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Disability and Rehabilitation Sep 2016This systematic literature review aimed at examining the validity and applicability in everyday clinical rehabilitation practise of methods for the assessment of back... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
This systematic literature review aimed at examining the validity and applicability in everyday clinical rehabilitation practise of methods for the assessment of back muscle fatiguability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP).
METHODS
Extensive research was performed in MEDLINE, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases from their inception to September 2014. Potentially relevant articles were also manually looked for in the reference lists of the identified publications. Studies examining lumbar muscle fatigue in people with CNSLBP were selected. Two reviewers independently selected the articles, carried out the study quality assessment and extracted the results. A modified Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) scale was used to evaluate the scientific rigour of the selected works.
RESULTS
Twenty-four studies fulfilled the selection criteria and were included in the systematic review. We found conflicting data regarding the validity of methods used to examine back muscle fatigue. The Biering-Sorensen test, performed in conjunction with surface electromyography spectral analysis, turned out to be the most widely used and comparatively, the most optimal modality currently available to assess objective back muscle fatigue in daily clinical practise, even though critical limitations are discussed.
CONCLUSIONS
Future research should address the identification of an advanced method for lower back fatigue assessment in patients with CNSLBP which, eventually, might provide physical therapists with an objective and reliable test usable in everyday clinical practise. Implications for Rehabilitation Despite its limitations, the Biering-Sorensen test is currently the most used, convenient and easily available fatiguing test for lumbar muscles. To increase validity and reliability of the Biering-Sorensen test, concomitant activation of synergistic muscles should be taken into account. Pooled mean frequency and half-width of the spectrum are currently the most valid electromyographic parameters to assess fatigue in chronic non-specific low back pain. Body mass index, grading of pain and level of disability of the study population should be reported to enhance research quality.
Topics: Chronic Pain; Electromyography; Humans; Low Back Pain; Muscle Fatigue; Muscle, Skeletal; Physical Endurance
PubMed: 26732899
DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2015.1107777 -
Respiratory Medicine Mar 2013Inspiratory muscle fatigue (IMF) may contribute to the development of exercise limitation and respiratory failure. Identifying fatigue of the inspiratory muscles... (Review)
Review
Inspiratory muscle fatigue (IMF) may contribute to the development of exercise limitation and respiratory failure. Identifying fatigue of the inspiratory muscles requires a rigorous and integrative methodological approach. However, there is no consensus about an optimal protocol to induce and assess the fatigability of the inspiratory muscles. A systematic review was performed to identify, evaluate, and summarize the literature related to the assessment of induced IMF in healthy individuals. The aim was to identify factors that are related consistently to IMF, as well as to suggest possible assessment methods. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for relevant articles until February 2012. Only studies with a quantitative description of assessment and outcome were included. The search yielded 460 citations and a total of 77 studies were included. Inspiratory muscle fatigue was produced acutely by inspiratory resistive loading (IRL), whole body exercise (WBE), hyperpnea, or WBE combined with IRL, and under normocapnic, hypoxic or hypercapnic conditions. To detect IMF, most studies (64%) used phrenic nerve stimulation, 44% used a maximal voluntary inspiratory maneuver and the remainder used electromyography. The heterogeneity of the published reports precluded a quantitative analysis. Inspiratory resistive loadings at intensities of 60-80% of maximum, and cycling at 85% of maximum were found to produce IMF most consistently. Hypoxic or hypercapnic conditions, and WBE combined with IRL, exacerbated IMF. The specific outcome measures employed to detect IMF, the magnitude of their change, as well as their functional significance, are ultimately dependent upon the research question being addressed.
Topics: Diaphragm; Electric Stimulation; Exercise Test; Humans; Muscle Fatigue; Phrenic Nerve; Respiratory Muscles
PubMed: 23273596
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2012.11.019 -
BMC Geriatrics Aug 2010Muscle fatigue reduces muscle strength and balance control in young people. It is not clear whether fatigue resistance seen in older persons leads to different effects.... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
BACKGROUND
Muscle fatigue reduces muscle strength and balance control in young people. It is not clear whether fatigue resistance seen in older persons leads to different effects. In order to understand whether muscle fatigue may increase fall risk in older persons, a systematic literature review aimed to summarize knowledge on the effects of lower extremity and trunk muscle fatigue on balance and functional tasks in older people was performed.
METHODS
Studies were identified with searches of the PUBMED and SCOPUS data bases.Papers describing effects of lower extremity or trunk muscle fatigue protocols on balance or functional tasks in older people were included. Studies were compared with regards to study population characteristics, fatigue protocol, and balance and functional task outcomes.
