Effect of acupuncture exercise therapy synchronizing isokinetic muscle strength training for postoperative rehabilitation of meniscectomy under arthroscopy / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of acupuncture exercise therapy synchronizing isokinetic muscle strength training on the motor function, stability and proprioception of knee joint, as well as the anxiety emotion in patients after meniscectomy under arthroscopy.@*METHODS@#A total of 70 patients after meniscectomy under arthroscopy were randomized into an observation group (35 cases, 2 cases were eliminated， 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (35 cases, 2 cases were eliminated, 1 case dropped off). Acupuncture was applied at Chize (LU 5), Neixiyan (EX-LE 4), Dubi (ST 35),Yanglingquan (GB 34), etc. on the affective side in the two groups. After 30 min, the needles of the knee joint area were withdrew, while the needle at elbow was continuously retained, the observation group was given acupuncture exercise therapy synchronizing isokinetic muscle strength training, and the control group was given conventional acupuncture exercise therapy. The treatment was given once a day, 7-day treatment was taken as one course, and totally 4 courses were required in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the knee joint Lysholm score, the knee joint isokinetic muscle strength flexion/extension ratio (H/Q), joint position sense measurement (JPS) and Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) score were compared in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the knee joint Lysholm scores and H/Q were increased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.001), and the knee joint Lysholm score and H/Q in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.001); the JPS and HAMA scores were decreased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.001), the JPS and HAMA score in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture exercise therapy synchronizing isokinetic muscle strength training can effectively improve the motor function, stability and proprioception of knee joint, as well as the anxiety emotion in patients after meniscectomy under arthroscopy.

A preliminary study on quantitative evaluation of thigh muscle fat content with IDEAL-IQ technique and correlation with muscle strength in the middle-aged and elderly volunteers / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To explore the value of iterative decomposition of water and fat with asymmetry and least squares estimation-quantitative fat imaging (IDEAL-IQ) in quantitative evaluation of thigh muscle fat content and its correlation with muscle strength in middle-aged and elderly volunteers.Methods:From December 2020 to April 2021, 30 volunteers aged 45 to 70 were recruited prospectively, including 15 males and 15 females with 52.5 (49.0, 56.3) years old. All subjects were scanned at 3.0 T MR, including axial T 1WI, IDEAL-IQ and coronal T 2WI of the left thigh. The region of interest of the knee extensors (quadriceps femoris) and knee flexors (hamstrings) in the left mid-thigh were delineated, and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), skeletal muscle index (SMI), intermuscular fat fraction (FF) and intramuscular FF were obtained. In addition, isokinetic muscle strength measurement was performed on the left knee joint of all subjects at angular speeds of 60°/s and 180°/s to obtain peak torque (PT) and total work (TW) of knee flexors and extensors. Independent sample t-test, paired t-test or Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the differences of CSA, SMI, intermuscular FF, intramuscular FF, PT and TW between different genders and muscle groups. Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the correlation between CSA, SMI, intermuscular FF, intramuscular FF and PT, TW of thigh muscles. Results:The CSA, PT and TW of thighs in males were higher than those in females ( P<0.05), while the intermuscular FF in males was lower than that in females ( P=0.005). The CSA, SMI and PT of the thigh extensors were higher than those of the flexors ( P<0.001), while the intramuscular FF and intermuscular FF were lower than those of the flexors ( P<0.001). Intramuscular FF of flexors and extensors were moderately negatively correlated with PT ( r=-0.635, P<0.001; r=-0.546, P<0.001), and highly, moderately negatively correlated with TW ( r=-0.718, P<0.001; r=-0.616, P<0.001). Intermuscular FF of flexors and extensors were moderately negatively correlated with PT ( r=-0.519, P=0.003; r=-0.443, P=0.014), and negatively correlated with TW ( r=-0.363, P=0.049; r=-0.552, P=0.002). There was no significant correlation between CSA, SMI and PT, TW in flexors and extensors of thigh ( P>0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that intramuscular FF was still significantly correlated with PT and TW of flexors and extensors (flexors: R 2adj=0.505, P=0.001; R 2adj=0.540, P<0.001; extensors: R 2adj=0.351, P=0.006; R 2adj=0.470, P=0.002). Conclusion:FF based on IDEAL-IQ technology can accurately quantify the intramuscular and intermuscular fat content of thighs, and there are negative correlations between intramuscular FF, intermuscular FF and isokinetic muscle strength measurements including PT and TW. Among them, intramuscular FF is more significant.

