Intra- and inter-session reliability and repeatability of an infrared thermography device designed for materials to measure skin temperature of the triceps surae muscle tissue of athletes.

Background: Infrared thermography devices have been commonly applied to measure superficial temperature in structural composites and walls. These tools were cheaper than other thermographic devices used to measure superficial human muscle tissue temperature. In addition, infrared thermography has been previously used to assess skin temperature related to muscle tissue conditions in the triceps surae of athletes. Nevertheless, the reliability and repeatability of an infrared thermography device designed for materials, such as the Manual Infrared Camera PCE-TC 30, have yet to be determined to measure skin temperature of the triceps surae muscle tissue of athletes. Objective: The purpose was to determine the procedure's intra- and inter-session reliability and repeatability to determine skin temperature within the Manual Infrared Camera PCE-TC 30 thermography device in the triceps surae muscle tissue of athletes, which was initially designed to measure the superficial temperature of materials. Methods: A total of 34 triceps surae muscles were bilaterally assessed from 17 healthy athletes using the Manual Infrared Camera PCE-TC 30 thermography device to determine intra- (at the same day separated by 1 h) and inter-session (at alternate days separated by 48 h) reliability and repeatability of the skin temperature of the soleus, medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles. The triceps surae complex weas measured by a region of interest of 1 cm2 through five infrared thermography images for each muscle. Statistical analyses comprised intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimum detectable change (MCD), systematic error of measurement, correlation (r), and Bland-Altman plots completed with linear regression models (R 2). Results: Intra- and inter-session measurements of the proposed infrared thermography procedure showed excellent reliability (ICC(1,2) = 0.968-0.977), measurement errors (SEM = 0.186-0.232 °C; MDC = 0.515-0.643 °C), correlations (r = 0.885-0.953), and did not present significant systematic error of measurements (P > 0.05). Adequate agreement between each pair of measurement moments was presented by the Bland-Altman plots according to the limits of agreement and non-significant linear regression models (R 2 = 0.000-0.019; P > 0.05). Conclusions: The proposed procedure to determine skin temperature within the Manual Infrared Camera PCE-TC 30 thermography device presented excellent intra- and inter-session reliability and repeatability in athletes' triceps surae muscle tissue. Future studies should consider the SEM and MDC of this procedure to measure the skin temperature of soleus, medial, and lateral gastrocnemius muscles to promote triceps surae muscle prevention and recovery in athletes.

Impact of Depression on Patients With Hemophilia: A Retrospective Case-Control Research.

Background: Hemophilia is an inherited recessive hemorrhagic disorder of the X-linked type, suffered by the male sex. Adults with hemophilia are coping with numerous diagnostics, associated comorbidities, pain, and difficult gait by arthropathy in ankles and feet. Physical pains contribute to depression in patients with hemophilia. Purpose: The study aimed to assess the impact of depression in adult patient with hemophilia and to compare it with healthy matched-paired controls. Methods: The sample consisted of 100 participants (median age 42.50 ± 30). Patients with hemophilia were recruited from Spanish Hemophiliac Associations (n = 50) and healthy subjects (n = 50) from a Clinic Podiatry Practices (University of Malaga, Spain). Results: Results and categories of the Spanish-translated version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were gathered. A clear statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was presented in the variation of the BDI scores between both groups. Patients with hemophilia presented worse results with a BDI = 7.50 ± 11.25 points compared to healthy subjects with BDI = 2.50 ± 5 points. In the BDI categories, statistically significant differences (p = 0.004) were found in greater BDI categories in the Hemophilia group compared with healthy subjects. Moderate and severe depression categories were only shown in patients with hemophilia. Conclusions: Greater depression scores and range status were observed in patients with hemophilia compared to non-patients with hemophilia. Patients with hemophilia are at increased risk of depressiveness.

