Detection of the Anaerobic Threshold in Endurance Sports: Validation of a New Method Using Correlation Properties of Heart Rate Variability
Baseline Physical Activity Behaviors and Fitness in the Army Training at High Intensity Study
Extracellular to Intracellular Body Water and Cognitive Function
Role of Physical Activity in Bone–Muscle Crosstalk: Biological Aspects and Clinical Implications
Mildly Impaired Foot Control in Long-Term Treated Patients with Wilson’s Disease

Journal Description

Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology is a peer-reviewed, open access journal of functional morphology and kinesiology research dealing with the analysis of structure, function, development, evolution of cells and tissues of the musculoskeletal system and the whole body, published quarterly online by MDPI.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, PubMed, PMC, FSTA, and other databases.
Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q2 (Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision provided to authors approximately 22.6 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2022).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2411-5142

Latest Articles

Open AccessArticle

Sport-Specific Rehabilitation, but Not PRP Injections, Might Reduce the Re-Injury Rate of Muscle Injuries in Professional Soccer Players: A Retrospective Cohort Study

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J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(4), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7040072 - 21 Sep 2022

Abstract

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are extremely popular in the management of sports injuries in elite athletes. However, data on the use of various administration protocols of PRP are contradictory. The efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of muscle injuries in professional soccer players has to be contextualized within the sport-specific rehabilitation program. Despite the questionable role of PRP, a well-structured rehabilitation program is still regarded as the gold standard. We examined the efficacy of various PRP protocols in the management of muscle injuries in professional soccer players in respect to treatment duration and injury recurrence. A retrospective cohort study. Muscle injuries in professional soccer players (n=79, height 182.1 ± 5.9 cm, weight 76.8 ± 5.8 kg, BMI 23.1 ± 1.4 kg/m²) from three elite soccer clubs from the Russian Premier League were recorded during the 2018–2019 season. The injuries were graded based on MRI, using the British Athletic Muscle Injury Classification. Treatment protocols included the POLICE regimen, short courses of NSAID administration, and the specific rehabilitation program. The sample group of players were administered PRP injections. The average treatment duration with PRP injection was significantly longer than conventional treatment without PRP, 21.5 ± 15.7 days and 15.3 ± 11.1 days, respectively (p = 0.003). Soccer-specific rehabilitation and obtaining MRI/US before the treatment was associated with significantly reduced injury recurrence rate (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the PRP injection protocol applied to any muscle and the treatment duration in respect of grade 2A–2B muscle injuries. The total duration of treatment of type 2A–2B injuries was 15 days among all players. In the group receiving local injections of PRP, the total duration of treatment was 18 days; in the group without PRP injections, the treatment duration was 14 days. In our study, PRP treatment was associated with longer treatment duration, regardless of which muscle was injured. This may reflect the tendency to use PRP in higher-degree injuries. Soccer-specific rehabilitation significantly reduced the injury recurrence rate when compared to the administration of PRP injections. MRI/US imaging before returning to play was also associated with a lower injury recurrence rate. There was no significant difference between the PRP injection protocol applied to any muscle and the treatment duration in treatment of type 2A–2B muscle injuries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Exercises in Musculoskeletal Disorders—5th Edition)

Open AccessArticle

Examining the Effects of Caffeine on Isokinetic Strength, Power, and Endurance

Jozo Grgic

Sandro Venier

and

Pavle Mikulic

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(4), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7040071 - 21 Sep 2022

