Non-dominant Limb Research Articles

Magnitude and direction of elbow torque asymmetries in manual wheelchair users.

The aims of the present study are to investigate the magnitude and direction of the elbow torque asymmetries in manual wheelchair users and to verify the agreement levels of the asymmetry's direction between different velocities and contraction modes in the isokinetic test. The sample was composed of 14 manual wheelchair users (four women, 10 men). The peak torque of the elbow flexors and extensors were measured on the dominant and non-dominant limbs, using a set of concentric/eccentric contractions at speeds of 60° s-1 and 180° s-1. Asymmetries were calculated by a specific equation, and the levels of agreement of the asymmetry's direction were calculated using Kappa coefficient. The main results showed a large variability in the magnitude of the asymmetries, ranging from -73.1% (ND) to 59.9% (D) between participants. The agreement levels of the elbow flexors and extensors between the different contraction modes were great (k = 0.71-0.85) for most of the velocities [except for flexors of 60° s-1 (k = 0.29)], but the agreement levels were only slight to fair (k = 0.16-0.31) for most of the contraction modes when comparing between velocities [except for flexors eccentric (k = 0.71)]. In conclusion, the elbow torque asymmetries are highly variable between subjects in terms of magnitude. In addition, in general, the limb favored by the asymmetry is the same when comparing between velocities, but not when comparing between contraction modes.

Evaluating the Asymmetry of Muscle Activation and Strength in Paralympic Powerlifting Athletes.

Strength training is a complex task, as it requires a combination of many variables. In paralympic powerlifting (PP) asymmetries for the evaluation of activation, and static force indicators have been increasingly studied. To investigate the asymmetries in the strength and muscle activation indicators, before and after a training session of PP athletes. Twelve elite athletes from the PP participated in the study, and asymmetry was evaluated through surface electromyography (sEMG) and static strength indicators. Evaluations were made before and after a protocol of five series of five repetitions (5 × 5), with 80% of 1-Maximum Repetition (1RM). In the pectoral muscles, there were differences in the non-dominant limbs between the before and after in the sEMG. There were differences in the pectoralis muscle in the non-dominant limb between moments before (110.75 ± 59.52%) and after (130.53 ± 98.48%, p < 0.001), and there was no difference in triceps activation. In the Maximum Isometric Strength (MIF), there was a difference in the non-dominant limb between before (710.36 ± 129.36) and after (620.27 ± 69.73; p < 0.030). There was a difference before in the dominant (626.89 ± 120.16; 95% CI 550.55-703.24) and non-dominant (710.36 ± 129.36; p = 0.011) limbs. There was no difference in time to MIF. PP athletes showed small levels of asymmetry before and after training, and adaptation to training tends to promote fewer asymmetries.

Kinesio Taping™ effects with different directions and tensions on the muscle activity of the rectus femoris of young adults with a muscle imbalance promoted by mechanical vibration: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundTherapeutic strategies such as improvement muscle activation are fundamental for clinical practice, especially for the quadriceps muscle. It is not yet clear in the literature whether Kinesio Taping (KT) can modify muscle activation. This study sought to evaluate the effect of Kinesio Taping™ (KT) with different directions and tensions on the muscle activity of the rectus femoris in young adults with a muscle imbalance promoted by mechanical vibration. Thirty-two subjects were allocated into two groups: group A, used taping origin to insertion and group B, used taping insertion to origin. In both groups the dominant limb received the taping while the non-dominant limb was used as a control. A continuous vibration (60 Hz) was conducted on the patella tendon for 20 min before the electromyography (EMG) evaluation. Mean and maximum EMG values of the rectus femoris were collected during three maximal isometric voluntary contractions performed in 5 s. Muscle activity was evaluated three times: prior to KT application, immediately after KT placement, and 24 h later. These evaluations were done with 0% (no tension), with 10% (paper off), and with 75–100% (total tension) on both groups. Significance level of p < 0.05 was used.ResultsCompared with no intervention, on group A, there were differences for mean and maximum EMG values 24-h post-application with 0%, 10%, and 75% of tension (p < 0.05). On group B, there were differences for maximum EMG values immediately and 24 h post-application with 0% and 75% of tension (p < 0.05). There were no differences between both groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionsKinesio Taping applied with different directions and tensions increased the muscle activity immediately and 24 h post-application of the rectus femoris of healthy individuals. The inhibition technique cannot decrease the muscle activity.

