Brachial Triceps Research Articles

The Impact of Range of Motion on Applied Force Characteristics and Electromyographic Activity during Repeated Sets of Bench Press Exercise.

This study examined the effects of range of motion (ROM) on applied force, power output and surface electromyographic (sEMG) responses during repeated sets of bench press exercise executed as fast as possible. Ten resistance trained men performed three sets to momentary failure with two-min rest intervals under three different ROM conditions: (a) full ROM (FULL), (b) TOP, at the top half of ROM, and (c) BOTTOM, at the bottom half of ROM. Mean and peak force were higher in TOP compared to FULL and BOTTOM (mean force: 817 ± 80 vs. 657 ± 98 vs. 623 ± 122 N, respectively, p < 0.001) with no differences between FULL and BOTTOM. During repeated sets, large decreases were found in peak (by 29.4 to 45.3%) and mean power (by 55.5 to 64.7%) from the first to the last repetitions. However, the decrease in mean force was only 2% (p < 0.01) and decreases in peak force ranged from 6.7 and 8.8% to zero, indicating the velocity loss was the main contributor to fatigue in power output. Although force and power output in set 3 were unchanged in BOTTOM, mean power output decreased significantly, suggesting that lower performance and fatigue may be related to the longer muscle length. Fatigue was accompanied by an increase in sEMG activity and a decrease in median frequency in all muscles, with triceps brachialis sEMG reflecting more the force and power differences among ROMs. In conclusion, fatigue depends on velocity rather than force loss during bench press exercise at different ROMs.

A new sports garment with elastomeric technology optimizes physiological, mechanical, and psychological acute responses to pushing upper-limb resistance exercises.

This study aimed to compare the mechanical (lifting velocity and maximum number of repetitions), physiological (muscular activation, lactate, heart rate, and blood pressure), and psychological (rating of perceived exertion) responses to upper-body pushing exercises performed wearing a sports elastomeric garment or a placebo garment. Nineteen physically active young adults randomly completed two training sessions that differed only in the sports garment used (elastomeric technology or placebo). In each session, subjects performed one set of seated shoulder presses and another set of push-ups until muscular failure. The dependent variables were measured immediately after finishing the set of each exercise. Compared to the placebo garment, the elastomeric garment allowed participants to obtain greater muscular activation in the pectoralis major (push-ups: p = 0.04, d = 0.49; seated shoulder press: p < 0.01, d = 0.64), triceps brachialis (push-ups, p < 0.01, d = 0.77; seated shoulder press: p < 0.01, d = 0.65), and anterior deltoid (push-ups: p < 0.01, d = 0.72; seated shoulder press: p < 0.01, d = 0.83) muscles. Similarly, participants performed more repetitions (push-ups: p < 0.01; d = 0.94; seated shoulder press: p = 0.03, d = 0.23), with higher movement velocity (all p ≤ 0.04, all d ≥ 0.47), and lower perceived exertion in the first repetition (push-ups: p < 0.01, d = 0.61; seated shoulder press: p = 0.05; d = 0.76) wearing the elastomeric garment compared to placebo. There were no between-garment differences in most cardiovascular variables (all p ≥ 0.10). Higher diastolic blood pressure was only found after the seated shoulder press wearing the elastomeric garment compared to the placebo (p = 0.04; d = 0.49). Finally, significantly lower blood lactate levels were achieved in the push-ups performed wearing the elastomeric garment (p < 0.01; d = 0.91), but no significant differences were observed in the seated shoulder press (p = 0.08). Overall, the findings of this study suggest that elastomeric technology integrated into a sports garment provides an ergogenic effect on mechanical, physiological, and psychological variables during the execution of pushing upper-limb resistance exercises.

