Muscle Performance In Patients Research Articles

Fracture severity dependence of bone and muscle performance in patients following single or multiple vertebral fractures

BackgroundFew studies focus on the clinical, laboratory, radiological, and biological characteristics of bone and muscle of multiple vertebral fractures, which are associated with a more poor prognosis compared with single fracture.PurposeTo compare the BMD, bone turnover, muscularity, fatty infiltration of muscle, and prevalence of co-morbidities in patients with single and multiple vertebral fractures.MethodsWe recruited 100 patients with single fracture (age 66.96 ± 8.24 years) and 100 with multiple fractures (age 69.90 ± 7.80 years); performed dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of the femoral neck, hip, and lumbar vertebrae; and measured biochemical markers of bone turnover, muscularity, and fatty infiltration.ResultsPatients with multiple vertebral fractures had lower hip BMD (p=0.010) than those with single fractures, but there was no difference in femoral neck and lumbar vertebral BMD nor in muscularity. However, fatty infiltration, an indicator of muscle quality, was significantly higher in participants with multiple fractures (p=0.006). Diabetes was significantly more common in patients with multiple fractures (p=0.042). There were no significant differences in markers of bone turnover, and Seperman analyses showed no correlations of CTX-1 or tPINP with the BMD of the hip, femoral neck, or lumbar spine. However, high CTX-1 was associated with high tPINP (r=0.4805; p<0.0001), and marked fatty infiltration was associated with low hip, lumbar vertebral, and femoral neck BMD. Cox regression analyses showed that age (OR 1.057; 95% CI 1.016–1.101; p=0.006) and low hip BMD (OR 0.016; 95% CI, 0.000–0.549; p=0.022) were associated with a higher risk of multiple fractures.ConclusionPatients with multiple fractures tend to have lower hip BMD, a history of type 2 diabetes, and more substantial fatty infiltration of muscle than in those with single fractures. Age and hip BMD rather than lumbar vertebrae BMD were found to be independent risk factors for multiple vertebral compression fractures, implying that hip BMD may be a more sensitive predictor for multiple vertebral fractures. More improvements in hip BMD and focus on older persons may be useful means of preventing multiple fractures.

Morphological and Functional Alterations of Respiratory Muscle Performance and Spirometry Parameters in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure

The purpose of the study. To identify structural changes and functional modifications in respiratory muscle performance in patients with congestive heart failure.Materials and methods. We conducted prospective observational study at the V. A. Almazov National Medical Research Center involving 118 subjects: 49 patients with congestive heart failure (CHF-group) and 69 healthy people (control group). NYHA functional classes of II to IV were taken as inclusion criteria in the CHF group, and respiratory diseases, abdominal pathology, morbid obesity, and anemia — as exclusion criteria. Ultrasound imaging was used to assess the structural (thickness) and functional (thickening and excursion indices) diaphragmatic impairments during quiet (resting) and deep breathing. Facemask spirometry was used to assess pulmonary function. Results. Patients with CHF were on average older than 59.0 years (53.0; 70.0) vs. 25.0 years (24.0; 26.0) in the control group, P=0.000001, had excessive body weight — 82.0 (73.0; 95.0) vs. 68.5 (55.0; 84.0) kg, P=0.000005 and higher body mass index — 28.4 (24.3; 31.3) vs 21.8 (19.9; 24.0) kg/m2, P=0.000001, but did not differ in height 173.0 (166.0; 179.0) vs. 170.0 (165.0; 183.0) cm, 0.97.Lower maximum inspiratory volume (MIV): 3000.0 (2300.0; 4000.0) vs. 3684.1 (3392.5; 4310.8) ml, P=0.0006, and negative inspiratory force (NIF) measured as max negative pressure generated by the respiratory muscles: 43.1 (–56.7; –33.0) vs. 53.5 (–58.8; –50.9) mBar, P=0.000082, respectively were found in patients with CHF. The diaphragm was significantly thicker (mm) in patients with CHF during quiet (eupnea) and deep breathing compared to healthy subjects. The thickness at the end of quiet inspiration was 3.0 (2.2; 3.6)/1.9 (1.5; 2.2) in the right hemi-diaphragm, P<0.001; and 3.0 (2.4; 3.5)/1.7 (1.4; 2.0) — in the left, P=0.000001; thickness at the end of quite expiration — 2.2 (1.8; 2.9)/1.5 (1.2; 1.7) in the right dome, P=0.000001; and 2.0 (1.7; 2.5)/1.4 (1.2; 1.5) — in the left, P=0.000001. Thickness at the end of deep inspiration was 5.1 (4.4; 6.1)/4.4 (3.6; 5.1) in the right dome, P=0.0005, and 4.9 (4.2; 6.2)/ 3.7 (3.1; 4.8) — in the left, P=0.000007.The diaphragm thickening index during deep breathing was lower in the CHF group than in the control group: 131.1 (82.5; 181.8) vs. 190.9 (150.0; 240.0) in the right dome, P=0.000004; and 148.8 (112.5; 190.3) vs. 175.2 (130.7; 227.7) — in the left, P=0.03, respectively.Diaphragmatic excursions during quiet breathing were larger in patients with CHF than in healthy controls: 2.3 (1.6; 2.8)/1.7 (1.5; 1.9), P=0.0001 and 1.8 (1.5; 2.2)/1.5 (1.3; 1.9), P=0.03 of the right and left domes, respectively.Conclusion. Congestive heart failure contributes to the development of structural and functional impairments of the diaphragm.

