevant factors of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with thoracolumbar fractures caused by high-energy injuries. From January 2016 to June 2021, a total of 655 patients with thoracolumbar fractures who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were examined by preoperative and postoperative ultrasonography, and divided into thrombus growth group, thrombus invariant group, and thrombus regression group according to the preoperative and postoperative ultrasonographic results. Medical record data, including demographic data, surgical data, and laboratory results, were collected and the differences in various factors among the groups were compared. DVT was found in 99 patients (15.1%, 99/655) before surgery, including 79 cases of distal thrombus, 7 cases of proximal thrombus, and 13 cases of mixed thrombus. The incidence of postoperative DVT increased to 20.6% (134/655), including 96 cases of distal thrombus, 15 cases of proximal thrombus, and 23 cases of mixed thrombus. Among them, 39.7% had thrombus growth, 49.3% had thrombus basically unchanged and 11.0% had thrombolysis. There were significant differences in age, lower extremity muscle strength, time from trauma to surgery, operation time, blood loss, blood transfusion, and post 3-D-dimer among the three groups. In patients with thoracolumbar fractures caused by high-energy injuries, the majority of patients with DVT do not change or grow after surgery, and only a few of them have thrombolysis. Younger age, lower extremity motor, and fewer blood transfusion contribute to thrombolysis. Delayed surgical intervention, longer operation time, and higher blood loss can lead to thrombosis growth. Post 3-D-dimer is closely related to the dynamic changes of thrombus.

Investigation of effectiveness of reformer pilates in individuals with fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial

Introduction and objectivesFibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, sleep disorder, fatigue, other somatic symptoms. Clinical pilates method is therapeutic modality that can be used in improving the symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of reformer pilates exercises in individuals with FM and to compare with home mat pilates. Material and methodsTwenty-eight women (age mean=45.61±10.31) diagnosed with FM were included in this study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups as reformer pilates group (n=14) and home mat pilates group (n=14). Reformer and home mat pilates exercises were given 2 times a week for 6 weeks. The number of painful regions with Pain Location Inventory (PLI), clinical status with Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), lower extremity muscle strength with Chair Stand Test, functional mobility with The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), biopsychosocial status with Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach-Biopsychosocial Questionnaire (BETY-BQ) and quality of life with Short Form-36 (SF-36) were evaluated. All evaluations were assessed before and after treatment. ResultsThere was a significant difference in FIQ and chair stand test in reformer pilates group, while in PLI, FIQ, BETY-BQ vs. SF-36 Physical Component in home group (p<0.05) compared with baseline. There were no statistical differences between the groups in terms of delta value (p>0.05). ConclusionsReformer pilates exercises had positive effects on clinical status and muscle strength while home mat pilates exercises had positive effects on the number of painful regions, clinical status, biopsychosocial status and physical component quality of life.Clinical trial registration number NCT04218630.

Association between lower extremity muscle strength and gait speed in the older adults in residential private nursing home

Association between lower extremity muscle strength and gait speed in the older adults in residential private nursing home

Accurate COP Trajectory Estimation in Healthy and Pathological Gait Using Multimodal Instrumented Insoles and Deep Learning Models.

Measuring center-of-pressure (COP) trajectories in out-of-the-lab environments may provide valuable information about changes in gait and balance function related to natural disease progression or treatment in neurological disorders. Traditional equipment to acquire COP trajectories includes stationary force plates, instrumented treadmills, electronic walkways, and insoles featuring high-density force sensing arrays, all of which are expensive and not widely accessible. This study introduces novel deep recurrent neural networks that can accurately estimate dynamic COP trajectories by fusing data from affordable and heterogeneous insole-embedded sensors (namely, an eight-cell array of force sensitive resistors (FSRs) and an inertial measurement unit (IMU)). The method was validated against gold-standard equipment during out-of-the-lab ambulatory tasks that simulated real-world walking. Root-mean-square errors (RMSE) in the mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) directions obtained from healthy individuals (ML: 0.51 cm, AP: 1.44 cm) and individuals with neuromuscular conditions (ML: 0.59 cm, AP: 1.53 cm) indicated technical validity. In individuals with neuromuscular conditions, COP-derived metrics showed significant correlations with validated clinical measures of ambulatory function and lower-extremity muscle strength, providing proof-of-concept evidence of the convergent validity of the proposed method for clinical applications.

EFEITOS DA ESTIMULAÇÃO DA VIBRAÇÃO SOBRE A FORÇA MUSCULAR DAS ARTICULAÇÕES DO JOELHO DOS ATLETAS

ABSTRACT Introduction: The traditional lower extremity muscle strength training consists mainly of resistance training, where training intensity is gradually increased, targeting strength gain. Objective: Study the effect of different vibration frequencies on muscle strength training of tennis players' knee joints. Methods: Using PHYSIO-PLATE vibration training platform, tennis players of a Beijing team were subjected to different frequencies of strength training with vibrational stimulation; after eight weeks of systematic strength training, the vibration frequencies were 30Hz and 45Hz, with amplitude of 7mm. Results: After the experiment, the relative peak torque and total work of the knee extensor muscles in subjects in groups I and II were significantly improved (P&lt;0.05), generating a significant increase in rapid maximal power start. Conclusion: The vibrational stimulation addition to muscle strength training can effectively enhance its effect, including characteristics such as maximal strength, rapid strength, and muscular endurance with a relatively small load. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

지자체에서 운영하는 복지관 운동프로그램 참여가 초고령자의 체력과 인지기능에 미치는 영향: 24주 중심으로

The purpose of this study is to suggest an exercise program that can be applied to the elderly and the elderly on the effects of participation in an exercise program in a welfare center operated by a local government on the physical and cognitive function of the super-aged, and to determine the effectiveness of the program provided by the public sector and provide basic data for individual health prevention and management.BR The subjects of this study were 13 elderly women who use welfare centers in D city, and their physical strength and cognitive function were compared before and after the 24 weeks of local government exercise program. The results of the study are as follows. First, statistically significant results were shown in all variables of basal physical strength (upper extremity, lower extremity muscle strength, agility (dynamic) balance, upper extremity flexibility, lower extremity flexibility, cardiorespiratory endurance) (p.05). Second, there were no statistically significant differences in orientation, comprehension and judgment in cognitive function, but statistically significant results in memory, attention and calculation, and language function (p.05). Through these results, it can be seen that participation in a welfare center exercise program operated by local governments for 24 weeks has a positive effect on basic physical strength and cognitive function.