Are the Cross-Culturally Adapted Versions of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia 11-Item Valid, Reliable, and Responsive? A COSMIN-Informed Systematic Review of Measurement Properties.

Numerous cultural adaptations of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia 11-item version (TSK-11) scale have emerged since the original version was introduced. We conducted a (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments) COSMIN-informed systematic review of measurement properties to identify the cross-cultural adaptation of the TSK-11 and report, critically appraise, and systematize its measurement properties. Six databases were searched for studies published since 2005. Studies reporting on the measurement properties of culturally adapted versions of the TSK-11, published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, were considered for inclusion. The results were synthesized by measurement properties and rated against the COSMIN criteria for good measurement properties. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach and presented in a summary of findings table. Twenty-three studies were included, and cultural adaptations for 15 languages were identified: English, Chinese, Cantonese, Swedish, German, Dutch, Arabic, Turkish, Danish, Spanish, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Marathi, Thai, and Persian. There is "high" certainty in the evidence for "sufficient" criterion validity (TSK-17, r = .84) and "insufficient" measurement error (small detectable change range 5.6-6.16). "Moderate" certainty in the evidence for "sufficient" construct validity (87.8% of hypotheses confirmed), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient2,1 = .747-.87), and "low" certainty in evidence for "sufficient" responsiveness. The numerous sources of heterogeneity prevent conclusions from being drawn regarding structural validity. Measurement error, responsiveness, and structural validity of the TSK-11 require further investigation. Clinicians should complement the use of TSK-11 with other instruments. Future studies on the structural validity of the questionnaire should standardize the data analysis methods. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents the measurement properties of the cross-cultural adaptations of the TSK-11. Clinicians should be aware that cultural and clinical aspects may influence the structural validity of the questionnaire. Using the TSK-11 as a stand-alone instrument may omit relevant clinical progression in the patient's condition.

Minimum velocity threshold in response to the free-weight back squat: reliability and validity of different submaximal loading schemes.

PURPOSE: To explore if mean concentric velocity (MCV) of the last repetition before set failure differs between free-weight back squat protocols with greater emphasis on metabolic accumulation vs. mechanical loading. The between-set and between-day reliability of terminal MCV obtained with these different loading schemes was also determined. METHODS: Fifteen healthy male participants (18-30 years) were included. They all were required to exhibit a relative strength ≥ 1.5 times their body mass. MCVs were obtained at one-repetition maximum (1RM) and with two submaximal protocols (metabolic emphasis: three sets of 40%1RM with blood-flow restriction vs. mechanical emphasis: three sets 80%1RM without blood-flow restriction). Participants were instructed to reach maximal intended concentric velocity in each repetition up to failure. RESULTS: Set failure was achieved at a faster MCV with the metabolic protocol (p < 0.05). The reliability of MCV at failure reached higher values for the metabolic loading scheme. However, while the MCV achieved at failure during the metabolic protocol was systematically higher than the MCV at 1RM (p < 0.05), this was not entirely the case for the mechanical protocol (similar to 1RM MCV during the last sets in both testing days). Finally, the absolute error derived from estimating the MCV at 1RM based on the MCV obtained at set failure with the mechanical protocol was considerably high (≥ 0.05 m/s). CONCLUSION: This study indicates that MCV obtained at set failure is dependent on the specificity of the physiological demands of exercise. Thus, MCVs obtained at failure with submaximal loads should not be used to estimate 1RM MCV.

Sleep deprivation increases the regularity of isometric torque fluctuations.

The regularity of the fluctuations present in torque signals represent the adaptability of the motor control. While previous research showed how it is affected by neuromuscular fatigue and ageing, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. It is currently under debate whether these changes are explained by central or peripheral neuromuscular mechanisms. Here, we experimentally manipulated the sleep of thirteen young adults through a supervised 24 h-sleep deprivation protocol. This study aimed to investigate the effect of sleep deprivation on the regularity of torque fluctuations, and other standard torque-related outcomes (Peak Torque - PT - and Rate of Torque Development - RTD). The participants were asked to perform knee extension maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) and submaximal knee extensions at 40% of MVC for 30 s. PT and RTD were calculated from the MVC and the regularity of the torque fluctuations was determined on the submaximal task through Sample Entropy (SampEn). In addition, rate of perceived effort (RPE) was collected. We found no significant changes in PT and RTD. The regularity of torque fluctuations significantly increased (i.e., a decrease in SampEn) after 24 h-sleep deprivation (PRE = 1.76 ± 0.268, POS24 = 1.71 ± 0.306; p = 0.044). Importantly, we found a negative correlation between RPE and SampEn relative changes after sleep deprivation. This study brings new insights towards the understanding of the underlying mechanisms that explain changes in torque fluctuations, demonstrating that these changes are not limited to neuromuscular processes but are also likely to be affected by other domains, such as psychological profile, which can indirectly affect the neural drive to the muscles.

