Upper-body Muscle Research Articles

A Cross-Sectional Study of Physical Fitness and Risk of Hypertension in Korean Adults Aged 20-59.

Intervention for hypertension in young age groups is very important. Adults in their 30s and 40s in Korea are the main producers of economic activity. Stress in work life, frequent drinking and smoking, an unhealthy diet, and a lack of physical activity are the biggest factors that increase the risk of high blood pressure. This study analyzed obesity-related body composition, physical fitness, and risk according to age and sex by analyzing population-based hypertension and physical fitness trends in individuals aged 20-59 years in 360,321 Korean adults via National Physical Award Project (NFAP) data points collected from 2012 to 2019. The functional fitness test battery for adults was composed of seven components: (a) aerobic endurance (2-min step), (b) upper body muscle strength (hand grip strength), (c) lower body muscle endurance (sit-ups), (d) flexibility (sit and reach), (e) cardiopulmonary endurance (progressive aerobic capacity endurance run), (f) body compositions (body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference [WC]), and (g) blood pressure. For all items, there was a significant difference in blood pressure according to people's physical fitness levels. Specifically, for obesity-related BMI and WC, the higher the obesity, the higher the blood pressure (post hoc, obesity > overweight > normal > underweight). It was also confirmed that the lower the grade, that is, the weaker the grip, the higher the blood pressure (post hoc, 4 > 3 > 2 > 1). Subsequently, in identifying the risk factors for high blood pressure, the physical fitness level (Model 1) and obesity-related indicator (Model 2) differed by 1.024 and 1.335 times, respectively. Finally, it was confirmed that the risk of high blood pressure in the age and gender model (Model 3) increased by 1.388 times. In addition to the recommendation for changes in blood pressure, significant differences in blood pressure according to physical fitness and significant effects on blood pressure risk in terms of age, obesity-related body composition, and physical fitness were confirmed.

The impact of bilateral anodal transcranial direct current stimulation of the premotor and cerebellar cortices on physiological and performance parameters of gymnastic athletes: a randomized, cross-over, sham-controlled study

Professional sports performance relies critically on the interaction between the brain and muscles during movement. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique which modulates cortical excitability and can be used to improve motor performance in athletes. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of bilateral anodal tDCS (2 mA, 20 min) over the premotor cortex or cerebellum on motor and physiological functions and peak performance of professional gymnastics athletes. Seventeen professional gymnastics athletes participated in a randomized, sham-controlled, crossover study. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of two anodal tDCS protocols (2 mA, 20 min) with stimulation over the bilateral premotor cortex or cerebellum with the return electrodes placed over the opposite supraorbital areas. Power speed, strength coordination, endurance, static and dynamic strength, static and dynamic flexibility, and rating of perceived exertion were measured before and immediately after tDCS interventions (bilateral anodal tDCS over premotor cortices, anodal tDCS over the cerebellum, and sham tDCS). Additionally, physiological muscle performance parameters, including maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of upper body muscles, were assessed during tDCS. Bilateral anodal tDCS over the premotor cortex, compared to anodal tDCS over the cerebellum and sham tDCS conditions, significantly improved power speed, strength coordination, and static and dynamic strength variables of professional gymnastics athletes. Furthermore, bilateral anodal tDCS over the cerebellum, compared to sham tDCS, significantly improved strength coordination. Moreover, bilateral premotor anodal tDCS significantly increased MVIC of all upper body muscles during stimulation, while anodal tDCS over the cerebellum increased MVIC in only some muscles. Bilateral anodal tDCS over the premotor cortex, and to a minor degree over the cerebellum, might be suited to improve some aspects of motor and physiological functions and peak performance levels of professional gymnastics athletes.Clinical Trial Registration ID: IRCT20180724040579N2.

