A single trial of the five-repetition sit-to-stand test provides adequate measures in community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether the number of trials would affect the results of the Five-Repetition Sit-to-Stand Test (5STSt) and its measurement properties in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: Three trials of the 5STSt, after familiarization, were performed by 50 older adults (69.9 ± 5.5 years). The one-way ANOVA was used to compare the number of trials of the 5STSt (the first trial, the best trial, the mean of two trials, and the mean of three trials). Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was calculated to investigate inter-rater and test-retest reliabilities, and SEM and MDC95% were also calculated. The magnitude of the correlations was classified as very low≤0.25; low = 0.26-0.49; moderate = 0.50-0.69; high = 0.70-0.89; and very high = 0.90-1.00. (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The values provided by different numbers of trials were similar in session-1 (F = 1.315; p = 0.271), as well as in session-2 (F = 0.668; p = 0.574). Inter-rater and test-retest reliabilities were significant and classified as moderate to high for all number of trials (0.63

Predictors of muscle strength assessed with the modified sphygmomanometer test.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the best predictor of muscle strength assessed with both Modified Sphygmomanometer Test (MST) methods (bag adaptation and non-adapted) and to provide normative values for these two MST methods for the strength assessment of the trunk, upper, and lower limb muscles. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: The strength of 42 muscle groups were assessed with the MST in the bag adaptation and non-adapted methods in 120 healthy individuals, 50 % males, divided into three age groups (20-39, 40-59, 60-79) with 40 subjects per group. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to investigate which independent variables (sex, age, and limb dominance) is the best predictor of muscle strength (α = 5 %). RESULTS: Sex was the best independent predictor for all muscle groups for both MST methods (8.8 % < R2<57.8 %, p < 0.0001), except for the ankle plantar flexors assed with the non-adapted sphygmomanometer, in which age was the best independent predictor (R2 = 25.6 %; p < 0.0001). The normative values of muscle strength were reported for both MST methods considering the subgroups (sex, age, and limb dominance). Ceiling effect was observed when the MST bag adaptation was used to assess some muscles (8.8 %). CONCLUSION: Sex was the best predictor of muscle strength, as commonly found for muscle strength assessment with the dynamometer. The normative values provided have high clinical utility and can be used to interpret results of muscle strength assessment using both MST methods. For the MST in the bag adaptation method, caution is advised for the assessment of some muscles.

Trunk biomechanical changes between the sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit performed at self-selected and fast speeds in stroke survivors.

PURPOSE: To compare the trunk biomechanical characteristics between the sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit performed at self-selected and fast speeds in stroke survivors and healthy-matched controls. METHODS: Thirty individuals (15 stroke survivors and 15 healthy-matched controls) were included. The following biomechanical characteristics were determined: peak of trunk forward flexion and time until the peak of trunk forward flexion, total duration, phase I (sit-to-stand: time spent from the beginning to seat-off; stand-to-sit: time spent from the beginning to seat-on) and II durations (sit-to-stand: time spent from seat-off to the end of the task; stand-to-sit: time spent from the seat-on to the end of the task). Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used (α = 5%). RESULTS: The maximum angle of trunk forward flexion and time spent until the maximum angle of trunk forward flexion in both tasks were significantly higher in stroke survivors. For both groups and speeds, phase I duration and peak of trunk forward flexion of the stand-to-sit were significantly higher than that of the sit-to-stand (11.41≤F ≤ 33.60; 0.001 ≤ p ≤ 0.002) and, phase II duration was significantly higher during the sit-to-stand than that of the stand-to-sit (21.27 ≤ F ≤ 65.10; p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm specific trunk biomechanical characteristics between sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit in stroke survivors and healthy-matched controls.

Implications for RehabilitationSpecific biomechanical characteristics between the sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit were confirmed in stroke survivors and healthy-matched controls at both speeds.Fast speeds showed differences that were not observed at self-selected speeds.Trunk biomechanical characteristics must be carefully evaluated and should be considered in rehabilitation programs that aim to improve sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit performance.

