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Foam rolling have gained popularity among elite athletes, but the effect of the speed parameter of foam rolling has not yet been determined. Our objective was to investigate the impact of different application speeds of foam roller on the mechanical properties of the quadriceps femoris muscle. Eighteen male professional basketball athletes (age 23 ± 4 years, body mass index 24.43 ± 1.59 kg/m²) participated in this study. We used a crossover design to randomize the order of the treatment speeds (30 beats per minute-FAST, 15 beats per minute-SLOW, and a self-determined speed-SELF) with a one-week washout period between each session. We measured dominant quadriceps femoris muscle tone, elasticity, and stiffness using the Myoton device before and after the interventions. We found that the average rate for SELF was 33±10 beats per minute, making SELF the fastest. All application speeds showed similar results in pre-intervention measurements of the mechanical properties of the tissues (P > 0.05). However, post hoc analysis revealed that a decrease was evident in SLOW compared to SELF in muscle tone in post-intervention measurements (P = 0.037). Also, we noted that comparison of pre- and post-intervention on FAST and SLOW showed a significant reduction in muscle tone (P = 0.002, P = 0.008). Slower foam rolling prior to training or competition may lead to a delay in the reaction time due to the reduction in tonus, that can increase the injury risks. Alternatively, the significant reduction in tonus may be useful in regulating the increased tonus after training and competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shoulder joint has a high degree of freedom and an extremely complex and unstable kinematic mechanism. Coordinated contraction of the rotator cuff muscles that stop around the humeral head and the deltoid muscles and the extensibility of soft tissues, such as the joint capsule, labrum, and ligaments, contribute to shoulder-joint stability. Understanding the mechanics of shoulder-joint movement, including soft-tissue characteristics, is important for disease prevention and the development of a device for disease treatment. This study aimed to create a musculoskeletal shoulder model to represent the realistic behavior of joint movement and soft-tissue deformation as a dynamic simulation using a rigid-body model for bones and a soft-body model for soft tissues via a spring–damper–mass system. To reproduce the muscle-contraction properties of organisms, we used a muscle-expansion representation and Hill's mechanical muscle model. Shoulder motion, including the movement of the center of rotation in joints, was reproduced, and the strain in the joint capsule during dynamic shoulder movement was quantified. Furthermore, we investigated narrowing of the acromiohumeral distance in several situations to induce tissue damage due to rotator cuff impingement at the anterior–subacromial border during shoulder abduction. Given that the model can analyze exercises under disease conditions, such as muscle and tendon injuries and impingement syndrome, the proposed model is expected to help elucidate disease mechanisms and develop treatment guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of bupropion on periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) and chin electromyography tone in children taking it for their mood disorder, compared to the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and of bupropion combined with SSRIs. METHODS: Six adolescents (aged 16.0 ± 0.63 years) taking bupropion alone and 6 adolescents (aged 15.9 ± 1.36 years) taking bupropion in combination with an SSRI antidepressant were recruited, along with 10 adolescents (aged 16.2 ± 0.2 years) taking different SSRIs, and they were also enrolled together with 17 age- and sex-matched control patients (aged 15.5 ± 1.26 years). Polysomnographic studies were obtained, and participants leg movement activity during sleep and muscle tone were assessed quantitatively (atonia index) during all sleep stages. RESULTS: Participants taking SSRIs showed PLMS indices significantly higher than those of control patients, whereas adolescents taking bupropion showed only slightly increased indexes of nonperiodic leg movements during sleep. No differences in PLMS were observed between adolescents taking bupropion alone or in association with SSRIs. The atonia index showed, within each sleep stage, the lowest values in the 2 groups taking SSRIs and the highest in the control patients; adolescents taking bupropion alone tended to show values slightly smaller than those of the control patients. CONCLUSIONS: We found that similar to adults, in adolescents SSRIs but not bupropion are associated with increased PLMS. Bupropion also seems to counteract the SSRI-induced increase of PLMS, when administered in combination; thus, the dopaminergic effect of bupropion seems to outmatch the antidopaminergic action of SSRIs. Conversely, bupropion does not counteract the effects of SSRIs on chin electromyography tone. CITATION: DelRosso LM, Mogavero MP, Fickensher A, Bruni O, Schenck CH, Ferri R. Effects of bupropion and SSRI antidepressants on leg movement activity and chin muscle tone during sleep in adolescents. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(1):151-161.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that children taking trazodone have less leg movements during sleep (LMS) and higher rapid eye movement (REM) sleep atonia than children taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) but more than normal controls. METHODS: Fifteen children (9 girls and 6 boys, mean age 11.7 years, standard deviation [SD] 3.42) taking trazodone (median dosage 50 mg/d, range 25-200 mg) for insomnia and 19 children (11 girls and 8 boys, mean age 13.7 years, SD 3.07) taking SSRIs for depression, anxiety, or both were consecutively recruited, as well as an age- and sex-matched group of 25 control children (17 girls and 8 boys, mean age 13.7 years, SD 3.11). LMS were scored and a series of parameters was calculated, along with the analysis of their time structure. The Atonia Index was then computed for each non-REM sleep stage and for REM sleep. RESULTS: Children taking trazodone exhibited slightly higher leg movement indices than controls but lower than those found in children taking SSRIs and their time structure was different. Chin electromyogram atonia in all sleep stages was not significantly altered in children taking trazodone but was decreased in children taking SSRIs, especially during non-REM sleep. CONCLUSIONS: In children, SSRIs but not trazodone are associated with a significantly increased number of LMS, including periodic LMS, and increased chin tone in all sleep stages. The assessment of periodic limb movement disorder and REM sleep without atonia might not be accurate when children are taking SSRIs because of their significant impact. CITATION: DelRosso LM, Mogavero MP, Bruni O, Schenck CH, Fickenscher A, Ferri R. Trazodone affects periodic leg movements and chin muscle tone during sleep less than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants in children. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(12):2829-2836.

Introduction: there is a lack of evidence with objective measurements of respiratory muscle tone in premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia BPD. Objective: to assess the muscle tone of accessory inspiratory muscles in premature infants with and without BPD from birth to 36 gestational weeks. Material and method: a longitudinal observational clinical study with 37 premature infants of less than 36 weeks of gestational age and weighing less than 1500 grams, hospitalized at the neonatal intensive care unit. Premature infants underwent assessments of muscle tone with surface electromyography every two weeks after birth, on the muscles: pectoralis major, anterior serratus, trapezius, and erector of the spine. Those with severe complications, deaths and fewer than three surface electromyography measures were excluded. Premature infants were allocated into two groups: premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (with BPD, defined by the need for supplemental oxygen for 28 days or more) and control group, without BPD. Results: premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia presented higher muscle tone in trapeziusin the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th evaluations, in anterior serratus only in the 1st evaluation and inerector of the spine in the 2nd and in the 4th evaluations, compared to CG (p < 0.05 for all). In the intragroup analysis, the muscle tone of erector of the spine decreased over time in both groups (p < 0.05). In addition, infants with BPD required more invasive and non-invasive ventilatory support compared to CG (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusion: premature infants with BPD exhibit heightened muscle tone in accessory inspiratory muscles and elevated requirement for ventilatory support during the hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective: To evaluate and compare the sexual function and pelvic floor muscles (PFM) function of women with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain (CPP) with and without Myofascial Pelvic Pain Syndrome (MPPS). Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted between January 2018 and December 2020. Women with deep endometriosis underwent assessments for trigger points (TP) and PFM function using the PERFECT scale. Electromyographic activity (EMG) and sexual function through Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were assessed. Statistical analyses included chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: There were 46 women. 47% had increased muscle tone and 67% related TP in levator ani muscle (LAM). Weakness in PFM, with P≤2 was noted in 82% and P≥3 in only 17%. Incomplete relaxation of PFM presented in 30%. EMG results were resting 6.0, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) 61.9 and Endurance 14.2; FSFI mean total score 24.7. We observed an association between increased muscle tone (P

