Muscle Strength Testing Research Articles

Reliability and validity of surface EMG assessments combined with isometric muscle strength testing in patients with abdominal rectus diastasis and asymptomatic controls

PurposePatients with abdominal rectus diastasis (ARD) may have muscular functional impairments, but clinics lack appropriate objective assessment tools. The aim was to establish the relative and absolute reliability, and convergent validity, of muscular activity using Surface Electromyography (SEMG) during isometric abdominal muscle strength testing in patients with ARD and controls without ARD.MethodsTwenty-six patients with ARD were matched for age, sex and BMI with controls without ARD. Participants were tested twice during isometric muscular contractions using SEMG located on six abdominal sites. Mean amplitude, fatigue, and recruitment order were analyzed. Relative reliability was evaluated with Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), while absolute reliability was estimated by calculating the Standard Error of Measurement and Minimal Detectable Change. Convergent validity was addressed in relation to participant characteristics, functional ability, and symptoms.ResultsMean SEMG amplitude for all abdominal wall muscle contractions showed moderate to excellent relative test–retest reliability, with ICC values ranging from 0.46 to 0.97. In contrast, fatigue and recruitment order displayed poor to moderate relative reliability in both groups. Absolute reliability measures were generally high. A moderate to high convergent validity (ARD: rho-value 0.41–0.70; Controls: rho-value 0.41–0.75) was observed for mean amplitude in relation to a functional sit-to-stand test, abdominal circumference, BMI, back pain, and quality-of-life.ConclusionsThe results of applying SEMG during isometric abdominal muscle support practicing the method in clinics, although additional development is needed with further standardization and more functional testing. Furthermore, the method demonstrates construct validity in patients with ARD and in age- and sex-matched controls.

Changes in rehabilitation students’ clinical placement and clinical competence at graduation during the COVID-19 pandemic: A pilot study

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected physical and occupational therapist education in various ways. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated whether the pandemic changed clinical placement, thus influencing the clinical competence of physical and occupational therapists at a hospital in Japan. METHODS: Eleven therapists (seven physical and four occupational) participated in this study in April 2021. Clinical placement teaching methods were surveyed using an online questionnaire. The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), comprising attitudinal and technical items, was used to examine clinical competence. The results were calculated as the sum of the attitudinal and technical scores, and the ratios of these scores to the full score were compared using a paired-sample Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: During the pandemic, some schools implemented shortened practical clinical placements. The substituted classes included online-only classes and combined online and face-to-face classes. Regarding clinical competence, scores on the OSCE were mostly high. The median proportion of the total attitudinal score to the perfect score was 100% for all three items (range-of-motion test, muscle strength test, Stroke Impairment Assessment Set). The median proportion of the total technical score to the perfect score ranged from 56.7% to 76.7% for the three items. The ratio of the total attitudinal score to the full score was significantly higher than that of the total technical score to the full score (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Most clinical placements were canceled or partially administered through online learning during the pandemic. This decrease in clinical placements did not affect newly recruited physical and occupational therapists’ clinical competence.

Sarcopenia in cirrhosis: Unraveling the prevalence and relationships with liver disease severity and complications.

Sarcopenia in cirrhosis is associated with poor survival and adverse pre and post-transplant outcomes. The study aimed at determining the prevalence of sarcopenia and its association with the severity, complications and etiology of liver disease. As many as 416 cirrhotic patients who met the inclusion criteria underwent muscle strength testing using a dynamometer. As many as 109 probable sarcopenia patients underwent computed tomography (CT) scan to measure skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the L3 vertebral level and gait-speed testing. The gender-specific cut-offs used to define sarcopenia were an SMI of 36.54 cm2/m2 in males and 30.21 cm2/m2 in females. A gait speed ≤ 0.8m/s was taken as a cut-off to define severe sarcopenia in both genders. The mean age was 54.7 ± 9.51years and male:female ratio was 2.2:1.The mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.2 ± 1.34kg/m2. Alcohol and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) were the two most common etiologies (45.9% and 31.2%). The proportion of patients belonging to Child-Pugh class A, B and C was 26.6%, 48.6% and 24.8%, respectively. Forty out of 109 (36.7%) patients had a model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) > 14. Ascites, upper gastrointestinal bleeding and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) were present in 59 (54.1%), 60 (55.0%) and 24 (22.0%) patients, respectively. The prevalence of probable sarcopenia, sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia was found to be 26.20%, 10.09% and 6.73%, respectively. Sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia were associated with Child-Pugh class (p < 0.001, p < 0.001), MELD (p = 0.007, 0.002), upper gastrointestinal bleed (p = 0.007, 0.004), ascites (p = 0.038, 0.025) and HE (0.001, < 0.001). The prevalence of sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia was found to be 10.09% and 6.73%, respectively. Sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia had a significant association with the severity and complications of cirrhosis. However, no association was observed with etiology of liver disease.

Acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of WE-SURF™: a virtual supervised group-based fall prevention exercise program among older adults

Conducted physically, supervised group-based falls prevention exercise programs have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the risk of falls among older adults. In this study, we aimed to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of a virtual supervised group-based falls prevention exercise program (WE-SURF™) for community-dwelling older adults at risk of falls.MethodA preliminary study utilizing virtual discussions was conducted to assess the acceptability of the program among six older adults. Effectiveness was evaluated in a randomized controlled feasibility study design, comprising 52 participants (mean age: 66.54; SD: 5.16), divided into experimental (n = 26) and control (n = 26) groups. The experimental group engaged in a 6-month WE-SURF™ program, while the control group received standard care along with a fall’s prevention education session. Feasibility of the intervention was measured using attendance records, engagement rates from recorded videos, dropouts, attrition reasons, and adverse events.ResultsPreliminary findings suggested that WE-SURF™ was acceptable, with further refinements. The study revealed significant intervention effects on timed up and go (TUG) (η2p:0.08; p < 0.05), single leg stance (SLS) (η2p:0.10; p < 0.05), and lower limb muscle strength (η2p:0.09; p < 0.05) tests. No adverse events occurred during the program sessions, and both attendance and engagement rates were high (> 80% and 8/10, respectively) with minimal dropouts (4%). The WE-SURF™ program demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the risk of falls while enhancing muscle strength and balance.ConclusionIn conclusion, WE-SURF™ was demonstrated to be an acceptable, feasible, and effective virtual supervised group-based exercise program for fall prevention in community-dwelling older adults at risk of falls. With positive outcomes and favourable participant engagement, WE-SURF™ holds the potential for wider implementation. Further research and scaling-up efforts are recommended to explore its broader applicability.(Registration number: ACTRN 12621001620819).

Effects of protein-enriched nutritional support on skeletal muscle mass and rehabilitative outcomes in brain tumor patients: a randomized controlled trial

Patients with brain tumors require extensive and prolonged rehabilitation efforts as they suffer from lesion-induced motor weakness as well as treatment-related side effects, often leading to a significant decline in function. Protein supplements have shown positive effects on promoting muscle strength and physical performance in various tumor etiologies. However, reports on their effects specifically in brain tumor patients remain scarce. This study aims to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of protein supplements in enhancing rehabilitative outcomes via muscle strengthening and functional gain in brain tumor patients with neurological demise. Sixty brain tumor patients were randomly assigned to either a protein supplement or a control group, receiving either protein supplements or a placebo for 6 weeks, in conjunction with conventional rehabilitation therapy. Assessments before and after the intervention included laboratory tests, anthropometric measures using bioimpedance analysis, and functional assessments, which included the MMSE, the modified Barthel Index, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Brief Fatigue Inventory, the Timed Up and Go test, the 6-min walk test, the isokinetic quadriceps muscle strength test, and the handgrip power. After the intervention, the levels of serum hemoglobin, protein, albumin, and C-reactive protein were improved in both groups, however, the change was significant only in the protein group. The muscle strength was enhanced in both groups, however, the significant increase in pinch grasp power was only noted in the protein group (P < 0.05). The distance on 6MWT was also significantly extended at follow-up in the protein group (P < 0.01). In the subgroup analysis according to nutritional status, the moderate malnutrition group showed greater augmentation of muscle mass than those with adequate nutrition (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the amelioration of malnutrition was observed only the in protein group. This study using protein supplements to promote the rehabilitative potential of brain tumor patients revealed a significant effect on improving hemodynamic nutritional indices, muscle power reimbursement, and functional improvement, especially in malnourished patients. The safety and feasibility of protein supplements in brain tumor patients were affirmative in this study. Further studies with more patients may help confirm the secondary functional gain resulting from increased muscle power.Trial registration: This study was retrospectively registered in the Clinical Research Information Service, CRIS no. KCT0009113 on Jan 12, 2024.