Self-reported depression and anxiety among COPD patients. A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety and depression are the most prevalent mental disorders worldwide. However, the exact mechanisms linking chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with depression and anxiety have not been identified. OBJECTIVES: To compare self-reported depression and anxiety among patients diagnosed with COPD in relation to healthy controls. DESIGN AND SETTING: Case control study at a public hospital institution in Spain. METHODS: We designed a case-control study. Patients were recruited using a consecutive sampling method from a single institution. Two groups were created: COPD and healthy controls. Data on medical history and demographic background were collected from the medical records. Self-reported depression levels were assessed using Beck's depression inventory (BDI). Self-reported anxiety was measured using the State-trait anxiety inventory (STAI). RESULTS: Fifty-two patients with COPD and fifty healthy patients were included in this study. BDI scores were higher for COPD patients (10.23 ± 6.26) than in the control group (5.2 ± 6.56). STAI-state scores were higher for COPD patients (41.85 ± 12.55) than for controls (34.88 ± 9.25). STAI-trait scores were higher for COPD patients (41.42 ± 10.01) than for controls (34.62 ± 9.19). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that there were higher levels of depression and anxiety among COPD patients than among healthy controls.

Self-reported depression and anxiety among COPD patients. A case-control study

Abstract BACKGROUND: Anxiety and depression are the most prevalent mental disorders worldwide. However, the exact mechanisms linking chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with depression and anxiety have not been identified. OBJECTIVES: To compare self-reported depression and anxiety among patients diagnosed with COPD in relation to healthy controls. DESIGN AND SETTING: Case control study at a public hospital institution in Spain. METHODS: We designed a case-control study. Patients were recruited using a consecutive sampling method from a single institution. Two groups were created: COPD and healthy controls. Data on medical history and demographic background were collected from the medical records. Self-reported depression levels were assessed using Beck's depression inventory (BDI). Self-reported anxiety was measured using the State-trait anxiety inventory (STAI). RESULTS: Fifty-two patients with COPD and fifty healthy patients were included in this study. BDI scores were higher for COPD patients (10.23 ± 6.26) than in the control group (5.2 ± 6.56). STAI-state scores were higher for COPD patients (41.85 ± 12.55) than for controls (34.88 ± 9.25). STAI-trait scores were higher for COPD patients (41.42 ± 10.01) than for controls (34.62 ± 9.19). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that there were higher levels of depression and anxiety among COPD patients than among healthy controls.

Facial Hair Decreases Fit Factor of Masks and Respirators in Healthcare Providers.

In response to the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers are using common surgical masks and filtering respirators in conjunction with the presence of facial hair, which could lead to a large number of particles passing into their respiratory system. The purpose of this study was to determine the fit factor effectiveness of filtering respirators and surgical masks in bearded versus non-bearded healthcare providers. A controlled randomized clinical trial (NCT04391010) was carried out, analyzing a sample of 63 healthcare providers. The fit factors of surgical masks and FFP3 filtering respirators for healthcare providers with (n = 32) and without (n = 31) facial hair were compared. Fit factors were measured during an exercises protocol in which healthcare providers wore surgical masks and FFP3 filtering respirators. Surgical mask fit factor comparisons did not show significant differences (p > 0.05) between healthcare providers with and without facial hair. In contrast, filtering respirator fit factor comparisons showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) between both groups, indicating that healthcare providers with facial hair showed lower fit factor scores, which implies a worse fit factor with respect to healthcare providers without facial hair. The fit factor effectiveness of filtering respirators was reduced in healthcare providers with facial hair. The authors of this paper encourage healthcare providers to trim their beards during filtering respirator use or wear full-mask filtering facepiece respirators, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Asthma, much more than a respiratory disease: influence of depression and anxiety.