Isokinetic muscle strength of knee for patients with chondromalacia patellae / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To analyze the characteristics of the muscle strength around the knee joint of chondromalacia patellae patients, and to explore the difference with normal people.Methods In March, 2021, 70 knee-onset chondromalacia patellae patients (experimental group) and 35 normal people (control group) were measured isokinetic muscle strength of flexion and extension of knee in angular velocities of 60°/s and 180°/s.Results At 60°/s and 180°/s, the peak torque, the peak torque-to-weight ratio and the total work of the flexor and extensor muscles on the affected side in the experimental group were lower than that of the control group (U > 1097.0, P<0.001). The peak torque, the peak torque-to-weight ratio and the total work of the flexor and extensor muscles at 60°/s and extensor muscles at 180°/s were lower on the affected side than on the healthy side in the experimental group (|Z| > 2.121, P<0.05). The peak torque ratios at 60°/s and 180°/s were more in the affected knees than in the healthy knees of experimental group and in the control group (U > 1810.0, |Z| >3.691, P<0.01).Conclusion The explosive force and endurance of the knee flexor and extensor has weakened in patients with chondromalacia patellae, and there is imbalance in knee joint muscle strength.

Study of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization technique on balance and walking function of patients with Parkinson’s disease / 中风与神经疾病杂志

@#Objective　To explore the effects of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization techniques on the exercise capacity,balance function and walking function of Parkinson’s patients.Methods　A total of 46 Parkinson’s disease patients were selected and divided into control group (n=23) and study group (n=23) using a random number table method.The control group was given conventional drugs and rehabilitation training,30 min/time,1 d/time,5 d/week;the study group was treated with dynamic neuromuscular stabilization technology on the basis of the control group,30 min/time,1 d/time,5 d/week.Before treatment,4 weeks after treatment,and 8 weeks after treatment,the third part of the Unified Parkinson’s Comprehensive Rating Scale (UPDRS-Ⅲ),the peak torque of the back muscles (PT),and the forward and backward movement distance of the trunk pressure center (AP-SD),timed up-walking test (TUGT) were evaluated.Results　Before treatment,there was no significant difference in UPDRS-Ⅲ,PT,AP-SD and TUGT between the two groups (P>0.05).The UPDRS-Ⅲ,PT,AP-SD,and TUGT groups of the two groups improved after 4 weeks of treatment and 8 weeks of treatment compared with those before treatment,and the experimental group had UPDRS-Ⅲ ［(18.76±3.59) points］ at 8 weeks of treatment,PT ［(128.09±23.74)N·m］,AP-SD［(60.68±18.63) mm］,TUGT［(22.71±3.43) S］ improved significantly (P<0.05).Conclusion　DNS can effectively improve the motor dysfunction of Parkinson’s patients,improve the patient’s back muscle strength,balance function and walking ability.

