Muscular Groups Research Articles

Distinct Types Of Physical Exercise On Functional Autonomy, Quality Of Life And Elderly Fitness

The aging process is associated with physiological changes that cause progressive declines in biological function, imposing a potential threat to the functional capacity. This condition impairs elderly independence, primarily when it is associated with chronic diseases or locomotive disorders. On the other hand, the physical exercise can mitigate some of those effects PURPOSE: the study aimed to analyze the effects of three different training programs (strength, muscular endurance, and aerobic) on functional autonomy, quality of life, and elderly physical fitness index. METHODS: After the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the sample consisted of 133 individuals, randomly divided into four groups: muscle strength group (MSG=31) muscular endurance group (MEG=32) aerobic group (AG=35) and a control group (CG=35). Initially, the sample groups were submitted to the following procedures: functional autonomy (GDELAN protocol), quality of life (WHOQUOL-OLD), and elderly physical fitness index (1600m walking test, left leg calf circumference and lean mass for body composition assessment, elbow flexion, and extension test, sit and stand-up test, range of motion evaluation through the Normalflex). RESULTS: After four months of training, there was a significant difference (p<0.0001) between the CG and all other experimental groups for functional autonomy. For quality of life, there was a significant difference in the post-test phase between the CG and the experimental groups in the domain 1 (AG: p=0.001; MSG: p<0.0001; MEG: p= 0.001) and domain 6 (MSG: p=0.011), the results being favorable to those three groups. In the pretest phase, there was no significant difference between the groups. For the elderly physical fitness index there was a significant difference in the post-test phase between the CG and the experimental groups, in the VO2max (AG: p<0.0001 and MEG: p<0.0001), range of motion (AG: p<0.0001; MSG: p<0.0001; MEG: p<0.0001) and muscle endurance (AG: p=0.025), the results being favorable for those three groups. In the pretest, there was no significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The strength group presented a higher rate of functional autonomy improvement (∆% -22.5876, p<0.0001), quality of life (∆% 11.96531, p<0 .0001) and elderly physical fitness index (∆% 11.0992, p<0.0001).

Primary FIP1L1-PDGFR Positive Hypereosinophilic Syndrome with Unusual Rheumatic Onset

AbstractIntroduction.Hypereosinophilia (HE) is defined as an absolute eosinophil count &gt;1.5 x 109/L in the peripheral blood on two examinations separated in time by at least one monthand/orpathologic confirmation of tissue HE. A hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is defined by the association of HE with eosinophil-mediated organ damage and/or dysfunction if other potential causes of them have been excluded.Case report.We report a case of a 52-year-old woman admitted to Rheumatology Department for diffuse, highly intense (10/10) myalgia, associated with paravertebral, upper and lower limbs muscular edema and stiffness, having the onset of symptoms for about 4 months. During rheumatological evaluation, the patient developed posterior cervical diffuse pain with brachial irradiation associated with severe functional impotence reason for which it was indicated MRI of cervical spine. The blood count showed leucocytosis with hypereosinophilia. No evidence of Raynaud’s phenomenon, cutaneous and muscular sclerosis or visceral involvement. All muscular groups and deep fascia appeared affected on the whole-body MRI and the findings were suggestive for Shulman’s eosinophilic fasciitis or eosinophilic myopahty. All autoimmune, parasitic and allergic causes for myopathy were ruled out. Muscle tissue biopsy revealed high eosinophilic infiltrate predominantly in the deep muscular fascia, in the striated muscles and in the superficial dermis.The patient received methyl-prednisolone pulse-therapy with a low-maintenance dose of prednisone which showed clinical improvement and normalized peripheral blood eosinophilia. A hematologic evaluation revealed high percentage of bone marrow eosinophil count which harbored FIP1L1-PDGFR alpha mutation and data was suggestive for the diagnosis of myeloproliferative variant of HES syndrome along with Shulman’s eosinophilic fasciitis for which Imatinib treatment was indicated.Conclusion.The particularity of this case consists in the diagnosis of a myeloproliferative variant of HES with atypical presentation as a Shulman’s eosinophilic fasciitis, a rheumatological condition. Even though initial symptoms were suggestive for a myopathy, it was difficult to establish the positive diagnosis without any obvious paraclinical data. Further investigations such as MRI and muscle biopsy were conclusive for the diagnosis of Shulman’s eosinophilic fasciitis and clinical improvement was observed after corticosteroid treatment. Considering that after 4 months of evolution of the disease the patient did not present any atrophic lesions of the affected muscles and skin characteristic for Shulman’s eosinophilic fasciitis the patient was referred to Hematology Department with the diagnosis of HES. Advanced exams established the hematological condition as primary FIP1L1-PDGFR positive HES which could benefit from tyrosine-kinase inhibitors treatment (Imatinib) known to induce in this situation improved clinical and paraclinical status.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation Combined with Electrical Passive Exercise for Fast Removal of Body Fat.

