Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions最新文献

Objective: The bench press is a resistance training exercise that targets several upper body muscles, including the pectoralis major (PM), anterior deltoid (AD), and triceps brachii (TB). The purpose of this study was to influence the PM activity pattern during the bench press after a 10-week targeted resistance training intervention.

Methods: Sixteen men with significant experience in strength training participated in this study. They were divided into two groups: experimental and control. The experimental group underwent targeted training of PM and bench press, while the control group only did bench press. Electromyography (EMG) was used to assess muscle activity before and after the intervention.

Results: The experimental group had a significant increase in PM activity after the intervention (p=0.0002; ES=2.6), while the control group did not show any significant change (p=0.14). The activity of AD and TB remained relatively stable across both groups and time points.

Conclusions: These findings indicate that focused resistance training can improve PM involvement in the bench press, potentially optimizing muscle excitation patterns and performance.

Objectives: To compare the pre-competition nutrition practices of Lithuanian elite international-level (IL) and national-level (NL) bodybuilders.

Methods: Sixteen male bodybuilders (n=8 per group) were enrolled. The IL group comprised individuals achieving 1^st to 4^th place in the World and European Championships organized by the IFBB, whereas the NL group ranked between 1^st and 6^th place in the national championships. Body mass and diet data were obtained via a questionnaire. A repeated-measures ANOVA was performed using time as a within factor and group as a between factor.

Results: Both groups experienced a reduction in body mass during the pre-competition phase (p<0.001), which was slower in the IL than in the NL group (p=0.048). Both groups exhibited a reduction in caloric (p<0.001), carbohydrate (p<0.001), and fat (p=0.006) intake relative to body mass, but not in protein intake. Nevertheless, the IL group had a higher intake of calories (p=0.015), protein (p<0.001), but not carbohydrates relative to body mass vs. the NL group.

Conclusions: The Lithuanian IL and NL bodybuilders both reduced calories by cutting fat and carbohydrates during pre-competition. The IL group maintained higher calorie and protein intake, resulting in similar body mass loss but at a slower rate than the NL group.

Objectives: Bilateral Deficit (BLD) occurs when the force generated by both limbs together is smaller than the sum of the forces developed separately by the two limbs. BLD may be modulated by physical training. Here, were investigated the effects of unilateral or bilateral plyometric training on BLD and neuromuscular activation during lower limb explosive extensions.

Methods: Fourteen young males were randomized into the unilateral (UL_) or bilateral (BL_) training group. Plyometric training (20 sessions, 2 days/week) was performed on a sled ergometer, and consisted of UL or BL consecutive, plyometric lower limb extensions (3-to-5 sets; 8-to-10 repetitions). Before and after training, maximal explosive efforts with both lower limbs or with each limb separately were assessed. Electromyography of representative lower limb muscles was measured.

Results: BL_training significantly and largely decreased BLD (p=0.003, effect size=1.63). This was accompanied by the reversion from deficit to facilitation of the electromyography amplitude of knee extensors during bilateral efforts (p=0.007). Conversely, UL_training had negligible effects on BLD (p=0.781). Also, both groups showed similar improvements in their maximal explosive power generated after training.

Conclusions: Bilateral plyometric training can mitigate BLD, and should be considered for training protocols focused on improving bilateral lower limb motor performance.

Objectives: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy in the body and impacts approximately 5% of the U.S. population costing nearly $5 billion/year. Electrodiagnostic (EDX) testing is considered the gold standard for CTS diagnosis. Classification systems exist that categorize CTS severity based on EDX findings. This investigation evaluated EDX findings across consecutive CTS severity categories within existing classification systems and consolidated classifications.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 665 hands from 468 patients undergoing EDX testing for suspected CTS. Complete classification systems and consolidated classifications were evaluated for discrimination capability across consecutive CTS severity categories based on EDX findings. Additional analysis evaluated the relationship of sex and age factors and CTS severity.

Results: Consolidated classifications demonstrated superior discrimination capability between consecutive CTS severity categories regardless of classification system used. Demographic factors significantly influenced EDX findings and categorization of CTS severity.

Conclusions: This study underscores the value of consolidated classifications for enhancing discrimination between consecutive CTS severity categories based on EDX findings. Demographic factors should be considered when interpreting EDX findings for the purpose of categorizing CTS severity. Future research should refine existing classification systems and explore additional factors influencing CTS severity used to inform medical management.

Objectives: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a highly successful and effective surgery for improving hip functions and relieving pain. However, the lower extremities are prone to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and swelling after surgery, thereby delaying recovery. In this study, we investigated the preventive effects of fondaparinux sodium (FS) and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) on DVT of the lower extremity after THA.

Methods: Firstly, 60 patients who underwent THA at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College from March 2020 to December 2020 were included. Next, the patients were randomly divided into an LMWH group (n = 30) and an FS group (n = 30). Then, the indexes related to DVT were compared between both groups.

