Comparative study of muscle strength and muscle endurance in sportswomen

Background: Regular exercise helps us to build up the muscular fitness, that is, muscle strength and muscular endurance. The final common determinant of success in athletic event is what muscle can do for the athlete. Various research studies have been conducted exclusively in sportsmen; however, very few research studies are available in sportswomen, especially in India. With this background, the present study was conducted in sports women who are swimmers and runners. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess and compare handgrip strength (HGS) and handgrip endurance (HGE) in control group, runners, and swimmers. Materials and Methods: Thirty runners, 30 swimmers, and height-weight matched 30 healthy female subjects of same age group were studied. HGS and HGE were measured using handgrip dynamometer. Parameters were compared among three groups using Analysis of Variance and post hoc Bonferroni’s test. Results: HGS was highly significant in sportswomen than in controls (P<0.001). HGS was significantly higher in swimmers than in runners (P<0.05). HGE was highly significant in swimmers than in controls and runners (P<0.05). Conclusion: Muscles of the upper extremity were conditioned more in swimmers than runners. However, overall muscular fitness was better in sports women than control group, because of regular exercise and training in sports women. Our study strongly recommends regular physical exercise for the control group females, to improve their muscular fitness which will help them to lead a better quality of life.

The improvement of cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy women after a 12-week Classical Pilates training / A melhoria da aptidão cardiorrespiratória em mulheres saudáveis depois de 12 semanas de treinamento no Pilates Clássico

Aims: to evaluate the effects of 12 weeks of Pilates training (Classical Method) on cardiorespiratory fitness and heart rate responses of healthy sedentary women. Method: fifteen women (average age 29±4) performed 12 weeks of Pilates training for 60 minutes, three times per week (Pilates Group). Thirteen women (average age 29±5) as controls maintained their routine activities (Control Group). The exercises' introduction was by the degree of difficulty with changes in the plane of movements; smaller base of support; spinal rotations and extensions; use of abdominal muscles in prone position. Heart rate was monitored and recorded during all sessions using a heart frequency meter. Results: ANOVA analysis results revealed significant difference in Pilates Group (p < 0.05) between pre and post measures of VO2peak (+13%), fat percentage (- 3.3%), free fat mass (+ 2.8 kg), and muscular endurance in the abdominal area (+61%), lower limbs (+75%) and upper limbs (+68%). The percent of Maximum Heart Rate achieved in the 6th (79.25%) and 12th (79.86%) weeks of training increased from the first week (73.4%). Physical fitness in Control Group remained unchanged. Conclusion: twelve weeks of Pilates training positively affected overall physical fitness in previously sedentary healthy women. Furthermore, the increase in VO2peak and achieved Maximum Heart Rate was significant even with no specific aerobic training.

Objetivos: avaliar os efeitos de 12 semanas de treinamento de Pilates (Método Clássico) sobre o condicionamento cardiorrespiratório e respostas da frequência cardíaca de mulheres sedentárias saudáveis. Métodos: quinze mulheres realizaram 12 semanas de treinamento de Pilates durante 60 minutos, três vezes por semana (Grupo Pilates), com média de idade 29±4 anos. Treze mulheres com idade compatível com os controles mantiveram suas atividades rotineiras (Grupo Controle), com média de idade de 29±5 anos. A introdução dos exercícios foi pelo grau de dificuldade com mudança nos planos de movimento; menor base de suporte; rotação e extensão da coluna; e ativação da musculatura abdominal em posição de decúbito ventral. A frequência cardíaca foi monitorada e gravada durante todas as sessões usando um frequencímetro. Resultados: Os resultados da ANOVA revelaram diferença significativa no Grupo Pilates (p < 0,05) entre medidas pré e pós de VO2pico (+13%), percentual de gordura (- 3,3%), massa gorda livre (+ 2,8 kg), e resistência muscular da área abdominal (+61%), membros inferiores (+75%) e dos membros superiores (+68%). O percentual de Frequência Cardíaca Máxima alcançado na sexta (79,25%) e na décima primeira (79,86%) semanas de treinamento aumentou a partir da primeira semana (73,4%). A aptidão física do Grupo Controle permaneceu inalterada. Conclusão: doze semanas de treinamento de Pilates afetaram positivamente o condicionamento físico geral em mulheres saudáveis anteriormente sedentárias. Além disso, o aumento do VO2pico e da Frequência Cardíaca Máxima foi significativo mesmo sem treinamento aeróbico específico.

