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Trybulski R, Kużdżał A, Stanula A, Klich S, Clemente FM, Kawczyński A, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C. Biomechanical Profile after Dry Needling in Mixed Martial Arts. Int J Sports Med 2024. [PMID: 38857879 DOI: 10.1055/a-2342-3679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of dry needling (DN) intervention on the responses of muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity, as well as power, pressure pain thresholds, and blood perfusion of the flexor carpi radialis muscle in mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes. Thirty-two trained/developmental men MMA fighters (25.5±4.5 years; 24.5±3 body mass index) participated in a randomized crossover study. Participants underwent a single intervention, receiving both DN and placebo. Laser Doppler flowmetry measured blood perfusion, while a myotonometer assessed the mechanical characteristics of muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity of the flexor carpi radialis muscle. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were measured using an algometer, and maximal forearm muscle force was measured using a hand dynamometer. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately after, and 24 hours and 48 hours post-intervention. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant Intervention*Time interaction for all outcomes: perfusion unit (p<0.001), muscle tone (p<0.001), stiffness (p<0.001), elasticity (p<0.001), PPT (p<0.001) and maximal forearm muscle force (p<0.001). The current study suggests that a single session of DN enhances muscle recovery, increases muscle strength, and improved PPT in MMA athletes. These positive adaptations appear to last up to 48 hours in some variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Trybulski
- Department of Medical Sciences, Department of Medical Sciences, The Wojciech Korfanty School of Economics, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
| | - Adrian Kużdżał
- Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Rejtana Street 16C, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Stanula
- Laboratory of Sport Performance Analysis, Institute of Sport Sciences, Laboratory of Sport Performance Analysis, Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Mikolowska Street 72a, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
| | - Sebastian Klich
- Department of Paralympic Sport, Department of Paralympic Sport, Wrocław University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Filipe Manuel Clemente
- Sports Sciences, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo Escola Superior de Desporto e Lazer, Melgaco, Portugal
- Department of Biomechanics and Sport Engineering, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Adam Kawczyński
- Department of Biomechanics and Sport Engineering, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
- Departament of Paralympic Games, Wrocław University of Health and Sport Sciences, Departament of Paralympic Games, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Cesar Fernández-de-Las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcon, Spain
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van Dam L, Terink R, van den Akker-Scheek I, Zwerver J. Intra- and inter-operator reliability of measuring compressive stiffness of the patellar tendon in volleyball players using a handheld digital palpation device. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304743. [PMID: 38917106 PMCID: PMC11198853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This observational study aimed to evaluate the intra- and inter-operator reliability of a digital palpation device in measuring compressive stiffness of the patellar tendon at different knee angles in talent and elite volleyball players. Second aim was to examine differences in reliability when measuring at different knee angles, between dominant and non-dominant knees, between sexes, and with age. Two operators measured stiffness at the midpoint of the patellar tendon in 45 Dutch volleyball players at 0°, 45° and 90° knee flexion, on both the dominant and non-dominant side. We found excellent intra-operator reliability (ICC>0.979). For inter-operator reliability, significant differences were found in stiffness measured between operators (p<0.007). The coefficient of variance significantly decreased with increasing knee flexion (2.27% at 0°, 1.65% at 45° and 1.20% at 90°, p<0.001). In conclusion, the device appeared to be reliable when measuring compressive stiffness of the patellar tendon in elite volleyball players, especially at 90° knee flexion. Inter-operator reliability appeared to be questionable. More standardized positioning and measurement protocols seem necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte van Dam
- Department of Sports Medicine, Sports Valley, Gelderse Vallei Hospital, Ede, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Center for Human Movement Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rieneke Terink
- Department of Sports Medicine, Sports Valley, Gelderse Vallei Hospital, Ede, The Netherlands
| | - Inge van den Akker-Scheek
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes Zwerver
- Department of Sports Medicine, Sports Valley, Gelderse Vallei Hospital, Ede, The Netherlands
- Center for Human Movement Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Shen X, Wang S, Chen J, Li J, Li C, Xiang R, Zhao C, Xu X. Inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability of the foot posture index (FPI-6) for assessing static foot posture in elderly female patients with knee osteoarthritis and its association with quadriceps muscle tone and stiffness. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1385986. [PMID: 38983600 PMCID: PMC11232489 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1385986] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective 1. To assess the Inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability of FPI-6 total score and individual scores in static foot posture evaluation among elderly female patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), aiming to establish the reliability of the FPI-6 scale. 2. To investigate the disparity between dominant and non-dominant quadriceps characteristics in elderly female KOA patients, as well as explore the correlation between quadriceps characteristics and abnormal foot posture, thereby offering novel insights for the prevention and treatment of KOA. Methods The study enrolled a total of 80 lower legs of 40 participants (all female) with unilateral or bilateral KOA, who were assessed by two raters at three different time points. The inter-rater and test-retest reliability of the FPI-6 was evaluated using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), while the absolute reliability of FPI-6 was examined using the standard error of measurement (SEM), minimum detectable change (MDC), and Bland-Altman analysis. The internal consistency of FPI-6 was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Additionally, MyotonPRO was employed to assess quadriceps muscle tone and stiffness in all participants, and the association between quadriceps muscle tone/stiffness and the total score of FPI-6 was analyzed. Result Our study found excellent inter-rater and test-retest reliability (ICC values of 0.923 and 0.931, respectively) for the FPI-6 total score, as well as good to excellent reliability (ICC values ranging from 0.680 to 0.863 and 0.739-0.883) for individual items. The SEM and MDC values for the total score of FPI-6 among our study inter-rater were 0.78 and 2.15, respectively. and the SEM and MDC values for the test-retest total score of FPI-6 were found to be 0.76 and 2.11, respectively. Furthermore, the SEM and MDC values between inter-rater and test-retest across six individual items ranged from 0.30 to 0.56 and from 0.84 to 1.56. The Bland-Altman plots and respective 95% LOA showed no evidence of systematic bias. In terms of the mechanical properties of the quadriceps on both sides, the muscle tone and stiffness of rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), and vastus lateralis (VL) were significantly higher in the non-dominant leg compared to the dominant leg. Additionally, in the non-dominant leg, there was a significant positive correlation between the muscle tone and stiffness of VM, VL, RF and the total score of FPI-6. However, in the dominant leg, only VM's muscle tone and stiffness showed a significant positive correlation with the total score of FPI-6. Conclusion The reliability of the FPI-6 total score and its six individual items was good to excellent. Our findings offer a straightforward and dependable approach for researchers to assess foot posture in elderly female patients with KOA. Furthermore, we observed significantly greater quadriceps tension and stiffness in the non-dominant leg compared to the dominant leg. The FPI-6 total score exhibited a significant correlation with changes in quadriceps muscle performance among KOA patients. These observations regarding the relationship between changes in quadriceps muscle performance and foot posture in elderly female KOA patients may provide novel insights for disease prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- XingXing Shen
- The Fifth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- The Fifth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahao Chen
- The Fifth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junyi Li
- The Fifth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Congcong Li
- The Fifth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruian Xiang
- The Fifth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanxi Zhao
- The Fifth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuemeng Xu
- The Fifth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou, China
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Snow F, O'Connell C, Yang P, Kita M, Pirogova E, Williams RJ, Kapsa RMI, Quigley A. Engineering interfacial tissues: The myotendinous junction. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:021505. [PMID: 38841690 PMCID: PMC11151436 DOI: 10.1063/5.0189221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The myotendinous junction (MTJ) is the interface connecting skeletal muscle and tendon tissues. This specialized region represents the bridge that facilitates the transmission of contractile forces from muscle to tendon, and ultimately the skeletal system for the creation of movement. MTJs are, therefore, subject to high stress concentrations, rendering them susceptible to severe, life-altering injuries. Despite the scarcity of knowledge obtained from MTJ formation during embryogenesis, several attempts have been made to engineer this complex interfacial tissue. These attempts, however, fail to achieve the level of maturity and mechanical complexity required for in vivo transplantation. This review summarizes the strategies taken to engineer the MTJ, with an emphasis on how transitioning from static to mechanically inducive dynamic cultures may assist in achieving myotendinous maturity.
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Fukushige K, Okubo T, Shan X, Takeuchi T, Misaki N, Naito M. Regional variations and sex-related differences of stiffness in human tracheal ligaments. Surg Radiol Anat 2024; 46:877-883. [PMID: 38683421 DOI: 10.1007/s00276-024-03361-6] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE There have been numerous studies focused on the stiffness of tracheal cartilage. However, no research has been conducted specifically on the annular ligament, nor have any regional differences in the annular ligament been identified. The purpose of this study was to investigate the stiffness of the ligaments present between the thyroid, cricoid and tracheal cartilages. METHODS The ligaments were identified in the cervical region of living subjects with ultrasonography. The stiffness of the ligaments was measured from the body surface using a digital palpation device (MyotonPRO). Since it is impossible to measure the entire trachea in a living subject, an additional measurement was performed on human cadavers. RESULTS Both in vivo and cadaveric investigations found that the stiffness of annular ligaments decreased gradually from the superior to inferior parts. There was no difference in the stiffness between males and females in the superior part of the trachea. However, the stiffness of the middle and inferior parts was predominantly higher in females than in males. Furthermore, males showed significant differences in stiffness between the superior and middle parts, while females showed no significant differences. CONCLUSION These results reveal that there are regional and sex-related differences in the stiffness of human tracheal ligaments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Fukushige
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, 1-1 Yazakokarimata, Nagakute, Aichi, 480-1195, Japan.
| | - Tomohito Okubo
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, 1-1 Yazakokarimata, Nagakute, Aichi, 480-1195, Japan
- Department of General Thoracic, Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Kagawa University Hospital, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Xiyao Shan
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, 1-1 Yazakokarimata, Nagakute, Aichi, 480-1195, Japan
| | - Takao Takeuchi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, 1-1 Yazakokarimata, Nagakute, Aichi, 480-1195, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Misaki
- Department of General Thoracic, Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Kagawa University Hospital, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Munekazu Naito
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, 1-1 Yazakokarimata, Nagakute, Aichi, 480-1195, Japan
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Römer C, Czupajllo J, Wolfarth B, Sichting F, Legerlotz K. The Myometric Assessment of Achilles Tendon and Soleus Muscle Stiffness before and after a Standardized Exercise Test in Elite Female Volleyball and Handball Athletes-A Quasi-Experimental Study. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3243. [PMID: 38892954 PMCID: PMC11172482 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The high prevalence of injuries in female athletes necessitates a course of action that not only enhances research in this field but also incorporates improved prevention programs and regular health monitoring of highly stressed structures such as tendons and muscles. Since myometry is already used by coaches and physiotherapists, it is important to investigate whether tissue stiffness varies in different types of sports, and whether such measures are affected by an acute training session. Methods: Myometric measurements of the Achilles tendon (AT) and soleus muscle (SM) were performed in the longitudinal plane and relaxed tendon position. In total, 38 healthy professional female athletes were examined, applying a quasi-experimental study design, with subgroup analysis performed for different sports. To investigate the stiffness of the AT and SM, 24 female handball and volleyball athletes performed a standardized maximal incremental performance test on a treadmill. In this subgroup, myometric measurements were taken before and after the exercise test. Results: The measurements showed no significant difference between the mean pre- (AT: 661.46 N/m; SM 441.48 N/m) and post-exercise stiffness (AT: 644.71 N/m; SM: 439.07 N/m). Subgroup analysis for different types of sports showed significantly lower AT and SM stiffness in swimming athletes compared to handball (p = 0.002), volleyball (p = 0.000) and hammer throw athletes (p = 0.008). Conclusions: Myometry can be performed on the same day as an acute training session in healthy female professional volleyball and handball athletes. Female swimmers have significantly lower AT and SM stiffness compared to female handball, volleyball and hammer throw athletes. These results show that the stiffness differences in the AT and SM can be assessed by myometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Römer
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité University Medicine Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Czupajllo
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité University Medicine Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernd Wolfarth
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité University Medicine Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Freddy Sichting
- Department of Human Movement Science, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09111 Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Kirsten Legerlotz
- Movement Biomechanics, Institute of Sport Sciences, Humboldt University Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
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García-Santamaría A, Abelairas-Gómez C, Carrera S, Padrón-Cabo A, Rey E. Effects of maturation on myotonometric parameters and their predictors of athletic performance in elite youth soccer players. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12287. [PMID: 38811805 PMCID: PMC11137063 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63224-3] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the variations in individual muscle stiffness across different maturation stages (i.e., peak height velocity [PHV]) in elite youth soccer players and to explore the associations between lower limb muscle stiffness and performance in sprinting (10, 20, and 40 m sprint), maneuverability (9-3-6-3-9 m sprint test), and jumping (countermovement jump [CMJ]). A total of 131 elite youth soccer players aged 12-18 years, volunteered to participate in the study and were divided into pre-PHV (n = 21), mid-PHV (n = 33), and post-PHV (n = 80). Muscle stiffness of the rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles was assessed using a MyotonPRO. Results showed that players in the pre-PHV stage had lower stiffness in the BF and RF muscles compared to mid-PHV (p < 0.001; effect size [ES] = moderate to large) and post-PHV players (p < 0.001; ES = moderate to large). It was also observed that the mid-PHV group had lower stiffness levels in their RF muscle compared to the post-PHV group (p < 0.001; ES = small). Significant correlations were found between BF and RF stiffness and sprint (p < 0.001) and maneuverability (p < 0.001) performance. RF stiffness showed a significant positive correlation with CMJ (p < 0.05), suggesting that greater lower body stiffness is beneficial for athletic performance in youth soccer players. The findings highlighting the importance of considering training methods that increase muscular stiffness, particularly in relation to the RF muscle, to optimize athletic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristian Abelairas-Gómez
- Faculty of Education Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Samuel Carrera
- Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, University of Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Alexis Padrón-Cabo
- Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, University of Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Ezequiel Rey
- Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, University of Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain.