Effects of auriculotherapy on muscle fatigue: A randomized crossover trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed investigate the effect of auriculotherapy on exercise-induced muscle fatigue, isometric torque production, and surface electromyographic activity (EMG). METHODS: Design: Randomized Crossover Trial. The sample consisted of 18 males' volunteers who exercised at least twice a week. THE SAMPLE WAS RANDOMLY ASSIGNED TO TWO GROUPS: Placebo Group (n = 9) and Treated Group (n = 9), and after seven days, the groups were crossed. The data analysis included 18 participants in each group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The muscle fatigue index, force production rate, and EMG of the quadriceps were used for evaluation. The evaluation moments included baseline pre-fatigue, baseline post-fatigue, 48 h post-intervention pre-fatigue, and 48 h post-intervention post-fatigue. Mixed two-way test ANOVA was used to compare times and groups. RESULTS: The fatigue index for peak torque and work showed no significant effect on time, groups, or interaction (p > 0.05). However, for isometric torque, force production rate, and EMG median frequency and average, the results indicate a positive change in values over time (p < 0.05) (with little practical relevance), with no differences observed between the groups or interaction (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, auriculotherapy had no effect on exercise-induced muscle fatigue, isometric torque production, and surface electromyographic activity.

Validation of a Single-Session Protocol to Determine the Load-Velocity Profile and One-Repetition Maximum for the Back Squat Exercise.

ABSTRACT: Gomes, M, Fitas, A, Santos, P, Pezarat-Correia, P, and Mendonca, GV. Validation of a single session protocol to determine the load-velocity profile and one-repetition maximum for the back squat exercise. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1013-1018, 2024-We investigated whether a single session of absolute incremental loading is valid to obtain the individual load-velocity profile (LVP) and 1 repetition maximum (1RM) for the free-weight parallel back squat. Twenty strength-trained male subjects completed 3 testing sessions, including a baseline 1RM session and 2 LVP sessions (LVP rel based on incremental relative loads and LVP abs based on absolute load increments until 1RM). The 1RM load was compared between the baseline and LVP abs . The load at zero velocity (load-axis intercept [L 0 ]), maximal velocity capacity (velocity-axis intercept [V 0 ]), slope, and area under the load-velocity relationship line (A line ) were compared between the LVP rel and LVP abs using equivalence testing through 2 one-sided t -tests. Measurement accuracy was calculated using the absolute percent error. The 1RM measured at baseline and LVP abs was equivalent and presented a low absolute percent error (1.2%). The following LVP parameters were equivalent between LVP rel and LVP abs : 1RM, L 0 , and A line because the mean difference between sessions was close to zero and the Bland-Altman limits of agreement (1RM:5.3 kg; L 0 :6.8 kg; A line : 9.5 kg·m -1 ·s -1 ) were contained within the a priori defined ± equivalent margins (5% for 1RM and L 0 and 10% for A line ). The aforementioned variables presented a low absolute percent error. However, slope and V 0 were not equivalent between sessions. In conclusion, a single session of absolute incremental loading is a valid approach to obtain the L 0 and A line of the individual LVP and 1RM, and can be used to efficiently track the magnitude of neuromuscular adaptations throughout the training cycles for the free-weight back squat.

