Muscle oxygenation and pain in different types of temporomandibular disorders.

OBJECTIVES: Studies exploring variations in peripheral muscle oxygenation and pressure pain thresholds (PPT) of masticatory muscles in individuals with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) are limited. The purpose of this study was to compare variations in peripheral oxygenation of the masseter muscle; PPT of the masseter and temporal muscles and correlate peripheral muscle oxygenation and PPT of the masseter muscle in individuals with different types of TMDs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study involving 116 participants classified into three groups: muscle group (MG, n = 32), joint group (JG, n = 30) and muscle-joint group (MJG, n = 54). Individuals aged 26.97 ± 6.93, 68.97% female, 31,03% males were included. All participants were evaluated using the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for peripheral muscle oxygenation and pressure algometer for PPT. RESULTS: There was no difference in masseter muscle oxygenation among groups. In the masseter muscle, a weakly positive correlation was observed between PPT and variation in tissue saturation index in the MG (rho = 0.365) and JG (rho = 0.317). In addition, the MJG expressed lower PPT (p = 0.004) than JG, demonstrating that MJG had more pain in this muscle. CONCLUSIONS: MJG have lower PPT in the masseter muscle. Although the PPT is dependent on the type of TMDs, the correlation between PPT and oxygenation is weak. All TMDs groups evaluated (MG, JG, MJG) showed hemodynamic similarities of the masseter muscle. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding pain thresholds and the hemodynamic behavior of the masticatory muscles contributes to a more assertive physiotherapeutic assessment in TMDs, serving as a basis for careful and individualized interventions.

Effects of visceral manipulation associated with pelvic floor muscles training in women with urinary incontinence: A randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: To compare the effects of manual visceral therapy (MVT) associated with pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms, vaginal resting pressure, and maximum voluntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM). METHODS: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial of 5 weeks duration with two active intervention arms: PFMT + MVT and PFMT + manual sham therapy (MST). Participants were women over 18 years of age with complaint or diagnosis of UI symptoms. The primary outcome was the severity of UI symptoms, assessed by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form. The secondary outcomes measures included the vaginal resting pressure and the maximum voluntary contraction of PFM assessed by digital manometry. RESULTS: Fifty-two incontinent women participated in the study. There was no significant difference between groups in UI symptoms (F (1.74, 86.9) = 0.406; p = 0.638), vaginal resting pressure (mean difference -1.5 cmH20 [95% confidence interval [CI] -4.5 to 1.5; p = 0.33]), and maximum voluntary contraction of PFM (median 0.0 cmH20 [25%-75% interquartile range 0.0-5.6; p = 0.12]) after the intervention period. CONCLUSIONS: Combining MVT with PFMT was not more effective than PFMT alone in reducing UI symptoms, in change vaginal resting pressure and maximum voluntary contraction of PFM. Due to the limitations of the study, further investigations are still needed to confirm these findings.

Synthesis, anti-proliferative activity, theoretical and 1H NMR experimental studies of Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts from isatin derivatives.

Quaternary or spirocyclic 3-substituted-3-hydroxy-2-oxindole is considered a privileged scaffold. In other words, it is a molecular core present on several compounds with a wide spectrum of biological activities. Among its precursors, activated ketones (isatin nucleus) can be used as interesting starting points to Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts derivatives, a class of compounds with good cytotoxic potential. In this paper, we present the synthesis, anti-proliferative activity against lung cancer cell line and a theoretical conformational study of 21 of Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts from isatin derivatives, by DFT quantum chemical calculations, followed by a SAR and QSAR analysis. Besides, an efficient synthetic protocol and good biological activity profile were highlighted interesting observations about 1H NMR experimental spectra, molecular modeling results and crystallographic data available.

Assessment of disturbance at three spatial scales in two large tropical reservoirs.