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Trybulski R, Stanula A, Vovkanych A, Halski T, Paprocka-Borowicz M, Dymarek R, Taradaj J. Optimal Duration of Cold and Heat Compression for Forearm Muscle Biomechanics in Mixed Martial Arts Athletes: A Comparative Study. Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e944149. [PMID: 38805404 PMCID: PMC11143916 DOI: 10.12659/msm.944149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cold and heat therapies for recovery in sports are commonly used, including in the mixed martial arts (MMA). The Game Ready (GR) device can be used for local monotherapy with either heat or cold and for contrast therapy. This study aimed to compare the effects of duration of cold and heat compression on biomechanical changes in the forearm muscles of 20 healthy mixed martial arts athletes. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty MMA volunteers (26.5±4.5 years old) underwent 3 different phases of the GR: (1) stimulation time 10 min (eGR-10, GR experimental group), (2) 10 min (cGR-10, sham control group) and (3) 20 min (eGR-20, GR experimental group). The following outcomes were assessed: muscle tone (T), stiffness (S), flexibility (E), pressure pain threshold (PPT), microvascular response (PU), and maximum isometric strength (Fmax). All measurements were performed before GR (rest) and after GR stimulation (post). RESULTS Both eGR-10 and eGR-20 significantly improved outcomes T (p<0.001), S (p<0.001), E (p=0.001, and p<0.001, respectively), PPT (p<0.001), PU (p<0.001), and Fmax (p<0.001). Notably, eGR-20 exhibited superior improvements in PU, Fmax, and PPT, with larger effect sizes (p<0.001). While eGR-10 demonstrated more pronounced reductions in T and S (p<0.001), these results underscore the potential for tailored GR therapy durations to optimize specific recovery goals for MMA athletes. CONCLUSIONS GR stimulation affects muscle biomechanical changes, pain threshold, muscle strength, and tissue perfusion. The study results suggest that 10 min of GR stimulation is sufficient to achieve changes that can be used to optimize recovery for MMA athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Trybulski
- Provita Żory Medical Center, Żory, Poland
- Department of Medical Sciences, The Wojciech Korfanty School of Economics, Katowice, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Stanula
- Institute of Sport Sciences, Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Andriy Vovkanych
- Department Physical Therapy and Ergotherapy, Ivan Boberkyj Lviv State University of Physical Culture, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Tomasz Halski
- Department of Physiotherapy, Jan Grodek State University, Sanok, Poland
| | | | - Robert Dymarek
- Department of Physiotherapy, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jakub Taradaj
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
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Lettner J, Królikowska A, Ramadanov N, Oleksy Ł, Hakam HT, Becker R, Prill R. Evaluating the Reliability of MyotonPro in Assessing Muscle Properties: A Systematic Review of Diagnostic Test Accuracy. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:851. [PMID: 38929468 PMCID: PMC11205912 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60060851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Muscle properties are critical for performance and injury risk, with changes occurring due to physical exertion, aging, and neurological conditions. The MyotonPro device offers a non-invasive method to comprehensively assess muscle biomechanical properties. This systematic review evaluates the reliability of MyotonPro across various muscles for diagnostic purposes. Materials and Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in Medline (PubMed), Ovid (Med), Epistemonikos, Embase, Cochrane Library, Clinical trials.gov, and the WHO International Clinical Trials platform. Studies assessing the reliability of MyotonPro across different muscles were included. A methodological quality assessment was performed using established tools, and reviewers independently conducted data extraction. Statistical analysis involved summarizing intra-rater and inter-rater reliability measures across muscles. Results: A total of 48 studies assessing 31 muscles were included in the systematic review. The intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were consistently high for parameters such as frequency and stiffness in muscles of the lower and upper extremities, as well as other muscle groups. Despite methodological heterogeneity and limited data on specific parameters, MyotonPro demonstrated promising reliability for diagnostic purposes across diverse patient populations. Conclusions: The findings suggest the potential of MyotonPro in clinical assessments for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring of muscle properties. Further research is needed to address limitations and enhance the applicability of MyotonPro in clinical practice. Reliable muscle assessments are crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes and improving patient care in various healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Lettner
- Center of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Hospital Brandenburg/Havel, Brandenburg Medical School, Hochstraße 29, 14770 Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany; (J.L.)
| | - Aleksandra Królikowska
- Ergonomics and Biomedical Monitoring Laboratory, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wroclaw Medical University, Tytusa Chalubinskiego 3, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Nikolai Ramadanov
- Faculty of Health Science, Brandenburg Medical School, 14770 Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
| | - Łukasz Oleksy
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Michałowskiego 12, 31-126 Krakow, Poland
- Department of Orthopaedics, Traumatology and Hand Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Hassan Tarek Hakam
- Center of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Hospital Brandenburg/Havel, Brandenburg Medical School, Hochstraße 29, 14770 Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany; (J.L.)
- Faculty of Health Science, Brandenburg Medical School, 14770 Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
| | - Roland Becker
- Center of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Hospital Brandenburg/Havel, Brandenburg Medical School, Hochstraße 29, 14770 Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany; (J.L.)
- Faculty of Health Science, Brandenburg Medical School, 14770 Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
| | - Robert Prill
- Center of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Hospital Brandenburg/Havel, Brandenburg Medical School, Hochstraße 29, 14770 Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany; (J.L.)
- Faculty of Health Science, Brandenburg Medical School, 14770 Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
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Mongold SJ, Ricci AW, Hahn ME, Callahan DM. Skeletal Muscle Compliance and Echogenicity in Resistance-Trained and Nontrained Women. J Strength Cond Res 2024; 38:671-680. [PMID: 38513175 PMCID: PMC10956671 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004669] [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] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Mongold, SJ, Ricci, AW, Hahn, ME, and Callahan, DM. Skeletal muscle compliance and echogenicity in resistance-trained and nontrained women. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): 671-680, 2024-Noninvasive assessment of muscle mechanical properties in clinical and performance settings tends to rely on manual palpation and emphasizes examination of musculotendinous stiffness. However, measurement standards are highly subjective. The purpose of the study was to compare musculotendinous stiffness in adult women with varying resistance training history while exploring the use of multiple tissue compliance measures. We identified relationships between tissue stiffness and morphology, and tested the hypothesis that combining objective measures of morphology and stiffness would better predict indices of contractile performance. Resistance-trained (RT) women (n = 11) and nontrained (NT) women (n = 10) participated in the study. Muscle echogenicity and morphology were measured using B-mode ultrasonography (US). Vastus lateralis (VL) and patellar tendon (PT) stiffness were measured using digital palpation and US across submaximal isometric contractions. Muscle function was evaluated during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the knee extensors (KEs). Resistance trained had significantly greater PT stiffness and reduced echogenicity (p < 0.01). Resistance trained also had greater strength per body mass (p < 0.05). Muscle echogenicity was strongly associated with strength and rate of torque development (RTD). Patellar tendon passive stiffness was associated with RTD normalized to MVIC (RTDrel; r = 0.44, p < 0.05). Patellar tendon stiffness was greater in RT young women. No predictive models of muscle function incorporated both stiffness and echogenicity. Because RTDrel is a clinically relevant measure of rehabilitation in athletes and can be predicted by digital palpation, this might represent a practical and objective measure in settings where RTD may not be easy to measure directly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott J. Mongold
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
| | - Austin W. Ricci
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
| | - Michael E. Hahn
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
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Tsai P, Edison J, Wang C, Sefton J, Manning KQ, Gramlich MW. Myofascial trigger point (MTrP) size and elasticity properties can be used to differentiate characteristics of MTrPs in lower back skeletal muscle. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7562. [PMID: 38555353 PMCID: PMC10981696 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57733-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are localized contraction knots that develop after muscle overuse or an acute trauma. Significant work has been done to understand, diagnose, and treat MTrPs in order to improve patients suffering from their effects. However, effective non-invasive diagnostic tools are still a missing gap in both understanding and treating MTrPs. Effective treatments for patients suffering from MTrP mediated pain require a means to measure MTrP properties quantitatively and diagnostically both prior to and during intervention. Further, quantitative measurements of MTrPs are often limited by the availability of equipment and training. Here we develop ultrasound (US) based diagnostic metrics that can be used to distinguish the biophysical properties of MTrPs, and show how those metrics can be used by clinicians during patient diagnosis and treatment. We highlight the advantages and limitations of previous US-based approaches that utilize elasticity theory. To overcome these previous limitations, we use a hierarchical approach to distinguish MTrP properties by patients' reported pain and clinician measured palpation. We show how US-based measurements can characterize MTrPs with this approach. We demonstrate that MTrPs tend to be smaller, stiffer, and deeper in the muscle tissue for patients with pain compared to patients without pain. We provide evidence that more than one MTrP within a single US-image field increases the stiffness of neighboring MTrPs. Finally, we highlight a combination of metrics (depth, thickness, and stiffness) that can be used by clinicians to evaluate individual MTrPs in combination with standard clinical assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Tsai
- College of Nursing, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - J Edison
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - C Wang
- Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership, and Technology, College of Education, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - J Sefton
- School of Kinesiology, College of Education, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - K Q Manning
- Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership, and Technology, College of Education, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - M W Gramlich
- Department of Physics, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
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12
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Brandl A, Acikalin E, Bartsch K, Wilke J, Schleip R. Reliability and validity of an app-assisted tissue compliance meter in measuring tissue stiffness on a phantom model. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17122. [PMID: 38464760 PMCID: PMC10924762 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Most methods for soft tissue stiffness assessment require high financial resources, significant technical effort, or extensive therapist training. The PACT Sense device was developed to be used in a wide range of applications and user groups. However, to date, there are no data on its validity and reliability. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the PACT device. Methods A polyurethane phantom tissue model (PTM) mimicking the mechanical properties of the fascia profunda and the erector spinae muscle was used. Stiffness measurements with PACT were conducted by two independent investigators. For construct validity, correlations were calculated between the known stiffness of the PTM and values obtained with PACT. For concurrent validity, we determined the association between the PACT values and additional measurements with the established MyotonPRO device. To estimate interrater and intrarater (two measurements with an interval of 7 days) reliability, we used the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results Correlation analysis (PTM/PACT) revealed very high concurrent validity (r = 0.99; p < 0.001), construct validity (PACT/MyotonPRO) was 0.87, p < 0.001. Both, interrater reliability (ICC = 0.85; p = 0.036) and intrarater reliability were good (ICC = 0.89; p < 0.001). Conclusions The PACT provides valid and reliable stiffness measurements in tissue phantoms. Further studies in humans are needed to confirm its physiometric properties under in vivo conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Brandl
- Department of Sports Medicine, Institute for Human Movement Science, Faculty for Psychology and Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Conservative and Rehabilitative Orthopedics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department for Medical Professions, Diploma Hochschule, Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Germany
| | - Eda Acikalin
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Conservative and Rehabilitative Orthopedics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Katja Bartsch
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Conservative and Rehabilitative Orthopedics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Wilke
- Department of Movement Sciences, University of Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Robert Schleip
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Conservative and Rehabilitative Orthopedics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department for Medical Professions, Diploma Hochschule, Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Germany
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13
