Qigong for Muscle Strength and Static Postural Control in Middle-Aged and Older Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

In the present study, we aimed to determine the effects of a Qigong exercise program on the muscle strength and postural control in middle-aged and older postmenopausal women. This is a randomized clinical trial (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03989453) conducted on 125 women who were initially assigned to either an experimental group (n = 63) that performed a Qigong exercise program for 12 weeks or to a control group (n = 62) that did not receive any intervention. Muscle strength (dynamometer) and postural control (stabilometric platform) were evaluated before and immediately after an intervention period. The main findings of this study suggest that the women in the experimental group had improvements in muscle strength, mean velocity of the displacement of the center of pressure (CoP) with both eyes open and closed, and the surface sway area covered by the CoP, as well as the mediolateral and anteroposterior oscillations of the CoP, only with eyes open. The results of the present study determined that a 12 week Qigong exercise program has beneficial effects on muscle strength and postural control of middle-aged and older postmenopausal Spanish women.

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The Effects of Abdominal Hypopressive Training on Postural Control and Deep Trunk Muscle Activation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18052741 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (5) ◽

pp. 2741

Author(s):

María del Mar Moreno-Muñoz ◽

Fidel Hita-Contreras ◽

María Dolores Estudillo-Martínez ◽

Agustín Aibar-Almazán ◽

Yolanda Castellote-Caballero ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Postural Control ◽

Muscle Activation ◽

Center Of Pressure ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Trunk Muscle ◽

Posture Control ◽

Trunk Muscles ◽

Control Group ◽

Female Population ◽

Imaging Results

Background: Abdominal Hypopressive Training (AHT) provides postural improvement, and enhances deep trunk muscle activation. However, until recently, there was a lack of scientific literature supporting these statements. The major purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of AHT on posture control and deep trunk muscle function. Methods: 125 female participants aged 18–60 were randomly allocated to the Experimental Group (EG), consisting of two sessions of 30 min per week for 8 weeks of AHT, or the Control Group (CG), who did not receive any treatment. Postural control was measured with a stabilometric platform to assess the static balance and the activation of deep trunk muscles (specifically the Transverse Abdominal muscle (TrA)), which was measured by real-time ultrasound imaging. Results: The groups were homogeneous at baseline. Statistical differences were identified between both groups after intervention in the Surface of the Center of Pressure (CoP) Open-Eyes (S-OE) (p = 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.60) and the Velocity of CoP under both conditions; Open-Eyes (V-OE) (p = 0.001, Cohen´s d = 0.63) and Close-Eyes (V-CE) (p = 0.016, Cohen´s d = 0.016), with the EG achieving substantial improvements. Likewise, there were statistically significant differences between measurements over time for the EG on S-OE (p < 0.001, Cohen´s d = 0.99); V-OE (p = 0.038, Cohen´s d = 0.27); V-CE (p = 0.006, Cohen´s d = 0.39), anteroposterior movements of CoP with Open-Eyes (RMSY-OE) (p = 0.038, Cohen´s d = 0.60) and activity of TrA under contraction conditions (p < 0.001, Cohen´s d = 0.53). Conclusions: The application of eight weeks of AHT leads to positive outcomes in posture control, as well as an improvement in the deep trunk muscle contraction in the female population.

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Maximal stability limits in adolescents with Tourette syndrome

Journal of Advanced Pediatrics and Child Health ◽

10.29328/journal.japch.1001024 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 013-022

Author(s):

Blanchet Mariève ◽

Prince François ◽

Lemay Martin ◽

Chouinard Sylvain ◽

Messier Julie

Keyword(s):

Postural Control ◽

Tourette Syndrome ◽

Center Of Pressure ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Sensory Information ◽

Control Group ◽

Eyes Closed ◽

Highly Sensitive ◽

Eyes Open ◽

Stability Limits

We explored if adolescents with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) had functional postural control impairments and how these deficits are linked to a disturbance in the processing and integration of sensory information. We evaluated the displacements of the center of pressure (COP) during maximal leaning in four directions (forward, backward, rightward, leftward) and under three sensory conditions (eyes open, eyes closed, eyes closed standing on foam). GTS adolescents showed deficits in postural stability and in lateral postural adjustments but they had similar maximal COP excursion than the control group. The postural performance of the GTS group was poorer in the eyes open condition (time to phase 1 onset, max-mean COP). Moreover, they displayed a poorer ability to maintain the maximum leaning position under the eyes open condition during mediolateral leaning tasks. By contrast, during forward leaning, they showed larger min-max ranges than control subjects while standing on the foam with the eyes closed. Together, these findings support the idea that GTS produces subclinical postural control deficits. Importantly, our results suggest that postural control disorders in GTS are highly sensitive to voluntary postural leaning tasks which have high demand for multimodal sensory integration.