OBJECTIVE: The goals of this study are to compare self-reported depression and anxiety in subjects diagnosed of asthma and healthy controls. METHODS: We designed a case-control study. Subjects were recruited using a consecutive sampling method from a single institution. Two groups were created: Asthma and healthy controls. Data of medical history and demographic background were collected from the medical record. Self-reported depression level was assessed using Beck's depression inventory (BDI). Self-reported anxiety was measured with the "State-trait anxiety inventory" (STAI). RESULTS: Fifty-one subjects with asthma, and fifty healthy patients were included in this study. BDI scores (p<0.001) were higher for asthma (10.22±7.3) than in the control group (5.2±6.56). STAI state (p<0.001) was higher in asthma (42.61±11.5) than in controls (34.88±9.25). STAI trait (p<0.001) showed higher scores in asthma (43.14±10.89) than in controls (34.62±9.19). CONCLUSIONS: These study findings showed that BDI, and STAI trait and state scores are significantly higher in subjects who suffer from asthma than healthy controls.

Reliability and Repeatability of Pressure Center Analysis with Low-Dye Taping Using Force Platform Podiatry Sensors in Feet with Excessive Pronation.

BACKGROUND: The analysis of the center of pressure (COP) is a method used to assess the foot function, but its reliability and repeatability have not been evaluated. COP can be altered by diverse conditions, like an excessive foot pronation. Low-Dye taping is commonly used for the treatment of symptoms related to an excessive pronation. To date, no study has evaluated the effects of the Low-Dye taping on COP and the duration of its effects. Thus, the main purpose of this manuscript was to assess the reliability and repeatability of the percentage of center of pressure locus area (%CLA) in feet with an excessive pronation, and secondarily, to assess that the Low-Dye taping modifies the %CLA during the immediate 48 h. METHODS: An observational study of the reliability and repeatability of the %CLA variable with the Low-Dye taping in feet with excessive pronation was carried out. We used the EPS-Platform to evaluate the results of the variable in 6 conditions in a first session to evaluate the reliability of the results. We compared the results of the first session with the results in a second session to evaluate the repeatability of the results. We also carried out an ANOVA test to evaluate the changes that the taping produced in the variable between without taping with the rest of the 6 conditions. RESULTS: For the %CLA, we observed a reliability greater than 0.80, measured by the interclass ratio index, both in the first session before taping, and in the second session before taping, thus being a repeatability variable. In the following times, with taping, at 10 min with tape, at 20 min with tape, at 24 h with tape and at 48 h with tape; an interclass ratio coefficient (ICC) higher than 0.80 was again obtained, thus being a reliable variable in all measurements made. The Low-Dye taping did not change %CLA from the time the tape was put in until 48 h (p-value = 1.000). CONCLUSIONS: The %CLA variable, in feet with excessive pronation, proved to be a reliable variable in all the measurements obtained before putting on the tape and during the following 48 h with the tape, and a repeatable variable. The Low-Dye taping did not change the %CLA from the time the tape was put in until 48 h.

Electromyographic Assessment of the Efficacy of Deep Dry Needling versus the Ischemic Compression Technique in Gastrocnemius of Medium-Distance Triathletes.

Several studies have shown that gastrocnemius is frequently injured in triathletes. The causes of these injuries are similar to those that cause the appearance of the myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). The ischemic compression technique (ICT) and deep dry needling (DDN) are considered two of the main MPS treatment methods in latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). In this study superficial electromyographic (EMG) activity in lateral and medial gastrocnemius of triathletes with latent MTrPs was measured before and immediately after either DDN or ICT treatment. Taking into account superficial EMG activity of lateral and medial gastrocnemius, the immediate effectiveness in latent MTrPs of both DDN and ICT was compared. A total of 34 triathletes was randomly divided in two groups. The first and second groups (n = 17 in each group) underwent only one session of DDN and ICT, respectively. EMG measurement of gastrocnemius was assessed before and immediately after treatment. Statistically significant differences (p = 0.037) were shown for a reduction of superficial EMG measurements differences (%) of the experimental group (DDN) with respect to the intervention group (ICT) at a speed of 1 m/s immediately after both interventions, although not at speeds of 1.5 m/s or 2.5 m/s. A statistically significant linear regression prediction model was shown for EMG outcome measurement differences at V1 (speed of 1 m/s) which was only predicted for the treatment group (R2 = 0.129; ß = 8.054; F = 4.734; p = 0.037) showing a reduction of this difference under DDN treatment. DDN administration requires experience and excellent anatomical knowledge. According to our findings immediately after treatment of latent MTrPs, DDN could be advisable for triathletes who train at a speed lower than 1 m/s, while ICT could be a more advisable technique than DDN for training or competitions at speeds greater than 1.5 m/s.

