Effects of an integrative warm-up method on the range of motion, core stability, and quality of squat performance of young adults.

Introduction: This research aims to determine the effects of an integrative warm-up method on the range of motion in joints of the lower extremities, the strength of the stabilizer trunk muscles, and the quality of the basic movement patterns in older adolescents. Methods: The study sample consisted of 88 male students (age 20.1 ± 0.5). They were randomly divided into four groups: one control group (CG) (n = 17; 180.8 ± 7.9 cm; 82.3 ± 8.3 kg) and three experimental groups (EG): EG1 (n = 23; 180.9 ± 7.0 cm; 78.5 ± 9.5 kg), EG2 (n = 31; 182.2 cm ± 7.3 cm; 79.5 ± 11.5 kg), and EG3 (n = 17; 183.3 ± 4.9 cm; 77.5 ± 11.8 kg). The participants were subjected to a 6-week experimental treatment: EG1 once, EG2 twice, and EG3 three times a week. The experimental treatment consisted of four sub-phases representing the integrative warm-up Method: 1) Inhibition (self-myofascial release using a foam roller); 2) Lengthening (Static stretching in a maximum range of motion position); 3) Activation (Positional isometrics muscle activation of the trunk and gluteus); 4) Integration (Integrated all the previous phases into one complex movement pattern). Based on the covariance analysis (ANCOVA), statistically significant treatment effects were observed and positive changes were determined in all experimental groups. Results: The differences between groups were observed in the following variables: Overhead Squat Assessment (p = 0.000; ηp2=0.318), range of motion of left hip flexion (p = 0.000; ηp2=0.371), range of motion of right hip flexion (p = 0.000; ηp2=0.051) and range of motion of right hip extension (p = 0.051; ηp2=0.088), Double Leg Lowering Test (F = 2.411; p = 0.014; ηp2=0.014) and range of combined motion (plantar and dorsiflexion) of left ankle joint (p = 0.000; ηp2=0.299). There was no significant difference in the Plank Test (F = 1.007; p = 1.007; ηp2=0.035), range of combined motion (plantar and dorsiflexion) of right ankle joint (p = 0.088; ηp2=0.170) and range of motion of left hip extension (p = 0.158; ηp2=0.060). The participants of CG statistically significantly differed from EG1, EG2, and EG3 in the squat performance after the applied treatment. Discussion: The effect of the treatment was the occurrence of a transformational processes in almost all measured variables. It can be concluded that the integrative method is effective and applicable in practice for both young adults and recreational athletes.

Physical Exercise and Occupational Therapy at Home to Improve the Quality of Life in Subjects Affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects synovial membranes and typically causes joint pain and swelling. The resulting disability of RA is due to the erosion of cartilage and bone from the inflamed synovial tissue. Occupational therapy is a strategy and technique to minimize the joints' fatigue and effort. At the same time, physical exercise reduces the impact of systemic manifestations and improves symptoms in RA. This study investigates the role of a 30-day joint economy intervention (integration of physical exercise and occupational therapy) at home on the quality of life of subjects with RA. METHODS: One hundred and sixty outpatients with RA were enrolled in a single-center trial with PROBE design and were divided into the intervention group (IG), which combined joint protection movements and physical exercise to maintain muscle tone at home, and the control group (CG). Both groups included 80 patients. In all patients, data from the disease activity score (DAS 28), health assessment questionnaire (HAQ), and short-form health survey (SF-12) "Italian version" were collected. In addition, to IG, a brochure was distributed, and the joint economy was explained, while to CG, the brochure only was distributed. The comparison between groups was made using Fisher's exact test for contingency tables and the z-test for the comparison of proportions. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare quantitative variables between groups. The Wilcoxon signed-ranked test was used for post-intervention versus baseline comparisons. RESULTS: Among the recruited patients, 54% were female. The mean age was 58.0 (42.4-74.7) for the CG and 54.0 (39.7-68.3) for the IG. Patients included in the IG had a higher cumulative illness rating scale for the evaluation of severity and comorbidity index (2.81 vs. 2.58; 2.91 vs. 2.59, respectively), as well as morning stiffness (33.8 vs. 25.0), even if not significant compared with CG patients. Our results indicate that, after 30 days of joint economy intervention at home, the DAS28 erythrocyte sedimentation rate (esr) and DAS28 C-reactive protein (crp), HAQ, and SF-12 mental component score were significantly improved (p = 0.005, p = 0.004, p = 0.009, and p = 0.010, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that the combination of physical exercise and occupational therapy positively affects patients' quality of life with RA considering disease activity, global health status, and mental health.

