Strength Of Upper Limbs Research Articles

Effect of resistance circuit training on comprehensive health indicators in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The aging process leads to the degeneration of body structure and function. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of resistance circuit training (RCT) on comprehensive health indicators of older adults. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched until August 2023. Primary outcomes were body composition, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, blood pressure, and functional autonomy. Muscle function and exercise intensity subgroups were analyzed. RCT reduces body fat (MD = − 5.39 kg, 95% CI − 10.48 to − 0.29), BMI (MD = − 1.22, 95% CI − 2.17 to − 0.26), and body weight (MD = − 1.28 kg, 95% CI − 1.78 to − 0.78), and increases lean body mass (MD = 1.42 kg, 95% CI 0.83–2.01) in older adults. It improves upper limb strength (SMD = 2.09, 95% CI 1.7–2.48), lower limb strength (SMD = 2.03, 95% CI 1.56–2.51), cardiorespiratory endurance (MD = 94 m, 95% CI 25.69–162.67), and functional autonomy (MD = − 1.35, 95% CI − 1.73 to − 0.96). High-intensity RCT benefits BMI and body weight, while low-intensity exercise reduces blood pressure. RCT improves muscle function in push, pull, hip, and knee movements in older adults. RCT improves body composition, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, blood pressure, and functional autonomy in older adults. High-intensity training is superior for body composition, while moderate to low intensity training is more effective for lowering blood pressure.

Relationship between Femur Mineral Content and Local Muscle Strength and Mass.

Among the stimuli able to prevent early decreases in bone mineralization, exercise has a noticeable role per se as the source of mechanical stimulus or through lean tissue enlargement by its increasing of tensional stimulus. However, prevention strategies, including exercise, generally do not establish the moment in life when attention should begin to be paid to bone integrity, according to age group- and sex-related differences. Thus, this study analyzed the relationship between variables from the diagnosis of total and regional body composition, muscle strength, and bone mineral content (BMC) of femurs in young adult males. Thirty-four young Caucasian men (24.9 ± 8.6 years) had their body composition and bone density assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry. The subjects performed a one-repetition maximum test (1-RM) in a bench press, front pulley, seated-row, push press, arm curl, triceps pulley, leg flexion, leg extension, and 45° leg press for the assessment of muscle strength in upper and lower limbs in single- and multi-joint exercises. Lean tissue mass in the trunk and upper and lower limbs were related to femoral BMC (Pearson coefficient ranging from 0.55 to 0.72, p < 0.01), and 1-RM values for different exercises involving both upper and lower limbs also correlated with femoral BMC (Pearson coefficients ranging from 0.34 to 0.46, p < 0.05). Taken together, these correlations suggest that muscle mass and strength are positively linked with the magnitude of femoral mass in men, even in early adulthood. Hence, the importance of an enhanced muscle mass and strength to the health of femoral bones in young adults was highlighted.

A pulmonary rehabilitation program is an effective strategy to improve forced vital capacity, muscle strength, and functional exercise capacity similarly in adults and older people with post-severe COVID-19 who required mechanical ventilation.

It is internationally known that our population is aging. At the same time, some patients with COVID-19, due to their symptoms, required mechanical ventilation (MV) and subsequent pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). This study aimed to compare the effects of a multimodal PR program "ADULT" versus "OLDER" people with COVID-19 who were on MV. The intervention consisted of an 8-week hybrid PR program (2x week). Forced vital capacity (FVC) was measured at the beginning and end of PR, upper and lower limb strength was obtained through hand grip strength (HGS) and the sit-to-stand test (STST), respectively, and functional exercise capacity was measured with the 6-minute walking test (6MWT). The main results were an increase in the FVC in the ADULT and OLDER groups (time effect, P = 0.000; η2 = 0.27), an increase in HGS in the ADULT and OLDER groups (time effect, P = 0.000; η2 = 0.52), in the same way, the number of repetitions on the STST increased in the ADULT and OLDER groups (time effect, P = 0.000; η2 = 0.55). Finally, the distance covered on the 6MWT increased in the ADULT and OLDER groups (time effect, P = 0.000; η2 = 0.65). The PR program is an effective strategy to improve FVC, muscle strength, and functional exercise capacity similarly in adults and older people with post severe COVID-19 who required MV.

