Compression of Myofascial Trigger Points With a Foam Roller or Ball for Exercise-induced Anterior Knee Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of compression of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) with a foam roller or ball, combined with static stretching of knee muscles, on exercise-induced, anterior knee pain in fitness runners. DESIGN: The research team designed a randomized controlled trial. SETTING: The study took place in the Department of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center of the School of Kinesiology at Shanghai University of Sport in Shanghai, China. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 80 participants, 28 males and 52 females with an average age of 37.2 ± 2.9 years, were recruited at the center. INTERVENTION: The participants were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups, with 20 participants in each group: (1) the MG+SG group, which received compression with a foam roller or ball (MG) and static stretching (SG); (2) the MG group, which received compression only; (3) the SG group static, which received static stretching only; or (4) the control group (CG), which attended a 30-min class about nutrition or exercise once a month and received no intervention. For the MG intervention, participants' MTrPs were compressed with a foam roller or ball for 30 minutes once every 5 days for 2 months. After each compression, the MG+SG group received static stretching immediately. OUTCOME MEASURES: A visual analog scale (VAS) and a participant's range of motion (ROM) of the knee were assessed at baseline, after 4 weeks of the intervention, immediately postintervention, and at a follow-up at 8 weeks postintervention. The effectiveness of the treatment in the different groups was also compared. RESULTS: Immediately postintervention, 18 participants (90%) in MG+SG group, 12 (60%) in MG group, and 8 (40%) in the SG group were pain free. Compared with those at baseline, the VAS scores of the MG+SG group significantly improved between baseline and postintervention and were unchanged at the eight-week follow-up. In all groups, the VAS scores and ROMs of the knee increased, but only the MG+SG group's values increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Compression of MTrPs with a foam roller or ball, combined with static stretching, was more effective than either the compression only or static stretching only.

Estructura de un programa de ejercicio físico dirigido a escolares / Structure of a physical exercise program directed at schoolchildren

RESUMEN Objetivo Realizar una revisión temática sobre programas de ejercicio físico dirigidos a niños en el contexto mundial. Métodos La búsqueda de información se realizó en bases de datos Redalyc, Scielo, Elsevier, Pubmed, Scopus, utilizando los descriptores en salud como actividad motora, niños, adolescentes, ejercicio de calentamiento, ejercicios de estiramiento muscular y ejercicio de enfriamiento. Se seleccionaron artículos completos en idioma español e inglés publicados entre 2008 y 2019. Además, se consultaron páginas de organizaciones como la Organización Mundial de Salud (OMS), Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social de Colombia, el Departamento administrativo del deporte, la recreación, la actividad física y el aprovechamiento del tiempo libre, entre otros. Se organizó la información en base de datos Excel, acorde con el año de publicación, título, autores, metodología, fases y dimensiones del programa. Resultados Se analizó la información y se diseñó la estructura del programa de actividad dirigido a escolares, teniendo en cuenta las recomendaciones de la OMS y la legislación vigente en Colombia. Conclusiones La implementación de programas de ejercicio físico desde la infancia y la adolescencia promueve hábitos saludables que impactan de forma positiva la salud disminuyendo factores de riesgo de enfermedades crónicas no trasmisibles. La estructura de los mismos incluye características metodológicas como duración, frecuencia, intensidad, tipo de ejercicio y las fases de calentamiento, estiramiento, fase activa o central, y enfriamiento o vuelta a la calma.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To conduct a thematic review of physical exercise programs for children in the global context. Methods The search for information was carried out in databases Redalyc, Scielo, Elsevier, Pubmed, Scopus, using descriptors in health such as motor activity, children, adolescents, warm-up exercise, muscle stretching exercises and cooling exercise. Full-length articles in Spanish and English were selected and published between 2008 and 2019. In addition, pages were consulted from organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Colombia, the Administrative Department of Sports, recreation, physical activity and the use of free time, among others. The information was organized in an Excel database according to the year of publication, title, authors, methodology, phases and dimensions of the program. Results The information was analyzed and the structure of the activity program for schoolchildren was designed, taking into account the recommendations of the WHO and the legislation in force in Colombia. Conclusions The implementation of physical exercise programs from childhood and adolescence, promote healthy habits that positively impact health by decreasing risk factors of chronic non transmissible diseases. Their structure includes methodological characteristics such as duration, frequency, intensity, type of exercise and the warm-up, stretching, active or central phase, and cooling down or returning to calm phases.(AU)

