The Role of Physical Exercise in the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Manual Workers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are the most common occupational health problem in the European Union. Physical exercise interventions have been investigated in the prevention of WMSDs in many sectors. Therefore, our aim was to assess the effect of physical exercise in manual workers for the primary and secondary prevention of WMSDs. We conducted a systematic search of the literature and papers were included if: the participants were adult employees exclusively engaged in manual labor tasks; non-acute physical exercise intervention; pain, disability, physical functioning, or health-related quality of life outcome, with pre-post intervention measurements. We retrieved 10419 unique records and included 23 studies. A random effect meta-analysis was conducted on the studies with a control group design, using a three level model to estimate the pooled effect for pain outcomes (g = 0.4339, 95% CI : 0.1267 - 0.7412, p < 0.01), and a two-level model for disability outcomes (g = 0.6279, 95% CI : 0.3983 - 0.8575, p < 0.0001). Subset analysis revealed a moderate-to-large effect on the VAS outcome (g = 0.5866, 95% CI: 0.3102 - 0.8630, p < 0.0001). Meta-regression on pain outcomes revealed a significant effect for sex, age, study quality, and body segments tested. The analyses on all outcomes except VAS showed substantial heterogeneity (I2pain = 93%, of which 72% at the study level, I2disability = 78%, and I2vas = 56%, of which 44% at the study level). Physical exercise programs seem to have a positive effect on pain and disability stemming from WRMSDs in manual workers.

The effects of an 8-week hypopressive exercise training program on urinary incontinence and pelvic floor muscle activation: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic floor dysfunction and urinary incontinence are two of the most frequent gynecological problems, and pelvic floor muscle training is recommended as a first-line treatment, with new approaches such as hypopressive exercises. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of an 8-week supervised training program of hypopressive exercises on pelvic floor muscle strength and urinary incontinence symptomatology. DESIGN: Blinded randomized controlled trial. SETTINGS: Women with pelvic floor dysfunction and urinary incontinence symptoms, aged 18-60 years. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 117 participants were randomly allocated to the hypopressive exercises group (n = 62) or a control group that received no intervention (n = 55) and completed the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected, as well as pelvic floor muscle strength (using the Modified Oxford Scale); the genital prolapse symptoms, colorectal symptoms, and urinary symptoms (with the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory [PFDI-20]); the impact of pelvic floor disorders (PFD) on women's lives (with the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire [PFIQ-7]); and the severity of urinary incontinence symptoms (using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire [ICIQ]). RESULTS: The results showed an improvement in the hypopressive group in the pelvic floor muscle strength F (1117) = 89.514, p < 0.001, a significantly lower score for the PFIQ7 total score, t (112) = 28.895, p < 0.001 and FPDI20 t (112) = 7.037, p < 0.001 as well as an improvement in ICIQ-SF values after 8 weeks of intervention in comparison with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: After performing an 8-week of hipopressive exercises intervention, a decrease in pelvic floor disorders associated symptoms can be observed. In addition, pelvic floor muscle contractility is improved and a decrease in severity and symptoms associated with urinary incontinence has been reported.