Study on the effect of elastic band resistance training combined with nano-protective gear on postoperative muscle strength and balance ability

This study explored the effect of elastic band resistance training combined with nano-protective gear on post-operative muscle strength and balance ability in elderly patients with hip fracture. A sample of 100 elderly patients with hip fractures who received treatment at the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics in our hospital from July 2020 to December 2021 were selected for this study. These patients were randomly assigned to either the observation group or the control group, with 50 patients in each group. Rehabilitation exercises were conducted for both groups starting six weeks after surgery. The control group received traditional rehabilitation training, while the observation group engaged in elastic band resistance training combined with nano-protective gear. The study compared the fracture healing time, hospitalization time, and complication rate between the two groups. Additionally, the study assessed the calcaneal bone mineral density, grip strength of both upper limbs, Harris hip joint function, and daily living activity assessment scale (BADL) in both groups at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Furthermore, the balance ability (TUGT), fall efficacy (MSFE) and nursing satisfaction of the two groups of patients were evaluated 6 months after surgery. The hospitalization time and fracture healing time of patients in the observation group were significantly shorter than those in the control group. During follow-up at various time points (3, 6, and 12 months) after discharge, the observation group exhibited significantly higher Harris hip scores, BADL scores, quality of life scores, balance ability (TUGT) scores, and fall efficacy (MSFE) scores compared to the control group. Furthermore, the observation group had a lower incidence of complications and higher nursing satisfaction (92%) compared to the control group (74%). The findings of this study suggest that combining elastic band resistance training with nano-protective gear can improve postoperative muscle strength, balance ability, joint function, alleviate negative emotions, enhance daily living ability, improve quality of life, and increase nursing satisfaction in elderly patients with hip fracture.

Physical fitness levels and trends of kindergarteners in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background/objectivesThe study aimed to examine the physical fitness and activity levels of kindergarteners in Hong Kong during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. MethodsA total of 2052 kindergarteners (48% girls; 32.9% Grade 1, 34% Grade 2, and 33.1% Grade 3) were recruited from July 2020 to November 2021. Participants completed the physical fitness tests, including body composition, flexibility, lower-limb muscle strength, upper-limb muscle strength, lower-limb muscle endurance, and agility. Children's physical activity and overall well-being were examined using parental proxy reports. Parents also reported their physical activity and parental support to children's physical activity engagement, as well as their perception of children's kindergarten physical activity environment. Fitness differences by age and gender were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and ANCOVA measuring effect size with partial eta-squared. Additionally, correlations assessed the relationship between children's fitness and parents' proxy reports. ResultsThe results of the physical fitness tests were higher than those in previous studies conducted by the Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong in 2015–2018. Gender-based differences were observed in most tests for children aged 4 years and older, with boys showing higher scores in the standing long jump, shot put, and balance tests, while girls had higher scores in the sit-and-reach test. Parents' proxy questionnaire answers indicated that children's continuous jump test performances were significantly related to their frequency of physical activity per week (r = 0.19, p < 0.001), and that children's health was significantly and positively correlated with their fitness level (r = 0.179, p < 0.009). Inadequate school physical activity was associated with poor upper-limb strength (r = 0.078, p < 0.005). Moreover, a high level of parental support for their children's participation in physical activity was correlated with a high level of parental participation in vigorous-intensity physical activities (r = 0.167, p < 0.005). ConclusionThe physical fitness of children in Hong Kong was less affected by the epidemic. Parents' healthy behaviors and support were related to children's participation in PA. Efforts to improve children's physical fitness and motor development should include parent education and physical activity involvement.

Variability between Different Hand-Held Dynamometers for Measuring Muscle Strength.

