Trunk Flexor Research Articles

Individual Determinants as the Causes of Failure in Learning to Swim with the Example of 10-Year-Old Children.

Background: The purpose of the present study was to identify which, and to what extent, selected individual determinants of 10-year-old children may limit the final achievement in learning to swim. In view of the above, the research hypothesis was formulated that some children, despite regular attendance at swimming classes, do not achieve the learning outcomes set in the curriculum. The reason for this may be unfavorable (compared to their peers) morphological and functional characteristics, coordination motor abilities, and problems with fear of water. Methods: The study was conducted on a group of 271 students from the third grade of elementary schools who could not swim when they entered the physical education classes at the swimming pool and then participated in at least 25 swimming lessons during the school year. After these classes, the students performed swimming tests, and their somatic and functional characteristics and coordination motor abilities were measured. Results: In 46.1% of the participants, the final achievement level was lower than assumed in the school curriculum. The biggest problem for teachers and students in the initial teaching and learning to swim was the high fear of water, especially among girls. Furthermore, children characterized by lower body height and body weight, a lower sum of three skinfolds, and lower BMI had problems with progress in swimming. Despite the differences, these values did not correlate significantly with the final achievement level in swimming, except for body height in boys. Slower progress in swimming was also associated with lower vital capacity, whereas no relationship was found between final achievement level in swimming and trunk flexibility or foot mobility. However, significant correlations occurred for coordination motor abilities, as in almost all tests the participants characterized by the achievement level below the objectives set out in the curriculum performed significantly worse than children in the group with the achievement level meeting the objectives. Conclusions: In many cases, children who begin learning to swim from scratch make significant progress, but for many of them, the achievement levels are lower than the requirements set out in the school curriculum. The biggest problem for teachers and students in the initial teaching and learning to swim was the high fear of water, especially among girls.

Physical Predictors of Favorable Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Laminectomy or Laminotomy for Central Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Study DesignSecondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.ObjectiveTo identify preoperative physical variables associated with favorable postoperative outcome in individuals undergoing laminectomy or laminotomy for degenerative central lumbar spinal stenosis.Summary of Background DataClinical or condition specific variables have most commonly been studied as predictors of postoperative outcome in lumbar spinal stenosis. If associated to favorable postoperative outcome, modifiable physical variables would inform prehabilitation interventions for patients with degenerative central lumbar spinal stenosis.MethodsPatients awaiting surgery for central lumbar spinal stenosis were recruited to participate in a randomized controlled trial. Following baseline data collection of demographics, clinical portrait and physical testing, participants were randomized to either 6-week active prehabilitation program or hospital standard care. Complete baseline and postoperative data were obtained from 58 participants which were included in the present analysis. Favorable postoperative outcome was determined based on two outcome measures. Favorable outcome was defined as a decrease of ≥30% on the Numerical Rating Scale for leg pain intensity and a decrease of ≥30% on the Oswestry Disability Index for low back disability. Baseline physical variables were used to conduct binary logistic regression.ResultsSixty percent of participants were determined as having a favorable postoperative outcome. None of the included physical variables were found to be predictors of a favorable postoperative outcome based on leg pain intensity and low back pain-associated disability [trunk flexors muscle strength (OR = 0.73; 95%CI (0.02–27.12)] lumbar extensors muscle endurance [OR= 1.09; 95%CI (0.95–1.24)] total ambulation time [OR = 1.00 95%CI (0.99–1.01)] lumbar active range of motion in extension [OR = 1.08; 95%CI (0.95–1.23)] and knee extensors muscle strength [OR=1.02; 95%CI (0.98–1.06)].ConclusionResults show that none of the investigated variables, all related to low back and lower limbs physical capacity, were predictors of postoperative recovery. Further testing in larger cohort is needed to assess the full potential of physical outcome measures as predictors of postoperative recovery.

