Assessing the magnitude and direction of asymmetry in physical tests and morphological measurements in professional female soccer athletes.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the magnitude and direction of inter-limb asymmetries in vertical jump, T-test, isokinetic peak torque, and muscle volume in professional female soccer players. METHODS: Sixteen female soccer players participated in the study (22.7 ± 3.5 years, 60.4 ± 12.7 kg, 164.2 ± 8.7 cm). The following tests were applied; the unilateral countermovement jump (CMJ), T-test (agility), peak torque of concentric knee extensor (PT_Con_Q), concentric and eccentric knee flexor (PT_Con_H; PT_Ecc_H), and muscle volume of quadriceps (MV_Q) and gastrocnemius (MV_G). The interlimb asymmetry magnitude was calculated as the percentage difference between the stronger and weaker limbs. For the direction of asymmetry, a negative sign (-) was assigned when the non-dominant lower limb was the stronger one, and a positive sign (+) when the dominant lower limb was the stronger one. RESULTS: The asymmetry (%) values varied from 0.7 to 11.9%, with the highest values of asymmetry found in the CMJ, PT_Con_Q, PT_Con_H, and PT_Ecc_H tests. Moderate levels of agreement were observed for CMJ - Vol_G (K = 0.53; 75% agreement); PT_Con_Q - PT_Con_H (K = 0.48; 75% agreement); T-test - PT_Ecc_H (K = 0.43; 68.7% agreement). Fair levels of agreement were found between the T-test - Vol_Q (K = 0.21; 62.1% agreement); PT_Con_Q - PT_Ecc_H (K = 0.36; 68.8% agreement); and PT_Con_H - PT_Ecc_H (K = 0.31; 68.8% agreement). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that of greater asymmetries in the vertical jump and isokinetic torque tests. The direction of the asymmetry seems highly variable, however, the isokinetic tests showed greater agreements with the other tests.

Neuromuscular Fatigue During Brazilian Jiujitsu Matches: Analysis of Upper and Lower Limbs.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of repeated Brazilian jiujitsu (BJJ) matches on neuromuscular fatigue in forearm-flexor and knee-extensor muscles. METHODS: Twelve BJJ athletes (8 men and 4 women) performed a simulated BJJ tournament composed of four 8-minute matches interspersed by 16-minute intervals. Neuromuscular fatigue was assessed via prematch to postmatch(es) reductions in maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), voluntary activation, and potentiated twitch force (Ptwpot) in the forearm-flexor and knee-extensor muscles. RESULTS: The MVIC of the knee extensors and forearm flexors reduced from prematch 1 to postmatch 2 and remained suppressed until postmatch 4 (P < .034). The voluntary activation of the knee extensors declined only after match 4, whereas the voluntary activation of the forearm flexors did not change throughout the matches (P = .102). Ptwpot of knee extensors decreased from prematch 1 to postmatch 1 (P < .001) and remained reduced until postmatch 4 (P < .001). Ptwpot of the forearm flexors reduced after every match (P < .010), with complete recovery occurring only before the second match (P = .99). The magnitude of the prematch-to-postmatch reduction in Ptwpot was lower in knee extensors than in forearm flexors (P = .044). CONCLUSIONS: Repeated BJJ matches induced neuromuscular fatigue, mainly due to impairments in muscle contractile function (ie, peripheral fatigue). The time between BJJ matches seems to be insufficient to allow complete recovery of neuromuscular function, which may influence performance during subsequent matches.

The Influence of Lower-Limb Strength and Power on the Speed and Heat Results of Professional Brazilian Surfers.

PURPOSE: To correlate speed and heat scores with anthropometric variables and lower-limb strength and power in professional surfers. METHODS: A total of 19 men participated in simulated competitions on different days. All surfed waves were scored, and each athlete's best 2 were used for their total heat score. Speed values were extracted by global positioning system and adjusted by Z score. Squat jump, countermovement jump, and drop jump were executed. Anthropometric variables and 1-repetition maximum (1RM) in the half squat were measured. Pearson product-moment correlation was used to analyze the relationships. RESULTS: Height had a significant (P < .05) inverse association with speed indicators (r = -.36 to - .68), and body mass index had a moderate association with maximum wave speed of the highest score. Significant correlations with moderate to large magnitudes were found between maximum speed and vertical jumps (r = .46 to .56), average speed and vertical jumps (r = .48 to .59), and both maximum and average speed with 1RM (r = .52-.53). Athletes' best score and total heat score showed moderate to large associations with vertical jumps and 1RM (r = .48-.64), whereas second scores were correlated with the reactive strength index of the drop jump (r = .48) and 1RM (r = .51). CONCLUSIONS: Shorter surfers with lower center of gravity and those with superior lower-limb strength and power achieved greater speed and higher scores. Accordingly, surf coaches may consider prescribing dynamic strength and balance training based on an athlete's profile to improve performance.

