-
The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics May 2024Due to their relationship with clinical progression, follow-up of exercise capacity and muscle strength is important for optimal disease management in patients who have...
BACKGROUND
Due to their relationship with clinical progression, follow-up of exercise capacity and muscle strength is important for optimal disease management in patients who have undergone the Fontan procedure. We aimed to retrospectively analyze exercise capacity and muscle strength trajectory over approximately 2 years.
METHODS
Exercise capacity was assessed using an exercise stress test with the modified Bruce protocol on a treadmill, hand grip and knee extensor strength using a hand dynamometer, and body composition using a bioelectrical impedance device. Exercise capacity, muscle strength, and body composition follow-up data recorded between 2020 and 2022 were compared.
RESULTS
Fifteen patients [median age from 17 (first assessment) to 18 years (last assessment), 5 females)] with a 20-month median follow-up time were analyzed retrospectively. There was an increase in weight, height, body mass index, and body fat weight (p<0.05). There was a tendency for increased handgrip strength (%) (p=0.069), but no significant difference was observed in the knee extensor strength of patients during the follow-up period (p>0.05). The changes in heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation were higher in the last test than in the first test (p<0.05). Maximum HR (HRmax), % predicted HRmax and HR reserve recorded during the test and HR 1 minute after the test were similar between the first and last tests (p>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
After 20 months of follow-up, exercise capacity and muscle strength did not decline; instead, the body mass index and fat weight increased. Patients who have undergone the Fontan procedure may not be experiencing a decline in exercise capacity and muscle strength over relatively short time periods during childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood.
Topics: Humans; Fontan Procedure; Female; Male; Retrospective Studies; Muscle Strength; Adolescent; Follow-Up Studies; Exercise Tolerance; Exercise Test; Hand Strength; Body Composition
PubMed: 38814303
DOI: 10.24953/turkjpediatr.2024.4570 -
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 2024Age-related motor impairments often cause caregiver dependency or even hospitalization. However, comprehensive investigations of the different motor abilities and the...
Age-related motor impairments often cause caregiver dependency or even hospitalization. However, comprehensive investigations of the different motor abilities and the changes thereof across the adult lifespan remain sparse. We, therefore, extensively assessed essential basic and complex motor functions in 444 healthy adults covering a wide age range (range 21 to 88 years). Basic motor functions, here defined as simple isolated single or repetitive movements in one direction, were assessed by means of maximum grip strength (GS) and maximum finger-tapping frequency (FTF). Complex motor functions, comprising composite sequential movements involving both proximal and distal joints/muscle groups, were evaluated with the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTT), and the Purdue Pegboard Test. Men achieved higher scores than women concerning GS and FTF, whereas women stacked more pins per time than men during the Purdue Pegboard Test. There was no significant sex effect regarding JTT. We observed a significant but task-specific reduction of basic and complex motor performance scores across the adult lifespan. Linear regression analyses significantly predicted the participants' ages based on motor performance scores ( = 0.502). Of note, the ratio between the left- and right-hand performance remained stable across ages for all tests. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed three across all tests that represented dexterity, force, and speed. These components were consistently present in young (21-40 years), middle-aged (41-60 years), and older (61-88 years) adults, as well as in women and men. Based on the three , -means clustering analysis differentiated high- and low-performing participants across the adult life span. The rich motor data set of 444 healthy participants revealed age- and sex-dependent changes in essential basic and complex motor functions. Notably, the comprehensive assessment allowed for generating robust across the adult lifespan. Our data may serve as a reference for future studies of healthy subjects and patients with motor deficits. Moreover, these findings emphasize the importance of comprehensively assessing different motor functions, including dexterity, force, and speed, to characterize human motor abilities and their age-related decline.
PubMed: 38813530
DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1368052 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology May 2024The diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease only on the basis of laboratory parameter score such...
The diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease only on the basis of laboratory parameter score such as Hepatic Steatosis Index which includes liver enzymes, gender, basal metabolic index, and presence of diabetic mellitus is not sufficient to exclude other causes of deranged liver enzymes especially medications and autoimmune related liver diseases. As the guideline suggests ultrasound is the preferred first-line diagnostic procedure for imaging of NAFLD, as it provides additional diagnostic information and the combination of biomarkers/scores and transient elastography might confer additional diagnostic accuracy and evident from previous similar studies too.