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Melo AS, Montóia B, Cruz EB, Vilas-Boas JP, Sousa AS. Scapular muscle dynamic stiffness of asymptomatic subjects and subjects with chronic shoulder pain, at rest and isometric contraction conditions. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2024; 238:288-300. [PMID: 38403635 DOI: 10.1177/09544119241228082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Muscle stiffness had a crucial role in joint stability, particularly, at the shoulder complex. Although changes in upper trapezius muscle stiffness have been described for shoulder pain, contradictory findings have been obtained. Also, existing data regarding scapular muscles are, majorly, about trapezius. Myotonometry is a method used to assess stiffness; however, the reliability values of scapular muscle stiffness through this method have not been assessed in shoulder pain conditions. The present study aims to compare scapular muscles' stiffness (trapezius, serratus anterior, and levator scapulae) between subjects with and without chronic shoulder pain and to evaluate the related test-retest reliability. Twenty-two symptomatic and twenty-two asymptomatic subjects participated in a cross-sectional study. The dynamic muscular stiffness of scapular muscles, at rest and during an isometric contraction, was measured bilaterally with myotonometry, in two moments. The differences in bilateral averaged values between symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects and the effect of the group (group presenting pain in the dominant or non-dominant side, and asymptomatic group) and of the limb (unilateral painful or asymptomatic limb, and bilateral asymptomatic limbs) were investigated. Test-retest intra-rater reliability was determined. An effect of the group was observed at rest, for middle trapezius stiffness, and during contraction, for middle and lower trapezius stiffness. For middle trapezius, increased values were observed in the group presenting pain in non-dominant side comparing to both groups or to group presenting pain in dominant side. The intraclass correlation coefficient, majorly, ranged between 0.775 and 0.989. Participants with pain in the non-dominant side presented an increased middle trapezius' stiffness. Globally, high reliability was observed for scapular muscles dynamic stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sc Melo
- Centro de Investigação em Reabilitação (CIR), Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação em Actividade Física, Saúde e Lazer (CIAFEL), Faculdade de Desporto, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório de Biomecânica do Porto (LABIOMEP), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Aplicada em Saúde (CIIAS), Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, Setúbal, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Montóia
- Escola Superior de Saúde, Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduardo B Cruz
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, Setúbal, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação Integrada em Saúde (CHRC), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - J Paulo Vilas-Boas
- Laboratório de Biomecânica do Porto (LABIOMEP), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação, Formação, Inovação e Intervenção em Desporto (CIFI2D), Faculdade de Desporto, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreia Sp Sousa
- Centro de Investigação em Reabilitação (CIR), Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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14
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Wendt M, Waszak M. Assessment of the stiffness of the upper trapezius muscle in a group of asymptomatic people with cervical spine rotation asymmetry. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298544. [PMID: 38386652 PMCID: PMC10883562 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between the stiffness of the upper trapezius muscle and the range of rotational movement of the cervical spine. A total of 60 right-handed asymptomatic students participated in the study. Participants (N = 22) characterised by asymmetry in rotational movements were selected for the experimental group. A difference of ≥10° between right and left rotation of the cervical spine was considered asymmetrical. The control group (N = 38) included participants whose rotation difference was < 10°. Belonging to the experimental or control group did not significantly differentiate trapezius muscle stiffness. The rotation side differentiated the stiffness of the right and left trapezius muscles only in the group of people with rotational movement asymmetry. There were high correlation coefficients between right cervical rotation and the stiffness of the muscle on the right side, and between rotation to the left and the stiffness of the muscle on the left side. There is a relationship between the stiffness of the right and left upper trapezius muscles and the range of right and left rotational motion of the cervical spine. Stiffness of the upper trapezius correlates more strongly with rotation to the side on which the muscle lies than to the opposite side. Increased stiffness of the upper trapezius muscle on the side of limited cervical spine rotation is likely to be determined by the muscle fibre stretching mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Wendt
- Department of Medical Biology, Poznan University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Waszak
- Department of Medical Biology, Poznan University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
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15
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Trybulski R, Kużdżał A, Bichowska-Pawęska M, Vovkanych A, Kawczyński A, Biolik G, Muracki J. Immediate Effect of Cryo-Compression Therapy on Biomechanical Properties and Perfusion of Forearm Muscles in Mixed Martial Arts Fighters. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1177. [PMID: 38398489 PMCID: PMC10889478 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13041177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters use their arms and hands for striking with the fists, grappling, and defensive techniques, which puts a high load on the forearms and hand muscles. New methods are needed to decrease the risk of injury and increase the effectiveness of regeneration. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of cryo-compression (CC) therapy of different times (3 and 6 min) on forearm muscles in MMA fighters by investigating muscle pain, stiffness, tension, elasticity strength, and perfusion. Twenty professional male MMA fighters aged 26.5 ± 4.5 years, with training experience of 10.3 ± 5.0 years, were enrolled on an experimental within-group study design. The participants underwent CC therapy at a temperature of 3 °C and compression of 75 mmHg for 3 min and, in the second session, for 6 min. The investigated parameters were in the following order: (1) perfusion in non-reference units (PU), (2) muscle tone (T-[Hz]), (3) stiffness (S-[N/m]), (4) elasticity (E-[arb]), (5) pressure pain threshold (PPT-[N/cm]), and (6) maximum isometric force (Fmax [kgf]) at two time points: (1) at rest-2 min before CC therapy (pre) and (2) 2 min after CC therapy (post). There were significant differences between 3 and 6 min of CC therapy for PU and T. Meanwhile, F, E, PPT, and S were significantly different when comparing pre- to post-conditions. These results provide evidence that CC therapy is a stimulus that significantly affects parameters characterizing muscle biomechanical properties, pain threshold, strength, and tissue perfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Trybulski
- Medical Department Wojciech Korfanty Upper Silesian Academy, 40-659 Katowice, Poland
| | - Adrian Kużdżał
- Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszów, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland;
| | - Marta Bichowska-Pawęska
- Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Andriy Vovkanych
- Department of Physical Therapy and Ergotherapy, Ivan Boberkyj Lviv State University of Physical Culture, 79007 Lviv, Ukraine;
| | - Adam Kawczyński
- Department of Biomechanics and Sport Engineering, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz Biolik
- Department of General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Angiology and Phlebology, Medical University of Silesia, 40-635 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Jarosław Muracki
- Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, Department of Physical Education and Health, University of Szczecin, 70-453 Szczecin, Poland;
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16
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Gönen T, Usgu S, Yakut Y, Akbayram S. Evaluation of the Viscoelastic Properties of Lower-Extremity Muscles of Pediatric Hemophilia Patients Using Myotonometric Measurements. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:229. [PMID: 38397341 PMCID: PMC10887738 DOI: 10.3390/children11020229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the viscoelastic properties of lower-extremity muscles in pediatric hemophilia (FVIII-IX) patients. The study included 20 severe- and moderate-type right-dominant hemophilia patients diagnosed with hemophilia A-B and 20 healthy children. Viscoelastic properties (tone, stiffness, elasticity) of the lower-extremity muscles were measured using a MyotonPRO device. The physical characteristics of the pediatric hemophilia patients (mean age: 11.9 ± 3.95 years) and the control group (mean age: 12.6 ± 3.41 years) were found to be similar. A difference was observed only in the elasticity of the right vastus lateralis (p < 0.05) by means of the viscoelastic properties of the lower-extremity muscles. The results were similar in other muscle groups (p > 0.05). The dominant-side vastus lateralis muscle elasticity (the ability of the muscle to regain its original shape after contraction or removal of an external force) of hemophilia patients was found to be lower compared to healthy children. The fact that 45% of hemarthroses occur in the knee joint and that recurrent bleeding may affect the flexibility of the vastus lateralis, which is the main muscle within the quadriceps muscle group and responsible for the stabilization of the patella, can be associated with the study results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuğba Gönen
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Gaziantep 27000, Turkey; (T.G.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Serkan Usgu
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Gaziantep 27000, Turkey; (T.G.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Yavuz Yakut
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Gaziantep 27000, Turkey; (T.G.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Sinan Akbayram
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep 27310, Turkey;
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17
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Shan X, Umemoto K, Ishikawa T, Fukushige K, Takeuchi T, Naito M. Biomechanical assessment of gastrocnemii and Achilles tendon using MyotonPRO: in vivo measurements, and preliminary in situ measurements using formalin-fixed tissues. Connect Tissue Res 2024; 65:16-25. [PMID: 37830341 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2023.2267682] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to evaluate the reliability and validity of using MyotonPRO to quantify the mechanical properties of the muscle-tendon unit through in vivo measurements and preliminary in situ measurements using formalin-fixed tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS The mechanical properties of gastrocnemii and the Achilles tendon of 12 healthy adults (six males and six females, 34.9 ± 5.8 years) were examined for in vivo test twice within a day and once post-24 hours using MyotonPRO, while nine human cadavers (formalin-fixed, 3 males and 6 females, 89.9 ± 5.1 years) were assessed for preliminary in situ test with identical time schedule to evaluate the within-day and inter-day reliability and validity. RESULTS In vivo tests had very high within-day (ICC: 0.96-0.99) and inter-day reliability (ICC: 0.83-0.96), while in situ tests (formalin-fixed tissues) showed high within-day (ICC: 0.87-0.99) and inter-day reliability (ICC: 0.76-0.98) for the results of tone and stiffness. There was no significant difference in the stiffness of the free part of the Achilles tendon between in vivo and in situ conditions. The stiffness of the lateral gastrocnemius (r = 0.55, p = 0.018), proximal part of the Achilles tendon (r = 0.56, p = 0.015), and free part of the Achilles tendon (r = 0.47, p = 0.048) before removing the skin was significantly correlated with that after removing the skin condition. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the current study suggest that MyotonPRO is reliable and valid for evaluating tendon stiffness both in vivo and in situ (formalin-fixed tissues).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyao Shan
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Kanae Umemoto
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Takuro Ishikawa
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Kaori Fukushige
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Takao Takeuchi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Munekazu Naito
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
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18
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Xu GX, Chen PY, Huang CC. Visualization of Human Hand Tendon Mechanical Anisotropy in 3-D Using High- Frequency Dual-Direction Shear Wave Imaging. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2023; 70:1457-1469. [PMID: 37669211 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2023.3312273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
High-resolution ultrasound shear wave elastography has been used to determine the mechanical properties of hand tendons. However, because of fiber orientation, tendons have anisotropic properties; this results in differences in shear wave velocity (SWV) between ultrasound scanning cross sections. Rotating transducers can be used to achieve full-angle scanning. However, this technique is inconvenient to implement in clinical settings. Therefore, in this study, high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) dual-direction shear wave imaging (DDSWI) based on two external vibrators was used to create both transverse and longitudinal shear waves in the human flexor carpi radialis tendon. SWV maps from two directions were obtained using 40-MHz ultrafast imaging at the same scanning cross section. The anisotropic map was calculated pixel by pixel, and 3-D information was obtained using mechanical scanning. A standard phantom experiment was then conducted to verify the performance of the proposed HFUS DDSWI technique. Human studies were also conducted where volunteers assumed three hand postures: relaxed (Rel), full fist (FF), and tabletop (TT). The experimental results indicated that both the transverse and longitudinal SWVs increased due to tendon flexion. The transverse SWV surpassed the longitudinal SWV in all cases. The average anisotropic ratios for the Rel, FF, and TT hand postures were 1.78, 2.01, and 2.21, respectively. Both the transverse and the longitudinal SWVs were higher at the central region of the tendon than at the surrounding region. In conclusion, the proposed HFUS DDSWI technique is a high-resolution imaging technique capable of characterizing the anisotropic properties of tendons in clinical applications.
