Sex-Based Differences in Tensiomyography as Assessed in the Lower Erector Spinae of Healthy Participants: An Observational Study

Background: Although there is mounting evidence on sex-linked differences in paraspinal muscle function, it is unknown whether sex-based variations in mechanical and contractile characteristics of the lumbar erector spinae (LES) can be monitored noninvasively in healthy participants at rest using tensiomyography (TMG). Hypothesis: Sex-specific effects in muscle displacement (Dm) and velocity of muscle deformation (Vd) will be observed via TMG assessed in the LES. Study Design: Observational study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: LES response was measured in a relaxed state in 40 healthy adults (20 females). Possible differences between the conditions were investigated using mixed-model analyses of variance. Two-stage hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed to predict the outcome of TMG Dm and Vd based on participant sex. Results: There were significant main effects of sex with large effect sizes for both TMG parameters, resulting from lower mean values in women compared with men (Dm, P < 0.01; Vd, P < 0.01). In contrast, neither the main effect of side (left vs right LES) nor the interaction between the side and sex reached significance (all P > 0.3). Introducing the sex variable in stage 2 of the regression analyses significantly improved the prediction of the TMG parameters (all ∆R2 ≥ 0.18; all P < 0.01; all f2 ≥ 0.29). Conclusion: Sex-based differences in muscle stiffness and contractile characteristics could be observed by TMG on LES muscles in healthy individuals at rest. The data suggest that these disparities are not exclusively attributable to anthropometric measures but may be linked to intrinsic sex-based differences in skeletal muscle characteristics. Clinical Relevance: We recommend implementing TMG in a clinical setting using the obtained results as a basis to factor for the patient’s biological sex when assessing effects of therapeutic/exercise regimens aiming at the optimization of myofascial tissue regeneration and performance.

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Development of a trunk motor paradigm for use in neuroimaging

Translational Neuroscience ◽

10.1515/tnsci-2020-0116 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 193-200

Author(s):

Elizabeth Saunders ◽

Brian C. Clark ◽

Leatha A. Clark ◽

Dustin R. Grooms

Keyword(s):

Motor Control ◽

Maximum Voluntary Contraction ◽

Voluntary Contraction ◽

Erector Spinae ◽

Head Motion ◽

Low Back ◽

Cyclic Contraction ◽

Cyclic Contractions ◽

Measurement Units ◽

Healthy Participants

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to quantify head motion between isometric erector spinae (ES) contraction strategies, paradigms, and intensities in the development of a neuroimaging protocol for the study of neural activity associated with trunk motor control in individuals with low back pain. Ten healthy participants completed two contraction strategies; (1) a supine upper spine (US) press and (2) a supine lower extremity (LE) press. Each contraction strategy was performed at electromyographic (EMG) contraction intensities of 30, 40, 50, and 60% of an individually determined maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) (±10% range for each respective intensity) with real-time, EMG biofeedback. A cyclic contraction paradigm was performed at 30% of MVC with US and LE contraction strategies. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) quantified head motion to determine the viability of each paradigm for neuroimaging. US vs LE hold contractions induced no differences in head motion. Hold contractions elicited significantly less head motion relative to cyclic contractions. Contraction intensity increased head motion in a linear fashion with 30% MVC having the least head motion and 60% the highest. The LE hold contraction strategy, below 50% MVC, was found to be the most viable trunk motor control neuroimaging paradigm.