Standardization use of the international classification of functioning, disability and health in the determination of health status in patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome

Purpose To propose a standardized method for the use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to describe the health status in Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) and investigate interrater agreement in the linking process in instruments and clinical exams using the ICF categories. Materials and Methods Cross-sectional and interrater agreement study that followed the Guidelines for Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies. Two raters performed the linking coding process in instruments of quality of life, anxiety and depression, fatigue and pulmonary function, inspiratory muscle strength and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The codes were qualified by standards defined to each instrument and exams. Results The instrument with the lowest Cohen’s Kappa coefficient was anxiety and depression (k = 0.57). Forty ICF codes were linked to clinical instruments and exams. The fatigue instrument presented a higher degree of disability by the qualification process, from severe to complete, in the linked codes. Conclusion The study presents a standardized method for the assessment of the health status of patients with PACS through ICF. Restriction in work performance, socialization and family relationships as well as disabilities in physical endurance, fatigue and exercise tolerance were found in the sample. The agreement between the raters was moderate to perfect, demonstrating that the method can be reproducible.

Acute patellar dislocation during isokinetic knee strength testing: A case report

Key Clinical MessageIsokinetic testing is a maximal muscle strength test which requires adequate patient's preparation and observer's care. While the available data suggests that isokinetic devices are safe, their use may rarely cause severe injuries. The screening of predisposing anatomical factors could help preventing injuries before testing.AbstractA 29‐year‐old athletic man presented an acute patellar dislocation on a healthy right knee during isokinetic muscle strength testing, which was conducted in the setting of an intensive physical rehabilitation program, for persistent left knee pain after arthroscopic surgery for meniscal tear. This is the first case to occur in an adult male without clear risk factors such as patellar dysplasia. Predisposing factors may include slightly elevated patellar tilt and lateral shift compared to the contralateral knee (researched from subsequent review of pre‐injury X‐rays), and an elevated quadricipital strength in the context of recreational bodybuilding. The dislocation occurred during eccentric extension phase of testing. Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction was conducted 6 months later. Isokinetic muscle strength testing is generally considered as a safe method, despite limited data on the devices' safety. Since severe injuries might rarely occur, adequate patient preparation is needed, as well as the screening of predisposing factors.

Reliability of Hip Strength Assessment in Young Active People with Hip Dysplasia: An Examination in Student Circus Artists.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is common in performing artists and other young active individuals and involves abnormalities in bony morphology of the acetabulum and proximal femur that can negatively impact walking biomechanics, muscular strength, quality of life, and sleep. Rehabilitation for hip-related conditions should target known modifiable impairments such as hip muscle strength, though a reliable method of assessment in this population remains unclear. To determine the inter- and intra-rater reliability of hip muscle strength assessments using handheld dynamometry (HHD) in young active circus artists with DDH. Reliability of hip strength in all planes was assessed using HHD in 21 adult performing circus arts students (mean age 21.3 yrs [3.2]; 13 M, 5 F, 3 NB) with symptomatic radiologically and clinically diagnosed hip dysplasia. The reliability of average peak force and absolute peak force were expressed for each position tested. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) with standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) values calculated to improve clinical interpretability. Good to excellent inter-rater reliability resulted for all hip muscle strength testing positions, ICC=0.88 (95%CI 0.70 to 0.95) to ICC=0.97 (0.92 to 0.99), except average peak hip flexion strength, ICC=0.71 (0.28 to 0.88). Absolute peak hip abduction, ICC=0.77 (0.16 to 0.94), and adduction strength, ICC=0.72 (-0.55 to 0.92), demonstrated the lowest intra-rater reliability. Transverse plane strength measures (rotation) produced the lowest SEM and MDC values followed by the frontal plane (abduction/adduction) and sagittal plane (flexion/extension). HHD is an appropriate and reliable method to assess hip muscle strength in circus artists with DDH.

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.

