Small Muscle Groups Research Articles

Edukasi Penerapan Terapi Bermain Puzzle Sederhana Untuk Perkembangan Motorik Halus Pada Anak Usia 3-6 Tahun Di UPT Puskesmas Kedaton Bandar Lampung

Fine motor skills are movements carried out by the fingers with a central nervous cell arrangement that regulates the use of small muscle groups such as the fingers and hands, and often require precision and coordination with the hands. One type of game that can optimize children's fine motor development is puzzle games. Puzzles are a type of game that improves thinking skills, makes it easier to remember and understand concepts, and increases creativity. Puzzle games are simple games that are played in pairs and require precision because children are trained to focus their minds so they can concentrate. The aim of this activity is to improve fine motor development in children through puzzle play therapy. It was found that respondents were very enthusiastic about carrying out play therapy. The conclusion from this activity is that fine motor development in children can be trained using puzzle play therapy.

Kinematic Analysis and Research on the "Push Shot" Action of Table Football

In order to reveal the kinematic characteristics of the "push shot" technique in table football, this article analyzes and studies the kinematics of the "push shot" technique in table football using the three-dimensional motion analysis method, conducts experimental measurements of the push shot technique in table football players, and analyzes and studies its kinematic parameters. When completing the entire table football technical movement, the upper limbs need to rotate and cooperate with the vertical axis and coronal axis of the torso, ultimately forming a wrist compression movement to the fingers and wrists. When athletes complete technical movements, whether it is dribbling or shooting, the flexibility of their wrists is extremely high. Therefore, during practice, it is necessary to strengthen the training of the wrist and small muscle groups of the fingers, and pay attention to the practice of instant force application. Both the joints of the upper and lower limbs are very important. Therefore, during athlete training, it is necessary to strengthen the strength of the body's joints.

Effects of physical training combined with transcranial direct current stimulation on maximal strength and lower limb explosive strength in healthy adults.

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigates whether transcranial direct current stimulation applied during physical training increases muscle strength in comparison with sham tDCS combined with physical training. Randomized controlled trials of the effects of tDCS combined physical training intervention on muscle strength and cortical excitability were collected by searching Web of Science, Pubmed, EBSCO, CNKI. The retrieval date ends in April 2024. 11 randomized controlled trials are finally included. The total sample size of the study is 338. The experimental group was subjected to tDCS combined with physical training intervention, and the control group was physical training combined with sham tDCS intervention. There is a significant increase in maximal strength (SMD = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.67; p = 0.01) and lower limb explosive strength (MD = 2.90; 95% CI: 1.06, 4.74; p = 0.002) when physical training was performed with tDCS, but not following physical training combined with sham tDCS. Subgroup analysis of the subject population showed an increase in muscle strength in those with training experience following tDCS combined with physical training (SMD = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.70; p = 0.01), but not for those without training experience (SMD = 0.29; 95% CI: -0.06, 0.63; p = 0.10). Motor evoked potential (MEP) wave amplitude increased significantly following physical training with tDCS (SMD = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.18, 1.24; p = 0.008), but was not different between groups (SMD = 0.16; 95% CI: -0.33, 0.65; p = 0.52). tDCS combined with physical training intervention can improve muscle strength, lower limb explosive strength and cerebral cortex excitability. Compared to tDCS combined with training of small muscle groups, tDCS combined with training of large muscle groups was more effective in improving muscle strength. Muscle strength was more likely to improve after tDCS combined with physical training in people with physical training experience compared with people without physical training experience. The combination of tDCS with physical training intervention and the sham-tDCS with physical training intervention both increased cortical excitability. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/, PROSPERO, identifier (CRD42024550454).