Results: Specifically, the differences in baseline data, such as age, gender and body mass index (BMI), between the two groups were not statistically significant. The postoperative weight bearing time of patients in the FS group was much shorter than that in the LMWH group.

Conclusion: Subcutaneous injection of FS not only exhibits superior effects to LMWH in preventing DVT after THA but also has a correlation with reducing the risk of thrombosis and improving patient symptoms.

Objective: To compare the effects of anchor reconstruction of posterior tibial tendon with the traditional Kidner's procedure for accessory navicular bone syndrome.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 40 young athletes diagnosed with accessory navicular bone syndrome who were admitted to our hospital from 2018 to 2021. Among them, 20 patients underwent the modified Kidner procedure for the anchor reconstruction of the posterior tibial tendon (Experimental group), while the remaining 20 patients were treated with the traditional Kidner's procedure (Control group). Regular follow-ups were conducted to evaluate the degree of relief of foot symptoms and functional recovery.

Results: All patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months (mean duration: 18.6±3.7) after the operation. At the last follow-up, significant differences were observed in the function and symptom relief of the affected foot compared to the preoperative state. The experimental group had a mean operation time of 52.10 ± 3.41 minutes, significantly shorter than the control group's 61.25 ± 2.75 minutes. The mean time to return to normal activity was 12.65 ± 1.23 weeks for the experimental group, compared to 15.25 ± 1.16 weeks for the control group.

Conclusion: The modified Kidner procedure demonstrates a higher patient satisfaction rate compared to the traditional Kidner procedure. This is attributed to its shorter duration, reduced trauma, and quicker recovery of normal activity.

Objective: To investigate the effects of the combined application of percutaneous vertebroplasty and zoledronic acid on bone mineral density (BMD), bone metabolism, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in elderly patients with osteoporotic lumbar vertebral compression fracture (OVCF).

Methods: The medical records of 118 elderly patients with OVCF who received treatment at our hospital from March 2018 to March 2020 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Vertebral body height, spinal function, pain degree, and lumbar BMD were compared between the two groups upon admission and three years after the operation. Additionally, the levels of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH)D), beta collagen degradation fragments (β-CTx), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the two groups were measured at admission and three years after the operation. Furthermore, complications in the two groups within three years after the operation were documented.

Results: After three years post-operation, the combination group showed a significantly greater improvement in vertebral body height compared to the control group (P<0.05). Moreover, the combination group exhibited a significantly lower Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score compared to the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: In elderly patients with OVCF, the combined use of zoledronic acid and percutaneous vertebroplasty is effective in improving lumbar function, BMD, and bone metabolism indices, while reducing pain and the levels of NPY and PGE2.

Objective: To investigate the effect of pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block combined with spinal anesthesia in the treatment of elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures through "rapid diagnosis and treatment channel" PFNA internal fixation.

Methods: 52 elderly patients were randomly divided into the observation group (26 patients, PENG block combined with spinal anesthesia) and the control group (26 patients, spinal anesthesia alone). The general health, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) of both groups were compared at various stages: immediately before the administration of pain analgesia, during the positioning of spinal epidural anesthesia, at the beginning and end of the surgery, and 2 hours after surgery. Additionally, VAS scores at rest and during passive straight leg elevation by 15° were evaluated at 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, and 7 days after surgery.

Results: The MAP and HR in the observation group under spinal anesthesia in the lateral position were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the VAS scores of the observation group during positioning and at 12 hours and 24 hours after surgery were lower than those in the control group under spinal epidural anesthesia (both P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The application of ultrasound-guided PENG block combined with lumbar anesthesia can reduce pain when in lateral position, stabilize perioperative vital signs, and result in high satisfaction.

Objectives: The current study investigated performance fatigability (PF) and time course of changes in force, electromyographic amplitude (EMG AMP) and frequency (EMG MPF), and neuromuscular efficiency (NME) during a sustained, isometric, handgrip hold to failure (HTF) using the rating of perceived exertion (RPE)-Clamp Model.

Methods: Twelve males performed a handgrip HTF anchored to RPE=5. The time to task failure (T_lim), force (N), EMG AMP and MPF, and NME (normalized force/ normalized EMG AMP) were recorded. Analyses included a paired samples t-test for PF at an alpha of p<0.05, 1-way repeated measures ANOVA across time and post-hoc t-tests (p<0.0025) for force, EMG AMP and MPF, and NME responses.

Results: The PF (pre- to post- maximal force % decline) was 38.2±11.5%. There were decreases in responses, relative to 0% T_lim, from 40% to 100% T_lim (force), at 30%, 60%, and 100% T_lim (EMG AMP), from 10% to 100% T_lim(EMP MPF), and from 50% to 65%, and 80% to 100% T_lim (NME) (p<0.0025).

Conclusions: The RPE-Clamp Model in this study demonstrated that pacing strategies may be influenced by the integration of anticipatory, feedforward, and feedback mechanisms, and provided insights into the relationship between neuromuscular and perceptual responses, and actual force generating capacity.