Upper and Lower Limb Strength and Body Posture in Children with Congenital Hypothyroidism: An Observational Case-Control Study

Background: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is an endocrine disease with a precocious significant impairment of growth and neuromotor development. Thyroid hormones are essential for central nervous system development, maturation, and myelination. Furthermore, thyroid hormone deficiency affects the function of several systems, including the musculoskeletal system. The disease has a significant incidence in the general population (1:3000–1:2000 newborns in Italy). The aim of the present study was to evaluate any differences in upper and lower limb strength, body sway, and plantar loading distribution in children with CH compared to healthy children. Methods: In this study, the case group was composed of children with CH (CHG), while the control group included healthy children (CG). Both groups comprised 19 children (CHG: female = 12; CG: female = 9). The maximum isometric handgrip strength and explosive-elastic lower limb strength were assessed with the handgrip test and the Sargent test, respectively. The stabilometric and baropodometric analyses were used to measure the Center of Pressure displacements and the plantar loading distribution between feet, respectively. The differences between groups were analyzed by a univariate analysis of covariance using as covariates weight and height with the significant level set at < 0.05. Results: We found that CHG children were shorter and thinner than CG ones (p < 0.05). No significant difference in the upper and lower limb strength was found between groups. CHG exhibited a significant greater Sway Path Length (p < 0.01) and Ellipse Surface (p < 0.05) than CG. Moreover, CHG displayed an asymmetric plantar loading distribution with a significant lower percentage in the right than in the left foot (p < 0.05). Moreover, a significant lower plantar loading percentage in the right foot of CHG than in the right foot of CG was observed (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings seem to suggest that CH does not affect muscle strength in early treated children. However, these patients show poor postural control ability and asymmetric plantar loading distribution. Increasing the physical activity in these children could improve their body posture.

Download Full-text

Stiffness of the Masseter Muscle in Children—Establishing the Reference Values in the Pediatric Population Using Shear-Wave Elastography

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18189619 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (18) ◽

pp. 9619

Author(s):

Cyprian Olchowy ◽

Anna Olchowy ◽

Aleksander Pawluś ◽

Mieszko Więckiewicz ◽

Luca Maria Sconfienza

Keyword(s):

Shear Wave ◽

Masseter Muscle ◽

Pediatric Population ◽

Shear Wave Elastography ◽

Total Sample ◽

Healthy Children ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Right ◽

The Impact ◽

Masseter Muscles

In children, the quality and muscle function are altered in many pathologic conditions, including temporomandibular disorders. Although several methods have been used to evaluate muscle tonus, none became a golden standard. Moreover, the masseter muscle characteristics in children have not been investigated to date. This study aimed to measure the stiffness of the masseter muscle using shear-wave elastography in healthy children. We enrolled 30 healthy children (mean age 10.87 ± 3.38 years). The stiffness of masseter muscles was measured with shear wave elastography. Stiffness for the total sample was 6.37 ± 0.77 kPa. A comparison of the measurements did not show significant differences between the right and the left masseter muscles (left—6.47 ± 0.78 kPa; right—6.24 ± 0.76 kPa; p = 0.3546). A significant difference was seen between boys and girls (boys—5.94 ± 0.50 kPa; girls—6.63 ± 0.80; p = 0.0006). Shear-wave elastography is a promising diagnostic tool. It may help to detect changes in the stiffness of the masseter muscle and draw attention to pathological processes within the jaw muscles. Directions for further research shall include determining stiffness values in pathological conditions and the impact of biological and functional factors on the stiffness of the masseter muscle.

Download Full-text

Avaliação postural de sujeitos com amputação de membro inferior

Scientia Medica ◽

10.15448/1980-6108.2019.1.33103 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 33103

Author(s):

Viviane Leite ◽

Lisiane Piazza Luza ◽

Sara Maria Soffiatti Dias ◽

Thamara Caviquioni ◽

Ediane Roberge Fernandes Zampirolo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lower Limb ◽

T Test ◽

Limb Amputation ◽

Postural Asymmetry ◽

Significance Level ◽

Below The Knee ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Ankle Angle ◽