Acute Effects of Foam Rolling on Range of Motion in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review with Multilevel Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Foam rolling (FR) has been demonstrated to acutely enhance joint range of motion (ROM). However, data syntheses pooling the effect sizes across studies are scarce. It is, furthermore, unknown which moderators affect the treatment outcome. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the immediate effects of FR on ROM in healthy adults. METHODS: A multilevel meta-analysis with a robust random effects meta-regression model was used to pool the standardized mean differences (SMD) between FR and no-exercise (NEX) as well as FR and stretching. The influence of the possible effect modifiers treatment duration, speed, targeted muscle, testing mode (active/passive ROM), sex, BMI, and study design was examined in a moderator analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-six trials with high methodological quality (PEDro scale) were identified. Compared to NEX, FR had a large positive effect on ROM (SMD: 0.74, 95% CI 0.42-1.01, p = 0.0002), but was not superior to stretching (SMD: - 0.02, 95% CI - 0.73 to 0.69, p = 0.95). Although the few individual study findings suggest that FR with vibration may be more effective than NEX or FR without vibration, the pooled results did not reveal significant differences (SMD: 6.75, 95% CI - 76.4 to 89.9, p = 0.49 and SMD: 0.66, 95% CI - 1.5 to 2.8, p = 0.32). According to the moderator analysis, most potential effect modifiers (e.g., BMI, speed or duration) do not have a significant impact (p > 0.05) but FR may be less effective in men (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: FR represents an effective method to induce acute improvements in joint ROM. The impact of moderators should be further elucidated in future research.

The use of stretching devices for treatment of trismus in head and neck cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of two stretching devices, the TheraBite® Jaw Motion Rehabilitation System™ and the Dynasplint Trismus System®, on maximal mouth opening in head and neck cancer patients. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to one of two exercise groups: the TheraBite® Jaw Motion Rehabilitation System™ group or the Dynasplint Trismus System® group. Patients performed stretching exercises for 3 months. During the three study visits, maximal mouth opening was measured and the patients completed questionnaires on mandibular function and quality of life. RESULTS: In our study population (n = 27), five patients did not start the exercise protocol, eight patients discontinued exercises, and two patients were lost to follow-up. No significant differences regarding the change in mouth opening between the two devices were found. Patients had an increase in MMO of 3.0 mm (IQR - 2.0; 4.0) using the TheraBite® Jaw Motion Rehabilitation System™ and 1.5 mm (IQR 1.0; 3.0) using the Dynasplint Trismus System®. Exercising with either stretching device was challenging for the patients due to the intensive exercise protocol, pain during the exercises, fitting problems with the stretching device, and overall deterioration of their medical condition. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of the two stretching devices did not differ significantly in our study population. The factors described, influencing the progression of stretching exercises, need to be taken into account when prescribing a similar stretching regimen for trismus in head and neck cancer patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NTR - Dutch Trial Register number: 5589.

Does the stretching intensity matter when targeting a range of motion gains? a randomized trial

Abstract Aims: To verify the effects of flexibility training conducted at different intensities in young adults. Methods: Twenty-one (21) young adults of both genders with no history of surgery, fracture, and/or rheumatic diseases in the lower limbs and hip, were randomly assigned to low intensity (LI) or high intensity (HI) stretching groups. Two researchers were assigned to evaluate the active knee extension range of motion (ROM) of the volunteers and two other researchers were responsible for the training program. The training consisted of a single exercise for the hamstring muscles (biceps femoris, semimembranosus, semitendinosus). Each session consisted of three repetitions of passive static stretching, maintained for the 60s each, with 30s interval between them, and performed three times a week for four weeks. The stretching intensity was based on the Numerical Verbal Scale, the LI group maintained the intensity between 1 and 2, while the HI group between 9 and 10. Three ROM evaluations were performed pre-intervention, after the 6th session and at the end of the 12th session. Results: No difference was observed between the groups that underwent either high- or low-intensity programs. Both groups achieved gains in flexibility after four weeks of training. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that both high- and low-intensity stretching exercises are effective for ROM and there were no differences between them. Therefore, the intensity can be defined by the preference of the therapist or patient.