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Head Impact Biomechanics in Youth Flag Football: A Prospective Cohort Study

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/03635465211026643 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 036354652110266

Author(s):

Landon B. Lempke ◽

Rachel S. Johnson ◽

Rachel K. Le ◽

Melissa N. Anderson ◽

Julianne D. Schmidt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mixed Model ◽

Linear Acceleration ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Head Impact ◽

Rotational Acceleration ◽

Event Type ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Head Impact Biomechanics ◽

Impact Biomechanics

Background: Youth flag football participation has rapidly grown and is a potentially safer alternative to tackle football. However, limited research has quantitatively assessed youth flag football head impact biomechanics. Purpose: To describe head impact biomechanics outcomes in youth flag football and explore factors associated with head impact magnitudes. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We monitored 52 player-seasons among 48 male flag football players (mean ± SD; age, 9.4 ± 1.1 years; height, 138.6 ± 9.5 cm; mass, 34.7 ± 9.2 kg) across 3 seasons using head impact sensors during practices and games. Sensors recorded head impact frequencies, peak linear ( g) and rotational (rad/s2) acceleration, and estimated impact location. Impact rates (IRs) were calculated as 1 impact per 10 player-exposures; IR ratios (IRRs) were used to compare season, event type, and age group IRs; and 95% CIs were calculated for IRs and IRRs. Weekly and seasonal cumulative head impact frequencies and magnitudes were calculated. Mixed-model regression models examined the association between player characteristics, event type, and seasons and peak linear and rotational accelerations. Results: A total of 429 head impacts from 604 exposures occurred across the study period (IR, 7.10; 95% CI, 4.81-10.50). Weekly and seasonal cumulative median head impact frequencies were 1.00 (range, 0-2.63) and 7.50 (range, 0-21.00), respectively. The most frequent estimated head impact locations were the skull base (n = 96; 22.4%), top of the head (n = 74; 17.2%), and back of the head (n = 66; 15.4%). The combined event type IRs differed among the 3 seasons (IRR range, 1.45-2.68). Games produced greater IRs (IRR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.01-1.53) and peak linear acceleration (mean difference, 5.69 g; P = .008) than did practices. Older players demonstrated greater combined event–type IRs (IRR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.12-1.90) and increased head impact magnitudes than did younger players, with every 1-year age increase associated with a 3.78 g and 602.81-rad/s2 increase in peak linear and rotational acceleration magnitude, respectively ( P≤ .005). Conclusion: Head IRs and magnitudes varied across seasons, thus highlighting multiple season and cohort data are valuable when providing estimates. Head IRs were relatively low across seasons, while linear and rotational acceleration magnitudes were relatively high.

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Gait kinematics in Low Back Pain: A non-linear approach

Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation ◽

10.3233/bmr-200260 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Christos Tsigkanos ◽

Theano Demestiha ◽

Chara Spiliopoulou ◽

Georgios Tsigkanos

Keyword(s):

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Healthy Subjects ◽

Infrared Camera ◽

Low Back ◽

Movement Variability ◽

Optoelectronic System ◽

Mean Values ◽

Non Linear ◽

Healthy Participants

BACKGROUND: Kinematic analysis has been a dominant tool for addressing the neuromuscular and proprioceptive alterations that occur in Low Back Pain (LBP) patients. Movement variability is a crucial component of this analysis. During the past years a promising approach appears to be the application of non-linear indices. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare movement variability, as expressed mainly by non-linear indices, at the pelvis and lumbar between LBP patients and healthy participants during gait. METHODS: Sixteen (16) LBP patients and thirteen (13) healthy control subjects (non-athletes) participated in the study. Participants walked on a treadmill at different walking conditions while recorded by a 6-infrared camera optoelectronic system. Kinematic variability of pelvic and lumbar movement was analyzed using linear (standard deviation) and non-linear indices (Maximal Lyapunov Exponent – LyE and Approximate Entropy – ApEn). RESULTS: Healthy subjects were found to have significantly greater mean values than LBP patients at seven pelvic and lumbar components in LyE, ApEn and SD. Specifically, the calculated LyE at the pelvis during normal gait was proven to have a sensitivity of 92.3% and a specificity of 90% in the discrimination of healthy subjects from LBP patients. Female subjects presented with higher variability in gait measures than males. CONCLUSION: Healthy participants presented with higher movement variability in their kinematic behavior in comparison to LBP patients. Lower variability values may be partly explained by the attempt of LBP patients to avoid painful end of range of motion positions. In this perspective non-linear indices seem to relate to qualitive characteristics of movement that need to be taken into consideration during rehabilitation.

