Plank Position Research Articles

What is the influence of biomechanical variables on the Y balance test performance in recreational runners?

BackgroundAsymmetries and poor Y balance test (YBT) performance are associated with an increased risk of injuries in athletes. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between YBT performance with biomechanical variables in runners. MethodsThe runners underwent the YBT, followed by the assessment of center of pressure, plank position, muscle strength (MS) of hip flexors, extensors, abductors, and external rotators, knee extensors, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), Q angle, forefoot alignment, and passive hip internal rotation. Associations between variables were examined using multiple linear regression models with the Bayesian Information Criterion. Results122 cases were analyzed. The R2 values were 0.38; 0.05; 0.06; and 0.15 for the anterior, posteromedial, posterolateral and composite directions models, respectively. The anterior reach in the YBT was associated with ankle dorsiflexion ROM [Sβ 95%IC: 0.43 (0.32–0.55)], passive hip internal rotation [Sβ 95%IC: 0.35 (0.24–0.47)], MS of the hip extensors [Sβ 95%IC: 0.19 (0.07–0.31)] and forefoot alignment [Sβ 95%IC: 0.14 (-0.25-0.02)]. The posteromedial and posterolateral reach were associated with MS of the hip flexors [Sβ 95%IC: 0.23 (0.09–0.37) and 0.24 (0.11–0.38)], respectively. The composite score was associated with MS of the hip flexors [Sβ 95%IC: 0.31 (0.18–0.45)], ankle dorsiflexion ROM [Sβ 95%IC: 0.24 (0.10–0.37)] and Q angle [Sβ 95%IC: 0.18 (0.04–0.31)]. ConclusionYBT performance in different directions demonstrated specific associations with key biomechanical factors.

Effect of different cranio-cervical positions on abdominal and back muscles activities from different postures: A cross-section study

The aim of this study was to investigate whether changing cranio-cervical postures is associated with changes in abdominal and back muscle activities during bridging and plank positions, and to present the importance of cranio-cervical posture control during trunk stabilization exercises. This was a cross-sectional study that included thirty patients (21 men and 9 women), aged between 18 and 30 years, with no history of previous spinal surgery, other severe musculoskeletal disorders, or neurological disorders, selected from Cairo University's Faculty of Physical Therapy. Every patient was requested to adopt a bridging and a plank position. Surface Electromyography (EMG) was used to assess muscular activation patterns by measuring muscle activity amplitudes. EMG signals of rectus abdominus and lumbar erector spinae in different cranio-cervical postures (extension 25°, neutral, and flexion 25°) were compared. The cranio-cervical posture was controlled utilizing a cervical range of motion device (CROM). Cranio-cervical posture was found to significantly influence trunk muscle activities (p=0.001), with cranio-cervical flexion yielding the highest activity in the rectus abdominus in both bridging (p=0.001) and plank positions (p=0.001), while cranio-cervical extension yielded the highest activity in the lumbar erector spinae in both bridging (p=0.001) and plank positions (p=0.017). Cranio-cervical flexion increased rectus abdominus muscle activity during the bridging and plank positions, while cranio-cervical extension improved lumbar erector spinae muscle activity during the bridging and plank positions. Consideration of cranio-cervical posture is suggested when carrying out trunk stabilization exercises.

