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At least 703 records · Page 39Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

[Effects of 6-degree head-down bed rest on physical fitness].

We investigated changes in enduring physical fitness during a ground-based weightlessness simulation of 6-degree head-down bed rest (HDBR). Ten healthy volunteers participated in the 6 days of HDBR. In each, their physique, muscular strength, physical fitness, cardiovascular function, and hematocrit were measured before and after HDBR. The results are as follows: (1) Thigh extensor power: the cross-sectional areas of the thigh and leg muscles were significantly decreased after HDBR, but recovered immediately afterwards. (2) Hand grip power and instantaneous power: the body response time showed no significant change before and after HDBR. (3) High physical capacity was correlated with a greater decrease in physical capacity after HDBR. (4) Remarkable functional depression appeared in the cardiovascular system compared with the gas exchange system as measured by the enduring physical fitness test. (5) The functional depression in the cardiovascular system lasted for more than 3 days after HDBR. (6) Six days of HDBR had little influence on physical fitness attributable to the inactivity and seemed to effectively simulate weightlessness for the cardiovascular system.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2002

Physical therapy intervention following surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome in an individual with a history of postmastectomy lymphedema.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This case report describes the physical therapy examination, intervention, and outcomes for a patient with lymphedema following breast cancer treatment who underwent carpal tunnel release. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient was a 53-year-old woman with right upper-limb lymphedema and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in her right hand who underwent a carpal tunnel release. Management of her lymphedema included the use of general anesthesia with reduced tourniquet time in conjunction with physical therapy, which included use of compression bandaging, limb positioning, and exercise. OUTCOMES: Following surgical release, the patient's numbness and pain were alleviated. Right-hand grip strength increased following active exercise. Girth of the forearm decreased 1 to 1.5 cm at the 2 most distal measurement sites, and girth of the arm increased 1.5 to 2 cm 6 months after surgery. DISCUSSION: This case supports the option of elective hand surgery for CTS in an individual with chronic lymphedema.

Breast Neoplasms↗

PubMed2000

Scaphoid nonunion treated by open reduction, anterior inlay bone grafting, and Kirschner-wire fixation.

Forty-three patients with ununited fractures of the scaphoid were treated by open reduction, anterior inlay bone grafting and Kirschner wire fixation. All but one achieved bone union. The one failure was successfully treated with a second anterior inlay bone grafting procedure. The average period of cast immobilization was 7 weeks. The presence of an unstable nonunion did not adversely affect the results. In cases with carpal instability, we used a longer corticocancellous graft to restore a more normal alignment of the scaphoid by opening up the volar cortex. Preoperatively, carpal instability was present in 25 patients. In these cases, carpal alignment demonstrated by the radiolunate and scapholunate angle was improved significantly after surgery: the radiolunate angle from 15 degrees before surgery to 2 degrees after surgery, and the scapholunate angle from 67 degrees to 54 degrees, respectively. Pain, restricted motion of the wrist, and the grip strength were improved after surgery.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Association of the type I collagen alpha1 Sp1 polymorphism, bone density and upper limb muscle strength in community-dwelling elderly men.

