Muscle Strength In Individuals Research Articles

InspireGBs - Inspiratory muscle training in people with Guillain-Barré syndrome: A feasibility study.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare immune-mediated peripheral nerve disease often preceded by infections. Respiratory muscle weakness is a common complication in this population, leading to decreased vital capacity, weakened coughing ability, atelectasis, and pulmonary infections. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been widely used to enhance inspiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function in various diseases; however, its application in GBS is unknown. To assess the safety, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of an IMT protocol-InspireGBs-in people with GBS. A pre/post feasibility study was conducted. Feasibility was determined by participant recruitment/retention, adherence, time spent in each session, and adverse events. Secondary outcome was inspiratory muscle strength. InspireGBs consisted of twice daily sessions 5 times/week, three sets of 10 breaths in each session, for 6 weeks. Initial resistance was set at 50% of participant's baseline maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and with a weekly increase of 10% calculated from the previous week's training intensity, if tolerated, otherwise the increase was 5%. Eleven patients (63% male; 63 ± 9 years) were recruited from inpatient rehabilitation and 10 completed the study. Recruitment and retention rates were high (79% and 91%, respectively). Excellent adherence rate (96%) was obtained with no reported adverse effects or safety issues. Sessions lasted from 4 to 6 minutes. The MIP improved (pretraining: 39 [26.5-50] cm H2O vs. posttraining: 61 [56.3-64.5] cm H2O, p = .005 and pretraining: 38 [30.5-53.8] % of predicted vs. posttraining: 60 [54.28-71.58] % of predicted, p = .009) with the InspireGBs. InspireGBs is safe, feasible, and may be effective in improving inspiratory muscle strength in individuals with GBS. A randomized controlled trial is now needed to strengthen these findings.

Relation of functional independence to balance, exercise capacity, and peripheral muscle strength in individuals with chronic stroke: A cross-sectional study

PurposeThis cross-sectional study determined the relationship between functional independence and balance, functional exercise capacity, and knee extensor strength in individuals with chronic stroke. Material and methodsThe study included fifty-four individuals with chronic stroke. A single physiotherapist evaluated clinical features. Assessments included the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), the Timed-Up and Go Test (TUG), the 6-min Walk Test (6MWT), and Knee Extensor Strength (KES). ResultsPatients' mean age and body mass index were 60.5 ± 7.13 years and 27.08 ± 4.65 kg/m2. FIM was significantly associated with the POMA (r = 0.644, p = 0.000), TUG (r = -0.723, p = 0.000), and 6MWT (r = 0.569, p = 0.000). FIM was not significantly associated with KES of the paretic side (r = 0.264, p = 0.054), and KES of the non-paretic side (r = 0.207, p = 0.133). However, mFIM was significantly associated with KES of the paretic side (r = 0.432, p = 0.001), and KES of the non-paretic side (r = 0.348, p = 0.010). OutcomesIt was established that there was no relationship between KES and FIM, but that a relationship existed between KES and mFIM. Functional independence is associated with balance ability and functional exercise capacity.

Ant-waist surgery adversely affects lung function: a cross-sectional study.

Body contouring surgery for the removal of the 11th and 12th ribs is undertaken for aesthetic appeal in female and transgender populations. The potential adverse effects of the surgery on lung function and respiratory muscle strength have not been previously studied. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of 'Ant-waist' surgery on lung function and respiratory muscle strength in individuals who had undergone surgery. This was a cross-sectional study with two groups, an Anti-waist group who had undergone surgery and an age and gender matched control group. Participants performed lung function tests to determine measurements of FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, PEF, MIP, and MEP. Independent t-tests were performed to determine between-group differences in outcomes and Pearson's correlation coefficients determined the relationship between lung function and respiratory muscle strength, and number of years since surgery. There was a significant between-group difference in FEV1 (-0.83; 95%CI -1.30, -0.36; p<0.001), FEV1%pred. (-34.91; 95%CI -48.92, -20.90; p<0.001), FVC%pred. (-22.73; 95%CI -32.84, -12.62; p<0.001), PEF%pred. (-44.18; 95%CI -61.52, -26.84; p<0.001) and MEP (-68.27; -102.48, -34.07; p<0.001). There were significantly large, negative correlations (r>0.5) between the number of years after surgery and FEV1 (p=0.002), FEV1%pred. (p=0.0001); and PEF%pred. (p=0.032). This study has identified that aesthetic surgery for the removal of ribs 11 and 12 had a significant adverse effect on lung function and respiratory muscle strength in Jordanian females. The potential adverse effects should be carefully explained by surgeons to patients considering the surgery.