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Photobiomodulation via a cluster device associated with a physical exercise program in the level of pain and muscle strength in middle-aged and older women with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

Lasers in Medical Science ◽

10.1007/s10103-019-02807-3 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 35 (1) ◽

pp. 139-148 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Patricia Gabrielli Vassão ◽

Mayra Cavenague de Souza ◽

Bruna Arcaim Silva ◽

Rheguel Grillo Junqueira ◽

Marcela Regina de Camargo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Muscle Strength ◽

Physical Exercise ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Older Women ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Middle Aged

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Influence of aquatic exercise training on balance in young adults

Fisioterapia em Movimento ◽

10.1590/0103-5150.027.004.ao09 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 27 (4) ◽

pp. 573-581

Author(s):

Luana Mann ◽

Julio Francisco Kleinpaul ◽

Carlos Bolli Mota ◽

Saray Giovana dos Santos

Keyword(s):

Visual Information ◽

Center Of Pressure ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Aquatic Exercise ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Young Adult ◽

Body Balance ◽

Balance Deficits ◽

Adult Volunteers ◽

Experimental Group

Introduction Physical exercise programs have been suggested to soften or reverse balance deficits and postural deviation. Objective This study investigated the influence of a systematic aquatic exercise program on body balance. Method Healthy young adult volunteers of both genders, aged 18–30 years were assessed. The experimental group (EG, n = 20) was subjected to 24 sessions of aquatic exercises of 50 minutes long, performed three times a week, and the control group (CG, n = 25) suffered no intervention. A 3-D force platform was used to calculate the center of pressure displacement (COP) in anteroposterior and mid-lateral directions with or without visual information. The individuals were assessed in pre or post-training. Results The results demonstrated a decrease in body oscillation in both visual conditions, with post-training values lower than pre-training ones. Visual information was not expressive for EG post-training. Conclusion It was concluded that the program was effective for body balance improvement.

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Effectiveness of a Program Combining Strengthening, Stretching, and Aerobic Training Exercises in a Standing versus a Sitting Position in Overweight Subjects with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm9124113 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. 4113

Author(s):

Betsy Denisse Perez-Huerta ◽

Belén Díaz-Pulido ◽

Daniel Pecos-Martin ◽

David Beckwee ◽

Enrique Lluch-Girbes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Knee Pain ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Control Group ◽

Global Increase ◽

Experimental Group ◽

Overweight Subjects

There is an increasing incidence, prevalence, and burden of knee osteoarthritis due to a global increase in obesity and an aging population. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of the addition of aerobic exercises performed in an unloaded or loaded position to a conventional exercise program in overweight subjects with knee osteoarthritis. Twenty-four subjects were randomly allocated to receive 36 sessions of 30-min duration of either sitting aerobic exercises (experimental group) or standing aerobic exercises (control group). Pain intensity, knee disability, and quality-of-life data were collected at baseline and at 12, 24, and 36 sessions. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) were constructed for the analysis of the differences. Significant differences were found in the experimental group for self-reported pain and knee pain and disability at 24 and 36 sessions (p < 0.05). Significant between-group differences were observed in change in self-reported knee pain and disability and quality of life from baseline to 24th- and 36th-session measurements in favor of the experimental group. Adherence to treatment was higher in the experimental group. Adding aerobic exercises in an unloaded position to a conventional exercise program produced superior effects over time for self-reported knee pain, knee pain and disability and quality of life compared to loaded aerobic exercises in overweight subjects with knee osteoarthritis.

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Effects of a core stabilization training program on balance ability in persons with Parkinson’s disease: a randomized controlled trial

Clinical Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/0269215520918631 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 34 (6) ◽

pp. 764-772

Author(s):

Irene Cabrera-Martos ◽

Ana Teresa Jiménez-Martín ◽

Laura López-López ◽

Janet Rodríguez-Torres ◽

Araceli Ortiz-Rubio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Center Of Pressure ◽

Dynamic Balance ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Core Stability ◽