Effect of non-pharmacological interventions on the prevention of sarcopenia in menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundSarcopenia is a chronic disease marked by gradual muscle system and functional decline. Prior research indicates its prevalence in those under 60 varies from 8 to 36%. There is limited evidence on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for sarcopenia prevention in menopausal women aged 40–60. This study examines the influence of such interventions for sarcopenia prevention on these women.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, Medline, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PEDro, and Airiti Library were searched from inception until May 5, 2023. Randomized controlled trials that examined exercise, vitamin D and protein supplementation effects on muscle mass, strength, and physical function. Quality assessment used the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and analysis employed Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2.0.ResultsA total of 27 randomized controlled trials, involving 1,989 participants were identified. Meta-analysis results showed exercise improved lean body mass (SMD = 0.232, 95% CI: 0.097, 0.366), handgrip strength (SMD = 0.901, 95% CI: 0.362, 1.441), knee extension strength (SMD = 0.698, 95% CI: 0.384, 1.013). Resistance training had a small effect on lean body mass, longer exercise duration (> 12 weeks) and higher frequency (60–90 min, 3 sessions/week) showed small to moderate effects on lean body mass. Vitamin D supplementation improved handgrip strength (SMD = 0.303, 95% CI: 0.130, 0.476), but not knee extension strength. There was insufficient data to assess the impact of protein supplementation on muscle strength.ConclusionsExercise effectively improves muscle mass, and strength in menopausal women. Resistance training with 3 sessions per week, lasting 20–90 min for at least 6 weeks, is most effective. Vitamin D supplementation enhances small muscle group strength. Further trials are needed to assess the effects of vitamin D and protein supplementation on sarcopenia prevention.Registration numberThis review was registered on PROSPERO CRD42022329273.

核心稳定性训练对散打运动员鞭腿连击能力的影响

本研究采用文献资料，实验法、数理统计法，进行为期四周的核心稳定性力量训练， 散打运动员的鞭腿连击能力有显著性提高，分析和探讨得到以下结论：鞭腿作为散打项目 重要的腿法技术之一，掌握鞭腿技术动力链肌群的解剖学、生理学、生物力学特点，有助 于以后训练中鞭腿动作协调和发挥力点的最大化。通过核心稳定性力量训练，散打鞭腿连击能力得到提高，核心区力量加强，柔韧性提高。以核心区腰 -- 髋关节 -- 骨盆肌群的稳定性训练和周围小肌肉群力量的加强，对于鞭腿支撑腿的稳定性，鞭打腿力的传递和击打目标的准确性得到显著提高。通过加强核心肌群力量的稳定性的训练，有助于防止散打项目中常出现的伤痛病症和运动损伤，同时对于康复陈旧性损伤具有良好的效果。 This study uses literature, experimental method, mathematical statistics, a period of four weeks of core stability strength training, sparring athletes whip leg streak ability has significantly improved, analysis and discussion of the following conclusions: whip leg as a sparring program, one of the important leg techniques, mastery of the whip leg technology power chain muscle groups of the anatomical, physiological, biomechanical characteristics of the whip leg, will help the future training of whip leg action coordination and play Maximize the power point. Through the core stability strength training, the ability to improve the whip leg striking ability, strengthen the core area strength, flexibility and toughness. With the stability training of the core lumbar - hip - pelvic muscle groups and the strengthening of the surrounding small muscle groups, the stability of the whip leg support leg, the transmission of the whip leg force and the accuracy of hitting the target has been significantly improved. By strengthening the stability training of the core muscle group strength, it helps to prevent the injury diseases and sports injuries that often occur in the sparring program, and at the same time, it has a good effect on the rehabilitation of old injuries.

TREINAMENTO FÍSICO SISTEMÁTICO EM ATLETAS DE PATINAÇÃO

ABSTRACT Introduction: Youngsters are an important source of reserve strength among short-speed skaters, so it is necessary to perform special strength training for young lower limb muscles while improving athletes’ endurance and physical function. Objective: Study the systematic development of physical training of speed skating athletes. Methods: The author uses the method of experimentation and mathematical statistics, the first level male athletes were selected as experimental objects, and the double-blind test method was used to conduct a comparative study through experiments. Results: Statistically, the T-test considerations of the control and experimental groups in the unipodal take-off stand and bilateral sliding jump tests showed statistical differences (P>0.05). The comparison of the experimental group pre and post-intervention indicates that the experimental group's performance in this test item increased significantly after training(P<0.05). Conclusion: The adaptation of the entry-level trainers to the scientific training concept played an auxiliary role in the results by increasing the emphasis on small muscle group training. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Analyzing the selected Eurofit test batteries of the children with Down syndrome and autism in the age range of 12-16 and receiving Montessori education

