Left-hand Strength Research Articles

Changes in physical fitness and body build of women and men surveyed in 2004 and 2022-A longitudinal study.

Physical fitness plays a crucial role in determining human health and overall well-being. The objective of the study was to assess the changes in body structure and physical fitness among individuals examined in 2004 and 2022 (persons aged 32-34 and 50-52). The research material consists of data from the Krakow Continuous Study (KCS) of somatic development and physical fitness of people born in 1970 and 1972, conducted in Krakow in the years 1976-2022. In total, in 2004, 103 women and 122 men took part in the study, and in 2022-47 women and 67 men. Of these participants, 37 women and 53 men were present for both measurements. The following measurements were performed-physical fitness tests: handgrip strength of left and right hand, standing broad jump, sit-and-reach test and overhead medicine ball throw (2 kg); anthropometric measurements: body height, body weight and tissue composition, circumferences of the chest (relaxed and in deep inspiration), waist, hips, thigh, mid-upper-arm (MUAC, relaxed and in deep inspiration), forearm and calf, thickness of biceps, triceps, subscapular, abdominal, suprailiac and calf skinfolds; width of shoulders and hips, depth and width of the chest. A comparative analysis of the two series showed that all fitness test scores deteriorated. The percentage decrease was greater in women than in men in the tests of right and left handgrip strength and overhead medicine ball throw than in men, in the standing broad jump test similar in both sexes, in the sit-and-reach test-lower in women than in men. The greatest decreases were observed in the standing broad jump (by 14%) and the 2 kg medicine ball throw (15-12%), both in women and men. In contrast, the level of development of most of the somatic characteristics studied in 2022 was higher compared to the previous study, and, apart from body height, elbow and knee width and calf skinfold in both sexes, the differences in arithmetic means between the 2004 and 2022 series were statistically significant. Furthermore, the absence of involutionary changes in body height can be highlighted. In conclusion, the decrease in physical fitness occurring in adulthood and the increase in most somatic characteristics between 32 and 34 year-olds and 50 and 52 year-olds were confirmed.

Age-related anthropometric changes in physical development among aboriginal schoolchildren in Russia’s North-East

BACKGROUND: Schoolchildren from an educational institution of Severo-Evensk District Magadan Region, participated in an anthropometric survey. AIM: To assess anthropometric characteristics of indigenous schoolchildren in the Magadan Region across different age-groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred and eight boys and one hundred and ninety girls from the Evens, Koryaks and Itelmen ethnic groups participated in the 2021–2023 Anthropometric Survey. They accounted for 67.2% of all schoolchildren surveyed. Body height (BH), body mass (BM), chest circumference (CC), sitting height (HSit), right- and left-hand grip strength were measured. We also calculated annual increase in weight and height, as well as proportionality of physical development of the children. RESULTS: A natural increase in the absolute body indicators of BH, BM, HSit, CC, and right and left hand strength have been observed parallel to increase in age from 8 to 17 years. The rate of annual growth indicated different timing of the periods of accelerated increase in the anthropometric characteristics. Girls exhibited a CC maximum increase at 10–11 years old with simultaneous increase in BH, BM, HSit, and hand grip strength at 11–12 years old. During the same age-periods, boys showed a pronounced BH growth with BM and CC increase at 12–13 years of age. After a slight attenuation in the growth rate, we observed a substantial increase in BH at the age of 14–15, associated with gender-related aspects in older children groups. Sex-related characteristics of BH increase were primarily associated with differences in the leg growth rates during the puberty, and tend to be greater in boys. Most of the studied boys had an asthenic somatotype. At the same time, most girls had a proportional body type with high percentage of those with relatively short legs. CONCLUSION: We observed that girls were ahead of boys in their physical development. Boys demonstrated a continuous development in their main anthropometric characteristics with more pronounced dynamics in adolescence. Our findings suggest that indigenous schoolgirls have better physical development and adaptive adjustments compared to boys.

Impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on patients with different chronic respiratory diseases during hospitalization.