Isometric Yoga-Like Maneuvers Improve Adult Scoliosis

Goal: Assess therapeutic value of yoga for thoracic, lumbar, and thoracolumbar adult scoliosis, taught in office or via the internet in this nonrandomized control study. Study Design: One hundred thirty-three adults were recruited from our metropolitan clinic; 100 did the recommended poses (mean age: 63.1 years; SD: 14.7), the treatment group, and 26 did not (mean age: 64.5; SD: 12.7), the control group. Seven were lost to follow-up. One hundred two patients were treated in office, 24 over the internet. Curve change was evaluated and serial Cobb angles read by blinded radiologists and analyzed using Mann-Whitney U, paired t tests and χ2 test. Results: During the trial period, mean lumbar and thoracolumbar Cobb angle decreased from 37.5° (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.0-56.7) to 30.0° (95% CI, 15.2-39.8) in the treatment group and increased from 23.5° (95% CI, 19.4-37.0) to 26.0° (95% CI, 20.2-40.0) in the control group. One treatment group and 3 control group patients worsened 1 category in their curves; 36 treatment and 0 control group patients improved 1 category; and 2 treatment group patients improved 2 categories (P = .000). Combining thoracic and thoracolumbar and lumbar curves, compliant office patients' curves went from 32.4° to 24.1° in 11.7 months improving 0.28% overall or 0.7° per month or 2.4% per month. Compliant patients seen via the internet improved from 49.4° initially to 37.3° or 24.5% over 10.75 months or 1.1° per month or 2.0% per month. Six of 88 patients seen in the office were noncompliant. About 15 of 25 patients seen via the internet were noncompliant. Conclusion: The side plank, half-moon, and elevated side plank positions show promise for reversing adult scoliosis. Compared with office visits, telemedicine had lower compliance but comparable efficacy.

Single and Especially Multisport Participation May Increase Physical Fitness in Younger Americans.

We sought to examine the associations between sports participation and physical fitness in younger Americans. The analytic sample included 1108 Americans aged 6-15 years. Muscular fitness assessments included handgrip strength, leg extension strength, and plank position. Cardiorespiratory fitness was examined with graded treadmill tests. Youth participating in any sports had increased physical fitness performance for each marker: 1.63 kg (CI: 0.91-2.35) for handgrip strength, 6.23 kg (CI: 3.15-9.32) for leg extension strength, 9.41 lbs. (CI: 4.51-14.31) for plank position held, and 3.02 mL/kg/min (CI: 1.23-4.80) for estimated maximal oxygen uptake. Participants engaging in a single sport had increased performance for most fitness markers: 1.52 kg (CI: 0.67-2.38) for handgrip strength, 5.16 kg (CI: 1.50-8.82) for leg extension strength, 5.98 s (CI: 0.17-11.78) for plank position held, and 2.67 mL/kg/min (CI: 0.58-4.77) for estimated maximal oxygen uptake. Youth engaging in multiple sports exhibited even steeper trends: 1.77 kg (CI: 0.83-2.70) for handgrip strength, 7.63 kg (CI: 3.62-11.65) for leg extension strength, 13.89 s (CI: 7.52-20.27) for plank position held, and 3.50 mL/kg/min (CI: 1.15-5.85) for estimated maximal oxygen uptake. Any sports participation, including single and multiple sports, is linked to increased physical fitness in American youth.

Anthropometrics, Exercise Duration Associated With Force And Rate Of Force Development During A Suspended Plank

Suspension training is used in rehabilitation and fitness training settings due to its ability to challenge various muscle groups. Suspended planks require an individual to support their body weight and are mostly used as an advanced core endurance exercise. PURPOSE: To determine how force and rate of force development (RFD) during a suspended plank relate to total hold time and participant body size and activity level. METHODS: Forty physically active, asymptomatic individuals (Age: 23.6 ± 4.9 years, Height: 169.7 ± 6.9 cm, Weight: 151.0 ± 22.4lbs, 20 males, 20 females) participated in this study. Prior to exercise, individuals completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ: 5850.6 ± 3746.6mets). Participants performed a prone plank holding onto the suspension strap system attached to a closed door, with arms in full extension and feet fixed on the floor. A load cell sensor was attached to the suspension strap above the participant’s right hand and measured force (lbs) and RFD (lbs/s). Plank time (s) started when the participant raised into the appropriate plank position and stopped when they could no longer maintain proper form. Mean and standard deviation were calculated for force, RFD, plank time, height, and weight. Pearson’s r correlation was used for force and participant characteristics, and Spearman’s ρ correlation was calculated for all RFD relationships. RESULTS: Participants held the suspended plank for 25.5 ± 14.8 s and exhibited an average force of 110.1 ± 20.4lbs (RFD min -25.2lbs/sec, max 1.96lbs/sec). Plank time revealed a strong positive relationship with RFD (ρ = .81, p < .001). Height (r = .58, p < .001) and weight (weight r = .83, p < .001) showed a significant positive relationship with force. Weight was also indirectly associated with days (ρ = -.37, p = .02) and minutes/week (ρ = -.33, p = .04) spent walking from the IPAQ. CONCLUSIONS: Body size was directly related to force production during the suspended plank exercise. Individuals who walked more frequently may have had less body weight to control, thus reducing the force required to maintain the plank position. Understanding how various body sizes and activity levels impact body weight stabilization exercise is important for clinicians and practitioners in sports medicine and fitness settings who may utilize suspension training.