Effects of Short-term Lower Extremity Blood Flow Restriction Based on Limb Linkage Training on Endurance of Cardiopulmonary Endurance, Lower Extremity Muscle Endurance and Balance Function of Healthy Young People / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To observe the effects of short-term blood flow restriction (BFR) based on limb linkage training on cardiopulmonary endurance, lower limb muscle endurance and balance function of healthy people. Methods From December, 2019 to March, 2020, 20 healthy young people were randomly divided into control group (n = 10) and experimental group (n = 10). They accepted limb linkage training with the loading of anaerobic threshold (AT) according to the results of cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), 20 minutes a time, three times a week, for two weeks; while the experimental group wore 250 mmHg blood pressure training belt at the root of both thighs; the control group wore blood pressure training belt with no pressure. They were assessed with CPET, 6-minute walking test, wall squatting, seat test and functional reach test before and after training. Results After training, all the indexes improved in both groups (|t| > 2.321, P < 0.05), except functional reach test, the results of wall squatting and seat test were better in the experimental group than in the control group (t > 2.660, P < 0.05). Conclusion Limb linkage training combined with lower extremity BFR could further improve lower limb muscle endurance.

Effects of Short-term Lower Extremity Blood Flow Restriction Based on Limb Linkage Training on Endurance of Cardiopulmonary Endurance, Lower Extremity Muscle Endurance and Balance Function of Healthy Young People / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To observe the effects of short-term blood flow restriction (BFR) based on limb linkage training on cardiopulmonary endurance, lower limb muscle endurance and balance function of healthy people. Methods From December, 2019 to March, 2020, 20 healthy young people were randomly divided into control group (n = 10) and experimental group (n = 10). They accepted limb linkage training with the loading of anaerobic threshold (AT) according to the results of cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), 20 minutes a time, three times a week, for two weeks; while the experimental group wore 250 mmHg blood pressure training belt at the root of both thighs; the control group wore blood pressure training belt with no pressure. They were assessed with CPET, 6-minute walking test, wall squatting, seat test and functional reach test before and after training. Results After training, all the indexes improved in both groups (|t| > 2.321, P < 0.05), except functional reach test, the results of wall squatting and seat test were better in the experimental group than in the control group (t > 2.660, P < 0.05). Conclusion Limb linkage training combined with lower extremity BFR could further improve lower limb muscle endurance.

Effects of BTE System Intensive Training on Upper Limbs after Cervical Spinal Cord Injury / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To investigate the effect of BTE system intensive training on upper limbs for cervical spinal cord injured patients in various courses. Methods:From June, 2019 to January, 2020, 60 inpatients with traumatic C6-7 spinal cord injury were selected into sub-acute group (one to two months after surgery, n = 15), recovery group (three to six months after surgery, n = 15), stable group (over six months after surgery, n = 15) according to the course of disease, and control group (over six months after surgery, n = 15). The control group received comprehensive rehabilitation, while the other groups received upper limbs intensive training on BTE system in addition, for four weeks. They were assessed with Upper Extremity Motor Score (UEMS) and Functional Independence Measure (FIM), meassured isometric peak torque (IPT) and isotonic extreme muscle endurance (IEE) of bilateral elbow extensors before and after treatment. Results:All the indexes improved after treatment (t > 3.500, P < 0.01), and they were significantly different among the groups (F > 9.257, P < 0.001), in which, it was the most of UEMS and IPT in the sub-acute group, and IEE and FIM in the recovery group. Conclusion:BTE system intensive training is effective on upper limbs after cervical spinal cord injury. Sub-acute patients may improve more in motor function and explosive power, while patients at recovery stage do better in endurance and activities of daily living. Even stable patients can benefit from it somehow.

