The effectiveness of blood flow restriction training in cardiovascular disease patients: A scoping review.

Therapeutic exercise is integral to the comprehensive rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular disease and, as such, is recommended by the American Heart Association as a valuable and effective treatment method for such patients. The type of exercise applied to these patients is aerobic and resistance exercise with mild intensities and loads to avoid overloading the cardiovascular system. Blood flow restriction exercise is a novel exercise modality in clinical settings that has in many studies a similar effect on muscle hypertrophy, strength, and cardiovascular response to training at a 70% strength level without blood flow restriction. Since this exercise mode does not require high-intensity loads, it can be a safe method for improving muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance, and functionality in cardiovascular patients. Given that, the objective of this review is to assess and summarize existing evidence for the use of blood flow restriction in cardiovascular patients. A scoping review of existing clinical trials was conducted. Eleven studies were examined that suggested the use of blood flow restrictions in cardiovascular patients to achieve improvements in muscle strength, functionality, and cardiovascular parameters such as blood pressure decrease.

Risk of sarcopenia, fear of COVID-19, anxiety, depression and physical activity levels: Associations across patients on hemodialysis within Greece.

Objectives: The purpose of this multicenter cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between SARC-F, fear of COVID 19, anxiety, depression and physical activity in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: This study was conducted in 3 hemodialysis centers in Greece during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sarcopenia risk was assessed using the Greek version of SARC-F (≥4). Demographic and medical history were collected from the patient's medical charts. The participants were also asked to fill the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) questionnaire. Results: A hundred and thirty-two (132) patients on hemodialysis (92 men, 70.75±13.14 years) were enrolled. Sarcopenia risk (utilizing the SARC-F) was found in 41.7% of patients on hemodialysis. The average duration of hemodialysis was 3.94±4.58 years. The mean score values for SARC-F, FCV-19S and HADS were 3.9±2.57, 21.08±5.32, and 15.02±6.69, respectively. The majority of patients were physically inactive. The SARC-F scores were strongly associated with age (r=56; p<0.001), HADS (r=0.55; p<0.001), levels of physical activity (r=0.5; p<0.001), but not with FCV-19S (r=0.27; p<0.001). Conclusion: A statistically significant relationship was recorded between sarcopenia risk and age, anxiety/depression and levels of physical inactivity in patients on hemodialysis. Future studies are necessary in order to evaluate the association of specific characteristics of patients.

Cold-Water Immersion and Sports Massage Can Improve Pain Sensation but Not Functionality in Athletes with Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of cold-water immersion (CWI) and sports massage on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in amateur athletes. Sixty male amateur athletes were randomised into four equal groups (n = 15) receiving either CWI, sports massage, their combination, or served as controls after applying plyometric training to their lower extremities. The main outcomes measures were pain, exertion, rectus femoris perimeter, knee flexion range of motion, knee extensors isometric strength and serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels examined before the plyometric training, immediately after the treatment, and 24, 48 and 72 h post exercise. We observed no significant differences between study groups in the most tested variables. CWI improved pain compared to the combined application of CWI and sports massage, and the control group both on the second and third day post exercise. Sports massage combined with CWI also led to a significant reduction in pain sensation compared to the control group. In conclusion the treatment interventions used were effective in reducing pain but were unable to affect other important adaptations of DOMS. Based on the above, sports scientists should reconsider the wide use of these interventions as a recovery strategy for athletes with DOMS.

Neuromuscular control of the lower extremities can be better enhanced by applying ankle taping and kinesiological taping rather than elastic bandaging: a randomized control study in amateur soccer players.

[Purpose] This study evaluated the effects of ankle elastic bandaging, taping, and kinesiology taping on the neuromuscular control of the lower extremities before and after their application and after exercise in soccer athletes. [Participants and Methods] Fifty-five amateur soccer players were randomly divided into four research sub-groups either receiving bandaging (n=15), taping (n=15), and kinesiology taping (n=15) on their ankle or serving as controls (n=10). The dynamic stability of the non-dominant limb was assessed through the star excursion balance test (SEBT) in three research conditions: a) before sports taping application, b) after the application, and c) after a 15 min laboratory simulation of soccer activities. [Results] Taping and kinesiology taping improved the dynamic stabilization of the lower limb more statistically significantly than bandaging. The addition of exercise significantly improved the SEBT results in the taping and kinesiology taping more than the bandaging and control groups. [Conclusion] Exercise activates the proprioceptive mechanisms of the lower limb and improves its neuromuscular control. This functional improvement of the lower limb appears to be enhanced after ankle taping and kinesiology taping compared with elastic bandaging and controls.

The Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, Tissue Flossing, and Kinesiology Taping on Shoulder Functional Capacities in Amateur Athletes.

