Skeletal muscle plays an important role in performing activities of daily living. While the importance of limb musculature in performing these tasks is well established, less research has focused on the muscles of the trunk. The purpose of the current study therefore, was to examine the associations between functional ability and trunk musculature in sixty-four community living males and females aged 60 years and older. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the a priori hypotheses were performed and reported with correlation coefficients and unstandardized beta coefficients (β) respectively. The univariate analysis revealed significant correlations between trunk muscle size and functional ability (rectus abdominis: six-minute walk performance, chair stand test, sitting and rising test; lumbar multifidus: timed up and go) as well as trunk muscle strength and functional ability (trunk composite strength: six-minute walk performance, chair stand test, Berg balance performance, sitting and rising test). After controlling for covariates (age and BMI) in the multivariate analysis, higher composite trunk strength (β = 0.34) and rectus abdominis size (β = 0.33) were associated with better performance in the sitting and rising test. The importance of incorporating trunk muscle training into programs aimed at improving balance and mobility in older adults merits further exploration.
An investigation was made of the frequency, magnitude, and distribution of head impacts in Australian Football League players over a season of matches. In a prospective cohort analysis of impact magnitude, frequency, and distribution on data collected with a wireless head impact sensor worn behind the ear of 23 players, a total of 4903 impacts were recorded. Players experienced on average 407 AE 143 impacts over the duration of the study resulting in 30 AE 38 impacts per-player per-match. Linear accelerations ranged from 10 g to 153 g with a mean, median, and 95th percentile value of 17 g, 13 g, and 40 g, respectively. Rotational accelerations ranged from 130 rad/s 2 to 21,890 rad/s 2 with a mean, median, and 95th percentile value of 2426 rad/s 2 , 1556 rad/s 2 , and 7571 rad/s 2 , respectively. This study obtained initial measurements on the frequency, magnitude, distribution, and risk weighted exposure of head impacts in Australia Rules Football in order to better inform medical personnel in the identification and evaluation of at-risk players for concussion. The location of impacts varied considerably with the back of the head recording more total impacts than the front, side, and top. Midfielders sustained more impacts per-player, per-match, and had higher median resultant linear accelerations than forwards and defenders. The results of this study, in which most impacts were within the low severity limit for linear, rotational, HIT SP , and RWE CP , indicate that Australian Rules football needs to include more encompassing methods of examination of player exposure.
The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a multimodal exercise program to increase trunk muscle morphology and strength in older individuals, and their associated changes in functional ability. Using a single‐blinded parallel‐group randomized controlled trial design, 64 older adults (≥60 years) were randomly allocated to a 12‐week exercise program comprising walking and balance exercises with or without trunk strengthening/motor control exercises; followed by a 6‐week walking‐only program (detraining; 32 per group). Trunk muscle morphology (ultrasound imaging), strength (isokinetic dynamometer), and functional ability and balance (6‐Minute Walk Test; 30 second Chair Stand Test; Sitting and Rising Test; Berg Balance Scale, Multi‐Directional Reach Test; Timed Up and Go; Four Step Square Test) were the primary outcome measures. Sixty‐four older adults (mean [SD]; age: 69.8 [7.5] years; 59.4% female) were randomized into two exercise groups. Trunk training relative to walking‐balance training increased (mean difference [95% CI]) the size of the rectus abdominis (2.08 [1.29, 2.89] cm2), lumbar multifidus (L4/L5:0.39 [0.16, 0.61] cm; L5/S1:0.31 [0.07, 0.55] cm), and the lateral abdominal musculature (0.63 [0.40, 0.85] cm); and increased trunk flexion (29.8 [4.40, 55.31] N), extension (37.71 [15.17, 60.25] N), and lateral flexion (52.30 [36.57, 68.02] N) strength. Trunk training relative to walking‐balance training improved 30‐second Chair Stand Test (5.90 [3.39, 8.42] repetitions), Sitting and Rising Test (1.23 [0.24, 2.23] points), Forward Reach Test (4.20 [1.89, 6.51] cm), Backward Reach Test (2.42 [0.33, 4.52] cm), and Timed Up and Go Test (−0.76 [−1.40, −0.13] seconds). Detraining led to some declines but all outcomes remained significantly improved when compared to pre‐training. These findings support the inclusion of trunk strengthening/motor control exercises as part of a multimodal exercise program for older adults.
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