1
|
Azami P, Ashraf A, Yousefi O, Hosseinpour A, Nasiri A. Impact of treadmill running on distal femoral cartilage thickness: a cross-sectional study of professional athletes and healthy controls. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2024; 16:104. [PMID: 38711058 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-024-00896-4] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This present study aimed to assess the impact of treadmill running on distal femoral cartilage thickness. METHODS Professional athletes aged 20 to 40 years with a history of treadmill running (minimum 75 min per week for the past three months or more) and age-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls were recruited. Demographics and clinical features of participants were recorded. Athletes were divided into subgroup 1 with less than 12 months of treadmill running and subgroup 2 with 12 months or more of treadmill running. Distal femoral cartilage thicknesses were measured at the midpoints of the right medial condyle (RMC), right intercondylar area (RIA), right lateral condyle (RLC), left medial condyle (LMC), left intercondylar area (LIA), and left lateral condyle (LLC) via ultrasonography. RESULT A total of 72 athletes (mean age: 29.6 ± 6.6 years) and 72 controls (mean age: 31.9 ± 6.7 years) were enrolled. Athletes had significantly thinner cartilages in the RLC (2.21 ± 0.38 vs. 2.39 ± 0.31 cm, p = 0.002), LLC (2.28 ± 0.37 vs. 2.46 ± 0.35 cm, p = 0.004), and LMC (2.28 ± 0.42 vs. 2.42 ± 0.36 cm, p = 0.039) compared with the control group. Furthermore, cartilage thickness was significantly thinner in subgroup 2 athletes compared with the control group in the RLC (2.13 ± 0.34 vs. 2.39 ± 0.31 cm, p = 0.001), LLC (2.22 ± 0.31 vs. 2.46 ± 0.35 cm, p = 0.005), and LMC (2.21 ± 0.46 vs. 2.42 ± 0.36 cm, p = 0.027); however, subgroup 1 athletes did not have such differences. There was a weak negative correlation between total months of treadmill running and cartilage thickness in the RLC (r = - 0.0236, p = 0.046) and LLC (r = - 0.0233, p = 0.049). No significant correlation was found between the distal femoral cartilage thickness at different sites and the patients' demographic features, including age, BMI, speed and incline of treadmill running, and minutes of running per session and week (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Compared with healthy controls, professional athletes with a history of long-term high-intensity treadmill running had thinner femoral cartilages. The duration (months) of treadmill running was weakly negatively correlated with distal femoral cartilage thickness. Longitudinal studies with prolonged follow-ups are needed to clarify how treadmill running affects femoral cartilage thickness in athletes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pouria Azami
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Alireza Ashraf
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Omid Yousefi
- Trauma Research Center, Shahid Rajaee (Emtiaz) Trauma Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Aref Nasiri
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Comparison of thicknesses of talar cartilage, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius muscles between high-activity patients with unilateral traumatic transtibial amputation and nonamputated individuals: A clinical and sonographic study. Prosthet Orthot Int 2022; 46:459-465. [PMID: 36215056 DOI: 10.1097/pxr.0000000000000159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to compare the thicknesses of intact talar cartilage, tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius medialis (GCM), and gastrocnemius lateralis (GCL) muscles of traumatic unilateral transtibial amputees with that of nonamputated individuals by ultrasound and to investigate the relationship between cartilage and muscle thickness measurements with clinical parameters. METHODS Thirty-six patients with unilateral traumatic transtibial amputation, and 36 age-matched, sex-matched, and body mass index-matched nonamputated controls were included in this cross-sectional study. Subjects' talar cartilage, TA, GCM, and GCL muscle thickness measurements were performed using musculoskeletal ultrasound. Other outcome measures were 6-minute walking test, the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, and Short Form-36. RESULTS TA and GCM muscles were thicker on the intact limbs of the patients than those of the controls (p = 0.015 and p = 0.014, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in talar cartilage and GCL muscle thicknesses when patients were compared with control subjects. Talar cartilage thickness was positively correlated with body mass index, 6-minute walking test, and sport and recreation subscale score of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score. TA and GCM muscle thicknesses were positively correlated with the duration of prosthesis use and role limitations because of the physical health subscale score of Short Form-36. CONCLUSIONS TA and GCM muscles were found to be thickened on the intact sides of traumatic unilateral transtibial amputees. The correlations between lower leg muscle thicknesses and clinical parameters suggest that the observed thickness change is not necessarily pathological and has potential impact on function at least in our young cohort.
