Range Of Strength Research Articles

Can resistance exercise prevent breast cancer–related lymphoedema? A systematic review and metanalysis protocol

IntroductionEvidence shows that resistance training (RT) reduces lymphoedema in patients with breast cancer–related lymphoedema (BRCL), making it a safe and efficient intervention. However, it is uncertain if RT is safe...

Effect of selective dorsal rhizotomy on neuromuscular symptoms, muscle morphology, and motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

To investigate the effect of selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) on an integrated outcome set 1-year post-SDR, in a cohort of children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Fifteen children with bilateral spastic CP (median age 8 years 8 months [interquartile range 3 years 3 months], 11 males, four females, eight in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level II, seven in GMFCS level III) were measured pre- and 1-year post-SDR. Clinical scales and goniometry assessed plantar flexor spasticity, range of motion, strength, and selectivity. Spasticity was also quantified via an instrumented assessment. Medial gastrocnemius macroscopic muscle morphology (absolute and normalized muscle belly, tendon and muscle-tendon unit length, cross-sectional area, muscle volume) was assessed using ultrasound. Gait profile score, ankle and knee gait variable scores, walking speed, cadence, and step length were extracted from gait analysis. Gross motor function was assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 item set. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyse pre- and post-SDR changes. A reference database was used to qualitatively judge muscle growth post-SDR with respect to muscle growth of children with spastic CP without SDR intervention. Significant changes (p < 0.05) were seen for spasticity, selectivity, all absolute morphology parameters, normalized tendon and muscle-tendon unit length, and all gait parameters, except walking speed and cadence. Muscle growth of children with and without SDR was comparable. SDR is an effective spasticity reducing treatment and does not adversely affect natural muscle growth in spastic CP.

G.T.A.R.A. (Grip/Grasp Training with Active Range of Motion Activities Using Guitar): A Randomized Controlled Trial Using Guitar Lessons for Restoring Hand Function among Patients with Unilateral Hand Impairment

Objective. To determine the effects of guitar lessons (intervention group) in comparison to conventional occupational therapy (OT) sessions (control group) on hand function of chronic stroke patients with unilateral hand impairment. Methods. This randomized controlled trial enrolled 34 chronic stroke patients with unilateral hand impairment. Participants were grouped randomly into intervention (guitar lessons) and control (conventional occupational therapy) groups. Each group participant underwent a total of eight consecutive therapy sessions, twice weekly for an hour each session, at the designated treatment rooms in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of the Philippine General Hospital. Pre- and post-treatment evaluations were done to assess range of motion, grip and pinch strength, and hand functions. Satisfaction surveys were answered at the end of the 8-therapy session. Results. Improvements in hand function were assessed through measurement of range of motion (ROM), grip and pinch strength, and with the use of Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function test, and Purdue Pegboard Test of Manual Dexterity. In this study, the comparison of actual change of passive range of motion (ROM) of the impaired hand from pre- to post-treatment between control and intervention groups showed no statistically significant difference. No statistically significant difference between groups were also observed for the active ROM of the impaired hand. Comparison of function of the impaired hand pre- and posttreatment between control and intervention groups showed no statistically significant difference except for an observed greater improvement with the control group in motor coordination (median [IQR] 0 [-1 to 0] vs 1 [1 to 5], p = 0.004), tip (median [IQR] 0.33 [0 to 0.75] vs 1 [0.58 to 1.5], p = 0.006), and 3-jaw (median [IQR] 0.5 [0 to 0.92] vs 1.08 [0.41 to 2], p = 0.043) pinch strength. In evaluating the satisfaction of participants in both groups, higher mean scores were observed in the control group. No statistically significant difference in most of the questions in the satisfaction survey in both groups. All participants in both groups displayed 100% compliance in attending onsite treatments. Despite not showing statistically significant difference between groups (p = 0.721), an 11.8% tendency for better compliance is found in the intervention group. Conclusion. The specific guitar lesson created and performed in this study as used by 17 participants of the intervention group have brought about improvement in hand function that is comparable with those who underwent traditional occupational therapy. This may be most helpful in areas with limited access to rehabilitation facilities and occupational therapy services. This may also be used as a continuing activity of chronic stroke patients at home to help improve hand function.