Use of a handheld Doppler to measure brachial and femoral artery occlusion pressure.

Objective: Measurement of arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) is essential to the safe and effective use of blood flow restriction during exercise. Use of a Doppler ultrasound (US) is the "gold standard" method to measure AOP. Validation of a handheld Doppler (HHDOP) device to measure AOP could make the measurement of AOP more accessible to practitioners in the field. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of AOP measurements of the brachial and femoral arteries using an HHDOP. Methods: We simultaneously measured AOP using a "gold standard" US and a HHDOP in the dominant and non-dominant arms (15 males; 15 females) and legs (15 males; 15 females). Results: There were no differences in limb circumference or limb volume in the dominant and non-dominant arms and legs between males and females or between the dominant and non-dominant arms and legs of males and females. The differences between US and HHDOP measures of AOP in the dominant and non-dominant arms and legs were either not significant or small (<10mmHg) and of little practical importance. There were no sex differences in AOP measurements of the femoral artery (p > 0.60). Bland-Altman analysis yielded an average bias (-0.65mmHg; -2.93mmHg) and reasonable limits of agreement (±5.56mmHg; ±5.58mmHg) between US and HHDOP measures of brachial and femoral artery AOP, respectively. Conclusion: HHDOP yielded acceptable measures of AOP of the brachial and femoral arteries and can be used to measure AOP by practitioners for the safe and effective use of blood flow restriction. Due to the potential differences in AOP between dominant and non-dominant limbs, AOP should be measured in each limb.

Training with Non-dominant Limb: A Helpful Strategy for Motor Function and Dual-task Cost in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Training with Non-dominant Limb: A Helpful Strategy for Motor Function and Dual-task Cost in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Comparison of isometric strength in rotator cuff and scapulothoracic muscles between elite volleyball athletes versus non-athletes.

Volleyball is an exceptionally popular global sport that involves repetitive, rapid, powerful and wide overhead movements, which can seriously alter normal shoulder kinematics. A recognized hallmark of shoulder muscle balance is the ratio of shoulder external (ER) and internal (IR) rotators. By extension, objective measurement of shoulder muscles' strength could help identify at risk athletes and preempt those injuries by engaging in prescriptive strength training programs. This cross-sectional study measured the isometric strengths of 1) shoulder internal and external rotator muscles, as well as the 2) supraspinatus, 3) rhomboid, and 4) middle and inferior trapezius muscles, in addition to calculation of ER:IR ratios, in professional volleyball players as well as in non-athletes. Measurements were made for dominant- and non-dominant upper limbs, in different position of the body (supine and orthostatic) and in different position of upper limb (adducted and abducted position). Our subject population included 11 male professional volleyball players as well as 14 healthy male orthopedic interns from Orthopedics and Trauma school of University of Milano Bicocca. Strengths were assessed by a handheld dynamometer. Each subject's isometric strength was assessed in triplicate in each limb position through a "make test" procedure; the greatest of each triplicate value was the accepted measure of isometric strength. We observed a gradient in muscle strength in the scapulothoracic complex in both groups; the rhomboid, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius ranked from greatest to least strength, respectively. The data suggest also that intrarotators are stronger in rotation adducted position than in rotation abducted position; however, extrarotators seem to be weaker in rotation adducted position than in rotation abducted position. There is also some indication that force development is enhanced in the supine position compared with the orthostatic position. Our findings indicate a scapulothoracic strength gradient with a rank order of strength of the rhomboid>middle trapezius>lower trapezius. The data further suggest that volleyball players have stronger intrarotation in rotation adducted position than in the rotation abducted position, while extra rotation shows the opposite trend. Finally, our data suggest that force development is greater in the supine position compared to the orthostatic position.

Unilateral high-load resistance training influences strength changes in the contralateral arm undergoing low-load training.

