Isokinetic strength testing in monitoring progress in a multidisciplinary work reentry program: A case study

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of a patient with a history of low back pain and the use of isokinetic testing in tracking that patient through a work-reentry program. A 44-year-old male with a diagnosis of low back pain underwent a functional capacity evaluation and began a work-reentry program. Initial isokinetic testing revealed low torque outputs in both the trunk and knee flexion and extension tests as well as limited active range of motion. Coefficient of variation appeared to be relatively high and the patient seemed guarded in his movements during the testing. Psychological testing revealed a high fear of reinjury which may have influenced the initial test. Subsequent isokinetic testing performed on the tenth and twenty-fourth days of program and at 1 month post-program exhibited greater than expected increases in torque output. This could be due in part to a reduction in the fear of reinjury, a learning effect with repeated exposure to testing, and the patient's increased confidence in the use of unguarded movements. His trunk range of motion remained essentially the same throughout the serial testing. Pain in the back and left leg was slightly diminished despite an increase in strength and function.     

Isokinetic diagnosis: rehabilitation in overuse injury syndromes

Isokinetic testing of the musculoskeletal system is an important diagnostic method in the course of rehabilitation because it is adapted to individual and objective in measuring biomechanical parameters. Isokinetic dynamometer serves as a measurement and/or exercising device and helps user to achieve maximum force in through a range of motion, accommodating for potential pain or fatigue. Isokinetic dynamometer measures strength, torque, and generated power as well as the range of motion of the joint and distribution of strength in the range of motion. These results, as well as the relation between agonists and antagonists, acceleration time, velocity of motion reciprocity, maximum torque angle, and the fatigue/endurance index are computed and compared with standard values using software. Repeated testing shows changes in parameters in later stages, ensuring an accurate insight in the progress of rehabilitation. This paper describes the treatment of a 14-year-old boy engaged in rowing who suffered from suprapatellar pain and instability of the knee. After isokinetic testing and rehabilitation the boy resumed his sport activities.     

Effectiveness of a community health service program using exercise intervention for elderly people with osteoarthritis of the knees: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an exercise program conducted as part of community health services to improve pain and physical function in elderly people with osteoarthritis of the knee (knee OA). METHODS; The subjects were 88 (12 males aged 77.8 +/- 5.4 years and 76 females aged 73.2 +/- 5.3 years) community-dwelling independent elderly people with knee OA who participated voluntarily in exercise classes sponsored by Musashino city of Tokyo. They were allocated randomly to the intervention group (n = 44) and the control group (n = 44). For the intervention group, exercise classes of 90 min duration were held 8 times over 3 months. The exercise program comprised flexibility exercises (stretching of knee and ankle joints), resistance exercises (strengthening of quadriceps, extension and flexion of the knee joint with an elastic band), and movement exercises (turning over, getting up, standing up). The subjects were instructed to perform these exercises at home every day. Knee pain scores (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index; WOMAC), peak torque of joint during knee flexion and extension, range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint, and functional fitness (standing and walking ability) were evaluated before and after the intervention period. RESULTS: Significant inter-group differences were observed for peak torque during knee flexion and standing and walking ability of females. Assessment of interactions between time and group by repeated measure ANOVA adjusted for age and sex revealed significance differences for the WOMAC score (P = 0.031), the peak torque during knee extension (P = 0.016) and knee flexion (P = 0.000), ROM (P = 0.037), standing ability (P = 0.000)and walking ability (P = 0.000). The effect of the intervention was 0.44 for WOMAC score, 0.23 for peak torque during knee extension, 0.64 for knee flexion, 0.32 for ROM, 0.81 for standing ability, and 1.13 for walking ability. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that the exercise program for elderly people with knee OA improved knee pain and physical function.     