Abstract Objectives The quantitative assessment of muscle stiffness or weakness is essential for medical care. Shear wave elastography is non-invasive ultrasound method and provides quantitative information on the elasticity of soft tissue. However, the universal velocity scale for quantification has not been developed. The aim of the study is to determine the shear wave velocities of abdominal muscle during anesthetic induction and to identify methods to cancel the effects of confounders for future development in the quantitative assessment of muscle tone using the universal scale. Methods We enrolled 75 adult patients undergoing elective surgery with ASA-PS I – III in the period between December 2018 and March 2021. We measured and calculated the shear wave velocity (SWV) before and after opioid administration (i.e., the baseline at rest and opioid-induced rigidity condition), and after muscle relaxant administration (i.e., zero reference condition). The SWV value was adjusted for the subcutaneous fat thickness by our proposed corrections. The SWVs after the adjustment were compared among the values in baseline, rigidity, and relaxation using one-way repeated-measures ANOVA and post hoc Tukey–Kramer test. A p-value of

Background: Studies investigating the immediate effects of a single intervention to correct forward head posture are rare. Objects: This study aimed to compare the changes in treatment effects in patients with forward head posture and neck pain after manual and self-exercise therapy over a 1-hour period. Methods: Twenty-eight participants were randomly divided into manual and self-exercise therapy groups. Following the initial evaluation, manual or self-exercise therapy was applied to each group for 30 minutes each in the prone, supine, and sitting positions. The variables measured were the craniovertebral angle (CVA), stress level, pain level, and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) stiffness. After the intervention, re-evaluation was conducted immediately, 30 minutes later, and 1 hour later. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the maintenance of treatment effects between the two groups. Results: Based on the two-way mixed ANOVA variance, there was no interaction between the groups and time for all variables, and no main effects were found between the groups. However, a significant effect of time was observed (p < 0.05). Post hoc tests using Bonferroni's correction revealed that in both groups, the CVA, pain, and stress showed significant improvements immediately after the intervention compared with before the intervention, and these treatment effects were maintained for up to 1 hour after the treatment (p < 0.0083) in the manual therapy group. However, the stress level was maintained until 30 minutes later (p < 0.0083) in the self-exercise group. There was no significant decrease in right SCM stiffness before and after the intervention; however, left SCM stiffness significantly decreased after the self-exercise intervention (p < 0.0083). Conclusion: Both manual and self-exercise therapy for 30 minutes were effective in reducing forward head posture related to the CVA, pain, and stress levels. These effects persisted for at least 30 minutes.

Objectives: The quantitative assessment of muscle stiffness or weakness is essential for medical care. Shear wave elastography is non-invasive ultrasound method and provides quantitative information on the elasticity of soft tissue. However, the universal velocity scale for quantification has not been developed. The aim of the study is to determine the shear wave velocities of abdominal muscle during anesthetic induction and to identify methods to cancel the effects of confounders for future development in the quantitative assessment of muscle tone using the universal scale. Methods: We enrolled 75 adult patients undergoing elective surgery with ASA-PS I – III in the period between December 2018 and March 2021. We measured and calculated the shear wave velocity (SWV) before and after opioid administration (i.e., the baseline at rest and opioid-induced rigidity condition), and after muscle relaxant administration (i.e., zero reference condition). The SWV value was adjusted for the subcutaneous fat thickness by our proposed corrections. The SWVs after the adjustment were compared among the values in baseline, rigidity, and relaxation using one-way repeated-measures ANOVA and post hoc Tukey–Kramer test. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. UMIN Clinical Trials Registry identifier UMIN000034692, registered on October 30, 2018. Results: The SWVs in the baseline, opioid-induced rigidity, and muscle relaxation conditions after the adjustment were 2.08 ± 0.48, 2.41 ± 0.60, and 1.79 ± 0.30 m/s, respectively (p < 0.001 at all comparisons). Conclusion: The present study suggested that the SWV as reference was 1.79 m/s and that the SWVs at rest and opioid-induced rigidity were ~ 10% and ~ 30% increase from the reference, respectively. The SWV adjusted for the subcutaneous fat thickness may be scale points for the assessment of muscle tone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between arytenoid adduction asymmetry (AAA) and the demographic and morphological characteristics of true vocal fold (TVF) polyps and establish the cause and effect relationship between AAA and TVF polyps. Methods: Videolaryngostroboscopic findings of 163 patients with TVF polyps were retrospectively reviewed and categorized into Group 1 with AAA or Group 2 without AAA. Demographic details, clinicomorphological polyp characteristics, supraglottic phenomena, and AAA attributes were analyzed. Results: Group 1 was younger than Group 2 (fourth vs fifth decade; P =.0066). Polyp characteristics showed no significant intergroup differences. The association between AAA and false vocal fold (FVF) adduction (65.28% vs 47.62% in Group 1 and 2 respectively; P =.0441) was significant. In relation to TVF polyp laterality, contralateral and bilateral AAA and FVF adduction respectively, was significant. Conclusion: AAA is a compensatory laryngeal adaptation akin to a FVF adduction muscle tension pattern. With a concomitant laryngeal pathology and high vocal demand, AAA is a consequence and not the cause for underlying laryngeal pathology which hinders glottic closure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze clinical efficacy and influencing factors of selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) for treatment of spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) in children. Methods Total 131 children with SCP who underwent SDR at Shanghai Children's Hospital between September 2015 and June 2019 were included in the study. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Gross Motor Function Measure-66 Items (GMFM-66) were used to evaluate the gross motor function before surgery and at the last follow-up. The modified Ashworth Scale was used to assess the degree of spasticity in the target muscle groups of the lower limbs. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the influencing factors of the improvement in GMFM -66 score. Results Compared to preoperative values, there was a significant decrease in muscle tonus in the target muscle groups of the lower limbs after surgery, including bilateral adductors muscles (Z = -8.164, P = 0.000; Z = -8.304, P = 0.000), bilateral hamstrings muscles (Z = -7.424, P = 0.000; Z = -7.123, P = 0.000), bilateral gastrocnemius muscles (Z = -9.328, P = 0.000; Z = -9.605, P = 0.000), and bilateral tibialis anterior muscles (Z = -9.349, P = 0.000; Z = -9.543, P = 0.000). The overall improvement rate of GMFCS classification after surgery was 34.35% (45/131), and there were no cases of GMFCS classification worsening. There were statistically significant differences in GMFM -66 scores before and after surgery among different GMFCS levels (F = 215.030, P = 0.000). The improvement in GMFM -66 score was greater in GMFCS level Ⅰ (t = 4.379, P = 0.000), Ⅱ (t = 3.686, P = 0.000) and Ⅲ (t = 3.198, P = 0.002) compared to level Ⅳ , and levelⅠ had better score than level Ⅲ (t = 2.170, P = 0.032). Logistic regression analysis showed that surgery performed at the age of 3-6 years (OR = 4.917, 95%CI: 1.554-15.557; P = 0.007) and preoperative GMFCS level Ⅰ - Ⅲ (OR = 10.294, 95%CI: 3.522- 30.092; P = 0.000) were favorable factors for a ΔGMFM -66 score improvement of ≥ 6.55 score. Conclusions SDR effectively reduces muscle tonus in the target muscle groups of the lower limbs and improves gross motor function in children with SCP. The treatment outcome is particularly favorable for children with increased muscle tonus in both lower limbs who can cooperate with rehabilitation training (GMFCS level Ⅰ-Ⅲ). SDR can also be considered for children with severe cerebral palsy (GMFCS level Ⅳ-Ⅴ) to facilitate daily care.