Muscle strength is routinely measured in patients with neuromuscular disorders by hand-held dynamometry incorporating a wireless load cell to evaluate disease severity and therapeutic efficacy, with magnitude of effect often based on normative reference values. While several hand-held dynamometers exist, their interchangeability is unknown which limits the utility of normative data. We investigated the variability between six commercially available dynamometers for measuring the isometric muscle strength of four muscle groups in thirty healthy individuals. Following electro-mechanical sensor calibration against knowns loads, Citec, Nicholas, MicroFET2, and Commander dynamometers were used to assess the strength of ankle dorsiflexors, hip internal rotators, and shoulder external rotators. Citec, Jamar Plus, and Baseline Hydraulic dynamometers were used to capture hand grip strength. Variability between dynamometers was represented as percent differences and statistical significance was calculated with one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Percent differences between dynamometers ranged from 0.2% to 16%. No significant differences were recorded between the Citec, Nicholas, and MicroFET2 dynamometers (p > 0.05). Citec grip strength measures differed to the Jamar Plus and Baseline Hydraulic dynamometers (p < 0.01). However, when controlling for grip circumference, they were comparable (p > 0.05). Several hand-held dynamometers can be used interchangeably to measure upper and lower limb strength, thereby maximising the use of normative reference values.

Clinical Utility of Diaphragmatic Ultrasound in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients Undergoing Rehabilitation

Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a well-recognized intervention in the management of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that is designed to improve patients’ physical and psychosocial conditions. The primary aim of the study was to determine the effect of PR on ultrasonography (USG) assessment of diaphragmatic excursion. Materials and Methods: The current study is a prospective, interventional study in COPD (Group D) patients. All subjects underwent 8 weeks of supervised PR. The baseline assessment with USG diaphragmatic excursion, quadriceps femoris (QF) thickness, biceps brachii (BB) thickness, mid-thigh circumference, mid-arm circumference, modified Medical Research Council score, 6-min walk distance, COPD assessment test score, and after 8 weeks of supervised rehabilitation same parameters observed. Results: About 25.71% of the study population was in the age group range of 45–55 years, 51.43% between 56 and 65 years and 22.86% within 66–75 years of the age group. Out of 35 patients, 15 (42.86%) were females and the rest 20 (57.14%) were males. A significant increase was found in the diaphragmatic excursion (cm) from (P &lt; 0.0001), mid-arm circumference (cm) (P &lt; 0.0001), BB thickness (cm) (P &lt; 0.0001) (upper limb strength and endurance training), and mid-thigh circumference (cm) (P &lt; 0.0001) along with QF thickness (cm) (P &lt; 0.0001) (lower limb strength and endurance training). Conclusion: An 8-week physical and PR program in COPD patients can lead to an improved USG diaphragmatic excursion.

Comparison of multidirectional upper limb strength for non-disabled individuals and individuals with C4–C7 spinal cord injury in a seated position

This study investigates the multidirectional upper limb strength of individuals with a C4–C7 spinal cord injury (SCI) and non-disabled individuals in a seated position by measuring multidirectional force at the hand. Current literature lacks quantitative strength data to evaluate strength requirements for people who have reduced upper limb function due to a cervical SCI. Seated multidirectional force measurements were recorded for eleven non-disabled and ten males with a C4–C7 SCI. Collected data was displayed using detailed force polar plots. The resulting plots revealed a clear difference in polar plot shape for non-disabled participants and participants with a C4–C7 SCI. Namely that SCI participants had more elliptical polar plots due to reductions in circumferential strength compared to non-disabled participants. However, the polar plots for higher SCIs tended to have an increasingly more circular shape. The results provide insight into the differences in strength between people with cervical SCI and no disability.

Functionality, muscular strength and cardiorespiratory capacity in the elderly: relationships between functional and physical tests according to sex and age.

Introduction: There are several tests that provide information about physical fitness and functionality in older adults. The aims of this study were: (i) to analyze the differences between sex and age in functional, strength and cardiorespiratory tests; and (ii) to study the correlations between functional, strength and cardiorespiratory tests according to sex and age. Methods: A total of 171 older adults (72.09 ± 13.27kg; 1.59 ± 0.09m; 72.72 ± 6.05years) were divided according to sex (men: n = 63; women: n = 108) and age (≥60 <70: n = 65; ≥70 <80: n = 89; ≥80: n = 18). Anthropometry, body composition, upper limb strength (hand grip; HG), lower limb strength (countermovement jump; CMJ), cardiorespiratory capacity (6min walking test; 6MWT), timed up and go test (TUG) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were assessed. Results: Men showed higher values in CMJ height, HG and expired volume (VE) (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between sexes in TUG and SPPB. Regarding age, there were significant differences in CMJ, VE and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), TUG, gait speed, chair and stand test and SPPB total (p < 0.05). The test times were higher in older people. Regarding correlations, the TUG showed significant correlations in all strength and cardiorespiratory tests, regardless of sex and age. The CMJ correlated more significantly with functional tests compared to HG. Discussion: There were sex and age differences in functional, strength, and cardiorespiratory tests. The execution of quick and low-cost tests such as the CMJ and TUG could provide information on overall physical fitness in older adults.