Application of the Schroth Method in the Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: Idiopathic scoliosis can be defined as a complex three-dimensional deformity of the spine and trunk, which occurs in basically healthy children. Schroth scoliosis-specific exercises have shown good results in reducing idiopathic scoliosis progression. This study aimed to critically evaluate the effect size of Schroth's method through a systematic review and meta-analysis. (2) Methods: Four databases were included in the search: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The following keywords were used: "Schroth exercise", "idiopathic scoliosis", "Cobb angle", "angle of trunk rotation", and "quality of life". Only articles written in English that met the following criteria were included in our study: subjects who had idiopathic scoliosis, the Schroth method was applied, and Cobb angle or angle of trunk rotation or quality of life as outcomes. (3) Results: Ten randomized controlled trials were included in this study. The effect size of the Schroth exercise ranged from almost moderate to large, for the outcomes used: Cobb angle (ES = -0.492, p ˂ 0.005); ATR (ES = -0.471, p = 0.013); QoL (ES = 1.087, p ˂ 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The current meta-analysis indicates that the Schroth method has a positive effect on subjects with idiopathic scoliosis.

Effects of Schroth method and core stabilization exercises on idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Conservative approaches such as Schroth exercises and core stabilization exercises showed effective results in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. This study aimed to critically evaluate the magnitude effect of Schroth and core stabilization exercises using a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: This study has been developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement. The following three databases were searched for articles collection: Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The key search terms were: Schroth exercise, core exercise, idiopathic scoliosis, Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation, and quality of life. The articles included in our study was limited to original articles written only in English that met the following inclusion criteria: (1) Participants with idiopathic scoliosis; (2) Schroth exercises and core stabilization exercises used as interventions; (3) Cobb angle or angle of trunk rotation or quality of life used as outcome measures. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included. Depending on the outcome measured, the magnitude effect of Schroth and core stabilization exercises ranged from small to almost large as follows: Cobb angle (SMD = - 0.376, p ˂ 0.001); angle of trunk rotation (SMD = - 0.268, p = 0.104); quality of life (SMD = 0.774, p = 0.002). By subgroup analysis, Schroth method showed a larger effect size than core stabilization exercises. CONCLUSION: The current systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that both Schroth method and core stabilization exercises have a positive effect in subjects with idiopathic scoliosis. Subgroup analysis showed that the Schroth method had a larger effect size than the core stabilization exercises.

Validity of the Swimming Capacities and Anthropometric Indices in Predicting the Long-Term Success of Male Water Polo Players: A Position-Specific Prospective Analysis over a Ten-Year Period.

Long-term predictors of success in water polo are rarely reported. This study aimed to evaluate the position-specific validity of the swimming and anthropometric/body build tests on the prediction of the long-term success of male water polo players. The participants were 85 top-level players observed at baseline (junior level, when they were 17-18 years of age; 35 centers and 50 perimeter players) in tests of swimming capacities (15 m water polo sprint, 25 m sprint, and 100 and 400 m freestyle swimming) and anthropometric/body build indices (body mass, body height, arm span, body mass index, and body fat percentage). Over a period of 10 years, participants' senior-level success was prospectively observed. Multinomial logistic regression with three levels of criteria (high achievement, medium achievement, and low achievement at the senior level) was applied to identify the predictive validity of the swimming and anthropometric/body build indices. For the total sample (not dividing perimeter from center players), all observed swimming capacities, body height, and arm span were significantly associated with success, with more successful players being taller, with a longer arm span, and superior swimming capacities. Body height and 100 m freestyle swimming were significant predictors of success among centers. Achievement in 100 and 400 m freestyle swimming, body height, and a lower percentage of body fat were correlated with higher senior-level performance in perimeter players. The results showed better validity of the anaerobic-lactate and aerobic swimming tests than sprint swimming in predicting the long-term achievement of male water polo players. Differences in the influence of swimming capacities and body-build indices on senior-level success between observed playing positions are related to differences in game duties, playing time, and consequent metabolic demands.

Effects of Corrective Exercises on Lumbar Lordotic Angle Correction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Lumbar lordosis is one of the most important parts of the spine, which is of special importance due to its unique position and direct contact with the pelvis. The aim of this study was to combine the results of several studies and to evaluate the magnitude of the effect of different Lumbar lordotic angle correction programs through meta-analysis. This study has been developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement. Four databases were searched for articles collection: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The key search terms were: "Lumbar Lordotic angle", "Lordosis", "Hyperlordosis", "Corrective exercise", and "Low back pain. "The articles included in our study were limited to original articles written only in English that met the following inclusion criteria: (1) participants with lumbar lordosis or hyperlordosis or low back pain; (2) different programs of corrective exercises were applied; (3) Lumbar lordotic angle used as outcome measures. Ten studies are included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. The effect size for the Lumbar lordotic angle outcome was (SMD = 0.550, p ˂ 0.001, moderate effect size). Subgroup analysis for Lumbar lordotic angle: Subgroup Younger group (SMD = 0.640, p ˂ 0.001), Subgroup Older group, (SMD = 0.520, p ˂ 0.001). Subgroup Treatment (SMD = 0.527, p ˂ 0.001), Subgroup No treatment (SMD = 0.577, p = 0.002). This was the only outcome assessed in our analysis. The current meta-analysis indicates that different correction methods have a positive effect on subjects with lumbar lordosis or hyperlordosis. In the following research, we should try to determine which corrective methods have the best effects.

