Effects of exergames on rehabilitation outcomes in patients with osteoarthritis. A systematic review.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effects of exergames on rehabilitation outcomes in osteoarthritis (OA) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was reported according to the PRISMA statement. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched in Pubmed, Scopus, WoS, CINAHL, and PEDro (inception to November 2023). Studies that applied non-immersive exergames and assessed physical, functional, cognitive, pain, and psychosocial outcomes were included. Comparisons were other exercise modalities and non-intervention. Methodological quality was assessed with PEDro scale, and risk of bias (RoB) was assessed with Cochrane RoB-2 tool. RESULTS: Eight studies were included (total of participants = 401). The mean PEDro score was 6.1, and seven studies had high RoB. Seven studies involved knee OA and one cervical OA. The most frequent duration for interventions was four weeks. Exergames were more effective than controls in at least one outcome in all studies. The outcomes for which exergames were most effective were functional disability, postural balance, muscle strength, proprioception, gait, range of motion, pain, quality of life, depression, and kinesiophobia. CONCLUSION: Non-immersive exergames constitute an effective strategy for optimizing several relevant outcomes in rehabilitation. However, more RCTs with high methodological quality are required to deepen the knowledge about the multidimensional effects of exergames in OA patients.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of disability, involving high health costs and a public health problem.Physical exercise has recently been recognized as a first-line treatment in OA to reduce symptomatology and to improve or maintain physical functioning and quality of life.Non-immersive exergames are a safe therapeutic strategy to improve functional disability, postural balance, muscle strength, proprioception, gait performance, range of motion, and pain in OA patients.Similarly, non-immersive virtual reality strategies contribute to the improvement of depression, kinesiophobia, and quality of life in people with OA.

Effect of strength training on knee proprioception in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Proprioception is significantly impaired in knee osteoarthritis (KOA), contributing to reduced functionality. Strength training (ST) is essential in KOA by improving muscle strength, although it may also be effective in improving proprioception. The purpose was to determine the effect of ST on knee proprioception in KOA patients. Pubmed, CINAHL, Scopus, WOS, and PEDro were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (inception to March 2023). Comparisons for ST were physical exercise different from ST, non-exercise-based interventions, and no intervention. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale, and risk of bias (RoB) using the Cochrane tool. Meta-analyses were performed by comparison groups using the standardized mean difference (SMD) (Hedge's g) with random effects models, also considering subgroups by proprioception tests. Finally, six RCTs were included. The mean PEDro score was 6.3, and the highest proportion of biases corresponds to performance, selection, and detection. The meta-analysis indicated that only when compared with non-intervention, ST significantly improved knee proprioception for the joint position sense (JPS) (active + passive), JPS (passive), and threshold to detect passive motion (TTDPM) subgroups (g â€‹= â€‹-1.33 [-2.33, -0.32], g = â€‹-2.29 [-2.82, -1.75] and g â€‹= â€‹-2.40 [-4.23, -0.58], respectively). However, in the knee JPS (active) subgroup, ST was not significant (g â€‹= â€‹-0.72 [-1.84, 0.40]). In conclusion, ST improves knee proprioception compared to non-intervention. However, due to the paucity of studies and diversity of interventions, more evidence is needed to support the effectiveness of ST. Future RCTs may address the limitations of this review to advance knowledge about proprioceptive responses to ST and contribute to clinical practice.

Exercise-induced hypoalgesia in chronic neck pain: A narrative review.

Chronic neck pain (CNP) is a worldwide health problem with several risk factors. One of the most widely used treatments for managing this condition is therapeutic exercise, which could generate a response called exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). There is no consensus on the best exercise modality to induce hypoalgesia. Therefore, this review aims to analyze and synthesize the state-of-the-art about the hypoalgesic effect of exercise in subjects with CNP. We included articles on EIH and CNP in patients older than 18 years, with pain for more than three months, where the EIH response was measured. Articles that studied CNP associated with comorbidities or measured the response to treatments other than exercise were excluded. The studies reviewed reported variable results. Exercise in healthy subjects has been shown to reduce indicators of pain sensitivity; however, in people with chronic pain, the response is variable. Some investigations reported adverse effects with increased pain intensity and decreased pain sensitivity, others found no clinical response, and some even reported EIH with decreased pain and increased sensitivity. EIH is an identifiable, stimulable, and helpful therapeutic response in people with pain. More research is still needed on subjects with CNP to clarify the protocols and therapeutic variables that facilitate the EIH phenomenon. In addition, it is necessary to deepen the knowledge of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence EIH in people with CNP.

