Relationship between upper limb physical performance tests and muscle strength of scapular,shoulder and spine stabilizers: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionPerformance tests of the upper limb have been frequently used in the evaluation of individuals to identify risk of injury and to determine improvement in physical performance. Understanding the variables related to the performance of the tests is important for better applicability and interpretation of test results. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investige the correlation between isometric strength of scapular, shoulder and spine muscles with physical performance test of upper limb in men and women.ExperimentalForty-nine healthy and physically conditioned individuals, men (n = 24) (22,7 ± 3,2 years; 74,6 ± 8,1 Kg; 176,7 ± 7,1 cm) women (n = 25) (23 ± 2,7 years; 61,5 ± 9,1 Kg; 163,2 ± 5,6 cm), were evaluated for shoulder abductor isometric strength (S-ABD); Middle (MT) and lower (LT) trapezium; lateral shoulder rotators (S-LR); flexors (T-FLEX), lateral incliners (T-INCL), and trunk extenders (T-EXT). Evaluation of upper limb physical performance was carried out by Upper Quarter Y Balance test (YBT-UQ) and Chain upper extremity stability test (CKC-UEST). Pearson's test (r values) p ≤ 0.05 was used to analyze the correlation.ResultsThe results reveal strong correlations between S-ABD and CKC-UEST in male group; and strong correlations in female group between S-ABD strength with CKC-UEST; and S-LR with all YBT-UQ directions and score and between T-EXT strength with CKC-UEST.ConclusionTherefore, strength of shoulder and spine stabilizers influences performance in upper limb tests, but with different correlations as to sex. To improve test performance, it may be important to increase the strength of the shoulder and spine muscles.     

Association between handgrip strength and cognitive impairment in elderly Koreans: a population-based cross-sectional study

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between handgrip strength and mild cognitive impairment in elderly adults. [Subjects] Study participants included 2,982 adults (1,366 males and 1,616 females), aged 65 years or older. [Methods] This population-based cross-sectional study used the baseline database from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing. [Results] The odds ratio for mild cognitive impairment showed a significant linear decrease in relation to the quartile of handgrip strength, independent of potential covariates, in both men and women. Moreover, after excluding incident cases of mild cognitive impairment, the results showed that greater handgrip strength was associated with higher cognitive function scores in the elderly. [Conclusion] The findings presented here suggest that handgrip strength is associated with a risk of mild cognitive impairment in the Korean elderly. Moreover, greater handgrip strength is associated with higher cognitive function in cognitively normal elderly individuals.Key words: Handgrip strength, Cognitive function, Elderly     

Association between moderate physical activity,spinal motion and back muscle strength in postmenopausal women with and without osteoporosis

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine whether physical activity levels of postmenopausal women were associated with their bone mineral density (BMD), back extensor strength (BES), severity of thoracic kyphosis and range of spinal motion.

Method. This study adopted a cross-sectional design. 189 female subjects from 50 to 80 years of age were divided into moderately active (n = 63) and sedentary (n = 126) groups according to their physical activity level, which is measured by the physical activity score. BMD (lumbar spine and hip), BES, severity of thoracic kyphosis and range of spinal motion in the sagittal and frontal plane were measured in each subject.

Results. The groups differed significantly in the range of spinal motion in the sagittal plane (p = 0.01) (moderately active: 26.9±10.8; sedentary: 23.0±10.2), as well as in the right frontal plane (p < 0.001) (moderately active: 27.1 ± 6.4; sedentary: 23.4 ± 7.5) and left frontal plane (p < 0.001) (moderately active: 27.6 ± 6.5; sedentary 23.7 ± 7.4). There were no significant differences in BMD (active: 0.88 ± 0.18 g/cm²; sedentary: 0.98 ± 0.15 g/cm²), severity of thoracic kyphosis (active: 52.9 ± 12.4; sedentary: 51.9 ± 11.8) or BES (active: 49.0 N ± 14.6; sedentary: 46.6 N ± 15.1).

Conclusions. This study demonstrates that active women had better range of spinal motion than sedentary women, but they did not differ significantly in severity of thoracic kyphosis, BES and BMD.     

