Extremity Strength Research Articles

Ab. No. 149 Therapeutic Effects of Yoga On Gait Variables, Walking Capacity, Balance, Lower Extremity Strength, and Flexibility in Ambulatory Children With Cerebral Palsy

Introduction: The purpose is to explore the effects of Yoga on gait variables, walking capacity, balance, and lower extremity strength and flexibility in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy. Children with cerebral palsy have limited access to skill-based movement programs that combine therapeutic principles of movement rehabilitation with community involvement, the need for activity-grounded therapeutics in cerebral palsy is the need of the hour. Rehabilitation typically focuses on range of motion exercises to prevent and delay contractures, flexibility exercises to increase range of motion, progressive resistance exercises to enhance strength, and varied interventions to improve posture, balance, and the acquisition of functional skills. Thus, the therapeutic movement that improves motor control and imitates social interaction. Methods: Twenty-one children with the potential to participate and corresponding to the inclusion criteria were recruited in the study. The mean average age group of the participants was 8.97 years with 5 girls and 16 boys. Children with cerebral palsy with Gross Motor Function Classification I–III were divided into a control group and an experimental group. Throughout 12 weeks, the control group received conventional physiotherapy treatment while the experimental group an additional one-hour yoga sessions three times each week. The Walking capacity (6 Minute Walk Test), Balance (Pediatric Balance Scale), Muscle strength (Manual Muscle Test Score), and Flexibility (rotational profile using goniometric measurements) were administered before, and after the interventions in each group. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to evaluate thedata. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the walking capacity (p < 0.004), dynamic balance (p 0.002), Strength (p 0.007), and flexibility (p 0.007). Conclusion: Yoga can be used as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy interventions. Implications: An improvement in walking capacity, and balance leads to increased mobility and improved functional activities of the children with cerebral palsy. As yoga was an additional therapy, this showed better engagement in therapy as it improved the zeal to attend the therapy. These further improved the quality of life as children could engage amongsttheir typically developing peers.

Relationship between lower extremity strength asymmetry and linear multidimensional running in female tennis players.

Tennis requires movement abilities in changing playing situations. This article investigates the relationship between lower extremity strength asymmetry ratio and linear and multidimensional running performances in female tennis players. A total of 56 female tennis players, with a mean age of 15.44 ± 0.50 years, participated in the study-the research design involved three sessions at 48-hour intervals. In the first session, athletes performed dominant and non-dominant countermovement jump (CMJ) and board jump (BJ) tests. The second (sec) session included 10-meter (-m) and 30-m linear running performance tests, while the final session assessed multidimensional running performance with a change of direction (COD) test. The relationship between CMJ and BJ asymmetry ratios and linear and multidimensional running performances was analysed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Bilateral asymmetry rates in linear and multidimensional running performance were determined through linear regression analysis. The dominant CMJ recorded 17.56 ± 3.47 cm, while BJ was 130.23 ± 21.76 cm, and the non-dominant CMJ measured 16.79 ± 4.51 cm with a BJ of 147.52 ± 30.97 cm. The athletes had a CMJ asymmetry rate of 12.67 ± 11.29% and a BJ asymmetry rate of 7.19 ± 5.28%. A relationship was seen between the CMJ asymmetry rate and 30-m running performance (r=0.368, p<0.05). There was no correlation between BJ asymmetry rate and 10-m running performance. Significant correlations were found between 30-m (r=0.364) and COD (r=0.529) running performances (p<0.05). It can be said that the CMJ asymmetry ratio may negatively affect 30-m and the BJ asymmetry ratio may negatively affect 30-m and COD performance.

Comparative Efficacy of Constrained Induced Movement Therapy and Motor-Relearning Program in Post Stroke Upper Extremity Function