Effect of 8 Weeks of Combined Plyometric Training on Increasing Lower and Upper Body Muscle Power in Student Volleyball Athletes

The study purpose was to identify the effects of a combination of plyometric exercises in the increasing leg and arm power abilities of volleyball athletes. Materials and methods. Forty students were involved in this study. They were students who were active in practicing volleyball, and then they were divided into four groups of 10 students each, namely (1) Squat thrust jumps and clap push-ups, (2) Squat thrust jumps and lateral push-ups, (3) Rope jumps and clap push-ups; and (4) Rope jumps and lateral push-ups. Then they practiced plyometrics three times a week for eight weeks. Statistical analysis used the t-test and the N-Gain Score using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26 program. Results. The results of the combination of plyometric exercises stated that it had an effect on the muscle power of both the legs and arms (p<0.05); then, the results showed the combination of squat thrust and lateral push-up exercises was effective in increasing the ability of leg muscle power by 84.43% while the variety of squat thrust jump exercises and clap push-ups provide effectiveness in increasing arm muscle power by 25.23%. Conclusions. The variety of these two types of plyometric exercises was successful in helping volleyball athletes improve their vertical jump abilities. Still, from the results of this study, it was not very effective in increasing the capacity of arm muscle power.

Muscle fatigue during assisted violin performance

Muscle fatigue is a primary risk factor in developing musculoskeletal disorders, which affect up to 93% musicians, especially violinists. Devices providing dynamic assistive support (DAS) to the violin-holding arm can lessen fatigue. The objective was to assess DAS effects on electromyography median frequency and joint kinematics during a fatiguing violin-playing task. Fifteen university-level and professional violinists were equipped with electromyography sensors and reflective markers to record upper-body muscle activity and kinematics. They played G scales with and without DAS until exhaustion. Paired t-tests assessed DAS effects on delta (final–initial) electromyography median frequencies and joint kinematics. DAS prevented the median frequency decrease of left supraspinatus, superior trapezius, and right medial deltoid, and increases in trunk rotation, left-wrist abduction, and right arm-elevation plane. DAS effects on kinematics were marginal due to retention of musical performance despite fatigue. However, DAS reduced fatigue of several muscles, which is promising for injury prevention. Practitioner summary: Violinists are greatly affected by musculoskeletal disorders. Effects of a mobility assistive device on muscle fatigue during violin playing was investigated. The assistive technology slowed down the development of fatigue for three neck/shoulder muscles, making assisted musical performance a promising avenue to prevent violinists’ injuries.

Overview of muscle fatigue differences between maximal eccentric and concentric resistance exercise.

Since the 1970s, researchers have studied a potential difference in muscle fatigue (acute strength loss) between maximal eccentric (ECCmax ) and concentric (CONmax ) resistance exercise. However, a clear answer to whether such a difference exists has not been established. Therefore, the aim of our paper was to overview methods and results of studies that compared acute changes in muscle strength after bouts of ECCmax and CONmax resistance exercise. We identified 30 relevant studies. Participants were typically healthy men aged 20-40 years. Exercise usually consisted of 40-100 isokinetic ECCmax and CONmax repetitions of the knee extensors or elbow flexors. Both ECCmax and CONmax exercise caused significant strength loss, which plateaued and rarely exceeded 60% of baseline, suggesting strength preservation. In upper-body muscles, strength loss at the end of ECCmax (31.4 ± 20.4%) and CONmax (33.6 ± 17.5%) exercise was similar, whereas in lower-body muscles, strength loss was less after ECCmax (13.3 ± 12.2%) than CONmax (39.7 ± 13.3%) exercise. Muscle architecture and daily use of lower-body muscles likely protects lower-body muscles from strength loss during ECCmax exercise. We also reviewed seven studies on muscle fatigue during coupled ECCmax -CONmax exercise and found similar strength loss in the ECC and CON phases. We also found evidence from three studies that more ECC than CON repetitions can be completed at equal relative loads. These results indicate that muscle fatigue may manifest differently between ECCmax and CONmax resistance exercise. An implication of the results is that prescriptions of ECC resistance exercise for lower-body muscles should account for greater fatigue resilience of these muscles compared to upper-body muscles.