Association between severity of hip chondrolabral injuries,dynamic hip muscle strength and quality of life: A cross-sectional study in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome scheduled for hip arthroscopy

BackgroundWe assessed the association between: the severity of hip chondral or labral pathology with dynamic hip muscle strength or quality of life in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome scheduled for hip arthroscopy. We also assessed the association between dynamic hip muscle strength with quality of life.MethodsEighty-three participants with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome scheduled for hip arthroscopy were included. We measured dynamic hip abduction and adduction muscle strength with an isokinetic dynamometer (Nm/kg), and quality of life with the iHoT-33 questionnaire. The severity of hip chondrolabral pathologies was scored using the modified Beck classification. Linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between severity of hip chondral or labral pathology with dynamic hip muscle strength and quality of life.FindingsThe regression analyses showed no association between the (i) severity of hip chondral (adjusted r²: 0.14) or labral (adjusted r²: 0.08) pathology and quality of life (P > 0.05), (ii) between the severity of hip chondral or labral pathology and dynamic hip abduction and adduction muscle strength (P > 0.05). Significant correlation was observed for quality of life and hip abduction (adjusted r²:0.29; P < 0.001) or adduction (adjusted r²: 0.32; P < 0.001) muscle strength.InterpretationThe severity of hip chondral or labral pathologies were not associated with quality of life or dynamic hip muscle strength in participants with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. Greater dynamic hip abduction and adduction muscle strength were associated with better quality of life in participants with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome scheduled for hip arthroscopy.     

Association between migraine, lifestyle and socioeconomic factors: a population-based cross-sectional study

To investigate whether sex-specific associations exist between migraine, lifestyle or socioeconomic factors. We distinguished between the subtypes migraine with aura (MA) and migraine without aura (MO). In 2002, a questionnaire containing validated questions to diagnose migraine and questions on lifestyle and socioeconomic factors was sent to 46,418 twin individuals residing in Denmark. 31,865 twin individuals aged 20-71 were included. The twins are representative of the Danish population with regard to migraine and other somatic diseases and were used as such in the present study. An increased risk of migraine was significantly associated with lower level of schooling and education, retirement, unemployment, and smoking. A decreased risk of migraine was significantly associated with heavy physical exercise and intake of alcohol. Direct comparison between the subtypes showed a decreased risk of MA compared to MO in subjects with low education or weekly intake of alcohol. The risk of MA was increased compared to MO in unemployed or retired subjects. Direct comparison between sexes showed a decreased risk of migraine for men compared to women in subjects who were low educated, unemployed or studying. The risk was increased for men compared to women in subjects with heavy physical exercise, intake of alcohol, and body mass index >25. Migraine was associated with several lifestyle and socioeconomic factors. Most associations such as low education and employment status were probably due to the negative effects of having migraine while others such as smoking were risk factors for migraine.     

Association between cultural intelligence and cultural sensitivity in nursing students: A cross-sectional descriptive study

BackgroundBecause of the multicultural composition of the Turkish population, healthcare providers encounter and serve individuals from various cultural backgrounds.AimTo determine the relationship between cultural sensitivity and cultural intelligence levels among nursing students.MethodsThis study was performed with 336 students attending the Nursing Department of a state university in Turkey. Data were collected using a sociodemographic data form, the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale, and the Cultural Intelligence Scale.ResultsMean age of the Nursing Department students was 20 ± 1.76 years. Mean total scores on the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale and Cultural Intelligence Scale were 90.49 ± 12.68 (maximum 120) and 95 ± 15.8 (maximum 140), respectively. Total scores in both the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale and the Cultural Intelligence Scale were higher among those nursing students who had encounters with people with different cultural backgrounds for any reason and those who wanted to work abroad. The nursing students’ Intercultural Sensitivity Scale and Cultural Intelligence Scale total scores were positively correlated (p < .001).ConclusionIntercultural sensitivity increased with higher cultural intelligence. Enhancing nursing education with programs that improve the students’ cultural sensitivity and cultural intelligence will help them to successfully manage cultural differences and provide culturally appropriate care in their nursing practice.     