Abstract

This study examined caffeine’s effects on isokinetic strength, power, and endurance. The sample included 25 young, resistance-trained males. The participants were tested on three occasions, in a control trial (no substance ingestion) and following the ingestion of 6 mg·kg⁻¹ of caffeine or placebo. Exercise tests involved isokinetic knee extension and flexion using angular velocities of 60° s⁻¹ and 180° s⁻¹. Analyzed outcomes included peak torque, average power, and total work. For knee extension at an angular velocity of 60° s⁻¹, there were significant differences for: (1) peak torque when comparing caffeine vs. control (Hedges’ g = 0.22) and caffeine vs. placebo (g = 0.30) and (2) average power when comparing caffeine vs. control (g = 0.21) and caffeine vs. placebo (g = 0.29). For knee extension at an angular velocity of 180° s⁻¹, there were significant differences for: (1) peak torque when comparing caffeine vs. placebo (g = 0.26), (2) average power when comparing caffeine vs. control (g = 0.36) and caffeine vs. placebo (g = 0.43), and (3) total work when comparing caffeine vs. control (g = 0.33) and caffeine vs. placebo (g = 0.36). Caffeine was not ergogenic for knee flexors in any of the analyzed outcomes. Additionally, there was no significant difference between control and placebo. In summary, caffeine enhances the mechanical output of the knee extensors at lower and higher angular velocities, and these effects are present when compared to placebo ingestion or no substance ingestion (control). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sport Physiology and Performance - 3rd Edition)

Open AccessArticle

New Equations for Hydrostatic Weighing without Head Submersion

Jeff C. Tesch

Panayiotis Papadopoulos

Forrest Dolgener

and

Grant M. Tinsley

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(3), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7030070 - 16 Sep 2022

Abstract

New equations were derived to predict the density of the body (DB) by hydrostatic weighing with the head above water (HW_HAW). Hydrostatic weighing with the head below water (HW_HBW) was the criterion for DB measurement in 90 subjects (44 M, 46 F). Head volume by immersion (HV_IMM) was determined by subtracting the mass in water with the head below water (MW_HBW) from the mass in water with the head above water (MW_HAW), with subjects at residual lung volume. Equations were derived for head volume prediction (HV_PRED) from head measurements and used to correct DB by HW_HAW. Equations were also derived for HW_HAW using direct regression of DB from uncorrected density (with MW_HAW in place of MW_HBW). Prediction equations were validated in 45 additional subjects (21 M, 24 F). Results were evaluated using equivalence testing, linear regression, Bland–Altman plots, and paired t-tests. Head girth, face girth, and body mass produced the smallest errors for HV_PRED. In both M and F validation groups, equivalence (±2% fat by weight) was demonstrated between body fat percent (BF%) by HW_HBW and BF% by HW_HAW with HV_PRED. Variance in computer-averaged samples of MW_HAW was significantly less (p < 0.05) than MW_HBW. Prediction error was smaller for BF% by HW_HAW with HV_PRED than for alternative methods. Conclusions: Equivalence between BF% by HW_HBW and BF% by HW_HAW with HV_PRED was demonstrated and differences were not statistically significant. Weight fluctuations were smaller for HW_HAW than HW_HBW. Full article

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Open AccessEditorial

“Are You Doing Any Sport Science?” A Brief Editorial

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J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(3), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7030069 - 08 Sep 2022

Abstract

This brief opinion-based editorial addresses what the authors perceive to be a fundamental issue in the application of sport science, and these issues are reflected by the question “Are you doing any sport science?” As sport science has grown within the United States, organizational sport science budgets have grown, with increasing interest in developing various sport science initiatives. While it is indeed an exciting time for sport science, the authors suggest that, too often, sport science pursuits are driven by commercially available technologies and viewed as an “add-on” instead of pursuing an integrated systematic approach to informing the training process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sport Physiology and Performance - 2nd Edition)

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Open AccessReview

Postural Assessment Systems in the Prevention of Haemophilic Arthropathy: A Narrative Review

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J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(3), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7030068 - 07 Sep 2022

Abstract

This narrative review aims to give an overview of some postural evaluation systems currently used in patients with haemophilia. Among them, first, we analyse the HJHS scale, recognized as a specific evaluation tool for haemophilic arthropathy. Second, we focus on other systems usually used in non-haemophilic patients that have also shown good applicability in this patient category, such as gait analysis, stabilometry, and baropodometric examination. This review underlines the use these tools could have in clinical practice to identify the early postural alterations in patients with haemophilia and set up personalised rehabilitation programs. Full article

Open AccessArticle

Surface Electromyographic Activity of the Rectus Abdominis and External Oblique during Isometric and Dynamic Exercises