It is aimed in this study to analyze the effects of the Montessori education method on children with Down syndrome and autism having special training who have received and not received Montessori education through the Eurofit test batteries selected for motor skills and physical fitness. A total of 20 male children with Down syndrome and autism in the age range of 12 to 16 and receiving and not receiving Montessori education at two different special education and rehabilitation centers in Kayseri were included in the study. The treatment group included a total of 10 children, 5 with Down syndrome and 5 with autism, and the control group of 10 children, 5 with Down syndrome and 5 with autism. While the volunteers included in the treatment group received Montessori education, those included in the control group received a traditional education. In the study, the volunteers performed the selected Eurofit tests including flamingo balance, plate tapping, sit and reach, handgrip and standing long jump tests. When the results of the Eurofit test batteries of the treatment and control groups were examined, plate tapping and standing long jump test results were found significant in the comparison of the pretest and posttest of the treatment group (p < 0.05). In the pretest and posttest comparison of the control group students, a significant difference was determined in the sit and reach test (p < 0.05). In the posttest comparison of the control and treatment groups, a statistically significant difference was determined between the pretest and posttest measurements of the plate tapping and between the pretest and posttest measurements of the standing long jump (p<0.05). In the pretest comparison of the control and treatment groups, no statistically significant difference was found between the pretest and posttest of flamingo balance, pretest and posttest of plate tapping, pretest and posttest of sit and reach, pretest and posttest of standing long jump and pretest and posttest of handgrip measurements of the control and treatment groups (p>0.05). Consequently, the use of Montessori education materials supports the big and small muscle groups of children with disabilities since most of them learn about an object through touch. In our study, when some activity and motor skills of the children with down syndrome and autism in the special rehabilitation school that uses the Montessori education method were analyzed, it was observed that there was an improvement in their physical activities and some motor skills according to the results of plate tapping, standing long jump and sit and reach tests. It is recommended that education programs can be prepared by using Montessori Approach as part of the education programs applied in preschool education institutions and that they can be used more widely together with traditional education programs.

TREINO ESPECIAL SOBRE A FORÇA DOS PEQUENOS GRUPOS MUSCULARES DOS MEMBROS INFERIORES

ABSTRACT Introduction Specific training with vibration can show short- and long-term effects on neuromuscular capacity. This training method gives muscles a frequent stimulus amplitude variation and can promote muscle strength, explosive power, neuromuscular coordination, and balance training. Objective This paper compares the effects of strength training with vibration on the strength of small muscle groups in the lower limbs of athletes. Methods 24 young people were randomly assigned to a low- and high-frequency group. Both groups used traditional strength training with the addition of 30 and 40Hz vibrational training. Training with load intensity between 30 and 70% of maximal strength lasting 60 minutes was repeated in 3 weekly sessions for eight weeks. Functional tests were recorded before and after the experiment, and their results were statistically analyzed. Results The peak torque of the hip muscles of the two groups of athletes increased significantly after training (P<0.05). In the high-frequency athletes, the peak in the hip extensor increased by 15.3% and the flexor by 18.2%; in the low-frequency group, there was an increase of 10.3%, representing a very significant difference (P<0.01). Conclusion Additional vibration stimulation for resistance strength training can effectively improve strength training. With a relatively small load, this training method can effectively improve maximal muscular strength, explosive power, and muscular endurance. Evidence level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the results.

Analysis of the Physiognomy of Unique Sets in the Maximum Number of Repetitions Strategy—The Case of One-Arm Scott Machine Seated Bicep Curls

The aim of this paper is to analyze the physiognomy of unique sets in the maximum number of repetitions (MNR) strategy and different correlations between the maximal forces, duration and volume for a relevant exercise in the case of a small muscle group. The research methodology proposes testing, in two phases, a total of 30 male students, for bicep curl exercises carried out on a bicep Scott machine. The obtained results showed that there were significant differences between the maximum forces (Fmax) developed during the initial and final repetitions of the exercise sets or for different machine loads. There was a large correlation between the load and Fmax and an inverse correlation between the load and MNR or between the MNR and Fmax. The deterioration of the execution mode, represented by the profile of the final repetition of high-duration sets, was also tested and analyzed. We concluded that the study of the physiognomy of cycles and comparisons at the level of relevant repetitions have revealed new perspectives for the design of periodization strategies, for the possibility of manipulating adapted muscular response or compensatory acceleration training for small muscle groups or the MNR strategy.

