Ultrasound Measurements and Physical Fitness of Elite Youth Basketball Players.

The countermovement jump, the V-cut test, the muscle thickness and the adjacent subcutaneous fat thickness of the gastrocnemius medialis and rectus femoris are important physiological indicators for success in basketball. The aims of this study were to evaluate between-age-category and between-gender differences in these indicators and examine the relationships between physical tests and ultrasound measurements. The measurements were recorded in a sample of 131 elite basketball players (66 males) who played in three age-categories (U14, U16, or U18). We performed two-way analysis of covariance tests and age-adjusted partial correlation analyses. U16 and U18 males showed better performance in the countermovement jump and V-cut tests and lower adjacent subcutaneous fat thickness of the gastrocnemius medialis and rectus femoris compared to the U14 males (p≤.001) and to age-category equivalent female players (p≤.001). Comparisons between the age categories in females did not show significant differences in any of the study variables. Adjacent subcutaneous fat thickness of the gastrocnemius medialis explained 22.3% of the variation for the countermovement jump result and 12.9% of the variation for the V-cut result in males (p<.01). This study is the first to show the association and predictive role of subcutaneous fat thickness measured by ultrasound in physical performance of male and female elite youth basketball players.

Effectiveness of a Supervised Group-Based Otago Exercise Program on Functional Performance in Frail Institutionalized Older Adults: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Because of its high prevalence and association with negative health-related outcomes, frailty is considered one of the most important issues associated with human aging and its mitigation is among the essential public health goals for the 21st century. However, very few studies have focused on institutionalized older adults, despite the knowledge that frailty can be reversible when identified and treated from its earliest stages. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a supervised group-based multicomponent exercise program intervention with or without oral nutritional supplementation on functional performance in frail institutionalized older adults. METHODS: This was a multicenter randomized controlled trial study with a 6-month intervention period. A total of 111 frail institutionalized older adults (75 years or older) who met at least 3 of the 5 Fried frailty criteria were randomly allocated to the control group (CG; n = 34, mean age = 87.3 ± 5.3 years), a supervised group-based multicomponent Otago Exercise Program group (OEP; n = 39, mean age = 86 ± 5.9 years), or a supervised group-based multicomponent exercise program intervention with oral nutritional supplementation (OEP+N; n = 38, mean age = 84.9 ± 6 years). Measurements included the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Short Physical Performance Battery, repeated chair stand test (STS-5), handgrip strength (HGS), 10-m walking test, and 6-minute walking test, both at baseline and after the 6-month intervention period. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The between-group analysis by 2-way analysis of covariance showed significant improvement in the TUG [{OEP vs CG: -8.2 seconds, 95% CI [-13.3 to -2.9]; P < .001}; {OEP vs OEP+N: -7.3 seconds, 95% CI [-12.4 to -2.2]; P = .002}], BBS [{OEP vs CG; 8.2 points, 95% CI [5.2 to 11.2]; P < .001}; [{OEP+N vs CG: 4.6 points, 95% CI [1.6 to 7.6]; P < .001}; {OEP vs OEP+N: 3.5 points, 95% CI [0.6 to 6.5]; P = .011}], and HGS [{OEP vs CG: 3.4 kg, 95% CI [1.5 to 5.3]; P < .001}; {OEP+N vs CG: 3.6 kg, 95% CI [1.7 to 5.5]; P < .001}]. Additionally, the within-group analysis showed a significant improvement in the TUG (-6.9 seconds, 95% CI [-9.8 to -4.0]; P < .001) and BBS (4.3 points, 95% CI [2.6 to 5.9]; P < .001) in the OEP group. A significant decrease in the BBS and HGS was shown in the CG. CONCLUSIONS: A 6-month supervised group-based multicomponent exercise intervention improved the levels of mobility, functional balance, and HGS in frail institutionalized older adults. Further research will be required to evaluate the nutritional supplementation effects on functional performance to better determine its clinical applicability for tackling frailty.

Scoring systems for the evaluation of adnexal masses nature: current knowledge and clinical applications.

Adnexal masses are a common finding in women, with 20% of them developing at least one pelvic mass during their lifetime. There are more than 30 different subtypes of adnexal tumours, with multiple different subcategories, and the correct characterisation of the pelvic masses is of paramount importance to guide the correct management. On that basis, different algorithms and scoring systems have been developed to guide the clinical assessment. The first scoring system implemented into the clinical practice was the Risk of Malignancy Index, which combines ultrasound evaluation, menopausal status, and serum CA-125 levels. Today, current guidelines regarding female patients with adnexal masses include the application of International Ovarian Tumours Analysis simple rules, logistic regression model 1 (LR1) and LR2, OVERA, cancer ovarii non-invasive assessment of treating strategy, and assessment of Different Neoplasias in the adnexa. In this scenario, the choice of the scoring system for the discrimination between benign and malignant ovarian tumours can be complex when approaching patients with adnexal masses. This review aims to summarise the available evidence regarding the different scoring systems to provide a complete overview of the topic.