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Shorter sleep duration is associated with potential risks for overwork-related death among Japanese truck drivers: use of the Karoshi prodromes from worker’s compensation cases

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health ◽

10.1007/s00420-021-01655-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Tomohide Kubo ◽

Shun Matsumoto ◽

Takeshi Sasaki ◽

Hiroki Ikeda ◽

Shuhei Izawa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sleep Duration ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Response Rate ◽

Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Truck Drivers ◽

Work Schedule ◽

Multiple Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Potential Risks ◽

Night Shifts

Abstract Purpose We aimed to cross-sectionally investigate how work and sleep conditions could be associated with excessive fatigue symptoms as an early sign of Karoshi (overwork-related cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases; CCVDs). Methods We distributed a questionnaire regarding work, sleep, and excessive fatigue symptoms to 5410 truck drivers, as the riskiest occupation for overwork-related CCVDs, and collected 1992 total samples (response rate: 36.8%). The research team collected 1564 investigation reports required for compensation for Karoshi. Of them, 190 reports listed the prodromes of Karoshi, which were used to develop the new excessive fatigue symptoms inventory. Results One-way analyses of variance showed that the excessive fatigue symptoms differed significantly by monthly overtime hours (p < 0.001), daily working time (p < 0.001), work schedule (p = 0.025), waiting time on-site (p = 0.049), number of night shifts (p = 0.011), and sleep duration on workdays (p < 0.001). Multivariate mixed-model regression analyses revealed shorter sleep duration as the most effective parameter for predicting excessive fatigue symptoms. Multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed that the occurrences of CCVDs were significantly higher in the middle [adjusted ORs = 3.56 (1.28–9.94)] and high-score groups [3.55 (1.24–10.21)] than in the low-score group. Conclusion The findings suggested that shorter sleep duration was associated more closely with a marked increase in fatigue, as compared with the other work and sleep factors. Hence, ensuring sleep opportunities could be targeted for reducing the potential risks of Karoshi among truck drivers.

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Normative Distribution of First Metatarsal Axial Rotation

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/10711007211001015 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 107110072110010

Author(s):

Jesse Steadman ◽

Neil Bakshi ◽

Christopher Arena ◽

Richard Leake ◽

Alexej Barg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plain Radiograph ◽

Axial Rotation ◽

Valgus Deformity ◽

Intraobserver Reliability ◽

Foot Deformities ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Mean Values ◽

First Metatarsal ◽

Hallux Valgus Deformity ◽

First Ray

Background: First metatarsal (M1) axial rotation is recognized as a clinically relevant component of hallux valgus deformity. Methods to realign the M1 in 3 dimensions have been developed. One goal of these operations is to restore normal rotation of the first ray. The aim of this study is to provide estimates for the normal distribution of M1 rotation in patients without relevant anatomic pathology. Methods: Using stringent clinical and radiographic criteria, we evaluated a set of plain radiograph and weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) images of 62 feet from a consecutive patient database. Subjects included had normal foot alignment without bunion symptoms. M1 rotation of each foot was measured using 2 unique methods (Saltzman et al and Kim et al methods). Measurement of rotation was performed by 2 observers from coronal WBCT images. Mean values and confidence intervals (CIs) of M1 rotation were calculated for each method. Inter- and intraobserver reliability values were also reported. Results: Mean M1 rotation values of 2.1 degrees (95% CI: 0.9-3.4) and 6.1 degrees (95% CI: 4.4-7.8) were identified using the Saltzman et al and Kim et al methods, respectively. Inter- and intraobserver reliability values were interpreted as excellent for both methods. Conclusion: In this study, we describe the natural distribution of the M1 axial rotation in subjects without bunion or other identifiable bony foot deformities. This information should provide a normative reference for surgeons correcting rotational issues of the first metatarsal. Level of Evidence: Level III.

