scholarly journals Muscle Architecture Predicts Maximum Strength and Is Related to Activity Levels in Cerebral Palsy

2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (11) ◽  
pp. 1619-1630 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noelle G. Moreau ◽  
Kit N. Simpson ◽  
Sharlene A. Teefey ◽  
Diane L. Damiano

Background Muscle architecture is known to be predictive of muscle function. However, it is unknown whether this relationship is similar in children and adolescents with and without cerebral palsy (CP). Objective The objective of this study was to determine whether the architecture of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles was predictive of maximum voluntary knee extensor torque in children and adolescents with and without CP and whether these measures were related to activity and participation levels. Design A case-control design was used. Methods Eighteen participants with CP (mean age=12.0 years, SD=3.2) at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I through IV and 12 age-matched peers with typical development (mean age=12.3 years, SD=3.9) were evaluated. Muscle thickness, fascicle length, and fascicle angle of the RF and VL muscles were measured with 2-dimensional, B-mode ultrasound imaging. The activity and participation measures used for participants with CP were the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) and the Activities Scale for Kids, Performance Version (ASKp). Results When age and GMFCS level were controlled for, VL muscle thickness was the best predictor of knee extensor isometric torque in the group with CP (R2=.85). This prediction was similar to the prediction from VL muscle thickness and age in participants with typical development (R2=.91). Rectus femoris muscle fascicle length was significantly correlated with the Sports and Physical Functioning Scale of the PODCI (ρ=.49), and VL muscle fascicle angle was correlated with the Transfers and Basic Mobility Scale of the PODCI (r=.47) and with ASKp Locomotion subdomain (r=.50). Limitations A limitation of this study was the small sample size. Conclusions Ultrasound measures of VL muscle thickness, adjusted for age and GMFCS level, were highly predictive of maximum torque and have the potential to serve as surrogate measures of voluntary strength (force-generating capacity) in children and adolescents with and without CP.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyung-Jin Lee ◽  
Kang-Woo Lee ◽  
Kurokawa Takeshi ◽  
Yong-Woo Lee ◽  
Hee-Jin Kim

AbstractThe primary purpose was to examine the relationship between the muscle architectural characteristics of short and long-distance cyclist—including muscle thickness, fascicle angle, and fascicle length—of the anterior thigh and posterior leg and its impact in 20-s cycling power. The secondary purpose was to clarify the muscle variables that predict the cycling power by using ultrasonography to measure the muscle architectural characteristics. Twenty-four varsity cyclists participated in this study, of whom 12 were short-distance cyclists and 12 were long-distance cyclists. B-mode ultrasonography was used to measure muscle architecture parameters. A cycle ergometer was used to measure the cycling power. The rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and medial head of gastrocnemius were significantly thicker in short-distance cyclists than in long-distance cyclists at every site (p < 0.05). Our analysis revealed that the rectus femoris fascicle length at the 30% level of the thigh was a significant independent predictor of the 20-s cycling power in short-distance cyclists, while the rectus femoris fascicle angle at the 50% level was that of the 20-s cycling power in long-distance cyclists. These findings highlight the significance of rectus femoris muscle architecture to cycling power.


Author(s):  
Robert M. Kay ◽  
Kristan Pierz ◽  
James McCarthy ◽  
H. Kerr Graham ◽  
Henry Chambers ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this study was for an international panel of experts to establish consensus indications for distal rectus femoris surgery in children with cerebral palsy (CP) using a modified Delphi method. Methods The panel used a five-level Likert scale to record agreement or disagreement with 33 statements regarding distal rectus femoris surgery. The panel responded to statements regarding general characteristics, clinical indications, computerized gait data, intraoperative techniques and outcome measures. Consensus was defined as at least 80% of responses being in the highest or lowest two of the five Likert ratings, and general agreement as 60% to 79% falling into the highest or lowest two ratings. There was no agreement if neither threshold was reached. Results Consensus or general agreement was reached for 17 of 33 statements (52%). There was general consensus that distal rectus femoris surgery is better for stiff knee gait than is proximal rectus femoris release. There was no consensus about whether the results of distal rectus femoris release were comparable to those following distal rectus femoris transfer. Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level was an important factor for the panel, with the best outcomes expected in children functioning at GMFCS levels I and II. The panel also reached consensus that they do distal rectus femoris surgery less frequently than earlier in their careers, in large part reflecting the narrowing of indications for this surgery over the last decade. Conclusion This study can help paediatric orthopaedic surgeons optimize decision-making for, and outcomes of, distal rectus femoris surgery in children with CP. Level of evidence V