Comparison of Upper Limb Strength and Fear of Falling among Older Adults with Repeated Falls, One-Time Fall, and Non-Fall Groups

Background: One of the leading causes of death and a big financial strain on the healthcare and economic systems is falls. A weak grasp indicates a compromised function. This study aims to analyze the upper limb strength and fear of falling between the repeated fall group, one-time fall group, and non-fall group of the older adults receiving physiotherapy treatment. Method: 50 older adults’ patients who receiving physiotherapy gathered from Klang Valley for data collection. The participants performed handgrip strength (JAMAR dynamometer) and Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (Short FES-I) questionnaire. Results: The mean grip strength for male is 25 kg while female has mean of 17.95 kg. Most of the participants had repeated fall and exhibit high fear of fall. Conclusion: This study suggests that hand grip strength contributed to risk of fall and fear of falling among geriatric population in Malaysia.

Short-term effects of Pilates-based exercise on upper limb strength and function in people with Parkinson's disease

BackgroundPeople with Parkinson's disease (PD) have impaired upper limb motor coordination, limiting the execution of activities of daily living. This study investigated the feasibility and safety of a short-term Pilates-based exercise program in the treatment of upper limb motor coordination for people with PD. MethodsFifteen patients – n (%) 4 women/11 men (27/73), median [interquartile range] age 66 [9] years – participated in this quasi-experimental (before-and-after) clinical trial. Patients underwent a 6-week (30 min/day, 3 days/week) Pilates exercise program using Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, and Barrel equipment. Feasibility was evaluated by adherence to the program and the ability to perform the exercises including progressions on difficulty. Safety was evaluated based on self-reported adverse events. Clinical and functional trends before and after the intervention were also computed regarding handgrip strength (HGS), fine motor coordination (9 Hole Peg Test; 9HPT), bradykinesia (Movement Disorder Society – Unified Parkinson's disease Rating Scale; MDS-UPDRS), and upper limb functionality (Test D'évaluation des Membres Supérieurs des Personnes Âgées, TEMPA). ResultsOf the 18 Pilates sessions, exercise adherence was 100%. The only adverse event observed was mild muscle pain. Pre-post differences were observed only for body bradykinesia and hypokinesia (1.0 [0.0] vs. 0.0 [1.0] s, adjusted p = 0.048). ConclusionsA short-term Pilates-based exercise program in the treatment of upper limb muscle strength, manual dexterity, bradykinesia, and functionality is feasible and safe for people with PD. Changes in upper limb bradykinesia encourage randomized clinical trials.

Body morphology and handgrip strength parameters of the female canoe slalom paddlers.

Introduction: Canoe slalom is a physically very demanding discipline, in which body constitution, body composition, and relative strength are significant factors in high performance. Although anthropometric and strength parameters are relatively well-studied in male athletes, there is a lack of evidence for any conclusions in women. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the morphology and upper-limb strength parameters of female canoe slalom paddlers and identify whether morphological differences exist between performance groups. Methods: Altogether, 63 female competitors of the 2023 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup (n = 29) and 2023 ICF Canoe Slalom World Ranking Competition (n = 34) in Prague (Czech Republic) were examined with a battery of anthropometric tests, segmental bioimpedance analysis, and handgrip strength test. The athletes were divided into groups according to age and performance: elite athletes belonging to the world top 10 according to the ICF World Ranking (WORLD, n = 7), international-level athletes competing during the World Cup (ELITE, n = 22), international-level junior athletes competing in the World Ranking Race (JUNIOR, n = 17), and other lower performance-level athletes competing in the World Ranking Race (REST, n = 17). Results: Female slalom paddlers are, in general, of average body height (∼165cm), lower body mass (∼60kg), BMI (∼22kg/m2), and body fat (∼20%) and without exceptional anthropometric dimensions and proportions. However, differences were detected when performance was factored in. Female paddlers belonging to the world TOP 10 have the largest circumferences of arms and forearms, and their somatotype is more mesomorphic, with a lower proportion of total body fat and a higher proportion of muscle mass. In addition, the WORLD group differs significantly in upper-limb strength. Discussion: The results shows the significance of muscular strength and power for canoe slalom athletes and the importance of well-developed musculature in operating the boat in the unstable environment. Being a successful female canoe slalom athlete requires a well-developed musculature, maximizing strength capabilities while maintaining a low body weight through limited hypertrophy of the lower limbs and a low level of body fat.