Fit factor compliance of masks and FFP3 respirators in nurses: A case-control gender study.

AIMS: To determine the fit factor and compliance with American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements of surgical masks and filtering respirators in male versus female nurses. DESIGN: A case-control gender study performed from 2016 to 2019. METHODS: A gender and age matched-paired sample of 74 nurses was recruited and divided into men (n = 37) and women (n = 37). FFP3 filtering respirators and surgical masks fit factors were compared between male and female nurses by Mann-Whitney U tests. These measurements were tested to pass or fail according to the OSHA (≥100) and AIHA (≥50) criteria by Fisher exact tests for a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Global fit factor mean (standard deviation) was 2.86 (2.73) and 3.55 (6.34) for male and female nurses wearing surgical masks (p = .180), respectively, and nobody passed neither OSHA nor AIHA criteria (p = 1.00). Nevertheless, global fit factor were 30.82 (28.42) and 49.65 (43.04) for male and female nurses wearing FFP3 respirators, respectively, being significantly lower and worse in male nurses (p = .037). According to OSHA criteria, only 2.70% and 13.51% of male and females nurses, respectively, passed with non-significant difference (p = .199), meanwhile 21.62% and 48.64% of male and female nurses, respectively, passed AIHA criteria showing significant differences (p = .027) wearing FFP3 respirators. CONCLUSIONS: All male and female nurses wearing surgical masks failed to pass OSHA and AIHA criteria. Global fit factor of the proposed FFP3 filtering respirators was decreased and worse in male than female nurses. IMPACT: Our recommendation is to avoid surgical masks use for protective purposes and use the proposed FFP3 filtering respirators among nurses. Each nurse should be fit tested for its own respirator with special caution in male nurses due to their lower fit factor achieved and most of them failed to pass OSHA and AIHA criteria, especially during COVID-19 pandemic.

Biomarkers and Nutrients in Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Worldwide, the burden of musculoskeletal disorders is increasing with great variations between-countries, which makes it difficult for policymakers to provide resources and adequate interventions in order to provide for their appropriate management [...].

Self-Perceived Handicap Associated With Dysphonia and Health-Related Quality of Life of Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: A Case-Control Study.

Purpose The association between voice alterations, health-related quality of life (HRQL), and chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), has previously been reported. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that HRQL and dysphonia-associated handicap of patients diagnosed with asthma or COPD are worse than healthy controls. Method A case-control study in which participants were recruited by a consecutive sampling method from a single institution was conducted. Three groups were created: (a) asthma (51 patients), (b) COPD (52 patients), and (c) 50 healthy controls. Self-reported handicap associated with dysphonia was assessed using the 30-item Voice Handicap Index (VHI-30); meanwhile, HRQL was tested via the European Quality of Life (EQ) Questionnaire and the EQ-visual analog scale. Also, aerodynamic assessment applied to phonation was assessed, and maximum phonation time and s/e index were registered. Results VHI scores were higher for asthma and COPD (7.19 ± 8.31 and 11.80 ± 15.18, respectively) than in the control group (3.72 ± 6.78). The EQ index was lower in asthma and COPD patients than in controls. The EQ-visual analog scale showed lower scores in asthma and COPD than in the controls. Conclusions HRQL was worse in COPD patients than in asthma patients. Even though the patient groups showed worse VHI and HRQL scores than the healthy controls, the scores fell within the normal variation range. No significant variations in the maximum phonation time index between groups were noted.

Fit factor of masks used by Physicians in Clinical Settings.

