Neurophysiologic inhibition of strength following tactile stimulation of the skin.

A modified shoulder abduction manual muscle test was incorporated in this study to demonstrate strength changes following tactile stimulation of the skin. Resistance was applied to the distal radioulnar joint and the stimulus (scratching) was applied inferior to the clavicle on the clavicular head of the pectoralis major muscle after maximum contraction. An electromechanical device quantified the isotonic (eccentric) measurements. A standard dynamometer system (Cybex II) was used to measure isometric strength. The nondominant side was used as the "control." Two populations, a normal (random) and a strong (athletic) group, were studied. Twenty-three persons (52% women, 48% men; mean age, 27 years; mean height, 67 inches (170 cm); and mean weight, 147 lb (66.7 kg)) were in the "normal" group and 17 persons (100% men; mean age, 25 years; mean height, 74 inches (188 cm); and mean weight, 215 lb (97.5kg)) were in the "strong" group. The random population showed a 19% decrease in strength following tactile stimulation as measured by the manual muscle testing unit; the athletic population showed a 17% decrease in strength. With the isometric measurements, the random population had an 8% decrease in mean strength following the scratch but the athletic population showed no significant decrease. The capability to quantify objectively manual muscle tests is discussed in relation to the importance of the proximal musculature.

The relationship between subjective and objective measurements of strength *.

Manual muscle testing is utilized by physicians and physical therapists to aid in the diagnosis and evaluation of pathology.' The basis of a diagnosis or the modification of a treatment program is dependent upon the clinician's perception of a patient's strength. This inherent subjectivity of manual muscle testing often leads to questionable findings in a medical examination. Factors such as sex, age, height, and weight serve only to increase the subjectivity of this evaluation This study demonstrates the use of a new manual muscle testing unit (MMTU) to quantify muscle strength objectively. The results of the MMTU were compared to a clinician's subjective evaluation of the stronger limb. In addition, the data obtained with the MMTU were analyzed to investigate further what constitutes a significant strength deficit. The MMTU's ability to differentiate strength differences and deficits demonstrates how manual muscle testing can assume a refined role in the evaluation of muscle strength. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1980;2(1):15-19.

Effect of exercise on lipid metabolism and dietary intake in hemodialysis patients.

In conclusion, a 10 wk exercise conditioning program in stable chronic hemodialysis patients resulted in improved exercise endurance without apparent adverse effects on nutritional status or lipid metabolism. Changes were observed suggesting a beneficial effect on carbohydrate and bone metabolism. The exercise-induced rise in serum creatinine may reflect an increase in muscle mass.