Effect of TEA domain transcription factor 1 (TEAD1) on the differentiation of intramuscular preadipocytes in goats

TEA domain transcription factor 1 (TEAD1), also called TEF-1, acts as a transcriptional enhancer to regulate muscle-specific gene expression. However, the role of TEAD1 in regulating intramuscular preadipocyte differentiation in goats is unclear. The aim of this study was to obtain the sequence of TEAD1 gene and elucidate the effect of TEAD1 on goat intramuscular preadipocyte differentiation in vitro and its possible mechanism. The results showed that the goat TEAD1 gene CDS region sequence was 1311 bp. TEAD1 gene was widely expressed in goat tissues, with the highest expression in brachial triceps (p < 0.01). The expression of TEAD1 gene in goat intramuscular adipocytes at 72 h was extremely significantly higher than that at 0 h (p < 0.01). Overexpression of goat TEAD1 inhibited the accumulation of lipid droplets in goat intramuscular adipocyte. The relative expression of differentiation marker genes SREBP1, PPARγ, C/EBPβ were significantly down-regulated (all p < 0.01), but PREF-1 was significantly up-regulated (p < 0.01). Binding analysis showed that there were multiple binding sites between the DNA binding domain of goat TEAD1 and the promoter binding region of SREBP1, PPARγ, C/EBPβ and PREF-1. In conclusion, TEAD1 negatively regulates the differentiation of goat intramuscular preadipocytes.

Does beta-alanine supplementation enhance adaptations to resistance training? A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on muscle strength and thickness. Nineteen resistance-trained men (age: 27.3 ± 5.5 years; height: 178 ± 10 cm; body mass: 83.4 ± 9.7 kg; training experience: 5.9 ± 3.9 years) were allocated to one of the following groups: Beta-alanine (BA) (6.4 g/day of beta-alanine) or Placebo (PLA) (6.4 g/day of maltodextrin). Subjects completed 4 resistance training sessions per week for 8 weeks. The following assessments were performed before and after intervention periods: 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and 60%1RM tests in the bench press (60%1RMBENCH) and back squat (60%1RMSQUAT) exercises; muscle thickness assessment of biceps brachialis (MTBB), triceps brachialis (MTTB), and vastus lateralis (MTVL) by ultrasonography. No significant difference between groups was observed for the absolute increase (pre-post intervention) in the 1RMBENCH (mean difference = 0.8 kg; p = 0.679), 1RMSQUAT (mean difference = 0.1 kg; p = 0.992), MTBB (mean difference = 0.7 mm; p = 0.637), MTTB (mean difference = 1.4 mm; p = 0.282), MTVL (mean difference = 1.6 mm; p = 0.311), 60%1RMBENCH (mean difference = 0.5 repetitions; p = 0.670) and 60%1RMSQUAT (mean difference = 0.7 repetitions; p = 0.690). In conclusion, the 8-week training period induced significant strength and morphological responses. However, the addition of beta-alanine supplementation did not enhance these adaptive outcomes.

Rotura Aguda do Tendão Tricípite Braquial no Atleta: Lesão Rara e por Vezes Esquecida

Brachial triceps tendon rupture accounts for less than 1% of all tendon tears in the upper limb. The authors present two cases of amateur athletes, males, one in crossfit and another in weightlifting. Both reported sudden pain in the posterior region of the elbow, when finishing the throw of the olympic bar. They were submitted to surgery and repair was performed with transosseous cruciate sutures complemented with anchorage, according to the technique described by James Paci. High clinical suspicion leads to early diagnosis and treatment. The surgical technique described allows for early rehabilitation with good long-term functional results.

Multi-parametric quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of the upper arm muscles of patients with spinal muscular atrophy.