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Kurashina W, Takahashi T, Sasanuma H, Saitsu A, Takeshita K. Relationship Between Achilles Tendon Stiffness Using Myoton PRO and Translation Using a Tensile Testing Machine: A Biomechanical Study of a Porcine Model. Cureus 2023; 15:e49359. [PMID: 38146575 PMCID: PMC10749689 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49359] [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] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Achilles tendinopathy is a common ankle disorder in both the general population and athletes. This condition can alter the mechanical characteristics of the Achilles tendon (AT) by decreasing tendon stiffness. Achilles tendinopathy is primarily treated conservatively; however, few monitoring tools exist for evaluating the condition of the AT. The Myoton PRO (Myoton AS, Tallinn, Estonia) device is a handheld tool used to evaluate tissue stiffness. However, no basic studies have examined the validity of Myoton PRO for assessing the AT. This study aimed to assess the validity of Myoton PRO using animal ATs and to examine its clinical applicability. Methods We used 28 fresh porcine ankles and evaluated AT stiffness at the calcaneus insertion site (AT0) and 2.0 cm above the calcaneus (AT2) using Myoton PRO. We also measured changes in the AT length using a tensile testing machine during the cyclic loading test. We investigated the correlation between dynamic stiffness and length change. Furthermore, we assessed the difference in stiffness between AT0 and AT2. Results The dynamic stiffness was 717.6 ± 183.1 N/m at AT0 and 467.4 ± 152.3 N/m at AT2. The change in length during the cyclic loading test was 1.8 ± 0.7 mm. The correlation between dynamic stiffness and length change was as follows: AT0, r=-0.61; AT2, r=-0.64 (P<0.001). The dynamic stiffness at AT0 was significantly greater than that at AT2 (P<0.001). Conclusions AT assessment using Myoton PRO has potential clinical utility as an indicator of tissue stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Kurashina
- Graduate School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, JPN
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tochigi Medical Center Shimotsuga, Tochigi, JPN
| | - Tsuneari Takahashi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ishibashi General Hospital, Shimotsuke, JPN
| | - Hideyuki Sasanuma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, JPN
| | - Akihiro Saitsu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, JPN
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20
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Campi G, Ricci A, Costa N, Genovesi F, Branca JJV, Paternostro F, Della Posta D. Dynamic Correlations and Disorder in the Masticatory Musculature Network. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2107. [PMID: 38004247 PMCID: PMC10672239 DOI: 10.3390/life13112107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which affect millions of people worldwide, have multiple etiological factors that make an accurate diagnosis and effective treatments difficult. As a consequence, the gold standard diagnostic criteria for TMJ disorders remain elusive and often depend on subjective decisions. AIM In this context, the lack of a non-invasive quantitative methodology capable of assessing the functional physiological state and, consequently, identifying risk indicators for the early diagnosis of TMJ disorders must be tackled and resolved. METHODOLOGY In this work, we have studied the biomechanics and viscoelastic properties of the functional masticatory system by a non-invasive approach involving 52 healthy subjects, analysed by statistical-physics analysis applied to myotonic measurements on specific points of the masticatory system designing a TMJ network composed of 17 nodes and 20 links. RESULTS We find that the muscle tone and viscoelasticity of a specific cycle linking frontal, temporal, and mandibular nodes of the network play a prominent role in the physiological functionality of the system. At the same time, the functional state is characterised by a landscape of nearly degenerated levels of elasticity in all links of the network, making this parameter critically distributed and deviating from normal behaviour. CONCLUSIONS Time evolution and dynamic correlations between biomechanics and viscoelastic parameters measured on the different cycles of the network provide a quantitative framework associated with the functional state of the masticatory system. Our results are expected to contribute to enriching the taxonomy of this system, primarily based on clinical observations, patient symptoms, and expert consensus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Campi
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, Via Salaria Km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Ricci
- Duferco Corporate Innovation, Via Trevano 2A, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland;
| | - Nicola Costa
- The Anatomical Network APS, Via Fermo 2c, 00182 Rome, Italy; (N.C.); (D.D.P.)
| | | | - Jacopo Junio Valerio Branca
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Ferdinando Paternostro
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Daniele Della Posta
- The Anatomical Network APS, Via Fermo 2c, 00182 Rome, Italy; (N.C.); (D.D.P.)
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21
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Römer C, Legerlotz K, Czupajllo J, Fischer T, Wolfarth B, Lerchbaumer MH. Acute Effects of Running on Shear Wave Elastography Measures of the Achilles Tendon and Calf Muscles in Professional Female Handball and Volleyball Players. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2957. [PMID: 37761324 PMCID: PMC10530130 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13182957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) is currently used to detect tissue pathologies, i.e., tendinopathy. For preventive medicine, it is important to examine the sensitivity of SWE and to investigate how stiffness measures are affected by methodological variables. The aim of this study is to examine shear wave elastography (SWE) measures in order to compare the pre- and post-running values and to determine the correlation between the shear wave speed values (m/s). SWE examinations of the Achilles tendon (AT), soleus muscle (MS) and gastrocnemius muscle (MG)) were performed in 24 healthy professional female athletes. Measurements of the shear wave speed (m/s) were taken before and after incremental treadmill running until exhaustion. Correlations were investigated using the Pearson correlation coefficient and were examined for significance using the Student's t-test. The pre- and post-exercise shear wave speed did not differ. The pre-exercise and post-exercise stiffness for MS (r = 0.613), MG (r = 0.609) and AT (r = 0.583) correlated strongly. The pre-exercise values and changes in stiffness showed a significant correlation (p < 0.001). In professional athletes, acute exercise induces different tissue stiffness changes in AT, MS and MG for each individual. Thus, exercise activity immediately prior to the SWE measurement needs to be factored in when evaluating tissue stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Römer
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kirsten Legerlotz
- Movement Biomechanics, Institute of Sport Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Czupajllo
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Fischer
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Radiology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernd Wolfarth
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
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22
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Kopecká B, Ravnik D, Jelen K, Bittner V. Objective Methods of Muscle Tone Diagnosis and Their Application-A Critical Review. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:7189. [PMID: 37631726 PMCID: PMC10458714 DOI: 10.3390/s23167189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
"Muscle tone" is a clinically important and widely used term and palpation is a crucial skill for its diagnosis. However, the term is defined rather vaguely, and palpation is not measurable objectively. Therefore, several methods have been developed to measure muscle tone objectively, in terms of biomechanical properties of the muscle. This article aims to summarize these approaches. Through database searches, we identified those studies related to objective muscle tone measurement in vivo, in situ. Based on them, we described existing methods and devices and compared their reliability. Furthermore, we presented an extensive list of the use of these methods in different fields of research. Although it is believed by some authors that palpation cannot be replaced by a mechanical device, several methods have already proved their utility in muscle biomechanical property diagnosis. There appear to be two issues preventing wider usage of these objective methods in clinical practice. Firstly, a high variability of their reliability, and secondly, a lack of valid mathematical models that would provide the observed mechanical characteristics with a clear physical significance and allow the results to be compared with each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Kopecká
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, 162 52 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Ravnik
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, 6310 Izola, Slovenia
| | - Karel Jelen
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, 162 52 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Bittner
- Faculty of Science, Humanities and Education, Technical University of Liberec, 461 17 Liberec, Czech Republic
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23
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Kim KT, Gemechu DT, Seo E, Lee T, Park JW, Youn I, Kang JW, Lee SJ. Venous congestion affects neuromuscular changes in pigs in terms of muscle electrical activity and muscle stiffness. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289266. [PMID: 37535620 PMCID: PMC10399817 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Early detection of venous congestion (VC)-related diseases such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is important to prevent irreversible or serious pathological conditions. However, the current way of diagnosing DVT is only possible after recognizing advanced DVT symptoms such as swelling, pain, and tightness in affected extremities, which may be due to the lack of information on neuromechanical changes following VC. Thus, the goal of this study was to investigate acute neuromechanical changes in muscle electrical activity and muscle stiffness when VC was induced. The eight pigs were selected and the change of muscle stiffness from the acceleration and muscle activity in terms of integral electromyography (IEMG) was investigated in three VC stages. Consequently, we discovered a significant increase in the change in muscle stiffness and IEMG from the baseline to the VC stages (p < 0.05). Our results and approach can enable early detection of pathological conditions associated with VC, which can be a basis for further developing early diagnostic tools for detecting VC-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keun-Tae Kim
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Bionics Research Center, Seoul, Korea Repub
| | - Duguma T. Gemechu
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Bionics Research Center, Seoul, Korea Repub
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea Repub
| | - Eunyoung Seo
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Bionics Research Center, Seoul, Korea Repub
| | - Taehoon Lee
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Bionics Research Center, Seoul, Korea Repub
| | - Jong Woong Park
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea Repub
| | - Inchan Youn
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Bionics Research Center, Seoul, Korea Repub
| | - Jong Woo Kang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea Repub
| | - Song Joo Lee
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Bionics Research Center, Seoul, Korea Repub
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea Repub
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24
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Miyasaka H, Ebihara B, Fukaya T, Mutsuzaki H. Relationship between the Young's Modulus of the Achilles Tendon and Ankle Dorsiflexion Angle at Maximum Squat Depth in Healthy Young Males. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1105. [PMID: 37374309 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59061105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objective: Achilles tendon (AT) stiffness can reduce ankle dorsiflexion. However, whether AT stiffness affects the ankle dorsiflexion angle at a maximum squat depth remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the Young's modulus of the AT and ankle dorsiflexion angle at the maximum squat depth in healthy young males using shear-wave elastography (SWE). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 31 healthy young males. AT stiffness was measured using the Young's modulus through SWE. The ankle dorsiflexion angle at the maximum squat depth was measured as the angle between the vertical line to the floor and the line connecting the fibula head and the lateral malleolus using a goniometer. Results: Multiple regression analysis identified the Young's modulus of the AT at 10° of ankle dorsiflexion (standardized partial regression coefficient [β] = -0.461; p = 0.007) and the ankle dorsiflexion angle in the flexed knee (β = 0.340; p = 0.041) as independent variables for the ankle dorsiflexion angle at maximum squat depth. Conclusions: The Young's modulus of the AT may affect the ankle dorsiflexion angle at the maximum squat depth in healthy young males. Therefore, improving the Young's modulus of the AT may help increase the ankle dorsiflexion angle at maximum squat depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayato Miyasaka
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital, 4-1-1 Otsuno, Tsuchiura 300-0028, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Bungo Ebihara
- Department of Rehabilitation, JA Toride Medical Center, 2-1-1 Hongo, Toride 302-0022, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takashi Fukaya
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tsukuba International University, 6-8-33 Manabe, Tsuchiura 300-0051, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Mutsuzaki
- Center for Medical Science, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Ami 300-0394, Ibaraki, Japan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences Hospital, Ami 300-0331, Ibaraki, Japan
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25