Background: Stroke often leads to significant impairments in motor function, particularly in the upper extremities. Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) and Motor Relearning Program (MRP) are two rehabilitation approaches that have shown potential in addressing these deficits. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of these two therapies in improving upper extremity function in post-stroke hemiplegia. Objective: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of CIMT and MRP in enhancing motor recovery and functional performance of the upper extremity in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. Methods: This randomized controlled trial included patients aged 35-60 years diagnosed with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, confirmed by CT scans and MRI. Patients were randomly assigned to either the CIMT group or the MRP group, each comprising 16 participants. Both groups underwent respective therapies for two hours daily, six days a week, for four weeks. The Motor Assessment Scale and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) Scale were employed for pre-, post-, and follow-up evaluations. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in motor function and daily living activities. The CIMT group exhibited greater advancements, with notable increases in upper extremity strength and active range of motion in the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints. Quantitative improvements in the CIMT group included an average increase of 2 points in Motor Assessment Scale scores and a 15% improvement in FIM scores. The MRP group demonstrated an average increase of 1.5 points in Motor Assessment Scale scores and a 10% improvement in FIM scores. Conclusion: While both CIMT and MRP are effective in improving motor function and daily living activities in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia, CIMT showed a slight edge in enhancing upper extremity strength and range of motion. These findings suggest that CIMT could be a more efficacious approach in the rehabilitation of upper extremity function in stroke patients.

Effects of additional functional strength training on mobility in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) affects the mobility and functional strength of children which leads to a decline in the quality of life of children. Functional strength training may considered objective-oriented to achieve some specific activity level and improve the overall performance of children. Objective: To determine the effects of additional functional strength training on mobility in Children with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy (HCP). Method: A single-blind randomized control trial (NCT05878756) was conducted on (n=40) children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP) at the National Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Islamabad. Children who can follow commands, not using assistive devices, and are not being treated in any other rehabilitation services were included. Children aged 4-12 years were recruited through a non-probability convenient sampling technique and a total of n=40 participants were randomly divided into Group A (n=20) which received conventional therapy along with functional strength training for 4 weeks, while Group B (n=20) only received conventional physical therapy. Both groups received intervention for 4weeks. The tools, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) used for the severity of mobility and, five times sit to stand (FTSST) to assess functional lower extremity strength, transitional movement balance, and fall risk in older adults, were used at baseline and post-treatment assessment. Results: Both groups had improvements in strength and mobility but there was significant improvement in strength and mobility in Group A after 4th week (p≤ 0.05). However, no significant increase in the dimension of lying and kneeling was observed. Comparison between both groups (pre and post-treatment) for dimensions of walking, running, and jumping in both groups showed significant improvement (p=0.045). According to the result of GMFM scoring, a significant improvement in the interventional group (A) as compared to Group B (p=0.003). So, there is a considerable increase in GMFM score for Group A than Group B group. Conclusion: It is concluded that additional functional therapy has a better outcome as compared to conventional therapy on mobility and strength of children with CP. Keywords Cerebral palsy; functional strength training; mobility; Gross Motor Function Measure; Gross Motor Function Classification System

The Effect of Cylindrical Grip ROM Exercise Therapy on Finger Grip Muscle Strength in The Upper Extremities of Post Stroke Patients

One of the conditions in post-stroke patients is that post-stroke sensory and motor disorders occur on one side of the body, resulting in balance disorders including muscle weakness.Based on a preliminary study conducted in June 2023, it was discovered that 5 respondents who were in the Inpatient Room at Siti Hajar Hospital Sidoarjo most often experienced paralysis in the upper extremities caused by decreased muscle tone so that patients were unable to move their bodies (immobilization). extremity motor abilities through a rehabilitation program.Cylindrical Grip which is a functional hand exercise by holding a cylindrical object such as a glass, bottle, rolled tissue in the palm of the hand (Kleim &amp; Jones, 2008 in Soloman, 2013). The benefits of this therapy are to increase the client's independence and increase muscle strength. Movement exercises can also be useful for improving muscle tone and tendon reflexes.This research used Pre-Experimental design with One Group Pretest and Posttest approach. The population was all post-stroke patients in the inpatient ward who experienced paralysis of the upper right/sinistra extremities at Siti Hajar Hospital. The results of the study proved that there was a change in the value of finger grip muscle strength before and after Cylindrical Grip ROM exercise therapy. The majority of respondents had finger grip muscle strength in the weak category, 23 respondents (76.7%) after being given therapy, different results were obtained, namely the majority of respondents had finger grip muscle strength in the weak category, 15 respondents (50.02). This number decreased after the intervention. Pre and Post data was carried out using the Paired T Test which stated that there was an effect of Cylindrical Grip Exercise Therapy on Finger Grip Muscle Strength in post-stroke patients.

