Examining Ankle-Joint Laxity Using 2 Knee Positions and With Simulated Muscle Guarding

Several factors affect the reliability of the anterior drawer and talar tilt tests, including the individual clinician's experience and skill, ankle and knee positioning, and muscle guarding.Context: To compare gastrocnemius activity during the measurement of ankle-complex motion at different knee positions, and secondarily, to compare ankle-complex motion during a simulated trial of muscle guarding.Objectives: Cross-sectional study.Design: Research laboratory.Setting: Thirty-three participants aged 20.2 ± 1.7 years were tested.Patients or Other Participants: The ankle was loaded under 2 test conditions (relaxed, simulated muscle guarding) at 2 knee positions (0°, 90° of flexion) while gastrocnemius electromyography (EMG) activity was recorded.Intervention(s): Anterior displacement (mm), inversion-eversion motion (°), and peak EMG amplitude values of the gastrocnemius (μV).Main Outcome Measure(s): Anterior displacement did not differ between the positions of 0° and 90° of knee flexion (P = .193). Inversion-eversion motion was greater at 0° of knee flexion compared with 90° (P < .001). Additionally, peak EMG amplitude of the gastrocnemius was not different between 0° and 90° of knee flexion during anterior displacement (P = .101). As expected, the simulated muscle-guarding trial reduced anterior displacement compared with the relaxed condition (0° of knee flexion, P = .008; 90° of knee flexion, P = .016) and reduced inversion-eversion motion (0° of knee flexion, P = .03; 90° of knee flexion, P < .001).Results: In a relaxed state, the gastrocnemius muscle did not appear to affect anterior ankle laxity at the 2 most common knee positions for anterior drawer testing; however, talar tilt testing may be best performed with the knee in 0° of knee flexion. Finally, our outcomes from the simulated muscle-guarding condition suggest that clinicians should use caution and be aware of reduced perceived laxity when performing these clinical examination techniques immediately postinjury.Conclusions:

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Trunk Inclination During Squatting is a Better Predictor of the Knee-Extensor Moment Than Shank Inclination

Journal of Sport Rehabilitation ◽

10.1123/jsr.2020-0397 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Rachel K. Straub ◽

Adam J. Barrack ◽

Jordan Cannon ◽

Christopher M. Powers

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Knee Flexion ◽

Stepwise Regression ◽

Knee Extensor ◽

Healthy Individuals ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Trunk Inclination ◽

Trunk Posture ◽

The Individual ◽

Segment Orientation

Context: A limitation of previous studies on squatting mechanics is that the influence of trunk and shank inclination on the knee-extensor moment (KEM) has been studied in isolation. Objective: The purpose of the current study was to determine the influence of segment orientation on the KEM during freestanding barbell squatting. Design: Repeated-measures cross sectional. Setting: University research laboratory. Participants: Sixteen healthy individuals (8 males and 8 females). Intervention: Each participant performed 8 squat conditions in which shank and trunk inclinations were manipulated. Main Outcome Measures: 3D kinematic and kinetic data were collected at 250 and 1500 Hz, respectively. Regression analysis was conducted to identify the individual relationships between the KEM and the trunk and shank inclination at 60° and 90° of knee flexion. To identify the best predictor(s) of the KEM, stepwise regression was implemented. Results: Increased shank inclination increased the KEM (P < .001, R2 = .21–.25). Conversely, increased trunk inclination decreased the KEM (P < .001, R2 = .49–.50). For the stepwise regression, trunk inclination entered first and explained the greatest variance in the KEM (all P < .001, R2 = .49–.50). Shank inclination entered second (all P < .010, R2 = .53–.54) and explained an additional 3% to 5% of the variance. Conclusions: Our results confirm that inclination of the trunk and shank have an opposing relationship with the KEM. Increased forward shank posture increases the KEM, while increased forward trunk posture decreases the KEM. However, when viewed in combination, the trunk was the superior predictor of the KEM, highlighting the fact that increased quadriceps demand created by a forward shank can be offset by trunk inclination.