RESULTS
Seven out of 266 studies met the inclusion criteria. Primary findings were: fatigue via resistance exercises to lower limb and trunk muscles induces postural instability during quiet standing; induced hip, knee and ankle muscle fatigue impairs functional reach, reduces the speed and power of sit-to-stand repetitions, and produces less stable and more variable walking patterns; effects of age on degree of fatigue and rate of recovery from fatigue are inconsistent across studies, with these disparities likely due to differences in the fatigue protocols, study populations and outcome measures.
CONCLUSION
Taken together, the findings suggest that balance and functional task performance are impaired with fatigue. Future studies should assess whether fatigue is related to increased risk of falling and whether exercise interventions may decrease fatigue effects.
Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Humans; Lower Extremity; Middle Aged; Muscle Fatigue; Muscle Strength; Muscle, Skeletal; Postural Balance; Psychomotor Performance; Random Allocation; Young Adult
PubMed: 20716373
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2318-10-56 -
Sleep Science (Sao Paulo, Brazil) Sep 2023Sleep Bruxism (SB) is a common condition in childhood that can cause multiple consequences such as abnormal tooth wear, tensional headaches, masticatory muscle pain,... (Review)
Review
Sleep Bruxism (SB) is a common condition in childhood that can cause multiple consequences such as abnormal tooth wear, tensional headaches, masticatory muscle pain, or fatigue. The literature reports some interventions, however the treatment for SB in children is not well-established. A systematic review was performed to investigate the effectiveness of the treatments described for SB in children and adolescents: pharmacological and psychological treatments; behavioral guidelines; and dental approaches. Randomized clinical trials comparing different SB treatments with a control group were searched in the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and VHL until August 04, 2021. Two independent reviewers selected the studies, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias. After a two-phase selection process, 07 articles were selected. The methodology of the selected studies was analyzed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The criteria used to qualify the studies were based on randomization, allocation, blinding of participants and evaluators, and analysis of results. The signs and symptoms of SB were reduced with pharmacotherapy (hydroxyzine/diazepam) and medicinal extracts ( ), but with occlusal splints and physiotherapy, this improvement was not statistically significant when compared to control groups. Some evidence of the efficacy of pharmacotherapy (hydroxyzine/diazepam) and medicinal extracts ( ) was found. However, this systematic review is not enough to establish a protocol for the treatment of SB. Besides, the individualized management of SB in this population should be considered, emphasizing the management of risk factors.
PubMed: 38196770
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1772826 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) May 2017Coaches, sport scientists, clinicians and medical personnel face a constant challenge to prescribe sufficient training load to produce training adaption while minimising... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Coaches, sport scientists, clinicians and medical personnel face a constant challenge to prescribe sufficient training load to produce training adaption while minimising fatigue, performance inhibition and risk of injury/illness.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this review was to investigate the relationship between injury and illness and longitudinal training load and fatigue markers in sporting populations.
METHODS
Systematic searches of the Web of Science and PubMed online databases to August 2015 were conducted for articles reporting relationships between training load/fatigue measures and injury/illness in athlete populations.
RESULTS
From the initial 5943 articles identified, 2863 duplicates were removed, followed by a further 2833 articles from title and abstract selection. Manual searching of the reference lists of the remaining 247 articles, together with use of the Google Scholar 'cited by' tool, yielded 205 extra articles deemed worthy of assessment. Sixty-eight studies were subsequently selected for inclusion in this study, of which 45 investigated injury only, 17 investigated illness only, and 6 investigated both injury and illness. This systematic review highlighted a number of key findings, including disparity within the literature regarding the use of various terminologies such as training load, fatigue, injury and illness. Athletes are at an increased risk of injury/illness at key stages in their training and competition, including periods of training load intensification and periods of accumulated training loads.
CONCLUSIONS
Further investigation of individual athlete characteristics is required due to their impact on internal training load and, therefore, susceptibility to injury/illness.
Topics: Athletes; Athletic Injuries; Biomarkers; Humans; Muscle Fatigue; Physical Conditioning, Human; Physical Education and Training; Sports; Task Performance and Analysis; Weight-Bearing; Workload
PubMed: 27677917
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-016-0619-5 -
Fatigue and Recovery Time Course After Female Soccer Matches: A Systematic Review And Meta-analysis.Sports Medicine - Open Jun 2022This study aimed to analyze the extent of fatigue responses after female soccer matches and the ensuing recovery time course of performance, physiological, and...
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to analyze the extent of fatigue responses after female soccer matches and the ensuing recovery time course of performance, physiological, and perceptual responses.
METHODS
Three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus) were searched in October 2020 and updated in November 2021. Studies were included when participants were female soccer players, regardless of their ability level. Further, the intervention was an official soccer match with performance, physiological, or perceptual parameters collected pre- and post-match (immediately, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, or 72 h-post).
