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Context: Analyzing flick movement kinematics biomechanically is important to prevent sport-related injuries in underwater hockey players since the aquatic-based flick movement is completely different from land-based flick movements. The study aimed to describe the flick movement kinematic biomechanically in underwater hockey players. Moreover, this study further aimed to investigate the effect of the Thrower's Ten exercises on flick movement kinematics in underwater hockey players. Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Seventeen underwater hockey players (age: 26.2 [4.3] y; sports age: 6.2 [4.5] y) were included. First, 2 underwater cameras using motion capture video analysis MATLAB were used to biomechanically analyze the angular changes on the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and body while players were performing the flick movements. Players were then recruited to the Thrower's Ten exercise program for 6 weeks. Flick movement kinematics and flick-throwing distance were recorded at baseline and 6 weeks. Results: The flick movement kinematic patterns demonstrated increased shoulder flexion (from 102.5° to 144.9°), wrist extension (from 9.5° to 10.8°), and upper-extremity rotation (from 5.7° to 56.8°) while decreased elbow extension (from 107.7° to 159.2°) from the stick met the puck until the competition of the movement. The Thrower's Ten exercises improved the elbow extension (P =.04), wrist extension (P =.01), body rotation (P <.001), and flick-throwing distance (P <.001) from baseline to 6 weeks. Conclusion: This study describes the underwater flick kinematic technique biomechanically and interprets preliminary findings for the first time. Thus, 6 weeks of Thrower's Ten exercise program provides more body muscle movements than the smaller ones during the flick movements and higher flick-throwing distance in underwater hockey players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between trunk control, upper and lower extremity function with functional activity, activities of daily living and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PwPD). Materials and Methods: The study was completed with 52 PwPD. Trunk control was evaluated with the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS); upper extremity function with 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) bilaterally; lower extremity function with 30-Second Sit-To-Stand Test (30STS); functional activity level with The Parkinson Activity Scale (PAS); activities of daily living with Barthel Index (Bl); quality of life with The Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (PDQ-39). Results: 30STS and right-left 9-HPT results was correlated with PAS and PDQ-39, but not with Bl in PwPD. All TIS scores except the coordination sub-parameter were found to be associated with PAS, all TIS scores except the static sitting balance sub-parameter were found to be associated with Bl, and all TIS scores were found to be associated with PDQ-39 in PwPD (p between 0.293 and 0.689; p<0.05 for all). Conclusion: Physical activity level and quality of life were associated with upper and lower extremity function and trunk control, whereas activities of daily living were only associated with trunk control in PwPD. These results suggest that physiotherapy and rehabilitation applications that will improve trunk control in addition to limb functions should be included in treatment protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the effects of academician's demographic characteristics and computer usage habits on upper limb musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and function. Methods. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 100 academicians. Data were collected using questionnaires, which included the patient-rated wrist evaluation questionnaire – Turkish version (PRWE-T), the Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire – Turkish version (CMDQ-T), the upper extremity functional index – Turkish version (UEFI-T), demographic characteristics and average daily computer usage time. Results. A low-level significant correlation was found between the age of the individuals and the CMDQ-T forearm (p = 0.044; r = 0.202) and CMDQ-T wrist (p = 0.001; r = 0.337) scores. Women had higher CMDQ-T neck scores and lower UEFI-T scores than men (p < 0.05). Academicians who used computers for 6 h a day or more had higher PRWE-T and CMDQ-T neck, shoulder, upper arm and forearm scores, and had a lower UEFI-T score (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Neck, shoulder, upper arm and forearm symptoms were higher and upper extremity function was impaired in academicians who used computers for 6 h a day or more. Besides, gender and age were associated with upper limb MSDs and function, but occupation duration did not affect those outcomes in academicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between upper extremity functionality, pain intensity, muscle strength, and symptom severity among patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) who underwent mini-open release surgery. Material and Method: This retrospective study entailed the review of medical records of 70 patients diagnosed with CTS who underwent mini-open release surgery between January 2021 and January 2023. Data were collected from preoperative assessments and routine follow-up evaluations conducted at 3 months post-surgery. Upper extremity functionality was assessed utilizing the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, pain severity was determined using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), muscle strength was evaluated through hand grip strength, and disease severity was measured using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ). Results: A statistically significant improvement was observed in DASH questionnaire scores, VAS scores, hand grip strength, and BCTQ scores at the 3-month follow-up compared to preoperative values (p<0.05). Furthermore, significant correlations were found between DASH questionnaire scores and VAS scores, hand grip strength, and BCTQ scores during postoperative assessments (p<0.05). Conclusion: Mini-open-release surgery demonstrates effectiveness as a surgical approach for achieving favorable clinical outcomes in patients with CTS. Furthermore, our findings suggest that postoperative