Physical Profiles of All-Rounders, Batters, and Bowlers in Sub-Elite Women's Cricket.

Jacobs, J, Olivier, B, Brandt, C, and Jafta, G. Physical profiles of all-rounders, batters, and bowlers in sub-elite women's cricket. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1095-1102, 2024-The unique physical profile of each player's role in sub-elite women's cricket is vital for optimizing performance as these players progress to the elite levels. This quantitative, cross-sectional study investigates the physical profiles of sub-elite women's cricket players as a group and compares these profiles across different player roles. Sub-elite female cricket players in the South African domestic women's cricket league were included in this study. A battery of physical assessments were conducted at the start of the 2022/23 season. The physical assessments included body composition, individual muscle strength testing using dynamometry, 2-km time trial (TT), countermovement jump (CMJ), single-leg jump (SLJ), isometric mid-thigh pull, push-up, and hop test on force plates. A total of 44 female players (20.86 ± 1.6 years) were included in the study. Differences were found in muscle mass (p = 0.004) and peak power (p = 0.040) for all-rounders and bowlers. Player roles presented with different dominant (p = 0.006) and non-dominant (p = 0.066) knee flexion strength. The bowlers' body composition and physical strength profile are compromised compared with batters and all-rounders. There were several physical strength and power differences between pace and spin bowlers in CMJ and SLJ tests for jump height (p = 0.009) and peak power (p = 0.006). Batters performed the best in the 2-km TT. Body composition and musculoskeletal profiles for each player role can be baseline markers in sub-elite women's cricket. Stakeholders can use this information to guide physical preparation for players advancing to elite levels.

The effect of six weeks of therapeutic exercises and kinesio tape (KT) in reducing pain and increasing flexibility and muscle strength for people with low back pain

Objective: This study aims to prepare therapeutic exercises that enhance the strength and elongation of ligaments and dorsal muscles, assess the impact of therapeutic exercises and Kinesio tapes (KT) in alleviating lower back pain, and evaluate the effect of therapeutic exercises and Kinesio tapes (KT) in improving flexibility and muscle strength in individuals suffering from lower back pain. Method: A sample of (6) injured, from Al-Kut club, (age = 30 ± 4.29 years, height = 176.6 ± 3.87 cm, mass 75.6 ± 2.71 kg) participated in the study. The participants in the experimental group (n=10) completed pre-tests and post-tests. Results: The results of the experimental sample show that there was a significant improvement in the mean scores for Muscular strength on the post-test compared to the pre-test. The mean score for pain decreased from (6.02 to 1.25, p&amp;lt;0.005), the mean score for the Torso force increased (flexion) from (16.17 to 51.833, (extension) 16.83 to 52.67, p&amp;lt;0.005), and the mean score for torso flexibility increased from (1.18 to 5.53, p&amp;lt;0.005). Conclusion: A significant finding of the study is that the therapeutic exercises employed effectively enhanced the flexibility of the torso while simultaneously restoring muscle strength. This confirms the efficacy of therapeutic exercises. Additionally, the use of Kinesio tapes appears to have a positive impact on reducing pain levels in the participants of the study