Lumbopelvic stabilization versus Pilates exercises on spatiotemporal gait parameters in chronic nonspecific low back pain

Aim of the work: The purpose of the current study is to trace and investigate how lumbopelvic stabilization and Pilates exercises affect the spatiotemporal aspects of gait in persistent nonspecific low back pain cases (NS-CLBP). Methods: Patients with NS-CLBP (N=90) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: group A (stabilization + traditional therapy), group B (Pilates plus traditional therapy), and group C (conventional therapy) in a single-blinded randomized clinical trial with 12 treatments over six weeks. A Walkway pressure measurement system was used to determine both spatial and temporal parameters. The Visual Analog Scale, Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire, Biering–Sorensen test, and trunk flexion endurance test were adopted successfully to assess pain, function, and isometric endurance of trunk extensor and flexor. Results: According to a cross-group analysis, a statistically significant effect was found when p = 0.001 and f-value = 3.12. Also, a statistically clear interaction was figured out between treatment and time when p = 0.0001 and f-value = 3.44. Following therapy, the Pilates group showed a decrease in temporal parameters, pain, and functional impairment, as well as an increase in cadence and velocity (p 0.05).

Tracking of physical fitness levels from childhood and adolescence to adulthood: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Prospective and large studies indicate that high physical fitness levels during young are beneficial for health during adulthood. The aim of the study was to investigate the tracking of physical fitness components from childhood and/or adolescence to adulthood. Two authors systematically searched MEDLINE and Web of Science electronic databases for relevant articles. Studies with apparently healthy youth aged 6-18 years who track their physical fitness to adulthood were included. Our study carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Correlation coefficients (r) were used as effect size. Random-effects models were used to estimate the pooled effect size. Correlation coefficients were interpreted as follows: <0.30 low stability, 0.30 to 0.60 moderate stability, and >0.60 high stability. Risk of bias of each study was determined by The Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-sectional Studies. Twenty-one prospective studies were included in the meta-analysis (n=6,197 participants at follow-up, 47.4% women). The mean length of follow-up was 20.8 years. Overall, cardiorespiratory fitness (r=0.38; 95% CI: 0.29-0.48; I2=92.7%), muscular strength (r=0.51; 95% CI: 0.43-0.59; I2=87.9%), and muscular endurance (r=0.50; 95% CI: 0.36-0.86; I2=94.5%) show moderate tracking from childhood and/or adolescence to adulthood, independent of test used and length of follow-up. This moderate tracking was slightly stronger in women than in men and from adolescence compared to childhood. Trunk flexibility component, assessed with the sit and reach test, exhibits high stability (r=0.69; 95% CI: 0.58-0.81; I2=92.9%). Interestingly, meta-regression analysis shows positive association between correlation coefficient for flexibility and the length of follow-up (β =0.017; 95% CI: 0.012-0.021). Although the current study found inconsistency between results, the findings suggest that acquiring high physical fitness levels should be targeted already from childhood and adolescence given that low levels of fitness in adulthood are related with several chronic diseases and mortality. Registration number CRD42021279143.

Spinal mobility and muscle function in middle-aged patients treated for early onset idiopathic scoliosis: compared with untreated and treated adolescent onset patients

PurposeTo determine long-term outcome in terms of spinal range of motion (ROM) and trunk muscle endurance (TME) patients treated for idiopathic scoliosis, diagnosed before the age of ten, were evaluated and compared with untreated or treated patients with idiopathic scoliosis with adolescent onset (AIS).MethodsSixty-three braced and 53 operated patients underwent examination of spinal ROM and TME. Validated questionnaires were used for evaluation of back function.ResultsA total of 116 patients were examined 26.5 years after treatment. Braced EOS patients had longer bracing time and operated EOS patients had longer fusions compared to the respective AIS groups. Braced EOS patients had similar total ROM (thoracic ROM 40°, lumbar ROM 78°) and TME (trunk flexors 140 s, trunk extensors 255 s) as untreated AIS patients (thoracic ROM 34°, lumbar ROM 88°, trunk flexor endurance 158 s, trunk extensor endurance 234 s). Braced patients also had significantly better results than braced AIS patients. Operated EOS patients were slightly but significantly stronger and more mobile compared to AIS peers. The lumbar ROM was found to affect the back function in the operated EOS group (Oswestry Questionnaire, rs = 0.49, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe braced EOS patients had mostly similar muscle strength and mobility as the untreated but younger AIS group, while the braced AIS group showed reductions of both strength and mobility. Similar significant, but small, differences were also found between operated EOS and AIS patients. Especially for muscle strength were findings at a level that would be of significant clinical importance.Levels of evidenceIII.