Self-massage prior to stretching improves flexibility in young and middle-aged adults.

We examined the influence of stretching alone (SS) or combined with self-massage (SM) on maximal ankle dorsiflexion angle, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque and calf muscle activity, and subcutaneous tissue thickness in 15 young (25 ± 3 years) and 15 middle-aged (45 ± 5 years) adults. Participants performed two sessions of calf muscle stretches (3x 30-s stretches, 30-s rest): stretch after a 60-s control condition (SS) and stretch after 60 s of self-massage with therapy balls (SM). Evaluations were performed before and 5 min after the intervention. Linear mixed effects model revealed no main effect for age on ROM or MVC and significant main effects for treatment and time. Change in ankle angle was greater after SM: SS = 3.1 ± 2°, SM = 6.2 ± 3.3° (Hedges' g = 0.98, p < 0.001). Similar results were observed for MVC torque: SS = -4 ± 16%, SM = 12 ± 16% (Hedges' g = 0.97, p = 0.0001). Changes in MVC torque and absolute EMG amplitude were correlated, but subcutaneous tissue thickness was not altered by treatment. The gains in ROM were more pronounced in less flexible middle-aged adults, underscoring the need to include flexibility exercises in their training.

Crossover Effects of Unilateral Static Stretching and Foam Rolling on Contralateral Hamstring Flexibility and Strength.

CONTEXT: Static stretching (SS) and self-administered foam rolling (SAFR) are both effective techniques often used in rehabilitation settings to improve one's range of motion (ROM). However, their effects on nonintervened contralateral limb's performance remain equivocal. OBJECTIVE: To examine the acute effects of unilateral hamstring's SS and SAFR on the contralateral hip-flexion passive ROM and the strength performance. DESIGN: Randomized crossover trial. SETTING: Controlled laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 23 healthy young adults (13 males and 10 females) participated in this investigation. INTERVENTIONS: Ten sets of 30-second SS or SAFR were performed on the participants' dominant hamstring muscles. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Before (pre) and after (post) the interventions, the contralateral hip-flexion passive ROM, the isometric strength of the contralateral hamstrings, and surface electromyography amplitude were measured. Separate 2-way (time × intervention) repeated measures analyses of variance were used to examine the changes in the dependent variables. RESULTS: Both interventions significantly increased the contralateral hip-flexion passive ROM. In addition, the post-ROM value was significantly greater (P = .03) for the SS (mean ± SE = 73.5° ± 4.7°) than that for the SAFR (mean ± SE = 70.3° ± 4.5°). There were also main effects for time (P = .03) and intervention (P = .02) for the contralateral hamstring strength. However, no significant interaction or main effects were found for the normalized electromyography amplitude of the knee flexor muscles. CONCLUSIONS: The increased contralateral hip-flexion passive ROM following both interventions was likely due to the enhanced stretch tolerance. However, the differential strength performance responses might be due to different neural mechanisms, which are proposed and discussed.