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Joint Stability Characteristics of the Ankle Complex in Female Athletes With Histories of Lateral Ankle Sprain, Part II: Clinical Experience Using Arthrometric Measurement

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-49.2.08 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 49 (2) ◽

pp. 198-203 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

John E. Kovaleski ◽

Robert J. Heitman ◽

Larry R. Gurchiek ◽

J. M. Hollis ◽

Wei Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ankle Sprain ◽

Soft Tissues ◽

Complex Motion ◽

Lateral Ankle Sprain ◽

Lateral Ankle ◽

Anterior Displacement ◽

History Of ◽

Ankle Complex ◽

And Inversion ◽

Lateral Ankle Ligaments

Context: This is part II of a 2-part series discussing stability characteristics of the ankle complex. In part I, we used a cadaver model to examine the effects of sectioning the lateral ankle ligaments on anterior and inversion motion and stiffness of the ankle complex. In part II, we wanted to build on and apply these findings to the clinical assessment of ankle-complex motion and stiffness in a group of athletes with a history of unilateral ankle sprain. Objective: To examine ankle-complex motion and stiffness in a group of athletes with reported history of lateral ankle sprain. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: University research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty-five female college athletes (age = 19.4 ± 1.4 years, height = 170.2 ± 7.4 cm, mass = 67.3 ± 10.0 kg) with histories of unilateral ankle sprain. Intervention(s): All ankles underwent loading with an ankle arthrometer. Ankles were tested bilaterally. Main Outcome Measure(s): The dependent variables were anterior displacement, anterior end-range stiffness, inversion rotation, and inversion end-range stiffness. Results: Anterior displacement of the ankle complex did not differ between the uninjured and sprained ankles (P = .37), whereas ankle-complex rotation was greater for the sprained ankles (P = .03). The sprained ankles had less anterior and inversion end-range stiffness than the uninjured ankles (P < .01). Conclusions: Changes in ankle-complex laxity and end-range stiffness were detected in ankles with histories of sprain. These results indicate the presence of altered mechanical characteristics in the soft tissues of the sprained ankles.

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Heterogeneity of muscle activity during sedentary behavior

Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1139/apnm-2016-0170 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 41 (11) ◽

pp. 1155-1162 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Arto J. Pesola ◽

Arto Laukkanen ◽

Olli Tikkanen ◽

Taija Finni

Keyword(s):

Health Risks ◽

Muscle Activity ◽

Knee Extension ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Emg Activity ◽

Hamstring Muscle ◽

Emg Amplitude ◽

Isometric Knee Extension ◽

The Individual ◽

Muscle Inactivity

Replacing sitting by standing has been hypothesized to reduce the health risks of sitting, based on the assumption that muscles are passive during sitting and active during standing. Interventions have been more effective in overweight (OW) than in normal weight (NW) individuals, but subjects’ muscle activities have not been quantified. This study compared quadriceps and hamstring muscle electromyographic (EMG) activity between 57 NW (body mass index (BMI) 22.5 ± 1.5 kg/m2, female n = 36) and 27 OW (BMI 28.4 ± 2.9 kg/m2, female n = 8) subjects during non-fatiguing standing (15 s, EMGstanding) and sitting (30 min). EMG amplitude was normalized to EMG measured during maximal isometric knee extension and flexion (% EMGMVC), and sitting muscle inactivity and bursts were determined using 4 thresholds (60% or 90% EMGstanding and 1% or 2% EMGMVC). Comparisons were adjusted for sex, age, knee extension strength, and the individual threshold. Standing EMG amplitude was 36% higher in OW (1.9% ± 1.5% EMGMVC) than in NW (1.4% ± 1.4% EMGMVC, P < 0.05) subjects. During sitting, muscles were inactive 89.8% ± 12.7% of the measurement time with 12.7 ± 14.2 bursts/min across all thresholds. On average, 6% more activity was recorded in NW than in OW individuals for 3 of the 4 thresholds (P < 0.05 for 60% or 90% EMGstanding and 1% EMGMVC). In conclusion, the OW group had higher muscle activity amplitude during standing but more muscle inactivity during sitting for 3/4 of the thresholds tested. Interventions should test whether the observed heterogeneity in muscle activity affects the potential to gain cardiometabolic benefits from replacing sitting with standing.

