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González-Devesa D, Hermo-Argibay A, Blanco-Martínez N, Ayán-Pérez C. Immediate effect of the use of toe separators on dynamic balance and ankle range of motion: a pilot study. PHYSICIAN SPORTSMED 2024; 52:374-380. [PMID: 37916670 DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2023.2278190] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Injuries involving ankle stability and range of motion are among the most frequent in athletes and in the general population. In response, this study aimed to assess the immediate effects of toe separators on dynamic stability and ankle range of motion in healthy young individuals. METHODS Among the 68 eligible participants, 50 healthy and active subjects completed all trials. The impact of the intervention was evaluated using the Weight Bearing Lunge Test and Y-Test. The control condition performed the tests without toe separators, while the experimental condition performed the tests with toe separators. All participants performed both conditions with a wash-out period of at least 7 days between trials. RESULTS Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in dynamic balance (p > 0.05) and range of motion (p > 0.05) between the two conditions. Additionally, no asymmetries were detected between the lower limbs in both tests (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The results of this pilot study indicate that using toe separators does not have an immediate effect on ankle range of motion and dynamic balance in young, healthy individuals. Future research should consider evaluating intervention programs of longer duration and exploring different populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel González-Devesa
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación y del Deporte, Universidad de Vigo, Pontevedra, España
| | - Alberto Hermo-Argibay
- Department of Physiology, INCLIVA (Biomedical Research Institute Valencia), University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Service of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research inthe Valencian Region (FISABIO), University Hospital Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nerea Blanco-Martínez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación y del Deporte, Universidad de Vigo, Pontevedra, España
| | - Carlos Ayán-Pérez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación y del Deporte, Universidad de Vigo, Pontevedra, España
- Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Spain Well-Move Research Group, Vigo, Spain
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Panoutsakopoulos V, Bassa E. Countermovement Jump Performance Is Related to Ankle Flexibility and Knee Extensors Torque in Female Adolescent Volleyball Athletes. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2023; 8:76. [PMID: 37367240 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk8020076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ankle flexibility and isokinetic knee torque/power generating capacity were previously suggested to contribute or to be correlated to the vertical countermovement jump (CMJ) performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the passive ankle joint dorsi flexion (θPDF) and the knee muscle's isokinetic torque and power on the CMJ in adolescent female volleyball players. The θPDF at a knee extension angle of 140 degrees were measured for 37 female post-pubertal volleyball players. Then, the players were assigned to either the flexible (n = 10) or inflexible (n = 14) groups according to earlier recommended criteria. Testing included the CMJ with and without an arm swing, and maximal knee extensions and flexions in 3 angular velocities on an isokinetic dynamometer. CMJ height performed with or without an arm swing (r(22) = 0.563, p = 0.040 and r(22) = 0.518, p = 0.009, respectively) and relative power (r(22) = 0.517, p = 0.010 and r(22) = 0.446, p = 0.030, respectively) were positively correlated with the extensors' torque at 180°/s and were negatively correlated with the flexibility level of the dominant side ankle (r(22) = -0.529, p = 0.008 and r(22) = -0.576, p = 0.030, respectively). A moderate positive correlation was also revealed between the CMJ height with and without an arm swing and the power of the non-dominant knee extensors (r(22) = 0.458, p = 0.024 and r(22) = 0.402, p = 0.049, respectively) and flexors (r(22) = 0.484, p = 0.016 and r(22) = 0.477, p = 0.018, respectively). Results of the 2 × 2 repeated ANOVA measurements revealed that flexible players jumped significantly (p < 0.05) higher during the CMJs, whilst there was a group effect only on the isokinetic knee extensor muscles' torque. In conclusion, a more flexible ankle joint and a higher isokinetic knee extensor's torque generating capacity resulted in higher CMJ performance. Therefore, ankle flexibility should be emphasized in training and is suggested to be included in preseason screening tests of youth female volleyball players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassilios Panoutsakopoulos
- Biomechanics Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport Science at Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Bassa
