Biomechanical Posture Analysis in Healthy Adults with Machine Learning: Applicability and Reliability.

Posture analysis is important in musculoskeletal disorder prevention but relies on subjective assessment. This study investigates the applicability and reliability of a machine learning (ML) pose estimation model for the human posture assessment, while also exploring the underlying structure of the data through principal component and cluster analyses. A cohort of 200 healthy individuals with a mean age of 24.4 ± 4.2 years was photographed from the frontal, dorsal, and lateral views. We used Student's t-test and Cohen's effect size (d) to identify gender-specific postural differences and used the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) to assess the reliability of this method. Our findings demonstrate distinct sex differences in shoulder adduction angle (men: 16.1° ± 1.9°, women: 14.1° ± 1.5°, d = 1.14) and hip adduction angle (men: 9.9° ± 2.2°, women: 6.7° ± 1.5°, d = 1.67), with no significant differences in horizontal inclinations. ICC analysis, with the highest value of 0.95, confirms the reliability of the approach. Principal component and clustering analyses revealed potential new patterns in postural analysis such as significant differences in shoulder-hip distance, highlighting the potential of unsupervised ML for objective posture analysis, offering a promising non-invasive method for rapid, reliable screening in physical therapy, ergonomics, and sports.

Two synergistic types of muscles were detected during forearm rotation exercise by T2 cumulative frequency curves using 0.2 T magnetic resonance imaging.

The purpose of this study was the detection and characterization of synergistic muscle activity. Using T2-map MRI, T2 values for 10 forearm muscles in 11 healthy adult volunteers were obtained in the resting state and after isotonic forearm supination and pronation exercises with the elbow extended. T2 was normalized by Z = (T2e-T2r)/SDr, where T2e was T2 after exercise, while T2r and SDr were the reference values of 34 ms and 3 ms, respectively. Using the cumulative frequency curves of Z values (CFZ), we detected 2 and 3 synergistic muscles for supination and pronation, respectively, and divided these into 2 types, one activated by exercise strength dependently, and the other, independent of exercise strength, activated by only a smaller fraction of the participants. We also detected co-contraction for the supination. Thus, CFZ is a useful visualization tool to detect and characterize not only synergistic muscle, but also co-contraction muscle.

Exercise training affects calcium ion transport by downregulating the CACNA2D1 protein to reduce hypertension-induced myocardial injury in mice.

Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and exercise has cardioprotective effects on the heart. However, the mechanism by which exercise affects hypertension-induced myocardial injury remains unclear. Exercise response model of hypertension-induced myocardial injury in mice was analyzed using multiomics data to identify potential factors. The study found that serum Ca2+ and brain natriuretic peptide concentrations were significantly higher in the HTN (hypertension) group than in the control, HTN+MICT (moderate intensity continuous exercise), and HTN+HIIT (high intensity intermittent exercise) groups. Cardiac tissue damage and fibrosis increased in the HTN group, but exercise training reduced pathological changes, with more improvement in the HTN+HIIT group. Transcriptomic and proteomic studies showed significant differences in CACNA2D1 expression between the different treatment groups. HIIT ameliorated HTN-induced myocardial injury in mice by decreasing Ca2+ concentration and diastolizing vascular smooth muscle by downregulating CACNA2D1 via exercise.

Immediate effect of kinesiology taping on muscle strength, static balance and proprioception after eccentric muscle fatigue on ankle: a randomized cross-over trial.

