Isometric handgrip exercise training as a potential tool for identifying and regulating blood pressure in young healthy adults

Background: Isometric handgrip (IHG) exercises can be a simple tool and an effective, time-consumable test that may be beneficial for blood pressure (BP) regulation. Hypertension prevention or BP control is necessary nowadays. Isometric exercise evokes the contractions of skeletal muscle without altering their length, but changes in the tension of the muscle occur. Through lifestyle modification, static exercises maintain the desired BP in individuals other than aerobic exercises. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effective changes of isometric handgrip exercise on young, healthy subjects and determine changes in heart rate (HR) and BP before and after exercise. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled study has been conducted in the department of physiology at JMC Rajasthan for 3 months. The study sample included 72 volunteer subjects (40 male and 32 females) aged 19–25 years, and handgrip spring dynamometer was used for isometric handgrip exercise (IHE) training exercise training. The IHE training group performed handgrip exercises for 3 months at 30% of their maximum isometric contraction, 3 times/week for five 3-min bouts with 5-min rest periods between each bout. Before and after the intervention, BP and HR were measured. P-value was advised significant at 0.05. Results: At the completion of 3 months of IHE exercise training, significant changes are seen in HR and BP in all healthy volunteers (P < 0.001 for all forms of BP) (HR, P = 0.014). In female volunteer and diastolic BP, it decreases significantly, but no significant changes are seen in systolic BP, mean arterial pressure, and HR. Conclusion: IHG exercise training reduces or regulates baseline BP and HR and explores the potential of this intervention for managing or preventing hypertension.

Comparison of handgrip strength and handgrip endurance in exercising and non-exercising overweight young adults

Background: Exercises cause improvement in handgrip strength (HGS) and handgrip endurance (HGE) which can be measured using the handgrip dynamometer. Aims and Objectives: The present study has been done with the objective of studying the effects of exercise on the HGS and HGE among overweight subjects. Materials and Methods: The study subjects were 60 overweight female medical students who were categorized into exercising and non-exercising groups. The study participant’s HGS and HGE were determined using the handgrip spring-type dynamometer. An unpaired t-test was used to analyze the data. Results: The HGS and HGE were found to be statistically better (P < 0.05) among the exercising overweight subjects than the non-exercising overweight subjects. Conclusion: This study showed that there was a statistically significant improvement in the HGS and HGE among the exercising individuals than the non-exercising individuals. Although the subjects were overweight, making exercise a part of their daily lives may help in improving their overall muscle strength.

Assessment of Hand Grip Strength and Pinch Grip Strength among Healthy Embroidery Workers: Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Embroidery is a craft that decorates fabric or other materials by using a needle to apply thread or yarn. Hand and finger strength is essential during embroidery design to minimize discomfort and risk of upper extremity injuries Aims and objective: This study aims to assess hand grip strength and pinch grip strength among healthy embroidery workers. Methodology: 100 embroidery workers were recruited. Demographic details including BMI were taken in self-designed form. Hand grip strength was assessed by Jamar Hand Held Dynamometer. Pinch grip strength was assessed by a Pinch Guage Dynamometer. Statistical analysis was done using the Python software. Results: The study included 100 subjects that involved all female subjects aged 20 to 40 yrs. with 4 or more than 4 years of experience. The study showed that the hand grip strength of embroidery workers was more affected than the pinch grip strength. This study also showed that age is not related to the hand grip and pinch grip strength. It also showed that an increase in the years of experience increases hand grip and pinch grip strength (p< 0.05) as well as grip strength was more in the dominant hand(p<0.0001).Conclusion: Hand grip strength was found to be affected more than the pinch grip strength. They found no correlation with the age and there was a correlation with years of experience.

Concordancia de mediciones de fuerza de prensión entre un dinamómetro manual digital y un dinamómetro hidráulico / Concordance of grip strength measurement between a digital handheld dynamometer and a Hydraulic dynamometer

Resumen Antecedentes: La valoración de la fuerza muscular es de interés para la investigación de patologías como la fragilidad y la sarcopenia; sin embargo, el costo de algunos instrumentos necesarios para su evaluación podría ser una limitante en algunos escenarios. Objetivo: Comparar dos dinamómetros para comparar la concordancia entre las mediciones. Material y métodos: El estudio se realizó en una clínica ambulatoria de geriatría. Se evaluaron 120 participantes de 60 años y más provenientes de la comunidad. Se utilizó el dinamómetro manual hidráulico Jamar® y el dinamómetro manual digital Camry® EH101. Resultados: Se observó correlación positiva entre los dos instrumentos para la mano dominante (MD), con r de Pearson = 0.974 (p < 0.001) y ρ de Spearman = 0.973 (p < 0.001) para la mano no dominante (MND). El coeficiente de concordancia de Lin para la MD fue de 0.98 (p < 0.001) y para la MND, de 0.97 (p < 0.001) El coeficiente de correlación intraclase fue de 0.971 (IC 95 % = 0.95-0.97, p < 0.001) para MD y de 0.975 (IC 95 % = 0.96-0.98, p < 0.001) para MND. Conclusiones: El dinamómetro digital es un instrumento confiable para la medición de la fuerza de prensión en personas mayores de 60 años provenientes de la comunidad.