Physical Function in Amateur Athletes with Lumbar Disc Herniation and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Case-Control Study.

This study aimed to analyze if chronic low back pain (LBP) and lumbar disc herniation induce biomechanics, flexibility, body balance, physical activity, and muscular function alterations compared to a similar asymptomatic cohort. Fifty male volunteers (n = 25 with chronic LBP and lumbar disc herniation and n = 25 pain-free subjects) were enrolled. Range of motion (internal and external hip rotation, ankle dorsiflexion, and active straight leg raise, ASLR), trunk flexibility (finger–floor distance), body balance (Y-balance test) and muscle function (Biering–Sorensen test, prone and lateral bridges) outcomes were assessed. Comparative analyses between sides and group were conducted. Results: Patients showed greater weight and BMI compared with controls (p < 0.05). None of the outcomes bilaterally assessed showed side-to-side differences for pain-free participants (all, p > 0.05) or LBP patients (all, p > 0.05). Regarding the differences between groups, LBP patients showed limited internal hip rotation (p < 0.001), finger–floor distance (p < 0.001), body balance (p < 0.001), and muscle endurance (planks p < 0.001; Biering–Sorensen test p < 0.05). External hip rotation, ASLR, and ankle dorsiflexion range of movement were comparable in both groups (p > 0.05). The sample of pain-free amateur athletes showed greater range of movement for internal hip rotation, lower finger–floor distance, better body balance, and muscle function. However, the external hip rotation, ankle dorsiflexion, and ASLR tests showed no difference between cases and controls.

Correlation between upper limb function and clinical measures of shoulder and trunk mobility and strength in overhead athletes with shoulder pain

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between functional performance and self-reported upper limb function and between these two functional measures and clinical measures of shoulder and trunk in overhead athletes with shoulder pain. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingsLaboratory. ParticipantsTwenty-one volleyball and handball athletes (23.6 ± 3.7 years) with shoulder pain in the dominant limb. Main outcome measuresSelf-reported dominant upper limb function using Penn Shoulder Score and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; shoulder and trunk range of motion; isometric strength of shoulder, periscapular, and trunk muscles; endurance time of trunk muscles; and functional upper limb performance using the Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (UQYBT). ResultsA moderate correlation was observed (r = 0.45–0.58; p < 0.05) between UQYBT performance and strength of serratus anterior, lower trapezius, trunk rotators, and trunk flexors. No significant correlation was observed between UQYBT performance and the other clinical measures of shoulder and trunk (r = 0.01–0.39, p > 0.05). Self-reported upper limb function was neither significantly correlated with clinical measures (r = 0.01–0.40, p > 0.05) nor with UQYBT performance (r = 0.02–0.19, p > 0.05). ConclusionWe observed a correlation between UQYBT performance and strength of periscapular and trunk muscles.

Poor Trunk Flexibility is Associated with Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Background: Poor flexibility is a predictor of reduced physical activity. The association between trunk flexibility and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) is not well understood. Objective: To identify the prevalence of CVRFs and their association with trunk flexibility in individuals participating in a community-based health education program. Methods: Volunteers (51 men, 48 women) aged 20-85 years old, participants in a community-based health education program in the city of Santo Antônio de Goiás, Brazil, were selected for this study. Anthropometric measures [...]

Effects of two training programs on health variables in adults with chronic low back pain: a randomized clinical trial.

