Lower Extremity Power Research Articles

The Hang Power Clean

The Hang Power Clean

Características morfofuncionales y motoras de los seleccionados deportivos de la Universidad del Valle

Estamos convencidos de que el Sistema Nacional del Deporte estudiantil debe convertirse en el mejor instrumento para promover y articular la detección temprana de talentos, especializar la práctica y focalizar y priorizar la intervención estatal y privada en esta materia; igualmente, las decisiones de política deben privilegiar los procesos de perfeccionamiento, cualificación y competición de los mejores deportistas, hasta hacerlos parte del deporte asociado y de los calendarios deportivos, regionales, nacionales e internacionales. En tal sentido, se establecieron las características morfológicas, funcionales y motoras de los seleccionados de la Universidad del Valle, por deporte y sexo, como criterio para la selección, planeación de las cargas de trabajo y control del proceso de entrenamiento, de tal forma que se pueda garantizar la vinculación de los deportistas mejor dotados al sistema del deporte universitario y, por ende, al deporte asociado, con lo que se espera lograr una verdadera conexión que el país deportivo desconoce. Para el efecto, fueron valorados 125 deportistas de ambos géneros, 62,4 % hombres y 37,6 % mujeres, seleccionados al azar y pertenecientes a 12 modalidades que forman parte de los seleccionados de la universidad, según registro del Centro Deportivo Universitario (CDU). Los métodos empleados para el estudio fueron: las medidas antropométricas se establecieron mediante el método de ISAK, el porcentaje de grasa y el tejido magro estuvieron determinados por bioimpedancia, con el empleo de una báscula Tanita TBF-310, el tiempo de desplazamiento se midió mediante la carrera de 30 m salida parada, la potencia de miembros inferiores, con el test de Abalakov (ABK), la potencia aeróbica máxima, con el empleo del test de Leger y la agilidad, con el test de Illinois. En el análisis de componentes principales, cuatro factores explican el 89 % del total de la dispersión en mujeres, donde el primer factor se encuentra conformado por el porcentaje de grasa, el porcentaje de músculo y el tiempo para la distancia de 30 m; el segundo factor se relaciona con las longitudes y la masa corporal; el tercer factor, por la agilidad y el IMC; y el cuarto, por la potencia aeróbica máxima y la potencia anaeróbica aláctica. En el caso de los hombres se observa una mejor asociación entre los factores y las modalidades deportivas. El primer factor representa la masa y el porcentaje de músculo, asociados con deportes como atletismo, futsal y fútbol; un segundo factor recoge la potencia anaeróbica aláctica y la estatura y, finalmente, el tercer factor se asocia con la potencia aeróbica, la agilidad y el IMC. El análisis de medias no mostró diferencias significativas entre los deportes, excepto en la carrera de 30 m, motivo por el cual, se elaboraron tablas de calificación para las variables antropométricas y de condición física por género, uniendo en una sola las clasificaciones de los deportes individuales y colectivos.

Profiling Sprint Mechanics by Leg Preference and Position in Rugby Union Athletes

Lower-extremity power characteristics are central to performance in rugby. However little is known regarding the effects of leg preference and playing position on sprint mechanics. The purpose of this study was to profile sprint kinetics and kinematics in rugby union athletes and compare between legs and between positions. Thirty male academy-level rugby union athletes, separated into forwards (n=15) and backs (n=15), participated in this cross-sectional analysis. Non-motorised treadmill ergometry was used to evaluate peak relative vertical (FV) and horizontal (FH) force and peak relative power (Pmax) of the preferred and non-preferred legs during maximal sprinting. The non-preferred leg of the forwards produced less FV, FH and Pmax than the preferred leg during acceleration (ES=-0.32, - 0.58 and - 0.67) and maximal velocity (ES=- 0.50, - 0.65 and - 0.60). Backs produced more FV, FH and Pmax than the forwards during initial acceleration (ES=0.51, 1.58 and 1.30) but less at maximal velocity (ES=- 0.74, -0.79 and - 0.81). Backs had faster split times at 2, 5, 10 and 15 m (ES=-1.03, -0.82, -0.63 and -0.50) but slower times at 35 and 40 m (ES=0.78 and 1.10) compared with forwards. Forwards produced larger sprint kinetics compared with backs, but also larger lower-extremity imbalances; potentially reducing sprint efficiency and/or increasing injury risk.

