Reliability and validity of new isokinetic strength assessment for rotator cuff muscles in a muscle architecture-based position.

Background/aim: Isokinetic strength assessment of the rotator cuff muscle is frequently applied in a variety of shoulder postures, but none of these consider muscular architecture, which is one of the most important aspects of improving strength development. This study aimed to examine the test and retest reliability and validity of the muscle architecture-based position (MABP), which is 25° abduction and 20° external rotation, in healthy subjects to be able to select a better isokinetic assessment position for shoulder rotator cuff muscles. Materials and methods: A total of 54 healthy males with a mean age of 21.0 ± 1.2 years and mean body mass index of 22.8 ± 1.7 kg/m2 completed an isokinetic measurement session. All of the tests were performed on an IsoMed 2000 isokinetic dynamometer concentrically and eccentrically for both upper limbs at 60°/s angular velocity. All of the participants completed 3 measurement sessions: the first represented the isokinetic testing and was performed in the scapular neutral position (SNP) (45° shoulder flexion and abduction), the second represented the MABP (25° abduction and 20° ER) for shoulder rotator cuff muscles, and the third represented the test and retest of the MABP. Results: The correlations between the 2 techniques for assessing concurrent validity ranged from 0.908 to 0.994. The values obtained from the MABP were higher than those obtained in the SNP. There was no systematic bias for any measurements between the MABP and the retest of the MABP (p > 0.05). The intraclass correlation coefficients representing the test and retest reliability results for each variable measured with the MABP was higher than 0.98 and this value was considered as excellent reliability. Conclusion: In conclusion, the MABP can be used to assess the isokinetic strength of the rotator cuff muscles safely and confidently, with increased quantities of force being released and measurement at optimal muscle tension.

The investigation of acute effects of fascial release technique in patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Fascial release technique is used for releasing fascial tissue to decrease pain, to increase range of motion, and to improve functional level. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the acute effects of fascial release technique on pain, range of motion, upper extremity functional level, and fear of movement in individuals with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: Thirty volunteers with an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were included in the study. The individuals were randomly divided into two groups. One group received only conventional physiotherapy including hot pack, interferential current, and exercise program, while the fascial release technique was applied to the other group in addition to the conventional physiotherapy program for 2 weeks with 2 sessions per week. Individuals were assessed for pain intensity, range of motion, functional level, fear of movement before and after treatment, and satisfaction level after treatment. RESULTS: Demographic and clinical characteristics of the groups were similar (p > 0.05). Both groups showed improvement in pain, range of motion, and upper extremity functions (p < 0.05). Improvements in the treatment group were better than the conventional physiotherapy group (p < 0.05). Fear of movement was significantly decreased in the treatment group (p < 0.05). Both groups were similar in terms of satisfaction level (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Fascial release technique is acutely effective on the pain, joint range of motion and upper extremity functions in the treatment of individuals with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and more successful results can be obtained by including it in the early rehabilitation program after arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery.

Determining the number of repetitions to establish isokinetic knee evaluation protocols specific to angular velocities of 60°/second and 180°/second.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to develop a standard number of repetition at angular velocities of 60°/sec and 180°/sec and define the difference of number of repetitions between genders. METHOD: One hundred ninety-six athletes (judo, volleyball, Greco-Roman wrestling, runners, and gymnastics) were involved. Concentric-concentric isokinetic muscle strength of the knee flexor-extensor muscles of the athletes were performed with an ISOMED 2000 isokinetic dynamometer. The evaluation test protocol consisted of 10 repetition of knee flexion-extension at 60°/sec and 30 repetitions at 180°/sec. RESULTS: Athletes performed with maximal knee flexion strength at their second and third trial at 60°/sec and third-forth trial at 180°/sec. It was found that 2 repetitions and 2-3 repetitions were needed for knee extension peak torque at 60°/sec and 180°/sec respectively. The difference between the genders was significant at 60°/sec for knee flexion and extension on the dominant side; at 180°/sec for knee extension on the dominant and non-dominant side. It was determined that 3 repetitions for 60°/sec, 4 repetitions for 180°/sec were enough to determine peak torque values. DISCUSSION: Optimal number of repetitions is crucial so that athletes could have the opportunity to reach maximal strength without unnecessary workload or waste of time. CONCLUSIONS: Protocols involving 3 repetitions for 60°/sec, 4 repetitions for 180°/sec were enough to determine peak torque values. Gender of athletes should be considered when establishing isokinetic knee evaluation protocols.