Collapse
|
3
|
Tirrell AR, Kim KG, Rashid W, Attinger CE, Fan KL, Evans KK. Patient-reported Outcome Measures following Traumatic Lower Extremity Amputation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2021; 9:e3920. [PMID: 35028257 PMCID: PMC8751770 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000003920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outcomes after traumatic major lower extremity amputation (MLEA) have focused on surgical complications, despite the life-altering impact on patients. With advances in the surgical management of MLEA, a heightened need for consistent reporting of patient-centered outcomes (PCO) remains. This meta-analysis assesses articles for the prevalence and methods of PCO reporting among traumatic MLEA studies. METHODS An electronic database search was completed using Ovid MEDLINE for studies published between 2000 and 2020. Studies were included that reported any outcome of traumatic MLEA. Weighted means of outcomes were calculated when data were available. The prevalence of PCO was assessed in the categories of physical function, quality of life (QOL), psychosocial, and pain. Trends in PCO reporting were analyzed using Pearson's chi-squared test and analysis of variance when appropriate. RESULTS In total, 7001 studies were screened, yielding 156 articles for inclusion. PCO were evaluated in 94 (60.3%) studies; 83 (53.2%) reported physical function and mobility outcomes, 33 (21.2%) reported QOL and satisfaction measures, 38 (24.4%) reported psychosocial data, and 43 (27.6%) reported pain outcomes. There was no change in prevalence of PCO reporting when comparing 5-year intervals between 2000 and 2020 (P = 0.557). CONCLUSIONS Optimization of function and QOL following traumatic MLEA has become a cornerstone of surgical success; however, only 60% of studies report PCO, with no trend over the last two decades suggesting improvement. As healthcare progresses toward patient-centered care, this inconsistent means of reporting PCO calls for improved inclusion and standardization of instruments to assess function, QOL, and other patient-focused measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin G. Kim
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D.C
| | - Waleed Rashid
- George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C
| | - Christopher E. Attinger
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D.C
| | - Kenneth L. Fan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D.C
| | - Karen K. Evans
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D.C
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Articular cartilage and sternal fibrocartilage respond differently to extended microgravity. NPJ Microgravity 2019; 5:3. [PMID: 30793021 PMCID: PMC6379395 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-019-0063-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of spaceflight on cartilaginous structure are largely unknown. To address this deficiency, articular cartilage (AC) and sternal cartilage (SC) from mice exposed to 30 days of microgravity on the BION-M1 craft were investigated for pathological changes. The flight AC showed some evidence of degradation at the tissue level with loss of proteoglycan staining and a reduction in mRNA expression of mechano-responsive and structural cartilage matrix proteins compared to non-flight controls. These data suggest that degradative changes are underway in the AC extracellular matrix exposed to microgravity. In contrast, there was no evidence of cartilage breakdown in SC flight samples and the gene expression profile was distinct from that of AC with a reduction in metalloproteinase gene transcription. Since the two cartilages respond differently to microgravity we propose that each is tuned to the biomechanical environments in which they are normally maintained. That is, the differences between magnitude of normal terrestrial loading and the unloading of microgravity dictates the tissue response. Weight-bearing articular cartilage, but not minimally loaded sternal fibrocartilage, is negatively affected by the unloading of microgravity. We speculate that the maintenance of physiological loading on AC during spaceflight will minimize AC damage.