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) is frequently used to map the disease state and disease progression in the lower extremity muscles of patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This is in stark contrast to the almost complete lack of data on the upper extremity muscles, which are essential for carrying out daily activities. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the disease state in the upper arm muscles of patients with SMA in comparison with healthy controls by quantitative assessment of fat fraction, diffusion indices, and water T2 relaxation times, and to relate these measures to muscle force. We evaluated 13 patients with SMA and 15 healthy controls with a 3‐T MRI protocol consisting of DIXON, diffusion tensor imaging, and T2 sequences. qMRI measures were compared between groups and related to muscle force measured with quantitative myometry. Fat fraction was significantly increased in all upper arm muscles of the patients with SMA compared with healthy controls and correlated negatively with muscle force. Additionally, fat fraction was heterogeneously distributed within the triceps brachii (TB) and brachialis muscle, but not in the biceps brachii muscle. Diffusion indices and water T2 relaxation times were similar between patients with SMA and healthy controls, but we did find a slightly reduced mean diffusivity (MD), λ1, and λ3 in the TB of patients with SMA. Furthermore, MD was positively correlated with muscle force in the TB of patients with SMA. The variation in fat fraction further substantiates the selective vulnerability of muscles. The reduced diffusion tensor imaging indices, along with the positive correlation of MD with muscle force, point to myofiber atrophy. Our results show the feasibility of qMRI to map the disease state in the upper arm muscles of patients with SMA. Longitudinal data in a larger cohort are needed to further explore qMRI to map disease progression and to capture the possible effects of therapeutic interventions.

Brain activity and upper limb movement analysis in children with Down syndrome undergoing transcranial direct current stimulation combined with virtual reality training: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundChildren with Down syndrome have poorer functional and sensory skills compared to children with typical development. Virtual reality (VR) training could help improve these skills. Moreover, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has achieved promising results in terms of enhancing the effects of physical and sensory therapy by modulating cortical excitability.Methods/designTwo investigations are proposed: (1) an observational study with a convenience sample consisting of children with Down syndrome (group 1—cognitive age of 6 to 12 years according to the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence) and children with typical development 6 to 12 years of age (group 2). Both groups will undergo evaluations on a single day involving a three-dimensional analysis of upper limb movements, an analysis of muscle activity of the biceps and brachial triceps muscles and an analysis of visuospatial and cognitive-motor variables. (2) Analysis of clinical intervention: a pilot study and clinical trial will be conducted involving individuals with Down syndrome (cognitive age of 6 to 12 years according to the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence). The sample will be defined after conducting a pilot study with the same methodology as that to be used in the main study. The participants will be randomly allocated to two groups: An experimental group submitted to anodal tDCS combined with a VR game and a manual motor task and a control group submitted to sham tDCS combined with a VR game and a manual motor task. The training protocol will involve 10 sessions of active or sham tDCS during memory and motor task games. Three 20-min sessions will be held per week for a total of 10 sessions. Evaluations will be performed on three different occasions: pre-intervention, post-intervention (after 10 sessions) and follow-up (1 month after the intervention). Evaluations will consist of analyses of electroencephalographic signals, electromyographic signals of the biceps and triceps brachii, and the three-dimensional reconstruction of the reaching movement. The results will be analyzed statistically with the significance level set at 5% (p ≤ 0.05).DiscussionThe optimization of the results obtained with virtual reality training is believed to be related to the interactive experience with a wide range of activities and scenarios involving multiple sensory channels and the creation of exercises, the intensity of which can be adjusted to the needs of children. Therefore, the proposed study aims to complement the literature with further information on tDCS and VR training considering different variables to provide the scientific community with clinical data on this combination of interventions.Trial registrationBrazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC) protocol number RBR-43pk59 registered on 2019 March 27 https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-43pk59 and Human Research Ethics Committee number 3.608.521 approved on 2019 September 30. Protocol version 2021 October 20. Any changes to the protocol will be reported to the committees and approved. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants by the clinical research coordinator and principal investigator.

Dynamics analysis for flexion and extension of elbow joint motion based on musculoskeletal model of Anybody.

Little is known about how biomechanics governs the biological nature for humeral motion dynamically. Elbow motion ought to be investigated based on a musculoskeletal model and evidence the physiologic principle of upper limbs. A humeral model was reconstructed by MIMICS after CT images input in *.dicom format, it was processed by Geomagic Studio for Surfaces, then gridded mesh and assigned materials by Hypermesh. On the other hand, a musculoskeletal model was built by AnyBody, physical motions were then simulated to export boundary condition and myodynamia during flexion and extension. Finally, all the humeral model and boundary were imported to Abaqus for finite element analysis. During the simulative motion of flexion, the primary muscles are brachii biceps, brachialis anticus and teretipronator, their myodynamia increased and then decreased gradually, and reached its peak value at 30°; During extension, the main muscles are triceps brachii and brachialis anticus, their myodynamia increased and then decreased gradually too, and reached peak at 50°; In these two cases, their strain and displacement distributed at the middle of humerus. AnyBody is a novel modelling system to simulate physical motion, for example flexion and extension. Biceps brachii and brachialis anticus are functional for flexion, and triceps brachii plays a key role in extension critically. This simulation confirms the physiologic rule for sport event, humeral fixation and postoperative healing with clinical significance that minimizing joint forces from injury onset may promote pain-free ways.

