Isokinetics and Exercise Science - Volume Pre-press, issue Pre-press
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Isokinetics and Exercise Science (IES) is an international journal devoted to the study of theoretical and applied aspects of human muscle performance. Since isokinetic dynamometry constitutes the major tool in this area, the journal takes a particular interest in exploring the considerable potential of this technology.
Isokinetics and Exercise Science publishes studies associated with the methodology of muscle performance especially with respect to the issues of reproducibility and validity of testing, description of normal and pathological mechanical parameters which are derivable from muscle testing, applications in basic research topics such as motor learning paradigms and electromyography. The journal also publishes studies on applications in clinical settings and technical aspects of the various measurement systems employed in human muscle performance research.
Isokinetics and Exercise Science welcomes submissions in the form of research papers, reviews, case studies and technical reports from professionals in the fields of sports medicine, orthopaedic and neurological rehabilitation and exercise physiology.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Excess heat accrual is perhaps the body’s most dangerous exercise-induced stressor. While palm cooling uses conduction to reduce body temperatures, to date the volume of heat transferred by this treatment resulting from exercise is unknown. OBJECTIVE: Asses continuous palm cooling’s impact on heat transfer and physiology. METHODS: Thirty-one subjects did two workouts; one with, and one without, palm cooling. Workouts entailed consecutive stages of submaximal pedaling against prescribed workloads. Gloves were worn at workouts; for palm cooling 10.6 ∘ C gel packs were inserted into gloves at the workout’s…start and conclusion. Heart rate, auditory canal and palm skin temperatures, and heat transfer across the palm were collected. Data were obtained pre-exercise, at the end of a warm-up, and at multiple times during the 25 minutes of pedaling and 30 minutes of recovery. RESULTS: Auditory canal temperatures had a significant treatment effect (palm cooling < non-palm cooling). Palm skin temperature had an interaction, with higher non-palm cooling values at multiple times. Conversely, heat transfer also produced an interaction, but palm cooling had significantly higher values at multiple times. Heat transfer was 32% higher for the palm cooling workout. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous palm cooling produced significantly higher heat transfer from submaximal exercise.
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Keywords: Heart rate, auditory canal temperature, palm skin temperature
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The return to activities and sports after the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a critical decision. OBJECTIVE: To verify the most used elements during the isokinetic evaluation for discharge after ACL reconstruction. METHODS: Systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42021224433). Research in the literature: PubMed, Medline, SciELO, Lilacs, CENTRAL, PEDro, Web of Science and Embase, in February 2022. Studies that performed isokinetic evaluation during the discharge period in male patients aged 18 to 59 years after ACL reconstruction. Descriptive synthesis on the most used parameters during isokinetic evaluation as a discharge criteria after ACL…reconstruction. RESULT: Twenty-three studies involving 1,792 participants were included. Medium and high quality evidence identified that most isokinetic evaluations targeted only muscle strength after rehabilitation of the ACL (peak moment). CONCLUSION: The most used elements during the isokinetic evaluation were: angular velocity of 60 ∘ /s, 1 set of 5 repetitions, concentric mode and peak moment.
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Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament, muscle strength dynamometer, return to sport
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Endurance training can have a negative impact on strength training and may lead to reduced strength gains, known as the interference effect. However, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) as an endurance training mode may reduce this interference effect. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to investigate the effects of concurrent HIIT and resistance training (RT) on lower body explosive strength and maximum strength. METHODS: Five electronic databases were searched. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess the effects of HIIT modality, training status, and training duration on strength development following concurrent HIIT and…RT. RESULTS: Meta-analysis showed that compared to RT alone, concurrent HIIT and RT will not affect the development of countermovement jump (CMJ) (WMD = - 0.17, 95%CI = - 1.45 to - 1.11) and half squat (WMD = - 0.05, 95%CI = - 2.42 to 2.32). Further, subgroup analysis revealed that HIIT-running workout was conducive to the development of both CMJ and half squat. Longer training duration was found to be more effective in developing CMJ, while shorter training duration was more suitable for developing half squat. Additionally, athletes showed greater improvement than non-athletes. CONCLUSIONS: Combining HIIT and RT can enhance CMJ and half squat. The results of intervention are moderated by training variables and training status.
