The Impact of Resistance Training on Equilibrium Abilities and Quality of Life in Older Adults after SARS-CoV-2 Survival.

Background: The scientific literature on COVID-19 and its long-term impacts on all-body systems and their treatments is still limited. The aim of the study was to create a safe protocol-based intervention to improve functional and equilibrium abilities in older adults impacted by COVID-19. Methods: This study used a sample of 46 people (intervention group: n = 26; control group: n = 20). Resistance training (RT) was held twice a week, with 60 min per session for 8 weeks. The postural stability and quality of life questionnaire (WHQOOL) was completed during pre- and post-testing. Results: The results indicated significant differences in overall stability index (OSI) with eyes open (EO), anterior-posterior stability index (APSI) EO, fall-risk index 6-2 (FRI6-2) values in males (p < 0.05), and APSI EO (p < 0.05) values in females compared to control groups, respectively. In the training, a significant improvement was reported in OSI EO and APSI EO (p < 0.05) female groups compared to baseline results and in FRI6-2 values in both gender groups (p < 0.01-men, p < 0.05-women). The effect of the intervention was recorded in the intervention group in the OSI EO (Z = -3.12, p < 0.01, R = 0.533) and FRI6-2 (Z = -2.06, p < 0.05, R = 0.354). Additionally, significantly different reactions between the groups were observed in the psychological domain (DOM2) (Z = 2.194, p < 0.028, R = 0.389), social relationship domain (DOM3) (Z = 2.051, p < 0.0403, R = 0.361), and in question 2 concerning general health (Z = 3.309, p < 0.0009, R = 0.535). Conclusions: The findings indicate that RT had a positive effect on older adults affected by COVID-19, led to a significant improvement in their postural stability, and had a significant impact on elements of psychological well-being and quality of life.

The impact of high-intensity arm crank exercise on reaction time in wheelchair fencers: gender differences and mechanical predictors.

To achieve high performance, wheelchair fencing (WF) athletes are required to exhibit good physiological and timing indicators. The main aims of this study were to assess the relationship between the results of the repeated sprint ability (RSA) test and reaction time (RT) in WF, and to evaluate changes in RT after repeated high-intensity sprints in the group of an international-level WF athletes. This experimental study involved 18 athletes (aged 34.6 ± 7.70) from the Paralympic WF team. To establish the impact of fatigue on psychomotor capacity, the participants undergo a series of tests. At the beginning of the study, first reaction time (RT1) was measured. Afterwards, the RSA test was performed using the arm crank ergometer to evaluate the participants' repeated sprint ability. Immediately after RSA, the second reaction time (RT2) was measured. Statistical analysis revealed moderate correlations between the RT2 and total work, decrease of work (DW), highest peak power, mean peak power, and highest peak power/kg, but these correlations were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). All fencers achieved a significantly shorter average RT2 (p < 0.005) after the RSA test (0.383 ± 0.035 s) than before the test (0.391 ± 0.038 s). Additionally, RT2 was significantly shorter than RT1 in the women's group (p < 0.001). Moreover, males had significantly greater values of repeated sprint ability parameters: highest work, total work, decrease of work and highest peak power (p < 0.05) than females. To conclude, repeated high-intensity arm crank exercise has a positive impact on simple postexercise cognitive tasks in WF fencers, especially in women, and leads to a decrease in RT. The RSA parameters can be predictors of changes in RT in men and women wheelchair fencers.

Resistance Exercise Program Is Feasible and Effective in Improving Functional Strength in Post-COVID Survivors.

Background: Evidence suggests that COVID-19 infection can cause lasting health consequences. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation services have been recommended to reduce the sequalae. However, the effectiveness of physical exercise interventions remains insufficiently documented. The aim of this study was to develop and implement a specific and well-tolerated protocol-based intervention to reduce muscle weakness in older adults impacted by COVID-19. Methods: Forty-six older adults were randomized into intervention and control groups. Isometric and isokinetic strength assessments were conducted for selected muscle groups using a JBA Staniak® torquemeter and Biodex System 3 dynamometer. Functional abilities were evaluated with the Time Up and Go test and Chair Stand Tests. Results: Men in the intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in static conditions for knee flexors (KFs), trunk extensors (TEs) and trunk flexors (TFs) and in dynamic conditions for knee extensors (KEs). Women in the intervention group showed a significant improvement in static conditions for EFs, KFs, TEs and TFs and in dynamic conditions for a KE and a KF. The interaction GROUP × TESTING SESSION was significant for the Chair Test (s) and Chair Test (n). Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of a well-tolerated, protocol-based approach that can be used to diminish long-lasting functional deficits in post-COVID survivors.