Wearable Sensors Detect Differences between the Sexes in Lower Limb Electromyographic Activity and Pelvis 3D Kinematics during Running.

Each year, 50% of runners suffer from injuries. Consequently, more studies are being published about running biomechanics; these studies identify factors that can help prevent injuries. Scientific evidence suggests that recreational runners should use personalized biomechanical training plans, not only to improve their performance, but also to prevent injuries caused by the inability of amateur athletes to tolerate increased loads, and/or because of poor form. This study provides an overview of the different normative patterns of lower limb muscle activation and articular ranges of the pelvis during running, at self-selected speeds, in men and women. METHODS: 38 healthy runners aged 18 to 49 years were included in this work. We examined eight muscles by applying two wearable superficial electromyography sensors and an inertial sensor for three-dimensional (3D) pelvis kinematics. RESULTS: the largest differences were obtained for gluteus maximus activation in the first double float phase (p = 0.013) and second stance phase (p = 0.003), as well as in the gluteus medius in the second stance phase (p = 0.028). In both cases, the activation distribution was more homogeneous in men and presented significantly lower values than those obtained for women. In addition, there was a significantly higher percentage of total vastus medialis activation in women throughout the running cycle with the median (25th-75th percentile) for women being 12.50% (9.25-14) and 10% (9-12) for men. Women also had a greater range of pelvis rotation during running at self-selected speeds (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: understanding the differences between men and women, in terms of muscle activation and pelvic kinematic values, could be especially useful to allow health professionals detect athletes who may be at risk of injury.

A Random Forest Machine Learning Framework to Reduce Running Injuries in Young Triathletes.

BACKGROUND: The running segment of a triathlon produces 70% of the lower limb injuries. Previous research has shown a clear association between kinematic patterns and specific injuries during running. METHODS: After completing a seven-month gait retraining program, a questionnaire was used to assess 19 triathletes for the incidence of injuries. They were also biomechanically analyzed at the beginning and end of the program while running at a speed of 90% of their maximum aerobic speed (MAS) using surface sensor dynamic electromyography and kinematic analysis. We used classification tree (random forest) techniques from the field of artificial intelligence to identify linear and non-linear relationships between different biomechanical patterns and injuries to identify which styles best prevent injuries. RESULTS: Fewer injuries occurred after completing the program, with athletes showing less pelvic fall and greater activation in gluteus medius during the first phase of the float phase, with increased trunk extension, knee flexion, and decreased ankle dorsiflexion during the initial contact with the ground. CONCLUSIONS: The triathletes who had suffered the most injuries ran with increased pelvic drop and less activation in gluteus medius during the first phase of the float phase. Contralateral pelvic drop seems to be an important variable in the incidence of injuries in young triathletes.

Analysis of the Impact of the Confinement Resulting from COVID-19 on the Lifestyle and Psychological Wellbeing of Spanish Pregnant Women: An Internet-Based Cross-Sectional Survey.

(1) Background: This study aimed to analyze the impact of the confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemics on the eating, exercise, and quality-of-life habits of pregnant women. (2) Methods: This was an internet-based cross-sectional survey which collected information about adherence to the Mediterranean diet, physical exercise, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and perceived obstacles (in terms of exercise, preparation for delivery, and medical appointments) of pregnant women before and after the confinement. The survey was conducted in 18-31 May 2020. (3) Results: A total of 90 pregnant women participated in this study. There was a significant decrease in the levels of physical activity (p < 0.01) as well as in HRQoL (p < 0.005). The number of hours spent sitting increased by 50% (p < 0.001), 52.2% were unable to attend delivery preparation sessions because these had been cancelled. However, there were no significant differences in the eating pattern of these women (p = 0.672). Conclusions: These results suggest the need to implement specific online programs to promote exercise and reduce stress, thus improving the HRQoL in this population, should similar confinements need to occur again for any reason in the future.

