Wrist Resistance Training Improves Motor Control and Strength

Bilateral lunotriquetral coalition: a dynamic four-dimensional computed tomography technical case report

Lunotriquetral coalitions are the most common form of carpal coalition wherein the cartilage between the lunate and triquetrum ossification centers failed to undergo apoptosis. This technical case report examines the arthrokinematics of bilateral lunotriquetral coalitions with dissimilar Minnaar types in one participant with one asymptomatic wrist and one wrist with suspected distal radioulnar joint injury. Static and dynamic (four-dimensional) CT images during pronosupination were captured using a photon-counting detector CT scanner. Interosseous proximity distributions were calculated between the lunotriquetral coalition and adjacent bones in both wrists to quantify arthrokinematics. Interosseous proximity distributions at joints adjacent to the lunotriquetral coalition demonstrate differences in median and minimum interosseous proximities between the asymptomatic and injured wrists during resisted pronosupination. Altered kinematics from lunotriquetral coalitions may be a source of ulnar-sided wrist pain and discomfort, limiting the functional range of motion. This case report highlights potential alterations to wrist arthrokinematics in the setting of lunotriquetral coalitions and possible associations with ulnar-sided wrist pain, highlighting anatomy to examine in radiographic follow-up. Furthermore, this case report demonstrates the technical feasibility of four-dimensional CT using photon-counting detector technology in assessing arthrokinematics in the setting of variant wrist anatomy.

Rehabilitation Strategies for Wrist Pain in a Patient With Thalassemia Major and Distal Ulnar Hypoplasia: A Case Report

This case study examines the rehabilitation process of a 24-year-old female patient with thalassemia major (TM), a hereditary hemoglobinopathy, who also suffered from distal ulnar hypoplasia, a congenital anomaly that causes pain and affects the wrist joint's strength and range of motion. The patient underwent a comprehensive physical rehabilitation program that aimed to address the challenges posed by ulnar hypoplasia. This program included a combination of customized exercises, splinting, and orthotic interventions to improve hand and wrist function. By adopting a multidisciplinary approach, the patient experienced significant improvements in mobility, strength, and overall quality of life. This case highlights the significance of personalized rehabilitation strategies in managing complex medical conditions, demonstrating the potential for positive outcomes even in patients with dual diagnoses of TM and ulnar hypoplasia.

Full-Body Kinematics and Vertical Ground Reaction Forces in Elite Ten-Pin Bowling: A Field Study

The purpose was to investigate full-body kinematics and vertical ground reaction forces in the lower extremities of the delivery and to determine delivery changes over time after many deliveries in ten-pin bowling. Six male elite ten-pin bowlers completed six bouts of twelve bowling deliveries, all strike attempts, while measuring full-body kinematics and vertical ground reaction forces. Full-body joint angles, peak vertical ground reaction forces in the feet, vertical breaking impulse, centre of mass velocity, bowling score, and ball release velocity (BRvel) were measured. Results revealed that the BRvel was significantly decreased over bouts (p < 0.001). Additionally, increased flexion of the dominant wrist (p < 0.001) and elbow (p = 0.004) prior to ball release (BR) and increased pronation of the dominant wrist during BR (p = 0.034) were observed at later bouts. It was concluded that these kinematic changes in the dominant wrist and elbow prior to and during BR were performed to compensate for the change in traction between ball and lane during a bowling match. This, in turn, caused a decrease in BRvel. A conservation of energy perspective was discussed to highlight training applications and possibilities to enhance elite athletes' bowling performance.

Test-retest reliability of isometric and isokinetic wrist strength

BACKGROUND

The isokinetic dynamometer has been considered the gold-standard measurement of muscle performance. However, the reliability for the isometric and isokinetic wrist flexor and extensor strength using the Biodex isokinetic dynamometer has not been reported to date. This study evaluated test-retest reliability of isometric and isokinetic wrist strength using the Biodex System 3 isokinetic dynamometer.

METHODS

This is a test-retest reliability study. Peak concentric and isometric torque was determined of the dominant limb wrist flexor and extensor of healthy individuals using the Biodex Multi-Joint System 3 dynamometer. The participants were evaluated by the same examiner in two different sessions separated by an interval of two to seven days. Reliability was investigated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC_2,1), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimum detectable difference (MDD).

RESULTS

Twenty healthy subjects participated in the study. The ICCs for concentric and isometric torque of the wrist flexor and extensor ranged from 0.79 to 0.91, revealing excellent intra-examiner test-retest reliability; SEM ranging from 0.4 to 1.5; and MDD ranged from 1.12 Nm to 4.17 Nm.