Athanasios Mandroukas

Yiannis Michailidis

Angelos E. Kyranoudis

Kosmas Christoulas

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Thomas Metaxas

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(3), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7030067 - 06 Sep 2022

Abstract

Exercises for the abdominal muscles are widely used in athletic activities for strength training and prevention of low back disorders. The timing and volume of muscle activation for various movements have not yet been clarified. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the surface electromyographic activity from the upper (RAU) and lower part (RAL) of the rectus abdominis and the external oblique (EO) muscles during eleven abdominal muscle strength training exercises. Thirty-five healthy male university students with a subspecialty in soccer participated in the study. They performed exercises involving isometric, concentric, and eccentric muscle contractions. The electromyographic recordings were amplified by a factor of 1000, rectified, and integrated. Mean integrated values were calculated by dividing the elapsed time for the five repetitions, to provide the mean integrated electromyographic values for each exercise. Leg movements from a long lying position showed higher activity of the rectus abdominis, compared to the EO (p < 0.001). The dynamic sit-ups showed an obvious dominant activity of the EO, compared to the rectus abdominis (p < 0.001). During eccentric exercise, higher activity was found in the RAU, compared to the RAL (p < 0.001). The results could serve as a basis for improving the design and specification of training exercises. Pre-exercises should be performed before testing abdominal muscle strength. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Evaluation and Prescription-3rd Edition)

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Open AccessReview

Effect of Joint Mobilization in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Hyunjoong Kim

and

Seoyoung Moon

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(3), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7030066 - 06 Sep 2022

Abstract

Sensorimotor and range of motion deficits due to chronic ankle instability (CAI) are abnormalities of the movement system that make postural control difficult. This review aimed to quantify the effect of joint mobilization on the range of motion, dynamic balance, and function in individuals with CAI. Randomized controlled trials in which joint mobilization was performed in individuals with CAI were searched for in five international databases (CENTRAL, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PEDro). Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed using the risk of bias tool and RevMan 5.4 provided by the Cochrane Library. Nine studies with 364 individuals with CAI were included in this study. This meta-analysis reported that joint mobilization showed significant improvement in the dorsiflexion range of motion (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41 to 1.63) and dynamic balance (SMD = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.78) in individuals with CAI. However, there was no significant improvement in function (patient-oriented outcomes) (SMD = 0.76, 95% CI: −0.00 to 1.52). For individuals with CAI, joint mobilization has limited function but has positive benefits for the dorsiflexion range of motion and dynamic balance. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Repeatability of Motion Health Screening Scores Acquired from a Three-Dimensional Markerless Motion Capture System

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J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(3), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7030065 - 02 Sep 2022

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the repeatability of five algorithm-derived motion health screening scores (i.e., readiness, explosiveness, functionality, quality, and dysfunction) obtained from an innovative three-dimensional markerless motion capture system, composed of eight high-definition cameras recording at 60 fps. Thirteen females and six males performed two sets of three motion capture screenings, separated one week apart (six in total). The screenings consisted of 20 body movements performed in sequential order. Each screening within a testing session was separated by a 30 min rest interval to avoid the possible influence of fatigue. A trained research team member, facing the participant and standing outside of the camera capture range, was present to demonstrate each individual movement. The order in which motions were performed was identical across all participants. Repeated measures analysis of variance and intraclass correlation coefficients were used to examine statistically significant differences and measurement agreement across six testing sessions. The findings of the present study revealed no significant differences in algorithm-based motion health screening scores across multiple testing sessions. Moreover, excellent measurement reliability was found for readiness scores (ICC, 95% CI; 0.957, 0.914–0.980), good-to-excellent for functionality (0.905, 0.821–0.959) and explosiveness scores (0.906, 0.822–0.959), and moderate-to-excellent for dysfunction (0.829, 0.675–0.925) and quality scores (0.808, 0.635–0.915). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Evaluation and Prescription-3rd Edition)

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Open AccessArticle

The Developmental Trajectory of Motor Competence of Children That Lived the COVID-19 Confinement Period: A Four-Year Follow-Up Study in Portuguese Children