Within-subject training models have become common within the exercise literature. However, it is currently unknown if training one arm with a high load would impact muscle size and strength of the opposing arm training with a low load. Parallel group. 116 participants were randomized to one of three groups that completed 6-weeks (18 sessions) of elbow flexion exercise. Group 1 trained their dominant arm only, beginning with a one-repetition maximum test (≤5 attempts), followed by four sets of exercise using a weight equivalent to 8-12 repetition maximum. Group 2 completed the same training as Group 1 in their dominant arm, while the non-dominant arm completed four sets of low-load exercise (30-40 repetition maximum). Group 3 trained their non-dominant arm only, performing the same low-load exercise as Group 2. Participants were compared for changes in muscle thickness and elbow flexion one-repetition maximum. The greatest changes in non-dominant strength were present in Groups 1 (Δ 1.5 kg; untrained arm) and 2 (Δ1.1 kg; low-load arm with high load on opposite arm), compared to Group 3 (Δ 0.3 kg; low-load only). Only the arms being directly trained observed changes in muscle thickness (≈Δ 0.25 cm depending on site). Within-subject training models are potentially problematic when investigating changes in strength (though not muscle growth). This is based on the finding that the untrained limb of Group 1 saw similar changes in strength as the non-dominant limb of Group 2 which were both greater than the low-load training limb of Group 3.

Development of specific upper limb strength abilities through targeted movement intervention in judo athletes in the U12 - U16 categories

The presented study addresses the issue of grip strength and its development in the specific context of grappling sports. Within the research investigation, we compared the state of strength abilities in judo athletes aged U12-U16 before and after a targeted movement intervention focused on improving grip strength. The participants were tested using a designed test battery and were exposed to a targeted movement intervention stimulating the development of strength abilities crucial for success in this sport over a period of 4 months. After completing the movement intervention, there was an average improvement in all tested indicators among the group of boys. Grip strength significantly improved, especially in the non-dominant upper limb.

Knee extensor torque-velocity relationships following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

BackgroundThe inherent nature of the torque-velocity relationship is the inverse nature between the velocity of muscle contraction and torque production and is an indication of muscle function. The purpose of this study was to characterize the torque-velocity relationship in the quadriceps following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction compared to healthy limbs. Methods681 participants were included, 493 of which were patients at least four months following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (23.2 ± 10.08 yr, 6.6 ± 5.37 months post-surgery) and 188 were healthy participants (21.6 ± 3.77 yr). A subset of 175 post-surgical participants completed a repeated visit (8.1 ± 1.71 months post-surgery). Participants completed isokinetic knee extension at 90°/s and 180°/s. A one-way ANOVA was used to compare torque velocity relationships by limb type (surgical, contralateral, healthy). Paired samples t-tests were conducted to analyze the torque-velocity relationship across limbs and across time. FindingsThere was a large effect for limb type on torque-velocity (F(2, 1173) = 146.08, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.20). Surgical limbs demonstrated significantly lower torque-velocity relationships compared to the contralateral limbs (ACLR: 0.26 Nm/kg, contralateral:0.55 Nm/kg, p < 0.001, d = 1.18). Healthy limbs had similar torque-velocity relationships bilaterally (dominant limb: 0.48 Nm/kg, non-dominant limb: 0.49 Nm/kg, p = 0.45). The torque velocity relationship for the involved limb significantly increased in magnitude over time (+0.11 Nm/kg, p < 0.001, d = −0.61) while the contralateral limb torque-velocity relationship remained stable over time (0.0 Nm/kg difference, p = 0.60). InterpretationFollowing surgery, the knee extensors appear to have altered torque-velocity relationships compared to contralateral and healthy limbs. This may indicate a specific target for assessment and rehabilitation following surgery.

Quantification of muscle involvement in familial amyloid polyneuropathy using MRI.

Transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy (TTR-FAP) is a rare genetic disease with autosomal-dominant inheritance. In this study, we aimed to quantify fatty infiltration (fat fraction [FF]) and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) in individual muscles of patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic TTR-FAP using magnetic resonance imaging. Secondarily, we aimed to assess correlations with clinical and electrophysiological variables. A total of 39 patients with a confirmed mutation in the TTR gene (25 symptomatic and 14 asymptomatic) and 14 healthy volunteers were included. A total of 16 muscles were manually delineated in the nondominant lower limb from T1-weighted anatomical images. The corresponding masks were propagated on the MTR and FF maps. Detailed neurological and electrophysiological examinations were conducted in each group. The MTR was decreased (42.6 AU; p = 0.001) and FF was elevated (14%; p = 0.003) in the lower limbs of the symptomatic group, with preferential posterior and lateral involvement. In the asymptomatic group, elevated FF was quantified in the gastrocnemius lateralis muscle (11%; p = 0.021). FF was significantly correlated with disease duration (r = 0.49, p = 0.015), neuropathy impairment score for the lower limb (r = 0.42, p = 0.041), Overall Neuropathy Limitations Scale score (r = 0.49, p = 0.013), polyneuropathy disability score (r = 0.57, p = 0.03) and the sum of compound muscle action potential (r = 0.52, p = 0.009). MTR was strongly correlated to FF (r = 0.78, p < 0.0001), and a few muscles with an FF within the normal range had a reduced MTR. These observations suggest that FF and MTR could be interesting biomarkers in TTR-FAP. In asymptomatic patients, FF in the gastrocnemius lateralis muscle could be a good indicator of the transition from an asymptomatic to a symptomatic form of the disease. MTR could be an early biomarker of muscle alterations.

Acute effect of short-term immobilization on lower leg muscle tissue hardness in healthy adults.

Previous studies have reported altered neural activity in the motor cortex after short-term cast immobilization, even in healthy participants. However, the effects of short-term movement restriction on tissue structure are not well understood. To investigate the effects of short-term lower limb immobilization on muscle tissue hardness. Seventeen healthy participants were enrolled in the study. Each participant's non-dominant lower limb was fixed with a soft bandage and medical splint for 10 h. Gastrocnemius muscle tissue hardness was measured using a tissue hardness meter before cast application and immediately after cast removal. Measurements were performed five times for each lower limb, and the three values with the lowest coefficient of variance were adopted as the value of muscle tissue hardness. Gastrocnemius muscle tissue hardness in the immobilized limb was lower after cast removal than that before cast application (from 53.6 to 51.8; p< 0.01), whereas the non-fixed limb showed an increase in muscle tissue hardness at the end of the experiment (from 52.9 to 54.3; p= 0.03). The findings indicate that 10 h movement restriction induced a reduction in muscle tissue hardness, suggesting acute adverse effects of cast immobilization for orthopedic treatment.

Comparison and Relationship of Quadriceps Femoris Angle, Muscle Strength, and Balance in Athletes and Non-Athletes.

Q-angle is an important parameter to assess quadriceps muscle's function and its effect on knee. The present study aims to investigate the potential relationships between Q-angle, muscle strength, and balance in both athlete and non-athlete populations. Fifty-six athletes and non-athletes aged between 18 and 20 were included in this cross-sectional study. The Q-angle of each participant was measured using a universal goniometer. Muscle strength was evaluated using hand-held dynamometer, and static and dynamic balance were assessed using the one-leg stand test and Y balance test, respectively. Our findings revealed that athletes had a significantly smaller Q angle than non-athletes (p < 0.05). Furthermore, male participants had both higher muscle strength and better static balance with eyes closed than female participants (p < 0.05). Similarly, athletes had both higher muscle strength and better static balance than non-athletes (p < 0.05). Moreover, we found that the dominant limb had a significantly smaller Q angle than the non-dominant limb (p < 0.05). However, we did not observe a significant relationship between Q angle and dynamic balance (p > 0.05). Our study suggests that individuals who participate in sports have lower Q angle values than those who do not participate in sports. Additionally, gender differences may exist in muscle strength and static balance. Furthermore, the Q angle was found to be lower in the non-dominant extremity compared to the dominant extremity. Finally, our study revealed a significant association between Q angle and knee muscle strength and static balance. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these relationships.