The Influence of Pilates Exercises on Body Composition, Muscle Strength, and Gait Speed in Community-Dwelling Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT: Aibar-Almazán, A, Martínez-Amat, A, Cruz-Díaz, D, Jesús de la Torre-Cruz, M, Jiménez-García, JD, Zagalaz-Anula, N, Redecillas-Peiró, MT, Mendoza-Ladrón de Guevara, N, and Hita-Contreras, F. The influence of Pilates exercises on body composition, muscle strength, and gait speed in community-dwelling older women: a randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2298-2305, 2022-Population aging is a global phenomenon that has wide-ranging consequences for the health of individuals, including age-related obesity, muscle loss, and a decline in muscle strength and gait speed. These alterations are associated with disability, functional decline, and mortality in older adults. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of Pilates exercises on body composition, handgrip strength, and physical performance among community-dwelling Spanish women aged 60 and older. A randomized controlled trial of a 12-week Pilates training program was conducted. A total of 109 women were randomly allocated to either a control ( n = 54) or a Pilates ( n = 55) group. Body composition was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance. Body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat, and height-adjusted skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) were assessed before and immediately after the intervention, as were physical performance, estimated by gait speed (timed up-and-go test), and handgrip strength. Statistically significant improvements ( p < 0.05) were observed both within and between groups for handgrip strength (Cohen's d = 0.40 and 0.52 respectively) and gait speed (Cohen's d = 0.86 and 0.87 respectively). After 12 weeks, BMI significantly decreased (Cohen's d = 0.07) only in the Pilates group. No significant differences were observed regarding SMI. In conclusion, a 12-week Pilates exercise intervention on community dwelling women over 60 years old shows beneficial effects on muscle strength, physical performance, and BMI, but failed to induce any changes on body composition.

Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of the Sarcopenia and Quality of Life, a Quality of Life Questionnaire Specific for Sarcopenia.

The Sarcopenia and Quality of Life questionnaire (SarQol®) is a self-administered multidimensional sarcopenia-specific tool designed for community-dwelling subjects aged 65 years and older. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the SarQoL®. A total of 252 participants aged ≥ 65 years voluntarily participated in this cross-sectional study. Handgrip strength and bioelectrical impedance analysis were used for sarcopenia screening. Discriminative power, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and floor and ceiling effects were analyzed. The generic 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), the European Quality of Life 5-Dimension-3 Level (EQ-5D-3L), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were also used for convergent and divergent validity. Significant differences between sarcopenic (n = 66) and non-sarcopenic participants were observed for SarQoL® total score (p = 0.008) and for all domains except D2-locomotion. A high internal consistency of SarQoL® total score (Cronbach's alpha = 0.904) was found, and significant domain-to-total score correlations were obtained (all p < .001). Test-retest data showed excellent reliability for SarQoL® total score (ICC = 0.99; 95%CI 0.98-0.99) and in all dimensions, except for D6-leisure and D7-fears activities (substantial). No floor and ceiling effects were observed for SarQoL® total score. SarQoL® total score showed good and acceptable correlations(p < 0.001) with the selected domains of the SF-36 and EQ-5D-3L which have similar dimensions (convergent validity). Low and non-significant correlations existed with anxiety, depression, and EQ-5D-3L self-care and pain/discomfort domains (divergent validity). The Spanish SarQoL® shows satisfactory general psychometric properties in Spanish-speaking older adults from Spain and is able to discriminate between older adults with and without sarcopenia.

Effects of 12 Weeks of Tai Chi Intervention in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

CONTEXT: Tai Chi is a physical activity modality which is widely practiced over the world. The effectiveness of Tai Chi on postural control and balance has been described in older population, but until recently there are no studies that include patients with chronic ankle instability. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 12 weeks of Tai Chi intervention on dynamic balance and self-reported instability in patients with chronic ankle instability. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial was carried out. SETTING: University physical therapy facility. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-two participants were allocated to an intervention group (n = 26) based on Tai Chi training or a control group (n = 26) who received no intervention. INTERVENTION: The participants completed 12 weeks of Tai Chi intervention (1 h session/2 times per week) or no intervention in the control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures included postural control and self-reported instability feeling assessed by the Star Excursion Balance Test and the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool, respectively. RESULTS: There was observed significant improvement in all Star Excursion Balance Test reach distances (anterior [F = 6.26, P < .01]; posteromedial [F = 9.58, P < .01], and posterolateral [F = 8.42, P < .01]) in the Tai Chi group with no change in the control group (P < .01). The intervention group demonstrated significant improvement on self-reported instability feeling assessed by the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool questionnaire (F = 21.36, P < .01). CONCLUSION: The obtained results suggested that 12 weeks of Tai Chi intervention have positive effects on postural control and self-reported instability feeling in patients with chronic ankle instability.