Effects of perineal preparation techniques on tissue extensibility and muscle strength: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Perineal preparation techniques for childbirth have been used with the aim of reducing perineal tears during the expulsive phase of labor. However, no studies were found to investigate the effects of instrument-assisted stretching versus perineal massage on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) variables. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of instrument-assisted stretching versus perineal massage on the extensibility and strength of the PFMs. METHODS: Primiparous women were randomized to the instrument-assisted stretching (IStr) group (n = 13) and perineal massage (PnM) group (n = 14). The groups participated in eight sessions, twice weekly, beginning at the 34th gestational week. The IStr group underwent the intervention for 15 min using EPI-NO®. The PnM group underwent a perineal massage protocol for 10 min. Each woman was evaluated by a blinded physiotherapist before, after four and after eight sessions for primary (PFM extensibility using the EPI-NO® circumference) and secondary (PFM strength using a manometer) outcomes. Covariate analysis (ANCOVA) was used to compare the groups using the baseline values as a covariate. RESULTS: Both groups showed an increase in PFM extensibility compared with the evaluations before and after four and eight sessions (PnM group from 17.6 ± 1.8 to 20.2 ± 1.9 cm; IStr group from 19.9 ± 1.6 to 22.9 ± 1.6 cm;p < 0.001). There was no difference between groups. Regarding muscle strength, no statistical differences were observed between evaluations or between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Instrument-assisted stretching and perineal massage increase extensibility and do not alter the strength of PFMs in pregnant women.

Comparison of vibration rolling, nonvibration rolling, and static stretching as a warm-up exercise on flexibility, joint proprioception, muscle strength, and balance in young adults.

Warm-up is an essential component for optimizing performance before an exercise session. This study investigated that the immediate effects of vibration rolling (VR), nonvibration rolling (NVR), and static stretching as a part of a warm-up regimen on the flexibility, knee joint proprioception, muscle strength, and dynamic balance of the lower extremity in young adults. Compared with the preintervention, VR induced the range of motion of knee flexion and extension significantly increased by 2.5% and 6%, respectively, and isokinetic peak torque and dynamic balance for muscle strength and dynamic balance increased by 33%-35% and 1.5%, respectively. In the three conditions, most outcomes between VR and NVR were comparable; however, the participants had a significantly higher knee joint reposition error after NVR than after VR, indicating that NVR would have a hampering knee joint proprioception effect. In particular, compared with static stretching, VR significantly increased the quadriceps muscle strength by 2-fold and dynamic balance by 1.8-fold. These findings suggest that athletic professionals may take VR into account for designing more efficient and effective preperformance routine to improve exercise performances. VR has high potential to translate into an on-field practical application.

Change detection technique for muscle tone during static stretching by continuous muscle viscoelasticity monitoring using wearable indentation tester.

Static stretching is widely performed to decrease muscle tone as a part of rehabilitation protocols. Finding out the optimal duration of static stretching is important to minimize the time required for rehabilitation therapy and it would be helpful for maintaining the patient's motivation towards daily rehabilitation tasks. Several studies have been conducted for the evaluation of static stretching; however, the recommended duration of static stretching varies widely between 15-30 s in general, because the traditional methods for the assessment of muscle tone do not monitor the continuous change in the target muscle's state. We have developed a method to monitor the viscoelasticity of one muscle continuously during static stretching, using a wearable indentation tester. In this study, we investigated a suitable signal processing method to detect the time required to change the muscle tone, utilizing the data collected using a wearable indentation tester. By calculating a viscoelastic index with a certain time window, we confirmed that the stretching duration required to bring about a decrease in muscle tone could be obtained with an accuracy in the order of 1 s.

Delayed-onset muscle soreness does not influence occlusal sensitivity and position sense of the mandible.

Masticatory muscle-pain patients often complain about sensorimotor changes, but the effects of pain on the psychophysical properties remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) on the jaw's position sense (PS) and occlusal sensitivity (OS). In all, 12 participants underwent intense concentric-eccentric jaw exercises. Self-reported muscle fatigue and pain, pain-free maximum mouth opening (MMO), pain pressure thresholds (PPTs) at right and left masseter and right and left anterior temporalis, maximum voluntary bite force (MVBF), PS and OS were recorded before, immediately after, 24 h, 48 h and 1 week after the exercises. Data were analysed with repeated measures anova. Pain and fatigue increased significantly after the exercises, while fatigue also increased 24 h afterwards. Time and site had a significant effect for PPTs, not for MVBF. MMO decreased significantly 24 h after the exercises. OS and PS did not change significantly. Experimentally induced DOMS does not influence the psychophysical properties of the masticatory system.