upper extremity functionality may be influenced by factors such as pain intensity, symptom severity, and hand grip strength. Therefore, we advocate for the integration of these factors into postoperative patient evaluation protocols and treatment programs to optimize patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The number of studies exploring isolated upper extremity muscle strength and endurance in paediatric patients with cystic fibrosis is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between upper extremity muscle strength and endurance with respiratory functions, functional capacity and quality of life in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Methods: Children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis performed a flexed arm hang test to measure muscle endurance, movement against a dynamometer to measure muscle strength, a pulmonary function test and 6-minute walk test to measure functional capacity. The Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire Revised was used to assess quality of life. Results: A total of 29 children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (15 girls, 14 boys) participated in the study. Biceps muscle strength moderately correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second predicted percentage, forced vital capacity predicted percentage and the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity predicted percentage (r=0.306, P=0.035; r=0.405; P=0.029; r=0.367, P=0.048, respectively). Biceps muscle strength, shoulder abductors muscle strength, hand grip strength and flexed arm hang test correlated with the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity predicted percentage. Biceps muscle strength, shoulder abductors muscle strength, hand grip strength and flexed arm hang test correlated with 6-minute walk test distance (r=0.678, p<0.001; r=0.732, p<0.001; r=0.512, P=0.005; r=0.375, P=0.045, respectively). Biceps muscle strength and shoulder abductors muscle strength moderately correlated with emotional functioning and eating disturbances in the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire Revised (r=0.451, P=0.014). Conclusions: Specific assessment of upper extremity muscle strength and endurance in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis may be helpful in informing physiotherapists of respiratory function, functional capacity and quality of life status.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of a virtual reality–mediated gamified rehabilitation program on upper limb functions, skills, range of motion, muscle tone, and quality of life in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Design: This prospective, randomized, and controlled study included 36 children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Children were randomized into two groups, the virtual reality group (n = 18) and the control group (n = 18). Stretching and range-of-motion exercises were performed on the affected upper limb of the children in both groups. In addition to this exercise program, in the virtual reality group, virtual reality–mediated upper limb rehabilitation was performed under supervision. The children were assessed at baseline and 1 and 3 mos after the intervention. Results: There was a significant increase in Assisting Hand Assessment, ABILHAND-Kids, Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test, and KINDL values in the virtual reality group. In addition, there were significant increases in the active joint range of motion of the finger flexion, wrist flexion, pronation, and supination in the virtual reality group. Conclusions: In this study, it was determined that upper limb function, quality of life, and active joint range of motion of the children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy were increased with virtual reality–mediated upper limb rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate effect of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) administered on consecutive or intermittent days on upper limb function in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy (CP). Thirty-three children (age range 5–18 y) with hemiparetic CP separated into three groups: consecutive mCIMT group (n = 11), intermittent mCIMT group (n = 11), control group (n = 11). The outcome measures consist of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS), Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT), Children's Hand Use Experience Questionnaire (CHEQ), Abilhand Kids Questionnaire, surface Electromyography (sEMG). The evaluations were made baseline, 10 days after, 5 weeks after the treatment. Improvements were achieved in all groups. The use of upper extremities in daily life activities (p < 0.01), speed of performing the activities (p < 0.001), grasping efficiency (p < 0.001), the amount of a decrease in the children's sense of discomfort while performing activities (p < 0.001) on the affected side in both mCIMT groups were better than the control group. The gain levels in mCIMT groups were similar (p > 0.05). Administration of mCIMT on intermittent days facilitate the adaptation of a child, it was concluded to be a more tolerable method and could be more effective. mCIMT is more effective than low-dose conventional therapeutic interventions in improving paretic upper limb functions in children with hemiparetic CP. The application of mCIMT in the child's natural environment increases the motivation to participate in the treatment. The application of mCIMT on intermittent days will be more easily tolerated in paediatric individuals and will increase participation in the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the impairments evaluated in children with cerebral palsy (CP), which perhaps has been least investigated, is reduced selective motor control. The aim of the present study was to determine construct validity, discriminative validity, and intra- and interrater reliability of the Selective Control of the Upper Extremity Scale (SCUES). Thirty-three children with unilateral CP, with a mean age of 11.5 ± 3.3 years, at level I to IV according to the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), participated. The children were video-recorded and scored using the SCUES. The videos were scored twice to determine the intra- and interrater reliability. Reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient, the