Investigation of the Effect of Push-Up Exercises with and without Suspension on Some Motor Skills Applied to Young Volleyball Athletes

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to compare the relationships between some motor skills in the upper extremity region of 20 male volleyball players aged 15-18 years, competing in the 8th Group of the 2nd League of the Turkish Volleyball Federation, with and without suspended and unsuspended Push-Up (PU) bosu ball exercises applied for 3 sessions every week for 8 weeks. In addition to the normal training program, the first group was trained with unsuspended (PU) and the second group was trained with suspended (PU) for 8 weeks. Both groups performed Medicine Ball Throw to evaluate upper extremity strength, Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test to evaluate endurance and Upper Extremity Y-Balance Test to evaluate balance before and after the training program. As a result of this study, the difference values of the test results before and after the training were compared. A significant difference was found between the groups in the upper extremity right and left arm 0,000, Y Balance Test Medial dominant 0,000, and non-dominant 0,004, Superolateral dominant and non-dominant 0,000, Inferiorlateral dominant 0,024 and non-dominant 0,000, chest and overhead 0,000 Health Ball Throw test difference changes (p0,05). Performing the applications used in classical training methods on unstable grounds can increase the motivation of volleyball athletes and contribute to their performance. As a result, it seems that unsuspended and suspended (PU) exercises can increase the levels of medicine ball throwing, closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test and upper extremity Y-balance test with the exercises applied, although the levels are different. Further studies on the subject by increasing the number of participants in different groups and using electronic devices will be useful.Keywords: Bosu Ball, Motor Skills, Push-Up, Upper extremity, Volleyball

Home-based cardiac rehabilitation in older adults: expert-recommendations for physiotherapist-led care to improve daily physical functioning and reduce comorbidity-related barriers

Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) can reduce mortality and improve physical functioning in older patients, but current programs do not support the needs of older patients with comorbidities or frailty, for example due to transport problems and physical limitations. Home-exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (HEBCR) programs may better meet these needs, but physiotherapy guidelines for personalising HEBCR for older, frail patients with cardiovascular disease are lacking. Purpose To provide expert recommendations for physiotherapists on how to administer HEBCR to older adults with comorbidities or frailty. Methods This Delphi study involved a panel of Dutch experts in physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and cardiology. Three Delphi rounds were conducted between December 2020 and February 2022. In the first round panellists provided expertise on applicability and adaptability of existing CR-guidelines. In the second round panellists ranked the importance of statements about HEBCR for older adults. In the third round panellists re-ranked statements when individual scores were outside the semi-interquartile range. Consensus was defined as a semi-interquartile range of ≤ 1.0. Results Of 20 invited panellists, 11 (55%) participated. Panellists were clinical experts with a median (interquartile range) work experience of 20 (10.5) years. The panel reached a consensus on 89% of statements, identifying key topics such as implementing the patient perspective, assessing comorbidity and frailty barriers to exercise, and focusing on personal goals and preferences. Conclusion This Delphi study provides recommendations for personalised HEBCR for older, frail patients with cardiovascular disease, which can improve the effectiveness of CR-programs and address the needs of this patient population. Prioritising interventions aimed at enhancing balance, lower extremity strength, and daily activities over interventions targeting exercise capacity may contribute to a more holistic and effective approach, particularly for older adults.

RACE AND SEX DIFFERENCES IN RELATIONS OF DIABETES BIOMARKERS WITH PHYSICAL FUNCTIONING BEFORE DIABETES ONSET

Abstract It remains unclear if declines in physical functioning linked to Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) occur even before T2DM onset. We examined the longitudinal associations of T2DM biomarkers with upper and lower extremity strength among adults without T2DM at baseline. Participants were 1,572 African American (AA) and White adults (M(SD) age at baseline = 47.3 (9.7) years, 55% female, 53% AA) from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study, assessed on up to 3 time points between 2004-2017. Participants provided blood samples for measurement of fasting glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and completed dominant and nondominant handgrip strength assessment, and a chair stands task to assess upper and lower extremity strength, respectively. Linear mixed effects regression models estimating relations of HbA1c on age-related change and adjusting for race, sex, literacy, and poverty status revealed significant four-way interactions of HbA1c, race, sex, and age (B = -.2.59, t(2853) = -2.0 p = 0.04), and to a lesser extent of fasting glucose, race, sex, and age (B = -.07, t(2863) = -1.84 p = 0.06) on change in the chair stands task, but not on handgrip strength (ps &amp;gt; 0.29). Among younger AA and White men, and younger White women, increasing HbA1c was related to worse lower extremity strength. However, among AA women, and older White women, increasing HBA1c was related to better lower extremity strength. Our findings suggest differential relations of worse glucose regulation on physical functioning amongst African American and White men and women.

