Effectiveness of elastic band training and group-based dance on physical-functional performance in older women with sarcopenia: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a syndrome associated with aging that causes progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and muscle function. In this pilot study, we compared the effectiveness of elastic band training regarding group-based dance on fat mass, fat-free mass, handgrip strength (HGS; dominant and non-dominant hand), leg strength, timed up-and-go (TUG) and walking speed in older women with sarcopenia. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled trial, single-blind, repeated measures of parallel groups (elastic band group: EBG, n = 21; group-based dance: GBD, n = 19), and a quantitative methodology. Three 60-minute sessions per week for 12 weeks were dedicated to the interventions with pre- and post-assessments. A two-factor mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) model with repeated measures was performed to measure the group×time effect. RESULTS: A significant interaction revealed for fat-free mass (F1,16= 18.91; p < 0.001; EBG + 10.9% vs. GBD - 1.97%), HGS dominant hand (F1,16= 7.44; p = 0.014; EBG + 10.9% vs. GBD + 0.59%), HGS non-dominant hand (F1,16= 6.41; p = 0.022; EBG + 10.21% vs. GBD + 3.80%), leg strength (F1,16= 17.98; p < 0.001; EBG + 9.1% vs. GBD + 3.83%), TUG (F1,16= 7.52; p = 0.014; EBG - 14.7% vs. GBD - 1.0%) and walking speed (F1,16 = 6.40; p = 0.019; EBG - 7.6% vs. GBD - 4.35%) in favor of EBG. CONCLUSION: Elastic band training produces significantly greater responses on physical-functional performance regarding group-based dance in older women with sarcopenia. On the other hand, the EBG revealed a significant improvement in fat-free mass and upper and lower limb muscle strength, as well as a significant decrease time in TUG, and walking speed. Elastic band exercise is a safe, easy, affordable, and effective physical activity strategy, according to the findings.

[Factors associated with inactivity during COVID-19 confinement among Latin American adults]. / Factores socio demográficos y de estilos de vida asociados a un bajo nivel de actividad física durante el confinamiento producto del COVID-19 en adultos latinoamericanos.

BACKGROUND: The confinement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic changed the lifestyles of the population affecting their levels of physical activity. AIM: To determine the factors associated with a low level of physical activity in adults during confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adults from Chile, Colombia, México and Perú were invited through social networks to answer an online survey. Questions about sociodemographic, health status and lifestyle variables were included. The level of physical activity and sedentary behavior were determined through the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). RESULTS: The survey was answered by 3,362 adults aged between 18 and 60 years. Respondents more likely to be inactive were women, those with less than eight years of education, those with overweight or obesity, those who smoked at least one cigarette a day, consumed alcohol four or more times a week, slept less than six hours per day and spent more than 6 hours per day in sedentary behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide a sociodemographic and lifestyle profile associated with physical inactivity during the period of confinement in Latin American adults. The results confirm the need to promote healthy lifestyles in the population during periods of confinement.

[Risk factors associated with a lower upper limb functionality among university students]. / Factores asociados a la disminución de funcionalidad del miembro superior en estudiantes universitarios chilenos en pandemia por COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Upper limb (UL) function is compromised in university students due to prolonged academic activities and excessive use of electronic devices. However, it is unknown whether this relationship was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic situation. AIM: To determine the risk factors associated with reduced UL functionality in university students in a pandemic situation due to COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study that included 621 university students from the northern, central and southern areas of Chile. Physical variables, musculoskeletal, anthropometric and sociodemographic history were evaluated through self-reported questionnaires. RESULTS: The factors with the higher association with a lower UL functionality were pain (Odds ratio (OR) = 17.6; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 5.2-60; p < 0.01) and injury (OR = 10.4; 95% CI = 3.9-28.3; p < .001). Also, a low weight (OR = 10.5; 95% CI = 2.2-49.6; p < 0.01) and a quarantine lasting for five or more weeks (OR = 9.1; 95% CI = 1,1-77.2; p = 0.043) were considered risk factors. The lower probability was observed in male participants (OR = 0.2; 95% CI = 0.1-0.51; p < 0.01) and in those with a moderate/high muscular condition (OR = 0.3; 95% CI = 0.1-0.9; p = 0.031. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of these modifiable risk factors can help to implement preventive or rehabilitative actions at home or universities.

