RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The association of cognition with hand grip and pinch strength has been well-recognized in older adults. The authors sought to explore: (1) associations among forward head posture (FHP), cognition, and hand grip and pinch strength in older adults; and (2) the mediator role of FHP in these pathways using structural equation modeling (SEM). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 88 older adults (70.5% male; mean age = 68.75±3.87 years). Cognition was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), head posture by the Craniovertebral Angle (CVA) obtained from photographic analysis, hand grip strength by a handheld dynamometer, and pinch strength by a pinch meter. Using the two SEMs, a potential mediator role of the CVA was investigated. While the MMSE was addressed as an independent variable in both models, hand grip and pinch strength were addressed as dependent variables in model 1 and model 2, respectively. RESULTS: The correlations between the CVA and MMSE (r = 0.310), hand grip strength (r = 0.370), and pinch strength (r = 0.274 to 0.292) were statistically significant (p < 0.001). In addition, significant associations were found between the MMSE and hand grip and pinch strength, ranging from 0.307 to 0.380 (p < 0.001). The mediation analysis showed that the standardized total (ß = 0.41, p < 0.001) and indirect (mediated) effects (ß = 0.12, p = 0.008) of the MMSE on hand grip strength were significant in model (1) The results were similar for model (2) The standardized total (ß = 0.39, p = 0.001) and indirect effects (ß = 0.10, p = 0.026) of the MMSE on pinch strength were significant. As a partial mediator in both models, the CVA explained 29% and 26% of the total effect in models 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The CVA was associated with the MMSE, hand grip strength, and pinch strength, and CVA partially mediates the association of the MMSE with grip and pinch strength in older adults, indicating that cognition had an effect on grip and pinch strength through an indirect path via head posture. This finding reveals that evaluating head posture and providing corrective therapeutic interventions as needed may be beneficial in reducing the negative impact of decreased cognition on motor functions in older adults.
Assuntos
Força da Mão , Força de Pinça , Humanos , Masculino , Idoso , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Feminino , Estudos Transversais , Análise de Classes Latentes , Postura , MãosRESUMO
The purpose of the study was to investigate the foot posture, ankle muscle strength, range of motion (ROM), and plantar sensation differences among normal weight, overweight, and obese individuals. One hundred and twenty-three individuals (42 normal weight, 40 overweight, and 41 obese) aged between 18 and 50 years participated in the study. Foot posture, ankle muscle strength, ROM, plantar sensation, and foot-related disabilities were evaluated. The relative muscle strength of left plantar flexors and invertors and light touch sensation of the left heel were significantly lower in obese individuals compared with overweight and normal weight (P < .016) individuals. Obese individuals had significantly reduced relative muscle strength of plantar flexors, dorsiflexor, and invertors, plantar flexion and inversion ROM in the left foot; and light touch sensation of the right heel compared with normal weight (P < .016) individuals. Foot Posture Index scores were significantly higher in obese individuals compared with overweight (P < .016) individuals. There were no significant differences in absolute muscle strength, vibration sensation, and foot-related disability scores among the 3 groups (P > .05). Obesity was found to have adverse effects on ankle muscle strength, ROM, and plantar light touch sensation. Vibration sensation was not affected by body mass index, and foot-related disability was not observed in obese adults.