A spasticity assessment method for voluntary movement using data fusion and machine learning

The assessment of spasticity under voluntary movement is helpful for the therapist to comprehensively assess the patient's dyskinesia. However, current researches focus on spasticity evaluation based on passive motion. We propose a new method for evaluating spasticity under active motion. Our method is based on the following three steps: (i) Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) is used to reduce involuntary movement noise in patients' active movement; (ii) Extract voluntary movement segments of each muscle for feature extract and fusion; (iii) Use machine learning methods to evaluate the degree of spasm in patients. To investigates the feasibility of the method proposed in this paper, An experiment of elbow flexion and extension against gravity is designed, and the electromyographic signal of brachioradialis (BR), biceps brachialis (BB), triceps brachialis (TB) and elbow motion data of 13 subjects were collected. We compared the classification effect of filter method, window length and classifier type. Moreover, we analyze the improvement of classification effect by data fusion. The results showed that the random forest with a window length of 256 ms had the best effect (F1-score = 0.952). Compared with the electromyographic signal (F1-score = 0.756) or motion signal only (F1-score = 0.7053), the method presented in this paper had better classification accuracy. Result demonstrated the feasibility of our method. This study can assist doctors to evaluate patients' spasmodic state under active movement, and has the application potential of wearable devices.

Muscle Echogenicity and Changes Related to Age and Body Mass Index.

Muscle fibers are lost and replaced by fat- and fibrous-tissue infiltration during aging. This process decreases muscle quality and influences tissue appearance on ultrasound images over time. Increased muscle "echogenicity" represents changes caused by fat- and fibrous-tissue infiltration and can be quantified with recently developed software. To investigate skeletal muscle quality through echogenicity, estimates according to participant's body mass index (BMI) and age were taken. This was a cross-sectional study performed at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana with 117 participants (57 men and 60 women), with mean age (±SD) 38.9 ± 17.0 years and BMI 28.6 ± 6.2 kg/m². All participants were examined by ultrasound (LOGIQ GE Healthcare), using a 5.0-MHz linear transducer. Participants had muscle thickness measured by ultrasound at 4 anatomic locations (biceps and triceps brachial, femoral quadriceps, and calf triceps). Echogenicity was analyzed with specific software (Pixel Health) that evaluated the image in gray scale. According to BMI, 41% of participants were obese. There was a positive correlation between age and thigh-muscle echogenicity (rp = 0.534, P < .0001) and a negative correlation between thigh-muscle echogenicity and thickness (rp = -0.395, P <.0001). There was high muscle echogenicity in participants with overweight and obesity aged 50 years or older (P < .05). Older age and higher BMI were associated with stronger echogenicity signals and smaller muscle thickness. People with overweight, obesity, and/or older than 50 years old have reduced muscle quality with smaller muscle thickness, as observed with ultrasound.

Muscle Activity In Upper Extremity Is Modulated During Arm Cycling Exercises After Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries

Regaining upper extremity function following spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most important outcomes for quadriplegics with regards to enhancing quality of life. To facilitate locomotor recovery through increased activation of the lower limb muscles, ground reaction forces are commonly manipulated to optimal levels. Using similar mechanisms, manipulating power production during arm cycling exercises could facilitate activation of the upper limb muscles after SCI. PURPOSE: To determine if upper limb muscles activation is modulated during arm cycling exercises after SCI. METHODS: Five participants with chronic SCI at C4; classified as AIS A (1), B (2), C (1) and D (1) according to the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale performed arm cycling exercises at four power levels (0, 5, 10, 15W) with their hands securely attached to the handles. Surface EMG signals were recorded during a series of 10 consecutive cycles from one muscle above the lesion: medial trapezius (C2-C4); and six muscles below the lesion: deltoid posterior (C5-C6), biceps brachialis (C5-C6), triceps brachialis (C6-C8), extensor digitorum (C6-C8), flexor carpi radialis (C6-C8) and extensor carpi radialis (C6-C8). RESULTS: Arm cycling exercises were successfully performed at cadences ranging from 30 to 50 rpm. EMG signals were detected in all muscles from all participants. Modulation of EMG signals within the cycle was seen in most exercise conditions and participants, while modulation was most identifiable when participants produced larger levels of power. Increasing power production from 0 to 15 W led to an increase in the peak EMG activity of the trapezius muscle, as well as in four muscles below the lesion: deltoid, biceps and triceps brachialis, and extensor carpi radialis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Participants of all levels of impairment successfully performed the arm cycling exercises. Increasing power production up to 15W improved modulation of EMG signals during the cycle and increased activation of some muscles below the lesion, crossing the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. Including arm cycling exercises in rehabilitation programs should be considered to take advantage of spinal circuitry available below the level of injury and facilitate the recovery of upper extremity function after SCI.

AB0797 ULTRASONOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF ENTHESEAL INVOLVEMENT IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

Background:Entheseal involvement is a frequent and distinctive feature of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), often under diagnosed. It is especially associated with nail involvement. Because clinical examination is not sensitive enough for the detection of early signs of this involvement, US may be considered as an alternative imaging technique in the diagnosis of enthesopathy.Objectives:The aim of the present study is to evaluate US entheses abnormalities in PsA and their correlation with clinical characteristicsMethods:The study included patients diagnosed with PsA according to the CASPAR criteria. They underwent a thorough clinical examination with special regard to the presence of enthesitis using the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) Enthesitis Index.The US study bilaterally explored entheses at six sites: proximal plantar fascia, distal Achilles tendon, distal and proximal patellar tendon insertion, distal quadriceps tendon and distal brachial triceps tendon. We evaluated the following elemental lesions of enthesis at each site: thickness and structure of the tendon, calcifications, bursae, erosions, power Doppler signal in bursa or enthesis full tendon.Results:Of the 33 patients, 39.4 % were male. The mean age was 51.2±12.5 years. The mean disease duration was 13.5±10.2 years.The mean DAPSA was 22.8± 19.7 [0.1-84.5]: remission(n=9), low activity (n=5),moderate activity (n=11),high activity(n=8).At inclusion, 11 patients (33.4%) patients presented with psoriatic onychopathy (45 fingernails) with a mean mNAPSI of 14.1±16. Out of the 528 entheseal sites, 92 were tender at the palpation (17,4%) with a mean SPARCC at 2.87.A total of 396 entheseal sites were examined by US. In 140 of them (35.35%), US found at least 1 sign indicative of enthesopathy. The most affected tendon was the distal Achilles tendon (42/396), followed by proximal plantar fascia (32/396), distal patellar tendon (20/396), quadriceps tendon (20/396), distal brachial triceps tendon(14/396) and finally proximal patellar tendon (12/396).The most common elemental lesions were enthsophytes (176), erosions (114) and calcifications (50).We found a positive correlation between age and both calcification (r=0,4, p=0.021) and enthesophytes (r=0.479, p=0.005).We found a positive correlation between enthesophyte and the tender and swollen joints count (r= 0.352, p=0.045, r=0.378, p=0.03) and the SPARCC score (r=0.397, p=0.022).Patients with higher BASDAI had thicker tendons (r=0.355, p=0.05).Patients with nail dystrophy had more bursitis and erosions.US scores did not correlate with sexe, disease duration and disease activity measures (ASDAS, DAPSA, DAS28 and PASI). Patients with subclinical entheseal involvement didn’t have higher inflammatory biomarkers (ESR, CRP).Conclusion:US subclinical enthesopthy are not rare in psoriatic arthritis, in particular in patients with active disease.Clinical nail involvement was associated with bursitis and erosions. New studies including larger study groups are required to verify the findings of the present studyDisclosure of Interests:None declared