Abstract Background: Assessment of muscle strength is of great interest for the study of age-associated pathologies, including frailty and sarcopenia. However, the cost of some of the equipment necessary for its evaluation could be prohibitive for its generalized use in some settings. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to compare two handheld dynamometers to evaluate the measure of concordance between the measurements. Material and methods: The study was conducted in the outpatient geriatrics clinic where 120 community-dwelling participants aged 60 years, and more were evaluated using two devices: the Jamar® Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer and the digital hand dynamometer Camry® EH101. Results: We observed a positive correlation between the two devices for dominant hand (DH) Pearson r = 0.974 (p < 0.001) and a Spearman ρ 0.973 (p < 0.001) for non-dominant hand (NDH) Lin’s coefficient for the DH was 0.98 (p < 0.001) and for the NDH 0.97 (p <0.001). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.971 (95% CI = 0.95-0.97, p < 0.001) for DH and 0.975 (95% CI = 0.96-0.98, p < 0.001) for NDH. Conclusions: In this study, the Camry dynamometer was observed to be reliable for measuring hand grip strength in community-dwelling people 60 years or older.

Do Dynamometric Variables of the Pelvic Floor Muscles Differ between Women with and without Stress Urinary Incontinence? A Blind, Cross-sectional Study

Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare pelvic floor muscles (PFM) contraction variables between women with and without stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated the PFM of 17 healthy women and 17 women with SUI during a single test session using a vaginal dynamometer. Outcomes: peak time (time at which peak force occurred after the onset of contraction), passive force (baseline), maximum contraction force, impulse of contraction, average force and endurance time. Dada was recording during a single test session using a vaginal dynamometer. Results: The following PFM contraction variables were evaluated: Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with the Bonferroni post hoc test was used to compare the dynamometric data between groups (control and SUI), considering age and number of childbirths as co-variables. Significant difference was observed between groups with regard to endurance (F = 4.87, P < .03; ANCOVA test), whereas no significant differences were found for the other variables analyzed. Conclusion: The endurance time of PFM contraction is shorter in women with SUI, whereas variables related to the intensity of pelvic floor muscle contraction force and time from the onset to peak contraction of these muscles are similar between women with and without stress urinary incontinence.

Percentile determination of hand grip strength measured using Jamar Dynamometer and modified Sphygmomanometer among healthy adults

Background@#An accurate, quantifiable assessment of hand grip strength (HGS) can predict overall strength and health with a good predictor for identifying populations at higher risk for any medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, neuromuscular diseases and stroke that helps clinicians establish realistic treatment goals and provides treatment outcome data. The purpose of the study is to determine the percentile scores of HGS of healthy adult individuals of various age groups using Jamar dynamometer and modified sphygmomanometer.@*Methods@#This descriptive study measures HGS using Jamar dynamometer and modified sphygmomanometer obtained from one hundred twenty healthy participants 20 years old and above. Comparative analyses of the 2 apparatuses were conducted using One-Way ANOVA. The reference intervals at different percentiles were calculated using the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) guidelines.@*Results@#Grip strength (GS) using Jamar dynamometer (JD) and modified sphygmomanometer (MS) among younger (20- 29 years old) participants, the 50th percentile (Q2) JD score was 28.29 kg with an equivalent MS score of 161.38 mmHg, were significantly higher compared to those across older age groups especially among the ≥70 years old with a JD Q2 score of 16.74 kg and MS Q2 score of 101.33 mmHg. These findings suggest that HGS decreases with increasing age.@*Conclusion@#Scores obtained from this study can serve as preliminary baseline values or guide for interpreting GS measurements.

Does the elbow position change the handgrip strength in Parkinson's disease? / A posição do cotovelo altera a força de preensão manual na doença de Parkinson?

Abstract The flexed elbow is a standardization position on the handgrip strength test, however the literature shows divergence in the values obtained from extended elbow. The aim of this study was to verify if there is such difference in people with Parkinson's disease. Cross-sectional study. Thirty-one elderly individuals with clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, performed 2 handgrip tests, first with extended elbow and second with flexed elbow, with 48 hours of interval. There was not significantly different between positions for handgrip strength (p > 0.05). As well as, the effect size was insignificant (d < 0.19). The main results indicate there was no significant difference between the flexed and the extended protocol, the effect size was negative and very small, it shows there is no clinical effect. Since, there are no difference between elbow positions, The American Society of Hand Therapists standardized position is recommended for testing of handgrip strength.

Resumo O cotovelo flexionado é uma posição padronizada no teste de força de preensão manual, no entanto, a literatura mostra divergências nos valores obtidos com o cotovelo estendido. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se existe tal diferença em pessoas com a doença de Parkinson. Estudo transversal. Trinta e um idosos com diagnóstico clínico da doença de Parkinson realizaram 2 testes de preensão manual, o primeiro com o cotovelo estendido e o segundo com o cotovelo flexionado, com intervalo de 48 horas. Não houve diferença significativa entre as posições para a força de preensão manual (p > 0,05). Além disso, o tamanho do efeito foi insignificante (d < 0,19). Os principais resultados indicam que não houve diferença significativa entre o protocolo flexionado e o estendido, o tamanho do efeito foi negativo e muito pequeno, o que mostra que não há efeito clínico. Portanto, não há diferença entre as posições do cotovelo, recomenda-se a posição padronizada da Sociedade Americana de Terapeutas de Mão para o teste de força de preensão manual.