The Protective Effect of Neuromuscular Training on the Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome in Youth Female Track-and-Field Athletes: A Clinical Trial and Cohort Study.

CONTEXT: Few reports have analyzed the effects of neuromuscular (NM) training programs on the injury incidence among youth female track-and-field athletes. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of NM training on reducing lower limb injury incidence and to establish its effects on countermovement jump performance, balance, 30-m sprint, and joint position sense in youth female track-and-field athletes. DESIGN: Single-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Sports research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two female athletes were allocated into 2 groups: Conventional (CONV) training (n = 11; age = 15.3 [2.1] y) and NM training (n = 11; age = 15.0 [2.7] y). INTERVENTIONS: Interventions were performed during the preseason of 6 weeks. The CONV training included anaerobic, strength, and aerobic training. The NM training consisted of a multicomponent program that integrated jumps, landings, and running with strength, endurance, agility, balance, and CORE training. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A follow-up of the cohorts was carried out through the evaluation of lower limb injuries (main outcome) during a regular season (weeks 7-18). Secondary outcomes were measured before and after the intervention: Y-balance test, active joint repositioning, ground reaction force, and countermovement jump height. RESULTS: The injury incidence rate was 17.89 injuries per 1000 hours athlete-exposure in CONV training, and 6.58 in NM training (relative risk = 0.38; 95% confidence interval,  0.18 to 0.82; P = .044). Particularly, the medial tibial stress syndrome incidence rate was 5.96 injuries per 1000 hours athlete-exposure in CONV training and 0.82 in NM training (relative risk = 0.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.02 to 1.12; P = .012). In addition, a significant training × time interaction was noted, favoring improvements in 30-m sprint and countermovement jump height after NM. CONCLUSION: The NM training may improve youth female athlete's physical fitness and reduce their injury relative risk of medial tibial stress syndrome injury.

[Factors associated with low quality of life in Chilean adults during the COVID-19 quarantine]. / Factores asociados a una baja calidad de vida en adultos chilenos durante la cuarentena por COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The quarantine and social distancing implemented during COVID 19 pandemic may hamper the quality of life of the population. AIM: To determine the factors associated with a low quality of life during COVID 19 quarantine in Chilean adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The SF-36 survey about quality of life was answered by 1,082 Chilean adults aged between 18 and 60 years, who were quarantined by the COVID-19 health alert. Other variables studied were sociodemographic background, nutritional status, lifestyles, level of physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep hours. Risk factors associated with low quality of life were identified by logistic regression analysis for each of the 8 dimensions evaluated in the SF-36 questionnaire. RESULTS: The factors that increased the probability of having a lower general health perception were being female (Odds ratio (OR) = 1.29; p = 0.05), being physically inactive (OR = 2.76 p < 0.01), unhealthy hours of sleep (OR = 1.58, p < 0.01), smoking (OR = 1.59, p < 0.01) and eating junk food (OR = 2.26; p < 0.01). For the other dimensions of quality of life, the most frequently repeated factors were being female, junk food consumption, and being physically inactive and sedentary. CONCLUSIONS: There are factors associated with a low quality of life during the quarantine of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Chilean population. Their identification could reinforce remedial actions at the government level to benefit the health of the population during this health emergency.

Association between fitness, anthropometric indices and laboratory parameters in elderly women.