Peak oxygen uptake and respiratory muscle performance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Clinical findings and implications.

The maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is the gold standard measure of aerobic exercise capacity and is an important outcome measure in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). And respiratory muscle performance is also an important functional parameter for COPD patients. In addition to the traditional respiratory muscle strength test, the Test of Incremental Respiratory Endurance has recently been introduced and validated in patients with COPD. However, the relationship between VO2 and respiratory muscle performance in COPD is not well understood. Therefore, this study investigated the correlations among VO2 and respiratory muscle performance and other functional markers in COPD. A total of 32 patients with COPD were enrolled. All study participants underwent the following assessments: cardiopulmonary exercise test, pulmonary function test, respiratory muscle strength test, peripheral muscle strength test, and bioelectrical impedance analysis. When comparing VO2peak and respiratory muscle parameters, the sustained maximal inspiratory pressure (SMIP) was the only factor with a significant relationship with VO2peak. Among other functional parameters, the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) showed the strongest correlation with VO2peak. It was followed by phase angle values of lower limbs, leg extension peak torque, age, and total skeletal muscle mass. When comparing respiratory muscle performance with other functional parameters, the SMIP showed the strongest correlation with hand grip strength, followed by peak cough flow, forced vital capacity, maximal inspiratory pressure, and FEV1. The results showed that the SMIP was more significantly correlated with VO2peak than the static measurement of respiratory muscle strength. This suggests that TIRE may be a useful assessment tool for patients with COPD. Additionally, FEV1 and other functional markers were significantly correlated with VO2peak, suggesting that various parameters may be used to evaluate aerobic power indirectly.

Beneficial effects of denosumab on muscle performance in patients with low BMD: a retrospective, propensity score-matched study

SummaryThis study examined the effects of denosumab compared to bisphosphonates and vitamin D alone on muscle performance in patients with low BMD. While grip force improved in both the denosumab and bisphosphonate group, a superior increase in chair rising test force was observed in the denosumab group.IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the anti-resorptive agent denosumab (Dmab) on upper and lower limb muscle performance compared to bisphosphonate (BP) treatment and vitamin D supplementation alone (i.e., basic therapy) in patients with low BMD.MethodsThis retrospective, propensity score-matched (sex, age, BMI, follow-up time) cohort study included 150 osteopenic or osteoporotic patients receiving basic (n = 60), BP (n = 30) or Dmab (n = 60) therapy. All patients underwent a musculoskeletal assessment at baseline and follow-up, including DXA, laboratory bone metabolism parameters, grip force, and chair rising test mechanography. Mean annual percentage changes were calculated and compared between study groups.ResultsAfter a mean follow-up period of 17.6 ± 9.0 months, a significantly higher increase in grip force in both the Dmab (p < 0.001) and BP group (p = 0.001) compared to the vitamin D group was observed (vitamin D = − 6.1 ± 10.2%; BP = + 0.8 ± 8.2%; Dmab = + 5.1 ± 25.5%). The Dmab group showed a significantly higher increase in chair rising test force compared to the BP group (vitamin D = + 5.8 ± 12.7%; BP = + 0.9 ± 8.6%; Dmab = + 8.2 ± 14.4%; Dmab vs. BP p = 0.03). Neither the changes in BMD nor in bone metabolic parameters were associated with changes in muscle performance.ConclusionDmab resulted in increased muscle strength in the upper and lower limbs, indicating systemic rather than site-specific effects as compared to BP. Based on these findings, Dmab might be favored over other osteoporosis treatments in patients with low BMD and poor muscle strength.

