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Deiss V, Bähler P, Kolly P, Schärer A, Henle P, Eichelberger P, Lutz N, Baur H. Test-retest reliability and concurrent validity assessment of a novel high-frequency sensor device for anterior tibial translation measurement in loaded and unloaded condition: an exploratory cross-sectional study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2024; 25:218. [PMID: 38491405 PMCID: PMC10943913 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07343-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and manual tests remain the standard for diagnosing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Furthermore, the passive knee displacement, also described as anterior tibial translation (ATT), is used in order to make decisions about surgery or to assess rehabilitation outcomes. Unfortunately, these manual tests are limited to passive situations, and their application to assess knee stability in loaded, weight-bearing positions are missing. Therefore, a new device with high-performance sensors and a new sensor setting was developed. The aim of this exploratory cross-sectional study was to assess the test-retest reliability of this new device in a first step and the concurrent validity in a second step. METHODS A total of 20 healthy volunteers were measured. Measurement consistency of the new device was assessed on the basis of reliability during Lachman test setting and in loaded position by artificial knee perturbation in a test-retest procedure. In a second step, the concurrent validity was evaluated with the Lachmeter® as a reference instrument. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), the minimal detectable change (MDC) and Bland-Altman analysis were evaluated to assess the quality criteria. RESULTS The measurements with the new device during the Lachman test provided a mean ATT of 5.46±2.22mm. The SEM ranged from 0.60 to 0.69mm resulting in an MDC between 1.67 and 1.93mm for the new device. In the loaded test situation, the mean ATT was 2.11±1.20mm, with test-retest reliability also showing good correlation (r>0.83). The comparison of the two measurement methods with an ICC of (r>0.89) showed good correlation, which also underlines the reasonable agreement of the Bland-Altman analysis. CONCLUSIONS The evaluation of the test-retest reliability of the new device during the knee stability testing in passive situation as well as in a functional, loaded situation presented good reliability. In addition, the new device demonstrated good agreement with the reference device and therefore good validity. Furthermore, the quality criteria demonstrated the ability of the new device to detect the cut-off value (3-5mm) described in the literature for the diagnosis of ACL-deficient knees, which underlines the clinical relevance of this new device as a reliable and valid tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Deiss
- Department of Health Professions, Physiotherapy, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Philippe Bähler
- Institute for Human Centered Engineering, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Biel, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Kolly
- Institute for Human Centered Engineering, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Biel, Switzerland
| | - Anton Schärer
- Institute for Human Centered Engineering, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Biel, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Henle
- Department of Knee Surgery and Sports Traumatology, Sonnenhof Orthopaedic Center, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Patric Eichelberger
- Department of Health Professions, Physiotherapy, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nathanael Lutz
- Department of Health Professions, Physiotherapy, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Heiner Baur
- Department of Health Professions, Physiotherapy, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
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Blasimann A, Busch A, Henle P, Bruhn S, Vissers D, Baur H. Bilateral neuromuscular control in patients one year after unilateral ACL rupture or reconstruction. A cross-sectional study. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24364. [PMID: 38268828 PMCID: PMC10803901 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To compare bilateral neuromuscular control in patients one year after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) or conservative treatment (ACL-C) to healthy controls (ACL-I). Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Electromyography of vastus medialis (VM) and lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST) was recorded during stair descent and anterior tibial translation. Each step of stair descent was divided into pre-activity, weight-acceptance and push-off phase. Pre-activation, short, medium (MLR) and long latency responses (LLR) were defined for reflex activity. Participants N = 38 patients one year after ACL reconstruction (ACL-R), N = 26 participants with conservative treatment one year after ACL rupture (ACL-C), N = 38 healthy controls with an intact ACL (ACL-I). Main outcome measures Normalized root mean squares per muscle and phase (α = 0.05). Results During stair descent, within-group leg differences were found for the quadriceps in ACL-R during all phases and for the BF in ACL-C during weight-acceptance. Between-group leg differences were found for BF in both patient groups compared to ACL-I during push-off.Between-group differences in pre-activation for VM between ACL-R and ACL-C, and between ACL-C and ACL-I were found, and as LLR between patients and ACL-R versus ACL-I. Pre-activation of BF and MLR of ST differed for each patient group compared to ACL-I. Conclusions Bilateral neuromuscular alterations are still present one year after ACL rupture or reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Blasimann