BACKGROUND: Kinesiology Taping(KT) is commonly used as a physical therapy to prevent exercise-induced fatigue. This study aims to evaluate the immediate effects of KT on muscle strength, static balance, and proprioception after eccentric muscle fatigue on ankle. METHODS: Twenty healthy male university students were recruited. The experimental protocol was structured into four sessions, each separated by a one-week washout period to prevent carryover effects. Participants were randomly allocated to one of four intervention conditions in each session, ensuring no participant received the same intervention twice. These conditions were: no taping(NT),sham taping(ST),athletic taping(AT),and kinesiology taping(KT).Taping was applied immediately following an eccentric muscle fatigue protocol targeting the ankle, and assessments were conducted in the order of proprioception, muscle strength and static balance. Isometric muscle strength and proprioception were evaluated using the Biodex isokinetic system. Static balance was measured using the TecnoBody balance platform. RESULTS: KT had a significantly higher plantarflexion/dorsiflexion peak torque, dorsiflexion average peak torque, and plantarflexion/dorsiflexion average power at 60°/s compared with NT and ST in terms of isometric muscle strength (p < 0.05).Furthermore, the plantarflexion peak torque of KT was significantly greater than AT at 60°/s[p = 0.005,95% confidence interval(CI) = 3.39 to 18.20] and 180°/s[p = 0.006,95%CI(2.62,21.98)]. In terms of proprioception, KT showed a lower absolute error in 25° plantarflexion and 10° dorsiflexion compared to NT, ST and AT. For static balance with eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions, AT and KT had a lower total sway area than NT and ST (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant difference in total sway length with eyes-open condition was observed between AT and KT[p < 0.001,95%CI(-431.81,-168.25)];total sway area and the center of pressure(COP) velocity in the mediolateral(ML) and anteroposterior(AP) directions with eyes-closed condition were significantly lower in AT compared to KT. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that KT is more effective than other taping conditions in improving muscle strength and proprioception after eccentric muscle fatigue on ankle. However, AT is more helpful in increasing static postural control ability after ankle muscle fatigue than KT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered with www.chictr.org.cn (registration number: ChiCTR2300068278) on 13/2/2023.

Physical Therapists' Acceptance of a Wearable, Fabric-Based Sensor System (Motion Tape) for Use in Clinical Practice: Qualitative Focus Group Study.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a costly global health condition that affects individuals of all ages and genders. Physical therapy (PT) is a commonly used and effective intervention for the management of LBP and incorporates movement assessment and therapeutic exercise. A newly developed wearable, fabric-based sensor system, Motion Tape, uses novel sensing and data modeling to measure lumbar spine movements unobtrusively and thus offers potential benefits when used in conjunction with PT. However, physical therapists' acceptance of Motion Tape remains unexplored. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this research study was to evaluate physical therapists' acceptance of Motion Tape to be used for the management of LBP. The secondary aim was to explore physical therapists' recommendations for future device development. METHODS: Licensed physical therapists from the American Physical Therapy Association Academy of Leadership Technology Special Interest Group participated in this study. Overall, 2 focus groups (FGs; N=8) were conducted, in which participants were presented with Motion Tape samples and examples of app data output on a poster. Informed by the Technology Acceptance Model, we conducted semistructured FGs and explored the wearability, usefulness, and ease of use of and suggestions for improvements in Motion Tape for PT management of LBP. FG data were transcribed and analyzed using rapid qualitative analysis. RESULTS: Regarding wearability, participants perceived that Motion Tape would be able to adhere for several days, with some variability owing to external factors. Feedback was positive for the low-profile and universal fit, but discomfort owing to wires and potential friction with clothing was of concern. Other concerns included difficulty with self-application and potential skin sensitivity. Regarding usefulness, participants expressed that Motion Tape would enhance the efficiency and specificity of assessments and treatment. Regarding ease of use, participants stated that the app would be easy, but data management and challenges with interpretation were of concern. Physical therapists provided several recommendations for future design improvements including having a wireless system or removable wires, customizable sizes for the tape, and output including range of motion data and summary graphs and adding app features that consider patient input and context. CONCLUSIONS: Several themes related to Motion Tape's wearability, usefulness, and ease of use were identified. Overall, physical therapists expressed acceptance of Motion Tape's potential for assessing and monitoring low back posture and movement, both within and outside clinical settings. Participants expressed that Motion Tape would be a valuable tool for the personalized treatment of LBP but highlighted several future improvements needed for Motion Tape to be used in practice.