Double-pyramid and Reverse step resistance training effectiveness on physical fitness factors among elite female athletes

Due to the necessity of resistance training for athletes conditioning, loading patterns in order to improve training outcomes have received more attention in recent decades. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to assess the impact of 8-week resistance training performed with double pyramid (DP) and reverse step (RS) systems on some physical fitness components of elite female athletes. 30 young female handball players are randomly assigned to the three groups of DP (age: 17.43±1.63 year, weight: 70.28±10.14 kg, fat percentage: 15.60±1.17), RS (age: 17.13±1.32 year, weight: 67.80±7.78 kg, fat percentage: 15.40±1.69), and control groups (age: 17.33±1.71 year, weight: 61.04±6.61 kg, fat percentage: 16.50±1.43). Training programs was performed for an eight-week, 3 sessions per week with loading pattern of DP or RS. Measurements including fat percentage, anaerobic power (RAST), agility (Illinois), Speed (45 meter sprint), strength (1RM), and muscle endurance (60% 1RM) are taken before and after the training course.After the training period, DP and RS groups had significant effects on the mean power, upper and lower body muscular endurance, fat percentage, agility and speed (p<0.05). Also, DP showed a significantly more increase in upper body strength compared to RS groups and RS showed a significantly more increase in lower body strength compared to DP groups (p<0.05). Also, comparison of DP and RS groups showed a significant difference in lower and upper body muscle endurance between the two groups (P <0.05); While, there was not a significant difference in anaerobic power, upper and lower body strength, fat percentage, speed, and agility tests between training groups. DP resistance training appears that to have more impact in improving anaerobic power, upper body strength and speed. While, RS ones showed a greater effect on increasing the lower body strength, muscular endurance, agility and fat percentage of female handball players.

한궁 운동프로그램 참여 고령 여성노인의 체력, 우울 및 일상생활수행능력에 미치는 영향

This study, the 12-week Hangung exercise program’s effects on physical fitness, depression and ability of daily living(ADL) of 17 middle- and old-aged women were analyzed and the following results are drawn. First, body weight decreased by 10.6% from 58.89±6.99kg before exercise to 55.40±6.57kg after excercise, body fat percentage decreased by 9.4% from 36.57±6.48kg/m2 before exercise to 34.65± 5.978kg/m2, after exercise and muscle mass was gained 9.5kg from 18.91±2.04kg before exercise to 19.89±2.32kg after excercise, respectively, showing statistically significant differences in all the items. Second, for health fitness, cardiopulmonary endurance increased from 110.41±59.83 before exercise to 126.06±48.71 after exercise, upper body muscle strength increased from 21.82±5.81 before exercise to 25.53±4.09 after exercise, upper body flexibility increased from 2.47±13.97cm before exercise to 6.55±13.40cm after exercise, lower body flexibility increased from 111.61±7.74cm before exercise to 15.41±7.43cm after exercise, and agility increased from 6.52±1.09 seconds before exercise to 5.84±0.78 seconds after exercise. Third, the depression index decreased by 11.87% from 11.59±5.54 points before exercise to 9.76±5.93 points after exercise, showing a statistically significant difference. Fourth, for the changes in ability of daily living, Basic ADL was from 34.82±0.39 points before exercise to 35±0.0 points after exercise, and IADL was from 49.06 points before exercise to 49.65±1.05 points after exercise, respectively, and there were few changes, showing no statistically significant differences. As seen above, this study concludes the 12-week elastic band and Hangung exercise program had positive effects on the physical fitness, physical strength, and depression, and it is expected that it will be an effective exercise program for middle- and old-aged women.