贫血与老年人认知功能障碍的横断面研究

目的探讨贫血与老年人认知功能障碍的关系。方法采取横断面调查研究的方式,纳入我院3年住院老年患者,用简易智能状态量表检测认知功能,运用Logistic回归分析贫血与认知功能障碍的关系。结果共纳入327例患者,认知功能障碍组及正常认知功能组分别有143例及184例患者。认知功能障碍组以女性为多见(χ2=14.438,P<0.001),文化水平偏低(χ2=23.013,P<0.001),患有较多的贫血(F=9.970,P=0.002),血肌酐水平较低(F=5.297,P=0.022)。Logistic回归显示贫血是老年人认知功能障碍的危险因素(OR=2.168,P=0.005)。结论贫血可能与老年人认知功能障碍相关,对贫血的早期预防和积极治疗可能对认知功能的改善有益。     

The correlation between physical and emotional stabilities: a cross-sectional observational preliminary study

BackgroundPostural stability and gait are affected by an individual’s emotional state. Physical therapy practice does not usually include an explicit assessment of the individual’s emotional status. In contrast, complementary movement therapies often include the assessment of “grounding quality”, which refers to the individual’s physical and emotional stabilities. This study examined the correlation between conventional physical stability measures and grounding quality.MethodA computerized balance board and an inertial sensor system measured the postural stability and gait parameters of 36 healthy volunteers (aged 19–35 years). Grounding was assessed using an observation-based assessment tool (Grounding Assessment Tool [GAT]). Spearman’s correlation and Cohen’s standard were used to assess correlation.ResultsNo correlation was observed between gait parameters and GAT scores. However, significant negative moderate correlations were noted between postural sway measures and scores of several GAT items in the more demanding stance conditions.ConclusionAlthough grounding quality and sway measures are somewhat correlated, they focus on different aspects of movement stability. A comprehensive assessment and holistic intervention strategies require incorporating multiple approaches to stability assessment. Further research is necessary to determine the contribution of combining these approaches among individuals with balance impairments.

KEY MESSAGES

• Gait stability measures were not correlated to “grounding quality” (a measure of emotional regulation and emotional awareness).
• Postural sway measures were found to be correlated to “grounding quality” items in the more demanding stance conditions.
• A comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s stability may facilitate reliable and valid objective measurement instruments for both physical and emotional aspects of the movement.

     

The relation between previous fractures and physical performance in elderly women

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between previous fracture and different aspects of physical performance. DESIGN: Population-based retrospective study. SETTING: Orthopaedic research department. PARTICIPANTS: Randomly selected women (N = 1044), all 75 years old and participants of the Malm? Osteoporosis Prospective Risk Assessment study. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Type of and time since any previous fracture event were compared with results of tests on physical performance function (Romberg test, computerized sway test, gait speed, questionnaire) at the age of 75. RESULTS: Women with no previous fractures (n = 505) had a better median Romberg balance of 94 seconds (interquartile range [IQR], 75-118s) than women with 1, 2, or 3 or more fractures, who had a median balance of 88 seconds (IQR, 71-111s), 85 seconds (IQR, 68-107s), and 81 seconds (IQR, 65-109s), respectively (Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance, P = .002). Balance was inferior in women who had sustained a previous fracture between the ages of 65 and 75 years compared with women with no previous fractures or fractures before the age of 65 years. Gait speed and questions on tendency to fall followed the same pattern. The computerized sway test could not differ between women with and without previous fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Poor physical performance is associated with previous fractures. Inferior physical performance may exist up to 10 years after a fracture.     