Effects of Combined Resistance and Aerobic Training on Arterial Stiffness in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review.

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of combined resistance and aerobic exercise on arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women. Two databases, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to identify relevant studies. The methodological quality was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Only seven studies met the eligibility criteria, and their outcomes were presented. Four studies demonstrated the effects of combined resistance and aerobic training, while three showed the effectiveness of exercise with both training components, aerobic and resistance. In all studies, arterial stiffness was measured by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Participants were middle-aged or older postmenopausal women of various health statuses (hypertensive, with comorbidities or healthy). The results unequivocally show that combined training reduces arterial stiffness. The most important finding of this review paper is that the applied type of exercise decreased baPWV in the range of 0.6-2.1 m/s. Moreover, combined resistance and aerobic exercise for 12 weeks, performed three times a week for about 60 min per training session, at a moderate intensity (40-60% HRR or HRmax), may be clinically meaningful to the cardiovascular system. In conclusion, we can say that combined resistance and aerobic training, or exercise with resistance and aerobic components, have important health implications for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and the maintenance or improvement of health in middle-aged and older postmenopausal women with different health conditions.

Short-Term Core Strengthening Program Improves Functional Movement Score in Untrained College Students.

Functional movement is an important part of developing athletes' but also untrained individuals' performance. Its monitoring also proved useful in identifying functional limitations and asymmetries, and also in determining the intervention effects. The quasi-experimental pre-test post-test study investigated the effects of core stability training program on the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) score in untrained students after six weeks. The intervention (INT) and control (CG) groups included 73 and 65 male students, respectively. Functional movement patterns were evaluated using the FMS including seven components scores representing seven basic functional patterns. Both groups significantly improved almost all FMS components scores, but the INT increased the mean performance of the hurdle step (partial ŋ2 × 100 = 4%, p = 0.02), in-line lunge (partial ŋ2 × 100 = 3%, p = 0.05), rotatory stability (partial ŋ2 × 100 = 4%, p = 0.02) and total FMS (partial ŋ2 × 100 = 3%, p = 0.04) significantly more than the CG. This justifies that core strengthening can improve FMS in untrained individuals even with the short duration programs.

Anthropometric and Motor Competence Classifiers of Swimming Ability in Preschool Children-A Pilot Study.

Swimming is a form of physical activity and a life-saving skill. However, only a few studies have identified swimming ability classifiers in preschool children. This pilot cross-sectional study aimed to find anthropometric (AM) and motor competence (MC) predictors of swimming ability in preschool children, by building classifiers of swimming ability group (SAG) membership. We recruited 92 children (girls n = 45) aged 5-6 years and took the AM and MC measurements in accordance with the reference manual and using the KTK battery test (motor quotient, MQ), respectively. A linear discriminant analysis tested a classification model of preschoolers' swimming ability (SAG: POOR, GOOD, EXCELLENT) based on gender, age, AM, and MC variables and extracted one significant canonical discriminant function (model fit: 61.2%) that can differentiate (group centroids) POOR (-1.507), GOOD (0.032), and EXCELLENT (1.524). The MQ total was identified as a significant classifier, which absolutely contributed to the discriminant function that classifies children's swimming ability as POOR (standardized canonical coefficient: 1.186), GOOD (1.363), or EXCELLENT (1.535) with an accuracy of 64.1%. Children with higher MQ total ought to be classified into higher SAG; thus, the classification model of SAG based on the MQ total is presented.

Nine Months of a Structured Multisport Program Improve Physical Fitness in Preschool Children: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Research in preschool children that investigates the impact of different exercise interventions on physical fitness is limited. This pre-post study was aimed at determining if participation in a nine-month structured multisport program (MSG; n = 38) could enhance physical fitness components compared to a formal exercise program (control group (CG); n = 36) among preschool children. Physical fitness was assessed using standardized tests (the standing long jump, sit and reach, 20 m sprint, sit-ups for 30 s, bent-arm hang, medicine ball throw (MBT), grip strength, 4 × 10 m shuttle run, and 20 m shuttle run tests). The structured multisport program involved fundamental/gross and fine motor skills and ball game-based exercises twice a week. The control group was free of any programmed exercise except for the obligatory program in kindergartens. A mixed ANOVA demonstrated significant group-by-time interaction effects for the 4 × 10 m shuttle run, standing long jump, sit-ups, bent-arm hang, grip strength, and sit and reach tests (p < 0.05). There was no significant group-by-time interaction effect for the 20 m sprint test (p = 0.794) or for the 20 m shuttle run test (p = 0.549). Moreover, the MSG and CG performance in the MBT and 20 m shuttle run tests improved to a similar extent from pre- to post-test. Our results indicate that compared to the formal plan, the structured multisport program led to a sustained improvement in physical fitness in healthy 5-to-6-year old children.