A polymorphic binding site of the Sp1 transcription factor in the gene encoding the alpha1 chain of type I collagen is associated with bone mineral density (BMD) and, independently, with fracture risk in postmenopausal women. The aim of this study is to examine whether in community-dwelling men over age 70 years, the COL1A1 Sp1 polymorphism is associated with BMD (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) and/or with bone turnover and muscle strength--factors related to both BMD and fracture risk. The COL1A1 Sp1 genotype (SS, Ss and ss) was determined using polymerase chain reaction and MscI restriction digestion. Presence of the s allele was significantly associated with lower BMD at the distal forearm (p = 0.03) and different distal radius subregions, with Z-score differences between extreme genotype groups (SS vs ss) ranging from 0.87 (ultradistal radius; p = 0.17) to 1.31 (mid-region of distal radius; p = 0.03). Presence of the s allele was also associated with lower BMD at the hip, with differences between genotypes not approaching statistical significance. There were no differences between genotype groups for any of the assessed markers of bone formation and resorption. Presence of the s allele was associated with lower grip (p = 0.03) and biceps strength (p = 0.04) at the dominant arm, with the difference between extreme genotype groups amounting to 21% and 30%, respectively. In a multivariate analysis, the association between COL1A1 Sp1 polymorphism and forearm BMD Z-score was no longer significant after adjustment for height, percentage lean mass, level of physical activity and upper limb strength (p = 0.18), whereas the genotype-specific difference for grip and biceps strength remained significant after adjustment for age, height and percentage lean mass (p = 0.04 and p= 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, the COL1A1 Sp1 polymorphism is associated with BMD at the forearm and upper limb muscle strength in elderly men, the findings of multivariate analyses suggesting that the genotype-specific differences for BMD might be mediated, at least in part, by differences in muscle strength.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

Motor dysfunction in a photothrombotic focal ischaemia model.

The study of behavioural deficits resulting from cerebral infarction in animal models of stroke has in the past taken second place to histological assessment. This is particularly true of the photothrombotic lesion model. Most tests currently used to measure motor deficits use a scoring system to quantify parameters such as beam walking. The present study set out to characterise a simple and objective assessment for motor impairment in the photothrombotic cortical lesion model. Rats were assessed on a number of motor function tests, i.e. gross locomotor activity, rotarod, and grip strength. After the establishment of stable baselines, cortical photothrombotic lesions were induced, after which the animals were re-tested for a further 18 days. The presence of cortical photothrombotic lesions significantly imparied the rats' performance on the rotarod and grip-strength tests. The deficit observed with the grip-strength task appeared 24 h postsurgery, but was much reduced by day 18 postsurgery. The rotarod test revealed an effect that took longer to establish, but which was more persistent. Gross locomotor activity was not affected. These data suggest that bilateral photothrombotic lesions of the prefrontal cortex produce deficits that can be detected by rotarod and grip-strength tasks.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

The composition of a graph on the decline of total body strength with age based on pushing, pulling, twisting and gripping force.

This study is part of a large project on design-relevant characteristics of ageing users. A total of 750 young and elderly, male and female subjects were tested. All subjects were able to live independently. Differences between the sexes were mapped as well as changes in force with age. The relationships between five different isometric forces (pushing, pulling, twisting and left and right gripping) were investigated. The possibilities of extending information on these forces to other forces and other subject groups were also studied. The results indicate that the different types of force are closely related. A strength score was devised. We conclude that calculation of unmeasured forces by means of a general strength score could be possible. Furthermore, we found that the percentage decrease in strength with age is similar for men and women.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Polymorphism of the IGF2 gene, birth weight and grip strength in adult men.

BACKGROUND: Grip strength is a simple measure of skeletal muscle function but a powerful predictor of disability, morbidity and mortality. Recent evidence has shown that prenatal and infant growth influence grip strength in later life; this may reflect genetic influences on muscle size and function, although strong candidate genes have not been identified. IGF II has proliferative effects in adult muscle and is one of the major determinants of fetal growth; polymorphism in the IGF2 gene could therefore link early growth to adult grip strength. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether polymorphism of the IGF2 gene influences adult grip strength and mediates the association between size at birth and grip strength in later life. METHODS: Polymorphism of the ApaI marker in the IGF2 gene was determined for 693 Hertfordshire men and women born between 1920 and 1930 who had taken part in a study linking early growth to ageing. Grip strength was measured using isometric dynamometry. Genotyping assay development was undertaken in Southampton Genetic Epidemiology Laboratories (http://www.sgel.humgen.soton.ac.uk). RESULTS: In univariate analyses, IGF2 genotype and birth weight were both significant predictors of adult grip strength in the men after adjustment for age and current height. Significant associations were not seen in the women. When IGF2 genotype and birth weight in men were studied simultaneously, both contributed significantly to grip strength after adjustment for age and adult height. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that polymorphism of the IGF2 gene and birth weight have independent effects on adult grip strength in men and suggest that IGF2 polymorphism does not explain the association between size at birth and grip in later life. This study provides preliminary evidence for independent genetic and early environmental programming of adult muscle strength.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