Comparison of nerve conduction velocities of lower extremities between football players and controls

This study aimed to compare neuronal function in the lower limbs of elite footballers and an age-matched control group. Conduction velocity, response latency and amplitude following electrical stimulation were investigated. Thirty male football players and 30 untrained males comprised the subject and control groups, respectively. We showed that professional football players have significantly slower sural nerve conduction velocity than untrained controls (p&lt;0.05). Although we found no signs of neuropathy, mild changes in nerve conduction velocity were evident in the sural nerve of the players. Motor conduction velocity of tibial nerve was also significantly prolonged in this group when comparing dominant and non-dominant extremities (p&lt;0.05). The tibial nerve muscle action potential amplitude was lower in the players’ dominant limbs compared with the controls (p&lt;0.05). We found no statistical difference in motor conduction velocities, distal latencies and amplitudes of the common peroneal nerve when comparing players and controls in both dominant and non-dominant limbs (p&gt;0.05). Our results showed abnormalities of function in the sural and tibial nerves in football players compared with untrained controls, which may indicate early signs of neuropathy.

Dynamic postural control in injured collegiate cross-country runners is not associated with running-related injury

BackgroundBiomechanical factors have been associated with running-related injury, but associations are unclear. Dynamic postural stability may be a factor related to injury that has not been studied extensively. Research questionDoes dynamic postural control differ in those with a history of running-related injury or those who go on to sustain a running-related injury? MethodsSixty-five (45 injured; 20 uninjured) and fifty-eight (13 injured; 45 uninjured) collegiate cross-country runners were available for our retrospective and prospective analyses. Time to stabilization and dynamic postural stability index were collected during two separate jump landing tasks (forward and lateral direction) for each leg. Retrospective injury was tabulated by a running history survey. Prospective injuries were recorded by a licensed athletic trainer during the competitive season. Differences in postural stability were compared between injured and uninjured groups and between limbs using two-way ANOVA’s. An overall group by leg comparison was completed for each task. ResultsThe non-dominant limb demonstrated better postural stability indices regardless of injury history. An interaction was observed between limbs and history of injury for the anterior-posterior time to stabilization for the lateral task. The non-dominant limb demonstrated better medio-lateral postural stability indices and time to stabilization during the lateral task, regardless of prospective injury. SignificanceDynamic postural stability was reduced in the dominant limb, but no clear differences were seen between injured and uninjured runners. This suggests dynamic postural stability may be altered in individuals with a history of a running-related injury, but no relationship to subsequent injury was substantiated. Further work is needed to understand how dynamic postural stability may be related to running-related injury.

Bilateral transfer of motor performance as a function of motor imagery training: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The objective of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of mental imagery training (MIT) in promoting bilateral transfer (BT) of motor performance for healthy subjects. We searched 6 online-databases (Jul-Dec 2022) using terms: "mental practice," "motor imagery training," "motor imagery practice," "mental training," "movement imagery," "cognitive training," "bilateral transfer," "interlimb transfer," "cross education," "motor learning," "strength," "force" and "motor performance." We selected randomized-controlled studies that examined the effect of MIT on BT. Two reviewers independently determined if each study met the inclusion criteria for the review. Disagreements were resolved through discussion and, if necessary, by a third reviewer. A total of 9 articles out of 728 initially identified studies were chosen for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis included 14 studies for the comparison between MIT and no-exercise control (CTR) and 15 studies for the comparison between MIT and physical training (PT). MIT showed significant benefit in inducing BT compared to CTR (ES = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.57-0.98). The effect of MIT on BT was similar to that of PT (ES = -0.02, 95% CI = -0.15-0.17). Subgroup analyses showed that internal MIT (IMIT) was more effective (ES = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.57-2.76) than external MIT (EMIT) (ES = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.74-1.17), and mixed-task (ES = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.26-2.11) was more effective than mirror-task (ES = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.14-0.78) and normal-task (ES = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.23-0.90). No significant difference was found between transfer from dominant limb (DL) to non-dominant limb (NDL) (ES = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.37-0.97) and NDL to DL (ES = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.59-1.15). This review concludes that MIT can serve as a valuable alternative or supplement to PT in facilitating BT effects. Notably, IMIT is preferable to EMIT, and interventions incorporating tasks that have access to both intrinsic and extrinsic coordinates (mixed-task) are preferred over those that involve only one of the two coordinates (mirror-task or normal-task). These findings have implications for rehabilitation of patients such as stroke survivors.

Trunk, Mass Grasp, Knee, and Hip Muscle Performance in CrossFit Participants: Reference Values According to Participants' Sex and Limb Dominance.

