-
Journal of Strength and Conditioning... Dec 2016Jones, TW, Smith, A, Macnaughton, LS, and French, DN. Strength and Conditioning and Concurrent Training Practices in Elite Rugby Union. J Strength Cond Res 30(12):...
Jones, TW, Smith, A, Macnaughton, LS, and French, DN. Strength and Conditioning and Concurrent Training Practices in Elite Rugby Union. J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3354-3366, 2016-There is limited published research on strength and conditioning (S&C) practices in elite rugby union (RU). Information regarding testing batteries and programme design would provide valuable information to both applied practitioners and researchers investigating the influence of training interventions or preperformance strategies. The aim of this study was to detail the current practices of S&C coaches and sport scientists working in RU. A questionnaire was developed that comprised 7 sections: personal details, physical testing, strength and power development, concurrent training, flexibility development, unique aspects of the programme, and any further relevant information regarding prescribed training programmes. Forty-three (41 men, 2 women; age: 33.1 ± 5.3 years) of 52 (83%) coaches responded to the questionnaire. The majority of practitioners worked with international level and/or professional RU athletes. All respondents believed strength training benefits RU performance and reported that their athletes regularly performed strength training. The clean and back squat were rated the most important prescribed exercises. Forty-one (95%) respondents reported prescribing plyometric exercises and 38 (88%) indicated that periodization strategies were used. Forty-two (98%) practitioners reported conducting physical testing, with body composition being the most commonly tested phenotype. Thirty-three (77%) practitioners indicated that the potential muted strength development associated with concurrent training was considered when programming and 27 (63%) believed that strength before aerobic training was more favorable for strength development than vice versa. This research represents the only published survey to date of S&C practices in northern and southern hemisphere RU.
Topics: Adult; Athletes; Athletic Performance; Body Composition; Exercise; Female; Football; Humans; Male; Muscle Strength; Physical Conditioning, Human; Physical Education and Training; Pliability; Plyometric Exercise; Resistance Training; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 27870696
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001445 -
Medical Science Monitor Basic Research Apr 2020BACKGROUND This study aimed to quantify the outcomes of combining Schroth and Pilates exercises on the Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation (ATR), chest expansion,...
Outcome of 24 Weeks of Combined Schroth and Pilates Exercises on Cobb Angle, Angle of Trunk Rotation, Chest Expansion, Flexibility and Quality of Life in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis.
BACKGROUND This study aimed to quantify the outcomes of combining Schroth and Pilates exercises on the Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation (ATR), chest expansion, flexibility (trunk flexion), and quality of life (QoL) in adolescents with mild and moderate idiopathic scoliosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-nine adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis aged 10-17 years, presenting with a Cobb angle of 10-45º were enrolled in this study. The treatment protocol, including selected exercises from Schroth and Pilates methods, was performed over 24 weeks and consisted of 2 periods of 2-week treatment regimens performed daily for 60 minutes. Each of treatment periods was then followed by the same home program treatment for 10 weeks. Cobb angle (x-rays), ATR (Scoliometer), chest expansion (cm), trunk flexion (cm, distance between C7 to S2 with measuring tape), and QoL (SRS-22r Scoliosis Research Society Questionnaire) were assessed pre-treatment, at 12 week, and at 24 weeks. RESULTS Significant improvements (P<0.05) were found in both groups of patients wearing and not wearing a brace for Cobb angle (from 21.97±4.99° to 18.11±6.39°; from 14.19±3.11° to 11.66±2.73°), angle of trunk rotation (from 7.19±1.36° to 5.36±1.66°; from 4.72±1.04° to 3.58±0.94°), chest expansion (from 2.56±0.84 cm to 3.46±0.72 cm; from 2.57±0.87 cm to 3.52±0.72 cm), trunk flexion (from 9.55±1.95 cm to 14.33±2.40 cm; from 9.82±2.61 cm to 13.98±2.18 cm) and QoL (from 3.50±0.27 to 3.82±0.2; from 3.42±0.24 to 3.78±0.23) respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that combined exercises provided benefit on the Cobb angle, ATR, chest expansion, trunk flexion and QoL in adolescents with mild and moderate idiopathic scoliosis.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Exercise; Exercise Movement Techniques; Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Kosovo; Male; Pliability; Quality of Life; Rotation; Scoliosis; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 32280133
DOI: 10.12659/MSMBR.920449 -
FEBS Letters Sep 2015
Topics: Animals; Humans; Intrinsically Disordered Proteins; Models, Molecular; Pliability; Protein Binding; Protein Conformation; Protein Multimerization; Proteins
PubMed: 26325593
DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.08.035 -
Nature Communications Jan 2015Future electronic skin aims to mimic nature's original both in functionality and appearance. Although some of the multifaceted properties of human skin may remain...