Effects of Time-Restricted Eating on Aerobic Capacity, Body Composition, and Markers of Metabolic Health in Healthy Male Recreational Runners: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

BACKGROUND: Optimal nutrition is highly valuable for athletes aiming at maintaining or improving body composition and sports performance. When combined with structured exercise, time-restricted energy intake may represent an effective nonpharmacological approach to achieving these results. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 4 weeks of time-restricted eating (TRE) vs 4 weeks of habitual diet on aerobic capacity, body composition, and metabolic health in 18- to 30-year-old men accustomed to endurance running. DESIGN: This trial used a randomized-crossover study design. Participants completed graded exercise tests, body composition scans, and fasting blood samples before and after each intervention condition. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Sixteen male physical education students were recruited and enrolled in the study from the Faculty of Human Kinetics-University of Lisbon in September 2020, in Lisbon, Portugal. One participant was excluded after 1 week because of a lack of adherence to the study protocol. Therefore, 15 participants completed the study and were involved in the final analysis. INTERVENTION: During the TRE condition, participants consumed two to three meals within an 8-hour eating window (between 1:00 and 9:00 pm). Only water, tea, and coffee (without caloric additives) were permitted to be consumed in the remaining 16 hours per 24-hour period. During the non-TRE condition, participants consumed their habitual diet without any timing restrictions. The order of the TRE intervention and the habitual diet condition was randomized and counterbalanced, and participants served as their own controls. The participants followed a structured training routine during each dietary condition. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Body composition variables, indices of running aerobic capacity, and markers of metabolic health were assessed. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance and covariance were performed to analyze differences between conditions and time with each intervention. RESULTS: Neither condition elicited observed changes in total body mass, fat mass, or fat-free mass between time points. Moreover, no significant changes were observed for markers of metabolic health. Significant improvements were obtained with both conditions for the first ventilatory threshold, maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), and velocity at VO2max (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Four weeks of endurance running and TRE, compared with 4 weeks of endurance running and a habitual diet, in healthy trained 18- to 30-year-old male recreational runners did not result in observed differences in total body mass, fat mass, or fat-free mass. In addition, TRE did not offer any additional benefit for improving submaximal or peak exercise capacity in this population.

Prediction of One Repetition Maximum in Free-Weight Back Squat Using a Mixed Approach: The Combination of the Individual Load-Velocity Profile and Generalized Equations.

ABSTRACT: Fitas, A, Santos, P, Gomes, M, Pezarat-Correia, P, Schoenfeld, BJ, and Mendonca, GV. Prediction of one repetition maximum in free-weight back squat using a mixed approach: the combination of the individual load-velocity profile and generalized equations. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 228-235, 2024-We aimed to develop a mixed methods approach for 1 repetition maximum (1RM) prediction based on the development of generalized equations and the individual load-velocity profile (LVP), and to explore the validity of such equations for 1RM prediction. Fifty-seven young men volunteered to participate. The submaximal load-velocity relationship was obtained for the free-weight parallel back squat. The estimated load at 0 velocity (LD0) was used as a single predictor, and in combination with the slope of the individual LVP, to develop equations predictive of 1RM. Prediction accuracy was determined through the mean absolute percent error and Bland-Altman plots. LD0 was predictive of 1RM ( p < 0.0001), explaining 70.2% of its variance. Adding the slope of the LVP to the model increased the prediction power of 1RM to 84.4% ( p < 0.0001). The absolute percent error between actual and predicted 1RM was lower for the predictions combining LD0 and slope (6.9 vs. 9.6%). The mean difference between actual and estimated 1RM was nearly zero and showed heteroscedasticity for the LD0 model, but not for the combined model. The limits of agreement error were of 31.9 and 23.5 kg for LD0 and LD0 combined with slope, respectively. In conclusion, the slope of the individual LVP adds predictive value to LD0 in 1RM estimation on a group level and avoids error trends in the estimation of 1RM over the entire spectrum of muscle strength. However, the use of mixed methods does not reach acceptable accuracy for 1RM prediction of the free-weight back squat on an individual basis.

Muscle activity variability patterns and stride to stride fluctuations of older adults are positively correlated during walking.