Effect of acupuncture combined with suspension exercise therapy on chronic low back pain / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of acupuncture combined with suspension exercise therapy on the clinical symptoms, lumbar proprioception and trunk isokinetic muscle strength in patients with chronic low back pain.@*METHODS@#A total of 100 patients with chronic low back pain were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 50 cases in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with suspension exercise therapy, and the training exercise was selected according to the patient's exercise ability, the suspension exercise therapy was given once a day, three times a week, for totally 4 weeks. Based on the treatment of the control group, the patients in the observation group were treated with acupuncture at Dachangshu (BL 25), Weizhong (BL 40), Qihaishu (BL 24), Shenshu (BL 23) and points, the acupuncture was given once a day, six times as a course of treatment, and a total of two courses of treatment were given. Before and after treatment, the scores of symptoms and signs, the pain rating index (PRI), present pain intensity (PPI) and the visual analogue scale (VAS) in the short-form of McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ) in the two groups were recorded. The isokinetic feedback biomechanical test system was used to measure the lumbar proprioception and isokinetic muscle strength of the trunk, and the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#The scores of symptoms and signs, PRI, PPI and VAS after treatment were lower than those before treatment in the two groups (<0.05), and those in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (<0.05). The absolute error angle (AE) of lumbar proprioceptive index in the flexion and extension positions after treatment was lower than that before treatment in the two groups (<0.05), and that in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (<0.05). After treatment, the peak torque (PT) of musculus flexor and musculus extensor as well as peak torque/body weight (PT/BW) of musculus extensor were increased in the two groups, and the flexor/extensor (F/E) was reduced (<0.05). The PT of musculus flexor and musculus extensor as well as PT/BW of musculus extensor in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (<0.05), and F/E was lower than that in the control group (<0.05). The total effective rate was 90.0% (45/50) in the observation group, which was higher than 76.0% (38/50) in the control group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The acupuncture combined with suspension exercise therapy could effectively improve the symptoms and signs of patients with chronic low back pain, enhance the lumbar proprioception and trunk isokinetic muscle strength.

Effects of Isokinetic Flexion and Extension Training at Different Angular Velocities on Core Muscles of Patients with Low Back Pain / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To explore the effect of isokinetic muscle strength training at different angular velocities on the core muscles of patients with low back pain, and to find out the better angular velocity. Methods:From January, 2016 to June, 2018, 60 patients with chronic low back pain were randomly divided into three groups, with 20 cases in each group. Group A (control group) only received routine rehabilitation therapy. Additionally, groups B and C received isokinetic muscle strength training at 30°/s and 90°/s, respectively, three times a week for four weeks. They were measured peak torque and average power before and after training. Results:After training, the peak torques and powers of both flexor and extensor were higher in groups B and C than in group A (P < 0.05), the peak torques of both flexor and extensor were lower in group C than in group B (P < 0.05), however, no significant difference was found in powers of both flexor and extensor between groups B and C (P > 0.05). After training, the score of VAS decreased in groups B and C (t > 4.098, P < 0.01), and was lower in groups B and C than in group A (P < 0.05), however, no significant difference was found between groups B and C (P > 0.05). Conclusion:Isokinetic muscle strength training could increase the peak torque and power of trunk flexor and extensor in patients with low back pain, in which lower angular velocity (30°/s) has a better effect.

Rehabilitation effect of isokinetic muscle training combined with semiconductor laser on acute knee osteoarthritis / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of isokinetic muscle training combined with semiconductor laser on acute knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods Ninety-eight KOA patients were randomly divided into 4 groups. All patients were treated with conventional rehabilitation treatment and nursing. Based on that treatment, the group 1 received semiconductor laser irradiation, the group 2 received isokinetic muscle training, and the group 3 received laser irradiation combined with isokinetic muscle training. All patients were assessed with WOMAC osteoarthritis rating scale and affected knee extensor and flexor muscles strength measurement including peak torque, peak work, average power, average work and flex/extend before and 4 weeks after the treatment. Results All of the four treatments can significantly alleviate the condition of acute KOA patients and improve the muscle condition around the ipsilateral knee joint. The isokinetic muscle training improves the knee function of KOA patients better than the laser irradiation treatment. Isokinetic strength training combined with laser irradiation can get the most significant improvement of knee joint pain, stiffness, dysfunction, muscle strength of flexors and extensors in KOA patients. Conclusions The combination of isokinetic muscle training and semiconductor laser irradiation has a significant effect on relieving pain, reducing the stiffness, improving the function of knee of the patients with KOA in the acute phase and improving the muscle strength of the affected lower extremities. That methad is superior to drug therapy, physical therapy, or exercise alone, and is better to solve the problem of relieving symptoms and enhancing function simultaneously.