Impact of Hand Grip Strength on Functional Independence and Arm Motor Performance in Stroke Survivors

Background: Stroke remains a leading cause of disability worldwide, with a significant number of survivors experiencing impairments in upper limb function and hand grip strength, which are crucial for performing activities of daily living (ADLs). Understanding the relationship between hand grip strength, functional independence, and arm motor performance is essential for optimizing rehabilitation strategies. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of hand grip strength on functional independence and arm motor performance in stroke survivors and to evaluate the effectiveness of Mirror Therapy in enhancing these outcomes. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at DHQ Teaching Hospital Sargodha, involving 22 stroke survivors, evenly split between genders. Participants were aged 45-65 years, clinically diagnosed with ischemic stroke in the subacute stage, and exhibited Modified Ashworth Scale scores of 1 to 1+ for hand flexors. The study employed randomized assignments to intervention groups, utilizing assessments such as the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA UE), Hand-Held Dynamometer (HHD), and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) at baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson’s coefficient of correlation with SPSS version 25. Results: Significant improvements were observed in upper limb strength and hand dexterity, particularly in the group undergoing Mirror Therapy. The correlation coefficients among ARAT, HHD, and SIS were .676**, .748**, and .704** respectively, indicating strong positive relationships between hand grip strength, functional ability, and quality of life. Mirror Therapy demonstrated notable enhancements in ARAT (p = .001), FMA UE (p &lt; .000), HHD (p = .000), and SIS scores (p = .000), reflecting increased functional ability, grip strength, and improved quality of life. Conclusion: The study confirmed the significant impact of hand grip strength on the functional independence and arm motor performance of stroke survivors, with Mirror Therapy providing substantial benefits. These findings advocate for the inclusion of grip strength-focused interventions and Mirror Therapy in stroke rehabilitation programs to improve survivors' functional outcomes and quality of life.

Multicomponent Physical Program: Effects on Physical Fitness of Older Women of Different Age Groups

ABSTRACT Purpose: Experimental studies investigating the outcomes of physical exercise among age-stratified groups of older women are still incipient. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a ten-month multicomponent physical program on the physical fitness of older women in three age-stratified groups (60–69 years, 70–79 years, and ≥80 years). Method: Participants (n = 141) were divided into three age groups: GR1 60–69 years (n = 45; 65.2 ± 2.3 years); GR2 70–79 years (n = 67; 72.9 ± 2.9 years), GR3 ≥80 years (n = 29; 83.5 ± 4.5 years). The participants performed the multicomponent physical program and were evaluated before and after the intervention with Senior Fitness Test. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations, Bonferroni test (p ≤.05) and effect size (Cohen’s d). Results: For the group factor, there were significant differences in lower limb strength (p = .003), upper limb strength (p < .001), upper limb flexibility (p < .001), balance/agility (p < .001), and cardiorespiratory fitness (p < .001). For the time factor, significant differences were observed in lower limb strength (GR2, p = .014, small effect size), upper limb strength (GR1, p = .003; GR2, p < .001; GR3, p = .017; small effect sizes), lower limb flexibility (GR1, p = .025, non-significant effect size), cardiorespiratory fitness (GR1, p < .001, medium effect size; GR2, p = .002; small effect size). Conclusion: Physical fitness improved with training, but effects differed between age groups. Positive effects were observed for GR1 and GR2, whereas GR3 showed maintenance of physical fitness. Aging interferes more strongly in women aged 80 years and older and it is necessary for specific training programs for this age group.

Physical activity level and physical fitness in subjects with chronic musculoskeletal pain: a cross-sectional study.