Large reservoirs are an increasingly common feature across tropical landscapes because of their importance for water supply, flood control and hydropower, but their ecological conditions are infrequently evaluated. Our objective was to assess the range of disturbances for two large tropical reservoirs and their influences on benthic macroinvertebrates. We tested three hypotheses: i) a wide variation in the level of environmental disturbance can be observed among sites in the reservoirs; ii) the two reservoirs would exhibit a different degree of disturbance level; and iii) the magnitude of disturbance would influence the structure and composition of benthic assemblages. For each reservoir, we assessed land use (macroscale), physical habitat structure (mesoscale), and water quality (microscale). We sampled 40 sites in the littoral zones of both Três Marias and São Simão Reservoirs (Minas Gerais, Brazil). At the macroscale, we measured cover percentages of land use categories in buffer areas at each site, where each buffer was a circular arc of 250 m. At the mesoscale, we assessed the presence of human disturbances in the riparian and drawdown zones at the local (site) scale. At the microscale, we assessed water quality at each macroinvertebrate sampling station using the Micro Disturbance Index (MDI). To evaluate anthropogenic disturbance of each site, we calculated an integrated disturbance index (IDI) from a buffer disturbance index (BDI) and a local disturbance index (LDI). For each site, we calculated richness and abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates, Chironomidae genera richness, abundance and percent Chironomidae individuals, abundance and percent EPT individuals, richness and percent EPT taxa, abundance and percent resistant individuals, and abundance and percent non-native individuals. We also evaluated the influence of disturbance on benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages at the entire-reservoir scale. The BDI, LDI and IDI had significantly greater average scores at São Simão than at Três Marias Reservoir. The significantly greater differences in IDI scores for São Simão Reservoir were reflected in 10 of the 13 Ekman-Birge dredge biotic metrics and in 5 of 13 of the kick-net biotic metrics. We also observed clear ranges of disturbances within both reservoirs at macro (BDI) and mesoscales (LDI) and in water quality, but an insignificant range in MDI results. However, we found no significant relationship between the benthic macroinvertebrate metrics and the BDI, LDI, and IDI among sites within a single reservoir. Hence, we believe that benthic macroinvertebrate distributions in those reservoirs were influenced by other factors or that reservoir macroinvertebrates (dominated by chironomids) were poor indicators of disturbance at the site scale.

Acute effect of scapular mobilization with associated myofascial release on butterfly performance: Randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the acute effect of scapular mobilization with associated myofascial release compared to scapular mobilization without myofascial release on butterfly stroke sports performance. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. METHOD: Pilot study that non-probabilistically convenience sampling that selected butterfly swimmers who were simply randomized into three groups to receive the standard protocol (scapular mobilization with release of the subscapularis muscle by the lateral edge of the scapula and rib cage detachment) in intervention group (IG), sham group (SG) (scapular mobilization without subscapularis muscle release and without rib cage detachment) or no intervention in control group (CG). We evaluated the stroke frequency, length, and average speed of 30 swimmers using the 8.15 Kinovea® motion analysis system. RESULTS: The findings showed that, compared to the CG and IG, the SG showed a significant reduction in mean velocity (p = 0.002; p = 0.02, respectively), stroke frequency (p = 0.002; p = 0.003, respectively), and stroke length (p = 0.01; p = 0.05, respectively). DISCUSSION: The results showed that manual therapy through scapular mobilization without associated myofascial release with detachment of the scapula from the rib cage worsened the swimming efficiency indicators even after 30 min of application of the technique. The limitations of the studies are related to the sample size, the risk of non-probabilistic contraction bias and the lack of blinding of the evaluators. Thus, the results of this study should be evaluated with caution.

Peripheral muscle oxygenation, pain, and disability indices in individuals with and without nonspecific neck pain, before and after myofascial reorganization®: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

To investigate whether myofascial reorganization® in the trapezius muscle (MRT) improves peripheral muscle oxygenation and pain tolerance and decreases neck disability index (NDI) scores in individuals with and without nonspecific neck pain (NP) using a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Seventy-five subjects were equally and randomly assigned to three groups: the intervention groups (experimental [EG] and sham sSG]) and the control group (CG). Several inclusion criteria were applied to the intervention groups: male or female, aged 18-32 years, self-reported NP in the last 3 months without a defined cause; at least "soft" pain in session 1 of the NDI, and at least a score of 1 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The CG was required to have NDI and VAS scores of 0 at recruitment. Intervention: The EG underwent MRT for 10 min, once a week for 6 weeks. Patients with NP in the SG underwent classical massage for the same duration and frequency. Patients in the CG had no pain and underwent no intervention. Data collection was performed using the NDI Questionnaire, a pressure algometer for pain evaluation, and near-infrared spectroscopy for muscle oxygenation measurements. It was registered as NCT03882515 at ClinicalTrials.gov. The NDI score in both the EG (p<0.001) and SG (p<0.001) decreased after 6 weeks of intervention compared to the CG. The CG demonstrated a lower basal tissue saturation (TSI) index than the EG (p<0.001) and SG (p = 0.02). The EG demonstrated higher oxyhemoglobin values than the SG (p<0.001) and CG (p = 0.03). The CG had higher pain tolerance than the EG (p = 0.01) and SG (p<0.001) post-intervention. MRT increased trapezius muscle oxygenation after 6 weeks of intervention.