Evaluation of the strength of the upper extremity in children with hemiplegia after stroke: a case series study

The brain is a system with multidimensional organization and architecture and requires a continuous supply of blood in order to normally function. If blood flow is interrupted for more than a few seconds, the brain is deprived of blood and oxygen, causing death in nerve cells in the affected area. Stroke in children after birth appears even more rarely than in adults. For the study, 10 children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (7 boys and 3 girls) participated (mean age 10, 9 years), from the “General Hospital Hippocratio” of Thessaloniki, according to the inclusion criteria. The strength of the upper extremity was measured using the Jamar dynamometer and for the assessment of the balance the pediatric balance scale (PBS) affected and contralateral hands, results were analyzed and compared with norms for age and sex and related to the affected balance. It was found that the strength of the non-affected upper extremities was also reduced according to the data of the normal children and the balance was also affected because of the stroke. Physiotherapy programs may include exercises that give emphasis on the non-affected upper extremities, more similar research must be done on a bigger population.

Teste de fadiga de preensão manual usando contrações dinâmicas em crianças típicas / Handgrip fatigue test using dynamic contractions in typical children

Objective: To verify the development of fatigue and sex-influence on the handgrip during dynamic contractions in typical children. Methods: Cross-section study. Fifty-eight children, distributed into two groups according to sex (30 boys), aged 8 to 12 years, of both sexes, performed successive dynamic contractions with a bulb dynamometer until they reached maximum perceived effort. The values from the first, the last contractions of the fatigue test, and the measure after 30-s of the last contraction (recovery contraction) were recorded and compared using the linear regression model with mixed effects. T-Student test was used to compare the perceived effort scores and time-to-fatigue between groups. Results: The handgrip values significantly decreased, and perceived effort scores significantly increased in the final measure in relation to the initial measure of the fatigue test. After the fatigue handgrip test, 30-sec of recovery was insufficient to restore the baseline handgrip values. There were no differences between the female and male groups for all variables. Conclusion: The handgrip fatigue test using dynamic contractions showed it efficiently induces motor and perceived fatigue in children, without differences between sexes.

Objetivo: Verificar o desenvolvimento da fadiga e a influência do sexo na preensão manual durante contrações dinâmicas em crianças típicas. Métodos: Estudo transversal. Cinquenta e oito crianças, distribuídas em dois grupos de acordo com o sexo (30 meninos), com idades entre 8 e 12 anos, de ambos os sexos, realizaram sucessivas contrações dinâmicas com um dinamômetro de bulbo até atingirem o esforço máximo percebido. Os valores da primeira, da última contração do teste de fadiga e da medida após 30 segundos da última contração (contração de recuperação) foram registrados e comparados usando o modelo de regressão linear com efeitos mistos. O teste T-Student foi usado para comparar os escores de esforço percebido e o tempo até a fadiga entre os grupos. Resultados: Os valores de preensão palmar e os escores de esforço percebido diminuíram significativamente durante o teste de fadiga. Não houve diferenças entre os grupos para todas as variáveis. Conclusão: O teste de fadiga de preensão palmar utilizando contrações dinâmicas mostrou-se eficaz na indução da fadiga motora e percebida em crianças, sem diferenças entre os sexos.

Dinamometría como predictor de morbimortalidad en pacientes geriátricos con moderado riesgo quirúrgico sometidos a cirugía cardíaca / Dynamometry as a predictor of morbidity and mortality in geriatric patients with moderate surgical risk undergoing cardiac surgery

Resumen: Introducción: con los cambios demográficos el término «fragilidad¼ trasciende cada vez más en el ámbito quirúrgico. La relación entre fragilidad medida por dinamometría y la morbimortalidad en cirugía cardíaca no ha sido del todo estudiada. Objetivo: establecer la utilidad de la fragilidad determinada mediante dinamometría como predictor de morbimortalidad en pacientes geriátricos con bajo riesgo quirúrgico sometidos a cirugía cardíaca. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio de cohortes prospectivo que incluyó 65 pacientes geriátricos de moderado riesgo quirúrgico sometidos a cirugía cardíaca electiva con derivación cardiopulmonar. A los pacientes se les realizó dinamometría preoperatoria para determinar fragilidad y se estimó su relación con la morbimortalidad postoperatoria. Se calculó sensibilidad, especificidad, valores predictivos y coeficientes de probabilidad positivos y negativos, coeficiente alfa de Cronbach y área bajo la curva ROC. Los datos se procesaron con SPSS v-24.0. Resultados: la evaluación del componente de calibración mostró que se ajusta a nuestra muestra (coeficiente alfa de Cronbach 0.79). La evaluación del componente de discriminación mostró que puede distinguir la población con riesgo de morbilidad (0.625) y mortalidad (0.597). Conclusión: la fragilidad determinada mediante dinamometría es útil como predictor de morbimortalidad en pacientes ancianos con bajo riesgo quirúrgico sometidos a cirugía cardíaca.

Abstract: Introduction: recent demographic changes have meant that more and more frail patients undergo surgery. The relationship between frailty, measured by dynamometry, and morbidity and mortality in cardiac surgery has not been fully studied. Objective: determine the usefulness of frailty, as measured by dynamometry, as a predictor of morbidity and mortality in geriatric patients with low surgical risk undergoing cardiac surgery. Material and methods: a prospective cohort study including 65 geriatric patients with moderate surgical risk undergoing elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. The patients underwent preoperative dynamometry to determine their frailty, whose relationship with postoperative morbidity and mortality was evaluated. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, positive and negative probability coefficients, Cronbach's alpha coefficient and area under the ROC curve were calculated. The data were processed with SPSS v-24.0. Results: the evaluation of the calibration component showed that it fitted our sample (Cronbach's alpha coefficient 0.79). The evaluation of the discrimination component showed that it was able to distinguish between risk of morbidity (0.625) and risk of mortality (0.597). Conclusion: frailty, measured by dynamometry, is a useful predictor of morbidity and mortality in elderly patients with low surgical risk undergoing cardiac surgery.

