Purpose
Aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the reproducibility of back surface measurements obtained by rasterstereography (RS) in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and to ...identify the most informative RS parameters through a multi-step reduction analysis approach.
Methods
Sixty-six AIS were assessed with a RS scanner. The assessment was repeated in the same day 15 min after the first scan and after 1 week. Intraclass-correlation analyses were conducted to verify the consistency of the measurements. A multi-step reduction technique including correlation, principal component analysis (PCA) and regression was employed to extract a core-set of key RS parameters.
Results
Back surface measures were obtained from 66 AIS aged 10–17 years (median 13), with a mild Scoliosis angle < 25 (median 20). The reliability over the 3 sessions proved high to very high, with all the intraclass correlation coefficients ≥ 0.8 and 32 out of 48 coefficients ≥ 0.9. Only 8 of the 12 parameters provided by the RS device showed significant inter-item correlations and were therefore considered for further analyses. PCA extracted 4 of them, which entered the final regression analysis. High beta coefficients were found for 2 predictors: “Surface rotation-rms” and “Side deviation-rms,” which were found to be significantly associated with the dependent variable “Scoliosis angle.”
Conclusions
Data showed that RS measurements are reliable in AIS with mild severity of scoliosis. “Surface rotation” and “Side deviation” were the best descriptors of the Scoliosis angle and should be considered as key parameters when surveilling AIS with mild curves by RS surface topography.
Graphical abstract
These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive and neurodegenerative disorder defined by physical symptoms such as hand disability and postural instability. To counteract the detrimental effects of PD, ...physical activity programs showed improvements in overall aspects of physical functioning. Therefore, this protocol will aim to evaluate the effect a of postural and fine motor skills training program in older adults with PD. PD individuals, with mild to moderate stage PD, aged between 65 to 80 years, will be voluntary selected from the Nursing Home Residences and Rehabilitation Centers. Subsequently, they will be randomly assigned to intervention group (PD) to receive a combined training program (postural control and fine motor skills exercises) or to the Control group (CON) to receive a stretching program. Before (PRE) and after (POST) a 12-week program both groups will perform wobble board (WB) and grooved pegboard (GPT) tests. Different performances between groups will be expected: (1) no significant differences between PD and CON group for WB and GPT test values before the beginning of the training intervention (PRE); (2) significantly better WB and GPT test values in PD subjects after the training intervention (POST) when compared to the base values (PRE); and (3) no significant differences in WB and GPT test values in CON subjects after the training intervention (POST) when compared to the base values (PRE). The findings of the present study protocol could be used for future studies investigating clinical populations, such as PD, and the effects of different rehabilitative interventions aiming to improve postural control and fine motor skills performances assessed by WB and GPT tests.
The aim of this study was to establish the reproducibility of tongue strength measurements in healthy women and men during maximum anterior isometric pressure (MAIP) and regular effort saliva ...swallows (RESS). In this cross-sectional study, 30 healthy young adults were required to push with the tip of the tongue on a piezo-resistive sensor glued to the hard palate, immediately above the central incisor line. Tongue pressures exerted on the sensor during MAIP and spontaneous RESS were recorded. Participants underwent a retest procedure within the same session to verify the reproducibility of measurements, as determined by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimum detectable change (MDC). Complete data were obtained from 30 subjects (15 women, 15 men; mean age 31.4 ± 7.8 years; mean weight 61.3 ± 9.4 kg). Compared to women, men showed a trend for generating larger MAIP (
p
= 0.06;
d
= 0.71) and RESS (
p
= 0.07;
d
= 0.69). After normalizing to body weight, height, and body mass index (BMI), such trends disappeared. At retest, MAIP and RESS proved stable and highly reliable (all ICCs ≥ 0.93) in men and women but associated to moderate variability as for SEM and MDC, with MAIP estimates associated to smaller SEM and MDC (SEM ranging 7.4–14.2%; MDC 18.6–20.9%) than RESS (SEM ranging 20.4–38.5%; MDC 52.5–55.6%). Piezo-resistive pressure sensors allow clinicians and researchers to perform reproducible measurements of tongue muscle performance. However, if therapeutic interventions are administered, measurement variability in tongue performance should be considered when appraising their clinical efficacy, especially for those populations who display impaired performance and may not be capable to generate high and stable forces. No gender-based differences emerged in the motor tasks tested.