Clinical application of the DEC variables in assessing maximality of muscular effort: report of 34 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To examine maximality of muscular effort in patients with expected muscle strength deficiency using acceptance-rejection cutoff values derived from isokinetic testing of maximal and feigned effort in normal subjects. DESIGN: A retrospective study of 34 patients with orthopedic, rheumatic, or neurologic disorders for which financial compensation was sought. RESULTS: The relevant scores in all patients save one were less than the respective cutoff values that in normal subjects differentiate maximal effort (below cutoff) from feigned weakness (above cutoff) at a 95% level of confidence. CONCLUSIONS: If normal subjects-based cutoff values are accepted as benchmarks for validation of muscle strength deficiency claims, this study indicates that subject to a given protocol, patients performed at a maximal level of effort.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Do Colles' fracture patients benefit from routine referral to physiotherapy following cast removal?

Colles' fracture patients who received physiotherapy immediately following cast removal were compared with patients who received no active therapy following cast removal in a prospective randomised study. Patients who attended physiotherapy achieved significantly greater increases in wrist extension and grip strength after 6 weeks compared to patients who received no active therapy.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Physiology of difficult rock climbing.

The purpose of this review is to explore existing research on the physiological aspects of difficult rock climbing. Findings will be categorized into the areas of an athlete profile and an activity model. An objective here is to describe high-level climbing performance; thus the focus will primarily be on studies that involve performances at the 5.11/6c (YDS/French) level of difficulty or higher. Studies have found climbers to be small in stature with low body mass and low body fat. Although absolute strength values are not unusual, strength to body mass ratio is high in accomplished climbers. There is evidence that muscular endurance and high upper body power are important. Climbers do not typically possess extremely high aerobic power, typically averaging between 52-55 ml.kg(-1).min(-1) for maximum oxygen uptake. Performance time for a typical ascent ranges from 2 to 7 min and oxygen uptake (VO2) averages around 20-25 ml.kg(-1).min(-1) over this period. Peaks of over 30 ml.kg(-1).min(-1) for VO2 have been reported. VO2 tends to plateau during sustained climbing yet remains elevated into the post-climb recovery period. Blood lactate accumulates during ascent and remains elevated for over 20 min post-climbing. Handgrip endurance decreases to a greater degree than handgrip strength with severe climbing. On the basis of this review, it appears that a specific training program for high-level climbing would include components for developing high, though not elite-level, aerobic power; specific muscular strength and endurance; ATP-PC and anaerobic glycolysis system power and capacity; and some minimum range of motion for leg and arm movements.

Body Constitution↗

PubMed1997

Perilunate dislocation and fracture dislocation: a critical analysis of the volar-dorsal approach.

A combined volar-dorsal approach was used to treat 11 perilunate dislocations and fracture dislocations between 1989 and 1994. The mean average age of the patients was 38 years, and the mean average time between injury and surgery was 13 hours. Outcome was assessed after an average of 30 months. Results were based on measurements of grip strength, range of motion, radiographs, and patient satisfaction. Patient satisfaction was high in 9 of 11 patients. Seven had satisfactory pain relief, and 5 had returned to their previous occupation without limitation. The wrist flexion-extension arc and grip strength averaged 71% and 77%, respectively, compared to the opposite side. Follow-up radiographs demonstrated complete union of all 8 wrist fractures. For all 11 patients, the carpal height ratio averaged 0.50. Neither scapholunate dissociation nor significant dorsal intercalated segmental instability existed, but 1 wrist developed scapholunate advanced collapse arthritis. Although perilunate instability patterns of injury create significant derangement in carpal anatomy and are among the most challenging of traumatic wrist injuries to correct, our results show that a combined volar-dorsal approach can be used safely and effectively to restore normal intercarpal relationships and provide fixation for accompanying fractures. For the majority of patients, the outcome after this procedure is characterized by acceptable pain relief as well as functional motion and grip strength.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Habitus and hip fracture revisited: skeletal size, strength and cognition rather than thinness?