Correlação entre resistência de preensão manual e resistência muscular escapular em indivíduos assintomáticos / Correlation between hand grip endurance and scapular muscle endurance in asymptomatic individuals

INTRODUÇÃO: A atividade de preensão é uma ação diária essencial em casa e no local de trabalho, onde muitas vezes é necessário levantar e segurar cargas com uma preensão relativamente estática usando contração isométrica. A força e resistência muscular no aspecto proximal das extremidades superiores influenciam na função da mão, e indivíduos com força e resistência reduzidas são mais propensos a desenvolver distúrbios musculoesqueléticos relacionados ao trabalho. Uma boa resistência de preensão pode ser influenciada pela estabilização fornecida pelos músculos do ombro. Este estudo tem como objetivo determinar a extensão da correlação entre resistência de preensão manual e resistência muscular da escápula em jovens assintomáticos. MÉTODO: O tamanho da amostra para este estudo foi n = 62, com base em estudos anteriores. Indivíduos saudáveis, com idade entre 18 e 25 anos, de ambos os sexos, foram incluídos. Uma avaliação objetiva da resistência da preensão foi realizada usando um dinamômetro manual hidráulico, e a resistência escapular foi avaliada usando o teste muscular escapular. RESULTADOS: A análise de dados foi realizada usando o SPSS versão 20. Houve correlações positivas significativas entre as medidas de resistência escapular e a resistência de preensão palmar para ambos os lados (teste de correlação de Pearson, r = 0,612 (p < 0,001) e r = 0,524 (p < 0,001), respectivamente, para resistência de preensão da mão não dominante e dominante). CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: Os achados preliminares deste estudo sustentam que a resistência do músculo escapular exibe uma relação com a resistência da preensão palmar, sugerindo que o treinamento de resistência escapular pode ser um complemento eficaz no processo de reabilitação das funções da extremidade superior.

INTRODUCTION: Gripping activity is an essential daily activity at home and at the workplace, where lifting and holding loads with a relatively static grip using isometric contraction is often required. Muscle strength and endurance in the proximal aspect of the upper extremities influence hand function, and individuals with reduced strength and endurance are more prone to developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Good grip endurance might be influenced by the stabilization provided by shoulder muscles. This study aims to determine the correlation between hand grip endurance and scapula muscle endurance among young asymptomatic individuals. METHOD: The sample size for this study is n = 62, based on previous studies. Healthy individuals of both genders, aged between 18 and 25 years, were included. An objective assessment of grip endurance was performed using a hydraulic hand dynamometer, while scapular endurance was evaluated using the scapular muscle test. RESULTS: Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. There were significant positive correlations between scapular endurance measures and the hand grip endurance on both sides (Pearson correlation test, r = 0.612 (p < 0.001) and r = 0.524 (p < 0.001), respectively, for non-dominant and dominant hand grip endurance). FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The preliminary findings of this study support the notion that scapular muscle endurance is related to hand grip endurance, suggesting that scapular endurance training may be an effective adjunct in the rehabilitation process for upper extremity functions.

Atletas de Taekwondo apresentam desequilíbrio muscular entre os músculos flexores e extensores do joelho: achados preliminares / Taekwondo athletes have muscle imbalance between knee flexors and extensions: preliminary findings / Los atletas de Taekwondo presentan un desequilibrio muscular entre los flexores y los extensores de la rodilla: hallazgos preliminares

Durante a prática de taekwondo com movimentos repetitivos, sistematizados e com certa sobrecarga de treino, o indivíduo pode gerar possíveis adaptações orgânicas que resultam em problemas posturais com grandes chances de desencadear desequilíbrio muscular. Objetivo: Verificar a presença de desequilíbrio entre os grupos musculares agonistas e antagonistas da articulação do joelho e entre membros dominantes e não dominantes de praticantes de taekwondo por meio da dinamometria isocinética. Método: Estudo transversal, observacional e descritivo realizado com nove praticantes de taekwondo do sexo masculino. Utilizou-se um dinamômetro isocinético para investigar o pico de torque, pico de torque por peso corporal, trabalho total, potência média, relação agonista/antagonista e índice de fadiga. Os dados dos membros dominante e não dominante foram comparados por meio do teste t-student para amostras pareadas. Foram calculados o intervalo de confiança de 95% da diferença média, o tamanho de efeito e o poder das análises. Resultados: Os músculos extensores dos membros dominante e não dominante apresentaram diferença média significante de 15,49 Nm (IC95% 7,27; 23,70; p=0,002) para pico de torque e de 22,64% (IC95% 11,83; 33,46; p=0,001) para pico de torque por peso corporal a 60°/s, representando tamanho de efeito médio. Conclusão: Os atletas de taekwondo apresentaram maior pico de torque e maior pico de torque por peso corporal dos músculos extensores do joelho a 60º/s no lado dominante. A relação agonista/ antagonista foi inferior a 60% e mais da metade dos atletas apresentaram uma diferença maior que 10% no pico de torque flexor no lado não dominante.