Future electronic skin aims to mimic nature's original both in functionality and appearance. Although some of the multifaceted properties of human skin may remain exclusive to the biological system, electronics opens a unique path that leads beyond imitation and could equip us with unfamiliar senses. Here we demonstrate giant magnetoresistive sensor foils with high sensitivity, unmatched flexibility and mechanical endurance. They are <2 μm thick, extremely flexible (bending radii <3 μm), lightweight (≈3 g m(-2)) and wearable as imperceptible magneto-sensitive skin that enables proximity detection, navigation and touchless control. On elastomeric supports, they can be stretched uniaxially or biaxially, reaching strains of >270% and endure over 1,000 cycles without fatigue. These ultrathin magnetic field sensors readily conform to ubiquitous objects including human skin and offer a new sense for soft robotics, safety and healthcare monitoring, consumer electronics and electronic skin devices.
Topics: Biomimetics; Electronics; Equipment Design; Humans; Magnetics; Man-Machine Systems; Monitoring, Ambulatory; Pliability; Robotics; Skin; Transistors, Electronic
PubMed: 25607534
DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7080 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Nov 2019People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often experience limitations in joint range of motion, which is linked to spasticity and continued inactivity. Low flexibility... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often experience limitations in joint range of motion, which is linked to spasticity and continued inactivity. Low flexibility levels in this population have been linked to postural problems and muscular pain. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and a meta-analysis aimed at identifying the characteristics and methodological quality of investigations studying the effects of exercise interventions on the flexibility levels of people with MS. Three electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Scopus) were systematically searched up to May 2019 for intervention studies focused on the effects of exercise on the flexibility levels of people with MS. A meta-analysis, including randomized controlled trials (RCT), which reported information regarding the effects of exercise on flexibility, was also conducted. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and the Quality Assessment Tool for Before-After Studies, with no control group. The quality of the information reported, regarding the programs conducted, was assessed by means of the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) scale. Seven studies, four RCTs and three uncontrolled investigations were finally selected. The methodological quality of the RCTs was considered "poor" in one study, and "good" and "excellent" in two studies and one investigation, respectively. The three uncontrolled studies showed a methodological quality between "fair" and "poor". Following the CERT scale, four studies were graded as "high" and three as "low". Findings from the meta-analysis indicated no significant effects on hamstring flexibility, or the range of motion in the hips, knees or ankles. There is preliminary evidence from individual studies which indicates that people with MS can improve their lower limb flexibility following participation in physical exercise programs, but the meta-analysis did not confirm these findings.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Pliability; Range of Motion, Articular
PubMed: 31684026
DOI: 10.3390/medicina55110726 -
Medicine Dec 2021Many studies have reported that exercise is effective for fibromyalgia and various types of exercise are recommended. However, most of exercises lack evidence for... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Many studies have reported that exercise is effective for fibromyalgia and various types of exercise are recommended. However, most of exercises lack evidence for fibromyalgia symptoms. We aimed to examine the effect of core muscle strengthening exercise compared to general stretching exercise in fibromyalgia patients.
METHODS
Forty fibromyalgia patients were enrolled. They were provided exercise program twice a week for 4 weeks: core muscle strengthening exercise and general stretching exercise.Outcome measures were Visual Analogue Scale, Borg Scale, fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ), widespread pain index, Symptom Severity Scale (SS), and balance scale and measured before and after exercise program. Balance function was assessed by checking the distance of sway on soft pad with eyes open (EO) and with eyes closed (EC).
RESULTS
After program, FIQ, SS, EO, and eyes closed showed statistically significant differences in the strengthening group while Visual Analogue Scale, Borg scale, FIQ, widespread pain index, SS showed statistically significant differences in stretching group. And EO showed statistically significant differences in the intergroup analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
Both exercise could improve symptoms of fibromyalgia but showed no significantly better efficiency with intergroup analysis. Only some balance function was improved with core muscle strengthening exercise with significant difference. Our study presents preliminary results regarding the comparison between both exercises for fibromyalgia through a randomized controlled trial.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Female; Fibromyalgia; Humans; Middle Aged; Muscle Contraction; Muscles; Pain; Pliability; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Single-Blind Method; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34918634
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000027854 -
Trends in Biotechnology Nov 2016Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics play an important role in delivering healthcare, particularly for clinical management and disease surveillance in both developed and... (Review)
Review
Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics play an important role in delivering healthcare, particularly for clinical management and disease surveillance in both developed and developing countries. Currently, the majority of POC diagnostics utilize paper substrates owing to affordability, disposability, and mass production capability. Recently, flexible polymer substrates have been investigated due to their enhanced physicochemical properties, potential to be integrated into wearable devices with wireless communications for personalized health monitoring, and ability to be customized for POC diagnostics. Here, we focus on the latest advances in developing flexible substrate-based diagnostic devices, including paper and polymers, and their clinical applications.