Topics: Humans; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Elasticity Imaging Techniques; Biomarkers; Muscle Strength; Liver; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 38813051
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i17.2371 -
Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences 2023Children with cerebral palsy (CP), even those who have very mild impairment, have lower muscle strength than their typically developing peers. The ankle dorsiflexors... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND/AIM
Children with cerebral palsy (CP), even those who have very mild impairment, have lower muscle strength than their typically developing peers. The ankle dorsiflexors (DFs) and plantarflexors (PFs) of children with CP are especially weak. Weakness in the ankle muscles causes problems in functional skills, mobility, and balance in spastic CP (SCP). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of progressive functional exercises (PFEs) on the DF, PF, or dorsi-plantar flexor (DPF) muscles in children with SCP, specifically, the functional mobility, balance, and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), and compare the effects of strengthening these muscles individually or combined.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This randomized trial was conducted between December 1st, 2018, and May 15th, 2019, at Gazi University, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. Randomly assigned into groups were 27 independently ambulant patients with unilateral/bilateral SCP, where PFEs were applied to the DF, PF, or DPF muscles. Muscle tone, balance, and functional mobility were assessed. The MVC was evaluated by surface electromyography. PFEs were performed 4 times a week, for 6 weeks.
RESULTS
The spasticity of the PF muscles decreased in all of the groups. PFE of the DF muscles led to an increase in ankle joint range of motion (ROM) and improved functional mobility (p < 0.05). PFE of the PF muscles resulted in improvements in balance and functional mobility (p < 0.05). PFE of the DPF muscles brought about improvements in balance but not in functional mobility (p < 0.05). No significant difference in the MVC was observed in any of the groups (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Gains are obtained according to the function of a muscle group. By training the DF muscles, it is possible to improve function and ROM. Furthermore, training the PF muscles led to improvements in balance and functional mobility, indicating that it is possible to bring about positive changes in spastic muscles. This study showed that muscle groups must be exercised according to the intended goal.
Topics: Humans; Cerebral Palsy; Male; Female; Child; Exercise Therapy; Muscle Spasticity; Muscle, Skeletal; Ankle Joint; Range of Motion, Articular; Ankle; Electromyography; Muscle Strength; Adolescent
PubMed: 38812998
DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5682 -
Sports Medicine International Open 2024Mean propulsive velocity (MPV) has been associated with neuromuscular fatigue; however, its suitability for strength training in Paralympic powerlifting (PP) remains...
Mean propulsive velocity (MPV) has been associated with neuromuscular fatigue; however, its suitability for strength training in Paralympic powerlifting (PP) remains uncertain. The objective of this work was to evaluate the MPV in two training methods (traditional-TRAD and eccentric-ECC). Eleven PP athletes were evaluated pre, during the intervention and post intervention at a load of 80% of the 1RM for TRAD and 110%-80% of 1 RM for ECC. The results demonstrated that there was no significant neuromuscular fatigue for the TRAD (~5% performance loss), as well as no significant decline in MPV during the intervention. For the ECC, there is a significant reduction in MPV before and after training (~12% loss of performance). A difference between TRAD and ECC after the intervention was also identified (0.87 m/s±0.22, 95% CI 0.72-1.02 vs. 0.72±0.20, 95% CI 0.59-0.86 p=0.042, F(3.30)=10.190, η2p=0.505 - very high effect). During the intervention for ECC, no significant decline in MPV was observed. The results of this study suggest that the mechanical indices of MPV do not seem to be effective indicators of neuromuscular fatigue in the sample studied or in the context of this specific training regime, being more indicated as a control of training volume.
PubMed: 38812958
DOI: 10.1055/a-2207-7922 -
Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences 2024Although high muscle strength worsens the sense of force, it is unknown whether there is a relationship between this deterioration and the underlying molecular...
BACKGROUND/AIM
Although high muscle strength worsens the sense of force, it is unknown whether there is a relationship between this deterioration and the underlying molecular mechanisms. This study examined the relationship between decreased force sense (FS) acuity and strength-related gene expressions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and FS (50% MVIC) tests were performed on the knee joints of twenty-two subjects. The expression analyses were evaluated by qRT-PCR in blood samples taken before, after MVIC, after 50% MVIC, and 15 min after the test.
RESULTS
MVIC and FS error values were significantly correlated with each other (r = .659, p = .001). The qRT-PCR analyses demonstrated that the expressed mRNAs of the interleukin 6 (IL-6), alpha-actinin 3 (ACTN3), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor (CNTFR) genes dramatically increased until 50% MVIC and subsequently decreased 15 min after the exercise (p < .05). The muscle-specific creatine kinase (CKMM), myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), and G-protein β3 subunit (GNB3) genes reached their peak expression levels 30 min after MVIC (p < .05). ACE and ACTN3 gene expression increased significantly in parallel with the increased FS error (p < .05). These gene expression fluctuations observed at 50% MVIC and after the rest could be related to changes in cellular metabolism leading to fatigue.
CONCLUSION
The time points of gene expression levels during exercise need to be considered. The force acuity of those whose maximal force develops too much may deteriorate.