Monitoring the Physical Condition of Basketball Players using IoT and Blockchain

As a popular competitive sport, basketball has attracted the attention of many people due to its warm and sunny characteristics. Athletics means results, but not everyone gets the results they want. With the continuous development of technology, people have gradually discovered that the physical function of athletes is one of the important factors affecting the performance of sports. The long-standing principle of “three big and one small” ignores the overall physical fitness of athletes, resulting in insufficient physical coordination and slow performance improvement. Competitive sports have always followed the principle of “three big and one small,” which means emphasizing high-strength and high-intensity training, and fundamentally ignoring the impact of small muscle groups and overall physical fitness on athletes. To overcome this disadvantage, this paper aims to study the physical condition monitoring of basketball players based on the Internet of Things and blockchain. It is expected to use the Internet of Things and blockchain technology to monitor the physical function of athletes in real time, formulate scientific training plans, and improve athletes’ competition. The essence of blockchain is a decentralized database, which is used to verify the validity of messages. With the promotion of Internet technology, it is essential to store and extract information from large network information. This paper compared the results of experimental methods to show the impact of the connection between physical function training and high-level basketball traditional training, proposed a new scalable storage and privacy protection scheme to solve the problem that a large amount of data cannot be stored on the blockchain. The experimental results in this paper showed that the lowest hemoglobin content of athletes before training was 131 g/L, and the highest was 157 g/L, indicating that the athletes were generally in good physical condition at this moment. After training, the lowest hemoglobin content of athletes was 117 g/L and the highest was 131 g/L, indicating that the athlete’s physical function state declined and the training intensity was too high.

The Efficacy and Safety of Phase I Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients Hospitalized in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: A Study Protocol for a Randomized, Controlled, Clinical Trial.

BackgroundCardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves outcomes in patients with heart failure. However, data on CR efficacy in patients with acute decompensated heart failure is limited. This study is designed to assess the efficacy and safety of CR in patients hospitalized in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).MethodsThis is a single-center, randomized controlled, single-blind clinical trial. A total of 120 participants hospitalized in CICU with ADHF will be randomly allocated in the ratio of 1:1 to two groups: CR group and control group. Participants will receive tailored and progressive CR intervention or attention control. The CR intervention include personalized breathing training, small muscle group resistance training, and aerobic endurance training based on the physical fitness assessment results. The subjects will receive the CR training for 5 days and will be followed up for 6 months. The primary endpoints are the score of the short physical performance battery (SPPB) and 6-month all-cause rehospitalization. The secondary endpoints include cardio-pulmonary function, activities of daily living (ADL), in-hospital mortality rate and 6-month all-cause mortality rate.DiscussionThis randomized, controlled, clinical trial will assess whether CR improves physical function and reduces rehospitalization in patients hospitalized in CICU with ADHF. The results will provide further research-based evidence for the clinical application of CR in patients with ADHF.Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100050151. Registered on 19 August 2021.

Electromyographic and Systemic Physiological Thresholds in Single-Joint Elbow Flexion Movements.

Reported relationships between electromyographic (EMG) thresholds and systemic thresholds based on lactate, ventilation, or heart rate are contradictory. This might be related to the complexity of the investigated whole-body movements involving many muscles with different activation patterns. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate these relationships during an incremental single-joint exercise. Eighteen male subjects (29.7 [4.4]y) performed single-arm elbow flexions on a biceps curl machine with loads increasing every minute until exhaustion. EMG signals of the main elbow flexors (short and long head of the biceps brachii, flexor carpi radialis, and brachioradialis) as well as gas exchange variables, blood lactate concentration, and heart rate were measured, and 2 turn points based on a 3-phase model of metabolism were determined for each variable. The first and second turn points for EMG were determined at 32.0% to 33.1% and 64.4% to 66.5% of maximal achieved performance (maximum weight), respectively. Systemic turn points were determined at 33.3% to 34.4% and 65.9% to 66.7% of maximum weight and were not significantly different from EMG turn points. Furthermore, systemic and EMG turn points showed a strong or very strong relationship at the first (ρ = .54-.93, P < .05) and second turn point (ρ = .76-.93, P < .01). A close relationship between EMG and systemic turn points could be confirmed for the applied movement of a small muscle group. The determination of local single muscle thresholds using EMG provides additional muscle-specific information about performance-limiting properties of muscles involved in endurance-type incremental exercise.