A 30-year-old patient with a C8 nerve root lesion: question

•A very uncommon case of cervical nerve root Ewing sarcoma was presented.•The preoperative diagnosis of such lesion is challenging.•The correct diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma is essential to plan an effective chemoradiotherapy. A 30-year-old woman presented with a 3-week history of pain and hypoesthesia of the ulnar side fingers of the left hand. The symptoms spread to the ipsilateral whole arm and shoulder, associated with weakness of the triceps brachialis. Neurological examination revealed also reduction of triceps and biceps brachialis reflexes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 5 × 7 × 9 mm low-enhancement lesion, localized at the left C8 nerve root (Fig. 1A, B). The patient underwent hemi-laminectomy with total removal of the lesion. a.Schwannomab.Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomac.Solitary fibrous tumord.Ewing sarcomae.Neurofibroma Answer on page: 240. Patient details and images have been anonymised. No conflict of interests by any of the authors. A 30-year-old patient with a C8 nerve root lesion: AnswerJournal of Clinical NeuroscienceVol. 77PreviewHistological examination showed nerve root fascicles infiltrated by a small round cell tumor (Fig. 2A) positive for vimentin, synaptophysin, CD99 and FL1, and negative for S-100, AE1/AE3, CD45 and CD56. Ki-67 labeling index reached 15%. FISH analysis revealed EWSR1 rearrangement (Fig. 2B), confirming the diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma. Postoperative course was uneventful, characterized by decrease of the pain and improvement of the neurological symptoms. A total-body CT and PET scans were negative, suggesting a primitive origin of the tumor from the C8 nerve root. Full-Text PDF

Utrophin, MHC and M1/M2 macrophages in GRMD dogs

Abstract Muscular dystrophies are hereditary diseases that lead to progressive degeneration of the skeletal musculature. Golden Retriever dogs are used as animal models because they show a hereditary muscle disease similar to muscular dystrophy in humans. Aims: To evaluate the immunostaining of M1 (CD68) and M2 (CD163) macrophages, MHC I, MHC II and, utrophin in muscles of Golden Retriever dogs affected by muscular dystrophy (GRMD). Methods: Samples from 17 male dogs affected by GRMD were divided into GI - dystrophic dogs up to one year of age; and GII - dystrophic dogs over one-year-old. Results: Immunostaining of CD163 was higher than CD68 in both GI and GII. CD68 showed no variation between groups of dystrophic animals. MHC class I immunostaining was most evident in the biceps femoris and triceps brachialis. MHC class II was expressed mildly in four dystrophic muscle types in GI and GII. Utrophin immunostaining was higher in GII. Conclusion: M2 macrophages were one of the main mononuclear inflammatory cells found in dystrophic muscles. The number of M2 in muscles of dogs with GRMD increases with age, linking this cell subtype to permanent muscle damage.

Sonographic Evaluation of Subclinical Enthesopathy in Patients of Chronic Plaque Psoriasis.

Background:Psoriasis is associated with spondyloarthropathy in 10%–30% of cases. Enthesitis is major feature of psoriatic arthritis. Ultrasonography can detect subclinical entheseal abnormalities in psoriasis patients.Objectives:To determine the prevalence of subclinical enthesopathy in psoriasis vulgaris using ultrasonography and evaluating its correlation with severity and duration of psoriasis.Materials and Methods:This study included 50 patients of psoriasis vulgaris and 50 healthy controls. Sonographic evaluation of six sites bilaterally (proximal plantar fascia, distal Achilles tendon, distal and proximal patellar ligaments, distal quadriceps, and brachial triceps tendons) were done in each subject. All Ultrasonographic findings were identified according to MASEI (Madrid sonography enthesitis index). Enthesopathy scores of patients and controls were compared and receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine cut off value of MASEI, above which ultrasound enthesitis of clinical significance could be diagnosed.Results:31 (62%) psoriasis patients had subclinical enthesopathy of clinical significance as compared to only 5 (10%) of controls. Mean MASEI score between psoriasis cases and control was statistically different, 12.72 ± 7.55 (Mean ± SD) and (5.14 ± 4.69), respectively (P value 0.000001).The receiver operating characteristic curve established an ultrasound score of >11 as the best cut-off to differentiate between subject with enthesopathy of clinical significance from those with enthesopathy of unknown significance. No statistically significant correlation was found between the degree of enthesopathy (MASEI score) and duration and severity of the psoriasis.Conclusion:Ultrasonography can effectively screen subclinical entheseal abnormalities in psoriasis patients.

