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Background/Aim: Resting scapular asymmetry with a more protracted and depressed position of the scapula in the dominant throwing side relative to the scapula of the contralateral side is commonly detected in overhead athletes with both healthy and disabled shoulders. It has been proposed that possible alterations in the EMG activity of periscapular muscles due to asymmetric position of the scapula may alter its kinematics leading to shoulder pathology. The aim of the current study was to identify possible alterations in the activation of periscapular muscles of healthy female volleyball players with scapular asymmetry in the resting position. Methods: Resting position of the scapula was determined in 37 healthy professional female volleyball players. Twenty-two players, with the scapula of the dominant side in a more protracted and depressed position compared to the non-dominant side, were classified as the asymmetry group. Fifteen players with almost symmetrical position of both scapulae comprised the control group. All participants performed an upper extremity closed chain exercise (knee push-ups) on a stable (floor) and an unstable surface (BOSU platform), while the EMG activity of serratus anterior (SA), upper trapezius (UT) and middle trapezius (MT) was recorded bilaterally. Results: No significant group (asymmetry vs. control) by side (dominant vs. non-dominant) by surface condition (floor vs. BOSU platform) interaction was detected with regard to the EMG activity of SA, UT and MT. Although not statistically significant the asymmetry group demonstrated a tendency for reduced EMG activity of the SA on the dominant compared to the contra-lateral side and compared to the dominant side of the control group. Conclusions: The EMG activity of periscapular muscles (SA, UT and MT) was not affected during execution of a close chain exercise in healthy female volleyball players with the scapula of the dominant side in a more protracted and depressed resting position. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd

The holistic self-management plan includes lifelong actions that enable patients to cope with their disease. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of a holistic self-management plan on asthma control. A 12-month controlled study was conducted. Adult patients with mild-to-moderate asthma (n = 24) who attended the emergency asthma department were randomized to two groups: One group followed four educational sessions and three personal home sessions (n = 12), while a second group received a short manual with asthma information (n = 12). The main measure was the asthma control test (ACT), while secondary outcomes were self-efficacy (general self-efficacy scale, GSE), end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2), respiratory rate (RR), breathing hold time (BHT), the Nijmegen Questionnaire (NQ), and spirometry (FEV1% predicted (forced expiratory volume in 1 second % predicted)) scores. The 2 × 4 ANOVA showed a significant interaction effect between intervention and time in ACT (p = 0.001), GSE (p < 0.001), ETCO2 (p < 0.001), RR (p < 0.001), BHT (p < 0.001), NQ (p = 0.05), and FEV1% predicted (p < 0.001). Predictors of asthma control were self-efficacy and ETCO2. In conclusion, this exploratory study provided support for the effectiveness of holistic self-management in asthma control. Behavioral changes, as indicated by the development of self-efficacy and the reduction of hyperventilation, contributed to the effectiveness of the intervention.

Poly[N-9′-heptadecanyl-2,7-carbazole-alt-5,5-(4′,7′-di-2-thienyl-2′,1′,3′-benzothiadiazole) (PCDTBT) is a copolymer composed of alternating thiophene-benzothiadiazole-thiophene (TBT) and carbazole (Cbz) repeat units widely used for stable organic photovoltaics. However, the solubility of PCDTBT is limited, which decreases polymer yield and makes synthesis and purification tedious. Here, we introduce a strategy to increase both solubility and luminescence by the statistical incorporation of additional hexyl side chains at the TBT unit (hex-TBT). An increasing amount of hex-TBT as comonomer from 0 to 100% enhances solubility, leads to backbone torsion, and causes a blue-shift in the absorption and emission spectra. While photovoltaic performance of both PCDTBT:P3HT blends and PCDTBT:PC$_{71}$BM blends decreases with increasing content of hex-TBT due to weaker and blue-shifted absorption, the luminescence properties can be systematically improved. Both photo- and electroluminescence (PL and EL) quantum efficiencies increase with increasing hex-TBT content. We further demonstrate solution-processed red polymer light-emitting diodes based on fully hexylated PCDTBT showing an EL quantum efficiency enhancement of up to 7 times and 2 orders of magnitude enhancement of brightness compared to standard PCDTBT. Fully hexylated PCDTBT shows a peak external quantum efficiency of 1.1% and a peak brightness of 2500 cd/m2