Respiratory muscle strength can improve the prognostic assessment in COPD

Impaired lung function, respiratory muscle weakness and exercise intolerance are present in COPD and contribute to poor prognosis. However, the contribution of the combination of these manifestations to define prognosis in COPD is still unknown. This study aimed to define cut-off points for both inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength (MIP and MEP, respectively) for mortality prediction over 42-months in patients with COPD, and to investigate its combination with other noninvasive established prognostic measures (FEV1, V̇O2peak and 6MWD) to improve risk identification. Patients with COPD performed pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, six-minute walk and cardiopulmonary exercise tests, and were followed over 42 months to analyze all-cause mortality. A total of 79 patients were included. The sample was mostly (91.1%) comprised of severe (n = 37) and very severe (n = 34) COPD, and 43 (54%) patients died during the follow-up period. Cut-points of ≤ 55 and ≤ 80 cmH2O for MIP and MEP, respectively, were associated with increased risk of death (log-rank p = 0.0001 for both MIP and MEP) in 42 months. Furthermore, MIP and MEP substantially improved the mortality risk assessment when combined with FEV1 (log-ranks p = 0.006 for MIP and p < 0.001 for MEP), V̇O2peak (log-rank: p < 0.001 for both MIP and MEP) and 6MWD (log-ranks: p = 0.005 for MIP; p = 0.015 for MEP). Thus, patients severely affected by COPD presenting MIP ≤ 55 and/or MEP ≤ 80 cmH2O are at increased risk of mortality. Furthermore, MIP and MEP substantially improve the mortality risk assessment when combined with FEV1, V̇O2peak and 6MWD in patients with COPD.

Protein-based oral rehydration solutions for patients with an ileostomy: A randomised, double-blinded crossover study

Background & AimPatients with an ileostomy are at increased risk of dehydration and sodium depletion. Treatments recommended may include oral rehydration solutions (ORS). We aimed to investigate if protein type or protein hydrolysation affects absorption from iso-osmolar ORS in patients with an ileostomy. MethodsThis was a randomised, double-blinded, active comparator-controlled 3x3 crossover intervention study. We developed three protein-based ORS with whey protein isolate, caseinate or whey protein hydrolysate. The solutions contained 40-48 g protein/L, 34-45 mmol sodium/L and had an osmolality of 248-270 mOsm/kg. The patients ingested 500 mL/d. The study consisted of three 4-week periods with a >2-week washout between each intervention. The primary outcome was wet-weight ileostomy output. Ileostomy output and urine were collected for a 24-hour period before and after each intervention. Additionally, blood sampling, dietary records, muscle-strength tests, bioimpedance analyses, questionnaires and psychometric tests were conducted. ResultsWe included 14 patients, of whom 13 completed at least one intervention. Ten patients completed all three interventions. Wet-weight ileostomy output did not change following either of the three interventions and did not differ between interventions (p=0.38). A cluster of statistically significant improvements related to absorption was observed following the intake of whey protein isolate ORS, including decreased faecal losses of energy (-365 kJ/d, 95% confidence interval (CI), -643 to -87, p=0.012), potassium (-7.8 mmol/L, 95%CI, -12.0 to -3.6, p=0.001), magnesium (-4.0 mmol/L, 95%CI, -7.4 to -0.7, p=0.020), improved plasma aldosterone (-4,674 pmol/L 95%CI, -8,536 to -812, p=0.019), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (2.8 mL/min/1.73m2, 95%CI, 0.3 to 5.4, p=0.03) and CO2 (1.7 mmol/L 95%CI, 0.1 to 3.3, p=0.04). ConclusionIngestion of 500 mL/d of iso-osmolar solutions containing either whey protein isolate, caseinate or whey protein hydrolysate for four weeks resulted in unchanged and comparable ileostomy outputs in patients with an ileostomy. Following whey protein isolate ORS, we observed discrete improvements in a series of absorption proxies in both faeces and blood, indicating increased absorption. The protein-based ORS were safe and well-tolerated. Treatments should be tailored to each patient, and future studies are warranted to explore treatment-effect heterogeneity and whether different compositions or doses of ORS can improve absorption and nutritional status in patients with an ileostomy. ClinicalTrials.gov study identifierNCT04141826.