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Intramuscular EMG Versus Surface EMG of Lumbar Multifidus and Erector Spinae in Healthy Participants

Spine ◽

10.1097/brs.0000000000003624 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 45 (20) ◽

pp. E1319-E1325

Author(s):

Anke Hofste ◽

Remko Soer ◽

Etto Salomons ◽

Jan Peuscher ◽

André Wolff ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Surface Emg ◽

Erector Spinae ◽

Lumbar Multifidus ◽

Healthy Participants

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Healthy subjects with lax knees use less knee flexion rather than muscle control to limit anterior tibia translation during landing

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics ◽

10.1186/s40634-020-00246-6 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Michèle N. J. Keizer ◽

Juha M. Hijmans ◽

Alli Gokeler ◽

Anne Benjaminse ◽

Egbert Otten

Keyword(s):

Knee Flexion ◽

Muscle Activation ◽

Reaction Force ◽

Rectus Femoris ◽

Knee Laxity ◽

Biceps Femoris ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Jump Landing ◽

Muscle Activation Patterns ◽

Healthy Participants

Abstract Purpose It has been reported that there is no correlation between anterior tibia translation (ATT) in passive and dynamic situations. Passive ATT (ATTp) may be different to dynamic ATT (ATTd) due to muscle activation patterns. This study aimed to investigate whether muscle activation during jumping can control ATT in healthy participants. Methods ATTp of twenty-one healthy participants was measured using a KT-1000 arthrometer. All participants performed single leg hops for distance during which ATTd, knee flexion angles and knee flexion moments were measured using a 3D motion capture system. During both tests, sEMG signals were recorded. Results A negative correlation was found between ATTp and the maximal ATTd (r = − 0.47, p = 0.028). An N-Way ANOVA showed that larger semitendinosus activity was seen when ATTd was larger, while less biceps femoris activity and rectus femoris activity were seen. Moreover, larger knee extension moment, knee flexion angle and ground reaction force in the anterior-posterior direction were seen when ATTd was larger. Conclusion Participants with more ATTp showed smaller ATTd during jump landing. Muscle activation did not contribute to reduce ATTd during impact of a jump-landing at the observed knee angles. However, subjects with large ATTp landed with less knee flexion and consequently showed less ATTd. The results of this study give information on how healthy people control knee laxity during jump-landing. Level of evidence III

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Postarthroscopy Imaging in Femoroacetabular Impingement: Persistent Pain May Be Due to an Insufficient Correction of Preoperative Abnormalities

Joints ◽

10.1055/s-0037-1601411 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 05 (01) ◽

pp. 021-026 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Cosimo Tudisco ◽

Salvatore Bisicchia ◽

Sandro Tormenta ◽

Amedeo Taglieri ◽

Ezio Fanucci

Keyword(s):

Case Series ◽

Persistent Pain ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Mean Values ◽

Center Edge ◽

Patient Groups ◽

The Mean ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of correction of abnormal radiographic parameters on postoperative pain in a group of patients treated arthroscopically for femoracetabular impingement (FAI). Methods A retrospective study was performed on 23 patients affected by mixed-type FAI and treated arthroscopically. There were 11 males and 12 females with a mean age of 46.5 (range: 28–67) years. Center-edge (CE) and α angles were measured on preoperative and postoperative radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies and were correlated with persistent pain at follow-up. Results The mean preoperative CE and α angles were 38.6 ± 5.2 and 67.3 ± 7.2 degrees, respectively. At follow-up, in the 17 pain-free patients, the mean pre- and postoperative CE angle were 38.1 ± 5.6 and 32.6 ± 4.8 degrees, respectively, whereas the mean pre- and postoperative α angles at MRI were 66.3 ± 7.9 and 47.9 ± 8.9 degrees, respectively. In six patients with persistent hip pain, the mean pre- and postoperative CE angles were 39.8 ± 3.6 and 35.8 ± 3.1 degrees, respectively, whereas the mean pre- and postoperative α angles were 70.0 ± 3.9 and 58.8 ± 2.6 degrees, respectively. Mean values of all the analyzed radiological parameters, except CE angle in patients with pain, improved significantly after surgery. On comparing patient groups, significantly lower postoperative α angles and lower CE angle were observed in patients without pain. Conclusion In case of persistent pain after arthroscopic treatment of FAI, a new set of imaging studies must be performed because pain may be related to an insufficient correction of preoperative radiographic abnormalities. Level of Evidence Level IV, retrospective case series.

