Distinct effects of trampoline-based stretch-shortening cycle exercises on muscle strength and postural control in children with Down syndrome: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a 3-month, trampoline-based stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) exercises on muscle strength and postural control in children with Down's syndrome (DS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-two children with DS aged between 7-9 years were enrolled and randomly assigned into the control group (n = 16); received standard physical therapy (sPT) or SSC group (n = 16); received sPT in addition to a 15-minute, trampoline-based SSC training program twice per week for 12 successive weeks. Lower limb muscle strength and postural stability [anterior/posterior stability index (A/P-SI), medial/lateral stability index (M/L-SI)], and overall stability index (O-SI) were assessed pre- and post-treatment. RESULTS: Strength of hip extensor (p=0.034) and adductor (p=0.015), knee extensor (p=0.028) and flexor (p=0.01), and ankle dorsi (p=0.033) and plantar flexor (p=0.007) muscles increased significantly in the SSC group when compared with the control group. Also, the A/P-SI (p=0.019), M/L-SI (p=0.002), and O-SI (p=0.021) decreased significantly in the SSC group when compared with the control group, suggesting better postural control. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve weeks of trampoline-based SSC exercises are likely effective for enhancing muscle strength and postural control in children with DS and should consequently be included in the rehabilitation programs for these children.

Incorporation of Pilates-based core strengthening exercises into the rehabilitation protocol for adolescents with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate how a Pilates-based core strengthening exercise program affected pain, lower limb muscle strength, functional status, and health-related quality of life in adolescents with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 34 teenagers with PFPS (ages 14-17) were randomly assigned to receive either a standard PT program (control group) or Pilates exercises plus the conventional program (study group). Both groups continued the treatment sessions for 3 months (3 sessions/week). Pain intensity, lower limb muscle strength (hip abductors and external rotators and knee extensors), functional status, and health-related quality of life were evaluated pre-and post-intervention. RESULTS: Pain intensity (p =.005) reduced significantly post-treatment in the study group as compared to the control group, when controlled for the pre-treatment value. Also, muscle strength of hip abductors (p =.002) external rotators (p < .001), knee extensors (p = .013), functional status (p = .002), and health-related quality of life (p < .001) increased significantly in the study group when compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that Pilates-based core strengthening exercises can help adolescents with PFPS reduce pain, enhance muscle strength, and improve their functional status and quality of life.

Prospective analysis of physical activity levels and associated fitness factors amid COVID-19 pandemic and social-distancing rules. A special focus on adolescents.

Objective: Physical activity is a significant health determinant and is likely to be influenced by social-distancing rules imposed by authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explored gender-based differences in physical activity levels (PALs) and associated factors amid COVID-19 pandemic in adolescents. Methods: In this prospective analysis, 112 healthy adolescents (15.63 ± 1.21 years) participated. They were assessed at the baseline (before the announcement of COVID-19 as a global pandemic) for anthropometry, fitness status, and PALs (baseline-PALs), and next at the follow-up (three months of imposed social-distancing rules) for PALs (follow-up-PALs) over an internet-based platform through the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. Results: A significant PALs decline was evidenced for the whole sample (P < .001) and such a decline was predominantly affected by significant PALs reduction among males (P < .001) rather than in females (P = .06). The fitness variables (explosive power, muscle endurance, flexibility, and aerobic endurance) were consistently positively correlated with the baseline- and follow-up-PALs in both genders with particularly prominent associations of PALs with explosive power and aerobic endurance. Conclusion: Physical literacy is necessary for PALs preservation, given the remarkable PALs decreases among adolescents during challenging circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectif: L'activité physique est un déterminant important de la santé et est susceptible d'être influencée par les règles de distanciation sociale imposées par les autorités pendant la pandémie de COVID-19. Cette étude a exploré les différences basées sur le sexe dans les niveaux d'activité physique (PAL) et les facteurs associés au milieu de la pandémie de COVID-19 chez les adolescents. Méthodes: Dans cette analyse prospective, 112 adolescents en bonne santé (15,63 ± 1,21 ans) ont participé. Ils ont été évalués au départ (avant l'annonce du COVID-19 en tant que pandémie mondiale) pour l'anthropométrie, le statut de forme physique et les PAL (PAL de référence), et ensuite lors du suivi (trois mois de règles de distanciation sociale imposées) pour les PAL (suivi-PAL) sur une plate-forme internet via le questionnaire sur l'activité physique pour adolescents. Résultats: Une baisse significative des PAL a été mise en évidence pour l'ensemble de l'échantillon (p < ,001) et une telle baisse a été principalement affectée par une réduction significative des PAL chez les hommes (p < ,001) plutôt que chez les femmes (p = ,06). Les variables de forme physique (puissance explosive, endurance musculaire, flexibilité et endurance aérobie) étaient constamment corrélées positivement avec les PAL de référence et de suivi chez les deux sexes avec des associations particulièrement importantes de PAL avec la puissance explosive et l'endurance aérobie. Conclusion: La littératie physique est nécessaire pour la préservation des PAL, étant donné les diminutions remarquables des PAL chez les adolescents lors de circonstances difficiles telles que la pandémie de COVID-19.