Collapse
|
5
|
Krupenevich RL, Miller RH, Hendershot BD, Schnall BL, Pruziner AL. Knee adduction moment peak and impulse do not change during the first six months of walking with a prosthesis. Gait Posture 2018; 63:86-90. [PMID: 29727776 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with unilateral lower limb loss are at increased risk for developing knee osteoarthritis in their contralateral limb. The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are unknown, but large or unusual loads on the limb are thought to contribute to osteoarthritis development. Yet, to our knowledge, there have been no longitudinal assessments of knee joint kinetics to assist with identifying the origin or progression of such loads. RESEARCH QUESTION This study aimed to examine knee joint kinetics of individuals with lower limb loss as a function of time from independent ambulation. METHODS Eight male Service Members with unilateral lower limb loss (3 transfemoral/5 transtibial) completed gait analyses, walking at self-selected speed and cadence, at 0, 2, and 6 months following initial independent ambulation. RESULTS Although there was a significant time effect on stride length (p = 0.047), there were no pairwise differences (all p ≥ 0.152). Additionally, there was not a significant effect of time on the peak (p = 0.666), loading rate (p = 0.336), or impulse (p = 0.992) of knee adduction moment (KAM), peak knee flexion moment (KFM) (p = 0.128), or the peak (p = 0.485) or loading rate (p = 0.130) of vertical ground reaction force (VGRF). SIGNIFICANCE The results of the current study demonstrate that major features of knee joint loading do not change over the first 6 months of independently walking with a prosthesis. The magnitude of these loads are similar to loads observed in individuals with lower limb loss further from injury/initial ambulation, but the present results do not imply that no changes occur after 6 months.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Krupenevich
- University of Maryland,College Park, MD, USA; Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | | | - Brad D Hendershot
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; DoD-VA Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence, USA; Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Barri L Schnall
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alison L Pruziner
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; DoD-VA Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence, USA; Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Onat ŞŞ, Malas FÜ, Öztürk GT, Ekiz T, Akkaya N, Özbudak Demir S, Kara M. Ultrasonographic measurement of the femoral cartilage thickness in patients with transfemoral amputation. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2016; 29:841-844. [PMID: 27062467 DOI: 10.3233/bmr-160697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the distal femoral cartilage thickness of the non-amputee sides in patients who had unilateral transfemoral amputation with those of healthy subjects by using ultrasound. METHODS Thirty transfemoral amputees (27 male, 3 female) and 30 age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched healthy controls were included. Functional usage of the prosthesis was evaluated by using Houghton score. The cartilage thickness was measured from the following midpoints; medial femoral condyle (MFC), intercondylar area, and lateral femoral condyle. RESULTS Thirty patients with unilateral transfemoral amputation (mean age; 38.6 ± 9.5 years) and 30 healthy controls (mean age; 38.4 ± 9.4 years) were included. Although femoral cartilage thicknesses were found to be lower for all measurements in the amputees, the difference reached significance only in the MFC (p= 0.031). In the patient group, cartilage thickness values did not correlate with age, duration of amputation, daily walking time, stump length or Houghton score. CONCLUSION The distal femoral cartilage thickness seems to be decreased medially on the non-amputee sides of the transfemoral amputees when compared with the healthy subjects. Further studies concerning the follow-up designs, functional parameters and osteoarthritis scales are awaited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Şule Şahin Onat
- Ankara Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fevziye Ünsal Malas
- Ankara Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gökhan Tuna Öztürk
- Ankara Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Timur Ekiz
- Ankara Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nuray Akkaya
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pamukkale University Medical School, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Sibel Özbudak Demir
- Ankara Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Murat Kara
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
The effect of knee joint loading and immobilization on the femoral cartilage thickness in paraplegics. Spinal Cord 2015; 54:283-6. [PMID: 26345483 DOI: 10.1038/sc.2015.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Revised: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Femoral cartilage thickness has been used as an indicator for immobilization and unloading in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). However, conflicting results have been reported on this subject. OBJECTIVES (i) To determine femoral cartilage thickness alterations after prolonged immobilization, (ii) to demonstrate the effect of the daily standing or ambulation time on the cartilage and (iii) to analyze the predictors of the femoral cartilage in patients with SCI. METHODS A total of 50 patients with SCI and 50 healthy age and sex-matched volunteers were enrolled in the study. A physician scanned both knees of all participants and measurements were taken at three locations: trochlear notch, midpoints of the medial and lateral condyle. RESULTS The trochlear notch, medial and lateral condyle femoral cartilage thickness of both sides were significantly thicker in the control group (P<0.05). Patients with <1 h daily standing/walking time had higher thickness measurements in all sub parameters than patients with >1 h daily standing/walking time (P<0.05). Daily standing/walking time and the Walking index for SCI score were statistically significant predictors for cartilage thickness. CONCLUSION SCI patients had thinner knee cartilage compared with healthy individuals in ultrasonographic assessment. More than 1 h daily standing/walking time may have a negative effect on the femoral cartilage thickness. Thus, ultrasonographic evaluation of the femoral cartilage should be considered in clinical practice to detect early cartilage thinning in patients with SCI.
Collapse
|