Search Results (288)

Background/Objectives: Sarcopenia is now recognized as a frequent and disabling accompaniment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), although structured screening approaches are still rarely applied in everyday practice. The SARC-F questionnaire offers a simple, validated, patient-reported tool for sarcopenia screening, but its performance in RA remains largely unexplored. We aimed to evaluate the burden of sarcopenia risk, defined by abnormal SARC-F scores (≥4), and its clinical correlates in RA compared with age- and sex-matched controls. Methods: We conducted an observational case–control study including 275 RA patients (69.5% women) aged >50 years and 300 matched controls. Clinical, laboratory, and patient-reported outcomes were recorded. Sarcopenia risk was assessed using SARC-F (cutoff ≥ 4). RA patients also underwent grip strength and gait speed testing. Multivariable regression analyses were used to identify independent correlates of abnormal SARC-F results. Results: A SARC-F score ≥ 4 was observed in 26.9% of RA patients. Compared with controls, the burden was significantly higher in women with RA (34.0% vs. 24.7%, p < 0.05) but not in men (10.7% vs. 15.0%). Within the RA cohort, abnormal SARC-F was independently associated with female sex (OR 3.14, 95% CI 1.24–7.95) and higher RAPID3 scores (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.18–1.33). More than half of RA patients exhibited low grip strength, with partial overlap with SARC-F findings. Conclusions: The SARC-F questionnaire revealed a notable burden of sarcopenia risk in RA, particularly among women. Combined with simple grip strength testing, it offers a feasible, low-cost approach to case finding, directly applicable in routine rheumatology practice. Incorporating this strategy may enhance recognition and management of sarcopenia in RA. Full article

Background: Sarcopenia, characterized by loss of muscle mass, strength, and function, reduces independence and quality of life in older adults. Strength exercise (STR) mitigates these age-related declines, but evidence of short-term effectiveness remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of eight weeks of STR on body composition, muscle strength, and psycho-emotional state in community-dwelling elderly women. Methods: A prospective, controlled, non-randomized study included 44 women assigned to an STR (n = 20) or control (CON, n = 22) group. The STR group performed supervised exercise twice weekly for eight weeks. The outcomes were body composition, handgrip strength (HGS), quadriceps (Q) and hamstrings (H) strength, and perceived stress (PSS-10), assessed at baseline and after intervention. Within-group changes were analyzed using paired t-tests, and between-group differences were evaluated using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) adjusted for baseline values. Results: After baseline adjustment, body mass (p = 0.041, partial η² = 0.103), BMI (body mass index, p = 0.030, partial η² = 0.115), and body fat percentage (p = 0.047, partial η² = 0.098) were significantly reduced in the STR group. Significant improvements were observed for H strength in both legs (p < 0.05, partial η² = 0.128–0.131), right HGS (p = 0.025, partial η² = 0.122), right HGS:BMI ratio (p = 0.013, partial η² = 0.150), and H:Q ratios on both sides (p < 0.05, partial η² = 0.109–0.118). No significant differences were observed for left-hand grip strength, knee extensor strength, or other body composition variables (p > 0.05). The perceived stress scores were significantly lower in the STR group post-intervention (p = 0.036, partial η² = 0.108). Conclusions: An eight-week supervised strength exercise program was associated with favorable changes in muscle strength, body composition, and psycho-emotional state in elderly women. Full article

Cell phone use has become ubiquitous in everyday life for many, yet the potential long-term impacts on hand biomechanics remain unknown. A review was performed on the topic of handheld device use and biomechanics of the hand to identify common findings as well as gaps in the literature. A literature search was performed using several databases and a comprehensive search strategy using controlled keywords was designed. A total of 1556 studies were screened, and 28 studies examining handheld device use were included. A total of 2173 individuals participated in the included studies where cell phone (n = 23) and tablet (n = 5) usage were examined, focusing on the kinematics (n = 17), muscles (n = 13), joints (n = 2), nerves (n = 4), and tendons (n = 1) of the hand. Handheld device use placed the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints in extreme positions of abduction, as well as wrist extension and ulnar deviation. Increased muscle activity of the first dorsal interossei, extensor digitorum communis, and abductor pollicis brevis was demonstrated while using a handheld cellular device. Studies also suggested that handheld device use is powered by the thumb CMC and MCP joints, as well as intrinsic musculature. Thus, individuals could consider operating handheld devices with a two-hand grip, minimizing device size/weight, or using the index finger or voice texting to decrease muscular fatigue and offload joints. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate the long-term effects of cell phone use on the hand and wrist. Full article