The impact of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on patients with different chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) during hospitalization has not been thoroughly evaluated before. The objectives of the current research were to assess the effect of comprehensive PR management on inpatients' self-management skills, exercise capacity, nutrition assessment and mental health issues and explore whether impacts of PR vary in different CRDs. This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data from 272 inpatients with CRDs receiving PR management during hospitalization between October 2020 and March 2022 in Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital. Significant improvements were found in the patients' ability of daily living (ADL), dyspnea (assessed by modified medical research council dyspnea scale (MMRC)), handgrip strength, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure, anxiety (using the 7-item generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD-7)) and depression (the 9-item patient health questionnaire score (PHQ-9)). There was no significant change in nutrition assessment pre-post PR management during hospitalization. The subgroup analyses were conducted on hospitalized patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, asthma, interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) and other CRDs (e.g., lung cancer, diaphragm hemiparesis, obesity, etc.). The results showed that ADL, MMRC score, MIP, MEP, PHQ-9 score improved in all subgroups with CRDs. Handgrip strength of left hand was increased in COPD inpatients and anxiety was improved in all subgroups except for ILDs. Comprehensive PR management was necessary and beneficial for patients with different CRDs during hospitalization.

Gender differences in the stickhandling technique of young field hockey players

The article presents preliminary results of research of technical fitness of young field hockey players (boys and girls) of 9-16 years old using the test "Dribbling on the spot in 15 sec.", which evaluates the number of left hand turns as an indicator of hockey player's technical fitness. And also a comparative analysis of the strength of the left and right hands of young hockey players depending on age was given. It is revealed that from the age of 14 the girls have the dominance of the left hand strength over the right hand, as the left hand in field hockey has the leading value.

Influence of participation in a health fitness program on the indicators of physical condition in adolescent underweight girls

The article presents the results of the study of the influence of participation in a health fitness program on the indicators of physical development, physical fitness and work capacity, physical activity in 12-13-year-old underweight girls. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of engagement in a health fitness program on the indicators of physical condition of adolescent underweight girls. To address the objective and tasks of the research, the following methods were used: analysis of special scientific and methodological literature and documentary materials, matching and comparison, anthropometric, physiological, and pedagogical methods, and mathematical statistics methods. Results. To determine the impact of participation in the health fitness program on the indicators of physical condition, a transformative pedagogical experiment was conducted, which lasted for 9 months. As performance criteria, indicators of physical condition were used, which, according to the results of previous studies, had a close correlation with the general level of physical condition, namely: physical activity (moderate level), physiometric indicators of physical development (grip strength of right and left hand), physical performance (Ruffier's test), indicators of physical fitness (tilting the trunk forward from a sitting position, 30 m run, 4 x 9 m shuttle run, raising the trunk in a sitting position). According to the results of the study, a probable improvement of the investigated indicators was found. The obtained results prove the effectiveness of the developed training program and demonstrate the expediency of its implementation for correcting indicators of girls’ physical condition. Conclusions. The evaluation of the effectiveness of the developed health fitness program showed that there were statistically significant changes in the indicators of physical fitness and physical performance of 12-13-year-old underweight girls, as well as in their somatometric and physiometric indicators of physical development and physical activity.

Correlation of Different Anthropometric Measurements of Hand and Grip Strength in the Adult Female Bangladeshi Garment Workers

Background: A reliable and valid measurement of hand anthropometry is important for designing dimensionally compatible hand tools, gloves and hand-held devices. Hand grip strength is accepted as an objective index for the functional integrity of upper extremity. The estimation of hand grip strength is of immense importance in determining the efficacy of different treatment strategies, treatment outcome and hand rehabilitation. The present study was planned to determine the various dimensions of hands, average hand grip strength of adult Bangladeshi female garment workers and the relationship between hand grip strength and different anthropometric measurements of hand. Material and Methods: Two hundred female garment workers of 20-25 years of age were selected by purposive non random sampling from five different garment factories of Dhaka and Narayangonj city. Different dimensions of both hands were measured directly with the help of digital slide caliper and flexible wire. Hand grip strength of both hands was measured by Smedley’s Hand Grip Strength Dynamometer. Result : Body height, weight, BMI, hand length and hand breadth of adult Bangladeshi garments workers showed positive correlation with hand grip strength, but only significant positive correlation was found between hand length and grip strength of right hand (r=+0.197, P<0.05) and left hand (r=+0.405, P<0.001). Conclusion: Significant positive correlation was found between hand anthropometry such as hand length, hand breadth and hand grip strength in adult Bangladeshi female garment workers. J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll 2021; 13(2): 171-176

