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Journal of Athletic Training Nov 2023Shoulder muscles are active during front crawl swimming to provide propulsion and stabilize the glenohumeral and scapulothoracic joints. It has been proposed that...
CONTEXT.
Shoulder muscles are active during front crawl swimming to provide propulsion and stabilize the glenohumeral and scapulothoracic joints. It has been proposed that fatigue might contribute to altered activation of these muscles and represent a risk factor for injuries. Tensiomyography (TMG) might represent a non-invasive tool to detect exercise-induced neuromuscular fatigue changes in contractile parameters of the skeletal muscles, and it has never been used in the shoulder muscles in swimmers.
OBJECTIVE.
The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a fatiguing swimming protocol on shoulder muscles TMG parameters and isometric strength in competitive swimmers.
DESIGN.
A cross-sectional study.
SETTING.
A swimming pool facility.
PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS.
Sixteen young front crawl competitive swimmers were invited to participate in the study, and 14 of them (21 y, range 17-26, 11 males 3 females) completed all the assessments before and after a 30-min high-intensity swimming training.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S).
The main outcome included the TMG assessment which was performed on seven muscles of the shoulder according to front crawl biomechanics and applicability of the technique, in order to obtain data such as time to contraction and muscle belly radial displacement (Dm), whereas isometric strength was assessed with a digital dynamometer during shoulder flexion, extension, external rotation and internal rotation.
RESULTS.
Fatigue induced a smaller Dm (-0.5 mm, 95% CI: -0.7 - -0.3, p< 0.001, pη2= 0.692), mostly observable in latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major muscles. Only shoulder extension showed a significant isometric strength reduction after the fatiguing protocol (-0.03 N/kg, 95% CI: -0.05 - -0.01, p= 0.045, pη2= 0.275).
CONCLUSIONS.
This study provides preliminary evidence for the usefulness of TMG to detect fatigue-induced changes in contractile properties of the shoulder muscles in swimmers, in particular the latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major and lower trapezius.
PubMed: 38014804
DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-0265.23 -
Sports (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023The purpose of this study was to investigate the lateral force and contribution of shoulder horizontal adductor and elbow extensor muscles activity during wide- and...
The purpose of this study was to investigate the lateral force and contribution of shoulder horizontal adductor and elbow extensor muscles activity during wide- and narrow-grip bench press (BP) in various conditions, such as resistance-trained/non-trained, concentric/eccentric, and muscle fatigue/non-fatigue. We measured the lateral force on the bar and the electromyographic (EMG) muscle activity of pectoralis major (PM) and triceps brachii (TB) during 10 RM BP with wide grip (81 cm) and narrow grip (40 cm) in seven resistance-trained men and seven non-trained men. The all-reps average of the lateral-to-vertical force ratio both in resistance-trained and non-trained subjects was about 30% outward for the wide grip and about 10% inward for the narrow grip. The EMG contribution ratio PM/TB shows no significant differences between narrow and wide grip in all evaluated conditions except in non-trained subjects' muscle fatigue eccentric phase. Both resistance-trained and non-trained subjects did not push the bar straight upward, and the EMG PM/TB was almost unchanged by hand width. The direction adjustment of the force on the bar that achieves almost the same muscle activity degree of the shoulder and elbow joints might be optimal BP kinetics.
PubMed: 37624134
DOI: 10.3390/sports11080154 -
Exploring the nexus between fatigue, body composition, and muscle strength in hemodialysis patients.European Journal of Medical Research May 2024Fatigue is a relatively prevalent condition among hemodialysis patients, resulting in diminished health-related quality of life and decreased survival rates. The purpose...
BACKGROUND
Fatigue is a relatively prevalent condition among hemodialysis patients, resulting in diminished health-related quality of life and decreased survival rates. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between fatigue and body composition in hemodialysis patients.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study included 92 patients in total. Fatigue was measured by Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue (FACIT-F) (cut-off ≤ 34). Body composition was measured based on quantitative computed tomography (QCT), parameters including skeletal muscle index (SMI), intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), and bone mineral density (BMD). Handgrip strength was also collected. To explore the relationship between fatigue and body composition parameters, we conducted correlation analyses and binary logistic regression.