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Papla M, Ewertowska P, Krzysztofik M. Acute Effects of Complex Conditioning Activities on Athletic Performance and Achilles Tendon Stiffness in Male Basketball Players. J Sports Sci Med 2023; 22:281-287. [PMID: 37293425 PMCID: PMC10244990 DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2023.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to compare the effects of a bilateral conditioning activity consisting of back squats and drop jumps with a unilateral one consisting of split squats and depth jumps to lateral hop over sequentially performed countermovement jump (CMJ), modified t-agility test (MAT), and Achilles tendon stiffness. Twenty-six basketball players participated in this study and were randomly and equally assigned to one of two different test groups: bilateral (B - CA) or unilateral (U - CA) conditioning activity group. The B - CA group completed 2 sets of 4 repetitions of back squats at 80% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), then 10 drop jumps, while the U - CA group performed 2 sets of 2 repetitions of split squats on each leg at 80%1RM, followed by 5 depth jumps to lateral hop on each leg as conditioning activity (CA) complexes. After a warm-up and 5 min before the CA the baseline Achilles tendon stiffness, CMJ, and MAT time measurement were performed. In the 6th min after the CA, all tests were re-tested in the same order. The two-way repeated measures mixed ANOVAs revealed that both B - CA and U - CA failed to produce significant improvements in CMJ and MAT performance. In addition, a significant increase in Achilles stiffness was demonstrated with both protocols (a main effect of time: p = 0.017; effect size = 0.47; medium). This study revealed that combining back squats and drop jumps, as well as split squats and depth jumps to a lateral hop, had no effect on subsequent CMJ and MAT performance in basketball players. Based on these results, it can be assumed that combinations of exercises, even if they have similar movement patterns, may cause excessive fatigue, resulting in no PAPE effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Papla
- Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Poland
| | - Paulina Ewertowska
- Division of Clinical Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Michał Krzysztofik
- Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Poland
- Department of Sport Games, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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26
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Hill MW, Wdowski MM, Rosicka K, Kay AD, Muehlbauer T. Exploring the relationship of static and dynamic balance with muscle mechanical properties of the lower limbs in healthy young adults. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1168314. [PMID: 37304823 PMCID: PMC10251143 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1168314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
There is emerging evidence that mechanical properties of in vivo muscle tissues are associated with postural sway during quiet standing. However, it is unknown if the observed relationship between mechanical properties with static balance parameters generalise to dynamic balance. Thus, we determined the relationship between static and dynamic balance parameters with muscle mechanical properties of the ankle plantar flexors [lateral gastrocnemius (GL)] and knee extensors [vastus lateralis (VL)] in vivo. Twenty-six participants (men = 16, women = 10; age = 23.3 ± 4.4 years) were assessed for static balance [centre of pressure (COP) movements during quiet standing], dynamic balance (reach distances for the Y-balance test) and mechanical properties (stiffness and tone) of the GL and VL measured in the standing and lying position. Significant (p < .05) small to moderate inverse correlations were observed between the mean COP velocity during quiet standing with stiffness (r = -.40 to -.58, p = .002 to .042) and tone (r = -0.42 to -0.56, p = 0.003 to 0.036) of the GL and VL (lying and standing). Tone and stiffness explained 16%-33% of the variance in the mean COP velocity. Stiffness and tone of the VL measured in the lying (supine) condition were also inversely significantly correlated with Y balance test performance (r = -0.39 to -0.46, p = 0.018 to 0.049). These findings highlight that individuals with low muscle stiffness and tone exhibit faster COP movements during quiet standing, indicative of reduced postural control but also reveal that low VL stiffness and tone are associated with greater reach distances in a lower extremity reaching task, indicative of greater neuromuscular performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew W. Hill
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Maximilian M. Wdowski
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Katarzyna Rosicka
- Department of Physiotherapy Faculty of Physical Culture in Gorzów Wlkp, Poznań University of Physical Education, Gorzów Wlkp, Poland
| | - Anthony D. Kay
- Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences, Faculty of Art, Science and Technology, University of Northampton, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Muehlbauer
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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27
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Melo ASC, Taylor JL, Ferreira R, Cunha B, Ascenção M, Fernandes M, Sousa V, Cruz EB, Vilas-Boas JP, Sousa ASP. Differences in Trapezius Muscle H-Reflex between Asymptomatic Subjects and Symptomatic Shoulder Pain Subjects. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:s23094217. [PMID: 37177422 PMCID: PMC10180810 DOI: 10.3390/s23094217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
In chronic shoulder pain, adaptations in the nervous system such as in motoneuron excitability, could contribute to impairments in scapular muscles, perpetuation and recurrence of pain and reduced improvements during rehabilitation. The present cross-sectional study aims to compare trapezius neural excitability between symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. In 12 participants with chronic shoulder pain (symptomatic group) and 12 without shoulder pain (asymptomatic group), the H reflex was evoked in all trapezius muscle parts, through C3/4 nerve stimulation, and the M-wave through accessory nerve stimulation. The current intensity to evoke the maximum H reflex, the latency and the maximum peak-to-peak amplitude of both the H reflex and M-wave, as well as the ratio between these two variables, were calculated. The percentage of responses was considered. Overall, M-waves were elicited in most participants, while the H reflex was elicited only in 58-75% or in 42-58% of the asymptomatic and symptomatic participants, respectively. A comparison between groups revealed that the symptomatic group presented a smaller maximum H reflex as a percentage of M-wave from upper trapezius and longer maximal H reflex latency from the lower trapezius (p < 0.05). Subjects with chronic shoulder pain present changes in trapezius H reflex parameters, highlighting the need to consider trapezius neuromuscular control in these individuals' rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S C Melo
- Center for Rehabilitation Research, ESS (Escola Superior de Saúde), Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido Costa, 91, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Porto Biomechanics Laboratory (LABIOMEP-UP), University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido Costa, 91, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Center for Interdisciplinary Applied Research in Health, School of Health, Setubal Polytechnic Institute, Campus do IPS Estefanilha, 2914-503 Setubal, Portugal
| | - Janet L Taylor
- Centre for Human Performance, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Ricardo Ferreira
- Center for Rehabilitation Research, ESS (Escola Superior de Saúde), Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno Cunha
- Center for Rehabilitation Research, ESS (Escola Superior de Saúde), Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Ascenção
- Center for Rehabilitation Research, ESS (Escola Superior de Saúde), Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mathieu Fernandes
- Center for Rehabilitation Research, ESS (Escola Superior de Saúde), Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Vítor Sousa
- Center for Rehabilitation Research, ESS (Escola Superior de Saúde), Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduardo B Cruz
- Department of Physiotherapy, Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, Campus do IPS Estefanilha, 2914-503 Setúbal, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - J Paulo Vilas-Boas
- Porto Biomechanics Laboratory (LABIOMEP-UP), University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido Costa, 91, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido Costa, 91, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreia S P Sousa
- Center for Rehabilitation Research, ESS (Escola Superior de Saúde), Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
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28
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Genç H, Cianciosi A, Lohse R, Stahlhut P, Groll J, Alexiou C, Cicha I, Jüngst T. Adjusting Degree of Modification and Composition of gelAGE-Based Hydrogels Improves Long-Term Survival and Function of Primary Human Fibroblasts and Endothelial Cells in 3D Cultures. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:1497-1510. [PMID: 36786807 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to develop a suitable hydrogel-based 3D platform to support long-term culture of primary endothelial cells (ECs) and fibroblasts. Two hydrogel systems based on allyl-modified gelatin (gelAGE), G1MM and G2LH, were cross-linked via thiol-ene click reaction with a four-arm thiolated polyethylene glycol (PEG-4-SH). Compared to G1MM, the G2LH hydrogel was characterized by the lower polymer content and cross-linking density with a softer matrix and homogeneous and open porosity. Cell viability in both hydrogels was comparable, although the G2LH-based platform supported better F-actin organization, cell-cell interactions, and collagen and fibronectin production. In co-cultures, early morphogenesis leading to tubular-like structures was observed within 2 weeks. Migration of fibroblasts out of spheroids embedded in the G2LH hydrogels started after 5 days of incubation. Taken together, the results demonstrated that the G2LH hydrogel fulfilled the demands of both ECs and fibroblasts to enable long-term culture and matrix remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatice Genç
- Section of Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung-Endowed Professorship for Nanomedicine, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Alessandro Cianciosi
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry at the Institute of Functional Materials and Biofabrication (IFB), University of Würzburg and KeyLab Polymers for Medicine of the Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), Würzburg 97070, Germany
| | - Raphael Lohse
- Section of Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung-Endowed Professorship for Nanomedicine, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Philipp Stahlhut
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry at the Institute of Functional Materials and Biofabrication (IFB), University of Würzburg and KeyLab Polymers for Medicine of the Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), Würzburg 97070, Germany
| | - Jürgen Groll
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry at the Institute of Functional Materials and Biofabrication (IFB), University of Würzburg and KeyLab Polymers for Medicine of the Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), Würzburg 97070, Germany
| | - Christoph Alexiou
- Section of Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung-Endowed Professorship for Nanomedicine, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Iwona Cicha
- Section of Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung-Endowed Professorship for Nanomedicine, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Tomasz Jüngst
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry at the Institute of Functional Materials and Biofabrication (IFB), University of Würzburg and KeyLab Polymers for Medicine of the Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI), Würzburg 97070, Germany
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Kang JW, Kim KT, Park JW, Lee SJ. Classification of deep vein thrombosis stages using convolutional neural network of electromyogram with vibrotactile stimulation toward developing an early diagnostic tool: A preliminary study on a pig model. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281219. [PMID: 36730258 PMCID: PMC9894458 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can lead to life-threatening disorders; however, it can only be recognized after its symptom appear. This study proposed a novel method that can detect the early stage of DVT using electromyography (EMG) signals with vibration stimuli using the convolutional neural networks (CNN) algorithm. The feasibility of the method was tested with eight legs before and after the surgical induction of DVT at nine-time points. Furthermore, perfusion pressure (PP), intracompartmental pressure (IP), and shear elastic modulus (SEM) of the tibialis anterior were also collected. In the proposed method, principal component analysis (PCA) and CNN were used to analyze the EMG data and classify it before and after the DVT stages. The cross-validation was performed in two strategies. One is for each leg and the other is the leave-one-leg-out (LOLO), test without any predicted information, for considering the practical diagnostic tool. The results showed that PCA-CNN can classify before and after DVT stages with an average accuracy of 100% (each leg) and 68.4±20.5% (LOLO). Moreover, all-time points (before induction of DVT and eight-time points after DVT) were classified with an average accuracy of 72.0±11.9% which is substantially higher accuracy than the chance levels (11% for 9-class classification). Based on the experimental results in the pig model, the proposed CNN-based method can classify the before- and after-DVT stages with high accuracy. The experimental results can provide a basis for further developing an early diagnostic tool for DVT using only EMG signals with vibration stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Woo Kang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun-Tae Kim
- Bionics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Woong Park
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Song Joo Lee
- Bionics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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30
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The Effects of Vibration Exposure on Lower-Limb Extensor Muscles' Stiffness, Elasticity, and Strength Responses in Untrained Young Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Sport Rehabil 2023; 32:415-423. [PMID: 36708713 DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2022-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The whole-body vibration (WBV) effects on muscle strength show inconsistent results. Moreover, there is no study about the WBV effect on stiffness, elasticity, and muscle strength. Therefore, the study aimed to examine the effect of WBV exposure with static squat posture on the stiffness, elasticity, and strength of the lower-limb extensor muscles. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty healthy untrained young adults were divided into WBV and control groups. The experimental group received WBV exposure on 2 nonconsecutive days of the week, for 6 weeks. The MyotonPRO device was used for the assessment of the knee extensor and the ankle dorsiflexors' stiffness and elasticity. Isometric muscle strength was evaluated with a hand-held dynamometer. All measurements were done by the same assessor at baseline, and the following 6 weeks. RESULTS Significant group-by-time interactions were found for the elasticity scores of the right (d = 0.84, P = .01) and left (d = 0.77, P = .02) ankle dorsiflexors. Similar to the elasticity measurements, significant group-by-time interactions were observed in the muscle strength scores of the right (d = 0.45, P = .046) and left (d = 1.25, P < .001) ankle dorsiflexors. No significant effects were observed in any of the evaluated muscle stiffness measurements (P > .05), and there was no significant group-by-time interaction in knee-extensor muscle strength and elasticity scores (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS The study results indicate that if the ankle dorsiflexor strength and elasticity are desired to be increased, the 6-week WBV exposure in a static squat posture can be used in healthy individuals.