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) lipolysis still lacks treatment efficacy. The authors hypothesized that electrical stimulation of muscular groups can enhance the metabolism of free lipids released from HIFU-ablated adipocytes. Five-month-old, male Landrace swine, with an average initial weight of 95 kg, were divided randomly into sham, HIFU only, HIFU plus electrical stimulation I, and HIFU plus electrical stimulation II groups. Subcutaneous adipose tissue of the porcine abdomen was treated once by HIFU on days 1 of weeks 1, 3, and 5, and electrical stimulation of the quadriceps was performed once on the day 1 of weeks 1 through 6. The numbers of ultrasonic sonications were 70 per treatment for the HIFU-only and HIFU plus electrical stimulation I groups and 400 for the HIFU plus electrical stimulation II group. The measured data are expressed as medians (ranges). The body weights of all pigs increased gradually with time. The waist circumferences below the sheath decreased from 97.7 ± 6.0 cm in week 1 and 97.9 ± 5.3 cm in week 3 to 96.4 ± 10.0 cm in week 6, and from 105.3 ± 5.1 cm and 101.2 ± 7.4 cm to 100.5 ± 6.1 cm for the HIFU plus electrical stimulation I and II groups, respectively, whereas they increased for the sham and HIFU-only groups. The reductions in the adipose tissue thickness were 0.59, 1.46, and 2.18 mm for the HIFU-only, HIFU plus electrical stimulation I, and HIFU plus electrical stimulation II groups, respectively, when the sham group increased by 1.42 mm. Follow-up blood analyses demonstrated no significant changes in lipid panel parameters from baseline values. HIFU plus electrical stimulation can induce a substantial reduction in the waist circumference of pigs.

Non-invasive assessment of motor unit activation in relation to motor neuron level and lesion location in stroke and spinal muscular atrophy

BackgroundNeuromuscular disorders e.g. spinal muscular atrophy and stroke have a negative impact on functional movement capability. These disorders affect lower and upper motor neurons respectively. MethodsIn this study high spatial resolution electromyography was used to record the motor unit activity in 3 groups: healthy subjects, a spinal muscular atrophy group and a stroke group. 7 clinically sensitive parameters were used to analyze the activation patterns of a few motor units. FindingsIn the case of spinal muscular atrophy there was no effect on motor unit activation but on their number. Stroke was characterized by fewer active motor units and a significantly reduced firing rate with low variability. InterpretationThe results suggest, that for stroke, information from the brain is modified thereby resulting in motor units firing at their natural frequency. Thus, high spatial resolution electromyography and the chosen parameters facilitate non-invasive, objective differentiation and analysis of the activation patterns of motor units in neuromuscular disorders.

The Diagnostic Value of MR IVIM and T2 Mapping in Differentiating Autoimmune Myositis From Muscular Dystrophy

To confirm the feasibility and compare the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and T2 mapping models for the differentiation of autoimmune myositis from muscular dystrophy. Fourty-two autoimmune myositis and 11 muscular dystrophy patients proven by diagnostic criteria were enrolled in the study. Conventional MR sequences, IVIM, and T2 mapping through the bilateral thighs were obtained as well as blood samples for all patients. IVIM and T2 mapping parameters as well as serum markers were compared between the autoimmune myositis and muscular dystrophy groups. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed for statistical analysis along with receiver operating characteristic curves. Spearman correlation coefficient models were constructed to analyze the correlation between IVIM and T2 mapping with serological parameters. The intramuscular apparent diffusion coefficient, tissue diffusivity (D), perfusion fraction (fp), and T2 relaxation time values were statistically significantly different between the autoimmune myositis and muscular dystrophy groups (p < 0.05). Pseudo diffusivity (Dp) values showed no statistical difference between the groups (p > 0.05). D parameter of IVIM sequences differentiated autoimmune and muscular dystrophy with a higher specificity of 75.60%. T2 values within the thighs were correlated with serum creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase levels (p < 0.05). Thigh muscle IVIM and T2 mapping parameters are useful in differentiating autoimmune myositis from muscular dystrophy, particularly the IVIM parameters.