Using the multi‐states (MuSt) theory framework, this study examined the interplay between self‐confidence, emotional arousal control, worry, concentration disruption, challenge and threat appraisals, ...psychobiosocial experiences, and self‐evaluated performance of medalist kickboxers involved in the WAKO World Kickboxing Championship 2021. Participants were 103 gold, silver, or bronze medalists (58 women and 45 men), aged 18–39 (M = 25.16 ± 4.54 years), who were contacted via email and social media and asked to fill an online survey 3 months after the event. According to the MuSt theory predictions, self‐confidence and emotional arousal control were positively related to challenge appraisal, functional psychobiosocial experiences, and self‐evaluated performance. Worry and concentration disruption were positively associated with threat appraisal, and negatively related to functional psychobiosocial experiences; concentration disruption was also negatively related to self‐evaluated performance. Results from path analysis revealed a positive indirect link from self‐confidence to self‐evaluated performance via challenge appraisal and psychobiosocial experiences. Negative indirect links from worry and concentration disruption to self‐evaluated performance through threat appraisal and psychobiosocial experiences were significant. A positive indirect effect from emotional arousal control to self‐evaluated performance via psychobiosocial experiences was also shown. The findings are discussed in light of the MuSt theory.
Highlights
According to the multi‐states (MuSt) theory predictions, we observed that self‐confidence and emotional arousal control were positively related to challenge appraisal, functional psychobiosocial experiences, and self‐evaluated performance.
We also showed that worry and concentration disruption were positively associated with threat appraisal, and negatively related to functional psychobiosocial experiences, with concentration disruption being also negatively related to self‐evaluated performance.
We provide preliminary support to the multidimensional interplay between functional (i.e., self‐confidence and emotional arousal control) and dysfunctional (i.e., worry and concentration disruption) individual dispositions, challenge and threat appraisals, psychobiosocial experiences, and performance.
We recommend that athletes adopt self‐regulation strategies, such as self‐talk, imagery, cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, and action monitoring to improve their self‐confidence, challenge appraisal, functional emotions, and ability to manage competitive pressure.
Several studies have clearly shown that physical exercise can reduce the progression of motor symptoms in Parkinson's Disease (PD). However, little is known about the effects of a Nordic Walking (NW) ...program in PD patients.
To determine the effects of a NW program on motor and non-motor symptoms, functional performances and body composition in PD patients.
Twenty PD patients (16M, 4F, 67.3±7.8 years) were enrolled and randomly assigned to NW group (NWg, n = 10) and Control group (Cg, n = 10). The training consisted in 2 sessions per week for 12 weeks. Training effects were assessed by functional and instrumental tests and motor and non-motor symptoms were assessed by UPDRS-III, Hoehn and Yahr scale, PD Fatigue Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Starkstein Apathy Scale, and Non-Motor Symptoms Scale.
Significant changes in resting HR, in walked distance (p < 0.05), and in lower limbs muscles strength (p < 0.005) were observed in NWg. Both balance abilities and safety with mobility were increased (p < 0.005). Significant variations in some circumferences and body composition were registered. Finally, a significant improvement in motor and non-motor symptoms was detected: UPDRS-III, HY scale, PFS-16, BDI-II, SAS, NMSS.
A tailored exercise program including NW proved to be an effective way to improve daily activities and both motor and non-motor symptoms in PD patients.
Background
It is well known that physical exercise is the main therapeutic element of rehabilitation programs for people with Parkinson disease (PD). As traditional forms of exercise can guarantee ...significant health benefits, the emergence of nonconventional physical activities, such as Nordic walking (NW), may add positive effects.
Objective
To appraise the available evidence on the main effects of NW in the rehabilitation programs for people with PD and to propose a design for upcoming research that might improve the uniformity of future trials.
Study Design
Systematic review.
Literature Survey
A literature search of 5 established databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane) was conducted.
Methodology
Any relevant randomized controlled trials pertinent to NW in PD published in English from inception to February 2017 were included. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines were followed, and the methodologic quality of each study was assessed by the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale.
Data Synthesis
Sixty‐six studies were retrieved, and 6 randomized controlled trials (221 subjects) were entered into the qualitative synthesis. Overall, these studies portrayed NW as feasible and likely to be effective in improving the functional and clinical outcomes of people with PD. When we compared NW with other exercise‐based interventions, such as treadmill training, free walking, a program of standardized whole‐body movements with maximal amplitude (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment BIG training), or a home‐based exercise program, the findings proved controversial.
