Comparative analysis of lower limb muscle strength in amateur runners with patellofemoral pain / 中国康复医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the lower limb muscle strength characteristics in amateur runners with patellofemoral pain(PFP). Method:Thirty PFP amateur runners(20 males and 10 females)were recruited as the knee pain group,and 30 matched non-injured amateur runners were recruited as the non-knee pain group.The hip abductor strength,quadriceps strength,hamstring strength,hamstring/quadriceps ratio,and bilateral limb symmetry index were col-lected for all participants.Independent sample t-tests were used to compare the differences between the groups. Result:The hip abductor strength and bilateral limb symmetry index,quadriceps strength and bilateral limb symmetry index of male PFP amateur runners were significantly lower than those of the non-knee pain group,while the hamstring/quadriceps ratio was significantly higher than that of the non-knee pain group.The hip ab-ductor strength and bilateral limb symmetry index of female PFP amateur runners were significantly lower than those of the non-knee pain group. Conclusion:PFP amateur runners exhibit different lower limb muscle strength characteristics compared to non-knee pain runners,and the lower limb strength characteristics of male and female PFP amateur runners are not consistent.Therefore,functional and gender differences should be considered in the clinical treatment and rehabilitation training of PFP.

Correlation Of Core Muscle Strength and Lower Limb Muscle Strength With Lower Limb Functional Status In Healthy Middle Old Population

Background: Aging is a gradual, life-long process and highly variable, characterized by a progressive and cumulative generalized impairment of physiological functions which in turn reduces functional performance and disturbs ADL's & may lead to significant impact on core & lower limb muscles, which are important in functioning. Thus, the study aimed at assessing correlation amongst the core & lower limb muscles and functional status. Methods and procedures: 84 participants between 70-79 years of age (Male:Female = 1:1) were assessed for core strength, Lower limb strength and functional mobility using pressure biofeedback, five times sit to stand and timed up and go test respectively and data was tabulated & analyzed further in SPSS. Results: Spearman's correlation was used in this study which showed significant positive correlation between core strength and lower limb strength with lower limb functional status. (r(Core)=0.813, r(5SST) =0.893; p(Core)=0.00, p(5SST) =0.00) Discussion: Optimal core stability helps maintain the center of gravity within the altered base of support and this could be a reason for individuals with good core strength having better functional mobility. Also force of muscle contraction is directly proportional to velocity of movement which is seen reduced in lower limb musculature because of aging in this population. Conclusion: The present study concluded that strong correlation of core strength and lower limb strength with functional mobility exists among middle old elderly population.

Timed Up And Go Performance In Older People With Diabetes Mellitus: Associations With Sensorimotor Function, Balance, Cognition, And Falls

Background: The Timed up and Go Test (TUG) is often used as a mobility measure in older people. However, it is unclear whether the TUG is useful for identifying fall risk in people with diabetes mellitus (DM) and which physical and cognitive/psychological factors influence the performance of this test. Objectives: To investigate whether slow TUG times (standard test and when performed with a secondary cognitive task (c-TUG)) are a risk factor for falls in older people with DM and to determine the relative contributions of a range of sensorimotor, balance and cognitive/psychological factors to TUG performance in this population. Methods: Community-dwelling people (n=103, mean age 61.57, SD=6.3) underwent the TUG and c-TUG tests as well as quantitative tests of vision, peripheral sensation, strength, reaction time, balance, cognition, and fear of falling. Participants were then followed up for falls for six months. Results: Negative binomial regression analyses revealed that each 1s increase in TUG and c-TUG times increased the risk of falling by 29% and 13%, respectively. Multiple regression analyses identified vibration sense (p<0.001), knee extension strength (p=0.001, r²=0.430), edge contrast sensitivity (p=0.002), neuropathy examination score (p=0.001, r²=0.498) and controlled leaning balance (p=0.033) as significant and independent explanatory predictors of TUG performance. The regression model for c-TUG was similar, vibration sense (p=0.042), knee extension strength (p=0.009, r²=0.256), neuropathy examination score (p=0.156, r²=0.272) and sway path-floor (p=0.042) except that the MOCA cognitive assessment (p=0.015) was included instead of edge contrast sensitivity. The combined explanatory variable models explained 43% and 26% of the variance in TUG and c-TUG times, respectively. Conclusions: Slow TUG and c-TUG times significantly increased the risk of falls in community-dwelling older people with DM. Poor TUG and c-TUG performances were related independently to decreased vibration sense, lower limb weakness, and poor balance, with the c-TUG additionally influenced by cognitive function.