Low physical activity (PA) levels and low physical fitness (PF) have been reported in subjects with temporality-based chronic pain; however, it is unknown whether there are differences in subjects with nociplastic pain (NP) compared with subjects with non-nociplastic pain (NNP). The aim was to compare the levels of PA and PF in patients with chronic, nociplastic, and non-nociplastic musculoskeletal pain. This is an analytical, cross-sectional study. The sample comprised 30 patients receiving ambulatory physiotherapy treatment. Pain was classified as NP or NNP according to the International Association for the Study of Pain categorization system. The PA level was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, and the PF level was measured with the hand grip strength test (HGS) to assess upper limb strength, the five Repetition Sit-to-Stand Test (5R-SRTS) to assess lower limb strength and power, and the YMCA 3 Min Step Test (YMCA-3MST) to estimate peak VO2. The results were compared with independent samples t-tests (with p < 0.05 considered significant). Cohen's d was calculated to determine the effect size. The NP group reported a significantly lower PA level than the NNP group, specifically the vigorous PA (p = 0.0009), moderate PA (p = 0.0002), and total PA (p = 0.005) dimensions. The NP group also showed significantly lower 5R-STS (p = 0.000) and HGS (p = 0.002) results compared with the NNP group. There were no significant differences in the YMCA-3MST between the NP and NNP groups (p = 0.635). It is possible that the neurophysiological and neuromuscular changes related to NP are associated with a reduced ability to perform vigorous PA. Clinicians should identify the presence of NP comorbidities in conjunction with the diagnosis when establishing the therapeutic goals.

Post-stroke rehabilitation in the peri-pandemic COVID-19 era.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which arosein late 2019, caused extensive destruction, impacting a substantial proportion of the worldwide population and leading to millions of deaths. Although COVID-19 is mainly linked to respiratory and pulmonary complications, it has the potential to affect neurologic structures as well. Neurological involvement may manifest as minimal and reversible; however, a notable proportion of cases have exhibited pronounced neurological consequences, such as strokes. Endothelial inflammation, hypercoagulation, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system alterations, and cardiogenic embolism are the pathophysiological mechanismsof stroke under COVID-19 circumstances. Physical activity and exercise have improved several aspects of post-stroke recovery, including cardiovascular health, walking capacity, and upper limb strength. They are commonly used to assist stroke survivors in overcomingtheir motor restrictions. Furthermore, stroke rehabilitation can incorporate a range of specific techniques, including body-weight-supported treadmill applications, constraint-induced movement therapy, robotic rehabilitation interventions, transcranial direct current stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and prism adaptation training. Under pandemic conditions, there were several barriers to neurological rehabilitation. The most significant of these were individual's fear of infection, which caused them to postpone their rehabilitation applicationsand rehabilitation areas being converted into COVID-19 units. The primary emphasis had turned to COVID-19 treatment. Several valuable data and views were gained in reorganizing rehabilitation during the pandemic, contributing to establishing future views in this regard.

Assessment of the upper limb function, strength, and mobility in treatment-naive children with spinal muscular atrophy Types 2 and 3.

Current upper limb assessments in pediatric spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) may not adequately capture change with disease progression. Our aim was to examine the relationship between motor function, strength, and hand/finger mobility of the upper limb in treatment-naïve children with SMA Types 2 and 3 to assess new methods to supplement current outcomes. The Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM), grip and pinch strength, and hand/finger mobility data were collected from 19 children with SMA Types 2 and 3 aged 5.2-16.9 years over a year. A median loss between 0.5 and 2.5 points in the RULM was seen across all SMA subgroups with the biggest median loss recorded between 10 and 14 years of age. The grip strength loss was -0.06 kg (-4.69 to 3.49; IQR, 1.21); pinch improvement of 0.05 (-0.65 to 1.27; IQR, 0.48); hand/finger mobility test improvement of 4 points (-24 to 14; IQR, 6.75) for the whole cohort. Significant correlations were found between the RULM and grip strength (p < .001), RULM and pinch strength (p < .001), RULM and revised Brooke (p < .001), grip strength and pinch strength (p < .001). The combined use of the RULM, dynamometry, and hand mobility provide insight about correlations between function and strength in children with SMA. The RULM and grip strength assessments captured a significant decline in upper limb function, whereas the pinch and finger/hand mobility showed an improvement over the course of 1 year and these results should be considered for future studies.