Conclusions
High heterogeneity and methodologic discrepancies among the studies prevent us from drawing firm conclusions on the effectiveness of NW in comparison with other exercise‐based interventions currently used by people with PD. Further investigations with a common design are necessary to verify whether NW may be included within conventional rehabilitation programs commonly recommended to people with PD.
Level of Evidence
II
Introduction
A decline in sports activities among children and adolescents was noted during the stay-at-home restrictions imposed by COVID-19. With the easing of restrictions, physical activities are ...being resumed.
Evidence acquisition
A data search was conducted to identify the role of parents in resuming sporting activities, the risks and benefits of doing so, the physical examination to be conducted prior to physical activity, the existence of guidelines/protocols for return to sports and physical activity, the role of comorbidities in influencing the restart of the same.
Evidence synthesis
Parents should consult the child’s physician prior to allowing he/she to resume physical exercise. In preparation for this, a careful physical examination should be performed. Children with COVID-19, even if asymptomatic, should not resume any physical activity until at least 10 days after testing positive. Those with moderate or severe COVID-19 should be referred for cardiological evaluation. The level of activity should be resumed gradually, as per the GRTP protocol. Athletes with a positive COVID-19 test in the presence of concomitant medical conditions (diabetes, cardiovascular or respiratory or renal disease) should undergo medical evaluation prior to adhering to a GRTP. Those with complicated COVID19 infection or long Covid may need additional investigations.
Conclusions
While there is no doubt that it will bring multiple benefits in terms of general health, returning to play sport should be gradual and preceded by an accurate physical examination in those young subjects previously affected by the coronavirus disease, especially when their heart and/or lungs and/or kidneys were affected.
Background Exercise is the cornerstone of rehabilitation programmes for individuals with cardiovascular disease (IwCVD). Although conventional cardiovascular rehabilitation (CCVR) programmes have ...significant advantages, non-conventional activities such as Nordic walking (NW) may offer additional health benefits. Our aim was to appraise research evidence on the effects of Nordic walking for individuals with cardiovascular disease. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods A literature search of clinical databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane) was conducted to identify any randomized controlled trials, including: (i) individuals with cardiovascular disease, (ii) analyses of the main outcomes arising from Nordic walking (NW) programmes. Data from the common outcomes were extracted and pooled in the meta-analysis. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated and pooled by random effects models. Results Fifteen randomized controlled trials were included and eight trials entered this meta-analysis. Studies focused on coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, heart failure and stroke. In coronary artery disease, significant differences between NW+CCVR and CCVR were found in exercise capacity (SMD: 0.49; p = 0.03) and dynamic balance (SMD: 0.55; p = 0.01) favouring NW+CCVR. In peripheral artery disease, larger changes in exercise duration (SMD: 0.93; p < 0.0001) and oxygen uptake (SMD: 0.64; p = 0.002) were observed following NW compared with controls. In heart failure, no significant differences were found between NW and CCVR or usual care for peak VO
and functional mobility. In post-stroke survivors, functional mobility was significantly higher following treadmill programmes with poles rather than without (SMD: 0.80; p = 0.03). Conclusions These data portray NW as a feasible and promising activity for individuals with cardiovascular disease. Further studies are necessary to verify whether NW may be incorporated within CCVR for individuals with cardiovascular disease.
: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in women.Some authors highlighted that the female risk profile consists of traditional and emerging risk factors. ...Despite the lower prevalence of type 2 diabetes, years of life lost owing to the disease for women are substantially higher compared with men. In addition, pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes represents a risk factor for CVD. Women with gestational diabetes have a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease that occur at a younger age and are independent of T2DM.Hypertension is an important cardiovascular risk factor in women. Estrogens and progesterone, known to have an impact on blood pressure levels, have also been proposed to be protective against sleep-disordered breathing. It is very difficult to understand whereas obstructive sleep apnea in women is independently associated with hypertension or if many confounders acting at different stages of the woman lifespan mediate this relation.The cardioprotective effect of physical activity in women of all ages is well known. Women are generally more physically inactive than men. During and after menopause, most women tend to reduce their physical activity levels and together with the reduction in basal metabolic rate, women experience loss of skeletal muscle mass with a negative change in the ratio of fat-to-lean mass.In conclusion, sex differences in the cardiovascular system are because of dissimilarities in gene expression and sex hormones; these result in variations in prevalence and presentation of CVD and associated conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension and vascular and cardiac remodeling.Changes in lifestyle and increase in physical activity could help in prevention of cardiovascular disease in women.
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