Beneficial effect of denosumab on muscle performance in patients with low BMD: A retrospective, propensity score-matched analysis

Beneficial effect of denosumab on muscle performance in patients with low BMD: A retrospective, propensity score-matched analysis

Relationships between tendon structure and clinical impairments in patients with patellar tendinopathy.

The clinical relevance of altered tendon structure in patellar tendinopathy is contested since structural change persists after symptom resolution. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between tendon structure and clinical impairments in patellar tendinopathy. In this retrospective, secondary analysis of individuals with patellar tendinopathy (n = 41), tendon structure (thickness, cross-sectional area [CSA], shear modulus, and viscosity), symptom severity, lower extremity function (counter-movement jump [CMJ] height), and quadriceps muscle performance (knee extension force and central activation ratio [CAR]) were recorded for the symptomatic limb. Relationships among structure, symptom severity, lower extremity function, and quadriceps muscle performance were examined using sequential regression models. Adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and pain levels, there were significant positive relationships for thickness (p < 0.001, β = 0.718) and viscosity (p = 0.006, β = 0.496) with CMJ height. There were significant negative relationships between CSA with both CMJ height (p = 0.001, β = -0.538) and CAR (p = 0.04, β = -0.517). This is the first study to demonstrate relationships between tendon structure and lower extremity function or quadriceps muscle performance in patients with patellar tendinopathy. Clinical significance: Since structural changes persist after symptom resolution, addressing these changes may assist in restoring lower extremity function and quadriceps muscle performance.

Effect of proprioceptive training on lower back muscle performance in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

IntroductionThis study was conducted to investigate the impact of proprioceptive training in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain on lower back muscle performance.MethodsOverall, 43 participants of both genders (28 females and 15 males) with chronic non-specific low back pain aged 18–26 years were randomly assigned to 2 groups (A and B). Group A (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 22) received proprioceptive training and conventional strengthening and stretching exercises 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Group B (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 21) received conventional strengthening and stretching exercises 3 times per week for 8 weeks. To assess lower back muscle performance (peak torque) and the repositioning error of the lumbar spine, a Biodex System 3 Pro isokinetic dynamometer was used. A pressure pain algometer served to measure the pain level, and the functional level was evaluated with the Arabic version of Oswestry Disability Index. All subjects’ outcomes were assessed before and after treatment. For statistical analysis, mixed ANOVA was conducted to investigate the effect of treatment.ResultsA statistically significant effect (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.0001) of treatment and time was revealed in both groups for all measured variables. Between-group analysis implied a higher improvement in post-intervention results in group A (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsThis study indicated improvement in both groups, but adding proprioceptive training to conventional therapy resulted in more improvement in all measured variables.

Effects of Lumbar Mobilization on the Paravertebral Muscle Activity and Muscle Tone in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Background: Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis show abnormal changes in muscle activity due to pain and limited range of motion of the lumbar spine. Excessive increased muscle tone and decreased muscle activity patterns threaten the patients’ quality of life. However, there have been a few studies showing how to improve muscle performance in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Among these, joint mobilization is one way of improving muscle performance through pain relief and increasing the range of motion. Objectives: To investigate the effect of lumbar mobilization by orthopedic manual physical therapy on paravertebral muscle activity and tone in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: In this study, 24 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis were randomized (1:1 ratio) into two groups. The experimental group underwent lumbar posteroanterior mobilization, and the control group underwent conventional physical therapy (conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) for 15 minutes each. For outcome measures, MyotonⓇPRO was used to evaluate muscle tone when resting of the paravertebral muscle in the pain area. For muscle activity evaluation, the reference voluntary contraction of the paravertebral muscle was evaluated using surface electromyography. Results: Muscle tone and activity were significantly improved after intervention in both the experimental and control groups. In addition, the experimental group showed more significant decrease in muscle tone and activity than the control group. Conclusion: These results suggest that lumbar mobilization improving muscle performance in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

Effect of Different Denture Base Materials on the Masticatory Muscle Performance in Patients Wearing Single Maxillary Complete Denture: A Cross-over Study