The Relationship Between Athletic Performance and Physiological Characteristics in Wheelchair Basketball Athletes.

Purpose: This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between athletic performance and physiological characteristics in wheelchair basketball (WB) athletes with different classification scores. Methods: Twenty-six (24 male and 2 female) WB athletes were involved into the study. The participants were divided into two functional categories (Category A:1.0-2.5 points, category B: 3.0-4.5 points) according to the IWBF rules. Shoulder internal (IR) and external rotation (ER) muscle strengths were evaluated with the ISOMED 2000® isokinetic dynamometer. Handgrip strength was evaluated with hydraulic hand dynamometer. Custom ramp protocol on treadmill was employed to measure aerobic capacity. Anaerobic capacity was evaluated with Wingate anaerobic power test in standard laboratory conditions. The athletic performance was assessed by 20 m Sprint test, Slalom Test, and Zone Shot tests. Results: Category B athletes achieved significantly better results in the measurements of shoulder IR and ER muscle strength, aerobic and anaerobic capacity, and athletic performance while the grip strength was found similar in the categories. There was a significant correlation between the athletic performance and shoulder IR and ER muscle strength, and aerobic and anaerobic capacities in two categories. There was no significant relationship between grip strength and athletic performance parameters in two categories. Conclusion: It was concluded that athletic performance in WB athletes with different classification scores is related to upper extremity muscle strength, aerobic, and anaerobic capacity. Additionally, upper limb muscle strength, athletic performance, aerobic and anaerobic capacity assessments to be made will contribute positively to the planning of individual training and exercise programs.

Influence of quadriceps angle on static and dynamic balance in young adults.

BACKGROUND: Changes in postural stability may be a reason for injuries in individuals who have altered musculoskeletal alignment. Q angle (QA) has shown to be a predictor for lower extremity injuries. However, the relationship between balance and QA has not been investigated in young adults. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between QA and balance in young adults. METHODS: Ninety participants performed the single leg stance test (SLST) and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) to assess static and dynamic balance, respectively. QA was measured using a manual goniometer. Participants were divided into low, normal and high QA groups. RESULTS: The relationship between SLST and QA was not statistically significant in both eyes opened and closed condition (r=-0.030, p= 0.782; r= 0.031, p= 0.774; respectively). SLST scores did not differ among the three groups in both eyes opened and closed condition (p= 0.781, p= 0.790; respectively). QA significantly correlated with lateral, posterolateral directions and sum score of SEBT (r= 0.240, p= 0.023; r= 0.269, p= 0.010; r= 0.210, p= 0.047). The comparisons among the low, normal and high Q angle groups' SEBT scores showed that balance performance in lateral direction was poorer in low QA group (p= 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study showed that QA and dynamic balance have a significant relationship. To reduce musculoskeletal injury risk, the dynamic balance should be assessed in young adults who have lower QA.

Developing a shoulder pain scale for wheelchair basketball players.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain in wheelchair (WC) basketball players is common. Yet there was no scale to define shoulder pain. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to develop a shoulder pain scale for WC basketball players. METHODS: A five-step procedure was followed: Identifying the feature, writing down the items and drafting the form, formulating the final form, pre-pilot-pilot implementation, and validity-reliability analyses. The final form of the scale consisted of 15 items about self-care and sport-specific activities. RESULTS: External factor analysis showed that the scale had a two-factor structure which is "Shoulder Pain during Sports" and "Shoulder Pain during Self-care Activities". Pre-rotation results of factor analysis showed that if all of the items were loaded on the first factor, it would have an eigenvalue more than 7 times larger than the eigenvalue of the second factor. Therefore, it can be concluded that the scale can be used as a one-dimensional scale. The Cronbach's Alpha values were found to be 0.94 and 0.92 for the shoulder pain factor during sports and self-care activities, respectively. Total value was found to be 0.95. The corrected item-total correlation values were all above 0.60. CONCLUSIONS: This newly developed valid, reliable scale allows assessment of the shoulder pain of WC basketball players.