The Effects of Creatine Supplementation Combined with Resistance Training on Regional Measures of Muscle Hypertrophy: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

The purpose of this paper was to carry out a systematic review with a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that examined the combined effects of resistance training (RT) and creatine supplementation on regional changes in muscle mass, with direct imaging measures of hypertrophy. Moreover, we performed regression analyses to determine the potential influence of covariates. We included trials that had a duration of at least 6 weeks and examined the combined effects of creatine supplementation and RT on site-specific direct measures of hypertrophy (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or ultrasound) in healthy adults. A total of 44 outcomes were analyzed across 10 studies that met the inclusion criteria. A univariate analysis of all the standardized outcomes showed a pooled mean estimate of 0.11 (95% Credible Interval (CrI): -0.02 to 0.25), providing evidence for a very small effect favoring creatine supplementation when combined with RT compared to RT and a placebo. Multivariate analyses found similar small benefits for the combination of creatine supplementation and RT on changes in the upper and lower body muscle thickness (0.10-0.16 cm). Analyses of the moderating effects indicated a small superior benefit for creatine supplementation in younger compared to older adults (0.17 (95%CrI: -0.09 to 0.45)). In conclusion, the results suggest that creatine supplementation combined with RT promotes a small increase in the direct measures of skeletal muscle hypertrophy in both the upper and lower body.

A Review of Biomechanical and Physiological Effects of Using Poles in Sports.

The use of poles in sports, to support propulsion, is an integral and inherent component of some sports disciplines such as skiing (cross-country and roller), Nordic walking, and trail running. The aim of this review is to summarize the current state-of-the-art of literature on multiple influencing factors of poles in terms of biomechanical and physiological effects. We evaluated publications in the subfields of biomechanics, physiology, coordination, and pole properties. Plantar pressure and ground reaction forces decreased with the use of poles in all included studies. The upper body and trunk muscles were more active. The lower body muscles were either less active or no different from walking without poles. The use of poles led to a higher oxygen consumption (VO2) without increasing the level of perceived exertion (RPE). Furthermore, the heart rate (HR) tended to be higher. Longer poles reduced the VO2 and provided a longer thrust phase and greater propulsive impulse. The mass of the poles showed no major influence on VO2, RPE, or HR. Solely the activity of the biceps brachii increased with the pole mass.

Prediction equations to estimate muscle mass using anthropometric data: a systematic review.

Reduced muscle mass is linked to poor outcomes in both inpatients and outpatients, highlighting the importance of muscle mass assessment in clinical practice. However, laboratory methods to assess muscle mass are not yet feasible for routine use in clinical practice because of limited availability and high costs. This work aims to review the literature on muscle mass prediction by anthropometric equations in adults or older people. The following databases were searched for observational studies published until June 2022: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. Of 6437 articles initially identified, 63 met the inclusion criteria for this review. Four independent reviewers, working in pairs, selected and extracted data from those articles. Two studies reported new equations for prediction of skeletal muscle mass: 10 equations for free-fat mass and lean soft tissue, 22 for appendicular lean mass, 7 for upper-body muscle mass, and 7 for lower-body muscle mass. Twenty-one studies validated previously proposed equations. This systematic review shows there are numerous equations in the literature for muscle mass prediction, and most are validated for healthy adults. However, many equations were not always accurate and validated in all groups, especially people with obesity, undernourished people, and older people. Moreover, in some studies, it was unclear if fat-free mass or lean soft tissue had been assessed because of an imprecise description of muscle mass terminology. This systematic review identified several feasible, practical, and low-cost equations for muscle mass prediction, some of which have excellent accuracy in healthy adults, older people, women, and athletes. Malnourished individuals and people with obesity were understudied in the literature, as were older people, for whom there are only equations for appendicular lean mass. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021257200.