RESULTS
A total of 26 studies (n = 465 players) were included for meta-analysis. Most performance parameters showed some immediate post-match reduction (effect size [ES] = - 0.72 to - 1.80), apart from countermovement jump (CMJ; ES = - 0.04). Reduced CMJ performance occurred at 12 h (ES = - 0.38) and 24 h (ES = - 0.42) and sprint at 48 h post-match (ES = - 0.75). Inflammatory and immunological parameters responded acutely with moderate-to-large increases (ES = 0.58-2.75) immediately post-match. Creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase alterations persisted at 72 h post-match (ES = 3.79 and 7.46, respectively). Small-to-moderate effects were observed for increased cortisol (ES = 0.75) and reduced testosterone/cortisol ratio (ES = -0.47) immediately post-match, while negligible to small effects existed for testosterone (ES = 0.14) and estradiol (ES = 0.34). Large effects were observed for perceptual variables, with increased fatigue (ES = 1.79) and reduced vigor (ES = - 0.97) at 12 h post-match, while muscle soreness was increased immediately post (ES = 1.63) and at 24 h post-match (ES = 1.00).
CONCLUSIONS
Acute fatigue exists following female soccer matches, and the performance, physiological, and perceptual parameters showed distinctive recovery timelines. Importantly, physical performance was recovered at 72 h post-match, whereas muscle damage markers were still increased at this time point. These timelines should be considered when planning training and match schedules. However, some caution should be advised given the small number of studies available on this population.
REGISTRATION
The protocol for this systematic review was pre-registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, Registration Number: CRD42021237857).
PubMed: 35657571
DOI: 10.1186/s40798-022-00466-3 -
Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease 2023Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions are growing in popularity as possible treatments for long COVID symptoms. However, comprehensive analysis of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions are growing in popularity as possible treatments for long COVID symptoms. However, comprehensive analysis of current evidence in this setting is still lacking.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to review existing published studies on the use of CAM interventions for patients experiencing long COVID through a systematic review.
DESIGN
Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
METHODS
A comprehensive electronic literature search was performed in multiple databases and clinical trial registries from September 2019 to January 2023. RCTs evaluating efficacy and safety of CAM for long COVID were included. Methodological quality of each included trial was appraised with the Cochrane 'risk of bias' tool. A qualitative analysis was conducted due to heterogeneity of included studies.
RESULTS
A total of 14 RCTs with 1195 participants were included in this review. Study findings demonstrated that CAM interventions could benefit patients with long COVID, especially those suffering from neuropsychiatric disorders, olfactory dysfunction, cognitive impairment, fatigue, breathlessness, and mild-to-moderate lung fibrosis. The main interventions reported were self-administered transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation, neuro-meditation, dietary supplements, olfactory training, aromatherapy, inspiratory muscle training, concurrent training, and an online breathing and well-being program.
CONCLUSION
CAM interventions may be effective, safe, and acceptable to patients with symptoms of long COVID. However, the findings from this systematic review should be interpreted with caution due to various methodological limitations. More rigorous trials focused on CAM for long COVID are warranted in the future.
PubMed: 37841213
DOI: 10.1177/20406223231204727 -
Biomedical Engineering Online Jan 2021This research has proved that mechanomyographic (MMG) signals can be used for evaluating muscle performance. Stimulation of the lost physiological functions of a muscle...
This research has proved that mechanomyographic (MMG) signals can be used for evaluating muscle performance. Stimulation of the lost physiological functions of a muscle using an electrical signal has been determined crucial in clinical and experimental settings in which voluntary contraction fails in stimulating specific muscles. Previous studies have already indicated that characterizing contractile properties of muscles using MMG through neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) showed excellent reliability. Thus, this review highlights the use of MMG signals on evaluating skeletal muscles under electrical stimulation. In total, 336 original articles were identified from the Scopus and SpringerLink electronic databases using search keywords for studies published between 2000 and 2020, and their eligibility for inclusion in this review has been screened using various inclusion criteria. After screening, 62 studies remained for analysis, with two additional articles from the bibliography, were categorized into the following: (1) fatigue, (2) torque, (3) force, (4) stiffness, (5) electrode development, (6) reliability of MMG and NMES approaches, and (7) validation of these techniques in clinical monitoring. This review has found that MMG through NMES provides feature factors for muscle activity assessment, highlighting standardized electromyostimulation and MMG parameters from different experimental protocols. Despite the evidence of mathematical computations in quantifying MMG along with NMES, the requirement of the processing speed, and fluctuation of MMG signals influence the technique to be prone to errors. Interestingly, although this review does not focus on machine learning, there are only few studies that have adopted it as an alternative to statistical analysis in the assessment of muscle fatigue, torque, and force. The results confirm the need for further investigation on the use of sophisticated computations of features of MMG signals from electrically stimulated muscles in muscle function assessment and assistive technology such as prosthetics control.