Boosting the traditional physiotherapist approach for stroke spasticity using a sensorized ankle foot orthosis: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Spasticity is a motor disorder that is commonly treated manually by a physical therapist (PhT) stretching the muscles. Recent data on learning have demonstrated the importance of human-to-human interaction in improving rehabilitation: cooperative motor behavior engages specific areas of the motor system compared with execution of a task alone. OBJECTIVES: We hypothesize that PhT-guided therapy that involves active collaboration with the patient (Pt) through shared biomechanical visual biofeedback (vBFB) positively impacts learning and performance by the Pt during ankle spasticity treatment. A sensorized ankle foot orthosis (AFO) was developed to provide online quantitative data of joint range of motion (ROM), angular velocity, and electromyographic activity to the PhT and Pt during the treatment of ankle spasticity. METHODS: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Ten subacute stroke inpatients, randomized into experimental (EXP) and control (CTRL) groups, underwent six weeks of daily treatment. The EXP group was treated with an active AFO, and the CTRL group was given an inactive AFO. Spasticity, ankle ROM, ankle active and passive joint speed, and coactivation index (CI) were assessed at enrollment and after 15-30 sessions. RESULTS: Spasticity and CI (p < 0.005) decreased significantly after training only in the EXP group, in association with a significant rise in active joint speed and active ROM (p < 0.05). Improvements in spasticity (p < 0.05), active joint speed (p < 0.001), and CI (p < 0.001) after treatment differed between the EXP and CTRL groups. CONCLUSIONS: PhT-Pt sharing of exercise information, provided by joint sensorization and vBFB, improved the efficacy of the conventional approach for treating ankle spasticity in subacute stroke Pts.

Ejercicio físico como tratamiento en el manejo de lumbalgia / Exercise as a treatment for low back pain management

RESUMEN La lumbalgia es un padecimiento que conlleva grandes repercusiones económicas, sociales y se ha convertido en una de las primeras causas de incapacidad laboral a nivel global. Cuando ocurre el dolor en la parte baja de la espalda se genera la incertidumbre sobre los factores de riesgo o causas que pueden desencadenar la lumbalgia, sin embargo; su diagnóstico no es sencillo y cerca del 90 % de los casos generalmente no presentan algún tipo de lesión demostrable, por lo que el problema se cataloga como una lumbalgia inespecífica. El tratamiento incluye movimiento de la persona, ya que el reposo debilita y atrofia la musculatura de la espalda, además; dentro de los métodos de ejercicios recomendados se encuentran los ejercicios localizados en musculatura del tronco y abdomen principalmente, resistencia muscular, estabilidad espinal, Pilates, ejercicios de Williams y Mckenzie, técnicas de Feldenkrais y Alexander, entre otros.(AU)

ABSTRACT Low back pain is an illness with various economic and social repercussions since it is one on the most causes of work absence worldwide. When the patient feels pain in the back, there is an uncertainty regarding a possible risk or cause for low back pain; however, diagnosis is not easy, and around 90 % of the cases do not present physical evidence, therefore, the problem is classified as a non-specific low back pain. Treatment includes body movement, because rest weakens the back muscles and causes atrophy; the recommended exercise methods include exercises for the trunk and abdomen muscles mainly, muscular resistance, spinal stability, Pilates, Williams and Mckenzie exercises, Feldenkrais and Alexander techniques, among others.(AU)

Acute Effects of Foam Rolling, Static Stretching, and Dynamic Stretching During Warm-ups on Muscular Flexibility and Strength in Young Adults.

