Reduced Muscle Strength Research Articles

Patient-reported difficulty in activities of daily living and corresponding muscle weakness in elderly patients undergoing haemodialysis.

Patients undergoing haemodialysis have reduced muscle strength and impaired activities of daily living (ADL). We examined possible relationship between difficult ADL and corresponding muscle weakness in elderly haemodialysis patients. This was a single-centre, cross-sectional study. Patient-reported ADL difficulty was examined using a questionnaire in six ADL using upper limbs (eating, grooming and dressing) and lower limbs (bathing, toileting and locomotion). We measured six muscle strengths by dynamometers of shoulder flexion, shoulder abduction, elbow flexion, handgrip, hip abduction and knee extension. The muscle strength with the lowest Z-score was considered as the weakest muscle strength for the patient. The six scores of ADL difficulty were all inversely associated with the six muscle strengths in the 81 total participants of whom 71 individuals (87.7%) had any ADL difficulty. Among the six measurements of muscle strength, handgrip strength showed the highest associations with all ADL difficulties. In 25 patients who perceived that the most difficult ADL was an activity using upper limbs, the common weakest muscle strengths were the hip abduction, handgrip and elbow flexion. In 44 patients who perceived that the most difficult ADL was an activity using lower limbs, knee extension was the most prevalent weakest muscle strength. This study suggested preferential relationship between the most difficult ADL and corresponding muscle weakness in elderly haemodialysis patients. This finding may be useful in prevention and treatment.

Sarcopenia and Pleural Mesothelioma: The Current Knowledge

Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a tumor related to adverse prognosis. The PM WHO classification has mainly identified three major subtypes of PM which are epithelioid, biphasic, and sarcomatoid. Sarcopenia is a medical issue related to a reduction in muscle mass and strength. It represents a major health issue globally because it is related to adverse effects such as hospitalization, increased length of stay, disability, increased morbidity and mortality and augmented health care expenditures. In this literature review, we attempted to examine the upcoming association between sarcopenia and PM. As recorded by the current literature, muscle loss in PM subjects was related to poorer survival and lower levels of activity. Subjects with PM had increased rates of pre-sarcopenia and malnutrition, while pre-sarcopenia was related to worse activity levels, and malnutrition was related to worse quality of life (QoL). Both tumor volume and sarcopenia were related to long-term mortality in surgically treated PM subjects, while sarcopenia was present both pre-operatively and post-operatively in these subjects. In addition, post-operative sarcopenic subjects showed a decreased 3-year overall survival (OS) in comparison with those who did not have sarcopenia, while pre-operative sarcopenia was importantly related to an increased rate of post-operative adverse outcomes. More studies are needed to validate these claims.

Sarcopenic obesity does not impair lower limb strength and physical performance in sufficiently active older adults: a cross-sectional study.

This study investigated the associations of sarcopenic obesity (SO) with muscle strength and physical performance in sufficiently active older adults. Data from 72 older sarcopenic obese adults classified as sufficiently active were analyzed. Participants were categorized into four groups based on sex and SO status. Muscle strength/physical performance tests were compared using independent sample t-tests. Multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression were performed to examine the associations between SO and muscle strength and physical performance, adjusting for confounding variables. Only handgrip strength showed differences between SO groups, regardless of sex (p < 0.05). SO negatively explained the variability of handgrip strength (p < 0.05). An increase in handgrip strength values was associated with a decrease in the chances of older adults being classified as SO (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that even with SO, sufficiently active older adults did not present a significant reduction in muscle strength in the lower limbs and physical performance.