Test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change scores for the short physical performance battery, one-legged standing test and timed up and go test in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Functional tests are commonly used for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). However, the relative and absolute reliability of such physical performance-outcome assessments must first be determined in specific patient cohorts. The aims of this study were to assess the relative and the absolute reliability of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), One-Legged Stance Test (OLST), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, as well as the minimal detectable change (MDC) scores for these tests in CKD patients receiving HD. Seventy-one end-stage CKD patients receiving HD therapy, aged between 21 and 90 years, participated in the study. The patients completed two testing sessions one to two weeks apart and performed by the same examiner, comprising the following tests: the SPPB (n = 65), OLST (n = 62), and TUG test (n = 66). High intraclass correlation coefficients (≥0.90) were found for all the tests, suggesting that their relative reliability is excellent. The MDC scores for the 90% confidence intervals were as follows: 1.7 points for the SPPB, 11.3 seconds for the OLST, and 2.9 seconds for the TUG test. The reliability of the SPPB, OLST, and TUG test for this sample were all considered to be acceptable. The MDC data generated by these tests can be used to monitor meaningful changes in the functional capacity of the daily living-related activity of CKD patients on HD.

Comparación de un programa de ejercicio intradiálisis frente a ejercicio domiciliario sobre capacidad física funcional y nivel de actividad física / Comparison of intradialysis exercise program versus home exercise on functional capacity and physical activity level

Introducción: El ejercicio durante la hemodiálisis es beneficioso, aunque son pocas las unidades de hemodiálisis que ofrecen un programa de ejercicio adaptado a estos pacientes. Por ello es necesario encontrar alternativas más económicas para realizar ejercicio. El objetivo es comparar los efectos de un programa de ejercicio intradiálisis frente a ejercicio domiciliario, sobre la adherencia al programa, la capacidad física funcional y el nivel de actividad física. Métodos: 17 pacientes en hemodiálisis de un centro de Valencia fueron aleatorizados dividiéndoles en un grupo de ejercicio intradiálisis (n=9) y un grupo domiciliario (n=8). Ambos programas incluían ejercicio aeróbico y de fuerza durante 4 meses. Se valoró una amplia batería de pruebas funcionales (Short Physical Performance Battery, equilibrio monopodal, Timed Up and Go, Sit To Stand to sit test 10 y 60, dinamometría de mano, fuerza de tríceps, 6 minutos marcha) y dos cuestionarios de nivel de actividad física (Human Activity Profile y Physical Activity Scale for Elderly). Resultados: 2 pacientes del grupo intradiálisis y 5 pacientes de ejercicio domiciliario finalizaron el programa y fueron analizados. Se observó un efecto significativo del factor tiempo en el caso del Human Activity Profile (P<.017). En las pruebas funcionales no se encontró ninguna diferencia significativa. En cuanto a la adherencia al ejercicio los pacientes del grupo intradiálisis cumplieron el 92.7% y el grupo domiciliario el 68.7% del total de las sesiones. Conclusiones: En ambos grupos se observa un aumento del nivel de actividad física. Sin embargo, es necesario modificar factores, tanto en el personal sanitario como en los propios pacientes, para conseguir mayor adherencia a los programas de ejercicio (AU)

Introduction: Although exercise training of patients undergoing hemodialysis is generally associated with positive outcomes, few hemodialysis units routinely offer intradialytic exercise therapy. This is often related to financial cost and/or staff limitations. Home-based. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of intradialytic versus home based exercise regarding adherence, functional capacity and physical activity level. Methods: 17 participants from hemodialysis unit from Valencia were randomized to either intradialytic exercise (n=9,) or home based exercise (n=8). Both programs consisted of a combination of strength training and aerobic exercise during 4 months. We assess functional capacity with different test (Short Physical Performance Battery, one leg stand, Timed Up and Go, Sit To Stand test 10 and 60,handgrip, one leg heel rise, 6 minutes walking test) and two questionnaires to asses physical activity level (Human Activity Profile and Physical Activity Scale for Elderly). Outcomes: 2 participant from the intradialysis exercise and 5 participants from de home based exercise were analysed. We observed a significant time effect in the Human Activity Profile (P<.017). In the functional capacity test there was not a significant difference. The subjects from the intradilysis exercise completed the 92.7% and the home based group the 68.7% of the total of the sessions. Conclusions: In both groups was an increment of the physical activity. Nevertheless, it is necessary to modify some factors, both in health professionals and patients, to achieve higher (AU)

Physical factors underlying the Timed "Up and Go" test in older adults.

