From surgery to functional capacity: muscle strength modifications in women post sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Severe obesity is characterized by excessive accumulation of fat generating a general health decline. Multidisciplinary treatment of obesity leads to significant weight loss in a few patients; therefore, many incur bariatric surgery. The main purpose of the study is to evaluate changes in functional capacity of people with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery and, in parallel, to correlate pre-surgery functional capacity with weight loss to improve exercise prescription during pre-operatory stage. METHODS: sixty women with diagnosed obesity were included. Maximal oxygen consumption, upper and lower limb strength and level of physical activity were recorded 1 month before and 6 months after sleeve gastrectomy. RESULTS: significant reduction on body weight (-30.1 kg) and Body Mass Index (-11.4 kg/m2) were highlighted after surgery. Absolute grip strength decreased significantly (-1.1 kg), while body weight normalized grip and lower limb strength increased significantly. The level of physical activity increased especially in leisure time (+ 593 METs/week) and active transport (+ 189.3 METs/week). Pre-surgery BMI and age predicted the amount of weight loss after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Sleeve gastrectomy induces a reduction of muscle strength despite the increase of time spent in physical activity. Further research is necessary to integrate these results with data on body composition, and objective evaluation of physical activity level to define useful information for exercise prescription in terms of surgery pre-habilitation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Padova University Hospital Board (protocol n. 2027 dated January 12, 2017).

Effects of Hypopressive Abdominal Training on Ventilatory Capacity and Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Pelvic floor dysfunctions, associated with alterations in respiratory mechanics and, consequently, quality of life, are the cause of the most frequent gynecological problems. Pelvic floor muscle training emerges as a first-line treatment, with new approaches such as hypopressive exercises. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of an 8-week supervised training program of hypopressive exercises on the pelvic floor and its impact on improving the ventilatory mechanics and quality of life in women. Analysis of the spirometric parameters showed a significant main Group × Time effect for three parameters: the ratio of FEV1/FVC (p = 0.030), the forced expiratory flow at 75% of the expired vital capacity (p < 0.001), and the forced expiratory flow over the middle half of the forced vital capacity (p = 0.005). No statistical significance was found regarding the SF-12 questionnaire components; only differences were found over time in the physical role (p = 0.023), bodily pain (p = 0.001), and vitality (p < 0.010) domains and in the physical component summary score (p = 0.010). After an 8-week intervention of hypopressive exercises, an improvement in the ventilatory and pulmonary capacities can be observed.

Evaluating the Impact of Flossing Band Integration in Conventional Physiotherapy for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.

Background/Objectives: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is prevalent among physically active individuals, highlighting the need for innovative treatment strategies beyond conventional physiotherapy. This study investigates the effectiveness of integrating flossing band therapy with standard physiotherapy, anticipating improved outcomes in pain reduction, functional ability, and patient satisfaction. Methods: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial involved 50 PFPS-diagnosed participants. They were divided into two groups: Standard Physiotherapy Group (SPG) and Flossing Band and Physiotherapy Group (FBPG), each undergoing an 8-week intervention focusing on resistance training supplemented by respective therapies. Assessment metrics included pain (VAS), strength (Dynamometry), lower limb function (LEFS), and PFPS function (AKPS) measured before and after the intervention. Results: Significant enhancements in all outcome measures were noted for both groups, yet the FBPG exhibited notably superior improvements in pain, knee functionality, muscle strength, and lower extremity function. The FBPG demonstrated statistically significant greater efficacy in pain alleviation and strength enhancement. Conclusions: The addition of flossing band therapy to conventional physiotherapy presents a more effective treatment modality for PFPS, suggesting its potential to redefine therapeutic standards. Future studies should delve into the long-term impacts and mechanistic underpinnings of floss band therapy in PFPS management.