- Bern University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Professions, Division of Physiotherapy, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
- University of Antwerp, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Aglaja Busch
- Bern University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Professions, Division of Physiotherapy, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
- University of Potsdam, University Outpatient Clinic, Sports Medicine & Sports Orthopedics, 14469, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Philipp Henle
- Lindenhof Group AG, Sonnenhof Orthopaedic Center, 3006, Bern, Switzerland
- University of Bern, Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sven Bruhn
- University of Rostock, Institute of Sports Science, 18051, Rostock, Germany
| | - Dirk Vissers
- University of Antwerp, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Heiner Baur
- Bern University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Professions, Division of Physiotherapy, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
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Blasimann A, Busch A, Henle P, Bruhn S, Vissers D, Baur H. Neuromuscular control in males and females 1 year after an anterior cruciate ligament rupture or reconstruction during stair descent and artificial tibial translation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15316. [PMID: 37714980 PMCID: PMC10504317 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42491-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular alterations are reported in patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) and conservative treatment (copers with ACL deficiency, ACL-C). However, it is unclear whether sex influences neuromuscular control. The objective was to investigate differences in neuromuscular control regarding sex and treatment type one year after ACL rupture in comparison to a group with an intact ACL (ACL-I). Electromyography of vastus medialis (VM) and lateralis, biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST) was recorded in ACL-R (N = 38), ACL-C (N = 26), and ACL-I (N = 38) during stair descent and reflex activity by anterior tibial translation while standing. The movements of stair descent were divided into pre-activity, weight-acceptance and push-off phases, reflex activity in pre-activation, short, medium (MLR), and long latency responses (LLR). Normalized root mean squares for each muscle of involved and matched control limb per phase were calculated and analyzed with two-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). During stair descent, neuromuscular differences of BF were significant during push-off only (p = 0.001). Males of ACL-R and ACL-C had higher BF activity compared to ACL-I (p = 0.009, 0.007 respectively). During reflex activity, VM and BF were significantly different between treatment groups for pre-activation (p = 0.013, 0.035 respectively). VM pre-activation of females was higher in ACL-R compared to ACL-C (p = 0.018), and lower in ACL-C compared to ACL-I (p = 0.034). Males of ACL-R showed higher VM and less BF pre-activation (p = 0.025, p = 0.003 respectively) compared to ACL-I. Males of ACL-C had less BF pre-activation compared to ACL-I (p = 0.019). During MLR, intra-group differences in ST were found for treatment (p = 0.011) and females of ACL-R compared to ACL-I (p = 0.015). During LLR, overall intra-group differences in VM were present for treatment (p = 0.034) and in females (ACL-R versus ACL-C (p = 0.015), ACL-I (p = 0.049), respectively). One year after an ACL rupture, neuromuscular alterations persist regardless of treatment and sex. Standard rehabilitation protocols may not be able to restore neuromuscular control. Future research should include long-term follow up and focus on exercises targeting neuromuscular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Blasimann
- Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health Professions, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Aglaja Busch
- Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health Professions, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
- University Outpatient Clinic, Sports Medicine & Sports Orthopaedics, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Philipp Henle
- Sonnenhof Orthopaedic Center, Lindenhof Group AG, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sven Bruhn
- Institute of Sports Science, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Dirk Vissers
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Heiner Baur
- Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health Professions, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
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Blasimann A, Busch A, Henle P, Bruhn S, Vissers D, Baur H. Neuromuscular Control During Stair Descent and Artificial Tibial Translation After Acute ACL Rupture. Orthop J Sports Med 2022; 10:23259671221123299. [PMID: 36263309 PMCID: PMC9575465 DOI: 10.1177/23259671221123299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture has direct effect on passive and
active knee stability and, specifically, stretch-reflex excitability. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to investigate neuromuscular activity in
patients with an acute ACL deficit (ACL-D group) compared with a matched
control group with an intact ACL (ACL-I group) during stair descent and