Superelastic behavior of novel Ni-Ti-Co shape memory alloys for seismic applications

Abstract Ni-Ti-Co is a new shape memory alloy (SMA) that has higher strength and lower superelastic temperature range than traditional binary Ni-Ti SMA. In this paper, the superelastic properties of Ni-Ti-Co bars that are important for seismic applications were studied and compared with those of Ni-Ti bars. The superelastic behavior, strength, strain recovery, low-cycle fatigue characteristics, and fracture strains of Ni-Ti-Co and Ni-Ti SMA with different heat treatment strategies and testing temperatures from -40℃ to 50℃ were investigated with seismic applications in mind. The effect of low-cycle fatigue loading and temperature variation on the superelasticity degradation of Ni-Ti-Co SMA were evaluated. The results showed that the yield strength of Ni-Ti-Co SMA at room temperature was 1.41 ~ 1.74 times that of the Ni-Ti SMA. Ni-Ti-Co SMA exhibited 100% strain recovery when unloaded from 5% strain in a temperature range from -40℃ to room temperature; while at 50℃, a residual strain of 0.6% was observed when unloaded from 5% strain. For comparison, the Ni-Ti SMA lost superelasticity when the temperature was reduced to 0℃. When subjected to low-cycle fatigue loading, the stability of the superelasticity behavior (maintaining yield stress, energy dissipation and strain recovery) of Ni-Ti-Co SMA at -40℃ was better than that at room temperature and 50℃. In particular, the superelasticity of Ni-Ti-Co SMA at -40℃ was even superior to that of the Ni-Ti SMA at 0℃. At -40℃, the Ni-Ti-Co SMA showed no loss in yield stress, damping ratio and recovery strain during the first 100 cycles of fatigue loading. Moreover, from 100th to 471st cycle, at which fracture occurred, the strain recovery of Ni-Ti-Co SMA showed almost no degradation.&amp;#xD;

Investigation on the mechanical uncertainty of resistance spot weldings and its effect on structure crashworthiness of automotive B-pillars under side impacts

Resistance spot welding (RSW) is the main connection method for the white body structure of automobiles. Understanding the mechanical uncertainty of RSWs and its effect on structure crashworthiness design is of great significance for vehicle safety and lightweight design. In this work, the mechanical uncertainty of RSW was experimentally investigated and its effect on automotive B-pillar crashworthiness under side impacts was numerically analyzed based on a hybrid response surface model (HRSM). Firstly, the mechanical uncertainty of RSWs and associated failure mechanism were investigated and the fluctuation range of RSW strength under different loading conditions were quantified according to experimental results. Then, a reasonable RSW modeling method and subsystem collision simulation approach were demonstrated and the univariate sensitivity analysis was carried out to reveal the effect of RSWs’ mechanical property on B-pillar crashworthiness. Finally, a HRSM integrating Kriging polynomial and deep neural network (DNN) were proposed as surrogate model, based on which the multi-factor analysis was conducted to explore effects of RSW strength uncertainty on structure crashworthiness design.

Comparative Outcomes Between Surgical and Conservative Management of Mallet Thumb: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis.

While mallet finger remains a relatively common injury of the hand, mallet thumb is much rarer in occurrence. Mallet thumb management has been noted infrequently within the literature and reliable evidence regarding the most effective method of management remains absent. The aim of this review is to assess the quality of literature that exists pertaining to mallet thumb to determine whether conservative or surgical management is superior. A search was completed in February 2023 of Ovid Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus with no limitation on study type, and date of publication. Comparative outcomes of thumb interphalangeal (IP) joint range of motion, tip, lateral pinch and grip strength, complications, outcome measure scores, and follow-up period were recorded. We assessed 103 mallet thumbs (51 surgically and 52 conservatively managed) across the 23 studies of low to moderate quality based on the Structured Effectiveness Quality Evaluation Scale. The authors adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. While recommendations remain weak due to low quality of evidence, our review found a lower complication rate and higher IP joint flexion in thumbs managed conservatively. These findings demonstrate a need for future research to shift toward ensuring standardized patient-rated outcome measures are utilized and functional outcomes are included in research planning and operationalization in order to contextualize clinical outcomes.