Association of IGF-1 and IGF-2 genotypes with respiratory muscle strength in individuals with COPD: A cross-sectional study.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a systemic disease characterized not only by respiratory symptoms but also by physical deconditioning and muscle weakness. One prominent manifestation of this disease is the decline in respiratory muscle strength. Previous studies have linked the genotypes of insulin-like growth factor 1 and 2 (IGF-1 and IGF-2) to muscle weakness in other populations without this disease. However, there is a notable knowledge gap regarding the biological mechanisms underlying respiratory muscle weakness, particularly the role of IGF-1 and IGF-2 genotypes in this pulmonary disease. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the association between IGF-1 and IGF-2 genotypes with respiratory muscle strength in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition, we analyzed the relationship between oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and vitamin D with respiratory muscle strength. A cross sectional study with 61 individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Polymerase chain reaction of gene polymorphisms IGF-1 (rs35767) and IGF-2 (rs3213221) was analyzed. Other variables, related to oxidative stress, inflammation and Vitamin D were dosed from peripheral blood. Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure were measured. The genetic polymorphisms were associated with respiratory muscle strength ( 3.0 and 3.5; = 0.57). Specific genotypes of IGF-1 and IGF-2 presented lower maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure (<0.05 for all). Oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers, and vitamin D were not associated with respiratory muscle strength. The polymorphisms of IGF-1 and IGF-2 displayed stronger correlations with respiratory muscle strength compared to blood biomarkers in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Specific genotypes of IGF-1 and IGF-2 were associated with reduced respiratory muscle strength in this population.

Strength training improves functional capacity of individuals with chronic heart failure: Randomized clinical trial

IntroductionChronic heart failure (CHF) is characterized by dyspnea, exercise intolerance and impaired quality of life. Physical exercise is a key point in the treatment of these outcomes. ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of 24 weeks of two different training strategies on functional capacity, muscle strength and quality of life in individuals with CHF. MethodsThe following tests and evaluations were performed before and after 24 weeks of training: exercise test, one-repetition maximum test (1- RM) and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ). Subjects were randomized according to the modality they would perform first: aerobic training group (ATG – n=6) or strength training group (STG – n=7). ResultsThe sample consisted of 13 individuals (10 men), aged 55 ± 12 years and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 38.8 ± 5.3%. There was a significant increase in V'O 2peak only in STG (STG: 26.92 ± 9.81 vs 30.52 ± 8.39 mL.kg -1 .min -1 - p=0.025; ATG: 19.60 ± 7,00 vs 22.42 ± 8.54 mL.kg -1 .min -1 - p=0.119). Both groups showed significant improvements in muscle strength (STG: 45 ± 17 vs 51 ± 20 kg - p=0.001; ATG: 38 ± 19 vs 42 ± 20 kg - p=0.012). There was no significant difference in quality of life (STG: 30 ± 18 vs 24 ± 20 - p=0.109; ATG: 36 ± 16 vs 26 ± 15 - p=0.143). ConclusionThe early implementation of strength training improves functional capacity and muscle strength of individuals with CHF.

Resistance Exercise Minimal Dose Strategies for Increasing Muscle Strength in the General Population: an Overview.

Many individuals do not participate in resistance exercise, with perceived lack of time being a key barrier. Minimal dose strategies, which generally reduce weekly exercise volumes to less than recommended guidelines, might improve muscle strength with minimal time investment. However, minimal dose strategies and their effects on muscle strength are still unclear. Here our aims are to define and characterize minimal dose resistance exercise strategies and summarize their effects on muscle strength in individuals who are not currently engaged in resistance exercise. The minimal dosestrategies overviewed were: "Weekend Warrior," single-set resistance exercise, resistance exercise "snacking," practicing the strength test, and eccentric minimal doses. "Weekend Warrior," which minimizes training frequency, is resistance exercise performed in one weekly session. Single-set resistance exercise, which minimizes set number and session duration, is one set of multiple exercises performed multiple times per week. "Snacks," which minimize exercise number and session duration, are brief bouts (few minutes) of resistance exercise performed once or more daily. Practicing the strength test, which minimizes repetition number and session duration, is one maximal repetition performed in one or more sets, multiple days per week. Eccentric minimal doses, which eliminate or minimize concentric phase muscle actions, are low weekly volumes of submaximal or maximal eccentric-only repetitions. All approaches increase muscle strength, and some approaches improve other outcomes of health and fitness. "Weekend Warrior" and single-set resistance exercise are the approaches most strongly supported by current research, while snacking and eccentric minimal doses are emerging concepts with promising results. Public health programs can promote small volumes of resistance exercise as being better for muscle strength than no resistance exercise at all.