Analysis of muscle strength and endurance in healthy young adults and association of muscle strength with muscle endurance

Background: Muscle strength has been studied as a predictor of general health and many diseases.  Data on muscle strength of healthy adults are scarce in Assam. Aim of the study was to describe normative data for hand grip muscle strength and endurance among healthy young males and females of age group 18-21. Also, to find out any correlation between muscles strength and endurance.Methods: We have selected 79 healthy volunteers of both sexes of age group 18-21 years. We have measured muscle strength by hand grip dynamometer. Muscle endurance was calculated by asking the subjects to hold the dynamometer at one third of their muscle strength as long as they can.Results: In this study there were 46 males and 33 females. Mean muscle strength among the males is 27.09(SD7.05) and among the females is 10.76(SD6.19). Similarly mean endurance among males is 41.78(SD31.72) and among females is 16.15(SD9.81). These higher values of muscle strength and endurance in males are statistically significant. We have also found positive correlation between muscle strength and endurance in both the sexes.Conclusions: In this study we have seen that muscle strength and endurance of healthy young males are more than that of females. And also, muscle endurance increases with increase in muscle strength.

Identificação de equipamentos e procedimentos utilizados por fisioterapeutas brasileiros para testes de endurance muscular inspiratória / Identificación de equipos y procedimientos utilizados por fisioterapeutas brasileños para pruebas de endurance muscular inspiratoria / Identification of equipment and procedures used by Brazilian physical therapists for inspiratory muscle endurance tests

RESUMO A avaliação da função dos músculos inspiratórios por meio do teste de endurance muscular inspiratória (EMI), definida como a capacidade de sustentação dessa tarefa ao longo do tempo, atualmente apresenta ampla variedade de instrumentos e procedimentos para sua mensuração. Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar os diferentes equipamentos, procedimentos e forma de avaliação dos testes de EMI entre fisioterapeutas brasileiros. É um estudo transversal realizado por meio de questionário enviado por correio eletrônico individualmente a cada participante. Cento e treze fisioterapeutas de diferentes regiões do país, grande parte com atuação conjunta na clínica e na docência (52,1%), responderam realizar poucas vezes a medida de EMI (48,7%). O manovacuômetro aneroide foi o aparelho mais utilizado por 42,5% dos profissionais. O clipe nasal e o bocal tubular de plástico rígido ou papel foram os acessórios mais utilizados durante o teste, correspondendo a 51,8% e 33%, respectivamente. O teste de ventilação voluntária máxima foi o mais utilizado para avaliação da endurance inspiratória, relatado por 23% dos respondentes. O teste de carga constante para avaliação da endurance foi adotado por 51,2% dos fisioterapeutas, sendo que 54,9% associaram comandos verbais à demonstração para explicação do teste. A interpretação dos valores aferidos era feita através de valores de referência por 25,7% dos entrevistados. Identificou-se que os fisioterapeutas brasileiros entrevistados não apresentaram a mesma conduta para os testes de EMI. No entanto os equipamentos, procedimentos e a forma de avaliação são utilizados com base nas diretrizes sobre o tema e de acordo com a disponibilidade de recursos do serviço.