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The Influence of Light Exposure in Ambiance during Pregnancy in Maternal and Fetal Outcomes: An Experimental Study

Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia / RBGO Gynecology and Obstetrics ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1675610 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 41 (01) ◽

pp. 024-030

Author(s):

Vitor Sarri ◽

Beatriz Ferrari ◽

Larissa Magalhães ◽

Paula Rodrigues ◽

Almir Rezende ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Light Exposure ◽

Good Practice ◽

Histological Evaluation ◽

Reproductive Parameters ◽

Anthropometric Measures ◽

Dark Light ◽

Mean Values ◽

Lighting Conditions ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Environmental Lighting

Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate whether exposure to different environmental lighting conditions affects the reproductive parameters of pregnant mice and the development of their offspring. Methods Fifteen pregnant albino mice were divided into three groups: light/dark, light, and dark. The animals were euthanized on day 18 of pregnancy following the Brazilian Good Practice Guide for Euthanasia of Animals. Maternal and fetal specimens were measured and collected for histological evaluation. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used for comparison of the groups considering p ≤ 0.05 to be statistically significant. Results There was no significant difference in the maternal variables between the three groups. Regarding fetal variables, significant differences were observed in the anthropometric measures between the groups exposed to different environmental lighting conditions, with the highest mean values in the light group. The histological evaluation showed the same structural pattern of the placenta in all groups, which was within the normal range. However, evaluation of the uterus revealed a discrete to moderate number of endometrial glands in the light/dark and light groups, which were poorly developed in most animals. In the fetuses, pulmonary analysis revealed morphological features consistent with the transition from the canalicular to the saccular phase in all groups. Conclusion Exposure to different environmental lighting conditions had no influence on the reproductive parameters of female mice, while the offspring of mothers exposed to light for 24 hours exhibited better morphometric features.

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EVALUATION OF THE RANGE OF MOTION OF A HIP ARTHROPLASTY SYSTEM: A COMPUTER SIMULATION STUDY

Acta Ortopédica Brasileira ◽

10.1590/1413-785220212905240525 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 29 (5) ◽

pp. 246-248

Author(s):

GUILHERME GUADAGNINI FALOTICO ◽

VALÉRIA ROMERO ◽

RICARDO BASILE ◽

EDMILSON TAKEHIRO TAKATA

Keyword(s):

Femoral Head ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Hip Arthroplasty ◽

External Rotation ◽

Angular Displacement ◽

Computational Method ◽

Technical Standards ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Mean Values

ABSTRACT Objective: To date, the literature lacks consensus on the most efficient method to measure the range of motion of an in vitro prosthetic system. In this study, we propose the use of a relatively low-cost online software to measure the range of motion of hip prosthetic implants manufactured in Brazil and compare its results with the current technical standards for hip arthroplasty. Methods: Three different diameters of femoral heads were evaluated (28 mm, 32 mm, and 36 mm). The mean values of the angular displacement of the prosthesis in each motion axis were obtained by computer simulations. Results: The range of motion with each femoral head was 28mm (extension/flexion: 148°, internal/external rotation: 179°, adduction/abduction: 107°), 32 mm (152°/185°/114°), and 36 mm (158°/193°/120°). Conclusion: The computational method showed that the larger the femoral head, the greater the range of motion of the hip joint prosthetic system. Additional clinical studies are necessary to compare the physical results obtained with the values found in this study by computational modeling. Level of evidence V, Experimental study.

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