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Abstract: BACKGROUND: The reduction of muscle mass and strength commonly observed after bariatric surgery might negatively affect the individual physical function. Muscle quality is also of functional relevance in different populations, but its significance in patients who underwent bariatric surgery has yet to be explored. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between muscle strength and quality with physical function in women mid- to long-term after Roux-en-Y gastroplasty (RYGB). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 133 women (43.7± 9.9 years) who have undergone RYGB at least two years before the study were included. All…participants underwent body composition evaluation using DEXA and knee extensors peak moment (PM) using an isokinetic dynamometer. Muscle quality (MQ) was obtained through the ratio between absolute PM and dominant leg fat-free mass. Physical function was measured through the 30-second sit-to-stand (30-STS), 6-minute walking (6-MWT), and timed up-and-go (TUG) tests. RESULTS: Differences between PM tertiles were observed for 30-STS and 6-MWT tests. However, statistical significance disappeared when adjusting for age. Regarding PM relative to body weight, all functional tests were significantly different between tertiles. Comparing functional performance according to MQ tertiles, differences were found for 30-STS and 6-MWT tests, but significance disappeared when adjusting for age. Absolute PM was correlated to the 30-STS performance and 6-MWT, while PM relative to body mass and MQ were correlated with all functional tests. CONCLUSIONS: Muscle strength and quality seem to be associated with physical function in women mid-to-long-term after RYGB, but strength relative to bodyweight outperformed absolute strength and MQ.
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Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the last decades, emerging evidence has shown that muscle growth is not homogeneous along a muscle head. This phenomenon is known as regional muscle hypertrophy and has led to several questions regarding the implications it may have for health and sports performance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether regional hypertrophy can be predicted by surface electromyography (sEMG). METHODS: 36 participants performed two arm exercises (preacher curls and inclined curls) in a random order to muscle failure at 70% of the 1 RM of the bicep curl exercise. As…every participant performed a different number of repetitions, Peak sEMG and the integral of the sEMG of the last 3 repetitions was analyzed an compared to previously performed maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC). RESULTS: The independent sample t -tests showed no significant differences neither in the peak nor in the integral of the sEMG between exercises for any given region. CONCLUSIONS: sEMG cannot be used to predict regional hypertrophy.
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Abstract: BACKGROUND: Limited research exists on how various resistance training methods, such as TRX and dumbbells, impact sport-specific technical skills and muscle performance in young athletes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of 8-week Total-Body Resistance Exercise (TRX) suspension training and Traditional Dumbbell Training (TDT) on shoulder muscle strength, leg power, and spike speed in young male volleyball players. METHODS: Twenty-five male volleyball players were randomly assigned to either the TRX suspension group (n = 13) or the TDT group (n =…12). Anthropometric measures, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, spike speed, and shoulder joint isokinetic strength tests were conducted pre- and post-intervention. Both groups continued their volleyball training (5 days/week) and added TRX or TDT sessions for 2 months (60–90 minutes/day, 3 times/week), including 8 multi-joint exercises (1–3 sets/12 reps, 60 min rest). Statistical analysis involved Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests, with effect size calculations. RESULTS: Compared to the TDT group, the TRX group showed significant improvements in CMJ height (+ 12.17% vs. + 0.83%; p = 0.001), CMJ power (+ 9.55% vs. - 0.24 %; p = 0.01), and spike speed (+ 11.49% vs. + 6.82%; p = 0.03) with a small to moderate effect size. CONCLUSIONS: In young male volleyball players, TRX suspension training may be more effective than dumbbell training in enhancing jump performance and spike speed.