During taekwondo practice with the repetitive motions, systematized and with certain training overload, the person can generate possible organic adaptations that result in postural problems with a great chances of triggering muscle imbalance. Objective: To verify the presence of imbalance between agonist and antagonist muscle groups of knee joint and between dominant and non-dominant limbs through isokinetic dynamometry. Methods: Cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study realized with nine male taekwondo practitioners. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to investigate the peak torque, peak torque by body weight, total work, average power, agonist/antagonist ratio and fatigue index. Data from the dominant and non-dominant limbs were compared by t-student test for pared samples. The 95% confidence interval of the mean difference, the effect size and the power of analyses power were calculated. Results: The extensor muscles of the dominant and non-dominant limbs showed mean difference of 15,49 Nm (IC95% 7,27; 23,70; p=0,002) for peak torque and of 22,64% (IC95% 11,83; 33,46; p=0,001) for peak torque by body weight at 60°/s, representing average effect size. Conclusion: The taekwondo athletes had higher peak torque and higher peak torque by body weight of the knee extensors muscles in the dominant side. The agonist/ antagonist ratio was less than 60% and more than half of the athletes showed a difference greater than 10% in the peak flexor torque on the non-dominant side.

Durante la práctica de taekwondo con los movimientos repetitivos, sistematizados y con cierta sobrecarga de entrenamiento, la persona puede generar posibles adaptaciones orgánicas que deriven en problemas posturales con grandes posibilidades de desencadenar desequilibrios musculares. Objetivo: Verificar la presencia de desequilibrio entre grupos musculares agonistas y antagonistas de la articulación de la rodilla y entre miembros dominantes y no dominantes mediante dinamometría isocinética. Métodos: Estudio transversal, observacional y descriptivo realizado con nueve practicantes masculinos de taekwondo. Se utilizó un dinamómetro isocinético para investigar el par máximo, el par máximo por peso corporal, el trabajo total, la potencia media, la relación agonista/antagonista y el índice de fatiga. Los datos de las extremidades dominantes y no dominantes se compararon mediante la prueba t- student para muestras de pared. Se calcularon el intervalo de confianza del 95% de la diferencia media, el tamaño del efecto y la potencia de los análisis. Resultados: Los músculos extensores de los miembros dominantes y no dominantes mostraron una diferencia media de 15,49 Nm (IC95% 7,27; 23,70; p=0,002) para el par máximo y de 22,64% (IC95% 11,83; 33,46; p=0,001) para el par máximo por peso corporal a 60°/s, lo que representa el tamaño medio del efecto. Conclusiones: Los atletas de taekwondo presentaron un mayor par máximo y un mayor par máximo por peso corporal de los músculos extensores de la rodilla en el lado dominante. La relación agonista/antagonista fue inferior al 60% y más de la mitad de los atletas mostraron una diferencia superior al 10% en el pico de par flexor en el lado no dominante.

Effect of critical shoulder angle on deltoid muscle strength reduction in patients with rotator cuff tears / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the synergistic interaction between the deltoid muscle and the rotator cuff muscle group in patients with rotator cuff tears (RCT), as well as the impact of the critical shoulder angle (CSA) on deltoid muscle strength.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 42 RCT patients who met the selection criteria and were treated between March 2022 and March 2023. There were 13 males and 29 females, with an age range of 42-77 years (mean, 60.5 years). Preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 6.0±1.6. CSA measurements were obtained from standard anteroposterior X-ray films before operation, and patients were divided into two groups based on CSA measurements: CSA>35° group (group A) and CSA≤35° group (group B). Handheld dynamometry was used to measure the muscle strength of various muscle group in the shoulder (including the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and anterior, middle, and posterior bundles of the deltoid). The muscle strength of the unaffected side was compared to the affected side, and muscle imbalance indices were calculated. Muscle imbalance indices between male and female patients, dominant and non-dominant sides, and groups A and B were compared. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between muscle imbalance indices and CSA as well as VAS scores.@*RESULTS@#Muscle strength in all muscle groups on the affected side was significantly lower than on the unaffected side ( P<0.05). The muscle imbalance indices for the supraspinatus, subscapularis, infraspinatus, and anterior, middle, and posterior bundles of the deltoid were 14.8%±24.4%, 5.9%±9.7%, 7.2% (0, 9.1%), 17.2% (5.9%, 26.9%), 8.3%±21.3%, and 10.2% (2.8%, 15.4%), respectively. The muscle imbalance indices of the anterior bundle of the deltoid, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus were significantly lower in male patients compared to female patients ( P<0.05); however, there was no significant difference in muscle imbalance indices among other muscle groups between male and female patients or between the dominant and non-dominant sides ( P>0.05). There was a positive correlation between the muscle imbalance indices of infraspinatus and VAS score ( P<0.05), and a positive correlation between CSA and the muscle imbalance indices of middle bundle of deltoid ( P<0.05). There was no correlation between the muscle imbalance indices of other muscle groups and VAS score or CSA ( P>0.05). Preoperative CSA ranged from 17.6° to 39.4°, with a mean of 31.1°. There were 9 cases in group A and 33 cases in group B. The muscle imbalance indices of the anterior bundle of the deltoid was significantly lower in group A compared to group B ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in muscle imbalance indices among other muscle groups between group A and group B ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Patients with RCT have a phenomenon of deltoid muscle strength reduction, which is more pronounced in the population with a larger CSA.