standard error of the measurement (SEM), and the smallest real difference (SRD). Differences in the SCUES scores were determined between the less- and more-affected arm and across all MACS levels for discriminative validity. Construct validity of the SCUES was established by the MACS, and the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTT). SCUES scores were significantly different between the less- and more-affected arm (p <.001) and between the arm joints. SCUES scores were also significantly different among MACS levels (p <.001). The SCUES was strongly correlated with the JTT (Spearman's rho = −0.80, p <.001) and MACS (rho = −0.78, p <.001). Intra- and interrater reliability were excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] > 0.75) for all joints of the more-affected extremity. The SRDs at the 95% confidence level for intra- and interrater reliability were 2.11 and 1.16, respectively. The SCUES is a valid and reliable tool to assess selective motor control of the upper extremity in children with unilateral CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the effect of trunk training on trunk control, arm, and pulmonary function in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Design: A randomised controlled trial. Settings: Neuromuscular diseases clinic of university hospital. Subjects: Twenty-six children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy aged 5–16 were included in the study. Intervention: Participants were randomly allocated into two groups. The study group (N = 13) exercised with the trunk-oriented exercise program and the conventional exercise program, whereas the control group (N = 13) underwent the conventional exercise program for eight weeks. Main measures: The primary outcomes were trunk control was assessed using the Trunk Control Measurement Scale, the arm function was assessed using Performance of Upper Limb, and respiratory function using the pulmonary function test. Data collection was conducted at baseline, and eighth week. The differences in trunk control scores, arm function scores, and respiratory function values before and after the training were calculated for the intergroup comparison. Results: The mean age of the participants was 11.6 (2.6) in the study group and 10.6 (3.4) in the control group. The changes between trunk control score, arm function score (total and distal level score), and respiratory function value (Forced Vital Capacity, Forced Expiratory Volume in one second, and Peak Expiratory Flow Volume percentage values) were compared and significant differences were found after eight week periods in the study and control groups. Conclusions: Trunk-oriented exercise program in Duchenne muscular dystrophy might be effective for trunk control, arm, and respiratory function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Foam rolling has recently been used frequently to increase flexibility. However, its effects on proprioception, strength, and motor performance are not well known. In addition, very few researchers have examined the effects of foam rolling on the upper extremity. To investigate the effects of foam rolling on elbow proprioception, strength, and functional motor performance in healthy individuals. Randomized controlled clinical trial. Exercise laboratory of School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Dokuz Eylul University. Sixty healthy participants (mean age = 22.83 ± 4.07 years). We randomly assigned participants to 2 groups: the foam-rolling group (FRG; 4 weeks of foam rolling for the biceps brachii muscle) or control group (CG; no foam rolling). We evaluated proprioception (joint position sense [JPS] and force matching), biceps brachii muscle strength, and functional motor performance (modified pull-up test [MPUT], closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test [CKCUEST], and push-up test) at the baseline and at the end of the fourth and eighth weeks. The JPS at 45° of elbow flexion, muscle strength, CKCUEST, and push-up test results improved after foam rolling, and improvement was maintained at follow up (P <.017). Although the changes between groups for the results of proprioception and CKCUEST were similar among the 3 time points (P >.05), muscle strength improved from baseline to the second evaluation and from baseline to follow up (P <.001) in the FRG compared with the CG group (P =.004). The FRG group demonstrated better push-up test results than the CG group at the 3 time points (P =.040, P =.001, P <.001). Other data did not change (P values >.05). Foam rolling was effective in improving elbow JPS at small flexion angles, biceps brachii strength, and some aspects of upper extremity functional motor performance. These effects were maintained at 4 weeks after application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prospective single-blind, randomized controlled study. Children with perinatal brachial plexus palsy (PBPP) have motion limitations in the affected upper extremity. Modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) is one of the treatment options used for the improvement of the function of the affected limb. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of mCIMT and conventional therapy in improving active range of motion (ROM) and functional use of the affected upper extremity in children with PBPP with injuries to upper and middle trunks in the hospital environment. 26 patients received conventional rehabilitation program (control group) and 13 patients participated in a mCIMT program (study group). Children had a mean age 56.3 months (range 4-10 years). The mCIMT included 1 hour therapy sessions emphasizing the affected arm use for 14 consecutive days during hospitalization. Their normal arm was also constrained for 6 hour per day. All the patients were assessed at the baseline, one day, one month, and three months after completion of therapy using active ROM, active movement scale, hand dynamometer, box and blocks test. The mCIMT group improved more than the control group in shoulder internal rotation, forearm supination, elbow flexion active ROMs, hand grip strength, and in upper extremity function. mCIMT has a potential to promote functional gains for children with PBPP; this approach should be widely applied within routine clinical practice. • mCIMT promote more functional gains than conventional rehabilitation program. • mCIMT improved forearm supination and elbow flexion active ROMs, forearm supination function, gross motor skills, and hand grip strength of affected limb. • Via hospitalization orthosis wearing period was detected accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the upper limb function, posture and quality of life between women with and without lymphedema after breast cancer-related surgery and to investigate whether there is a relationship between them. Methods: The study included 27 women with upper limb lymphedema and 29 women without lymphedema, aged between 18 and 70 years and undergone unilateral breast cancer-related surgery. Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test was used to evaluate upper limb function, New York Posture Rating Chart for posture and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core QoL Questionnaire for quality of life. Results: Women with lymphedema had lower posture, upper limb function and quality of life scores than those without lymphedema (p <0.05). In addition, a moderate positive correlation was found between posture and quality of life general health status in both groups (r=0.516, p=0.007, with lymphedema; r=0.486, p=0.008, without lymphedema). However, there was no correlation between upper limb function to posture and quality of life (p> 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that women with lymphedema after breast cancer surgery had worse posture, upper limb function and quality of life than those without lymphedema. In addition, it was found that posture disorder was associated with poorer quality of life, but upper limb function was not associated with quality of life and posture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to establish cross-sectional reference values for the mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) and arm fat area (AFA) of Turkish children and adolescents. In total 5,553 students aged between 6 and 17 years were selected by a multistage sampling method from schools representing city centre, rural and urban areas of Kayseri, Central Anatolia. The MUAC and TSF were measured, and the arm muscle area, arm area, AFA and fat percentage (%) were calculated. The LMS method was employed to calculate the MUAC, TSF and AFA curve parameters. The MUAC, TSF, AFA and fat percentage in each age group were significantly higher in girls than in boys. In boys, the TSF 50th percentile ranged from 7.6 mm at 17 years to 9.0 mm at 11 years; whereas in girls this ranged from 9.4 mm at 6 years to 14.6 mm at 17 years. The MUAC 50th percentile ranged from 17.0 to 23.6 cm in boys, and from 15.6 cm to 20.9 cm in girls. The AFA 50th percentile measurements ranged from 4.5 cm at 6 years to 5.8 cm at 12-14 years in boys; and ranged from 7.2 cm at 6 years to 14.8 cm at 17 years in girls. The percentile distribution was more disperse towards higher TSF and AFA values in boys than in girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biceps brachii (BB) is as one of the most variable muscles in the human body in terms of number and morphology of its heads. The most frequent variation is the presence of a third head, which has been reported by several authors in different populations. Our aim was to find the occurrence of the supernumerary head of BB in Turkish foetuses. Out of the 24 upper limbs of the foetuses, two (8.33%) arms were found to have a three-headed BB. The variations were present unilaterally in the right arm of one male foetus and one female foetus. In one of the cases, the third head of BB originated from the anteromedial aspect of the humerus just distal to the insertion of the coracobrachilais, medial to the brachialis, and in the other the third head was a thin muscle bundle, which arose on the lateral side of the insertion of coracobrachialis and over the origin of the brachialis. Both of them were extended distally and joined the common tendon. The occasional presence of the three-headed BB in the foetuses observed in the present study was similar to those of adults reported in previous studies. In conclusion, these variations are not rare and are interesting not only to anatomists but also to orthopaedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, traumatologists, physiotherapists, doctors dealing with sports medicine, and radiologists.

Several methods are available to study lean and adipose tissue component of the upper arm, but the use of a specific technique is mostly determined by time and financial expense. Besides, anthropometric techniques (arm muscle area, mid-arm circumference and the triceps skinfold thickness), which are the most practical, simple, inexpensive and noninvasive, x-ray, ultrasound scanning, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance images (MRI) are also used to determine separate measures of muscles, adipose tissue, and bone area. These radiographic methods are expensive and suitable only for research studies. This short review will try to stress the importance of the measurement of the circumference of arm, arm muscle area and skinfold thickness during puberty and adolescence.

The purpose of this study was to detect the changes in the circumference of the arm, skinfold thickness (SFT), arm muscle area (AMA) and arm fat area (AFA), during the sexual development of healthy adolescent boys. This study was done with 74 adolescent boys, aged 9-17 years, with no chronic diseases, no developmental delay, no current medication with height ages appropriate for their bone ages, and body mass indexes between 50-75 percentiles. Body weight and height, the circumference of the arm and the SFT were measured. Body mass index, AMA and AFA were calculated. The mean arm circumference and AMA increased significantly from Tanner stage 1 to 5. AMA was significantly and positively correlated with age, weight, height, body mass index, arm circumference, SFT. After adjusting for Tanner stages, AMA was not correlated with age. A significant negative correlation was found between AMA and arm fat area. In the present study, it was seen that the sexual stages affected the circumference of arm, AMA, and the skinfold thickness in healthy adolescent boys, who were appropriate for their bone ages, and had good nutritional status. Further studies are required to detect the effect of pubertal stage on arm anthropometry in different nutritional status including obesity and malnutrition.