Topics: Electric Stimulation; Humans; Mechanical Phenomena; Muscles; Myography
PubMed: 33390158
DOI: 10.1186/s12938-020-00840-w -
Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and... Dec 2022Iron is an essential nutrient for oxygen supply and aerobic metabolism. Iron deficiency impacts cellular respiration and mitochondrial energy metabolism, which can lead... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Iron is an essential nutrient for oxygen supply and aerobic metabolism. Iron deficiency impacts cellular respiration and mitochondrial energy metabolism, which can lead to reduced skeletal muscle function and muscle mass, causing sarcopenia. Intravenous iron offers the ability to rapidly correct iron deficiency, but the functional impact on patient mental and physical health is unclear. We assessed the effects of intravenous iron therapy on physical function and quality of life in the treatment of adults with non-anaemic iron deficiency. An update and reanalysis of a previously published Cochrane systematic review was performed to assess randomized controlled trials that compared any intravenous iron preparation with placebo in adults. The primary functional outcome measure was physical performance as defined by the trial authors. Secondary outcome measures included fatigue and quality-of-life scores, and adverse effects at the end of follow-up. Biochemical efficacy was assessed by change in serum ferritin and haemoglobin concentration levels. Twenty-one randomized controlled trials, comprising 3514 participants, were included. Intravenous iron compared with placebo resulted in significantly increased physical function measured by mean peak oxygen consumption (mean difference [MD] 1.77 mL/kg/min, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57 to 2.97). An overall improvement in fatigue was seen (standardized MD 0.30, 95% CI -0.52 to -0.09) but no overall difference in quality of life (MD 0.15, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.31). Biochemically, intravenous iron resulted in improved serum ferritin (MD 245.52 μg/L, 95% CI 152.1 to 338.9) and haemoglobin levels (MD 4.65 g/L, 95% CI 2.53 to 6.78). There was a higher risk of developing mild adverse events in the intravenous iron group compared with the placebo group (risk ratio 1.77, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.83); however, no differences were seen in serious adverse events (risk difference 0, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.01). The quality of evidence was rated 'low' and 'very low' for all outcome variables, except for fatigue, mainly due to most studies being judged as having a high risk of bias. In non-anaemic iron-deficient adults, the use of intravenous iron compared with placebo improved physical function and reduced fatigue scores. However, we remain uncertain about the efficacy in this population due to low-quality evidence, and there is a need for further studies to address potential impact on overall quality of life.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Fatigue; Hemoglobins; Iron; Iron Deficiencies; Quality of Life
PubMed: 36321348
DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13114 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2010Caffeine has a variety of pharmacological effects; it is a weak bronchodilator and it also reduces respiratory muscle fatigue. It is chemically related to the drug... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Caffeine has a variety of pharmacological effects; it is a weak bronchodilator and it also reduces respiratory muscle fatigue. It is chemically related to the drug theophylline which is used to treat asthma. It has been suggested that caffeine may reduce asthma symptoms and interest has been expressed in its potential role as an asthma treatment. A number of studies have explored the effects of caffeine in asthma, this is the first review to systematically examine and summarise the evidence.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of caffeine on lung function and identify whether there is a need to control for caffeine consumption prior to either lung function or exhaled nitric oxide testing.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trials register and the reference lists of articles (August 2009). We also contacted study authors.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised clinical trials of oral caffeine compared to placebo or coffee compared to decaffeinated coffee in adults with asthma.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Trial selection, quality assessment and data extraction were done independently by two reviewers.
MAIN RESULTS
Seven trials involving a total of 75 people with mild to moderate asthma were included. The studies were all of cross-over design .Six trials involving 55 people showed that in comparison with placebo, caffeine, even at a 'low dose' (< 5mg/kg body weight), appears to improve lung function for up to two hours after consumption. Forced expiratory volume in one minute showed a small improvement up to two hours after caffeine ingestion (SMD 0.72; 95% CI 0.25 to 1.20), which translates into a 5% mean difference in FEV1. However in two studies the mean differences in FEV1 were 12% and 18% after caffeine. Mid-expiratory flow rates also showed a small improvement with caffeine and this was sustained up to four hours.One trial involving 20 people examined the effect of drinking coffee versus a decaffeinated variety on the exhaled nitric oxide levels in patients with asthma and concluded that there was no significant effect on this outcome.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Caffeine appears to improve airways function modestly, for up to four hours, in people with asthma . People may need to avoid caffeine for at least four hours prior to lung function testing, as caffeine ingestion could cause misinterpretation of the results. Drinking caffeinated coffee before taking exhaled nitric oxide measurements does not appear to affect the results of the test, but more studies are needed to confirm this.
Topics: Adult; Asthma; Bronchi; Bronchodilator Agents; Caffeine; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Respiratory Function Tests
PubMed: 20091514
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001112.pub2