Topics: Humans; Male; Muscle Strength; Isometric Contraction; Adult; Young Adult; Gene Expression; Muscle, Skeletal; Interleukin-6; Female; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Actinin; Knee Joint
PubMed: 38812641
DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5775 -
Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences 2024The treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) does not cure the disease, but it is intended to reduce the intensity, duration, and frequency of symptoms. Rehabilitation... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND/AIM
The treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) does not cure the disease, but it is intended to reduce the intensity, duration, and frequency of symptoms. Rehabilitation therapy (RT), including an individualized physical therapy program (PTP) and adapted occupational therapy (OT), has benefits in terms of aerobic capacity, muscle strength, coordination, and ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL). The primary objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of RT comprising PTP, OT, and drug treatment (DT) versus DT alone in patients with MS. Another objective was to highlight the importance of continuing the PT and OT at home, in the long term, practically for their entire life.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Between 2020 and 2022, a follow-up observational study was conducted that included 77 patients diagnosed with MS, independent in terms of ability to perform ADL, divided into two groups: group A (39 patients who complied with the RT) and group B (38 patients who did not comply). At the beginning and end of the study, the following parameters were assessed: timed walk for 25 feet [Timed 25-Foot Walk test (T25FW test)], dexterity of the upper limbs [9-Hole Peg Test (9HPT)], and cognitive function [Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT)].
RESULTS
Significant improvement in the experimental group was observed regarding the mobility and the performance of leg function (T25FW, p < 0.05) and finger dexterity (9HPT, p < 0.05) for the dominant hand.
CONCLUSION
The current study proves the importance of combining DT with RT in MS therapy with clear benefits in regaining muscle strength in the lower limbs, thus improving coordination and balance while walking and improving dexterity in the dominant hand.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Multiple Sclerosis; Adult; Middle Aged; Activities of Daily Living; Physical Therapy Modalities; Occupational Therapy; Follow-Up Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38812628
DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5776 -
Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences 2024Isokinetic strength assessment of the rotator cuff muscle is frequently applied in a variety of shoulder postures, but none of these consider muscular architecture,...
BACKGROUND/AIM
Isokinetic strength assessment of the rotator cuff muscle is frequently applied in a variety of shoulder postures, but none of these consider muscular architecture, which is one of the most important aspects of improving strength development. This study aimed to examine the test and retest reliability and validity of the muscle architecture-based position (MABP), which is 25° abduction and 20° external rotation, in healthy subjects to be able to select a better isokinetic assessment position for shoulder rotator cuff muscles.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 54 healthy males with a mean age of 21.0 ± 1.2 years and mean body mass index of 22.8 ± 1.7 kg/m completed an isokinetic measurement session. All of the tests were performed on an IsoMed 2000 isokinetic dynamometer concentrically and eccentrically for both upper limbs at 60°/s angular velocity. All of the participants completed 3 measurement sessions: the first represented the isokinetic testing and was performed in the scapular neutral position (SNP) (45° shoulder flexion and abduction), the second represented the MABP (25° abduction and 20° ER) for shoulder rotator cuff muscles, and the third represented the test and retest of the MABP.
RESULTS
The correlations between the 2 techniques for assessing concurrent validity ranged from 0.908 to 0.994. The values obtained from the MABP were higher than those obtained in the SNP. There was no systematic bias for any measurements between the MABP and the retest of the MABP (p > 0.05). The intraclass correlation coefficients representing the test and retest reliability results for each variable measured with the MABP was higher than 0.98 and this value was considered as excellent reliability.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the MABP can be used to assess the isokinetic strength of the rotator cuff muscles safely and confidently, with increased quantities of force being released and measurement at optimal muscle tension.
Topics: Humans; Male; Rotator Cuff; Reproducibility of Results; Muscle Strength; Young Adult; Muscle Strength Dynamometer; Range of Motion, Articular; Adult; Healthy Volunteers; Posture
PubMed: 38812618
DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5774 -
BMC Sports Science, Medicine &... May 2024The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 10 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and HIIT combined with circuit resistance training (HCRT) on...
Effects of HIIT training and HIIT combined with circuit resistance training on measures of physical fitness, miRNA expression, and metabolic risk factors in overweight/obese middle-aged women.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 10 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and HIIT combined with circuit resistance training (HCRT) on selected measures of physical fitness, the expression of miR-9, -15a, -34a, -145, and - 155 as well as metabolic risk factors including lipid profiles and insulin resistance in middle-aged overweight/obese women.