The Right ◽

Left Scapula

AIMS: To evaluate the posture of subjects with lower limb amputee.METHODS: Ten subjects participated in the study, males, with 38,2 ± 8,2 years, with unilateral lower limb amputation and prosthesis users. For the postural evaluation, the Postural Evaluation Software (SAPO) was used, and the images were evaluated according to the software protocol. Data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics (independent t test), with a significance level of p ≤ 0,05.RESULTS: The main alterations observed were: rearfoot valgus enlargement, flexed ankle, head tilted to the right and trunk in flexion. When compared the posture according to time of amputation, was observed a statistically significant difference in the horizontal asymmetry of scapula in relation to T3 (p = 0,004), being that subjects with amputation time of up to six years presented the left scapula higher than the right one (-5,28 ± 8,16°) and those with more than six years of amputation had the right upper right scapula (19,42 ± 11°). In the comparison between amputation levels, there was a statistically significant difference in the ankle angle (p = 0,008), with subjects with amputation below the knee presenting greater ankle flexion (81,97 ± 1,72°) than those with amputation at the level of the knee and above this (87,30 ± 2,65°).CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study demonstrate that all the evaluated subjects presented some postural alteration, however, it cannot be affirmed that the postural asymmetry of these is due to the amputation.

Download Full-text

The Association between DRD3 Ser9Gly Polymorphism and Depression Severity in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson s Disease ◽

10.1155/2019/1642087 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yan Zhi ◽

Yongsheng Yuan ◽

Qianqian Si ◽

Min Wang ◽

Yuting Shen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Resting State ◽

Brain Function ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Brain Regions ◽

Potential Effect ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Right

More and more evidence suggests that dopamine receptor D3 gene (DRD3) plays an important role in the clinical manifestations and the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). DRD3 Ser9Gly polymorphism is the most frequently studied variant point. Our aim was to investigate the potential effect of DRD3 Ser9Gly polymorphism on modulating resting-state brain function and associative clinical manifestations in PD patients. We consecutively recruited 61 idiopathic PD patients and 47 healthy controls (HC) who were evaluated by clinical scales, genotyped for variant Ser9Gly in DRD3, and underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Based on DRD3 Ser9Gly polymorphism, PD patients and HCs were divided into four subgroups. Then, two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied to investigate main effects and interactions of PD and DRD3 Ser9Gly polymorphism on the brain function via amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) approach. The association between DRD3 Ser9Gly-modulated significantly different brain regions, and clinical manifestations were detected by Spearman’s correlations. PD patients exhibited decreased ALFF values in the right inferior occipital gyrus, lingual gyrus, and fusiform gyrus. A significant difference in the interaction of “groups × genotypes” was observed in the right medial frontal gyrus. The ALFF value of the cluster showing significant interactions was positively correlated with HAMD-17 scores (r=0.489, p=0.011) and anhedonia scores (r=0.512, p=0.008) in PD patients with the Ser/Gly or Gly/Gly genotypes. Therefore, D3 gene Ser9Gly polymorphism might be associated with the severity of depression characterized by anhedonia in PD patients.

Download Full-text

Physical and mental growth and development in children with congenital hypothyroidism: a case–control study

Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases ◽

10.1186/s13023-021-02017-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Javad Nazari ◽

Kimia Jafari ◽

Maryam Chegini ◽

Akram Maleki ◽

Pari MirShafiei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Congenital Hypothyroidism ◽

Case Control Study ◽

Screening Program ◽

Case Control ◽

Healthy Children ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean ◽

The Difference ◽

Children Development ◽

Control Study

Abstract Introduction The clinical complications of congenital hypothyroidism such as brain disorders are very subtle and are not recognizable in infancy period. They are recognizable when it is too late for treatment or prevention. General screening of newborns is effective in diagnosing congenital hypothyroidism and initiating initial treatment. The aim of this study is to compare the physical and mental growth pattern of children with congenital hypothyroidism with healthy ones. Methods This case–control study was performed on 34 patients and 68 healthy children who were matched in terms of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Children development screening test (ASQ), children development assessment test (Bayley), preschool Wechsler intelligence scale (WPPSI) and age and steps questionnaire of emotional social development (ASQ-SE) were completed by trained questioners. Data were analyzed using STATA software. Results The results indicated that there was no significant difference between the mean of verbal (P = 0.77), non-verbal (P = 0.81) and general (P = 0.66) IQ in permanent and transient patients and healthy individuals. Also, there was no significant difference between the mean of different ranges of ASQ test (including communication, delicate and large movements, problem solving and social) at 12 months and 42 months (P < 0.05). According to Bayley test, there was no significant difference between the cases (permanent and transient) and controls in the cognitive (P = 0.42) and expressive (P = 0.38) categories. The difference was significant in the perceptual (P = 0.011), large (P = 0.03) and delicate (P = 0.04) movements categories. Conclusion This study emphasized on the high effectiveness of neonate hypothyroidism screening program, so that the difference between 3.5 years old children with and without this disease has decreased significantly. Early diagnosis of the patients, while creating beneficial effects for patients and increasing quality of life, cause reduction in the long-term costs of the health system.