Aida Carballo-Fazanes

Luis Paulo Rodrigues

Rui Silva

Vitor P. Lopes

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Cristian Abelairas-Gómez

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(3), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7030064 - 31 Aug 2022

Abstract

Children’s motor competence (MC) was negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; however, possible chronic effects have not been studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the possible impact of the forced lack of physical activity (PA) during the COVID-19 lockdown on children’s MC two years later. The motor competence of sixty-seven healthy children (7.4–12.2 years old) was assessed using the Motor Competence Assessment (MCA). All participants completed the MCA tests at two different moments (before and after the COVID-19 lockdown), four years apart. The mean values after the COVID-19 lockdown for all participants on the subscales and on the Total MCA are lower, but no significant changes were found when controlling for gender and age (p > 0.05 in all analyses). However, a significant decrease was found in the Locomotor subscale in boys (p = 0.003). After dividing the participants into three age groups, the youngest also suffered a decrease in the Locomotor subscale (p < 0.001) and their Total MCA (p = 0.04). In addition, those participants who had a higher MC at baseline decreased their scores for the Locomotor (p < 0.001) and Manipulative (p < 0.001) subscales, and for the Total MCA (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the younger children and the more motor proficient did not fully recover from the negative effects of the pandemic lockdown after two years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Motor Competence, Physical Activity and Health 2022)

Open AccessReview

The Metaverse: A New Challenge for the Healthcare System: A Scoping Review

Luca Petrigna

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Giuseppe Musumeci

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(3), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7030063 - 30 Aug 2022

Abstract

(1) Background: The metaverse is now a reality, and it interests the scientific community, the educational setting, and medical care. Considering the number of people in front of screens, especially children and adolescents, the metaverse could and should become a place of health promotion. Consequently, the objective of the present study was to review the current literature to detect articles that connected the metaverse with prevention and treatment, education and training, and research setting. (2) Methods: Articles were searched on Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus, including English-written papers published until 12 August 2022. They were screened against the eligibility criteria and discussed narratively. (3) Results: The literature published is poor; only 21 articles were included, and 11 of them were added in a second moment. These articles were mainly reviews of the literature or editorials. The aspects related to this virtual world in terms of health prevention and the treatment of clinical conditions, education and training, and research have been narratively discussed. (4) Conclusions: The metaverse could be considered a useful instrument to arrive easily and quickly to the population. Given its importance, today, different studies and investments are required to develop proper health promotion programs that are feasible and valid in the metaverse. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Analysis of Human Movement, Sport, and Health Promotion)

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Open AccessArticle

Dystrophin-Glycoprotein Complex Behavior in Sternocleidomastoid Muscle of High- and Low-Ranking Baboons: A Possible Phylogenetic Arrangement

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Giuseppe Pio Anastasi

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(3), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7030062 - 25 Aug 2022

Abstract

The dystrophin-glycoprotein complex is a multimeric system made up of the sarcoglycan sub-complex, the sarcomplasmatic complex and the dystroglycans complex. The sarcoglycan sub-complex stabilizes the sarcolemma during muscle activity and plays a role in force transduction. This protein system is also expressed in the muscle of non-human primates such as chimpanzees and baboons, and its expression changes depending on social ranking. In fact, previous data have shown that all muscle fibers of masseter and sternocleidomastoid muscles of chimpanzees and high- ranking baboons always express sarcoglycans, while middle- and low-ranking baboons are characterized by fibers that are negative for the sarcoglycan sub-complex. Given this information, the aim of the present work was to evaluate the expression of other proteins such as laminin, beta dystroglycan and dystrophin in the sternocleidomastoid muscle of high- and low-ranking baboons. The samples were processed by immunohistochemistry; results show that in high-ranking baboons, all tested proteins were always expressed while in low-ranking baboons, fibers that were negative for sarcoglycans and beta dystroglycan have been observed. No negative fibers for laminin and dystrophin have been found in low-ranking baboons suggesting that only the transmembrane proteins of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex change in their expression and that could be correlated to a phylogenetic arrangement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Musculoskeletal Disorders)

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Open AccessReview

Rationale and Feasibility of Resistance Training in hEDS/HSD: A Narrative Review

Hannah A. Zabriskie

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(3), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7030061 - 20 Aug 2022