Effects of high-intensity respiratory muscle training on respiratory muscle strength in individuals with Parkinson's disease: Protocol of a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of high-intensity respiratory muscle training (combined inspiratory and expiratory muscle training) in improving inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength, inspiratory muscle endurance, peak cough flow, dyspnea, fatigue, exercise capacity, and quality of life in this population. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial, concealed allocation, blinded assessments, and intention-to-treat analysis will be carried out. Altogether, 34 individuals with PD (age ≥ 50 years old, with maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) <80cmH2O or maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) <90cmH2O) will be recruited. Patients will be randomly assigned to either (1) high-intensity respiratory muscle training (experimental group, 60% of MIP and MEP) or (2) sham training (control group, 0cmH2O). Individuals will perform a home-based intervention, with indirect home supervision, consisting of two daily 20-min sessions (morning and afternoon), seven times a week, during eight weeks. Primary outcomes are MIP and MEP. Secondary outcomes are inspiratory muscle endurance, peak cough flow, dyspnea, fatigue, exercise capacity, and quality of life. The effects of the training will be analyzed from the collected data using intention-to-treat. Between-group differences will be measured using a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures (2*3), considering baseline, post-intervention, and 12-week follow-up. IMPACT: The results of this trial will provide valuable new information on the efficacy of high-intensity respiratory muscle training in improving muscle strength, functional outcomes, and quality of life in individuals with PD. Performing combined inspiratory and expiratory muscle training using a single equipment is cheaper and feasible, takes less time and is easy to use. In addition, this intervention will be carried out in the home environment that increases accessibility, reduces time, and costs of transport, which increases the feasibility to reproduce their findings in clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05608941. Registered on November 8, 2022.

Measurement properties of outcome measures used in neurological telerehabilitation: A systematic review using COSMIN checklist.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the measurement properties (reliability, validity, and responsiveness) and the clinical utility of measurement tools used in telerehabilitation in individuals with neurological conditions. DESIGN: Systematic review. SUBJECTS: Individuals with neurological conditions. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN MEASURES: The methodological quality of the studies using the COSMIN Risk of Bias Checklist, the quality of the measurement properties using the criteria for good measurement properties, and the clinical utility of the measurements using the Tyson & Connell scale. RESULTS: From the 22,188 identified studies, 47 were included. Forty-three measurement tools were identified. The main modes of administration were telephone and videoconference. Studies involved mostly individuals with stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. Criterion validity and reliability were the most investigated measurement properties. None of the tools had their responsiveness investigated. Twenty-two measurement tools have at least one measurement property evaluated as "sufficient" in a study with appropriate methodological quality ("very good" or "adequate"). Nineteen measurement tools showed adequate clinical utility. Eight measurement tools, investigated in individuals with stroke, spinal cord injury or Alzheimer's disease, all administered by telephone, were recommended. CONCLUSION: The present results can be used to assist in choosing appropriate measurement tools, both in research and clinical practice, during telerehabilitation in individuals with neurological conditions. Measurement error, content validity, structural validity, and responsiveness need to be further investigated. In addition, the measurement properties of tools used in telerehabilitation in other neurological conditions, such as Huntington's disease, should also be investigated. REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021257662.

Measurement properties of outcome measures used in neurological telerehabilitation: A systematic review protocol.

Several measurement tools commonly used in face-to-face neurological rehabilitation have been used in telerehabilitation. However, it is not known whether these tools have adequate measurement properties and clinical utility. This systematic review aims to investigate the measurement properties and the clinical utility of measurement tools used in telerehabilitation in individuals with neurological diseases. A systematic review to investigate the measurement properties and clinical utility of measurement tools used in telerehabilitation in individuals with neurological conditions will be conducted. This systematic review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. this systematic review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on 28 May 2021 (registration number: CRD42021257662). Electronic searches will be performed in following databases: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE Ovid), Excerpta Medica Database (Embase Classic + Embase Ovid), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), and Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS). Two trained independent reviewers will select the studies according to the inclusion criteria, and will also extract the data, evaluate the clinical utility and methodological quality. The relevant data such as design, participants, settings, and mode of administration, measurement properties, and clinical utility will be summarized. Disagreements between reviewers will be resolved by consensus or by the decision of a third independent reviewer. Hand searches of other relevant studies will be employed. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist and the clinical utility scale will be used to assess the methodological quality and clinical utility of these tools, respectively. This systematic review will provide information regarding the measurement properties and the clinical utility of the measurement tools used in neurological telerehabilitation. This information will be useful to assist health professionals in choosing adequate measurement tools and planning new research studies.