Assessment of the Effectiveness and Safety of Wheelchair Use Training for Patients with Hemiparesis

INTRODUCTION. The rationale of the research is defined by the large number of patients with hemiparesis, unable to restore an upright posture and in need of training to use a wheelchair. AIM. To present the methodology of wheelchair training of patients with hemiparesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We observed 30 patients with severe hemiparesis during wheelchair training. Examination included assessment of clinical, neurological, and mental status (MMSE — Mini-Mental State Examination), testing of limb muscle strength according to Lovett’s scale modified by L.D. Potekhin, level of sitting function compensation assessment, wheelchair skills (Wheelchair Skills Test). Each patient attended 10 wheelchair training sessions and related physical therapy (PT) sessions, with PT classes preceding the wheelchair training sessions and practicing the wheelchair-using movements required in the wheelchair training sessions. Patients controlled the wheelchair using only healthy limbs. RESULTS. At the moment of admission, 14 patients were not able to use wheelchair independently; 16 patients were able to use wheelchair to varying degrees. As a result of the sessions, the muscle strength of healthy limbs increased; statistically significant improvement in sitting and wheelchair skills was noted. None of the patients who scored 10 for MMSE test improved their wheelchair skills. CONCLUSION. Persons with severe hemiparesis learn to use the wheelchair with the help of healthy limbs. Physical therapy sessions precede wheelchair training and form the movements necessary for learning to use the wheelchair.

Feasibility Telerehabilitation at Home on Body Composition, Anthropometric Measures and Muscular Strength After Interruption 4-5 Years of Spinal Cord Injury: Serial Cases Study on Islamic State of Iraq and Syria War Survivors in Iraq.

Introduction: The war caused huge devastation to rehabilitation centers in Mosul City, leading to a significant gap in rehabilitation services, which was further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: We sought to incorporate simple and safe clinical exercises by utilizing common household items, thereby maximizing effectiveness through a combination of psychological simulation and physical impact while ensuring safety, and evaluate its efficacy as a home telerehabilitation program (HTRP) for participants with spinal cord injury (SCI) following a 4- to 5-year rehabilitation interruption. Methods: Eighteen volunteers, including 13 with SCI (injuries sustained 53.4-55 months prior), were split into an experimental group (Exp., n = 8), a first control group (first Con., n = 5), and a second control group of healthy individuals (second Con., n = 5), averaging 21.2 years old. The HTRP focused on muscles and whole-body joints, conducted with five weekly sessions gradually increasing from 45 to 120 min, with sufficient rest. Assessments occurred every 3 months. Results: The Friedman test indicated no significant effect of HTRP on weight, body mass index, 3 of 4 anthropometric measures, and 4 of 19 muscle strength tests, p > 0.05, and small effect sizes (ES). However, significant effects were observed in pelvic strength (p < 0.001, ES = 0.73), exceeding control groups (first Con. 1.6%, second Con. 1.0%). Muscle strength in the lower extremities, head, and trunk showed significant improvements (p < 0.05, ES = 18.3-81.8%), it is indicating functional enhancement despite morphological weaknesses, particularly in individuals with SCI. Conclusion: The HTRP demonstrated weak effects on muscle morphology but strong effects on functionality, highlighting its potential for long-term management and improvement of muscle functional outcomes in individuals with SCI, even after prolonged rehabilitation interruptions.

Effect of double rocking jump rope training on lower limb muscle strength of badminton players.

Double rocking jump rope training can effectively enhance physical recovery, adaptability to exercise load, and lower limb muscle strength of badminton players in sports colleges, thus offering valuable insights for improving training methods in sports colleges and universities. To investigate the effect of double rocking jump rope training on the lower limb muscle strength of badminton players specializing in badminton in sports colleges. An experimental study was conducted through a ten-week teaching intervention experiment with badminton players. Relevant heart rate indexes and badminton related lower limb muscle strength indexes were measured before and after the experiment. The data of the measured relevant indexes were statistically and analytically analyzed. At the end of the experiment, the physical recovery level and the heart's adaptability to the exercise load of the control group were improved, and the lower limb muscle strength test indexes and sports performance were better than before the experiment. In the experimental group, badminton players' physical function, anaerobic metabolism of the body and other aspects also improved. The physical function of the experimental group of badminton players, the energy supply capacity of the body anaerobic metabolism and aerobic work capacity all have an enhancement effect, enabling badminton players to adapt to large exercise loads quickly and improve the recovery rate of physical fitness. The introduction of double rocking jump rope into badminton training classes in sports colleges and universities as a means of lower limb muscle strength training is conducive to improving the level of lower limb muscle strength of special badminton players, enriching the teaching and training means of lower limb muscle strength in sports colleges and universities, and broadening the research field of lower limb muscle strength in badminton in sports colleges and universities.