Effects of the FIFA 11+ injury prevention programme on muscle strength and landing biomechanical markers of ACL injury during fatigue among youth soccer players

Abstract Study aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the FIFA 11+ injury prevention programme on strength and on muscle strength and landing biomechanical markers of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during fatigue among youth recreational soccer players. Material and methods: Thirty volunteer participants were assigned to the intervention group (n = 15) and control group (n = 15). The intervention group performed the FIFA 11+ programme as a warm-up activities, while the control group performed unstructured warm-up twice per week for 8 weeks. The data measurements were taken before fatigue simulation (PRE), immediately after simulation (POST5), after 20 min (POST20), and 35 min (POST35) after simulation before and after the completion of the intervention. Five-minute fatigue simulation was used for fatigue induction. Muscle strength was measured using an isokinetic machine during concentric and eccentric contractions of the hamstrings and quadriceps. Meanwhile, landing biomechanics was measured by the Landing Error Scoring System. Results: No significant differences were observed in individual muscle strength, H/Q CONV, and H/QFUNC ratio. The biomechanical landing markers showed a significantly higher score in PRE (P = 0.004; effect size = 0.32) and POST5 (P = 0.007; effect size = 0.29) in the FIFA 11+ group compared to the control group. Conclusion: Twice a week for eight weeks of FIFA 11+ is adequate to detect positive changes in biomechanical markers of ACL injury during fatigue.

Investigation of The Pain and Muscle Strength of Individuals with Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction and Its Effect on Postural Stability

ABSTRACT&#x0D; Sacroiliac joint dysfunction(sijd) is created by repetitive stresses and is ligaments and muscles cause compressive and elastic forces [1].Muscles ligaments and joints are mechanoreceptors and retains stability and bearings of the body movements sense proprioception. [9].However there is a little research investigating the relationship between sijd and balance.&#x0D; &#x0D; Aim: To investigate the relationship between sijd and static/dynamic balance.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: 20 subjects with sijd and 20subjects without SIJ dysfunction(control group-CG)were evaluated by standing flexion,sitting flexion and Gillet's Test.In addition to sociodemographic features, visual analog scale(VAS) was used for pain assessment.Manuel Muscle Testing (MMT) was used for assessing strength of rectus abdominis and lumbar extensors.Static balance was evaluated by single leg stance test (SLST) with open and closed eyes.Dynamic balance was evaluated by Prokin PK200.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: For statistical analysis SPSS program was used.There were significant difference in static balance of the lower extremities without visual feedback between subjects with sijd and CG(p

Dose-Response Relationships of Resistance Training in Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

To determine the effects of resistance training (RT) on symptoms, function, and lower limb muscle strength in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and to determine the optimal dose-response relationships. We searched the PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from inception to January 23, 2022. Randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of RT in KOA patients (mean age ≥50 years) were included. We applied Hedges' g of the random-effects model to calculate the between-subject standardized mean difference (SMDbs). A random-effects metaregression was calculated to explain the influence of key training variables on the effectiveness of RT. We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessments, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) method to appraise the certainty of evidence. A total of 46 studies with 4289 participants were included. The analysis revealed moderate effects of RT on symptoms and function (SMDbs =-0.52; 95% CI: -0.64 to -0.40), and lower limb muscle strength (SMDbs = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.64) in the intervention group compared with the control group. The results of the metaregression revealed that only the variable "training period" (P< .001) had significant effects on symptoms, function, and lower limb muscle strength, and the 4 to 8 weeks of training subgroup showed greater effects than other subgroups (SMDbs =-0.70, -0.91 to -0.48; SMDbs = 0.76, 0.56 to 0.96). Compared with inactive treatments, RT is strongly recommended to improve symptoms, function, and muscle strength in individuals with KOA. Dose-response relationship analysis showed that 4 to 8 weeks of RT had more benefits.

Association between serum uric acid and muscle strength in older adults with or without gout diagnosis: NHANES 2011-2014.