Assuntos
Pé/fisiologia , Força Muscular , Obesidade/fisiopatologia , Sobrepeso/fisiopatologia , Amplitude de Movimento Articular , Adulto , Tornozelo , Índice de Massa Corporal , Estudos Transversais , Calcanhar , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Postura , SensaçãoRESUMO
CONTEXT: Pes planus is a prevalent chronic condition that causes foot pain, disability, and impaired plantar load distribution. Short-foot exercises are often recommended to strengthen intrinsic foot muscles and to prevent excessive decrease of medial longitudinal arch height. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of short-foot exercises on navicular drop, foot posture, pain, disability, and plantar pressures in pes planus. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study. SETTING: Biomechanics laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 41 participants with pes planus were assigned to the short-foot exercises group (n = 21) or the control group (n = 20). INTERVENTION: Both groups were informed about pes planus, usual foot care, and appropriate footwear. Short-foot exercises group performed the exercises daily for 6 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Navicular drop, Foot Posture Index, foot pain, disability, and plantar pressures were assessed at the baseline and at the end of 6 weeks. RESULTS: Navicular drop, Foot Posture Index, pain, and disability scores were significantly decreased; maximum plantar force of midfoot was significantly increased in short-foot exercises group over 6 weeks (P < .05). No significant differences were determined between the baseline and the sixth week outcomes in control group (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Six-week short-foot exercises provided a reduction in navicular drop, foot pronation, foot pain, and disability and increment in plantar force of medial midfoot in pes planus.
Assuntos
Terapia por Exercício/métodos , Pé Chato/fisiopatologia , Pé Chato/terapia , Pé/fisiologia , Dor/prevenção & controle , Postura , Adolescente , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Força Muscular , Dor/fisiopatologia , Pressão , Pronação , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Although there is considerable evidence that exercise improves the physical and mental health of individuals with schizophrenia, the most useful exercise technique for this population is still the subject of research. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Pilates exercises on functional capacity and mental health in individuals with schizophrenia. METHODS: Twenty-three participants were not randomly assigned to either Pilates exercise group (PEG) or nonspecific exercise group (NSEG). Ten participants from each group completed the study (87% response rate). The PEG participated in a 6-week Pilates exercise training twice per week, while the NSEG participated in a nonspecific activity program. 6-Minute Walk Distance (6-MWD) was assessed for functional capacity. Mental health was evaluated using Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). RESULTS: 6-MWD significantly increased (p = .025), CDSS (p = .023) and BPRS (p = .012) scores significantly decreased in the PEG compared to baseline. Inter-group comparison showed that PEG had significantly better scores than NSEG in terms of the final 6-MWD (p = .005), CDSS (p = .008) and BPRS (p = .008). CONCLUSION: Results showed that Pilates may help improve the functional capacity and mental health of individuals with schizophrenia, but the small sample size and methodological limitations limit the interpretability of this study.
Assuntos
Técnicas de Exercício e de Movimento , Esquizofrenia , Humanos , Projetos Piloto , Esquizofrenia/terapia , Saúde Mental , Técnicas de Exercício e de Movimento/métodos , Terapia por ExercícioRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Performing thoracic manipulations for neck pain can result in immediate improvements in neck function. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of thoracic manipulation on cervical joint position sense and cervical range of motion in individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain. METHODS: Eighty male volunteers between 18-25 years and having chronic or recurrent neck or shoulder pain of at least 3 months duration with or without arm pain were randomized into two groups: Thoracic Manipulation Group (TMG:50) and Control Group (CG:30), with a pretest-posttest experimental design. The TMG was treated with thoracic extension manipulation while the CG received no intervention. Cervical joint position error and cervical range of motion of the individuals were assessed at baseline and 5 minutes later. RESULTS: There was no difference in demographic variables such as age (p= 0.764), Body Mass Index (p= 0.917) and Neck Pain Disability Scale (NPDS) scores (p= 0.436) at baseline outcomes between TMG and CGs. Joint position error outcomes between the two groups following intervention were similar in all directions at 30 and 50 degrees. Differences in range of motion following intervention in neck flexion (p< 0.001) and right rotation (p= 0.004) were higher in TMG compared to CG. CONCLUSIONS: A single session of thoracic manipulation seems to be inefficient on joint position sense in individuals with mild mechanical neck pain. However, thoracic manipulation might be an effective option to increase flexion and rotation of the cervical region as an adjunctive to treatment.