Acoustic myography (AMG) noninvasively probes muscle activity. We explored whether AMG captures abnormal motor activity in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and how this activity is modulated by antiparkinsonian medication. Twenty patients with PD underwent AMG of the biceps, triceps, extensor carpi radialis longus, and adductor policis muscles of the more affected arm during active and passive movements, using a mobile AMG device (CURO, Denmark). AMG and assessment of motor symptoms were performed in a pragmatic off‐medication state, as well as one and 3 h after oral intake of 200 mg levodopa. Three AMG parameters were calculated using the CURO analysis system. Motor efficiency was expressed by the E‐score, muscle fiber recruitment by the temporal T‐score, spatial summation by the S‐score, and S/T ratio. Twenty age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects served as controls. Group mean values were statistically compared using unpaired two‐tailed adjusted t‐test and ANOVA with Tukey´s correction for multiple comparison (p ≤ 0.05). For the biceps and extensor carpi radialis longus muscles, the active movement S:T ratio was lower in PD relative to healthy controls. The E‐score was also lower during active and passive flexion/extension movements in the off‐medication state. No significant between‐group differences in the AMG scores were noted for the triceps muscle during active or passive movements. The active S:T ratio and the E‐score during active elbow flexion and extension may offer a useful means to quickly assess abnormal motor activity and the effect of drug treatment in PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to use shear wave elastography (SWE) to dynamically describe the characteristics of biceps brachii muscle stiffness during passive stretching in healthy participants, investigate changes in the Young’s modulus–angle curve under various states of muscle tone in stroke patients, and develop a new method for measuring muscle tone quantitatively. Methods: In total, 30 healthy volunteers and 54 stroke patients were evaluated for elbow flexor muscle tone on both sides using passive motion examination and were divided into groups based on their muscle tone status. The real-time SWE video of the biceps brachii and the Young’s modulus data were recorded during the passive straightening of the elbow. The Young’s modulus–elbow angle curves were created and fitted using an exponential model. The parameters yielded from the model were subjected to further intergroup analysis. Results: The repeatability of the Young’s modulus measurement was generally good. During passive elbow extension, the Young’s modulus of the biceps brachii steadily increased as muscle tone increased, and it increased faster when the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) score got higher. The exponential model’s fitness was generally good. The curvature coefficient was significantly different between the MAS 0 group and the hypertonia groups (MAS 1, 1+, and 2 groups). Conclusion: The passive elastic characteristics of the biceps brachii are consistent with the exponential model. The Young’s modulus–elbow angle curve of the biceps brachii changes in distinct ways depending on the muscle tone status. SWE can be used to quantify muscular stiffness during passive stretching as a new way of muscle tone evaluation, allowing for quantitative muscle tone evaluation and mathematical assessment of muscle mechanical properties in stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Acoustic myography (AMG) noninvasively probes muscle activity. We explored whether AMG captures abnormal motor activity in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and how this activity is modulated by antiparkinsonian medication. Twenty patients with PD underwent AMG of the biceps, triceps, extensor carpi radialis longus, and adductor policis muscles of the more affected arm during active and passive movements, using a mobile AMG device (CURO, Denmark). AMG and assessment of motor symptoms were performed in a pragmatic off‐medication state, as well as one and 3 h after oral intake of 200 mg levodopa. Three AMG parameters were calculated using the CURO analysis system. Motor efficiency was expressed by the E‐score, muscle fiber recruitment by the temporal T‐score, spatial summation by the S‐score, and S/T ratio. Twenty age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects served as controls. Group mean values were statistically compared using unpaired two‐tailed adjusted t‐test and ANOVA with Tukey´s correction for multiple comparison (p ≤ 0.05). For the biceps and extensor carpi radialis longus muscles, the active movement S:T ratio was lower in PD relative to healthy controls. The E‐score was also lower during active and passive flexion/extension movements in the off‐medication state. No significant between‐group differences in the AMG scores were noted for the triceps muscle during active or passive movements. The active S:T ratio and the E‐score during active elbow flexion and extension may offer a useful means to quickly assess abnormal motor activity and the effect of drug treatment in PD.

Background: The gastrocnemius tightness can easily occur. Gastrocnemius tightness results in gait disturbance. Thus, various interventions have been used to release a tight gastrocnemius muscle and improve gait performance. Moreover, focal muscle vibration (FMV) has recently been extensively researched in terms of tight muscle release and muscle performance. However, no study has investigated the effects of FMV application on medial gastrocnemius architectural changes. Objects: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of FMV on medial gastrocnemius architecture in persons with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Methods: Thirty one persons with

Introduction: Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) and muscle tension dysphonia (MTD ) are two different disorders with different etiology that influence the quality of voice, characterized by similar perceptual and acoustic features. It is known that the emergence of compensatory mechanisms can lead to problems in the differential diagnosis of adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) and primary hyperkinetic dysphonia (MTD) by fiberoptic video laryngoscopy (FLS). So, the goal of this paper is to determine acoustic objective differential diagnostic criteria for distinguishing between SD and MTD and confirm clinical laryngeal findings by FLS and diagnosis. Patients and methods: Eight women with MTD and eight women with SD diagnosed at the Department of Audiology and Phoniatrics of the Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka participated in this study. A phoniatrician and a speech language pathologist (SLP) participated in the diagnostic procedure. FLS and SLP assessment were performed. Samples of extended phonation of the vowel /a/ and reading were collected. The samples were analyzed in the computer program Praat, which was used to measure the duration of words and sentences, the percentage of brakes in phonation and words, and cepstral peak prominence (CPPS). Results: This study found that four acoustic parameters (word duration, sentence duration, percentage of brakes /a/, percentage of brakes (word)) separate SD and MTD well. CPPS does not separate these two groups of patients. Furthermore, it was confirmed that by analyzing the phonation pattern of the vowel /a/ in the computer program Praat it is possible to classify these two disorders with a cut-off value of 5%. If the percentage of delay in the phonation pattern of the vowel /a/ is greater than or equal to 5%, it is very likely that it is a voice sample of a person with SD. Conclusion: Acoustic measures applicable in clinical conditions were determined. It has been shown that acoustic analysis of voice samples can provide valuable differential diagnostic data. This suggests that acoustic analysis of voice samples should be an integral part of the standard diagnostic protocol for voice disorders besides FLS.