2020 ◽  
Vol 120 (11) ◽  
pp. 2371-2382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Walker ◽  
Joanne Trezise ◽  
Guy Gregory Haff ◽  
Robert U. Newton ◽  
Keijo Häkkinen ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose This study examined whether additional external load during the eccentric phase of lower limb strength training exercises led to greater adaptations in knee extensor strength, muscle architecture, and patellar tendon properties than traditional concentric–eccentric training in already-trained men. Methods Twenty-eight men accustomed to strength training were randomized to undertake 10 weeks of supervised traditional (TRAD) or accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) or continue their habitual unsupervised (CON) strength training. TRAD and AEL trained 2∙week−1 with a six-repetition maximum (RM) session and a ten-RM session. TRAD used the same external load in both concentric and eccentric phases, while AEL used 40% greater load during the eccentric than concentric phase. Tests were performed at pre- and post-training, including: maximum unilateral isokinetic (30°·s−1) concentric, eccentric and isometric torques by isokinetic dynamometry, unilateral isometric ramp contractions with muscle–tendon ultrasound imaging to measure tendon stiffness and hysteresis, and resting vastus lateralis and medialis fascicle angle and length measured by extended-field-of-view ultrasound. Results After training, both TRAD and AEL significantly increased maximum concentric and isometric torque (p < 0.05), but only AEL increased eccentric torque (AEL: + 10 ± 9%, TRAD: + 4 ± 9%) and vastus lateralis (AEL: + 14 ± 14%, TRAD: + 1 ± 10%) and medialis (AEL: + 19 ± 8%, TRAD: + 5 ± 11%) fascicle length. Conclusion Both TRAD and AEL increased maximum knee extensor strength but only AEL increased VL and VM fascicle length. Neither training program promoted changes in fascicle angle or changes in patellar tendon properties in our already-trained men.


2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 161-167
Author(s):  
Cristiana Pereira Malta ◽  
Gabriele Groehs Guerreiro ◽  
Natali Marchezan Dornelles ◽  
Clandio Timm Marques ◽  
Juliana Saibt Martins ◽  
...  

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the perception of caregivers regarding the oral health status of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) and those with typical development. Study Design: Study group (SG) was composed of 35 children and adolescents with a clinical diagnosis of CP and their caregivers. Control group (CG) was composed of 35 individuals with typical development (matched with the SG for age, sex and caries activity) and their caregivers. Questionnaire was administered to caregivers addressing the oral health of individuals under their care. Caries activity, dmft/DMFT index, visible plaque index (VPI) and occlusal characteristics were determined. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the perceptions of dental problems (p = 0.004) and gingival bleeding (p = 0.013). Individuals in SG whose caregivers perceived dental problems had a higher mean VPI (50.84 ± 5.11%) than those in CG (27.97 ± 6.50%). The mean dmft/DMFT in the SG was 2.77 ± 3.20. Class II molar relationship, overjet and anterior open bite were more prevalent in the SG. Conclusion: Caregivers of children/adolescents with CP perceive more oral problems, such as visible plaque, gingival bleeding and malocclusion, than caregivers of children/ adolescents with typical development.


2008 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 152-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koji Ohata ◽  
Tadao Tsuboyama ◽  
Taishi Haruta ◽  
Noriaki Ichihashi ◽  
Takeo Kato ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jared M. Gollie ◽  
Michael O. Harris-Love ◽  
Samir S. Patel ◽  
Nawar M. Shara ◽  
Marc R. Blackman

Introduction: The primary aims of the present study were to assess the relationships of early (0–50 ms) and late (100–200 ms) knee extensor rate of force development (RFD) with maximal voluntary force (MVF) and sit-to-stand (STS) performance in participants with chronic kidney disease (CKD) not requiring dialysis.Methods: Thirteen men with CKD (eGFR = 35.17 ±.5 ml/min per 1.73 m2, age = 70.56 ±.4 years) and 12 non-CKD men (REF) (eGFR = 80.31 ± 4.8 ml/min per 1.73 m2, age = 70.22 ±.9 years) performed maximal voluntary isometric contractions to determine MVF and RFD of the knee extensors. RFD was measured at time intervals 0–50 ms (RFD0−50) and 100–200 ms (RFD100−200). STS was measured as the time to complete five repetitions. Measures of rectus femoris grayscale (RF GSL) and muscle thickness (RF MT) were obtained via ultrasonography in the CKD group only. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were used to examine differences between groups. Bivariate relationships were assessed by Pearson's product moment correlation.Results: Knee extensor MVF adjusted for body weight (CKD=17.14 ±.1 N·kg0.67, REF=21.55 ±.3 N·kg0.67, SMD = 0.79) and STS time (CKD = 15.93 ±.4 s, REF = 12.23 ±.7 s, SMD = 1.03) were lower in the CKD group than the REF group. Absolute RFD100−200 was significantly directly related to adjusted MVF in CKD (r = 0.56, p = 0.049) and REF (r = 0.70, p = 0.012), respectively. STS time was significantly inversely related to absolute (r = −0.75, p = 0.008) and relative RFD0−50 (r = −0.65, p = 0.030) in CKD but not REF (r = 0.08, p = 0.797; r = 0.004, p = 0.991). Significant inverse relationships between RF GSL adjusted for adipose tissue thickness and absolute RFD100−200 (r =−0.59, p = 0.042) in CKD were observed.Conclusion: The results of the current study highlight the declines in strength and physical function that occur in older men with CKD stages 3b and 4 not requiring dialysis. Moreover, early RFD was associated with STS time in CKD while late RFD was associated MVF in both CKD and REF.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03160326 and NCT02277236.