Purpose: The aim of the research was to evaluate the masticatory muscle performance with different resilient denture base materials in maxillary single denture. Material and methods: Six patients were included in this cross over study. In the first stage of the study, the patients were instructed to use the denture (PMMA denture base) for 1 month and the masticatory muscle activity was assessed in the second and fourth weeks after delivery. A wash out period of two weeks was applied in this study to eliminate the effect of the previous denture then the denture material was relined to soft liner, then replaced with breflex flexible material. For each type of denture base relining material, EMG was recorded after 2 weeks form day of denture insertion (adjustment phase) then EMG was recorded after 4 weeks after complete muscles adaptation (adaptation phase). Results: Comparison between three types of denture bases was performed by one way ANOVA test which revealed significant difference between them regarding duration and amplitude of both masseter and temporalis after 2 weeks and after 4 weeks as P <0.05. Conclusion: This in-vivo study, which shows that rehabilitation of correct masticatory muscle function, improved with the proper use of denture base material and which leads to improvement in the patient’s quality of life.

Assessment of Muscle Activity and Co-contraction in Knee and Ankle Joints during Forward and Backward Walking in Healthy Individuals

Introduction: Backward walking trainings are recommended to improve lower limb muscle performance in patients with joint injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate muscles activity and co-contraction in ankle and knee joints during forward walking (FW) and backward walking (BW) in healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: Ten healthy men aged between 18-28 years participated in this study. The activity and co-contraction of selected muscles (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, semitendinosus, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius medialis, gastrocnemius lateralis, and tibialis anterior) were detected using electromyography (EMG) during stance and swing phases of FW and BW. To identify beginning and end of movement, 4 cameras of motion analysis system were synchronously used with EMG. The data statistical analysis was done using repeated measures ANOVA test via SPSS software. Results: The activity of tibialis anterior (P < 0.001) and gastrocnemius lateralis (P = 0.02) increased respectively at stance and swing phases of BW in comparison to FW. In knee joint, co-contraction of vastus lateralis and vastus medialis at swing phase of BW increased in comparison to FW (P = 0.02). In the ankle joint, co-contraction of dorsiflexor and plantar flexor muscles at stance phase of BW increased in comparison to FW (P < 0.001). At swing phase, co-contraction of dorsiflexor and plantar flexor muscles decreased during BW in comparison to FW (P = 0.04). Conclusion: The results of the current study suggest that activity of the lower limb muscles increased during BW in comparison to FW. In addition, co-contraction of lower limb muscles can have mal-effect on knee joint, but useful effect on ankle joint during BW in comparison to FW.

Relationships among head posture, pain intensity, disability and deep cervical flexor muscle performance in subjects with postural neck pain.

ObjectivesInformation Technology (IT) professionals working with computers gradually develop forward head posture and, as a result, these professionals are susceptible to several neck disorders. This study intended to reveal the relationships between pain intensity, disability, head posture and deep cervical flexor (DCF) muscle performance in patients with postural neck pain.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 84 IT professionals who were diagnosed with postural neck pain. The participants were recruited with a random sampling approach. A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ), the Modified Head Posture Spinal Curvature Instrument (MHPSCI), and the Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback Unit were used to measure neck pain intensity, neck disability, head posture, and DCF muscle performance, respectively.ResultsThe Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a significantly strong positive relationship between the VAS and the NPQ (r = 0.734). The cranio-vertebral (CV) angle was found to have a significantly negative correlation with the VAS (r = −0.536) and a weak negative correlation with the NPQ (r = −0.389).ConclusionThis study concluded that a smaller CV angle corresponded to greater neck pain intensity and disability. Furthermore, there is no significant relationship between CV angle and DCF muscle performance, indicating that head posture re-education through postural correction exercises would not completely correct the motor control deficits in DCF muscles. In addition, a suitable exercise regimen that exclusively targets the deep cervical flexor muscle to improve its endurance is warranted.