Control Group ◽

Balance Confidence ◽

Balance Ability ◽

Experimental Group

Objective: To explore the effects of an eight-week core stability program on balance ability in persons with Parkinson’s disease. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: A local Parkinson’s association. Subjects: A total of 44 participants with a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease were randomly assigned to an experimental ( n = 22) or control group ( n = 22). Intervention: The experimental group received 24 sessions of core training, while the control group received an intervention including active joint mobilization, muscle stretching, and motor coordination exercises. Main measures: The primary outcome measure was dynamic balance evaluated using the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test. Secondary outcomes included the balance confidence assessed with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale and standing balance assessed by the maximal excursion of center of pressure during the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance and the Limits of Stability test. Results: After treatment, a significant between-group improvement in dynamic balance was observed in the experimental group compared to the control group (change, 2.75 ± 1.80 vs 0.38 ± 2.15, P = 0.002). The experimental group also showed a significant improvement in confidence (change, 16.48 ± 16.21 vs 3.05 ± 13.53, P = 0.047) and maximal excursion of center of pressure in forward (change, 0.86 ± 1.89 cm vs 0.17 ± 0.26 cm, P = 0.048), left (change, 0.88 ± 2.63 cm vs 0.07 ± 0.48 cm, P = 0.010), and right (change, 1.63 ± 2.82 cm vs 0.05 ± 0.17 cm, P = 0.046) directions of limits of stability compared to the control group. Conclusion: A program based on core stability in comparison with non-specific exercise benefits dynamic balance and confidence and increases center of mass excursion in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

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Isokinetic Muscle Strength and Postural Sway of Recreationally Active Older Adults vs. Master Road Runners

Frontiers in Physiology ◽

10.3389/fphys.2021.623150 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Henrique V. Taveira ◽

Claudio A. B. de Lira ◽

Marilia S. Andrade ◽

Ricardo B. Viana ◽

Hirofumi Tanaka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Muscle Strength ◽

Postural Control ◽

Elderly People ◽

Center Of Pressure ◽

Average Power ◽

Trunk Muscle ◽

Trunk Muscles ◽

Control Group ◽

Physically Active ◽

Trunk Muscle Strength

Trunk muscle strength and control is an important prerequisite for everyday activities among elderly people decreasing the predisposition to falls. High levels of physical exercise performed by older athletes could offer benefits to core/trunk muscle strength and postural control compared with recreational physical activities and among elderly people with lower levels of physical activity. The present study aimed to compare trunk muscle strength and postural control of older running athletes vs. older physically active adults. Participants were master road runners (RUN, n = 15, six women, 64.3 ± 3.6 years) and physically active elderly (control group, CON, n = 15, six women, 65.4 ± 5.0 years) people that were submitted to the evaluations: esthesiometer, posturography (force plate), and isokinetic test (Biodex dynamometer) of trunk muscle extension and flexion. RUN presented higher values for relative peak torque of trunk extensor muscles at 60°/s (p = 0.046) and 180°/s (p = 0.007) and relative average power during trunk extension at 60°/s (p = 0.008) and 180°/s (p = 0.004) compared to CON. CON had a higher medial-lateral oscillation speed of the center of pressure in the stable condition with eyes closed (p = 0.004) compared to RUN. RUN presented higher isokinetic torque of extensor trunk muscles and better postural control than CON. This supposedly could help with postural control and balance and contribute to the prevention of falls among the elderly. The practice of running systematically by master athletes may partially explained our findings.

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The effect of different exercise programs on bone mineral density and physical function in women with osteoporosis: A randomized controlled trial

International Journal of Growth and Development ◽

10.25081/ijgd.2017.v1i1.48 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 47

Author(s):

Lumnije Hoxha Kamberi

Keyword(s):

Bone Mineral Density ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Physical Function ◽

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Bone Mineral ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Significant Difference

Aim: Osteoporosis is a multifactorial progressive skeletal disorder characterized by reduced bone mass. Exercise is widely recommended to reduce osteoporosis, falls and related fragility fractures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of land exercise (LE) and aquatic exercise (AE) on physical function and bone mineral density (BMD). Methods: Fifty-eight postmenopausal women, aged 50-70 years, diagnosed with osteoporosis according to BMD measures, enrolled in this study. The subjects were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (LE group) or the control group (AE group). Physical function and BMD were assessed in all subjects in both groups before and after 10 months of intervention. The muscle strength, flexibility, balance, gait time and pain were measured to assess physical function. Bone mineral density at the lumbar spine was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in the baseline anthropometric data. The two groups were similar with respect to age, weight, height, and body mass index (p>0.05). After the exercise program, muscle strength, flexibility, gait time, pain, and bone density (p<0.001) significantly improved with LE compared to AE. There was no significant difference between the two groups in balance at the 10-month follow-up. Conclusion: Significant improvements in physical function and BMD suggest that LE is a possible alternative for postmenopausal women with OP. Clinical rehabilitation impact: In the current available literature there is insufficient data regarding combined regimens, additionally, conclusions from our research can inspire further studies in order to promote land and water based exercise.