BACKGROUND: Aging causes an involution of anthropometric and health indices that can affect physical fitness. AIM: To determine the influence of anthropometric and health indices on the physical fitness of elderly women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anthropometric parameters, serum lipids, blood glucose and physical fitness evaluated using Senior Fitness Test, were assessed in 140 women aged 70 ± 5 years. The association between parameters was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression models. RESULTS: In the regression models serum lipids and the suprailiac skinfold were significant predictors of the up and go test (R2= 0.48). HDL cholesterol and the level of physical activity were predictors of the two minutes step test (R2= 0.31). Serum lipids, suprailiac skinfold and age were predictors of the back-scratch test (R2= 0.41). Fasting blood glucose and HDL cholesterol were predictors of the chair sit and reach test (R2= 0.24). Serum lipids and body mass index were predictors of the arm curl test (R2= 0.37). Body mass index and serum lipids were predictors of the chair stand test (R2= 0.49). CONCLUSIONS: Anthropometric variables, serum lipid levels and blood glucose were predictors of different physical fitness parameters in these women.

[Levels of physical activity and excess body weight in university students]. / Factores de riesgo asociados a bajo nivel de actividad física y exceso de peso corporal en estudiantes universitarios.

BACKGROUND: University students are considered a vulnerable group due to their adoption of unhealthy diets and lifestyles. AIM: To determine the main risk factors associated with low level of physical activity and excess body weight in university students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 358 university students from Talca, (53% female). Sociodemographic, academic, health, lifestyle, nutritional status, physical activity and sedentary behavior variables were analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Men were more likely to present excess body weight than women (Odds ratio (OR): 2.16 [95% CI: 1.17-4.01], p = 0.01). Similarly, those with low level of physical activity (OR: 2.13 [95% CI: 1.10-414], p = 0.03), musculoskeletal injuries (OR: 2.43 [95% CI: 1.09-6.34], p = 0.05) and smokers (OR: 2.09 [95% CI: 1.05-4.14], p = 0.04) were more likely to have excess body weight. Individuals with excess body weight (OR: 2.94 [95% CI: 1.31-6.61], p < 0.01), high sedentary behaviors (OR: 2.01 [95% CI: 1.04-4.55], p = 0.04), those who spent more than 7 hours per week studying (OR: 2.11 [95% CI: 1.06-4.66], p = 0.04), and those with presence of musculoskeletal injuries (OR: 1.49 [95% CI: 1.06- 3.66], p = 0.04) were more likely to be physically inactive. In addition, men were 73% less likely to have low physical activity levels compared to women (OR: 0.27 [95% CI: 0.11-0.56], p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: University students have several modifiable risk factors associated with low levels of physical activity and excess weight. Healthy lifestyles promotion should modify these risk behaviors.

[Reference values for the senior fitness test in Chilean older women]. / Valores de referencia para la batería de pruebas Senior Fitness Test en mujeres mayores chilenas físicamente activas.

BACKGROUND: The Senior Fitness Test (SFT) is frequently used to assess physical fitness and functional independence in older people. AIM: To establish reference values for the SFT in Chilean physically active older women according to age ranges. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study that included 1048 Chilean women aged between 60 and 85 years. Chair stand (CS), arm curl (AC), two-min walk (2 min), chair sit-and-reach (CSr), back scratch (BS), and timed up-and-go test (TUG) were evaluated. The reference values are presented in percentiles (p5, p10, p25, p50, p75, p90 and p95) and are distributed age intervals (60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79 and ≥ 80 years). RESULTS: There was a decrease in strength (CS and AC), aerobic resistance (2 min) and flexibility (CSr and BS) along with age, whereas the time required to perform the timed up and go increased along with age. CONCLUSIONS: Physically active older women show a deterioration in physical fitness along with age. These women have higher reference values in CS, AC, 2 min and CSr, and lower in BS and TUG, than those reported abroad for the SFT.

Short-Term Effects of Kinesio Taping on Muscle Recruitment Order During a Vertical Jump: A Pilot Study.