DNA metabarcoding assessment of Neotropical ichthyoplankton communities is marker-dependent.

The study of ichthyoplankton is paramount to understanding fish assemblages' reproductive dynamics. DNA metabarcoding has been applied as a rapid, cost-effective, and accurate taxonomy tool, allowing the identification of multiple individuals simultaneously. However, there remain significant challenges when using DNA metabarcoding, such as molecular marker choice according to the taxonomic resolution and length of the fragment to be sequenced, primer bias, incomplete reference databases, and qualitative inference incongruences. Here, 30 ichthyoplankton pools collected from a Neotropical river were identified at a molecular level using DNA metabarcoding to compare the resolution, sensibility, specificity, and relative read abundance (RRA) recovery of three molecular markers: the standard COI fragment (650 pb, with each end analyzed individually) and two short 12S rRNA genes markers (≅200 bp - NeoFish and MiFish markers). The combined use of the three markers increased the genera detection rates by 25%-87.5%, allowing an increased taxonomic coverage and robust taxonomic identification of complex Neotropical ichthyoplankton communities. RRA is marker-dependent, indicating caution is still needed while inferring species abundance based on DNA metabarcoding data when using PCR-dependent protocols.

Myofascial release strategies and technique recommendations for athletic performance: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and foam roller self-myofascial release (FRSMR) strategies and verify their results in athletic performance. METHOD: Systematic review conducted in four databases from 2017. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of two forms of soft tissue mobilization on athletes' performance. The risk of bias was analyzed using the Cochrane Handbook scale. RESULTS: Ten studies were included for qualitative analysis. IASTM increased range of motion, knee joint kinetic force, peak torque, and angular velocity in dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. The technique increases isometric strength and isokinetic power in vertical jumping. FRSMR was relevant in counter movement jumping between the pre- and post-intervention conditions, mainly by increasing strength in the initial jumping phase. CONCLUSIONS: IASTM should be used in sports preparation to improve muscle response and explosive force production. FRSMR increases flexibility as it tends to restore tissue elasticity, but it does not improve aerobic activity. The suggested time for strategy intervention is at least 90 s per muscle group.

Effectiveness of visceral fascial therapy targeting visceral dysfunctions outcome: systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Fascial Therapy is an ancient and widespread practice throughout the world. These approaches are very common in osteopathic practice and taught in workshops for professionals from different areas of health care, including Physiotherapy. This type of treatment is quite specialized and centered on the therapist. However, there is a lack of high-quality and low-risk bias studies that justify the use of this practice. Despite this, there is little scientific evidence about the effectiveness of Fascial Therapy to treat some visceral disorders. The purpose of this study was to critically appraise the scientific literature concerning the clinical efficacy of techniques used in Fascial Therapy targeting the visceral system. METHODS: This systematic review included randomized controlled trials in any language or date of publication. All primary outcomes reported were included. The methodological quality and statistical reporting of each eligible trial were evaluated using the version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2). This systematic review provided a synthesis of current evidence on the effects of Fascial Therapy in patients with visceral disorders and/or pain. A total of 11 studies were included, with five of them covering gastrointestinal dysfunction, two covering cardiorespiratory dysfunction, two covering musculoskeletal dysfunction, and two covering urogenital dysfunction. RESULTS: Fascial Therapy targeting the visceral system has been shown to be effective in reducing pain over the long term in people with low back pain when combined with standard physical therapy and effective in reducing gastroesophageal reflux symptoms over the short term. Considering the overall bias, six studies were at high risk of bias, two studies had some concerns and only three studies were at low risk of bias. Of the three studies with a low risk of bias, only two showed positive results and were effective in improving the studied outcome. CONCLUSION: This systematic review shows that currently, there is poor evidence for the efficacy of the techniques used in Fascial Therapy targeting the visceral system, and this information can help healthcare professionals in decision-making related to the use of Fascial Therapy targeting the visceral system in patients with visceral disorders and/or pain.

Function, strength, and muscle activation of the shoulder complex in Crossfit practitioners with and without pain: a cross-sectional observational study.