Passive stiffness of the ankle and plantar flexor muscle performance after Achilles tendon repair: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDeficits in ankle muscle strength and ankle stiffness may be present in those subjects who underwent surgical treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture. The presence of these long-term deficits may contribute to a lower performance during daily activities and may be linked to future injuries. ObjectiveTo compare the ankle passive stiffness and the plantar flexor muscle performance in patients who underwent unilateral surgical treatment of Achilles tendon rupture with nonsurgical subjects. MethodTwenty patients who underwent unilateral surgical treatment of Achilles tendon rupture [surgical (SU) group], and twenty nonsurgical subjects [non-surgical (NS) group] participated in this study. The ankle passive stiffness was evaluated using a clinical test. The concentric and eccentric plantar flexors performance (i.e. peak torque and work) was evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer at 30°/s. ResultsThe surgical ankle of the surgical group presented lower stiffness compared to the non-surgical ankle (mean difference=3.790; 95%CI=1.23–6.35) and to the non-dominant ankle of the non-surgical group (mean difference=−3.860; 95%CI=−7.38 to −0.33). The surgical group had greater absolute asymmetry of ankle stiffness (mean difference=−2.630; 95%CI=−4.61 to −0.65) and greater absolute asymmetry of concentric (mean difference=−8.3%; 95%CI=−13.79 to −2.81) and eccentric (mean difference=−6.9%; 95%CI=−12.1 to −1.7) plantar flexor work compared to non-surgical group. There was no other difference in stiffness and plantar flexor performance. ConclusionPatients who underwent surgical repair of the Achilles tendon presented with long-term (1 year or more) deficits of ankle stiffness and asymmetries of ankle stiffness and plantar flexor work in the affected ankle compared to the uninjured side in the surgical group and both sides on the nonsurgical group.

Microvascular oxygen extraction during maximal isometric contraction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract Introduction: COPD presents decrease in oxidative metabolism with possible losses of cardiovascular adjustments, suggesting slow kinetics microvascular oxygen during intense exercise. Objective: To test the hypothesis that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients have lower muscle performance in physical exercise not dependent on central factors, but also greater muscle oxygen extraction, regardless of muscle mass. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 11 COPD patients and nine healthy subjects, male, paired for age. Spirometry and body composition by DEXA were evaluated. Muscular performance was assessed by maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) in isokinetic dynamometer and muscle oxygen extraction by the NIRS technique. Student t-test and Pearson correlation were applied. A significance level of p&lt;0.05 was adopted. Results: Patients had moderate to severe COPD (FEV1 = 44.5 ± 9.6% predicted; SpO2 = 94.6 ± 1.6%). Lean leg mass was 8.3 ± 0.9 vs. 8.9 ± 1.0 kg (p =0.033), when comparing COPD and control patients, respectively. The decreased muscle oxygen saturation corrected by muscle mass was 53.2% higher (p=0.044) in the COPD group in MVIC-1 and 149.6% higher (p=0.006) in the MVIC-2. Microvascular extraction rate of oxygen corrected by muscle mass and total work was found to be 114.5% higher (p=0.043) in the COPD group in MVIC-1 and 210.5% higher (p=0.015) in the MVIC-2. Conclusion: COPD patients have low muscle performance and high oxygen extraction per muscle mass unit and per unit of work. The high oxygen extraction suggests that quantitative and qualitative mechanisms can be determinants of muscle performance in patients with COPD.

Three-month endurance training improves functional fitness and knee muscle performance of patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD)

Three-month endurance training improves functional fitness and knee muscle performance of patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD)

Explanatory models of muscle performance in acromegaly patients evaluated by knee isokinetic dynamometry: Implications for rehabilitation

PurposeTo evaluate the effects of demographics and hormonal variations on knee muscle performance in patients with acromegaly and develop explanatory models of peripheral muscle function in these individuals. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study in which 53 acromegalics and 27 healthy subjects underwent knee isokinetic dynamometry to evaluate the peak torque value for leg extension at 75°/s (PTE75) and 240°/s (PTE240). Separate multivariable linear regression models for the prediction of PTE75 and PTE240 were tested using variables commonly used as predictors in the clinical setting and other specific variables related to acromegaly. ResultsThe final prediction model for PTE75 (R2=0.888; adjusted R2=0.820, SE of bias=16.2Nm, p<0.001) was −0.221×growth hormone+36.791×sexmale=1−27.407×statusactive=1−0.690×age+148.071. The final prediction model for PTE240 (R2=0.816; adjusted R2=0.805, SE of bias=8.8Nm, p<0.001) was −0.174×growth hormone+12.522×sexmale=1−0.520×age+98.099. ConclusionsIn acromegalics, high growth hormone levels, female gender, and older age are associated with reduced muscle strength and endurance. Additionally, active disease negatively affects peripheral muscle strength in these patients.

Contribution of the Mitochondria to Locomotor Muscle Dysfunction in Patients With COPD.