Bilateral differences in handgrip strength in Czech female tennis players aged 11–12 years and injury prevention

The term laterality refers to the preference or dominance of the lateral asymmetry of the human body. The prevalence of left-handedness is reported to be 10–13%, but in some sports (e.g. boxing, ice hockey, tennis), the proportion of left-handers is higher. The left-handedness is considered an advantage in tennis; however, the one-sided load can cause muscular dysbalances leading to injuries. The research aim was to assess bilateral differences in handgrip strength in top Czech female tennis players U12 as to injury prevention. The participants were tennis players (n = 165) aged 11.0–12.9 years taking part in the regular testing by the Czech Tennis Association using the TENDIAG1 test battery between 2000 and 2018. 87.3% of all players were right-handed (RH) and only 12.7% left-handed (LH). Bilateral differences between the right- and left-hand strength of all players were medium significant in favor of the right hand. The assessment of differences between RH and LH players showed only small differences in favor of LH players. There was a medium significant difference between RH and LH players in favor of the dominant hand (DH) over the non-dominant one (NDH). As to injury prevention, it is surprising that a difference between DH and NDH strength >15% was found in 40.91% of RH players and even in 40.06% of LH players. This predicts an increased risk of injury, so it is desirable to pay attention to both sides of the training load and to include compensatory or strengthening exercises.

AB0844 HAND GRIP STRENGTH EVALUATION IN RHEUMATOLOGIC DISEASES

Background:Handgrip muscle strength test describes the strength of the hand muscles used to grasp or grip. Currently, hand grip evaluation is often used in clinical practice, as a marker of function and disability. In fact, it has already been applied as an outcome measure in arthritis rheumatoid clinical trials, to demonstrate the benefits of several treatments [1]. However, hand disability should also be considered in all other rheumatological diseases.Objectives:The main aim of this study is to assess the handgrip muscle strength test in a rheumatological cohort of patients as compared to a control group.Methods:This is a cross-sectional pilot study. We considered eligible 35 rheumatological consecutive female patients followed at our outpatients’ clinic of Internal Medicine (I Policlinico of Naples) and 35 healthy control females (HC). Both groups included only right-handed individuals. Rheumatological patients were distributed as follows: 5 rheumatoid arthritis (14,3%), 9 psoriatic arthritis (25,7%), 4 systemic lupus erythematosus (11,4%), 10 systemic sclerosis (28,6%), 4 fibromyalgia (11,4%), 3 juvenile idiopathic arthritis (8,6%). The course of disease was under optimal treatment in all patients.The type of hand grip used is the power grip, in which an object is held firmly by wrapping the fingers around it, pressing the object against the palm, and using the thumb to apply counter-pressure. We considered as either right or left hand valid measure the mean of three consecutive tests per arm. Between-groups differences were tested both by a uni- and multivariable analysis.Results:The two subgroups were homogeneously distributed for age (median age 42 yrs. [IQR 33-48] vs. 36 yrs. [IQR 30-52] in HC; p=0.902). At univariate analysis, hand grip strength was significantly lower in the rheumatological patients, both at right hand (right 19.5 kg [IQR 13.6-24.8] vs. 24.5 kg [IQR 20.8-29] in HC; p=0.004) and left hand (18.5 kg [IQR 13.9-22.5] vs. 23.7 kg [IQR 19-27.3] in HC; p=0.002), as compared to HC. This finding was further confirmed at multivariable analysis only as for the left hand (OR 0.919, 95%CI: 0.858-0.984; p=0.016).Conclusion:Rheumatological diseases are burdened by hand disability, mostly affecting daily activities performance [2,3]. Beyond an optimal disease control, our pilot study shows a decrease in left hand strength as compared to healthy controls. This might be due to a reduced use of the non-dominant hand, which may lead over time to a higher deficit of strength. As such, these patients should be prescribed to a left hand exercise to improve both mobility and strength and, consequently, hand function.

Is there an association between upper limb claudication and handgrip strength in Takayasu arteritis?