The Relationship between Kinesiophobia, Emotional State, Functional State and Chronic Pain in Subjects with/without Temporomandibular Disorders.

Although there is growing evidence that kinesiophobia is correlated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), its relationship with other characteristic TMD comorbidities, such as depression, anxiety, functional limitations, and pain in the TMD population, has rarely been investigated. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between kinesiophobia, emotional state, functional state and chronic pain in subjects both with and without TMD. A total of 94 subjects participated in the study and were divided into two groups (47 subjects each)-TMD (subjects with temporomandibular disorders) and nTMD (asymptomatic controls)-on the basis of the RDC/TMD protocol. All measurements were taken with self-administered questionnaires: TSK-TMD for kinesiophobia, PHQ-9 and GAD-7 for psychoemotional state, JFLS-20 for jaw functional limitations, and GCPS for chronic pain. The prevalence of kinesiophobia in the TMD group was 38.3% for moderate risk, and 61.7% for high risk. The TMD group showed significantly higher scores in all categories (kinesiophobia, depression, jaw functional limitations and chronic pain), with the exception of anxiety which was right at the cut-off point. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between kinesiophobia (TSK-TMD) and jaw functional limitations (JFLS-20). Results of this study could provide new insight into the relationship between kinesiophobia and TMD, further improving the diagnosis process.

The influence of three different test positions and thigh asymmetry on measurements of isometric hip flexion strength in men and women.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare muscle strength at 90° hip and knee flexion as measured in three different positions and to investigate whether an internal or external deficit in the range of rotation in the hip joint affects flexor muscle strength. METHODS: We measured the peak muscle torque of rotation in the hip joint, using isometric torquemeter, and hip ROM in healthy participants N = 40, aged 21.6 ± 1.9, in three different measurement positions. We tested for differences between the positions, and for the potential influence of participant's sex and ROM asymmetry. RESULTS: The measured peak muscle torque was affected not only by sex and the value of hip flexion affect, but also by the position in which it is measured. Subjects with restricted external rotation of the hip joint (CERD) had significantly higher flexor peak muscle torque compared to subjects with restricted internal rotation (CIRD), in all but the supine position. For CERD, the results were: Supine (SuP) 1.02 ± 0.26; Sitting (StP) 1.32 ± 0.58; Standing (SP) 1.53 ± 0.47; and for CIRD, the results were: Supine (SuP) 1.05 ± 0.17; Sitting (StP) 1.05 ± 0.40; Standing (SP) 1.47 ± 0.53. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, measurement position and passive ROM significantly influence the peak muscle torque in isometric conditions. Moreover, an imbalance in thigh rotation movement significantly determines the magnitude of muscle torque of the hip flexion movement. Individuals with increased internal-toexternal rotation achieved significantly higher values for flexor muscle torque force moments. Overall, these findings are of importance for interpreting or comparing any reported values for muscle torque force moments.

Hip joint mobility in relation to measurement position, gender and limb dominance.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether three different measurement position yield divergent results in ROM using a goniometer, and how is it affected by anthropometrical factors. METHODS: We measured the range of rotation in the hip joint in healthy participants aged 21.6 ± 1.88, seeking to determine how the distribution of internal vs. external rotation (RI) within the total range of mobility (TR) was influenced by the measurement position used, the gender of the participant, and the dominant lower limb. RESULTS: We found that not only gender and limb dominance, but also the body position in which hip joint's range of motion is measured significantly affects the values of TR and RI. We found that TR achieves the highest values in the prone position - PrP (males: 95.35 ± 12.44 and 93.15 ± 12.49; females: 103.75 ± 14.87 and 106.25 ± 15.56) and the lowest values in supine position - SuP (male: 62.65 ± 8.51 and 57.85 ± 9.60; female: 59.5 ±12.27 and 55.85 ±8.54). The analysis shows that CERD occurs <0.42 RI in females (PrP) and <0.88 RI in men (PrP and sitting position - StP), and CIRD > 1.72 RI in women (StP), and > 2.08 RI in men (PrP). CONCLUSIONS: Due to the similarities between asymmetry of internal/external rotation in the hip joint and asymmetry in the rotation of the shoulder found in Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit (GIRD), we propose the concepts of Coxal Internal Rotation Deficit (CIRD) and Coxal External Rotation Deficit (CERD) as tools to indicate the possibility for injury to the hip joint, and propose threshold rotation index values serving as indicators of these deficits.