Complex regional pain syndrome type II localized to the index finger. A case report translating scientific evidence into clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: Complex regional pain syndrome type II (CRPS-II) is a rare condition associated with peripheral nervous system lesions. Its localized distribution in the fingers is unique, and its treatment is unclear. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 56-year-old male presented to the emergency department with a saw-cut index finger injury with associated tendon and nerve injuries. After surgery, he was admitted to physical therapy (PT) with persistent pain, joint stiffness, allodynia, and trophic changes compatible with CRPS-II localized in the index finger. The diagnosis was confirmed after applying the Budapest Criteria, and PT was progressive and individualized according to the patient's needs, including graded motor imagery, mobilizations, exercises, and education. OUTCOMES: After 12 weeks of PT, a clinically significant decrease in pain intensity and improvements in mobility and index finger and upper limb functionality was observed, reducing CRPS symptomatology. DISCUSSION: This report provides information about a unique case of a localized form of CRPS-II. After reviewing the literature on clinical cases of both CRPS-II and localized forms of CRPS, we highlight that the clinical features of this patient and his positive therapeutic response support the importance of translating the scientific evidence on CRPS into clinical practice.

A Higher Skeletal Muscle Mass and Lower Adiposity Phenotype Is Associated with Better Cardiometabolic Control in Adults with Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: Results from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to (1) characterize cardiometabolic factors in self-reported hip and knee osteoarthritis (OAD) across four body composition phenotypes defined by muscle mass and adiposity, and (2) associate risk factors with diabetes and hypertension (HTN). METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-17 (n = 4996) stratified participants into four groups: low skeletal muscle mass/high waist circumference (Low-SMM/High-WC), low SMM/low WC (Low-SMM/Low-WC), high SMM/high WC (High-SMM/High-WC), and high SMM/low WC (reference group). Each group was further divided into subgroups with or without diagnosed hip or knee OAD. The main outcomes were fasting plasma glucose, systolic (SBP)/diastolic (DBP) blood pressure (continuous outcomes), and other secondary factors such as cardiovascular risk (CVR). RESULTS: In the hip OAD subgroup, the Low-SMM/High-WC groups had significantly higher SBP versus the reference value (145 vs. 127 mmHg, p < 0.0001, diff +18 mmHg). In the knee OAD subgroup, the Low-SMM/High-WC groups had significantly higher SBP versus the reference value (141 vs. 134 mmHg, p < 0.0001, diff +7 mmHg). The SBP showed a significant interaction between the group and OAD diagnosis (p = 0.007 hip OAD; p < 0.0001 knee OAD). CONCLUSIONS: Hip and knee OAD associates with elevated SBP/DBP in older adults. OAD groups showed an OR above 2 for diabetes, 2.7 for HTN, 4.5 for metabolic syndrome, and over 2 for moderate-to-high cardiovascular risk. OAD interacts substantially with cardiometabolic factors, especially in low muscle mass/high adiposity phenotypes. Lifestyle optimization of physical activity and nutrition to preserve muscle mass and mitigate adiposity is essential for cardiometabolic health promotion in OAD patients.

Effects of Exergames and Conventional Physical Therapy on Functional Physical Performance in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of exergames added to a conventional physical therapy (CPT) program on functional fitness and dynamometric muscle performance for the sit-to-stand (STS) maneuver in older adults and to compare their results concerning a CPT-only intervention. Materials and Methods: Fifty independent older adults were randomly assigned to CPT and exergames (CPT+ExG group; n = 25; age = 71.8 ± 6.8 years) or CPT alone (CPT group; n = 25; age = 71.3 ± 7.4 years). CPT was performed twice a week (60 min/session) for 8 weeks. The CPT+ExG group added exergames for 30 minutes in each session. The Senior Fitness Test was applied, considering the 30-second chair stand test as the primary outcome. Additionally, dynamometric muscle performance during the STS maneuver was assessed. Results: The CPT+ExG group improved the 30-second chair stand (lower body strength), back scratch (upper body flexibility), and 8-foot up-and-go (agility/dynamic balance) tests (all P < 0.05). Both groups improved the kinetic dynamometric variables peak force, peak power, and total work (all P < 0.05). Also, both groups improved the 30-second arm curl test (upper body strength) (P < 0.05), although the increase was higher in the CPT+ExG group compared with the CPT group (time × group; P < 0.05). Conclusion: Adding exergames to a CPT program only significantly increases upper limb strength compared with CPT alone. The findings of this study have implications for the design of future exergame interventions focused on improving STS maneuver performance in older adults.

Heart Rate from Progressive Volitional Cycling Test Is Associated with Endothelial Dysfunction Outcomes in Hypertensive Chilean Adults.