Higher Variability in Power Seen in Older Adults with Increased Fall Risk During Functional Tasks

Overall reduced power and strength has been associated with increased fall risk in older adults. Often these measurements reflect the maximum capacity available during isometric and isokinetic tests but seldom reflect the capacity to perform functional tasks like standing up and sitting down. PURPOSE: To determine the differences in functional lower extremity power between healthy older adults (OA) and those at high fall risk (FA). METHODS: 15 participants in each group with mean age of 72.1 (OA) and 77.6 (FA) years completed 5 times sit to stand as a part of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Concentric, eccentric and total power were calculated using data collected from the feet positioned on the force plates. An independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were run to compare the groups. RESULTS: See table 1. CONCLUSIONS: A higher variability in power seen in older adults with increased fall risk suggests that the ability to consistently produce the required power may be related to increased fall risk. This could particularly be important when older adults perform functional activities in fatigued state. Though not significantly different, lesser peak force but greater power produced by FA group suggests that they took longer time to complete the task. Further research needs to be done to validate this information.Table 1: Mean (SE) of Dependent VariablesSD - Standard Deviation; CV - Coefficient of Variation; p < 0.05 – statistically significant

WEIGHTLIFTING EXERCISES FOR LOWER-EXTREMITY POWER

Learning Objectives 1. Critique weightlifting exercises used in the training of lower-extremity power and their proposed supplementary benefits. 2. Recognize the potential for catastrophic acute injury and development of predisposing factors for future injury with weightlifting exercises. 3. Recommend the use of an existing abbreviated exercise in training with the goal of lower-extremity power enhancement.

Total and Lower Extremity Lean Mass Percentage Positively Correlates With Jump Performance.

Strength and power have been identified as valuable components in both athletic performance and daily function. A major component of strength and power is the muscle mass, which can be assessed with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The primary purpose of this study was to quantify the relationship between total body lean mass percentage (TBLM%) and lower extremity lean mass percentage (LELM%) and lower extremity force/power production during a countermovement jump (CMJ) in a general population. Researchers performed a DXA analysis on 40 younger participants aged 18-35 years, 28 middle-aged participants aged 36-55 years, and 34 older participants aged 56-75 years. Participants performed 3 CMJ on force platforms. Correlations revealed significant and strong relationships between TBLM% and LELM% compared with CMJ normalized peak vertical ground reaction force (p < 0.001, r = 0.59), normalized peak vertical power (p < 0.001, r = 0.73), and jump height (p < 0.001, r = 0.74) for the combined age groups. Most relationships were also strong within each age group, with some relationships being relatively weaker in the middle-aged and older groups. Minimal difference was found between correlation coefficients of TBLM% and LELM%. Coefficients of determination were all below 0.6 for the combined group, indicating that between-participant variability in CMJ measures cannot be completely explained by lean mass percentages. The findings have implications in including DXA-assessed lean mass percentage as a component for evaluating lower extremity strength and power. A paired DXA analysis and CMJ jump test may be useful for identifying neuromuscular deficits that limit performance.