The impact of obesity and age on the risk of falls in elderly women.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of obesity and age on body balance disorders in women over 60, especially whether obesity increases the FR in older females and whether age and obesity affect the same stabilographic parameters when it comes to the FR. METHODS: The study consisted of 56 inactive females aged 71.77 ± 7.43 (SD). They were divided into groups according to age and obesity. RESULTS: Obesity separately affects FRI12-6, static indicators with eyes closed (OSI EC, APSI EC, MLSI EC), and age affects FRI12-6 and static indices with eyes open (OSI EO, APSI EO). After considering design factors (age and obesity), there were statistically significant differences in OSI EO ( p = 0.027), APSI EO ( p = 0.034), FRI12-6 ( p = 0.0002) between obese and non-obese participants in the age groups. There were no statistical differences between non-obese old and obese-young participants ( p = 0.863). The interaction between obesity and age in the FR in static indices and in FRI12-6 ( p = 0.73047) was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Age and obesity affect the stabilographic parameters individually, but there is no interaction effect between them. The presence of only one of the above risk factors may increase the FR. Obesity affects stability, while age depends on other factors. If older people are not obese or fit, involutional changes could be reversed. The type of obesity and the location of the fat tissue should be taken into account in FR assessment.

Selected Tools for Assessing the Risk of Falls in Older Women.

METHODS: Fifty-five females were examined (May 2018-June 2019). Stabilographic examinations were performed with eyes open (EO) and closed (EC). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Spearman rank correlation were performed to determine the relationships and differences between the above tests. RESULTS: The results of the TUG correlate with the overall stability index (OSI) EO (r = 0.314), medial-lateral stability index (MLSI) EO (r = 0.297), and fall risk index (FRI6-2; r = 0.435) in stabilographic examinations and the FRT (r = -0.399). The results of the modified Unterberger test correlate with MLSI EO (r = 0.276), OSI EC (r = 0.310), and MLSI EC (r = 0.378). There are statistically significant differences between faller and nonfaller groups in TUG (p = 0.0068), FRT (p = 0.001), and MLSI EO (p = 0.0118). CONCLUSIONS: The modified Unterberger test and TUG can be considered effective in functional FR assessment in older women. Using at least two different functional tests may improve the assessment of FR.

Diagnostic dependence of muscle strength measurements and the risk of falls in the elderly.

Low muscle strength appears to increase balance disorders and the tendency to fall. Diagnostic terms indicate that sarcopenia and risks of falling are related. The aim of this study is to verify which diagnostic tools used for the assessment of muscle strength in sarcopenia can be used for fall risk assessment in older women. The study included 56 females [71.77 ± 7.43(SD)]. The results of handgrip strength (HGS) and knee extensors torque [knee extension strength (KES)] were compared to the results of stabilographic parameters from Biodex Balance System platform in static and dynamic environment. The one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation were performed. There were significant differences between groups with low and normal HGS in the chair test, and between groups with low and normal KES in the fall risk index, FRI12-6 and chair test (P < 0.05). Static parameters did not differentiate groups, due to a muscle strength of the upper and lower limbs. There was a statistically significant difference in FRI12-6 values between participants with low and normal KES in age groups (P = 0.047). No differences were found in FRI12-6 values between participants with low and normal HGS in age groups (P = 0.949). Statistical analysis showed differences in FRI12-6 between fallers with low KES and non-fallers with normal KES, non-fallers with low KES and non-fallers with normal KES. Results of the study show that there is diagnostic dependence in muscle strength of lower limbs and risk of falls in older women. KES and chair test can be used in fall risk assessment for older women.