Evaluation of Core Stabilization Strenght of Team and Individual Athletes and Sedentary

Aim: This study was carried out to examine the core strength of athletes and sedentary people between the ages of 13-18. Methods: 200 male athletes from Samsun and 51 sedentary men who did not do any sports participated in this study. The Plank Fitness Test was applied to measure core strength and the time they could stand without disturbing the plank position was recorded. IBM SPSS Statistics 21 package program was used in the analysis of the data. Before the analysis of the data, Shapiro-Wilk normality test was applied and it was determined that the data did not show normal distribution (p&lt;0.05). The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the averages of core duration between the groups. Results: According to the findings obtained in the study, a significant difference was found when the durations of the groups in the core test were examined [X2(2) =92,158, p&lt;.05]. This finding shows that the core strength between the groups is different according to the branch. When the averages of the groups are examined, it is determined that the branch with the highest core duration is judo (190.53 sec.), followed by taekwondo (158.18 sec.), football (158.01 sec.), sedentary (107.73 sec.) and basketball (69.55 sec.) groups, respectively. In addition, it is seen that the results obtained in core times and the results of training age and body mass index values are similar. Conclusion: According to the results of our study, it is noteworthy that those who do individual sports have higher core scores than those who do team sports and sedentary. We think that this difference is due to the fact that the concentration is constantly high in individual sports and the techniques performed accordingly require more core strength. In addition, we can say that the fact that sedentary people get more core points than basketball players is due to the fact that the training age of the participants and the body mass index values of the basketball players are higher than the other participants. In the light of these results, we think that more core training should be included, especially in sports that require high technical skills and strength. Keywords: Team and Individual Sports, Sedentary, Core Strength

The relationship between the change of trunk muscle thickness and landing technique in women volleyball players with Jumper’s knee

This study aimed to discuss the relationship between the change of trunk muscle thickness and the stability of landing movement of volleyball players with jumper’s knee. We studied a total of 14 women volleyball players. They were classified into the JK group consisting of 7 players with jumper’s knee and the CON group consisting of 7 players without jumper’s knee. We measured the transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) both at rest and in the plank position (PL) of the subjects, and figured out change rates of their muscle thicknesses by dividing the muscle thickness in the plank position by that at rest. We also measured flexion angle of trunk, hip, and knee at landing. We found that change rates of IO were significantly lower in the JK group than in the CON group (p<0.01), and that flexion angles of trunk was significantly greater in the JK group than in the CON group (p<0.01). In conclusion, our study clarified that players in the JK group have a lower change rate of trunk muscle contraction and increase the flexion angle. It also clarified that they make a compensatory movement by flexing knee joint and body truck to reduce the burden on knee joint.

Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test in Collegiate Softball Players: Bilateral Arm Comparison and Influence of Reach Order

The upper quarter Y-balance test is an upper extremity, closed kinetic chain assessment that requires individuals to reach in three directions while in a three-point plank position. The upper quarter Y-balance test was performed in 22 collegiate softball players (19.95 ± 1.52 years) to determine the (a) differences between throwing and nonthrowing (NT) sides and (b) influence of reach sequence. While stabilizing on the NT side, participants reached significantly further in the inferolateral direction than the throwing side (NT: 83.7 ± 12.2% arm length; throwing: 80.1 ± 10.5% arm length; p = .03; effect size = −0.57). Altering reach sequence significantly influenced medial reach (p &lt; .01, effect size = 0.66) and composite score (p = .017, effect size = 1.03) when stabilizing on the NT side. Asymmetries in upper quarter Y-balance test in collegiate softball players should be interpreted cautiously, and an ordered test sequence should be consistently followed.

The Motor Impact of the Static Balance in the Up Plank Position on Three Different Balls in Physical Activities of Physical Education Students.

The present study aimed to assess the capacity of stability and motor impact in the development of the balance of student athletes by reducing the support surface on the ball in the up plank position, by using three categories of balls of equal size, but with different elasticity and weight. In this study, the second aim was to investigate the differences in maintaining static balance, on different balls, between those who are practicing individual sports or team sports. The total study sample include 48 students, active athletes (45.8% of individual sports and 54.2% of team sports), age X ± SD 18.74 ± 1.94 years. The research included two test sessions (initial and final) applied in two stages. The static balance tests were performed by measuring the time maintaining the up plank position with two and three points of support on the three balls, with different characteristics of elasticity and ranges of deformation: medical ball, handball ball and fitness ball. The results of the study showed that the superior initial and final results were recorded on the fitness ball, and the inferior results on the medicine ball. The upper difference was recorded at the up plank position with two support points (arms, legs) on the fitness ball, at 4980 s, and the lowest in the same test on the medical ball, at 3420 s. The largest difference was recorded at the up plank position with three support points on the handball ball, at 7.082 s, and the lowest in the same test on the medical ball, at 3.093 s. The subjects of the study perceived that the most difficult position to execute was the up plank position on the medical ball with two support points, with 43.8%, and the easiest stability was registered in the up plank position on the fitness ball with three points of support, of 37.5%. The relevance of the research results from the possibility of using different balls in conditions of positioning and body posture with a diminished support base in order to improve physical fitness.

Conversational French

Conversational French Halina Duraj While I sleep, a man attacks a police officer with a hammer outside the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and now 900 tourists huddle inside. In my kitchen, radio on, I make coffee and think of accidental congregations. I stood inside that cathedral twenty years ago. I took a photo without flash, of light penetrating the rose-shaped windows of colored glass. Years before that, I learned about the cathedral's architectural details in high school French class. I learned the phrase "flying buttress," useful in no actual conversations except those about cathedrals. Today I go to a yoga class in a park on a hill overlooking the city. While I bend and move and flow, I watch planes cross the sky, then descend among the skyscrapers to touch the shortest runway in the country, a runway that only a handful of pilots are authorized to fly, it's so tricky. Next to me in the yoga class is a little girl, maybe five years old, on her own yoga mat but clearly there because of her mother, on the other side of her. Her mother has long wavy dark hair, almost black, shot through with streaks of silver, which I like immediately because she is going gray magnificently, and we look to be roughly the same age. When the class begins, the teacher, whom I know personally and who has lost every parent and step-parent to cancer and remains the most quietly joyful person I've ever met, invites us into plank position. The little girl groans and says, "Do we have to?" which is exactly what I'm thinking. Her mother reminds her, in a whisper, that she can go into child's pose at any time. When she does, it makes me so happy—a real child in child's pose. In front of me, two heavier women bend and sway, as I do, at the behest of the teacher, and I think of us lifting our arms and turning, twisting our bodies toward the sun. Here in this class all bodies are beautiful, all bodies are sunflowers, these two women especially beautiful with their rounded rumps. After class, I talk to the teacher and two other women I know, one of whom is a microbiologist wearing purple eyeshadow who used to work at the university but now works for a kombucha brewery. The other woman is a marketing consultant for pharmaceutical companies but she's quit her job to take a self-appointed sabbatical and live off her savings for a while. The microbiologist tells us how she loves her new job, it's so exciting after all those years in academia; but it's frustrating, a little company and just getting started and already demand exceeds their capacity to supply and when she sees a need—so many!—she want to fill it herself but her boss tells her, Chill out, don't do too much, enjoy your [End Page 44] life, leave at five, it'll all get done eventually, there's no hurry. Kombucha isn't about hurrying. ________ After class, I stop at In-n-Out. I like to eat cheeseburgers after yoga. When I told a friend that, she said, "Man, your karma is fucked," which made me laugh. I read the news on my phone as I wait for my order. In New York City two nights ago, an off-duty ballet dancer rescued a homeless man from a plunge onto subway tracks. A woman had pushed him off the platform—no one knew why—and he hit his head and lay unconscious on the tracks while she fled. A few witnesses wrestle her in the stairwell; the rest of the crowd clusters at the edge of the platform, everyone screaming at someone else to do something (that would have been me). The ballet dancer does do something. He leaps down into the tracks with all the grace of his training and lifts the man into the outstretched arms of the people above. They pull the man to safety. The ballet dancer does not expect the tracks to be so deep. Hearing the train rumbling in...