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Quadriceps muscle strength recovery with the use of high tone power therapy after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized controlled trial

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12891-021-04862-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Katarzyna Ogrodzka-Ciechanowicz ◽

Grzegorz Głąb ◽

Jakub Ślusarski ◽

Artur Gądek

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Acl Reconstruction ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Quadriceps Muscle ◽

Control Group ◽

High Tone ◽

Thigh Circumference ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Experimental Group

Abstract Background There are no scientific reports clearly describing the effectiveness of the High Tone Power Therapy in patients after ACL reconstruction. This caused that in own research an attempt was made to present the possibilities of using the selected method of electrical stimulation in the treatment of an orthopaedic patient. The aim was to assess the effectiveness of electro stimulation of the quadriceps muscle in patients after ACL reconstruction, with the use of High Tone Power Therapy. Methods In randomized controlled trial took part thirty-five men, aged 21–50, after ACL reconstruction. The tests were carried prior to and 6 months following the ACL reconstruction. After the surgery, the patients were randomly divided into experimental group (17 patients) with the High Tone Power Therapy in rehabilitation and control group (18 patients) without the High Tone Power Therapy. Patients were subjected to 6-month rehabilitation. Research tools included the measurement of muscle strength torque, ROM, knee and thigh circumference measurements, the Lysholm and the VAS scale. Results After applying HiToP, the analysis showed a statistically significant improvement of muscle torque (p = 0.041, Es = 3.71), knee circumference (p = 0.039, Es = 1.65), thigh circumference (p = 0.049, Es = 1.26), knee extension (p < 0.001, Es = 2.20) in Experimental group compared to the control group. Only the results of the VAS scale did not differ statistically significantly both within a given group and between groups. Conclusions The results confirm the hypothesis that the use of HiToP in patients after ACLr have a beneficial effect on muscle strength, reduction of joint effusion, muscle mass gain and joint function. The assumption that HiToP significantly reduces pain levels is not supported - the results in both groups are statistically insignificant. Trial registration The research project was retrospectively registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). Date of first registration 11.10.2016. Registration number: ACTRN12616001416482.

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Physical activity and bone turnover in women with osteopenia

Vojnosanitetski pregled ◽

10.2298/vsp160303003p ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 75 (9) ◽

pp. 875-883

Author(s):

Dusan Peric ◽

Branka Kovacev-Zavisic ◽

Bojan Medjedovic ◽

Romana Romanov ◽

Zlatko Ahmetovic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Muscle Strength ◽

Strength Training ◽

Bone Structure ◽

Systemic Disease ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Experimental Period ◽

Control Group ◽

Vo2 Max ◽

The Impact ◽

Experimental Group

Background/Aim. Osteoporosis is a systemic disease of the skeleton characterized by a decrease in bone mass and changes in the bone structure. An increased tendency of the bone tissue for fractures occurs as a consequence of these changes. The initial phase of physiological aging of the bones that gradually leads to osteoporosis is osteopenia. This paper tracks the effects of a specific kind of physical exercise program in women with osteopenia. The aim was to quantify the impact of this program on: the concentration of bone metabolism blood markers, muscle strength, aerobic capacity, and physical dimensions. Methods. The sample consisted of 26 women in postmenopause (age 46?58) divided into two groups ? experimental group (n = 15) and control group (n = 11). A combined program of exercise consisting of aerobic activities and strength training was applied in the experimental group, while the control group did not join in the exercise program. The program lasted for 7 weeks, three times a week with a break day between the trainings. The intensity of the aerobic training was in the span of 60% to 70% of heart rate reserve (HRR), and the intensity of the strength training was in the span of 60% to 85% of one repetitive maximum (1RM). Osteopenia was diagnosed prior to the experiment by applying a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar spine and the hip. The following was measured before and after the experiment: the level of biochemical markers in the serum [Beta-aspartic acid ?-cross laps (CTx), total procollagen type 1 N-terminal peptide (tP1NP) and bone isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 1RM of leg extensors, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max), bodily height and mass, and a calculated Body Mass Index (BMI). Results. Significant changes were determined only in the experimental group. During the experimental period, there was a significant increase of muscle strength and VO2 max, with a decrease of Beta-CTx concentration. No statistically significant changes were recorded in the control group. Conclusion. A 7- week period of systematic exercise showed to be sufficient to increase muscle strength and VO2 max, partially also to decrease bone resorption, but insufficient to alter bone volume, bodily mass, and BMI.

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