RESUMEN La evaluación de la función de los músculos inspiratorios a través del entrenamiento muscular inspiratorio (EMI), definida como la capacidad de sustentación de esta tarea a lo largo del tiempo, actualmente presenta una amplia variedad de instrumentos y procedimientos para su medición. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar los diferentes equipos, procedimientos y forma de evaluación de las pruebas de EMI entre fisioterapeutas brasileños. Es un estudio transversal realizado por medio de un cuestionario enviado por correo electrónico a cada participante. Ciento trece fisioterapeutas de diferentes regiones del país, que en gran parte actúan a la vez en la clínica y en la enseñanza (52,1%), dijeron realizar pocas veces la medida de EMI (48,7%). El manovacuómetro aneroide fue el aparato más utilizado por el 42,5% de los profesionales. El clip nasal y la boquilla tubular de plástico rígido o papel fueron los accesorios más utilizados durante la prueba, correspondiendo al 51,8% y al 33%, respectivamente. La prueba de ventilación voluntaria máxima fue la más utilizada para la evaluación de la resistencia respiratoria, reportada por el 23% de los entrevistados. La prueba de carga constante para la evaluación de la resistencia se adoptó por el 51,2% de los fisioterapeutas, siendo que el 54,9% asoció comandos verbales a la demostración para la explicación de la prueba. La interpretación de los valores evaluados se hacía a través de valores de referencia por el 25,7% de los entrevistados. Se identificó que los fisioterapeutas brasileños entrevistados no presentaron la misma conducta para las pruebas de EMI. Sin embargo, los equipos, procedimientos y la forma de evaluación se utilizan con base en las directrices sobre el tema y de acuerdo con la disponibilidad de recursos del servicio.

ABSTRACT The assessment of inspiratory muscles through the inspiratory muscle endurance test (IME), defined as the ability to support this task over time, currently presents wide range of instruments and procedures for its measurement. This study aimed to identify the different equipment, procedures and assessments of IME tests among Brazilian physical therapists. It is a cross-sectional study carried out through a questionnaire sent individually by electronic mail to each participant. One hundred and thirteen physical therapists from different regions of the country, many practicing in the clinic and in the teaching field (52.1%), said they measured IME a few times (48.7%). The aneroid manovacuometer was used by 42.5% of the professionals. The nose clip and the hard plastic or paper tubular incentive spirometer were the most used accessories during the test, corresponding to 51.8% and 33%, respectively. The maximum voluntary ventilation test was used to assess the inspiratory endurance, reported by 23% of the respondents. The constant load test for endurance assessment was adopted by 51.2% of the physical therapists, and 54.9% associated verbal commands with the demonstration for the test application. The interpretation of the measured values was made with reference values by 25.7% of respondents. We identified that Brazilian physical therapists interviewed did not show the same conduct for IME tests. However, the equipment, procedures and assessment form are used based on the guidelines on the subject and according to the availability of resources of the service.

Oxidative stress and skeletal muscle dysfunction are present in healthy smokers

Chronic exposure to cigarette smoke seems to be related to an increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and changes in muscular and physical performances of healthy smokers. However, these parameters have not yet been evaluated simultaneously in previous studies. The participants of this study were healthy males divided into two groups: smokers (n=20) and non-smokers (n=20). Inflammation was evaluated by measuring plasma levels of the cytokines IL-10, IL-6 e TNF-α, and of the soluble receptors sTNFR1 and sTNFR2. Oxidative stress was evaluated by determination of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) plasma levels, total antioxidant capacity of plasma and erythrocytes activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Muscular performance was evaluated by measuring the peak torque of knee flexors and extensors, and by determining the total work of the knee extensors. Physical performance was assessed by measuring the peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), the maximum heart rate (HRmax) and the walking distance in the shuttle walking test. Smokers showed an increase in the levels of the sTNFR1 and TBARS and a decrease in the total antioxidant capacity of plasma, in the catalase activity and in the total work (P<0.05). IL-6, IL-10, sTNFR2, SOD, peak torque, VO2 peak, HRmax and walking distance were similar between groups. Smokers presented increased oxidative stress and skeletal muscle dysfunction, demonstrating that the changes in molecular and muscular parameters occur simultaneously in healthy smokers.

Efeito de diferentes intervalos de recuperação entre as séries sobre o desempenho muscular no exercício leg-press em idosas não treinadas / Effects of different rest intervals between sets on muscle performance in the leg press exercise in untrained elderly women