Long-term follow-up of thumb reconstruction with a heterotopic replanted finger: case report and literature review

ObjectivesThis work aimed to study the long-term outcome and function of a heterotopic replanted finger.MethodsRetrospective analysis of two cases of successful finger reconstruction after finger heterotopic replantation. One case was a severed thumb, and the other case was a severed finger. The average follow-up time was 10 years. The clinical outcome and function of the heterotopic replanted finger, including range of motion, grip strength, and sensory recovery, were analyzed,. A comparative analysis was conducted with patients who underwent thumb replantation in the same period.ResultsThe two heterotopically replanted fingers survived. Five months after the heterotopic replantation surgery, a new thumb was reconstructed using the heterotopically replanted thumb and the free tarsometatarsal joint from the foot. In the other case, the finger was reconstructed 1 year later with a free anterolateral thigh flap and the heterotopically replanted finger. The movement of the thumb, the pinching of the fingers, the clenching of the fist, and the feeling recovery were all good. The patient was capable of independently performing daily life and work activities such as eating, dressing, writing, and so on. There was no significant difference in hand function between the patients who received in situ finger replantation and heterotopic replantation during the same period.ConclusionFor severed fingers that cannot be replanted in situ in an emergency situation, heterotopic replantation and secondary reconstruction may be a feasible and practical surgical method.

Mechanical Properties of Cocoon Silk Derivatives for Biomedical Application: A Systematic Review

Background: Despite cocoon silk’s well-known strength, biocompatibility, and hypoallergenic properties, its potential medical applications remain largely unexplored. This review, therefore, is of significance as it evaluates the mechanical properties and clinical potential of cocoon silk, a material with promising applications in biomaterials and tissue engineering. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Our focus was on the primary outcomes of tensile strength and elongation at break, and the secondary outcomes included other mechanical properties, applications, and complications. Results: Out of the 192 silk-related studies, 9 met the criteria. These studies revealed that cocoon silk derivatives exhibit a wide range of tensile strength, from 0.464 to 483.9 MPa (with a median of 4.27 MPa), and elongation at break, from 2.56% to 946.5% (with a median of 60.0%). Biomedical applications of cocoon silk derivatives span from tissue regeneration (n = 6) to energy harvesting (n = 4). Complications often arose from material fragility in non-optimized derivative components. Conclusions: While cocoon silk shows expansive promise due to its suitable mechanical properties and low complication risk, plenty remains to be discovered. Future research is crucial to fully realizing its vast surgical and biomedical potential.

Differences in landing biomechanics in the presence of delayed onset muscle soreness following or not active recovery

ObjectiveDelayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) can reduce joint range of motion and strength, cause edema, and increase joint stiffness. Here we set out to determine whether quadriceps DOMS followed by an active recovery low-intensity exercise alters jump landing biomechanics. Methods3D landing kinematics, kinetics, and DOMS were evaluated in 26 healthy adults (15 women) performing drop and vertical jump landings before and after a squat protocol to induce quadriceps DOMS. In the presence of DOMS, half of the participants (n = 13) performed a low-intensity exercise for active recovery (10-minute treadmill walking), while the other half (n = 13) did not. Descriptive statistics and generalized estimative equations were applied to determine the effects of DOMS and active recovery on landing kinematics and kinetics. ResultsDOMS decreased knee and ankle flexion angles and increased knee and ankle frontal plane angles during vertical jumps. DOMS elicited a longer time to reach peak ground reaction force during drop jumps. Low-intensity exercise for active recovery reduced DOMS perception but did not alter the biomechanics of landing. ConclusionDOMS changes landing strategy. However, including a low-intensity exercise for active recovery before landing practice did not change the kinematics and kinetics of landing.

Structure-based design and screening of hydrogel copolymer/Fe3O4 composite microspheres for magnetic solid phase extraction of bisphenol A from aqueous samples

It is of great significance to monitor bisphenol A (BPA) in the environment because of its potential environmental and health risks. However, the detection of trace or ultratrace BPA in complicated environmental samples is challenging due to the relatively low affinity and poor selectivity of existing adsorbents used in sample pretreatment. Herein, we report a high-affinity, low environment-dependent and strong interference-resistant abiotic affinity ligand, a N-methacryloyl-l-lysine-NH2 (MLys)-based hydrogel copolymer (HP 17) screened from a small focused polymer library engineered by incorporating various combinations and ratios of candidate functional monomers. The selection of these monomers was guided by molecular mechanism between BPA and the ligand-binding pocket of its estrogen receptors. The BPA–HP17 binding is mainly a synergistic effect of π-cation and hydrophobic interactions. The screened HP 17 has high adsorption capacity (349.4 mg/g) for BPA under wide pH (3.0–10.0) and ionic strength (0–150 mM) range. To improve its practicability, a hydrogel copolymer/Fe3O4 composite microspheres (Fe3O4@HP 17) was synthesized and applied for magnetic solid phase extraction–high-performance liquid chromatography (MSPE–HPLC) analysis of BPA in tap water, lake water and industrial effluents. The method shows wide linear range (2.5⁓100 ng/mL), high sensitivity (detection limit of 0.22 ng/mL even without further concentration after desorption), high accuracies (92.6⁓103.0 %) and good precisions (0.57⁓4.53 %), indicating a great potential of this material and method in the detection of trace or ultratrace BPA in complex environmental water samples.