In this work, the influence of glass fibers on the performance of the injection molding process for a PA6-based AR15/M4 grip was investigated numerically. The process was realistically modeled using Autodesk Moldflow Insight for different glass fiber percentages (0 wt%, 15 wt%, 30 wt%, 45 wt%). The simulation results were evaluated, including the temperature distribution, flow time, pressure drop, pumping power, volumetric shrinkage and warpage displacement. The findings indicate that, with 15 wt% glass fibers, the material exhibits the shortest fill period (0.62 s) and the lowest pressure drop (0.0061 MPa) and power consumption (0.000433 kW), indicating maximum flow efficiency. On the other hand, a 30 wt% GF setup exhibited the largest volumetric shrinkage (17.76% at most) and warpage (Y: 1.213 mm), even though it had better thermal conductivity. The 45 wt% GF material exhibited the lowest amount of shrinkage and distortion but led to a greater energy consumption compared to 30 wt% GF. Overall, the 15 wt% GF grade provided the highest average process efficiency and dimensional accuracy; therefore, it is the most appropriate grade for precision molded firearm components. Full article

Background/Objectives: Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a genetic neurodegenerative disease characterized by severe muscle weakness and atrophy. Advances in disease-modifying therapies have dramatically changed the natural history of SMA and the outcome measures that are used to assess the clinical response to therapy. Standard assessment methods for SMA are limited in their ability to detect minor changes in fine motor abilities and in patients’ daily functions. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary use of the Touchscreen-Assessment Tool (TATOO) alongside standardized tools to detect changes in upper extremity motor function among individuals with SMA receiving nusinersen therapy. Methods: Thirteen individuals with genetically-confirmed SMA, aged 6–23 years, eight with SMA type 2, and five with SMA type 3, participated. The patients continued the maintenance dosing of nusinersen during the study period. They were evaluated at the onset of the study, then twice more at intervals at least six months apart. Upper extremity functional assessments were performed via the TATOO and standardized tools: the Hand Grip Dynamometer (HGD), Pinch Dynamometer (PD), Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM), and Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT). Results: Significant changes in fine motor function were detected using the TATOO together with other standardized tools. Participants demonstrated notable improvements in hand grip strength and fine motor performance, as measured by the NHPT. The RULM results were not statistically significant for the total study group, particularly in ambulatory patients with SMA type 3. TATOO provided detailed metrics, and revealed enhancements in accuracy and speed across various tasks. However, given the small sample size, the lack of a control group, and the lack of baseline assessment before receiving therapy, these findings should be considered preliminary and exploratory. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the TATOO, alongside traditional assessment tools, offers a sensitive measure of fine motor function changes in patients with SMA. This study highlights the potential of touchscreen-based assessments to address gaps in current outcome measures and emphasizes the need for larger, multicenter studies that will include pre-treatment, baseline, and control data. Full article

Tires are composed of various rubber polymers and reinforcing carcasses, and their wet skid resistance is influenced by the coupled effects of multiple factors. The braking force coefficient (BFC) is the primary performance indicator for evaluating tire wet skid resistance. This study proposes a novel method for evaluating the BFC of tires by integrating laboratory-simulated wet road tests with finite element simulations. A 295/60R22.5 all-steel radial tire was selected as the test object, and the simulation results showed good agreement with the experimental data, with a BFC error of 7.14%. This consistency confirms the reliability and accuracy of the proposed model in predicting tire wet grip performance. This study also investigated the effects of different working conditions of the tested tire on the BFC. The results showed that the wet grip performance of the tire on wet concrete surfaces was significantly lower than that on wet asphalt surfaces. Specifically, the BFC increased with the increase in braking slip ratio, decreased slightly with the rise in tire inflation pressure, and exhibited relatively low sensitivity to vertical load variations. All these results demonstrate that this integrated evaluation method provides targeted guidance for the mechanical performance optimization of tire tread rubber composites. Full article