Limb vascular claudication and hand muscle weakness are common symptoms of Takayasu arteritis (TAK). However, no studies have correlated these two symptoms. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate handgrip strength and its correlation with both upper-limb vascular claudication and imaging of the vessels. This cross-sectional study compared 36 patients with TAK who were matched by age, gender, and body mass index with 36 individuals without TAK (CTR). Hand strength (assessed with handgrip dynamometer), functional capacity (Health Assessment Questionnaire, HAQ), upper-limb vascular claudication symptoms (patients' selfreported form), and disease activity (Indian Takayasu Clinical Activity Score [ITAS] 2010; Physician Global Assessment [PGA], C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate) were evaluated as well as vessel imaging (e.g., angiotomography or angioresonance) and blood pressure. The median age of the patients was 42.0 years (35.5-51.5 years), whereas the mean disease duration was 13.1±6.8 years. No patient had active disease. Compared to the CTR, the patients with TAK showed reduced strength in the left-hand (22.9±5.9 vs 26.3±5.6 kg; p=0.014) and increased HAQ scores [0.50 (0.12-0.87) vs 0.00 (0.00-0.00); p<0.001]. Both groups had comparable blood pressure. Among patients with TAK, lefthand strength was inversely correlated with HAQ (Spearman correlation: rho=-0.584; p<0.001) and positively correlated with right-hand strength (rho=0.644; p<0.001). Moreover, neither hand's strengths in the patients were correlated with subclavian stenosis imaging, blood pressure or limb vascular claudication. The reduction of strength in the upper left limb is inversely related to the functional capacity (HAQ score) of TAK. This reduction appears unrelated to classical vascular claudication, vessel imaging or blood pressure.

The association between healthy lifestyle score with cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength.

The association of individual behaviours such as diet, tobacco use, body mass index (BMI) and physical activity have been investigated separately in relevance to cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscle strength. The purpose of this study is to investigate the combined association of the four mentioned lifestyle factors with cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 271 Iranian adults, aged 18-70years. We developed a healthy lifestyle score (HLS) that ranged from 0 to 103 (higher score reflecting better adherence to healthier lifestyle) and included four lifestyle behavioural components (diet, physical activity, smoking and BMI). The relationship between HLS, CRF and muscle strength was determined using linear and non-linear regression analysis. HLS score was not significantly associated with VO2max (mL/kg/min) P=.43; VO2max (Lmin) P=.14; VO2max (LBM) (P=.79) and mean muscle strength (MMS) (kg) (P=.11), muscle strength of right hand (MSR) (kg) (P=.10) and muscle strength of left hand (MSL) (kg) (P=.16) in the unadjusted model. After adjustment for potential confounders, we found a significant association between HLS and Vo2max (L/min), MMS (kg), MSR (kg) and MSL (kg) (P<.001 for all). Also HLS and MMS (r=.06, P=.31), MSR (r=.07, P=.25), MMS (r=.05, P=.39), VO2max (mL/kg/min) (r=.01, P=.77), VO2max (Lmin) (r=.05, P=.35) and VO2max (LBM) (r=.002, P=.91) have no statistically significant linear relationship. Adherence to healthy lifestyle may be associated with increased CRF and muscle strength after adjusting for potential confounding variables.

Lateral differences in maximal grip strength in Czech male tennis players aged 11 – 12 in the context of injury prevention