Lower Extremity Power Relationships To Hand Velocity During Baseball Pitching

Lower Extremity Power Relationships To Hand Velocity During Baseball Pitching

The Reliability and Consistency of Instrumented Shoes During Vertical Jumping

Vertical jump height is an important measure of lower extremity power. Collection of this information during athletic practices can be difficult. As a result high technology solutions have been developed to allow for real-time data collection and feedback. However, the reliability and validity of these testing solutions need to be established. PURPOSE: To compare the between day reliability of single leg vertical jump (SLVJ) and bilateral vertical jump (BVJ) heights when measured using motion capture and instrumented shoes, and to determine the correlation between these two measures. METHODS: 20 physically active adults performed both unilateral and bilateral jumps. During the jumps each subject wore a pair of instrumented shoes that synced with a Training application to determine jump height. Two sacral markers were tracked with an 8 camera motion capture system to determine jump height. This assessment was repeated within 2-4 days. An average of 7 BVJ trials and 5 SLVJ trials were analyzed. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to examine consistency of the BVJ and SLVJ values across days for the different systems (instrumented shoes, motion capture). Correlation coefficients were calculated to compare the values between systems during the BVJ and SLVJ trials. Finally, the consistency of data collection was examined for the instrumented shoe system. RESULTS: The instrumented shoes had high between day reliability for all jump types (BVJ = 0.97, Right SLVJ = 0.93, Left SLVJ = 0.97) as did the motion capture assessment (BVJ = 0.91, Right SLVJ = 0.91, and Left SLVJ = 0.93). Correlation coefficients between the instrumented shoe and motion capture were also high, with the bilateral jump (r = 0.89-0.95) being more highly correlated when compared with the unilateral jumps (r = 0.74-0.89). The instrumented shoe consistently collected the BVJ trials (99%), however the consistency was noticeably lower during the SLVJ trials (46-51%). CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study provide evidence that SLVJ and BVJ measures as collected with instrumented shoes are reliable across days and are correlated with motion capture jump height. Therefore, the shoes can provide a reliable and valid measure of field based vertical jump testing however data was only consistently captured during the bilateral jumping tasks.

Aggressive presentation of multiple myeloma as renal failure and pathological fracture of dorsal vertebra in a young patient: a rare case report

Multiple myeloma presenting with acute renal failure with dorsal vertebral fracture is extremely rare phenomenon. Renal failure in multiple myeloma is associated with Light chain myeloma, serum creatinine more than 4mg/dL, extensive proteinuria and early infections. Our patient was a 29 -year-old male with multiple poor prognostic factors for renal failure. He presented with sudden onset pain in the backbone with weakness of lower extremities and loss of bowel and bladder control. On neurological examination – power of lower extremities was 4/5 with sign of sensory deficit at below umbilicus. He was diagnosed as lamda type nonsecretory multiple myeloma. He was started with malphalalan-prednisolone regimen but succumb to his disease process after one week.

No change in maximal lower extremity power output was induced by a decathlon

To determine the change in lower extremity power output over the course of a decathlon in order to better define/understand the functional demands represented by decathlon, the muscular mechanical capabilities determining decathlon performance, and their potential relationships with injury risk factors. Six national level athletes and 11 representative control participants were included in this cross-sectional controlled study implemented in field conditions during the 2010 French National Decathlon Championships. The change in lower extremity power output, and its force and velocity components, was tested on the basis of maximal squat-jump and cycling sprint measurements, at the beginning and end of each of the two days of competition. No differences in squat-jump and cycling sprint values were found between each testing time (P > 0.05), while significant lower squat-jump values for control participants were reported at the second day beginning (P < 0.05). These preliminary results suggest that decathlon competition did not induce measurable alterations in lower extremity force, velocity or power output. In order to improve decathlon performance and injury prevention, practical information for athletes, coaches and medical teams could be: adapted wake-up and warm-up is necessary before morning events and other injury risk factors should be explored. Déterminer la variation de puissance des membres inférieurs au cours d’un décathlon afin de mieux définir/comprendre : les demandes fonctionnelles du décathlon, les capacités mécaniques musculaires déterminantes de la performance, et leurs relations éventuelles avec les facteurs de risque de blessures. Six athlètes de niveau national et 11 participants témoins ont été inclus dans cette étude transversale de terrain lors des championnats de France 2010. La variation de puissance des membres inférieurs a été testée au début et fin de chacun des deux jours de compétition par des squat-jump et des sprints sur cycloergomètre. Il n’existait aucune différence dans les valeurs de squat-jump et sprints sur cycloergomètre entre les différents tests (p > 0,05), hormis chez les témoins des valeurs de squat-jump significativement plus faibles en début de deuxième journée (p < 0,05). Ces résultats préliminaires suggèrent que la compétition de décathlon n’induirait pas de modifications mesurables de puissance des membres inférieurs. Afin d’améliorer les performances et la prévention des blessures en décathlon, des informations pratiques pour les athlètes, entraîneurs et équipes médicales pourraient être : réaliser un réveil musculaire et un échauffement adapté avant les épreuves du matin, et d’autres facteurs de risque de blessures devraient être explorées.