The Role of Physical Exercise in the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Manual Workers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are the most common occupational health problem in the European Union. Physical exercise interventions have been investigated in the prevention of WMSDs in many sectors. Therefore, our aim was to assess the effect of physical exercise in manual workers for the primary and secondary prevention of WMSDs. We conducted a systematic search of the literature and papers were included if: the participants were adult employees exclusively engaged in manual labor tasks; non-acute physical exercise intervention; pain, disability, physical functioning, or health-related quality of life outcome, with pre-post intervention measurements. We retrieved 10419 unique records and included 23 studies. A random effect meta-analysis was conducted on the studies with a control group design, using a three level model to estimate the pooled effect for pain outcomes (g = 0.4339, 95% CI : 0.1267 - 0.7412, p < 0.01), and a two-level model for disability outcomes (g = 0.6279, 95% CI : 0.3983 - 0.8575, p < 0.0001). Subset analysis revealed a moderate-to-large effect on the VAS outcome (g = 0.5866, 95% CI: 0.3102 - 0.8630, p < 0.0001). Meta-regression on pain outcomes revealed a significant effect for sex, age, study quality, and body segments tested. The analyses on all outcomes except VAS showed substantial heterogeneity (I2pain = 93%, of which 72% at the study level, I2disability = 78%, and I2vas = 56%, of which 44% at the study level). Physical exercise programs seem to have a positive effect on pain and disability stemming from WRMSDs in manual workers.

What interventions can treat arthrogenic muscle inhibition in patients with chronic ankle instability? A systematic review with meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To identify, critically appraise, and synthesize the existing evidence regarding the effects of therapeutic interventions on arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two reviewers independently performed exhaustive database searches in Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus. RESULTS: Nine studies were finally included. Five types of disinhibitory interventions were identified: focal ankle joint cooling (FAJC), manual therapy, fibular reposition taping (FRT), whole-body vibration (WBV), and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). There were moderate effects of FAJC on spinal excitability in ankle muscles (g = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.03-1.08, p = 0.040 for the soleus and g = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.01-1.07, p = 0.046 for the fibularis longus). In contrast, manual therapy, FRT, WBV were not effective. Finally, 4 weeks of tDCS combined with eccentric exercise showed large effects on corticospinal excitability in 2 weeks after the intervention (g = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.14-1.85 for the fibularis longus and g = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.16-1.87 for the tibialis anterior). CONCLUSIONS: FAJC and tDCS may be effective in counteracting AMI. However, the current evidence of mainly short-term studies to support the use of disinhibitory interventions is too limited to draw definitive conclusions.

Therapeutic interventions on arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) in patients with chronic ankle instability are scarce.Current studies incorporate mainly short-term therapeutic interventions.Focal ankle joint cooling seems effective to treat AMI.Several weeks of transcranial direct current stimulation may also be effective to counteract arthrogenic muscle inhibition but more studies are needed.

The effects of an 8-week hypopressive exercise training program on urinary incontinence and pelvic floor muscle activation: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic floor dysfunction and urinary incontinence are two of the most frequent gynecological problems, and pelvic floor muscle training is recommended as a first-line treatment, with new approaches such as hypopressive exercises. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of an 8-week supervised training program of hypopressive exercises on pelvic floor muscle strength and urinary incontinence symptomatology. DESIGN: Blinded randomized controlled trial. SETTINGS: Women with pelvic floor dysfunction and urinary incontinence symptoms, aged 18-60 years. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 117 participants were randomly allocated to the hypopressive exercises group (n = 62) or a control group that received no intervention (n = 55) and completed the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected, as well as pelvic floor muscle strength (using the Modified Oxford Scale); the genital prolapse symptoms, colorectal symptoms, and urinary symptoms (with the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory [PFDI-20]); the impact of pelvic floor disorders (PFD) on women's lives (with the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire [PFIQ-7]); and the severity of urinary incontinence symptoms (using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire [ICIQ]). RESULTS: The results showed an improvement in the hypopressive group in the pelvic floor muscle strength F (1117) = 89.514, p < 0.001, a significantly lower score for the PFIQ7 total score, t (112) = 28.895, p < 0.001 and FPDI20 t (112) = 7.037, p < 0.001 as well as an improvement in ICIQ-SF values after 8 weeks of intervention in comparison with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: After performing an 8-week of hipopressive exercises intervention, a decrease in pelvic floor disorders associated symptoms can be observed. In addition, pelvic floor muscle contractility is improved and a decrease in severity and symptoms associated with urinary incontinence has been reported.