The Effect of Isokinetic Muscle Strength Training on Cognitive Function and Motor Function of Patients with Alzheimer's Disease / 现代生物医学进展

Objective:To assess the effect of isokinetic muscle strength training on cognitive function and motor function of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).Methods:Forty patients with AD were randomly assigned to trial group and control group.All patients in both groups received conventional treatment,while the patients in the trial group received isokinetic muscle strength training at the same time.After two months,the cognitive function and motor function were assessed.Results:After two months,the trial group showed improvement in cognition CAMCOG whereas the control group declined.Compared to the control group,the trial group presented significant improvement on the functional capacity such as Berg balance,timed-up and go,as well as Functional reach.Conclusion:Isokinetic muscle strength training may be recommended as an augmentation treatment for patients with AD.

Clinical Study of Electroacupuncture on Acupoints Located Along Anterior and Posterior Thigh Muscles Plus Isokinetic Muscle Strength Training in Treating Poststroke Lower Limb Dysfunction / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on acupoints located along anterior and posterior thigh muscles plus isokinetic muscle strength training for poststroke lower limb dysfunction. Methods Fifty-two qualified mild hemiplegia cases were randomized into control group A ( N=17) , control group B (N=17), and observation group (N=18 ). Control group A was given conventional rehabilitation training, control group B was given conventional rehabilitation training and task-targeting knee strength-coordination isokinetic muscle strength training based on visual feedback, and observation group was given EA on acupoints located along anterior and posterior thigh muscles plus the treatment for control group B. The treatment for the three groups was performed once a day, five days a week, lasting 3 weeks. Before and after treatment, the lower limb motor function, peak torque ( PT) of knee flexion and extension muscles, and gait speed and gait symmetry were monitored. Results After treatment for 3 weeks, the lower limb motor function, PT and gait symmetry were much improved in the three groups (P0.05) , the improvement of observation indexes of control group B was superior to that of control group A, and the improvement of observation indexes of observation group was more obvious than that of the two control groups ( P<0.05) . Conclusion EA on acupoints located along anterior and posterior thigh muscles plus isokinetic muscle strength training is more effective for improving lower limb motor function of poststroke lower limb dysfunction patients than conventional isokinetic training.

Isokinetic Muscle Test of Normal People’s Knees in Different Postures / 法医学杂志

Objective To study the influence of different positions in the isokinetic muscle test of knees by CON-TREX Biomechanical Test and Training System, so as to select the suitable conditions for forensic identification of muscle strength test. Methods Fifty-two healthy volunteers joined the isokinetic muscle strength test in unfixed and fixed position, respectively and in two kinds of angular speed (60°/s and 30°/s). The differences of peak torque (PT) and peak torque angle (PTA) between bilateral knee flexor and extensor were statistically analyzed. Results In the unfixed position, under the two speed, there was statistically significant difference in PT between bilateral knee flexor and extensor (P0.05). In any kind of conditions, the PTA of bilateral knee flexor and extensor did not have statistically signifi-cant difference(P>0.05). Conclusion The position of the subject influences the results of PT. So the po-sition of subject in knees isokinetic muscle test should be regulated.

Isokinetic Strength of Knee Flexors and Extensors and Relationship with Functions in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To investigate the isokinetic strength of knee extensors and flexors in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and to establish the correlation between the isokinetic strength and function in patients with KOA. Methods 23 patients with bilateral KOA and 14 matched normal controls finished the isokinetic test of knee extensors and flexors, the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), Gait analy-sis, and Balance test. The KOA patients were evaluated with Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and Western Ontario and McMaster Univer-sity Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Results It was less of the peak torque, average peak torque, average power, max rep total work, total work of knee extensors and flexors in the mainly involved limbs than the contralateral limbs (P0.05). Conclusion It is weak of the isokinetic strength of knee extensors and flexors in patients with KOA in the mainly involved limb, as well as the isokinetic strength of knee extensors compared with the normal controls. The changes in the ex-tensors and flexors are not equivalent. The peak torque of knee extensors significantly correlated with the pain and functions of the knee.