CrossFit is characterized by a diverse range of exercises recruiting different muscles and requiring different muscle functions. A characterization of muscular performance parameters in this population is needed. To determine reference values for various aspects of muscular performance of muscles of the trunk, thigh, hip, and mass grasp in CrossFit participants. Also, this investigation aimed to compare the strength measures between male and female CrossFit participants, as well as between dominant and non-dominant limbs. Descriptive, Cross-sectional. Laboratory. Isometric strength of trunk extensors (TE) and mass grasp was measured with handheld and Jamar dynamometer respectively. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to assess the muscle performance of the knee flexors (KF) and extensors (KE) (at 60º/s and 300º/s), and hip flexors (HF), extensors (HE), and abductors (HA) (60º/s and 240º/s ). Reference values for torque, work, power, fatigue, flexor:extensor ratio for the knee (hamstring:quadriceps - H:Q) and hip (HF:HE) joints were calculated. The torque and work values were normalized by the body mass. Mixed multivariate and univariate analyses of variance and independent t-tests were used for statistical analyses to compare between sexes and limbs. Participants included 111 individuals (58 males and 53 females) with at least one year of experience in CrossFit. Normative data are provided for the outcome variables. Males had greater values of muscular performance parameters than females in most variables (p<0.05). Also, the dominant limb had greater mass grasp strength (p<0.002), greater KE power at 60º/s (p=0.015), lower H:Q ratio at 60º/s (p=0.021) and 300º/s (p=0.008), and lower KE fatigue (p=0.002). This study provides reference values for the trunk extensors, mass grasp, knee, and hip muscle performance in male and female CrossFit practitioners. Their muscle performance profile was characterized by few inter-limb asymmetries, and males demonstrated greater muscular performance outcomes than females, even after normalization by body mass. These reference values can be used for comparisons in research and clinical settings. 3b.

L'influenza della flessione anteriore del tronco sulla biomeccanica del ginocchio e sull'attività mioelettrica durante l'esecuzione del sidestep cut

BACKGROUND: Trunk motion control may be an important factor affecting the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury by changing knee joint load during dynamic motion, there has been few studies investigating the influence of it on knee joint during sidestep cutting currently, and it has not been studied whether asymmetry between the dominant and non-dominant lower limbs in different trunk motion states during sidestep cutting. The objective of this study was to identify the leg laterality during sidestep cutting in trunk forward inclination state and to explore whether trunk forward inclination could reduce ACL injury risk.METHODS: Twenty healthy male college basketball athletes volunteered for this study. Each individual is required to complete sidestep cutting tasks in four states. They performed sidestep cutting using the dominant and non-dominant side with trunk forward inclination or natural position, respectively. Biomechanical testing equipment were used to synchronously collect knee biomechanics and myoelectricity data. A two-way (trunk motion × support side) ANOVA was used to analyze the influence of trunk motion control on knee biomechanics and myoelectricity and leg laterality.RESULTS: There was no leg laterality during sidestep cutting with trunk forward inclination state. During sidestep cutting with trunk forward inclination state, the knee flexion angle at initial contact (P=0.003 for the dominant side; P=0.011 for the non-dominant side), knee peak flexion angle (P=0.001 for the dominant side; P=0.000 for the non-dominant side) and H/Q ratio (P=0.048 for the dominant side) were significantly greater than trunk natural state.CONCLUSIONS: There was no leg laterality during sidestep cutting in trunk forward inclination state, and the trunk forward state may have a protective effect on the ACL during sidestep cutting, especially for the dominant side.

Cross-cultural adaptation and reliability of the Foot Posture Index (FPI-6) – French version

Purpose The 6-item Foot Posture Index (FPI-6) is a reliable tool for the evaluation of foot deformities. Our aim was to translate and cross-culturally validate the FPI-6 for use in French-speaking countries and to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the French version. Methods Cross-cultural adaptation was performed according to guidelines. Two clinicians assessed the FPI-6 in 52 asymptomatic individuals. We evaluated intra- and inter-rater reliability with the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), correlations (p-value < 0.05) and Bland-Altman plots. Standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimum detectable change (MDC95) were determined. Results For the cross-cultural adaptation, we modified several items of the FPI-6 user guide and added footnotes to ensure correct interpretation. ICC of the total FPI-6 scores were 0.94 to 0.96 for the intra- and inter-rater reliability for dominant and non-dominant lower limb. Correlations were significant (p < 0.001); r 0.88 to 0.92. Total score SEM was 0.68 to 0.78 and MDC95 was 1.58 to 1.82. Conclusions Intra- and inter-rater reliability of this French version of the FPI-6 was excellent for the total score and good to excellent for each item. The French FPI-6 can be used in French-speaking countries. The identification of SEM and MDC scores is useful for clinical interpretation.

