-
Annals of Medicine 2023Distal radius fracture (DRF) is a common injury in the upper extremities. Blood flow restriction (BFR) has been proven to be effective in improving function in low-load... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
INTRODUCTION
Distal radius fracture (DRF) is a common injury in the upper extremities. Blood flow restriction (BFR) has been proven to be effective in improving function in low-load training, which is suitable for post-op rehabilitation. We explored the effectiveness and safety of BFR therapy in DRF patients who underwent surgery.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirty-five patients were randomly assigned to either the BFR or the regular training (RT; no BFR therapy) groups. All patients completed the same 4-week postoperative rehabilitation program, including anti-inflammatory treatments, strengthening and range of motion (ROM) training. In the BFR group, the pressure was 120 mmHg in strengthening training course. Pain, circumferences of wrists and forearms, ROM, muscle strength, and D-dimer levels were evaluated at weeks 0, 2, and 4. Radius union scoring system (RUSS) was measured at weeks 4 and 12. Finally, wrist functionality (Cooney modification) was evaluated at week 12.
RESULTS
The BFR group had significantly decreased pain levels compared with the RT group ( < 0.01, effect size= 2.33, -2.44 at weeks 2 and 4). Swelling was effectively relieved in both groups. The wrist swelling was less in the BFR group ( < 0.01, effect size = -2.17 at week 4). The isometric strength of wrist extension ( < 0.01, effect size = 1.5, 3.02 at weeks 2 and 4), flexion ( < 0.01, effect size = 1.33, 2.53 at weeks 2 and 4), and functionality significantly increased in the BFR group ( < 0.01, effect size = 2.80 at week 12). No risk of VT in the BFR group was found. BFR did not threaten bone healing.
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with DRF who underwent corrective surgery, BFR therapy effectively relieved pain and swelling, increased muscle strength and wrist function, and had no additional risks for bone healing and VT.
Topics: Humans; Blood Flow Restriction Therapy; Resistance Training; Wrist Fractures; Muscle Strength; Pain
PubMed: 37505919
DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2240329 -
Hand (New York, N.Y.) Dec 2022Swelling and edema of the hand and forearm may occur in various traumatic and degenerative diseases. So far, no precise measurement protocol exists. The objective of...
BACKGROUND
Swelling and edema of the hand and forearm may occur in various traumatic and degenerative diseases. So far, no precise measurement protocol exists. The objective of this study was to evaluate an examination protocol with relevant regions of interest (ROIs) measured by a 3-dimensional (3D) scanner to achieve precise, reproducible, and objective measurements for an optimized detection of volumes of the hand and forearm.
METHODS
A 3D scan protocol was developed using an Artec, 3D scanner EVA to measure discrete hand volumes of healthy volunteers. Five areas were defined as ROIs, representing volumes of the finger, metacarpus, wrist, hand, and distal forearm. Contralateral limbs were used for volume comparisons and calculation of volume differences.
RESULTS
For this study, 12 individuals (58.3% women, 24 hands and forearms) with a mean age of 27.1 ± 3 years were included. Mean volume values for left and right ROIs correlated with each other, with slightly higher volumes for the right upper extremity. Volume differences showed statistically significant results for the finger region (ROI I; = .009), the metacarpal region (ROI II; < .001), hand region (ROI IV; = .001), and forearm region (ROI V; = .006), with the exception of the wrist region (ROI III; = .722).
CONCLUSIONS
Our results demonstrate that this 3D volumetric approach is a reliable and objective tool for measuring volumes and circumferences in hand and forearm. Based on our determined ROIs, further studies are needed to explore the significance for clinical applications.
PubMed: 36503322
DOI: 10.1177/15589447221141492 -
Scientific Reports Sep 2022This study aimed to analyze anthropometrics and mechanomyography (MMG) signals as forearm flexion, pronation, and supination torque predictors. 25 young, healthy, male...
This study aimed to analyze anthropometrics and mechanomyography (MMG) signals as forearm flexion, pronation, and supination torque predictors. 25 young, healthy, male participants performed isometric forearm flexion, pronation, and supination tasks from 20 to 100% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) while maintaining 90° at the elbow joint. Nine anthropometric measures were recorded, and MMG signals from the biceps brachii (BB), brachialis (BRA), and brachioradialis (BRD) muscles were digitally acquired using triaxial accelerometers. These were then correlated with torque values. Significant positive correlations were found for arm circumference (CA) and MMG root mean square (RMS) values with flexion torque. Flexion torque might be predicted using CA (r = 0.426-0.575), a pseudo for muscle size while MMG (r = 0.441), an indication of muscle activation.