Gender differences in risk factor profile among elderly and its impact on total and cardiovascular mortality

Objective. To evaluate gender differences in the profile of a wide range of risk factors (RF) among men and women aged 65 years and older and its associations with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Design and methods. The present study was the part of the Survey on Stress, Aging, and Health in Russia. The sample size was 1,243 participants aged 65 years and older. Thirty RF were included in the analysis, including social, cardiometabolic, behavioural, physical and cognitive functioning, inflammation, and neuroendocrine biomarkers, as well as coronary heart disease (CHD), myocardial infarction, arterial hypertension, and acute stroke. The mean follow-up was 12 years, during which 534 participants died from various causes, including 324 from cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Results. Multivariate analysis showe that elevated heart rate, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, elevated interleukin‑6, elevated leukocyte levels, reduced cognitive function (for CVD mortality), CHD and history of acute stroke contributed to allcause and CVD mortality among men 65 years and older. Elevated blood pressure and elevated high-sensitive C-reactive protein, impaired cognitive function, reduced muscle strength, reduced dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels, absence of children, and a history of acute stroke were associated with all-cause and CVD mortality among women 65 years and older. Conclusions. The present study identified gender difference in survival and RF profile for both total and CVD mortality in population of men and women aged 65 years and older. Aamong more than 30 RF and several CVD, 8 indicators were found to affect mortality in men and 7 RF affected mortality in women.

Rosuvastatin ameliorates anxiety but impairs skeletal muscle performance by malondialdehyde and calcium depletion in high fat diet-fed swiss albino mice

Background: The high intake of high calorie, high fat diets (HFD) with an associatedsedentary lifestyle has been linked with a number of neurobehavioral and neuromusculardisorders. This study aimed at investigating the effect of a lipid lowering drug -Rosuvastatin (ROS) on anxiety-like behavior and muscle strength in HFD-fed mice.Methods: The animals were grouped into four (n=5); Group 1 (normal chow and water adlibitum); Group 2 (HFD ad libitum); Group 3 (HFD + ROS); Group 4 (HFD for 5 weeksthen ROS for 1 week). Thereafter, mice were subjected to elevated plus maze (EPM) testand wire hanging test (WHT). Animals were then killed and brain samples homogenizedand assayed for neurotransmitters and antioxidants. The blood samples were assayed forcalcium, uric acid and Malondialdehyde (MDA).Results: The HFD significantly (p&lt;0.05) heightened anxiety in the mice which wasameliorated by ROS. Muscle strength was however decreased with ROS. Brain levels ofdopamine and serotonin were not significantly affected (p&lt;0.05) by ROS likewisesuperoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase. Serum calcium and MDA were significantlyreduced by ROS.Conclusions: High fat diet induced anxiety in the animals and improved muscle enduranceon exertion. Rosuvastatin ameliorated the anxiety but reduced muscle strength and theproposed mechanism is suppression of MDA and Calcium functions respectively

Pengaruh Program Neuro Rehabilitasi Terhadap Peningkatan Status Keseimbangan Dinamis Pada Kelompok Lansia

Old age is a cycle of maturation which is described by changes in abilities, both physical, mental, profound, psychosocial and sexual abilities. One of the developments experienced by older people is dynamic balance problems caused by external muscle problems, such as reduced muscle strength, adaptability and joint range of motion. Strengthening the muscles at the lowermost point through preparatory exercises can strengthen neuromuscular variations so that an increased level of dynamic balance is achieved. This study aims to determine the impact of providing a nerve restoration program (Static Bike and Exercise Therapy training program) on improving body balance status in the elderly group. Pre-test research strategy with a one collection pretest-posttest plan. The research used a purposive sampling test where the subjects were a group of elderly people in Gaden Village who did not experience mental disorders, were not undergoing special treatment and were given a Static Bike and Exercise Therapy training program 3 times a week for a period of 3 months. Estimation and evaluation of dynamic balance levels using the Time Up and Go Test (TUGT). The exploration results using the Shapiro Wilk normality test obtained a normal distribution of information, then a speculation test was carried out using the matched T test with the condition that a critical value was obtained if p&lt;0.001 (p&lt;0.05) at the strong balance level. This will show the impact of providing Static Bike and Exercise Therapy training programs on fair dynamic balance in the elderly.