Abstract

Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) are genetic conditions characterized by increased joint hypermobility, often in the presence of other signs or symptoms if syndromic. This hypermobility can result in significant pain and ultimately decreased participation in recreational or competitive activity. Rehabilitation of patients with hEDS/HSD is not well understood, particularly since presentation can be relatively heterogenous. Regardless, more research is needed, particularly regarding resistance training, to allow patients with hEDS/HSD to participate in the activities they enjoy. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the clinical features displayed by those with hEDS/HSD that have been found to be improved with resistance training in other populations, and to present the current evidence for resistance training in all types of study designs, ranging from case studies to randomized controlled trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Exercises in Musculoskeletal Disorders—5th Edition)

Open AccessArticle

Looped Elastic Resistance during Squats: How Do Band Position and Stiffness Affect Hip Myoelectric Activity?

Alessandro Haupenthal

and

Heiliane de Brito Fontana

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(3), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7030060 - 19 Aug 2022

Abstract

Looped elastic bands around the thigh are commonly used during squats and result in increased hip activation. Due to the closed kinetic chain nature of the squat exercise, one may expect that placing the elastic band on distal segments, close to the floor contact, may not result in the same increase in hip muscle activation as that achieved with a looped band around the thigh. We analyzed the effects of band position (thigh, lower leg, and forefoot) and band stiffness on the myoelectric activity of the tensor fascia latae, gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis during squats in 35 healthy subjects (18 men and 17 women). The greatest myoelectric activity of hip muscles was observed when the stiffest band was positioned around the forefeet with an increase in 24% for the tensor fascia latae, 83% for the gluteus medius, and 68% for the gluteus maximus compared to free (without resistance band) squatting. Contrary to previous thinking, the use of elastic bands around the forefeet during squats can elicit increased myoelectric activity of hip muscles, with a magnitude often greater than when the band is placed around the thigh segments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Evaluation and Prescription-3rd Edition)

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Open AccessArticle

Sympathetic Vagal Balance and Cognitive Performance in Young Adults during the NIH Cognitive Test

Jinhyun Lee

and

Richard K. Shields

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(3), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7030059 - 18 Aug 2022

Abstract

Compromised cognitive function is associated with increased mortality and increased healthcare costs. Autonomic nervous system arousal, as measured by an electrocardiogram (ECG), has received recent attention because of its association with the blood perfusion of brain regions involved with cognitive function. The purposes of this study were to determine whether the ECG HR variation, as measured by the standard deviation of the heart rate N-to-N intervals (SDNN), and sympathetic vagal tone, as estimated by the low-frequency/high-frequency ratio (LF/HF), are increased with cognitive performance during the NIH Cognitive Test (Picture Sequence, Dimensional Change Card Sort, Flanker, and List Sorting). A total of 62 young people without cognitive impairment participated in this study. We discovered that the ECG LF/HF ratio was increased in the top 50% of participants who could: (1) inhibit information and stay attentive to a desired task during the Flanker Test; (U = 329, p = 0.03; R² = 0.76); and (2) promote cognitive function flexibility during the DCCS Test; (U = 55, p = 0.007; R² = 0.98). Taken together, these findings support that the arousal level influences performance during a cognitive test. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

The Acute Effects of Different Wearable Resistance Loads Attached to the Forearm on Throwing Kinematics, Myoelectric Activity and Performance in Experienced Female Handball Players

Andrea Bao Fredriksen

and

Roland van den Tillaar

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(3), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7030058 - 17 Aug 2022