Increased oxidative stress seems to be one of the causes of muscle strength loss during aging. Uric acid (UA) is an important antioxidant that has been positively associated with muscle strength in older adults. However, UA is also a prerequisite for gout, which is a type of arthritis that increases inflammation. The association between UA and muscle strength in individuals with gout is unknown. The aim of the study was to associate muscle strength with UA in older adults with or without gout diagnosis. The present study evaluated older adults aged from 60 to 80years from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2012 and 2013-2014. A total of 2529 individuals (1249 men and 1280 women) were evaluated, with (n = 201) or without (n = 2328) gout diagnosis. Muscle strength was measured using a handgrip dynamometer. The combined grip strength (sum of highest values of both hands) was evaluated. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between UA and strength adjusting for confounders. Evaluating the individuals without gout, UA was positively associated with muscle strength [(β = 0.66 (CI = 0.08; 1.24); p = 0.028)]. However, this association was not significant in individuals with gout [(β = 0.20 (CI = - 1.18; 1.58); p = 0.774)]. Serum UA is positively associated with handgrip strength only in older adults without gout diagnosis. These results suggest that the presence of gout may avoid a positive association between UA and muscle strength in older adults.

The Chronic Effect of Stair Climbing–Descending Exercises after Meals on Glycemic Control in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed to examine the chronic effect of a stair climbing–descending exercise (ST-EX) program on glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Sixteen T2D participants were randomly divided into two groups and followed up over 12 weeks: they either performed regular ST-EX after meals at home (n = 8) or maintained their daily routine (CON; no training) (n = 8). The participants in the ST-EX group were instructed to perform a minimum of 12 sessions/week of ST-EX for more than three days/week. One session of ST-EX consisted of two repetitions of 3 min bouts of climbing to the second floor, followed by walking down to the first floor. Fourteen participants completed the study (seven for each group). The decrease in glycoalbumin levels was significantly greater in the ST-EX group (mean value: −1.0%) than in the CON group (+0.4%). Moreover, the knee extension force increased greatly in the ST-EX group (+0.2 Nm/kg) compared with that in the CON group (−0.1 Nm/kg), with no significant change in the skeletal muscle mass. Performing regular ST-EX after meals may be an effective strategy to improve glycemic control and lower-extremity muscle strength in individuals with T2D.

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

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

Influence of Self-efficacy on Strength and Physical Function among Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis affects the elderly, potentially leading to disability, with varying symptoms and fatigue. The hip and knee joints experience discomfort, stiffness, reduced mobility, and depression. Muscle weakness, linked to lower limb atrophy, heightens the risk of falls. Self-efficacy, which is confidence in performing tasks despite discomfort, impacts knee strength and function. Factors such as age, education, depression, and physical decline shape self-efficacy. However, the impact of self-efficacy on osteoarthritis health outcomes is unclear due to reduced activity levels. The present study aims to explore the influence of self-efficacy on knee osteoarthritis function and strength. Aim: To identify the influence of self-efficacy on physical function and muscle strength in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Physiotheraphy with 73 participants who met the inclusion criteria. The study took place between October 2022 and April 2023, spanning a period of six months, at KS Hegde Charitable Hospital in Mangaluru, Karnataka, India. Hip-knee muscle strength was measured using a push-pull dynamometer, physical function was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and self-efficacy was evaluated using the Arthritis Self-efficacy Scale-8. All tests were performed once on the same day, with a five-minute rest between each test. Withingroup differences were identified using an Independent T-test, and between-group analysis was conducted using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: The mean age of the participants was 60.2±6.5 years, and the Basal Metabolic Index (BMI) was 25.2±2.0 kg/m2 . A statistically significant difference with a p-value of 0.001 was observed in hip abductor, knee flexor, knee extensor, and TUG tests between the high and low self-efficacy grades. The time taken for the TUG test also showed significance with a p-value of 0.001. Individuals with high levels of self-efficacy had better scores in physical function as well as muscle strength. No association was found between self-efficacy and KL grading. Conclusion: Participants with higher self-efficacy demonstrated good muscle strength in the hip muscles and good physical function. The study concluded that individuals with high selfefficacy grades had better muscle strength and mobility compared to those with low scores in both strength and mobility.

Study of Anthropometry, Range of Motion, and Muscle Strength of Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury or Amputation for the Design of a Driver's Seat in Large Agricultural Equipment.