The purpose of this study was to investigate a range of selected physical measures for their relative contributions and extent to which they may explain the performance of the Timed "Up and Go" test (TUG) in a sample of healthy older adults. The participants where 194 adults aged 65 and older with no cognitive impairment and independent in their daily activities from local senior centres and a geriatric nursing home in Valencia, Spain. Age, body mass index (BMI), TUG, Berg balance scale (BBS), One-leg stand test (OLS), grip strength, chair stand test (STS-5), knee extension strength and rectus femoris cross-sectional area (CSA) where measured. Moderate to high significant associations were found between the TUG performance and BBS and knee extension strength (r = -.561 and -.397). A stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the BBS was a significant and independent predictor (AdjR(2) = .373) for the TUG performance. The TUG is highly correlated with the BBS score and knee extension strength, measures that represent common performance tasks in everyday life. The BBS was demonstrated to be the most significant factor explaining the TUG performance. The TUG is demonstrated to be a useful tool for predicting changes in functional balance measured with the BBS. The mobility decline may be better explained as the sum of deficits across multiple domains rather than as a single entity. Clinicians would benefit of those findings by a better understanding of the physical measures, in addition to designing more accurate interventions focusing on the enhancement of mobility.

Factors associated with the 6-minute walk test in nursing home residents and community-dwelling older adults.

[Purpose] The main objective of this study was to determine the contributions and extent to which certain physical measurements explain performance in the 6-minute walk test in healthy older adults living in a geriatric nursing home and for older adults dwelling in the community. [Subjects] The subjects were 122 adults aged 65 and older with no cognitive impairment who were independent in their daily activities. [Methods] The 6-minute walk test, age, body mass index, walking speed, chair stand test, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up-and-Go test, rectus femoris cross-sectional area, Short Physical Performance Battery, and hand-grip strength were examined. [Results] Strong significant associations were found between mobility, lower-limb function, balance, and the 6-minute walk test. A stepwise multiple regression on the entire sample showed that lower-limb function was a significant and independent predictor for the 6-minute walk test. Additionally, lower-limb function was a strong predictor for the 6-minute walk test in our nursing home group, whereas mobility was found to be the best predictor in our community-dwelling group. [Conclusion] Better lower-limb function, balance, and mobility result in a higher distance covered by healthy older adults. Lower-limb function and mobility appeared to best determine walking performance in the nursing home and community-dwelling groups, respectively.

Cuantificación del deterioro funcional durante seis meses en pacientes renales en estadio terminal / Quantificación of functional impairment for six months in hemodialysis patients

Introducción: Los pacientes en tratamiento de diálisis presentan una disminución de la función física, sin embargo, no hay estudios que demuestren el ritmo al que se produce este deterioro funcional. El objetivo principal es cuantificar el deterioro funcional de los pacientes en tratamiento de diálisis durante seis meses. Métodos: 43 pacientes en tratamiento de diálisis de dos centros de Valencia (España) (edad 61.3 (14.7) años) fueron analizados después de 6 meses. Los participantes completaron el Short Physical Performance Battery, equilibrio monopodal, el Timed Up and Go Test, Sit to stand to Sit Test 10 y 60, dinamometría de mano; elevación de talón y 6 minutos marcha. Además se recogieron datos de las historias clínicas y de las analíticas. Resultados: Tres de las pruebas mejoraron significativamente tras el periodo de 6 meses de observación: el Sit To Stand 10, la dinamometría de la mano derecha y la dinamometría de la mano izquierda, pero sin alcanzar un cambio clínico relevante. Por otro lado, otras medidas no obtuvieron un deterioro significativo como fueron el Short Physical Performance Battery, el Sit to Stand 60, la elevación del talón izquierdo y el 6 minutos marcha. Conclusiones: Después de 6 meses, en ninguna de las pruebas de capacidad funcional se observa un deterioro significativo. Se recomienda a los centros de hemodiálisis realizar un seguimiento de capacidad funcional anualmente, ya que con un periodo de 6 meses no se encuentran cambios significativos (AU)

Introduction: Patients in dialysis treatment present a decrease in physical function. However, we cannot find in the literature the rhythm of the functional deterioration. The main aim is quantify the functional deterioration in patients undergoing haemodialysis during six months period. Methods: 43 patients in dialysis treatment from two centres from Valencia (Spain) (age 61.3 (14.7) years old) were recruited and monitored after the 6 months period. Study participants performed the Short Physical Performance Battery, one leg stand, TUG, Sit to Stand 10 and 60, handgrip dynamometry, the one leg heel rise and the 6 minutes walking time. Outcomes: Three tests improve significantly: the Sit to Stand 10, the right and the left Handgrip Dynamometry. Nevertheless, we cannot observe a significant deterioration as the Short Physical Performance Battery, the Sit to Stand 60, the one leg heel rise in the left leg and the 6 minutes walking time. Conclusions: After 6 months, we have not observed a significant deterioration in the tests. We recommended the different units to follow the functional capacity of the patients yearly, because with a period of 6 months we have not find significantly changes (AU)