In a prospective study, 50 consecutive women with fractured hips were compared for body mass, skeletal size, handgrip strength and the 12-point information/orientation CAPE score with 50 age-matched women who had never broke their hips. Women were excluded from both groups if they lived in institutions or were severely disoriented. Although weight and skeletal size were significantly lower in the patients than in the controls, weights when corrected for skeletal size were not significantly different. Handgrip was significantly lower in the cases than in the controls. Both handgrip strength and CAPE score were significant correlates of hip fracture in multiple regression analysis. After exclusion of heavily dependent patients, hip fracture may be associated with reduced muscle strength rather than reduced body mass or fat.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

Correlates of performance-based measures of muscle function in the elderly: the Cardiovascular Health Study.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown how much age-related changes in muscle performance represent normal aging versus the effects of chronic disease and life style. We examined the correlates of four performance measures-gait speed, timed chair stands (TCS), grip strength, and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP)-using baseline data from the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS), a population-based study of risk factors for heart disease and stroke in persons > or = age 65. METHODS: We analyzed data from the 5,201 CHS participants. Variables were arranged into nine categories: Personal Characteristics, Anthropometry, Physical Condition, Reported Functional Status, Subjective Health, Psychological Factors, Symptoms, Cognitive Status, Habits and Lifestyle, and Prevalent Disease. Independent correlates were identified using stepwise linear regression. RESULTS: The regression models explained 17.7-25.4% of the observed variability. Although age significantly correlated with each measure, it explained little of the variability (< or = 5.7%). Anthropometric features plus physical condition explained 14.0-17.4% of the variability for grip strength and MIP, but 2.8-12.9% of the variability for gait speed and the log of TCS. Subjective health and psychological factors explained 1.8-9.4% of the variability in gait speed and the log of TCS, but < or = 1.2% of the variability in grip strength and MIP. Variables for prevalent disease explained < or = 1.3% of the variability in each measure. CONCLUSIONS: After age 64, age explained little of the variability in muscle performance in a large sample of mostly functionally intact, community-dwelling older persons. Complex measures such as gait speed were more associated with subjective factors than were direct measures of strength. Prevalent disease contributed surprisingly little to muscle performance.

Aging↗

PubMed2002

Skeletal muscle strength as a predictor of all-cause mortality in healthy men.

Low muscle strength is associated with mortality, presumably as a result of low muscle mass (sarcopenia) and physical inactivity. Grip strength was longitudinally collected in 1071 men over a 25-year period. Muscle mass was estimated by using 24-hour creatinine excretion and physical activity values, obtained by questionnaire. Survival analysis examined the impact of grip strength and rate of change in strength on all-cause mortality over 40 years. Lower and declining strength are associated with increased mortality, independent of physical activity and muscle mass. In men <60 years, rate of loss of strength was more important than the actual levels. In men >/=60 years, strength was more protective than the rate of loss, which persisted when muscle mass was considered. Strength and rate of change in strength contribute to the impact of sarcopenia on mortality. Although muscle mass and physical activity are important, they do not completely account for the impact of strength and changes in strength.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Relationship of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha with muscle mass and muscle strength in elderly men and women: the Health ABC Study.