BACKGROUND: A progressive volitional cycling test is useful in determining exercise prescription in populations with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. However, little is known about the association between heart rate during this test and endothelial dysfunction (EDys) parameters in hypertensive (HTN) patients. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between EDys markers (flow-mediated dilation [FMD], pulse wave velocity of the brachial artery [PWVba], and carotid-intima media thickness [cIMT]) and heart rate during a cycling test in HTN adults. A secondary aim was to characterize cardiovascular, anthropometric, and body composition outcomes in this population. METHODS: This was a descriptive clinical study in which adults (men and women) were assigned to one of three groups: HTN, elevated blood pressure (Ele), or a normotensive control group (CG), and completed a progressive cycling test. The primary outcomes were FMD, PWVba, cIMT, and heart rate (HR) at 25-50 watts (HR25-50), 50-100 watts (HR50-100), and 75-150 watts (HR75-150) of the Astrand test. Secondary outcomes included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body fat percentage (BF%), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), resting metabolic rate (RMR), and estimated body age, as measured by a bio-impedance digital scale. RESULTS: Analyses of the associations between FMD, PWV, and HR25-50, HR50-100, and HR75-150 watts revealed no significant association in the HTN, Ele, and CG groups. However, a significant association was found between cIMT and HR75-150 watts in the HTN group (R2 47.1, ß -0.650, p = 0.038). There was also a significant trend (p = 0.047) towards increasing PWVba in the CG, Ele, and HTN groups. CONCLUSION: Heart rate during a progressive cycling test is associated with the EDys parameters cIMT in HTN patients, with particularly strong predictive capacity for vascular parameters in the second and third stages of the Astrand exercise test compared to normotensive control.

Self-perceived cognitive function and neuropsychological performance in women with fibromyalgia

BACKGROUND: Cognitive dysfunction is a common complain in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). Aim: To assess the perceived cognitive function and cognitive performance in women with FM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study including 100 women with FM (FMG) and 100 healthy controls (CG). Self-perceived cognitive functioning was evaluated using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Cognition scale (FACT-Cogv3). The neuropsychological performance was assessed with the Trail Making Test (TMT-A, TMT-B), Digit Span test (DS), Barcelona test (DS-F/B) and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB-E), Spanish version test. Results: The mean scores of all cognitive self-perception factors and all neuropsychological tests were lower in the FMG (p < 0.001). Over 90% of the FMG took longer than the population mean (P50) to complete the TMT-A and TMT-B tests, while in the CG, 1/3 took longer than the P50 in both tests. The minimum expected scores for the DS-F and DS-B tests were not achieved by 40 and 9% of FMG participants, respectively. According to FAB-E, 54% and 24% of FMG were categorized as fronto-subcortical deficit and fronto-subcortical dementia, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Women with FM have a higher perception of cognitive dysfunction and lower cognitive performance in objective tests than healthy women. More research is needed to explore the clinical, psychosocial, and sociodemographic characteristics that predispose to cognitive deficits in this group of patients.

ANTECEDENTESA: La disfunción cognitiva es una queja común en pacientes con fibromialgia (FM). Objetivo: Investigar la función cognitiva percibida y el desempeño cognitivo en mujeres chilenas con FM. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal incluyendo a 100 mujeres con FM (GFM) y 100 mujeres como controles sanos (GC). El funcionamiento cognitivo autopercibido se evaluó mediante la prueba Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Cognition scale (FACT-Cogv3). El rendimiento neuropsicológico se evaluó mediante las pruebas Trail Making Test (TMT-A, TMT-B) y Digit Span test (DS), Barcelona test (DS-F/B) y la prueba Frontal Assessment Battery, versión española (FAB-E). RESULTADOS: Las puntuaciones medias de todos los factores de autopercepción cognitiva y todas las pruebas neuropsicológicas fueron significativamente menores en el GFM. Para TMT-A y TMT-B, más del 90% del GFM tardó más que la media poblacional (P50) para completar las pruebas, mientras que en el GC aproximadamente 1/3 requirió más tiempo que el P50 en ambas pruebas. Un 40 y 9% del GFM no obtuvo la puntuación mínima esperada para las pruebas DS-F y DS-B, respectivamente. Según FAB-E, el 54% y 24% del GFM se clasificó como déficit fronto-subcortical y demencia fronto-subcortical, respectivamente. Conclusiones: Las mujeres con FM tienen una mayor percepción de disfunción cognitiva y menor rendimiento cognitivo en pruebas objetivas que mujeres sanas. Se necesita más investigación para explorar las características clínicas, psicosociales y sociodemográficas que predisponen a los déficits cognitivos en este grupo de pacientes.

Characterizing the interindividual postexercise hypotension response for two order groups of concurrent training in patients with morbid obesity.