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of various loads attached to the forearm on throwing performance, kinematics and electromyography (EMG) activity in overarm throwing. A within-subjects design was used to evaluate thirteen experienced female handball players (age: 22.15 ± 2.82 years; height: 171.62 ± 7.68 cm; body mass: 73.35 ± 11.16 kg) who performed a penalty shot test with various loads attached to their forearms in three conditions: (1) no extra weight, (2) middle weight and (3) high weight. Performance together with 3D kinematics and EMG of eleven muscles were analyzed in Visual 3D (C-motion, Germantown, MD, USA) during the throw. The main findings were that peak velocity was affected (p = 0.004, ηp² = 0.37) but not accuracy (p = 0.47, ηp² = 0.06) when throwing with weights. However, there were no differences between the weights. Furthermore, EMG activity and most kinematics did not change with the added load; only the maximal angular elbow extension velocity increased (p ≤ 0.001, ηp² = 0.67), while the internal shoulder rotation velocity decreased with the load attached. We concluded that changes in throwing velocity were caused by the decrease in maximal angular internal shoulder rotation velocity. The increased maximal elbow extension velocity was probably caused by the increased moment of inertia of the forearm. Between mid and high weights, the load difference was probably too small to observe changes in kinematics due to the lower moment of inertia compared with studies that used heavier balls. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Evaluation and Prescription-3rd Edition)

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Open AccessArticle

Kinematic Evaluation of the Sagittal Posture during Walking in Healthy Subjects by 3D Motion Analysis Using DB-Total Protocol

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J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(3), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7030057 - 11 Aug 2022

Abstract

Posture can be evaluated by clinical and instrumental methods. Three-dimensional motion analysis is the gold standard for the static and dynamic postural assessment. Conventional stereophotogrammetric protocols are used to assess the posture of pelvis, hip, knee, ankle, trunk (considered as a single segment) and rarely head and upper limbs during walking. A few studies also analyzed the multi-segmental trunk and whole-body kinematics. Aim of our study was to evaluate the sagittal spine and the whole-body during walking in healthy subjects by 3D motion analysis using a new marker set. Fourteen healthy subjects were assessed by 3D-Stereophotogrammetry using the DB-Total protocol. Excursion Range, Absolute Excursion Range, Average, intra-subject Coefficient of Variation (CV) and inter-subject Standard Deviation Average (SD Average) of eighteen new kinematic parameters related to sagittal spine and whole-body posture were calculated. The analysis of the DB-Total parameters showed a high intra-subject (CV < 50%) and a high inter-subject (SD Average < 1) repeatability for the most of them. Kinematic curves and new additional values were reported. The present study introduced new postural values characterizing the sagittal spinal and whole-body alignment of healthy subjects during walking. DB-Total parameters may be useful for understanding multi-segmental body biomechanics and as a benchmark for pathological patterns. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Serum TSH and Daily Physical Activity in a Cohort of Nonagenarians: Results from the Mugello Study

Angela Di Baldassarre

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J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(3), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7030056 - 05 Aug 2022

Abstract

Background. The current literature does not furnish clear data concerning the relationship between thyroid function, sedentary time and daily physical activity (PA) in older adults with euthyroid condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of serum Thyrotropin-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), free Triiodothyronine (fT3) and free Thyroxine (fT4) with sedentary time and PA in a cohort of nonagenarians. Methods. A total of 108 nonagenarians (92.8 ± 3.2 years), participating in the Mugello Study, and with complete data on thyroid function, sedentary time, PA and sleeping (objectively collected through a multisensory device), were considered for the analysis. Results. Mainly, TSH negatively correlated with time spent lying down, and positively correlated with METs. fT4 levels were negatively associated with mean daily metabolic equivalents (METs) and with low-intensity PA practice (LIPAT), and positively associated with lying down and sleeping time. Similar results have been shown in the female sample. Mainly, participants with high-normal (third tertile) versus low-normal TSH (first tertile) had higher moderate-intensity PA (MIPAT) (p = 0.03). In the female sample, first TSH tertile had higher METs (p = 0.010), LIPAT (p = 0.02), MIPAT (p = 0.01) and lower time lying down (p = 0.04) than third TSH tertile. Conclusion. High-normal serum TSH and low-normal fT4 are associated with higher levels and intensity of daily PA, together with higher MIPAT continuity, in the oldest-old. Full article

Open AccessArticle

Glycosaminoglycan, Antimicrobial Defence Molecule and Cytokine Appearance in Tracheal Hyaline Cartilage of Healthy Humans

Arina Deņisova

Māra Pilmane

and

Pavlo Fedirko

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(3), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7030055 - 21 Jul 2022