Topics: Clothing; Humans; Lab-On-A-Chip Devices; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; Monitoring, Physiologic; Paper; Pliability; Point-of-Care Systems; Polymers; Textiles
PubMed: 27344425
DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2016.05.009 -
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B Nov 2019Atomically thin nanomaterials represent a unique paradigm for interfacing with biological systems due to their mechanical flexibility, exceptional interfacial area, and... (Review)
Review
Atomically thin nanomaterials represent a unique paradigm for interfacing with biological systems due to their mechanical flexibility, exceptional interfacial area, and ease of chemical functionalization. In particular, these two-dimensional (2D) materials are able to bend, curve, and fold in response to biologically-generated forces or other external stimuli. Such origami-like folding of 2D materials into wrinkled or crumpled topographies allows them to withstand large deformations by accordion-like unfolding, with implications for stretchable and shape-changing devices. Here, we review how mechanically manipulated 2D materials can interact with biological systems across a multitude of length scales. We focus on recent work where wrinkling, crumpling, or bending of 2D materials permits new chemical and material properties, with four case studies: (i) programming biomolecular reactivity and enhanced sensing, (ii) directed adhesion and encapsulation of bacteria or mammalian cells, (iii) stimuli-responsive actuators and soft robotics, and (iv) stretchable barrier technologies and wearable human-scale sensors. Finally, we consider future directions for manufacturing, materials and systems integration, as well as biocompatibility. Taken together, these 2D materials may enable new avenues for ultrasensitive molecular detection, biomaterial scaffolds, soft machines, and wearable technologies.
Topics: Engineering; Mechanical Phenomena; Nanostructures; Pliability; Robotics; Wearable Electronic Devices
PubMed: 31460549
DOI: 10.1039/c9tb01006h -
IEEE Transactions on Biomedical... Apr 2020Implantable neural interfacing devices have added significantly to neural engineering by introducing the low-frequency oscillations of small populations of neurons known... (Review)
Review
Implantable neural interfacing devices have added significantly to neural engineering by introducing the low-frequency oscillations of small populations of neurons known as local field potential as well as high-frequency action potentials of individual neurons. Regardless of the astounding progression as of late, conventional neural modulating system is still incapable to achieve the desired chronic in vivo implantation. The real constraint emerges from mechanical and physical differences between implants and brain tissue that initiates an inflammatory reaction and glial scar formation that reduces the recording and stimulation quality. Furthermore, traditional strategies consisting of rigid and tethered neural devices cause substantial tissue damage and impede the natural behavior of an animal, thus hindering chronic in vivo measurements. Therefore, enabling fully implantable neural devices requires biocompatibility, wireless power/data capability, biointegration using thin and flexible electronics, and chronic recording properties. This article reviews biocompatibility and design approaches for developing biointegrated and wirelessly powered implantable neural devices in animals aimed at long-term neural interfacing and outlines current challenges toward developing the next generation of implantable neural devices.
Topics: Animals; Biocompatible Materials; Brain; Equipment Design; Humans; Implantable Neurostimulators; Materials Testing; Mice; Pliability; Wireless Technology
PubMed: 31944987
DOI: 10.1109/TBCAS.2020.2966920 -
JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery Dec 2018Understanding the skin biomechanics, specifically pliability and elasticity, in patients with nasal valve collapse may allow for new methods to assess which patients...
IMPORTANCE
Understanding the skin biomechanics, specifically pliability and elasticity, in patients with nasal valve collapse may allow for new methods to assess which patients require more advanced nasal valve surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To test the hypothesis that in patients with unilateral nasal valve collapse, the side of the nose with the collapse will have lower elasticity and increased pliability compared with the normal side, as assessed by a blinded observer using the Cutometer MPA 580.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
Prospective, investigator-blinded, case-control cohort study of patients with unilateral nasal valve collapse and subjective nasal obstruction conducted in an academic otolaryngology-head and neck surgery clinic.
INTERVENTIONS
Patients were assessed using the Cutometer MPA 580 by a blinded assessor. Three measurements were performed bilaterally on the exterior skin of the nose corresponding to the level of the inferior edge of the upper lateral cartilage. Measurements taken at the skin inferior to the zygoma were used as a control.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Primary outcome measures of the nasal skin were pliability (Uf, defined as the lengthening of the skin after 3 seconds of constant load) and elasticity (Ua/Uf, defined as the percentage of the skin that returned to its normal position 3 seconds after the release from the 3-second constant load).
RESULTS
Of the 27 patients included in the study, 15 (56%) were male, and 12 (44%) were female; mean (SD) age, 44 (21) years (range, 16-90 years). There was no difference between the measurements of the skin overlying the area of nasal valve collapse in elasticity: side without collapse (0.960% [0.031%]) vs side with collapse (0.967% [0.036%]) (mean difference, 0.007%; 95% CI, -0.018% to 0.021%) (P = .90). However, there was a significant difference in pliability: side of the nose without collapse (0.520 [0.139] mm) vs side with collapse (0.610 [0.200]) (mean difference, 0.090 mm; 95% CI, 0.014-0.156 mm) (P = .02).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Although the skin in patients with nasal valve collapse appears to maintain its elasticity, it demonstrates an increased ability to stretch and lengthen compared with nasal skin of those without valve collapse. Future studies are required to determine whether the biomechanical changes are related to the length and severity of nasal obstruction, or whether these changes in the skin may help predict who will benefit from nasal valve surgery and whether these patients are at an increased risk of surgical failure.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
2.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biomechanical Phenomena; Case-Control Studies; Elasticity; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nasal Obstruction; Nose; Pliability; Prospective Studies; Rhinoplasty; Risk Factors; Skin Physiological Phenomena
PubMed: 30098164
DOI: 10.1001/jamafacial.2018.0861