Re-tear following rotator cuff repair: Do functional outcomes predict success?

The purpose of this study is to compare functional outcomes between patients who were found to have a retear on ultrasound versus those with an intact repair following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Retrospective cohort study comparing functional outcomes of 84 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and were found to have a retear versus those who did not experience a retear. Functional outcomes included American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Simple Shoulder Test, strength and active range of motion (AROM) assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 3 and 6 months. Patients without a retear by 6 months demonstrated greater improvements in internal rotation at 3 months (2.3° of mean change, p = 0.0356), as well as greater improvements in external rotation range of motion (8.8° of mean change, p = 0.0210) between 3 and 6 months as compared to those patients who did experience a retear. Both groups showed decreased pain scores and increased ASES scores at all points postoperatively. Our study found statistically significant improvements in internal rotation at 3 months, and external rotation between 3 and 6 months in the non-retear group. No differences in functional outcomes existed between at final follow-up.

Hands Up Program: Results of a feasibility study of a randomized controlled trial of a bone health exercise and education program for adults aged 50-65 post distal radius fracture.

Distal radius fractures (DRF) that occur from a fall from level ground are considered fragility fractures and may be the first indication that someone has compromised bone mineral density and is at risk of having osteoporosis. Women at about 50 years of age experience a dramatic increase risk of these fractures. Rehabilitation after DRF focuses on restoring range of motion and strength in the wrist, but rarely address future bone health concerns. We developed a 6-week therapist-developed remote full body exercise and osteoporosis/bone-health education program (called The Hands Up Program). This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of a larger trial examining the effects of a whole-body exercise and education program for people 50-65 after a DRF. Community dwelling individuals between the age of 50-65 with a radiographically confirmed DRF were recruited from the Roth| McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Center in London, Ontario. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio into either the Hands Up Program which was a twice weekly exercise and education program for 6 weeks, or the control group where they proceeded with usual care. The intervention was delivered online through a website where participants created a unique username and password to access. The primary feasibility outcomes of the study were recruitment rate (74 participants in 1 year), retention rate (75% completion), and intervention adherence rate (60% of completion of the exercise program). Secondary outcomes included strength, range of motion, self-reported outcomes, and bone density. Overall, 74 participants were recruited in 14 months. Retention did not meet the criteria for success, as only 53% of the participants attended their 12-month visit. Adherence was also not met albeit close with 55% completing the exercise program. Twelve participants withdrew from the study, five due to the time commitment, four without explanation, one due to group allocation, one due to COVID and one participant moved. One participant was deemed ineligible after consent. Four of the participants that withdrew were in the intervention group, and four in the control group, five participants withdrew before they were allocated to a group. Feedback from patients indicated potential improvements to the program: lower assessment burden, spacing out the intervention so that the education portion could be delivered during the immobilization phase of recovery, and creating a more individualized program. Adherence and retention were both a challenge, although adherence was close to target. While achieving adherence to exercise in bone health is a known challenge, given the importance of prevention in the at-risk DRF population and the challenges in co-design and delivery during the pandemic, we believe evaluation of a revitalized program is warranted.

Primordial magnetogenesis in a bouncing model with dark energy

We investigate primordial magnetogenesis within a quantum bouncing model driven by a scalar field, focusing on various non-minimal couplings between the electromagnetic field and the scalar field. We test three cases: no coupling, a Cauchy coupling with gradual decay, and a Gaussian coupling with rapid fall-off. By exploring these scenarios, we assess a wide range of coupling strengths across different scales. The scalar field, with an exponential potential, behaves as pressureless matter in the asymptotic past of the contracting phase, as stiff matter around the bounce, and as dark energy during the expanding phase. Our findings reveal that, among the tested cases, only the Gaussian coupling can explain the generation of primordial magnetic fields on cosmological scales.