Increased Range of Motion and Decreased Strength of the Thumb in Massage Practitioners with Thumb Pain

The purpose of this study was to compare the range of motion (ROM) and strength of the metacarpophalangeal (MP) and interphalangeal (IP) joints among massage practitioners with and without thumb pain and control subjects. Sixteen massage practitioners with thumb pain, 16 practitioners without thumb pain, and 16 control subjects participated in this study. ROM of flexion, extension, and abduction in the MP joint; ROM of flexion and extension in the IP joint of the thumb; strength of the flexor pollicis brevis (FPB), extensor pollicis brevis (EPB), abductor pollicis brevis, flexor pollicis longus (FPL), and extensor pollicis longus measured in all subjects. ROM of extension and abduction in the MP joint were significantly increased in massage practitioners with and without thumb pain compared with control subjects. ROM of extension in the IP joint was significantly increased in massage practitioners with thumb pain compared with those without thumb pain. The strength of the EPB and FPL muscle was significantly decreased in massage practitioners with thumb pain compared with those without thumb pain and control subjects, respectively. In addition, there was significantly increased EPB/FPB strength in massage practitioners without thumb pain compared to those with thumb pain and control subjects.     

Isoinertial functional assessment of low-back disorders in pediatric nurses: Ergonomic and rehabilitation guidelines

Low-back troubles are among the most common and most disabling occupational pathologies. It is very common in health professionals including pediatric nursing personnel. However, the problem is difficult to assess, as in many cases there is no objective origin for the complaints. Therefore, objective measures of function are of great interest. Trunk function in a population of 50 pediatric nurses was investigated with an isoinertial dynamometric device (Isostation B200). Isometric torques, unresisted ranges of motion and dynamic velocities were measured in the sagittal plane. The population was divided into three groups: those subjects with no complaints (LBP0) those with moderate low-back pain (LBP1), and those with severe low-back pain (LBP2). Forty-two (85%) of those nurses had low-back complaints, 31 moderate and 11 severe. Isometric torques and velocities enabled a good discrimination between the three groups. There were significant differences between nurses usually carrying children on right or left arm and those carrying indifferently on any arm. The latter had better performances and less low-back pain. The velocity extension to flexion ratio was significantly decreased with the existence and severity of low-back pain. Isoinertial functional assessment has a good discriminatory value in this population. It enables one to draw ergonomic guidelines for child-carrying techniques. Finally, the modifications of the extension to flexion ratio help to determine that, in this population, rehabilitation programs should focus on dynamic back muscle strengthening.     

6周颈部离心训练对大学生颈部功能的影响

  目的  探讨6周颈部离心训练对大学生颈部功能的影响,为通过运动疗法改善不良姿势及预防颈椎病的发生提供依据。  方法  招募山西省某医学院52名大二学生,按性别分层后采用随机数字表法分为颈部离心训练干预组和对照组(各26名),干预组每次训练时间25 min,每周3次,共进行6周,对照组进行健康宣教。分别于训练前和训练后,测试颈部围度、力量、活动度、耐力、头颈姿势。  结果  颈部前屈、后伸、左侧屈、右旋转力量交互作用均有统计学意义(F值分别为34.25,55.96,56.49,37.13,P值均 < 0.05),6周后干预组力量为前屈(65.37±18.64)N、后伸(87.61±21.38)N、左侧屈(55.80±12.04)N、右侧屈(55.87±11.83)N,对照组力量为前屈(45.69±9.25)N、后伸(53.34±9.45)N、左侧屈(41.60±6.96)N、右侧屈(42.20±9.92)N,干预组高于对照组(t值分别为4.82,7.48,5.21,4.52,P值均 < 0.01)。颈部前屈、后伸、左侧屈、右旋转活动度交互效应均有统计学意义(F值分别为11.62,8.83,8.29,6.57,P值均 < 0.05),6周后干预组颈部活动度前屈(53.54±7.28)°、后伸(57.42±7.37)°、左侧屈(40.77±4.14)°、右旋转(85.12±6.35)°,对照组相应活动度为(45.35±9.55)°、(50.85±7.56)°、(37.19±5.86)°、(76.15±7.86)°,干预组高于对照组(t值分别为3.48,3.18,2.54,4.52,P值均 < 0.05)。颈围、右侧屈和左旋转活动度、颈部耐力、头前伸角度的时间主效应均有统计学意义(F值分别为15.79,13.94,35.90,10.17,8.61,P值均 < 0.05)。  结论  6周颈部离心训练可显著提升大学生颈部力量和关节活动度,对颈围、颈部耐力、头前伸姿势有改善作用。     