CONTEXT: Foam rolling has been proposed to improve muscle function, performance, and joint range of motion (ROM). However, whether a foam rolling protocol can be adopted as a warm-up to improve flexibility and muscle strength is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To examine and compare the acute effects of foam rolling, static stretching, and dynamic stretching used as part of a warm-up on flexibility and muscle strength of knee flexion and extension. DESIGN: Crossover study. SETTING: University research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: 15 male and 15 female college students (age 21.43 ± 1.48 y, weight 65.13 ± 12.29 kg, height 166.90 ± 6.99 cm). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Isokinetic peak torque was measured during knee extension and flexion at an angular velocity of 60°/second. Flexibility of the quadriceps was assessed by the modified Thomas test, while flexibility of the hamstrings was assessed using the sit-and-reach test. The 3 interventions were performed by all participants in random order on 3 days separated by 48-72 hours. RESULTS: The flexibility test scores improved significantly more after foam rolling as compared with static and dynamic stretching. With regard to muscle strength, only knee extension peak torque (pre vs. postintervention) improved significantly after the dynamic stretching and foam rolling, but not after static stretching. Knee flexion peak torque remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Foam rolling is more effective than static and dynamic stretching in acutely increasing flexibility of the quadriceps and hamstrings without hampering muscle strength, and may be recommended as part of a warm-up in healthy young adults.

The effect of a wrist-hand stretching device for spasticity in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients.

BACKGROUND: The majority of these stretching devices have focused on spasticity of the leg and only a few devices have been developed for spasticity of the wrist and hand. In addition, most of these devices were large and complicated, with less easy applicability for personal use. AIM: To investigate the effect of a stretching device for spasticity of the wrist and hand in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients. DESIGN: Prospective single blind randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Outpatients. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (11 patients) or the control group (10 patients). The stretching device consisted of a circular shaped plastic plate and five holders to immobilize the fingers. In position 1, finger tips were facing forward, position 2 was 90° external rotation from position 1, and position 3 was 90° external rotation from position 2. Each position was maintained for 4 minutes and a rest period of 1 minute was given, therefore, one session was performed for 14 minutes. The stretching program was conducted 3 sessions/day, 6 days/week for 4 weeks. Spasticity (modified Ashworth scale [MAS]) and motor function (Fugl-Meyer motor assessment [FMA], Active Range of Motion [AROM]) of affected wrist and hand were assessed three times (first assessment; Pre, second assessment; post-2 weeks, third assessment; post-4 weeks). RESULTS: In the intervention group, significant differences in the wrist and hand MAS and FMA were observed between three assessment times (P<0.05). However, no significant differences in the wrist and hand AROM were observed between three assessment times (P>0.05). In the control group, no differences in MAS, FMA, and AROM were observed between three assessment times (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Findings showed that this stretching device was effective in terms of relieving spasticity and functional recovery. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: This stretching device is effective in spasticity reducing and motor function improvement. Moreover, it is useful to patient because it is easy to use and portable.

Ankle-Dorsiflexion Range of Motion After Ankle Self-Stretching Using a Strap.

CONTEXT: A variety of ankle self-stretching exercises have been recommended to improve ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM) in individuals with limited ankle dorsiflexion. A strap can be applied to stabilize the talus and facilitate anterior glide of the distal tibia at the talocrural joint during ankle self-stretching exercises. Novel ankle self-stretching using a strap (SSS) may be a useful method of improving ankle DFROM. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of 2 ankle-stretching techniques (static stretching versus SSS) on ankle DFROM. DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING: University research laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-two participants with limited active dorsiflexion (<20°) while sitting (14 women and 18 men) were recruited. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The participants performed 2 ankle self-stretching techniques (static stretching and SSS) for 3 weeks. Active DFROM (ADFROM), passive DFROM (PDFROM), and the lunge angle were measured. An independent t test was used to compare the improvements in these values before and after the 2 stretching interventions. The level of statistical significance was set at α = .05. RESULTS: Active DFROM and PDFROM were greater in both stretching groups after the 3-week interventions. However, ADFROM, PDFROM, and the lunge angle were greater in the SSS group than in the static-stretching group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Ankle SSS is recommended to improve ADFROM, PDFROM, and the lunge angle in individuals with limited DFROM.

