Comparing two protocols of shock wave therapy for patients with plantar fasciitis: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: This pilot study primarily aimed to detect the adherence as well as the effect size required to estimate the actual sample size needed for a larger scale study to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of two extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) protocols along, with a physical therapy program in reducing pain and improving function among patients suffering from plantar fasciitis. The study also aimed to report the effects of the ESWT protocols used on pain and function. METHODS: A total of 26 participants took part in the study, including 17 females and 9 males. The average age of the participants was 34 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 23 kg/m2. Participants were divided into three equal groups; Group A received ESWT at a frequency of 15 Hz and intensity of 3, Group B received ESWT at a frequency of 10 Hz and intensity of 4, while Group C underwent the selected physical therapy program along with sham shock wave therapy as a control. Pain levels were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) while functional improvements were evaluated using the Foot Function Index (FFI). Data was collected prior to treatment, after three sessions and at the end of six weeks (after six sessions). RESULTS: The three groups were well matched, and the results revealed high adherence rates (90%, 90% and 80% respectively). Results also indicated reductions in pain levels and improvements in function for both intervention groups when compared to the control group. Group A demonstrated better outcomes compared to Group B while Group C showed relatively less improvement. CONCLUSION: The study concluded a high adherence rate for the three groups as well as a small effect size detected of 0.282 that would suggest a total of 123 participants to be required to replicate the study on a larger scale. With regards to the findings of this pilot, the combination of ESWT and a targeted physical therapy program revealed a possible effective therapeutic approach for plantar fasciitis, with a higher frequency potentially yielding more favourable results.

Night Screen Time is Associated with Cognitive Function in Healthy Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: In recent years, a significant shift toward remote work, virtual education, and social distancing measures was witnessed, thereby leading people to increasingly depend on digital devices for communication, work, and entertainment. This increased exposure to screens has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on cognitive function. Purpose: This study investigated the relationship between screen time and cognitive function among healthy young adults. Methods: One hundred forty-five healthy individuals (mean age 21.55 ± 2.84 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic information including age, sex, height, weight, and level of education were obtained. Participants reported screen time using a screen time questionnaire. Cognitive function tests including, Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) were conducted. Multilinear regression analyses were used to examine the associations between age, sex, level of education, screen time, and cognitive function. Results: One hundred thirty-nine participants (76 women) completed the study. Increased night screen time, bachelor's educational level, and women were associated with lower PASAT scores (R2=0.258; p≤0.047). Moreover, increased night screen time was associated with lower MoCA scores (R2=0.029; p=0.035). However, no associations were found between night screen time and SDMT scores. Conclusion: Participants who had higher night screen exposure had lower cognitive scores in the information speed processing, working memory, calculation, and attention domains. Considering these findings, this study emphasizes on the importance of setting a future recommended screen time guidelines for young adults as well as to promote healthy cognitive habits in order to preserve cognitive function and reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative disease in the future. Future prospective cohort studies involving a more diverse age range is needed.

Are accelerometer-measured sitting and physical activity times associated with muscle mass and strength in healthy young adults in the UAE?

Background: A high prevalence of obesity, sedentary behavior, and physical inactivity could affect muscle mass and strength in young adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Therefore, we investigated the association of sex, body mass index (BMI), and accelerometer-measured sitting and physical activity (PA) times with skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), hand grip, and thigh muscle strength in healthy young adults in the UAE. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 156 healthy young adults (age 21.68 ± 3.01 years, BMI 25.40 ± 4.79 kg/m2, 52.6 % women) were included. BMI and muscle mass were recorded using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Maximum hand grip strength and thigh muscle torque were assessed using the Jamar-smart hand-dynamometer and Biodex System-4-Pro, respectively. Participants wore a triaxial Fibion accelerometer on their anterior thigh for >10 h per day for 4-7 days to measure their sitting and PA times. Multiple linear regression analyses were used. Results: Participants spent most of their time sitting (11.37 ± 1.10 h), followed by standing (2.92 ± 0.86 h), walking (1.58 ± 0.55 h), and vigorous intensity PA (4.79 ± 5.85 min) per 16-h day. Sex (p < 0.001) and BMI (p < 0.001) were negatively associated with all muscle mass and strength variables. Men had more muscle mass and strength than women. As BMI increased, muscle mass and muscle strength decreased. Accelerometer-measured sitting and walking times were negatively associated with concentric hamstrings (p = 0.044) and quadriceps torques (p = 0.031), respectively. Conclusion: Sex, BMI, and accelerometer-measured sitting and walking times were associated with muscle mass and/or muscle strength in healthy young adults. Women and those with a high BMI need interventions to improve their muscle mass and strength. The paradox regarding the association of PA with muscle mass and strength in younger adults may be due to possible influences from other factors (e.g., resistance training, dietary intakes, etc.) superseding that of accelerometer-measured PA.

Impact of the Order of Movement on the Median Nerve Root Function: A Neurophysiological Study with Implications for Neurodynamic Exercise Sequencing.

Background: Neurodynamic exercise is a common clinical practice used to restore neural dynamic balance. The order in which movements are performed during these exercises is believed to play a crucial role in their effectiveness. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different sequences of neurodynamic exercise on nerve root function, with a specific focus on the median nerve. Methods: Participants were assigned randomly to three experimental groups, each undergoing a different test sequence: standard, proximal-to-distal, and distal-to-proximal. Dermatomal somatosensory evoked potentials (DSSEPs) were recorded at key levels (C6, C7, C8, and T1). Results: The findings revealed a significant influence of the movement sequence on DSSEP amplitudes. The execution of neurodynamic exercise in the proximal-to-distal sequence was associated with a notable reduction in amplitudes (p < 0.05). Conversely, the distal-to-proximal sequence resulted in increased amplitudes compared to the standard sequence (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of carefully considering the order of movements during neurodynamic exercising, particularly when evaluating nerve roots that lack the protective perineurium. The choice of sequence appears to have a substantial impact on nerve function, with implications for optimizing clinical neurodynamic exercise techniques.

Does Google Fit provide valid energy expenditure measurements of functional tasks compared to those of Fibion accelerometer in healthy individuals? A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Smartphone applications (e.g., Google Fit) may be a good alternative tool for accelerometers in estimating energy expenditure of physical activities because they are affordable, easy to use, and freely downloadable on smartphones. We aimed to determine the concurrent validity of the Fibion and Google Fit for measuring energy expenditure of functional tasks in healthy individuals. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 28 healthy individuals (21.25 ± 1.84 years) performed certain tasks (lying, standing, 6-min walk test, treadmill walking, stair climbing and cycling) for ∼90 min, while wearing a Fibion accelerometer on their thigh and having the Google Fit application in a smartphone placed in their trouser pocket. Concurrent validity between the energy expenditure data of the Google Fit and Fibion was assessed using the Spearman rho correlation coefficient (data were not normally distributed), Bland-Altman plots and linear regression. RESULTS: Neither energy expenditure for the whole duration nor for the tasks, except sitting + treadmill walking (r = 0.419, p = 0.027), showed significant correlations between the Google Fit and Fibion measurements. A proportional bias was evident for almost all comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: The Google Fit did not provide valid energy expenditure measurements compared to the Fibion for most of the investigated tasks in healthy individuals.