Assessment of V̇o2peak and Exercise Capacity After Stroke: A Validity Study of the Human Activity Profile Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the concurrent validity of the Human Activity Profile (HAP) in individuals after stroke to provide the peak oxygen uptake (V̇o2peak) and the construct validity of the HAP to assess exercise capacity, and to provide equations based on the HAP outcomes to estimate the distance covered in the Incremental Shuttle Walking Test (ISWT). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals (N=57) aged 54±11 years who have experienced stroke. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Agreement between the V̇o2peak provided by the HAP (lifestyle energy consumption [LEC] outcome, in mL/kg-1/min-1) and the criterion standard measure of the V̇o2peak (mL/kg-1/min-1), obtained through the symptom-limited Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET). Correlation between the HAP outcomes (LEC, maximum activity score [MAS], and adjusted activity score [AAS]) and the construct measure: the distance covered (in meters) in the ISWT. An equation to estimate the distance covered in the ISWT was determined. RESULTS: High magnitude agreement was found between the V̇o2peak, in mL/kg-1/min-1, obtained by the symptom-limited CPET and the value of V̇o2peak, in mL/kg-1/min-1, provided by the HAP (LEC) (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.75; P<.001). Low to moderate magnitude correlations were found between the distance covered in the ISWT and the HAP (LEC/MAS/AAS) (0.34≤ρ≤0.58). The equation to estimate the distance covered in the ISWT explained 31% of the variability of the ISWT (ISWTestimated, -361.91+(9.646xAAS)). CONCLUSION: The HAP questionnaire is a clinically applicable way to provide a valid value of V̇o2peak (in mL/kg-1/min-1) and to assess the exercise capacity of individuals after stroke. Furthermore, an equation to estimate the distance covered in the submaximal field exercise test (ISWT) based on the result of the AAS (in points) was provided.

The modified sphygmomanometer test for assessment of muscle strength of community-dwelling older adults in clinical practice: reliability and validity.

PURPOSE: (a) to investigate the test-retest and inter-rater reliabilities and the criterion-related validity of the modified sphygmomanometer test (MST) for the assessment of muscle strength in community-dwelling older adults, (b) to calculate the standard error of measurement (SEM) and the smallest real difference (SRD); (c) to verify whether the number of trials affect the results. METHODS: Bilateral strength of lower limbs (LL) and grip muscles were evaluated with the MST and with portable dynamometers in 50 older adults (69.92 ± 5.52 years). Intra-class Correlation Coefficients (ICC) was used to evaluate the inter-rater and test-retest reliabilities and Pearson Correlations was used to investigate the criterion-related validity of the MST. SEM and SRD were also calculated. Analysis of variance was used to investigate whether the number of trials affects the results. RESULTS: Significant correlations with high to very high magnitude were found for all muscle groups evaluated for test-retest and inter-rater reliabilities (0.80 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.99; p < 0.001) and validity (0.80 ≤ r ≤ 0.91; p < 0.001). Moreover, the values provided by different numbers of trials were similar. The SEM (3.66 ≤ SEM ≤ 20.46) and the SRD (10.15 ≤ SRD95% ≤ 56.70) were considered low for all outcome measures. CONCLUSION: The MST showed adequate results for all the measurement properties evaluated for the assessment of the muscle strength of older adults.Implications for rehabilitationOlder adults often develop sarcopenia and dynapenia that are associated with an increased number of falls and fractures and loss of independence.Portable dynamometer is the standard instrument to evaluate isometric muscle strength, however this instrument is expensive and it is not readily available in the underdeveloped or in developed countries.The Modified Sphygmomanometer Test is an alternative method for the clinical measurement of muscle strength, is portable, has a low-cost and provides an objective measurement.In this study the Modified Sphygmomanometer Test showed adequate results for all the measurement properties evaluated for the assessment of the muscle strength in community-dwelling older adults and a single trial after test familiarization can be used to measure the muscle strength in this population.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing and aerobic treadmill training after stroke: Feasibility of a controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility and safety of a randomized controlled trial that performed cardiopulmonary exercise testing and 12 weeks of aerobic treadmill training in individuals in the chronic phase after stroke. METHODS: The following data were recorded: number of individuals contacted to participate, that attended in the evaluation session, and that were included (recruited) in the study; retention, attendance and adherence rates; reasons for exclusion, withdrawal, non-attendance and non-completing exercise; adverse events. RESULTS: From 230 individuals that were contacted, 39 (17%) attended the evaluation session and 22 (9.6%) were recruited in the study, 11 in each group (control and experimental). The main source of recruitment was other research projects (43.5%). The main reason for exclusion was unavailability (22%). Six out of 39 individuals (15.4%) that attended in the evaluation session were not able to perform the cardiopulmonary exercise testing. All subjects included showed a respiratory exchange ratio ≥1.0 (considered as maximal effort in the CPET). Retention rate was 81% and the main reason of withdrawal was unavailability (75%). The overall attendance rate was 88% and the main reason for non-attendance was illness/sickness (20.8%). The adherence rate was 99% and the reasons for non-completing sessions were illness/sickness (60%) or delay (40%). No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: Recruitment rate was low, retention rate was moderate, attendance and adherence rates were high. No serious adverse events occurred. It was feasible and safe to execute a randomized clinical trial that performed cardiopulmonary exercise testing and 12 weeks of aerobic treadmill training.