Proceedings ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Panidi ◽  
Bogdanis ◽  
Gaspari ◽  
Spiliopoulou ◽  
Donti ◽  
...  

AIM: Τhe mechanisms underpinning long-term changes in muscle architectural characteristics and joint range of motion (ROM) following static stretching in humans remain under question, and data are sparse for growing athletes. It is possible that the characteristics of the stretching protocols used in previous training studies were not adequate to induce significant changes. An alternative approach would be to compare populations with different chronic flexibility training backgrounds. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine differences in gastrocnemius medialis (GM) architectural characteristics at rest and during 1 min of static stretching between child athletes with different flexibility training backgrounds. MATERIAL & METHOD: Ten female rhythmic gymnasts (RG; age. 9.0 ± 0.7 years) were compared to six volleyball athletes (VA; age, 9.0 ± 0.6 years). Fascicle length, pennation angle and muscle thickness at the medial and distal part of GM, and ankle ROM were measured at rest and during 1 min of static stretching using ultrasonography. Data were analysed using two-way ANOVA for repeated measures on two factors (time x sport). RESULTS: At rest, RG displayed similar fascicle length compared to VA at the medial (4.19 ± 0.37 vs. 4.24 ± 0.54 cm, respectively, p = 0.841) and the distal part of GM (4.25 ± 0.35 vs. 4.18 ± 0.65 cm, respectively, p = 0.780). Pennation angle and muscle thickness were also similar in the two groups at the medial (p = 0.519 and p = 0.216, respectively) and the distal part of the gastrocnemius (p = 0.998 and p = 0.433, respectively). Ankle angle before stretching was greater in RG compared with VA (120.9 ± 4.2 vs. 110.9 ± 5.8°, respectively, p = 0.001). During the 1 min of static stretching, RG displayed greater fascicle elongation compared to the VA at the medial (5.86 ± 0.29 vs 5.52 ± 0.53 cm, p = 0.048) and the distal part (6.09 ± 0.49 vs 5.15 ± 0.65 cm, p = 0.013), as well as greater maximal ankle dorsiflexion (p < 0.001) and muscle tendon junction displacement (p < 0.001). No differences were found between groups in pennation angle (p > 0.458) and muscle thickness (p ˃ 0.237). CONCLUSIONS: Muscle architectural properties are similar at rest in child athletes with different flexibility backgrounds. However, muscle fascicle elongation is greater in rhythmic gymnasts compared to volleyball athletes and this may contribute to the greater ankle ROM observed in rhythmic gymnasts.


2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 433-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco C. Blumetti ◽  
Mauro C. Morais Filho ◽  
Cátia M. Kawamura ◽  
Michelle O. Cardoso ◽  
Daniella L. Neves ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michaela V. Bonfert ◽  
Evelyn Jelesch ◽  
A. Sebastian Schroeder ◽  
Julia Hartmann ◽  
Helene Koenig ◽  
...  

AbstractThe Gait Outcome Assessment List (GOAL) is a patient or caregiver-reported assessment of gait-related function across different domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) developed for ambulant children with cerebral palsy (CP). So far, the questionnaire is only available in English. The aim of this study was to translate the GOAL into German and to evaluate its reliability and validity by studying the association between GOAL scores and gross motor function as categorized by the gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The GOAL was administered to primary caregivers of n = 91 children and adolescents with CP (n = 32, GMFCS levels I; n = 27, GMFCS level II; and n = 32, GMFCS level III) and n = 15 patients were capable of independently completing the whole questionnaire (GMFCS level I). For assessing test–retest reliability, the questionnaire was completed for a second time 2 weeks after the first by the caregivers of n = 36 patients. Mean total GOAL scores decreased significantly with increasing GMFCS levels with scores of 71 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 66.90–74.77) for GMFCS level I, 56 (95% CI: 50.98–61.86) for GMFCS level II, and 45 (95% CI: 40.58–48.48) for GMFCS level III, respectively. In three out of seven domains, caregivers rated their children significantly lower than children rated themselves. The test–retest reliability was excellent as was internal consistency given the GOAL total score. The German GOAL may serve as a much needed patient-reported outcome measure of gait-related function in ambulant children and adolescents with CP.


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