Gait kinematics of osteoarthritic knees after intra-articular viscosupplementation: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The utilization of subjective questionnaires for assessing conservative treatment in knee osteoarthritis may present challenges in identifying differences due to inadequate statistical power. Objective tools, such as three-dimensional (3D) kinematic analysis, are accurate and reproducible methods. However, no high-quality studies assessing the effects of intra-articular viscosupplementation (VS) have been published. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate gait kinematics of patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis after VS. METHODS: Forty-two patients were randomized to receive either VS or saline injection (placebo). They underwent 3D kinematic gait analysis before and at 1, 6, and 12 weeks after treatment and knee angles during stance phase were determined. Patients and the healthcare team responsible for data collection, processing, and analysis were blinded to group allocation. Between-group comparisons were conducted using linear mixed models. RESULTS: Compared with placebo, the VS increased the maximum knee extension (3.2° (0.7-5.7)) and decreased the maximum knee flexion (-3.6° (-6.1 to -1.2)) on the sagittal plane at 1 week. At 6 weeks, the VS group sustained a reduced maximum knee flexion (-2.6° (-5.2 to 0.0)). On the axial plane, the VS group demonstrated an increase in maximum internal rotation at 12 weeks (3.9° (0.3 to 7.7)). The VS group exhibited reduced single-leg stance time at 1 week and increased total stance time at 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: VS led to short- and long-term kinematic improvements in the sagittal and axial planes, leading to a gait pattern closer to that observed in individuals with less severe osteoarthritic knees.

Comprehensive Assessment and Early Prediction of Gross Motor Performance in Toddlers With Graph Convolutional Networks-Based Deep Learning: Development and Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: Accurate and timely assessment of children's developmental status is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention. More accurate and automated developmental assessments are essential due to the lack of trained health care providers and imprecise parental reporting. In various areas of development, gross motor development in toddlers is known to be predictive of subsequent childhood developments. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop a model to assess gross motor behavior and integrate the results to determine the overall gross motor status of toddlers. This study also aimed to identify behaviors that are important in the assessment of overall gross motor skills and detect critical moments and important body parts for the assessment of each behavior. METHODS: We used behavioral videos of toddlers aged 18-35 months. To assess gross motor development, we selected 4 behaviors (climb up the stairs, go down the stairs, throw the ball, and stand on 1 foot) that have been validated with the Korean Developmental Screening Test for Infants and Children. In the child behavior videos, we estimated each child's position as a bounding box and extracted human keypoints within the box. In the first stage, the videos with the extracted human keypoints of each behavior were evaluated separately using a graph convolutional networks (GCN)-based algorithm. The probability values obtained for each label in the first-stage model were used as input for the second-stage model, the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) algorithm, to predict the overall gross motor status. For interpretability, we used gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) to identify important moments and relevant body parts during the movements. The Shapley additive explanations method was used for the assessment of variable importance, to determine the movements that contributed the most to the overall developmental assessment. RESULTS: Behavioral videos of 4 gross motor skills were collected from 147 children, resulting in a total of 2395 videos. The stage-1 GCN model to evaluate each behavior had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.79 to 0.90. Keypoint-mapping Grad-CAM visualization identified important moments in each behavior and differences in important body parts. The stage-2 XGBoost model to assess the overall gross motor status had an AUROC of 0.90. Among the 4 behaviors, "go down the stairs" contributed the most to the overall developmental assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Using movement videos of toddlers aged 18-35 months, we developed objective and automated models to evaluate each behavior and assess each child's overall gross motor performance. We identified the important behaviors for assessing gross motor performance and developed methods to recognize important moments and body parts while evaluating gross motor performance.

Effects on pain of kinesiology tape in patients with plantar fasciitis: a randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE.: Plantar fasciitis is the most frequent cause of heel pain. Custom-made plantar supports are a common treatment solution, while the application of kinesiology tape (KT) can be an effective measure to alleviate pain. The objective was to evaluate the effects of KT on the pain of patients with plantar fasciitis. METHODS.: Randomized controlled trial including participants with plantar fasciitis. There was an experimental group (n = 17), whose participants underwent a KT treatment, and a control (sham tape) group (n = 17). The pain, measured with a visual analog scale (VAS), was the primary outcome and was assessed daily until the fifth day of wearing the tape and 24 h after removing it. Inferential statistics looked for time, group, and time per group differences with CI at 95%. RESULTS.: The greatest between-group VAS difference was 3.5 points, and occurred at the 2-day follow-up assessment. Then, pain differences decreased over time until the last assessment point. Statistically significant time, group, and time*group differences were found with p < 0.001. CONCLUSION.: This study supports that KT is effective in reducing pain in the short term in patients with plantar fasciitis, and more effective than a sham intervention with tape.