Progressive Acute Lower Extremity Ischemia Resulting From Cardiac Myxoma Embolization: A Case Report.

Cardiac myxomas are the most common primary benign tumors of the heart. The occlusion of peripheral arteries and complete obstruction of the abdominal aorta by a tumor embolus presents with distinct clinical manifestations. Herein, we present the case of a 38-year-old male with acute paresthesia, muscle weakness, erythematous, and violaceous changes in skin color localized to the dorsum of the left forefoot initially treated as cutaneous vasculitis. Further studies revealed the total occlusion of the terminal abdominal aorta by a saddle embolus from a cardiac myxoma. A multidisciplinary team consisting of cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons were involved in treating the patient, which resulted in full resolution of the case. This paper details the progression of acute bilateral limb ischemia to chronic limb threatening ischemia resulting from the total occlusion of the terminal abdominal aorta by a saddle embolus.

Short physical performance battery in aerobic capacity and physical activity evaluation of individuals with peripheral artery disease: An exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) negatively affects functional ability. Persons with PAD experience gait limitation, and changes in mobility, muscle strength, and balance. Assessing individuals with PAD with tests of lower limb performance during activities other than walking may provide information about aerobic capacity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) can discriminate aerobic capacity and level of physical activity in individuals with PAD. METHODS: The SPPB, Incremental Shuttle Walking Test (ISWT), and the Human Activity Profile (HAP) were completed by 42 volunteers with PAD. The sample was stratified into tertiles by the distance walked in the ISWT and the Adjusted Activity Score (AAS) of HAP. One-way analysis of variance with a post-hoc least significant difference was used to compare the SPPB values between tertiles of ISWT and AAS of HAP. P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The mean age was 65 ± 7.7 years, the walking distance was 259.29 ± 115.28 m, and AAS of HAP was 68.36 ± 9.04. There was a significant difference in the total SPPB score and scores for gait speed and sit-to-stand for groups stratified by ISWT and AAS of HAP(p = 0.01). The balance domain was different only for groups stratified into tertiles by AAS of HAP(p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The results of this study have clinical relevance for the evaluation of individuals with PAD at different aerobic and physical activity levels. The SPPB is a viable alternative in the practice of the specialty of vascular nursing and other areas of health to assess patients whose ability to perform walking tests is often limited.

Effects of static stretching and specific warm-up on the repetition performance in upper- and lower-limb exercises in resistance-trained older women.

INTRODUCTION: Preparation methods are often used to improve performance (e.g., number of repetitions) within the resistance training session. However, there is still no consensus in the scientific literature on whether there is a superior preparation method for improving performance, particularly in older adults. METHODS: We compared the effects of preparation by specific warm-up (SW), static stretching (SS), and control condition (CC) on the total number of repetitions in four exercises: leg extension, triceps pushdown, seated leg curl, and preacher curl. Fifty-seven older women (≥ 60 years) performed the experimental protocols (SW and SS) and the CC in a cross-over and counterbalanced design. Following the preparation protocol, the main exercises were performed in two sets until volitional concentric failure, with a two-minute rest interval between sets and 2-3 min between exercises. The main outcome was the total number of repetitions. RESULTS: The SS improved performance compared to the SW and the CC in the leg extension and seated leg curl resistance exercises. In contrast, the SW impaired performance compared to the SS and CC in the triceps pushdown and preacher curl exercises. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that SS may improve performance in lower-limb exercises, while the SW appears to negatively affect performance in upper-limb exercises in resistance-trained older women.