Abstract

Hyaline cartilage is an important tracheal structure, yet little is known about its molecular composition, complicating investigation of pathologies and replacement options. Our aim was to research tracheal hyaline cartilage structure, protective tissue factors and variations in healthy humans. The tissue material was obtained from 10 cadavers obtained from the Riga Stradins University Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology archive. Tissues were stained with Bismarck brown and PAS for glycosaminoglycans, and immunohistochemistry was performed for HBD-2, HBD-3, HBD-4, IL-10 and LL-37. The slides were inspected by light microscopy and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was calculated. The extracellular matrix was positive across hyaline cartilage for PAS, yet Bismarck brown marked positive proliferation and growth zones. Numerous positive cells for both factors were found in all zones. All of the antimicrobial defence molecules and cytokines were found in a moderate number of cells, except in the mature cell zone with few positive cells. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient revealed strong and moderate correlations between studied factors. Hyaline cartilage is a tracheal defence structure with a moderate number of antimicrobial defence protein and cytokine immunoreactive cells as well as numerous glycosaminoglycan positive cells. The extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycans provide structural scaffolding and intercellular signalling. The correlations between the studied factors confirm the synergistic activity of them. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Durations at Fixed Intensity Exercise on Internal Load and Recovery—A Feasibility Pilot Study on Duration as an Independent Variable for Exercise Prescription

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J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(3), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7030054 - 21 Jul 2022

Abstract

Duration is a rarely investigated marker of exercise prescription. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of the methodological approach, assessing effects of different duration constant-load exercise (CLE) on physiological responses (internal load) and recovery kinetics. Seven subjects performed an [...] Read more.

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, and CLE’s at 20%, 40%, and 70% of maximum duration. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate (La), and glucose (Glu) concentrations were measured. Before, 4, 24, and 48 h after CLE’s, submaximal IE tests were performed. HR variability (HRV) was assessed in orthostatic tests (OT). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was obtained during all tests. CLE’s were performed at 182 ± 27 W. HR_peak, La_peak,

\dot{V} E_{peak}

, and RPE_peak were significantly higher in CLE’s with longer duration. No significant differences were found between CLE’s for recovery kinetics for HR, La, and Glu in the submaximal IE and for HRV or OT. Despite no significant differences, recovery kinetics were found as expected, indicating the feasibility of the applied methods. Maximum tests and recovery tests closer to CLE’s termination are suggested to better display recovery kinetics. These findings are a first step to prescription of exercise by both intensity and duration on an individual basis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Evaluation and Prescription-3rd Edition)

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Open AccessSystematic Review

Proprioceptive and Dual-Task Training: The Key of Stroke Rehabilitation, A Systematic Review

Rita Chiaramonte

Marco Bonfiglio

Pierfrancesco Leonforte

Giovanna Loriana Coltraro

Claudia Savia Guerrera

and

Michele Vecchio

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(3), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7030053 - 07 Jul 2022

Abstract

This systematic review aims to reveal the effectiveness of proprioceptive exercise combined with dual-task training in stroke patients. The research was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus databases to evaluate studies of rehabilitation interventions with proprioceptive and dual-task exercises in patients with stroke. The keywords for the search were: “stroke” AND “proprioception” OR “proprioceptive” AND “rehabilitation” OR “training” OR “exercises” AND “dual-task” OR “task-performance” with the following inclusion criteria: comparative studies of rehabilitation interventions with proprioceptive and dual-task exercises in stroke patients. Of the 104,014 studies identified, 23 were included according to the inclusion criteria. Proprioceptive and dual-task exercises stimulate and promote postural balance, gait, and quality of life and reduce the risk of falls in stroke patients compared with traditional rehabilitation programs. In conclusion, this systematic review suggests that proprioceptive exercise combined with dual-task training is needed to improve balance and recover gait. Moreover, it provides a comprehensive overview of the literature on the various proprioceptive treatments with contextual dual-task exercises for imbalance after stroke, providing a guide for choosing a complete rehabilitation protocol that combines these two techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Gait and Posture)

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