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31
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Assessing reliability and validity of different stiffness measurement tools on a multi-layered phantom tissue model. Sci Rep 2023; 13:815. [PMID: 36646734 PMCID: PMC9842673 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27742-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in the mechanical properties (i.e., stiffness) of soft tissues have been linked to musculoskeletal disorders, pain conditions, and cancer biology, leading to a rising demand for diagnostic methods. Despite the general availability of different stiffness measurement tools, it is unclear as to which are best suited for different tissue types and the related measurement depths. The study aimed to compare different stiffness measurement tools' (SMT) reliability on a multi-layered phantom tissue model (MPTM). A polyurethane MPTM simulated the four layers of the thoracolumbar region: cutis (CUT), subcutaneous connective tissue (SCT), fascia profunda (FPR), and erector spinae (ERS), with varying stiffness parameters. Evaluated stiffness measurement tools included Shore Durometer, Semi-Electronic Tissue Compliance Meter (STCM), IndentoPRO, MyotonPRO, and ultrasound imaging. Measurements were made by two independent, blinded examiners. Shore Durometer, STCM, IndentoPRO, and MyotonPRO reliably detected stiffness changes in three of the four MPTM layers, but not in the thin (1 mm thick) layer simulating FPR. With ultrasound imaging, only stiffness changes in layers thicker than 3 mm could be measured reliably. Significant correlations ranging from 0.70 to 0.98 (all p < 0.01) were found. The interrater reliability ranged from good to excellent (ICC(2,2) = 0.75-0.98). The results are encouraging for researchers and clinical practitioners as the investigated stiffness measurement tools are easy-to-use and comparatively affordable.
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32
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Wdowski MM, Rosicka K, Hill M. Influence of lower-limb muscular and tendon mechanical properties and strength on countermovement jump performance. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2023; 63:16-22. [PMID: 35230068 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.22.13567-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the study is to examine the relationship between measures of muscle and tendon mechanical properties and strength on countermovement jump (CMJ) performance. METHODS Twenty-six physically active participants (males; N.=16: females; N.=10) were tested. Testing comprised of measuring the mechanical properties of lower limb muscles and tendons using myotonometry, isometric and isokinetic knee extensor strength through dynamometry, and CMJ's with a force platform. RESULTS Large positive correlations were observed between CMJ jump height and Achilles tendon stiffness (N/m) (r=0.56) and Achilles tendon tone (Hz) (r=0.553). Large negative correlations were found between CMJ height and Achilles tendon elasticity (r=-0.658), and Achilles tendon relaxation (r=-0.572), and Achilles tendon creep (r=-0.589). Large correlations (r=0.592 to 0.659) were observed between CMJ height and all measures of isometric and isokinetic dynamometry measures. Achilles tendon stiffness, elasticity level and relaxation, and isokinetic peak concentric torque (N.m) explained 63% of this variance. CONCLUSIONS Greater stiffness of the Achilles tendon may improve CMJ performance due to the improved transfer of concentric and eccentric force of the knee extensor muscles. Practitioners need to implement specific interventions to target increasing Achilles tendon stiffness to improve countermovement jump performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian M Wdowski
- School of Life Sciences, Center for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK -
| | - Katarzyna Rosicka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Physical Culture, Poznań University of Physical Education, Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland
| | - Mathew Hill
- School of Life Sciences, Center for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
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Labata-Lezaun N, Canet-Vintró M, López-de-Celis C, Rodríguez-Sanz J, Aiguadé R, Cuadra-Llopart L, Jovell-Fernández E, Bosch J, Pérez-Bellmunt A. Effectiveness of a Multicomponent Training Program on Physical Performance and Muscle Quality in Older Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:222. [PMID: 36612544 PMCID: PMC9819718 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Aging is associated with a decrease in functional capacity, manifested by a loss of strength, physical performance and muscle quality. Multicomponent training (MCT), characterized by the combination of at least three types of training, could be a good strategy to counteract these changes. To date there are no studies evaluating the effectiveness of MCT in improving both physical performance and muscle quality simultaneously. The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes produced by an MCT program on both physical performance and muscle quality in a population of healthy older adults. Sixteen healthy older adults were recruited to perform a 15-session multicomponent training intervention. Physical performance was assessed by different functional tests, and muscle quality was assessed by tensiomyography and myotonometry. The main results of this study show some improvement in functional tests, but not in muscle quality parameters, except for vastus lateralis stiffness. MCT is able to generate improvements in the physical performance of older adults, but these improvements are not reflected in muscle quality parameters measured by tensiomyography and myotonometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noé Labata-Lezaun
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat International de Catalunya, 08195 Barcelona, Spain
- ACTIUM Functional Anatomy Group, 08195 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Max Canet-Vintró
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat International de Catalunya, 08195 Barcelona, Spain
- ACTIUM Functional Anatomy Group, 08195 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos López-de-Celis
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat International de Catalunya, 08195 Barcelona, Spain
- ACTIUM Functional Anatomy Group, 08195 Barcelona, Spain
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jacobo Rodríguez-Sanz
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat International de Catalunya, 08195 Barcelona, Spain
- ACTIUM Functional Anatomy Group, 08195 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramón Aiguadé
- Nursing and Physiotherapy Department, Universitat de Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Leonor Cuadra-Llopart
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, 08227 Terrassa, Spain
| | | | - Joan Bosch
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat International de Catalunya, 08195 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Pérez-Bellmunt
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat International de Catalunya, 08195 Barcelona, Spain
- ACTIUM Functional Anatomy Group, 08195 Barcelona, Spain
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Gervasi M, Benelli P, Venerandi R, Fernández-Peña E. Relationship between Muscle-Tendon Stiffness and Drop Jump Performance in Young Male Basketball Players during Developmental Stages. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:17017. [PMID: 36554895 PMCID: PMC9778993 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192417017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between stiffness and drop jump performance in athletes in various stages of development has yet to be fully investigated. The first aim of this study was to investigate the association between the stiffness of the patellar and quadriceps tendon (PT, QT), gastrocnemius-Achilles tendon unit (GAT), and rectus femoris (RF) using drop jump (DJ) performance in young basketball players. The second aim was to investigate possible variations in the stiffness levels of those tissues in different developmental stages. METHODS The stiffness levels of the GAT, PT, QT, and RF were measured in both limbs in 73 male basketball players aged 12 to 18 years. The reactive strength index (RSI), contact time (CT) and jump height (JH) during 30 and 40 cm DJs were also measured. RESULTS Pearson correlation coefficients showed a significant association between DJ performance and PT, QT, GAT, and RF dynamic stiffness. Moreover, the youngest subjects were found to have lower stiffness values than the older ones. CONCLUSIONS Tissue stiffness can affect athletic performance by modifying the stretch-shortening cycle in young basketball players. Stiffness of muscles and tendons increases during the maturation process. Further investigations could shed light on the effect of training on the stiffness of muscles and tendons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Gervasi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Piero Benelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy
- US Victoria Libertas Basketball, 61122 Pesaro, Italy
| | | | - Eneko Fernández-Peña
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 01007 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
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García-Bernal MI, González-García P, Casuso-Holgado MJ, Cortés-Vega MD, Heredia-Rizo AM. Measuring Mechanical Properties of Spastic Muscles After Stroke. Does Muscle Position During Assessment Really Matter? Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2022; 103:2368-2374. [PMID: 35724753 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2022.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of muscle position (relaxed vs stretched) on muscle mechanical properties and the ability of myotonometry to detect differences between sides, groups, and sites of testing in patients with stroke. We also analyzed the association between myotonometry and clinical measures of spasticity. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Outpatient rehabilitation units including private and public centers. PARTICIPANTS Seventy-one participants (20 subacute stroke, 20 chronic stroke, 31 controls) were recruited (N=71). INTERVENTION Muscle mechanical properties were measured bilaterally with a MyotonPRO at muscle belly and musculotendinous sites during 2 protocols (muscle relaxed or in maximal bearable stretched position). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Muscle tone and stiffness of the biceps brachii and gastrocnemius. Poststroke spasticity was evaluated with the Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS). A mixed-model analysis of variance was used to detect differences in the outcome measures. RESULTS The analysis of variance showed a significant effect of muscle position on muscle mechanical properties (higher tone and stiffness with the muscle assessed in stretched position). Measurements with the stretched muscle could help discriminate between spastic and nonspastic sides, but only at the biceps brachii. Overall, there was a significant increase in tone and stiffness in the chronic stroke group and in myotendinous sites compared with muscle belly sites (all, P<.05). No correlations were found between myotonometry and the MTS. CONCLUSIONS Myotonometry assessment of mechanical properties with the muscle stretched improves the ability of myotonometry to discriminate between sides in patients after stroke and between people with and without stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- María-Isabel García-Bernal
- Departmento de Fisioterapia, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Paula González-García
- Departmento de Fisioterapia, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - María Jesús Casuso-Holgado
- Departmento de Fisioterapia, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain; UMSS Research Group, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - María Dolores Cortés-Vega
- Departmento de Fisioterapia, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Alberto Marcos Heredia-Rizo
- Departmento de Fisioterapia, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain; UMSS Research Group, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
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36
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Isogai K, Okamoto S, Asaba T, Ogusu S, Shimizu Y, Watanabe T, Yamada Y. Young's moduli of subcutaneous tissues and muscles under different loads at the gluteal region calculated using ultrasonography. J Phys Ther Sci 2022; 34:777-783. [PMID: 36507079 PMCID: PMC9711973 DOI: 10.1589/jpts.34.777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
[Purpose] Young's modulus distributions for subcutaneous and muscle tissues in a large sample of healthy individuals, based on ultrasonography and compression testing, remains uninvestigated till date. This study aimed to separately estimate the hardness of subcutaneous tissues and muscles in the human gluteal region under a range of loads in terms of mean Young's moduli and associated distributions. [Participants and Methods] Data of 21 males aged 20-22 years were acquired using synchronous compression testing and ultrasonography. Stress-strain curves comprised the loads applied (stress) were plotted against ultrasonographic changes in subcutaneous/muscle tissue thickness (strain). Young's moduli were calculated as slopes of approximation curves fitted to highly linear regions of the stress-strain curves. [Results] Young's moduli (mean ± standard deviation) for gluteal subcutaneous and muscle tissues were estimated as: 26.1 ± 19.0 kPa, 1-N load; 2,199.1 ± 1,354.8 kPa, 30-N load; and 62.2 ± 10.3 kPa, 5-N load; 440.4 ± 80.0 kPa, 30-N load, respectively. No correlation between any pair of these measures reached statistical significance. [Conclusion] Young's moduli were successfully measured for subcutaneous and muscle tissues in a large participant sample using ultrasonography and compression testing. Our results may serve as reference data when assessing tissue hardness by palpation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Isogai
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health and
Medical Sciences, Tokoha University: 1230 Miyakoda-cho, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu-shi, Shizuoka
431-2102, Japan,Corresponding author. Kaoru Isogai (E-mail: )
| | - Shogo Okamoto
- Department of Computer Science, Graduate School of System
Design, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
| | - Takayuki Asaba
- Department of Rehabilitation, Seirei Hamamatsu General
Hospital, Japan
| | - Shogo Ogusu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Yamauchi Orthopedic Clinic,
Japan
| | - Yusuke Shimizu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Iwata City Hospital,
Japan
| | | | - Yoji Yamada
- Department of Mechanical Systems, Graduate School of
Engineering, Nagoya University, Japan
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Jung M, Ghamrawi S, Du EY, Gooding JJ, Kavallaris M. Advances in 3D Bioprinting for Cancer Biology and Precision Medicine: From Matrix Design to Application. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2200690. [PMID: 35866252 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202200690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is highly complex owing to its heterogeneous composition and dynamic nature. This makes tumors difficult to replicate using traditional 2D cell culture models that are frequently used for studying tumor biology and drug screening. This often leads to poor translation of results between in vitro and in vivo and is reflected in the extremely low success rates of new candidate drugs delivered to the clinic. Therefore, there has been intense interest in developing 3D tumor models in the laboratory that are representative of the in vivo tumor microenvironment and patient samples. 3D bioprinting is an emerging technology that enables the biofabrication of structures with the virtue of providing accurate control over distribution of cells, biological molecules, and matrix scaffolding. This technology has the potential to bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo by closely recapitulating the tumor microenvironment. Here, a brief overview of the tumor microenvironment is provided and key considerations in biofabrication of tumor models are discussed. Bioprinting techniques and choice of bioinks for both natural and synthetic polymers are also outlined. Lastly, current bioprinted tumor models are reviewed and the perspectives of how clinical applications can greatly benefit from 3D bioprinting technologies are offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- MoonSun Jung
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Center, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Sarah Ghamrawi
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Center, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Eric Y Du
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,School of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - J Justin Gooding
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,School of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Maria Kavallaris
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Center, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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Do Psychological Factors Influence the Elastic Properties of Soft Tissue in Subjects with Fibromyalgia? A Cross-Sectional Observational Study. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123077. [PMID: 36551833 PMCID: PMC9775315 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, there is evidence related to the impact that psychological factors have on symptoms, specifically vegetative ones, and on the autonomic nervous system in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). However, there are no studies to correlate the level of association between psychological factors and the elastic properties of tissue in the FM population. Elastic properties of soft tissue reflect age- and disease-related changes in the mechanical functions of soft tissue, and mechanical failure has a profound impact on morbidity and mortality. The study has a cross-sectional observational design with 42 participants recruited from a private clinic and rehabilitation service. The Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale and Self-Efficacy Scale were used to assess psychological factors. The elastic properties of the tissue in the characteristic painful points, which patients suffering from FM described, were assessed by strain elastography. A low and significant level of association was found between pain catastrophising scale (PCS) and the non-dominant lateral epicondyle (r = -0.318; p = 0.045). Kinesiophobia was found to be related to the dominant lateral epicondyle (r = 0.403; p = 0.010), the non-dominant knee (r = -0.34; p = 0.027) and the dominant forearm (r = 0.360; p = 0.010). Self-Efficacy showed a low level of association with the non-dominant supraspinatus (r = -0.338; p = 0.033) and the non-dominant medial epicondyle (r = -0.326; p = 0.040). Psychological factors and the elastic properties of tissue seem to be associated in patients suffering from FM. The most profound association between psychological factors and non-dominant parts of the body could be related to neglect and non-use of those parts of the body.