The Influence of Weight Loss in Postural Control in Women Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is the most effective procedure for obesity management, with a greater body weight loss and the remission of several diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between the anthropometric profile and postural control outcomes in a group of obese adult women, and the effect of bariatric surgery on postural control. METHODS: eighty-eight women candidates for bariatric surgery were recruited. Static balance was measured with the ARGO stabilometric platform under two conditions: open eyes (OE) and closed eyes (CE). RESULTS: Multiple linear regression indicated BMI as the first predictor for postural control in all parameters, except for APO in open eyes, predicted mainly by height. Changes in body weight and BMI showed no statistically significant correlations with modification of postural control parameters (OE), while they appeared to exert an influence under closed eyes conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Before surgery, obese patients with a higher BMI showed a better postural control. After surgery, the sway path and antero-posterior oscillation improved under open eyes conditions, while the magnitude of weight loss was negatively correlated with differences in postural control.

The Role of Facebook® in Promoting a Physically Active Lifestyle: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: it is well known in literature that sedentary lifestyle contributes to worsening people's health. This issue highlights the need for effective interventions to promote an active lifestyle. Research suggested multilevel intervention strategies to promote adherence to recommended physical activity levels, including the use of social networks that may simplify access to health notions. Being Facebook® the most extensive worldwide social network, this document aimed to analyze the current body of evidence on the role of Facebook® in the promotion of physical activity. METHODS: eighteen manuscripts were considered eligible for this systematic review, and it was performed a meta-analysis (PRISMA guidelines) for overall physical activity parameters in eleven out of eighteen studies. RESULTS: significant improvements were detected in the total amount of physical activity. In parallel, an increase in other parameters, such as cardiovascular, body composition, and social support, were found. The aerobic training, with supervised and tailored modalities, showed more considerable improvements. CONCLUSIONS: this study showed that Facebook® might be considered a feasible and accessible approach to promoting regular exercise practice and achieving health benefits indicators. Future research on the cross-link between physical activity and social network management could also focus on strength training to verify if a more structured intervention would show an effect.

Comparative Effects of Neuromuscular- and Strength-Training Protocols on Pathomechanical, Sensory-Perceptual, and Motor-Behavioral Impairments in Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability: Randomized Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a complex condition that includes limited mobility, perceived instability, and recurrent ankle sprains are common characteristics that reduce the quality of life in subjects who suffer from CAI. Neuromuscular training and strength training have been recommended in CAI management interventions. However, there are contradictory findings on results when comparing neuromuscular training, strength training, and the control group. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 8 weeks of neuromuscular intervention training, strength training, and no intervention in a sporting population with reported CAI. (2) Methods: Sixty-seven athletes with CAI were randomly assigned to a neuromuscular training group (NG), strength training group (SG), or control group (CG). Participants completed 8 weeks of neuromuscular training (a combination of static and dynamic exercises), strength training (resistance band exercises), or no training. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks and included selfs-reported instability feeling (CAIT), dynamic balance (SEBT), ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (WBLT), and functional status (FAAM and FAAM-SPORT). (3) Results: There were significant differences between strength and control groups in the posteromedial direction of SEBT, FAAM, and FAAM-SPORT after 8 weeks of intervention. (4) Conclusions: Neuromuscular training and strength training based on resistance bands exercises showed significant improvements in ankle dorsiflexion, subjective feeling of instability, functional status, and dynamic balance in patients with CAI.