- Laboratory of Evaluation of Human Biological Performance, School of Physical Education and Sport Science at Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Almansoof HS, Nuhmani S, Muaidi Q. Correlation of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion with lower-limb kinetic chain function and hop test performance in healthy male recreational athletes. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14877. [PMID: 36846443 PMCID: PMC9951801 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14877] [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: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The study aims to identify the correlation of ankle dorsiflexion range-of-motion (ADROM) (with its related gastrocnemius and soleus extensibility) with lower-limb kinetic chain function and hop test performance in young healthy recreational athletes. Methods Twenty-one young male healthy recreational athletes were tested for ADROM, gastrocnemius and soleus extensibility, lower-limb kinetic chain function with the closed kinetic chain lower extremity stability test (CKCLEST) and hop test performance with the single-leg hop for distance test (SHDT) and side hop test (SHT). Results There was a positive significant (rho = 0.514, 95% CI [0.092-0.779], P < 0.01) correlation between the dominant lower-limb weight-bearing/closed-chain ADROM (that represented the soleus extensibility) and the CKCLEST. There were no significant correlations between the study performance-based tests and open-chain ADROM (P > 0.05). Conclusion The CKCLEST is positively and significantly correlated with SHT and weight-bearing ADROM with knee flexion (and its related soleus extensibility) which suggests comparability among them. Open-chain ADROM has a negligible and non-significant correlation with the readings of this study performance-based tests suggesting that it is probably not an essential construct of their execution. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate these correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifa Saleh Almansoof
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shibili Nuhmani
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Qassim Muaidi
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
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Kantha P, Hsu WL, Chen PJ, Tsai YC, Lin JJ. A novel balance training approach: Biomechanical study of virtual reality-based skateboarding. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1136368. [PMID: 36845193 PMCID: PMC9950389 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1136368] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The use of virtual reality (VR) technology in training and rehabilitation gained increasing attention in recent years due to its potential to provide immersive and interactive experiences. We developed a novel VR-based balance training, VR-skateboarding, for improving balance. It is important to investigate the biomechanical aspects of this training, as it would have benefited both health professionals and software engineers. Aims: This study aimed to compare the biomechanical characteristics of VR-skateboarding with those of walking. Materials and Methods: Twenty young participants (10 males and 10 females) were recruited. Participants underwent VR-skateboarding and walking at the comfortable walking speed, with the treadmill set at the same speed for both tasks. The motion capture system and electromyography were used to determine joint kinematics and muscle activity of the trunk and legs, respectively. The force platform was also used to collect the ground reaction force. Results: Participants demonstrated increased trunk flexion angles and muscle activity of trunk extensor during VR-skateboarding than during walking (p < 0.01). For the supporting leg, participants' joint angles of hip flexion and ankle dorsiflexion, as well as muscle activity of knee extensor, were higher during VR-skateboarding than during walking (p < 0.01). For the moving leg, only hip flexion increased in VR-skateboarding when compared to walking (p < 0.01). Furthermore, participants increased weight distribution in the supporting leg during VR-skateboarding (p < 0.01). Conclusion: VR-skateboarding is a novel VR-based balance training that has been found to improve balance through increased trunk and hip flexion, facilitated knee extensor muscles, and increased weight distribution on the supporting leg compared to walking. These differences in biomechanical characteristics have potential clinical implications for both health professionals and software engineers. Health professionals may consider incorporating VR-skateboarding into training protocols to improve balance, while software engineers may use this information to design new features in VR systems. Our study suggests that the impact of VR-skateboarding particularly manifest when focusing on the supporting leg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phunsuk Kantha
- School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Li Hsu
- School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan,Physical Therapy Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,*Correspondence: Wei-Li Hsu,
| | - Po-Jung Chen
- School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Tsai
- School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jiu-Jenq Lin