RESULTS
The prevalence of fatigue was 37% (n = 34), abnormal bone density was 43.4% (n = 40). There was a positive correlation between handgrip strength and FACIT-F score (r = 0.448, p < 0.001). Age (r = - 0.411, p < 0.001), IMAT % (r = - 0.424, p < 0.001), negatively associated with FACIT-F score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis shows that older age, lower serum phosphorus, higher IMAT% are associated with a high risk of fatigue.
CONCLUSION
The significantly increased incidence and degree of fatigue in hemodialysis patients is associated with more intermuscular adipose tissue in paraspinal muscle.
Topics: Humans; Renal Dialysis; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Body Composition; Fatigue; Cross-Sectional Studies; Muscle Strength; Aged; Hand Strength; Bone Density; Adult; Muscle, Skeletal; Kidney Failure, Chronic
PubMed: 38698469
DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01852-1 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023Muscle fatigue is defined as a reduced ability to maintain maximal strength during voluntary contraction. It is associated with musculoskeletal disorders that affect...
Muscle fatigue is defined as a reduced ability to maintain maximal strength during voluntary contraction. It is associated with musculoskeletal disorders that affect workers performing repetitive activities, affecting their performance and well-being. Although electromyography remains the gold standard for measuring muscle fatigue, its limitations in long-term work motivate the use of wearable devices. This article proposes a computational model for estimating muscle fatigue using wearable and non-invasive devices, such as Optical Fiber Sensors (OFSs) and Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) along the subjective Borg scale. Electromyography (EMG) sensors are used to observe their importance in estimating muscle fatigue and comparing performance in different sensor combinations. This study involves 30 subjects performing a repetitive lifting activity with their dominant arm until reaching muscle fatigue. Muscle activity, elbow angles, and angular and linear velocities, among others, are measured to extract multiple features. Different machine learning algorithms obtain a model that estimates three fatigue states (low, moderate and high). Results showed that between the machine learning classifiers, the LightGBM presented an accuracy of 96.2% in the classification task using all of the sensors with 33 features and 95.4% using only OFS and IMU sensors with 13 features. This demonstrates that elbow angles, wrist velocities, acceleration variations, and compensatory neck movements are essential for estimating muscle fatigue. In conclusion, the resulting model can be used to estimate fatigue during heavy lifting in work environments, having the potential to monitor and prevent muscle fatigue during long working shifts.
Topics: Humans; Upper Extremity; Electromyography; Elbow; Muscle Fatigue; Wearable Electronic Devices; Biomechanical Phenomena
PubMed: 38005677
DOI: 10.3390/s23229291 -
Cancers Dec 2023International guidelines have already highlighted the beneficial effects of exercise in common cancer entities. However, specific recommendations for pancreatic cancer... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
International guidelines have already highlighted the beneficial effects of exercise in common cancer entities. However, specific recommendations for pancreatic cancer are still missing. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the impact of exercise training on patient-specific outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients.
METHODS
A literature search was undertaken using PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before August 2023 with structured exercise interventions during or after pancreatic cancer treatment.
RESULTS
Seven articles that prescribed home-based or supervised exercise with aerobic or resistance training or both were reviewed. The results indicate that exercise is feasible and safe in pancreatic cancer patients. Furthermore, exercise was associated with improved quality of life, cancer-related fatigue, and muscle strength. Concerning other outcomes, heterogeneous results were reported. We identified a lack of evidence, particularly for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
CONCLUSION
Exercise interventions in pancreatic cancer patients are feasible and can lead to improved quality of life, cancer-related fatigue, and muscle strength. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to clarify the potential of exercise in pancreatic cancer, in particular for advanced stages.
PubMed: 38136443
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245899 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2023This study explores the development and validation of a low-cost electromyography (EMG) device for monitoring muscle activity and muscle fatigue by monitoring the key...