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Bioimpedance (mfBIA) non‐invasively assesses cellular muscle health. Our aim was to explore whether mfBIA captures abnormal cellular muscle health in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and how such changes are modulated with the use of Parkinson's medication. In patients with PD (n = 20) mfBIA measurements were made of biceps brachii, triceps, and extensor carpi radialis longus muscles of the more affected arm whilst at rest, using a mobile mfBIA device (IMPEDIMED, Australia). mfBIA and assessment of motor symptoms were performed in a pragmatic off‐medication state, as well as one and 3 h after oral intake of 200 mg levodopa. Age and sex‐matched healthy subjects (HC; n = 20) served as controls. PD and HC mfBIA parameters were compared by applying an unpaired two‐tailed adjusted t‐test and ANOVA with Tukey's correction for multiple comparisons (p ≤ 0.05). The PD group consisted of 13 men (71 ± 17 years) and 7 women (65 ± 7 years). Independent of medication, internal (Ri) and external resistance (Re) were found to be significantly higher, and membrane capacitance (Mc) significantly lower, in m.biceps brachii in PD subjects compared to HC. Center frequency (fc) was significantly higher in m.biceps brachii of PD subjects in the "medication‐off" state. There was no difference between PD and HC in mfBIA parameters in the measured extensor muscles. The upper limb flexor muscle shows a difference in mfBIA parameters in PD compared to HC. mfBIA may be useful in the diagnosis and assessment of PD patients and is objective, non‐invasive, reliable, and easy to use. Bioimpedance (mfBIA) is an objective, non‐invasive, reliable method when assessing the condition of upper limb muscles in Parkinson's patients. For M. Biceps brachii in PD subjects, internal (Ri) and external resistance (Re) were found to be significantly higher, and membrane capacitance (Mc) significantly lower, compared to healthy subjects. Centre frequency (fc) is higher in PD prior to PD medication, but decreases significantly following medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The primary objective of the present study was to examine the differences and patterns of change in the neck extensor (NE) muscle stiffness during the Cranio-cervical flexion (CCF) task under different functional conditions of the upper extremity between CNSNP participants and asymptomatic controls., Methods: In the current case-control study, 25 participants with CNSNP and 25 asymptomatic controls were recruited. The stiffness of the superficial (i.e., upper trapezius, splenius capitis, and semispinalis capitis) and deep (i.e., semispinalis cervicis and multifidus) NE muscles was measured at prone resting, sitting resting, and during the CCF task in different functional conditions of upper extremity using shear wave elastography., Results: The findings showed that there was a significant main effect of condition in all NE muscles (P < 0.05), as well as a significant main effect of the group on the stiffness of superficial neck muscles (P < 0.05), indicating higher muscle stiffness in participants with CNSNP compared to the control group. There was no significant group-by-condition interaction effect on the stiffness of NE muscles (P > 0.05), except for the upper trapezius muscle (P = 0.00), indicating a different pattern of stiffness changes compared to the other muscles., Conclusions: Individuals with CNSNP exhibited significantly greater stiffness in the superficial neck extensor muscles compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, the CCF task performed under functional upper extremity conditions, which includes bilateral shoulder scaption and shoulder abduction-external rotation while seated, resulted in increased stiffness of the NE muscles. Additionally, participants with CNSNP exhibited a higher magnitude of stiffness changes in the upper trapezius muscle across different conditions., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declared no conflict of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The subtle sway of human standing posture began to be studied in the 19th century. Since then, numerous approaches - from the early statokinesiometers to the more advanced force platforms or 3D-posture recording systems - have been developed to understand human postural control physiology and its clinical implications. French physician Pierre-Marie Gagey made significant contributions to the field of posturology, a discipline focused on the intricacies of human postural control. From the 1950s, he advanced the field through observation and experimentation, particularly exploring the relationship between postural muscle tone and the fine postural control system. Gagey's collaboration with researchers of that time led to the refinement of stabilometry, a technique for measuring body sway in standing positions. Throughout his career, Gagey worked across multiple disciplines, including ophthalmology, podiatry, psychology, and the study of the vestibular and stomatognathic systems, to develop a comprehensive approach to postural assessment and treatment. His efforts culminated in the standardization of stabilometry, ensuring consistent and accurate measurements across different platforms. Gagey's work emphasized the complexity of postural control, highlighting the integration of peripheral and central nervous system inputs in maintaining balance. His research has left an enduring impact on the field of posturology, providing a framework for understanding and treating postural disorders. Pierre-Marie Gagey passed away in 2023, but his pioneering contributions continue to influence the study and clinical practice of human postural control. This narrative review aims to pay tribute to Dr. Gagey's career and research activity., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Conde-Vázquez et al.)