Suspension Training HIIT Improves Gait Speed, Strength and Quality of Life in Older Adults.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week high-intensity interval exercise (HIIT) training program involving suspension exercises (TRX) on the muscle strength, body composition, gait speed, and quality of life of older adults. A total of 82 older adults were randomly assigned to 3 groups: a HIIT group (n=28), a continuous intensity training group (MIIT group, n=27), or a control group (CG, n=27). Compared to MIIT and CG, participants of the HIIT group showed significant post-intervention improvements in BMI (p=.002 and p<.001, respectively) and gait speed (p<.001 for both). Handgrip strength increase was also observed after HIIT (p=.002), but no differences were observed with MIIT and CG. Compared with MIIT and control groups, HIIT showed improvements in the SF-36 domains: general health (p<.001 for both) health changes (p<.001 for both), vitality (p=.002 and p=.001 respectively) and physical functioning (p=.036 and p<.001 respectively). Our results suggest that a HIIT training program with TRX have benefits in BMI, handgrip strength, gait speed, and quality of life in older adults.

Risk of Falls in Healthy Older Adults: Benefits of High-Intensity Interval Training Using Lower Body Suspension Exercises.

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) programs, both with a suspension training system, on several fall risk factors in healthy older adults. A total of 82 participants (68.23 ± 2.97 years) were randomized to HIIT (n = 28), MIIT (n = 27), or control (n = 27) groups. Balance confidence (Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale), fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale-International), dynamic balance (Timed Up and Go test), and gait analysis (OptoGait optical detection system) were assessed. Statistical analysis showed improvements after the intervention in the HIIT group compared with the MIIT and control groups regarding the fear of falling (p < .05 and p < .01, respectively), gait (both ps < .05), and dynamic balance (p < .05 and p < .01, respectively), whereas both HIIT and MIIT groups improved balance confidence compared with the control group (p < .01 and p < .05, respectively). We can conclude that HIIT has significant beneficial effects of fall risk in older adults.

Development of the human shoulder joint during the embryonic and early fetal stages: anatomical considerations for clinical practice.

Although several studies have been published regarding the morphology and anatomical variations of the human shoulder joint, most have dealt with adult individuals. Those looking into the development of the joint have been focused on specific structures or have observed specimens in advanced gestational stages. The goal of this paper is to perform a complete analysis of the embryonic and early fetal development of the elements in the shoulder joint, and to clarify some contradictory data in the literature. In our study, serial sections of 32 human embryos (Carnegie stages 16-23) and 26 fetuses (9-13 weeks) were analyzed. The chondrogenic anlagen of the humerus and the medial border of the scapula can be observed from as early as Carnegie stage 17, whereas that of the rest of the scapula appears at stage 18. The osteogenic process begins in week 10 for the humeral head and week 11 for the scapula. At stage 19 the interzone becomes apparent, which will form the glenohumeral joint. In the next stage the glenohumeral joint will begin delaminating and exhibiting a looser central band. Denser lateral bands will join the humeral head (caput humeri) and the margins of the articular surface of the scapula, thus forming the glenoid labrum, which can be fully appreciated by stage 22. In 24-mm embryos (stage 21) we can observe, for the first time, the long head of the biceps tendon (which is already inserted in the glenoid labrum by week 9), and the intertubercular sulcus, whose depth is apparent since week 12. Regarding ligamentous structures, the coracohumeral ligament is observed at the end of Carnegie stage 23, whereas the primitive glenohumeral ligament already appeared in week 10. The results of this study provide a detailed description of the morphogenesis, origin and chronological order of appearance of the main intrinsic structures of the human shoulder joint during late embryonic and early fetal development. We expect these results to help explain several functional aspects of the shoulder joint, and to clarify some contradictory data in the literature regarding this complex anatomical and biomechanical structure, helping future researchers in their efforts.