Download Full-text

A comparative assessment of flexibility of backline and strength of lower limb in bharatnatyam dancers and non-dancers

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20214283 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (11) ◽

pp. 5431

Author(s):

Shreya M. Otari ◽

Anjali Puntambekar

Keyword(s):

Lower Limb ◽

Statistical Difference ◽

The Body ◽

Classical Dance ◽

Long Period ◽

Pelvic Inclination ◽

Lower Limb Strength ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Left Lower Limb ◽

Indian Classical Dance

Background: Bharatnatyam is an Indian classical dance form which have been practiced for a long period of time and is equivalent to any sporting activity. The postures attained during this dance form require good amount of muscle strength and flexibility among the dancers. There is lack of research on flexibility of backline and lower limb strength in bharatnatyam dancers. The overall function of the superficial backline is to support the body in full upright extension and impacts musculoskeletal dynamics. The lumbar lordosis angle and the pelvic inclination angle in bharatnatyam dancers is more than the non-dancers which can affect the backline flexibility. This study analysed if there is any difference, in the lower limb strength and flexibility of backline as compared to participants of same age group.Methods: 10 bharatnatyam dancers and 10 non-dancers between 15 to 30 years participated in this study. Triple hop distance test for both sides and toe touch test was used to check the strength of lower limb and flexibility of backline respectively.Results: There was significant difference in the triple hop distance of right lower limb between bharatnataym dancers and non-dancers. There was no significant difference in the triple hop distance of left lower limb between the two groups. There was not quite significant difference in the toe touch test of between the two groups.Conclusions: There was significant difference in the strength and power of right lower limb of dancers as compared to right lower limb of non-dancers. There was no statistical difference in the left lower limb of both the groups. There was no statistical difference between the flexibility of backline of bharatnatyam dancers and non-dancers.

Download Full-text

Kinematic Analysis of Smiles in the Healthy Pediatric Population Using 3-Dimensional Motion Capture

The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal ◽

10.1177/1055665619887628 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 57 (4) ◽

pp. 430-437

Author(s):

Rami R. Hallac ◽

Nikhitha Thrikutam ◽

Pang-Yun Chou ◽

Rong Huang ◽

James R. Seaward ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Facial Expression ◽

Kinematic Analysis ◽

Pediatric Population ◽

Healthy Children ◽

Functional Movement ◽

Complete Representation ◽

3 Dimensional ◽

4D Imaging ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Right

Introduction: Facial normalcy, as measured with 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional photographs, has been documented in the healthy pediatric population. However, static images convey far from a complete representation of an individual’s daily interactions with peers. Craniofacial surgery induces changes to soft or osseous tissues and thereby affects dynamic facial expression. To-date, there has not been rigorous, dynamic quantification of normal facial expression. In this study, we used 4-dimensional (4D) imaging to assess the facial expression of healthy children to provide a normative reference point for craniofacial surgeons. Methods: A total of 36 healthy pediatric volunteers underwent 4D video recordings while performing a maximal voluntary smile. A face template containing 884 landmarks was registered and tracked throughout the videos using Dimensional Imaging software. Participants were divided into 2 smile groups: open-lip smile and closed-lip smile. Kinematic analysis of smiles was calculated for every landmark from its position in the resting frame to its terminal displacement. Results: Composite smiles and Euclidean distance maps were generated displaying areas of greatest displacement near the oral commissures. There was significant difference between closed-lip and open-lip groups in regions of eyes and cheeks. In addition, the open-lip smile group demonstrated significantly greater displacement in the oral commissure on the left side compared to the right ( P < .05); whereas, in the closed-lip group, the eyes and cheeks moved significantly more on the right side. Conclusion: This study presents an innovative method that can be used to evaluate facial expressions to help craniofacial surgeons restore functional movement in patients with facial anomalies.