한방 복합치료로 호전된 Guillain-Barre 증후군 환자 증례

Objectives The purpose of this case is to report the improvement after Korean medical combined treatment about patient with Guillain-Barre syndrome. Methods We treated patient using electroacupuncture, moxibustion, herbal medication, and rehabilitation therapy for 59 days. Results The weakness of muscles of upper extremities were recovered to normal level, and the muscle power of lower extremities was improved enough to walking with walker. Conclusions We conclude that Korean medical combined treatment is an effective to improve the power of muscle having weakness. But there is a limit on this report due to sufficient number of case. Further studies will be needed.

ANTHROPOMETRIC PROFILE, BODY COMPOSITION AND VERTICAL JUMP SCORE IN BOXERS AND SWIMMERS

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background.&lt;/strong&gt; Vertical jump test (VJT) is used in some sport disciplines to evaluate an individual’s lower extremity power. However, VJT data is unavailable in young Indian boxers and swimmers.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective.&lt;/strong&gt; The given study was aimed to evaluate the VJT, anthropometric profile and body composition in young male Indian swimmers and boxers and compare the data with sedentary control group. The study also explored the relationship of VJT with anthropometric parameters and different components of body composition in the studied groups.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods&lt;/strong&gt;. Male boxers (n=40), swimmers (n=40) and sedentary subjects (n=40) with similar socio-economic background with age ranging between 21 and 25 years were sampled for the study from Kolkata, India. Body composition was determined by skinfold measurements and VJT was evaluated by Sargent Jump Test.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results. &lt;/strong&gt;One way ANOVA shows significant (p&amp;lt;0.001) difference in body mass, %fat, total body fat (TF), lean body mass (LBM) and VJT score in boxers, swimmers and sedentary groups. Significant positive correlation of LBM with VJT score was associated with a greater jumping height in swimmers. On the other hand, VJT had significant negative (p&amp;lt;0.05) correlation with sum of all the skinfolds, individual skinfold and total fat in both athlete group as well as in the sedentary group.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion.&lt;/strong&gt; Significant intergroup difference was found in the studied parameters. VJT scores obtained in all the groups were well comparable. Higher value of body %fat imposed the unfavourable effect towards achieving higher jumping height mainly in sedentary group.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;KEY WORDS:&lt;/strong&gt; VJT, boxers, swimmers, %fat, LBM.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Supervised exercise improves cutaneous reinnervation capacity in metabolic syndrome patients.

Unmyelinated cutaneous axons are vulnerable to physical and metabolic injury, but also capable of rapid regeneration. This balance may help determine risk for peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Capsaicin application for 48 hours induces cutaneous fibers to die back into the dermis. Regrowth can be monitored by serial skin biopsies to determine intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD). We used this capsaicin axotomy technique to examine the effects of exercise on cutaneous regenerative capacity in the setting of metabolic syndrome. Baseline ankle IENFD and 30-day cutaneous regeneration after thigh capsaicin axotomy were compared for participants with type 2 diabetes (n = 35) or metabolic syndrome (n = 32) without symptoms or examination evidence of neuropathy. Thirty-six participants (17 with metabolic syndrome) then joined twice weekly observed exercise and lifestyle counseling. Axotomy regeneration was repeated in month 4 during this intervention. Baseline distal leg IENFD was significantly reduced for both metabolic syndrome and diabetic groups. With exercise, participants significantly improved exercise capacity and lower extremity power. Following exercise, 30-day reinnervation rate improved (0.051 ± 0.027 fibers/mm/day before vs 0.072 ± 0.030 after exercise, p = 0.002). Those who achieved improvement in more metabolic syndrome features experienced a greater degree of 30-day reinnervation (p < 0.012). Metabolic syndrome was associated with reduced baseline IENFD and cutaneous regeneration capacity comparable to that seen in diabetes. Exercise-induced improvement in metabolic syndrome features increased cutaneous regenerative capacity. The results underscore the potential benefit to peripheral nerve function of a behavioral modification approach to metabolic improvement.

Physical function in older men with hyperkyphosis.