MP79-16 ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT ON BODY COMPOSITION, PHYSICAL FITNESS AND THE CORRELATION WITH HYPOGONADAL SYMPTOMS IN THE TESTOSTERONE DEFICIENCY

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP79-16 ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT ON BODY COMPOSITION, PHYSICAL FITNESS AND THE CORRELATION WITH HYPOGONADAL SYMPTOMS IN THE TESTOSTERONE DEFICIENCY Tae Yong Park, Dong Su Kim, Jeong Kyun Yeo, and Min Gu Park Tae Yong ParkTae Yong Park More articles by this author , Dong Su KimDong Su Kim More articles by this author , Jeong Kyun YeoJeong Kyun Yeo More articles by this author , and Min Gu ParkMin Gu Park More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003356.16AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate how testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) change body composition and physical fitness, and which those changes correlate with serum testosterone level and hypogonadal symptoms. METHODS: Seventy patients with testosterone deficiency (TD) were divided into group I (n: 23) and group II (n :47). Only group II was given testosterone enanthate intramuscularly for 6 months. Both groups were investigated following items at the beginning and end of the study: Baseline demographics and serologic test; questionnaires of aging male symptom (AMS) scale and international prostate symptom score (IPSS); BMI, waist circumference, body composition; and physical fitness. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Seven types of basic exercise tests were used to measure physical fitness. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in baseline measurements between the two groups before treatment. After 6 months, group I showed no significant change in all measurements. Group II showed significant improvement in IPSS and AMS scales. Hematocrit, and prostate specific antigen slightly increased, while total cholesterol significantly decreased after treatment. As to body composition parameters, TRT significantly decreased body fat mass, visceral fat mass and waist circumference. Skeletal muscle mass was significantly increased by TRT although upper body muscle appeared to be more responsive. Most parameters of physical fitness resulted in improvement except for flexibility and endurance. The decrease of waist circumference was significantly correlated with serum testosterone level changes. AMS scale improvement was correlated with the changes of IPSS, cardiorespiratory fitness and agility. CONCLUSIONS: TRT improved hypogonadal and lower urinary tract symptoms. TRT also resulted in overall improvement in metabolic syndrome components, body composition and physical fitness. Testosterone increment and hypogonadal symptom improvement are correlated with waist circumference, cardiorespiratory fitness, and agility, respectively. Combined adjunctive exercise program that improve those parameters, might maximize the effect of TRT. Source of Funding: No conflict of interests © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e1147 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Tae Yong Park More articles by this author Dong Su Kim More articles by this author Jeong Kyun Yeo More articles by this author Min Gu Park More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Synergistic Effects of Combined Concurrent Training and Eri-Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Bone Mineral Density, Muscle Strength, and Inflammation.

Obesity has been associated with lower bone mineral density (BMD) and rapid muscle weakness. Regular exercise and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) consumption have been recognized as nonpharmaceutical approaches to increase BMD and ameliorate muscle weakness. This study aimed to determine the effects of concurrent training (CCT) and Eri-PUFA supplementation on BMD, muscular strength, and inflammation in obese adults. A total of 33 obese participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n=11 per group): (1) a placebo group; (2) an Eri-PUFA ingestion group (ERI); or (3) a CCT and Eri-PUFA ingestion group (CCT+ERI). The ERI and CCT+ERI groups received approximately 2.5 g of linolenic acid per day from Eri silkworm pupae. The exercise program included aerobic and resistance exercises performed under supervision three times per week for 8 weeks. Before and after the 8-week intervention, BMD, muscular strength, and inflammatory markers were measured. Only the CCT+ERI group showed a significant increase in lumbar spine BMD (5.1%, P<0.01) and upper-body muscle strength (16.9%, P<0.01) after the intervention, with differences between the groups. After the intervention, both the ERI and CCT+ERI groups showed a significant decrease in the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (-25%, P<0.01 and -21.4%, P<0.05, respectively) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (-21.6%, P<0.05 and -19.4%, P<0.05, respectively). These findings demonstrate that combining CCT and Eri-PUFA supplementation increases BMD and upper-body muscular strength and decreases inflammation. Although Eri-PUFA consumption did not affect BMD or muscle strength directly, it may have an additive effect on BMD by reducing inflammation.