Comparison of Isokinetic Strength between Stage 1,2 Impingement Syndrome and Rotator Cuff Tear

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to evaluate differences in strength deficits between (i) patients with stage 1 or 2 impingement syndrome and (ii) patients with rotator cuff tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 43 patients with stage 1 or 2 impingement syndrome (group 1) and 21 patients with rotator cuff tears (group 2). The isokinetic strength of both groups was evaluated at 60degrees/sec for external rotation, internal rotation, adduction and abduction. We measured the peak torque, total work, average power of bilateral sides, peak torque relationship to body weight, and the ratio between unilateral agonist and antagonist. RESULTS: The isokinetic strength deficits assessed in ratio of peak torque to body weight for group 1 and group 2 respectively were; 28.48+/-23.76% and 29.12+/-32.81% for abduction (p=0.929), 7.20+/-13.98% and 18.94+/-19.52%; for adduction (p=0.021), 16.88+/-13.76% and 25.80+/-24.07%; for external rotation (p=0.221), and 14.1+/-25.67% and 29.02+/-35.06% for internal rotation (p=0.059). For average power and total work, group 2 showed a significantly greater deficit for adduction and internal rotation than group 1. CONCLUSION: Those with rotator cuff tears have more isokinetic muscle strength deficits than those with stage 1 or 2 impingement syndrome. Progression from stage 1 and 2 impingement syndrome to stage 3 may result in greatest changes in strength deficits for internal rotation and adduction.

DETERMINATION OF PREDICTORS OF INITIATING JOGGING SAFELY AFTER ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION / 体力科学

The purpose of this study was to determine if there were any reliable predictors for achieving jogging requirements after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We analyzed associations among variables collected from 128 subjects at 12 weeks postoperatively, including jogging parameters (i.e. pain, apprehension, speed, and distance), the isokinetic muscle strength of the leg extensors, the knee stability, and patient's profiles (i.e. age, sex, activity level, body mass index (BMI), meniscectomy, and cartilage injury).Jogging parameters were significantly correlated with the isokinetic muscle strength of leg extensors, but not with the knee stability. With the jogging ability of achieving a distance of 2000m at a velicity of 9km/h being an objective variable, a logistic regression analysis revealed that the isokinetic muscle strength of leg extensors and BMI were considered relevant. Using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and a contingency table, the cut-off values of the isokinetic muscle strength of leg extensors to the uninvolved side and body weight were 85% and 1.9Nm/kg, respectively, whose sensitivity and specificity were 0.90 and 0.82, respectively. Therefore, we concluded that the isokinetic muscle strength of leg extensors is a reliable predictor for projecting the timing to start jogging after ACL reconstruction.

Effect of teeth clenching on muscle strength during repeated isokinetic knee extensions / 体力科学

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of teeth clenching on isokinetic knee extension force during repeated voluntary contractions. We assessed isokinetic muscle strength in association with teeth clenching during 100 consecutive knee extensions at 60 degrees per second (deg/s) using a Cybex 6000 isokinetic dynamometer. In this study, 8 healthy male volunteers (28.4 ± 3.89 years) were asked to perform isokinetic contractions in an extended cycle of five contractions without teeth clenching followed by five contractions with the teeth clenching. The peak torque per body weight was statistically analyzed. In our results, the peak torque per body weight with teeth clenching were significantly greater than those without teeth clenching in the first 70 cycles; however, no significant differences were shown at 71-100 cycles. There was a significant negative correlation between the number of knee extensions and the difference in peak torque per body weight derived from with and without teeth clenching (r=-0.475, p<0.0001) . Our findings reveal that the effect of teeth clenching on the isokinetic muscle strength of knee extension is dependent on muscular fatigue, and that the improving effect of teeth clenching on isokinetic muscle strength declines with increasing muscular fatigue.