Internet of Things-Based Home Respiratory Muscle Training for Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Whether Internet of Things (IoT)-based home respiratory muscle training (RMT) benefits patients with comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of IoT-based home RMT for patients with COPD. Seventy-eight patients with stable COPD were randomly divided into two groups. The control group received routine health education, while the intervention group received IoT-based home RMT (30 inspiratory muscle training [IMT] and 30 expiratory muscle training [EMT] in different respiratory cycles twice daily for 12 consecutive weeks). Assessments took place pre-intervention and 12 weeks post-intervention, including lung function tests, respiratory muscle strength tests, the mMRC dyspnea scale, CAT questionnaires, the HAMA scale, and 6-month COPD-related readmission after intervention. Seventy-four patients with COPD were analyzed (intervention group = 38, control group = 36), and the mean age and FEV1 of the patients were 68.65 ± 7.40 years, 1.21 ± 0.54 L. Compared to those of the control population, the intervention group exhibited higher FEV1/FVC (48.23 ± 10.97 vs 54.32 ± 10.31, p = 0.016), MIP (41.72 ± 7.70 vs 47.82 ± 10.99, p = 0.008), and MEP (42.94 ± 7.85 vs 50.29 ± 15.74, p = 0.013); lower mMRC (2.00 [2.00-3.00] vs 1.50 [1.00-2.00], p < 0.001), CAT (17.00 [12.00-21.75] vs 11.00 [9.00-13.25], p < 0.001), and HAMA (7.00 [5.00-9.00] vs 2.00 [1.00-3.00], p < 0.001) scores; and a lower incidence rate of 6-month readmission (22% vs 5%, p = 0.033). Compared with no intervention, IoT-based home RMT may be a more beneficial intervention for patients with COPD.

The Impact of Different Anterior Cruciate Ligament Status on Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: Short Term Clinical and Functional Results

Purpose: Purpose of this study is to compare the short-term results of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty applied stable knees regardless of the condition of the ACL and the application of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and ACL reconstruction combined surgery applied to ACL deficient cases with anterior instability and to identify the condition and function of the ACL for success in this surgery. Patients and Methods: 80 out of the 105 patients who were operated in 2013-2015 and came for follow-up were included in the study and the patients were divided into four groups. The VAS pain score, KSS Score, WOMAC score, OKS questionnaires and joint range of motion measurements were conducted pre-operatively and post-operatively. One leg standing test, joint position sense measurement, and isokinetic muscle strength test were performed in post-operative controls. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the demographic data and follow-up of the groups (p˃0.05). While there was a statistically significant difference in knee flexion between Group 2-Group 4 and Group 3-Group 4 in the pre-operative period, no difference was found in the post-operative period (p˃0.05). While there was no difference among the groups, knee joint range of motion in direction of extension declined in a statistically significant way in all four groups (p˂0.05). Pain felt postoperatively was the most in Group 1 and the least in Group 3. A statistically significant difference was found between Group 1 and Group 3 in the test performed with the eyes closed (p˂0.05). Conclusion: The presence of a functional anterior cruciate ligament is expected to make a positive contribution to surgical results especially in young patients with high activity expectation. Whether the patient’s ACL rupture is primary or secondary and his/her activity expectation should be effective in the choice of a surgical method.

The Effects of Acute Deep Seawater Supplementation on Muscle Function after Triathlon.