P329 Sarcopenia is a risk factor of post-operative recurrence of Crohn’s disease

Abstract Background Sarcopenia is defined as reduction in skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength; it was found in up to 50% of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) in several studies.In CD patients sarcopenia is a risk factor for surgery, post-operative complications and worse surgical outcomes; furthermore, it is a negative prognostic factor for endoscopic remission in patients treated with biologics.The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of sarcopenia on endoscopic recurrence at 6-12 months follow-up in CD patients after ileo-colic resection. Methods CD patients undergoing primary elective ileo-colic resection surgery between 2013 and 2023 were enrolled. Patients with previous intestinal surgery, pre-operative complications (abscess, perforation) and immunosuppressive or biologic therapy after surgery were excluded. Sarcopenia was defined as the sex- and height-adjusted Total Psoas Area Index (TPAI) lower than 5.4 cm2/m2 (men) and 3.56 cm2/m2 (women), calculated at the level of the third lumbar vertebra on MRI scans performed within 3 months before surgery. Already known risk factors for post-surgical disease recurrence were considered. Uni- and multi-variate analyses were performed to evaluate if sarcopenia before surgery could influence endoscopic recurrence (Rutgeers score ≥ i2) of disease 6-12 months after surgery. Results Seventy-two CD patients were included. Endoscopic recurrence (at 6-12 months follow-up colonscopy) was found in 22% of patients and it was associated with the presence of pre-operative sarcopenia (1.4% vs 15.3%;p&amp;lt;0.001) and surgical complications (2.78% vs 6.94%;p=0.024), while it was not associated with comorbidies, familiarity, smoke, extension of resection or pre-operative therapy, PCR and albumin. Sarcopenia was identify as predictor of endoscopic recurrence (OR=25;p=0.005) as well as surgical complications after resection (OR=99.7;p=0.032). Neither medical or surgical complications showed statistically significant correlation with the presence of pre-operative sarcopenia (p=0.819). Conclusion Sarcopenia in CD patients before surgery seems to be an independent prognostic factor for endoscopic recurrence. Perioperative interventions to improve sarcopenia may have positive impact on surgical outcomes and disease recurrence.

Senotherapeutic drug treatment ameliorates chemotherapy-induced cachexia.

Cachexia is a debilitating skeletal muscle wasting condition for which we currently lack effective treatments. In the context of cancer, certain chemotherapeutics cause DNA damage and cellular senescence. Senescent cells exhibit chronic activation of the transcription factor NF-κB, a known mediator of the proinflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and skeletal muscle atrophy. Thus, targeting NF-κB represents a logical therapeutic strategy to alleviate unintended consequences of genotoxic drugs. Herein, we show that treatment with the IKK/NF-κB inhibitor SR12343 during a course of chemotherapy reduces markers of cellular senescence and the SASP in liver, skeletal muscle, and circulation and, correspondingly, attenuates features of skeletal muscle pathology. Lastly, we demonstrate that SR12343 mitigates chemotherapy-induced reductions in body weight, lean mass, fat mass, and muscle strength. These findings support senescent cells as a promising druggable target to counteract the SASP and skeletal muscle wasting in the context of chemotherapy.

Postnatal Pdzrn3 deficiency causes acute muscle atrophy without alterations in endplate morphology