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Sonaye SY, Ertugral EG, Kothapalli CR, Sikder P. Extrusion 3D (Bio)Printing of Alginate-Gelatin-Based Composite Scaffolds for Skeletal Muscle Tissue Engineering. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:ma15227945. [PMID: 36431432 PMCID: PMC9695625 DOI: 10.3390/ma15227945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Volumetric muscle loss (VML), which involves the loss of a substantial portion of muscle tissue, is one of the most serious acute skeletal muscle injuries in the military and civilian communities. The injured area in VML may be so severely affected that the body loses its innate capacity to regenerate new functional muscles. State-of-the-art biofabrication methods such as bioprinting provide the ability to develop cell-laden scaffolds that could significantly expedite tissue regeneration. Bioprinted cell-laden scaffolds can mimic the extracellular matrix and provide a bioactive environment wherein cells can spread, proliferate, and differentiate, leading to new skeletal muscle tissue regeneration at the defect site. In this study, we engineered alginate−gelatin composite inks that could be used as bioinks. Then, we used the inks in an extrusion printing method to develop design-specific scaffolds for potential VML treatment. Alginate concentration was varied between 4−12% w/v, while the gelatin concentration was maintained at 6% w/v. Rheological analysis indicated that the alginate−gelatin inks containing 12% w/v alginate and 6% w/v gelatin were most suitable for developing high-resolution scaffolds with good structural fidelity. The printing pressure and speed appeared to influence the printing accuracy of the resulting scaffolds significantly. All the hydrogel inks exhibited shear thinning properties and acceptable viscosities, though 8−12% w/v alginate inks displayed properties ideal for printing and cell proliferation. Alginate content, crosslinking concentration, and duration played significant roles (p < 0.05) in influencing the scaffolds’ stiffness. Alginate scaffolds (12% w/v) crosslinked with 300, 400, or 500 mM calcium chloride (CaCl2) for 15 min yielded stiffness values in the range of 45−50 kPa, i.e., similar to skeletal muscle. The ionic strength of the crosslinking concentration and the alginate content significantly (p < 0.05) affected the swelling and degradation behavior of the scaffolds. Higher crosslinking concentration and alginate loading enhanced the swelling capacity and decreased the degradation kinetics of the printed scaffolds. Optimal CaCl2 crosslinking concentration (500 mM) and alginate content (12% w/v) led to high swelling (70%) and low degradation rates (28%) of the scaffolds. Overall, the results indicate that 12% w/v alginate and 6% w/v gelatin hydrogel inks are suitable as bioinks, and the printed scaffolds hold good potential for treating skeletal muscle defects such as VML.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elif G. Ertugral
- Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
| | | | - Prabaha Sikder
- Mechanical Engineering, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
- Correspondence:
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Bravo-Sánchez A, Abián P, Sánchez-Infante J, Ramírez-delaCruz M, Esteban-García P, Jiménez F, Abián-Vicén J. Five-Compressions Protocol as a Valid Myotonometric Method to Assess the Stiffness of the Lower Limbs: A Brief Report. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14425. [PMID: 36361308 PMCID: PMC9654301 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of a short assessment MyotonPRO protocol to measure the stiffness of the superficial muscles and tendons of the lower limbs. The stiffness of the dominant lower limb vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF) and patellar tendon (PT) was evaluated in 52 healthy participants (26.9 ± 3.4 years) with two MyotonPRO protocols: the standard protocol (10 mechanical taps) and the short protocol (five mechanical taps). The myotonometry was performed at the midpoint of the length from the upper pole of the patella to the greater trochanter for the VL, and to the anterior superior iliac spine for the RF. The PT was evaluated 1 cm caudal from the inferior pole of the patella. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationships between protocols. The validity of the short protocol was evaluated with Student's t-test. High positive correlations were observed between the short and standard protocols in the stiffness of the VL (r = 0.959; p < 0.001), the RF (r = 0.967; p < 0.001) and the PT (r = 0.953; p < 0.001) and no differences were found between both protocols in the stiffness assessment of the VL, RF and PT (p > 0.05). Therefore, the five-compressions protocol is a valid protocol for the assessment of lower limb mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Bravo-Sánchez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Pablo Abián
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Comillas Pontifical University, C. Alberto Aguilera 23, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María Ramírez-delaCruz
- Performance and Sport Rehabilitation Laboratory (DEPORSALUD), Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Carlos III s/n, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Paula Esteban-García
- Performance and Sport Rehabilitation Laboratory (DEPORSALUD), Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Carlos III s/n, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Fernando Jiménez
- Performance and Sport Rehabilitation Laboratory (DEPORSALUD), Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Carlos III s/n, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Javier Abián-Vicén
- Performance and Sport Rehabilitation Laboratory (DEPORSALUD), Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Carlos III s/n, 45071 Toledo, Spain
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Lall PS, Alsubiheen AM, Aldaihan MM, Lee H. Differences in Medial and Lateral Gastrocnemius Stiffness after Exercise-Induced Muscle Fatigue. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192113891. [PMID: 36360770 PMCID: PMC9656849 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Muscles are affected at the cellular level by exercised-induced fatigue, inducing changes in their stiffness. Examining muscle stiffness can improve the knowledge of various pathologic conditions, such as pain and injury. The objective of this study was to examine the stiffness of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle and the lateral gastrocnemius (LG) muscle to determine the changes in stiffness, and to assess the differences in the stiffness between the MG and the LG, as affected by muscle fatigue measured using shear wave elastography (SWE) and a MyotonPRO after inducing muscle fatigue. A total of 35 healthy young adults participated in the study. The stiffness of the MG and the LG were assessed before and after a muscle fatigue protocol (MFP), which included three sets of 50 eccentric contractions of the calf muscles of the dominant leg, at rest, and at maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). The measurements were taken with SWE and the MyotonPRO simultaneously. Compared to baseline, the resting stiffness of the MG and the LG significantly increased immediately, 24 h, and 48 h after muscle fatigue (p < 0.05); however, during MVC, the stiffness of the MG decreased (p < 0.05) and that of the LG showed no change (p > 0.05). When the stiffness of the MG and the LG were compared before and after the MFP, changes in the stiffness of the MG were significantly greater than those in the LG (p < 0.05). This signifies that the MG was more affected by the exercise-induced muscle fatigue than was the LG. The assessment of musculoskeletal tissue and its characteristics, before and after eccentric exercise, is crucial in the prevention of overuse injuries associated with repeated exposure to both low and high levels of force.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prarthana Sanya Lall
- Graduate School, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Korea
| | - Abdulrahman M. Alsubiheen
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mishal M. Aldaihan
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanuel Lee
- Graduate School, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Korea
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Korea
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Tan Y, Chen H, Kang W, Wang X. Versatile Light-Mediated Synthesis of Dry Ion-Conducting Dynamic Bottlebrush Networks with High Elasticity, Interfacial Adhesiveness, and Flame Retardancy. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c01234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tan
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong250100, China
| | - Huan Chen
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong250100, China
| | - Wenbing Kang
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong250100, China
| | - Xu Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong250100, China
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Römer C, Czupajllo J, Zessin E, Fischer T, Wolfarth B, Lerchbaumer MH. Muscle and Tendon Stiffness of the Lower Limb of Professional Adolescent Soccer Athletes Measured Using Shear Wave Elastography. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12102453. [PMID: 36292143 PMCID: PMC9601169 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12102453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While adolescents have specific risk factors for acute and chronic injury, there is a lack of preventive medicine algorithms for this vulnerable group. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is currently mainly used for assessing muscle and tendon stiffness in adult athletes and can diagnose tissue pathologies such as tendinopathy. The aim was to investigate differences in quadriceps tendon and muscle stiffness between adolescent and adult professional soccer players using SWE and identify lateral imbalances in order to improve the knowledge of preventive medicine algorithms for professional adolescent athletes. METHODS Standardized SWE examinations of both lower limb tendons and muscles (the quadriceps tendon (QT) and the vastus medialis (VM) muscle) in the longitudinal plane and relaxed tendon position were performed in 13 healthy adolescent soccer athletes (13-17 years), and a control group of 19 healthy adult professional soccer athletes (18-29 years). RESULTS Adolescent soccer players had lower stiffness values for both the quadriceps tendon (3.11 m/s vs. 3.25 m/s) and the vastus medialis muscle (1.67 m/s vs. 1.71 m/s) than adult athletes. Moreover, QT stiffness in adolescent soccer players was significantly lower on the right side (QT: adult 3.50 m/s (2.73-4.56) vs. adolescent 2.90 m/s (2.61-3.12); p = 0.031). Analysis of the lateral differences revealed softer QT and VM tissue on the right side in over two-thirds of adolescent soccer athletes. Over two-thirds of adults had stiffer QT and VM tissue on the right side. CONCLUSION In adolescent soccer players, the stiffness of the QT and VM muscle measured by SWE is lower in the right leg. SWE of the musculoskeletal system may thus become a relevant diagnostic tool to detect early lateral imbalances as a main risk factor for injury and may thus contribute to the prevention of acute and chronic injury prevention in adolescent athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Römer
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Czupajllo
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Enrico Zessin
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Fischer
- Department of Radiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernd Wolfarth
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Herbert Lerchbaumer
- Department of Radiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-30-450657084
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Abián P, Bravo-Sánchez A, Jiménez F, Abián-Vicén J. CARACTERÍSTICAS DEL TENDÓN ROTULIANO Y DE AQUILES EN JUGADORES SENIOR DE BÁDMINTON. REVISTA INTERNACIONAL DE MEDICINA Y CIENCIAS DE LA ACTIVIDAD FÍSICA Y DEL DEPORTE 2022. [DOI: 10.15366/rimcafd2022.87.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Los objetivos del estudio fueron describir las propiedades estructurales y mecánicas de los tendones rotuliano y de Aquiles en jugadores senior (>35 años) de bádminton y detectar posibles asimetrías entre el lado dominante y no dominante. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 206 jugadores senior de bádminton (Edad: 52.2±9.6 años) que participaron en el campeonato de Europa Senior en 2018. Se evaluaron las propiedades estructurales (grosor, anchura y área de sección transversal) por medio de un ecógrafo Logiq® S8 y las propiedades mecánicas (elasticidad, tono, rigidez e índice de elastografía) con miotonometría y sonoelastografía de los tendones rotuliano y de Aquiles. Los resultados mostraron que fueron mayores el grosor (5.34±19.90%, p = 0.027) y la anchura (1.57±8.52%, p=0.036) en el tendón de Aquiles no dominante mientras que el tendón rotuliano dominante mostró unos valores mayores para el tono (2.09±12.96%, p=0.002) y para la rigidez (4.41±21.11%, p=0.002) respecto al no dominante.