The holistic self-management plan includes lifelong actions that enable patients to cope with their disease. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of a holistic self-management plan on asthma control. A 12-month controlled study was conducted. Adult patients with mild-to-moderate asthma (n = 24) who attended the emergency asthma department were randomized to two groups: One group followed four educational sessions and three personal home sessions (n = 12), while a second group received a short manual with asthma information (n = 12). The main measure was the asthma control test (ACT), while secondary outcomes were self-efficacy (general self-efficacy scale, GSE), end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2), respiratory rate (RR), breathing hold time (BHT), the Nijmegen Questionnaire (NQ), and spirometry (FEV1% predicted (forced expiratory volume in 1 second % predicted)) scores. The 2 × 4 ANOVA showed a significant interaction effect between intervention and time in ACT (p = 0.001), GSE (p < 0.001), ETCO2 (p < 0.001), RR (p < 0.001), BHT (p < 0.001), NQ (p = 0.05), and FEV1% predicted (p < 0.001). Predictors of asthma control were self-efficacy and ETCO2. In conclusion, this exploratory study provided support for the effectiveness of holistic self-management in asthma control. Behavioral changes, as indicated by the development of self-efficacy and the reduction of hyperventilation, contributed to the effectiveness of the intervention. © 2017 Taylor & Francis.

The purpose of this study was to investigate Achilles tendon blood flow in individuals with overpronated feet during non-weight- and weight-bearing positions. Achilles tendon blood flow was measured by means of the pulsatility index (PI) and the resistance index (RI) in 15 male individuals with overpronated feet and 15 counterparts with normal feet, using power Doppler ultrasonography (PDI). Achilles tendon ultrasonographic (US) assessment was performed at its musculo-tendinous junction (MTJ), mid-tendon (MT), and osseotendinous junction (OTJ) at a non-weight-bearing relaxed position (RP) and during two-leg stance (TLS) and one-leg upright stance (OLS). PI and RI indices were significantly greater in individuals with overpronated feet compared to individuals with normal feet at the OTJ in OLS position (P

Objectives: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common musculoskeletal dysfunction presenting with pain at the anterior aspect of the knee joint. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether implementation of mobilization-with-movement (MWM) prior to hip or knee exercises can achieve early pain and functional ability improvements in patients with PFPS. Methods: Fifteen males and 25 females, 18-40 years of age with PFPS, were randomly assigned into three treatment groups. Patients in Groups A and B received MWMs for 1 week and performed either hip or knee exercises, respectively, for five more weeks. Physiotherapeutic modalities were implemented for 6 weeks in patients of Group C, who served as control. Pain and function was measured pre-intervention, post-MWM application, and post-intervention, using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). Results: The study revealed significantly improved post-MWM VAS and LEFS scores compared to pre- intervention scores for both Groups A and B (P < 0.001). Patients in Groups A and B demonstrated significantly improved post-MWM and post-intervention VAS and LEFS scores compared to Group C (P

This paper presents a detailed spectroscopic investigation of luminescence properties of 4,4′-Bis(N-carbazolyl)-1,1′-biphenyl (CBP) and N,N,N’,N’-tetraphenylbenzidine (TAD) in solutions and neat films. These compounds are compared to their derivatives CDBP and TDAD that contain methyl groups in the 2 and 2’ position of the biphenyl core. We find that whereas steric twisting in CDBP and TDAD leads to a high triplet energy of about 3.0 and 3.1 eV, respectively, these compounds also tend to form triplet excimers in a neat film, in contrast to CBP and TAD. By comparison with N-phenylcarbazole (NPC) and triphenylamine (TPA), on which these compounds are based, as well as with the rigid spiro analogs to CBP and TAD we show that the reduced excimer formation in CBP and TAD can be attributed to a localization of the excitation onto the central biphenyl part of the molecule.