Objectives: A high incidence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been reported in chronic pain (ChP) patients. Furthermore, an association between ChP and muscular dysregulation has been reported in adults with ADHD. The present study investigated whether ADHD was more prevalent among psychiatric outpatients with ChP than those without ChP, and if there was an association between ChP, muscular dysregulation and characteristics of pain in patients with ADHD., Methods: One-hundred and twenty-one individuals remitted to an outpatient psychiatry unit took part in this naturalistic epidemiological cross-sectional study. They were assessed with a pain self-report form (localization, intensity, and onset) and a test of muscle dysregulation (the Motor Function Neurological Assessment). Prevalence of ADHD among patients with ChP, as well as the qualitative characteristics of ChP within the ADHDgroup are reported. Both ChP and pain intensity correlated with muscular dysregulation through Spearman's rho analysis. Additionally, the relationship between various diagnostic categories (ADHD, affective disorders, anxiety, or personality disorders) and incidence of axial pain was evaluated in logistic regression., Results: ADHD was significantly more prevalent in patients with ChP, than in patients without ChP. In the ADHD group, ChP and pain intensity was associated with muscular dysregulation, particularly with high muscle tone. ChP was more axial and widespread, than for the patients without ADHD, and started at an early age. ADHD diagnosis predicted axial pain, whereas affective-, anxiety-, or personality disorders did not., Conclusions: The study suggests that ChP in ADHD is associated with muscular dysregulation and is qualitatively different from ChP in psychiatric patients without ADHD. These findings may lead to further understanding of potential mechanisms involved in ADHD and ChP, and in turn to new treatment strategies for both disorders., (© 2024 the author(s), published by De Gruyter.)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a novel manual therapy, the Cricothyroid visor maneuver (CVM) therapy, on acoustic, auditory perceptual and self-assessment ratings in Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) patients., Study Design: This was a retrospective study of 6 clinical cases., Materials and Method: The study comprised 6 Persian speakers with MTD (2 men and 4 women) and mean age 38.50 ± 5.32 years. All patients underwent therapy between April and June 2021. Therapy was provided in five 30-minute sessions. This study used of acoustic measurement including smoothed cepstral peak prominence (CPPs), Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI), self-assessment scales include vocal tract discomfort scale (VTD), voice related quality of life (V-RQOL) and Consensus Auditory- Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) for auditory perceptual assessment in pre- and post-CVM sessions., Results: In the present study the CPPs and DSI increased while only CPPs significantly changed in pre and post therapy (P < 0.05). Also, having done the therapy the total severity of dysphonia (CAPE-V) and VTD significantly decreased (P < 0.05) and V-RQOL significantly increased (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: These results suggest that CVM can be an effective method for promote significant improvements in acoustic measurements, auditory perceptual and self-assessment scales in patients with MTD., (Copyright © 2022 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Abstract Bioimpedance (mfBIA) non‐invasively assesses cellular muscle health. Our aim was to explore whether mfBIA captures abnormal cellular muscle health in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and how such changes are modulated with the use of Parkinson's medication. In patients with PD (n = 20) mfBIA measurements were made of biceps brachii, triceps, and extensor carpi radialis longus muscles of the more affected arm whilst at rest, using a mobile mfBIA device (IMPEDIMED, Australia). mfBIA and assessment of motor symptoms were performed in a pragmatic off‐medication state, as well as one and 3 h after oral intake of 200 mg levodopa. Age and sex‐matched healthy subjects (HC; n = 20) served as controls. PD and HC mfBIA parameters were compared by applying an unpaired two‐tailed adjusted t‐test and ANOVA with Tukey's correction for multiple comparisons (p ≤ 0.05). The PD group consisted of 13 men (71 ± 17 years) and 7 women (65 ± 7 years). Independent of medication, internal (Ri) and external resistance (Re) were found to be significantly higher, and membrane capacitance (Mc) significantly lower, in m.biceps brachii in PD subjects compared to HC. Center frequency (fc) was significantly higher in m.biceps brachii of PD subjects in the “medication‐off” state. There was no difference between PD and HC in mfBIA parameters in the measured extensor muscles. The upper limb flexor muscle shows a difference in mfBIA parameters in PD compared to HC. mfBIA may be useful in the diagnosis and assessment of PD patients and is objective, non‐invasive, reliable, and easy to use.

This cross-sectional study examined the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of the Achilles tendon (AT) and plantar fascia (PF) and analyzed their relationship in pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain (PGP). The study was conducted in a public hospital between January and May 2021. Forty-four pregnant women (PGP+, n: 22; PGP−, n: 22) and 21 non-pregnant women were included. Navicular drop was determined and the tonus, stiffness, and creep of PF and AT were measured by Myometer. Navicular drop was significantly different between the PGP+ and the non-pregnant group in both feet (Right, p =.001; Left, p =<.001), and the PGP− and the non-pregnant group in the left foot (p =.009). At the right AT, the stiffness was found to be higher in non-pregnant women compared to the PGP+ group (p =.007). Furthermore, creep was higher in PGP− compared to the non-pregnant group (p =.016). Tissue properties of PF were similar in all groups (p >.05). A correlation between tissue properties and the presence of PGP was not found. No findings indicated that the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of the AT and PF were affected by the physiology of pregnancy. Moreover, no relationship was observed between the presence of PGP and the tissue properties of the AT and PF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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ABSTRACT Background: Assessment of muscle tone is of great importance for evaluating people with spinal injuries. Objective: To translate and adapt the Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) to Brazilian Portuguese and validate its use for evaluating patients with spinal cord injury. Methods: The translation and adaptation of the “Escala de Tardieu Modificada” went through the steps of translation, translation synthesis, back-translation and expert committee meeting. Two evaluators rated the tone of the elbow flexors/extensors, wrist extensors, knee flexors/extensors and ankle plantar flexors of 51 patients with spinal cord injury. These patients were reevaluated after one week. Validation included intra and inter-rater reliability (ICC) and internal and external consistency. The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) was used in the evaluations, to investigate the correlations. Results: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the MTS is presented in this study. ICCs ranged from 0.60 to 0.99 (intra and inter-examiner) and there was a moderate to strong correlation with MAS. Conclusions: The MTS proved to be adequate for assessing the muscle tone of people with spinal cord injury in Brazil.

Upper airway muscle activity is reportedly elevated during slow-wave sleep (SWS) when compared with lighter sleep stages. To uncover the possible mechanisms underlying this elevation, we explored the correlation between different indices of central and reflex inspiratory drive, such as the changes in airway pressure and end-expiratory CO2 and the changes in the genioglossus (GG) and tensor palatini (TP) muscle activity accompanying transitions from the lighter N2 to the deeper N3 stage of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in healthy young adult men. Forty-six GG and 38 TP continuous electromyographic recordings were obtained from 16 men [age: 20 ± 2.5 (SD) yr; body mass index: 22.5 ± 1.8 kg/m2] during 32 transitions from NREM stages N2 to N3. GG but not TP activity increased following transition into N3 sleep, and the increase was positively correlated with more negative airway pressure, increased end-tidal CO2, increased peak inspiratory flow, and increased minute ventilation. None of these correlations was statistically significant for TP. Complementary GG and TP single motor unit analysis revealed a mild recruitment of GG units and derecruitment of TP units during the N2 to N3 transitions. These findings suggest that, in healthy individuals, the increased GG activity during SWS is driven primarily by reflex stimulation of airway mechanoreceptors and central chemoreceptors.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The characteristic increase in the activity of the upper airway dilator muscle genioglossus during slow-wave sleep (SWS) in young healthy individuals was found to be related to increased stimulation of airway mechanoreceptors and central chemoreceptors. No evidence was found for the presence of a central SWS-specific drive stimulating genioglossus activity in young healthy individuals. However, it remains to be determined whether a central drive exists in obstructive sleep apnea patients.