Lower extremity muscle hypertrophy in response to resistance training in older adults: Systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of resistance training (RT) on knee extensor muscle hypertrophy in adults 65 years and older. METHODS: A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus to review randomized controlled trials that assessed the effects of supervised RT on 1) muscle size, 2) fiber area, and 3) leg lean mass (LLM). Random-effects meta-analyses of standardized mean difference (SMD) and raw mean difference (RMD) for LLM were calculated. We performed a meta-regression to examine the interference of age, training volume, and duration on the results related to hypertrophy at muscle and fiber levels. RESULTS: Thirty-two studies were included in the review, and 28 were meta-analyzed. The meta-analysis found a significant effect of RT on muscle size (SMD = 0.34; 95 % CI: 0.16-0.52; p < 0.001) and fiber area (SMD = 0.54; 95 % CI: 0.24-0.84; p < 0.001), but not on LLM (RMD = 0.22; 95 % CI: -0.22-0.66 p = 0.321). A subanalysis of studies that assessed quadriceps femoris size (excluding isolated quadriceps femoris muscles from the analysis) also revealed a significant effect of RT (95 % CI: 0.20-0.69; p < 0.001). Regression analysis indicated a significant influence of intervention duration on type II fiber area (p = 0.034), while no significant influence was detected for weekly sets or age for any outcome measure. CONCLUSIONS: RT promotes muscle hypertrophy in older adults at both whole-muscle and fiber levels, with training duration potentially influencing the response. Measures of leg lean mass may not capture RT-induced adaptation.

Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) for Latin American Spanish-Speaking Patients With Limb Sarcoma: Latin American Spanish TESS Adaptation.

Background and Objectives: This study aims to translate and culturally adapt the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) for Latin American Spanish-speaking patients, enhancing the tool's accessibility for evaluating postsurgical functional outcomes in sarcoma patients across Latin America. Methods: The TESS questionnaires for lower extremity (LE) and upper extremity (UE) were translated and adapted following international guidelines. The process included forward and backward translation, expert committee review, and pretesting with cognitive interviewing. Patients treated for bone or soft tissue tumors in LE or UE were recruited to complete the adapted questionnaires. Test-retest reliability was evaluated by having participants complete the questionnaire again 2 weeks after the initial assessment. Results: A total of 89 participants completed the questionnaires. The study found high internal consistency, with Cronbach's alpha values reaching 0.9437 for LE and 0.9402 for UE. An agreement rate of 98.4% for the global score of TESS-LE (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.909-1.059) and 93.9% for TESS-UE (95% CI: 0.882-0.995) was observed, demonstrating strong test-retest reliability. Conclusions: The Latin American Spanish version of TESS for both lower and upper extremities is a reliable and culturally appropriate tool for assessing physical function in limb sarcoma patients. Further validation across diverse Latin American populations is encouraged to strengthen its broad applicability.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the brazilian version of physical activity scale for individuals with physical disabilities (PASIPD) in people with lower limb amputation.

OBJECTIVE: To perform the translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD) for the Brazilian Portuguese in a sample of people with lower limb amputation. METHODS: This is a methodological study with cross-sectional design. Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the scale were initially carried out in accordance with international guidelines. After its psychometric properties were evaluated, in addition to the presence of floor and ceiling effect, the standard error of measurement and the minimal detectable change. RESULTS: The Brazilian version of PASIPD presented face and content validity and correlated significantly with International Physical Activity Questionnaire (rs: 0.71/p = 0.001). The degree of inter-examiner agreement ranged from 0.29 to 0.75, and the intra-examiner from 0.13 to 0.72. The inter-examiner was 0.71, and the intra-examiner was 0.78. The internal consistency measure (Cronbach's α) was 0.75. No floor or ceiling effect were observed. The standard error of measurement was 0.36 and the minimal detectable change was 1.66. CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian version of PASIPD is valid, reliable and has internal consistency among its items, and can be used by researchers and health professionals to evaluate the physical activity of Brazilians with lower limb amputation.

The influence of balance support base manipulation on the kinematics of lower limbs during single-legged squats in people with patellofemoral pain.

BACKGROUND: Given that people with patellofemoral pain (PFP) exhibit deficits in postural control, certain postural reactions may be associated with movement alterations in this population. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate whether manipulation of the support base for balance maintenance could lead to different patterns of lower limb kinematics in people with PFP during single-legged squats. METHODS: Fourteen participants with PFP and 14 asymptomatic controls were first assessed performing single-legged squats freely, and then while holding a stick to provide stabilization during the task. Center of pressure (CoP) behavior and movements of the hip, knee, ankle in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes were evaluated. RESULTS: For the participants with PFP, the use of support led to a reduction in the magnitude of CoP oscillation compared to free squatting, with effect sizes ranging from small to large, but no significant differences were found for the kinematic variables. No significant differences were observed for CoP or kinematic variables in the comparisons between squat conditions in asymptomatic controls. CONCLUSION: In summary, performing single-legged squats in a more stabilized condition did not influence lower limb movements in people with PFP.

Influence of complexity of the task and the level of physical activity in the association between the muscular function and posture of older adults.