METHODS
Twenty-seven overweight/obese women aged 35-50 yrs. were randomized to HIIT (n = 14) or HCRT (n = 13) groups. The HIIT group performed running exercises (5 reps x 4 min per session) with active recovery between repetitions for 10 weeks with 5 weekly sessions. The HCRT group performed 10 weeks of HIIT and resistance training with 3 weekly HIIT sessions and 2 weekly HCRT sessions. Anthropometric measures (e.g., body mass), selected components of physical fitness (cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength), levels of miRNAs (miR-9, -15a, -34a, -145, and - 155), lipid profiles (total cholesterol; TC, Triglycerides; TG, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL-C and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; HDL-C), and insulin resistance; HOMA-IR index, were measured at baseline and week 10.
RESULTS
An ANOVA analysis indicated no significant group by time interactions (p > 0.05) for all anthropometric measures, and maximum oxygen consumption (VO). A significant group by time interaction, however, was found for the one-repetition maximum (IRM; p < 0.001, ES= 0.751 , moderate). A post-hoc test indicated an increase in the pre-to-post mean 1RM for HCRT (p = 0.001, ES = 1.83, large). There was a significant group by time interaction for miR-155 (p = 0.05, ES = 0.014, trivial). Levels for miR-155 underwent pre-to-post HIIT increases (p = 0.045, ES = 1.232, large). Moreover, there were also significant group by time interactions for TC (p = 0.035, ES = 0.187, trivial), TG (p < 0.001, ES = 0.586, small), LDL-C (p = 0.029, ES = 0.200, small) and HDL-C (p = 0.009, ES = 0.273, small). Post-hoc tests indicated pre-post HCRT decreases for TC (p = 0.001, ES = 1.44, large) and HDL-C (p = 0.001, ES = 1.407, large). HIIT caused pre-to-post decreases in TG (p = 0.001, ES = 0.599, small), and LDL-C (p = 0.001, ES = 0.926, moderate).
CONCLUSIONS
Both training regimes did not improve cardiovascular fitness. But, HCRT improved lower/upper limb muscle strength, and HIIT resulted in an increase in miR-155 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Furthermore, HIIT and HCRT each improved selected metabolic risk factors including lipid profiles and glucose and insulin metabolism in overweight/obese middle-aged women.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
OSF, October, 4th 2023. Registration DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/UZ92E . osf.io/tc5ky . "Retrospectively registered".
PubMed: 38812051
DOI: 10.1186/s13102-024-00904-7 -
BMC Psychiatry May 2024Motor alterations and lowered physical activity are common in affective disorders. Previous research has indicated a link between depressive symptoms and declining... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
The association between maximal muscle strength, disease severity and psychopharmacotherapy among young to middle-aged inpatients with affective disorders - a prospective pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Motor alterations and lowered physical activity are common in affective disorders. Previous research has indicated a link between depressive symptoms and declining muscle strength primarily focusing on the elderly but not younger individuals. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between mood and muscle strength in a sample of N = 73 young to middle-aged hospitalized patients (18-49 years, mean age 30.7 years) diagnosed with major depressive, bipolar and schizoaffective disorder, with a focus on moderating effects of psychopharmacotherapy. The study was carried out as a prospective observational study at a German psychiatric university hospital between September 2021 and March 2022.
METHODS
Employing a standardized strength circuit consisting of computerized strength training devices, we measured the maximal muscle strength (F) using three repetitions maximum across four muscle regions (abdomen, arm, back, leg) at three time points (t-t) over four weeks accompanied by psychometric testing (MADRS, BPRS, YRMS) and blood lipid profiling in a clinical setting. For analysis of psychopharmacotherapy, medication was split into activating (AM) and inhibiting (IM) medication and dosages were normalized by the respective WHO defined daily dose.
RESULTS
While we observed a significant decrease of the MADRS score and increase of the relative total F (rTF) in the first two weeks (t-t) but not later (both p < .001), we did not reveal a significant bivariate correlation between disease severity (MADRS) and muscle strength (rTF) at any of the timepoints. Individuals with longer disease history displayed reduced rTF (p = .048). IM was significantly associated with decreased rTF (p = .032). Regression models provide a more substantial effect of gender, age, and IM on muscle strength than the depressive episode itself (p < .001).
CONCLUSIONS
The results of the study indicate that disease severity and muscle strength are not associated in young to middle-aged inpatients with affective disorders using a strength circuit as observational measurement. Future research will be needed to differentiate the effect of medication, gender, and age on muscle strength and to develop interventions for prevention of muscle weakness, especially in younger patients with chronic affective illnesses.
Topics: Humans; Muscle Strength; Male; Pilot Projects; Adult; Female; Prospective Studies; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Adolescent; Inpatients; Bipolar Disorder; Depressive Disorder, Major; Psychotic Disorders; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 38811916
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05849-2