PDZ domain-containing RING finger family protein 3 (PDZRN3) is expressed in various tissues, including the skeletal muscle. Although PDZRN3 plays a crucial role in the terminal differentiation of myoblasts and synaptic growth/maturation in myogenesis, the role of this molecule in postnatal muscles is completely unknown despite its lifelong expression in myofibers. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the function of PDZRN3 in mature myofibers using myofiber-specific conditional knockout mice. After tamoxifen injection, PDZRN3 deficiency was confirmed in both fast and slow myofibers of Myf6-CreERT2; Pdzrn3flox/flox (Pdzrn3mcKO) mice. Transcriptome analysis of the skeletal muscles of Pdzrn3mcKO mice identified differentially expressed genes, including muscle atrophy-related genes such as Smox, Amd1/2, and Mt1/2, suggesting that PDZRN3 is involved in the homeostatic maintenance of postnatal muscles. PDZRN3 deficiency caused muscle atrophy, predominantly in fast-twitch (type II) myofibers, and reduced muscle strength. While myofiber-specific PDZRN3 deficiency did not influence endplate morphology or expression of neuromuscular synaptic formation-related genes in postnatal muscles, indicating that the relationship between PDZRN3 and neuromuscular junctions might be limited during muscle development. Considering that the expression of Pdzrn3 in skeletal muscles was significantly lower in aged mice than in mature adult mice, we speculated that the PDZRN3-mediated muscle maintenance system might be associated with the pathophysiology of age-related muscle decline, such as sarcopenia.

Impaired communication at the neuromotor axis during Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy.

Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) is a progressive neurological condition characterized by structural alterations in the cervical spine, resulting in compression of the spinal cord. While clinical manifestations of DCM are well-documented, numerous unanswered questions persist at the molecular and cellular levels. In this study, we sought to investigate the neuromotor axis during DCM. We use a clinically relevant mouse model, where after 3 months of DCM induction, the sensorimotor tests revealed a significant reduction in both locomotor activity and muscle strength compared to the control group. Immunohistochemical analyses showed alterations in the gross anatomy of the cervical spinal cord segment after DCM. These changes were concomitant with the loss of motoneurons and a decrease in the number of excitatory synaptic inputs within the spinal cord. Additionally, the DCM group exhibited a reduction in the endplate surface, which correlated with diminished presynaptic axon endings in the supraspinous muscles. Furthermore, the biceps brachii (BB) muscle exhibited signs of atrophy and impaired regenerative capacity, which inversely correlated with the transversal area of remnants of muscle fibers. Additionally, metabolic assessments in BB muscle indicated an increased proportion of oxidative skeletal muscle fibers. In line with the link between neuromotor disorders and gut alterations, DCM mice displayed smaller mucin granules in the mucosa layer without damage to the epithelial barrier in the colon. Notably, a shift in the abundance of microbiota phylum profiles reveals an elevated Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio-a consistent hallmark of dysbiosis that correlates with alterations in gut microbiota-derived metabolites. Additionally, treatment with short-chain fatty acids stimulated the differentiation of the motoneuron-like NSC34 cell line. These findings shed light on the multifaceted nature of DCM, resembling a synaptopathy that disrupts cellular communication within the neuromotor axis while concurrently exerting influence on other systems. Notably, the colon emerges as a focal point, experiencing substantial perturbations in both mucosal barrier integrity and the delicate balance of intestinal microbiota.

Состояние цереброваскулярной реактивности у пациентов с ишемическим инсультом с разной степенью выраженности двигательного дефицита

The purpose — to examine a link between cerebrovascular reactivity and the severity of motor deficits in patients experiencing the first ischemic stroke. Material and methods. The authors present the results of a comprehensive examination of 113 patients during the acute phase of their first diagnosed ischemic stroke. All patients underwent muscle strength assessment and cerebrovascular reactivity evaluation as part of the complex examination. Results. Five groups were identified based on the severity of paresis (scores 4 to 0). The reduction in muscle strength in each group significantly corresponded to a more pronounced decrease in cerebrovascular reactivity. However, there was no significant relationship between the degree of cerebral vessel stenosis and reactivity indicators. Conclusion. The degree of disruption in regulatory mechanisms of cerebral circulation is related to the severity of paresis. Assessing cerebral vascular reactivity during the acute phase of ischemic stroke has diagnostic value, and further studies are needed to understand its role in functional recovery.