The term laterality indicates the one-sided preference or functional advantage of the stronger, more accurate and coordinated limbs or organs and the brain hemisphere of a human body. In the preference process, more accurate, precise, coordinated and stronger side is chosen from the perspective of motoric functions. Among the general population is about 10-13% of left-handers and in certain sport fields this percentage may (baseball, tennis, box etc.). The left-handed dominance in tennis is considered an advantage. Due to unilateral load, there may be an excessive side-effect in strength differences in tennis and overloading of specific muscle group could lead to an injury. The aim of the research was to identify the levels of somatic and strength characteristics and assess the lateral difference in maximal grip strength of Czech elite male tennis players. The sample consisted of male tennis players, ranging in age from 11 to 12.9 years (n=186) who participated in the regular tests for Czech Tennis Association in years 2000-2018. Base anthropometrics were measured (height, weight) and maximal grip strength of both hands using the hand-held dynamometry (Grip D, Takei). Data came from normal distribution (statistically proven – chi-square test). The basic statistical characteristics were calculated (body height, M=155.08±7.98 cm; body weight, M=43.45±7.13 kg; strength of right hand: M=24.88±4.67 kp; strength of left hand: M=21.70±4.74 kp). It was found that 87.6% of the players (n=163) were right-handed and the remaining 12.4% left-handed (n=23). The assessment of the significance (Cohen´s d) between the dominant (playing) hand for the right-handed and left-handed players showed small effect size (dominant hand right: MRHR=25.11±4.41 kp, dominant hand left: MLHL=26.62±5.65 kp; d=0.30, small) in favor of the left-handed players. The difference between the dominant and the non-dominant hand showed large effect size for the right-handed (dominant hand right vs. hand left; MRHR=25.11±4.41 kp, MRHL=21.01±4.15 kp, d=0.96, large) and medium effect size for the left-handed players (dominant hand left vs. hand right; MLHL=26.62±5.65 kp, MLHR=23.24±5.98 kp, d=0.58, medium). The results showed that the value of 15 % level of strength laterality between dominant and non-dominant hand was exceeded for the right-handed (55.83 %) and left-handed (43.48%) groups ergo the exceeded value could be a cause of injuries. Because of this signals attention should be given during training process for optimizing the required load.

THE EVALUATION OF THE CONNECTION BETWEEN MOTOR PERFORMANCE SKILLS AND BODY COMPOSITION OF THE GIRLS

The Purpose: This study was done for evaluating the connection between motor performance skills and body composition of the girls between 6-10 ages. The Method: 57 schoolgirls between 6-10 ages were included to the study. Weight, Age, Height, Body Mass Index (BMI), Free Fat Mass (FFM), Lean Muscle Mass (LMM), Body Fat Mass (BFM) and Body Fat Percentage (BFP) values were measured with (Inbody 230) branded tanita. Long jump, right hand and left hand strength, back strength, 20 meters speed test, sit & reach test, 1 minute pull-up and flamingo balance tests were applied to the participants. Results: Pearson Correlation Test was applied for the analysis by using SPSS 23.0 program. According to the results, the average age is (8,00±,926) years, the average height is (128,7±6,64) cm and the average weight is (28,6±6,67) kg. There is a statistically meaningful relation between long jump, right hand, left hand, back strength, flamingo balance test and BFM, FFM, LMM, BMI and BFP at the (p<0.01) level. However, there is no relation found between 20 meters speed test, sit & reach test, 1 minute pull-up test and body composition parameters. Discussion and Conclusion: At the end of our study, we can say that there is a meaningful relation in a positive way between some motor performance skills and body composition of the girls. Article visualizations:

Correlation of proximal and distal muscle strength with upper limb functional ability in patients with essential tremor.

Despite being considered as a benign, genetic and monosymptomatic disorder, ET is a poorly understood entity with etiological and pathological heterogeneity. The aim of the present study was to examine the relation between proximal and distal muscle strength and upper limb functionality and tremor severity in patients with essential tremor (ET). The study enrolled 25 tremor patients followed at the neurology clinic of a university hospital and 19 healthy controls. Demographic data, risk factors, disease duration and dominant hand of the participants were recorded. Back and leg strength was assessed using a back and leg dynamometer and hand dynamometer and pinchmeter were used to determine hand strength. Functional ability of the participants was evaluated using the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT), Perdue Pegboard (PPBT) and Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT). Tremor severity was assessed using the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTMTRS) and the Lower Extremity Clinical Tremor Assessment Scale (LECTAS). A significant difference was found in the average back and leg muscle strength between ET patients and healthy controls (p < 0.05). The mean values for right/left hand muscle strength were not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05). Among the upper limb functional ability tests, significant differences were found between the two groups in the mean time to complete NHPT, Minnesota placing subtest and PPBT test (p < 0.05). While gender and risk factors were not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05), there was a significant difference with respect to the educational level (p < 0.01). No significant difference was found between back and leg muscle strength and FTMTRS and LECTAS (p > 0.05). A negative correlation and a significant association were found between average strength measurements obtained with the left hand dynamometer and FTMTRS in the ET group (p = 0.030, r = - 0.434). A positive correlation and a significant association were found between left hand strength and mean turning time in the MMDT in the control group (p = 0.041, r = 0.473). ET patients experience loss of proximal muscle strength and functional disability. Further studies are planned to investigate the effects of physical therapy modalities targeting increased proximal muscle strength on tremor severity and functional ability in ET patients.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PHYSICAL FITNESS PARAMETERS AMONG 12 YEARS OLD RURAL AND URBAN CHILDREN