Physical and psychosocial correlates of test-retest isometric torque variability in patients with chronic low back pain

Variability in trunk torque production has been suggested as a means of detecting submaximal effort in the assessment of chronic low back pain. Several investigations question the validity of using torque variability to detect submaximal efforts in patients with back injuries. However, few investigations have studied the correlates of text-retest torque variability in clinical populations. The present study investigated psychological distress, disability/flexibility/pain, and symptom magnification correlates of test-retest torque variability in chronic low back pain patients. Contrary to previous studies, psychological distress, tendency to report symptoms, and pain were negatively correlated with measures of torque variability. The findings indicate the potential for psychological variables to influence torque production, but on the whole provide little strong support for the use of test-retest torque variability as a means of detecting submaximal performance.     

Psychological factors affecting isokinetic trunk strength testing in patients with work-related chronic low back pain

Psychological factors are assumed to play a major role in pain-related work disability. Assessment of pain-related disability using a functional capacity evaluation, usually includes assessment of trunk strength and range of motion. Isokinetic strength testing is a method used to measure strength and function of isolated muscles and has been reported to be an objective, quantifiable assessment of trunk function. Given that psychological factors are purported to play a role in pain-related disability, it would be important to assess their influence on measurement of physical function. The present study was conducted to assess the influence of psychological variables on isokinetic trunk strength performance. One hundred and eighty-six consecutive male outpatients referred to a work-rehabilitation center were given a functional capacity evaluation. All patients had been out of work for at least 3 months with the chief complaint of low back pain. The evaluation included isokinetic trunk strength testing and measurement of psychological variables (pain levels, distress, pain coping, pain behavior, somatization, expectation to return to work) that have been known to contribute to pain-related disability. Data analyses revealed significant correlations among psychological variables and measures of trunk strength and function. The findings provide support for a relationship between psychological variables and isokinetic strength testing performance.     

Androgenicity of the progestin in oral contraceptives does not affect maximal leg strength

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to examine androgenicity of the progestin in oral contraceptive pills and its effect on maximal leg strength in females. METHODS: Twelve participants who were using a monophasic pill containing 30 microg ethinylestradiol plus either 150 microg levonorgestrel (LEV) or 250 microg norgestimate (NOR) for at least the last 6 months were recruited (mean+/-SEM; LEV: age, 19.8+/-0.3 years; stature, 1.67+/-0.17 m; mass, 65.9+/-1.9 kg; NOR: age, 20.6+/-0.2 years; stature, 1.65+/-0.17 m; mass, 64.6+/-2.4 kg). Three maximal isokinetic extension and flexion tests were performed on three occasions (Days 3-6, 11-14 and 18-21 of the pill cycle) to assess peak extension and peak flexion torque (in Newton meters). RESULTS: No significant (p>.05) differences were found in the LEV and NOR groups in peak extension torque (F=0.719; p=.416) or peak flexion torque (F=0.291, p=.601) throughout the pill cycle and between groups. CONCLUSION: In this small study, the androgenicity of the progestin in the contraceptive pill had no significant association with maximal strength in these female athletes.     