CONTEXT: Kinesio taping is commonly used in sports and rehabilitation settings with the aim of prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. However, limited evidence exists regarding the effects of 24 and 72 hours of kinesio taping on trunk and lower limb neuromuscular and kinetic performance during a vertical jump. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the short-term effects of kinesio taping on height and ground reaction force during a vertical jump, in addition to trunk and lower limb muscle latency and recruitment order. DESIGN: Single-group pretest-posttest. SETTING: University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve male athletes from different sports (track and field, basketball, and soccer). INTERVENTIONS: They completed a single squat and countermovement jump at basal time (no kinesio taping), 24, and 72 hours of kinesio taping application on the gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, rectus femoris, gastrocnemius medialis, and longissimus. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Muscle onset latencies were assessed by electromyography during a squat and countermovement jump, in addition to measurements of the jump height and normalized ground reaction force. RESULTS: The kinesio taping had no effect after 24 hours on either the countermovement or squat jump. However, at 72 hours, the kinesio taping increased the jump height (P = .02; d = 0.36) and normalized ground reaction force (P = .001; d = 0.45) during the countermovement jump. In addition, 72-hour kinesio taping reduced longissimus onset latency (P = .03; d = 1.34) and improved muscle recruitment order during a countermovement jump. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that kinesio taping may improve neuromuscular and kinetic performance during a countermovement jump only after 72 hours of application on healthy and uninjured male athletes. However, no changes were observed on a squat jump. Future studies should incorporate a control group to verify kinesio taping's effects and its influence on injured athletes.

[Association between health anthropometric indexes with physical fitness in physically active elderly women]. / Asociación entre índices antropométricos de salud y condición física en mujeres mayores físicamente activas.

OBJECTIVE: To associate health anthropometric indexes with physical fitness of elderly women (EW) who participate in physical exercise workshops. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 272 Chilean women over 60 years took part in the study. The variables studied were BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-height index (WHI) and physical fitness (PF). Correlations were made through the Pearson or Spearman coefficient, and bivariate associations using Pearson's Chi-square and the Fisher's exact test, considering p<0.05. RESULTS: 70.8% of the EW were overweight or obese; 68.8% and 96% were at cardiometabolic risk due to their WC and WHI, respectively. Their PF showed equal performance (53.5%) or higher (33.8%) according to their age and gender. Inverse correlations were found between nutritional status and cardiometabolic risk with PF tests (except for agility and dynamic balance [direct]), and direct association with back scratch test. CONCLUSIONS: Excess weight in physically active EW would not affect their physical-functional performance; however, cardiometabolic risk would be inversely associated with motor function.

OBJETIVO: Asociar los índices antropométricos de salud con la condición física de las mujeres mayores (MM) que participan en talleres de ejercicio físico. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Participaron 272 mujeres chilenas mayores de 60 años. Las variables correspondieron al IMC, perímetro de cintura (PC), índice cintura estatura (ICE) y condición física (CF). Se realizaron correlaciones a través del coeficiente de Pearson o Spearman, y asociaciones bivariadas mediante ji cuadrada de Pearson y el test exacto de Fisher, considerando un p<0.05. RESULTADOS: De las MM, 70.8% alcanzó sobrepeso u obesidad; y 68.8% y 96% riesgo cardiometabólico de acuerdo con PC e ICE, respectivamente. Su CF presentó un rendimiento igual (53.5%) o superior (33.8%) según su edad y sexo. Se encontraron correlaciones inversas entre estado nutricional y riesgo cardiometabólico con las pruebas de CF (excepto la agilidad y equilibrio dinámico, en donde la relación fue directa), y asociación directa con juntar manos. CONCLUSIONES: El exceso de peso en MM físicamente activas no afecta su rendimiento físico-funcional; sin embargo, el riesgo cardiometabólico se asocia inversamente con la funcionalidad motriz.

The effects of progressive neuromuscular training on postural balance and functionality in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot study.

[Purpose] To determine the effects of progressive neuromuscular training on postural balance and functionality in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). [Subjects and Methods] Eleven participants between 60 and 75 years of age performed the progressive neuromuscular training for 8 weeks and 4 weeks of follow-up. The area and velocity of the center of pressure were measured on a force platform, and the functionality was measured with a Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. [Results] The area and velocity (anteroposterior and mediolateral directions) of the center of pressure showed significant differences after 4 and 8 weeks of intervention. Additionally, the global score and some questionnaire dimensions (pain and physical function) showed significant differences after 4 and 8 weeks of intervention. These changes were maintained in all variables at week 4 of follow-up. [Conclusion] The intervention generated improvements in balance and functionality in elderly patients with knee OA. These changes were observed after 4 weeks of training and were maintained 4 weeks after the end of the intervention.