- School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan,Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Jin Y, Sano Y, Shogenji M, Watanabe T. Fatigue Effect on Minimal Toe Clearance and Toe Activity during Walking. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:9300. [PMID: 36502002 PMCID: PMC9738795 DOI: 10.3390/s22239300] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of fatigue on the process of walking in young adults using the developed clog-integrated sensor system. The developed sensor can simultaneously measure the forefoot activity (FA) and minimum toe clearance (MTC). The FA was evaluated through the change in the contact area captured by a camera using a method based on a light conductive plate. The MTC was derived from the distance between the bottom surface of the clog and ground obtained using a time of flight (TOF) sensor, and the clog posture was obtained using an acceleration sensor. The induced fatigue was achieved by walking on a treadmill at the fastest walking speed. We evaluated the FA and MTC before and after fatigue in both feet for 14 participants. The effects of fatigue manifested in either the FA or MTC of either foot when the results were evaluated by considering the participants individually, although individual variances in the effects of fatigue were observed. In the dominant foot, a significant increase in either the FA or MTC was observed in 13 of the 14 participants. The mean MTC in the dominant foot increased significantly (p = 0.038) when the results were evaluated by considering the participants as a group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Jin
- Graduated School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Yui Sano
- Graduated School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Miho Shogenji
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0942, Japan
| | - Tetsuyou Watanabe
- Faculty of Frontier Engineering, Institute of Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
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Yap KH, Azmin S, Che Hamzah J, Ahmad N, van de Warrenburg B, Mohamed Ibrahim N. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of spinocerebellar ataxia: A systematic review. J Neurol 2021; 269:2315-2337. [PMID: 34743220 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10874-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) comprise a rare, genetic subgroup within the degenerative ataxias and are dominantly inherited, with up to 48 recognized genetic subtypes. While an updated review on the management of degenerative ataxia is published recently, an evidence-based review focussed on the management of SCA is lacking. Here, we reviewed the pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of SCA by conducting a systematic review on Medline Ovid and Scopus. Of 29,284 studies identified, 47 studies (pharmacological: n = 25; non-pharmacological: n = 22) that predominantly involved SCA patients were included. Twenty studies had a high risk of bias based on the Cochrane's Collaboration risk of bias tool. As per the European Federation of Neurological Societies 2004 guideline for therapeutic intervention, the remaining 27 studies were of Class I (n = 4) and Class II (n = 23) evidence. Only two therapies had Level A recommendations for the management of ataxia symptoms: riluzole and immediate in-patient neurorehabilitation. Ten therapies had Level B recommendations for managing ataxia symptoms and require further investigations with better study design. These include high dose valproate acid, branched-chain amino acid, intravenous trehalose; restorative rehabilitation using cycling regimen and videogame; and cerebellar stimulations using transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Lithium and coaching on psychological adjustment received Level B recommendation for depressive symptoms and quality of life, respectively. Heterogeneous study designs, different genotypes, and non-standardized clinical measures alongside short duration and small sample sizes may hamper meaningful clinical translation. Therefore, rating of recommendations only serve as points of reference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kah Hui Yap
- Department of Medicine, UKM Medical Centre, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shahrul Azmin
- Department of Medicine, UKM Medical Centre, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jemaima Che Hamzah
- Department of Ophthalmology, UKM Medical Centre, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norfazilah Ahmad
- Department of Community Health, UKM Medical Centre, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Bart van de Warrenburg
- Department of Neurology, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Joint Angle, Range of Motion, Force, and Moment Assessment: Responses of the Lower Limb to Ankle Plantarflexion and Dorsiflexion. Appl Bionics Biomech 2021; 2021:1232468. [PMID: 34589138 PMCID: PMC8476262 DOI: 10.1155/2021/1232468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
There is limited research on the biomechanical assessment of the lower limb joints in relation to dynamic movements that occur at the hip, knee, and ankle joints when performing dorsiflexion (DF) and plantarflexion (PF) among males and females. This study investigated the differences in joint angles (including range of motion (ROM)) and forces (including moments) between the left and right limbs at the ankle, knee, and hip joints during dynamic DF and PF movements in both males and females. Using a general linear model employing multivariate analysis in relation to the joint angle, ROM, force, and moment datasets, the results revealed significant main effects for gender, sidedness, phases, and foot position with respect to joint angles. Weak correlations were observed between measured biomechanical variables. These results provide insightful information for clinicians and biomechanists that relate to lower limb exercise interventions and modelling efficacy standpoints.