The effect of whey protein supplementation with and without creatine monohydrate combined with resistance training on lean tissue mass and muscle strength

Our purpose was to assess muscular adaptations during 6 weeks of resistance training in 36 males randomly assigned to supplementation with whey protein (W; 1.2 g/kg/day), whey protein and creatine monohydrate (WC; 0.1 g/kg/day), or placebo (P; 1.2 g/kg/day maltodextrin). Measures included lean tissue mass by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, bench press and squat strength (1-repetition maximum), and knee extension/flexion peak torque. Lean tissue mass increased to a greater extent with training in WC compared to the other groups, and in the W compared to the P group (p < .05). Bench press strength increased to a greater extent for WC compared to W and P (p < .05). Knee extension peak torque increased with training for WC and W (p < .05), but not for P. All other measures increased to a similar extent across groups. Continued training without supplementation for an additional 6 weeks resulted in maintenance of strength and lean tissue mass in all groups. Males that supplemented with whey protein while resistance training demonstrated greater improvement in knee extension peak torque and lean tissue mass than males engaged in training alone. Males that supplemented with a combination of whey protein and creatine had greater increases in lean tissue mass and bench press than those who supplemented with only whey protein or placebo. However, not all strength measures were improved with supplementation, since subjects who supplemented with creatine and/or whey protein had similar increases in squat strength and knee flexion peak torque compared to subjects who received placebo.     

足球锻炼对10~11岁男童下肢关节肌力的影响

目的 比较10~11岁长期足球锻炼男童和一般男童下肢肌力的差异。方法 选取身高、体重相匹配,具有2年足球锻炼经验(足球锻炼组)和一般(对照组)男童各30名,采用德国IsoMed 2000等速测试仪,对两组受试者进行髋、膝和踝关节屈伸模式的测试。结果 1)足球锻炼组的髋关节屈(t=1.314)、伸(t=1.972)和膝关节屈(t=1.897)、踝关节伸(t=1.128)峰力矩大于对照组但无统计学意义(P均>0.05);2)足球锻炼组的膝关节伸(t=-5.812)和踝关节屈(t=3.064)峰力矩显著大于对照组(P均<0.01)。结论 长期的足球锻炼显著改善了学龄男童膝关节伸肌、踝关节屈肌的力量,虽然对髋关节屈伸肌力有所改善但不显著。     

Dynamic low back functional motion capacity evaluation

Most current functional capacity evaluations focus on range of motion and strength as measures of Wellness. The goal of this study was to evaluate the dynamic functional motion capacity of controls (those without low back pain) and low back pain patients in the three cardinal planes of the body. The hypothesis was that injury would not only affect sagittal motion but also lateral and twisting motion that would load the spine in a different manner. Twenty-six age and gender matched controls and low back pain patients were tested. Trunk motion parameters of range of motion (ROM), velocity, and acceleration were measured in all three planes of the body as subjects performed three separate tasks eliciting motion in each of the three cardinal planes of the body. Controls exhibited significantly higher performance than low back pain patients in all three planes of the body for velocity and acceleration but not ROM. Single parameter discriminant function models indicated that the velocity and acceleration motion parameters distinguished between LBP patients and the control group more effectively than ROM in the cardinal planes. Multiple parameter discriminant function demonstrated that coupled motion models further increased the ability to distinguish between the control and patient groups. These results provide insight into new methods of evaluating functional capacity using velocity, acceleration, and coupling which may provide valuable information in determining the recovery of a patient.     

Elbow joint disorders in relation to vibration exposure and age in stone quarry workers

Summary Elbow joint disorders were studied in relation to vibration exposure and age in 74 male stone quarry workers who operated mainly chipping hammers and sometimes rock drills. They were examined for range of active motion in elbow extension and flexion, and by means of radiographs of the elbow joint. Effects of age and vibratory tool operation on the elbow joint were statistically estimated using multiple regression analysis. In the analysis of all subjects, including those aged over 60 years, age was significantly related to the range of motion in extension and to radiographic changes in both elbows, and the duration of vibratory tool operation was associated with the range of right elbow flexion. Among subjects under the age of 60 years, duration of vibratory tool operation showed a significant dose-effect relationship to the range of flexion and radiographic changes in the right elbow, but there was no significant relationship with age. The present results suggest that the operation of chipping hammers and rock drills contributes to elbow joint disordes or osteoarthrosis, even when the effect of age is taken into account. Besides vibration exposure, it may be necessary to consider various loads on the elbow joint such as firmly grasping and pressing the tool against stones with the arm bent at about 90°, and carrying stones.     

