Construct validity of gymnastics-specific assessment on the neuromuscular function of shoulder flexor and extensor muscles.

The present study examined the construct validity of gymnastics-specific measurements of the shoulder flexor and extensor neuromuscular function. Fifteen male gymnasts and 18 male physical education (PE) students participated voluntarily. The electromyogram (EMG) of 3 flexor and 3 extensor shoulder muscles was assessed during isometric (45, 90, and 135º) and isokinetic (concentric and eccentric 60, 180, and 300º/s) shoulder flexion/extension. Peak torque (PT) and neuromuscular function in terms of neuromuscular efficiency (NME, i.e. torque to EMG ratio) and antagonist/agonist coactivation index were evaluated. The construct validity of the measurements was supported by the ability to discriminate between gymnasts and physical education (PE) students, taking into consideration the shoulders' neuromuscular function parameters (37%-57% of the variability explained). After accounting for the limitations of the study, these findings may assist gymnastics coaches and researchers to develop and evaluate more effective training methods for athletes related to shoulder joint physiological characteristics and level of expertise.

Effects of Exercise and an Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique Program in the Management of Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding the integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique (INIT) to therapeutic exercise (TE) in individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain (CMNP). METHODS: In this 34-week, assessor-blind randomized controlled trial, 40 participants (men and women) with CMNP with active or latent myofascial trigger points on the neck muscles were divided into 2 groups. The participants followed 4 treatments per week for 10 weeks. The intervention group followed a TE program in combination with the INIT, whereas the control group followed the same program without the INIT. Both protocols were applied by physiotherapists. Pain, disability, pressure pain threshold, active range of motion, and health-related quality of life were evaluated before, during, and after the intervention, whereas patients were followed for 6 months after completion of treatment. Repeated-measures ANOVA was applied. RESULTS: Both groups showed a significant improvement in all dependent measures after the intervention (P < .05). However, the intervention group showed greater improvement in the visual analog scale and neck disability index score, in the neck muscles pressure pain threshold, in the range of motion, and in the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey score, than the control group. In many of the above variables this improvement was seen from the second week and was maintained for 6 months after the intervention. CONCLUSION: The results of this preliminary study suggest that the addition of the INIT to a TE program had a positive effect on pain, functionality, and the quality of life in individuals with CMNP.

The effect of a traditional dance training program on the physical fitness of adults with hearing loss.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a traditional dance training program on aerobic capacity and muscle strength of adults with hearing loss. Twenty-three adults with hearing loss were separated into 2 groups. Thirteen subjects (6 men, 7 women, mean age, 25.7 +/- 3.9 years) constituted the intervention group, whereas 10 subjects (5 men, 5 women, mean age, 26.4 +/- 5.9 years) formed the control group. Pretraining and posttraining treadmill tests were performed to determine heart rate (HR peak), peak minute ventilation (VE peak), peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak, absolute and relative), and time to exhaustion (min). Peak torque of hamstring and quadriceps muscles at angular velocities of 60 degrees /s, 180 degrees /s, and 300 degrees /s was also measured. The intervention group followed a 12-week traditional dance training program, whereas the control group received no training during this period. Repeated measures of multiple analyses of variance were used to test mean differences between the values of both groups. A paired t-test was used to compare the values within each group prior and after program participation. A significance level of 0.05 was used for all tests. Following the 12-week training program, significant improvements in peak physiological parameters were seen for the intervention group for peak minute ventilation, peak oxygen consumption (both absolute and relative), time to exhaustion, and peak torque values between the 2 measurements (initial and final). No significant improvements in peak physiological parameters and peak torque were noticed in the control group. In conclusion, adults with hearing loss can improve their physical fitness levels with the application of a systematic and well-designed traditional dance training program.