DEVELOPMENT OF A PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE SUMMARY SCORE IN MIDDLE AGE: FINDINGS FROM THE CARDIA FUNCTION ANCILLARY STUDY

Abstract Recent evidence suggests that ~20% of middle-aged adults report mobility limitations, supporting the need for assessment strategies to detect early-onset limitations, appropriate for this population. Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) enrolled 5,115 Black and White men and women ages 18-30 years from four sites (Birmingham, AL; Oakland, CA; Minneapolis, MN; and Chicago, IL) in 1985-86. The CARDIA Function Study added self-reported function (PROMIS SF20a) and 5 physical performance measures (gait speed, single-leg balance, lower extremity strength, grip strength, and 6-minute walk test) to the Year 35 in-person follow-up exam conducted in 2020-22. The CARDIA Physical Performance (CAPP) score was developed by calculating sex-specific quartiles separately for each performance measure, assigning points based on these quartiles (0 for not attempted, 1-4 for each quartile), and summing points across all 5 performance measures (range 0-20, higher scores = greater performance). Among 2,021 CARDIA Function participants [mean age: 60.1 (±3.6) years; 57% female; 45% Black] the mean CAPP score was 12.3 (±4.1; range 0-20). Mean CAPP scores differed by age &amp;lt; 60 vs. ≥60 years old (12.7 vs.12.1, p&amp;lt; 0.05) and self-reported function above vs. below the median SF20a score (14.0 vs. 10.6, p&amp;lt; 0.001), but as expected, not sex (12.3 vs. 12.3, p=0.99). Among middle-aged adults, the newly developed CAPP score captured a wide range of physical performance. Lower CAPP score was associated with lower than median self-reported function suggesting that the CAPP score may be helpful assessment tool for detecting early-onset limitations to attenuate functional declines with aging.

Analysis of Superior Extremity Strength on the Groundstroke Attack Skills of Tennis Athletes

A tennis player must be able to produce groundstroke attacks effectively because these strokes have an important strategic role in controlling and dominating the course of the match. To produce a groundstroke attack, a tennis player must have muscle strength in the superior extremities, because the superior extremities are the primary source of kinetic energy required to transfer momentum to the racket. Apart from that, good coordination between the muscles of the arms, shoulders, and back is also important to achieve optimality in groundstroke attacks. In a coordinated movement, energy from the tennis player's body is transferred through the arms to the tip of the racket when the racket makes contact with the ball. The aim of this study was to determine how much influence superior extremity strength has on forehand groundstroke skills. The type of research used is a correlational description, involving the independent variable being superior extremity muscle strength while the dependent variable is forehand groundstroke attack skill. The research sample was 20 POMNAS South Sulawesi tennis athletes taken by purposive sampling. The instruments used were the Bouncing Medicine Ball Test and the Hewitt Tennis Performance Test. Analysis through a correlation regression test. The results concluded that the ability to groundstroke attack was influenced by upper limb muscle strength by 59.3%.

A Neuromuscular Training Program Performed on Foam is Accompanied by Improved Balance and Jump Height in Recreational Runners

Purpose: To assess balance, plyometric performance, and strength of recreational runners completing a neuromuscular training (NMT) program on a novel foam surface. Methods: After baseline testing, participants (n=14) completed 22-minute exercise sessions on foam twice weekly for eight weeks, and a post-training testing battery. Testing included lower quarter Y-balance test (LQYBT), dynamic leap and balance test (DLBT), squat jump and countermovement jump tests, and isometric strength testing of the foot and ankle via handheld dynamometry (HHD). Participants were asked to maintain their normal running routines throughout the study period and report any training missed due to injury. Results: Participants demonstrated significant (pConclusion: This study supports the use of progressive NMT on foam as a feasible intervention for recreational runners as all participants maintained typical running routines and reported no injuries. While further research is needed to directly inform possible effects of NMT on foam on injury risk and running performance, the improvements in single leg dynamic balance, lower body plyometric performance, and some indices of lower extremity strength in the present study suggest the efficacy of NMT performed on foam.