BACKGROUND: The shoulder joint is the most commonly injured joint in CrossFit practitioners, because of the high intensity and loads associated with this sport. Despite the large number of clinical cases, there is a shortage of studies that investigate influence of biomechanical aspects of upper limbs' injuries on CrossFit practitioners. This study hypothesized that there would be a difference in function, strength, and muscle activation between Crossfit practitioners with and without shoulder pain. METHODS: We divided 79 Crossfit practitioners into two groups according to whether they reported pain (n = 29) or no pain (n = 50) in the shoulder during Crossfit training. Muscle function, strength, and activation were assessed using the Disability Arm, Shoulder and Hand function questionnaire, Upper Quarter Y Balance Test and Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test shoulder tests, isometric muscle strength assessment by manual dynamometry and muscle activation by surface electromyography and pain report. RESULTS: The function based on questionnaire was associated with pain (p = 0.004). We observed a statistically significant difference between the two groups only in the surface electromyography activity of the lower trapezius, and in the variables of shoulder pain and function (p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: Crossfit practitioners with shoulder pain occurring during training showed good function and stability of the shoulder joint, but there was a reduction in the activation of stabilizing muscles, especially the lower trapezius. Trial registration Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clinico (Brasilian National Registry) with the ID: RBR-2gycyv.

Acute effects of myofascial reorganization on trapezius muscle oxygenation in individuals with nonspecific neck pain.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Nonspecific neck pain (NNP) is a common idiopathic disorder in the general population that affects the trapezius muscle (TM) and blood supply, thereby compromising the fascial system. Myofascial reorganization (MR) is a physical therapy technique that can influence the dynamics of local fluids reducing excessive muscle tension and capillary constriction, and increasing local blood flow. This study aimed to investigate whether MR improves peripheral muscle oxygenation. METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental study with an intentional non-probability sample. Fifty participants (women: 36, men: 14) with and without NNP were assigned to either the experimental group (EG: n = 25, with NNP, subjected to MR) or the control group (CG: without NNP, no MR intervention). TM oxygenation was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) before and after a single intervention. All participants were evaluated and reassessed after 10 min. RESULTS: The results revealed that immediately after 10 min of MR, the EG exhibited an increase in the oxyhemoglobin level of the medium fibers of the TM (0.72 ± 1.47 vs. -0.14 ± 1.33 mmol/dL, p = 0.01). In addition, functional disability (CG: 5.48 ± 5.58%/EG: 21.12 ± 7.73%) and neck pain were measured using the neck disability index. The pain pressure threshold (CG: 70.49 ± 32.29 kgf/EG: 51.08 ± 27.65 kgf) and pain intensity (CG: 0.76 ± 1.56/EG: 3.28 ± 2.35) were also measured. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that application of MR for 10 min increases the tissue oxyhemoglobin level in the TM of the group with NNP compared to the CG without NNP.

Do Individuals with History of Patellofemoral Pain Walk and Squat Similarly to Healthy Controls? A 3D Kinematic Analysis During Pain Remission Phase.

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is typically accompanied by changes in movement pattern. However, it is unclear if these changes persist in the remission phase of symptoms. Investigating movement patterns in individuals in remission phase of PFP may help to further guide the rehabilitation process and to understand whether changes are due to high levels of pain or related to other factors. PURPOSE: To compare 3D kinematics during walking and the single leg squat (SLS) between individuals with history of PFP in remission phase and a control group without history of lower limb injuries and PFP. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional case-control study. METHODS: Individuals with onset of PFP for at least one year and in phase of remission of symptoms (experimental group [EG]; n=13, 30±8 years) were compared to a control group (CG, n=13, 28±7 years). A 10-camera motion analysis system (Vicon-Nexus®) was used to record 3D ankle, knee, hip and trunk angles during walking and SLS. RESULTS: The EG presented less ankle dorsiflexion, knee and hip flexion during the stance phase of walking compared to the CG (p=0.005, large effect size ηp2 = 0.141). During the SLS, no between-group differences were observed for the ankle, knee and hip angles at the peak of knee flexion (p>0.05). A trend for increased trunk range of movement in the EG compared to the CG was observed (p=0.075, medium effect size ηp2 = 0.127). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate less movement in the sagittal plane during walking, and a trend towards more movement of the trunk during SLS in the EG compared to the CG. The participants of the EG had minimal symptoms, to the point of not classifying them as pathological. However, the between-group differences suggest that even in the remission phase, kinematic differences persist for some reason and may contribute to the recurring pain in PFP individuals. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Predictive simulation of post-stroke gait with functional electrical stimulation.