THE INFLUENCE OF PHONETIC GYMNASTICS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF FINE MOTOR SKILLS OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

The development of fine motor skills of preschool children is extremely important, because this ability refers to the coordination of small muscle groups of the hands, which are used in performing tasks such as writing, coloring and cutting. The aim of this research is to determine the influence of phonetic gymnastics program on the development of fine motor skills of preschool children. The research was conducted on a sample of 30 respondents, children attending a younger educational group. The experimental program consisted of a phonetic gymnastics activities which consisted of three parts: introductory, main and final part of the activity, and was conducted for 12 weeks. The introductory part of the activity lasted for about five minutes and a complex of shaping exercises was conducted in it, followed by speaking exercises, e.g. imitating the blowing wind (whizz), the flying bee (buzz) and others. The main part of the activity lasted for 20 minutes, and in this part, various moving and speaking games and songs were used, in order to stimulate children's interest. For the purpose of this research, two subtests from the battery of BOT2 tests (Bruinkins – Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition) were applied: fine motor integration and manual dexterity. The obtained results confirmed the positive influence of programmed phonetic gymnastics on the fine motor skills of preschool children. The implementation of this type of treatment in preschool institutions would be of great benefit, especially because it is relatively short (about 30 minutes) and does not require special equipment and space.

Meta-Analysis of Elderly Lower Body Strength: Different Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on the Knee Joint-Related Muscle Groups.

Objective To determine whether lower body strength such as keen extension and flexion strength may be improved by Tai Chi exercise in older adults from the perspective of evidence-based medicine. Methods Databases of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched up to July 1, 2021. Randomized clinical trials are adopted to compare Tai Chi exercise with sedentary behavior or other low intensity exercise in terms of influence on lower body strength rehabilitation, especially keen extension and flexion strength in people aged over 60. A meta-analysis was performed to discuss outcomes of lower body strength, knee muscle strength, and knee extension/flexion strength. Results A total of 25 randomized trials involving 1995 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. (1) Tai Chi exercise significantly improved elderly lower body strength (−0.54, [−0.81, −0.28], p < 0.00001, I2 = 74%), but there was no differential improvement in the strength of the knee joints (0.10, [−0.02, 0.23], p=0.11, I2 = 34%). (2) Elderly individual lower body strength declined with age, while this trend was suppressed by Tai Chi exercise (−0.35, [0.14, 0.56], p=0.001, I2 = 70%). (3) Although Tai Chi exercise did no significantly improve the large muscle group of knee joint extensor like quadriceps femoris (3.15, [−0.69, 6.99], p=0.24, I2 = 26%), it showed marked enhancement to the strength of deep small muscle group of knee joint flexor (10.25, [6.90, 13.61], p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%). The heterogeneity might be caused by distinguished measurements of muscle strength. Therefore, Tai Chi exercise specifically enhanced some certain muscle strength of knee joints and improved muscle fitness rehabilitation as well as function activity for elderly. Conclusions In this RCT meta-analysis, Tai Chi exercise has positive effects on lower body strength of elderly. Although no obvious improvement on the knee extensor is observed, it may be used as a rehabilitation treatment for training stable deep muscle groups to improve the knee flexion strength significantly.

An Analysis of Sport-Specific Pain Symptoms through Inter-Individual Training Differences in CrossFit.

