Understanding and Addressing Muscle Strength, Mass, and Function in Older Persons

Objective: The weakness of the quadriceps strength in patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is very evident. Therefore, quadriceps strengthening exercises are very important part of the rehabilitation program. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is considered one of the methods for increasing quadriceps muscle strength. To evaluate the effectiveness of combined NMES and strengthening exercises to improve the recovery of quadriceps strength and function in patients with PFPS. Methods: This study was planned as a randomized controlled pilot study. A total of 27 patients (mean age=38.9±10.8 years, range=20-60 years; 16 females) with PFPS were assessed and randomly assigned into 2 groups. Group I received a standard program (quadriceps strengthening, hip strengthening and hamstring stretching) and NMES combined with quadriceps strengthening exercises simultaneously. Group II received the same standard program without NMES. Both groups were enrolled 3 times per week for 40 minutes per day in 6 weeks. Patients were assessed at the baseline, 3 rd, 6th, and 12th weeks of treatment. Quadriceps strength was evaluated by isokinetic dynamometer. The range of motion at testing was set between 0 for extension to 90 for flexion. The test was performed at 60 degrees/sn and concentric maximum peak torque value was recorded. Kujala and Lysholm scores were used for functional assessments. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 20.0. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the distribution of data. The changes in dependent variables before treatment, 3 rd, 6th, and 12th weeks were analyzed using a 2 by 4 mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA). Pairwise comparisons with paired t test were used to determine whether the Group I or Group II, has changed over time. An intention- to- treat analysis was performed to impute values for missing data. An alpha level of 0.05 was established. Results: The study was completed with 20 patients. Group I (n=10; mean age=39.4±8.5 years; 7 females) and group II (n=10; mean age=43.2±11.7 years; 5 females) had no differences in pre-operative measures (p>.05). There was significant improvements in within groups statistics of all parameters for both groups (p<.05). No differences in quadriceps strength, Kujala and Lysholm scores between groups were found at the different time points (F= 0.86; p = 0.12, F=0,001; p =0.97, F=0.12; p=0.73, respectively) Conclusion: NMES combined with quadriceps strengthening exercises has no additional effect on PFPS patients’ on muscle strength and function. When considering these results, we believe that there is no need to continue the study in progress. [Table: see text]

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G.P.29 Results from a pilot study of muscle strength and function in adults with Hereditary Inclusion Body Myopathy (HIBM)

Neuromuscular Disorders ◽

10.1016/j.nmd.2012.06.051 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 22 (9-10) ◽

pp. 817

Author(s):

A.M. Skrinar ◽

J.E. Mayhew ◽

M.L. Maurer ◽

E. Kakkis

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Inclusion Body ◽

Inclusion Body Myopathy ◽

Hereditary Inclusion Body Myopathy ◽

And Function

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Plant-Based Dietary Patterns, Body Composition, Muscle Strength and Function in Middle and Older Age: A Systematic Review

The journal of nutrition health & aging ◽

10.1007/s12603-021-1666-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hilaria Hin Lam Chan ◽

R. V. Ribeiro ◽

S. Haden ◽

V. Hirani

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Body Composition ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Dietary Patterns ◽

Older Age ◽

And Function

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Physical and functional performance assessment in pediatric oncology: a systematic review

Pediatric Research ◽

10.1038/s41390-021-01523-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Regine Söntgerath ◽

Julia Däggelmann ◽

Sabine V. Kesting ◽

Corina S. Rueegg ◽

Torge-Christian Wittke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Physical Performance ◽

Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽

Pediatric Cancer ◽

Motor Performance ◽

Performance Test ◽

Functional Mobility ◽

Cancer Type ◽

And Function

Abstract Background Research indicates reduced physical performance from diagnosis into survivorship of pediatric cancer patients. However, there is no systematic information or guideline available on the methods to assess physical performance and function in this population. The purpose was to systematically compile and describe assessments of physical performance and function in patients and survivors of pediatric cancer, including cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, speed, balance, flexibility, functional mobility, gait and motor performance test batteries. Methods We searched the databases PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Database and performed abstract and full-text selection of 2619 articles according to the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews. Information on patients characteristics, assessments, information on validity and reliability, and relevant references was extracted. Results In summary, 63 different assessments were found in 149 studies including 11639 participants. Most studies evaluated cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength with the majority conducted off treatment. Some outcomes (e.g. speed) and diagnoses (e.g. neuroblastoma) were severely underrepresented. With the exception of gait, leukemia patients represented the largest group of individuals tested. Conclusions Insufficient data and patient heterogeneity complicate uniform recommendations for assessments. Our results support researchers and practitioners in selecting appropriate assessment to meet their specific research questions or individual daily practice needs. Impact This systematic review includes 149 studies and provides a comprehensive summary of 63 assessments to evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, speed, balance, flexibility, functional mobility, gait or motor performance test batteries in patients and survivors of pediatric cancer. We present the most studied fields within the pediatric cancer population, which are cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength, off treatment phase, and leukemia patients. We propose research priorities by identification of subgroups in terms of cancer type, phase of treatment, and outcome of interest that are underrepresented in studies currently available.

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