Muscular Tissue Oxygen Saturation and Posthysterectomy Nausea and Vomiting: The iMODIPONV Randomized Controlled Trial.

Suboptimal tissue perfusion and oxygenation during surgery may be responsible for postoperative nausea and vomiting in some patients. This trial tested the hypothesis that muscular tissue oxygen saturation-guided intraoperative care reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting. This multicenter, pragmatic, patient- and assessor-blinded randomized controlled (1:1 ratio) trial was conducted from September 2018 to June 2019 at six teaching hospitals in four different cities in China. Nonsmoking women, 18 to 65 yr old, and having elective laparoscopic surgery involving hysterectomy (n = 800) were randomly assigned to receive either intraoperative muscular tissue oxygen saturation-guided care or usual care. The goal was to maintain muscular tissue oxygen saturation, measured at flank and on forearm, greater than baseline or 70%, whichever was higher. The primary outcome was 24-h postoperative nausea and vomiting. Secondary outcomes included nausea severity, quality of recovery, and 30-day morbidity and mortality. Of the 800 randomized patients (median age, 50 yr [range, 27 to 65]), 799 were assessed for the primary outcome. The below-goal muscular tissue oxygen saturation area under the curve was significantly smaller in patients receiving muscular tissue oxygen saturation-guided care (n = 400) than in those receiving usual care (n = 399; flank, 50 vs. 140% · min, P < 0.001; forearm, 53 vs. 245% · min, P < 0.001). The incidences of 24-h postoperative nausea and vomiting were 32% (127 of 400) in the muscular tissue oxygen saturation-guided care group and 36% (142 of 399) in the usual care group, which were not significantly different (risk ratio, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.08; P = 0.251). There were no significant between-group differences for secondary outcomes. No harm was observed throughout the study. In a relatively young and healthy female patient population, personalized, goal-directed, muscular tissue oxygen saturation-guided intraoperative care is effective in treating decreased muscular tissue oxygen saturation but does not reduce the incidence of 24-h posthysterectomy nausea and vomiting.

Assessing skeletal muscle radiodensity by computed tomography: An integrative review of the applied methodologies.

Low-radiodensity skeletal muscle has been related to the degree of muscle fat infiltration and seems to be associated with worse outcomes. The aim of this study was to summarize the methodologies used to appraise skeletal muscle radiodensity by computed tomography, to describe the terms used in the literature to define muscle radiodensity and to give recommendations for its measurement standardization. An integrative bibliographic review in four databases included studies published until August 2019 in Portuguese, English or Spanish and performed in humans, adults and/or the elderly, of both sex, which investigated skeletal muscle radiodensity through computed tomography (CT) of the region between the third and fifth lumbar vertebrae and evaluated at least two muscular groups. One hundred and seventeen studies were selected. We observed a trend towards selecting all abdominal region muscle. A significant methodological variation in terms of contrast use, selection of skeletal muscle areas, radiodensity ranges delimitation and their cut-off points, as well as the terminologies used, was also found. The methodological differences detected are probably due to the lack of more precise information about the correlation between skeletal muscle radiodensity by CT and its molecular composition, among others. Therefore, until the gaps are addressed in future studies, authors should avoid arbitrary approaches when reporting skeletal muscle radiodensity, especially when it comes to prognosis inference. Studies using both CT and direct methods of muscle composition evaluation are encouraged, to enable the definition and validation of the best approach to classify fat-infiltrated muscle tissue, which will favour the nomenclature uniformization.