This study explores the development and validation of a low-cost electromyography (EMG) device for monitoring muscle activity and muscle fatigue by monitoring the key features in EMG time and frequency domains. The device consists of a Raspberry Pico microcontroller interfacing a Myoware EMG module. The experiment involved 34 volunteers (14 women, 20 men) who performed isometric and isotonic contractions using a hand dynamometer. The low-cost EMG device was compared to a research-grade EMG device, recording EMG signals simultaneously. Key features including root mean square (RMS), median power frequency (MDF), and mean power frequency (MNF) were extracted to evaluate muscle fatigue. During isometric contraction, a strong congruence between the two devices, with similar readings and behavior of the extracted features, was observed, and the Wilcoxon signed rank test confirmed no significant difference in the ability to detect muscle fatigue between the devices. For isotonic contractions, the low-cost device demonstrated behavior similar to the professional EMG device in 70.58% of cases, despite some susceptibility to noise and movement. This suggests the potential viability of the low-cost EMG device as a portable tool for assessing muscle fatigue, enabling accessible and cost-effective management of muscle health in various work scenarios.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Electromyography; Muscle, Skeletal; Muscle Fatigue; Isometric Contraction; Movement; Muscle Contraction
PubMed: 37765930
DOI: 10.3390/s23187873 -
PloS One 2023The aims of this study were to: (i) analyse the within-microcycle variations in professional soccer players; (ii) analyse the relationships between wellness and training...
The aims of this study were to: (i) analyse the within-microcycle variations in professional soccer players; (ii) analyse the relationships between wellness and training and match load demands; (iii) analyse the relationships between match-day (MD) demands and wellness during the following day (MD+1); and (iv) analyse the relationships between MD and wellness during the day before match-play (MD-1). Thirteen professional soccer players (age: 24.85±3.13 years) were monitored daily over 16-weeks for wellness and training and match-play intensity. The daily wellness measures included fatigue, quality of sleep, muscle soreness, mood and stress using a 1-5 scale. Internal intensity was subjectively measured daily using the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and the multiplication of RPE by session duration (s-RPE). While external intensity was quantified utilising high-speed running, sprinting, and acceleration and deceleration metrics. Data was analysed from each training session before (i.e., MD-5) or after the match (i.e., MD+1). Repeated measures ANOVA or Friedman ANOVA was used to analyse the aims (i) where Spearman correlation was applied to analyse the relationships between the aims (ii) and (iii) between sleep quality and training intensity. The main results for aim (i) showed that MD+1 presented the lowest values for wellness variables (p < 0.05). While MD-1 presented the lowest internal and external load values (for all variables), with MD presenting the highest values (p < 0.05). Regarding aim (ii), the main result showed significant large negative correlations between fatigue and s-RPE (r = -0.593; p = 0.033). Considering aim (iii), significant small to very large negative correlations were found for sleep quality, fatigue and muscle soreness with all internal and external variables (p < 0.05). Lastly, the main results for aim (iv) showed large negative correlations for fatigue and session duration; fatigue and s-RPE; muscle soreness and session duration; muscle soreness and s-RPE; and muscle soreness and decelerations (p < 0.05, for all). The main conclusions were that MD had an influence on wellness and internal and external training intensity, notably MD-1 and MD+1 were most affected. In this regard, a tendency of higher internal and external intensity on MD was associated with lower wellness measures of sleep quality, muscle soreness and fatigue on MD+1.
Topics: Humans; Male; Young Adult; Adult; Soccer; Physical Exertion; Myalgia; Health Status; Physical Conditioning, Human; Perception; Fatigue
PubMed: 37523395
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289374 -
Molecular Oncology Dec 2023Most patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) are not cured with platinum chemotherapy. Up-regulation of nuclear factor kappa light-chain enhancer of...