BACKGROUND: A decline in muscle mass and muscle strength characterizes normal aging. As clinical and animal studies show a relationship between higher cytokine levels and low muscle mass, the aim of this study was to investigate whether markers of inflammation are associated with muscle mass and strength in well-functioning elderly persons. METHODS: We used baseline data (1997-1998) of the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study on 3075 black and white men and women aged 70-79 years. Midthigh muscle cross-sectional area (computed tomography), appendicular muscle mass (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), isokinetic knee extensor strength (KinCom), and isometric grip strength were measured. Plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Higher cytokine levels were generally associated with lower muscle mass and lower muscle strength. The most consistent relationship across the gender and race groups was observed for IL-6 and grip strength: per SD increase in IL-6, grip strength was 1.1 to 2.4 kg lower (p <.05) after adjustment for age, clinic site, health status, medications, physical activity, smoking, height, and body fat. An overall measure of elevated cytokine level was created by combining the levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha. With the exception of white men, elderly persons having high levels of IL-6 (>1.80 pg/ml) as well as high levels of TNF-alpha (>3.20 pg/ml) had a smaller muscle area, less appendicular muscle mass, a lower knee extensor strength, and a lower grip strength compared to those with low levels of both cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: Higher plasma concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-alpha are associated with lower muscle mass and lower muscle strength in well-functioning older men and women. Higher cytokine levels, as often observed in healthy older persons, may contribute to the loss of muscle mass and strength that accompanies aging.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

The effects of strength training on strength and health-related quality of life in older adult women.

The short-term effects of an accessible exercise intervention on the strength and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among older adult women were evaluated. We conducted an 8-week resistance training intervention utilizing elastic bands in 62 community-dwelling women with a mean age of 68 years. Participants were randomly assigned to either an exercise or a control group. Pre- and postintervention assessments included strength tests and HRQOL. Results revealed significant increases in three major muscles compared to the control group. However, there were no significant changes on either mental or physical health functioning. The elastic bands provide older adult women with an inexpensive, practical exercise program that effectively increases strength within 8 weeks but may have little effect on self-reported HRQOL.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Open-label dose-titration safety and efficacy study of tizanidine hydrochloride in the treatment of spasticity associated with chronic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Spasticity is a frequently observed motor impairment that develops after stroke; it can cause pain and disability in those affected. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tizanidine, a centrally acting alpha(2)-adrenergic agonist, in the treatment of stroke-related spasticity. METHODS: Forty-seven patients, who were a minimum of 6 months poststroke and had significant spasticity, were studied at 4 centers. Tizanidine was administered in an open-label manner for 16 weeks, beginning at 2 mg/d and slowly titrated to a maximum of 36 mg/d. The Modified Ashworth Scale, muscle strength testing, functional assessments, and Pain and Functional Spasticity Questionnaires were administered at baseline and at 4, 8, 16, and 18 weeks (after 1 week off tizanidine). RESULTS: Spasticity was significantly improved between baseline and week 16, with a decrease in total upper extremity Modified Ashworth Scale score of 2.80+/-0.47 (P<0.0001). No decline in strength was noted. Treatment with tizanidine resulted in a significant improvement in pain intensity (P=0.0375), quality of life (P=0.0001), and physician assessment of disability (P=0.0001). The most frequent side effects were somnolence (62%) and dizziness (32%). No serious adverse events were considered to be drug related. Ten of 47 patients (21%) were able to reach the maximum daily dosage of 36 mg. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the data suggest that tizanidine is safe and efficacious in the treatment of stroke-related spasticity, preserving muscle strength while reducing muscle tone and painful spasms in affected patients.

Clonidine↗

PubMed2001

Upper and lower body strength in relation to underhand pitching speed by experienced and inexperienced pitchers.

The relation of legs, arms, shoulders, and grip strength with underhand pitching speed of experienced and inexperienced female pitchers was investigated. For 16 experienced female underhand pitchers and 16 inexperienced women with no softball experience (control group) leg and arm strength were measured using a Hydrafitness exercise machine. Grip strength was measured with a handgrip dynamometer. Underhand throwing speed was measured with a radar gun. Regression analysis showed arm and grip strength correlated with throwing speed (p < or = .05) for the experienced group. For the inexperienced control group, the only correlate of throwing speed was arm strength (p < or = .05). There was a significant difference between the two groups on all measures of strength and ball speed in favor of the experienced group (p < or = .05).

Acceleration↗