Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions最新文献

Objectives: The objective of the present study was to assess gross motor function and describe musculoskeletal deformities in patients diagnosed with Congenital zika syndrome (CZS).

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, carried out at the Association for Assistance of Disabled Children (AACD) in Pernambuco, Brazil, between June 2017 and April 2023. Medical records and assessments were carried out to describe musculoskeletal deformities and measure gross motor function, using the GMFM-88.

Results: The study included 37 patients between 1 and 2 years old, 56.8% infected during the first trimester of pregnancy. The patients' mean GMFM value was 5.63 and standard deviation was 6.37. A moderate correlation was observed between head circumference at birth and the patients' current gross motor function (Pearson coeficient = 0.594) (p<0.001). We also observed 19 types of deformities, which were more prevalent in the lower limbs.

Conclusion: CZS brings significant impairments to motor function and the musculoskeletal system. In this context, measuring head circumference at birth can serve as a predictor of impaired gross motor function in these children.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between muscle strength in various flexor muscle groups of the fingers and wrist and establishes a method for identifying simulated paralysis using the MicroFET2 muscle strength tester.

Methods: Subjects were divided into three groups: a young cooperative group (n = 60), an elder cooperative group (n = 17), and a simulated paralysis group (n = 25). The peak force of wrist palmar flexion, thumb palmar abduction, and distal finger flexion was measured in different positions using the MicroFET2.

Results: The highest muscle strength was observed in wrist joint dorsal extension at 30°, followed by the neutral position at 0°, and then palmar flexion at 30°. For thumb palmar abduction, strength was higher at 30° than at 60°. Regarding overall flexion strength, wrist palmar flexion was the strongest, followed by the thumb, then the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and finally, the little finger. In contrast, the simulated paralysis group exhibited irregular muscle strength patterns, providing a basis for identifying simulated muscle weakness.

Conclusion: The use of MicroFET2 for measuring finger and wrist flexor muscle strength reveals consistent patterns, aiding in the detection of simulated muscle weakness. These findings enhance the objectivity and accuracy of muscle strength testing in forensic clinical practice.

Objectives: The aim of the study is to compare the effects of low-intensity strength training applied with blood flow restriction (BFR) method to the lower and upper extremities with classical hypertrophy (CH) training on isokinetic strength parameters, muscle thickness (MT), and athletic performance.

Methods: The participants were divided into 2 groups as BFRG and CHG. The BFRG applied the strength training program with 20-40% of their 1 repetitive maximal (1 RM) and the CH with 60-80% of 1 RM for 8 weeks, including the lower and upper extremities. To analyze the results of different protocols (BFRG and CHG), as well as pre and post-test measurements and the protocol by time interaction effect, a repeated-measures two-way ANOVA test was employed.

Results: In both groups observed isokinetic strength parameters, MT and athletic performance were increased similarly (p<0.05).

Conclusions: BFR with low-intensity strength training elicits similar adaptations to that obtained with high-intensity strength training without BFR.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of single-joint hybrid assistive limb (HAL-SJ)-assisted rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), with a focus on the early postoperative period.

Methods: This single-anonymized randomized controlled trial assigned 72 participants who underwent primary TKA for knee osteoarthritis to the HAL-SJ (n=35) and control groups (n=37). The passive knee range of motion (ROM; i.e., the primary outcome) was evaluated preoperatively and at 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 months postoperatively. Extension lag and knee pain intensity scores were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 and 2 weeks postoperatively. Quadriceps and hamstring isometric knee strength and walking speed were evaluated preoperatively and at 2 weeks postoperatively. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was evaluated preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively.

Results: Compared with the control group, the HAL-SJ group showed significantly improved knee extension ROM (p=0.001) and greater KOOS Activities of Daily Living subscale score (p=0.005) at 3 months postoperatively, with a significantly early improvement in extension lag (p=0.001) and hamstring strength (p=0.012) at 2 weeks postoperatively.

Conclusions: HAL-SJ effectively supports postoperative rehabilitation, showing clinical advantages for improving daily activities by 3 months after TKA.

Clinical trial registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN000053675).

Objectives: To explore the role of the SPARC gene in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) using bioinformatics analysis combined with in vitro experiments.

Methods: Single-cell sequencing data from the GEO and CNGBdb databases were analyzed to identify differential SPARC expression across degeneration grades. In vitro, nucleus pulposus cells were treated with LPS and SPARC, followed by RT-qPCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry to assess gene and protein expression changes.