Lower Extremity Strength Relative to Body Mass in Pediatric Female Athletes: Implications for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury.

This study compared lower extremity (LE) muscular strength by 3 groups of female athletes using chronological age and consideration of age of peak height velocity (PHV). Isometric quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip abductors strength were assessed from physically active, pediatric females. The body mass normalized isometric strength (N m/kg) was compared by the 3 age groups. There were 388 young female athletes (<10 years [14.2%], 11-14 years [48.7%], and 15-18 years [37.1%]). The body mass normalized LE strength was lower in 11-14 years compared with <10 years (quadriceps [P = .001], hamstrings [P = .001], and hip abductors [P = .037]) as well as in 15-18 years relative to <10 years in quadriceps (P = .001) and hamstrings (P = .001). The analysis results were consistent with both chronological age alone and incorporating effects of age of PHV. In short, body mass normalized LE strength (quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip abductors) of 11-14 years females was lower than <10 years females.

Effect of Anamorelin, a Ghrelin Receptor Agonist, on Muscle and Bone in Adults With Osteosarcopenia.

Anamorelin, a ghrelin receptor agonist known to stimulate the pulsatile release of GH from the pituitary, has the potential to improve musculoskeletal health in adults with osteosarcopenia. To determine the effect of anamorelin treatment for 1 year on muscle mass and strength and on biochemical markers of bone turnover in adults with osteosarcopenia (OS). Randomized, placebo-controlled, 1-year anamorelin intervention trial. The Bone Metabolism Laboratory at the USDA Nutrition Center at Tufts University. 26 men and women, age 50 years and older, with OS. Muscle mass by D3-creatine dilution and lean body mass (LBM) and bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, muscle strength, serum IGF-1, and bone turnover markers, serum procollagen 1 intact N-terminal (P1NP), and C-terminal telopeptide (CTX). Anamorelin did not have a significant effect on muscle mass or LBM; it significantly increased knee flexion torque at 240°/s by 20% (P = .013) and had a similar nonstatistically significant effect on change in knee extension; it increased bone formation (P1NP) by 75% (P = .006) and had no significant effect on bone resorption (CTX) or BMD. Serum IGF-1 increased by 50% in the anamorelin group and did not change in the placebo group (P = .0001 for group difference). In this pilot study, anamorelin did not significantly alter muscle mass; however, it may potentially improve lower extremity strength and bone formation in addition to increasing circulating IGF-1 levels in adults with OS. Further study of anamorelin in this population is warranted.

Investigating the Telerehabilitation With Aims to Improve Lower Extremity Recovery Poststroke Program: A Feasibility Study.

The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of a progressive virtual exercise and self-management intervention, the TeleRehabilitation with Aims to Improve Lower extremity recovery poststroke program (TRAIL), in individuals with stroke. A single group pre-post study design was used. Thirty-two participants were recruited who were aged 19years or older, had a stroke within 18months of the beginning of the study, had hemiparesis of the lower extremity, and were able to tolerate 50minutes of activity. Participants completed TRAIL, a synchronous exercise and self-management program delivered via videoconferencing. Participants received 8 telerehabilitation sessions over 4weeks that were 60 to 90minutes, with a trained physical therapist in a ≤2 to 1 participant-to-therapist ratio. Feasibility indicators in the areas of process (recruitment and retention rates, perceived satisfaction), resources (treatment fidelity and adherence, participant and assessor burden, therapist burden), management (equipment, processing time), and scientific indicators (safety, treatment response, treatment effect) were collected throughout the study using a priori criteria for success. The treatment effect was examined on the Timed "Up & Go" test, the virtual Fugl-Meyer Lower Extremity Assessment, the 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test, the Functional Reach, the Tandem Stand, the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, the Stroke Impact Scale, and the Goal Attainment Scale. Forty-seven individuals were screened, of which 32 (78% male; median age of 64.5years) were included for the study from 5 sites across Canada. Nine feasibility indicators met our study-specific threshold criteria for success: retention rate (0 dropouts), perceived satisfaction, treatment fidelity, adherence, therapist burden, equipment, and safety. In terms of treatment response and effect, improvements were observed in Timed "Up & Go" test (Cohen d= 0.57); Fugl-Meyer Lower Extremity Assessment (d= 0.76); 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test (d= 0.89); and Goal Attainment Scale (d= 0.95). The delivery of TRAIL, a lower extremity stroke rehabilitation program using videoconferencing technology, is feasible and appears to have positive influences on mobility, lower extremity impairment, strength, and goal attainment. Community-based telerehabilitation programs, such as TRAIL, could extend the continuum of care during the transition back to community postdischarge or during global disruptions, such as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Delivery of synchronous lower extremity rehabilitation via videoconferencing to community-dwelling stroke survivors is feasible.