Background: Postexercise hypotension (PEH) is a common physiological phenomenon occurring immediately after endurance training (ET), resistance training (RT), and ET plus RT, also termed concurrent training (CT); however, there is little knowledge about the interindividual and magnitude response of PEH in morbidly obese patients. Aim: The aims of this study were (1) to investigate the effect of CT order (ET + RT vs. RT + ET) on the blood pressure responses; 2) characterize these responses in responders and nonresponders, and 3) identify potential baseline outcomes for predicting blood pressure decreases as responders. Methods: A quasi-experimental study developed in sedentary morbidly obese men and women (age 43.6 ± 11.3 years; body mass index [BMI] ≥40 kg/m2) was assigned to a CT group of ET plus RT (ET + RT; n = 19; BMI 47.8 ± 16.7) or RT plus ET order group (RT + ET; n = 17; BMI 43.0 ± 8.0). Subjects of both groups received eight exercise sessions over four weeks. Primary outcomes include systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), mean arterial pressure [MAP], heart rate at rest [HR], and pulse pressure [PP] measurements before and after 10 min post-exercise. Secondary outcomes were other anthropometric, body composition, metabolic, and physical fitness parameters. Using the delta ∆SBP reduction, quartile categorization (Q) in "high" (Rs: quartile 4), "moderate" (MRs: quartile 3), "low" (LRs: quartile 2), and "nonresponders" (NRs: quartile 1) was reported. Results: Significant pre-post changes were observed in ET + RT in session 2 for SBP (131.6 vs. 123.4 mmHg, p = 0.050) and session 4 (131.1 vs. 125.2 mmHg, p = 0.0002), while the RT + ET group showed significant reductions in session 4 (134.2 vs. 125.3 mmHg, p < 0.001). No significant differences were detected in the sum of the eight sessions for SBP (∑∆SBP) between ET + RT vs. RT + ET (-5.7 vs. -4.3 mmHg, p = 0.552). Interindividual analyses revealed significant differences among frequencies comparing Q1 "NRs" (n = 8; 22.2%), Q2 "LRs" (n = 8; 22.2%), Q3 "MRs" (n = 9; 25.0%), and Q4 "HRs" (n = 11; 30.5%), p < 0.0001. Quartile comparisons showed significant differences in SBP changes (p = 0.035). Linear regression analyses revealed significant association between ∑∆SBP with body fat % (ß -3.826, R 2 0.211 [21.1%], p = 0.031), skeletal muscle mass [ß -2.150, R 2 0.125 (12.5%), p = 0.023], fasting glucose [ß 1.273, R 2 0.078 (7.8%), p = 0.003], triglycerides [ß 0.210, R 2 0.014 (1.4%), p = 0.008], and the 6-min walking test [ß 0.183, R 2 0.038 (3.8%), p = 0.044]. Conclusion: The CT order of ET + RT and RT + ET promote a similar 'magnitude' in the postexercise hypotensive effects during the eight sessions of both CT orders in 4 weeks of training duration, revealing "nonresponders" and 'high' responders that can be predicted from body composition, metabolic, and physical fitness outcomes.

The Social Distance Impacts from COVID-19 Pandemic on the Development of Two Orders of a Concurrent Training Programme for Morbidly Obese Patients.

BACKGROUND: Although there is relevant information regarding the consequences of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), little is known about the impact of the imposed social confinement (at home) on the development of exercise training programmes in populations with morbid obesity. AIM: To describe the effects of the imposed COVID-19 confinement on the cardiometabolic health benefits acquired through a concurrent training programme that started before the pandemic in populations with morbid obesity. METHODS: This was an experimental randomized clinical study, in which sedentary morbidly obese women were assigned 1:1 to a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) plus resistance training (RT) group (HIIT + RT; n = 11; BMI 42.1 ± 6.6) or to the same exercise dose, but in different order group of RT plus HIIT group (RT + HIIT; n = 7; BMI 47.5 ± 8.4). Both groups undertook two sessions/week. When COVID-19 confinement at home started, a post-test was applied in January 2020 (Post1) and after 20 months (Post2). The main outcomes were waist circumference (WC), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), high-density lipids (HDL-c), triglycerides (Tg), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). RESULTS: In the HIIT + RT group, the WC showed significant increases from Post1 to Post2 (Δ + 3.1 cm, p = 0.035); in the RT + HIIT group, it decreased from Post1 to Post2 (Δ - 4.8 cm, p = 0.028). In the HIIT + RT group, SBP showed significant increases from Post1 to Post2 (Δ + 6.2 mmHg, p = 0.041); the RT + HIIT group decreased SBP from Pre0 to Post1 (Δ - 7.2 mmHg, p = 0.026) and increased DBP from Pre0 to Post1 (Δ + 8.1 mmHg, p = 0.015). Tg in the HIIT + RT group decreased from Pre0 to Post1 (Δ - 40.1 mg/dL, p = 0.023) but increased from Post1 to Post2 (Δ + 86.3 mg/dL, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 social confinement worsened metabolic syndrome (MetS) outcomes that had improved from 20 weeks' RT + HIIT during the training period, such as WC, SBP, and Tg from HIIT + RT, when, worryingly, SBP increased to another more serious clinical classification in both groups.