Uncovering sleep in young males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Sleep health in rare disease is often overlooked due to the complex nature of the disease. For males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, sleep assessment is typically focused on pulmonary function and identification of sleep disordered breathing. Unfortunately for young boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, sleep assessment is often neglected, resulting in a dearth of knowledge on sleep health in this population. This study describes sleep quantity and quality in both younger (4-9 years) and older (10-17 years) males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (n=19) and compares these characteristics with sleep characteristics of unaffected peers (n=17). This study was a longitudinal, observational study. Sleep measures were collected using the parent-proxy Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire-Abbreviated version and objective sleep measures from actigraphy (sleep efficiency, awakenings, and awakening duration) over 30 days for all participants. Means and standard deviations were examined, and effect sizes were computed to quantify the magnitude of difference between the Duchenne muscular dystrophy and unaffected groups. Overall, boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy were found to experience worse sleep than their unaffected peers as measured by parent report and actigraphy. Effect sizes of both measures demonstrated moderate to large magnitudes of difference in many of the sleep variables. Parents of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy reported higher scores (indicating worse sleep) in all subsections and total score of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire - Abbreviated version. Actigraphy data indicated that the Duchenne muscular dystrophy group had lower percent sleep efficiency, more night awakenings and longer duration of night awakenings than their unaffected peers. Our findings offer a novel look into sleep in young boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Both parent-report and actigraphy data indicate poor sleep health in this population compared with age-matched unaffected peers. Actigraphy was found to align with parent-report of sleep in this population, supporting the use of these two different ways to measure sleep in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Results from this study should encourage clinicians and researchers alike to further explore sleep and its impact on disease in young boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Infrared thermography of the crânio-cervico-mandibular complex in wind and string instrumentalists.

Musculoskeletal disorders can be common in wind and string instrumentalists. The musical gesture technique associated to musical performance can promote an asymmetrical isometric contraction with the hyperactivity of specific muscular groups and the overload of articular surfaceswhich can cause discomfort or pain. The aim of this investigation was to assess specific anatomical regions of interestwithin the cranio-cervico-mandibular complex in order to determine and evaluate the presence of muscular hyperactivity associated to musical performance. An infrared imaging camera, FLIR®, was used to record the regions of interest in wind (n = 48) and string instrumentalists (n = 29). Bilateral temperature differences were considered as thermal asymmetries with a conventional threshold of 0.3ºC to distinguish pathological from healthy states. The regions of interest (ROI) were the anterior triangle of the neck, the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles regarding the postural and stabilizing muscles of the head and neck. On the orofacial region, the anatomical sites were the anterior temporal muscle, the masseter muscle and the temporomandibular joint. A Pearson chi-square test was performed to compare the assessed areas. Between30-37% of all participants showed ROI in an asymmetric pattern. The most affected sites were the temporal muscle and the TMJ for both groups. The anterior triangle of the neck showed statistical differences (p = 0.044) between string and wind instrumentalists, while the temporal (p = 0.034) and trapezius muscle (p = 0.028) when comparing large and small mouthpieces of brass instruments. Although female participants showed a higher prevalence of asymmetrical patterns regarding the ROI, no statistical differences were found between genders. Infrared thermography exhibited significant differences between wind and string instruments within the CCMC. Regarding the issue of occupational health in performing arts, it is an advantage being able to quantify asymmetrical patterns sites of the CCMC to understand the underlying physiological responses to repetitive movements, overloading and muscular hyperactivity that occur during musical performance.

Some Cardiac Indexes of Doping in Sport Comparative Analysis between Doping Users and Non-Doping Users

At present, the world is undergoing a major development in all life’s aspects, which positively reflected on fundamental sciences and sport sciences. The principle of winning the match or losing depends on decent competition between sports teams. Steroids have been used in the past in the Olympic competitions since the 13th century when bicycles’ racers in France used a medical mixture prepared from the substances of the (caffeine). Belgium athletes used sugar pieces and others used alcohols. The first incident of drug-death-related, took place in 1882 when the British athlete Lenition died of using a large mixture of heroin and cocaine during a 200 kilometres bicycles’ race between Bordeaux and Paris. In 1951 during the Winter Games in Oslo ice skitters used nitrogen and many capsules used as stimulants were found in homes as well. Using steroids affects positively the athlete physical health fitness. However, this positive aspect contains side effects that have an impact on the athlete user’s health. Experience has been proven that these side effects and damages sometimes reached to the extent of sudden death. For instance, if we assumed that one of the high-level athletes of any of the sports aspects of which the level is determined by muscular strength such as weight lifting, throwing, in the athletics …etc., giving specific doses of the fourth set of these steroids leads to an increase in the physiological section of different muscular groups. Especially if taking these steroids is accompanied with private exercises of athlete muscular strength where the fibres’ size increases. The number of the fibres remains constant, thus leads to an increase in the muscular strength, which is already linked with the distance increases in the case of throwing and weight increase in the case of weight lifting. Using steroids leads to a positive impact on the athlete’s physical fitness, however, this positive aspect contains negative effects of users and negatively affect the athlete individual’s health.Hence the importance of research is reflected in the study of the comparison between who take steroids and dietary supplements and others of who do not, from the standpoint of the sports hall trainers.