Aim: To analyze the effects of two training programs on health variables in adults with low back pain (LBP). Methods: Thirty-eight adults were randomly divided into three groups: resistance training (RG); resistance training with core training (RCG) and control (CG). Results: There were reductions in body mass index (BMI) in RG and RCG, waist circumference in RG and RCG, pain in RG, RCG and CG, CK in RCG, stress in RG and RCG, functional deficiency in RG and RCGand increases in trunk flexor and extensor strength in the RG and RCG. Conclusion: Resistance training, with or without core training exercises, reduced the levels of LBP, functional disability, stressand CK, and increased the strength of trunk flexors and extensors. Trial registration: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry: ReBEC (RBR-5khzxz).

Alteração postural, dor lombar e a resistência dos músculos do tronco em jovens universitárias

Abstract Introduction: Low back pain, the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder, is common in individuals with postural changes and has a high incidence in university students. Trunk muscle instability and weakness can contribute to the presence of low back pain. However, no research has investigated the relationship between low back pain in conjunction with postural changes and the resistance of the trunk stabilizing muscles. Objective: To analyze the correlation between postural alterations and muscular resistance of the trunk of women with and without low back pain. Methods: Forty university women were recruited and divided into a group with low back pain (n = 20; 20.85 ± 1.69 years) and a group without low back pain (n = 20; 20.05 ± 2.54 years). On the first day, the postural assessment was carried out by photogrammetry with Kinovea software. On the second day, the resistance tests of the trunk flexor and extensor muscles, lateral and ventral plank, bridge, and lumbar traction were performed through the traction dynamometer. Pearson's correlation test was applied to verify the relationship between the analyzed variables, Student's T test was used for comparison between groups, and a significance level of p &lt; 0.05 was adopted. Results: There was no correlation between the variables related to postural changes and muscle resistance tests (p &gt; 0.05). There was a difference between the groups only for the bridge exercise test (p = 0.04) and vertical alignment of the head, left lateral view (p = 0.041), and right lateral view (p = 0.034). Conclusion: This study did not show a direct and significant relationship between postural changes in young university students with and without complaints of low back pain and resistance of the trunk-stabilizing muscles.

Isometric Trunk Strength Assessment of Athletes: Effects of Sex, Sport, and Low Back Pain History.

The importance of isometric trunk strength (ITS) among sport science professionals is higher than its actual reported effect size on either performance or low back pain (LBP) occurrence. To provide normative values of ITS and strength ratios, and to evaluate the effect of sex, sports discipline, and LBP status. Crossover study. University research laboratory. Five hundred and sixty-seven elite athletes (186 females) with and without a history of LBP from different sports. Participants underwent ITS testing for trunk flexors, extensors, and lateral flexors. Normalized maximal strength (in newton meter per kilogram) and strength ratios were calculated. Differences between sex, LBP, and sport disciplines were assessed with 3-way analysis of variance (sex × LBP status × 7 sport categories) and partial eta-squared (ηp2) effect size. The predictive validity of ITS for LBP was checked with receiver operating characteristics (area under the curve). The authors found significant differences in extensor and flexor ITS in favor of male athletes (medium ηp2, P < .05), while sex differences in lateral flexion ITS had a low size effect (P < .05). A low size effect was also observed for the differences in strength ratios extensors/flexors (mean 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-1.50) and left flexors/right flexors (mean 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.98-1.01) among sexes. The sport discipline-related differences generally had a low size effect. No significant differences in ITS were found between LBP and LBP-free athletes. Only 50% to 58% of athletes (area under the curve, 0.501-0.582) were correctly classified as LBP or LBP-free using different ITS and strength ratio variables. ITS and strength ratios have low predictive validity for LBP history but may discriminate between sex and sport disciplines. Our data are a useful reference point for meaningful individual results interpretation when athletes are evaluated during training or rehabilitation.

The Influence of Cultural Experiences on the Associations between Socio-Economic Status and Motor Performance as Well as Body Fat Percentage of Grade One Learners in Cape Town, South Africa.