The effects of an ergonomic chinrest among professional violin players. A biomechanical investigation in a randomised crossover design

This study aimed to compare violinists' upper body kinematics and muscle activity while playing with different supportive equipment: their usual chinrest (UC) or an ergonomic chinrest (EC), each mounted on the violin. Three-dimensional motion capture and electromyographic data were acquired from the upper body while 38 pain-free professional violinists performed an excerpt of a music piece. There were only minor differences between the two set-ups tested. The EC resulted in less left rotation of the head (3.3°), slightly more neck extension (1.3°) and less muscle activity (0.5–1.0 %MVE). However, the overall high static muscle activity (4–10 %MVE across all muscles) was maintained using EC. For both setups, the head posture was left-rotated >15°, ≤6° flexed and left-bent 90% of the time. The EC did not produce a substantial difference in biomechanical load. Instead, future studies may focus on aspects other than chinrest design to lower the static workload demands.

Analysis of differences in Muscle Power for female university students majoring in sports according to BMI levels

Muscle Power (often expressed in terms of explosive strength or explosive force) is required in most sports activities that involve intense and rapid contractions. Purpose: Identifying the dif-ferences and their significance, between the muscle strength values for the female students of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, according to their classification by BMI levels. Materi-al and method: 77 female students of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport from Galati were evaluated through 6 upper body muscle power tests (30s Plyometric Push-Ups, Shot put, Medicine ball chest throw, Overhead Medicine Ball Throw-forward, Overhead, Medicine Ball Throw-backward, Overhand ball throw) and 7 lower body muscle power tests (Speed Test 10m, Standing Long Jump Test, Vertical Jump Test, 3-Hop Test, 30s Continuous vertical jumps, 30s Lateral double leg hop test, The multiple 5 bounds test). The groups were divided according to BMI levels (underweight 11 cases, normal weight 53 cases and overweight 13 cases). The non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to assess the differences be-tween groups. Results: Arithmetic average values indicate the superiority of underweight and normal-weight women for lower-body strength and overweight and normal-weight women for upper-body strength, especially for heavy objects throw variants. However, performance differ-ences (assessed by ranks) are in most cases insignificant (Z values correspond to thresholds P&gt;0.05). The only exceptions with significant differences (P&lt;0.05) are for Overhead Medicine Ball Throw-forward (with the superiority of the overweight over the underweight) and Shot put - track and field (with the superiority of the overweight over the underweight). Conclusion: The constant involvement of female students in curricular and sports physical activities mitigates the differences between the muscle power of the 3 BMI categories. However, the small numerical composition - for the underweight and overweight groups - does not allow the generalization of the results, as studies on larger samples are needed and have common concerns related to the specifics of the sports practiced.

Analysis of Sports Education Students Interest in Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta in Archery Sports

Archery, namely archery, is a static sport that requires good physical condition, including strength and endurance, especially in the upper body muscles. The purpose of the researchers was to find out how interested students are and how important sports are for students of Sports Education at the University of Muhammadiyah Surakarta. A sample is part of the number and characteristics possessed by that population. The study took samples on Sports Education students of Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta semester 1 which totaled 89. Based on the results and discussion of the data obtained, researchers can draw conclusions about the interest of Sports Education students of the University of Muhammadiyah Surakarta in archery, and that the interest of Sports Education students of the University of Muhammadiyah Surakarta in archery sports is low. It is proven that only 7.5% of Sports Education students of Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta chose to strongly agree. There are several indicators of the reasons why students of Sports Education at the University of Muhammadiyah Surakarta have a low interest in archery, namely in the question of the body to be healthy and fit, refresh the brain, and want to excel in archery sports 38.3 students of Sports Education of Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta choose to hesitate.