It has been found that fractal-like patterns are present in the temporal structure of the variability of healthy biological rhythms, while pathology and disease lead to their deterioration. Interestingly, it has recently been suggested that these patterns in biological rhythms are related with each other, reflecting overall health or lack of it, due to their interaction. However, the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms responsible for such dependency remain unknown. In addition, this relationship between different elements needs to be first verified before we even pursue understanding their interaction. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between two elements of the neuromuscular system, gait and muscle activity variability patterns in older adults. Twenty-one older adults walked at their preferred walking speed on a treadmill. Inter-stride intervals were obtained through an accelerometer placed on the lateral malleoli to assess the temporal structure of variability of stride-to-stride fluctuations. Inter muscle peak intervals were obtained through the electromyographic signal of the gastrocnemius to assess the temporal structure of the variability of the simultaneous muscle activity. The temporal structure of variability from both signals was evaluated through the detrended fluctuation analysis, while their magnitude of variability was evaluated using the coefficient of variation. The Pearson's Correlation coefficient was used to identify the relationship between the two dependent variables. A significant strong positive correlation was found between the temporal structure of gait and muscle activity patterns. This result suggests that there is an interdependency between biological rhythms that compose the human neuromuscular system.

Long-Term Neurophysiological Adaptations to Strength Training: A Systematic Review With Cross-Sectional Studies.

ABSTRACT: Santos, PDG, Vaz, JR, Correia, J, Neto, T, and Pezarat-Correia, P. Long-term neurophysiological adaptations to strength training: a systematic review with cross-sectional studies. J Strength Cond Res 37(10): 2091-2105, 2023-Neuromuscular adaptations to strength training are an extensively studied topic in sports sciences. However, there is scarce information about how neural mechanisms during force production differ between trained and untrained individuals. The purpose of this systematic review is to better understand the differences between highly trained and untrained individuals to establish the long-term neural adaptations to strength training. Three databases were used for the article search (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus). Studies were included if they compared groups of resistance-trained with untrained people, aged 18-40 year, and acquired electromyography (EMG) signals during strength tasks. Twenty articles met the eligibility criteria. Generally, strength-trained individuals produced greater maximal voluntary activation, while reducing muscle activity in submaximal tasks, which may affect the acute response to strength training. These individuals also presented lower co-contraction of the antagonist muscles, although it depends on the specific training background. Global intermuscular coordination may be another important mechanism of adaptation in response to long-term strength training; however, further research is necessary to understand how it develops over time. Although these results should be carefully interpreted because of the great disparity of analyzed variables and methods of EMG processing, chronic neural adaptations seem to be decisive to greater force production. It is crucial to know the timings at which these adaptations stagnate and need to be stimulated with advanced training methods. Thus, training programs should be adapted to training status because the same stimulus in different training stages will lead to different responses.

Predictive Equations to Estimate Relative Load Based on Movement Velocity in Males and Females: Accuracy of Estimation for the Smith Machine Concentric Back Squat.

ABSTRACT: Mendonca, GV, Fitas, A, Santos, P, Gomes, M, and Pezarat-Correia, P. Predictive equations to estimate relative load based on movement velocity in males and females: accuracy of estimation for the Smith machine concentric back squat. J Strength Cond Res 37(8): 1559-1565, 2023-We sought to determine the validity of using the Smith machine bar velocity to estimate relative load during the concentric back squat performed by adult male and female subjects. Thirty-two subjects (16 men: 23.3 ± 3.8 and 16 women: 26.1 ± 2.7 years) were included. The load-velocity relationship was extracted for all subjects individually. Mean concentric velocity (MCV), combined with sex, was used to develop equations predictive of relative load (% one repetition maximum [1RM]). Prediction accuracy was determined with the mean absolute percent error and Bland-Altman plots. Relative strength was similar between the sexes. However, male subjects exhibited faster concentric MCV at 1RM ( p < 0.05). Mean concentric velocity and the sex-by-MCV interaction were both significant predictors of %1RM ( p < 0.0001), explaining 89% of its variance. The absolute error was similar between the sexes (men: 9.4 ± 10.0; women: 8.4 ± 10.5, p > 0.05). The mean difference between actual and predicted %1RM in Bland-Altman analysis was nearly zero in both sexes and showed no heteroscedasticity. The limits of agreement in both men and women were of approximately ±15%. Taken together, it can be concluded that sex should be taken into consideration when aiming at accurate prescription of relative load based on movement velocity. Moreover, predicting relative load from MCV and sex provides an error of approximately 10% in assessments of relative load in groups of persons. Finally, when used for individual estimations, these equations may implicate a considerable deviation from the actual relative load, and this may limit their applicability to training conditions in which extreme accuracy is required (i.e., more advanced lifters and athletes).