Post-stroke patients present various gait abnormalities such as drop foot, stiff-knee gait (SKG), and knee hyperextension. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) improves drop foot gait although the mechanistic basis for this effect is not well understood. To answer this question, we evaluated the gait of a post-stroke patient walking with and without FES by inverse dynamics analysis and compared the results to an optimal control framework. The effect of FES and cause-effect relationship of changes in knee and ankle muscle strength were investigated; personalized muscle-tendon parameters allowed the prediction of pathologic gait. We also predicted healthy gait patterns at different speeds to simulate the subject walking without impairment. The passive moment of the knee played an important role in the estimation of muscle force with knee hyperextension, which was decreased during FES and knee extensor strengthening. Weakening the knee extensors and strengthening the flexors improved SKG. During FES, weak ankle plantarflexors and strong ankle dorsiflexors resulted in increased ankle dorsiflexion, which reduced drop foot. FES also improved gait speed and reduced circumduction. These findings provide insight into compensatory strategies adopted by post-stroke patients that can guide the design of individualized rehabilitation and treatment programs.

Effects of total knee arthroplasty for primary knee osteoarthritis on postural balance: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis is often related to physical function impairment. Although total knee arthroplasty is considered effective for advanced cases of knee osteoarthritis, its effects on postural balance is a topic of debate. RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the effects of total knee arthroplasty for primary knee osteoarthritis on postural balance compared to preoperative status and/or to healthy controls?. METHODS: Longitudinal studies (with more than 1-month follow-up) assessing postural balance measures (either clinical-based such as balance scales or laboratory-based such as postural sway) were considered eligible and selected in a 2-phase process. Six main electronic databases were searched, complemented by 3 grey literature sources. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. RESULTS: A total of 19 studies were included for qualitative synthesis, of which 14 had low and 5 had a moderate risk of bias. The follow-up period ranged from 1-24 months. Most studies (n = 11) presented comparisons to preoperative status only. From these, 7 studies reported relevant improvements in postural balance, 2 reported partial improvements, and 2 no improvements. The remaining studies (n = 8) presented comparisons to healthy controls and, although improvements following total knee arthroplasty were consistently observed, only one study reported postural balance measures comparable to that of controls. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of studies reported relevant improvements (especially in clinical-based measures) compared to preoperative evaluations, although inconsistencies were found possibly due to variability in studies' populations, assessment tools, and follow-up times. Despite this, persistent deficits in postural balance were commonly observed when compared to healthy controls. SIGNIFICANCE: This evidence synthesis could better inform clinicians and researchers about the therapeutic effects and limitations of total knee arthroplasty concerning postural balance. Standardization of assessment tools is recommended to strengthen the certainty of cumulative evidence.

Activation of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and tensor fascia lata muscles during hip internal and external rotation exercises at three hip flexion postures.

BACKGROUND: Hip internal and external rotation exercises are usually performed in clinical practice. However, given the synergies required to stabilize the hip in the frontal plane, it is not clear how the activation of target muscles will differ between the two exercise directions. OBJECTIVE: I) Compare the activation of the upper and lower fibers of gluteus maximus (GMax), gluteus medius (GMed) and tensor fascia lata muscles between the hip internal and external rotation exercises; ii) Compare the maximal isometric force between hip internal and external rotation exercises and; iii) Assess the effect of varying hip flexion angles on muscle activation and maximal isometric force. STUDY DESIGN: A cross sectional study. METHODS: Electromyography and force production of twenty-one participants were measured during maximum isometric hip internal and external rotation in three postures: 0°, 45° and 90° of hip flexion. RESULTS: MANOVA results showed a larger activation of the GMed, tensor fascia lata and upper GMax (p < .001) for hip internal rotation compared to external rotation regardless of hip flexion angle. For the lower GMax, the same was observed when the hip was kept at 90° of flexion. Maximal isometric force during hip external rotation was greater than during hip internal rotation at 0° posture, and lower at 90° posture (p < .001). CONCLUSION: The gluteus and the tensor fascia lata muscles were substantially recruited during the hip internal rotation exercise, and barely recruited during the hip external rotation exercise. Hip flexion influences the myoeletric activity and isometric force production during the internal rotation exercise.