We report fast and highly efficient intramolecular singlet exciton fission in a pentacene dimer, consisting of two covalently attached, nearly orthogonal pentacene units. Fission to triplet excitons from this ground state geometry occurs within 1 ps in isolated molecules in solution and dispersed solid matrices. The process exhibits a sensitivity to environmental polarity and competes with geometric relaxation in the singlet state, while subsequent triplet decay is strongly dependent on conformational freedom. The near orthogonal arrangement of the pentacene units is unlike any structure currently proposed for efficient singlet exciton fission and may lead to new molecular design rules.

Objectives: Joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) is a heritable disorder of the connective tissue characterized by excessive joint movement, musculoskeletal pain and neurophysiological deficits (i.e. decreased proprioceptive acuity, altered neuromuscular reflexes). Such deficits may affect body balance thus increasing the risk of injury. The present study aimed at examining static and dynamic body balance following challenge of the visual and vestibular systems in individuals with JHS. Methods: The sample consisted of 21 females with JHS and 20 controls without signs of JHS. Static body balance was assessed by the degree of anteroposterior and mediolateral deviation of the center of pressure, during 20-sec single-leg stances with eyes opened (EO), eyes closed (EC) and eyes opened with head extension (EO-HE) using a foot pressure platform. Dynamic body balance was assessed by the number of landing and balance errors committed during a multiple single-leg-hop-stabilization test. Results: Nonparametric analysis showed that the JHS-group demonstrated significantly greater (a) mediolateral deviation during single-leg-stance with EO (p

Background: The major thiol-disulfide couple of reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione is a key regulator of major transcriptional pathways regulating aseptic inflammation and recovery of skeletal muscle after aseptic injury. Antioxidant supplementation may hamper exercise-induced cellular adaptations. Objective: The objective was to examine how thiol-based antioxidant supplementation affects skeletal muscle's performance and redox-sensitive signaling during the inflammatory and repair phases associated with exercise-induced microtrauma. Design: In a double-blind, crossover design, 10 men received placebo or N-acetylcysteine (NAC; 20 mg ≥ kg-1 ≥ d-1) after muscledamaging exercise (300 eccentric contractions). In each trial, muscle performance was measured at baseline, after exercise, 2 h after exercise, and daily for 8 consecutive days. Muscle biopsy samples from vastus lateralis and blood samples were collected before exercise and 2 h, 2 d, and 8 d after exercise. Results: NAC attenuated the elevation of inflammatory markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase activity, C-reactive protein, proinflammatory cytokines), nuclear factor κB phosphorylation, and the decrease in strength during the first 2 d of recovery. NAC also blunted the increase in phosphorylation of protein kinase B, mammalian target of rapamycin, p70 ribosomal S6 kinase, ribosomal protein S6, and mitogen activated protein kinase p38 at 2 and 8 d after exercise. NAC also abolished the increase in myogenic determination factor and reduced tumor necrosis factor-α 8 d after exercise. Performance was completely recovered only in the placebo group. Conclusion: Although thiol-based antioxidant supplementation enhances GSH availability in skeletal muscle, it disrupts the skeletal muscle inflammatory response and repair capability, potentially because of a blunted activation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01778309. Copyright © 2013 American Society for Nutrition.

Kinematic studies have shown that experimentally-induced overpronation or oversupination of the subtalar joint may alter the position of the legs, hips and pelvis and consequently the trunk and upper limb. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether such foot deformity affects the activity of muscles that act on the trunk and upper limb. Twenty-eight healthy individuals (11 males and 17 females) 21.4±1.9 years of age without skeletal deformity, leg length discrepancy (LLD), overpronated or oversupinated feet or excessive lateral pelvic inclination volunteered for the study. Bilateral EMG recordings of the latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major and rectus abdominis were undertaken for 30-s with each subject in the relaxed standing position and at 5° and 10° bilateral or unilateral overpronation or oversupination of the foot on the dominant side using wooden wedge-shape blocks. The recorded EMG activity was normalised based on the EMG activity produced by the muscles under investigation during maximum isometric voluntary contraction. The findings of the present study revealed that neither bilateral nor unilateral overpronation/oversupination of the feet induced a significant alteration of the EMG activity of the latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major and rectus abdominis on either the dominant or non-dominant side. These findings suggest that in the absence of other major structural deformity bilateral or unilateral foot overpronation or oversupination does not affect the EMG activity of muscles that act on the trunk and upper limb in quiet standing. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.