Effect of Time-Restricted Eating and Resistance Training on High-Speed Strength and Body Composition.

This study examined the effects of four weeks of resistance training combined with time-restricted eating (TRE) vs. habitual diet on fat and fat-free mass as well as maximum and explosive force production in healthy, trained participants (18 males, aged 23.7 ± 2.6 years). The order of dieting was randomized and counterbalanced, and the participants served as their own controls. TRE involved an 8-h eating window and non-TRE involved a habitual meal pattern. Participants completed performance strength tests and body composition scans at baseline and post-intervention. The participants followed a structured training routine during each dietary intervention (four sets of maximum repetitions at 85% 1RM in five dynamic exercises, three times/week). Both interventions elicited deceases in fat mass (p < 0.05) but not in fat-free mass. After training (controlling for baseline values as covariates), non-TRE was compatible with better lower body jump performance than TRE (p < 0.05). Conversely, training with TRE elicited higher values in terms of peak force and dynamic strength index at the level of the upper body (p < 0.05). Thus, it can be concluded that there were no differences in fat mass and fat-free mass changes between interventions in already trained young males. Additionally, while the combination of TRE and resistance training might be beneficial for individuals focusing on developing high-speed strength performance at the upper body level, this is not applicable to those focusing on training the lower body.

Torque Regulation Is Influenced by the Nature of the Isometric Contraction.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a continuous visual feedback and the isometric contraction nature on the complexity and variability of force. Thirteen healthy and young male adults performed three MVCs followed by three submaximal isometric force tasks at a target force of 40% of their MVC for 30 s, as follows: (i) push isometric task with visual feedback (Pvisual); (ii) hold isometric task with visual feedback (Hvisual); (iii) hold isometric task without visual feedback (Hnon-visual). Force complexity was evaluated through sample entropy (SampEn) of the force output. Force variability was analyzed through the coefficient of variation (CV). Results showed that differences were task-related, with Pvisual showing higher complexity (i.e., higher SampEn) and decreased variability (i.e., lower CV) when compared with the remaining tasks. Additionally, no significant differences were found between the two hold isometric force tasks (i.e., no influence of visual feedback). Our results are promising as we showed these two isometric tasks to induce different motor control strategies. Furthermore, we demonstrated that visual feedback's influence is also dependent on the type of isometric task. These findings should motivate researchers and physiologists to shift training paradigms and incorporate different force control evaluation tasks.

Postural control is altered in females with excessive medial knee displacement.

Knee valgus motion observed during landing tasks has been proposed as a predictor of future knee injury. It mainly involves excess motion in the frontal plane and is known to be greater in individuals with excessive medial knee displacement (MKD). This affects postural control during sports manoeuvres. Previous sports medicine-related research suggests that the nature of these fluctuations provide rich and more sensitive information to identify risk of (re)injury. We aimed to investigate the fluctuations of the centre of pressure (CoP) in individuals with and without excessive MKD. Twenty females (12 controls; 8 excessive MKD) were instructed to perform single-leg landing tasks from three different directions. The participants landed on a force plate and stayed still for 20 seconds. The fluctuations of the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions of the CoP were determined through the calculation of Sample Entropy. Mixed-model ANOVAs (3 [Landing Direction] x 2 [Group]) were used. We have found that only the entropy of the medial-lateral direction was different between groups. Individuals with excessive MKD exhibited an increase in entropy values, indicating greater randomness in CoP fluctuations. This suggests a decreased ability to adapt to environmental demands that likely result in an increased risk of injury.

Effects of Acute Sleep Deprivation on the Sequential Rate of Torque Development throughout the Force-Time Curve.