Influence of age and gender on knee and hip isometric strength of recreational physically active young and middle-aged subjects / Influencia de la edad y el sexo en la fuerza isométrica de la rodilla y la cadera de personas jóvenes y de mediana edad que practican actividades físicas recreativas / Influência da idade e do sexo na força isométrica do joelho e do quadril de indivíduos jovens e de meia idade praticantes recreacionais de atividades físicas

ABSTRACT Muscle strength is an essential part of the functional assessment of health professionals to select and analyze the effects of clinical interventions. This study aimed to determine the influence of gender and age on isometric strength of hip and knee muscle groups. A total of 127 subjects (50.4% men), aged from 20 to 49 years (stratified into three groups: 20-29 years; 30-39 years; and 40-49 years) participated in this study. A hand-held dynamometer was used to measure isometric normalized torque of the hip abductors, hip external rotators, knee extensors, and knee flexors muscles. Regressions and a two-way analysis of variance were used to identify the influence of age and gender on torque of each muscle group. Age and gender were included in the regression model for all groups. Generally, men aged 20-29 and 30-39 were stronger than age-paired women. For participants aged 40-49, torque was similar for men and women for all muscle groups. There was no difference among age groups for women. Generally, young men were stronger than older men. The association between age and gender in hip and knee strength was proved and liable of subgroup stratification after measurements with a hand-held isometric dynamometer.

RESUMEN La fuerza muscular es un componente básico de la evaluación funcional de los profesionales de la salud para seleccionar y analizar los efectos de las intervenciones clínicas. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la influencia del sexo y de la edad en las mediciones de fuerza isométrica de los grupos musculares de la cadera y la rodilla. En el estudio participaron 127 sujetos (50,4% hombres), de entre 20 y 49 años de edad (estratificados en grupos: 20 a 29 años; 30 a 39 años; y 40 a 49 años). El torque isométrico normalizado de los abductores y rotadores externos de la cadera y de los extensores y flexores de la rodilla se midió con un dinamómetro manual. Se utilizaron regresiones y el análisis de varianza (Anova) para identificar la influencia de la edad y el sexo en el torque. Tanto la edad como el sexo se incluyeron en el modelo para todos los grupos musculares. En general, los hombres de entre 20 y 29 años y los de 30 a 39 mostraron tener más fuerza que las mujeres del mismo grupo de edad. Para los participantes de 40 a 49 años, el torque fue similar entre hombres y mujeres para todos los grupos musculares. No hubo diferencias entre los grupos de edad en el grupo de mujeres. En general, los hombres más jóvenes demostraron ser más fuertes que los hombres de mediana edad. La relación entre la edad y el sexo en la fuerza muscular de la cadera y la rodilla se probó y demostró ser susceptible a la estratificación después de las mediciones realizadas con el dinamómetro manual.

RESUMO A força muscular é um componente essencial da avaliação funcional de profissionais da saúde para selecionar e analisar efeitos de intervenções clínicas. O objetivo do estudo foi determinar a influência do sexo e da idade sobre medidas de força isométrica de grupos musculares do quadril e do joelho. Participaram da pesquisa 127 sujeitos (50,4% homens), com idade de 20 a 49 anos (estratificados em grupos: 20 a 29 anos; 30 a 39 anos; e 40 a 49 anos). O torque isométrico normalizado de abdutores e rotadores externos de quadril e extensores e flexores de joelho foi medido com dinamômetro manual. Regressões e uma análise de variância (Anova) foram usados para identificar a influência da idade e do sexo sobre o torque. Tanto idade quanto sexo foram incluídos no modelo para todos os grupos musculares. Em geral, homens de 20 a 29 anos e de 30 a 39 anos demonstraram mais força do que mulheres da mesma faixa etária. Para participantes de 40 a 49 anos, o torque foi similar entre homens e mulheres para todos os grupos musculares. Não houve diferença entre as faixas etárias no grupo de mulheres. Em geral, homens mais jovens se mostraram mais fortes do que homens mais velhos. A relação entre idade e sexo na força muscular do quadril e do joelho foi provada e se mostrou passível de estratificação após as medições feitas com o dinamômetro manual.

Reliability of the isometric dynamometer in control, paraplegic, and amputee individuals / Confiabilidade do dinamômetro isométrico em indivíduos controle, paraplégicos e amputados

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), Minimum Detectable Change (MDC), and the Minimum Clinically Important Difference (MCID) of the isometric measurements of muscle strength of trunk extension and of flexion and knee extension at maximum contraction in healthy, paraplegic, and amputee individuals, by using an isometric dynamometer with a belt for stabilization. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the reliability of a portable isometric dynamometer in the trunk extension and flexion and knee extension movements of each group. Results: In all measurements, ICC ranged from 0.66 to 0.99, SEM from 0.11 to 3.73 kgf, and MDC from 0.30 to 10.3 kgf. The MCID of the movements ranged from 3.1 to 4.9 kgf in the amputee group and from 2.2 to 3.66 kgf in the paraplegic group. Conclusion: The manual dynamometer demonstrated good intra-examiner reliability, presenting moderate and excellent ICC results. Thus, this device is a reliable resource to measure muscle strength in amputees and paraplegics. Level of Evidence II, Cross-Sectional Study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI), o erro padrão da medida (EPM), a mínima mudança detectável (MMD) e a mínima mudança clinicamente importante (MMCI) das medidas isométricas de força muscular da extensão de tronco e da flexão e extensão de joelho em contração máxima de indivíduos saudáveis, paraplégicos e amputados, usando um dinamômetro isométrico com cinto para estabilização. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo observacional transversal para avaliar a confiabilidade de um dinamômetro portátil isométrico nos movimentos de extensão de tronco e de flexão e extensão de joelho de cada grupo Resultados: Em todas as medidas o CCI apresentou uma variação de 0,66 a 0,99, o EPM de 0,11 a 3,73 kgf e a MMD de 0,30 a 10,3 kgf. A MMCI dos movimentos variou de 3,1 a 4,9 kgf no grupo de amputados e de 2,2 a 3,66 kgf no grupo de paraplégicos. Conclusão: O dinamômetro manual demonstrou boa confiabilidade intraexaminador, com variação de CCI de moderada à excelente, apresentando-se como um recurso confiável para mensurar força muscular de amputados e paraplégicos. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo Observacional Transversal.