Background: The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) has proven to be a valuable tool for providing a more comprehensive health evaluation of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) recipients. Methods: We prospectively developed and tested a new Simplified Geriatric Score-4 (SGS-4) on 135 consecutive patients aged ≥50 years who underwent allo-SCT between 2020 and 2023. Each CGA component was individually analyzed for its association with overall survival (OS), non-relapse mortality (NRM), and cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR). Then, we performed a two-factor analysis (FA) using oblimin rotation and Bartlett estimation on all CGA components and sex. Based on component weights, a simplified geriatric score-4 score (SGS-4) was created: [Gait Speed] + 2 × [Hand Grip] + Geriatric 8 + 1.5 × [Sex]. ROC analysis defined three fitness groups, frail (≤13), prefrail (>13–22.5), and fit (>22.5). Results: Reduced hand grip strength and impaired mini mental state examination (MMSE) were associated with worse OS and higher NRM. Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13) and Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL) scores also indicated poorer OS, though with uneven group sizes. Other CGA domains and the Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation–Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) showed no significant prognostic value. The SGS-4 effectively stratified patients into three fitness groups, with those in the frail category experiencing lower OS and an increased risk of relapse. Conclusions: The new Simplified Geriatric Score-4 (SGS-4) based on three CGA domains (gait speed, hand grip, Geriatric 8) and sex effectively predicts OS and CIR risk in patients aged ≥50 years undergoing allo-SCT. The study’s small sample size and disease heterogeneity warrant further validation in larger cohorts. Full article

As a key piece of equipment in badminton, the surface treatment technology of rackets has garnered significant attention in the fields of material science and sports engineering. This study is the first to systematically review research on racket coatings, integrating interdisciplinary knowledge on the classification of functional coatings, their performance-enhancing principles, and their relationship with competitive levels, thereby addressing a gap in theoretical research in this field. This study focuses on four major functional coating systems: superhydrophobic coatings (to improve environmental adaptability and reduce air resistance), anti-scratch coatings (to prolong the life of the equipment), vibration-damping coatings (to optimise vibration damping performance), and strength-enhancing coatings (to safeguard structural stability). In badminton, differences in player skill levels and usage scenarios lead to variations in racket materials, which, in turn, result in different preparation processes and performance effects. The use of vibration-damping materials alleviates the impact force on the wrist, effectively preventing sports injuries caused by prolonged training; leveraging the aerodynamic properties of superhydrophobic technology enhances racket swing speed, thereby improving hitting power and accuracy. From the perspective of performance optimization, coating technology improves athletic performance in three ways: nanocomposite coatings enhance the fatigue resistance of the racket frame; customized damping layers reduce muscle activation delays; and surface energy regulation technology improves grip stability. Challenges remain in the industrial application of environmentally friendly water-based coatings and the evaluation system for coating lifespan under multi-field coupling conditions. Future research should integrate intelligent algorithms to construct a tripartite optimization system of “racket-coating-user” and utilize digital sports platforms to analyze its mechanism of influence on professional athletes’ tactical choices, providing a theoretical paradigm and technical roadmap for the targeted development of next-generation smart badminton rackets. Full article