Lower Extremity Asymmetry Values Derived From Multiple Strength Testing Modes Are Associated With Perceived Functional Capabilities Among University Athletes.

Background: Muscle strength asymmetry and athlete introspective measures are associated with musculoskeletal (MSK) sport injury and reinjury. However, the interrelationship between mechanical and subjective measures of concentric and eccentric limb function needs further exploration. This includes investigating if an athlete's perception of their overall MSK function influences limb asymmetry across different testing modalities. Objectives: To (i) explore the interrelationship between mechanical and subjective measures of lower limb function in university athletes and (ii) compare the consistency in interlimb strength asymmetries across different strength tests in groups of athletes with good, fair, and poor perceived limb function. Methods: University athletes (n = 175; n = 87 females) from six sports completed four tests of muscle strength, power, and plyometric function along with an assessment of perceived limb function using the Sport Fitness Index (SFI). Participants were categorized into high (GOODSFI), fair (FAIRSFI), and poor (POORSFI) perceived overall MSK function (perceived function) groups. Strength asymmetry indexes evaluated interlimb differences in concentric and eccentric maximal strength, countermovement jump (CMJ) impulse, unilateral CMJ height, and reactive strength index in unilateral repeat hop testing. Cumulative link mixed-effects models assessed the relationship between strength asymmetries and perceived limb function. Results: The POORSFI group showed increased asymmetry in concentric strength testing (p = 0.022), more consistent interlimb asymmetries (p < 0.001), and reduced overall muscle strength compared to the GOODSFI group. Conclusion: Higher interlimb asymmetry in maximal concentric strength measures along with reduced muscle strength was found in the POORSFI group compared to the GOODSFI group. The POORSFI group also showed greater consistency in muscle strength asymmetry derived across different tasks.

The association between weight-adjusted-waist index and muscle strength in adults: a population-based study.

The relationship between the weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI) and grip strength, a crucial marker in assessing sarcopenia, lacks clarity. We aimed to explore the relationship between WWI and muscle strength across genders. The cross-sectional study involved adults with complete data on WWI and grip strength from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. WWI was derived by dividing waist circumference by the square root of weight. Weighted multivariable logistic regression and smooth curve fitting techniques were used to examine the independent association and potential non-linear relationship between WWI and grip strength. A two-piecewise linear regression model was utilized to determine the threshold effect. Additionally, subgroup analyses and interaction tests were conducted. The study encompassed 9,365 participants, including 4,661 males and 4,704 females. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a negative correlation between WWI and grip strength among males (β = -11.49, 95% CI: -12.38, -10.60, p < 0.001) as well as females (β = -2.53, 95% CI: -2.98, -2.08, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that the negative correlation of WWI with grip strength remained consistent across various age groups and levels of obesity for both males and females. An increase in WWI correlates with reduced muscle strength in both males and females. WWI was negatively associated not only with muscle mass but also with muscle strength. WWI may serve as an assessment tool for sarcopenia, but further large-scale studies are needed to clarify causality.

Therapeutic Putty-based Hand Strengthening Exercises to Improve Hand Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis

Context: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) primarily affects the hands, leading to disabling joint abnormalities and reduced muscle strength, profoundly impacting hand function and overall quality of life (QOL). Aim: The aim of this study was to find the effect of therapeutic putty-based hand exercises on hand function and QOL in patients with chronic RA. Setting and Design: It was an experimental study conducted at the College of Physiotherapy, Pt. B.D. Sharma, PGIMS, Rohtak. Subjects and Methods: In this study, 206 chronic RA patients were randomly split into two groups. Group A (control) received conventional physiotherapy care including hot fomentation, joint protection advice, active exercises, and splinting. Group B (experimental) engaged in hand strengthening exercises with 85 g of therapeutic putty alongside conventional physiotherapy. Key outcomes assessed grip and key pinch strength, hand function (Short Form of the Score for the Assessment and Quantification of Chronic Rheumatic Affections of the Hands), and QOL (WHO-BREF) at baseline, 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks. Statistical Analysis: Effect of treatment comparison was done with one-way analysis of variance followed by post hoc analysis. Results: The experimental group showed superior outcomes for grip, key strength, and hand function (P = 0.000). Regarding the QOL, improvements were observed in the physical component at the 4th week (P = 0.003) and in both the 8th and 12th weeks (P = 0.000). The psychological, social, and environmental components improved significantly in the 8th and 12th weeks (P &lt; 0.005). Conclusion: A therapeutic putty-based strength training program as an addition to usual care is a worthwhile, low-cost intervention that helps improve function, disability, and QOL.