CONCLUSIONS

Excellent intra-examiner test-retest reliability was found regarding peak concentric toque of the wrist flexor and extensor at an angular velocity of 45°/s as well as isometric torque of the wrist flexor and extensor in healthy individuals measured using the Biodex System 3 isokinetic dynamometer.

Strength Abilities and Serve Reception Efficiency of Youth Female Volleyball Players

Success in volleyball largely depends on motor abilities, particularly on maximum strength, power, jumping, and speed performance. However, a small number of studies assess the relationship between motor abilities and the effectiveness of volleyball technical skills. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the impact of the strength of the upper and lower limbs on the efficiency of serve reception during a 2 vs. 2 game, as well as to evaluate the results of motor measurements in the context of determining the usefulness of current testing procedures. The study involved a carefully chosen group of 12 girls aged 12–13 years (body height: 176.5 ± 4.2 cm, body mass: 58.6 ± 5.1 kg, and training experience: 43 ± 15 months) selected for the Lower Silesian Regional Volleyball Team. The following tests were conducted: handgrip strength with a hand dynamometer, bent-arm hang, 2 kg medicine ball throw, shoulder joint internal rotators (IR) peak torque, standing long jump, spike jump, and countermovement jump. The measurements of the shoulder joint IR peak torque were performed under isometric (at 10°, 35°, and 65° rotation angles) and isokinetic (at 60°/s, 180°/s, and 300°/s) conditions. The efficiency of serve reception was evaluated during a 2 vs. 2 games by using Data Volley statistical software. The strongest positive relationships were observed between the serve reception efficiency and the peak torque and power of the shoulder joint IR, the medicine ball throw distance, and handgrip strength. Jumping variables showed no associations with efficient of serve reception. Consequently, we suggest adding protocols to volleyball training that include strength exercises aimed at developing the IR muscle group. The isokinetic upper limb test should be introduced as a valid tool in selection process. Coaches who do not have access to modern research equipment should use the medicine ball throw test to evaluate strength abilities as an alternative assessment of the serve reception efficiency.

Is progressive resistance training feasible in patients with symptomatic external snapping hip?

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the feasibility of applying progressive resistance training (PRT) to patients with symptomatic external snapping hip (SESH).

PURPOSE

To investigate whether PRT is feasible in patients with SESH and to report changes to hip function, awareness of the hip joint and muscle strength following PRT.

METHODS

Feasibility was measured by drop-out rate, adverse events, pain exacerbation (VAS) and adherence to PRT. At baseline and the end of treatment, patients completed the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), maximal voluntary isometric (MVC) and dynamic hip muscle strength and a loaded stair test (LST).

RESULTS

Three out of nine included female patients (33%) dropped out. Pain scores were acceptable (VAS ≤ 50 mm) in 76% of all training sessions, and an overall decrease in pain during PRT was found (-10 mm, 95% CI [-3; -18]). For those who completed the intervention, training adherence was 97 ± 4%. Paired analyzes showed improvements in all HAGOS subscales, FJS, muscle strength and the LST.

CONCLUSION

Progressive resistance training seems feasible in a subset of patients with SESH despite a high drop-out rate. The present study suggests large effect sizes for hip pain, function, awareness and muscle strength.

Effects of remote limb ischemic conditioning on muscle strength in healthy young adults: A randomized controlled trial

Remote limb ischemic conditioning (RLIC) is a clinically feasible method in which brief, sub-lethal bouts of ischemia protects remote organs or tissues from subsequent ischemic injury. A single session of RLIC can improve exercise performance and increase muscle activation. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to assess the effects of a brief, two-week protocol of repeated RLIC combined with strength training on strength gain and neural adaptation in healthy young adults. Participants age 18–40 years were randomized to receive either RLIC plus strength training (n = 15) or sham conditioning plus strength training (n = 15). Participants received RLIC or sham conditioning over 8 visits using a blood pressure cuff on the dominant arm with 5 cycles of 5 minutes each alternating inflation and deflation. Visits 3–8 paired conditioning with wrist extensors strength training on the non-dominant (non-conditioned) arm using standard guidelines. Changes in one repetition maximum (1 RM) and electromyography (EMG) amplitude were compared between groups. Both groups were trained at a similar workload. While both groups gained strength over time (P = 0.001), the RLIC group had greater strength gains (9.38 ± 1.01 lbs) than the sham group (6.3 ± 1.08 lbs, P = 0.035). There was not a significant group x time interaction in EMG amplitude (P = 0.231). The RLIC group had larger percent changes in 1 RM (43.8% vs. 26.1%, P = 0.003) and EMG amplitudes (31.0% vs. 8.6%, P = 0.023) compared to sham conditioning. RLIC holds promise for enhancing muscle strength in healthy young and older adults, as well as clinical populations that could benefit from strength training.