Pain neuroscience education for patients with chronic pain: A scoping review from teaching-learning strategies, educational level, and cultural perspective.

OBJECTIVE: (1) To identify the characteristics of PNE programs in terms of teaching-learning strategies, session modality, content delivery format, number of sessions, total minutes and instructional support material used in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain, (2) to describe PNE adaptations for patients with different educational levels or cultural backgrounds, and (3) to describe the influence of the patient's educational level or cultural background on the effects of PNE. METHODS: The PRISMA guideline for scoping reviews was followed. Nine databases were systematically searched up to July 8, 2023. Articles that examined clinical or psychosocial variables in adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain who received PNE were included. RESULTS: Seventy-one articles were included. Studies found benefits of PNE through passive/active teaching-learning strategies with group/individual sessions. However, PNE programs presented great heterogeneity and adaptations to PNE were poorly reported. Most studies did not consider educational level and culture in the effects of PNE. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the large number of studies on PNE and increased interest in this intervention, the educational level and culture are poorly reported in the studies. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: It is recommended to use passive and/or active teaching-learning strategies provided in individual and/or group formats considering the patient's educational level and culture.

Comparative Electromyographic Study of Scapular Stabilizing Muscles During Five Main Rehabilitation Exercises.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to compare the surface electromyographic amplitude, activation ratio, and onset latency of the main scapular stabilizing muscles between five typical rehabilitative exercises. DESIGN: Twenty-seven healthy participants performed five scapular exercises (wall slide, wall push-up plus, prone horizontal abduction with external rotation, external rotation in side lying, and low row) while simultaneously recording surface electromyographic of serratus anterior, middle trapezius, lower trapezius, and upper trapezius. Surface electromyographic amplitudes, onset latencies, and activation ratios were calculated. RESULTS: Prone horizontal abduction with external rotation showed an excellent upper trapezius/middle trapezius (0.43) and upper trapezius/lower trapezius (0.30) muscle balance with high (>50% maximum voluntary isometric contraction) middle trapezius and lower trapezius amplitudes, a low (<20% maximum voluntary isometric contraction) upper trapezius amplitude, and an early activation of the scapular stabilizing muscles (-474.7 to 89.9 ms) relative to upper trapezius. External rotation in side lying showed excellent upper trapezius/serratus anterior (0.26), upper trapezius/middle trapezius (0.32), and upper trapezius/lower trapezius (0.21) activation ratios and, along with low row and wall slide, showed early activation of the scapular stabilizing muscles (-378.1 to -26.6 ms). CONCLUSIONS: Prone horizontal abduction with external rotation presented optimal scapular neuromuscular control. Although external rotation in side lying, low row, and wall slide did not meet all the criteria associated with optimal scapular neuromuscular control, these exercises could be used in early stages of shoulder rehabilitation because they favor early activation of the scapular stabilizing muscles.

Effects of exercise, physical activity, and sports on physical fitness in adults with Down syndrome: A systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to analyze the effects of exercise, physical activity, and sports on physical fitness in adults with Down syndrome (DS). A literature search was conducted across four databases EBSCO, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. The PEDro scale and the Cochrane risk of bias tool were used to assess the quality and risk of the studies, respectively. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42023449627). Of the 423 records initially found, 13 were finally included in the systematic review, in which 349 adults with DS participated. 92% of the articles declared at least one significant difference post-intervention. The available evidence indicates that exercise, physical activity, and sports have a positive effect on some variables of physical fitness, especially strength, balance, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, and functional capacity. Furthermore, it should be considered as an additional treatment or complementary therapy to improve the functionality and quality of life of adults with DS.