Topics: Electromyography; Forearm; Humans; Isometric Contraction; Male; Muscle, Skeletal; Pronation; Supination; Torque
PubMed: 36168025
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20223-6 -
Frontiers in Robotics and AI 2021The rise of rehabilitation robotics has ignited a global investigation into the human machine interface (HMI) between device and user. Previous research on wearable...
The rise of rehabilitation robotics has ignited a global investigation into the human machine interface (HMI) between device and user. Previous research on wearable robotics has primarily focused on robotic kinematics and controls but rarely on the actual design of the physical HMI (pHMI). This paper presents a data-driven statistical forearm surface model for designing a forearm orthosis in exoskeleton applications. The forearms of 6 subjects were 3D scanned in a custom-built jig to capture data in extreme pronation and supination poses, creating 3D point clouds of the forearm surface. Resulting data was characterized into a series of ellipses from 20 to 100% of the forearm length. Key ellipse parameters in the model include: normalized major and minor axis length, normalized center point location, tilt angle, and circularity ratio. Single-subject (SS) ellipse parameters were normalized with respect to forearm radiale-stylion (RS) length and circumference and then averaged over the 6 subjects. Averaged parameter profiles were fit with 3rd-order polynomials to create combined-subjects (CS) elliptical models of the forearm. CS models were created in the jig as-is (CS1) and after alignment to ellipse centers at 20 and 100% of the forearm length (CS2). Normalized curve fits of ellipse major and minor axes in model CS2 achieve values ranging from 0.898 to 0.980 indicating a high degree of correlation between cross-sectional size and position along the forearm. Most other parameters showed poor correlation with forearm position (0.005 < < 0.391) with the exception of tilt angle in pronation (0.877) and circularity in supination (0.657). Normalized RMSE of the CS2 ellipse-fit model ranged from 0.21 to 0.64% of forearm circumference and 0.22 to 0.46% of forearm length. The average and peak surface deviation between the scaled CS2 model and individual scans along the forearm varied from 0.56 to 2.86 mm (subject averages) and 3.86 to 7.16 (subject maximums), with the peak deviation occurring between 45 and 50% RS length. The developed equations allow reconstruction of a scalable 3D model that can be sized based on two user measures, RS length and forearm circumference, or based on generic arm measurements taken from existing anthropometric databases.
PubMed: 33937344
DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2021.576783 -
Scientific Reports Dec 2022The assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an important tool for prognosis evaluation of cardiovascular events. The gold standard to measure CRF is...
The assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an important tool for prognosis evaluation of cardiovascular events. The gold standard to measure CRF is cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) to determine peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). However, CPET is not only time consuming but also expensive and is therefore not widely applicable in daily practice. The aim of our study was to analyze, whether and which anthropometric markers derived from a 3D body scanner were related to VO2peak in a general population-based study. We analyzed data (SHIP-START-3) from 3D body scanner and CPET of 1035 subjects (529 women; 51.1%, age range 36-93). A total of 164 anthropometric markers were detected with the 3D body scanner VITUS Smart XXL using the software AnthroScan Professional. Anthropometric measurements were standardized and associated with CRF by sex-stratified linear regression models adjusted for age and height. Anthropometric markers were ranked according to the - log- p values derived from these regression models. In men a greater left and right thigh-knee-ratio, a longer forearm-fingertip length, a greater left thigh circumference and greater left upper arm circumference were most strongly associated with a higher VO2peak. In women a greater left and right thigh circumference, left calf circumference, thigh thickness and right calf circumference were most strongly associated with a higher VO2peak. The detected VO2peak-related anthropometric markers could be helpful in assessing CRF in clinical routine. Commonly used anthropometric markers, e.g. waist and hip circumference, were not among the markers associated with VO2peak.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cardiorespiratory Fitness; Anthropometry; Exercise Test; Linear Models; Forearm; Oxygen Consumption
PubMed: 36564547
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26740-8 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Nov 2021To prospectively investigate the postoperative forearm supination and elbow flexion strength of both upper extremities and popeye deformity in patients who underwent a...