Fundamental movement skills (FMS), physical fitness (PF) and body fat percentage (BF%) are significantly related to socio-economic status (SES). However, it remains unclear why previous studies have had different findings regarding the direction of the association between SES and FMS, PF and BF%. A suggested explanation is that the direction of the link can be influenced by cultural experiences and traditions. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate links between SES and FMS, PF, BF% of Grade One learners from two different ethno-geographic areas in Cape Town, South Africa. Grade One children (n = 191) (n = 106 boys and n = 85 girls; age (6.7 ± 0.33)) from different socio-economic areas in Cape Town, South Africa, were selected to participate in the study. South African schools are classified into five different quintiles (1 = poorest and 5 = least poor public schools). For this study, two schools were selected, one from quintile 2 and the other from quintile 5. BF% was assessed according to Slaughter’s equation. FMS were measured using the Gross Motor Development Test-2 (TGMD-2) and PF via five tests: 1. dynamic strength of lower limb (broad jump); 2. dynamic strength of upper limb and trunk (throwing a tennis ball); 3. speed agility (4 × 10 m shuttle running); 4. cardiorespiratory fitness (20 m shuttle run endurance test (Leger test)) and 5. flexibility (sit and reach test). An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) found that BF% and WHtR were significantly greater in children with higher SES (Z = 6.04 p < 0.001; Hedg = 0.54), (Z = 3.89 p < 0.001; Hedg = 0.32). Children with lower SES achieved significantly better TGMD-2 standard scores in the locomotor subtest, compared to their peers with higher SES. In the object control subtest, no significant SES-related difference was found. However, ANCOVA showed that girls performed better in FMS than boys. In PF, the main effect of SES was observed in dynamic strength of trunk and upper limb (throwing) and flexibility, where children with lower SES performed significantly better. No significant difference was found in cardiorespiratory performance (CRP) (Beep test), even though children with lower SES achieved better results. Results from the current study suggest that links between SES, PF, FMS and body fat percentage in children seem to be dependent on cultural and traditional experiences. These experiences should therefore be included as an important factor for the development of programmes and interventions to enhance children’s lifelong motor behaviour and health strategies.

Comparison of the Upper and Lower Extremity and Trunk Muscle Masses between Children with Down Syndrome and Children with Typical Development

ABSTRACT Purpose Comparison of not only the upper and lower extremity but also trunk muscle masses measured by means of an ultrasound imaging device between children with Down syndrome (DS) and children with typical development (TD). Methods The study included 35 children with TD (TD group) and 26 children with DS (DS group). The upper and lower extremity and trunk muscle thicknesses were measured using an ultrasound imaging device. Results The thicknesses of the rectus abdominis, obliquus externus and internus abdominis, rectus femoris, and short head of the biceps femoris muscles were significantly lower in the DS group than in the TD group. The thicknesses of the other upper and lower extremity and trunk muscles did not differ significantly between the groups. Conclusions The results of this study demonstrated lower masses of trunk flexor and knee extensor and flexor muscles in children with DS compared to those in children with TD.

The Influence of Practical Curricular Courses on the Upper Body Flexibility in the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Students

The range and quality of sports technique is conditioned by flexibility. This study analyzes the effects of practical activities that are specific to the first year FPES Galati courses on the upper body flexibility. Over the course of the academic year 2017-2018, the investigated group (composed of 27 girls and 46 boys) has constantly participated for 28 weeks in the 6 practical courses (gymnastics, track and field, swimming, football, volleyball, ice skating), divided in a balanced way throughout the two semesters. The analysis and comparison of the results for the two sexes, during the initial and final tests, applied at the beginning and the end of the academic year, show a superiority of the girls' flexibility in almost all events. The Wilcoxon test for paired samples has identified significant progress between the initial and final assessments in the female group, in 4 of the tests (Right lateral trunk flexibility Combined spine-hip flexibility, Shoulder flexibility, Vertical arm flexibility), recording Z values corresponding to thresholds of P&lt;0.05; however, in the male group, no significant progress was recorded not even in one of the tests, all Z values corresponding to thresholds of P&gt;0.05. The investigation of the differences recorded between independent samples, using the Mann Whitney U test, has identified significant increases in the girls' values in only 3 events, during the initial tests, and in 4 during the final ones, even if the girls' average values are higher than the boys' values for most tests. In conclusion, the boys did not record significant improvements in their performances, only a slight increase or the same values over the course of the investigated period; the girls however, recorded results that show a potential of optimizing their flexibility at this age. The authors recommend that an increased attention should be given during practical courses to develop the students' flexibility as a favoring factor of motion fluidity and improvement of the students' motor potential.