Kinesiology tape (KT) reduces pain in patients with plantar fasciitis.Pain is reduced from the first day and the tape can be worn up to five days.KT is an effective solution prior to the application of orthopaedic treatment.

Tactile stimulation restores inhibited stretch reflex attributable to attenuation of Ia afferents during surprise landing.

Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) is induced by pathological knee conditions. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of tactile stimulation on reflex changes induced by simulated AMI during unpredictable landing performances. Twenty participants performed six unilateral landing tasks: 15 cm normal landing (15NL), 30 cm normal landing (30NL), surprise landing (SL), 30 cm normal landing following vibration (30NLV), SL following vibration (SLV), and SL following vibration with Kinesiology tape (SLK). For SL, the solid landing platform (15 cm) was removed and replaced by a false floor. Since the false floor dislodged easily under load, participants unpredictably fell through the platform to the actual landing surface 15 cm below. After completing 15NL, 30NL, and SL, vibration was applied to participants' knees to induce neurological changes similar to AMI. After vibration, participants performed 30NLV, SLV, and SLK in a random order. EMG signals in the post-landing short latency (31-60 ms) and medium latency (61-90 ms) periods were examined. EMG signals from the vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), and biceps femoris (BF) were recorded and compared between tasks. EMG signals of all muscles in SL were significantly enhanced in the medium latency period as compared with 30NL. Enhanced EMG signals in SL were suppressed by vibration stimulation in the VL, but the suppressed EMG signals were restored after cutaneous stimulation with Kinesiology tape (p < 0.01). Our findings suggest that AMI could alter motor control patterns during unpredictable landing and that tactile stimulation could restore the altered motor control to a normal state.

Asymmetric loading strategies during squats following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A longitudinal investigation with curve analyses throughout and after rehabilitation.

Investigations of kinetic asymmetries during bilateral squats following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are limited to mainly cross-sectional studies and discrete value data extracted at specific knee angles. We assessed loading asymmetries during squats longitudinally throughout rehabilitation using curve analysis and compared patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) between those with and without asymmetry. Bodyweight squats were performed by 24 individuals (13 females) post-ACLR on three occasions: (1) Early 2.9 (1.1) months; (2) Mid 8.8 (3.1) months; (3) at Return to Sport (RTS) 13.1 (3.6) months; and 29 asymptomatic controls (22 females) once. Time-normalized between-leg asymmetry curves of sagittal plane hip, knee, and ankle moments and vertical ground reaction forces were compared using functional data analysis methods. Individual asymmetrical loading for ACLR was classified when exceeding the 95% confidence interval of controls during ≥50% of the squat. At Early, ACLR had greater asymmetry than controls for knee (15%-100% eccentric phase; 0%-100% concentric) and ankle flexion moments (56%-65% concentric). At Mid, ACLR had greater asymmetry for knee (41%-72% eccentric) and ankle flexion moments (56%-69% concentric). No between-group differences were found at RTS. From Early to RTS, ACLR reduced asymmetry for hip (21%-46% eccentric), knee (27%-58% concentric), and ankle flexion moments (21%-57% eccentric). At Early, 11/24 underloaded their ACLR knee and 1 overloaded compared with controls. At RTS, 4 underloaded and 6 overloaded. No differences in PROMs were found based on loading asymmetry. Beyond the early phase of rehabilitation from ACLR, individual-level analyses are required to reveal differing loading strategies during bilateral squats.

Assessing Content Assimilation in Health Research Methodology: A Comparative Study of Lecture and Flipped Classroom Instruction / Evaluación de la asimilación de contenidos en la metodología de investigación en salud: un estudio comparativo de la conferencia y la instrucción en el aula invertida

Virtual education has evolved significantly, driven by the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Sciences, with their practical components, present unique challenges in virtual education, including maintaining student engagement. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the flipped learning methodology with and without in-class content reinforcement in a virtual classroom for previously assimilated materials within Health Sciences. The study involved students in a Kinesiology program using the Blackboard Learn platform. Two groups were established: one completing a questionnaire at the beginning of the virtual class (FLI group) and the other at the end following a content reinforcement session (FLI+TRA group). While no statistically significant score differences were found between the two groups, the FLI+TRA group showed higher pass rates and improved average scores, indicating practical benefits. These results suggest that combining flipped learning with traditional in-class instruction can enhance content assimilation in virtual education, fostering increased student engagement and participation. However, further research is needed to explore the full implications and adaptability of this approach. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of the FLI+TRA approach to improve learning outcomes in complex subjects like Epistemology and Research Methodology within Health Sciences. As virtual education continues to evolve, educators should consider this hybrid teaching model as a valuable tool to provide a more holistic and effective learning experience (AU)