This study aims to check and compare the anthropometry, range of motion, and upper limb muscle strength of individuals with spinal cord injury or amputation in order to design a driver's seat in a large farming machine for them to operate. We analyzed previous studies and derived 24 measurement items essential for designing the driver's seat. For data collection, we recruited 78 people with spinal cord injury and 46 people with amputation. The collected data were classified into 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 95th percentile groups by disability type and gender, before conducting a comparative analysis. For an in-depth analysis, we performed an independent t-test on the samples to compare the individuals with spinal cord injury and the individuals with amputation in terms of disability type and gender. The results showed statistical differences as follows. In the same disability category, male subjects surpassed female subjects. In the same gender category, individuals with amputation surpassed individuals with spinal cord injury. Based on this study's data and analysis, large farming machines can be designed by reflecting the characteristics of a wide variety of disability types.

Effects of a combined progressive resistance training and functional electrical stimulation-evoked cycling exercise on lower limb muscle strength of individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury: A randomized controlled study.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of combined progressive resistance training (PRT) and functional electrical stimulation-evoked leg cycling exercise (FES-LCE) on isometric peak torque and muscle volume in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury. In the single-blind, randomized controlled trial performed between April 2015 and August 2016, 28 participants were randomized between two exercise interventions (FES-LCE+PRT and FES-LCE alone), and training was conducted over 12 weeks. The isometric muscle peak torque and muscle volume for both lower limbs were measured at the baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks. Linear mixed-model analysis of variance was performed to test the effects of FES-LCE+PRT versus FES-LCE on each outcome measure over time via an intention-to-treat analysis. Twenty-three participants (18 males, 5 females; mean age: 33.4±9.7 years; range 21 to 50 years) completed study (10 in the FES-LCE+PRT group, and 13 in the FES-LCE group). The 12-week pre-and posttraining change for left hamstrings' muscle peak torque in the FES-LCE+PRT group (mean difference=4.5±7.9 Nm, 45% change, p<0.05) was consistently higher than that in the FES-LCE group (mean difference=2.4±10.3 Nm, 4% change; p<0.018). The improvement in the right quadriceps muscle's peak torque of the FES-LCE+PRT group (mean difference=19±7.6 Nm, 31% change, p<0.05) was more significant compared to the FES-LCE group. The left muscle volume showed a remarkable increase after 12 weeks in the FES-LCE+PRT group (mean difference=0.3±9.3 L, 7% change, p<0.05). The combination of PRT and FES-LCE was better in improving lower limb muscle strength and volume in chronic incomplete individuals with spinal cord injury.

Practicable performance-based outcome measures of trunk muscle strength and their measurement properties: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

IntroductionThe evaluation of muscle strength is frequently used as part of the physical examination process, with decreased trunk muscle strength reported in individuals with spinal disorders (e.g., low back pain). Access to practicable performance-based outcome measures (PBOM) to monitor patients’ progress in spinal rehabilitation is essential. Knowledge of the psychometric properties of the available practicable PBOM for trunk strength evaluation is therefore needed to inform practitioners and further research.ObjectiveTo synthesise evidence on the measurement properties of practicable measures of trunk muscle strength in adults with and without musculoskeletal pain.MethodsFollowing a published and registered protocol [PROSPERO CRD42020167464], databases were searched from the database inception date up to 30th of June 2021. Citations and grey literature were also searched. Eligibility criteria comprised: 1) studies which examined the psychometric properties of the trunk strength outcome measures, 2) included adults ≥ 18 years, either asymptomatic or with spinal musculoskeletal pain. Non-English language studies were excluded. Two independent reviewers evaluated the quality and synthesized the data from included studies according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist. The overall quality of evidence was evaluated using a modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE).ResultsFrom 34 included studies, 15 different PBOMs were identified that have been investigated for reliability and validity, none evaluated responsiveness. In asymptomatic individuals, high quality evidence supports intra-rater reliability of digital-loading cells and moderate quality evidence supports the criterion validity of the hand-held dynamometer. Very low quality evidence exists for the reliability and validity estimates of testing tools among individuals with spinal pain.ConclusionsFindings underpin a cautious recommendation for the use of practicable PROMs to evaluate muscle strength in individuals with spinal pain in clinical practice due to the level of evidence and the heterogeneity of the protocols used. Further high quality research to explore the psychometric properties of the practicable PBOMs with detailed methodology is now needed.

