Acute effect of different stretching methods on flexibility and jumping performance in competitive artistic gymnasts.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of 3 different warm up methods of stretching (static, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, and stretching exercises on a Vibration platform) on flexibility and legs power-jumping performance in competitive artistic gymnasts. METHODS: Eighteen competitive artistic gymnasts were recruited to participate in this study. Subjects were exposed to each of 3 experimental stretching conditions: static stretching (SS), proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching (PNF), and stretching exercises on a Vibration platform (S+V). Flexibility assessed with sit and reach test (S & R) and jumping performance with squat jump (SJ) and counter movement jump (CMJ) and were measured before, immediately after and 15 min after the interventions. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed for flexibility after all stretching conditions for S+V (+1.1%), SS (+5.7%) and PNF (+6.8%) (P=0.000), which remained higher 15 min after interventions (S+V (1.1%), SS (5.3%) and PNF (5.5%), respectively (P=0.000). CONCLUSION: PNF stretching increased flexibility in competitive gymnasts, while S+V maintained jumping performance when both methods were used as part of a warm-up procedure.

Use of a lighted flexible catheter as a detector for accidental oesophageal intubation through the intubating laryngeal mask: a preliminary study.

We have evaluated the use of a prototype lighted flexible catheter using the transillumination of the light through the soft tissues of the neck, as a detector of the accidental oesophageal intubation during the tracheal intubation through the intubating laryngeal mask. Two hundred patients undergoing general anaesthesia were studied. Accidental oesophageal intubation occurred in 12 patients (6%) during the first intubating attempt and was diagnosed by noting absence of glow on the neck during the tracheal tube advancement and was confirmed by capnography. However, 11/12 (92%) of the above patients were finally intubated successfully, using the lighted flexible catheter. In one patient persistent accidental oesophageal intubation occurred and was classified as failure.