The effectiveness of 12 weeks of Pilates intervention on disability, pain and kinesiophobia in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of 12 weeks of Pilates practice on disability, pain and kinesiophobia in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. DESIGN: This is a randomized controlled trial. SETTING: This study was conducted in the university laboratory. SUBJECTS: A total of 64 participants with chronic non-specific low back pain were included. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomly allocated to intervention group consisted in Pilates intervention during 12 weeks ( n = 32) or control group who received no treatment ( n = 32). MAIN MEASURES: Disability, pain and kinesiophobia were assessed by Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, visual analogue scale and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, respectively. Measurements were performed at baseline, at 6 and 12 weeks after study completion. RESULTS: There were significant differences between groups with observed improvement in Pilates intervention group in all variables after treatment ( P < 0.001). Major changes on disability and kinesiophobia were observed at six weeks of intervention with no significant difference after 12 weeks ( P < 0.001). Mean changes of the intervention group compared with the control group were 4.00 (0.45) on the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and 5.50 (0.67) in the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia. Pain showed better results at six weeks with a slightly but statistically significant improvement at 12 weeks with Visual Analogue Scale scores of 2.40 (0.26) ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pilates intervention in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain is effective in the management of disability, pain and kinesiophobia.

Ultrasound Changes in Achilles Tendon and Gastrocnemius Medialis Muscle on Squat Eccentric Overload and Running Performance.

Sanz-López, F, Berzosa Sánchez, C, Hita-Contreras, F, Cruz-Diaz, D, and Martínez-Amat, A. Ultrasound changes in Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius medialis muscle on squat eccentric overload and running performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2015-Previous studies have proven the adaptation to load in the Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscle after different types of exercise, such as running, heel drop training, and a variety of sports. These findings have been applied to improve performance and in the treatment and prevention of overuse injuries. However, the effects that squat performance may have on the Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscle are still unknown. Squats are a widely used training exercise that involves calf-muscle activation. Similarly, no reports have been published regarding the adaptation to load of trained and untrained subjects during several consecutive days of running. The purpose of this study was to analyze changes in the Achilles tendon and in the pennation angles of the gastrocnemius medialis after eccentric overload training and within 3 days of running. Twenty healthy males who volunteered for this study were divided into 2 groups. Subjects in the eccentric overload training (ECC) group performed 6 weeks of eccentric overload training (twice weekly, 4 sets of 7 repetitions in a Yoyo squat device) before the running intervention. All participants, ECC and control (CONT) groups, ran on 3 consecutive days. After the eccentric training, an increase in the cross-sectional area of the Achilles tendon and in the pennation angle was observed. As for the running intervention, the behavior of tissues in both groups was similar. These results suggest that eccentric overload training with squats promotes changes in the Achilles tendon and in the pennation angle of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle. Nevertheless, significant changes in the tissue do not appear between the running performance of trained and untrained subjects.

Embryonic and early fetal period development and morphogenesis of human craniovertebral junction.

Several studies have focused on the cartilaginous, articular, and ligamentous development of the craniovertebral joint (CVJ), but there are no unifying criteria regarding the origin and morphogenetic timetable of the structures that make up the CVJ. In our study, serial sections of 53 human embryonic (n = 27) and fetal (n = 26) specimens from O'Rahilly stages 17-23 and 9-13 weeks, respectively, have been analyzed. Our results demonstrate that the chondrification of the pars basioccipitalis and exoccipitalis becomes observable at stage 19, and all future bones in the CVJ are in their cartilaginous form except for the future odontoid process. In addition, two chondrification centers appear for the body of the axis. From stage 21, the apical, alar, and transverse atlantal ligaments begin to acquire a ligamentous structure and the odontoid process initiates its chondrogenic phase. Stage 22 witnesses the first signs of the articular cavities of the atlanto-occipital joint, and by stage 23 all joints have cavities except for the transverse-odontoid joint, which will wait until week 9. In week 10, the ossification of the basilar part of the occipital bone begins, followed by the rest of the structures except for the odontoid process, which will start at week 13, thus completing the osteogenesis of all bones in the CVJ. The results of this study could help in establishing the anatomical basis of the normally functioning CVJ and for detecting its related pathologies, abnormalities, and malformations.