The question of the use of trainer of MOTO - med is examined in the article in complex physical therapy

As one of technologies of restoration treatment of children with a cerebral palsy, that is sent to normalization of muscular tonus, decline of spasticity of muscular groups and neuromuscular or musculoskeletal disorders, improvements of blood supply and exchange processes in cerebral fabric, improvement of motive possibilities and walking. MOTO- med motor mechanotherapy has been developed for people with physical disabilities and complements physical therapy, ergotherapy and sports therapy. Users can exercise while wheelchair or chair. In the supine position, patients can use MOTO-med from the bed or from the treatment couch. To ensure safety during classes, MOTOmed devices have special software installed: motion protection" function stops the rotation of the simulator pedals. It doesn’t matter how the overall muscular tension changes, the level of "movement protection" does not always remain constant, but adapts to changes and therefore always remains optimally sensitive. This function is used on all MOTOmed models using sensitive sensors. "Spasm control" program with automatic change of direction of pedal rotation reduces muscle spasticity in accordance with the following therapeutic principle: flexor spasticity is reduced due to slow straightening, and extensor spasticity is due to limb flexion. During the operation of this program, the electric motor smoothly stops the rotation of the pedals. the muscles of the legs / arms relax, and after a short pause, a smooth change in the direction of rotation of the pedals occurs. This process is repeated until the cramping stops. Sessions of mechanotherapy on the trainer of MOTO - med help children with physical limitations to realize their natural necessity to motion.

Improvement of skiers-racers training at a stage of specialised preparation

Aim of work: to conduct research of training process of skiers - racing drivers on the stage of the specialized preparation. Material and methods. In research 36 sportsmen took participation by age 14-16, with experience to occupy ski races from 5, qualification of sportsmen of ІІІ – II digit. The next methods of research are in-process used: analysis and generalization of scientifically-methodical literature, questioning, pedagogical supervision, pedagogical testing, pedagogical experiment, methods of mathematical statistics.&#x0D; Results. As a result of the conducted researches of facilities and methods it is discovered on the stage of the specialized preparation, that the fixed assets of speed-power preparation are jumping exercises, playing exercises with the use of jumps, exercise on trainers, power exercises with the use of 10-15% from own weight, and by the basic methods of training of physical preparation repeated, interval and circular. It is certain that the use of exercises of auxiliary orientation in correlation of 40- 45% against 24-27%, stipulates forming of necessary for this age of level development of speed-power indexes, that assists forming of optimal development of force of basic muscular groups that participate in at run on skis (р&lt;0,05).&#x0D; Conclusions. It is set experimental researches, that in the training process of young racing skiers-drivers on the stage of the specialized preparation for creation of bases of sporting trade next correlation of general physical, auxiliary and special physical preparation appeared most effective: for sportsmen 14-15 - 45/40/15%, for 15-16 - 35/45/20%. As results of researches showed for the increase of aerobic capacity and improvement of functional preparedness of young skiers in the investigated age-related group it is 15-16 recommended to increase the stake of loading that is executed in II to the zone of intensity to 38-42 %, for development of speed-power internalss the to execute loading is recommended in ІV - V to 17-23 % (р&lt;0,05).

Myofascia-dominant involvement on whole-body MRI as a risk factor for rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease in dermatomyositis

Rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RPILD) is a major cause of death in patients with DM. Although clinically amyopathic DM (CADM) represents risk for RPILD, the incidence rate of RPILD in patients with CADM varies widely. Whole-body (WB) MRI can reveal involvement of systemic muscle and myofascia. The objective of this study was to explore the risk factors for RPILD in patients with DM using WB-MRI. This retrospective study comprised 41 patients with DM who underwent WB-MRI before the initiation of treatment in our hospital. Muscular and myofascial signals were scored on 42 muscular groups. The myofascia/muscle ratio was calculated and used to define the relevance of myofascia-dominant involvement. RPILD was defined as worsening of dyspnoea, hypoxaemia and radiographic ILD/fibrosis within 3 months from the onset of respiratory symptoms. Among the 41 patients, 17 had CADM and 30 had ILD, including 10 patients with RPILD. All patients including those with CADM showed abnormal signal intensity in both muscle and myofascia (median score: 15 and 23, respectively). Muscle signal scores positively correlated with the serum creatine kinase level (r = 0.714; P<0.001). Patients with RPILD showed a significantly higher myofascia/muscle ratio than those without RPILD (1.929 vs 1.200; P=0.027). Logistic regression analysis identified higher myofascia/muscle ratio as independent risk factors for developing RPILD. Myofascia-dominant involvement was defined and appreciated in patients with DM using WB-MRI. This may be one of the risk factors for RPILD.