Does the early phase of aging affect the morphology of biceps brachii and torque and total work of elbow flexors in healthy volunteers?

Upper and lower limbs can be affected by several diseases and changes related to current life habits, such as the sedentarism, technological advances, and even eating habits. This cross-sectional study investigated morphological adaptations of the biceps brachii muscle and the performance of the elbow flexors in healthy individuals in the early phase of aging. Thirty-two volunteers were separated according to age range (3rd, 4th, and 5th decades of life) and sex. Smaller diameters and subtypes of fibers were evaluated using muscle biopsies, and peak torque and total work were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. The variables were compared considering sex and decade, using mixed-effects linear models. The smaller diameter of all fiber types did not differ significantly between age groups for either sex. The proportion of oxidative fibers was reduced in male participants in the 4th (-20%) and 5th (-6%) decades of life compared to the 3rd decade, and there was an increase in the number of oxidative fibers in women from the 4th (+14%) to the 5th decade of life. There were no significant changes in the peak torque and total work between the analyzed age groups. The early phase of aging starts with alterations in the proportion of fibers, with a decrease in oxidative fibers in men and an increase in oxidative fibers in women. Smaller diameter, torque, and total work did not change over these decades of life.

Muscle function, Lysholm score and hop performance in individuals with clinical indications for the combined reconstruction of the anterior cruciate and the anterolateral ligaments of the knee: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Objective To evaluate hip and knee muscular function, knee patient-reported outcome measures and hop performance in patients with a clinical indication for combined ACL+ALL reconstruction surgery compared to patients with an isolated ACL reconstruction surgery indication (preoperative phase) and to a control group. Design Cross-sectional study. Methods The sample was composed of male individuals, aged between 18 and 59 years, divided into three groups (ACL, ACL+ALL and Control). Isokinetic dynamometry was performed for the flexor and extensor knee muscles and for the hip abductors and adductors. SLHT, COHT and the Lysholm score were performed. Pain, swelling, and thigh trophism were also measured. Results The study participants were 89 male individuals: 63 in the injury group and 26 in the control group. After applying the criteria for an ALL reconstruction indication, 33 patients were assigned to the ACL Group and 30 patients to the ACL+ALL Group. Regarding knee and hip muscle function, both groups presented worse results when compared to the control group, however, did not show significant differences compared to each other. Regarding the functional variables, the ACL+ALL group showed a significantly shorter distance achieved in the Crossover Hop Test than the other groups, as well as more pain during the tests. Conclusion Knee and hip muscular functions are impaired after an ACL injury and do not seem to be influenced or worsened in individuals with greater rotational instability with clinical indications for combined reconstruction of the anterior cruciate and the anterolateral ligaments of the knee.

Normative values for handgrip strength in Colombian children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age: estimation using quantile regression

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study is twofold: i) to estimate the normative values for handgrip strength and relative handgrip strength, specific to sex and age, for Colombian children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age using quantile regression models and ii) to compare the normative values for handgrip strength and relative handgrip strength in Colombian children and adolescents with those in children and adolescents in different countries. Method: This was a cross-sectional analysis of a sample of 2647 youngsters. Handgrip strength was evaluated with a TKK 5101 digital dynamometer (Takei Scientific Instruments Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). The relative handgrip strength was estimated according to weight in kilograms. The normative values were estimated to handgrip strength and relative handgrip strength through quantile regression models for the percentiles P5, P10, P25, P50, P75, P90, and P95 developed independently for each sex. All analyses were adjusted for the expansion factor. Results: The values for handgrip strength were considerably higher in males than in females in all age ranges. Additionally, as age increased for both sexes, the values for handgrip strength increased. The percentiles by sex and age for relative handgrip strength show for males a proportional increase according to age; for females, this did not occur. Conclusions: When making comparisons with international studies, variability is observed in the methodologies used to evaluate handgrip strength and estimation methods, which could influence the discrepancies between the different reports.