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Keywords: Countermovement jump, spike velocity, strength, team sports, total body resistance exercise
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Long-time judo training can lead athletes to develop upper limb asymmetry and shoulder asymmetry during force production, mainly in the action of pulling, pushing, and throwing; that requires higher strength and velocity of the internal and external rotators of the shoulders, which may also result in shoulder injury, or a decrease in judo performance. OBJECTIVE: To investigate asymmetries in concentric force of the internal and external shoulder rotators of the dominant and non-dominant upper limbs in high-level judokas at angular velocities of 60, 180, and 300 ∘ /s. METHODS:…14 highly trained male judokas (age 24.4 ± 4.8 yrs.; body mass 87.9 ± 18.7 kg; height 1.8 ± 0.1 m). All participants performed 5 attempts of movement concentric internal and external rotation of the shoulder with 3 angular velocities (60 ∘ /s, 180 ∘ /s, and 300 ∘ /s) in an isokinetic dynamometer (Cybex ® Humac Norm Dynamometer CSMI, model 502140). The data were analyzed by independent t-student (discrete analysis) a statistical parametric mapping (SPM) curve (one-dimensional analysis). There was no difference in dominant vs. non-dominant for discrete analysis (p > 0.05). There was no difference in dominant vs. non-dominant for SPM analysis. None of the comparisons surpassed the comparison cut-off (t crit ) for the t -test (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on results, judokas do not present significant asymmetries in concentric force of external or internal shoulder rotators when compared to the dominant vs. the non-dominant upper limb according to discrete and one-dimensional (SPM) analysis.
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Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many studies have reported that exercise increases physical flexibility; however, no study has verified whether patients perceive an increase in physical flexibility after exercise. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the correlations between increased duration of exercise and the self-rated flexibility (SRF) and those between the SRF and quantitative flexibility. Variations in the SRF between males and females were also investigated. METHODS: The SRF of the hip (S-Hip) and ankle (S-Ankle) were rated by participants who completed a questionnaire. The range of motion of the hip (M-Hip) and ankle (M-Ankle) were measured using the…straight leg raise test and dorsiflexion, respectively. RESULTS: No significant correlation between exercise duration and S-Hip and S-Ankle were identified. S-Hip and S-Ankle (p < 0.001) and S-Hip and M-Hip (p < 0.001) were significantly correlated, though S-Ankle and M-Ankle were not (p = 0.660). The exercise duration, S-Hip, and S-Ankle were not significantly different between males and females. CONCLUSIONS: Given the significant correlation between hip flexibility and SRF and no gender effect, SRF may serve as a useful clinical indicator.
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Keywords: Self-rated flexibility, hip flexibility, ankle flexibility, exercise duration, sex difference
Abstract: BACKGROUD: The control of hip and ankle joint movement is important for patients with dynamic knee valgus (DKV), but few studies have used non-elastic taping (NET) to adjust alignment of the hip and ankle joints during overhead squat (OHS) simultaneously in patients with DKV. OBJECTIVE: We investigated changes in lower extremity joint kinematics and dynamic balance after the application of NET to the hip and ankle joints during OHS. METHODS: A total of 30 DKV patients participated in this study. We determined the kinematics of the hip, knee, and ankle joints, and scores…on the lower quarter Y-balance test (YBT-LQ) during OHS under three conditions (non-taping, NET on hip and ankle, and sham taping). RESULTS: Hip internal rotation, knee valgus, and the ankle dorsiflexion angle were significantly lower with NET than with non- or sham taping. The hip flexion angle and scores on the YBT-LQ were significantly greater with NET than with non- or sham taping. CONCLUSIONS: The application of NET while performing a OHS is a useful method for correcting lower extremity alignment in patients with DKV, however, application of NET on the ankle should be considered.