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Influence of Hip Position on Electromyographic and Torque Productions in the Knee

Journal of Sport Rehabilitation ◽

10.1123/jsr.2.1.26 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 26-34 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Scott J. Black ◽

Michael L. Woodhouse ◽

Stephen Suttmiller ◽

Larry Shall

Keyword(s):

Supine Position ◽

Knee Flexion ◽

Knee Extension ◽

Emg Activity ◽

Sitting Position ◽

Surface Electrodes ◽

Recreational Athletes ◽

Emg Amplitude ◽

Torque Values ◽

Flexion And Extension

The effects of hip position on thigh electromyographic (EMG) activity and knee torque were evaluated. Twenty-four recreational athletes (12 males and 12 females) volunteered to participate. Subjects were tested isokinetically at 30°/s in sitting and supine positions both concentrically and eccentrically during knee flexion and extension. Gravity-corrected torques (N·m) were obtained for all tests. EMG amplitude (mV) was collected via surface electrodes. Torque values were significantly greater (p<.05) for knee flexion in the sitting position when compared to the supine. EMG activity did not change relative to hip position but typically increased (p<.05) during concentric trials. Knee extension torque and EMG activity did not change during sitting or supine positions. Results indicated that the sitting position had statistically significant advantages over the supine position for producing greater hamstring torque and maintaining similar levels of EMG output during isokinetic knee flexion.

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The Effect of Set Up Position on EMG Amplitude, Lumbar Spine Kinetics, and Total Force Output During Maximal Isometric Conventional-Stance Deadlifts

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports6030090 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 90 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Corey Edington ◽

Cassandra Greening ◽

Nick Kmet ◽

Nadia Philipenko ◽

Lindsay Purves ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vastus Lateralis ◽

Reaction Force ◽

Erector Spinae ◽

Emg Activity ◽

Total Force ◽

Force Output ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Emg Amplitude ◽

Internal Joint ◽

Set Up

The purpose of this study was to examine the biomechanical differences between two set up variations during the isometric initiation of conventional barbell deadlifts (DL): Close-bar DL (CBDL), where the bar is positioned above the navicular, and far-bar DL (FBDL), where the bar is placed above the 3rd metatarsophalangeal joint. A cross-sectional, randomized, within-participant pilot study was used. Experienced powerlifters and weightlifters (n = 10) performed three individual isometric pulls of the initiation of both conditions. The CBDL resulted in lower tibia and knee angles and greater pelvis and torso angles than the FBDL (p < 0.05), as well as greater electromyography (EMG) activity in the biceps femoris and upper lumbar erector spinae, but lower activity in the vastus lateralis, and a lower knee extensor moment (p < 0.05). There were no statistical differences for ground reaction force, joint reaction lumbar shear and compression forces between the two conditions. Despite the differences in pelvis and torso angles between lifting conditions, the internal joint net moment, internal shear forces, and internal compressive forces were not different between the two lifting styles. The CBDL set up also resulted in greater posterior chain (hamstrings and erector spine) EMG amplitude, whereas the FBDL set up resulted in more anterior chain (quadriceps) amplitude. Lifters and coaches may choose either deadlift style, according to preferences or training goals, without concern for differences in lumbar spinal loading.