Introduction: There are various methods for managing and treating motor problems in children with cerebral palsy, which their effectiveness can be measured in muscle tone, gross motor skills, and voluntary movements. Among these intervention methods, Dohsa-Hou treatment approach was designed to affect the motor function of children with cerebral palsy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of this approach specifically on gross motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Materials and Methods: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 24 children with spastic cerebral palsy (aged 4 to 14 years) were randomly assigned to experimental (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. The experimental group received a combination of Dohsa-Hou psycho-motor relaxation therapy with routine occupational therapy interventions and the control group received only routine occupational therapy interventions. Dohsa-Hou method was performed in 16 sessions twice a week for 45 minutes. The gross motor performance scale version 66 was used for the assessment gross motor function, and the Ashworth Muscle Tone Scale was used for measuring muscle spasticity. Results: Based on pre-intervention evaluations, it was found that children in the experimental and control groups did not differ in any of the variables, but after the intervention, the rate of change in the experimental group was significantly higher than the control group in controlling motor function (P=0.001) and in measuring muscle tone (P=0.001). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that the use of Dohsa-Hou method could be effective in promoting gross motor function and modulating muscle tone in children with spastic cerebral palsy aged 4-12 years. Therefore, the use of Dohsa-Hou method can be considered a therapeutic protocol to improve motor function and increase the physical ability of children with cerebral palsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The hamstring is a muscle that crosses two joints, that is the hip and knee, and its flexibility is an important indicator of physical health in its role in many activities of daily living such as sitting, walking, and running. Limited range of motion (ROM) due to hamstring tightness is strongly related to back pain and malfunction of the hip joint. High-frequency diathermy (HFD) therapy is known to be effective in relaxing the muscle and increasing ROM. Objects: To investigate the effects of HFD on active knee extension ROM and hamstring tone and stiffness in participants with hamstring tightness. Methods: Twenty-four participants with hamstring tightness were recruited, and the operational definition of hamstring tightness in this study was active knee extension ROM of below 160° at 90° hip flexion in the supine position. HFD was applied to the hamstring for 15 minutes using the WINBACK device. All participants were examined before and after the intervention, and the results were analyzed using a paired t-test. The outcome measures included knee extension ROM, the viscoelastic property of the hamstring, and peak torque for passive knee extension. Results: The active knee extension ROM significantly increased from 138.8° ± 9.9° (mean ± standard deviation) to 143.9° ± 10.4° after the intervention (p < 0.05), while viscoelastic property of the hamstring significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Also, the peak torque for knee extension significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Application of HFD for 15 minutes to tight hamstrings immediately improves the active ROM and reduces the tone, stiffness, and elasticity of the muscle. However, further experiments are required to examine the long-term effects of HFD on hamstring tightness including pain reduction, postural improvement around the pelvis and lower extremities, and enhanced functional movement.

Background: Alterations in gait and muscular rigidity are common and disabling in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD). Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether a single dry needling (DN) session can promote changes in gait and muscle tone in the lower extremities as well as in the evolution of the disease in persons with PD. Methods: A randomized double-blind clinical trial was designed. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG) that received a session of DN over the semitendinosus, medial gastrocnemius, soleus and rectus femoris muscles, or to a control group (CG) that received a session of sham DN in the same muscles. The effects of DN were assessed using the timed up and go test (TUG), 10 meter walk test (10MWT), 6 minute walk test (6MWT) and myotonometry before, immediately after, and 7 days after the intervention. Results: Thirty-three participants were analyzed aged 69.9 ± 7.2 years (mean ± SD; 39% female). There were no significant differences between the IG and CG for any outcomes. Significant differences were observed when comparing the Pre and Follow-up values in the IG for functional mobility of gait in the TUG (p = 0.049), gait speed in the 10MWT (p = 0.041) and muscle tone in the lower extremities by myotonometry (frequency (p = 0.027) and stiffness (p = 0.013)). By comparison, there were no significant within-group differences in the CG. Conclusion: A single session of DN had no measurable benefit compared to a single session of sham DN. Within-group changes in the IG suggested improvements in functional mobility of gait and gait speed, as well as changes in the muscle tone in the lower extremities of PD patients, which could be worthy of further exploration by future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The cervical spine is one of the busiest, most delicate, and most complicated areas in the axial skeletal system (M. Panjabi, 1990; M. Ioosab, 1994). Manual therapy (MT) combines all diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for the study and overcoming of functional blockages in peripheral joints, joints of the spine and related reflex changes in the periphery and / or internal organs. Its main task is the prevention of functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system by maintaining the normal volume of joint play. MT has not only a mobilizing but also an analgesic effect. (L. Kraidzhikova, 2011). Aim: The aim of this study was to monitor the effects of manual therapy for cervical dysfunction and to test its effectiveness. Methods: The contingent in the present study are 60 male and female patients aged 40 - 70 years selected by indicators of neck pain with clinically proven or not diagnosed spondylosis. Divided into two groups: 30 with a diagnosis of spondylosis (mean age 56.75) and 30 with an unspecified one (mean age 49.25). Before the start of the application of the kinesitherapeutic methods (therapeutic massage, postisometric relaxation, suction cups, stretching and trigger points), functional tests and examinations of the neck pain were performed for both groups. The following muscles were examined: m. Levator scapulae, m. Trapezius and m. Sternocleidomastoideus. The following types of measurements of the volume of movement in the cervical spine were made: goniometry, centimeter, study of muscle tone. In the group diagnosed with spondylosis, in addition to kinesitherapy methods (therapeutic massage, postisometric relaxation, suction cups, stretching and trigger points), general developmental exercises were applied. Only kinesitherapy methods (therapeutic massage, postisometric relaxation, suction cups, stretching and trigger points) were applied to the group without diagnosis. In the studied groups the persons for whom the dominant hand is the right hand predominate. The persons in the first group with a left dominant hand are 6 (or 15%), and in the second are 5 (12.5%). Which arm is dominant affects the load on the shoulder girdle and neck and causes problems in its respective part (left or right). The differences (Wilcoxon signed rank test) in the degrees in the frontal plane on the left and right in both groups were statistically significant (P = 0.02 in the first group and P <0.0001 in the second group), the degrees of rotation (P = 0.005 in the first group and P <0.0001 in the second group), the lateral slope (P = 0.006 in the first group and P = 0.04 in the second group) and rotation in cm have a difference only in the first group (P = 0.006). The probable reason for the appearance of these differences is the fact that in persons with spondylosis both sides are affected to a large extent, in contrast to persons without a diagnosis, in which the load on the upper limb is decisive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The gastrocnemius (GCM) is one of the lower extremity muscles that tend to tighten easily. GCM tightness results in limited ankle dorsi-flexion (DF), especially when the knee joint is fully extended. Joint flexibility is determined by the morphological and physiological characteristics of joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Impaired joint flexibility can be attributed to increased susceptibility to muscle injury. High-frequency diathermy is clinically used to reduce pain and muscle tightness and to improve limited range of motion. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of high-frequency therapy in subjects with GCM tightness. Methods: The study was designed as a one-group before–after trial. The subjects included 28 volunteers with GCM tightness (an active ankle DF angle of less than 12°) without any known neurological and musculoskeletal pathologies in the ankle and calf areas. WINBACK Transfer Electrode Capacitive and Resistive Therapy equipment was used to apply high-frequency therapy to the subjects’ GCMs for 10–15 minutes. The pennation angle and the fascicle length of the GCM were measured using ultrasonography. The flexibility of the ankle joint, peak torque to the passive ankle DF (Biodex), and soft tissue stiffness (MyotonPRO) were also measured. Results: The pennation angle was significantly decreased following the treatment; however, no significant difference in the fascicle length was found (p < 0.05). The flexibility was significantly increased and both the passive peak torque to passive ankle DF and the soft tissue stiffness significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Conclusion: High-frequency therapy is immediately effective for improving the muscle’s architectural properties and functional factors in subjects with GCM tightness. Further longitudinal clinical studies are required to investigate the long-term effects of high-frequency therapy on subjects with GCM tightness from various causes.