Efeito do treino de isostretching na flexibilidade e na força muscular / Effect of isostretching training on flexibility and muscle strength

Objetivo: Avaliar efeitos do treino de exercícios de isostreching na flexibilidade e força muscular.Método: Trinta e um indivíduos saudáveis (27 mulheres), de 18 a 28 anos, divididos em 2 grupos:Grupo A, isostretching, submeteu-se a programa de exercícios baseados na técnica isostretchinge Grupo B, padrão, submeteu-se aos mesmos exercícios utilizando princípios técnicos clássicos doalongamento, por 12 semanas, duas vezes por semana, uma hora por sessão. Foram avaliadas nopré e pós-teste, flexibilidade por meio de fotogrametria pesquisando a distância punho-chão e aclassificação da postura segundo categorias de encurtamentos musculares descritas por Kendalle, força muscular por meio de dinamometria. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatisticamentesignificante no teste de flexibilidade nos dois grupos. Análise de significância clínica e melhorapelo Índice de Mudança Confiável (IMC) mostrou ganho na flexibilidade atingindo 14 participantesde ambos os grupos. Análise de contorno do corpo do grupo A apresentou atenuações nascurvaturas da coluna cervical, lombar e torácica e ângulo de flexão de quadril. O grupo Bapresentou atenuações na curvatura da coluna cervical e ângulo de flexão de quadril. Em relaçãoà força muscular, o grupo A apresentou diferença estatisticamente significante em alguns gruposmusculares específicos, porém sem significância clínica. Conclusão: As duas intervenções afetam aflexibilidade de forma estatisticamente semelhante, porém com impacto diferente nas curvaturasda coluna. O isostretching afetou clinicamente a flexibilidade de indivíduos saudáveis, com indíciosde que treinamentos mais intensos ou longos possam afetar a força muscular

Objective: To evaluate effects of the isostretching exercise training on flexibility and musclestrength. Method: Thirty-one healthy subjects (27 women), aged between 18 and 28 years, dividedinto two groups: Group A, isostretching, which has undergone a program of exercises based on theisostretching technique, and Group B, standard, which was subjected to the same exercises usingthe general technical principles of traditional stretching. The training went on for 12 weeks, twiceper week, one hour per session. Flexibility was evaluated through photogrammetry in pre- andpost-test, evaluating the wrist-floor distance and classifying posture according to the categoriesof muscle shortening described by Kendall, while muscle strength was assessed using a handgripdynamometer. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the results foreach group in the flexibility test. Analysis of clinical significance and improvement by the ReliableChange Index (RCI) showed an improvement in flexibility affecting 14 subjects from both groups.Analysis of body contour in group A showed attenuation in the curvatures of the cervical, thoracic,and lumbar spine, as well as the hip flexion angle, and group B showed attenuation in the curvatureof the cervical spine and hip flexion angle. Group A showed statistically significant differencesin some specific muscle groups, but with no clinical significance. Conclusion: Both interventionsaffected flexibility in a statistically similar way, but had a different impact on the curvatures of thespine. Isostretching training clinically changed the flexibility of healthy individuals, with evidencethat more intense or longer workouts can affect muscle strength.

Strengthening of back muscles using a module of flexible strain sensors.

This research aims at developing a flexible strain module applied to the strengthening of back muscles. Silver films were sputtered onto flexible substrates to produce a flexible sensor. Assuming that back muscle elongation is positively correlated with the variations in skin surface length, real-time resistance changes exhibited by the sensor during simulated training sessions were measured. The results were used to identify the relationship between resistance change of sensors and skin surface stretch. In addition, muscle length changes from ultrasound images were used to determine the feasibility of a proof of concept sensor. Furthermore, this module is capable of detecting large muscle contractions, some of which may be undesirable for the prescribed training strategy. Therefore, the developed module can facilitate real-time assessments of the movement accuracy of users during training, and the results are instantly displayed on a screen. People using the developed training system can immediately adjust their posture to the appropriate position. Thus, the training mechanism can be constructed to help user improve the efficiency of back muscle strengthening.