REPEATABILITY OF SWAY MEASURES IN UPPER EXTREMITY WEIGHT-BEARING.

Analysis of upper extremity weight bearing ability is important for athletes as some function largely in a closed chain capacity (e.g., wrestling, football, gymnastics); also, all require closed chain upper extremity function during strength and conditioning. Additionally, in a rehabilitation setting, closed chain upper extremity functional testing is often used as a return to play criterion. Lower extremity sway measures (biomechanical and clinical) have been published widely and have established reliability and validity; however, the reliability of upper extremity sway biomechanical measures has not been investigated to date. The purpose of this study was to determine the repeatability of a variety of force plate measurements during an upper extremity task in an athletic population. It was hypothesized that variables measuring upper extremity sway in a closed kinetic chain position would have excellent reliability. Cross-sectional. All data were collected using a force plate system with commercially available software. Four hundred and ninety healthy Division I athletes were tested for both their dominant and non-dominant upper extremity at one of two testing sessions. Subjects were instructed to stay as still as possible while maintaining a full plank position with one upper extremity on the force plate and the contralateral upper extremity behind their back. Two, 20-second trials were performed for each extremity. Variables measured included average sway velocity (ASV), sway velocity in medial-lateral (SVML) and anterior-posterior (SVAP) directions, sway velocity at 1st and 2nd time intervals for AP (VAP1 and 2) and ML (VML1 and 2) directions, and sway frequency in the AP direction for 1st and 2nd time intervals (FreAP1 and 2). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC(2,1)) and their 95% confident intervals were calculated for all force plate variables for 980 limbs. No difference was seen between left and right extremities for any measure (p > 0.05). ICC's ranged from 0.61-0.90 for all variables, indicating moderate to excellent reliability for all variables. Upper extremity sway biomechanical variables using a force plate system have moderate to excellent reliability. These results are important prior to validation and clinical utilization of these measures including baseline testing, return to play guidelines, and injury prevention parameters. 3.