Background: CrossFit is one of the fastest growing “high-intensity functional training” methods in recent years. Due to the very demanding motion sequences and high loads, it was initially assumed that there was an extremely high risk of injury. However, studies have shown that injury rates are given between 0.74–3.3 per 1000 h of training, which is not higher than in other individual sports such as weightlifting. The purpose of the study was to estimate the type of pain symptoms that are directly related to CrossFit, to estimate the frequency of injuries that occur within a population of recreational CrossFit athletes, and, finally, to identify the factors influencing the frequency of pain during CrossFit training. Methods: A total of 414 active CrossFit athletes completed an online survey inclusive of 29 items focusing on individual physical characteristics and training behavior, as well as simultaneous or previously practiced sports. Results: There was a significantly higher proportion of knee pain in athletes who had previously or simultaneously played another sport (p = 0.014). The duration, intensity, or type of personal training plan developed, along with personal information such as age, gender, or BMI, had no significant influence on the pain data. We could not find any significant variance between the groups that we formed based on the differently stated one-repetition max (RMs). There were differences in athletes who stated that they did specific accessory exercises for small muscle groups. Above all, athletes performing exercises for the hamstrings and the gluteus medius indicated fewer pain symptoms for the sacro-iliac joint (SIJ)/iliac and lower back locations. Conclusions: It is important not to see CrossFit as a single type of sport. When treating a CrossFit athlete, care should be taken to address inter-individual differences. This underlines the significant differences of this study between the individual athletes with regard to the ability to master certain skills or their previous sporting experience. The mere fact of mastering certain exercises seems to lead to significantly more pain in certain regions. In addition, there seems to be a connection between the previous or simultaneous participation in other sports and the indication of pain in the knee region.

EFFECTS OF BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION TRAINING ON HANDGRIP STRENGTH AND MUSCULAR VOLUME OF YOUNG WOMEN.

High-intensity training methods are generally recommended to increase muscle mass and strength, with training loads of 60-70% 1RM for novice and 80-100% 1RM for advanced individuals. Blood flow restriction training, despite using lower intensities (30-50% 1RM), can provide similar improvements in muscle mass and strength. However, studies commonly investigate the effects of blood flow restriction training in large muscular groups, whereas there are few studies that investigated those effects in smaller muscle groups, such as the muscles involved in grasping (e.g, wrist flexors; finger flexors). Clinically, smaller muscular groups should also be considered in intervention programs, given that repetitive stress, such as repeated strain injuries, affects upper limbs and may lead to chronic pain and incapacity for work. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of blood flow restriction training in strength and anthropometric indicators of muscular volume in young women. The effect of blood flow restriction training in handgrip strength (HGS) and muscular volume of young women can be similar to traditional training, even with lower loads. Twenty-eight university students, 18 to 25 years of age, were randomly assigned into two groups, blood flow restriction training (BFR, n = 14) and traditional training (TRAD, n = 14). The anthropometric measures and maximum handgrip strength (MHGS) test were performed before and after the intervention. The participants did three weekly sessions of dynamic concentric contraction exercises on a dynamometer for four weeks (12 sessions). Each session had a time length of five minutes and the intensity was established from a percentage of MHGS at 30-35% in the first week, 40-45% in the second and 50-55% in third/fourth weeks. Three sets of 15-25 handgrip repetitions were performed until a failure with a 30 seconds rest for BFR training and three sets of 8-12 repetitions with one-minute rest for TRAD training. A significant increase was found in the arm muscle circumference (20.6 ± 2.2 vs 21.6 ± 1.7cm) and right MHGS (32.7 ± 4.5 vs 34.3 ± 4.1 kgf) and left MHGS (28.0 ± 5.5 vs 30.9 ± 4.1 kgf) for the BFR training, and the left MHGS (27.6 ± 5.0 vs 31.0 ± 6.1 kgf) for the TRAD training. Dynamometer training with blood flow restriction, performed with low to moderate loads, was more effective than the traditional training in increasing HGS and muscle volume in young women. 2b.

Diagnosing Parkinson Disease Through Facial Expression Recognition: Video Analysis.

BackgroundThe number of patients with neurological diseases is currently increasing annually, which presents tremendous challenges for both patients and doctors. With the advent of advanced information technology, digital medical care is gradually changing the medical ecology. Numerous people are exploring new ways to receive a consultation, track their diseases, and receive rehabilitation training in more convenient and efficient ways. In this paper, we explore the use of facial expression recognition via artificial intelligence to diagnose a typical neurological system disease, Parkinson disease (PD).ObjectiveThis study proposes methods to diagnose PD through facial expression recognition.MethodsWe collected videos of facial expressions of people with PD and matched controls. We used relative coordinates and positional jitter to extract facial expression features (facial expression amplitude and shaking of small facial muscle groups) from the key points returned by Face++. Algorithms from traditional machine learning and advanced deep learning were utilized to diagnose PD.ResultsThe experimental results showed our models can achieve outstanding facial expression recognition ability for PD diagnosis. Applying a long short-term model neural network to the positions of the key features, precision and F1 values of 86% and 75%, respectively, can be reached. Further, utilizing a support vector machine algorithm for the facial expression amplitude features and shaking of the small facial muscle groups, an F1 value of 99% can be achieved.ConclusionsThis study contributes to the digital diagnosis of PD based on facial expression recognition. The disease diagnosis model was validated through our experiment. The results can help doctors understand the real-time dynamics of the disease and even conduct remote diagnosis.

