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International Journal of Clinical... Jul 2024Pancreatic cancer is still a difficult disease to treat, despite recent advances in surgical techniques and chemotherapeutic drugs. Its incidence continues to rise, as... (Review)
Review
Pancreatic cancer is still a difficult disease to treat, despite recent advances in surgical techniques and chemotherapeutic drugs. Its incidence continues to rise, as does the number of older patients. Sarcopenia is defined as a progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. Sarcopenia is present in approximately 40% in patients with pancreatic cancer. Sarcopenia is primarily diagnosed through imaging, and progress is being made in the development of automated methods and artificial intelligence, as well as biomarker research. Sarcopenia has been linked to a poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients. However, some studies suggest that sarcopenia is not always associated with a poor prognosis, depending on the resectability of pancreatic cancer and the nature of treatment, such as surgery or chemotherapy. Recent meta-analyses have found that sarcopenia is not linked to postoperative complications. It is still debated whether there is a link between sarcopenia and drug toxicity during chemotherapy. The relationship between sarcopenia and immunity has been investigated, but the mechanism is still unknown.
PubMed: 38954075
DOI: 10.1007/s10147-024-02576-2 -
International Urogynecology Journal Jul 2024Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance muscle function in healthy individuals. However, it is unknown if tDCS associated with pelvic floor muscle...
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance muscle function in healthy individuals. However, it is unknown if tDCS associated with pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) can improve pelvic floor muscle function (PFMF) in healthy women. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of a single session of tDCS in PFMF compared with sham-tDCS in healthy women.
METHODS
A double-blind, cross-over, randomized clinical trial was conducted with healthy, nulliparous and sexually active women. PFMF was assessed by bidigital palpation (PERFECT scale) and intravaginal pressure by a manometer (Peritron™). Participants randomly underwent two tDCS sessions (active and sham) 7 days apart. The electrode was positioned equal for both protocols, the anode electrode in the supplementary motor area (M1) and the cathode electrode in the right supraorbital frontal cortex (Fp2). The current was applied for 20 min at 2 mA in active stimulation and for 30 s in sham-tDCS. The tDCS applications were associated with verbal instructions to PFMT in a seated position. After each tDCS session PFMF was reevaluated.
RESULTS
Twenty young healthy women (aged 23.4 ± 1.7 years; body mass index 21.7 ± 2.2 kg/m) were included. No difference was observed in power, endurance, and intravaginal pressure of PFMF (p > 0.05). The number of sustained contractions improved from 3.0 (2.0-3.5) to 4.0 (3.0-5.0) after active-tDCS (p = 0.0004) and was superior to sham-tDCS (p = 0.01).
CONCLUSION
The number of sustained contractions of PFM improved immediately after a single active-tDCS session, with a difference compared with the post-intervention result of sham-tDCS in healthy young women.
PubMed: 38953997
DOI: 10.1007/s00192-024-05846-9 -
Journal of Strength and Conditioning... Jul 2024McMahon, G, Best, N, Coulter, T, and Erskine, RM. Increased neuromuscular activation, force output and resistance exercise volume when using 5-minute compared with...