Purpose: Systematically improving voice therapy outcomes is challenging as the clinician actions (i.e., active ingredients) responsible for improved patient functioning (i.e., targets) are relatively unknown. The theory-driven Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS) and standard, voice-specific terminology based on the RTSS (RTSS-Voice) may help address this problem. This qualitative study evaluated if the RTSS and RTSS-Voice can describe four evidence-based voice therapies for muscle tension dysphonia without missing critical aspects (content validity) and identify commonalities and differences across them (criterion validity)., Method: Qualitative interviews were completed between the clinicians (protocol experts) who developed and/or popularized the vocal function exercises, laryngeal reposturing, circumlaryngeal massage, and conversation training therapies as well as RTSS experts to produce RTSS specifications that met two consensus criteria: (a) The protocol expert agreed that the specification represented their treatment theory, and (b) the RTSS experts agreed that the specifications correctly adhered to both the RTSS framework and the RTSS-Voice's standard terminology., Results: The RTSS and RTSS-Voice comprehensively described voice therapy variations across and within the four diverse treatment programs, needing only the addition of one new target: overall auditory-perceptual severity., Conclusions: The RTSS and RTSS-Voice exhibited strong content validity. The standard RTSS-Voice terminology helped identify, for the first time, commonalities and differences in treatment ingredients, targets, and mechanisms of action across four treatments developed for the same patient population. In the long term, the RTSS and RTSS-Voice could provide the framework for an ever-growing collection of clinically meaningful and evidence-based therapy algorithms with potential to improve research, education, and clinical care., Supplemental Material: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25537624.

Introduction: Postural control is a complex system that combines many subcomponents. The central nervous system's connection with the muscular system allows to execute the voluntary movements and provides appropriate tonus and contractions of postural muscles. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of voluntary muscle contraction on the stability of standing posture. Material and methods: Seventeen young adults (24.11 ± 3.05 years) completed 4 bipedal standing attempts lasting 20 seconds each. Measurements were performed on AMTI plate and involved maintaining balance while standing barefoot on both feet with eyes open and closed. Two additional tests with provoked isometric voluntary muscle contraction were performed under the same visual conditions. Results: For examined healthy subjects, the lack of visual feedback in combination with increased muscle tension caused a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the peak of sway in the anterior-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) direction. On the other hand, the values of the center of pressure (CoP) path length and its velocity due to the increased muscle contraction did not significantly decrease their values for trials with eyes open and closed. Conclusions: This study indicates that voluntary muscle contraction can influence the standing posture mainly in combination with a lack of visual feedback, causing its deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical pain is a common health problem, with over 70 % of the world’s population suffering of its exhausting effects at some point of life (Bronfort et al. 2001). This has a significant effect over the individuals and their families, communities, health systems and businesses. Studies show that cervical pain ranges between 10.4% and 21.3%, with a higher incidence in office workers, and particularly those working with computers for more than eight hours a day. Many environmental and personal factors influence the onset and course of cervical pain. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the amount of movement and muscle tonus in the cervical part of the spine in patients diagnosed with osteochondrosis and those with pain syndrome, but without specified diagnosis Methods: The contingent in the current study were 24 female patients aged 40 - 70 years, selected by indicators of cervical pain with clinically proven or not osteochondrosis. They are divided into two groups: 12 with osteochondrosis (average age 56.75) and 12 with an undefined diagnosis (average age 49.25). Prior to functional testing and cervical pain testing the aim and the research was clearly explained to the patients, and written informed consent was obtained. The following muscles were examined: Levator scapulae, m. Trapezius and m. Sternocleidomastoideus. The following types of measurements of the amount of movement in the cervical part of the spine were performed: goniometry, centimetry, examination of muscle tonus. Results and discussion: The data from the study show that of a total of 24 patients studied, 12 of them without proven osteochondrosis, but with neck pain, the muscle tonus, studied by passive movements and movements with additional pressure was redused in the following muscles: m. Levator scapulae on the left - with average value 2.20±1.8; m. Trapezius on the right – with average value 2,80±0,45. The amount of movement in this patients tested by goniometry is reduced only at a lateral slope to the left by average value 19.10±1.60, which is a result of muscle reduced average value 3.10±1.1. (established by preliminary stretching of the muscle, reported by the digital scale of L. Kraidzhikova 2000). This is the reason for the reduced mobility and reduced amount of movement in the cervical area. In patients with proven osteochondrosis, we found decreased increased muscle tone in the following muscles: m. Trapezius on the right with average value 2.6±1.1; m. Levator scapulae on the right with average value 2.8±1.6. The amount of movement in this patients tested by goniometry and the muscle tonus by preliminary stretching of m.Trapezius pars descendens was decreased in most slopes as follows: in extension with average value 19.12±1.600; lateral slope to the right average value 20.12±1.500; lateral slope to the left 19.12±1.400; when rotating to the right average value 25.20±1.900; when rotating to the left average value 20.10±1.300, but for m.Sternocleidomastoideus the muscle tonus was the same in both study groups. Conclusion: The results of the study show that in the 12 patients with diagnosed with osteochondrosis, the amount of movement in most slopes was reduced, as well as the muscle tonus of most of the studied muscles. There is also a change in muscle imbalance, although not in all tested muscles. The results obtained in this way coincide with the literature data related to the problem, namely that patients diagnosed with cervical osteochondrosis (with degenerative changes) have increased movement and stiffness in the cervical region, which lead to to dysfunction and changes in quality of life. The amount of movement varies depending on the inclinations and the measuring instruments. These results provide a basis for expanding and deepening of the study, as well as for developing a kinesitherapy methodology suitable for treatment of both groups of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhanced arterial tone is a leading cause of vascular complications during diabetes. Voltage-gated K(+) (KV) channels are key regulators of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contractility and arterial tone. Whether impaired KV channel function contributes to enhance arterial tone during diabetes is unclear. Here, we demonstrate a reduction in KV-mediated currents (IKv) in VSMCs from a high fat diet (HFD) mouse model of type 2 diabetes. In particular, IKv sensitive to stromatoxin (ScTx), a potent KV2 blocker, were selectively reduced in diabetic VSMCs. This was associated with decreased KV2-mediated regulation of arterial tone and suppression of the KV2.1 subunit mRNA and protein in VSMCs/arteries isolated from HFD mice. We identified protein kinase A anchoring protein 150 (AKAP150), via targeting of the phosphatase calcineurin (CaN), and the transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T-cells c3 (NFATc3) as required determinants of KV2.1 suppression during diabetes. Interestingly, substantial reduction in transcript levels for KV2.1 preceded down-regulation of large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BKCa) channel β1 subunits, which are ultimately suppressed in chronic hyperglycemia to a similar extent. Together, our study supports the concept that transcriptional suppression of KV2.1 by activation of the AKAP150-CaN/NFATc3 signaling axis contributes to enhanced arterial tone during diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Neck is one of the most common sites of musculoskeletal symptoms, and muscle shortening and weakness is observed to be a common cause of neck pain and disability. OBJECTIVE: To compare the immediate and short term effects of static stretching (SS), autogenic inhibition (AI) and reciprocal inhibition (RI) muscle energy techniques (MET) on isometric muscle strength in the management of mechanical neck pain. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 78 participants with neck pain randomly allocated to SS, AI-MET and RI-MET groups. All the participants received Trans Cutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), hot pack and unilateral postero-anterior glide, followed by 3–5 repetitions of either SS, AI-MET or RI-MET for five consecutive sessions. Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and Modified Sphygmomanometer Dynamometry (MSD) were used as outcome measurement tools. One way ANOVA and repeated measures ANOVA were used for inter-group and intra-group comparison. RESULT: In terms of MSD scores, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between the groups. Both AI-MET and RI-MET were found to be comparatively more effective than SS, however AI-MET was found to be the most effective. CONCLUSION: AI-MET is more effective than SS and RI-MET in terms of improving isometric muscle strength in patients with mechanical neck pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of dry needling (DN) on the biomechanical properties of a latent medial myofascial trigger point (MTrP) of the soleus muscle compared with an adjacent point within the taut band (TB) measured by myotonometry. Fifty asymptomatic volunteers were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 26) or control group (n = 24). One session of DN was performed in every group as follows: 10 needle insertions into the MTrP area (intervention group) or TB area (control group). Myotonometric measurements (frequency, decrement, and stiffness) were performed at baseline (pre-intervention) and after the intervention (post-intervention) in both locations (MTrP and TB areas). The results showed that stiffness outcome significantly decreased with a large effect size after DN in the MTrP when measured in the MTrP location (P =.002; d = 0.928) but not when measured in the TB location. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in any location when the TB was needled (P >.05). The findings suggest that only DN into the MTrP area was effective in decreasing stiffness outcome, therefore a specific puncture was needed to modify myofascial muscle stiffness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction. Forward head posture (FHP) is known to have a large influence on respiratory function by weakening the respiratory muscles. This cross-sectional study is designed to examine the relationship between the tonus, stiffness, and elasticity of head posture muscles and pulmonary capacity. Methods. Overall, 16 FHP and 17 non-forward head posture (NFHP) individuals were evaluated. The tonus, stiffness, and elasticity of the upper trapezius, semispinalis capitis, pectoral muscles, and sternocleidomastoid muscles were measured with a MyotonPRO® device. Functional capacity was assessed with the 6-minute walk test. Pulmonary function tests employed a spirometer. The Neck Disability Index was applied. FHP was determined by measuring the craniovertebral angle. Physical activity levels were evaluated with the Physical Activity Index. Results. The study involved 18 (54.54%) female and 15 (45.45%) male students. Their mean age was 21.24 ± 1.82 years. Neck Disability Index scores were higher in participants with FHP than in NFHP individuals (p = 0.037). There were no significant differences in the myotonometric measurements of the analysed muscles between FHP and NFHP groups (p > 0.05). Physiological characteristics of FHP and NFHP participants were different in terms of vital capacity, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and peak forced expiratory volume (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Owing to the pulmonary capacity differences between FHP and NFHP individuals, it can be concluded that FHP affects pulmonary capacity. Also, pectoral muscles and semispinalis capitis muscles play an important role in thoracic expansion and therefore influence vital capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotator cuff tears can cause irreversible changes (e.g., fibrosis) to the structure and function of the injured muscle(s). Fibrosis leads to increased muscle stiffness resulting in increased tension at the rotator cuff repair site. This tension influences repairability and healing potential in the clinical setting. However, the micro- and meso-scale structural and molecular sources of these whole-muscle mechanical changes are poorly understood. Here, single muscle fiber and fiber bundle passive mechanical testing was performed on rat supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles with experimentally induced massive rotator cuff tears (Tenotomy) as well as massive tears with chemical denervation (Tenotomy + BTX) at 8 and 16 weeks post-injury. Titin molecular weight, collagen content, and myosin heavy chain profiles were measured and correlated with mechanical variables. Single fiber stiffness was not different between controls and experimental groups. However, fiber bundle stiffness was significantly increased at 8 weeks in the Tenotomy + BTX group compared to Tenotomy or control groups. Many of the changes were resolved by 16 weeks. Only fiber bundle passive mechanics was weakly correlated with collagen content. These data suggest that tendon injury with concomitant neuromuscular compromise results in extra-cellular matrix production and increases in stiffness of the muscle, potentially complicating subsequent attempts for surgical repair.