(1) Background: Trainers and athletes have always sought to reduce the failure of muscle function during long endurance events. However, nowadays, it is a topic that is generating much debate in the scientific field. Currently, deep-sea water (DSW) intake seems to be a suitable hydration alternative for this type of endurance event. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether DSW consumption during a triathlon event could preserve muscle function after exercise. (2) Methods: Nineteen trained male triathletes (age = 39.0 ± 4.25 years; BMI = 23.67 ± 1.81 kg/m2) randomly performed three triathlons, one of them consuming DSW (Totum SPORT 30 AB, Laboratories Quinton International, S.L., Spain), the other consuming isotonic placebo and the last with tap water-hydration. A vertical jump test with countermovement and an isometric muscle strength test were conducted before and after the triathlon test. (3) Results: There was a significant difference between treatment × time during the isometric muscle strength test. Based on the Tukey post hoc analysis, the peak net force decreased statistically in the placebo (p = 0.045) and control conditions (p = 0.026), but not in the experimental condition (p = 0.121). In addition, all of the conditions studied obtained similar results in the countermovement vertical jump after exercise. (4) Conclusions: As a result, consumption of DSW seems to delay the failure of muscle function specifically in isometric exercises but does not improve performance in sports. Thus, DSW does not alter muscle capacity in a negative way; therefore, its consumption may be recommended.

Test-retest reliability of lower limb muscle strength, jump and sprint performance tests in elite female team handball players.

This study aimed to assess the reliability of lower limb muscle function (knee extensor/flexor peak torque, rate of torque development (RTD), impulse, and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance) and sprint performance (acceleration capacity). CMJ performance was evaluated on a force plate. MVIC, RTD and impulse variables were investigated using a portable isometric dynamometer and sprint performance was assessed with dual-beam photocells in elite female athletes. CMJ test variables maximal vertical jump height, peak and mean power, concentric work, and body center of mass displacement demonstrated good-to-excellent test-retest correlations between Test 1 and Test 2 (ICC ≥ 0.70, CWw-s = 3.4-11.0%). Peak MVIC torque for the knee extensors and flexors demonstrated excellent test-retest correlations (both ICC = 0.84) along with CVw-s values of 6.8 and 6.0%, respectively. Late-phase (0-100ms, 0-200ms) RTD for the knee flexors demonstrated excellent test-retest correlations (ICC = 0.89-0.91, CVw-s = 4.8-8.5%). Sprint times at 10- and 20-m demonstrated excellent test-retest reproducibility (ICC = 0.83 and ICC = 0.90, respectively) with CVw-s values of 1.9 and 1.5%. For 5-m sprint times, test-retest reproducibility was good (ICC = 0.71) with CVw-s of 2.8%. Sprint testing performed while dribbling a handball improved (p < 0.05) from test to retest at 5-, 10- and 20-m. In conclusion, the force plate, the mobile isometric dynamometer, and dual-beam photocells provide reproducible tools for field-based testing of countermovement jump performance, knee extensor and flexor strength and sprint performance.

The Use of Mobility-Focused Outcome Measures for Young Adults With Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

Background: Young adults living with cancer face many unique challenges during treatment and throughout survivorship. Chemotherapy is a standard anticancer treatment that has been known to lead to negative side effects on health including loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical function (ie, physical mobility). This scoping review aimed to explore what, how, and when mobility-focused outcome measures are being used during chemotherapy treatments for young adults living with cancer to examine changes in physical mobility. Methods: Five databases were searched. To be included in this review, studies must have included young adults (age 18-40) living with cancer, who were receiving chemotherapy treatment and used any form of physical mobility measurement during treatment. Duplicates were removed, and all screening and data extraction were performed by 2 or more independent reviewers. Results: A total of 1734 studies were screened, and four studies were included in this review. Three studies included a self-reported activity log. All studies assessed physical mobility using types of performance-based outcome measures such as accelerometers, muscle strength tests, cycle ergometer testing, or the 6- minute walk test. Assessments were conducted in person by study personnel in 2 studies. Outcomes were assessed throughout the chemotherapy cycle, including preadministration, over the first 7 days, weekly, and months into treatment. Conclusion: Although a scarcity of available literature exists, this review highlights the potential for screening and monitoring changes in mobility for young adults with cancer. Clinical application of the measures highlighted in this review shows promise in guiding appropriate interventions and informing changes in treatment dosage. Future research should build upon existing work to address the limited availability of mobility measures validated in this population.

Selected morphological, cardiovascular and neuromuscular risk profiles among asymptomatic sedentary men performing Islamic prayer

BackgroundThis study investigated morphological, cardiovascular and neuromuscular profiles among asymptomatic sedentary men performing the Islamic prayer (Salaah). This study emphasised the need for an inquiry into unique sedentary populations who...