Quantum many-body scars in few-body dipole-dipole interactions

We simulate the dynamics of Rydberg atoms resonantly exchanging energy via two-, three-, and four-body dipole-dipole interactions in a one-dimensional array. Using simplified models of a realistic experimental system, we study the initial-state survival probability, mean level spacing, spread of entanglement, and properties of the energy eigenstates. By exploring a range of disorders and interaction strengths, we find regions in parameter space where the three- and four-body dynamics either fail to thermalize or do so slowly. The interplay between the stronger hopping and weaker field-tuned interactions gives rise to quantum many-body scar states, which play a critical role in slowing the dynamics of the three- and four-body interactions. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Penataklasanaan Fisioterapi Pada Kasus Tennis Elbow Sinistra dengan Modalitas Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) dan Hold Relax Exercise di RSUD Ciereng Subang

Tennis Elbow is the formation of abnormal tissue in the wrist extensor muscles which occurs due to inflammation due to excessive contraction. To determine the implementation of Physiotherapy in reducing pain, increasing muscle strength, increasing the Scope of Joint Movement and increasing functional ability and preventing contractures in Tennis Elbow Sinistra cases using Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Hold Relax Exercise modalities. After 6 treatments using VAS, it showed a decrease in movement pain from T1 with a value of 6 to T6 with a value of 3, a decrease in tender pain from T1 with a value of 5 to T6 with a value of 3, while for silent pain T1 to T6 a value of 0. There was an increase in strength. muscles using MMT, namely elbow extension muscle T1 worth 4 to T6 worth 5, elbow flexion muscle T1 worth 3 to T6 worth 5, supination muscle T1 worth 3 to T6 5, pronation muscle T1 worth 3 to T6 worth 5, wrist extension muscle T1 value 4 becomes T6 value 5, while the wrist, radial and ulnar flexion muscles are normal, namely T1 value 5 and T6 value 5. There is an increase in the range of motion of the joints by measuring using a Goneometer, namely in the elbow joint in the sagittal plane T1: 00-00-1450 becomes T6 : 00-00-1500, in the rotation plane T1 : 900-00-700 becomes T6 : 900-00-800, and in the sagittal plane wrist joint T1 : 400-00-500 becomes T6 : 500-00-600, while in The frontal plane is normal, namely T1: 200-00-300 becomes 200-00-300. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) can help reduce pain and reduce muscle tension, Hold Relax Exercise can increase muscle strength, reduce stiffness and increase joint range of motion and can help improve functional ability.

The effectiveness of foam rolling with and without vibration and static stretching on range of motion, muscle strength and proprioception of the ankle joint in adults with chronic ankle instability

The effectiveness of foam rolling with and without vibration and static stretching on range of motion, muscle strength and proprioception of the ankle joint in adults with chronic ankle instability

Return to Play After Shoulder Stabilization –What If This Isn't Going Well?

Traumatic shoulder instability is prevalent among athletes, often leading to surgical intervention and challenging rehabilitation outcomes. This chapter explores the complexities surrounding return to play (RTP) following shoulder stabilization procedures, highlighting the significant variance in RTP rates and the common lag in returning to pre-injury performance levels, particularly in throwing athletes. Factors influencing successful outcomes include the nature of the instability, surgical approach, and individual athlete characteristics. A consensus on RTP criteria remains elusive, with a predominant reliance on time-based recovery, yet evidence suggests that other physical and psychological variables must be considered. Emphasizing a shared decision-making process and ongoing assessment of range of motion, strength, and proprioception, this chapter aims to identify key deficits and interventions that can enhance rehabilitation success for athletes struggling to return to play. Effective communication among the sports medicine team and the athlete is essential to optimize adherence to rehabilitation protocols and improve overall outcomes.

The effect of smoking on functional outcomes and implant survival of anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty.