Pull-Up Performance Is Affected Differently by the Muscle Contraction Regimens Practiced during Training among Climbers.

Sport climbing performance is highly related to upper limb strength and endurance. Although finger-specific methods are widely analyzed in the literature, no study has yet quantified the effects of arm-specific training. This study aims to compare the effects of three types of training involving different muscle contraction regimens on climbers' pull-up capabilities. Thirty advanced to high-elite climbers were randomly divided into four groups: eccentric (ECC; n = 8), isometric (ISO; n = 7), plyometric (PLYO; n = 6), and no specific training (CTRL; n = 9), and they participated in a 5-week training, twice a week, focusing on pull-ups on hangboard. Pre- and post-training assessments were conducted using a force-sensing hangboard, analyzing force, velocity, power, and muscle work during three pull-up exercises: pull-ups at body weight under different conditions, incremental weighted pull-ups, and an exhaustion test. The CTRL group showed no change. Maximum strength improved in all three training groups (from +2.2 ± 3.6% to +5.0 ± 2.4%; p < 0.001); velocity variables enhanced in the ECC and PLYO groups (from +5.7 ± 7.4 to +28.7 ± 42%; p < 0.05), resulting in greater power; amplitude increased in the ECC group; and muscle work increased in the PLYO group (+21.9 ± 16.6%; p = 0.015). A 5-week training period effectively enhanced arm performance, but outcomes were influenced by the chosen muscle contraction regimens and initial individual characteristics.

Investigating the relationship between quantitative-based ultrasound and MRI estimations of rotator cuff fatty infiltration.

Fatty infiltration (FI) of the rotator cuff has important clinical implications. Quantitatively estimating FI using ultrasound (US) has considerable benefits for assessing FI in a non-invasive, accessible manner. This research investigated whether FI of the supraspinatus (SS) and infraspinatus (IS), estimated using US was related to intramuscular fat fractions measured from magnetic resonance images (MRI). Data from 12 healthy young adult participants were used for analysis. US images of the SS and IS were captured using multiple transducer placement techniques from which echogenicity of the muscle region was quantified. Shoulder MRI were captured from which SS and IS were manually segmented and intramuscular fat fractions calculated. Six upper limb strength exertions were performed, resisted by a hand dynamometer. IS and SS echogenicity explained a significant amount of variance in MRI fat fractions for certain body positions and transducer techniques. Echogenicity agreement was higher for IS than SS. Significant relationships were identified between strength exertions and both echogenicity and MRI muscle volume, but not MRI fat fraction. This research provides preliminary evidence showing that quantitative-based US methods can be used to estimate MRI calculated fat fractions for the rotator cuff.

The methodology of resistance training is crucial for improving short-medium distance front crawl performance in competitive swimmers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Resistance training is often a part of the routine training regimen for competitive swimmers. However, due to the variety of resistance training methodology, the results can be inconsistent and sometimes unsatisfactory. Clear recommendations are still lacking at present. 1) Quantify the impact of resistance training on swimmers' upper limb maximum strength, front crawl performance and key technical parameters; 2) Find out the key technical parameters for improving front crawl performance-stroke rate or length; 3) Through subgroup analysis determine the best methodology of resistance training to enhance the front crawl. Systematic search in the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Meta-analyses using the inverse-variance are performed to compare swimmers' upper limb maximum strength, front crawl performance and key technical parameters in resistance training and habitual aquatic training. A subgroup analysis was performed to examine whether the results were affected by the methodology of resistance training. Thirteen studies (267 competitive swimmers) met the inclusion criteria. The results of meta-analysis showed that resistance training significantly improved upper limbs maximum muscle strength, and 25, 50, 100, and 200m front crawl performance in competitive swimmers. And improvements in swimming performance may simply resulted from resistance training increasing stroke rate rather than stroke length. In addition, the results of subgroup analysis showed that only concurrent resistance training (CRT) and power training (PT) ultimately improved swimming performance by increasing the maximum muscle strength of the upper limbs. Resistance training significantly enhances competitive swimmers' upper limb strength and front crawl performance across various distances. The improvement in performance is likely attributed to an increased stroke rate rather than stroke length. In addition, CRT and PT are particularly effective, indicating the importance of selecting the appropriate methodology of resistance training for optimal swimming performance enhancement. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/3JEGW.