COPD is a significant public health challenge, notably set to become the third leading cause of death and fifth leading cause of chronic disability worldwide by the next decade. Skeletal muscle impairment is now recognized as a disabling, extrapulmonary consequence of COPD that is associated with reduced quality of life and premature mortality. Because COPD typically manifests in older individuals, these clinical features may overlie normal age-associated declines in muscle function and performance. Although physical inactivity, oxidative stress, inflammation, hypoxia, malnutrition, and medications all likely contribute to this comorbidity, abetter understanding of the underlying mechanism is needed to develop effective therapies. Mitochondrial alterations have been described; these alterations include reductions in density and oxidative enzyme activity, increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production, and induction of muscle proteolysis including autophagy. This review focuses on the perspective that mitochondrial alterations contribute to impaired locomotor muscle performance in patients with COPD by reducing oxidative capacity and thus endurance, as well as by triggering proteolysis and thus contributing to atrophy and weakness. We discuss how the potential underlying mechanisms converge on mitochondria by targeting the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-coactivator-1α signaling pathway (thereby reducing mitochondrial biogenesis and muscle oxidative capacity and potentially increasing fiber atrophy) and how taking advantage of normal muscle plasticity and mitochondrial biogenesis may reverse this pathophysiology. We propose recent therapeutic strategies aimed at increasing peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-coactivator-1α levels, such as endurance training and exercise mimetic drugs, with the strong rationale for increasing mitochondrial biogenesis and function and thus improving the muscle phenotype in COPD.

Scapular muscle performance in patients with lateral epicondylalgia

Scapular muscle performance in patients with lateral epicondylalgia

English

Lateral epicondylalgia is a degenerative musculoskeletal pain state characterised by pain over the lateral humeral epicondyle resulting in absenteeism from work and daily living activities. It is most prevalent in jobs requiring repetitive manual activities of the upper extremity. Literature describes different treatment options for lateral Epicondylalgia but there is no consensus about the most efficacious intervention strategy. Taping (athletic/kinesio) has been used successfully in various musculoskeletal conditions with successful results. To date, no study has investigated the effect of kinesio taping in lateral epicondylalgia. The purpose of the study was to investigate and compare the effects of kinesio taping and athletic taping on pain andmuscle performance in patients with lateral epicondylalgia. 16 patients (9 males, 7 females) within age group of 18 – 50 years participated in the study. It was a cross over design. VAS, digitalal algometer and Jamar Dynamometer were used to quantify pain, pressure pain threshold and pain free grip strength. These were evaluated pre taping,immediately after taping and after 30minutes of each taping application selected randomly for two consecutive days. RepeatedmeasuresANOVA and percentage changewere used to examine differences in outcomemeasures.Bonferroni correction was applied to correct for repeated testing. The results showed significant pain reduction and increase in grip strength after both the taping techniques but no statistically significant differences for any outcome measure between the two taping techniques (p>0.05). Also the immediate pain reduction was more after athletic taping (21%) than kinesio taping (10%) that corresponded to the immediate increase in pain free grip strength more after athletic taping (14.5%) than kinesio taping (9.7%). 30 minutes later both the outcome measures gave similar percentage changes. The present study concludes with the recommendation of both athletic taping as well as kinesio taping for gaining short term improvements in pain and muscle performance in patients with lateral epicondylalgia.

Scapular Muscle Performance in Patients with Lateral Epicondylalgia

Empirical evidence suggests that addressing scapular muscle deficits may be an important component of rehabilitation in patients with Lateral Epicondylalgia (LE). However, there is limited descriptive data directly assessing scapular muscle performance in patients with LE. The primary purpose of this study was to describe scapular strength, endurance, and muscle thickness (measured by rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI)) in patients with LE compared to a control group. Our secondary purpose was to examine the same measures of muscle performance in a comparison of the patients involved and uninvolved limbs.

Evaluation of Muscle Performance in Patients with Vitamin D Deficiency: Preliminary Study

Aim: Vitamin D de ciency is very common in general population and has potentially harmful effect on musculoskeletal system. We aimed to show the effect of vitamin D de ciency on the muscle performance by using isokinetic test. Meterial and Methods: This study includes 12 women with vitamin D de ciency for patient group and 12 healthy women for control group. We compared knee muscles performance of these two groups by using isokinetic test. Results: The mean age was 40.71 (26-57) years in patients and 41.43 (28-58) years in healthy group. There was no statistical difference between two groups at knee  exion and extension pick-torque values in 60°/s velocity and fatigue index in 180°/s velocity (respectively, p1=0.86, p2=0.12, p3=0.42). Conclusion: Vitamin D de ciency has no effect on muscle performance. Further invastigations that evaluating larger populations are needed. (Turkish Journal of Osteoporosis 2013;19: 17-9)