The Effects of the Biceps Brachii and Brachioradialis on Elbow Flexor Muscle Strength and Spasticity in Stroke Patients.

Objective Muscle weakness and spasticity are common consequences of stroke, leading to a decrease in physical activity. The effective implementation of precision rehabilitation requires detailed rehabilitation evaluation. We aimed to analyze the surface electromyography (sEMG) signal features of elbow flexor muscle (biceps brachii and brachioradialis) spasticity in maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and fast passive extension (FPE) in stroke patients and to explore the main muscle groups that affect the active movement and spasticity of the elbow flexor muscles to provide an objective reference for optimizing stroke rehabilitation. Methods Fifteen patients with elbow flexor spasticity after stroke were enrolled in this study. sEMG signals of the paretic and nonparetic elbow flexor muscles (biceps and brachioradialis) were detected during MVIC and FPE, and root mean square (RMS) values were calculated. The RMS values (mean and peak) of the biceps and brachioradialis were compared between the paretic and nonparetic sides. Additionally, the correlation between the manual muscle test (MMT) score and the RMS values (mean and peak) of the paretic elbow flexors during MVIC was analyzed, and the correlation between the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) score and the RMS values (mean and peak) of the paretic elbow flexors during FPE was analyzed. Results During MVIC exercise, the RMS values (mean and peak) of the biceps and brachioradialis on the paretic side were significantly lower than those on the nonparetic side (p < 0.01), and the RMS values (mean and peak) of the bilateral biceps were significantly higher than those of the brachioradialis (p < 0.01). The MMT score was positively correlated with the mean and peak RMS values of the paretic biceps and brachioradialis (r = 0.89, r = 0.91, r = 0.82, r = 0.85; p < 0.001). During FPE exercise, the RMS values (mean and peak) of the biceps and brachioradialis on the paretic side were significantly higher than those on the nonparetic side (p < 0.01), and the RMS values (mean and peak) of the brachioradialis on the paretic side were significantly higher than those of the biceps (p < 0.01). TheMAS score was positively correlated with the mean RMS of the paretic biceps and brachioradialis (r = 0.62, p = 0.021; r = 0.74, p = 0.004), and the MAS score was positively correlated with the peak RMS of the paretic brachioradialis (r = 0.59, p = 0.029) but had no significant correlation with the peak RMS of the paretic biceps (r = 0.49, p > 0.05). Conclusions The results confirm that the biceps is a vital muscle in active elbow flexion and that the brachioradialis plays an important role in elbow flexor spasticity, suggesting that the biceps should be the focus of muscle strength training of the elbow flexors and that the role of the brachioradialis should not be ignored in the treatment of elbow flexor spasticity. This study also confirmed the application value of sEMG in the objective assessment of individual muscle strength and spasticity in stroke patients.

Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Knee Muscle Strength After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Critically Appraised Topic.

Clinical Scenario: Knee muscle strength weakness after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is the most commonly seen impairment. Whole-body vibration (WBV) training has been shown to improve muscle strength in both healthy and injured individuals. However, it is not clear yet if WBV training has a beneficial effect in knee muscle strength recovery after ACL reconstruction. Clinical Question: Is adding WBV training to conventional rehabilitation more effective than conventional rehabilitation at improving quadriceps and hamstring muscles strength in individuals who have undergone ACL reconstruction? Summary of Key Findings: After the literature was reviewed, 4 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and were included in this critically appraised topic. Clinical Bottom Line: There is moderate- to high-quality evidence to support that adding WBV to conventional rehabilitation programs can result in better improvement in knee muscle strength after ACL reconstruction. Strength of Recommendation: Findings from 4 randomized controlled trials indicate that there is level B evidence supporting that WBV is effective for knee muscle strength recovery in patients who had undergone ACL reconstruction.