Androgenicity of the progestin in oral contraceptives does not affect maximal leg strength

PurposeThis study was conducted to examine androgenicity of the progestin in oral contraceptive pills and its effect on maximal leg strength in females.MethodsTwelve participants who were using a monophasic pill containing 30 μg ethinylestradiol plus either 150 μg levonorgestrel (LEV) or 250 μg norgestimate (NOR) for at least the last 6 months were recruited (mean±SEM; LEV: age, 19.8±0.3 years; stature, 1.67±0.17 m; mass, 65.9±1.9 kg; NOR: age, 20.6±0.2 years; stature, 1.65±0.17 m; mass, 64.6±2.4 kg). Three maximal isokinetic extension and flexion tests were performed on three occasions (Days 3–6, 11–14 and 18–21 of the pill cycle) to assess peak extension and peak flexion torque (in Newton meters).ResultsNo significant (p>.05) differences were found in the LEV and NOR groups in peak extension torque (F=0.719; p=.416) or peak flexion torque (F=0.291, p=.601) throughout the pill cycle and between groups.ConclusionIn this small study, the androgenicity of the progestin in the contraceptive pill had no significant association with maximal strength in these female athletes.     

Prediction of return to work by rehabilitation professionals

Rehabilitation therapists made predictions of return to work for 57 patients evaluated prior to beginning a work-hardening program. These predictions, along with 14 specific demographic, injury, and physical function measures were entered into a stepwise discriminant analysis to develop a predictive model for return to work. Therapists correctly predicted the eventual return to work for 47 (73.7%) of the 57 subjects. Therapist prediction was the most powerful variable in the model, explaining 29% of the variance (p.0001). Only two other variables, self-report of pain severity and injury type, contributed significantly to the prediction model, accounting respectively for 12% and 9% of the variance (p's<.05). These data highlight the predictive acuity of rehabilitation therapists and suggest that the process involved in formulating clinical predictions merits further study. The findings also suggest that weighing information such as self-report of pain severity and injury type might further enhance the practitioner's ability to predict return to work.     

Spine Kinematics Predict Symptom and Lost Time Recurrence: How Much Recovery is Enough?

Purpose The purpose of the study was to determine thresholds for low back kinematic measures for the amount of functional recovery necessary to reduce the risk of recurrent pain symptoms or lost time. Methods Low back kinematic ability measures were collected at baseline when the workers returned to work for full duty. The range of motion, velocity, and acceleration were collected using the lumbar motion monitor. Results Follow-up data was collected on 196 of the 206 workers. Workers with sagittal extension velocity of <40 deg./s at baseline were twice as likely to report recurrent low back pain symptoms. Workers with sagittal flexion velocity <34 deg./s were 3 times more likely to report lost time. Conclusions Kinematic functional performance measures may be used as recovery criteria in low back pain patients to minimize recurrence risk.     

A Comparative Study on the Immediate Effects of Hand Orthoses on Reducation of Hypertonus

This paper compares the immediate effects of dorsal, volar and no splints in reducing hypertonicity in the wrist flexors of spastic hemiplegic subjects. The measures include: (i) passive range of motion; (ii) angle of point of stretch reflex; (iii) resistance to passive wrist extension; and (iv) force of spontaneous wrist flexion. Results of this study indicate a significant reduction in hypertonicity following both dorsal and volar splint application on the passive range of motion and resistance to passive extension measures (P < .05), and a significant reduction in hypertonicity as measured by spontaneous flexion following two hours of dorsal splint wearing (P < .05). No significant reductions in hypertonicity were noted on the angle of point of stretch reflex measure, and on the force of spontaneous flexion measure. Possible explanations for results and suggestions for further resarch are discussed.     