Self-perceived cognitive function and neuropsychological performance in women with fibromyalgia.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive dysfunction is a common complain in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). AIM: To assess the perceived cognitive function and cognitive performance in women with FM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study including 100 women with FM (FMG) and 100 healthy controls (CG). Self-perceived cognitive functioning was evaluated using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Cognition scale (FACT-Cogv3). The neuropsychological performance was assessed with the Trail Making Test (TMT-A, TMT-B), Digit Span test (DS), Barcelona test (DS-F/B) and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB-E), Spanish version test. RESULTS: The mean scores of all cognitive self-perception factors and all neuropsychological tests were lower in the FMG (p < 0.001). Over 90% of the FMG took longer than the population mean (P50) to complete the TMT-A and TMT-B tests, while in the CG, 1/3 took longer than the P50 in both tests. The minimum expected scores for the DS-F and DS-B tests were not achieved by 40 and 9% of FMG participants, respectively. According to FAB-E, 54% and 24% of FMG were categorized as fronto-subcortical deficit and fronto-subcortical dementia, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Women with FM have a higher perception of cognitive dysfunction and lower cognitive performance in objective tests than healthy women. More research is needed to explore the clinical, psychosocial, and sociodemographic characteristics that predispose to cognitive deficits in this group of patients.

Effect of Traditional, Cluster, and Rest Redistribution Set Configurations on Neuromuscular and Perceptual Responses During Strength-Oriented Resistance Training.

ABSTRACT: Cuevas-Aburto, J, Jukic, I, Chirosa-Ríos, LJ, González-Hernández, JM, Janicijevic, D, Barboza-González, P, Guede-Rojas, F, and García-Ramos, A. Effect of traditional, cluster, and rest redistribution set configurations on neuromuscular and perceptual responses during strength-oriented resistance training. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1490-1497, 2022-This study aimed to compare the acute effect of traditional (TR), cluster (CL), and rest redistribution (RR) set configurations on neuromuscular and perceptual measures of fatigue. Thirty-one resistance-trained men randomly performed a Control session and 3 experimental sessions consisting of the squat (SQ) and bench press (BP) exercises performed against the 10 repetition maximum load using TR (3 sets of 6 repetitions; 3 minutes of interset rest), CL (3 sets of 6 repetitions; 30 seconds of intraset rest every 2 repetitions; 3 minutes of interset rest), and RR (9 sets of 2 repetitions; 45 seconds of interset rest) set configurations. A significant effect of "set configuration" (p = 0.002) was observed for barbell velocity. The average velocity of the training session was lower for TR compared with CL (% difference = 5.09% in SQ and 5.68% in BP) and RR (% difference = 5.92% in SQ and 2.71% in BP). The 3 set configurations induced comparable decrements in countermovement jump height (% difference from -6.0% to -8.1%) and throwing velocity (% difference from -0.6% to -1.2%). Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE-10) values collected after the sets were higher for TR (SQ: 6.9 ± 0.7 a.u.; BP: 6.8 ± 0.8 a.u.) compared with CL (SQ: 6.2 ± 0.8 a.u.; BP: 6.4 ± 0.7 a.u.) and RR (SQ: 6.2 ± 0.8 a.u.; BP: 6.6 ± 0.9 a.u.), while the session RPE did not differ between the set configurations (p = 0.595). CL and RR set configurations allow for higher velocities and lower RPE values during resistance training sessions not performed to failure in comparison with a TR set configuration.

Test-Retest Reliability of Functional Electromechanical Dynamometer on Five Sit-to-Stand Measures in Healthy Young Adults.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability for the strength and movement velocity of the concentric phase from the five Sit-to-Stand (5STS), using three incremental loads measured by a functional electromechanical dynamometer (FEMD) in healthy young adults. Methods: The average and peak strength and velocity values of sixteen healthy adults (mean ± standard deviation (SD): age = 22.81 ± 2.13 years) were recorded at 5, 10 and 15 kg. To evaluate the reliability of FEMD, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and coefficient of variation (CV) were obtained. Results: Reliability was high for the 10 kg (CV range: 3.70-4.18%, ICC range: 0.95-0.98) and 15 kg conditions (CV range: 1.64-3.02%, ICC: 0.99) at average and peak strength, and reliability was high for the 5 kg (CV range: 1.71-2.84%, ICC range: 0.96-0.99), 10 kg (CV range: 0.74-1.84%, ICC range: 0.99-1.00) and 15 kg conditions (CV range: 0.79-3.11%, ICC range: 0.99-1.00) at average and peak velocity. Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrate that FEMD is a reliable instrument to measure the average and peak strength and velocity values during the five STS in healthy young adults.