The role of amino acids in skeletal muscle health and sarcopenia: A narrative review.

The skeletal muscle is the largest organ present inside the body and is responsible for mechanical activities like maintaining posture, movement, respiratory function, and support for the health and functioning of other systems of the body. Skeletal muscle atrophy is a condition associated with a reduction in muscle size, strength, and activity, which leads to an increased dependency on movement, an increased risk of falls, and a reduced quality of life. Various conditions like osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and fractures are directly associated with an increased muscle atrophy. Additionally, numerous risk factors, like aging, malnutrition, physical inactivity, and certain disease conditions, through distinct pathways negatively affect skeletal muscle health and lead to muscle atrophy. Among the various determinants of the overall muscle health, the rate of muscle protein synthesis and degradation is an important parameter that eventually alters the fate of overall muscle health. In conditions of excessive skeletal muscle atrophy, including sarcopenia, the rate of muscle protein degradation usually exceeds the rate of protein synthesis. The availability of amino acids in the systemic circulation is a crucial step for muscle protein synthesis. The current review aimed to consolidate the existing evidence of amino acids, highlight their mechanisms of action, and assess their roles and effectiveness in enhancing skeletal muscle health.

Characteristics of Skeletal Muscle Strength in Subjects With Interstitial Lung Disease

ObjectivesTo investigate muscle strength and the prevalence of muscle weakness in adults with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) compared to healthy subjects. DesignCross-sectional (description of clinical features). SettingPublic referral center (University Hospital). ParticipantsOne hundred and twelve adults with ILD (n=48, 60±10yr, 68% female) and healthy counterparts (control group, n=64, 57±10yr, 58% female) (N=112). InterventionNot applicable. Main Outcome Measure(s)Muscle strength and prevalence of muscle weakness in adults with ILD. Muscle strength was assessed via maximal isometric voluntary contraction of dominant upper and lower limb muscle groups. Data from the control group were used to generate reference equations. Muscle weakness was defined as a muscle strength value below the lower limit of normal calculated using data from the control group. Data were expressed as mean ± SD or median [interquartile range] according to the data distribution. ResultsCompared to the control group, adults with ILD had lower muscle strength for all muscle groups assessed (values presented as %predicted: pectoralis major 75[57-86]%; quadriceps 72[58-87]%; latissimus dorsi 76[57-103]%; deltoid 74[64-98]%; biceps brachii 78[64-91]%; triceps brachii 84[62-101]%; P≤.001 for all). Prevalence of muscle weakness in people with ILD was 40% for pectoralis major, 25% for latissimus dorsi, 16% for triceps brachii, 20% for biceps brachii, 27% for deltoid and 46% for quadriceps. ConclusionsAdults with ILD present a generalised reduction in peripheral Muscle strength, ranging between 20% to 46% of people depending on the muscle group assessed. and it was more prevalent in lower limb muscles.