The purpose of this study was to cross-culturally adapt and validate the Greek version of Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADLS), a self-reported instrument used for patients with various knee pathological conditions including osteoarthritis. Ninety-four patients (57 males and 37 females) with a variety of pathological knee disorders and impairments being referred to physical therapy for evaluation and treatment were included in the study. For the cross-cultural translation, a back-translation procedure was utilized by 3 bi-lingual translators. To assess test-retest reliability the patients were asked to complete the KOS-ADLS twice at initial visit; before and after physiotherapy treatment. To assess responsiveness, patients completed the KOS-ADLS at the end of all physiotherapy sessions and the score was compared with KOS-ADLS at initial (pre-treatment) visit. Finally, concurrent validity was measured by comparing the responses to the KOS-ADLS scores against the scores obtained from Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Global Rating Scale (GRS). Reliability was found satisfactory (ICC = 0.97; SEM = 3.03; SDD = 23.05; Cronbach's alpha = 0.98). Moreover, a gender subgroup analysis showed that women were more reliable than men. Minor floor/ceiling effects were detected. Concerning validity, all correlations were statistically significant, ranging from r= 0.315 to r= 0.741, however GRS presented higher correlations with KOS-ADLS in comparison with VAS. Finally, Greek KOS-ADLS was able to detect changes over time (standardized effect size = 1.31 and standardized response mean = 1.64). The Greek version of KOS-ADLS was found to be reliable, valid, responsive and comprehensible to use with patients with knee pathology. © 2010 Elsevier B.V.

Objectives To identify the intrinsic risk factors of non-contact strains in the hamstrings and quadriceps muscles of professional soccer players via a cohort prospective design. Methods A total of 100 professional soccer players (aged 19.4-27.8 years) from four professional teams underwent a composite musculoskeletal assessment at preseason. Intrinsic risk factors included dichotomies of asymmetries in muscle strength, flexibility, proprioception, anthropometry and knee joint stability, and of previous injuries. Muscle strains were prospectively monitored during the subsequent season using questionnaires. The data were analysed via binary logistic regression. Results Thirty-eight percent of the players sustained one or more lower-extremity muscle strains. Sixteen (42.1 %) and seven (18.4 %) of them were clinically diagnosed as having non-contact muscle strains at their hamstrings and quadriceps, respectively. Players with eccentric hamstring strength asymmetries (OR=3.88; 95% CI 1.13 to 13.23), functional leg length asymmetries (OR=3.80; 95% CI 1.08 to 13.33) and no previous hamstrings injuries (OR=0.15; 95% CI 0.029 to 0.79) were at greater risk of sustaining a hamstring muscle strain. Players with eccentric strength (OR=5.01; 95% CI 0.92 to 27.14) and flexibility asymmetries (OR=4.98; 95% CI 0.78 to 31.80) in their quadriceps as well as heavier (OR=10.70; 95% CI 0.73 to 156.37) and shorter players (OR=0.08; 95% CI 0.00 to 1.35) were at greater risk of sustaining a strain in this muscle group. Conclusions Professional soccer players with functional asymmetries possess a higher risk of sustaining hamstring strains. Previous injury seems not to constitute a risk factor. The systematic isokinetic evaluation of the lower extremities during the preseason period can provide therapists and trainers with valuable data regarding the predictive elements of non-contact hamstring strains in professional soccer players.