Background: The environmental factors lead to changes in the physical fitness level among children. The objective of the present study was to compare the physical fitness parameters of the rural and urban children from Punjab. Methods: Total 60 children (30 rural and 30 urban) 12 years old were selected to participate in the study. All the subjects were measured for various physical fitness parameters. The speed ability was measured with the help of 30 meter sprint (Flying Start). The endurance of the rural and urban children was assessed with the help of 800 meter run. Sit and reach test was used to assess the flexibility of the children. The standing broad jump and standing vertical jump were applied to measure the explosive strength. The grip strength was measured with the help of hand dynamometer. The medicine ball put was used to measure the strength of arms. Results: The independent samples t-test revealed that the rural children were found to have significantly greater speed (p<0.05), standing broad jump (p<0.05), grip strength of both left (p<0.05) and right (p<0.05) hand than the urban children. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the rural children were better in some physical fitness parameters. Article visualizations:

Programa Patrulha da Saúde: indicadores de saúde em policiais rodoviários federais

*** Health’s Patrol Program: health indicators from federal highway policemen ***AIMS: To evaluate the socio-demographic, health, nutritional, physical and functional profile of federal highway policemen participants of the Health Patrol Program and evaluate the association of these characteristics with age and time of service.METHODS: Cross-sectional study with federal highway police officers from the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in September 2015. Health Patrol Program’s participants who were not on vacation or license were included. Questionnaires with sociodemographic information, level of physical activity and musculoskeletal symptoms were applied. Anthropometric and nutritional data, blood pressure and physical and functional capacities were measured. The variables were categorized by age and time of service. The independent t-test and chi-square test or Fisher's exact test were used to evaluate the associations. The significance level adopted was p≤0.05.RESULTS: Of the 64 police officers from the Pelotas police station, 41 (64.1%) men met the inclusion criteria. There were higher percentages of married, non-smokers, with normal blood pressure and physically active in leisure (89.5%). The following means were recorded: body mass index 28.5±3.4 kg/m2, waist circumference 99.2±8.5 cm, body fat 25.1±4.9%, flexibility 21.2±9.4 cm, isometric handgrip strength of right and left hand respectively 47.4±6.2 kgf and 44.6±6.3 kgf and isometric strength of lower limbs 127.1±20.8 kgf. The average score of the functional evaluation was 13.8±2.6 points (57% with ≤14 points). The musculoskeletal symptoms that were most associated with absence from work were located in knee (22%) and low back (14,6%). Older policemen exhibited higher values for body mass index, waist circumference and body fat percentage, and the oldest in the corporation showed greater waist circumference.CONCLUSIONS: Even when they stated being physically active, federal highway police officers participating in the Health Patrol Program in Pelotas had often inadequate morphological and physical conditions, as well levels of strength and flexibility lower than those recommended for this population. In this sample, the more advanced age and longer service time in the Federal Highway Police were associated with morphological parameters of high risk for cardiovascular diseases. It was also observed that federal highway policemen had a high risk of musculoskeletal injuries and were absence from work mainly due to musculoskeletal complaints in the low back and knee regions.

Intramuscular clodronate in erosive osteoarthritis of the hand is effective on pain and reduces serum COMP: a randomized pilot trial-The ER.O.D.E. study (ERosive Osteoarthritis and Disodium-clodronate Evaluation).

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of intramuscular clodronate (CLO) for the treatment of active erosive osteoarthritis of the hand (EOA). Forty outpatients treated with anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) or analgesic drugs since at least 6months, for at least 3days a week, were randomly divided into two groups. Group A: 24 patients treated for 6months with intramuscular (i.m.) CLO added to usual NSAIDs or analgesic drugs. The attack dose was 200mg/day i.m. for 10days followed by a maintenance dose of CLO i.m. 200mg/day for 6days after 3 and 6months. Group B: 16 patients who continued the usual treatment with anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs. Patients in both groups reported in a diary, day by day, the consumption of symptomatic drugs. In group A, the consumption of anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs (p<0.0001), pain (p<0.0001), number of tender joints (p=0.0097), number of swollen joints (p=0.0251), Dreiser score (p=0.0119), and patient's and physician's global assessment of disease activity significantly decreased (both p<0.001). At 6months, serum COMP also significantly decreased (p<0.0029). Strength of right (p=0.0465) and left hand (+38%, p=ns) significantly increased. In group B, there was no significant change in all parameters considered. Intramuscular CLO in EOA of the hand is effective and safe on pain with a significant reduction in the consumption of anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs, increasing the functionality of the hands. Serum COMP reduction suggests that CLO could play a role as a disease-modifying drug (EudraCT number 2013-000832-85).