6～11岁杜氏进行性肌营养不良儿童与正常儿童下肢肌力对照分析

目的 比较6～11岁杜氏进行性肌营养不良(DMD)患儿与正常儿童下肢肌力差异,为开展DMD患儿的肌力训练提供科学依据。方法 2015年4月-2017年4月选择DMD患儿和正常儿童各20例,其中DMD患儿男19例,女1例;正常组男18例,女2例,两组儿童平均年龄均为(9.0±1.7)岁。采用手持式肌力测定仪(HHD)测定下肢髋、膝、踝等部位肌群肌力,比较DMD与正常儿童下肢肌群间及不同年龄间的肌力差异。结果 DMD组下肢肌力除足跖屈肌群以外均明显弱于正常组(P＜0.05);DMD组中6岁～组和9～11岁组各组肌群肌力差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);在6岁～组中DMD患儿双侧髋外展和足趾屈肌力与正常组差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),DMD组足趾屈肌力甚至高于正常儿童; 9～11岁组中DMD患儿除足趾屈肌群外髋屈曲、髋伸展、髋外展、膝屈曲、膝伸展和踝背屈肌群肌力都已经显著落后于正常儿童(P＜0.05)。结论 DMD患儿下肢肌群除足跖屈肌外均明显低于正常组儿童。开展DMD患儿下肢力量训练应关注所有肌群,在较大年龄组尤其需要重视髋膝伸展肌群。     

等速肌力测试系统在前交叉韧带重建术后康复中的应用

目的研究用BiodexSystem3多关节等速肌力评定及训练系统对ACL重建术后患者肌力影响。方法将60例行ACL重建术后的患者随机分为试验组30例（等速训练）和对照组30例（等张训练）并分别进行康复训练,在术后第12、24周进行等速肌力测试。结果术后第12、24周对患者进行膝关节等速肌力测试,试验组屈、伸膝肌患侧／健侧峰力矩的比值明显大于对照组,具有统计学异性（P〈O．05）,试验组在30。时股内侧肌的患侧／健侧峰力矩的比值明显大于对照组,具有统计学意义（p〈O．05）。结论通过等速肌力训练进行系统的康复可使ACL重建术后患者在短期（6个月）达到健侧屈伸肌力水平,并能更快达到运动水平。     

The Role of Perceived Injustice in the Experience of Chronic Pain and Disability: Scale Development and Validation

INTRODUCTION: The primary objective of this research was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a questionnaire designed to assess perceive injustice associated with injury. METHODS: In Study 1, the 12-item Injustice Experience Questionnaire (IEQ) was administered to 226 individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. A subsample of 85 individuals were interviewed 1-year later about their ongoing symptoms and return to work status. In Study 2, the IEQ and other pain-related measures were administered on two separate occasions to 70 pain patients participating in a functional restoration rehabilitation program. RESULTS: -Study 1 Principal components analysis yielded a two-component solution with eigenvalues greater 1. Item content of the two components reflected elements of blame and irreparability of loss. In cross sectional analyses, the IEQ was significantly correlated with measures of catastrophic thinking, r = .75, P < .01, fear of movement/re-injury, r = .58, P < .01, depression, r = .66, P < .01, and pain severity, r = .54, P < .01. Cross-sectional regression analyses revealed that the IEQ, beta = .44, P < .01, and the PCS, beta = .18, P < .05, each contributed significant unique variance to the prediction of pain severity. The IEQ prospectively predicted return to work status, OR = .75, 95% CI = .58-.99, but not pain severity. RESULTS: -Study 2 Analyses supported the test re-test reliability of the IEQ, r = .90, P < .01. Treatment-related changes in the IEQ were significantly correlated with an objective index of improved physical function, r = .51, P < .01. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of these two studies support the construct validity of the IEQ and suggest that this measure might be a useful complement to psychosocial assessment of individuals with persistent pain conditions. Discussion addresses the processes through which perceived injustice might impact on disability and rehabilitation outcomes.