Background: Usually, physicians use filtering respirators in clinical settings to a lesser extent than other simpler surgical masks. The study aim was to determine the fit factor of surgical and other types masks commonly used in clinical settings compared with FFP3 filtering respirators. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out recruiting a total sample of 78 physicians. Fit factor was measured to determine particles count into masks compared to particles count outside of the masks meanwhile physicians carried out a protocol composed by 8 exercises as well as the global fit factor total scores. First, fit factor was analyzed with the usual surgical masks used by physicians in clinical settings. Second, fit factor was determined with the proposed FFP3 filtering respirators. Results: Most participants (97%) used surgical masks. Statistically significant differences (P<0.001) with an effect size from moderate to large (d=0.61-1.00) were shown for fit factors in the different exercises and total scores between surgical and other masks (3.2±5.0) and FFP3 filtering respirators (40.7±37.8). Generally, FFP3 filtering respirators showed a higher fit factor in the different exercises and total scores compared to the commonly used surgical and other types masks in clinical settings. Conclusions: Despite most physicians used surgical masks in clinical settings, filtering FFP3 masks showed a higher fit factor in the different exercises and total scores compared with the used surgical masks and filtering respirators such as FFP1, FFP2 and other types in clinical settings.

Neuroticism Traits and Anxiety Symptoms are Exhibited in Athletes With Chronic Gastrocnemius Myofascial Pain Syndrome.

San-Antolín, M, Rodríguez-Sanz, D, Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo, R, Losa-Iglesias, ME, Martínez-Jiménez, EM, López-López, D, and Calvo-Lobo, C. Neuroticism traits and anxiety symptoms are exhibited in athletes with chronic gastrocnemius myofascial pain syndrome. J Strength Cond Res 34(12): 3377-3385, 2020-Common psychological factors, such as anxiety or neurotic personality traits, seem to be associated with pain suffered by athletes. Gastrocnemius muscles present a high prevalence for injury in athletes. These muscles are a region in which myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) frequently develops. Myofascial pain syndrome is characterized by the presence of active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). This study compared different personality and anxiety symptoms between athletes with and without active MTrPs in the gastrocnemius. A case-control study was conducted in an outpatient clinic. Athletes who performed moderate or vigorous physical activity according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were included. Fifty paired-matched athletes with and without active MTrPs in their gastrocnemius muscles (n = 25 in each group) were recruited. Different personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion, psychoticism, and sincerity) and anxiety (state and trait) were evaluated by the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, respectively. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) with an effect size from moderate to large (d = 0.75-1.29) were found for greater neuroticism and sincerity traits in addition to state and trait anxiety in athletes with gastrocnemius MPS compared with healthy controls. In conclusion, athletes with gastrocnemius active MTrPs exhibited higher neuroticism and anxiety symptoms compared with healthy athletes. Mental health may play a key role in athletes with myofascial pain, and future studies should be performed to determine whether neuroticism-related and anxiety-related psychological care could be a key intervention in athletes with gastrocnemius active MTrPs to improve athletic performance and rehabilitation or prevent injuries.

Foot health-related quality of life in hemophiliacs: A case-control study.

Background: Haemophilia is considered as a chronic genetic disease related with alteration in coagulation mechanism which affects to health related quality of life (HQoL). Purpose: The goal compared marks of HQoL, in haemophiliacs with respect non haemophilic subjects. Methods: A population of 74 subjects, were recruited from association of haemophilic illness separated in haemophilic subjects (n = 37) and no haemophilic (n = 37). For subjects who suffered haemophilia were enlisted from the association of haemophilic illness after a seminar of 45 minutes to them and to their relatives about foot health. Control subjects, were recruited from their relatives who live with the patient. The marks of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire Spanish S_FHSQ sub-scales were recompiled. Results: All S_FHSQ domains as foot pain, foot function, tootwear, general foot health, general health, physical activity and social capacity showed lower scores in the haemophilic than non-haemophilic group (P <0.01) except for vigour (P = 0.173). Regarding the rest sub-scale marks of S_FHSQ, showed no significant difference P <0.01. Conclusion: Subjects with a haemophilia showed significant worse foot QoL in all S_FHSQ domains except vigour domain compared with non-haemophilic subjects.

