Isokinetic strength testing does not predict hamstring injury in Australian Rules footballers

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relation of hamstring and quadriceps muscle strength and imbalance to hamstring injury using a prospective observational cohort study METHOD: A total of 102 senior male Australian Rules footballers aged 22.2 (3.6) years were tested at the start of a football season. Maximum voluntary concentric and eccentric torque of the hamstring and quadriceps muscles of both legs was assessed using a Kin-Com isokinetic dynamometer at angular velocities of 60 and 180 degrees/second. Twelve (11.8%) players sustained clinically diagnosed hamstring strains which caused them to miss one or more matches over the ensuing season. RESULTS: There were no significant differences for any of the isokinetic variables comparing the injured and non-injured legs in players with unilateral hamstring strains (n=9). Neither the injured nor the non-injured leg of injured players differed from the mean of left and right legs in non-injured players for any isokinetic variable. The hamstring to opposite hamstring ratios also did not differ between injured and non-injured players. A hamstring to opposite hamstring ratio of less than 0.90 and a hamstring to quadriceps ratio of less than 0.60 were not associated with an increased risk of hamstring injury. A significantly greater percentage of players who sustained a hamstring strain reported a history of hamstring strain compared with non-injured players (p=0.02). However, this was not related to muscle weakness or imbalance. CONCLUSIONS: Isokinetic muscle strength testing was not able to directly discriminate Australian Rules football players at risk for a hamstring injury.


     

Eccentric overload training for patients with chronic Achilles tendon pain--a randomised controlled study with reliability testing of the evaluation methods

The purpose was to examine the reliability of measurement techniques and evaluate the effect of a treatment protocol including eccentric overload for patients with chronic pain from the Achilles tendon. Thirty-two patients with proximal achillodynia (44 involved Achilles tendons) participated in tests for reliability measures. No significant differences and strong (r=0.56-0.72) or very strong (r=0.90-0.93) correlations were found between pre-tests, except for the documentation of pain at rest (P<0.008, r=0.45). To evaluate the effect of a 12-week treatment protocol for patients with chronic proximal achillodynia (pain longer than three months) 40 patients (57 involved Achilles tendons) with a mean age of 45 years (range 19-77) were randomised into an experiment group (n=22) and a control group (n=18). Evaluations were performed after six weeks of treatment and after three and six months. The evaluations (including the pre-tests), performed by a physical therapist unaware of the group the patients belonged to, consisted of a questionnaire, a range of motion test, a jumping test, a toe-raise test, a pain on palpation test and pain evaluation during jumping, toe-raises and at rest. A follow-up was also performed after one year. There were no significant differences between groups at any of the evaluations, except that the experiment group jumped significantly lower than the control group at the six-week evaluation. There was, however, an overall better result for the experiment group with significant improvements in plantar flexion, and reduction in pain on palpation, number of patients having pain during walking, having periods when asymptomatic and having swollen Achilles tendon. The controls did not show such changes. Furthermore, at the one-year follow-up there were significantly more patients in the experiment group, compared with the control group, that were satisfied with their present physical activity level, considered themselves fully recovered, and had no pain during or after physical activity. The measurement techniques and the treatment protocol with eccentric overload used in the present study can be recommended for patients with chronic pain from the Achilles tendon.     

Isokinetic muscle strength and hiking performance in elite sailors

The aim of the present study was to describe the isokinetic strength profile and its relation to hiking performance in male (Sm , n=15) and fmale (Sf , n=6) elite sailors compared to a group of male control subjects (Cm , n=8) similar in age, anthropometry and level of fitness. Eccentric knee extension strength was higher in Sm compared to Cm . (P<0.01). Furthermore, Sm were stronger during trunk extension (P < 0.05), but not during trunk flexion compared to CM. Overall muscle strength was lower in SF compared to SM (P < 0.01) and CM (P < 0.05), except for eccentric knee extension strength, where SF and CM did not differ (P > 0.05). Hiking performance correlated to maximal eccentric and isometric knee extensor strength in SF (r_s= 0.83–0.88, P < 0.05) and in CM (r_s= 0.73-0.77, P < 0.05) and to maximal eccentric knee extensor strength at high velocity in SM (r_s= 0.46-0.54, P < 0.05). For a subgroup of hikers in SM (n= 8), hiking peformance correlated to maximal isometric-eccentric knee extensor strength (r_s=0.67-0.74, P<0.05), whereas no correlations emerged for the non-hikers (n=7). Few correlations were observed between hiking performance and maximal concentric trunk flexor strength (r_s=0.69-0.92, P < 0.05). Unexpectedly, in SM correlations also were observed between hiking performance and maximal strength of the trunk extensors (r_s=0.46-0.53, hike subgroup: r_s=0.64-0.67, P < 0.05). In conclusion, notably high levels of maximal eccentric knee extesor strength were observed for the male and female elite sailors examined in the present study. Furthermore, the present results suggest that hiking performance depends in part on maximal isometric-eccentric knee extensor strength. The maximal strength of the trunk extensors, which potentially stabilizes the lower back and spine, also seems to have some importance for the hiking performance of top-level sailors.     