CONTEXT: Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), tissue flossing, and kinesiology taping are increasingly popular treatments among athletes for improving functional performance, despite limited evidence for their efficacy. OBJECTIVE: Previous research regarding the efficacy of soft tissues and neuromuscular techniques on improving functional capacity of shoulder joints in athletes has yielded conflicting results. We examined the immediate and short-term effects of IASTM, flossing, and kinesiology taping on the functional capacities of amateur athletes' shoulders. DESIGN: Randomized controlled study. SETTING: Clinical assessment laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty amateur overhead athletes (mean [SD]: age = 23.03 [1.89]; weight = 78.36 [5.32]; height = 1.77 [.11]). INTERVENTIONS: We randomly assigned participants to 4 research sub-groups in which they received the following treatments on their dominant shoulders: IASTM (n = 20), flossing (n = 20), both IASTM and flossing (n = 20), and kinesiology tape (n = 20). Nondominant shoulders served as controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: We evaluated participants-before, immediately after, and 45 minutes after the therapeutic interventions-with the following tests: internal and external shoulder rotation range of motion, isokinetic strength and total work, the functional throwing performance index, and the one-arm seated shot put throw performance. RESULTS: All therapeutic interventions significantly improved the strength and functional performance of the dominant shoulder in comparison with the control (P < .005) immediately after and 45 minutes after the treatment. The IASTM led to significantly greater improvement in shoulder internal rotation than kinesiology taping immediately after (P = .049) and 45 minutes after the treatment (P = .049). We observed no significant differences between the other treatment interventions (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Findings from the current study support the use of novel soft tissue and neuromuscular techniques for the immediate and short-term improvement of the shoulder functional capacities in amateur overhead athletes.

Combining targeted instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization applications and neuromuscular exercises can correct forward head posture and improve the functionality of patients with mechanical neck pain: a randomized control study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short- and intermediate-term effects of the combined application of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) techniques and neuromuscular exercises of the cervical and thoracic area on the improvement of the functionality of patients with mechanical neck pain and accompanying forward head posture (FHP). METHODS: Twenty patients with neck pain and FHP were randomized and received eight treatment sessions of either targeted IASTM in combination with neuromuscular exercises (Group A) or a classical massage and the same set of exercises (Group B). The cervical vertebral angle (CVA), cervical range of motion (ROM) and strength, pain (visual analogue scale-VAS), and neck disability index (NDI) were measured throughout the treatment period and in the two- and four-week post-treatment periods. RESULTS: The combined application of IASTM and neuromuscular exercises contributed to a significantly greater improvement in CVA (Group A: + 7,2 deg vs Group B: + 1,1 deg) and NDI (Group A:-25,2 vs Group B:-5,8) than massage and the application of the same exercises. Both interventions improved cervical ROM and strength in the short term. Pain was also significantly improved in both groups in both the short (Group A VAS: - 5,97 vs Group B VAS: - 3,1) and intermediate term (Group A VAS:-5,5 vs Group B:-1,5). CONCLUSIONS: Combining IASTM and exercises for the cervical and thoracic area can induce positive postural adaptations and improve the functional status of neck pain patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN, ISRCTN54231174 . Registered 19 March 2020 - Retrospectively registered.

Treatment of scalene muscles with the Ergon technique can lead to greater improvement in hip abduction range of motion than local hip adductor treatment: a study on deep front line connectivity.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effects of Ergon® instrument-assisted softtissue mobilization of the upper and lower midpoints of the Deep Front Line (DFL) on hip abduction range of motion (ROM). [Participants and Methods] Forty healthy adults (29.3 ± 6.3 years; height: 175.8 ± 7.4 cm; weight: 77.2 ± 9.2 kg) were randomly divided into two groups and received a single 15-minute Ergon treatment in the upper midpoint (scalene muscles) and the lower midpoint of the DFL (hip adductors) on their dominant side. The non-dominant hip served as a control. Pre-and post-therapy active and passive hip abduction ROM at 0° and 90° flexion was examined using a goniometer. [Results] In both experimental groups, active and passive hip abduction ROM on the treated side improved significantly compared to the control side. Scalene treatment led to significantly greater improvement in active hip abduction ROM at 0° and 90° and in passive ROM at 90° compared to local hip adductor treatment. [Conclusion] The application of the Ergon technique on remote parts of the DFL may lead to a significant increase in hip abduction ROM compared to local hip adductors treatment.

The effectiveness of Ergon Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, foam rolling, and athletic elastic taping in improving volleyball players' shoulder range of motion and throwing performance: a pilot study on elite athletes.