The Influence of Pilates Exercises on Body Composition, Muscle Strength, and Gait Speed in Community-Dwelling Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT: Aibar-Almazán, A, Martínez-Amat, A, Cruz-Díaz, D, Jesús de la Torre-Cruz, M, Jiménez-García, JD, Zagalaz-Anula, N, Redecillas-Peiró, MT, Mendoza-Ladrón de Guevara, N, and Hita-Contreras, F. The influence of Pilates exercises on body composition, muscle strength, and gait speed in community-dwelling older women: a randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2298-2305, 2022-Population aging is a global phenomenon that has wide-ranging consequences for the health of individuals, including age-related obesity, muscle loss, and a decline in muscle strength and gait speed. These alterations are associated with disability, functional decline, and mortality in older adults. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of Pilates exercises on body composition, handgrip strength, and physical performance among community-dwelling Spanish women aged 60 and older. A randomized controlled trial of a 12-week Pilates training program was conducted. A total of 109 women were randomly allocated to either a control ( n = 54) or a Pilates ( n = 55) group. Body composition was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance. Body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat, and height-adjusted skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) were assessed before and immediately after the intervention, as were physical performance, estimated by gait speed (timed up-and-go test), and handgrip strength. Statistically significant improvements ( p < 0.05) were observed both within and between groups for handgrip strength (Cohen's d = 0.40 and 0.52 respectively) and gait speed (Cohen's d = 0.86 and 0.87 respectively). After 12 weeks, BMI significantly decreased (Cohen's d = 0.07) only in the Pilates group. No significant differences were observed regarding SMI. In conclusion, a 12-week Pilates exercise intervention on community dwelling women over 60 years old shows beneficial effects on muscle strength, physical performance, and BMI, but failed to induce any changes on body composition.

Effects of global postural reeducation on postural control, dynamic balance, and ankle range of motion in patients with hallux abducto valgus. A randomized controlled trial.

Hallux abducto valgus (HAV) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that has been addressed surgically. Nevertheless, the manual therapy approach may play an important role in the management of this condition. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of global postural reeducation (GPR) in subjects with symptomatic mild to moderate HAV in static postural control, dynamic stability, and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM). A total of 80 patients with mild to moderate symptomatic HAV were allocated to the intervention group (GPR) or control group (CG) (no treatment) for 8 weeks. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline at 4 and 8 weeks including static postural control (Romberg test), dynamic balance (Star Excursion Balance Test [SEBT]), and ankle DFROM (Weight-Bearing Lunge Test [WBLT]). No improvements were observed at 4 weeks, but there were improvements at 8 weeks in: static postural control mediolateral displacement (X) of center of pressure (CoP) in both eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC): XEO (t(36) = 2.892, p = .006, d = 0.67); XEC (t(68) = 2.280, p = .026, d = 054); and velocity (V) of CoP displacement: VEO (t(68) = 2.380, p = .020, d = 0.57); VEC (t(36) = 2.057, p = .047, d = 0.37). It were also improvements in: WBLT (t(36) = -2.869, p = .007, d = 0.54) and SEBT at three directions (anterior, ANT; posteromedial, PM; and posterolateral, PL): SEBT.ANT (t(36) = -2.292, p = .028, d = 0.23); SEBT.PM (t(36) = -4.075, p < .001, d = 0.43); SEBT.PL (t(62) = -3.506, p = .001, d = 0.34). The present study showed that GPR compared to the CG might be effective in enhancing ankle function including postural control, dynamic balance, and DFROM.