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Health Status of Senior Citizens: A Cross-sectional study

Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing ◽

10.15614/ijhw.v11i01.14 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (01) ◽

Author(s):

Priyanka Beniwal ◽

Chandrakala Singh

Keyword(s):

Health Status ◽

Senior Citizens ◽

Total Sample ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Age Group ◽

Poor Health Status ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Males And Females ◽

The Individual ◽

Average Health

Aging is a series of processes that begin with life and continue throughout the lifecycle. It represents the closing period in the lifespan, a time when the individual looks back on life, lives on past accomplishments and begins to finish off his life course. It represents the accumulation of changes in person over time. The study aims to investigate the health status of senior citizens. The present study was carried out in Hisar and Sirsa district of Haryana state. A total of 400 elderly equally representing both males and females of age group 65-70 years were selected randomly for the study. Modified inventory developed by Khan and Lal (2011) was used to assess health status of senior citizens. The results of the study elucidated that health status of senior citizens depicted that 54.25 per cent of the total respondents had average health status followed by good (25.25%) and poor health status (20.50%). The most common health problems reported by the senior citizens were joint pains, back pains, blood pressure, and chest pain etc. Gender wise comparison of total sample further pointed out that females were poor in their health against males.

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A cross-sectional survey among physicians on Internet use for epilepsy-related information (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.13820 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Francesco Brigo ◽

Simona Lattanzi ◽

Giorgia Giussani ◽

Laura Tassi ◽

Nicola Pietrafusa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Internet Use ◽

The Internet ◽

Online Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Related Information ◽

Internet Users ◽

Therapeutic Decisions ◽

The Individual ◽

The Web

BACKGROUND The Internet has become one of the most important sources of health information, accessed daily by an ever-growing number of both patients and physicians, seeking medical advice and clinical guidance. A deeper insight into the current use of the Web as source of information on epilepsy would help in clarifying the individual attitude towards this medium by Internet users. OBJECTIVE We investigated views towards the Internet in a sample of Italian healthcare specialists involved in epilepsy field, to explore factors which explained the influence of information found on the internet. METHODS This study was a self-administered survey conducted in a group of members of the Italian Chapter of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) in January 2018. RESULTS 184 questionnaires were analyzed. 97.8% of responders reported to seek online information on epilepsy. The Internet was most frequently searched to obtain new information (69.9%) or to confirm a diagnostic or therapeutic decision (37.3%). The influence of consulting the Internet on clinical practice was associated with registration to social network(s) (OR: 2.94; 95%CI: 1.28-6.76; p=0.011), higher frequency of Internet use (OR: 3.66; 95%CI: 1.56-9.21; p=0.006) and higher confidence in reliability of online information (OR: 2.61; 95%CI: 1.09-6.26; p=0.031). No association was found with age, sex, years in epilepsy practice or easiness to find online information. CONCLUSIONS Internet is frequently used among healthcare professionals involved in the epilepsy to obtain information about this disease. The attitude of being influenced by the Internet for diagnostic and/or therapeutic decisions in epilepsy is independent on age and years of experience in epilepsy, and probably reflects an individual approach towards the Web.

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The trends of complementary alternative medicine use among cancer patients

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies ◽

10.1186/s12906-021-03338-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Abdul Rahman Jazieh ◽

Khadega A. Abuelgasim ◽

Husam I. Ardah ◽

Mohammad Alkaiyat ◽

Omar B. Da’ar

Keyword(s):

Alternative Medicine ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Clinical Information ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Complementary Alternative Medicine ◽

Cultural Changes ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Cam Use ◽

The Individual

Abstract Background The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common among cancer patients and it may reflect the individual and societal beliefs on cancer therapy. Our study aimed to evaluate the trends of CAM use among patients with cancer between 2006 and 2018. Methods We included 2 Cohorts of patients with cancer who were recruited for Cohort 1 between 2006 and 2008 and for Cohort 2 between 2016 and 2018. The study is a cross-sectional study obtaining demographic and clinical information and inquiring about the types of CAM used, the reasons to use them and the perceived benefits. We compared the changes in the patterns of CAM use and other variables between the two cohorts. Results A total of 1416 patients were included in the study, with 464 patients in Cohort 1 and 952 patients in Cohort 2. Patients in Cohort 2 used less CAM (78.9%) than Cohort 1 (96.8%). Cohort 1 was more likely to use CAM to treat cancer compared to Cohort 2 (84.4% vs. 73%, respectively, p < 0.0001,); while Cohort 2 used CAM for symptom management such as pain control and improving appetite among others. Disclosure of CAM use did not change significantly over time and remains low (31.6% in Cohort 1 and 35.7% for Cohort 2). However, physicians were more likely to express an opposing opinion against CAM use in Cohort 2 compared to Cohort 1 (48.7% vs. 19.1%, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion There is a significant change in CAM use among cancer patients over the decade, which reflects major societal and cultural changes in this population. Further studies and interventions are needed to improve the disclosure to physicians and to improve other aspects of care to these patients.