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Abstract: BACKGROUND: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) presents neuromuscular control and functional performance difficulties. Although ankle-focused rehabilitation is widely practised, the relative effects of exercises targeting thoracic mobility and lumbopelvic stabilization in addressing CAI have not been thoroughly investigated. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to compare the effects of thoracic mobility and lumbopelvic stabilization exercises in patients with CAI. METHODS: The study was designed as a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 30 participants (mean age = 31.93 ± 7.31; 21F/9M) who scored 27 points or on the…Cumberland ankle instability tool voluntarily were enrolled in the study. The participants were randomly divided into two groups. In addition to the rehabilitation protocols, each participant was given a home exercise program, including ankle-strengthening exercises (3 times a week). The first group trained with thoracic mobility (TM), while the second group did lumbopelvic stabilization (LS) exercises under supervision twice a week for eight weeks. Participants’ pre and post-treatment assessments spanned an 8-week rehabilitation period, during which ankle and hip joint range of motion measurements were obtained using an electronic goniometer. Additionally, dynamic balance was assessed through the Y balance test, while ankle proprioception was evaluated using joint position sense measurements. The flexibility was assessed with an active straight leg raise test. RESULTS: Y balance, CAIT, and active straight leg raise test scores were improved in the eighth week in the thoracic mobility group (p < 0.05), while only active straight leg raise test and CAIT scores were significantly different in the lumbopelvic stabilization group (p < 0.05) according to intra group variables. In comparing the post-treatment scores between the groups, the thoracic mobility group had superior results in the joint position sense test for the right side of the hip and plantarflexion. (hip; TM: 70.71 ± 6.80, LS: 68.76 ± 5.50, plantarflexion; TM: 44.24 ± 7.28, LS: 38.30 ± 5.08). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that while both interventions are effective in addressing various aspects of ankle instability, the thoracic mobility exercises may offer additional benefits, particularly in enhancing joint position sense, thereby providing valuable insights for the optimization of rehabilitation protocols for individuals with chronic ankle instability.
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Abstract: BACKGROUND: Kinesio Taping (KT) is used for musculoskeletal problems. KT optimizes and reduces mechanical stresses on soft tissues. However, the benefits of KT and traditional exercises for different severities of knee osteoarthritis (OA) remains controversial. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of tension KT and traditional physical therapy on different severities of knee OA. METHODS: Fifty-six male patients with knee OA, aged 60–75-y years, were allocated to groups A and B based on grades 1 and 2 and grades 3 and 4 on the Kellgren-Lawrence scale, respectively. Tension KT and traditional…physical therapy were administrated to both groups for 6-wks. The extensor peak moment of quadriceps and knee flexion range of motion (ROM) were recorded using an isokinetic dynamometer and universal goniometer, respectively. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to score pain level. Statistical analysis was performed using the ANCOVA test. RESULTS: ANCOVA revealed an increase in peak extensor moment of quadriceps (Pre: 51.6 ± 2.8 Nm; Post: 63.3 ± 4.3 Nm), knee flexion ROM (Pre: 112.8± ∘ 7.2; Post: 122.9± ∘ 4.8), and pain improvement (Pre: 5.1 ± 1.07; Post: 2.8 ± 1.6) in group A (p < 0.001). Group B showed insignificant improvements in all outcome measures (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: KT with traditional physical therapy improved knee pain, quadriceps strength, and knee ROM in older males with knee OA grades 1 and 2. KT and traditional physical therapy were insufficient to produce considerable effects on grades 3 and 4 of knee OA.
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Keywords: Isokinetic dynamometer, kinesio taping, knee osteoarthritis, traditional physical therapy
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The acute and chronic effects of stretching preceding exercises on strength, power and muscular endurance are still not entirely clear in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To verify the acute and chronic effects of the main types of stretching (static, dynamic, PNF, and ballistic) on muscle strength, power, and endurance. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in: PubMed, Web of Science, LILACS, Scopus, Science Direct, and CENTRAL. The methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Meta-analysis were performed using the standardized mean difference (SMD). RESULTS: 43 studies were included in…the systematic review and 30 in the meta-analysis calculations. Only two studies showed high methodological quality. In general, static stretching had an impact on the potentiated the gain in muscle strength of the lower limbs in the long term (0.60 [0.20–1.00]). The acute (ES = 0.38 [0.05–0.70]) and long-term (ES = 1.04 [0.21–1.88]) dynamic stretching was able to potentiate the gain of muscle power in the lower limbs, while the acute PNF had an impact on the worsening of the muscular endurance (ES = 1.68 [0.83–2.53]). CONCLUSIONS: When the training objective is linked to acute effects, dynamic stretching should be prioritized before the main activity. For long-term effects, static and dynamic stretching have been shown to potentiate muscle strength and power gain, respectively, and are recommended in these cases.