Comparison between Two Methods to Evaluate Function in Postoperative Breast Cancer Survivors.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment for breast cancer can cause adverse effects such as pain and reduced upper limb function which can affect activities of daily living. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire is the most used tool for evaluating function in breast cancer survivors. However, some specific aspects have raised discussions about its restricted coverage, which can generate several biases. OBJECTIVE: To determine if DASH scores differed when assessed before and after task-oriented training (TOT) at 3 and 6 months after breast cancer surgery. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Institutional study of 22 women assessed at 3 and 6 months after breast cancer surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The DASH questionnaire and TOT assessment. Two correlation tests were performed: Spearman's correlation between the total score of the two DASH scores (pre- and post-TOT) and the Kendall's tau correlation between each of the items. RESULTS: There was a moderate and excellent correlation between final DASH scores, pre- and post-TOT, at both 3 and 6 months postoperatively. However, when assessed individually, most of the DASH items were poorly correlated. There was also no agreement between the total DASH scores pre- and post-TOT as assessed by Bland-Altman plots. CONCLUSION: Both the DASH and TOT are considered useful in clinical practice to assess upper limb function, although the use of TOT in some of the DASH items may reduce memory bias and improve skills estimation.

A half-mile walk decreases visual acuity in active older people.

The influence of a half-mile walk on the visual acuity of older people who engaged in physical activity was examined. 91 elderly people of both sexes (20 men, 71 women; M age = 69 yr., SD = 6) participated. All were assessed before and after the half-mile walking test for visual acuity (Snellen Optotype Scale) and heart rate. The data indicated a significant decrease in visual acuity as a result of the half-mile test.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Modifies the Movement of the Rearfoot, but It Does Not Alter Plantar Pressure Distribution.

Objective To compare the plantar pressure distribution and the kinematics of the rearfoot on the stance phase of subjects with or without patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Methods A total of 26 subjects with PFPS and 31 clinically healthy subjects, who were paired regarding age, height and mass, participated in the study. The plantar pressure distribution (peak pressure) was assessed in six plantar regions, as well as the kinematics of the rearfoot (maximum eversion angle, percentage of the stance phase when the maximum angle was reached, and percentage of the stance phase in which the rearfoot was in eversion). The data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics, with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Results The pressure on the six plantar regions analyzed and the magnitude of the maximum eversion angle of the rearfoot when walking on flat surfaces did not present differences among the subjects with PFPS. However, the PFPS subjects showed, when walking, an earlier maximum eversion angle of the rearfoot than the subjects on the control group, and stayed less time with the rearfoot in eversion. Conclusion The PFPS seems to be related to modifications on the temporal pattern on the kinematics of the rearfoot.

Interaction between cognitive status, fear of falling, and balance in elderly persons.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the cognitive function and its relationship with balance, history of falls, and fear of falling in the elderly. METHODS: We evaluated 250 elderly persons aged at least 60 years, who answered a sociodemographic questionnaire about the occurrence of falls in the last year. The cognitive function, balance, and fear of falling were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Falls Efficacy Scale (FES-I) scores, respectively. Participants were allocated into two groups based on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, the Group with Possible Cognitive Decline (GPCD) and the group with no cognitive decline (GNCD). We performed Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation for independent samples. RESULTS: The Group with Possible Cognitive Decline (GPCD) showed lower balance (p=0.003) and greater fear of falling (p=0.008) (BBS=50.98±4.68; FES-I=26.06±8.78) compared to the GNCD (BBS=52.53±3.047; FES-I=23.21±7.74). CONCLUSION: Elderly persons with cognitive decline have lower balance, greater fear of falling, and greater recurrence of falls.

Isokinetic hip muscle strength: a systematic review of normative data.

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review to determine the quality of evidence of studies assessing isokinetic hip muscle strength in adult non-injured individuals. We also aimed to summarise and pool data of normative values for hip muscle strength. The influence of methodological and participant-related factors on hip strength performance was explored as well. Guidelines proposed in the PRISMA were used to undertake a search strategy involving the keyword 'hip' associated with a set of keywords reflecting muscle strength. Five databases were searched: ProQuest, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science. From the 2,939 records initially retained, 28 articles were included in this systematic review. Eight articles were classified as high quality. This systematic review exposed the methodological fragility of most studies assessing hip strength in non-injured adult population. Only data from studies with a small number of participants are available to be used as reference. A few individual studies suggest no differences in torque parameters between dominant and non-dominant lower limbs; differences in torque parameters between age groups; and between male and female participants. Overall, reference values for hip muscle performance in isokinetic tests are mostly unclear.