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Prevalence and distribution of causes of infertility according to women’s age – a cross-sectional study in a tertiary healthcare hospital setup

Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology ◽

10.1515/jbcpp-2020-0349 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Keerthana Dhandapani ◽

Bhagyalakshmi Kodavanji ◽

Vinodini Nithyananda Madom Anantharaya ◽

Nayanatara Arun Kumar

Keyword(s):

Tertiary Care ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Female Infertility ◽

Secondary Infertility ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Female Population ◽

Infertile Women ◽

Tertiary Healthcare ◽

The Individual

Abstract Objectives Infertility has disastrous consequences, particularly for women. Causes of infertility in developed countries have been investigated but there is a significant lack of data among Indian female population. The aim of the present study was to analyze the causes and the proportion of the individual factors contributing to infertility, considering the age factor. Methods The data of 204 infertile women (18–45 years) were collected from the files in tertiary care hospitals. Causes and age of infertile women were grouped. The prevalence of each cause was evaluated. Data analysis was done using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 17.0. Results Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) was the most common (14.71%) cause of female infertility. Ovulatory dysfunctions (25.55%) were the foremost cause in primary infertility, whereas in secondary infertility, uterine factors (26.86%) were most common. The incidence of primary and secondary infertility was more evident in patients who were more than 30 years of age. Conclusions Causes of infertility vary according to the age. The causes of female infertility were unexplained infertility, ovulatory disorders and uterine factors most commonly affecting women at ≤30 years.

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Understanding Food Waste, Food Insecurity, and the Gap between the Two: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods10030681 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 681

Author(s):

Nora A. Althumiri ◽

Mada H. Basyouni ◽

Ali F. Duhaim ◽

Norah AlMousa ◽

Mohammed F. AlJuwaysim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Food Waste ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Household Level ◽

Individual Level ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Household Factors ◽

Cooked Food ◽

The Individual

Background: Food waste and food insecurity may co-exist in various balances in developing and developed countries. This study aimed to explore the levels of food waste and food insecurity, the factors associated with them, and their relationships at the household and individual levels in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study was a nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted via computer-assisted phone interviews in January 2021. Quota sampling was utilized to generate balanced distributions of participants by gender across all the administrative regions of Saudi Arabia. Data collection included household demographics, food waste and disposal, the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), and the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Results: Out of the 2807 potential participants contacted, 2454 (87.4%) completed the interview. The mean age was 31.4 (SD = 11.7; range = 18–99) and 50.1% were female. The weighted prevalence of uncooked food waste in the last four weeks was 63.6% and the cooked food waste was 74.4%. However, the food insecurity weighted prevalence at the individual level (FIES) was 6.8%. In terms of food insecurity at the household level (HFIAS), 13.3% were in the “severely food insecure” category. Moreover, this study found that “moderately food insecure” households were associated with an increased likelihood to waste uncooked food (relative risk (RR) = 1.25), and the “mildly food insecure” (RR = 1.21) and “moderately food insecure” (RR = 1.17) households were associated with an increased likelihood to waste cooked food. However, “food secure” households were associated with a decreased likelihood to waste cooked food (RR = 0.56). Finally, this study identified four household factors associated with food waste and three household factors that were associated with “severe food insecurity.” Conclusions: This first national coverage study to explore food waste and food insecurity at the individual level and household level, identified household factors associated with food waste and food insecurity and identified new associations between food waste and food insecurity in Saudi Arabia. The associations found between food waste and food insecurity are potential areas of intervention to reduce both food waste and food insecurity at the same time, toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets related to food waste and food security.

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