Most patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) are not cured with platinum chemotherapy. Up-regulation of nuclear factor kappa light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) is a major mechanism underlying chemoresistance, suggesting that its pharmacological inhibition may increase platinum efficacy. NF-κB signaling was investigated in two patient cohorts. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used to correlate NF-κB signaling and patient survival. The efficacy of cisplatin plus the NF-κB inhibitor dimethylaminoparthenolide (DMAPT) versus cisplatin or DMAPT alone was tested in vitro. Xenografted and immunocompetent MIBC mouse models were studied in vivo. Platinum-naive claudin-low MIBC showed constitutive NF-κB signaling and this was associated with reduced disease-specific survival in TCGA patients. Chemotherapy up-regulated NF-κB signaling and chemoresistance-associated genes, including SPHK1, PLAUR, and SERPINE1. In mice, DMAPT significantly improved the efficacy of cisplatin in both models. The combination preserved body weight, renal function, and morphology, reduced muscle fatigue and IL-6 serum levels, and did not aggravate immuno-hematological toxicity compared with cisplatin alone. These data provide a rationale for combining NF-κB inhibition with platinum-based chemotherapy and conducting a clinical trial in MIBC patients.
Topics: Humans; Mice; Animals; NF-kappa B; Cisplatin; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Muscles; Antineoplastic Agents
PubMed: 37533407
DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13504 -
Scientific Reports Sep 2023During fatiguing piano tasks, muscle fatigue develops differently between expert pianists. Differences in neuromotor strategies employed could explain a slower rate of...
During fatiguing piano tasks, muscle fatigue develops differently between expert pianists. Differences in neuromotor strategies employed could explain a slower rate of fatigue development. The objective was to compare muscle activation and kinematic variabilities between ShortDuration (i.e., pianists with less endurance) and LongDuration groups. Results from 49 pianists showed that EMG activation variability of most shoulder and upper limbs muscles was greater for the ShortDuration group with time during two piano fatiguing tasks, namely Digital and Chord tasks. Segment acceleration variability, assessed using inertial measurement units, was also greater with time for the ShortDuration group at the right arm during the Digital task, and at the thorax and head during the Chord task. Finally, thorax lateroflexion variability increased with time for the LongDuration group (but not the ShortDuration group) during the Digital task. During the Chord task, wrist flexion variability was higher for the LongDuration group compared to the ShortDuration group. These results showed a direct effect of time on the pianists' acceleration variability and EMG activation variability. In contrast, a protective effect of fatigue development could be attributed to kinematic variability. Results also suggest a higher risk of injury among pianists in the ShortDuration group.
Topics: Upper Extremity; Wrist; Acceleration; Muscle Fatigue; Muscles
PubMed: 37704661
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42408-3 -
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living 2023Soccer is considered a multifaceted collective sport, and to reach an elevated level, players must have moderate to high power, good agility, joint flexibility and...
INTRODUCTION
Soccer is considered a multifaceted collective sport, and to reach an elevated level, players must have moderate to high power, good agility, joint flexibility and muscle development. Also, players must be able to generate high torques during fast movements, which implies the development of different capacities, understood as multifactorial preparation. The objective was to analyse the effects of training (aerobic and continuous) on the leg power, fatigue levels, speed, agility, body fat, muscle mass and bone mass of these players.
METHODS
Seventy-two soccer players, male and under 17, from 4 teams participated. The teams performed 3 times a week training sessions of about 60-90 min each. Informed consent requests were given to their parents for authorisation to participate in this investigation. Data was collected in two different time points, about ten months apart. Specific tests were performed for each variable: the vertical jump with Bosco System for leg power, the -Test for agility, the linear sprint test for speed and the RAST test for fatigue levels. A precision Tanita scale was used for the anthropometric tests such as body fat, muscle mass and bone mass. Statistical procedures were applied through the Wilcoxon test to compare the two time points of evaluation.
RESULTS
Improvements were found between evaluations regarding the level of anthropometric and physical fitness variables.
CONCLUSIONS
The implemented training improved all the analysed variables with significant statistical values for leg power, speed, bone mass, muscle mass and fat mass.
PubMed: 38090045
DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1284411