Depression levels and symptoms in athletes with chronic gastrocnemius myofascial pain: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of depression symptoms and levels in athletes with gastrocnemius myofascial pain with respect to healthy athletes. In addition, to determine a prediction model for kinesiophobia symptoms based on descriptive data and gastrocnemius myofascial pain presence. DESIGN: Secondary case-control. SETTING: Outpatient clinic. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 50 athletes was recruited and divided into athletes with chronic gastrocnemius myofascial pain (n = 25) and healthy athletes (n = 25). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Depression symptoms scores and levels were self-reported by athletes using the Beck Depression Inventory - II (BDI-II). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences for depression symptoms scores (P = 0.011) with a moderate effect size (d = 0.77) and depression levels (P = 0.036) were found between both groups showing greater depression symptoms and levels in athletes with gastrocnemius myofascial pain (13.00 ± 13.50 points; range from 0 to 28 points) versus healthy athletes (4.00 ± 7.00 points; range from 0 to 19 points). Higher depression symptoms scores of BDI-II were only predicted by the presence of gastrocnemius myofascial pain in athletes (R2 = 0.134; ß = +5.360; F[1,48] = 7.428; P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Greater depression symptoms and levels were exhibited for athletes with gastrocnemius myofascial pain compared to healthy athletes. In addition, depression score of athletes was only predicted by the presence of gastrocnemius myofascial pain.

Fear Avoidance Beliefs and Kinesiophobia Are Presented in Athletes who Suffer from Gastrocnemius Chronic Myofascial Pain.

OBJECTIVE: To compare and predict kinesiophobia and fear avoidance beliefs between athletes with gastrocnemius myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and healthy athletes. DESIGN: Case-control. SETTING: Outpatient clinic. SUBJECTS: Fifty athletes were divided into athletes with chronic gastrocnemius MPS (N = 25) and healthy athletes (N = 25). METHODS: Kinesiophobia symptoms total and domain scores (harm and activity avoidance) and levels were determined by the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11). Fear avoidance beliefs total and domain scores (physical and working activities) were measured by the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ). RESULTS: Significant differences (P < 0.05) with a large effect size (d = 0.81-4.22) were found between both groups, with greater kinesiophobia symptom scores for the TSK-11 activity avoidance domain and total scores, and greater fear avoidance beliefs scores for the FABQ physical and working activities domains and total scores of athletes with gastrocnemius MPS with respect to healthy athletes. TSK-11 total score showed a prediction model (R2 = 0.256) based on the FABQ total score. The FABQ total score showed a prediction model (R2 = 0.741) based on gastrocnemius MPS presence (R2 = 0.665), levels of kinesiophobia (R2 = 0.052), and height (R2 = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Greater kinesiophobia levels, greater total and activity avoidance domain scores (but not for the harm domain), and greater fear avoidance beliefs total and domain scores (work and physical activity) were shown for athletes with gastrocnemius MPS vs healthy athletes. Higher kinesiophobia symptoms were predicted by greater fear avoidance beliefs in athletes. Greater fear avoidance beliefs were predicted by the presence of gastrocnemius MPS, higher levels of kinesiophobia, and lower height in athletes.