Особенности восстановления движений в паретичной нижней конечности у пациентов с инсультом

Aim. To identify the features of movement recovery performed on a horizontal plane by the foot of the affected lower limb and associated changes in maintaining body balance in patients with mild to moderate central paresis, and to identify factors for their improvement. Design. Clinical prospective randomized interventional longitudinal pilot study. Materials and methods. The study included 115 patients with ischemic stroke in the carotid basin, who received medical assistance according to standards and clinical guidelines. The patients were divided into two groups: the main group (I), in which stabilometric training was included in the rehabilitation measures, and the comparison group (II), in which it was not performed. Additionally, both groups were divided into subgroups with mild and moderate paresis depending on the degree of strength loss in the foot. At the beginning and end of the course, all patients underwent testing of available movements on a horizontal plane along the proposed rectilinear trajectory to the limitations corresponding to the image on the monitor screen reflecting the game situation. Foot movements were performed sequentially in the frontal plane by abduction and adduction in the hip and flexed knee joints of the paretic lower limb and in the sagittal plane by extension in the knee with simultaneous flexion in the ankle joint in combination with adduction, abduction and rotation of the foot. Then the direction was changed, and the patients flexed the knee and extended the ankle joint of the paretic lower limb. Only patients from Group I practiced these movements during repeated training. Functional testing of the motor sphere, stabilometric tests were conducted, emotional-volitional and cognitive disorders that could affect the effectiveness of the training were identified. Results. Targeted work on repeated performance of given rectilinear single-plane movements over a short course (10 sessions of 10 minutes 4 times a week) was accompanied by an improvement in balance, primarily in individuals with a moderate degree of muscle strength reduction in the foot. Improvement of stabilometric indicators in Group I reflected the effectiveness of the training. Sensitive indicators were the speed of movement of the center of pressure, area and energy intensity of the statokinesiogram. When analyzing the factors influencing the correction of movements, it was found that the greatest effect was produced by high motivation, preservation of cognitive functions, absence of anxiety and depression with active inclusion of visual control in the implementation of the motor act throughout the rehabilitation course. Conclusion. Motor rehabilitation with targeted correction of foot movements in patients with central paresis of the lower limb after stroke led to an improvement in balance in a short time, especially in patients with a moderate degree of muscle strength loss in the foot. Patients with mild foot paresis in stroke should be recommended a training course in practicing foot movements, consisting of at least 6 sessions of 10 repetitions each, and with moderate paresis — of 8 sessions of 10 repetitions. Correction of rectilinear single-plane movements in the frontal plane is formed later by one training session than in the sagittal plane. Keywords: movement, paresis, stroke, lower limb.

Ameliorative Effects of Cumin Extract-Encapsulated Chitosan Nanoparticles on Skeletal Muscle Atrophy and Grip Strength in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Skeletal muscle atrophy is a disorder characterized by reductions in muscle size and strength. Cumin extract (CE) possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic properties. Its pharmaceutical applications are hindered by its low water solubility and by its cytotoxicity when administered at high doses. In this study, we have developed a simplified water distillation method using a rotary evaporator to isolate the active components in cumin seeds. The anti-inflammatory effects of CE and its potential to ameliorate skeletal muscle atrophy in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes were evaluated. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of CE for cells was 80 μM. By encapsulating CE in chitosan nanoparticles (CECNs), an encapsulation efficacy of 87.1% was achieved with a slow release of 90% of CE after 24 h of culturing, resulting in CECNs with significantly reduced cytotoxicity (IC50, 1.2 mM). Both CE and CECNs significantly reduced the inflammatory response in interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β assays. STZ-induced diabetic rats exhibited sustained high blood glucose levels (>16.5 mmol/L), small and damaged pancreatic β islets, and skeletal muscle atrophy. CE and CECN treatments ameliorated skeletal muscle atrophy, recovered muscle fiber striated appearance, increased grip strength, and decreased IL-6 level. Furthermore, CE and CECNs led to a reduction of damage to the pancreas, restoring its morphological phenotype, increasing serum insulin levels, and lowering blood glucose levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Taken together, treatment with CECNs over a 6-week period yielded positive ameliorative effects in STZ-induced rats of muscle atrophy.