The effects of upper body blood flow restriction training on muscles located proximal to the applied occlusive pressure: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Blood flow restriction combined with low load resistance training (LL-BFRT) is associated with increases in upper limb muscle strength and size. The effect of LL-BFRT on upper limb muscles located proximal to the BFR cuff application is unclear. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of LL-BFRT compared to low load, or high load resistance training (LL-RT, HL-RT) on musculature located proximal to cuff placement. Six electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two reviewers independently evaluated the risk of bias using the PEDro scale. We performed a meta-analysis using a random effects model, or calculated mean differences (fixed-effect) where appropriate. We judged the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach. The systematic literature searched yielded 346 articles, of which 9 studies were eligible. The evidence for all outcomes was of very low to low certainty. Across all comparisons, a significant increase in bench press and shoulder flexion strength was found in favor of LL-BFRT compared to LL-RT, and in shoulder lean mass and pectoralis major thickness in favor of the LL-BFRT compared to LL-RT and HL-RT, respectively. No significant differences were found between LL-BFRT and HL-RT in muscle strength. With low certainty LL-BFRT appears to be equally effective to HL-RT for improving muscle strength in upper body muscles located proximal to the BFR stimulus in healthy adults. Furthermore, LL-BFRT may induce muscle size increase, but these adaptations are not superior to LL-RT or HL-RT.

Abstract Number ‐ 270: Assessing Biceps Brachii Functional Recovery after Stroke: Comprehensive Analysis of Two Decades of Patient Data

Introduction Severe loss of muscle strength is common following stroke, and rehabilitation in the form of targeted physical therapy is often needed to recover partial muscular function. Although lower limb weakness is typical in stroke patients, upper body complications presenting as decreased grip strength and hand motor coordination can also occur. The biceps brachii, one of the most frequently used upper body muscles, often shows weakness post‐stroke. Although recent literature has touched on various techniques to help regain biceps brachii function, studies looking at quantifiable recovery of muscular strength are limited.In this review, we summarize strength recordings of the biceps brachii from stroke patients collected over the past 20 years to better characterize upper extremity functional recovery after stroke. Methods Using PRISMA guidelines, we queried 3 databases to identify all studies reporting findings of stroke recovery including isolated strength measurement of the bicep brachii muscle in newtons (N). Results 15 studies describing 384 patients (mean age range: 55.7‐73.6 years) were included for formal analysis. Baseline biceps strength range following stroke was 12.1‐91.23 N. At 4 weeks, strength ranged from 16.3‐85.8N, and this range improved to 85.31‐97.38N and 29–125.04N at 5 and 8 weeks, respectively. Additionally,Folkerts et al. found a significant improvement in biceps function from the 5 week value (97.38N) to the 10 week final follow‐up (108.46N). Over 12 weeks post‐stroke, Donaldson and colleagues observed a significant improvement in bicep strength range (27.1‐61.0N vs. 59.5‐76.1N). Conclusions Our study is the first systematic review assessing the recovery of biceps function with time following stroke in the current literature. Singular timepoint studies showed a significant loss of bicep function post‐stroke. Multiple timepoint studies showed semi‐linear relationships between biceps strength recovery and time within studies but no patterns when comparing between studies. Further research is required to quantify biceps strength recovery in a sex‐specific manner.

Short-term evolution of heart rate variability following occipito-mastoid suture normalization in healthy subjects