Background/Objectives: Trigger finger is a common cause of hand pain and functional limitation. Although open A1 pulley release remains the standard surgical treatment, ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle release (UGPR) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative. This study aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness and safety of UGPR with open surgery. Methods: In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, 146 patients with Green stage 2–4 trigger finger were randomly assigned to UGPR (n = 75) or open release (n = 71). Pain (VAS), functional status (QuickDASH), and symptom severity (Nirschl Phase Rating) were assessed preoperatively and at postoperative day 3, 1, 6, and 12 months. Grip strength was measured with a digital pinchmeter, and ultrasonographic evaluation of A1 pulley and flexor tendon thickness was performed preoperatively and at 12 months. Subgroup analyses were conducted to address the imbalance in thumb distribution. Results: Both groups showed significant postoperative improvements in VAS, QuickDASH, and Nirschl scores (p < 0.05 for intragroup comparisons), with no significant differences between groups at 12 months (p > 0.05). At the one-year follow-up, grip strength was significantly greater in the UGPR group (p = 0.008). Ultrasonographic evaluation revealed greater MCP tendon thickness in UGPR, without clinical impact. Subgroup analyses confirmed comparable functional outcomes in thumb-only and non-thumb cases. Four revisions occurred in the UGPR group (incomplete release, recurrent tenosynovitis, flexor tendon rupture, and neurovascular injury), while none were observed in the open group. Conclusions: UGPR and open release provide comparable long-term outcomes in the treatment of trigger finger. UGPR offers the advantages of being minimally invasive and preserving grip strength, although it carries a small risk of incomplete release and procedure-related complications. Patient preference, surgeon expertise, and digit type should guide treatment selection. Full article

Background: Up to 40% of people with hypertension (HTN) develop mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease during their lifetime. This study aimed to compare physical and cognitive performance in older adults, classified as non-HTN or with HTN, under single-task (ST) and dual-task (DT) conditions. Methods: In total, 46 individuals (71 ± 5.96 years), divided equally into non-HTN and HTN groups, participated. Normality of the data was tested using the Shapiro–Wilk test. In this cross-sectional study, groups were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test applied to non-parametric variables and the independent samples t-test applied to parametric ones. Physical and cognitive functions were evaluated using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), HandGrip Strength (HGS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and the L-Test, both in ST and DT conditions (with arithmetic tasks). Results: Significant differences were observed between groups in MoCA and the physical performance of SPPB, TUG, and L-Test under ST. In the DT condition, differences were found in the physical performance of TUG, L-test, and SPPB total score as well as in different components such as the 3 m walk and the Sit to Stand (STS). Regarding physical–cognitive interference, there was a statistically significant difference in the SPPB dual task cost between the HTN and non-HTN groups. Conclusions: Individuals with HTN exhibit impairments compared to non-HTN individuals in physical performance under DT conditions as well as in physical–cognitive interference. Static balance and HGS appear unaffected; however, differences are evident in gait (TUG and L-Test) and lower-limb strength (STS). Full article

Background: Hand function is critical for daily living, occupational performance, and sports. Optimal training approaches for healthy adults remain unclear. Objective: To evaluate the effects of hand-focused strength and proprioceptive training on grip strength, pinch strength, manual dexterity, maximum voluntary contraction, joint position sense, and force sense in healthy younger and older adults. Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL and registers were searched until July 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults (≥18 years) without upper limb dysfunction. Studies with clinical populations, single-session interventions, or lacking pre–post outcome data were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Random-effects meta-analyses (Hedges’ g) pooled pre–post change score differences for each outcome; subgroup analyses examined age, training type, and comparator. Results: Twenty-two RCTs (n = 1017 participants; 19–78 years) met the inclusion criteria. Strength and proprioceptive training produced a small-to-moderate improvement in grip strength (g = 0.44, 95% CI [0.23–0.64], 95%PI [–0.09, 0.96]) and a large improvement in manual dexterity (g = 1.11, 95% CI [0.52–1.71], 95%PI [–0.01, 2.23]). Effects on pinch strength were positive but non-significant (g = 0.63, 95% CI [–0.09–1.35], 95%PI [–1.38, 2.63]) and showed substantial heterogeneity. Moderator analyses indicated greater effects in older adults (g = 0.97) compared to younger adults (g = 0.18). Strength-only protocols showed significant effects, while combined protocols yielded smaller, non-significant effects; however, the difference between them was not statistically significant. Effects were also larger when compared with passive controls than with untrained hands. Limitations: Evidence quality was limited by high risk of bias, measurement variability, and small study numbers for some outcomes. Conclusions: Strength-focused hand training, particularly in older adults, yields meaningful improvements in grip strength and dexterity. Further high-quality RCTs are needed for under-studied outcomes. Full article