Safe And Feasible Exercises For The Paravertebral Muscles In Cancer Patients With Unstable Spinal Metastases

PURPOSE: Previous work showed that cancer patients with spinal metastases classified as stable (i.e. with low fracture risk) benefit from isometric exercises for the paravertebral muscles concomitant to palliative radiotherapy in terms of bone density and pain. In this exploratory randomized controlled trial we investigated whether paravertebral muscle training is safe and feasible also in patients with spinal metastases classified as unstable (i.e. with high fracture risk). METHODS: Sixty cancer patients with unstable spinal metastases (Taneichi score ≥D) were randomized to an intervention group (INT, n=27 starters) or a control group (CON, n=29 starters). INT received 15 min of 1:1-supervised isometric exercises (“all fours”, “plank”, “swimmer”, and a standing exercise with an elastic band) daily on 10±2 days of radiotherapy and continued home-based on 3 days/week for 3 months. CON received muscle relaxation. Adverse events and adherence (primary endpoints), strength, pain and quality of life (secondary endpoints) were assessed. RESULTS: In 41% of patients, exercises were modified because of pain or immobility. There were no training-related adverse events. During radiotherapy, 67% of patients in INT and 55% of patients in CON attended ≥80% of the planned training sessions. During home-based training, 64% of patients in INT performed ≥80% of the planned training sessions. Plank position holding time (strength) increased by 24±28 s in INT and dropped by 2±34 s in CON by the end of radiotherapy (p=0.01). There were no differences between groups for pain or quality of life (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The described or individually modified isometric exercises for the paravertebral muscles are safe and in about 2/3 of cancer patients with unstable spinal metastases feasible when introduced 1:1 and continued home-based. To investigate potential benefits, larger studies powered for patient reported outcomes and clinical endpoints are needed.

Effect of different training modes of strength exercises on a student’s body

Background and Study Aim. Scientific-methodical literature underlined the importance of improving the effectiveness of physical education’s tools and methods during the scheduled university lessons. Scientists point out the necessity to take into account every factor determining the training effect of lessons with strength exercises. The immediate training effect can be determined by measuring the heart rate during different modes of strength exercises and during recovery. The aim of this study is to analyse the strength exercises’ immediate training effect on a student’s body in the static mode and in the isotonic mode.&#x0D; Material and Methods. In the study participated 47 freshman male students of the Sochi State University (Russia). The study took place in September-December 2019. Heart rate was measured with Sport Testers POLAR RS-400 during strength exercises and during recovery. The results were analysed in the computer programme SPSS Statistics v22.0. Statistical significance of the results was defined using non-parametric Wilcoxon test. Heart rate was analysed during four types of plank positions in static and isotonic modes.&#x0D; Results: The study determined the effect of different training modes of strength exercises on a student’s body. The immediate training effect of doing the bodyweight strength exercises in the isotonic mode compared to the static mode is characterised by a higher maximum heart rate at the end of doing the exercise (р&lt;0,05); a higher average heart rate during the exercise and during rest until the next exercise (р&lt;0,05); a higher combined heart rate (р&lt;0,05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The isotonic mode of the bodyweight strength exercises has a more prominent training effect than the static mode due to the specific nature of muscle contractions. Due to analysed heart rate values, the authors recommend taking into account the individual level of every student’s physical fitness.

Assessment and application of the Bunkie test in college students

IntroductionThe ‘Bunkie test’ is a functional performance test consisting of five different plank positions held bilaterally. No current literature has established appropriate rest intervals for in-between plank positions nor termination criteria. PurposeThe current study examined rest interval duration and test termination criteria for the Bunkie test. MethodsForty college students participated in the study, completing three Bunkie test sessions separated by at least 48 h. Positions included the anterior power line (APL), lateral stabilizing line (LSL), posterior power line (PPL), posterior stabilizing line (PSL), and medial stabilizing line (MSL). Positions were held for as long as possible with proper form. Each session utilized a different rest interval of either 30s, 1min, or 2min between each of the plank positions. ResultsA repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant differences bilaterally among rest intervals for APL (p = .009; p = .001) whereas, no significant differences (p < .05) were observed for PPL. LSL and MSL and PSL had significant differences among rest intervals on one side (LSL left, p = .002; MSL right, p = .006; PSL right p=.005)). Post hoc analysis with a Bonferroni adjustment revealed less variability among times between the 1min and 2min rest intervals between plank positions. ConclusionsThe current study revealed that utilizing a shorter rest interval time frame (30s) appears to create greater variability in performance outcomes. Since no differences were found between using a 1min or 2min rest interval for both the final hold times and tension times, a rest interval of at least 1min will allow for more dependable data.