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Degen N, Randeu T, Wolf F, Fürmetz J, Euler E, Böcker W, Thaller PH. [Prophylactic fasciotomy in tibial osteotomies: functional results]. Unfallchirurg 2021; 125:716-722. [PMID: 34432072 PMCID: PMC9411082 DOI: 10.1007/s00113-021-01070-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Hintergrund Bei Tibia-Osteotomien (TO) mit Marknagelfixierung kann eine minimal-invasive, prophylaktische Fasziotomie (PF) der Extensorenloge zur Prävention eines postoperativen akuten Kompartmentsyndroms (KS) erfolgen. Bislang sind keine Studien über die Effekte von TO oder PF auf spezifische Funktionen der Extensoren bekannt. Ziel der Arbeit Die Untersuchung der Funktion nach PF und TO an Patient*innen ohne präoperative funktionelle Einschränkung. Material und Methoden In 41 Fällen (28 Frauen, 13 Männer) erfolgte durchschnittlich 6,1 Jahre nach elektiver TO mit PF und Marknagelfixierung eine Befragung zur klinischen Funktion. In 23 Fällen wurden die isometrische Kraft und der „range of motion“ (ROM) der Dorsalextension (DE) des oberen Sprunggelenks (OSG) gemessen. Die Kraft wurde als Test auf klinische Relevanz mit der 10 %-Normperzentile verglichen, sowie zur Gegenseite. Ergebnisse In durchschnittlich 86 % der Fälle wurde von keinen oder geringen funktionellen Einschränkungen der Extensoren berichtetet. Die mittlere Kraft zeigte keine signifikante Abweichung von der geschlechterspezifischen 10 %-Normperzentile, aber war im Seitenvergleich auf der operierten Seite mit 16,0 ± 6,5 kgf signifikant geringer als auf der Gegenseite mit 17,5 ± 6,3 kgf (p < 0,01). Die subjektive Einschränkung der DE im OSG korrelierte deutlich negativ mit der ROM (rs = −0,46, p < 0,05). Diskussion Die Ergebnisse lassen auf eine geringe Häufigkeit subjektiv relevanter funktioneller Einschränkungen der Extensoren schließen. Die vorgefundene Kraftminderung war nicht klinisch relevant. Subjektive Einschränkungen scheinen vorrangig durch Abnahme des ROM verursacht zu sein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus Degen
- 3D-Chirurgie, Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Muskuloskelettales Universitätszentrum München (MUM), Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Campus Innenstadt, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, München, Deutschland. .,Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Muskuloskelettales Universitätszentrum München (MUM), Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Campus Innenstadt, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, München, Deutschland.
| | - Tobias Randeu
- 3D-Chirurgie, Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Muskuloskelettales Universitätszentrum München (MUM), Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Campus Innenstadt, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, München, Deutschland
| | - Florian Wolf
- 3D-Chirurgie, Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Muskuloskelettales Universitätszentrum München (MUM), Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Campus Innenstadt, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, München, Deutschland.,Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Muskuloskelettales Universitätszentrum München (MUM), Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Campus Innenstadt, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, München, Deutschland
| | - Julian Fürmetz
- 3D-Chirurgie, Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Muskuloskelettales Universitätszentrum München (MUM), Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Campus Innenstadt, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, München, Deutschland.,Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Muskuloskelettales Universitätszentrum München (MUM), Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Campus Innenstadt, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, München, Deutschland
| | - Ekkehard Euler
- Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Muskuloskelettales Universitätszentrum München (MUM), Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Campus Innenstadt, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, München, Deutschland
| | - Wolfgang Böcker
- Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Muskuloskelettales Universitätszentrum München (MUM), Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Campus Innenstadt, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, München, Deutschland
| | - Peter Helmut Thaller
- 3D-Chirurgie, Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Muskuloskelettales Universitätszentrum München (MUM), Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Campus Innenstadt, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, München, Deutschland.,Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Muskuloskelettales Universitätszentrum München (MUM), Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Campus Innenstadt, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, München, Deutschland
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Hernández-Guillén D, Tolsada-Velasco C, Roig-Casasús S, Costa-Moreno E, Borja-de-Fuentes I, Blasco JM. Association ankle function and balance in community-dwelling older adults. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247885. [PMID: 33661991 PMCID: PMC7932177 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Ankle function declines with age. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between ankle function and balance in older adults, with a focus on range of motion (ROM) and strength. Methods This was a cross-sectional study that included 88 healthy community-dwelling older adults. Ankle mobility was measured while bearing weight (lunge test) and not bearing weight. The plantar-flexor muscle strength was assessed using a hand-held dynamometer. Balance was measured in terms of dynamic balance and mobility (timed up and go test), monopodal and bipodal static balance with open and closed eyes (single-leg stand test and platform measures), and margins of stability (functional reach test). Linear correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted with a 95% CI. Results and discussion Most participants had limited ankle mobility (n = 75, 86%). Weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion ROM was the strongest predictor of dynamic balance and included general mobility and stability ( Radj2 = [0.34]; β = [-0.50]). In contrast, plantar-flexor muscle strength was a significant predictor of static standing balance with open eyes ( Radj2 = [0.16–0.2]; β = [0.29–0.34]). Overall, weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion ROM was a more representative measure of balance and functional performance; however, a non-weight-bearing mobility assessment provides complementary information. Therefore, both measures can be used in clinical practice. Conclusion This study supports the concept that ankle mobility contributes to the performance of dynamic tasks, while the plantar-flexor muscle strength helps to develop a standing static balance. Identification of alterations in ankle function is warranted and may assist in the design of tailored interventions. These interventions can be used in isolation or to augment conventional balance training in order to improve balance performance in community-dwelling older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hernández-Guillén
- Group of Physiotherapy in the Ageing Processes, Departament de Fisioteràpia, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Sergio Roig-Casasús
- Group of Physiotherapy in the Ageing Processes, Departament de Fisioteràpia, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Hospital Politècnic i Universitari La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - José-María Blasco
- Group of Physiotherapy in the Ageing Processes, Departament de Fisioteràpia, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
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Panoutsakopoulos V, Kotzamanidou MC, Papaiakovou G, Kollias IA. The Ankle Joint Range of Motion and Its Effect on Squat Jump Performance with and without Arm Swing in Adolescent Female Volleyball Players. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2021; 6:jfmk6010014. [PMID: 33546291 PMCID: PMC7931004 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk6010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A flexible ankle joint is suggested to be a contributing factor for vertical squat jump (SQJ) performance. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of the active (ACT) and passive (PAS) ankle joint range of motion (ROM) on SQJ performed by adolescent female volleyball players. ACT and PAS ankle ROM at knee extension angles of 90, 140, and 180 degrees (180 degrees: full extension) were measured with a video analysis method for 35 female post-pubertal volleyball players (16.3 ± 1.1 yrs, 1.80 ± 0.04 m, 68.8 ± 6.8 kg). Additionally, the players fulfilling previously recommended criteria were assigned to the flexible (n = 10) and inflexible (n = 8) groups and executed SQJ with and without an arm swing on a force-plate. Results of the 2 × 2 × 3 MANOVA revealed a significant (p < 0.05) flexibility type and knee angle effect, as ankle ROM was larger in PAS compared to ACT and as the knee joint progressed from 90 to 180 degrees extension. The 2 × 2 ANOVA revealed a significant (p < 0.05) group effect, as flexible players jumped higher in the arm swing SQJ, along with a significant arm swing effect on key SQJ kinetic parameters. In conclusion, a more flexible ankle joint result in improved SQJ performance. Therefore, ankle flexibility training should be implemented in youth volleyball players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassilios Panoutsakopoulos
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.P.); (I.A.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mariana C. Kotzamanidou
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Metropolitan College of Thessaloniki, 54624 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Georgios Papaiakovou
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.P.); (I.A.K.)
| | - Iraklis A. Kollias
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.P.); (I.A.K.)
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Melo MC, Macedo DR, Soares AB. Divergent Findings in Brain Reorganization After Spinal Cord Injury: A Review. J Neuroimaging 2020; 30:410-427. [PMID: 32418286 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to a general lack of sensory and motor functions below the level of injury and may promote deafferentation-induced brain reorganization. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been established as an essential tool in neuroscience research and can precisely map the spatiotemporal distribution of brain activity. Task-based fMRI experiments associated with the tongue, upper limbs, or lower limbs have been used as the primary paradigms to study brain reorganization following SCI. A review of the current literature on the subject shows one common trait: while most articles agree that brain networks are usually preserved after SCI, and that is not the case as some articles describe possible alterations in brain activation after the lesion. There is no consensus if those alterations indeed occur. In articles that show alterations, there is no agreement if they are transient or permanent. Besides, there is no consensus on which areas are most prone to activation changes, or on the intensity and direction (increase vs. decrease) of those possible changes. In this article, we present a critical review of the literature and trace possible reasons for those contradictory findings on brain reorganization following SCI. fMRI studies based on the ankle dorsiflexion, upper-limb, and tongue paradigms are used as case studies for the analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Cardoso Melo
- Biomedical Engineering Lab, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Dhainner Rocha Macedo
- Biomedical Engineering Lab, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alcimar Barbosa Soares
- Biomedical Engineering Lab, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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