OBJETIVO: Verificar a influência de dois diferentes intervalos de recuperação (IR) entre as séries no exercício leg-press sobre o número e sustentabilidade das repetições e no volume total, em idosas não treinadas. MÉTODOS: Onze idosas (66,5 ± 5,0 anos; 59,2 ± 9,1kg; 146,4 ± 34,9cm) foram submetidas a duas sessões experimentais de exercícios com pesos com intensidade de 15 repetições máximas. Cada sessão experimental foi composta por três séries realizadas até a fadiga muscular utilizando IR de um (IR-1) ou três minutos (IR-3). As sessões experimentais foram separadas por, no mínimo, 48 horas. Todas as participantes realizaram ambos os protocolos e um delineamento cross-over balanceado foi utilizado para determinar a ordem das sessões experimentais. RESULTADOS: Para ambos os IR entre as séries, reduções significativas (P < 0,05) no número e na sustentabilidade das repetições foram observadas da primeira para a segunda e terceira séries e da segunda para a terceira séries. Diferenças significativas (P < 0,05) entre os IR foram observadas nas duas séries finais. O volume total da sessão realizada com IR-3 foi estatisticamente superior (20,4%; P < 0,05) quando comparada a sessão IR-1. CONCLUSÃO: O número e a sustentabilidade das repetições e o volume total de treino de idosas não treinadas são influenciados pelo IR empregado entre as séries. Maiores IR devem ser utilizados quando a finalidade for otimizar o volume de treino por meio da sustentabilidade das repetições. Em contrapartida, menores IR devem ser utilizados quando a meta for obter maiores níveis de fadiga muscular.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of two different rest intervals (RI) between sets in the leg-press exercise on the number and sustainability of repetitions and total volume in untrained elderly women. METHODS: Eleven untrained elderly women (66.5 ± 5.0 years; 59.2 ± 9.1 kg; 146.4 ± 34.9 cm) were submitted to two experimental sessions of resistance exercise with intensity of 15 maximum repetitions. Each experimental session consisted of three sets performed until muscle fatigue with an RI of one (RI-1) or 3 minutes (RI-3). The experimental sessions were separated by at least 48 hours. All participants performed both protocols and a balanced cross-over outlining was used to determine the experimental sessions order. RESULTS: For both RI between sets, significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the number and sustainability of repetitions was observed from the first to the second and third sets, and the second to the third sets. Significant differences (P < 0.05) between the RI were observed in the two final sets. The total volume of the session with RI-3 was statistically higher (20.4%, P < 0.05) when compared with RI-1 session. CONCLUSION: The number and sustainability of repetitions and the total volume of training in untrained elderly women are influenced by the RI employed between sets. Longer RI should be used when the training goal is to increase training volume through the sustainability of repetitions. Conversely, a shorter RI should be used when the goal is to obtain higher levels of muscle fatigue.

Reproducibilidad de las pruebas Arm Curly Chair Stand para evaluar resistencia muscular en población adulta mayor / Reliability of Arm Curl and Chair Stand tests for assessing muscular endurance in older people / Reprodutibilidade dos testes de Arm Curl e Chair Stand para avaliar resistência muscular em idosos

Objetivo: evaluar la reproducibilidad prueba-reprueba y el nivel de acuerdo entre mediciones de las pruebas 30 seg (30-s) Arm Curl y 30-s Chair Stand en una muestra de adultos mayores de Bucaramanga. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio de evaluación de tecnologías diagnósticas. Ambas pruebas fueron administradas en dos oportunidades por el mismo evaluador a 111 adultos mayores de 59 años (70,4 ± 7,3), con un intervalo de 4 a 8 días. En el análisis se determinó la reproducibilidad prueba-reprueba mediante el coeficiente de correlación intraclase, CCI= 2,1 con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza de 95% (IC 95%). El nivel de acuerdo se estableció mediante el método de Bland y Altman. Resultados: la reproducibilidad prueba-reprueba para el 30-s Arm Curl test fue muy buena, con un CCI= 0,88 y para el 30-s Chair Stand test fue buena, con un CCI= 0,78. Así, el acuerdo fue muy bueno para las dos pruebas de resistencia muscular. Los IC 95% estuvieron entre -3,8 y 3,2 repeticiones para la prueba 30-s Chair Stand y entre -3,1 y 2,8 repeticiones para la prueba 30-s Arm Curl. Conclusión: las pruebas 30-s Arm Curl y 30-s Chair Stand tienen buena reproducibilidad y nivel de acuerdo para evaluar resistencia muscular en adultos mayores funcionalmente independientes.