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Kurashina W, Iijima Y, Sasanuma H, Saito T, Takeshita K. Evaluation of muscle stiffness in adhesive capsulitis with Myoton PRO. JSES Int 2022; 7:25-29. [PMID: 36820433 PMCID: PMC9937826 DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2022.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adhesive capsulitis (AC) is characterized by pain and limited range of motion, caused by stiffness of the joint capsule and coracohumeral ligament. On the other hand, there have been few reports on muscle stiffness in AC. The purpose of this study was to assess muscle stiffness in patients of AC with a portable and noninvasive device, Myoton PRO. We hypothesized that muscle stiffness around shoulder joint increases in AC. Methods At first, we surveyed correlation between Myoton PRO and shear wave elastography with phantoms. Second, reproducibility and repeatability of healthy volunteers with Myoton PRO were evaluated. Finally, muscle stiffness was measured in 40 patients who were diagnosed with AC. Muscle stiffness was quantitatively measured with Myoton PRO. We compared the stiffness of the anterior deltoid (AD), pectoralis major, and latissimus dorsi (LD) in AC patients on both the affected and nonaffected sides. Results Correlation coefficient in shear wave elastography and Myoton PRO was 0.99(P = .001). Reliability of intraoperator and interoperator with Myoton PRO was 0.9 or higher. Muscle stiffness values (N/m) of the AD, pectoralis major, and LD were 355 ± 61, 252 ± 54, 207 ± 51 in the affected sides and 328 ± 50, 252 ± 41, 186 ± 37 in the nonaffected sides, and the differences were significant in the AD and LD (P = .005, P = .002, respectively). Conclusions We used Myoton PRO to evaluate muscle stiffness in AC. The AD and LD muscles of AC patients were significantly stiffer on the affected side compared to the nonaffected side.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Kurashina
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tochigi Medical Center Shimotsuga, Ohira, Tochigi, Japan,Graduate School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yuki Iijima
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan,Corresponding author: Yuki Iijima, MD, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 3292740822, Japan.
| | - Hideyuki Sasanuma
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Saito
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Katsushi Takeshita
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
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The Influence of Different Modes of Exercise on Healthy and Injured Tendons. Stem Cells Int 2022; 2022:3945210. [PMID: 36117720 PMCID: PMC9481386 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3945210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tendons are essential components of the musculoskeletal system that links the skeletal muscle to the skeleton. This dense connective tissue exhibits great plasticity. Therefore, research on the influence of types of exercise, including acute and long-term training, on the structural and mechanical properties of tendons in athletic and sedentary populations is of critical importance in the design of scientific-based exercise plans and effective tendinopathy treatment. Here, we review recent studies on the relationship between exercise and tendon health and tendinopathy repair to provide a general understanding of how exercise may reshape tendons.
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Pérez-Bellmunt A, Simon M, López-de-Celis C, Ortiz-Miguel S, González-Rueda V, Fernandez-de-Las-Peñas C. Effects on Neuromuscular Function After Ischemic Compression in Latent Trigger Points in the Gastrocnemius Muscles: A Randomized Within-Participant Clinical Trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2022; 45:490-496. [PMID: 33431281 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2020.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in neuromuscular function, pain perception, and basic physical properties in latent myofascial trigger points (TrPs) after a single treatment session of ischemic compression in the gastrocnemius muscle. METHODS A randomized within-participant clinical trial with a blinded assessor was conducted. Twenty-nine asymptomatic volunteers with latent gastrocnemius-muscle TrPs were bilaterally explored. Each extremity was randomly assigned to the control group (no treatment) or the experimental group (90 seconds of ischemic compression over each TrP). Neuromuscular function of the gastrocnemius muscle was assessed using a MyotonPro. Muscle flexibility was analyzed using the lunge test and the passive ankle range of motion. The strength was determined with a handheld dynamometer (MicroFET2). Pain perception was analyzed with a 0-to-10 numerical pain rating scale and determination of pressure pain thresholds over each latent TrP. RESULTS The results revealed a reduction of 15.8% in pain perception and an increment of pressure tolerance of 9.9% without pain in the treatment group. Changes in muscle flexibility (active and passive) and most parameters for neuromuscular response (rigidity, elasticity, and relaxation) were also observed, but they were not significantly different between groups. The clinical effect sizes were moderate for pain perception (d = 0.69), pressure pain threshold (d = 0.78), muscle tone (d = 0.51), and elasticity (d = 0.54) in favor of the treated extremity. Small clinical effect sizes were observed for muscle physical outcomes. CONCLUSION The present study shows that the use of a single session of ischemic compression for latent gastrocnemius-muscle TrPs improved some sensory outcomes. The effects on ankle range of motion and neuromuscular responses were inconclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mathias Simon
- Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | | | | | - César Fernandez-de-Las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
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Römer C, Czupajllo J, Wolfarth B, Lerchbaumer MH, Legerlotz K. Effects of orally administered hormonal contraceptives on the musculoskeletal system of healthy premenopausal women—A systematic review. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e776. [PMID: 35957969 PMCID: PMC9364327 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The musculoskeletal system (MSK) is one of the extragonadal target tissues of sex hormones: osteoblasts and osteocytes express estrogen receptors, while in fibroblasts of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and myocytes of the vastus lateralis muscle (MVL), estrogen and progesterone receptors can be detected by immunoassay. Indeed, upon binding of sex hormones to the extragonadal receptors, the MSK seems to respond to varying levels of sex hormones with structural adaptation. Hormonal contraceptives can affect the musculoskeletal system; however, there is a lack of high‐quality studies, and no recommendation for female athletes exists. Material and Methods This is a systematic review of publications on the effects of oral hormonal contraceptives on the biomechanical properties of tendons, muscles and ligaments, muscle strength, and soft tissue regeneration. A systematic database search was performed using MESH keywords and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) methodology in Pubmed and Cochrane to identify studies investigating the influence of oral hormonal contraceptives on muscles, tendons, and ligaments of healthy, adult, premenopausal women. The risk of bias in the studies included was assessed by two independent researchers using the ROBINS‐I Tool. Results Nine comparative studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Endpoints were muscle strength and biomechanical tissue properties. No significant influence of oral hormonal contraceptives on muscle strength was found, although general muscle growth and Type I fiber growth were found to be significantly increased in a dose‐dependent manner. There was a negative effect on regeneration of muscle strength after exercise. The stiffness of tendons remained unchanged, while their size adaptation to load increased. Conclusion The anabolic effect could be beneficial for specific sports, whereas reduced muscle regeneration could be disadvantageous for women exercising with high‐performance demands. The different effects on tendons and ligaments and the functional consequences of altered ligament and muscle stiffness, especially with regard to synthetic hormones, should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Römer
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité—University Medicine Berlin Humboldt‐University of Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Julia Czupajllo
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité—University Medicine Berlin Humboldt‐University of Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Bernd Wolfarth
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité—University Medicine Berlin Humboldt‐University of Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Markus H. Lerchbaumer
- Department of Radiology Charité—University Medicine Berlin, Humboldt‐University of Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Kirsten Legerlotz
- Movement Biomechanics, Institute of Sport Sciences Humboldt‐University of Berlin Berlin Germany
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Cruz-Montecinos C, Besomi M, Acevedo-Valenzuela N, Cares-Marambio K, Bustamante A, Guzmán-González B, Tapia-Malebrán C, Sanzana-Cuche R, Calatayud J, Méndez-Rebolledo G. Soleus muscle and Achilles tendon compressive stiffness is related to knee and ankle positioning. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2022; 66:102698. [PMID: 36007467 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2022.102698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in fascicle length and tension of the soleus (SOL) muscle have been observed in humans using B-mode ultrasound to examine the knee from different angles. An alternative technique of assessing muscle and tendon stiffness is myometry, which is non-invasive, accessible, and easy to use. This study aimed to estimate the compressive stiffness of the distal SOL and Achilles tendon (AT) using myometry in various knee and ankle joint positions. Twenty-six healthy young males were recruited. The Myoton-PRO device was used to measure the compressive stiffness of the distal SOL and AT in the dominant leg. The knee was measured in two positions (90° of flexion and 0° of flexion) and the ankle joint in three positions (10° of dorsiflexion, neutral position, and 30° of plantar flexion) in random order. A three-way repeated-measures ANOVA test was performed. Significant interactions were found for structure × ankle position, structure × knee position, and structure × ankle position × knee position (p < 0.05). The AT and SOL showed significant increases in compressive stiffness with knee extension over knee flexion for all tested ankle positions (p < 0.05). Changes in stiffness relating to knee positioning were larger in the SOL than in the AT (p < 0.05). These results indicate that knee extension increases the compressive stiffness of the distal SOL and AT under various ankle joint positions, with a greater degree of change observed for the SOL. This study highlights the relevance of knee position in passive stiffness of the SOL and AT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Cruz-Montecinos
- Department of Physical Therapy, Laboratory of Clinical Biomechanics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Division of Research, Devolvement and Innovation in Kinesiology, Kinesiology Unit, San José Hospital, Northern Metropolitan Health Service, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Manuela Besomi
- Carrera de Kinesiología, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Chile; School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicolás Acevedo-Valenzuela
- Department of Physical Therapy, Laboratory of Clinical Biomechanics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Kevin Cares-Marambio
- Department of Physical Therapy, Laboratory of Clinical Biomechanics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandro Bustamante
- Department of Physical Therapy, Laboratory of Clinical Biomechanics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Benjamín Guzmán-González
- Department of Physical Therapy, Laboratory of Clinical Biomechanics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Tapia-Malebrán
- Department of Physical Therapy, Laboratory of Clinical Biomechanics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodolfo Sanzana-Cuche
- Department of Anatomy and Legal Medicine Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Chile; Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Sede Los Leones, Chile
| | - Joaquín Calatayud
- Exercise Intervention for Health Research Group (EXINH-RG), Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Spain
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Li Y, Yu J, Zhang J, Zhang Z, Wang X. Quantifying the stiffness of lumbar erector spinae during different positions among participants with chronic low back pain. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270286. [PMID: 35749429 PMCID: PMC9231815 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The purposes of this study were to (1) detect the intra- and inter-reliabilities of the lumbar erector spinae stiffness by MyotonPRO among participants with chronic lower back pain (CLBP); (2) compare the muscle stiffness between pain and non-pain sides during different positions; (3) explore the correlation between intensity of pain and muscle stiffness. Design Twenty participants with CLBP were recruited and the stiffness measurements were carried out by two experienced physiotherapists (operators Ⅰ and Ⅱ). Each participant was evaluated by the operatorⅠ in different postures (static prone and sitting). After a 5-day interval, the same participant was reassessed by the operatorⅠ in the static prone posture. For the inter-rater reliability test, each participant was quantified by both operators once, with 30 minutes between the measurements on the same day. The intensity of pain was evaluated using a 0–10 visual analog scale (VAS). Results The intra- and inter-rater reliabilities were excellent (ICC = 0.88–0.99). The MDC values ranged from 25.03 to 86.26 N/m. Examples of Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement. The erector spinae stiffness on the painful sides was higher with a marked increase in the sitting position (P < .05) when compared with the non-painful side. However, there was no significant difference in the prone position (P > .05). The intensity of pain among adults with CLBP was not associated with muscle stiffness of the lumbar erector spinae muscle. Conclusions Our findings indicated that the MyotonPRO is a feasible device in quantifying the stiffness of the lumbar erector spinae muscle in patients with CLBP. Meanwhile, the erector spinae stiffness on the painful sides was higher in the sitting when compared with the non-painful side.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yapeng Li
- Rehabilitation Therapy Center, Luoyang Orthopedic Hospital of Henan Province, Orthopedic Hospital of Henan Province, Luoyang, China
| | - Jiafeng Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Institute of Rehabilitation and Health Care, Hunan Traditional Chinese Medical College, Hunan, China
| | - Zhijie Zhang
- Rehabilitation Therapy Center, Luoyang Orthopedic Hospital of Henan Province, Orthopedic Hospital of Henan Province, Luoyang, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Xueqiang Wang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
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