Frailty, Seasonal Sensitivity and Health-related Quality of Life in Older People Living in High Southern Latitudes: a Bayesian Analysis.

Background: In older people, a notable research gap exists regarding the intricate dynamics between frailty, seasonal sensitivity, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to determine the association between frailty, seasonal sensitivity, and HRQoL in older people from high southern latitudes. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. Frailty, seasonal sensitivity, and HRQoL measurements were self-reported by participants through questionnaires. A total of 118 older people were recruited from a local community. The participants were selected through intentional non-probabilistic sampling. Results: The adjusted models showed a trend where lower education was associated with a higher risk of frailty (BF = 0.218). For frailty and HRQoL, we observed a trend suggesting that HRQoL decreases with increasing severity of frailty (BF = 1.76). In addition, we observed a linear effect based on the severity of seasonal sensitivity, meaning that older people with higher perceived severity report a proportional decrease in HRQoL (BF = 6.66). Conclusion: Sociodemographic factors, such as lower education levels, have increased the risk of frailty. At the same time, frailty and seasonal sensitivity perceived severity were associated with a lower HRQoL in older people.

Quadriceps muscle reaction time in obese children.

This study aimed to determine the influence of obesity, according to body mass index (BMI) and fat mass percentage, on quadriceps muscle reaction times. The study utilized a cross-sectional design. The sample size consisted of 42 schoolchildren (54.5% girls) aged 11 to 12 years old. Participant measurements included weight and height, which were used to categorize individuals based on BMI. Additionally, the electrical bioimpedance technique was employed to categorize participants based on their body fat percentage. A sudden destabilization test of the lower limb was performed to assess the reaction time of the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis muscles. The results show that overweight/obese children have a longer muscle reaction time for both the rectus femoris (ß = 18.13; p = 0.048) and the vastus lateralis (ß = 14.51; p = 0.042). Likewise, when the children were classified by percentage of body fat the results showed that overfat/obese children have a longer muscle reaction time for both the rectus femoris (ß = 18.13; p = 0.048) and the vastus lateralis (ß = 14.51; p = 0.042). Our results indicate that BMI and fat mass classification negativity alter the muscle reaction time in children. Overweight/obese or overfat/obese children showed longer reaction times in the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis muscles compared to children with normal weight. Based on these findings, it is suggested that in overweight and obese children, efforts not only focus on reducing body weight but that be complemented with training and/or rehabilitation programs that focus on preserving the normal physiological function of the musculoskeletal system.

Relationship between appendicular muscular mass index and physical function in older people.

This study aimed to establish the relationship between the appendicular muscle mass index (AMMI), assessed from anthropometric variables, and the physical function of older people. Seventy-six older people participated in this study (72.03 ± 7.03 years). The participants underwent evaluations to determine their AMMI using anthropometry (weight, calf circumference, hip circumference, and knee height) and manual grip strength. Additionally, their physical function was evaluated using the 5-chair stand test, the 3-meter walk test, and the timed up and go test (TUG) to determine the strength of the lower limbs, the gait speed, and the dynamic balance, respectively. The results show that the AMMI did not present a significant relationship with the 5-chair stand test in both women (r = -0.135; p = 0.204) and men (r = -0.067; p = 0.349). The AMMI was moderately correlated with the gait speed in both women (r = 0.542; p < 0.001) and men (r = 0.556; p < 0.001). Finally, a statistical significance was observed in the relationship between the AMMI and the TUG test in women (r = -0.273; p = 0.047) and older men evaluated in this study (r = -0.284; p = 0.042). In conclusion, there is a relationship between the AMMI and both the dynamic balance and the gait speed. Therefore, the AMMI emerges as a potential public health assessment by enabling the clinical quantification of muscle mass and an estimation of physical function in the elderly population.

Effects of active exergames on physical performance in older people: an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analysis.