Background&#x0D; Occipito-mastoid structure normalization (OMSN) is an osteopathy manipulative treatment aiming at reducing tensions around the jugular foramen, where cranial nerves IX, X and XI come out of the skull. Tensions in this area may induce compressions of those nerves, which might imply symptoms related to those nerves dysfunctions (e.g., dysphagia, gastrointestinal issues, cardiac issues, upper body muscle pain, fatigue). Vagus nerve X is the main parasympathetic nerves of this area. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a surrogate for vagal modulation, and purpose of this study was to observe how HRV variables evolved before and after an OMSN.&#x0D; Methods&#x0D; Pre- and post- intervention HRV was analyzed in two randomly distributed groups of 15 participants. One received the OMSN and the other a SHAM technique. HRV was collected supine 5 min before and 5 min after a10-minute application of either OMSN or SHAM. HRV was analyzed on the last 4 minutes of the 5 minutes sample in time- and frequency-domain.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; HR significantly decreased in both groups (change in mean (CIM) -2.6 (4.3), and -2.3 (2.1) bpm, for NSOM and SHAM, respectively) but without difference between groups (p = 0.245). Vagally-related HRV variable root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) increased in both groups, but in a significantly higher proportion in OMSN group (CIM 8.1 ±6.4 and 2.8 ±6.2 ms, p = 0.030 for NSOM and SHAM, respectively). No differences between groups were observed on frequency-domain analysis.&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; Compared to a SHAM technique, OMSN had a significant effect on HRV vagally-related metric RMSSD. This effect was measured in the very short term and thus, OMSN may be used to imply a short-term influence on parasympathetic ANS modulations. Further research are needed to investigate medium and long-term influences of this manipulation.

The Effect of Pilates Exercise on the Muscle Strength of Female Students: A Case Study in Gorgan, Iran

Background: Physical activities in adolescence are one of the critical health concepts in adolescents, especially females, because they are prone to musculoskeletal disorders due to the weakness of the trunk muscles. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of Pilates exercise on the muscle strength of female students aged 13 - 15 years. Methods: This research was conducted on 50 girl students of the first secondary school in Gorgan, Iran, in 2022, who were selected by a multi-stage cluster sampling method. The samples were divided into case and control groups. The test group received eight sessions (30 - 45 minutes) of Pilates twice a week for four weeks. The control group performed routine school sports. The results were analyzed using inferential statistics and SPSS software version 21. Results: The independent t-test showed a significant difference between the Pilates and control groups for upper (P &lt; 0.01) and lower body muscles (P &lt; 0.01). In addition, the ANCOVA test showed a significant difference between the two groups in terms of upper-body (P &lt; 0.01) and lower-body muscle strength (P &lt; 0.01) by removing the pre-test effect. Conclusions: Based on the results, Pilates exercises strengthened female students’ upper and lower body muscles. This sports method is inexpensive and does not require a large space or facilities. Therefore, educational and health managers in schools can use this sports method to strengthen students’ physical and mental health.

Effect of unsupervised Kinect-based mixed reality fitness programs on health-related fitness in men during COVID-19 pandemic: randomized controlled study

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Kinect-based mixed reality (KMR) exercise and unsupervised individual exercise on health-related fitness. A total of 27 participants underwent cardiorespiratory fitness tests for the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to three groups: a KMR group (KMRG), an unsupervised individual group (UIG), or a control group (CG). Pre and post-tests were conducted to measure Maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂max), body composition, upper and lower-body (LB) muscle strength, and endurance. KMRG and UIG attended exercise sessions 3 days per week for 8 weeks. KMRG used the KMR device and UIG used an instructive banner for exercise. All groups maintained their daily routines and submitted diet records every 4 weeks. Results showed that VO₂max, upper-body muscle endurance, and LB muscle endurance of knee extension was increased in KMRG and UIG. LB muscle strength in knee flexion was increased in UIG and LB muscle endurance in knee flexion was increased in KMRG. VO₂max, LB muscle strength, and LB muscle endurance were greater in KMRG than in CG. LB muscle strength in knee flexion was greater in KMRG than in UIG. Body fat was increased and skeletal muscle mass was decreased in CG. KMR exercise showed better performance than unsupervised individual (UI) exercise, and the exercise program was effective in both KMR and UI environments. These findings contribute to the growing evidence supporting the use of technology-based exercise interventions as a potential strategy to enhance health-related fitness.