Objective: to assess the test-retest reliability and level of agreement between measures of the 30 second (30-s) Arm Curl and 30-s Chair Stand test in a sample of older adults from Bucaramanga. Materials and methods: a study of evaluation of diagnostic technology was done. Both tests were administered by the same evaluator to 111 adults older than 59 year-old (70,4 ± 7,3), on two occasions, with an interval of time between measures of 4 to 8 days. In the analysis, test-retest reliability was determined using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient ICC= 2,1 with their confidence interval 95% (CI 95%) respective. The agreement level was established by the Bland and Altman method. Results: the test-retest reproducibility of the 30-s Arm Curl test was very good ICC= 0,88 and to the Chair Stand test was good ICC= 0,78. The agreement was very good for both tests of muscle endurance. The CI 95% were between -3,8 and 3,2 stands to 30-s Chair Stand test and between -3,1 and 2,8 curls to 30-s Arm Curl test. Conclusion: the 30-s Arm Curl and 30-s Chair Stand test have good reliability and agreement to assess muscle endurance in older adults functionally independent.

Objetivo: avaliar a reprodutibilidade teste-reteste e nível de concordância entre as medidas de testes 30 second (30-s) Arm Curl e 30-s Chair Stand em uma amostra de idosos de Bucaramanga. Materiais e métodos: se realizou um estudo de avaliação da tecnologia de diagnóstico. Ambos os testes foram administrados pelo mesmo avaliador a 111 adultos com mais de 59 anos de idade (70,4 ± 7,3), em duas ocasiões, com um intervalo de tempo entre as medidas de 4 a 8 dias. Na análise, se determinou a reprodutibilidade teste-reteste usando o Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse ICC= 2,1 com seus respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC 95%). O nível de concordância foi estabelecido pelo método de Bland e Altman. Resultados: a reprodutibilidade teste-reteste do 30-s Arm Curl teste era muito bom ICC= 0,88 e do 30-s Chair Stand teste foi boa ICC= 0,78. O acordo foi muito bom para ambos os testes de resistência muscular. Os IC 95% foram de -3,8 e 3,2 repetições para o 30-s Chair Stand teste e de -3,1 e 2,8 repetições para o 30-s Arm Curl teste. Conclusão: testes 30-s Arm Curl e 30-s Chair Stand possui boa reprodutibilidade e concordância para avaliar a resistência muscular em idosos funcionalmente independentes.

Recovery of Muscle Power Following Early Weight-Bearing and Ankle Exercise after Surgical Repair of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of early functional treatment after surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture and to evaluate the isokinetic and isometric concentric plantar flexion peak torque and muscle endurance. We wanted to provide objective results of the functional improvement and the effect of early rehabilitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On a retrospective basis, we studied 52 cases of acute Achilles tendon rupture who visited our clinic between March 2007 and August 2009. Eleven patients (9 male, 2 female) were available for the follow-up more than 12 months and their mean final follow-up duration was 18.2 (12 to 39) months. We performed early weight-bearing and ankle exercise after surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture. At final follow-up, patients were evaluated with clinical and functional examination using Arner-Lindholm scale and American Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot scale and patients' subjective satisfaction. In addition, the isokinetic and isometric concentric plantar flexion peak torque and muscle endurance were evaluated. RESULTS: Evaluating the clinical results using the Arner-Lindholm scale, we had 4 excellent cases and 7 good cases. The average AOFAS score was 88.9 (68 to 100) points at final follow-up. The patients' subjective satisfaction was excellent in 5 cases and good in 6 cases. The isokinetic concentric plantar flexion peak torque was restored to 92.2% (30degrees/sec) and 97.0% (120degrees/sec) in relation to the intact side at final follow-up. The isometric concentric plantar flexion peak torque was restored to 89.4% at 10o dorsiflexion, 84.4% at neutral, and 84.0% at 20degrees plantar flexion of the ankle position in relation to the intact side. The muscle endurance of ankle plantar flexor was 62.37% for the intact side and 59.16% for the injured side that there was no difference between the intact and injured side (p=0.79). CONCLUSION: The clinical results and the satisfactory restoration of muscle power and endurance support early full weight bearing and exercise as an acceptable form of rehabilitation.