Background: The mechanoreceptors located in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) constitute an afferent source of information toward the central nervous system. It has been proposed that ACL deficiency causes a disturbance in neuromuscular control, affects central programs and consequently the motor response resulting in serious dysfunction of the injured limb. Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate whether chronic anterior cruciate ligament injury causes plastic changes in brain activation patterns. Study Design: Case control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Seventeen right leg-dominant male participants with chronic anterior cruciate ligament deficiency and 18 matched healthy male participants with no special sport or habitual physical activity participated in this study. Patient selection criteria comprised a complete right unilateral anterior cruciate ligament rupture =6 months before testing. Brain activation was examined by using functional magnetic resonance imaging technique (1.5-T scanner). Results: Results show that patients with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency had diminished activation in several sensorimotor cortical areas and increased activation in 3 areas compared with controls: presupplementary motor area, posterior secondary somatosensory area, and posterior inferior temporal gyrus. Conclusion: The current study reveals that anterior cruciate ligament deficiency can cause reorganization of the central nervous system, suggesting that such an injury might be regarded as a neurophysiologic dysfunction, not a simple peripheral musculoskeletal injury. This evidence could explain clinical symptoms that accompany this type of injury and lead to severe dysfunction. Understanding the pattern of brain activation after a peripheral joint injury such as anterior cruciate ligament injury lead to new standards in rehabilitation and motor control learning with a wide application in a number of clinical and research areas (eg, surgical procedures, patient re-education, athletic training, etc). © 2009 The Author(s).

Background: Excessive subtalar pronation causes significant changes in the biomechanics of the lower leg, adversely influences proprioceptive feedback and neuromuscular reflex behavior and consequently, affects stability of the foot. However, the changes in muscle strength, caused by hyperpronation are unclear. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to compare the evertor and invertor peak torque between hyperpronated and normal individuals as well as between their dominant and non-dominant foot. Method: 20 healthy male participants volunteered for this study. Leg dominance was assessed on the basis of a questionnaire and navicular drop measurements were used to classify participants into two groups: hyperpronated (≥10 mm) and normals (5-9 mm). Isokinetic concentric eversion and inversion muscle group strength was tested at 30° and 120°/s using the Con-Trex MJ isokinetic dynamometer. Results: In all cases, inversion peak torque was greater than eversion peak torque and declined with increasing angular velocity. No significant differences were found for inversion and eversion concentric strength at both speeds tested, neither between normal and hyperpronated individuals neither between their dominant and non-dominant foot. Conclusions: These results indicate the need re-evaluation of navicular drop values in order to identify normal and abnormal subtalar pronation. The assessment of eccentric contractions is also proposed when examining invertors and evertors isokinetic strength. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The aim of this study was to develop a new apparatus capable of accurately recording and analysing torque-time curve during isometric muscle contractions of the elbow flexors. A total of 25 (age 29.3 ± 5.0 years) non-athlete male volunteers participated in this study. To establish the measurement precision of the new testing apparatus and to determine possible sources of error in the results, a series of tests was performed. Instrument validity was assessed by comparing each selected measure (lever arm angular position, torque and maximal isometric torque) to a criterion (external inclinometer, calibrated weights and isokinetic dynamometer, respectively), while trial-to-trial and day-to-day comparisons of measurements were made to estimate the reproducibility of the instrument. The statistical outcomes of validity tests demonstrated high agreement between measures and associated criteria (Pearson correlation coefficient's values ≥.97). Trial-to-trial correlations for maximal isometric torque in different elbow angles showed excellent reproducibility, as values of intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC[2,1]) ranged from 0.889 to 0.971, with higher value in the middle angle (90°). The value of ICC[2,1] (day-to-day) for maximal isometric torque in 90 degrees was 0.986 and the respective standard error of measurement (SEM) was 1.5 Nm. Our results indicate that the isometric evaluation of elbow flexor muscles with the new dynamometer is accurate and reproducible. © 2008 Informa UK Ltd.

