Postural control and physiological responses to a simulated match in U-20 judo competitors.

The aim was to evaluate the effects of judo combat on the athletes' postural control (PC) and physiological loading before, during and after a simulated match. Seventeen under-20 regional and national level athletes completed one modified 7-min match. At baseline, during the combat (3rd and 7th minutes) and 2-min post-match centre of pressure (CoP) parameters were assessed. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BLa) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and local RPE (LRPE) were collected. Significant increments were observed in CoP mean positioning and velocity at 3rd and 7th minutes, but the CoP deviation in both axes was unaffected. HR and BLa were elevated at 3rd and 7th minutes, and they remained elevated 2-min post-match. However, CoP returned to baseline 2-min post-match. RPE was elevated at 3rd and 7th minutes and the greatest effort was displayed in the Deltoid and Quadriceps. Thus, one simulated judo match stimulates a significant metabolic response and balance is degraded, with the greatest effects on the anterior-posterior axis and it recovers to baseline level after 2 min of passive rest. The physiological load cannot be regarded as a potential predictor variable of CoP. Overall, a judo match predominantly affects the upper body than the other body parts.

Neurocognitive performance and physical function do not change with physical-cognitive-mindfulness training in female laboratory technicians with chronic musculoskeletal pain: Randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive and physical performance can be negatively affected by chronic pain. This study evaluates the effect of combined physical-, cognitive-, and mindfulness training (PCMT) on cognitive and physical performance. METHODS: From a large pharmaceutical company in Denmark we randomly allocated 112 female laboratory technicians with chronic upper limb pain to group-based PCMT at the worksite or a reference group for 10 weeks. Neurocognitive performance was measured by the computerized central nervous system vital signs neurocognitive assessment battery. Physical function was assessed in terms of shoulder external rotation strength and rate of force development in a custom-made dynamometer setup. RESULTS: No between-group differences (least square means [95% confidence interval]) from baseline to follow-up could be detected in any of the neurocognitive domains as measured by the central nervous system vital signs neurocognitive assessment battery, for example, Psychomotoer Speed 1.9 (-1.0 to 4.7), Reaction Time -4.0 (-19.5 to 11.6), Complex Attention -0.3 (-1.9 to 1.4), and Executive Function -0.2 (-3.5 to 3.0). Similarly, we found no change in maximal voluntary isometric strength -0.63 (-4.8 to 3.6), or rate of force development 14.8 (-12.6 to 42.2) of the shoulder external rotators. Finally, test-retest reliability of maximal voluntary contraction and rate of force development shoulder external rotation showed high reliability at 0 to 30 ms, 0 to 50 ms, 0 to 100 ms, and 0 to 200 ms with ICCs at 0.95, 0.92, 0.93, 0.92, and 0.91, respectively. CONCLUSION: Ten weeks of PCMT did not improve neurocognitive or physical performance.

Strength Training Improves Fatigue Resistance and Self-Rated Health in Workers with Chronic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Chronic musculoskeletal pain is widespread in the working population and leads to muscular fatigue, reduced work capacity, and fear of movement. While ergonomic intervention is the traditional approach to the problem, physical exercise may be an alternative strategy. This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial investigates the effect of strength training on muscular fatigue resistance and self-rated health among workers with chronic pain. Sixty-six slaughterhouse workers with chronic upper limb pain and work disability were randomly allocated to 10 weeks of strength training or usual care ergonomic training (control). At baseline and follow-up, participants performed a handgrip muscular fatigue test (time above 50% of maximal voluntary contraction force) with simultaneous recording of electromyography. Additionally, participants replied to a questionnaire regarding self-rated health and pain. Time to fatigue, muscle strength, hand/wrist pain, and self-rated health improved significantly more following strength training than usual care (all P < 0.05). Time to fatigue increased by 97% following strength training and this change was correlated to the reduction in fear avoidance (Spearman's rho = -0.40; P = 0.01). In conclusion, specific strength training improves muscular fatigue resistance and self-rated health and reduces pain of the hand/wrist in manual workers with chronic upper limb pain. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01671267.

Ten weeks of physical-cognitive-mindfulness training reduces fear-avoidance beliefs about work-related activity: Randomized controlled trial.

People with chronic musculoskeletal pain often experience pain-related fear of movement and avoidance behavior. The Fear-Avoidance model proposes a possible mechanism at least partly explaining the development and maintenance of chronic pain. People who interpret pain during movement as being potentially harmful to the organism may initiate a vicious behavioral cycle by generating pain-related fear of movement accompanied by avoidance behavior and hyper-vigilance.This study investigates whether an individually adapted multifactorial approach comprised of biopsychosocial elements, with a focus on physical exercise, mindfulness, and education on pain and behavior, can decrease work-related fear-avoidance beliefs.As part of a large scale 10-week worksite randomized controlled intervention trial focusing on company initiatives to combat work-related musculoskeletal pain and stress, we evaluated fear-avoidance behavior in 112 female laboratory technicians with chronic neck, shoulder, upper back, lower back, elbow, and hand/wrist pain using the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire at baseline, before group allocation, and again at the post intervention follow-up 10 weeks later.A significant group by time interaction was observed (P < 0.05) for work-related fear-avoidance beliefs. The between-group difference at follow-up was -2.2 (-4.0 to -0.5), corresponding to a small to medium effect size (Cohen's d = 0.30).Our study shows that work-related, but not leisure time activity-related, fear-avoidance beliefs, as assessed by the Fear-avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, can be significantly reduced by 10 weeks of physical-cognitive-mindfulness training in female laboratory technicians with chronic pain.