Musculoskeletal examination in young athletes and non-athletes: the Finnish Health Promoting Sports Club (FHPSC) study

ObjectivesTo determine the inter-rater repeatability of a musculoskeletal examination and to compare findings between adolescent athletes and non-athletes in Finland.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, a musculoskeletal examination assessing posture, mobility and...

Influence of Body Position on Shoulder and Trunk Muscle Activation During Resisted Isometric Shoulder External Rotation.

Background:External rotation (ER) strengthening of the shoulder is an integral component of rehabilitative and preventative programs for overhead athletes. A variety of shoulder ER strengthening exercises are reported, including those intended to integrate the core musculature. The purpose of this study was to examine ER torque and electromyographic (EMG) activation of shoulder and trunk muscles while performing resisted isometric shoulder ER in 3 positions (standing, side lying, and side plank).Hypothesis:Significantly greater force and shoulder muscle activation would be generated while side lying given the inherent stability of the position, and greater trunk muscle activation would be generated in the less stable plank position.Study Design:Quasi-experimental repeated-measures study.Level of Evidence:Level 5.Methods:A convenience sample of 25 healthy overhead recreational athletes (9 men, 16 women) participated in this study. EMG electrodes were placed on the infraspinatus, posterior deltoid, middle trapezius, multifidi, internal obliques, and external obliques. EMG signals were normalized to a maximal isometric contraction. Participants performed resisted isometric ER in standing, side-lying, and side plank positions. Results were analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance with post hoc Bonferroni corrections (α = 0.05).Results:There was no significant difference in ER torque between positions (α = 0.05). A significant difference in EMG activity of shoulder and trunk musculature between positions was found in 7 of the 8 muscles monitored. Significantly greater EMG activity in the infraspinatus, middle trapezius, and the nondominant external and internal obliques was found in the side plank position as compared with standing and side lying.Conclusion:While there was no difference in ER torque between the 3 exercise positions, EMG activity of the shoulder and trunk muscles was dependent on body position.Clinical Relevance:If a clinician is seeking to integrate trunk muscle activation while performing shoulder ER strengthening, the side plank position is preferred as compared with standing or side lying.

Analysis of the kinetic chain in asymptomatic individuals with and without scapular dyskinesis

BackgroundThis study measured strength of the trunk and hip, and compared Y Balance Test and Upper Quarter Y Balance Test in individuals without and with scapular dyskinesis. Strength and endurance of the scapulothoracic muscles were also assessed. MethodsForty-four individuals without shoulder pain were divided in 2 groups: without scapular dyskinesis (age 26.00, SD 4.10 years) and scapular dyskinesis (age 23.68, SD 4.20 years). Scapular dyskinesis was assessed by clinical observation of the scapular motion during arm elevation, and was classified as present or absent. A handheld dynamometer was used to measure the isometric strength of the trunk flexors and lateral flexors, hip extensors and abductors, lower trapezius, serratus anterior, and latissimus dorsi. Y and Upper Quarter Y Balance Tests were performed with the individual in single-limb and 3-point plank position, respectively. Endurance of the scapulothoracic muscles was assessed with the individuals in prone with the arm at 135° abduction. Independent t-test and Mann-Witney test were used for comparison between groups. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. Effect sizes between groups were also calculated. FindingsNo differences (P > 0.05) were demonstrated between groups for all variables. Moderate effect size (d ~ 0.40) was found for the trunk flexors and hip extensors, and endurance of the scapulothoracic muscles, whereas the scapular dyskinesis group showed less strength and endurance in relation to the group without dyskinesis. InterpretationStrength of the trunk flexors and hip extensors, and endurance of the scapulothoracic muscles seem to have influence in scapular dyskinesis in non-athletes without shoulder pain.