膝关节骨关节炎的肌力状态和功能性行为能力的关系

目的：了解膝关节骨关节炎的肌力状态和步行、爬楼梯、坐位立起等功能性行为能力之间的相互关系。方法：等速测定６６个膝关节骨关节炎肢体（３３例患者）的肌肉功能,分析其肌力参数和２０ｍ步行时间及行为的困难程度与依赖程度之间的相互关系。结果：２０ｍ步行时间和屈伸膝肌力参数呈中等程度负线性相关;伸膝肌力参数多和行为困难程度值有中等程度的负线性相关,１８０°／ｓ伸膝肌峰力矩值每增加约０．０５Ｎ·ｍ／ｋｇ,行为的困难程度减少１分（功能状态指数）。结论：膝关节骨关节炎的屈伸膝肌力状态和功能性行为能力有一定的相互关系。从功能角度看,加强膝关节骨关节炎患者的肌力有重要的意义。     

Association between knowledge and risk for cardiovascular disease among older adults: A cross-sectional study in China

ObjectivesThis study aimed to describe cardiovascular risk and cardiovascular disease (CVD) knowledge among older adults, and further explore the association between knowledge and risk.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 1120 older adults who received physical examination in health centers. The participants were interviewed to obtain their behavioral risk factors related to CVD and clinical characteristics. A risk prediction chart was used to predict participants’ cardiovascular risk based on clinical characteristics and behavioral risk factors. Participants’ CVD knowledge was collected with a pretested knowledge questionnaire.ResultsAmong the 1120 participants, 240 (21.4%) had low cardiovascular risk, 353 (31.5%) had moderate cardiovascular risk, 527 (47%) had high and very high cardiovascular risk. The knowledge level about CVD among 0.8% of the 1120 participants was good while that of 56.9% was poor. Lower CVD knowledge level, older age, lower income, and lower educational level were the independent factors of higher cardiovascular risk level.ConclusionsThis study highlights the need to reduce the cardiovascular risk among older adults. CVD knowledge should be considered when developing health interventions.     

Association between suicidal risks and medication-overuse headache in chronic migraine: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundBehaviors of substance dependence are common among patients with medication-overuse headache (MOH). Whether MOH, like other substance use disorders, is associated with an increased risk for suicide is unknown.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, newly diagnosed chronic migraine (CM) patients with or without coexisting MOH were enrolled prospectively. Headache diagnoses were made through face-to-face interviews by headache specialists, and a specifically designed questionnaire was used to collect demographics, headache profiles, Migraine Disability Assessment, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, etc. Suicidal ideation and prior suicide attempt were specifically questioned.ResultsIn total, 603 CM patients (485F/118M, mean age 42.03 ± 12.18 years) were recruited, including 320 with MOH (257F/63M, mean age 42.8 ± 11.7 years) (53.1%), and 214 (35.5%) and 81 (13.4%) had suicidal ideation and prior suicide attempt, respectively. Among CM patients, the presence of MOH increased the risks of suicidal ideation (odds ratio [OR] = 1.75 [95% CI = 1.20–2.56], p = 0.004) and prior suicide attempt (OR = 1.88 [1.09–3.24], p = 0.024), after controlling for demographics, headache profile, disabilities, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and sleep quality.ConclusionsIn CM patients, MOH is associated with an increased risk for suicidal ideation and prior suicide attempt, which deserves attention for clinicians taking care of headache patients. However, further studies are needed to determine the causal relationship, as well as the underlying pathophysiology.     

Nurses,age, job demands and physical activity at work and at leisure: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe nursing workforce is ageing and increased age and demands at work, can impact on physical activity levels in the workplace and at leisure. Research has shown that work physical activity, without activity at leisure, is insufficient to prolong well-being. This study investigated the physical activity levels of a sample of nurses and aimed to determine if age and job demands are associated with engaging in recommended physical activity levels at work and at leisure.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with data collected during 2016. Two-hundred and ten nurses participated in the study. Two validated instruments were used: the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (quantitative and cognitive demands) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.ResultsOlder nurses (≥40-years) were significantly less likely to report engaging in recommended physical activity levels at work than younger nurses [OR 0.47, 95% CI (0.25–0.88) p = 0.02]. Nurses with high quantitative demands were over twice as likely to engage in recommended levels of physical activity at work and at leisure. Engaging in recommended levels of physical activity at work was not associated with leisure-time physical activity reports.ConclusionInitiatives need to be put in place to ensure older nurses can fulfil their nursing role within their capabilities. These could include offering personal physical activity education to both on and off-duty nurses. Assessment of ability and patient acuity may be necessary.