Effects of aquatic therapy on people with osteopenia or osteoporosis: A systematic review

Background Aquatic exercises have been widely used to treat people with osteopenia and osteoporosis (OP), claiming that they may improve balance; nonetheless, there is still controversy on its use for this population. Objectives To investigate the effects of aquatic exercise (AE) on people with osteopenia or OP. Methods Systematic review that included clinical trials, with at least one AE group and a control group. The electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Scopus and Web of Science were searched. The risk of bias assessment was performed independently by two reviewers with the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2). Results A total of 1793 articles were identified, and 7 articles were considered eligible, mostly considered as of low risk of bias. The total sample size was composed of 562 women (mean ages between 58.6 ± 6.7 and 73.3 ± 3.9). The interventions were supplementation, pharmacological treatment and protocols both of land-based exercises (LE) and AE. Outcomes were quality of life, functionality, balance, function, mobility, handgrip, lower limbs and trunk strength, flexibility and pain, with controversial results on all variables. Conclusions Even though AE seem to be beneficial for people with osteopenia or OP, protocols for evaluation and treatment are heterogeneous and did not allow a meta-analysis computation. As such, it was not possible to conclude if AE are beneficial to people with osteopenia or OP. Trial Registration This systematic review was registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO [OMITTED FOR BLINDING PURPOSES]).

Assessment of the Kinematic Adaptations in Parkinson's Disease Using the Gait Profile Score: Influences of Trunk Posture, a Pilot Study.

Introduction: Postural abnormalities are common in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and lead to gait abnormalities. Relationships between changes in the trunk posture of PD patients and gait profile score (GPS) and gait spatiotemporal parameters are poorly investigated. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationships between trunk posture, GPS, and gait spatiotemporal parameters, in patients with PD. Materials and Methods: Twenty-three people with PD and nineteen age-matched healthy people participated in this study. A 3D gait kinematical analysis was applied to all participants using the Plug-In Gait Full BodyTM tool. Trunk and limb kinematics patterns and gait spatio-temporal parameters of patients with PD and the control group were compared. Additionally, correlations between trunk kinematics patterns, gait spatio-temporal parameters, and GPS of the PD group were tested. Results: Cadence, opposite foot off, step time, single support, double support, foot off, gait speed, trunk kinematics, and GPS showed significant differences between the two groups (p ≤ 0.05). Posture of the trunk during gait was not related to the spatio-temporal parameters and gait profile score in the PD group. The trunk flexor pattern influenced GPS domains, mainly of the ankle and the knee. Discussion and Conclusions: Flexed posture of the trunk in patients with PD seems to influence both ankle and knee movement patterns during the gait. The GPS analysis provided direct and simplified kinematic information for the PD group. These results may have implications for understanding the importance of considering the positioning of the trunk during gait.