INTRODUCTION: Postural control involves the coordination of muscle synergies of lower limb for the performance of postural strategies. However, the relationship between muscle function and postural control of older adults with different levels of physical activity has not yet been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of muscle function of lower limb on postural control in tasks with disturbance in the visual and somatosensory systems of older adults with different levels of physical activity. METHODS: 61 older adults participated in this study. The assessment of postural control was performed using posturography in tasks with visual and somatosensory systems disturbance. To assess peak torque and mean power of the lower limb, an isokinetic dynamometer was used. A regression test was performed to investigate the association between muscle function and posture. The regression model was adjusted for the level of physical activity. RESULTS: The complexity of the task and level of physical activity influenced the association between muscle function and postural control. The conditions that involved simultaneous disturbance in the visual and somatosensory systems were the ones that showed the greatest combination of associations, regardless of the stance type. CONCLUSION: The ability to produce ankle and hip muscle power seems to be crucial for the postural control of the older adults in tasks that involve reducing the base of support associated with disturbances in the visual and somatosensory system. Physical activity programs for older adults should include strength and power training for the ankle, knee, and hip muscles, with emphasis on hip abductors.

Incidence of lower limb tendinopathy: A 3-year prospective study of a youth elite athletes in a Brazilian sport club.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to investigate lower limb tendinopathy incidence over 3 seasons in Brazilian youth elite athletes. DESIGN: Prospective epidemiological study. METHODS: A prospective study was performed during 2015, 2016 and 2017 seasons, with a total of 1553 Brazilian youth athletes (1.195 male and 358 female) out of 6 sports (volleyball, basketball, judo, gymnastics, tennis and futsal). The mean age was 14.1 (11.2; 17.0) years, mean height was 1.75 (1.55; 1.95) meters and mean body mass was 59.4 (42.0; 76.4) kilograms. The diagnosis of lower limb tendinopathy (LLT) was made by an experienced sports physician based on a detailed history and clinical exam. The incidence of LLT was determined by number of injuries/total exposure hours x 1000. RESULTS: In total, 100 LLT were recorded during the 3 seasons. The most frequent type of LLT was patellar (79%), adductor (12%) and Achilles (9%). The frequency of patellar tendinopathy was higher in male's volleyball, basketball and female volleyball (41%, 25%, 13%, respectively) and the frequency of Achilles tendinopathy was higher in basketball and female volleyball (33%,22%). The LLT incidence was 2.5/1000h in 2015, 4.2/1000h in 2016 and 2.1/1000h in 2017. CONCLUSION: Lower limb tendinopathies are relatively common in youth elite athletes. In 3-season, the most frequent type was patellar tendinopathy. A higher LLT incidence was observed in male volleyball athletes when compared to female volleyball athletes. Basketball athletes presented a higher frequency of patellar, adductor and Achilles tendinopathies in 3-seasons when compared to other sports.

Effect of myofascial release techniques on internal biomechanics and their resultant application to sports: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of myofascial release (MFR) techniques on biomechanical parameters, including force, speed, Range of Motion (ROM), and flexibility in athletes. METHOD: This is a systematic review conducted on the databases United States National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Scopus, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO); LILACS, and Embase. The PRISMA guidelines - 2020 were followed, and bias risk analysis was performed using the Cochrane Handbook tool (RoB2). RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included for qualitative analysis. Techniques using MFR applied or self-applied to improve strength, speed, ROM and flexibility, have no consensus regarding the period of their applicability, due to difficulties in identifying the ideal load of applied tension, temperature level, and viscoelastic properties during the release of the deep fascia. However, improvements in oxygenation, reorganization of piezoelectricity, and normalization of fascial tension became evident after MFR. CONCLUSION: Regarding strength, speed, and range of motion (ROM), instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization performed in isolation and self-applied techniques combined with other methods emerged as favorable predictors for lower limb outcomes. However, isolated self-myofascial release requires further investigation. Regarding flexibility, there is a contrast in results between the use of self-applied foam rolling in isolation, which seems to prevent densification but suggests improvements in muscle strength acquisition without compromising flexibility. Applied MRF provided a more flexible quality for scapular mobilization, both in isolation and in combination with other techniques, but its best indication and/or specific applicability is for pain reduction.

Effect of kinematics on ground reaction force during single-leg jump landing in children: a causal decomposition approach in jumpers and non-jumpers.