Which of the five classical ballet positions is the most demanding for the dancer’s body? An electromyography-based study to determine muscular activity

The study aimed to determine which of the five classical ballet positions is the most demanding regarding muscular activity, values of external rotation in the hip joints, angular values of foot progression as well as the inclination (tilt) of the pelvis in the sagittal plane. In this cross-sectional study, 14 female pre-professional ballet dancers (aged 11-16) participated. Participants were tasked with the sequential adoption of five classical ballet positions (CP1-CP5). The electromyographic activity of the muscles of the trunk and the lower limb was recorded with surface electrodes. Kinematic data including hip and knee external rotation, foot progression angle and pelvic tilt were collected using a motion capture system. Symmetric positions CP1 and CP2 were not as demanding as asymmetric CP3-CP5. Higher values of hip and foot external rotation without greater muscular effort in CP2 than CP1 was noticed. Considering asymmetric positions, CP3 did not trigger a greater activity of hip or foot muscular groups than CP4 and CP5. CP4 was characterised by the greatest pelvic anterior tilt and the lowest activity of GM in the forward lower limb. In CP5, forward lower limb entailed a higher activity of muscles supporting the foot than in the remaining positions. In terms of biomechanics, the most demanding classical ballet position in pre-professional dancers is CP4, followed by CP5, CP3, CP1 and CP2. This finding can be applied in educational methodology of dancers, figure skaters, synchronized swimmers, acrobatic gymnasts, rhythmic gymnasts or cheerleaders.

Relationships between radiographic parameters and spinopelvic muscles in adult spinal deformity patients.

While the clinical impact of coronal and sagittal alignment in adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients (pts) is established, there is a paucity of data in terms of axial plane deformity and potential association between muscle degeneration and 3D deformity. The purpose of this study was to analyze spinopelvic muscles characteristics in association with the 3D deformity of ASD patients. This is a prospective cohort study; primary lumbar scoliosis patients (Cobb > 20°) were enrolled and sustained a low-dose X-rays with 3D spinal reconstructions and a fat/water separation MRI (from C7 to the knee). Volumetric 3D reconstructions and fat infiltration (FI) of 6 muscles groups were performed. Relationships between muscular data, radiographic parameters and health-related quality of life were investigated. Patients were stratified and compared based on the SRS classification, the odontoid-hip axis (ODHA) angle (> or < 6.1°) and occurrence of rotatory subluxation. Twenty-eight patients were enrolled with a mean age of 60 ± 16yo and mean body mass index of 26 ± 4kg/m2 without differences between groups. There were a moderate sagittal malalignment and a Cobb angle of 45 ± 11° (table). Muscular volume was smaller in patients with more severe deformity (p > 0.05). Pts with ODHA > 6.1° or pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis > 10° had significantly higher FI for the 6 muscular groups, patients with pelvic tilt > 20° had significantly higher FI for erector spinae, hip flexors and extensors (p < 0.05). SF36-PCS significantly correlated with the muscular volume; SRS and Oswestry disability index correlated with the erectors spinae volume (p < 0.05). This study analyzed for the first time the relationship between 3D radiographic parameters and muscular characteristics in ASD. Sagittal malalignment is associated with increased FI and decreased muscle volumes with poor outcomes. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Pilates versus resistance training on trunk strength and balance adaptations in older women: a randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundThe neuromuscular decline impact in the functional independence of older women is determining the necessity of implementing new strategies focused on core strength training and postural stability maintenance to promote healthy aging.ObjectivesTo define whether Pilates or resistance training is better at improving (a) core isometric and isokinetic muscular strength, and (b) static and dynamic balance, in older women.MethodsThis was a cluster randomized controlled trial. Physically independent older women (60–80 years) from day centers were randomly allocated to Pilates, Muscular and Control Groups (PG, MG and CG) using a block randomization method. Only the research staff performing the assessment and statistical analysis were blinded. Exercise groups trained twice a week (1 h per session) for 18 weeks in a moderate-to-vigorous intensity. Core strength (primary outcome): trunk and hip isometric and hip isokinetic muscular strength (Biodex System III Pro Isokinetic Dynamometer), alongside one leg static balance (portable force platform Kistler 9286AA) and dynamic balance (timed up and go (TUG)) were assessed.ResultsA total of 60 participants were randomized (PG, n = 20; MG, n = 20; CG, n = 20) and 49 completed the trial (PG, n = 16; MG, n = 19; CG, n = 14). Regarding hip isometric extension strength, PG was statistically better than CG (P = 0.004). There were no differences between groups regarding isokinetic strength or balance. Intra-group comparisons showed significant improvements (P < 0.05) in the dynamic balance and trunk and hip isometric extension strength for PG and MG, whereas every hip isokinetic measurement was improved in MG. Exercise programs did not produce any adverse event.ConclusionsThe Pilates training program was more effective for improving isometric hip and trunk extension strength, while the Muscular training program generated greater benefits on trunk and hip isokinetic strength. Moreover, both training programs showed moderate effects for the TUG.Clinical Trial RegistrationThe trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT02506491).