Immediate effect of Auricular Acupuncture on Electromyographic Activity and Muscle Strength of the Upper Trapezius Descending Fibers

Introduction: Acupuncture is an ancient technique that, when applied to specific points on the body, triggers physiological responses in the muscle. Studies with surface electromyography began to correlate the electrical activity of skeletal striated muscles with acupuncture points, but there are still few studies with evidence. Objective: to analyze the immediate effect of auricular acupuncture on the electromyographic activity and muscle strength of trapezium descending fibers. Method: Clinical and prospective study, composed of a sample of 15 individuals, in which they participated in three stages: stage 1 corresponding to control, stage 2 - corresponding intervention and stage 3 corresponding to placebo. The instruments used for evaluation were surface electromyography and dynamometry of the trapezius muscle descending bilaterally during maximal voluntary isometric contraction. For the intervention, semipermanent needles were inserted into the auricular acupoints: Shemmen, Kidney, Sympathetic, shoulder and shoulder joint and to the placebo - the needle was inserted at the point of the trachea. The experiment was performed with a fixed interval of seven days between steps. The t-test and the Wilcoxon test were used for intragroup comparisons and the two-way ANOVA test for intergroup comparison. Results: there were significant intragroup reductions in trapezius muscle strength for downward intervention, however, for electromyographic activity there was no statistical difference. Conclusion: It is concluded that auricular acuponts decreased the force of the trapezius muscle downward fibers.

Sit-to-Stand Video Analysis-Based App for Diagnosing Sarcopenia and Its Relationship With Health-Related Risk Factors and Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Diagnostic Accuracy Study.

Probable sarcopenia is determined by a reduction in muscle strength assessed with the handgrip strength test or 5 times sit-to-stand test, and it is confirmed with a reduction in muscle quantity determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or bioelectrical impedance analysis. However, these parameters are not implemented in clinical practice mainly due to a lack of equipment and time constraints. Nowadays, the technical innovations incorporated in most smartphone devices, such as high-speed video cameras, provide the opportunity to develop specific smartphone apps for measuring kinematic parameters related with sarcopenia during a simple sit-to-stand transition. We aimed to create and validate a sit-to-stand video analysis-based app for diagnosing sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults and to analyze its construct validity with health-related risk factors and frailty. A total of 686 community-dwelling older adults (median age: 72 years; 59.2% [406/686] female) were recruited from elderly social centers. The index test was a sit-to-stand video analysis-based app using muscle power and calf circumference as proxies of muscle strength and muscle quantity, respectively. The reference standard was obtained by different combinations of muscle strength (handgrip strength or 5 times sit-to-stand test result) and muscle quantity (appendicular skeletal mass or skeletal muscle index) as recommended by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People-2 (EWGSOP2). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve were calculated to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the app. Construct validity was evaluated using logistic regression to identify the risks associated with health-related outcomes and frailty (Fried phenotype) among those individuals who were classified as having sarcopenia by the index test. Sarcopenia prevalence varied from 2% to 11% according to the different combinations proposed by the EWGSOP2 guideline. Sensitivity, specificity, and AUC were 70%-83.3%, 77%-94.9%, and 80.5%-87.1%, respectively, depending on the diagnostic criteria used. Likewise, positive and negative predictive values were 10.6%-43.6% and 92.2%-99.4%, respectively. These results proved that the app was reliable to rule out the disease. Moreover, those individuals who were diagnosed with sarcopenia according to the index test showed more odds of having health-related adverse outcomes and frailty compared to their respective counterparts, regardless of the definition proposed by the EWGSOP2. The app showed good diagnostic performance for detecting sarcopenia in well-functioning Spanish community-dwelling older adults. Individuals with sarcopenia diagnosed by the app showed more odds of having health-related risk factors and frailty compared to their respective counterparts. These results highlight the potential use of this app in clinical settings. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05148351; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05148351. RR2-10.3390/s22166010.