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Keywords: Young adults, performance, warm-up, meta-analysis
Abstract: BACKGROUND: A potential relationship may exist between the vastus medialis (VM) and the contractile efficiency of the vastus intermedius (VI) due to their anatomical connection and common innervation by the same branches of the femoral nerve. However, this relationship has not been explored using physiological experiments. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to use electromyography (EMG) to investigate the functional significance of the VI and VM muscles during isometric contraction. METHODS: Twenty-six healthy male volunteers underwent EMG recordings from the VI, VM, and vastus lateralis (VL) at 90 ∘ or 30…∘ of knee flexion. The EMG pre-motor time (PMT) was measured during rapid knee extension in response to an auditory stimulus. Additionally, the M-wave latency was determined by femoral nerve stimulation and subtracted from the PMT to calculate the descending conduction time (DCT). RESULTS: DCT was shortest at VM, followed by VL and VI. The DCT difference of VI-VM was significantly greater than that of VI-VL during maximal effort at 90 ∘ of knee flexion. CONCLUSIONS: VM is neurally driven to act as a pre-activator that primes the VI muscle; this tendency is particularly pronounced when explosive high-moment knee extension is required.
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Keywords: Vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, descending conduction time, pre-motor time, pre-activation
Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with forward head posture (FHP) and rounded shoulder posture (RSP) may experience shifts in scapular position and alterations in the strength of the muscles surrounding the scapula. Therefore, a reliable scapula position and scapula muscle strength test are required to identified scapula problem and provided appropriate intervention programs. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the reliability of scapular position measurements obtained using a modified digital inclinometer and palpation meter, as well as muscle strength using a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) in individuals with FHP and RSP. METHODS: Thirty healthy subjects underwent scapular…position tests (upward rotation, anterior tilt, depression, and protraction) and strength tests of periscapular muscles (serratus anterior, upper trapezius, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius) on both the dominant and non-dominant sides. The reliability of the measurements was confirmed by computing the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Test and re-tests were conducted over a period of one week and actual values for each measurement were also obtained and assessed. RESULTS: The ICC ranged from 0.802 to 0.935 for the scapular position tests and from 0.808 to 0.949 for muscle strength tests on the dominant and non-dominant sides. For scapular position tests, SEM values ranged from 0.3 cm to 0.6 cm (protraction and depression), from 1.0 ∘ to 1.7 ∘ (upward rotation and anterior tilt) and MCID values ranged from 0.7 cm to 1.6 cm (protraction and depression), from 2.8 ∘ to 4.7 ∘ (upward rotation and anterior tilt). Regarding muscle strength tests, SEM and MCID values were in the range 14.4N–27.3N and 39.9N–75.7N, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Scapular position and periscapular muscle strength can be reproducibly measured in healthy subjects individuals with FHP and RSP. These instruments can hence be recommended for evaluating these functional traits in subjects with FHP and RSP.
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Keywords: Forward head posture, rounded shoulder posture, scapula position, scapula muscle strength test
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cryotherapy is widely utilized for therapeutic purposes, yet its specific effects on knee joint proprioception and quadriceps muscle performance in healthy individuals remain unclear. This study addresses this gap by examining the impact of a 20-minute cryotherapy session on knee joint proprioception and related muscle parameters in a cohort of healthy college students. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of cryotherapy on knee joint proprioception and quadriceps muscle peak moment, work and power in healthy college male and female students. METHODS: Thirty-two healthy students, aged 19–23, underwent a 20-minute cryotherapy session using Cryogel…packs applied to the anterior thigh and knee. An isokinetic dynamometer measured knee joint proprioception and quadriceps muscle parameters before, immediately after, 10-min, and 20-min post-cryotherapy. RESULTS: Proprioception values did not significantly differ between genders or post-tests (p > 0.05). However, the female group exhibited significantly lower moment, power, and work values compared to males (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed within or between post-tests in moment, power, and work for both genders (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A 20-minute cryotherapy application demonstrated no adverse effects on knee joint proprioception or quadriceps muscle metrics in healthy college students, supporting the safety of cryotherapy in this context.
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