Selective effect of static stretching, concentric contractions, and a one-leg balance task on ankle motion sense in young and older adults

The Effects of Static Stretching On Dynamic Postural Control During Maximum Forward Leaning Task

The purpose of this study was to determine how the application of static stretching to ankle plantar flexors affects postural control during maximum forward leaning. Twenty-six volunteer males (age 21.4 ± 1.2 years) were randomly assigned to stretching and control conditions. Participants conducted 5-min stretching on a stretch board for the stretching condition and were kept standing for 6-min for the control condition. Before and after intervention, the range of motion (ROM) at ankle dorsiflexion and the center of pressure (COP) excursion during maximal forward leaning were determined. Mean anteroposterior COP position, COP velocity and COP areas were calculated to compare the change in postural control. After stretching, ROM was significantly increased. During maximal forward leaning after stretching, both COP position and velocity showed significant increases compared to before stretching. Moreover, COP position and velocity in the stretching condition were significantly higher than in the control condition after stretching. No significant differences were found in COP area before and after stretching. Five-minute stretching increased not only ROM but also the anterior limit of stability while maintaining posture and led to faster COP shift than before stretching. These results indicate that static stretching would improve dynamic postural control as well.

Geriatric Rehabilitation and COVID-19: a Case Report

The COVID-19 infection has particularly affected older adults. Clinical observations in this population highlight major respiratory impairment associated with the development or aggravation of the patient’s frailty state. Mr. P is a 93-year-old frail patient, hospitalized after a COVID-19 infection. The assessment process of this patient has been supported by an innovative multi-systemic tool developed in view of the COVID-19 clinical consequences and a systemic evaluation of motor functions by the Frail’BESTest. This process allowed a mixed clinical picture associated with significant respiratory distress (linked with acute respiratory distress syndrome) and an evident motor frailty. The care plan was developed accordingly, and four assessments were done in the same manner until Mr. P returned home. This case report allows us to see a holistic COVID-19 clinical picture, showing the different axes of clinical reasoning to enhance the rehabilitation process. Furthermore, this case report illustrates the importance of rehabilitation in the COVID-19 context.

Bilan kinésithérapique de Mr P., patient âgé fragile de 93 ans présentant un syndrome de détresse respiratoire aiguë suite à une infection au COVID-19

Mr P. est un patient âgé de 93 ans hospitalisé suite à une infection à COVID-19. La démarche évaluative de ce patient a été réalisée grâce à un bilan multisystémique spécifique COVID-19 et à une évaluation systémique des fonctions motrices. Celle-ci a permis de conclure à un tableau clinique mixte associant une dysfonction respiratoire majeure en lien avec le syndrome de détresse respiratoire aiguë et une fragilité motrice associée. Ce diagnostic soulève donc l’importance d’une évaluation à visée holistique pour cibler le profil des patients COVID-19 et les dysfonctions associées afin d’orienter et déterminer les axes de la prise en soin rééducative pluridisciplinaire.

Indice de factualité (i-FACT)

3.4.