Intensity Thresholds and Maximal Lactate Steady State in Small Muscle Group Exercise.

The aim of our study is to determine the first (LTP1) and the second (LTP2) lactate turn points during an incremental bicep curl test and to verify these turn points by ventilatory turn points (VT1 and VT2) and constant-load exercise tests. Twelve subjects performed a one-arm incremental bicep curl exercise (IET) after a one repetition maximum (1RM) test to calculate the step rate for the incremental exercise (1RM/45). Workload was increased every min at a rate of 30 reps/min until maximum. To verify LTPs, VT1 and VT2 were determined from spirometric data, and 30 min constant-load tests (CL) were performed at 5% Pmax below and above turn points. Peak load in IET was 5.3 ± 0.9 kg (Lamax: 2.20 ± 0.40 mmol·L−1; HRmax: 135 ± 15 b·min−1; VO2max: 1.15 ± 0.30 L·min−1). LTP1 was detected at 1.9 ± 0.6 kg (La: 0.86 ± 0.36 mmol·L−1; HR 90 ± 13 b·min−1; VO2: 0.50 ± 0.05 L·min−1) and LTP2 at 3.8 ± 0.7 kg (La: 1.38 ± 0.37 mmol·L−1; 106 ± 10 b·min−1; VO2: 0.62 ± 0.11 L·min−1). Constant-load tests showed a lactate steady-state in all tests except above LTP2, with early termination after 16.5 ± 9.1 min. LTP1 and LTP2 could be determined in IET, which were not significantly different from VT1/VT2. Constant-load exercise validated the three-phase concept, and a steady-state was found at resting values below VT1 and in all other tests except above LTP2. It is suggested that the three-phase model is also applicable to small muscle group exercise.

Effectiveness of imagery training compared with exercise training on hip abductor strength and electromyography (EMG) in healthy adults

Purpose: Imagery training could be an important treatment for muscle function improvements in patients with limitations in exercise training as a result of pain or other adverse symptoms. However, recent studies have been restricted primarily to small muscle groups, using a wide variety of methodological approaches, and have reported contradictory outcomes. Moreover, a possible bilateral transfer effect in imagery training has not been examined in larger muscle groups. We therefore investigated the effectiveness of unilateral imagery training in comparison with exercise training on hip abductor muscles strength and electromyogram (EMG) amplitude. Additionally, both limbs were assessed to investigate bilateral transfer effects.

Acute effects of strength exercise with blood flow restriction on the arterial resistance index

The present study aimed to evaluate the acute behavior of the brachial artery resistance index (BARI) and popliteal artery resistance index (PARI) in response to low intensity strength exercises involving small (SMG) and large muscle groups (LMG) performed with and without blood flow restriction. Eleven men (age 23 ± 3.29 years) underwent a four-arm, randomized, cross-over experiment: Small muscle group exercise (SMG), small muscle groups with blood flow restriction (SMG+BFR), large muscle groups (LMG) and large muscle groups with blood flow restriction (LMG+BFR). The behavior of BARI and PARI was evaluated at rest, immediately after exercise, and at 15 and 30 minutes during recovery. Data analysis showed a significant reduction of the BARI from rest to post-exercise only in the protocols involving SMG, regardless of the BFR (p &lt;0.05). Protocols involving LMG, with or without BFR, did not affect PARI (p&gt; 0.05), but were efficient to promote significant increases in BARI (p &lt;0.05) immediately after exercise. Our findings indicate that the exercises involving SMG, regardless of BFR, are efficient to promote local vasodilatation (brachial artery), but without systemic effects. None of the analyzed protocols affected the PARI behavior.