Parsonage-Turner syndrome after COVID-19 vaccination: A case report

Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS) is one of the rare peripheral neuropathies that causes sudden and severe pain followed by sensory defect, loss of muscle strength and atrophy in the upper extremities. If a patient experiences persistent shoulder pain after COVID-19 vaccination, followed by weakness and sensory changes in the extremity, Parsonage-Turner syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis. We report a rare case of PTS that developed after COVID-19 vaccination.

Manufacturing of multi material wall via fused filament fabrication: An insight characteristics

AbstractPolylactic acid has found its way into innovative engineering application in aerospace, defense and drone technologies through its unique characteristics such as high strength, low density and easy availability. Carbon fiber reinforced polylactic acid are polymeric composites with polylactic acid as base matrix that has distinctive properties such as extreme durability and high strength to weight. Fused filament fabrication is a type of additive manufacturing technique that comes under material extrusion. Multi material is an engineering concept that enables fabrication of structure that has varying functional properties along a certain direction. This engineering material combines the seemingly incompatible properties of two different material. The aim of this study is to provide insight on the mechanical behavior of multi material wall manufactured through fused filament fabrication. The coupons were prepared and tested in accordance with American society for testing and materials standards. The mechanical tests revealed that multi material possess better mechanical properties than polylactic acid and was on par with carbon fiber reinforced polylactic acid. The images from optical microscope was used to analyse bonding, buckling and fracture morphologies. These results would provide idea such that this multi material could either replace existing material or have its own new application.

Falls and Cognition in Adults Aging with Down Syndrome

AbstractBackgroundAdults with Down syndrome (DS), who are at risk, will show the neuropathological changes of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) within their 40s, partially due to an overexpression of beta‐amyloid, which accumulates in the brain across their lifespan. The risk of developing AD in adults aging with DS increases with age and is marked by increased confusion, short‐term memory problems, and/or a loss of the ability to complete daily activities. There is limited evidence on the functional changes that happen to adults aging with DS prior to any marked AD symptoms. Growing evidence suggests that functional mobility abnormalities and an increase in falls may precede cognitive impairment and marked AD symptoms. The relationship between falls and cognition in adults with DS has not been thoroughly investigated; and could potentially serve as a less invasive method of assessment.MethodThe purpose of this study is to assess patterns of falls and functional mobility impairments that occur within an adult population aging with DS and their relationship with cognition. The participant receives an initial home visit, conducted by the PI, who completes and collects data on functional performance, fall risk(s), and the environment. The participant agrees to document any fall incidents using a calendar journal, and completes the monthly check‐in calls and/or emails initiated by the study team.ResultWe conducted a correlation analysis with the preliminary data from this cohort of 17 participants, 9 male and 8 female, with a mean age of 38.5 years (SD = 8.81). Increased falls were significantly related (p &lt; .05) to impaired gait speed (r = .528) and balance (r = ‐.624), while cognition (r = .474, p &gt;.05) was not associated with falls. Increased fear of falling assessment scores were correlated with impaired gait speed (r = .687), lower extremity (r = ‐.502) and mean grip strength (r = ‐.492), and balance (r = ‐.596).ConclusionWe demonstrated that (1) participants were willing to enroll; (2) the assessment and monitoring plan were well tolerated; and (3) fear of falling scores and decreased functional mobility were similar in aging adult with DS populations to older adult (≥ 65 years of age) populations.