Knee extensor muscles strength indicates global lower-limb strength in individuals who have suffered a stroke: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This study had three aims: (1) to evaluate the relationships between the paretic knee extensor muscle strength and global lower-limb strength in individuals who had suffered a sub-acute/chronic stroke, (2) to determine whether global lower-limb strength, sex, body mass index, or age could predict knee extensor muscle strength, and 3) to investigate whether the results obtained via a Modified Sphygmomanometer Test (MST) would be similar to those obtained using a hand-held dynamometer. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, performed at a research laboratory, at participants' homes, or at outpatient clinics. Forty-two individuals with a sub-acute stroke and 45 individuals with a chronic stroke participated. Maximum isometric strength of the paretic lower-limb muscles (i.e. hip, knee, and ankle flexors/extensors, hip abductors) was measured using the MST and a hand-held dynamometer. RESULTS: Significant and high correlation coefficients were found between knee extensor muscle strength and global lower-limb strength as measured by the combined strength values of 6 lower limb muscle groups in individuals with sub-acute (0.81≤r≤0.88; p<0.05) and chronic (0.82≤r≤0.85; p<0.05) stroke. Step-wise multiple regression analysis revealed that only global lower-limb strength was retained in the model and accounted for 66-78% and 67-72% (p<0.001) of the variance in knee extensor muscle strength at the sub-acute and chronic phases post-stroke, respectively. The results obtained via the MST were similar to those obtained using the hand-held dynamometer. CONCLUSION: Paretic knee extensor muscles strength, assessed using a MST or a hand-held dynamometer, indicates global lower-limb strength in individuals with a sub-acute or chronic stroke.

Reference values for muscle strength: a systematic review with a descriptive meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Muscle strength is an important component of health. OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate the studies which have established the reference values for muscle strength on healthy individuals and to synthesize these values with a descriptive meta-analysis approach. METHODS: A systematic review was performed in MEDLINE, LILACS, and SciELO databases. Studies that investigated the reference values for muscle strength of two or more appendicular/axial muscle groups of health individuals were included. Methodological quality, including risk of bias was assessed by the QUADAS-2. Data extracted included: country of the study, sample size, population characteristics, equipment/method used, and muscle groups evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 414 studies identified, 46 were included. Most of the studies had adequate methodological quality. Included studies evaluated: appendicular (80.4%) and axial (36.9%) muscles; adults (78.3%), elderly (58.7%), adolescents (43.5%), children (23.9%); isometric (91.3%) and isokinetic (17.4%) strength. Six studies (13%) with similar procedures were synthesized with meta-analysis. Generally, the coefficient of variation values that resulted from the meta-analysis ranged from 20.1% to 30% and were similar to those reported by the original studies. The meta-analysis synthesized the reference values of isometric strength of 14 muscle groups of the dominant/non-dominant sides of the upper/lower limbs of adults/elderly from developed countries, using dynamometers/myometer. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the included studies had adequate methodological quality. The meta-analysis provided reference values for the isometric strength of 14 appendicular muscle groups of the dominant/non-dominant sides, measured with dynamometers/myometers, of men/women, of adults/elderly. These data may be used to interpret the results of the evaluations and establish appropriate treatment goals.