Study of intraarticular pressures in the elbow joints

The purpose of this study was to describe pressure originating in the six elbow articular compartments after muscular contractions. Ten cryopreserved cadaveric arms were dissected and the insertional tendons and capsuloligamentous tissues were preserved. The specimens were placed in a custom-made device. Elbow position was established at 90° flexion with the forearm in a neutral position and the wrist extended at 0°. Tekscan sensors sere used for measuring intraarticular pressures.Without loading the elbow, the humeroradial joint received the lowest pressure, and, among the humeroulnar joints, the highest pressure was found in the anterolateral compartment. After loading the epitrochlear muscles to the maximum (5.0 kg), the pressure increased in the anteromedial joint (0.6 kg to 3.3 kg) and decreased in the posteromedial and anterolateral joints (4.2 kg to 0.3 kg and 4.2 kg to 0.9 kg, respectively). After the same loading in the epicondylar muscles, the pressure increased in the anterolateral and humeroradial joints (4.2 kg to 8.2 kg and 0.2 kg to 1.0 kg respectively), but decreased in the posterolateral joint (3.4 kg to 1.0 kg). The pressure distribution patterns among the humeroulnar compartments depend on the muscle geometries and their origins. Understanding these patterns can be useful in applying physiotherapeutic treatments for reinforcement of different muscular groups in order to decrease pressure in certain articular compartments.

The effect of surface electromyography biofeedback on the activity of extensor and dorsiflexor muscles in elderly adults: a randomized trial

Surface electromyography-biofeedback (sEMG-B) is a technique employed for the rehabilitation of patients with neurological pathologies, such as stroke-derived hemiplegia; however, little is known about its effectiveness in the rehabilitation of the extension and flexion of several muscular groups in elderly patients after a stroke. Therefore, this research was focused on determining the effectiveness of sEMG-B in the muscles responsible for the extension of the hand and the dorsiflexion of the foot in post-stroke elderly subjects. Forty subjects with stroke-derived hemiplegia were randomly divided into intervention or control groups. The intervention consisted of 12 sEMG-B sessions. The control group underwent 12 weeks (24 sessions) of conventional physiotherapy. Muscle activity test and functionality (Barthel index) were determined. Attending to the results obtained, the intervention group showed a higher increase in the average EMG activity of the extensor muscle of the hand and in the dorsal flexion of the foot than the control group (p < 0.001 in both cases), which was associated with an increase in the patients’ Barthel index score (p = 0.006); In addition, Fugl-Meyer test revealed higher effectiveness in the lower limb (p = 0.007). Thus, the sEMG-B seems to be more effective than conventional physiotherapy, and the use of this technology may be essential for improving muscular disorders in elderly patients with physical disabilities resulting from a stroke.