Measuring and assessing motor skills of selected Croatian U12, U14 and U16 tennis players

Purpose: The aim of this research is to analyse and to determine the differences between tennis players in younger age categories (U12, U and U16) in certain motor skills.Methods: A total of 60 tennis players ranked in the rankings of the Croatian Tennis Federation were measured by using 10 tests for assessing explosive strength in jump, speed, agility, and trunk strength. The tennis players were divided into three groups of 20 respondents, depending on the age category in which they compete. Statistically significant differences (p &amp;lt; 0.05) between all age categories were found in indicators of frontal and lateral agility, running speed in the 20-m shuttle run test, and explosive strength in jump and repetitive trunk strength.Results: The results of the conducted tests indicate a linear development trend for the mentioned skills in relation with the increase of chronological age of the tennis players. Statistically significantly better results were shown between test subjects under 14 years compared to test subjects under 12 years in tests for the assessment of agility (SST,A9-3-6-3-9), in the 20 m sprint test, in tests of explosive strength of lower extremities (CMJ, CMJmax,SJ) and in the test of repetitive trunk strength (TF). Subjects under 16 years achieved significantly better results compared to subjects under 14 years in tests for assessing agility (SST, A9-3-6-3-9), speed (SRT5m, SRT10m, SRT20m) and explosiveness (CMJ, CMJmax, SJ). Players under 16 years recorded significantly better results in all tests for assessing agility (SST,A9-3-6-3-9), speed (SRT5m, SRT10m, SRT20m), explosiveness of the lower extremities (CMJ, CMJmax, SJ) and in the test for assessing repetitive trunk strength (TF). Statistically significant differences were not detected in tests of running speed in the 5-m and 10-m shuttle run tests among U12 and U14 tennis players, nor between U14 and U16 tennis players in the 60-s trunk flexion test. The highest heterogeneity of results in a single age category was determined in the test for assessing isometric trunk strength, and thus tennis players of different age categories do not differ significantly in this skill.Conclusion: The results of this research point to the development of specific motor skills in accordance with the increase of game demands and chronological age, however, also refer to the problem of muscle imbalance between front and back trunk musculature. Physical conditioning of young tennis players should be multilaterally directed in order to enable injury prevention and adjustment of tennis players to competitive demands.

The therapeutic effects of physical treatment for patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia: a narrative review

BackgroundHereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) encompass a variety of neurodegenerative disorders that are characterized by progressive deterioration of walking ability and a high risk for long-term disability. The management of problems associated with HSP, such as stiffness, deformity, muscle contractures, and cramping, requires strict adherence to recommended physiotherapy activity regimes. The aim of this paper is to conduct a critical narrative review of the available evidence focusing exclusively to the therapeutic advantages associated with various forms of physical therapy (PT) in the context of HSP, emphasizing the specific benefit of every distinct approach in relation to muscle relaxation, muscle strength, spasticity reduction, improvement of weakness, enhancement of balance, posture, walking ability, and overall quality of life.MethodsTo conduct a literature review, the databases PubMed, Scopus, and DOAJ (last access in June 2023) were searched.ResultsThe PubMed search returned a total of 230 articles, Scopus returned 218, and DOAJ returned no results. After screening, the final list included 7 papers on PT treatment for HSP patients.ConclusionElectrostimulation, magnetotherapy, hydrotherapy, PT, robot-assisted gait training, and balance rehabilitation have the potential to increase lower extremity strength and decrease spasticity in HSP patients.

PENGARUH BALANCE EXERCISE TERHADAP RISIKO JATUH PADA LANSIA DI WILAYAH PUSKESMAS DELI TUA KABUPATEN DELI SERDANG

Aging is a process of tissue degeneration in which body function decreases, causing postural balance disorders, which can result in an increased risk of falls in the elderly. Postural balance disorders can be controlled with non-pharmacological therapy, namely balance exercise. This research aims to determine the effect of balance exercise on the level of postural balance in reducing the risk of falls in the elderly. This research uses quantitative research data with the Quasy Experiment method. The number of samples was 31 respondents. The sampling technique uses purposive sampling. Statistical tests use the Pairet Sample test. The results of the study showed that there was a difference in the risk of falls in the elderly before and after doing balance training. The results of the paired sample test obtained pvalue: 0.000 &lt; 0.05 so it can be concluded that there is an influence between balance training and the risk of falls in the elderly. The benefits of balance training are that it helps increase muscle strength in the lower extremities (legs) and improves the vestibular system/body balance.