La educación virtual ha evolucionado significativamente, impulsada por la integración de recursos de Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación (TIC), especialmente durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Las Ciencias de la Salud, con sus componentes prácticos, presentan desafíos únicos en la educación virtual, incluida la retención del interés de los estudiantes. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar la efectividad de la metodología de aprendizaje invertido (flipped learning) con y sin refuerzo de contenido en clase en un aula virtual para materiales previamente asimilados en Ciencias de la Salud. El estudio involucró a estudiantes de un programa de Kinesiología utilizando la plataforma Blackboard Learn. Se establecieron dos grupos: uno completando un cuestionario al comienzo de la clase virtual (grupo FLI) y otro al final después de una sesión de refuerzo de contenido en clase (grupo FLI+TRA). Aunque no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las puntuaciones entre los dos grupos, el grupo FLI+TRA mostró tasas de aprobación más altas y puntajes promedio mejorados, lo que indica beneficios prácticos. Estos resultados sugieren que la combinación de aprendizaje invertido con instrucción tradicional en clase puede mejorar la asimilación de contenido en la educación virtual, fomentando un mayor compromiso y participación de los estudiantes. Sin embargo, se necesita más investigación para explorar las implicaciones y la adaptabilidad completas de este enfoque. En conclusión, este estudio resalta el potencial del enfoque FLI+TRA para mejorar los resultados de aprendizaje en materias complejas como Epistemología y Metodología de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud. A medida que la educación virtual continúa evolucionando, los educadores deben considerar este modelo de enseñanza híbrido como una herramienta valiosa para proporcionar una experiencia de aprendizaje más holística y efectiva (AU)

Influence of Footwear Selection on Youth Running Biomechanics: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: The relationship of running biomechanics, footwear, and injury has been studied extensively in adults. There has been little research on the effects of footwear on running biomechanics in youth. HYPOTHESIS: Running biomechanics of youth will be significantly affected by changes in footwear. Minimal shoe running will demonstrate similarities to barefoot. STUDY DESIGN: Crossover study design: randomized trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2. METHODS: A total of 14 active male youth (8-12 years old) participants with no previous exposure to minimalist shoes or barefoot running had running biomechanics (lower extremity sagittal plane kinematics and vertical ground reaction forces [vGRFs]) collected and analyzed in 3 footwear conditions (barefoot, traditional, and minimal shoe). RESULTS: The average vertical loading rate (AVLR) was significantly greater running barefoot (173.86 bodyweights per second [BW/s]) and in the minimal shoe (138.71 BW/s) compared with the traditional shoe (78.06 BW/s), (P < 0.01). There were significant differences between shoe conditions for knee flexion at initial contact (P < 0.01), knee sagittal plane excursion (P < 0.01), peak dorsiflexion (P < 0.01), and dorsiflexion at initial contact (P = 0.03). No participants displayed a forefoot-strike during this study. CONCLUSION: The introduction of barefoot and minimalist running in habitually shod youth significantly affected the running biomechanics of youth and caused immediate alterations in both lower extremity kinematics and vGRFs. Running barefoot or in minimal shoes dramatically increased the AVLR, which has been associated with injury, compared with a traditional shoe. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study evaluated the effects of footwear on overground running biomechanics, including AVLR, in pre- and early-adolescent youth males. Based on our findings, clinicians should exercise caution in barefoot or minimal shoe transition among young, habitually shod, runners due to the immediate and dramatic increases in AVLRs.