Explosive strength training improves speed and agility in wheelchair basketball athletes / Treinamento de força explosiva melhora a velocidade e a agilidade de atletas de basquetebol em cadeiras de rodas / Entrenamiento de Fuerza Explosiva mejora la velocidad y la agilidad de atletas de básquetbol en sillas de ruedas

INTRODUCTION: Wheelchair basketball is a paralympic sport characterized by intermittent high-intensity activities that require explosive strength and speed. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of explosive strength training on speed and agility performance in wheelchair basketball players. METHODS: Ten male wheelchair basketball players (Mage=31±4 yrs) were divided into two groups [i.e. explosive strength training (ES); control (CN)] based on International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) classification scores. The ES group underwent 6-weeks of training, twice weekly, at 50% 1RM, 10-12 repetitions and 3-4 sets in addition to routine training. Effects of training were measured by the 20 m sprint test and Illinois agility test. RESULTS: The ES group, showed significantly higher increases in speed and agility performance (p ≤ .05). CONCLUSION: A short-duration (i.e. 6-week) explosive strength training programme in wheelchair basketball athletes results in significant improvements in sprint and agility performance. .

INTRODUÇÃO: O basquete em cadeira de rodas é um esporte paralímpico caracterizado por atividades intermitentes de alta intensidade que exigem força explosiva e velocidade. OBJETIVO: Investigar o efeito do treinamento de força explosiva sobre a velocidade e o desempenho da agilidade em jogadores de basquete em cadeira de rodas. MÉTODOS: Dez jogadores de basquete do sexo masculino em cadeira de rodas (Midade = 31 ± 4 anos) foram divididos em dois grupos [ou seja, treinamento de força explosiva (FE) e controle (CN)], com base em cadeira de rodas de acordo com os escores de classificação da Federação Internacional de Basquetebol em Cadeira de Rodas (IWBF). O grupo FE realizou 6 semanas de treinamento, duas vezes por semana, a 50% de 1RM, 10-12 repetições e 3-4 séries, além de treinamento de rotina. Os efeitos de treinamento foram medidos pelo teste de corrida de 20 metros (sprint test) e pelo teste de agilidade de Illinois. RESULTADOS: O grupo FE mostrou aumentos significantemente maiores de velocidade e desempenho de agilidade (p ≤ 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A curta duração (isto é, 6 semanas) do programa de treinamento de força explosiva em atletas de basquetebol em cadeira de rodas resulta em melhorias expressivas do desempenho na corrida e de agilidade. .

INTRODUCCIÓN: El básquetbol en silla de ruedas en el deporte paraolímpico caracterizado por actividades intermitentes de alta intensidad, las cuales exigen fuerza explosiva y velocidad. OBJETIVO: Investigar el efecto del entrenamiento de fuerza explosiva sobre la velocidad y el desempeño de la agilidad en jugadores de básquetbol en silla de ruedas. MÉTODOS: Diez jugadores de básquetbol del sexo masculino en silla de ruedas (Promedioedad = 31 ± 4 años) fueron divididos en dos grupos [o sea, entrenamiento de fuerza explosiva (FE) y control (CN)], con base en silla de ruedas, de acuerdo con las puntuaciones de clasificación de la Federación Internacional de Baloncesto en Silla de Ruedas (IWBF). El grupo de FE realizó 6 semanas de entrenamiento, dos veces por semana, a 50% de 1RM, 10-12 repeticiones y 3-4 series, además de entrenamiento de rutina. Los efectos del entrenamiento fueron medidos mediante la prueba de carrera de 20 metros (sprint test) y por la prueba de agilidad de Illinois. RESULTADOS: El grupo de FE mostró aumentos significantemente mayores de velocidad y desempeño de agilidad (p ≤ 0,05). CONCLUSIÓN: La corta duración (es decir, 6 semanas) del programa de entrenamiento de fuerza explosiva, en atletas de básquetbol en silla de ruedas, resultó en mejorías expresivas del desempeño en la carrera y de agilidad. .