Immediate effects of a direct myofascial release technique on hip and cervical flexibility in inactive females with hamstring shortening: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Currently, greater background is required about the effectiveness of myofascial release (MFR) on muscle flexibility. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to determine the immediate effect of a direct MFR technique on hip and cervical flexibility in inactive females with hamstring shortening. METHOD: The sample group included 68 female university students, randomly divided into a control group (n = 34) and an experimental group (n = 34). A placebo technique was used with the control group, and direct MFR on the posterior thigh region was used with the experimental group. RESULTS: The mixed factorial ANOVA did not show significant intergroup differences (p > 0.05). In the experimental group, Bonferroni post hoc test showed significant intragroup differences between pre-test and post-test 1, as well as between pre-test and post-test 2 for the three ischiotibial muscle flexibility tests (p < 0.001). Cervical flexion range of motion showed significant differences between pre-test and post-test 1 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the protocol based on a single direct MFR intervention was no more effective than the placebo in improving flexibility both locally at the hamstring level and remotely at the level of the cervical extensor muscles. Future research should consider different MFR techniques on the immediate increase in muscle flexibility and the long-term effect of MFR, as well as consider different intervention groups.

Relationship between anthropometric nutritional status and functional capacity in older adults living in the community.

BACKGROUND: The functional fitness of older people may be associated with their nutritional status. AIM: To assess the association between of anthropometric measures with functional fitness in older people. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in 75 participants aged 65 to 89 years. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), fat mass (FM) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) were calculated from anthropometric measures. The functional fitness was determined using the Senior Fitness Test battery. RESULTS: BMI and FM indicated obesity, and WHtR indicated cardiometabolic risk in 49%, 55% and 83% of participants, respectively. SMI indicated a low muscle mass in 91% of females. Performance standards of chair stand, arm curl, 2-min step test and 8-foot up-and-go tests were met in 1%, 8%, 1% and 89% of participants, respectively. Significant negative correlations were found between 2-min step test and BMI, WHtR and FM (r = -0.26, -0.31 and -0.48 respectively). Back scratch had a negative correlation with BMI (r = -0.23) and SMI (rho = -0.28). Significant positive correlations were found between 8-foot up-and-go, WHtR (rho = 0.28) and FM (rho = 0.23), and between 2-min step test and SMI (rho = 0.28). The coefficient of determination (R2) between 2-min step test with BMI, WHtR and FM were 0.05, 0.08 and 0.22, respectively, while the R2 between back scratch and BMI was 0.04. Multiple regression models indicated that FM affected the 2-min step test independently of BMI and WHtR (adjusted R2 = 0.22), however age and sex negatively influenced these associations. CONCLUSIONS: Functional fitness of older adults is influenced by nutritional anthropometric measures, particularly BMI, WHtR and FM for aerobic capacity, and BMI for upper limb flexibility.

Relationship between anthropometric nutritional status and functional capacity in older adults living in the community / Relación entre estado nutricional antropométrico y condición física funcional en adultos mayores independientes

ABSTRACT Background: The functional fitness of older people may be associated with their nutritional status. Aim: To assess the association between of anthropometric measures with functional fitness in older people. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in 75 participants aged 65 to 89 years. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), fat mass (FM) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) were calculated from anthropometric measures. The functional fitness was determined using the Senior Fitness Test battery. Results: BMI and FM indicated obesity, and WHtR indicated cardiometabolic risk in 49%, 55% and 83% of participants, respectively. SMI indicated a low muscle mass in 91% of females. Performance standards of chair stand, arm curl, 2-min step test and 8-foot up-and-go tests were met in 1%, 8%, 1% and 89% of participants, respectively. Significant negative correlations were found between 2-min step test and BMI, WHtR and FM (r = −0.26, −0.31 and −0.48 respectively). Back scratch had a negative correlation with BMI (r = −0.23) and SMI (rho = −0.28). Significant positive correlations were found between 8-foot up-and-go, WHtR (rho = 0.28) and FM (rho = 0.23), and between 2-min step test and SMI (rho = 0.28). The coefficient of determination (R2) between 2-min step test with BMI, WHtR and FM were 0.05, 0.08 and 0.22, respectively, while the R2 between back scratch and BMI was 0.04. Multiple regression models indicated that FM affected the 2-min step test independently of BMI and WHtR (adjusted R2 = 0.22), however age and sex negatively influenced these associations. Conclusions: Functional fitness of older adults is influenced by nutritional anthropometric measures, particularly BMI, WHtR and FM for aerobic capacity, and BMI for upper limb flexibility.