The Effects of Stabilization Exercises Combined With Pelvic Floor Exercise in Women With Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Study

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of stabilization exercises (SEs) combined with pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercises versus SE alone on pain intensity, functional disability, and static and dynamic endurance of trunk muscles in women with nonspecific low back pain (LBP). MethodsA total of 48 women with nonspecific LBP (26-45 years) participated in the study. They were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Group A received SEs combined with PFM exercises and physical therapy modalities, and group B received the same intervention without PFM exercises for 6 successive weeks (3 times/wk). Pain intensity, functional disability, and static and dynamic trunk muscle endurance were measured before and after treatment program. ResultsAfter treatment, both groups revealed significant improvements in pain intensity and functional disability scores (P ˂ .05), and significant increases in static and dynamic endurance of trunk flexor and extensor muscles (P ˂ .05). Moreover, there was higher significance in group A compared to group B regarding pain intensity, functional disability scores, and static and dynamic endurance of trunk muscles (P ˂ .05). ConclusionIn this study, the addition of PFM exercise to the SE and physical therapy modalities was more effective in reducing pain intensity, improving functional disability, and increasing the static and dynamic trunk muscle endurance in women with nonspecific LBP compared to SE alone.

Acute Effects of Foam Rolling Exercises on Arterial Stiffness, Flexibility and Autonomic Nervous System Function in Young and Middle-Aged Women

PURPOSE: Arterial stiffness is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and inversely associated with flexibility. Self-myofascial release (SMR) using a foam roller is a popular intervention to improve flexibility, restore the muscles, fascia, tendons, and ligaments, and regain soft-tissue extensibility. This study aimed to investigate whether a single bout of SMR has a beneficial effect on arterial stiffness and the function of the autonomic nervous system and the relationships among these variables in young and middle-aged women by age.METHODS: Ten healthy young (23.20±0.59 years) and 10 middle-aged women (44.50±0.91 years) completed an instructed SMR using a foam roller. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), augmentation index (AIx), trunk flexibility, shoulder flexibility, heart rate variability, including standard deviation of normal R-R intervals (SDNN), and the root mean square of the standard deviation of the time between heartbeats (RMSSD) were measured before and after one 30-minutes bout of SMR.RESULTS: After one bout of SMR, trunk and shoulder flexibility increased in both groups of women, while AIx decreased significantly (from 6.9±2.9 to -1.9±4.6%, p=.0072, young women group; from 22.1±3.4 to 14.7±1.7%, p=.0049, middle-aged women group). However, the baPWV, RMSSD, and SDNN did not change. In the analysis of correlations between all measured variables, changes in AIx showed negative correlations with flexibility and SDNN.CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that one bout of SMR using a foam roller positively affected arterial stiffness in women by reducing AIx and improving flexibility.

CHRONIC BACK PAIN - EFFECTS OF THE STABILIZATION EXERCISES ON PAIN, RANGE OF MOTION AND FUNCTIONAL DISABILITY, THE MANAGEMENT OF THE PATIENTS

&lt;p&gt;Background: The worldwide prevalence of chronic spinal pain is 19.6% in them aged 19-23 years and more prevalent in females. Routine physiotherapy seems to be effective in reducing pain and improving functional outcome in patients with chronic back pain. Back stabilization exercises are in trend in the management of chronic pain, it is not known whether the addition of these exercises produces better results even though the patient has pain during execution. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of back stabilization exercises on pain, ROM and functional inability to manage chronic back pain. A random trial in: Period: February 2021 to July 2021. Methods: 42 patients with back pain (3 patients dropped out of the study). Participants were recruited through intentional sampling technique. The tools used for data collection were NPRS, Modified ODI, Goniometry (Lumbar Bending, stretching and lateral bends) and MMT (Trunk Flexors and Clamps). The data were analyzed at the beginning and later after 2 weeks of intervention (8 sessions). Results: 20 males and 19 females participated in the study. After 2 weeks of intervention this treatment showed improvement in reducing pain and improving functional status. SE had shown significant gains in NPRS p = 0.001, modified ODI p = 0.001, ROM Extension p = 0.027, ROM Curvature on the right side p = 0.024 and MMT Flexion p = 0.031. Conclusion: Stabilization exercises have been found to be effective in managing chronic back pain in terms of pain reduction and functional inability.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0982/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Can recreational physical activity improve trunk and hamstring flexibility in older adults in the Covid-19 pandemic?

Can recreational physical activity improve trunk and hamstring flexibility in older adults in the Covid-19 pandemic?