[Purpose] The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), foam rolling, and athletic elastic taping on improving elite volleyball players' shoulder range of motion (ROM) and throwing performance. [Participants and Methods] Fifteen elite male volleyball players (mean age: 24 ± 4.54 years; mean height: 177 ± 0.08 cm; mean weight: 81 ± 7.71 kg) received shoulder Ergon IASTM, foam rolling, and elastic taping treatment in random order on both upper extremities once a week for three weeks. Pre-and post-treatment assessments of their shoulders' ROM and functional throwing performance were performed. [Results] Ergon IASTM technique resulted in significantly higher shoulder flexion ROM values than foam rolling and elastic taping. Foam rolling, in turn, showed better results than athletic elastic taping. Moreover, the Ergon IASTM technique resulted in significantly higher OSP values than athletic elastic taping. No significant differences were observed between the therapeutic interventions in terms of FTPI. [Conclusion] This pilot study on elite athletes provides evidence that both IASTM and foam rolling techniques may improve their passive shoulder ROM compared to elastic athletic taping while Ergon IASTM can also enhance their shoulder throwing performance.

Effects of instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization at three different application angles on hamstring surface thermal responses.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the thermal skin responses (thermal buildup and retention rate) to instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) procedures applied on hamstrings at different angles. [Participants and Methods] Thirty university students (age: 20 ± 4 years, weight: 70.61 ± 9.11 kg, height: 168.5 ± 7.5 cm) received three sessions of 10-min Ergon® IASTM treatment on their dominant limbs' hamstrings at 20°, 60°, and 90° application angles, respectively. The skin temperature was measured with a thermometer immediately before and after treatment, and every minute thereafter until it returned to the baseline value. [Results] IASTM resulted in a significant increase in skin temperature irrespective of the application angle. The thermal retention rate produced by the treatment at a 90° angle was significantly higher than that produced by the 20° application angle (78.9 vs. 64.53 min). No significant differences were observed between the 60° and 90° angle applications (72.5 vs. 78.9 min). [Conclusion] IASTM application at 60° and 90° angles can increase and retain the hamstring's skin temperature for more than an hour, creating the conditions for potential positive adaptations to local metabolism and muscle tone.

Posterior thigh thermal skin adaptations to radiofrequency treatment at 448 kHz applied with or without Indiba® fascia treatment tools.

[Purpose] This study aimed to evaluate the posterior thigh's skin thermal responses to 448-kHz radiofrequency-based therapy applied either in the form of standard application (Indiba®Activ) or combined soft tissue treatment (Indiba®Fascia treatment). [Participants and Methods] Ten healthy males (22 ± 3 years of age, weight 75.2 ± 4.9 kg, height 178.5 ± 4.7) received four different treatments which included a) Indiba®Activ (IA) radiofrequency treatment, b) Indiba®Fascia (IF), c) Indiba®Activ placebo (IAP) and d) Indiba®Fascia Placebo (IFP) in the posterior thigh of their dominant lower limb, while the non-dominant served as the control. Skin temperature was recorded pre- and post-treatment and every minute until the surface temperature reached pre-treatment levels using a wireless infrared thermometer. [Results] Both radiofrequency-based therapy groups IA and IF led to a significant increase in skin temperature compared to placebo applications. The IF intervention led to an average retention of elevated temperature for 164.2 minutes compared to 54.8 minutes of IA, 23.17 of IFP and 17.6 minutes of IAP. [Conclusion] These findings indicate that radiofrequency treatment at 448 kHz can induce and sustain significant thermal skin adaptations reflecting an increased blood circulation and metabolism of underlying tissues.

Can the application of the Ergon® IASTM treatment on remote parts of the superficial back myofascial line be equally effective with the local application for the improvement of the hamstrings' flexibility? A randomized control study.

[Purpose] This study was aimed to investigate the effects of Ergon® IASTM applications on the upper or lower part of the Superficial Back Line (SBL) on the hamstring's flexibility. [Participants and Methods] Sixty University students (age=24.4 ± 4.39; height=176.78 ± 8.31 cm; weight=75.16 ± 11.21 kg) were randomly divided into three sub-groups and received a single 15-minute treatment with Ergon® Technique in a) the upper and b) the lower part of SBL or c) served as control. The participants received one treatment per week for four weeks with a simultaneous pre-and post-therapy assessment of their hamstrings flexibility using the passive Straight Leg Raising (SLR). [Results] Both experimental groups improved SLR performance from pre to post during the four weeks from 4.4% to 9.2% in the trunk group and from 4.9% to 8.0% in the lower body group. These differences were significantly greater from the CTRL group. No differences were observed between the two experimental groups. [Conclusion] In conclusion, application of Ergon Technique of either the upper or lower part of the SBL may lead to a significant increase in the hamstring flexibility irrespective of the site of application.