Are the Effects of High-Intensity Exercise Training Different in Patients with COPD Versus COPD+Asthma Overlap?

This study aimed to investigate whether patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presenting asthma overlap (ACO) benefit similarly in comparison to patients with only COPD after a 12-week high-intensity exercise training (ET) program. Subjects with a diagnosis of COPD alone or ACO were evaluated and compared before and after a high-intensity ET program composed of walking and cycling plus strengthening exercises of the upper and lower limbs (3days/week, 3months, 36 sessions). Assessments included spirometry, bioelectrical impedance, 6-min walk test (6MWT), London Chest Activity of Daily Living Scale (LCADL), Hospital anxiety and depression Scale, modified Medical Research Council Scale (mMRC), Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and respiratory and peripheral muscle strength [manovacuometry and 1-repetition maximum test (quadriceps femoris, biceps and triceps brachialis), respectively]. ACO was defined according to Sin et al. (Eur Respir J 48(3):664-673, 2016). The sample was composed of 74 subjects (57% male, age 67 ± 8years, BMI 26 (21-32) kg/m2, FEV1 47 ± 17%predicted), and 12 (16%) of them were classified as presenting ACO. Both groups improved pulmonary function, 6MWT, peripheral and inspiratory muscle strength, LCADL, and SGRQ after ET (p < 0.005 for all). There were no significant interactions between ACO and COPD on ET effects (p > 0.05 for all). Likewise, there was no difference in the proportion of patients achieving the minimum clinical important difference for 6MWT and mMRC. High-intensity exercise training generates similar benefits in patients with COPD regardless of whether presenting asthma overlap or not.

Ischemic preconditioning has no effect on maximal arm cycling exercise in women.

We investigated the effect of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on performance of a 3min maximal effort arm ergometer test in young women. Twenty healthy women (23.1 (SD 3.3) years) performed a 3min maximal effort arm cycling exercise, preceded by IPC on both arms or SHAM in a counterbalanced randomized crossover design. Both blood flow (via high resolution ultrasound; n = 17) and muscle oxygenation/deoxygenation (via near infrared spectroscopy; n = 5) were measured throughout the IPC/SHAM. Performance and perceptual/physiological (i.e., heart rate, blood lactate, rating of perceived exertion, and triceps brachialis oxygenation) parameters were recorded during the exercise test. Occlusion during IPC completely blocked brachial artery blood flow, decreased oxygenated hemoglobin/myoglobin (Δ[oxy(Hb + Mb)]), and increased deoxygenated Hb/Mb (Δ[deoxy(Hb + Mb)]). There were no differences (P > 0.797) in performance (peak, mean, and end power output) or in any perceptual/physiological variables during the 3min all-out test between IPC/SHAM. During exercise, Δ[oxy(Hb + Mb)] initially decreased with no differences (P ≥ 0.296) between conditions and returned towards baseline by the completion of the test while Δ[deoxy(Hb + Mb)] increased with no differences between conditions and remained elevated until completion of the test (P ≥ 0.755). We verified the successful application of IPC via blood flow and NIRS measures but found no effects on performance of a 3min maximal effort arm cranking test in young women.