Isokinetic vs isotonic strength training in adult men.

The differences in changes in strength, body composition, anthropometric measurements and selected motor performance tasks, between groups, trained isotonically and isokinetically were compared. Thirty-six male volunteers were randomly assigned to one of four groups: isotonic; isokinetic low speed contraction; isokinetic high speed contraction; and control. Strength training was conducted three days per week, 40 minutes per day for eight weeks. The results demonstrated a clear superiority of the isokinetic training procedures over the isotonic procedures relative to strength, antrhopometric measures and motor performance tasks. The three training groups exhibited similar changes in body composition. The isokinetic high speed group demonstrated the greatest gains overall. The significance of these results is discussed.     

Unilateral breast edema in congestive heart failure--a mimic of diffuse carcinoma.

Mammography in a patient with congestive heart failure showed unilateral skin thickening and a reticular pattern mimicking diffuse carcinoma. Resolution after treatment of the heart failure established the abnormality as secondary to dependent edema.     

Isokinetic quadriceps training in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome

The aims of the present investigation were (a) to evaluate the effect of eccentric quadriceps training in patients with unilateral patellofemoral pain and (b) to compare the effect of eccentric and concentric quadriceps training in patients with bilateral patellofemoral pain. Fifteen patients (9 male and 6 female, aged 17–36 years with a mean of 27.5 years) participated in this study. Nine patients had unilateral pain and trained their painful leg eccentrically, while six had bilateral pain and trained one leg eccentrically and the other concentrically. Quadriceps muscle training was performed on a Kin-Com dynamometer at 90°/s and 120°/s angular velocity twice a week for 8 weeks. Before and after the treatment period the thigh muscle torques were measured on the Kin-Com dynamometer at 60°/s, 90°/s, 120°/s and 180°/s for quadriceps and at 60°/s and 180°/s for hamstrings. Nine controls, matched for gender and age with the group with unilateral pain, were tested in the same way on the Kin-Com dynamometer. For functional evaluation a knee score was calculated before training, after 8 weeks of training and at a mean of 3.4 years after completion of the training. After 8 weeks of training and at follow-up times of 1 and 3.4 years the patients were also questioned regarding whether or not they felt improvement from the training programme. To determine the degree of knee pain during the training Borg's pain scale was used. The results showed that, compared with the controls, the patients had a significantly lower knee extensor torque in their painful leg at all velocities measured. The greatest difference was found during eccentric actions. However, in comparison with the controls there were no significant differences in eccent ic and concentric knee flexor torques. After training there was a significant increase particularly in eccentric but also in concentric torque of the knee extensor in the painful leg of the eccentrically trained group. Of the six patients in the bilateral training group there were five who increased their concentric knee extensor torque and three who increased their eccentric torque. There were no significant differences in concentric and eccentric knee flexor torques before and after training in either of the legs in both training groups. The hamstring/quadriceps ratio was significantly higher in the patients' painful leg before training. However, due to increased quadriceps strength the hamstring/quadriceps ratio dropped after training. Patients in both groups reported no pain or mild pain during the training sessions. The eccentrically trained group was significantly improved both after 8 weeks of treatment and at follow-up 3.4 years later as evaluated using the knee score. The bilaterally trained group was significantly improved 3.4 years after completion of the training programme as evaluated using the knee score.     

他汀类药物对慢性心力衰竭的疗效

 目的 观察他汀类药物在慢性心力衰竭(chronic heart failure,CHF)患者中的应用疗效。方法 选取100例CHF患者,纽约心功能(NYHA)分级Ⅱ至Ⅳ级,左室射血分数(LVEF )≤50%,按照是否使用他汀类药物分为观察组和对照组,每组各50例。观察并比较治疗前后两组左室舒张末内径(LVEDD)、左室收缩末内径(LVESD)、LVEF、C反应蛋白(CRP)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)及N末端脑利钠肽前体(NT-proBNP)水平的变化及1年内住院次数及病死率。结果 观察组使用他汀药物治疗后LVESD低于对照组[(50.12±4.67)mm vs (54.89±4.53)mm],LVEDD低于对照组[(65.31±3.82)mm vs (68.59±4.58)mm],LVEF高于对照组[(49.52±4.52)% vs (44.21±5.42)%],差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与治疗前比较,观察组治疗后CRP、LDL-C及NT-proBNP降低(P＜0.05),而对照组无统计学差异。1年内观察组住院次数及病死率均低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。结论 以心血管疾病为基础疾病的CHF患者长期使用他汀类药物可明显获益。     