Central Sensitization and Catastrophism Symptoms Are Associated with Chronic Myofascial Pain in the Gastrocnemius of Athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare central sensitization symptoms, presence of central sensitivity syndrome (CSS), catastrophism, rumination, magnification, and helplessness symptoms between athletes with gastrocnemius myofascial pain and healthy athletes. Furthermore, to predict central sensitization symptoms based on sociodemographic and descriptive data, catastrophism features, and presence of gastrocnemius myofascial pain in athletes. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Outpatient clinic. SUBJECTS: Fifty matched paired athletes were recruited and divided into patients with chronic (more than three months) gastrocnemius myofascial pain (N = 25) and healthy subjects (N = 25). METHODS: Central sensitization symptoms and CSS presence (≥40 points) were determined by the Central Sensitization Questionnaire (CSQ). Catastrophism symptoms and rumination, magnification, and helplessness domains were measured by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Statistical significance was set at P < 0.01 for a 99% confidence interval. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.001) with a large effect size (d = 1.05-1.19) were shown for higher CSQ scores and PCS total and domain scores in athletes with gastrocnemius myofascial pain vs healthy athletes. Nevertheless, CSS presence (CSQ ≥ 40 points) did not show statistically significant differences (P = 0.050) between groups. A linear regression model (R2 = 0.560, P < 0.01) predicted higher CSQ scores based on PCS total score (R2 = 0.390), female sex (R2 = 0.095), and myofascial pain presence (R2 = 0.075). CONCLUSIONS: Greater symptoms of central sensitization, catastrophism, rumination, magnification, and helplessness were shown in athletes with gastrocnemius myofascial pain compared with healthy athletes. Nevertheless, there was not a statistically significant presence of CSS comparing both groups. Greater central sensitization symptoms were predicted by catastrophism symptoms, female sex, and presence of gastrocnemius myofascial pain in athletes.

Thermography related to electromyography in runners with functional equinus condition after running.

OBJECTIVES: To assess how skin temperature could be related with gastrocnemius muscle activation and thus detect association between the extensibility of the triceps-surae and the skin temperature pattern. DESIGN: A Cross Sectional Study. Secondary level of care. SETTING: Recreational runners from an athletic club. PARTICIPANTS: 57 healthy male subjects with functional equinus condition were recruited (age 42.82 ±â€¯6.97 years, height 173.68 ±â€¯9.79 cm, weight 73.19 ±â€¯8.13 kg, body mass index 20.41 ±â€¯2.48). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Skin temperature and electromyography of the gastrocnemius muscle before and after running exercise. RESULTS: Skin thermal assessment value for Gastrocnemius muscles were assessed in 57 participants before and after running. We found a significant increase of skin temperature after running deeply related with electromyography values (Confidence interval 95%). The temperature of Gastrocnemius was increased in runners after activity. CONCLUSIONS: Thermal imaging is deeply related with muscle pattern activation for lower limb. Based on our findings, we propose that infrared thermography assessment of the gastrocnemius is adequate to check Gastrocnemius muscle activity condition in runners.

Ultrasound Imaging of the Abdominal Wall and Trunk Muscles in Patients with Achilles Tendinopathy versus Healthy Participants.

PURPOSE: To compare and quantify with ultrasound imaging (USI) the inter-recti distance (IRD), rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), transversus abdominis (TrAb), and multifidus thickness and the RA and multifidus cross-sectional area (CSA) between individuals with and without chronic mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (AT). METHODS: A cross-sectional study. A sample of 143 patients were recruited and divided into two groups: A group comprised of chronic mid-portion AT (n = 71) and B group composed of healthy subjects (n = 72). The IRD, RA, EO, IO, TrAb, and multifidus thickness, as well as RA and multifidus CSA, were measured by USI. RESULTS: USI measurements for the EO (p = 0.001), IO (p = 0.001), TrAb (p = 0.041) and RA (p = 0.001) thickness were decreased as well as IRD (p = 0.001) and multifidus thickness (p = 0.001) and CSA (p = 0.001) were increased for the tendinopathy group with respect the healthy group. Linear regression prediction models (R2 = 0.260 - 0.494; p < 0.05) for the IRD, RA, EO, and IO thickness (R2 = 0.494), as well as multifidus CSA and thickness were determined by weight, height, BMI and AT presence. CONCLUSIONS: EO, IO, TrAb, and RA thickness was reduced and IRD, multifidus thickness and CSA were increased in patients with AT.