The effect of cardiac rehabilitation on cardiopulmonary function after coronary artery bypass grafting: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

We carried out a meta-analysis on the effect of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on cardiopulmonary function after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Four databases were searched for studies comparing CR with control. A random-effects model was used to pool mean difference (MD). The meta-analysis showed an increase in peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) (MD = 1.93 mL/kg/min, p = 0.0006), and 6-min walk distance (6MWD) (MD = 59.21 m, p < 0.00001), and a decrease in resting heart rate (resting HR) (MD = 5.68 bpm, p < 0.0001) in the CR group. The subgroup analysis revealed aerobic exercise could further improve resting HR and peak HR, and physical/combination with aerobic exercise could further increase 6MWD. The improvement of peak VO2, workload, resting HR, peak HR, and 6MWD regarding CR performed within one week after CABG is greater than that one week after CABG. CR after CABG can improve the cardiopulmonary function, which is reflected by the improvement of peak VO2, 6MWD, and resting HR.

Preferred Reporting Items for Resistance Exercise Studies (PRIRES): A Checklist Developed Using an Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews.

BACKGROUND: The issues of replication and scientific transparency have been raised in exercise and sports science research. A potential means to address the replication crisis and enhance research reliability is to improve reporting quality and transparency. This study aims to formulate a reporting checklist as a supplement to the existing reporting guidelines, specifically for resistance exercise studies. METHODS: PubMed (which covers Medline) and Scopus (which covers Medline, EMBASE, Ei Compendex, World Textile Index, Fluidex, Geobase, Biobase, and most journals in Web of Science) were searched for systematic reviews that comprised the primary studies directly comparing different resistance training methods. Basic data on the selected reviews, including on authors, publication years, and objectives, were summarized. The reporting items for the checklist were identified based on the objective of the reviews. Additional items from an existing checklist, namely the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template, a National Strength and Conditioning Association handbook, and an article from the EQUATOR library were incorporated into the final reporting checklist. RESULTS: Our database search retrieved 3595 relevant records. After automatic duplicate removal, the titles and abstracts of the remaining 2254 records were screened. The full texts of 137 records were then reviewed, and 88 systematic reviews that met the criteria were included in the umbrella review. CONCLUSION: Developed primarily by an umbrella review method, this checklist covers the research questions which have been systematically studied and is expected to improve the reporting completeness of future resistance exercise studies. The PRIRES checklist comprises 26 reporting items (39 subitems) that cover four major topics in resistance exercise intervention: 1) exercise selection, performance, and training parameters, 2) training program and progression, 3) exercise setting, and 4) planned vs actual training. The PRIRES checklist was designed specifically for reporting resistance exercise intervention. It is expected to be used with other reporting guidelines such as Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials and Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials. This article presents only the development process and resulting items of the checklist. An accompanying article detailing the rationale for, the importance of, and examples of each item is being prepared. REGISTRATION: This study is registered with the EQUATOR Network under the title "Preferred Reporting Items for Resistance Exercise Studies (PRIRES)." PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021235259.

Effects of facilitatory and inhibitory Kinesio taping on lateral gastrocnemius muscle activity, motor neuron excitability, and countermovement jump height in university athletes from multiple sports: A randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the temporal effects of two Kinesio Taping (KT) techniques on lateral gastrocnemius muscle activity, motor neuron excitability, and countermovement jump height in university athletes from hockey, football, basketball, and volleyball. Additionally, it investigates whether the athletes' playing positions-either attacker or defender-influence these outcomes following the KT application. Methods: Forty-eight subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group A (n = 16), Group B (n = 16), and Group C (n = 16). All groups were further subdivided into attackers and defenders. Adhesive Kinesio tape was applied to the lateral gastrocnemius using the Y-shaped technique for three days. Facilitatory KT was applied from the origin to the insertion of the lateral gastrocnemius, while inhibitory KT was applied from the insertion to the origin. Motor neuron excitability, electromyographic activity, and countermovement jump height were tested at baseline, as well as after KT application, to evaluate if the dependent variables had changed. One-way ANOVA was used for baseline comparison, and mixed ANOVA was applied to assess post-interventional effects on the outcome measures. Results: Significant group effects for lateral gastrocnemius activation were found, measured using percentage of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (% MVIC) average root mean square (RMS). In motor neuron excitability, maximal M-wave (Mmax) was significantly improved in group comparison. Further, there was also a significant increase in countermovement jump height. There was no significant difference in outcome measures based on playing position (attacker and defender). Conclusion: Both KT techniques effectively influenced the lateral gastrocnemius muscle's activity, motor neuron excitability, and jump height when compared with the control group. Additionally, there is no effect of playing position, specifically attacker or defender, on the examined variables following KT application.