Esplenectomía laparoscópica en pacientes adultos con enfermedades hematológicas en el servicio de cirugía general del Hospital Nacional de Itauguá

Introducción: La esplenectomía es una opción terapéutica para una variedad de patologías hematológicas. La cirugía laparoscópica ha tomado ventaja y, actualmente, se ha convertido en el abordaje estándar en pacientes sometidos a esplenectomía de forma electiva para patologías hematológicas. Objetivo: Evaluar las indicaciones, condiciones generales y complicaciones intraoperatorias más frecuentes en pacientes adultos con enfermedades hematológicas, sometidos a esplenectomía laparoscópica. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo de corte longitudinal con muestreo no probabilístico de casos consecutivos. Se realizó revisión de expedientes clínicos de todos los pacientes con patología esplénica que fueron sometidos a esplenectomía laparoscópica con intención curative. Resultados: El estudio comprendió a 10 pacientes con una media de edad de 47 años. El tiempo de operación fue de 215 ±60 minutos; el ASA score de 3; los días de internación fueron de 14 días en promedio y la pérdida de sangre estimada en mililitros fue de 213 ±366. Siete pacientes requirieron cirugía laparoscópica, cuatro de ellos finalizaron sin complicaciones, mientras que tres requirieron conversión a cirugía convencional. Se identificó bazo accesorio en 1 paciente. Las indicaciones para la esplenectomía han sido púrpura trombocitopénica idiopática; síndromes linfoproliferativos; síndrome de Felty; anemia hemolítica autoimmune y anemia hemolítica no autoimmune. Discusión: La esplenectomía continúa siendo un procedimiento útil para numerosas patologías hematológicas. Se debe tener en cuenta la necesidad de realizar las vacunaciones y profilaxis antibiótica correspondientes, además de contar con el equipo quirúrgico entrenado en técnicas convencionales como en laparoscópicas.

Introduction: muscle strength may decrease in patients with chronic kidney failure due to various causes. Objective: to determine the anthropometric and clinical variables and muscle strength in adult patients with chronic kidney failure. Methodology: an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional design was applied. Men and women, older than 17 years, with chronic kidney failure who attended the National Hospital (Itauguá) and Military Hospital (Asunción), Paraguay, between April and November 2021 were included. Anthropometric, clinical and laboratory variables were determined. Muscle strength was measured with a hand dynamometer. A group of healthy young subjects was used for the comparison of muscle strength. Descriptive statistics were applied with the statistical program Epi Info 7 ™. The research was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Universidad Privada del Este, Paraguay. Results: 119 subjects entered the study, being 62 (52%) males with a mean age 56 ± 15 years and 57 (48%) females, with a mean age 51 ± 16 years. The mean creatinine clearance was 16.4 ± 17.9 mL / min. The most common etiology was the association of arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus (45%). The healthy group included 99 women with a mean age 25 ± 5 years and 51 men with a mean age 26 ± 5 years. When comparing strength between patients and healthy subjects, 66.4% decreased muscle strength was found among patients with chronic renal failure. Conclusion: muscle strength is decreased in 66.4% of chronic kidney failure patients. Early detection and early treatment of muscle strength deficit is recommended in this group of patients.

Avaliação muscular do joelho e funcional de membros inferiores de jovens atletas de voleibol do sexo feminino / Knee muscle evaluation and lower limbs' functional evaluation of young female volleyball athletes

Os desequilíbrios musculares e funcionais são analisados na tentativa de prevenir lesões e melhorar os desempenhos de atletas. Objetivo: Analisar o desempenho muscular de extensores e flexores de joelho e o desempenho funcional dos membros inferiores de atletas de voleibol. Métodos: Quinze atletas da categoria sub-16 de voleibol feminino da Universidade de Caxias do Sul foram avaliadas. Para análise do desempenho muscular, as variáveis pico de torque de extensores e flexores de joelho, e razão convencional de extensores/flexores, foi utilizado o dinamômetro isocinético. Já para a análise funcional dos membros inferiores, foram utilizados os testes Hop tests e Y balance test (YBT). Resultados: Na comparação entre membro dominante (MD) e não dominante (MND), não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas na análise do pico de torque; já na razão flexores/extensores foi encontrada diferença significativa apenas à 240°/s. Entretanto, os valores médios da razão flexores/extensores encontrarem-se abaixo dos valores sugeridos pela literatura. As avaliações funcionais também não mostraram assimetrias entre os membros; no entanto, a pontuação composta do YBT apresentou-se abaixo dos valores normativos. Conclusão: A excelente simetria entre os membros pode ser justificada pela especificidade do esporte, pois os gestos esportivos do voleibol apresentam carácter simétrico durante as exigências físicas dos membros inferiores. No entanto, os baixos valores da razão flexores/extensores e da pontuação composta do YBT talvez não estejam diretamente relacionados a um risco maior de lesões já que os valores de referência utilizados são de atletas adultos.

Muscle and functional imbalances are analyzed in order to try prevent injuries and improve athletes' performance. Objective: To analyze knee's muscular performance of the knee extensors and flexors and lower limbs' functional performance of volleyball athletes. Methods: Fifteen female volleyball, athletes under the age of 16 from the University of Caxias do Sul, were analyzed. For analysis of muscle performance, the variables peak torque of knee extensors and flexors, and conventional flexor/extensor ratio, the isokinetic dynamometer was used. For the functional analysis of the lower limbs, the Hop tests and Y balance test (YBT) were used. Results: In the comparison between dominant (MD) and non-dominant (MND) limbs, there were no statistically significant differences in the analysis of peak torque; and in the flexor/extensor ratio analyzes, just one significant difference was found at 240°/s. However, the mean values of flexor/extensor ratio are below to the values suggested by the literature. Functional assessments also did not show asymmetries between members; however, the YBT composite score was below to the normative values. Conclusion: The excellent symmetry between the members can be justified by the sport's specificity, as the volleyball's gestures have a symmetrical character during the physical demands of the lower limbs. However, the low values of the flexor/extensor ratio and the YBT composite score may not be directly related to an increased risk of injuries since the reference values used are for adult athletes.