Assuntos
Manipulação da Coluna , Cervicalgia , Vértebras Cervicais , Humanos , Masculino , Cervicalgia/terapia , Medição da Dor , Propriocepção , Amplitude de Movimento Articular , Vértebras Torácicas , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Connective tissue manipulation (CTM) has therapeutic effects on diseases with autonomic imbalance, yet its mechanisms of action are not clearly identified. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate acute autonomic responses to CTM in healthy young women with various physical activity levels. METHOD: The study was designed as a nonrandomized, controlled single-center study. Healthy women aged between 18 and 25 years were assigned to a connective tissue manipulation group (CTMG) (n = 150) or a control group (CG) (n = 60). CTM was applied to the CTMG while the CG did not receive any intervention. Respiratory rate (RR), heart rate, systolic/diastolic blood pressures (SP/DP), oxygen saturation (OS) and body temperature were measured. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form was used to determine physical activity levels. -Results: Analysis revealed significant reduction in SP and DP and an increment in RR in the CTMG (p < 0.05). RR increased and SP decreased among inactive, SP decreased among moderately active, and SP and OS decreased among highly active participants in the CTMG (p < 0.05). There were no significant alterations in the CG (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CTM has an immediate reducing effect on sympathetic activity in healthy young women independently from the physical activity level. Future studies are needed to clarify long-term effects of CTM on autonomic functions in healthy individuals.
Assuntos
Sistema Nervoso Autônomo/fisiologia , Tecido Conjuntivo/fisiologia , Manipulações Musculoesqueléticas/normas , Adolescente , Adulto , Pressão Sanguínea , Temperatura Corporal , Exercício Físico , Feminino , Humanos , Massagem , Oxigênio/sangue , Taxa Respiratória , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adulto JovemRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of regional plantar tactile sensitivity with balance and mobility in community-dwelling older people. METHODS: Fifty-five older adults (39 women and 16 men) mean age 73.5 ± 6.5 years participated in the study. Plantar tactile sensitivity was assessed at nine regions of the foot using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. Balance and mobility of the subjects were evaluated with Berg Balance Scale and Rivermead Mobility Index, respectively. RESULTS: Plantar tactile sensitivity was not significantly correlated with balance and mobility scores. No significant differences were obtained when balance and mobility scores were compared between subjects with and without plantar sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that plantar tactile sensory was not associated with balance and mobility functions in older adults. This result may be related to the protection of other sensory systems supporting the maintenance of balance and mobility functions in physically active community-dwelling older people.
Assuntos
Pé/inervação , Envelhecimento Saudável , Vida Independente , Limitação da Mobilidade , Equilíbrio Postural , Transtornos de Sensação/fisiopatologia , Limiar Sensorial , Fatores Etários , Idoso , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Avaliação Geriátrica , Humanos , Masculino , Fatores de Risco , Transtornos de Sensação/diagnóstico , Transtornos de Sensação/etiologia , Transtornos de Sensação/psicologia , Percepção do Tato , TurquiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this prospective, randomized, controlled study was to determine the effects of kinesio taping in the treatment of patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). METHODS: Thirty-one women with PFPS (mean age: 44.88 years; range: 17 to 50 years) were randomly assigned to either a kinesio taping (KT) (n=15) or control (n=16) group. Both groups received the same muscle strengthening and soft tissue stretching exercises for six weeks and the KT group additionally received kinesio taping at four day intervals for six weeks. Visual analog scale was used to measure pain intensity. Tension of the iliotibial band/tensor fascia lata and hamstring muscles and the mediolateral location of the patella were measured before the treatment and at the end of the third and sixth week. The Anterior Knee Pain Scale / Kujala Scale was used for the analysis of functional performance. RESULTS: Comparing pretreatment and 6th week values, significant improvements were found in pain, soft tissue flexibility and functional performance of both groups (p<0.05). However, patellar shift was unchanged (p>0.05). The KT group had significantly better hamstring flexibility than the control group at the end of three weeks (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The addition of kinesio taping to the conventional exercise program does not improve the results in patients with PFPS, other than a faster improvement in hamstring muscle flexibility.