The Rehabilitation Interventions and Adaptive Technologies Used for Treating Patients With Cerebral Palsy.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common disorders in pediatric patients. The prevalence of CP is 2-3 in 1,000 live births, but various changes in some trends are seen in different groups. This article is a systematic review of multiple sources available for interventions and new adaptive techniques used for treating patients for their better lifestyles. With recent advancements, it is possible to diagnose a child who is below six months to two years. For achieving goals, proper interventions and techniques are necessary in the early stages of the disease. This article summarizes the rehabilitation and interventions available for treating these children with the best procedures.

Confiabilidad Inter-evaluador en la Medición del Grosor Muscular y el Ángulo de Penación a través de la Evaluación Ecográfica: Estudio entre un Experto y un Kinesiólogo en Formación / Inter-Evaluator Reliability in Measurement of Muscle Thickness and Penance Angle through Ultrasound Evaluation: Comparison Study between an Expert and a Physical Therapist in Training

Existen diversas formas de evaluar el músculo esquelético. Una herramienta que ha ganado relevancia es la evaluación ecográfica. Esta, permite medir el grosor muscular (GM) y el ángulo de penación (AP). Por otra parte, en la formación inicial de los Kinesiólogos es importante realizar el ejercicio de la confiabilidad en la medición en relación al experto. un procedimiento diagnóstico. Así, el objetivo de este estudio es determinar la confiabilidad inter-evaluador en la medición del GM y el AP, a través de la evaluación ecográfica, entre un experto y un kinesiólogo en formación. La capacitación contó de tres fases; el ciclo teórico, el ciclo práctico y el proceso de confiabilidad. Para este último, se realizaron 10 pruebas para cada una de las mediciones GM 1, GM 2 y GM 3 y de AP. La confiabilidad inter-evaluador en la medición de GM es buena a excelente en los tres intentos GM1 (ICC=0,81; p=0,001), GM2 (ICC=0,86; p<0,001), GM3 (ICC=0,88;<0,001). Por su parte, la confiabilidad del AP fue pobre a regular (ICC=0,21; p=0,143. Las conclusiones de esta investigación indican que existe una excelente confiabilidad inter evaluador en la medición de GM. No así, en la medición de AP, por lo que se sugiere incrementar las horas prácticas en el proceso de aprendizaje de esta medida.

SUMMARY: Skeletal muscle can be assessed in a number of different ways. Consequently, ultrasound evaluation has become a relevant diagnostic tool. This procedure allows measuring muscle thickness (MT) and pennation angle (PA). Furthermore, during the initial training of physical therapists it is important in a diagnostic procedure, to exercise reliability in measurement in comparison to the expert. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the inter-rater reliability in the measurement of MT and PA, through ultrasound evaluation, between an expert and a physical therapist in training. This training was comprised of three phases: The theoretical cycle, the practical cycle and the reliability process. For the latter, ten different tests were performed for each of the MT 1, MT 2 and MT 3 and PA measurements. Inter-rater reliability in the MT measurement was good to excellent in the three attempts MT1 (ICC=0.81; p=0.001), MT2 (ICC=0.86; p<0.001), MT3 (ICC=0. 88;<0.001). On the other hand, reliability of the PA was poor to fair (ICC=0.21; p=0.143. In conclusion, this research indicates that there is excellent inter-rater reliability in the measurement of MT. This does not however apply to the measurement of PA. It is therefore suggested that practical hours during the learning process of this measure be increased.

Elastic Taping Application on the Neck: Immediate and Short-Term Impacts on Pain and Mobility of Cervical Spine.