Introducción: El estado nutricional y la condición física funcional (CFF) pueden estar relacionados en adultos mayores. Objetivo: Analizar la influencia de medidas antropométricas nutricionales sobre CFF. Material y Método: Estudio transversal realizado en 75 adultos de 65 a 89 años. Las variables antropométricas fueron índice de masa corporal (IMC), razón cintura-talla (RCT), masa adiposa (MA) e índice de masa muscular esquelética (IMME). La evaluación de CFF se efectuó con la batería Senior Fitness Test. Resultados: El IMC y MA indicaron obesidad, y RCT indicó riesgo cardiometabólico en 49%, 55% y 83% de los participantes, respectivamente. IMME indicó una baja masa muscular en 91% de las mujeres. El estándar de rendimiento para las pruebas sentarse-levantarse, flexión-codo, paso-2-minutos y levantarse-caminar-sentarse se logró en 1%, 8%, 1% y 89% de los participantes, respectivamente. Se encontraron correlaciones significativas negativas entre paso-2-minutos con IMC, RCT y MA (r = −0.26,-0.31 y-0.48 respectivamente. La misma asociación se observó entre juntar-manos-espalda con IMC (r = −0.23) e IMME (rho = −0.28). Se encontraron correlaciones significativas positivas entre levantarse-caminar-sentarse con RCT (rho=0.28) y MA (rho = 0.23), y entre paso-2-minutos con IMME (rho = 0.28). Los R2 entre paso-2-minutos e IMC, RCT y MA fueron 0.05, 0.08 y 0.22, respectivamente, mientras que el R2 entre juntar-manos-espalda e IMC fue 0.04. Los modelos de regresión múltiple indicaron que MA afectó la prueba paso-2-minutos independientemente de IMC y RCT (R2 ajustado = 0.22), aunque la edad y sexo afectaron negativamente estas asociaciones. Conclusiones: La CFF de adultos mayores es influenciada por alteraciones evidenciadas por medidas antropométricas nutricionales, particularmente IMC, RCT y MA sobre la capacidad aeróbica, e IMC sobre la flexibilidad de extremidad superior.

Reliability of isometric and isokinetic trunk flexor strength using a functional electromechanical dynamometer.

AIM: To determine the absolute and relative reliability of functional trunk tests, using a functional electromechanical dynamometer to evaluate the isokinetic strength of trunk flexors and to determine the most reliable assessment condition, in order to compare the absolute and relative reliability of mean force and peak force of trunk flexors and to determine which isokinetic condition of evaluation is best related to the maximum isometric. METHODS: Test-retest of thirty-seven physically active male student volunteers who performed the different protocols, isometric contraction and the combination of three velocities (V1 = 015 m s-1 , V2 = 0.30 m  s-1, V3 = 0.45 m s-1) and two range of movement (R1 = 25% cm ; R2 = 50% cm) protocols. RESULTS: All protocols to evaluate trunk flexors showed an absolute reliability provided a stable repeatability for isometric and dynamic protocols with a coefficient of variation (CV) being below 10% and a high or very high relative reliability (0.69 < intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] > 0.86). The more reliable strength manifestation (CV = 6.82%) to evaluate the concentric contraction of trunk flexors was mean force, with 0.15 m  s-1 and short range of movement (V1R1) condition. The most reliable strength manifestation to evaluate the eccentric contraction of trunk flexors was peak force, with 0.15 m  s-1 and a large range of movement (V1R2; CV = 5.07%), and the most reliable way to evaluate isometric trunk flexors was by peak force (CV = 7.72%). The mean force of eccentric trunk flexor strength with 0.45 m  s-1 and short range of movement (V3R1) condition (r = 0.73) was best related to the maximum isometric contraction. CONCLUSION: Functional electromechanical dynamometry is a reliable evaluation system for assessment of trunk flexor strength.

Reliability and validity of different methods of estimating the one-repetition maximum during the free-weight prone bench pull exercise.

This study examined the reliability and validity of three methods of estimating the one-repetition maximum (1RM) during the free-weight prone bench pull exercise. Twenty-six men (22 rowers and four weightlifters) performed an incremental loading test until reaching their 1RM, followed by a set of repetitions-to-failure. Eighteen participants were re-tested to conduct the reliability analysis. The 1RM was estimated through the lifts-to-failure equations proposed by Lombardi and O'Connor, general load-velocity (L-V) relationships proposed by Sánchez-Medina and Loturco and the individual L-V relationships modelled using four (multiple-point method) or only two loads (two-point method). The direct method provided the highest reliability (coefficient of variation [CV] = 2.45% and intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.97), followed by the Lombardi's equation (CV = 3.44% and ICC = 0.94), and no meaningful differences were observed between the remaining methods (CV range = 4.95-6.89% and ICC range = 0.81-0.91). The lifts-to-failure equations overestimated the 1RM (3.43-4.08%), the general L-V relationship proposed by Sánchez-Medina underestimated the 1RM (-3.77%), and no significant differences were observed for the remaining prediction methods (-0.40-0.86%). The individual L-V relationship could be recommended as the most accurate method for predicting the 1RM during the free-weight prone bench pull exercise.

Assessment of the load-velocity profile in the free-weight prone bench pull exercise through different velocity variables and regression models.