artificially induced anterior tibial translation. It was hypothesized that
neuromuscular control would be impaired in the ACL-D group. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of the vastus medialis (VM), vastus
lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), and semitendinosus (ST) muscles was
recorded bilaterally in 15 patients with ACL-D (mean, 13.8 days [range, 7-21
days] since injury) and 15 controls with ACL-I during stair descent and
artificially induced anterior tibial translation. The movements of stair
descent were divided into preactivity, weight acceptance, and push-off
phases. Reflex activity during anterior tibial translation was split into
preactivity and short, medium, and late latency responses. Walking on a
treadmill was used for submaximal EMG normalization. Kruskal-Wallis test and
post hoc analyses with Dunn-Bonferroni correction were used to compare
normalized root mean square values for each muscle, limb, movement, and
reflex phase between the ACL-D and ACL-I groups. Results: During the preactivity phase of stair descent, the hamstrings of the involved
leg of the ACL-D group showed 33% to 51% less activity compared with the
matched leg and contralateral leg of the ACL-I group (P
< .05). During the weight acceptance and push-off phases, the VL revealed
a significant reduction (approximately 40%) in the involved leg of the ACL-D
group compared with the ACL-I group. At short latency, the BF and ST of the
involved leg of the ACL-D group showed a significant increase in EMG
activity compared with the uninvolved leg of the ACL-I group, by a factor of
2.2 to 4.6. Conclusion: In the acute phase after an ACL rupture, neuromuscular alterations were found
mainly in the hamstrings of both limbs during stair descent and reflex
activity. The potential role of prehabilitation needs to be further
studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Blasimann
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health Professions, Bern
University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of
Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Angela Blasimann, MSc, Department of Health Professions, Bern
University of Applied Sciences, Murtenstrasse 10, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland
()
| | - Aglaja Busch
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health Professions, Bern
University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland.,University Outpatient Clinic, Sports Medicine & Sports
Orthopedics, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Philipp Henle
- Sonnenhof Orthopaedic Center, Lindenhof Group AG, Bern,
Switzerland.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Inselspital,
Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sven Bruhn
- Institute of Sports Science, University of Rostock, Rostock,
Germany
| | - Dirk Vissers
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of
Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Heiner Baur
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health Professions, Bern
University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
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Blasimann A, Koenig I, Baert I, Baur H, Vissers D. Which assessments are used to analyze neuromuscular control by electromyography after an anterior cruciate ligament injury to determine readiness to return to sports? A systematic review. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2021; 13:142. [PMID: 34749813 PMCID: PMC8577028 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-021-00370-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adequate neuromuscular control of the knee could be one element to prevent secondary injuries after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. To assess neuromuscular control in terms of time, amplitude and activity, electromyography (EMG) is used. However, it is unclear which assessments using EMG could be used for a safe return to sports (RTS). Therefore, we aimed to summarize EMG-related assessments for neuromuscular control of the knee in adult patients after an ACL injury to decide upon readiness for RTS. METHODS This systematic review followed guidelines of Preferred Reporting of Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Cochrane recommendations. MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), SPORTDiscus and the Web of Science were searched from inception to March 2019 and updated in November 2020. Studies identifying electromyographic assessments for neuromuscular control during dynamic tasks in adult, physically active patients with an anterior cruciate ligament injury were eligible and qualitatively synthesized. Two independent reviewers used a modified Downs and Black checklist to assess risk of bias of included studies. RESULTS From initially 1388 hits, 38 mainly cross-sectional, case-controlled studies were included for qualitative analysis. Most studies provided EMG outcomes of thigh muscles during jumping, running or squatting. Outcomes measures described neuromuscular control of the knee in domains of time, amplitude or activity. Risk of bias was medium to high due to an unclear description of participants and prior interventions, confounding factors and incompletely reported results. CONCLUSIONS Despite a wide range of EMG outcome measures for neuromuscular control, none was used to decide upon return to sports in these patients. Additional studies are needed to define readiness towards RTS by assessing neuromuscular control in adult ACL patients with EMG. Further research should aim at finding reliable and valid, EMG-related variables to be used as diagnostic tool for neuromuscular control. Moreover, future studies should aim at more homogenous groups including adequately matched healthy subjects, evaluate gender separately and use sport-specific tasks. Registration The protocol for this systematic review was indexed beforehand in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) and registered as CRD42019122188.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Blasimann