Effect of teeth clenching on force-velocity relationships in isokinetic knee extension / 体力科学

To investigate the effect of teeth clenching on isokinetic knee extension at various velocities, isokinetic muscle strength during knee extension was measured in association with teeth clenching at 30, 60, 150, 300 and 450 degrees per second (deg/s) using the Cybex 6000 isokinetic dynamometer. The volunteer subjects were 9 healthy males (26.2±0.97 years) . The peak torque per body weight and average power per body weight were statistically analyzed. Our results demonstrated that the peak torque per body weight with teeth clenching at 30, 60 and 150 deg/s significantly increased by 7.0%, 7.4% and 4.9%, respectively (p<0.05), but no significant differences were found at 300 and 450 deg/s. While the average power per body weight with teeth clenching at 30, 60 and 150 deg/s significantly increased by 6.5%, 6.1% and 6.9%, respectively (p<0.05), no sig-nificant differences were found at 300 and 450 deg/s. A significant negative correlation was shown between the isokinetic angular velocity and the difference in peak torque per body weight derived from with and without teeth clenching (r=-0.699; p<0.05) . These findings suggested that the effect of teeth clenching on isokinetic muscle strength of knee extension was dependent on the angular velocity, and at lower angular velocities teeth clenching had the effect of increasing the isokinetic muscle strength during knee extension.

Effects of Cold and Warm Water Bathing of Hemiplegic Lower Limb on Its Isokinetic Muscle Strength / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

Effects of cold and warm water bathing of hemiplegic lower limb on its isokinetic muscle strength were studied in 12 chronic stroke patients (9 males and 3 females, 53.3±14.2 yo, Ueda's grading 8.5±1.6 Grade).<br>Measurements of the isokinetic muscle strength of the knee flexion/extension were repeated three times; 1) after sitting for 10min at room temperature (21-22°C) as a control, 2) after cold water bathing (18°C) of hemiplegic lower limb for 5min, 3) after warm water bathing (41°C, 700ppm artificial CO₂ bath) of hemiplegic lower limb for 10min. The measurements were performed, using Cybex 6000 (Cybex international Co) at velocities of 60, 120, 180 and 240°/sec. Artificial CO₂ bath was prepared by dissolving Kao Babu (Kao Co) in 41°C warm water.<br>Peak torque of the knee flexions at any velocity decreased significantly after cold water bathing and imcreased after warm water bathing. Change in the maximum power and total work were similar to that of the peak torque. The muscle strength of the knee extension were not changed by neither cold nor warm water bathing.<br>The correlation coefficient between Ueda's Grade and its isokinetic muscle strength ranged from 0.3 to 0.6 and significantly improved after warm water bathing at velocity of 120 (°/second) in flexion. Warm water bathing might make it easy to exert their muscle strength at 120°/sec in flexion corresponding to their severity of their hemiplegia.<br>Regarding to the influence of spasticity, patients with no ankle clonus or pseudoclonus showed a tendency to increase in muscle strength of flexion and extension after warm water bathing. In patients with evident clonus, a tendency to decrease on extension and increase on flexion was seen after warm water bathing.<br>Further studies on the effects of warm water bathing of partial and full immersion in the treatment for spasticity of hemiplegic limb would contribute to stroke rehabilitation.

Effects of wearing splints on muscle strength and equilibrium in athletes / 体力科学

A study was done to examine the effects of wearing splints, for treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunctions, on muscle strength and equilibrium in athletes.<BR>Forty collegiate athletes participated. All the subjects were interviewed and examined by dental investigators. Splints were constructed on the basis of vertical dimensions deemed appropriate by the subjects' dentists. Three areas were then studied : First, isometric muscle strength of grip, arm flexion, back extension, leg extension, and plantar flexion were measured with and without splints. Second, isokinetic muscle strength of knee extension and flexion were measured at angular velocities of 60 deg/s, 120 deg/s, and 240 deg/s, with and without splints. Third, a stepping test with closed eyes was used to determine equilibrium by measuring transfer distance, transfer angle and rotation angle with and without splints.<BR>The results are summarized as follows :<BR>1) Isometric muscle strength of back extension, leg extension, and plantar flexion were significantly increased when wearing splints (p<0.05) . Arm flexion strength and grip strength showed no significant alteration.<BR>2) Isokinetic muscle strength showed no significant difference at any angular velocity.<BR>3) In the stepping test with closed eyes, transfer distance showed a significant decrease when splints were worn (p<0.01) . Transfer angle and rotation angle showed no significant alteration.<BR>From the present results, it is suggested that wearing of splints is an effective aid for improving the muscle strength and equilibrium of athletes.