McMahon, G, Best, N, Coulter, T, and Erskine, RM. Increased neuromuscular activation, force output and resistance exercise volume when using 5-minute compared with 2-minute rest intervals between the sets. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-Longer rest intervals between resistance exercise (RE) sets may promote greater muscle hypertrophy and strength gains over time by facilitating the completion of greater training volume and intensity. However, little is known about the acute neuromuscular responses to RE sets incorporating longer vs. shorter rest intervals. Using a within-subject, crossover design, 8 healthy, young subjects completed 2 separate acute bouts of 4 sets of 8 × 3-s maximal isometric contractions using either a 2-minute (REST-2) or 5-minute (REST-5) rest interval between sets. Peak torque (PT) and electromyography (EMG) were measured pre and 5 minutes postexercise. Peak torque and mean torque (MT), EMG, mean, and median frequencies were measured during each set, whereas blood lactate (BLa), heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured following each set. Peak torque and MT were lower (p < 0.05) in sets 3 and 4, and sets 2-4 in REST-2 compared with REST-5, respectively. Electromyography and BL were lower and higher, respectively, in REST-2 vs. REST-5. There was no main effect of condition on HR or RPE. Pre-to-post exercise reductions in PT (-17 ± 9% vs. -4 ± 7%) and EMG (-29 ± 14% vs. -10 ± 7%) were greater (p < 0.001) in REST-2 vs. REST-5. Total exercise volume was less in REST-2 vs. REST-5 (9,748 ± 2296 N·m-1 vs. 11,212 ± 2513 N·m-1, p < 0.001). These results suggest that incorporating 5-minute between-set rest intervals into a resistance exercise session facilitates improved neuromuscular function, increased exercise volume, and less metabolic stress compared with 2-minute rest intervals. Thus, 5-minute rest intervals may be more efficacious for promoting muscle hypertrophy and strength gains in a chronic resistance training program.
PubMed: 38953795
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004832 -
The Journal of Sports Medicine and... Jul 2024To compare the effects of aquatic aerobic and combined training on neuromuscular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Improving the neuromuscular fitness of patients with type 2 diabetes by aquatic exercise training - The Diabetes and Aquatic Training Study (DATS 3): a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
To compare the effects of aquatic aerobic and combined training on neuromuscular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes.
METHODS
Patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to an aerobic aquatic training (AERO), a combined aquatic training (COMBI) or a procedure control (CON) three weekly for 15 weeks. The sessions were 50 minutes long. Maximal strength and muscle endurance were assessed by the 1RM and maximum repetitions at 60% 1RM tests, respectively, in knee extension and elbow flexion exercises. Timed up and go test, testosterone, cortisol and testosterone:cortisol ratio also were evaluated.
RESULTS
Participants had 59.0±8.2 years, 51% women. All groups increased (P<0.001) the maximal knee extension strength (Mean Difference: AERO: 21.1 kg; COMBI: 14.6 kg; CON: 4.4 kg), while only COMBI group increased (P<0.001) the maximal elbow flexion strength (Mean Difference: 2.6 kg). Muscle endurance in both exercises were increased in all groups. The Timed Up and Go test at the usual and maximal speed decreased in all groups. Testosterone were not modified in present study, while cortisol and testosterone:cortisol were improved in COMBI group.
CONCLUSIONS
Aquatic training, especially combined aquatic training, improve the neuromuscular fitness of patients with type 2 diabetes.
PubMed: 38953762
DOI: 10.23736/S0022-4707.24.15918-X -
The Journal of Sports Medicine and... Jul 2024Isometric strength testing is widely applied in sports science. However, we hypothesized that traditional testing procedures with a dual focus on both peak force (PF)...
BACKGROUND
Isometric strength testing is widely applied in sports science. However, we hypothesized that traditional testing procedures with a dual focus on both peak force (PF) and rate of force development (RFD) may compromise the true assessment of early RFD measures and lower the associative value towards vertical jump performance.
METHODS
Therefore, PF and RFD were assessed for 47 active participants (24 females, 23 males) with a traditional isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) protocol ("push as hard and fast as possible" over 4 s) and an RFD-specific protocol ("push as fast as possible" over 2 s). IMTP measures were compared to squat (SJ), countermovement (CMJ) and drop-jump (DJ) performance.
RESULTS
The RFD-specific protocol provided higher RFD (P<0.05) for time domains up to 100 ms but lower PF (P<0.001). Independent of protocol, SJ and CMJ performance displayed significant, but low-to-moderate correlations with all RFD measures (r=0.30-0.52) as well as PF (r=0.44), whereas DJ did not show any correlation.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, an RFD-specific protocol appears relevant for the assessment of RFD in the time domain up to 100 ms. However, the observed associations between RFD/PF measures and vertical jump performance remained low-to-moderate independent of the IMTP test protocol.