This paper provides analytical insights into the hypothesis that fish exploit resonance to reduce the mechanical cost of swimming. A simple body-fluid fish model, representing carangiform locomotion, is developed. Steady swimming at various speeds is analysed using optimal gait theory by minimizing bending moment over tail movements and stiffness, and the results are shown to match with data from observed swimming. Our analysis indicates the following: thrust-drag balance leads to the Strouhal number being predetermined based on the drag coefficient and the ratio of wetted body area to cross-sectional area of accelerated fluid. Muscle tension is reduced when undulation frequency matches resonance frequency, which maximizes the ratio of tail-tip velocity to bending moment. Finally, hydrodynamic resonance determines tail-beat frequency, whereas muscle stiffness is actively adjusted, so that overall body-fluid resonance is exploited.

Background/Aim. Children with cerebral palsy (CP) grow at a slower rate relative to their peers. Their body height, body weight and bone mineral density are significantly below those measured for healthy children of corresponding age. The aim of this work was to estimate bone mineral density in relation to the anthropometric parameters and the level of gross motor function in the children with cerebral palsy. Methods. This cross-sectional pilot study included 23 children with CP, aged 6 to 17 years, in whom the gross motor function level was estimated according to the Gross motor function classification system- expanded and revised (GMFCS-E&R), while the anthropometric parameters were established in relation to the developmental charts for healthy children as well as those pertaining to children with CP. Bone mineral density was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and the findings were interpreted in accordance with the International Society for Clinical Densitometry Official Positions of Adults & Pediatrics. Mean values with interquartile deviations, along with frequencies and percentages were the descriptive statistical measures employed in the analyses. Differences between groups were ascertained through the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results. Our sample of 23 children comprised of 56.5% boys and 43.5% girls, aged 13.00 ± 3.56 years, of whom 3/4 had a severe form of gross motor dysfunction (GMFCS-E&R levels IV and V). All subjects had lower bone density in both regions of interest [spinal Z-score -1.60 ± 1.40 standard devation (SD); hip Z-score -2.00 ± 3.00 SD], as well as lower anthropometric parameters [height Z-score -2.74 ± 4.28; body weight Z-score - 3.22 ± 6.96; body mass index (BMI) Z-score -2.64 ± 6.03]. In the observed sample, bone mineral density in the spine (p < 0.01) and the hip (p < 0.05) was reduced in all subjects, and all children had a lower body weight (p < 0.01) and the BMI (p < 0.01), but not body height, in relation to the existing developmental charts for the CP children adopted from the US. Children with the CP Level IV on the GMFCS-E&R had a significantly lower bone density (spinal Z-score -1.90 SD; hip Z-score -3.40 SD), with the reduction even more pronounced at level V (spinal Z-score -3.80 SD; hip Z-score -2.30 SD). Conclusion. A significantly lower bone mineral density as well as the decreased values of all observed anthropometric parameters, were noted in the children with CP. In the observed sample, bone mineral density in both spine and hip was reduced in all subjects, all of whom also had lower body weight and the BMI, but not body height compared to the existing developmental charts for the children with CP adopted from the US. The children with severe forms of CP (GMFCS-E&R levels IV and V) had significantly lower bone mineral density.

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