This study was designed to evaluate the Scoliometer, an instrument that measures axial trunk rotation in individuals with scoliosis. The objectives included determining 1) the Scoliometer's screening capability and validity and 2) the intrarater and interrater reliability of Scoliometer measurements. Scoliometer measurements made by two raters on 65 persons with idiopathic scoliosis were correlated with radiographic assessment of vertebral (pedicle) rotation and lateral curvature (Cobb method). Correlation ranged from .32 to .46 with pedicle rotation and from .46 to .54 with the Cobb angle. Frequency analysis revealed relatively good specificity, sensitivity, and predictive capability of the Scoliometer. Intrarater and interrater reliability coefficients were high (r = .86-.97). These results indicate good measurement reproducibility. The less-than-optimal between-method correlation coefficients suggest that the validity of Scoliometer measurements is not sufficient to use this method alone for determining patient diagnosis and management. Based on the positive-frequency analysis, however, the use of this tool as a screening device would be appropriate.

Older adults should focus on increasing and maintaining lower-extremity strength and power across a range of intensities in order to decrease functional limitations and disability.

Physical therapists require an accurate, reliable method for measuring muscle strength. They often use manual muscle testing or hand-held dynametric muscle testing (DMT), but few studies document the reliability of MMT or compare the reliability of the two types of testing. We designed this study to determine the intrarater reliability of MMT and DMT. A physical therapist performed manual and dynametric strength tests of the same five muscle groups on 11 patients and then repeated the tests two days later. The correlation coefficients were high and significantly different from zero for four muscle groups tested dynametrically and for two muscle groups tested manually. The test-retest reliability coefficients for two muscle groups tested manually could not be calculated because the values between subjects were identical. We concluded that both MMT and DMT are reliable testing methods, given the conditions described in this study. Both testing methods have specific applications and limitations, which we discuss.

Study Design: A 3-factor (foot type, speed, and mode of ambulation) repeated-measures experimental design was used. Objectives: To compare the differences in energy expenditure, gait efficiency, and relative exercise intensity in persons with transtibial amputations with various prostheses. Background: There is a need for improved prosthetic designs to accommodate physically active persons with lower-extremity amputations. Methods and Measures:We used progressive speeds of treadmill walking (53.64, 67.05, 80.46, 93.87, and 107.28 rnlmin) and running (120.69, 134.1, and 147.51 mlmin) with 3 different types of prostheses: the Solid Ankle Cushion Heel (SACH) foot, the Flex-Foot (FF), and the Re-Flex Vertical Shock Pylon NSP) prosthesis. Five physically active men with unilateral transtibial amputations served as subjects (aged 31.6 5 4.28 years). Results:The following statistically significant differences (improvements) between the Re-Flex VSP versus the FF and the SACH foot were found. Energy cost: walking (5%), running (1 1%); gait efficiency: walking (6%), running (9%); relative exercise intensity: walking (4%), running (5%). However, we found no significant differences between the FF and the SACH. Conclusions: The Re-Flex VSP appears to have a positive effect on energy cost, efficiency, and relative exercise intensity compared with the other prosthetic foot types during walking and running. ) Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1999;29:52&533.

No abstract

This study evaluated the oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate response curves for standardized upper- and lower-extremity exercise on land and in water. Forty healthy subjects performed one upper-extremity and one lower-extremity exercise at three selected cadences on land and in water. Steady-state heart rate was determined by electrocardiographic radiotelemetry and expressed as a percentage of age-predicted maximal heart rate (% APMHR). Percentage of age-predicted maximal heart rate was used as the criterion measure of relative exercise intensity. Oxygen consumption was determined by the open-circuit method. Results indicated systematic increases in VO2 from 2 to 9 metabolic equivalents (METs) (1 MET = 3.5 mL O2.kg-1.min-1) and % APMHR from 45% to 73% with increased cadence. The VO2 responses were highest during water exercise, whereas % APMHR was greater during land exercise. Based on the magnitude of the responses, water calisthenics appear to be of sufficient intensity to elicit training adaptations. Training studies are needed to document these changes.

No abstract

This study represents the first longitudinal investigation involving the effects of multiple modes of exercise training on the GSH antioxidant system with evidence, suggesting the GHS:GSSG ratio as the most sensitive change marker. The significant findings of this study have potential clinical implications to individuals involved in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.