The Optimal Electrical Stimulation Frequency to Improve the Muscle Endurance in Spinal Cord Injured Rabbit

OBJECTIVE: Clinical application of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) was limited due to the muscle fatigue phenomenon. This study was undertaken to find an electrical stimulation frequency, which optimally improves muscle endurance in spinal cord injured rabbit. METHOD: Fifteen rabbits were experimentally spinal cord injured at the T10 or T11 spinal cord level. Three kinds of stimulation frequency (10, 20, 40 Hz) and sham control stimulation were applied to the tibialis anterior muscle of each four group for 1 hour per day, for 2 weeks. Muscle fatigue index and peak torque were measured during electrical stimulation, and proportion of the type I musclefiber was measured at ATPase (pH 9.4) staining. RESULTS: Complete paraplegia was obtained in all 12 rabbits. Muscle fatigue index and peak torque were not changed after 2 weeks of electrical stimulation in all four groups. The proportion of the type I muscle fiber was reduced in all four groups after 2 weeks. However, 40 Hz stimulation group showed less decline in proportion of type I muscle fiber than control or 10 Hz group. CONCLUSION: High frequency electrical stimulation applied at an early stage of spinal cord injury is more effective in preserving muscle endurance than low frequency stimulation.

The Change of Muscle Strength, Muscle Endurance, Flexibility and Activities of Daily Living of the Kidney Transplant Recipients / 성인간호학회지

The purpose of this study was to explore the change of muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility and activities of daily living to develop a rehabilitational program. The subjects were selected randomly among the patients who underwent kidney transplantations at one major transplantation hospital in Seoul, Korea. This study was carried out between November 23, 1999 and February 15, 2000. The subjects in this study consisted of 16 patients who had kidney transplantations between 1 month and 12 months ago prior to this study. They were all on steroids and did not take any physical exercise regularly. The muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility and activities of daily living were evaluated at 1st week and after 12 weeks. The data were analyzed with numbers, percentiles, mean, standard deviation and t-test. The results were as follows: 1. After 12 weeks, the grip strength was significantly decreased than 1st week (p=.0002). 2. After 12 weeks, the back lift strength was significantly decreased than 1st week (p=.0002). 3. After 12 weeks, the muscle endurance was increased than 1st week, but it was not significant(p=.5487). After 12 weeks, the flexibility was significantly decreased than 1st week (p=.0002). 5. After 12 weeks, the activities of daily living was significantly decreased than 1st week (p=.0006). Like the above result, the kidney transplant receipients' muscle strength, flexibility and activities of daily living were reduced. In order to solve this problem, the writer has found that program development to prevent the defects should be extremely required. Since now on the number of patients should expand. After the kidney transplantation, the periods of 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks are extended. The writer proposes to examine the different phase of change in each periods.

Isokinetic Evaluation of the Knee in Patients with Osteoarthritis of Knees and Its Relationship with Walking Time

Muscle functions are limited in patients with osteoarthritis of knees. In patients with osteoarthritis, isokinetic testing of knee musculature reveals decreased peak torque and increased walking time(50-ft). The purpose of this study was to demonstrate deficiency in muscular performance of knee, and the relationship between walking time and isokinetic parameters of muscular strength, endurance and pain of knee in patients with osteoarthritis of knees. The subjects were divided into a control group and the study group. The control group consisted of 40 persons without a knee pain, and the study group consisted of 30 patients with osteoarthritis of knees. The peak torque of patients in the study group was decreased by 16-21%, compared to that the control group. There was a negative relationship between the walking time and the endurance of knee extensors(r=?0.7195). These findings suggest that exercises to increase the strength and endurance of extensors and flexors of knees should be emphasized in the rehabilitation program for the osteoarthritis of knees.