Most research on sedentary lifestyle has focused on pain and disability, while neuromuscular outcomes (postural control and strength) have received less attention. The objective of the study was to determine whether low level of physical activity is negatively associated with measures of lower body muscular strength and postural control in individuals with and without non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). Twenty-four subjects with NSCLBP (28.8 ± 5.9 years) and 24 age, gender, and body mass index matched healthy controls participated in the study. Subjects were sub-classified into 4 subgroups based on their physical activity level: Non-active NSCLBP; Active NSCLBP; Non-active healthy control; and Active healthy control. Each subgroup consisted of 12 subjects. Peak force of hip muscles strength was assessed using a handheld dynamometer. Postural control was assessed using computerized posturography and the Y Balance Test. There was no significant group by physical activity interaction for strength and static and dynamic postural control, except for static control during left single leg stance with eyes closed (P = .029). However, there was a significant difference in strength and postural control by physical activity (P < .05). Postural control and peak force of hip muscles strength were significantly associated with physical activity (r ranged from 0.50 to 0.66, P < .001 and r ranged from 0.40 to 0.59, P < .05, respectively). Postural control and hip strength were independently related to physical activity behavior. A sedentary behavior may be an important risk factor for impaired postural control and hip muscles strength, and that physical fitness is vital to neuromuscular outcomes.
Background The cross-body and the modified sleeper stretch have been used to improve posterior shoulder soft tissue flexibility and to increase glenohumeral joint internal rotation (GHJ IR) in overhead athletes. However, due to the inability to stabilize patient’s scapula and control GHJ rotation with the cross-body stretch and the potential for subacromial impingement or symptoms’ aggravation with the modified sleeper stretch, a new stretching technique (Passive Glenohumeral Internal Rotation with Clam Shell Bridging) was developed as an alternative to these commonly used stretches that may allow for greater stability of the scapula without reproducing symptoms. Thus, the current study aimed to examine and compare a novel stretching technique to the traditional modified sleeper stretch to determine the effect on glenohumeral IR range of motion (ROM) and self-reported pain in overhead athletes with glenohumeral internal rotation deficits (GIRD). Methods Forty-two overhead athletes with GIRD [mean age 25.9 ± 2.6 years, 20 males and 22 females] participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned into either novel stretching group or modified sleeper stretching group. IR ROM was measured with a digital inclinometer before, immediately, and at week 4 post intervention, while pain was measured with Numeric Pain Rating Scale before and at week 4 post intervention. Results There was no significant group by time interaction effect for IR ROM (p = 0.27); however, there was a significant change over time (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.77). Both groups demonstrated a significant increase in IR from baseline to immediate and week 4, and from immediate to week 4 (p < 0.001). There was a significant group by time interaction for pain intensity (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.72). Results showed a significant reduction in pain intensity over time in the novel group (p = 0.001, d = 2.18), but not in the traditional group (p = 0.231, d = 0.46). Conclusion Both stretches appear to be effective at improving IR ROM in overhead athletes with GIRD. However, the novel stretching might be more effective at reducing shoulder pain and thus may be more appropriate for symptomatic patients. Trial registration Prospectively registered in February 6, 2017 under Clinical Trial Registry # NCT03044236.
Electrical stimulation caused temporary increase in TEWL with no effects on other skin properties.
Background: Low back pain as a symptom affects many individuals around the globe regardless of their economic status or sociodemographic characteristics. During the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic, students found themselves obligated to sit down for long periods of time. The aim of this current study is to investigate the impact of these prolonged periods of sitting down in front of computers on developing a new episode of low back pain. Methods and Materials: This research adopted an observational cross-section study design. Students who are currently enrolled or had experienced distance learning classes in the last 6 months were eligible to participate. An online-based questionnaire was developed by the investigators through reviewing the literature with relevant objectives. McNemar’s test was used to compare certain variables between two periods before and during online distance learning. We used paired t-tests to compare pain intensity before, during, and after online learning, while a chi-square test was used to investigate correlations between factors influencing low back pain. Results: A total of 84 students participated in the study—46 (54.8%) females and 38 (45.2%) males. Before online distance learning, only 42.9% of participants reported low back pain, while only 20% had a back injury. The mean pain scores before, during, and after online distance learning were (2.85 ± 2.16, 4.79 ± 2.6, and 4.76 ± 2.7), respectively. The pain scores before online learning were significantly lower than pain scores during and after online distance learning (p < 0.05), respectively. Conclusion: The study findings suggested that low back pain prevalence increased among students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research should study participants’ behavior during the online learning and assess the long-run impact of distance learning among high-school and undergraduate students.
Background The cross-body and the modified sleeper stretch have been used to improve posterior shoulder soft tissue flexibility and to increase glenohumeral joint internal rotation (GHJ IR) in overhead athletes. However, due to the inability to stabilize patient’s scapula and control GHJ rotation with the cross-body stretch and the potential for subacromial impingement or symptoms’ aggravation with the modified sleeper stretch, a new stretching technique was developed as an alternative to these commonly used stretches that may allow for greater stability of the scapula without reproducing symptoms, as well as providing an inhibition component to the posterior shoulder girdle muscles. Thus, the current study aimed to examine and compare a novel stretching technique to the traditional modified sleeper stretch to determine the effect on glenohumeral IR range of motion (ROM), self-reported pain, and subject satisfaction in overhead athletes with glenohumeral internal rotation deficits (GIRD).Methods Forty-two overhead athletes with GIRD [mean age 25.9 ± 2.6 years] participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned into either novel stretching group or modified sleeper stretching group. IR ROM was measured with a digital inclinometer, pain was measured with Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and subject satisfaction level was measured by a 6-item questionnaire developed and validated by the study’s authors. Outcomes were measured before, immediately, and at week 4 post intervention.Results There was no significant group by time interaction effect for IR ROM (p=0.27); however, there was a significant change over time (p<0.001). Both groups demonstrated a significant increase in IR from baseline to immediate and week 4, and from immediate to week 4 (p<0.001). There was also a significant reduction in pain intensity over time for the novel group (p=0.016) compared to the traditional group (p=0.080). For the satisfaction level, only the easiness of performance was significantly different and in favor of the traditional group (p=0.020) following the 4 weeks of the stretching protocols.Conclusion Both stretches appear to be effective at improving IR ROM in overhead athletes with GIRD. However, the novel stretching is more effective at reducing shoulder pain and thus might be more appropriate for symptomatic patients.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.