Suppurative Injection Site lesion In Cattle: Clinico-biochemical, Ultrasonographic and histopathological examinations

This study was carried out on a total of 40 animals (13 female cows, 14 cow bull and 13 cow calves of both sexes) with an age ranged from 1- 5 years. Animals were admitted to Zagazig Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt with a history of injection site lesions. A history of injection at the site lesion was noted with swelling ranging from 5 to 15 cm in diameter, others were showing fluctuating swelling. Various clinical signs as abnormality in gait, painful condition on thigh, gluteal and neck muscle were recorded with respect to the site of lesion. Diagnosis was based on history, Clinico-biochemical findings, needle aspiration, ultrasound and histopathology of biopsy samples. Upon diagnosis, animals were classified into three groups; group I (Control group, n= 10), group II (Muscular abscess group, n= 17), and group III (Suppurative myositis group n= 13). Hematological findings revealed mild anemia, leucocytosis and neutrophilia in muscular abscess and suppurative myositis groups, while biochemical findings included hyperglobulinemia, elevation of serum muscular enzymes; aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as a significant increase in C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen in both diseased groups in comparison to control group. Results of ultrasonographic examination in muscular abscesses group revealed homogenous echogenic content surrounded with hyperechoic capsule which is embedded in the muscle and an increase in the echogenicty of the muscle in suppurative myositis group. Histopathological examination of the biopsy specimen from the affected muscle revealed fibrinopurunlent inflammation with aggregation of dead and live neutrophils, hyaline degeneration of muscle and muscle edema. In conclusion, ultrasonography provides an accurate, non-invasive and fast technique for diagnosis injection site lesions. In addition CRP and fibrinogen values in association with total white cell count were very useful in the diagnosis and prognosis.

Associations of Aerobic Fitness and Maximal Muscular Strength With Metabolites in Young Men

High physical fitness is associated with a reduction in risk of cardiovascular diseases and death, but the underlying mechanisms are insufficiently understood. To determine how aerobic fitness and muscular strength are associated with serum metabolome measures. This cross-sectional study included Finnish men receiving military refresher training from May 5, 2015, to November 28, 2015, representing partly overlapping groups of individuals with the lowest vs highest aerobic fitness and the lowest vs highest muscular strength. Data analyses were conducted from January 1, 2018, to May 31, 2019. The associations of aerobic fitness (determined with maximum oxygen consumption in milliliters per minute per kilogram, measured with maximal cycle ergometer test) and muscular strength (determined with a maximal strength test for lower extremities in kilograms) with 66 metabolome measures from fasting serum samples (nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics) were analyzed. Participants included 580 Finnish men (mean [SD] age, 26.1 [6.5] years). Including overlap between groups, there were 196 men in the lowest aerobic fitness group and 197 men in the highest aerobic fitness group as well as 196 men in the lowest muscular strength group and 197 men in the highest muscular strength group. Of 66 studied metabolome measures, 48 differed between high vs low aerobic fitness groups, including small very low-density lipoprotein (standardized median difference, -0.67; 95% CI, -0.83 to -0.49), large high-density lipoprotein (standardized median difference, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.69-1.15), total triglyceride levels (standardized median difference, -0.52; 95% CI, -0.65 to -0.34), isoleucine (standardized median difference, -0.37; 95% CI, -0.55 to -0.16), leucine (standardized median difference, -0.55; 95% CI, -0.72 to -0.34), phenylalanine (standardized median difference, -0.54; 95% CI, -0.71 to -0.32), glycerol (standardized median difference, -0.64; 95% CI, -0.81 to -0.48), and glycoprotein (standardized median difference, -0.78; 95% CI, -0.95 to -0.62) concentration, a high unsaturation degree of fatty acids (standardized median difference, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.42-0.81), and apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A1 ratio (standardized median difference, -0.88; 95% CI, -1.08 to -0.67). Adding aerobic fitness into the regression model after age, education, smoking, use of alcohol, and dietary factors accounted for more than an additional 5% of variation for 25 metabolome measures (R2 range, 5.01%-15.90% by measure). With these 2 criteria, maximal muscular strength was not associated with any metabolome measures. Aerobic fitness was associated with high large high-density lipoprotein particle concentration (R2, 14.97%; 95% CI, 10.65%-20.85%), low apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A1 ratio (R2, 14.49%; 95% CI, 10.58%-19.51%), and low glycoprotein concentration (R2, 15.90%; 95% CI, 11.22%-21.51%). Aerobic fitness was also associated with low very low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, glycerol, and glycoprotein concentrations and with a high unsaturation degree of fatty acids. Adjusting for recent physical activity influenced the results minimally. Adjusting for body fat percentage showed that some of the associations were mechanistically associated with body fat percentage. This study provides data on the association of high aerobic fitness with underlying oxidative lipid metabolism associated with a reduction in cardiometabolic risk. High maximal muscular strength is not similarly associated with these benefits.