Download Full-text

The effect of a 6-week land and resistance training of 13-16 years old swimmers groups to lower limb isokinetic strength values and to swimming performance13-16 yaş grubu yüzücülerde 6 haftalık kara ve direnç antrenmanlarının alt ekstremite izokinetik kuvvet performansına ve yüzme derecelerine etkisi

Journal of Human Sciences ◽

10.14687/jhs.v13i3.4158 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 5269 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ayşegül Yapıcı ◽

Barış Maden ◽

Gülin Fındıkoğlu

Keyword(s):

Resistance Training ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Swimming Performance ◽

Left Knee ◽

Wilcoxon Test ◽

Positive Development ◽

Isokinetic Strength ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Post Test ◽

The Right

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a 6-week land and resistance training of 13-16 year old swimmers groups to lower limb isokinetic strength values and to swimming performance. 22 swimmers participated in this study. The subjects were divided into three groups (A-B-C) according to their 50m swimming degrees. 25m underwater,25m,50m,75m and 100m freestyle swimming degrees of swimmers were recorded. As isokinetic measurements was applied at 60°/s,180°/s and 240°/s speed and the right and left knee. Kruskal-Wallis is used the differences between groups, the Mann-Whitney U test is used for which group the difference is caused and group differences were analyzed with the Wilcoxon test. Statistically significant difference was found between pre-test and post-test of 25m underwater,25m,50m,75m and 100m freestyle swimming values (p<0.05). In all groups, at 60°/s,180°/s,240°/s, for the right and left knee flexors and extensor, and freestyle swimming degrees positive development is observed. After 6-weeks training, isokinetic strength and swimming degrees of the group C increased 9.25%, whereas B has increased 8.35%. The pre-test and post-test results in 25m underwater,25m,50m,75m and 100m freestyle swimming values were statistically significant between the groups (p<0.05). In this study, it is possible to say that the land and resistance training can make a significant contribution to the performance of the force in this age group swimmer. ÖzetBu çalışmanın amacı; 13-16 yaş grubu yüzücülerde 6 haftalık kara ve direnç antrenmanlarının alt ekstremite izokinetik kuvvet değerlerine ve yüzme performansına etkisini araştırmaktır. Çalışmaya 22 yüzücü katılmıştır. Denekler 50m yüzme derecelerine göre üç gruba (A-B-C) ayrılmıştır. Yüzücülerin 25m sualtı, 25m, 50m, 75m ve 100m serbest stildeki yüzme dereceleri kayıt edilmiştir. İzokinetik ölçümler 60°/s, 180°/s ve 240°/s hızda sağ ve sol diz için uygulanmıştır. Gruplar arası farka Kruskal Wallis, farkın hangi gruptan kaynaklandığına Mann Whitney U testi, grup içi farklara ise Wilcoxon testi ile bakılmıştır. Ön test ve son test 25m sualtı, 25m, 50m, 75m ve 100m serbest yüzme değerlerinde istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark bulunmuştur (p<0.05). Tüm grupların, 60º/s, 180º/s ve 240º/s hızda sağ ve sol diz için fleksör ve ektensörlerin tepe tork değerlerinde ve serbest yüzme derecelerinde sayısal olarak pozitif bir gelişim görülmüştür. 6 haftalık antrenman sonunda, C grubunun izokinetik kuvvet ve yüzme derecelerindeki artış (%9.25) iken, B grubunda bu değer (%8.35) çıkmıştır. Yapılan istatistiksel analiz sonucu ön test ve son test 25m sualtı, 25m, 50m, 75m ve 100m serbest yüzme değerlerinde gruplar arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark bulunmuştur (p<0.05). Bu çalışmada, bu yaş grubu yüzücülerde yapılan kara ve direnç antrenmanlarının kuvvet performansına önemli bir katkı sağlayabileceği söylenebilir.

Download Full-text

The Effect of TheraBand Training on the Q Angle and Distance of Ankle Medial Malleolus in Individuals With Genu Valgum Deformity

Physical Treatments - Specific Physical Therapy ◽

10.32598/ptj.10.3.304.3 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 117-126

Author(s):

Shiva Bahadori ◽

◽

Hooman Fatahi ◽

Mansooreh Ahmadpoor ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lower Limb ◽