We sought to compare functional outcomes and survival between non-smokers, former smokers, and current smokers who underwent anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) in a large cohort of patients. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected shoulder arthroplasty database was performed between August 1991 and September 2020 to identify patients who underwent primary aTSA. Patients were excluded for preoperative diagnoses of fracture, infection, or oncological disease. Three cohorts were created based on smoking status: non-smokers, former smokers, and current smokers. Outcome scores (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Constant-Murley score, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), University of California, Los Angeles activity scale (UCLA)), range of motion (external rotation (ER), forward elevation (FE), internal rotation, abduction), and shoulder strength (ER, FE) evaluated at two- to four-year follow-up were compared between cohorts. Evaluation of revision-free survival was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method to final follow-up. We included 428 primary aTSAs with a mean follow-up of 2.4 years (SD 0.6). Our cohort consisted of 251 non-smokers, 138 former smokers who quit a mean 21 years (SD 14) prior to surgery (25 pack-years (SD 22)), and 39 current smokers (23 pack-years (SD 20)). At two- to four-year follow-up, former smokers had less favourable SPADI, SST, and FE strength compared to non-smokers, and current smokers had less favourable SPADI, SST, ASES score, UCLA score, Constant-Murley score, FE, abduction, and ER strength compared to non-smokers. Non-smokers exhibited higher revision-free survival rates at two, five, eight, and ten years postoperatively compared to former smokers and current smokers, who had similar rates. Our study suggests that smoking has a negative effect on aTSA functional outcomes that may persist even after quitting.

Effects of mix composition on the mechanical, physical and durability properties of alkali-activated calcined clay/slag concrete cured under ambient condition

Alkali-activated concrete (AAC), a possible alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC), provides increased environmental advantages, notably lower carbon emissions. Likewise, similar to OPC, it faces durability problems under severe environments. This study evaluated the effectiveness and durability of alkali-activated concretes containing low-grade calcined clay and granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), using NaOH/KOH as activators and MgO and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) as additives. The study's focus was on their physical-mechanical characteristics and performance under accelerated carbonation and chloride diffusion. Findings showed that calcined clay-GGBFS alkali-activated concretes exhibited a compressive strength range of 41.2–53.3 MPa, positioning them as a viable concrete for many structural usages. Nevertheless, the modified-RCPT (10 V) and NT Build 492 tests showed all concretes falling into the "high chloride penetrability" category, with values exceeding 350 coulombs and 13.5 (×10−12 m2/s) for the non-steady-state migration coefficient (Dnssm). NaOH and sodium silicate led to higher compressive strengths compared to KOH. Furthermore, the chloride migration coefficient of alkali-activated concrete blends ranged from 55.68 to 121.14 (× 10−12 m2/s). The incorporation of 0.6 % SAP decreased compressive strength but improved the non-steady-state migration coefficient (Dnssm). Lastly, MgO-enriched samples showed the lowest water absorption and carbonation depth, attributed to the buffering action of magnesium phases, reducing carbonate formations, as revealed by XRD analysis.

Effect of scapular and shoulder strengthening exercises on prevention of upper limb lymphedema – a pilot study

Background. The most frequent type of cancer among women is breast cancer. According to the report published by Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR, 2019), there are 1.5 lakh new instances of breast cancer nationwide and around 70,000 people in India die from breast cancer each year. Secondary lymphedema (SL) following breast cancer surgery can occur due to the removal of lymph nodes during breast cancer surgery. Objective. This pilot study was done with the objectives to improve the strength of scapular and shoulder muscles, increase the shoulder range of motion, prevent the development of upper limb lymphedema, to reduce shoulder pain and disability and to improve the quality of life among women who underwent breast cancer surgery. Methodology. Ten patients with a mean age of 49.9 ± 8.6 and mean Body mass index (BMI) of 28.4 ± 3.9 were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were randomized into interventional group (Group A n = 5) and conventional group (Group B n = 5). The interventional group performed the routine exercises prescribed along with the scapular and shoulder muscle strengthening exercises, while the conventional group performed only the routine exercises for 12 weeks. Result. The mean change score values of the outcome variables of both the groups were analyzed using Independent ‘t’ test. Discussion. Arm circumference measurement, shoulder pain, disability and quality of life measures showed significant difference between groups at p &lt; 0.05. Shoulder range of motion, muscle strength and arm volumetry did not show much difference between groups indicating the need for long term continuation of the exercises to produce improvement in those parameters. Conclusion. Long term effect of strengthening exercises will have an effect on improvement of shoulder range of motion, arm volume and muscle strength among the women following breast cancer surgery. Strengthening exercises should be recommended as a part of breast cancer rehabilitation protocol to prevent secondary lymphedema and other postsurgical complications.