Short-Term Effects of Balance Training with Stroboscopic Vision for Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) is one of the most common musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Stroboscopic vision (SV) training has been deemed to enhance somatosensorial pathways in this population group; nevertheless, until recently no studies have addressed the additional effects of this treatment option to the traditional therapeutic approach. METHODS: To evaluate the effectiveness of a partial visual deprivation training protocol in patients with CAI, a randomized controlled trial was carried out. Patients with CAI (n = 73) were randomized into either a balance training, SV training, or a control (no training) group. For participants assigned into training groups, they received 18 training sessions over 6 weeks. The primary outcome was dynamic balance as measured by the Star Excursion Balance Test assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention. Secondary outcome measures included ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, self-reported instability feeling, and ankle functional status. RESULTS: Better scores in stroboscopic training and balance training groups in all outcome measures were observed in comparison with the control group with moderate to large effect sizes. Stroboscopic training was more effective than neuromuscular training in self-reported instability feeling (cohen's d = 0.71; p = 0.042) and anterior reach distance of the star excursion balance test (cohen's d = 1.23; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary findings from the effects of SV Stroboscopic training in patients with CAI, suggest that SV may be beneficial in CAI rehabilitation.

The Effects of Abdominal Hypopressive Training on Postural Control and Deep Trunk Muscle Activation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal Hypopressive Training (AHT) provides postural improvement, and enhances deep trunk muscle activation. However, until recently, there was a lack of scientific literature supporting these statements. The major purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of AHT on posture control and deep trunk muscle function. METHODS: 125 female participants aged 18-60 were randomly allocated to the Experimental Group (EG), consisting of two sessions of 30 min per week for 8 weeks of AHT, or the Control Group (CG), who did not receive any treatment. Postural control was measured with a stabilometric platform to assess the static balance and the activation of deep trunk muscles (specifically the Transverse Abdominal muscle (TrA)), which was measured by real-time ultrasound imaging. RESULTS: The groups were homogeneous at baseline. Statistical differences were identified between both groups after intervention in the Surface of the Center of Pressure (CoP) Open-Eyes (S-OE) (p = 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.60) and the Velocity of CoP under both conditions; Open-Eyes (V-OE) (p = 0.001, Cohen´s d = 0.63) and Close-Eyes (V-CE) (p = 0.016, Cohen´s d = 0.016), with the EG achieving substantial improvements. Likewise, there were statistically significant differences between measurements over time for the EG on S-OE (p < 0.001, Cohen´s d = 0.99); V-OE (p = 0.038, Cohen´s d = 0.27); V-CE (p = 0.006, Cohen´s d = 0.39), anteroposterior movements of CoP with Open-Eyes (RMSY-OE) (p = 0.038, Cohen´s d = 0.60) and activity of TrA under contraction conditions (p < 0.001, Cohen´s d = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS: The application of eight weeks of AHT leads to positive outcomes in posture control, as well as an improvement in the deep trunk muscle contraction in the female population.

Associations of sleep and depression with obesity and sarcopenia in middle-aged and older adults.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the association of depression and the quality and duration of sleep with general and abdominal obesity, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity (SO) in Spanish middle-aged and older adults. STUDY DESIGN AND OUTCOME MEASURES: A total of 304 people (mean age 72.04 ± 7.88 years, 83.88 % women) participated in this study. Body mass index, waist circumference, skeletal muscle mass index (bioelectrical impedance analysis), and hand-grip strength were used to evaluate sarcopenia, obesity, and SO. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to evaluate sleep quality. Sleep duration (hours) was categorized as either short (<6), normal (6-8), or long (>8). Depression was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale), nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment Survey) and physical activity (PA) level (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form) were also assessed. Independent associations were evaluated by multivariate logistic regressions. RESULTS: Only depression was associated with sarcopenia (OR = 1.10, 95 % CI = 1.02-1.19). Poorer sleep quality (OR = 1.06, 95 % CI = 1.06-1.11) and short sleep duration (OR = 2.63, 95 % CI = 1.45-4.78) were related to general obesity, as well as fatigue and low PA level. Poor sleep latency (OR = 1.43, 95 % CI = 1.09-1.87) was linked to abdominal obesity, along with fatigue, low PA level, older age, and female sex. Finally, short sleep duration (OR = 5.25, 95 % CI = 1.97-14.00), together with fatigue, low PA level, and male sex were associated with OS. CONCLUSION: Among Spanish middle-aged and older adults, after adjusting for potential confounding variables, depression was uniquely associated with sarcopenia, while short sleep duration was related to general and sarcopenic obesity, and poor sleep quality was linked to general and abdominal obesity.