Dorsal Wrist Pain in the Extended Wrist-Loading Position: An MRI Study.

Background The etiology of dorsal wrist pain associated with loading of the wrist in extension has not been clearly identified in the literature. Purpose Many exercise disciplines incorporate upper extremity weight-bearing exercises in an extended wrist posture, for example push-ups, plank position, and various yoga and Pilates poses. This study evaluates patients with dorsal wrist pain in the extended wrist-loading position and identifies anatomic abnormalities in the wrist using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods A retrospective chart review was performed comparing MRI of patients who complained of dorsal wrist pain while performing weight bearing in a wrist extension position with a control group of patients who complained of ulnar-sided wrist pain. The primary MRI outcome was dorsal wrist pathology, including occult dorsal ganglion cyst, scapholunate ligament tear or degeneration, and dorsal capsulitis. Results Dorsal wrist pathology was significantly more prevalent in patients with dorsal wrist pain (84%) than in the patient cohort with ulnar-sided wrist pain (12%). Occult dorsal ganglion cysts were the most common sources of pathology (76%). Conclusion MRI demonstrated an identifiable dorsal abnormality in 84% of patients with dorsal wrist pain associated with weight bearing on the extended wrist. Occult dorsal ganglion cysts are the most common cause of dorsal wrist pain, followed by partial scapholunate tears. When patients complain of dorsal wrist pain during specific extended loading wrist positions such as push-ups, yoga, or Pilates poses, an MRI may be warranted to help identify anatomic abnormalities that may help guide treatment choices. Level of Evidence Diagnostic, Level III.

Circuit training for bone health: efficacy of the bone-based rotation exercises principle

Physical exercise has been shown effective for bone health, across lifespan, if proper characteristics have been ensured during exercise prescription and conduction. The aim of our study was to verify if workout organization, in postmenopausal women, may have a central role in determining the entity of the osteogenic effect of a physical exercise program. Thirty-two postmenopausal women (mean age 59.35 ± 3.65 years) were eligible for the study. Plasma BAP and CTx-I were collected, and DEXA, anthropometry, dietary habits, and fitness tests have been ascertained before and after their participation in 12-week supervised workouts. One sub-group (TWs-s) was trained according to a traditional workout scheme, while the other sub-group (BBs-s) was trained following a bone-based scheme of exercise rotation. BBs-s significantly increased BAP plasma values (p = 0.004) and Six-Minute Walking Test result (p < 0.001), while TWs-s not. Both the sub-groups significantly increased Flamingo Balance Test (p = 0.05), Plank Position Test (p < 0.001), Handgrip Test (p = 0.004), Squat Test (p < 0.001), and Arm Curl Test (p < 0.001). When bone health is considered, the establishment of the right exercise order, in a circuit training workout, is very important, because it could amplify or delay mechanoreceptor desensitizing. The experimented bone-based scheme of exercise rotation seems able to furnish positive effects on bone, muscle, and aerobic fitness.

Exertion Does Not Affect the Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter in Healthy Participants

The purpose of this study was to determine if exertion influences the ONSD in healthy individuals. Healthy adults were eligible for inclusion. Activities were performed by each participant for 60 seconds and were as follows: sprinting, holding a 10-pound weight with both arms outstretched parallel to the floor, a Valsalva maneuver, a plank position, and positioning the head down thirty degrees with the participant in the supine position. Two-dimensional ultrasound images visualizing the optic nerve sheath (ONS) were recorded in three orientations and averaged to determine the mean ONSD 3 millimeters posterior to the retina. Baseline measurements ranged from 3.57 to 4.90 millimeters. Post-exertion measurements ranged from 3.60 to 4.93 millimeters. Based on a one sample paired t-test the difference between baseline and post-activity measurements were not significant. This study demonstrates that ONSD measurements by ultrasound do not change in healthy individuals in response to exertion.