Relationships among the Y balance test, Berg Balance Scale, and lower limb strength in middle-aged and older females

Background: Older females have less dynamic postural control and muscle strength than do middle-aged females. Aging-related strength losses may limit balancing performance. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of the Y Balance Test (YBT) and lower limb strength to discriminate between females in 2 age groups, the relationship between YBT distance and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the degree to which performance on YBT distance is related to lower limb strength in middle-aged and older females. Method: The 40 healthy, independently active females were divided into 2 groups: older and middle-aged. The participants underwent measurements of YBT distance using the YBT, maximal muscular strength of the lower limbs using a handheld dynamometer, and the BBS. Results: The YBT distance in 3 directions and lower limb muscle strength for both lower limbs were significantly lower in the older adults than in the middle-aged group. A moderate correlation but insignificant correlation was found between the YBT composite distance and the BBS score. In the older females, YBT distance was significantly positively correlated with strength of the knee flexor and hip abductor. In the middle-aged group, YBT distance was significantly positively correlated with strength of the knee flexor and hip extensor. Conclusions: Performance on the YBT was influenced by the strength of lower limb. We suggested that YBT can be used to alternative as a measurement of dynamic balance. Proper training programs for older people could include not only strengthening exercises but also YBT performance to improve balance. .

Effect of Lower Limb Strength on Falls and Balance of the Elderly

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of lower limb strength on falls and balance in community-dwelling elderly persons by a health status questionnaire, evaluation of lower limb strength and balance. METHOD: A total of 86 subjects (age 69.8+/-5.3) were categorized into one of two groups, "Fallers" and "Non-fallers". Thirty one participants who had reported the experience of having fallen unexpectedly at least once in the past year were assigned into the group "Fallers", and the remaining 55 subjects having no fall history in the past year, "Non-fallers". A self-assessment questionnaire was taken. Lower limb strength was measured by a "Chair stand test". Balance was measured by the stability index of the fall risk test protocol of Balance System SD(R) (Biodex, New York, USA). The differences between the two groups were compared and the correlation between lower limb strength and balance were analyzed. RESULTS: The questionnaire demonstrated no significant differences between two groups. The "Chair stand test" showed a significantly less for the "Fallers" (p<0.05). The stability index was significantly greater in the "Fallers" group (p<0.05). There was a moderate negative correlation between the "Chair stand test" and the "Stability index" (R=-0.576, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the "Chair stand test" is a useful screening process for lower limb strength which correlates to risk for falls and balance in the elderly.

Relationship between strength of the paretic lower limb and motor, balance, walking speed,ADL for hemiparetic stroke patients / 中国康复理论与实践

@#ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between strength of the paretic lower limb and motor function, balance, walking speed, ability of daily living (ADL) in hemiparetic stroke patients.Methods85 stroke subjects, who were able to walk in the study, were evaluated in the strength of the paretic lower limb, motor function, balance, walking speed and ADL with Motricity Index, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Berg Balance Scale, 10 m walking speed test and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). The levels of association between them were examined with Pearson's correlation coefficients and with multiple linear regression analyses by using the stepwise method. ResultsStrengths of the paretic lower limb were significantly positive related to motor function, balance, walking speed and ADL (r=0.592-0.811,P<0.001). The paretic ankle dorsiflexors, knee extensors, hip flexors were important clinical factor to consider in determining motor function(R2=0.377,P<0.001), balance(R2=0.321,P<0.001)and walking speed(R2=0.173,P<0.001), ADL(R2=0.42,P<0.001). ConclusionStrengths of the paretic lower limb of stroke patients may play an important role in their motor function, balance, walking speed and ADL.