Effectiveness of A Pilates Training Program on Cognitive and Functional Abilities in Postmenopausal Women.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a Pilates exercises program on the cognitive and physical functioning of older Spanish women. This study is a randomized clinical trial; a total of 110 women aged ≥60 years were initially allocated to either a Pilates group (PG, n = 55), who underwent a 12-week Pilates exercise program, or to a control group (CG, n = 55), who did not receive any intervention. Global cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination), verbal fluency (Isaacs test), executive function (Trail Making Test), functional flexibility (Back Scratch Test and Chair Sit-and-Reach Test), and lower-body strength (30 s Chair-Stand Test) were assessed before and immediately after the intervention period. The main findings of this study suggest that women in the PG (within-group differences) experienced improvements across all the variables examined except for global cognitive function. When compared with the CG (between-group differences), our analysis revealed significant benefits in the PG for all measures except for global cognitive function and functional flexibility (Back Scratch Test). In conclusion, our results suggest that Pilates has the potential to improve both cognitive and functional abilities among Spanish women aged 60 years and over.

Effects of Physical Exercise on Sexual Function and Quality of Sexual Life Related to Menopausal Symptoms in Peri- and Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review.

During the menopausal period, sexual dysfunction is associated with the development or worsening of psychological conditions, causing deterioration in women's mental health and quality of life. This systematic review aims to investigate the effects of different exercise programs on sexual function and quality of sexual life related to menopausal symptoms. With this purpose, a systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Plus. A total of 1787 articles were identified in the initial search and 11 prospective studies (including 8 randomized controlled trials) were finally included. The most commonly recommended training programs are based on exercising pelvic floor muscles, as they seem to have the largest impact on sexual function. Mind-body disciplines also helped in managing menopausal symptoms. However, as far as the most traditional programs were concerned, aerobic exercises showed inconsistent results and resistance training did not seem to convey any benefits. Although positive effects have been found, evidence supporting physical exercise as a strategy to improve sexual function and quality of sexual life related to menopausal symptoms is limited, and further studies on this topic are needed.

Ankle-Joint Self-Mobilization and CrossFit Training in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

CONTEXT: Ankle-joint mobilization and neuromuscular and strength training have been deemed beneficial in the management of patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). CrossFit training is a sport modality that involves these techniques. OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the influence of adding self-mobilization of the ankle joint to CrossFit training versus CrossFit alone or no intervention in patients with CAI. DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Research laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Seventy recreational athletes with CAI were randomly allocated to either self-mobilization plus CrossFit training, CrossFit training alone, or a control group. INTERVENTION(S): Participants in the self-mobilization plus CrossFit group and the CrossFit training-alone group pursued a CrossFit training program twice a week for 12 weeks. The self-mobilization plus CrossFit group performed an ankle self-mobilization protocol before their CrossFit training, and the control group received no intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM), subjective feeling of instability, and dynamic postural control were assessed via the weight-bearing lunge test, Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool, and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), respectively. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of the intervention, both the self-mobilization plus CrossFit and CrossFit training-alone groups improved compared with the control group (P < .001). The self-mobilization plus CrossFit intervention was superior to the CrossFit training-alone intervention regarding ankle DFROM as well as the posterolateral- and posteromedial-reach distances of the SEBT but not for the anterior-reach distance of the SEBT or the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool. CONCLUSIONS: Ankle-joint self-mobilization and CrossFit training were effective in improving ankle DFROM, dynamic postural control and self-reported instability in patients with CAI.