PURPOSE
To prospectively investigate the postoperative forearm supination and elbow flexion strength of both upper extremities and popeye deformity in patients who underwent a mini-open Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder instability.
METHODS
Patients who underwent a mini-open Latarjet procedure at two specialized shoulder centers were prospectively evaluated preoperatively (T0) and at least 6 months (T1) after surgery. Subjects were tested for elbow flexion and forearm supination strength of both upper extremities using an isometric dynamometer and customized torque dynamometer. Clinical outcome was assessed by the Constant Score (CS), American Shoulder and Elbow Score (ASES) and Simple Shoulder test (SST). Popeye deformity was defined as a distalization of the greatest circumference of the biceps muscle belly towards the lateral epicondyle of the elbow.
RESULTS
A total of 20 patients with a mean age of 27 ± 6 years were included in the study. At a mean follow-up of 10 ± 3 months, the elbow flexion strength was restored to the preoperative state ( = 0.240). Forearm supination strength significantly decreased at final follow-up, to 88 % in the surgical arm ( = 0.015) vs. 90 % in the non-surgical arm ( = 0.023). There was no statistical difference when comparing both arms concerning elbow flexion strength ( = 0.510) and forearm supination strength ( = 0.495). No significant popeye deformity was observed in both arms ( = 0.111 vs. = 0.508). Clinical outcome scores improved significantly from 73 ± 18 to 82 ± 13 ( = 0.014) for CS and 76 ± 22 to 89 ± 12 ( = 0.008) for ASES score preoperatively to final follow-up. No difference in the SST was documented ( = 0.10).
CONCLUSION
The Latarjet procedure showed to preserve elbow flexion strength and provided comparable forearm supination strength compared to the uninjured arm with reliable clinical outcome in this study population. However, a decrease of forearm supination strength in both arms was persistent at a mean of 10 months postoperatively. No popeye deformity was noted in the postoperative examinations.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Case series, Level III.
PubMed: 34884188
DOI: 10.3390/jcm10235487 -
BMC Pediatrics Jan 2021The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of hand-forearm anthropometric dimensions on handgrip and pinch strengths among 7-18 years children and...
Analysis of hand-forearm anthropometric components in assessing handgrip and pinch strengths of school-aged children and adolescents: a partial least squares (PLS) approach.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of hand-forearm anthropometric dimensions on handgrip and pinch strengths among 7-18 years children and adolescents and to investigate the extent to which these variables can be used to predict hand strength.
METHODS
Four types of hand strengths including handgrip, tip to tip, key, and three-jaw chuck pinches were measured in 2637 healthy children and adolescents (1391 boys and 1246 girls) aged 7-18 years using standard adjustable Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer and pinch gauge. A set of 17 hand-forearm anthropometric dimensions were also measured with an accurate digital caliper and tape measure.
RESULTS
No significant differences were found between the hand strengths of boys and girls up to the age of 10 years. Gender related differences in handgrip and pinches were observed from the age of 11 years onwards, with boys always being stronger. The dominant hand was stronger than the non-dominant hand (8% for handgrip and by about 10% for all three types of pinches). The strongest correlations were found between the hand length and hand strengths (r > 0.83 for handgrip and three all pinches; p < 0.001, 2-tailed). Based on the partial least squares (PLS) analysis, 8 out of 17 anthropometric indices including hand length, hand circumference, thumb length, index finger length, middle finger length, and forearm length had considerable loadings in the PLS analysis, which together accounted for 46% of the total variance.
CONCLUSIONS
These results may be used by health professionals in clinical settings as well as by designers to create ergonomic hand tools.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Female; Forearm; Hand Strength; Humans; Least-Squares Analysis; Male; Pinch Strength; Schools
PubMed: 33446142
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-020-02468-0 -
Folia Morphologica Sep 2023The connection between the basilic and cephalic veins of the forearm shows considerable interindividual variation. Depending on its form, the most common types of venous...