This overview assessed the available body of published peer-reviewed systematic reviews and meta-analyses related to the effects of active exergames compared with active/passive control on physical performance outcomes in older people. The methodological quality and certainty of evidence were assessed using PRISMA, AMSTAR 2, and GRADE. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42023391694). The main outcomes indicate that 4,477 records, five systematic reviews, and 10 meta-analyses were included. The AMSTAR-2 reported six meta-analyses with high methodological quality, four moderate quality, two systematic reviews with low quality, and three very-low quality. Meta-analysis was performed on balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) tests, on cardiorespiratory fitness using the 6-min walk test, and on upper and lower limbs muscle strength using the handgrip strength, knee extension, and 30-s chair stand tests. Significant differences in favor of the active exergames groups concerning active/passive groups were reported in BBS (SMD = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.12-1.58; I2 = 96%; p = 0.02), TUG (SMD = 1.44; 95% CI = 0.71-2.16; I2 = 97%; p < 0.0001), and 30-s chair stand test (SMD = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.33-1.25; I2 = 88%; p = 0.0008). However, no significant differences were reported in favor of the active exergames groups in 6-min walk (SMD = 0.93; 95% CI = -0.64 to 2.50; I2 = 95%; p = 0.24), handgrip strength (SMD = 0.67; 95% CI = -0.04 to 1.38; I2 = 84%; p = 0.06), and knee extension tests (SMD = 0.20; 95% CI = -0.05 to 0.44; I2 = 95%; p = 0.12) compared to active/passive control. However, it was impossible to perform a meta-analysis for the variables of walking speed as a fall risk due to the diversity of instruments and the small number of systematic reviews with meta-analysis. In conclusion, interventions utilizing active exergames have shown significant improvements in the static and dynamic balance and lower limb muscle strength of apparently healthy older people, compared to control groups of active/inactive participants, as measured by BBS, TUG, and 30-s chair stand tests. However, no significant differences were found in the 6-min walk, HGS, and knee extension tests. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, CRD42023391694.

Efficacy of cupping therapy in individuals with fibromyalgia. A systematic review of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia is a chronic and idiopathic condition and is among the most common causes of generalized chronic pain, even affecting psychological and cognitive aspects. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of cupping therapy on pain, quality of life, sleep disorders, and the impact of the disease in subjects with fibromyalgia. METHODS: We searched the Pubmed, CINAHL, Epistemonikos, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Randomized controlled trials involving adults with fibromyalgia undergoing cupping were included. Pain intensity, quality of life, sleep disturbances, and the impact of fibromyalgia were assessed. We have reported the results using descriptive statistics and narrative synthesis. RESULTS: Two articles with a total of 155 participants were included. Large effect sizes were found for pain intensity, moderate for quality of life, and low for the impact of fibromyalgia and sleep disorders. However, the certainty of the evidence is low for most outcomes except for sleep disorders. CONCLUSIONS: There is a discrepancy in the efficacy of cupping therapy in improving pain intensity, quality of life, sleep disturbances, and disease impact in people with fibromyalgia. Future high-quality randomized clinical trials are required.

Influence of lower limb muscle isometric strength and cardiovascular parameters on locomotor capacity in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Although measures of exercise performance and physical activity are known to be related to 6-minute walk test (6mWT), the role of the strength of each muscle group of the lower limb in the locomotor capacity during the development period is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To identify the role of the isometric strength of lower limb muscles and cardiovascular parameters on the locomotor capacity in children and adolescents, controlling for participants sex, age, and height. METHODS: Participants (7 to 15 years old; female, n= 113; male, n= 128) were assessed for isometric strength (seven lower limb muscles), cardiovascular parameters (diastolic pressure, oxygen saturation, resting heart rate, respiratory rate), and 6mWT. Participants were split into nine age groups and separated by 1-year intervals. RESULTS: Hip flexors-controlled for sex, age, and height-explained a meaningful percentage of the variance (R=2 0.45; p< 0.001) for 6mWT distance, and the resting heart rate explained a change in R2 of only 2% (p= 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Isometric strength of hip flexors explained ∼ 50% of the 6mWT distance, suggesting the importance of strength from an early age. Other factors, such as cardiovascular parameters, while relevant, may exert a secondary role on youth's capacity.