Objective The impact of sleep deprivation on the physiological determinants of explosive torque production remains poorly understood. We aimed at determining the acute effects of 24 hours of sleep deprivation on the sequential rate of torque development (RTD) obtained during plantar flexion through maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Materials and Methods The study included 14 healthy-young adults (8 men and 6 women). The participants visited the laboratory on 2 different occasions: without and with 24 hours of sleep deprivation. In each session, the subjects were tested for RTD of the plantar flexors with concomitant recordings of the electromyographic (EMG) amplitude of the soleus over the following time intervals: 0 to 30, 30 to 50, 50 to 100, and 100 to 150 ms. Results Sleep deprivation did not affect peak RTD (without sleep deprivation: 283.3 ± 111.6 N.m.s -1 versus with sleep deprivation: 294.9 ± 99.2 N.m.s -1 ; p > 0.05) of plantar flexion. The sequential values of RTD, as well as the normalized amplitude of the soleus EMG, remained similar between both conditions (p > 0.05). Discussion In conclusion, we found that 24 hours of sleep deprivation do not affect muscle activation, nor explosive torque production throughout the torque-time curve. Thus, exercise performance and daily functionality in tasks involving rapid torque development might remain well preserved after 24 hours of acute sleep deprivation.

Neuromuscular Impact of Acute Hypertrophic Resistance Loading with And Without Blood-Flow Restriction.

Exploring acute neuromuscular fatigue induced by different modalities of resistance exercise would help understand the adaptation subsequent to specific training programs. Therefore, we investigated the acute impact of high-intensity and low-intensity blood flow-restricted resistance exercise on the development of explosive torque throughout the torque-time curve. Seventeen healthy, young participants were included in a randomized, counterbalanced within-subjects design study, in which participants underwent two experimental conditions, separated by a 1-wk period. Low-intensity blood-flow restricted exercise and high-intensity resistance exercise were performed using dynamic elbow flexion at 20 and 75% of 1 repetition maximum, respectively. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and the sequential rate of torque development (absolute and relative) were measured before and after exercise. Both protocols elicited a similar decrement in MVC (~ 25%) and in the peak rate of torque development after exercise (~ 45%). The absolute rate of torque development (0-50 and 50-100 ms) was also reduced (p<0.05) similarly between conditions. After normalizing torque values to MVC, this was only sustained for the rate of torque development 0-50ms (p<0.05). We found that both exercise protocols induced similar acute attenuation of the absolute rate of torque development up to the first 100 ms of MVC. We also demonstrated that the reduction in the rate of torque development between 50-100ms (in both protocols) was largely explained by an acute deficit in muscle strength post-exercise. Conversely, the impact of each protocol on the first 50ms of muscle torque did not depend on lower levels of muscle strength after exercise.

Kinesiophobia and Fear Avoidance in Older Adults: A Systematic Review on Constructs and Related Measures.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In light of the fear avoidance model, kinesiophobia and fear avoidance (FA) can lead to physical inactivity and disability. Previous studies regarding kinesiophobia and FA in older adults have reported conflicting results. The purpose of this review was to identify the reported constructs and assessment instruments used in published studies on kinesiophobia and FA in older adults and to verify the alignment between the instruments used and the constructs under study. METHODS: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 statement (PRISMA-2020), 4 databases were searched from January 2005 to March 2020. All study types, except qualitative, were eligible for inclusion. The participants were 65 years and older. Studies were excluded in the absence of sufficient data on participant age. Study characteristics, constructs related to kinesiophobia, fear and/or avoidance, and instruments used were extracted independently by 2 reviewers. RESULTS: Fourteen articles were selected for inclusion in the study, in which 7 constructs were identified. The most reported constructs were "fear avoidance beliefs" (FAB) (50%; n = 7), "kinesiophobia" (35.7%; n = 5), and "fear of falling" (14.3%; n = 2). The remaining constructs were only approached, each in 7.1% (n = 1) of the included studies. Seven instruments were used to assess the constructs. The Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) was the most used instrument (n = 3) to evaluate "FAB," and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 (TSK-11) was the most reported (n = 3) to assess "kinesiophobia." CONCLUSION: This review identified a large diversity in the constructs and instruments used to study kinesiophobia and FA among older adults. Some constructs are used interchangeably although they do not share the same conceptual definition. There is poor standardization in the use of assessment tools in accordance with the construct under study. Clinical evaluation and study results can be biased owing to this ambiguity.