心率变异时域对老年慢性心力衰竭预后危险分级的定量研究

目的 检测老年慢性心力衰竭（CHF）患者的心率变异（HRV）时Ⅱ定量指标SDNN、SDANN 、RMSSD、三角指数,观察其与CHF病情的相关性及临床价值。方法分别选取80例老年CHF患者和50例无心衰老年受试者,测定HRV时Ⅱ指标,对两组间检测结果进行对比分析,并观察HRV与心功能NYHA分级的关系。结果观察组HRV时Ⅱ指标明显低于对照组（P〈0.05）,根据NYHA分级Ⅲ～Ⅳ级患者的各项时Ⅱ指标均显著低于Ⅰ～Ⅱ级患者（P〈0.05）。结论 HRV的变化与老年CHF患者的心功能损害程度密切相关,监测心率变异的变化,对于老年CHF患者病情的评价及预后有积极意义。     

Isokinetic assessment of agonist and antagonist strength ratios in collegiate taekwondo athletes: a preliminary study

Sport Sciences for Health - The purpose of this study was to compare the gender differences in isokinetic hamstring to quadriceps (H/Q) and hip abductor to adductor (AB/AD) strength ratios at...     

卡维地洛治疗慢性心力衰竭44例

卡维地洛是一种无内在拟交感活性的非选择性的第三代β受体阻滞剂,同时具有α受体的阻滞作用,笔者于2005年1月～2006年1月对卡维地洛治疗慢性心力衰竭进行了临床观察。     

慢性心力衰竭患者心率震荡现象的变化及其意义

目的探讨慢性心力衰竭(CHF)患者心率震荡(HRT)现象的特征,及其与左室射血分数(LVEF),心率变异性(HRV)等的相关性。方法选择心衰患者58名(心衰组)和非心衰患者65名(对照组),从动态心电图和超声心动图获得HRT、HRV、左室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、LVEF等指标,并对这些指标进行分析。结果心衰组和对照组的HRT、HRV、LVEF、LVEDD、QT间期离散度(QTcd)、平均心率有显著统计学差异,而24 h室性期前收缩的数量没有统计学意义。HRT与LVEF、LVEDD、SDNN等指标呈相关关系。结论心衰组患者HRT减弱,HRT可以反映心脏自主神经功能的状态。     

慢性心力衰竭与高尿酸血症关系探讨

目的探讨慢性心力衰竭（chronic heart failure,CHF）患者心功能和血尿酸（uric acid,UA）水平及左室重构程度的关系。方法 236例CHF患者,按NYHA心功能分级分为Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ级,分为3组,分别为78、86、72例;按UA水平分为正常血尿酸组（132例）和高尿酸血症组（104例）。所有入选者入院后急诊或常规检查尿酸、肝肾功能、电解质等项目;超声心动图测定心脏左室舒张末期内径（left ventricular end diastolic diameter,LVEDd）、左室后壁厚度（left ventricular posterior wall diameter,LVPWd）,计算左室射血分数（left ventricular ejection fraction,LVEF）。结果心力衰竭患者血尿酸明显升高,发生率为44.1%,随着心功能损害的加重,高尿酸血症的发生率增加（χ2=8.46,P〈0.05）,尿酸水平增高（F=11.68,P〈0.05）;血尿酸增高者左室舒张末内径明显增大,左室射血分数显著降低,（P〈0.05）,相关分析显示LVEDd与血尿酸水平正相关（r=0.386,P〈0.01）,LVEF与血尿酸水平负相关（r=-0.324,P〈0.05）。（F=11.68,P〈0.05）。结论随着心力衰竭程度的加重,尿酸水平逐步升高。     

Isokinetic evaluation of shoulder rotational strength in high school baseball pitchers

Isokinetic, shoulder rotational strength was evaluated in 26 high school baseball pitchers before the start of spring practice. Using the Cybex II (Cybex, Division of Lumex, Inc., Ronkonkoma, NY), test data were gathered on the dominant and nondominant shoulders in the supine 90 degrees abducted test position (90 degrees AbTP) and the standing neutral test position (neutral TP). Tests were performed at 90 and 240 deg/sec. The HUMAC (Computer Sports Medicine, Inc., Flemington, NJ) computer system was used to analyze data. Means and standard deviations for peak torque, total work, peak torque to body weight ratios, and agonist/antagonist ratios are presented. Comparison of dominant to non-dominant sides and 90 degrees AbTP to neutral TP values are reported. Peak torque and total work values for the throwing side internal rotators were significantly higher than the nonthrowing side in all tests. Pitching side external rotators failed to show this dominance. External/internal rotation ratios for peak torque and total work were significantly lower on the pitching side, suggesting a relative imbalance of cuff musculature compared to the nonpitching shoulder. Significant differences existed between data gathered in the two different test positions. In the 90 degrees AbTP, external rotation peak torque and total work values and external/internal rotation peak torque and total work ratios were higher than the equivalent values gathered in the neutral TP. Internal rotation peak torque and total work values tended to be higher in the neutral TP than in the 90 degrees AbTP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Isokinetic strength training program for muscular imbalances in professional soccer players