- Department of Health Professions, Division of Physiotherapy, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Murtenstrasse 10, 3008, Bern, Switzerland. .,Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Irene Koenig
- Department of Health Professions, Division of Physiotherapy, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Murtenstrasse 10, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Isabel Baert
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Heiner Baur
- Department of Health Professions, Division of Physiotherapy, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Murtenstrasse 10, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dirk Vissers
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
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Behrens M, Mau-Moeller A, Wassermann F, Plewka A, Bader R, Bruhn S. Repetitive jumping and sprinting until exhaustion alters hamstring reflex responses and tibial translation in males and females. J Orthop Res 2015; 33:1687-92. [PMID: 25941064 DOI: 10.1002/jor.22935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injuries is considerably higher in females than in males and the underlying mechanisms are still under debate. Research indicates that the neuromuscular system of females and males might respond differently to the same fatigue protocol due to differences in muscle activation during movement tasks. This study analyzed sex differences in hamstring reflex responses and posterior-anterior tibial translation (TT) before and after fatiguing exercise. We measured the isolated movement of the tibia relative to the femur as a consequence of mechanically induced TT in standing subjects as well as muscle activity of the hamstrings before and after repetitive jumping and sprinting until exhaustion. Muscle fatigue delayed reflex onset latencies in females and males. A reduction in reflex responses associated with an increased TT was observed after fatiguing exercise for both sexes. Data indicate that the used fatigue protocol altered the latency and magnitude of reflex responses as well as TT in females and males. Based on the results of previous research and the outcome of this study, it might be that sex-specific effects of fatigue on reflex activity and mechanical stability of the knee depend on the kind of fatiguing exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Behrens
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Rostock, Ulmenstrasse 69, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Anett Mau-Moeller
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medicine Rostock, Doberaner Strasse 142, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Franziska Wassermann
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Rostock, Ulmenstrasse 69, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Antje Plewka
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Rostock, Ulmenstrasse 69, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Rainer Bader
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medicine Rostock, Doberaner Strasse 142, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Sven Bruhn
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Rostock, Ulmenstrasse 69, 18057 Rostock, Germany
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Behrens M, Mau-Moeller A, Wassermann F, Bruhn S. Effect of fatigue on hamstring reflex responses and posterior-anterior tibial translation in men and women. PLoS One 2013; 8:e56988. [PMID: 23573178 PMCID: PMC3584125 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture ranks among the most common injuries in sports. The incidence of ACL injuries is considerably higher in females than in males and the underlying mechanisms are still under debate. Furthermore, it has been suggested that muscle fatigue can be a risk factor for ACL injuries. We investigated gender differences in hamstring reflex responses and posterior-anterior tibial translation (TT) before and after fatiguing exercise. We assessed the isolated movement of the tibia relative to the femur in the sagittal plane as a consequence of mechanically induced TT in standing subjects. The muscle activity of the hamstrings was evaluated. Furthermore, isometric maximum voluntary torque (iMVT) and rate of torque development (RTD) of the hamstrings (H) and quadriceps (Q) were measured and the MVT H/Q as well as the RTD H/Q ratios were calculated. After fatigue, reflex onset latencies were enhanced in women. A reduction of reflex responses associated with an increased TT was observed in females. Men showed no differences in these parameters. Correlation analysis revealed no significant associations between parameters for TT and MVT H/Q as well as RTD H/Q. The results of the present study revealed that the fatigue protocol used in this study altered the latency and magnitude of reflex responses of the hamstrings as well as TT in women. These changes were not found in men. Based on our results, it is conceivable that the fatigue-induced decrease in neuromuscular function with a corresponding increase in TT probably contributes to the higher incidence of ACL injuries in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Behrens
- Department of Exercise Science, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
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