The effect of physical fitness training on reaction time in youth with intellectual disabilities.

The purpose of this study was to assess whether reaction time in persons with intellectual disabilities can be improved with an exercise program. 50 children and adolescents (M age = 14.7 yr., SD = 1.4, range = 11-18) with mild intellectual disability without Downs syndrome were randomly divided into control (20 boys, 5 girls) and experimental (19 boys, 6 girls) groups. The experimental group participated in a structured physical fitness program for 12 weeks. Reaction time was assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Significant improvements in reaction time were observed in the exercise group but not for the control group. Results indicated that reaction time can be improved with an exercise program in youth with intellectual disability.

Shoulder pain: a comparison of wheelchair basketball players with trunk control and without trunk control.

The purpose of this study was to compare shoulder pain between wheelchair basketball players with trunk control and wheelchair basketball players without trunk control. Players were evaluated according the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) classification system. The study group comprised 60 wheelchair basketball players, who were rated according to the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation classification system. Players were divided into two groups according to their trunk control. Study participants completed an anonymous survey that included demographic data, medical history data, and the Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups based on the number of years of wheelchair use, active sport years, weekly working hours, and weekly training hours (p> 0.05). Statistically significant differences were found between wheelchair basketball players with trunk control and wheelchair basketball players with trunk control with respect to the duration of their disability, the daily number of transfers made to wheelchair, and Performance Corrected Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (PC-WUSPI) score (p< 0.05). The total PC-WUSPI score was higher among players without trunk control (p< 0.05). Study findings suggest that the shoulder pain of wheelchair basketball players must be analyzed. Trunk stabilization is the key factor affecting the function of the shoulder and is of primary importance for appropriate loading of the shoulder joint's many forms of articulation.

The falling risk and physical fitness in older people.

Aims of this study was to analyze the correlation between the falling risk and their physical fitness, determining the top parameters affecting the falling risk, and preparing an evaluation procedure for the medical department working on this issue for the old people in retirement homes. This study includes 60 persons whose mean age was 73.3+/-6.6 years. Their demographic characteristics, cognitive function, their balance, falling risk and their physical fitness level have been evaluated. A survey has been done to determine their demographic features. The cognitive function was determined using mini-mental state examination (MMSE) test; for falling risk the Berg balance test (BBT) and balance by standing on one foot test were used, and the physical fitness was determined by senior fitness test (SFT). While the BBT correlation between chair stand, arm curl and 2-min step test are positive; but the correlation between BBT and '8-foot up-and-go test' were negative. However, there was no correlation between the BBT and chair sit-and-reach test, back scratch test (p>0.05). Due to the results of logistic regression models in order to find out the variations affecting the falling risk most, it has been showed that '8-foot up-and-go test' was reliable. Additionally the subjects probability performing the '8-foot up-and-go' before 8.14s was OR=11 (95% confidence interval=95%CI=2.25-53.84) times more with maximum 56 points in BBT. We have shown that the falling risk increases with declining of upper and lower extremity muscle strength, aerobic endurance, agility and dynamic balance performance. Agility and dynamic balance performance were mostly relevant with falling risk. We concluded that the old persons' falling risk and physical fitness level should be evaluated in some intervals. According to their falling risks and physical fitness level, the rehabilitation programs should be programmed to decrease their falling risk, and to increase lower and upper extremity muscle strength, aerobic endurance and especially their agility and dynamic balance performance.