Age-related hyperkyphosis has been associated with poor physical function and is a well-established predictor of adverse health outcomes in older women, but its impact on health in older men is less well understood. We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate the association of hyperkyphosis and physical function in 2,363 men, aged 71-98 (M = 79) from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study. Kyphosis was measured using the Rancho Bernardo Study block method. Measurements of grip strength and lower extremity function, including gait speed over 6 m, narrow walk (measure of dynamic balance), repeated chair stands ability and time, and lower extremity power (Nottingham Power Rig) were included separately as primary outcomes. We investigated associations of kyphosis and each outcome in age-adjusted and multivariable linear or logistic regression models, controlling for age, clinic, education, race, bone mineral density, height, weight, diabetes, and physical activity. In multivariate linear regression, we observed a dose-related response of worse scores on each lower extremity physical function test as number of blocks increased, p for trend ≤.001. Using a cutoff of ≥4 blocks, 20% (N = 469) of men were characterized with hyperkyphosis. In multivariate logistic regression, men with hyperkyphosis had increased odds (range 1.5-1.8) of being in the worst quartile of performing lower extremity physical function tasks (p < .001 for each outcome). Kyphosis was not associated with grip strength in any multivariate analysis. Hyperkyphosis is associated with impaired lower extremity physical function in older men. Further studies are needed to determine the direction of causality.

Early progressive strength training to enhance recovery after fast-track total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial.

To compare 7 weeks of supervised physical rehabilitation with or without progressive strength training (PST) commenced early after fast-track total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on functional performance. In total, 82 patients with a unilateral primary TKA were randomized to 2 different interventions: 7 weeks of supervised physical rehabilitation with PST (PST group) and without PST (CON group) commenced early after fast-track TKA. The primary outcome was the maximal distance walked in 6 minutes (6-minute walk test). Secondary outcomes were lower extremity strength and power, knee joint effusion and range of motion, knee pain, and self-reported disability and quality of life. All outcome measures were assessed before TKA (baseline) and 4, 8, and 26 weeks after TKA. There was no statistically significant difference between the PST and CON groups in the change score from baseline to the 8-week postoperative assessment (primary end point) for the 6-minute walk test with unadjusted baseline scores (mean difference between groups: -11.3 meters [95% confidence interval -45.4, 22.7]; analysis of variance P = 0.51). There were no statistically significant or clinically meaningful differences between groups in change scores from baseline to any other time point for all secondary outcomes. The secondary outcome knee extension strength did not reach the level recorded before surgery in both groups. Seven weeks of supervised physical rehabilitation with PST was not superior to 7 weeks of supervised physical rehabilitation without PST in improving functional performance, measured as the maximal walking distance in 6 minutes, at the primary end point 8 weeks after fast-track TKA.

Fitness Profile Of Malaysian Adolescent Squash Players

Squash is an indoor game that is the second fastest racket sports if compared to badminton and tennis. Squash game puts a high demand on physical fitness of elite players which requires a quick development of high force, rapid changes of direction and fast reaction. The objective of this study was to develop the physical fitness profile of Malaysian junior state squash players. Sixty five 10 to 18 years old male Kelantan state squash players were tested with seven skill-related fitness tests. SPSS version 20.0 was used to analyze the data collected from the tests. A one-way ANOVA was used to detect statistical differences between groups. A posthoc test (LSD) was performed to determine differences in in the variables between groups. The data was collected for flexibility, speed, muscular endurance, power of upper and lower extremities, agility and cardiovascular endurance. There were significant differences in the mean speed, muscular endurance, agility, power of lower extremities, power of upper extremities, flexibility and predicted VO 2 max between 13-15 and 16-18 years of age groups when compared to 10-12 years old players (p<0.05). Similarly, there were significant differences in speed, muscular endurance, agility, power of lower extremities, power of upper extremities, flexibility and VO 2 max between 16-18 and 13-15 year old players (p<0.05).