External Rotation ◽

Genu Valgum ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

Control Group ◽

Medial Malleolus ◽

Control Group Design ◽

Q Angle ◽

Significant Difference ◽

And Control

Purpose: Genu valgum deformity a common lower extremity deformity. The weakness of the lower limb muscles followed by the internal rotation of the femur and external rotation of the tibia, shift the gravitational pull to the outside of the knee. This lower limb alignment deformity could increase the distance of ankle medial malleolus and the Q angle. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of TheraBand training on the Q angle and distance of ankle medial malleolus in individuals with genu valgum deformity. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test and control group design. The study population consisted of girls in the age range of 9-13 years with genu valgum deformity. The study subjects were randomly divided into the experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The experimental group participated in TheraBand exercises for 8 weeks and 3 sessions per week. However, the control group received no training during this period. Before and after 8 weeks, the Q angle and distance of ankle medial malleolus were measured by goniometers and coulis, respectively. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze the collected data in SPSS. The significance level was considered at 0.05. Results: The obtained statistical results suggested that TheraBand training significantly decreased the Q angle and the distance of ankle medial malleolus in the explored subjects with genu valgum deformity (P=0.001 & P=0.04, respectively). However, no significant difference was observed in the control group. Conclusion: The obtained data revealed that TheraBand training could improve the genu valgum position. Therefore, this training protocol could be implemented to improve the deformity in this population.

Download Full-text

Comparison of Postural Features and Muscle Strength between Children with Idiopathic Short Stature and Healthy Peers in Relation to Physical Exercise

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12093639 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (9) ◽

pp. 3639 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jessica Brusa ◽

Maria Cristina Maggio ◽

Daniele Zangla ◽

Valerio Giustino ◽

Ewan Thomas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Muscle Strength ◽

Physical Exercise ◽

Short Stature ◽

Handgrip Strength ◽

Young Patients ◽

Body Posture ◽

Idiopathic Short Stature ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

Healthy Children ◽

Significance Level

Previous research has reported that children with idiopathic short stature (ISS) showed functional and cognitive impairments. The purpose of this study was to compare muscle strength and body posture between children with ISS treated with growth hormone (GH) and healthy peers (healthy children, HC), and to analyze whether these parameters were affected by physical exercise. Eighteen children for the ISS group (mean age: 10.96 ± 1.68 years) and 26 children for the HC group (mean age: 10.19 ± 1.06 years) were recruited for the study. All participants performed the following assessments: handgrip and Sargent test for the muscle strength evaluation; baropodometric and stabilometric test for the posturographic measures. Data were analyzed with analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) using height and weight as covariate. Groups were then stratified into active and inactive and independent t-tests were used to determine differences between variables. Significance level was set to p < 0.05. Our results showed a significantly lower performance for both hands (p < 0.01) and a greater difference of plantar loading distribution between feet in the ISS compared to the HC groups (p < 0.01). In relation to physical exercise, the HC active group showed the highest handgrip strength values for both hands among the analyzed groups and, moreover, handgrip strength of both ISS active and inactive groups was significantly lower than corresponding CH peers for both hands. Although ISS and HC inactive groups reported an unequal plantar loading distribution between feet (p < 0.05), this asymmetry was not present in both ISS and HC active groups. We assume that GH therapy integrated with physical exercise in young patients with ISS could be suggested to increase muscle strength and body posture improving their quality of life.

Download Full-text

The Effects of an Eight-week Cawthorne-Cooksey Training Program on Balance and Lower Limb Strength in the Elderly

Journal of Sport Biomechanics ◽

10.32598/biomechanics.7.1.6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 68-77

Author(s):

Mohammad Javad Azimizadeh ◽

◽

Seyyed Mojtaba Tabatabai Asl ◽

Seyyed Hosein Hoseini ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Function ◽

Lower Limb ◽

The Elderly ◽

Control Group ◽

Lower Limb Strength ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Post Test ◽

Serious Injuries ◽

And Control ◽

Experimental Group

Objective: With age, the problems associated with loss of balance, followed by decreased muscle strength and physical function, increase. Therefore, the elderly are exposed to serious injuries. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Cawthorne Cooksey training on balance and lower limb strength in the elderly. Methods: Subjects including 24 elderly men and women participated in this study voluntarily and were divided into experimental groups (n‌=‌12) and control (n‌=‌12). The design of the present study was pre-test and post-test. Cawthorne Cooksey training were performed for eight weeks, three sessions per week and each session for 60 minutes. The main variables were balance and lower limb strength, and the leaf test was used to assess balance and the rise and fall test was used for lower limb strength. One-way covariance and dependent t-test in SPSS software version 26 were used to analyze the pre-test and post-test results and compare the groups. Results: The results of this study showed that the balance in the experimental group had a significant improvement compared to the control group (P‌=‌0.001). There was also a significant difference in lower limb strength in the experimental group compared to the control (P‌=‌0.002). Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, these exercises positively affect balance and lower limb strength in the elderly. Due to the decline in physical function of the elderly, performing these exercises increases the level of physical function and quality of life of the elderly.

Download Full-text