Absence of hyperexcitability of spinal motoneurons in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

•Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) motoneurons become hypoexcitable with disease progression in experimental models, raising questions about the neural hyperexcitability supported by clinical observations. •A variant of the ∆F method, based on motor unit discharge frequency modulations during recruitment and derecruitment, has been developed to investigate the motoneuron capacity to self-sustained discharge in patients. •The modulation of motor unit firing rate during ramp contraction and vibration-induced recruitment are modified in ALS, suggesting lower motoneuron capacity to self-sustained discharge, which is a sign of hypoexcitability. •∆F-D decreases with functional impairment and its reduction is more pronounced in fast progressors. •In patients with ALS, motoneurons exhibit hypoexcitability, which increases with disease progression. Experimental models have primarily revealed spinal motoneuron hypoexcitability in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is contentious considering the role of glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in neurodegeneration and clinical features rather supporting hyperexcitability. This phenomenon was evaluated in human patients by investigating changes in motor unit firing during contraction and relaxation. Twenty-two ALS patients with subtle motor deficits and 28 controls performed tonic contractions of extensor carpi radialis, triceps brachialis, tibialis anterior and quadriceps, aiming to isolate a low-threshold unit (U1) on the electromyogram (EMG). Subsequently, they performed a stronger contraction or tendon vibration was delivered, to recruit higher threshold unit (U2) for 10s before they relaxed progressively. EMG and motor unit potential analyses suggest altered neuromuscular function in all muscles, including those with normal strength (Medical Research Council score at 5). During the preconditioning tonic phase, U1 discharge frequency did not differ significantly between groups. During recruitment, the increase in U1 frequency (∆F-R) was comparable between groups both during contraction and tendon vibration. During derecruitment, the decrease in U1 frequency (∆F-D) was reduced in ALS regardless of the recruitment mode, particularly for ∆F-R<8Hz in the upper limbs, consistent with the muscle weakness profile of the group. ∆F-D was associated with functional disability and its reduction was more pronounced in patients with more rapid disease progression rate. This in vivo study has demonstrated reduced motoneuron capacity for self-sustained discharge, and further supports that motoneurons are normo- to hypoexcitable in ALS patients, similar to observations in experimental models.

Correlation between Affected Arm Muscle Activity and Global Synkinesis in Patients with Stroke

Background: Although there are interventions available for the improvement of arm functions of patients with stroke, measuring changes in global synkinesis (GS) according to changes in the muscle activity of paretic and nonparetic side muscles is an important factor and studies to investigate such potential factors are evaluated necessary. Objective: To examine the correlation between the affected arm muscle activity and GS changes in patients with stroke. Design: Randomized controlled trial Methods: In order to measure muscle activities of 30 stroke patients, anterior deltoid, posterior deltoid, biceps brachii and triceps brachii of the affected arms were measured using surface electromyography (EMG) and for analyzing GS, biceps brachii and triceps brachi of the affected arms were measured using the same instrument. Results: When the correlations between the muscle activity and GS of the affected arm were analyzed, the results showed significant correlations between the posterior deltoid and the triceps brachii(p < .01) and between the triceps brachii and GS(p < .05). Conclusion: : The results of this study suggest that the efficient movements of the affected arms of stroke patients, it is possible to increase extensor activity by improving smooth antagonism of the arm.

농구 3점 슛 동작 시 거리증가에 따른 성공과 실패의 근활성도 비교분석

The purpose of this study is to muscle activity comparison of success and failure factors with increasing distance in basketball 3-point shoot. To achieve this goal, the factors were compared and analyzed by the variables including muscle activity, and those to show the significant difference were analyzed on the success and failure factors by the distance. The conclusions are as follows.BR First, musculus flexor carpi radialis which is wrist flexor was found as the success factor by increasing the shooting distance of 3-point shooting upon the success and failure analysis in the basketball games.BR Second, no significant difference by the periods was found in erector spinae muscle which is extensor of upper body.BR Third, brachial triceps which is extensor of elbow joint was shown to be a success factor by increasing the distance.BR Fourth, no significant difference was found by the periods for the muscle activity of vastus medialis which is extensor of knee.BR Fifth, Medial gastrocnemius muscle which is flexor plantare of the ankle showed the significant difference by increasing the distance during the preparation period.