Background: The interaction between joint kinematics and kinetics is usually assessed by linear correlation analysis, which does not imply causality. Understanding the causal links between these variables may help develop landing interventions to improve technique and create joint-specific strengthening programs to reduce reaction forces and injury risk. Objective: Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the causal interaction between lower limb sagittal kinematics and vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) during single-leg jump landing in children who are jumpers (volleyball and gymnastics) and non-jumpers, using the causal empirical decomposition method. Our hypothesis is that children who participate in jumping sports, compared to those who do not, employ a different joint strategy to regulate ground reaction forces during landing, particularly at the ankle level. Methods: Two groups were compared: the jumpers group (n = 14) and the non-jumpers (control group, n = 11). The causal interaction between sagittal kinematics and VGRF was assessed using ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and time series instantaneous phase dependence in bi-directional causality. The relative causal strength (RCS) between the time series was quantified as the relative ratio of absolute cause strength between kinematics and VGRF. Results: A significant interaction between joint and group was found for RCS (p = 0.035, η 2 p = 0.14). The post-hoc analysis showed the jumpers group had higher ankle-to-VGRF RCS than the control group (p = 0.017, d = 1.03), while in the control group the hip-to-VGRF RCS was higher than the ankle-to-VGRF RCS (p = 0.004, d = 0.91). Conclusion: Based on the causal decomposition approach, our results indicate that practicing jumping sports increases the causal effect of ankle kinematics on ground reaction forces in children. While non-jumper children rely more on the hip to modulate reaction forces, jumper children differ from non-jumpers by their greater use of the ankle joint. These findings could be used to develop specific training programs to improve landing techniques according to practice level, potentially helping to reduce the risk of injury in both athletes and non-athletes.

Use of infrared thermography in patients undergoing primary amputation due to peripheral arterial obstructive disease.

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is highly prevalent and the final stage of the disease is the Critical Ischemia (CI) of the Lower Limbs (LL), culminating, in most cases, with amputation of the limbs as part of the proposed treatment. Infrared Thermography (IT) is an inexpensive method, painless, without emission of radiation and easy to manage, which aims to determine the temperature of the skin of the limb to be amputated, and could help the surgeon to evaluate the level of the lower limb amputation. OBJECTIVE: To Evaluate Whether IT is a useful method to determine the level of lower limb amputation in patients with PAD and CI. Method: Prospective cohort study performed from April 2023 to November 2023, at the Unit of vascular surgery - Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal (Brasília-DF). It evaluated patients with PAD and CI that were in the preoperative period for lower limb amputation. All Patients Underwent IT evaluation standards protocols. RESULTS: The results showed a wider longitudinal thermal gradient in PAD smoking (S) patients compared to non-smokers. It was also observed that (S) patients with wide thermal gradients were more likely to undergo an above the knee amputation. CONCLUSION: Infrared thermography was a useful method in discriminating thermal differences in patients with PAD and CI could be employed in preoperative evaluation to choose the level of lower limb amputation. Smoking patients with greater longitudinal thermal gradients are more likely to undergo an above the knee amputations.

Correlation between physical activity and anthropometric measurements among children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to measure the association between the level of physical activity and sedentary conditions with anthropometric measurements of children and adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study consisted of a convenience sample of 400 children and adolescents from public schools in Itapevi-SP, Brazil. The Physical Activity Checklist Interview or LAF "Lista de Atividades Físicas" in a Brazilian version, was administered in a face-to-face interview on a school day and allowed assessment of sedentary behavior and physical activity on the previous day. Anthropometric measurements included body weight, sex, age, and lower limb posture. The participants were photographed in the frontal and sagittal planes, and the photos were analyzed using postural assessment software (PAS/SAPO). Pearson's tests were applied to analyze correlations. RESULTS: Children and adolescents show a greater tendency toward valgus knees with increasing body mass (r = ‒0.33). On average, girls have a larger Q angle. Ankles are less likely to become valgus with increasing age and mass (r = ‒0.18 and ‒0.23, respectively). The horizontal alignment of the pelvis is mostly in anteversion with a significant increase with age (r = 0.27) and a slight increase with mass (r = 0.15). The knee and ankle tend to be less hyperextended and more dorsiflexed from the age of 10, with no correlation with the other variables. It was not possible to observe a clear relationship between the time spent in physical activity and sedentary behavior and the postural angles mentioned above. CONCLUSION: Although correlations were found between age, sex and body mass, and postural angles, notably pelvis alignment, Q angle, knee, ankle, sex, and body weight, there was no correlation between the time spent in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and lower limb posture.