Background: Several studies have been carried out in order to investigate the effect of ankle bracing on ankle joint function and performance. However, no study so far has examined the role of skin-brace interface pressure in neuromuscular control. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different skin-ankle brace interface pressures, with and without shoes, on quiet single-limb balance and the electromyographic (EMG) activation sequence of four lower limb muscles. Methods: Twelve male physical education students who volunteered to take part in the study were measured with and without shoes under three ankle brace conditions: (i) without brace, (ii) with brace and 30 kilopascals (kPa) application pressure and (iii) with brace and 60 kPa application pressure. Single-limb balance (anteroposterior and mediolateral parameter) was assessed on the dominant lower limb, with open and closed eyes, on a force platform, simultaneously with the EMG recording of four lower lower limb muscles' (gastrocnemius, peroneus longus, rectus femoris and biceps femoris) activation onset. Peroneus longus reaction time was also measured by provoking a sudden subtalar inversion stress test using a trap-door. Results: The results showed that the application of athletic footwear resulted in a significant difference between the condition with shoes and without shoes, with a significantly increased anteroposterior sway and sway velocity, in all three ankle brace application conditions with shoes (F = 50.9, d.f. = 1, p < 0.001 and F = 58.4, d.f. = 1, p < 0.001), but had no effect in the mediolateral stability, or the total stability parameter. Shoes had no significant effect on the EMG activation sequence of the four lower limb muscles. Lastly, ankle brace application with 30 and 60 kPa application pressures, with and without athletic footwear, led to a significant delay in the peroneus longus reaction time (F = 9.71, d.f. = 2, p < 0.001). Conclusions: These findings suggest that different ankle brace application pressures may have an effect on single-limb balance, and peroneal reaction time. The application of athletic footwear, further adversely affects these parameters significantly. Further research is needed in this area with more dynamic and functional measurements, before the safe use of ankle bracing can be widely recommended. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used 1) to describe the pattern of whole brain activity during motion of isolated joints of the lower limb, 2) to examine the somatotopic organization of lower limb joint representations in the primary sensorimotor cortex and the anterior lobe of the cerebellum and 3) to quantify the degree of overlap between these lower limb joint activations. Eighteen healthy, right leg dominant volunteers participated in a motor block-design study, performing repetitive knee, ankle and toes flexion/extension movements. In order to relate lower limb joints activation to the well-described patterns of finger movement, serial finger-to-thumb opposition was also assessed. All movements were auditory paced at 72 beats/min (1.2 Hz). Isolated lower limb joints movement activated a distributed sensorimotor network, including primary and non-primary sensorimotor areas. Although a large overlap was evident in primary sensorimotor cortex (SM1) and cerebellum representations of the three lower limb joints, a somatotopic arrangement was recognizable with reference to center of mass coordinates of each individual joint in the above areas. Detection of active brain regions during movement of the lower limb joints is feasible with fMRI although a carefully optimized methodology protocol is required.

Objective: First, to document the injuries sustained during the 2004 Olympic Games in a sample of patients visiting the physiotherapy department of the Olympic Village polyclinic. Second, to provide information and data about the physiotherapy services for planning future Olympics and other mass gatherings. Design: Observational study. Setting: Olympic Village polyclinic. Participants: 457 patients aged 15-72 years visited the physiotherapy department from 30 July through 30 August. Results: The department's workload was at a peak during the last 15 days of the Olympic Games (periods B and C). The most common injuries were overuse injuries (47.3%). The most common pathology for physiotherapy attendance was myofascial pain/muscle spasm (32.5%), followed by tendinopathy (19.2%) and ligament sprain (18.7%). The most prevalent site of injury was the thigh (21%), followed by the knee (14.1%) and the lumbar spine (13.5%). Most injuries had symptoms of

Inflammation and oxidative stress have been implicated in the mechanism of eccentric exercise-induced muscle injury. This study examined whether baseline serum levels of selenium (Se), a trace element that participates in both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory systems, affects the overall response to injury. Thirteen males performed 36 maximal eccentric actions with the elbow flexors of the non-dominant arm on a motorized dynamometer. Venous blood samples were collected immediately before and after exercise at 2, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. Established indicators of muscle damage such as maximum isometric torque (MIT), range of motion (ROM), relaxed arm angle (RANG), flexed arm angle (FANG), arm circumference (CIRC), muscle soreness and serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined at the same time points. Baseline serum levels of Se were also measured. Complementary data regarding assessment of Se status were retrieved by the use of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. All measures changed significantly (p < 0.05) after exercise. The main finding of this study was that baseline Se serum levels were associated inversely with CK, LDH and FANG and positively with MIT and ROM (p < 0.05). These data suggest that beyond overt Se deficiency, suboptimal Se status possibly worsens muscle functional decrements subsequent to eccentric muscle contractions. © 2006 - IUBMB/IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.