Differences in postural control between healthy and subjects with chronic ankle instability.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is characterized by the occurrence of repetitive inversion mechanism of the ankle, resulting in numerous ankle sprains. CAI occurs in approximately 70% of patients with a history of a lateral ankle sprain. Many causes of functional ankle instability have been postulated and include deficits in proprioception, impaired neuromuscular-firing patterns, disturbed balance and postural control. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare postural control behaviour in subjects with chronic ankle instability and healthy subjects, using the traditional linear and nonlinear variables for the centre of pressure (CoP) displacement, during one-leg stance on stable and unstable surfaces. METHODS: 16 CAI subjects and 20 healthy subjects were evaluated with the single leg stance on a stable surface and an unstable surface, for 60 s with a force plate. The traditional linear variables like CoP displacement, CoP amplitude and CoP velocity were calculated. Variability of CoP displacement was also submitted to nonlinear analysis and the approximated entropy, sample entropy, correlation dimension and Lyapunov exponent were calculated. RESULTS: On the stable surface, no differences between groups for all the traditional variables were found but the correlation dimension of CoP mediolateral displacement had lower values on the CAI group with statistical significance (p < 0.05). On the unstable surface, no differences were found neither with linear variable neither with variability nonlinear analysis. CONCLUSION: Correlated dimension of CoP displacement during one-leg stance on a stable surface was the only variable that show significant differences between the two groups. The lower values of this variable in the CAI subjects may implicate a balance control system with more difficulties to adapt to the environment and the task demands. More studies are needed to better understand CAI subjects balance control.

Changes in torque complexity and maximal torque after a fatiguing exercise protocol.

Torque outputs exhibit non-random fluctuations in their temporal structure, i.e., complexity. Fatigue has been shown to alter this structure. The torque outputs typically become more regular, resulting in decreased adaptability. Importantly, torque complexity was shown a different recovery pattern after fatigue compared to maximal torque. However, it remains to be understood if these uncoupled patterns of recovery are muscle dependent. In addition, it also remains to be investigated if changes in maximal torque and complexity are correlated. This study investigated (i) the effects of a fatiguing protocol on the complexity and maximal torque from plantar flexors and (ii) the relationship between changes in these two outputs. Ten participants visited the laboratory, and measures were taken at baseline, immediately after, 1 h after and 24 h after the fatiguing protocol. Maximum voluntary contraction, isometric contractions at 30% of maximum and pain pressure threshold were collected. Both legs were assessed, but only one was given the fatiguing protocol. Two-way ANOVAs and correlations were conducted. The fatiguing protocol decreased torque complexity (~35%) and maximal torque (~20%), and they exhibited uncoupled patterns of recovery. Moreover, the correlation analysis showed no correlation between changes in these parameters. These findings support that these parameters are independent of each other.

Kinesiophobia and Fear Avoidance in Older Adults: A Scoping Review on the State of Research Activity.

A scoping review was performed to examine the extent and nature of research activity on kinesiophobia and fear avoidance in older adults and summarize research findings. Four databases were searched from January 2006 to May 2021. Eleven papers were selected for inclusion, with a predominance of cross-sectional design (54.5%; n = 6). Most of the studies were associated with chronic pain (n = 9; 81.8%). Higher levels of kinesiophobia were found among frailer and older people, predominantly living in care homes. Kinesiophobia and fear avoidance have been related to other constructs of the fear avoidance model, and the conclusions partially support the assumptions derived from it in older adults. Nevertheless, kinesiophobia proved to be a more dominant factor in determining the level of physical activity than pain in this population. None of the studies aimed to test the effectiveness of interventions directly targeting kinesiophobia or fear avoidance.

A kinematic analysis on the immediate effects of occlusal splints in gait and running body sway patterns.

Objective: This study aims to determine whether changes in dental occlusion are correlated to body posture during walking and running.Methods: Fifteen healthy subjects were assessed by a prosthodontist and deemed asymptomatic. Analyses of gait and running were performed in three conditions, in random order: a) occlusal splint; b) placebo splint; and c) no splint. The occlusal splint used in this study positioned the mandible in a stable position. Kinematic data was collected using a 3D motion capture system.Results: Changes in dental occlusion induced by occlusal splints did not influence body sway during gait or running. No significant differences were found between any of the test conditions.Conclusion: Occlusal splints have no effect on body sway during gait or running. High inter-subject variability in kinematic parameters was found, which should be considered in future studies.