Effect of Photobiomodulation on an Experimental Model of Lower Limb Ischemia.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been shown to be promising for the promotion of angiogenesis. The present study investigated the effects of PBM on vascularization in an animal model of peripheral artery disease. Wistar rats were divided into three groups. The control group received no procedures. The ischemia group was submitted to ligation of the femoral artery of the hindleg. The ischemia + PBM group was submitted to ligation of the femoral artery followed by PBM (660 and 808 nm, 100 mW, 4 J) over the site. Animals with ischemia treated with PBM exhibited comparable results to the control group with regards to the diameter of the α-SMA+ vessels, cross-sectional area of muscle fibers, percentage of collagen and serum concentration of IL-17A, as well as similarities in terms of vertical mobility, temperature of the hindleg, number of acts of grooming, and percentage of movement, indicating a condition like that of limbs unaffected by ischemia.

Strengthening the Intrinsic Muscles of the Foot and Its Action on Foot Posture and Self-Reported Function in Individuals With Lower Limb Injuries: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to systematically review the influence of the intrinsic foot musculature on lower limb injuries, with regard to improving foot posture and self-reported function, and to point out the biomechanical effects of strengthening the intrinsic foot musculature. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search using National Library of Medicine (Medline-PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, Pedro, SportDiscus, and Cochrane was undertaken. SELECTION CRITERIA: A literature search was peformed using: Clinical trials of patients with injuries in the lower limbs, and with alterations in the intrinsic musculature of the foot were included and published in the period up to and including April 2023. DATA SYNTHESIS: Data analysis was measured as standardized mean difference and confidence interval was set at 95%. Random effects model was used. RESULTS: A total of 1,051 studies were found, but, after evaluation, only 4 were included in the present study. The effect of intrinsic foot musculature strengthening improved medial longitudinal arch height in studies included in the meta-analysis (P < .00001). CONCLUSION: Based on this systematic review, it is possible to conclude that increasing the strength of intrinsic foot muscles proved to be effective in promoting positive biomechanical changes in the longitudinal arch of the foot of these patients.

Analysis of anticipatory and compensatory postural adjustment in women of different age groups using surface electromyography.

Postural balance is crucial for daily activities, relying on the coordination of sensory systems. Balance impairment, common in the elderly, is a leading cause of mortality in this population. To analyze balance, methods like postural adjustment analysis using electromyography (EMG) have been developed. With age, women tend to experience reduced mobility and greater muscle loss compared to men. However, few studies have focused on postural adjustments in women of different ages using EMG of the lower limbs during laterolateral and anteroposterior movements. This gap could reveal a decrease in muscle activation time with aging, as activation time is vital for postural adjustments. This study aimed to analyze muscle activation times in women of different ages during postural adjustments. Thirty women were divided into two groups: young and older women. A controlled biaxial force platform was used for static and dynamic balance tests while recording lower limb muscle activity using EMG. Data analysis focused on identifying muscle activation points and analyzing postural adjustment times. Results showed significant differences in muscle activation times between the two groups across various muscles and platform tilt conditions. Younger women had longer muscle activation times than older women, particularly during laterolateral platform inclinations. In anteroposterior movements, older women exhibited longer activation times compared to their laterolateral performance, with fewer differences between the groups. Overall, older women had shorter muscle activation times than younger women, suggesting a potential indicator of imbalance and increased fall risk.

Kinetic and kinematic strategies integrating the trunk and lower limbs for a powerful soccer kick in amateur players.

This study investigated the kinematic (KmS) and kinetic (KnS) strategies integrating the trunk and lower limbs to achieve maximal kicking performance. Although strategies consisting of individual joint movements or moments are known, strategies combining joint movements or moments of the trunk and lower limbs have been less studied. Fifty adult amateur soccer players were assessed. Peak joint angles and moments of the trunk, the hip of the supporting limb, the hip and knee of the kicking limb, and the velocities of the foot and ball were recorded. Canonical Correlation Analysis evaluated relationships between sets of variables. A combination of greater hip extension and knee flexion of the kicking limb, as a KmS, correlated with better kick performance (Rc = 0.60, p = 0.004). Furthermore, a combination of larger moments of trunk flexion and rotation, internal rotation of the supporting hip, hip flexion, and knee extension of the kicking limb, as a KnS, were associated with better performance (Rc = 0.74, p < 0.001). The explained variance was 43% for the KmS and 59% for the KnS. In amateur players, the KmS for better kick performance involved greater hip and knee movement of the kicking limb, while the KnS involved greater moments at the trunk and both lower limbs.