PubMed: 38953761
DOI: 10.23736/S0022-4707.24.15672-1 -
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice Jul 2024Whole body vibration (WBV) exercise is a therapy used for individuals with low tolerance to conventional exercises, such as patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary... (Review)
Review
Effects of whole-body vibration exercise on functional capacity, muscle strength, and quality of life in individuals with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Whole body vibration (WBV) exercise is a therapy used for individuals with low tolerance to conventional exercises, such as patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to assess the impact of WBV exercise on the functional capacity, muscle strength, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in severe COPD patients.
METHODS
Studies published until March 2024 were reviewed, encompassing randomized clinical trials (RCTs) without temporal or linguistic constraints, comparing WBV exercise with other interventions. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Airways Trials Register, and CINAHL databases were queried. The Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials 2.0A was employed for quality assessment.
RESULTS
Among 351 screened studies, 7 met the criteria, totaling 356 participants (WBV group, = 182; control group, = 174). Meta-analysis revealed a significant mean difference of 41.36 m [95%CI (13.28-69.44); = .004] in the 6-minute walk test distance favoring the WBV group for functional capacity. Lower limb muscle strength improved in 57.14% of included studies. HRQoL meta-analysis demonstrated a 1.13-point difference [95%CI -1.24-3.51; = .35] favoring WBV, although group differences were not significant. A mean difference of 2.31 points favored the control group in health condition [95%CI (-1.32-5.94); = .021].
CONCLUSION
WBV exercise is recognized as a promising therapeutic modality for severe COPD patients, notably enhancing functional capacity. Although heterogeneous study protocols weaken the evidence for clinically relevant outcomes, improvements in lower limb muscle strength and HRQoL were also observed, differences between groups were not significant.
PubMed: 38953511
DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2024.2374053 -
PeerJ 2024To investigate the effects of 12-week weight-bearing dance aerobics (WBDA) on muscle morphology, strength and functional fitness in older women.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of 12-week weight-bearing dance aerobics (WBDA) on muscle morphology, strength and functional fitness in older women.
METHODS
This controlled study recruited 37 female participants (66.31y ± 3.83) and divided them into intervention and control groups according to willingness. The intervention group received 90-min WBDA thrice a week for 12 weeks, while the control group maintained normal activities. The groups were then compared by measuring muscle thickness, fiber length and pennation angle by ultrasound, muscle strength using an isokinetic multi-joint module and functional fitness, such as 2-min step test, 30-s chair stand, chair sit-and-reach, TUG and single-legged closed-eyed standing test. The morphology, strength, and functional fitness were compared using ANCOVA or Mann-Whitney U test to study the effects of 12 weeks WBDA.
RESULTS
Among all recruited participants, 33 completed all tests. After 12 weeks, the thickness of the vastus intermedius ( = 17.85, < 0.01) and quadriceps ( = 15.62, < 0.01) was significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group, along with a significant increase in the torque/weight of the knee flexor muscles ( = 4.47, = 0.04). Similarly, the intervention group revealed a significant improvement in the single-legged closed-eyed standing test (2.16, = 0.03) compared to the control group.
CONCLUSION
The study concluded that compared to the non-exercising control group, 12-week WBDA was shown to thicken vastus intermedius, increase muscle strength, and improve physical function in older women. In addition, this study provides a reference exercise program for older women.
Topics: Humans; Female; Muscle Strength; Aged; Dancing; Weight-Bearing; Physical Fitness; Lower Extremity; Middle Aged; Muscle, Skeletal; Exercise; Quadriceps Muscle
PubMed: 38952989
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17606 -
Biology of Sport Jul 2024This study aimed to determine, through the use of a highly sensitive statistical tool, whether real changes in performance were present; and compare the rates of...