This aims of this study were (I) to determine the velocity variable and regression model which best fit the load-velocity relationship during the free-weight prone bench pull exercise, (II) to compare the reliability of the velocity attained at each percentage of the one-repetition maximum (1RM) between different velocity variables and regression models, and (III) to compare the within- and between-subject variability of the velocity attained at each %1RM. Eighteen men (14 rowers and four weightlifters) performed an incremental test during the free-weight prone bench pull exercise in two different sessions. General and individual load-velocity relationships were modelled through three velocity variables (mean velocity [MV], mean propulsive velocity [MPV] and peak velocity [PV]) and two regression models (linear and second-order polynomial). The main findings revealed that (I) the general (Pearson's correlation coefficient [r] range = 0.964-0.973) and individual (median r = 0.986 for MV, 0.989 for MPV, and 0.984 for PV) load-velocity relationships were highly linear, (II) the reliability of the velocity attained at each %1RM did not meaningfully differ between the velocity variables (coefficient of variation [CV] range = 2.55-7.61% for MV, 2.84-7.72% for MPV and 3.50-6.03% for PV) neither between the regression models (CV range = 2.55-7.72% and 2.73-5.25% for the linear and polynomial regressions, respectively), and (III) the within-subject variability of the velocity attained at each %1RM was lower than the between-subject variability for the light-moderate loads. No meaningful differences between the within- and between-subject CVs were observed for the MV of the 1RM trial (6.02% vs. 6.60%; CVratio = 1.10), while the within-subject CV was lower for PV (6.36% vs. 7.56%; CVratio = 1.19). These results suggest that the individual load-MV relationship should be determined with a linear regression model to obtain the most accurate prescription of the relative load during the free-weight prone bench pull exercise.

Association of maximal voluntary isometric handgrip strength with age, gender and handedness in older people / Fuerza de agarre isométrica máxima en relación a la edad, sexo y dominancia de mano

ABSTRACT Background: Maximal voluntary isometric handgrip strength (MVIHS) is influenced by age, sex, and handedness. Aim: To assess the association of MVIHS with age, sex, and handedness in older adults. Material and Methods: MVIHS was measured using a digital dynamometer in 60 men and 60 women aged 73 ± 6 years. Weight, height and handedness were also recorded. For analysis purposes, participants were divided into two age groups (65 to 70.9 years of age and ≥ 71 years). Results: A negative correlation was observed between age and MVIHS in the non-dominant (r = −0.65 and −0.59 in men and women, respectively) and dominant hands (r = −0.71 and −0.64 in men and women, respectively). When age and MVIHS were correlated in the group aged 65-70 years, a significant correlation was observed in the non-dominant (r = −045 and −0.61 in men and women, respectively) and dominant hands (r = −0.47 and −0.64 in men and women, respectively). In the group aged ≥ 71 years, a stronger correlation with age was also observed in the non-dominant (r = −0.92 and −0.90 in men and women, respectively) and dominant hands (r = −0.95 and −0.90 in men and women, respectively). MVIHS was 2.8 to 8.9% lower in the non-dominant than in the dominant hand in all age groups. MVIHS was lower in women than in men in both age groups. Conclusions: MVIHS declines with age (especially after 71 years of age), is higher in men than women, and higher in the dominant than the non-dominant hand.

Antecedentes: La fuerza de agarre isométrica voluntaria máxima (FAIVM) puede verse influenciada por la edad, el sexo y la dominancia. Objetivo: Describir la FAIVM y su relación con la edad, el sexo y la dominancia en adultos mayores. Material y Métodos: La FAIVM, la masa corporal, la talla, y la dominancia fueron medidas mediante protocolos estandarizados en 60 hombres e igual número de mujeres que fueron divididos en dos grupos acorde a su edad (65 a 70,9 años, y ≥ 71 años, respectivamente). Resultados: Se observó una correlación entre la edad y la FAIVM de mano no-dominante (hombres: r = −0,65; mujeres: r = −0,59) y dominante (hombres: r = −0,71; mujeres: r = −0,64). Al correlacionar la FAIVM y la edad en el grupo de 65-70 años, una correlación significativa fue observada en la mano no-dominante (hombres, r = −0,45; mujeres, r = −0,61) y mano dominante (hombres, r = −0,47; mujeres, r = −0,64). En el grupo ≥ 71 años, la edad tuvo una mayor correlación con la FAIVM de la mano no-dominante (hombres, r = −0,92; mujeres, r = −0,90) y mano dominante (hombres, r = −0,95; mujeres, r = −0,90). Comparada con la mano dominante, la mano no-dominante presentó menores valores de FAIVM en todos los grupos, variando entre −2,8 a −8,9%. Comparadas con los hombres, las mujeres presentaron menor FAIVM en mano dominante y no-dominante, en ambos grupos de edad. Conclusión: La FAIVM disminuye con la edad, especialmente desde los 71 años; es mayor en hombres comparados con mujeres y es mayor en mano dominante comparada con mano no-dominante.