Reliability of an Integrated Inertial Sensor for the Continuous Measurement of Active Cervical Range of Motion in a Group of Younger and Elderly Individuals.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability of an integrated inertial sensor (IIS) for cervical range of motion assessment. An integrated inertial sensor was placed on the forehead center of thirty older adults (OA) and thirty younger adults (YA). Participants had to perform three continuous rotations, lateral bandings and flexion-extensions with their head. Test-retest reliability was assessed after 7 days. YA showed moderate to good agreement for rotation (0.54-0.82), lateral bending (0.74-0.8), and flexion-extension (0.74-0.81) movements and poor agreement for zero point (ZP). OA showed moderate to good agreement for rotation (0.65-0.86), good to excellent agreement in lateral bending (0.79-0.92), and poor to moderate agreement for flexion-extension (0.37-0.72). Zero point showed poor to moderate agreement. In conclusion, we can affirm that this IIS is a reliable device for cervical range of motion assessment in young and older adults; on the contrary, the ZP seems to be unreliable and the addition of an external reference point could help the subject to solve this shortcoming and reduce possible biases.

Effects of 12 Weeks of Tai Chi Intervention in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

CONTEXT: Tai Chi is a physical activity modality which is widely practiced over the world. The effectiveness of Tai Chi on postural control and balance has been described in older population, but until recently there are no studies that include patients with chronic ankle instability. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 12 weeks of Tai Chi intervention on dynamic balance and self-reported instability in patients with chronic ankle instability. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial was carried out. SETTING: University physical therapy facility. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-two participants were allocated to an intervention group (n = 26) based on Tai Chi training or a control group (n = 26) who received no intervention. INTERVENTION: The participants completed 12 weeks of Tai Chi intervention (1 h session/2 times per week) or no intervention in the control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures included postural control and self-reported instability feeling assessed by the Star Excursion Balance Test and the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool, respectively. RESULTS: There was observed significant improvement in all Star Excursion Balance Test reach distances (anterior [F = 6.26, P < .01]; posteromedial [F = 9.58, P < .01], and posterolateral [F = 8.42, P < .01]) in the Tai Chi group with no change in the control group (P < .01). The intervention group demonstrated significant improvement on self-reported instability feeling assessed by the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool questionnaire (F = 21.36, P < .01). CONCLUSION: The obtained results suggested that 12 weeks of Tai Chi intervention have positive effects on postural control and self-reported instability feeling in patients with chronic ankle instability.

Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of the Sarcopenia and Quality of Life, a Quality of Life Questionnaire Specific for Sarcopenia.

The Sarcopenia and Quality of Life questionnaire (SarQol®) is a self-administered multidimensional sarcopenia-specific tool designed for community-dwelling subjects aged 65 years and older. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the SarQoL®. A total of 252 participants aged ≥ 65 years voluntarily participated in this cross-sectional study. Handgrip strength and bioelectrical impedance analysis were used for sarcopenia screening. Discriminative power, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and floor and ceiling effects were analyzed. The generic 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), the European Quality of Life 5-Dimension-3 Level (EQ-5D-3L), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were also used for convergent and divergent validity. Significant differences between sarcopenic (n = 66) and non-sarcopenic participants were observed for SarQoL® total score (p = 0.008) and for all domains except D2-locomotion. A high internal consistency of SarQoL® total score (Cronbach's alpha = 0.904) was found, and significant domain-to-total score correlations were obtained (all p < .001). Test-retest data showed excellent reliability for SarQoL® total score (ICC = 0.99; 95%CI 0.98-0.99) and in all dimensions, except for D6-leisure and D7-fears activities (substantial). No floor and ceiling effects were observed for SarQoL® total score. SarQoL® total score showed good and acceptable correlations(p < 0.001) with the selected domains of the SF-36 and EQ-5D-3L which have similar dimensions (convergent validity). Low and non-significant correlations existed with anxiety, depression, and EQ-5D-3L self-care and pain/discomfort domains (divergent validity). The Spanish SarQoL® shows satisfactory general psychometric properties in Spanish-speaking older adults from Spain and is able to discriminate between older adults with and without sarcopenia.