Changes of maximal power output of lower extremity during a decathlon

Background In decathlon, a higher injury risk over other Athletics disciplines has been reported. It may be caused by neuromuscular fatigue, which may be induced by repeated maximal efforts over the two days of competition. Objectives To determine the change in lower extremity power output over the course of a decathlon in order to better define/understand 1) the functional demands represented by decathlon, 2) the muscular mechanical capabilities determining decathlon performance, and 3) their potential relationships with injury risk factors. Design Cross-sectional controlled study. Setting Field conditions during the 2010 French National Decathlon Championships. Participants 6 national-level athletes and 11 representative control subjects. Main outcome measures The change in lower extremity power output, and its force and velocity components, was tested on the basis of maximal squat jump and cycling sprint measurements, at the beginning and end of the two days of competition. Results No differences in squat jump and cycling sprint values were found between each testing time (P>.05), while significant lower squat jump values for control participants were reported at the second day beginning (P Conclusions No significant changes in lower extremity muscle power output were reported over the course of a decathlon, suggesting no substantial neuromuscular fatigue was induced by two days of decathlon competition. We can therefore reasonably assume that the accumulation of fatigue (and/or neuromuscular fatigue, if any) does not play a major role in injury risk in decathlon. Higher injury risk reported in decathlon may be due to the sum of the injury risks of the 10 events. Our study could be considered as a pilot study, and future studies should be done to confirm these preliminary results.

Lower extremity power during the squat jump with various barbell loads

The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to determine the barbell load that maximised the system power as well as the ankle, knee, and hip joint powers during the squat jump, and (2) to compare the system powers computed from two different methods: the centre of mass (COM) method and the barbell method. Seven male throwers were recruited in this study. The system power (COM method) and the ankle, knee, and hip joint powers were determined with the load incrementally set at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90% of one repetition maximum. The largest system power was observed at the load of 30% (p < 0.008) while the largest ankle and knee powers were observed at 70% and 0% (p < 0.05). The barbell method overestimated the system power (p < 0.001) when compared to the COM method. It was concluded that the barbell method could influence load optimisation in squat jump. The optimal barbell load which maximised the system power did not maximise the ankle, knee, or hip power simultaneously.

Case of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis in a caucasian male and review of literature.

Objective. Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP), a known condition in Asian men, is becoming increasingly common in men from Western countries. Since suspicion for TPP as a differential in diagnosis is of utmost importance to avoid overcorrection of hypokalemia and other complications, we are reporting a case of TPP in a 25-year-old Caucasian male. Methods. The patient presented with intermittent lower extremity weakness after consumption of a large high-carbohydrate meal. Clinical examination revealed diffusely enlarged thyroid gland, no muscle power in lower extremities, tremors, and brisk deep tendon reflexes. Results. Clinical and laboratory findings were consistent with Graves' disease and the patient had hypokalemia. The patient responded to potassium repletion and was treated with propylthiouracil and propranolol. After treatment with radioactive iodine, the patient developed postablative hypothyroidism for which he was treated with levothyroxine. Conclusion. Since this condition is overlooked by physicians in Western countries, we present a case of TPP in a Caucasian male thus showing the importance of consideration of TPP in Caucasians despite its rare occurrence and the need for prompt diagnosis to avoid the danger of hyperkalemia in management of the paralytic attack in TPP patients.

Tai Chi Inspired Exercise Early Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report

Background: In total knee arthroplasty (TKA) recipients, losses in quadriceps’ strength in the immediate postoperative period are related to physical function and mobility. Therefore, this period should be a target of rehabilitation to prevent strength losses in the short-term. This case report describes the early post-operative changes in muscle and physical function associated with a Tai Chi inspired rehabilitation program. Case Description: A 62 year-old woman presented with bilateral OA and underwent unilateral TKA surgery in her most symptomatic knee. The subject participated in one pre-operative study visit, and a 6-week, Tai Chi inspired rehabilitation program from 4 to 10 wks post-operatively. Outcome measures, evaluated at 4 wks, 10 wks, and 6 months post-operatively, included maximum voluntary isometric contraction, lower extremity power, quadriceps force control, 6-minute walk test, timed up-and-go test, stair climbing test, gait speed, SF-36 Total Health Status Survey, and the lower extremity functional scale. Outcomes: In the surgical leg, the subject improved in all muscle and physical function measures from the pre-operative to 6-month post-operative study visit. Self-report outcome measures also improved from pre- to postoperative study visits, with the exception of the mental component summary of the SF-36 at 6 months. Discussion: The subject exhibited clinically relevant improvements in muscle and physical function in the surgical leg, suggesting that the Tai Chi inspired rehabilitation program may be an effective and safe addition to range of motion, stretching and gait exercises in the early post-operative period. These results support further exploration of this rehabilitation approach in future trials.