INFLUENCE OF AGING AND LIMB DOMINANCE ON REFERENCE VALUES OF MEDIAN AND ULNAR NERVE CONDUCTION STUDIES

&amp;lt;p class=&amp;quot;MsoNormal&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;text-align: justify; line-height: 200%;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Introduction.&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; Median and ulnar nerves are mixed upper limb nerves. The aim of the research was to determine refer ence values, and influence of aging and limb dominance on electrophysiological parameters of these nerves.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt; &amp;lt;p class=&amp;quot;MsoNormal&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;text-align: justify; line-height: 200%;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Methods.&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; In 46 women and 14 men, aged 24 to 81, we de termined the conduction velocity (CV), the amplitude, and the distal motor latency (DML) on both nerves and their change with aging and limb dominance. In the group of women the influence of the postmenopausal period on the electrophysiological parameters of the median nerve was observed.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt; &amp;lt;p class=&amp;quot;MsoNormal&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;text-align: justify; line-height: 200%;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Results.&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; With aging, there was a significant decrease in the CV of sensitive fibers, amplitude of the motor part and DML of both nerves. In the median nerve, there was the decrease in the CV of motor fibers. On the dominant limb, there was the significant decrease in the CV of sensitive fibers of medi an nerve and amplitude of the sensitive part of ulnar nerve. On the dominant limb, aging caused the decrease of CV and the amplitude of the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve, and CV of the motor fibers and DML of the median nerve. In postmenopausal women, the amplitude of the motor part of the median nerve decreased on the non-dominant limb.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt; &amp;lt;p class=&amp;quot;MsoNormal&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;text-align: justify; line-height: 200%;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Conclusion. &amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt;There is the influence of age and dominance on the electrophysiological parameters of the investigated nerves. The postmenopausal period in women, apart from the influence of aging, does not represent a specific influ encing factor on the investigated parameters.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;

Offset Loading in a Bilateral Squatting Movement Pattern Influences Ground-Reaction Force and Muscle Activity in the Dominant and Nondominant Limb.

The purpose of this study was to explore whether offset loading in the barbell squat altered ground-reaction force (GRF) and muscle activation in the dominant (D) and nondominant (ND) lower limb compared to traditional squats. Twelve well-trained men (age 26.4 [3.2]y; 10.3 [1.9]y experience) performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 60% of their previously measured 1-repetition maximum. Sets were quasi-randomized between traditional loading (TDL), dominant-side offset loading (OS-D), and nondominant-side offset loading (OS-ND). All repetitions were performed on a dual force plate with electromyography sensors on the prime mover muscles of the squat. GRF symmetry was assessed using the symmetry index (SI) to determine the direction (D [+] or ND [-]) and magnitude (%) of the asymmetry. Finally, the first 3 and final 3 repetitions of each set were compared for compensatory changes in symmetry. OS-D induced a significant change in limb SI relative to TDL (5.21% vs 1.44%; P = .011); however, no significant difference in limb SI was seen between TDL and OS-ND (-0.66% vs 1.44%; P = .278). No asymmetries between D and ND muscle activation were present in any condition. TDL and OS-D squats exhibited significant improvements in limb SI between the first 3 and final 3 repetitions (P = .035 and .011, respectively); however, no such improvement was seen in OS-ND. OS-D is capable of significantly altering GRF limb SI in a bilateral squat; however, OS-ND appears to exhibit no GRF or electromyography effects relative to TDL. Thus, the results of this study do not support the use of OS-ND in the pursuit of strengthening a weaker limb, suggesting that unilateral training may be a preferred mode of exercise for this desired outcome.