Anterior shoulder dislocation is a common type of injury, which occurs relatively frequently both during sport and normal everyday activities. A shoulder dislocation is a displacement of the humeral head that causes injury to all capsuloligamentous structures. Consequently, the main clinical sign of shoulder dislocation is functional instability and rehabilitation therefore aims at enhancing the dynamic muscular and proprioceptive restraints to shoulder instability. Conservative treatment of the unstable shoulder has long been discussed emphasizing the importance of exercise. Therefore, the aim of this article is to present an effective exercise-based rehabilitation plan for the non-operative management of anterior shoulder dislocation, according to current knowledge and existing literature. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Studies of unilateral finger movement in right-handed subjects have shown asymmetrical patterns of activation in primary motor cortex and subcortical regions. In order to investigate the existence of an analogous pattern during lower limb joints movements, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used. Eighteen healthy, right leg dominant volunteers participated in a motor block design study, performing unilateral right and left repetitive knee, ankle and toes flexion/extension movements. Aiming to relate lower limb joints activation to the well-described patterns of finger movement, serial finger-to-thumb opposition was also assessed. All movements were auditory paced at 72 beats/min (1.2 Hz). Brain activation during movement of the nondominant joints was more bilateral than during the same movement performed with the dominant joints. Finger movement had a stronger lateralized pattern of activation in comparison with lower limb joints, implying a different functional specialization. Differences were also evident between the joints of the lower limb. Ankle and toes movements elicited the same extend of MR signal change in the majority of the examined brain regions, whereas knee joint movement was associated with a different pattern. Finally, lateralization index in primary sensorimotor cortex and basal ganglia was significantly affected by the main effect of dominance, whereas the lateralization index in cerebellum was significantly affected by the joint main effect, demonstrating a lateralization index increase from proximal to distal joints. © 2006.

Ankle bracing is widely used by sports participants in order to prevent lateral ankle sprains. Current evidence on the various effects of ankle orthoses reveals that not only they are effective in minimizing the risk of injury, but also they do not hinder athletic performance and other parameters related to function. This review attempts to present all currently existing evidence regarding the effects of protective ankle braces and even more importantly, to discuss issues that have not been adequately investigated and identify areas for future research. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electromyographic peroneal reaction time measurements is a well established and reliable method of assessing the dynamic defence mechanism of the ankle joint against ankle sprains. Ankle bracing has been proved to be an effective prophylactic measure against injury since it restricts joint ROM. However, its role in improving the dynamic defence mechanism of the ankle according to the skin-brace interface application pressure, is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different pressures of ankle brace application in the peroneus longus reaction time. Thirty-three young, male, uninjured, physical education students were measured under three conditions: (1) without brace, (2) with brace and 30 kPa application pressure and (3) with brace and 60 kPa application pressure, as measured by a pressure sensitive sensor. Peroneal reaction time was assessed with surface electromyography, during a sudden inversion stress test on a trapdoor. The results demonstrated significant differences between the control (no brace condition) and the two brace conditions, with a significant increase of the peroneal reaction time, with increasing ankle brace application pressures, more pronounced in the 60 kPa pressure. The findings of this study show that prophylactic ankle bracing when applied tightly, seems to have a detrimental effect in the dynamic defence mechanism of the ankle joint, since it delays the peroneous longus activation onset during a simulated ankle sprain. Whether different brace application pressures introduced in this study can affect the incidence of ankle sprains remains to be examined. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.