Effects of in-water passive recovery on sprint swimming performance and heart rate in adolescent swimmers.

The aim of the present study is to test the hypothesis that sprint swimming performance is enhanced by in-water passive recovery (IN) after sprint swimming bouts in well-trained adolescent swimmers. Using a randomized crossover study design, twelve well-trained adolescent swimmers performed two tests at the swimming pool after preliminary testing. They performed 5 bouts of 100m all-out swimming separated by 5 minutes of passive rest. Their individual in- or out-of-water passive recovery condition was randomized on the first day. In their second visit to the swimming pool the opposite recovery condition was indicated. More than 60% of the subjects which rested in-water were faster in the 5th bout when compared to the OUT group. However, no significant differences were found in blood lactate when IN and OUT were compared. After the first bout peak heart rate (HR peak) was lower in subsequent bouts for IN recovery when compared with OUT (p < 0.001). Thus, coaches and researchers should take into account that IN passive recovery may decrease loss of performance and diminish HR peak during sprint swimming bouts. This is particularly important given the use that many coaches give to HR as a tool in daily training. Key pointsIn-water passive recovery minimizes the loss of performance during high intensity swimmingMaximal HR is significantly reduced by in-water recoveryCoaches should take this information into account when using HR to control swimming intensityFuture research should study long-term effects induced by in-water passive recovery.

What interventions can treat arthrogenic muscle inhibition in patients with chronic ankle instability? A systematic review with meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To identify, critically appraise, and synthesize the existing evidence regarding the effects of therapeutic interventions on arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two reviewers independently performed exhaustive database searches in Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus. RESULTS: Nine studies were finally included. Five types of disinhibitory interventions were identified: focal ankle joint cooling (FAJC), manual therapy, fibular reposition taping (FRT), whole-body vibration (WBV), and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). There were moderate effects of FAJC on spinal excitability in ankle muscles (g = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.03-1.08, p = 0.040 for the soleus and g = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.01-1.07, p = 0.046 for the fibularis longus). In contrast, manual therapy, FRT, WBV were not effective. Finally, 4 weeks of tDCS combined with eccentric exercise showed large effects on corticospinal excitability in 2 weeks after the intervention (g = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.14-1.85 for the fibularis longus and g = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.16-1.87 for the tibialis anterior). CONCLUSIONS: FAJC and tDCS may be effective in counteracting AMI. However, the current evidence of mainly short-term studies to support the use of disinhibitory interventions is too limited to draw definitive conclusions.

Therapeutic interventions on arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) in patients with chronic ankle instability are scarce.Current studies incorporate mainly short-term therapeutic interventions.Focal ankle joint cooling seems effective to treat AMI.Several weeks of transcranial direct current stimulation may also be effective to counteract arthrogenic muscle inhibition but more studies are needed.

Evaluating the Impact of Flossing Band Integration in Conventional Physiotherapy for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.

Background/Objectives: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is prevalent among physically active individuals, highlighting the need for innovative treatment strategies beyond conventional physiotherapy. This study investigates the effectiveness of integrating flossing band therapy with standard physiotherapy, anticipating improved outcomes in pain reduction, functional ability, and patient satisfaction. Methods: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial involved 50 PFPS-diagnosed participants. They were divided into two groups: Standard Physiotherapy Group (SPG) and Flossing Band and Physiotherapy Group (FBPG), each undergoing an 8-week intervention focusing on resistance training supplemented by respective therapies. Assessment metrics included pain (VAS), strength (Dynamometry), lower limb function (LEFS), and PFPS function (AKPS) measured before and after the intervention. Results: Significant enhancements in all outcome measures were noted for both groups, yet the FBPG exhibited notably superior improvements in pain, knee functionality, muscle strength, and lower extremity function. The FBPG demonstrated statistically significant greater efficacy in pain alleviation and strength enhancement. Conclusions: The addition of flossing band therapy to conventional physiotherapy presents a more effective treatment modality for PFPS, suggesting its potential to redefine therapeutic standards. Future studies should delve into the long-term impacts and mechanistic underpinnings of floss band therapy in PFPS management.