Results: SPARC expression was significantly upregulated in degenerated nucleus pulposus cells and correlated with altered COL2A1 and ACAN expression.

Conclusion: SPARC may play a key role in IDD pathogenesis, offering a potential therapeutic target for future interventions. These findings contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying IDD and pave the way for targeted therapies.

Objectives: This investigation examined the muscle's activation patterns of shoulder girdle principal muscles during a set of rehabilitation exercises.

Methods: Thirty healthy participants (21 males, 9 females) performed a randomized set (12 repetitions at 2 s/repetition) of 7 exercises under natural and elastic loading conditions. The activation of 8 muscles was measured by surface electromyography (sEMG) and quantified as percentage of their maximal activation (%MVC). A linear encoder allowed to recognise the concentric and eccentric phases.

Results: The execution time of 2 s was provided for most of exercises and conditions; however, females showed a higher variability especially in the elastic load condition. Considering a 20 %MVC as a sEMG threshold for low muscular activation, the ranking order of each muscle was determined for each exercise and loading conditions. By performing regression analysis with respect to the sEMG levels and ranking order, a neuromuscular cost can be evaluated and consequently the ability to perform the same work but with different efficiency.

Conclusions: Linear and non-linear regression curves can be calculated and suggested as reference models. Hence the data presented here can be used as guideline for a more individualised rehabilitation programs or for specific tasks in the resistance strength training.

We describe the case of a 41-year-old Asian man who was initially given a diagnosis of peroneal neuropathy but who later received a diagnosis of tenosynovitis of extensor digitorum longus (EDL). The patient initially presented with left lateral ankle numbness, pain, and decreased range of dorsiflexion after an 8-km walk. Peroneal neuropathy was first diagnosed on the basis of reduced compound muscle action potential (CMAP). Conversely, ankle ultrasound revealed normal peroneal nerve but considerable EDL tenosynovitis. Ultrasound-guided injection of triamcinolone and lidocaine into the tendon sheath was performed for pain relief. At 1-month follow-up, CMAP amplitude was restored, and ultrasound imaging revealed normal EDL structure without signs of tenosynovitis. This case serves as a reminder that clinicians must pay attention to multiple factors affecting CMAP, including tendinopathy and pain, to avoid misinterpretation.

Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease, especially occur in the elderly. This study aimed to uncover a novel biomarker for early diagnosis and treatment of OA.

Methods: WGCNA, differential expression analysis and PPI network were used for screening hub genes-related to OA, utilizing the GSE55235 and GSE57218 datasets from GEO database.

Results: Based on the data in the GEO datasets, compared to normal tissues, ITGB5 was obviously elevated in OA cartilage and synovial samples. Additionally, ROC curve results validated the diagnostic value of ITGB5 in OA. Mechanistically, transcription factors KLF4 and KLF11 could modulate ITGB5 gene transcription via binding to its promoter region, thereby affecting ITGB5 gene expression in OA tissues. GSEA results showed that ITGB5 gene was closely related to p53, wnt, TNF and T cell receptor signaling pathways, suggesting that ITGB5 may play potential roles in affecting cell apoptosis and inflammation in OA. Moreover, ITGB5 levels in OA samples was positively correlated to T helper type 1 cells, natural killer T cells, macrophages, memory CD8 T cells, activated dendritic cells.

Conclusion: In this study, we found that ITGB5 was obviously elevated in OA samples. Moreover, ITGB5 may function as a diagnostic biomarker in OA.

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of the Universal Exercise Unit (UEU) versus Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) on genu recurvatum in children with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP).

Method: Thirty children (8 males, 22 females) aged 4-8 years with diplegic CP and genu recurvatum were randomly assigned to two groups (n=15 each). Study group I received UEU therapy and an exercise program for three weeks for 12 weeks. Study group II received FES applied to the hamstring and tibialis anterior muscles during walking, with the same exercise program and frequency. Genu recurvatum and muscle strength were assessed pre- and post-treatment using a digital goniometer and Lafayette muscle tester.

Results: Both groups improved significantly in all variables post-treatment, with Study Group I (UEU) showing greater improvements in reducing genu recurvatum and increasing muscle strength (p<0.05).

Conclusion: UEU and FES were effective in treating genu recurvatum in children with diplegic CP, but UEU provided superior results.

Clinicaltrials: gov ID: NCT06332729.