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a muscular training program on soccer players’ performance of which initially appeared imbalances or deficits. The study was conducte on 68 professional soccer players (age, 24.1±5.7 years; weight, 76.8±5.7 kg; height, 1.82±7 cm) participating in the championship of the first Greek national division over 2 years. During the preparation period, all the players performed an isokinetic test of knee flexors and extensors (60° s⁻¹ and 180° s⁻¹). These initial measurements detected muscular imbalances or deficits in 27 players (40%). The 27 players followed a specific isokinetic training program for 2 months, 3 times per week. After completion of the isokinetic training program, the 68 players repeated the isokinetic test. The analysis revealed significant differences between the pre-and post-training measures at both angular velocities in peak torque values, in differences from one limb to the other, and in peak torque ratios for flexors and extensors. Consequently, the application of this specific isokinetic training program can restore imbalances in knee muscle strength efficiently.     

托伐普坦治疗慢性心力衰竭的疗效及安全性

 目的 探讨托伐普坦治疗慢性心力衰竭(chronic heart failure,CHF)患者的疗效及安全性。方法 将60例CHF患者随机分为对照组与观察组,每组30例。对照组给予常规抗心力衰竭治疗,观察组在对照组基础上加用托伐普坦治疗。于治疗前、治疗后7 d检测24 h尿量、血钠、血钾、尿素氮、肌酐、尿酸、B型利钠肽(BNP)、左室射血分数(LVEF)并评价疗效。结果 治疗7 d 后,与治疗前相比,两组患者24 h尿量、血钠明显改善,BNP下降,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与对照组治疗后比较,观察组尿素氮、肌酐明显下降,LVEF明显升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);但尿酸、血钾未见明显变化。观察组总有效率(90.0%)高于对照组(63.3%),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);两组不良反应发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 托伐普坦可有效改善CHF患者临床症状,纠正低钠血症,改善心肾功能,且不会引起电解质紊乱,不良反应少。     

B型利钠肽与老年慢性心力衰竭的相关性研究

目的：研究B型利钠肽（BNP）在老年慢性心力衰竭（CHF）患者的诊断、评估等方面的临床价值。方法：选取2008年6月-2009年1月住院的160例60岁以上老年慢性心力衰竭患者（CHF组）,将他们按NYHA心功能分级分为4组,采用酶联免疫吸附法（ELISA）测定患者血浆BNP水平,分析BNP水平与患者心功能状态的关系。结果：各组患者血浆BNP水平分别为：Ⅰ级心功（23．2&#177;8．71）pg／ml、Ⅱ级心功（87．38&#177;36．13）pg／ml、Ⅲ级心功（599．65&#177;72．48）pg／ml、Ⅳ级心功（1184．59&#177;92．32）pg／ml,血浆BNP水平随着NHYA心功能分级的增加而显著升高,并且随年龄增大而增加,差异均具有统计学意义。结论：老年CHF患者血浆BNP水平随着心力衰竭严重程度的增加而升高,BNP可作为一种简便、有效、快速的标志物用于老年CHF的诊断及危险分层。     

Isokinetic knee extensor strength and functional performance in healthy female soccer players

östenberg A, Roos E, Ekdahl C, Roos H. Isokinetic knee extensor strength and functional performance in healthy female soccer players. The aims of this study were to determine the relationship between isokinetic knee extensor muscle strength at 60°/s and 180°/s and five functional performance tests (one-leg-hop, triple-jump, vertical-jump, one-leg-rising and square-hop), to determine the relationship between the five different functional performance tests and to present normative data and limb symmetry index concerning healthy female soccer players. In total 101 female soccer players ([Text Missing]X=20.3 years) were tested. A limb symmetry index, using weak/strong leg, varied from 83.9 to 96.3 in the tests. Between the functional performance tests there were in general correlations of r=0.4-0.8 (P<0.001). A correlation of r=0.77 (P<0.001) was obtained between one-leg-hop and triple-jump. No differences were found between the right and the left leg or the dominant and the non-dominant leg. Using linear regression models corrected for body weight, height and age, there were low correlations between the isokinetic strength measurements and the functional tests. It is not recommended using functional performance testing and isokinetic testing interchangeably.