From surgery to functional capacity: muscle strength modifications in women post sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Severe obesity is characterized by excessive accumulation of fat generating a general health decline. Multidisciplinary treatment of obesity leads to significant weight loss in a few patients; therefore, many incur bariatric surgery. The main purpose of the study is to evaluate changes in functional capacity of people with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery and, in parallel, to correlate pre-surgery functional capacity with weight loss to improve exercise prescription during pre-operatory stage. METHODS: sixty women with diagnosed obesity were included. Maximal oxygen consumption, upper and lower limb strength and level of physical activity were recorded 1 month before and 6 months after sleeve gastrectomy. RESULTS: significant reduction on body weight (-30.1 kg) and Body Mass Index (-11.4 kg/m2) were highlighted after surgery. Absolute grip strength decreased significantly (-1.1 kg), while body weight normalized grip and lower limb strength increased significantly. The level of physical activity increased especially in leisure time (+ 593 METs/week) and active transport (+ 189.3 METs/week). Pre-surgery BMI and age predicted the amount of weight loss after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Sleeve gastrectomy induces a reduction of muscle strength despite the increase of time spent in physical activity. Further research is necessary to integrate these results with data on body composition, and objective evaluation of physical activity level to define useful information for exercise prescription in terms of surgery pre-habilitation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Padova University Hospital Board (protocol n. 2027 dated January 12, 2017).

Effects of Hypopressive Abdominal Training on Ventilatory Capacity and Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Pelvic floor dysfunctions, associated with alterations in respiratory mechanics and, consequently, quality of life, are the cause of the most frequent gynecological problems. Pelvic floor muscle training emerges as a first-line treatment, with new approaches such as hypopressive exercises. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of an 8-week supervised training program of hypopressive exercises on the pelvic floor and its impact on improving the ventilatory mechanics and quality of life in women. Analysis of the spirometric parameters showed a significant main Group × Time effect for three parameters: the ratio of FEV1/FVC (p = 0.030), the forced expiratory flow at 75% of the expired vital capacity (p < 0.001), and the forced expiratory flow over the middle half of the forced vital capacity (p = 0.005). No statistical significance was found regarding the SF-12 questionnaire components; only differences were found over time in the physical role (p = 0.023), bodily pain (p = 0.001), and vitality (p < 0.010) domains and in the physical component summary score (p = 0.010). After an 8-week intervention of hypopressive exercises, an improvement in the ventilatory and pulmonary capacities can be observed.

Comparative Effects of Neuromuscular- and Strength-Training Protocols on Pathomechanical, Sensory-Perceptual, and Motor-Behavioral Impairments in Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability: Randomized Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a complex condition that includes limited mobility, perceived instability, and recurrent ankle sprains are common characteristics that reduce the quality of life in subjects who suffer from CAI. Neuromuscular training and strength training have been recommended in CAI management interventions. However, there are contradictory findings on results when comparing neuromuscular training, strength training, and the control group. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 8 weeks of neuromuscular intervention training, strength training, and no intervention in a sporting population with reported CAI. (2) Methods: Sixty-seven athletes with CAI were randomly assigned to a neuromuscular training group (NG), strength training group (SG), or control group (CG). Participants completed 8 weeks of neuromuscular training (a combination of static and dynamic exercises), strength training (resistance band exercises), or no training. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks and included selfs-reported instability feeling (CAIT), dynamic balance (SEBT), ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (WBLT), and functional status (FAAM and FAAM-SPORT). (3) Results: There were significant differences between strength and control groups in the posteromedial direction of SEBT, FAAM, and FAAM-SPORT after 8 weeks of intervention. (4) Conclusions: Neuromuscular training and strength training based on resistance bands exercises showed significant improvements in ankle dorsiflexion, subjective feeling of instability, functional status, and dynamic balance in patients with CAI.