The aim of this study was to measure the effects on three-planar active cervical range of motion (ACROM) and self-perceived pain of elastic taping (ET) application in the cervical area. Thirty participants (n: 22-M and 8-F, age 35.4 ± 4.4 years; body height 173.1 ± 8.4 cm; body mass 73.5 ± 12.8 kg) in the study group (SG) and twenty participants (n: 11-M and 9-F, age 32.6 ± 3.9 years; body height 174.9 ± 10.9 cm; body mass 71.2 ± 12.9 kg) in the control group (CG) were recruited. All subjects had neck and cervical pain in baseline condition. Each group performed an ACROM test and measured the perceived pain in the neck based on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS 0--10, a.u.) at the baseline (T0), after 20' from the ET application (T1), and after three days of wearing the ET application (T2). Between T0 and T1, an ET was applied to the cervical area of the SG participants. Statistical analysis did not show any significant change in CG in any measurement session for ACROM and neck pain parameters. Conversely, the SG showed significant improvements for ACROM rotation to the left (T0 64.8 ± 7.7°-T2 76.0 ± 11.1° p < 0.000) and right (T0 66.0 ± 11.9°-T2 74.2 ± 9.6° p < 0.000), lateral inclination to the left (T0 37.5 ± 6.9°-T2 40.6 ± 10.8° p < 0.000) and right (T0 36.5 ± 7.9°-T2 40.9 ± 5.2° p < 0.000), extension (T0 47.0 ± 12.9°-T2 55.1 ± 12.3° p < 0.001), and flexion (T0 55.0 ± 3.6°-T2 62.9 ± 12.0° p < 0.006). A significant decrease was also measured in SG for pain NRS between T0 and T2 (T0 7.5 ± 1.0°-T1 5.5 ± 1.4-T2 1.4 ± 1.5° p < 0.000). In conclusion, a bilateral and symmetrical ET cervical application is useful to enhance multiplanar ACROM and reduce subjective self-perceived cervical pain when it is needed. Based on the evidence, the use of ET on the neck is recommended for managing neck motion restrictions and pain in adult individuals.

Thermal profile classification of the back of sportive and sedentary healthy individuals.

BACKGROUND: Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-harmful, risk-free imaging technique and it has application for healthy and pathological population. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the thermographic profiles of the back of sport practitioners from different disciplines and compare it with those of sedentary healthy individuals. METHOD: The back of 160 healthy subjects were evaluated, and participants were grouped considering their sport practice: team sport (TS), individual sport (IS), weight training (WT), inactive (I). Three regions of interest were identified to analyze the cervical, thoracic and lumbar temperatures of the back. RESULTS: The Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) resulted significant showing statistical differences for the cervical (p < 0.001), dorsal (p = 0.0011), and lumbar areas (p = 0.0366). The Tukey post-hoc test for pairwise comparison showed statistically significant differences between groups. For the cervical area significance was found between the IN and WT group (p = 0.002), the IN and IS group (p < 0.001), IN and TS group (p = 0.020). The dorsal area resulted significant between the IN and WT group (p = 0.007), the IN and IS group (p < 0.001), IN and TS group. The lumbar area showed significant differences only between the IN and WT group and the IN and IS group (p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that inactive individuals manifest a statistically significant higher temperature in the cervical, dorsal and lumbar area of the back compared to sportive individuals.

Use of Acupuncture, Myofascial Release Techniques, and Kinesiology Taping to Reduce Estimated Healing Time in A Grade 3 Hamstring Strain: A Case Study.

Background: Musculoskeletal injuries can be debilitatingly painful, with long recovery times and activity-limiting prognoses. While numerous studies and case reports illustrating the benefits of acupuncture in treating various musculoskeletal conditions are available, more studies specific to acute injury are needed. Case: A 45-year-old male presents ∼48 hours post a severe injury to his R hamstring while walking in his neighborhood. He has a history of musculoskeletal disorders, which may be due to an undiagnosed hypothyroid condition. A combination of acupuncture, myofascial release techniques, and kinesiology taping (KT) was administered in 7 treatments over 28 days postinjury. Results: This patient was back to normal functionality, strength, and ROM within 4 weeks of this injury, more than 5 weeks ahead of his orthopedic physician's estimated recovery time. At 28 days postinjury, after 7 treatments, visual analog scale had decreased from 9/10 to 0/10, Tenderness To Palpation Scale decreased from grade IV to I, and Lower Extremity Functional Scale increased from 0/80 to 74/80. Conclusion: Using a combination of acupuncture, myofascial release techniques, and KT may greatly reduce the healing and recovery time in patients with acute musculoskeletal injuries.