Computerized photogrammetric assessment of postural alignment in visually impaired athletes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to provide a computerized photogrammetric description of the postural alignment of visually impaired athletes. METHODS: Twenty-six athletes were evaluated. Athletes were asked to stand at easy with styrofoam balls placed on selected anatomical landmarks, and photographic images were acquired in four viewpoints. Postural Assessment Software (PAS/SAPO) was applied for image analysis. Body's angles and distances were calculated and transformed in absolute (nonnegative) values for analysis. Factor analysis was applied for data reduction. RESULTS: Absolute values of PAS/SAPO variables resulted in lower coefficient of variation (CV) than raw values (average of 57% versus 500%, respectively), which potentially enhances the comparative use of these measures. Head's forward positioning and rightward inclination were among the most prevalent postural deviation, being observed in more than 70% of the athletes. With respect to the magnitude of the deviation, large variability was observed in data derived from anterior/posterior compared with lateral viewpoint. For instance, head's rightward inclination (head horizontal alignment in the anterior view) achieved 2.9 ±â€¯2.5° (mean ±â€¯SD), with a CV of 86%, while head's forward positioning (C7 horizontal alignment in left viewpoint) reaches 42.7 ±â€¯6.6°, with a CV of only 16%. Factor analysis did not result in significant data reduction, although anterior body's angles and distances were identified as important sources of data variability. CONCLUSIONS: The PAS/SAPO values described here can be adopted as reference for future investigations of postural alignment in visually impaired athletes.

Lower limb muscle strength is associated with functional performance and quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis

Background: Complaints of peripheral muscle weakness are quite common in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). It is likely that the muscle impairments may reduce the patients' exercise performance, which in turn may decrease their functional capacity and exert a direct impact on their quality of life. Objectives: To assess the peripheral and respiratory muscle strength in individuals with SSc and to investigate their correlation with the 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and quality of life measurements. Moreover, we aimed to characterize their nutritional status, pulmonary function, functional capacity, and quality of life compared to the controls. Method: The present cross-sectional study included 20 patients with SSc and 20 control subjects. All of the participants were subjected to isometric dynamometry, surface electromyography, bioelectrical impedance analysis, pulmonary function testing, and the 6-min walk test. Patients with SSc also responded to the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI). Results: The individuals with SSc exhibited a reduction in quadriceps strength (p=0.0001), increased quadriceps fatigability (p=0.034), impaired pulmonary function, and a reduced 6MWD (p=0.0001) compared to the controls. Quadriceps strength was significantly correlated with the 6MWD (Rho=0.719; p=0.0004) and the HAQ-DI (Rho=-0.622; p=0.003). We also found significant correlations between quadriceps fatigability and maximal inspiratory (Rho=0.684; p=0.0009) and maximal expiratory (Rho=0.472; p=0.035) pressure. Conclusions: Patients with SSc exhibited reduced respiratory muscle and quadriceps strength and an increase in its fatigability. In these individuals, there was a relationship between quadriceps strength, functional capacity, and quality of life. .

Lower limb muscle strength is associated with functional performance and quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Complaints of peripheral muscle weakness are quite common in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). It is likely that the muscle impairments may reduce the patients' exercise performance, which in turn may decrease their functional capacity and exert a direct impact on their quality of life. OBJECTIVES: To assess the peripheral and respiratory muscle strength in individuals with SSc and to investigate their correlation with the 6-min walk distance (6 MWD) and quality of life measurements. Moreover, we aimed to characterize their nutritional status, pulmonary function, functional capacity, and quality of life compared to the controls. METHOD: The present cross-sectional study included 20 patients with SSc and 20 control subjects. All of the participants were subjected to isometric dynamometry, surface electromyography, bioelectrical impedance analysis, pulmonary function testing, and the 6-min walk test. Patients with SSc also responded to the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI). RESULTS: The individuals with SSc exhibited a reduction in quadriceps strength (p=0.0001), increased quadriceps fatigability (p=0.034), impaired pulmonary function, and a reduced 6 MWD (p=0.0001) compared to the controls. Quadriceps strength was significantly correlated with the 6 MWD (Rho=0.719; p=0.0004) and the HAQ-DI (Rho=-0.622; p=0.003). We also found significant correlations between quadriceps fatigability and maximal inspiratory (Rho=0.684; p=0.0009) and maximal expiratory (Rho=0.472; p=0.035) pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SSc exhibited reduced respiratory muscle and quadriceps strength and an increase in its fatigability. In these individuals, there was a relationship between quadriceps strength, functional capacity, and quality of life.