Effects of global postural reeducation on postural control, dynamic balance, and ankle range of motion in patients with hallux abducto valgus. A randomized controlled trial.

Hallux abducto valgus (HAV) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that has been addressed surgically. Nevertheless, the manual therapy approach may play an important role in the management of this condition. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of global postural reeducation (GPR) in subjects with symptomatic mild to moderate HAV in static postural control, dynamic stability, and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM). A total of 80 patients with mild to moderate symptomatic HAV were allocated to the intervention group (GPR) or control group (CG) (no treatment) for 8 weeks. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline at 4 and 8 weeks including static postural control (Romberg test), dynamic balance (Star Excursion Balance Test [SEBT]), and ankle DFROM (Weight-Bearing Lunge Test [WBLT]). No improvements were observed at 4 weeks, but there were improvements at 8 weeks in: static postural control mediolateral displacement (X) of center of pressure (CoP) in both eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC): XEO (t(36) = 2.892, p = .006, d = 0.67); XEC (t(68) = 2.280, p = .026, d = 054); and velocity (V) of CoP displacement: VEO (t(68) = 2.380, p = .020, d = 0.57); VEC (t(36) = 2.057, p = .047, d = 0.37). It were also improvements in: WBLT (t(36) = -2.869, p = .007, d = 0.54) and SEBT at three directions (anterior, ANT; posteromedial, PM; and posterolateral, PL): SEBT.ANT (t(36) = -2.292, p = .028, d = 0.23); SEBT.PM (t(36) = -4.075, p < .001, d = 0.43); SEBT.PL (t(62) = -3.506, p = .001, d = 0.34). The present study showed that GPR compared to the CG might be effective in enhancing ankle function including postural control, dynamic balance, and DFROM.

The Role of Facebook® in Promoting a Physically Active Lifestyle: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: it is well known in literature that sedentary lifestyle contributes to worsening people's health. This issue highlights the need for effective interventions to promote an active lifestyle. Research suggested multilevel intervention strategies to promote adherence to recommended physical activity levels, including the use of social networks that may simplify access to health notions. Being Facebook® the most extensive worldwide social network, this document aimed to analyze the current body of evidence on the role of Facebook® in the promotion of physical activity. METHODS: eighteen manuscripts were considered eligible for this systematic review, and it was performed a meta-analysis (PRISMA guidelines) for overall physical activity parameters in eleven out of eighteen studies. RESULTS: significant improvements were detected in the total amount of physical activity. In parallel, an increase in other parameters, such as cardiovascular, body composition, and social support, were found. The aerobic training, with supervised and tailored modalities, showed more considerable improvements. CONCLUSIONS: this study showed that Facebook® might be considered a feasible and accessible approach to promoting regular exercise practice and achieving health benefits indicators. Future research on the cross-link between physical activity and social network management could also focus on strength training to verify if a more structured intervention would show an effect.

The Influence of Weight Loss in Postural Control in Women Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is the most effective procedure for obesity management, with a greater body weight loss and the remission of several diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between the anthropometric profile and postural control outcomes in a group of obese adult women, and the effect of bariatric surgery on postural control. METHODS: eighty-eight women candidates for bariatric surgery were recruited. Static balance was measured with the ARGO stabilometric platform under two conditions: open eyes (OE) and closed eyes (CE). RESULTS: Multiple linear regression indicated BMI as the first predictor for postural control in all parameters, except for APO in open eyes, predicted mainly by height. Changes in body weight and BMI showed no statistically significant correlations with modification of postural control parameters (OE), while they appeared to exert an influence under closed eyes conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Before surgery, obese patients with a higher BMI showed a better postural control. After surgery, the sway path and antero-posterior oscillation improved under open eyes conditions, while the magnitude of weight loss was negatively correlated with differences in postural control.