This study aimed to determine, through the use of a highly sensitive statistical tool, whether real changes in performance were present; and compare the rates of meaningful variations in strength, speed, and power parameters at different time-points during the competitive season in national team rugby players. Thirty-two players were assessed 5 times across the season using the following tests: squat jump and countermovement jump tests; 30-m sprint velocity; and one-repetition maximum (1RM) in the half-squat and bench-press exercises. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted to test for differences between successive time-points. Individual coefficients of variation values were used to set target scores for post-measurements and examine whether changes in performance parameters were greater than the natural test variance, thus providing an indication of whether "true changes" occurred. No significant changes were detected in the vertical jump height, 1RM measures, and sprint velocity and momentum throughout the 11-month period ( > 0.05). True changes occurred much more frequently for strength-power measures than for sprint velocity and momentum. Elite rugby union players did not exhibit significant variations in neuromuscular performance across the competitive period, when a group-based analysis was conducted. However, at the individual level, "true changes" in strength-power-(but not in speed-) related qualities were consistently observed over the competitive season.
PubMed: 38952901
DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2024.135201 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2024The present study aimed to investigate a) the associations between bilateral performance utilizing countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), speed and unilateral CMJ,...
PURPOSE
The present study aimed to investigate a) the associations between bilateral performance utilizing countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), speed and unilateral CMJ, isokinetic peak torque in knee extension and flexion with angular velocities of 60°/s and 180°/s and tensiomyography (TMG) parameters; b) whether the asymmetries derived from unilateral tests are associated with bilateral CMJ, SJ and speed in elite female soccer players.
METHODS
Thirty-five elite female soccer players (average age: 20 ± 5 years) completed CMJ, SJ, speed, isokinetic muscle strength and TMG tests.
RESULTS
Compared to the non-dominant leg, the dominant leg demonstrated greater peak torque output in both knee flexion (7.4%) and knee extension (5.6%) isokinetic tasks, as well as m. vastus medialis contraction time (7.6%), and soccer-specific agility test (4.1%). Conversely, the hamstring to quadriceps peak torque ratio at 180°/s (8.5%) was significantly greater in the non-dominant leg. The associations between CMJ, SJ and speed performance were positive and ranged from weak ( = 0.350) to high ( = 0.710). For speed and TMG-derived variables, correlations were negative and ranged from weak ( = -0.345, = 0.042, for vastus medialis contraction time) to moderate ( = -0.530, = 0.001, for biceps femoris contraction time). Furthermore, both bilateral CMJ and SJ negatively correlated with TMG-derived variables, ranging from weak ( = -0.350, = 0.039, for vastus lateralis contraction time) to moderate ( = -0.537, = 0.003, for rectus femoris contraction time).
CONCLUSION
The overall significant, albeit inconsistent, correlations between the diverse performance scores obtained highlight the necessity for a multifaceted and thorough diagnostic strategy in female soccer players.
PubMed: 38952868
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1298159 -
Journal of Physical Therapy Science Jul 2024[Purpose] This study aimed to determine whether applying electrical stimulation to the deltoid and extensor digitorum muscles could lead to a reduction in fixation force...
[Purpose] This study aimed to determine whether applying electrical stimulation to the deltoid and extensor digitorum muscles could lead to a reduction in fixation force during shoulder joint adduction and grip strength. [Participants and Methods] Fifteen healthy adult males participated in this study. In the shoulder adduction force experiment, the middle fibers of the deltoid muscle of the dominant arm were electrically stimulated. In the grip strength experiment, the extensor digitorum muscle of the dominant arm was electrically stimulated. The forces exerted with and without the electrical stimulation were measured. [Results] The torque of the shoulder adduction force decreased significantly with electrical stimulation, while no significant change was observed in normalized grip strength with electrical stimulation. [Conclusion] The response of antagonist muscles to electrical stimulation varied according to location.
PubMed: 38952462
DOI: 10.1589/jpts.36.378