SPECIAL ASPECTS OF MOTOR FITNESS INFLUENCE ON LEVEL OF 11-13 YEARS’ AGE GIRLS’ PHYSICAL EXERCISES’ MASTERING

Purpose: to find special aspects of motor fitness influence on level of 11-13 years’ age girls’ physical exercises’ mastering. Material: in the research 11 years’ age girls (n=51), 12 years’ age (n=54) and 13 years (n=63) participated. Results: By physical condition indicators all girls statistically confidently differ. We registered increase of body height indicators (by 12%), body mass (13%), vital capacity of lungs (by 12.8%), right hand strength (by 15%) and left hand strength (by 13.8%). In girls of 11-13 years’ age we registered positive dynamic of physical condition, motor abilities and level of gymnastic exercises’ mastering indicators. It was found that in total dispersion results’ variation by 81.259%, 79.353%, 71,019% are determined by such factors: physical condition, motor abilities, level of physical exercises’ mastering. In factorial structure level of physical exercises’ mastering has weight 16.435% (11years), 27.963% (12 years) and 17.010% (13 years). Conclusions: Analysis showed that in 11-13 years age girls motor abilities’ training level is effective if it becomes a component of mastered motor skills.

Cross-education of wrist extensor strength is not influenced by non-dominant training in right-handers

Cross-education of strength has been proposed to be greater when completed by the dominant limb in right handed humans. We investigated whether the direction of cross-education of strength and corticospinal plasticity are different following right or left limb strength training in right-handed participants. Changes in strength, muscle thickness and indices of corticospinal plasticity were analyzed in 23 adults who were exposed to 3-weeks of either right-hand strength training (RHT) or left-hand strength training (LHT). Maximum voluntary wrist extensor strength in both the trained and untrained limb increased, irrespective of which limb was trained, with TMS revealing reduced corticospinal inhibition. Cross-education of strength was not limited by which limb was trained and reduced corticospinal inhibition was not just confined to the trained limb. Critically, from a behavioral perspective, the magnitude of cross-education was not limited by which limb was trained.

Effect of oxytetracycline and doxycycline on muscle tone in healthy human volunteers

Background: Reduced grip strength is associated with adverse health consequences, and therefore there is interest in identifying modifiable influences. Tetracyclines are commonly used antibiotics, but their effect on muscle strength is unclear. Methods: We investigated associations between oxytetracycline, doxycycline and grip strength among 15 healthy human volunteers pre and post administration of test drug. The test drugs were administered at doses of oxytetracycline 500 mg and doxycycline 100 mg and the effect of test drugs on grip strength using jamar hand grip dynamometer was assessed. Results: Oxytetracycline was associated with a significant decrease in average grip strength of both right and left hand. Conclusions: Use of oxytetracycline is associated with reduced grip strength in healthy human volunteers. These findings have potential implication on the functional ability of muscle.

Activity Limitations, Participation, and Quality of Life in American Indians with and without Diabetes

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to examine activity limitations, participation, and quality of life (QOL) in American Indians with and without diabetes. It was a cross-sectional study that included 43 participants with diabetes and 31 healthy controls. Participants received evaluations of QOL, activity and participation limitations and factors such as pain, joint motion, hand function, and depression. There were no significant differences between the two groups for past, present, or future global QOL. However, there were significant differences between the two groups for the activity and participation measures and all measures of body structure/function except for left hand strength and depression. Current health and pain, and activity limitation correlated with QOL in both groups. Joint motion and participation correlated with QOL in the group with diabetes. American Indians with diabetes had more impairments in body structure and function and limitations in activities and participation compared to American Indians without diabetes.