BACKGROUND
The connection between the basilic and cephalic veins of the forearm shows considerable interindividual variation. Depending on its form, the most common types of venous connections are M-, N- or Y-shaped. This study aims to compare the metric traits of the basilic and cephalic veins and the relative content of smooth muscle/collagen fibers/elastic fibers in their walls and to determine the differences between the forearm venous systems.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was performed on 42 veins collected from 26 deceased individuals between the ages of 19 and 50 years. Vein sections were fixed, embedded in paraffin blocks and used to prepare histological slides, stained according to pentachrome Movat's method. Venous metrics were assessed and the percentage of muscle, elastic and collagen fibers was determined using the Trainable Weka segmentation. Statistical analysis compared the M-type vein with the Y- and N-types, which were combined into one category.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
Analysis showed a greater tunica media thickness in the M-type vein, with a greater lumen circumference in the Y/N types. Correlation analysis showed a correlation of vein metrics with elastic fibre content and a weak inverse correlation with the tunica media thickness. It can be hypothesized that the increased performance of N- and Y-types may be related to elastic fibers content.
PubMed: 37691511
DOI: 10.5603/fm.96131 -
International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2023Stimulating protective immunity with vaccines appears to be the most promising option for providing widespread moderate to high protection against COVID-19 in people... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Stimulating protective immunity with vaccines appears to be the most promising option for providing widespread moderate to high protection against COVID-19 in people over the age of 18. Regular exercise improves the immune response, transmitting possible benefits against virus infections. The aim of this review is to study the effects of physical activity on vaccine injections, helping to develop new recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination campaigns.
METHODS
A comprehensive review of the existing literature was undertaken using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The internal quality of the studies was assessed according to the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. The outcomes analyzed were antibody titer, the level of lymphocytes CD4, CD8, InterLeukin 6 (IL6), leukocytes level, the visual analogue scale (VAS) for overall pain rating, arm and forearm circumferences and volume of oxygen (VO2) peak.
RESULTS
Fourteen articles were selected for the analysis. The majority of studies were randomized controlled trials (RCT) ( = 8) and controlled trials (CT) ( = 6). According to PEDro, the 'fair' category ( = 7) was the most represented, followed by 'good' ( = 6) and 'excellent' ( = 1). Physical training showed a positive effect on antibody titers of the vaccine; yet, different variables seem to influence antibody titers: higher new vs. old antigen in the vaccine, higher in younger vs. older individuals, and higher in females vs. males. After exercise, when analyzing variables of direct response to the vaccine, such as the amount of CD4, IL-6 and leukocytes, higher levels were observed in the patients who performed physical exercise compared to the control group. In the same way, better results were observed in physiological variables such as VO2 and limb circumferences, or subjective variables such as pain, which showed better results than the control group.
CONCLUSIONS
The immune response (antibody titers) depends on age, gender and the intensity of physical activity: long-term protocols at moderate intensity are the most recommended. All of these aspects also have to be carefully considered for the COVID-19 vaccination.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Adult; Middle Aged; COVID-19 Vaccines; COVID-19; Exercise; Vaccination; Pain; Immunity
PubMed: 36982095
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065183 -
BioMed Research International 2022Since knowledge possession about the morphological characteristics trend is important to understand, it is necessary to monitor the physical growth and children's...
Since knowledge possession about the morphological characteristics trend is important to understand, it is necessary to monitor the physical growth and children's development. We have aimed to examine the current state, dynamics, and direction of changes in morphological characteristics, over a 30-year period in Serbian children and adolescents. Morphological characteristics measured in 2020 ( = 304; age 7 ± 6 and 11 ± 6) were compared with the results of same-age children and adolescents from 1990 ( = 1789). The following characteristics were measured: body height, body mass, body mass index, forearm circumference, and upper arm skinfold. The average height (95% IP) of 7-year-old boys was significantly lower in all morphological variables in 1990, compared to their 2020 peers, while in forearm circumference was opposite. As for the 11-year-old boys, body mass ( = 0.02) and BMI ( = 0.009) had significantly better average values in 2020 than 1990, whereas forearm circumference (1.6-2.5 cm) and upper arm skinfold (2.7-4.9 cm) results were opposite. Seven-year-old girls from a 1990 sample also had significantly lower average values for morphological characteristics, compared to their 2020 peers. All morphological characteristic variables of 11-year-old girls have significantly better average values in 1990 sample than in 2020, except for body mass ( = 0.47) and BMI ( = 0.55). The current results have presented a true "picture" of the trends in morphological characteristics status among 7- and 11-year-old Serbian children by comparing them with the already obtained results 30 years ago.
Topics: Adolescent; Anthropometry; Body Height; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Child; Female; Humans; Male; Serbia; Skinfold Thickness
PubMed: 36212712
DOI: 10.1155/2022/4070658