The interaction between equine hooves and various ground surfaces is a critical factor for injury prevention and performance in modern equestrian sports. Accurate measurement of surface grip is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of different hoof protection systems. This study introduces the Vienna Grip Tester (VGT), a novel sensor-based device developed to quantify rotational resistance—an important parameter for assessing hoof–surface interaction. The VGT utilizes a torque wrench and spring-loaded mechanism to simulate lateral hoof movements under a standardized vertical load (~700 N), enabling objective grip measurements across different conditions. Twenty combinations of hoof protection (barefoot, traditional iron shoe, and two glue-on models) and surfaces (sand, sand with fiber at 25 °C and −18 °C, frozen sand, and turf) were tested, yielding 305 torque measurements. Statistical analysis (repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction) revealed significant differences in grip among surface types and hoof protection systems. Frozen surfaces (SDAF (31 ± 8.9 Nm and SDF 33 ± 8.7 Nm, p < 0.001) exhibited the highest grip, while dry sand (SDA (18.3 ± 3.3 Nm, p < 0.001) showed the lowest. Glue-on shoes (glue-on grip, 26 ± 10 Nm; glue-on, 25 ± 10 Nm) consistently provided superior grip compared to traditional or unshod hooves (bare hoof, 21 ± 7 Nm). These results validate the VGT as a reliable and practical tool for measuring hoof–surface grip, with potential applications in injury prevention, hoof protection development, and surface optimization in equestrian sports. Full article

Background/Objective: Malnutrition and sarcopenia are common complications after ischemic stroke and have a negative impact on prognosis. The C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) reflects both inflammation and nutritional status, but its predictive role in this setting has not been widely studied. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of CAR (C-reactive protein/albumin ratio) for malnutrition risk and probable sarcopenia in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: In this prospective observational study, 197 patients with acute ischemic stroke were evaluated. Patients with chronic renal or hepatic failure, malignancy, active infection, and hand disability preventing grip strength measurement were excluded. Demographic data (age, sex), vascular risk factors, the NIHSS score, and laboratory parameters were recorded. The nutritional status of patients was assessed using the Nutritional Risk Screening-2002 (NRS-2002), and sarcopenia risk was evaluated with the SARC-F questionnaire. Handgrip strength was measured in patients with high SARC-F scores to define probable sarcopenia. CAR was calculated from serum CRP and albumin levels. Logistic regression was applied to identify independent predictors, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to determine the discriminatory ability and cut-off values of CAR. The nutritional status of patients admitted to the neurology clinic with acute ischemic stroke was assessed using the Nutritional Risk Screening-2002 (NRS-2002), and sarcopenia risk was evaluated with the SARC-F questionnaire. Handgrip strength was measured in patients with high SARC-F scores to define probable sarcopenia. CAR was calculated from serum CRP and albumin levels. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed. Results: Malnutrition risk was identified in 32.5% of patients, and probable sarcopenia was identified in 19.3% of patients. ROC analysis showed that CAR had acceptable discriminatory power for both conditions. In multivariate analysis, CAR was consistently identified as an independent predictor of malnutrition risk and possible sarcopenia. ROC analysis for malnutrition risk showed an AUC of 0.750 (cut-off: 0.306; sensitivity 68.8%; specificity 75.2%). In regression analysis, CAR (OR = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.39–3.26; p < 0.001), age (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02–1.09; p = 0.003), and NIHSS (OR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.01–1.23; p = 0.026) were independent predictors. For probable sarcopenia, ROC analysis revealed an AUC of 0.814 (cut-off: 0.320; sensitivity 81.6%; specificity 71.7%). Multivariate analysis identified CAR (OR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.19–2.52; p = 0.004), age (OR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.05–1.18; p < 0.001), and NIHSS (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.05–1.35; p = 0.007) as independent predictors. Conclusions: CAR was identified as an independent predictor of both malnutrition risk and probable sarcopenia in ischemic stroke patients. CAR may serve as a reliable biomarker for early nutritional and functional risk stratification in clinical practice. Full article

Background: Muscle health is an emerging concept linked to physical performance and functional independence. However, the term lacks a standardized definition and is often used as a broad muscle-related outcome descriptor. Clinical communication and research would benefit from a conceptual model of muscle health grounded in an established framework. Methods: We conducted systematic search and narrative synthesis to identify multifactorial measurement approaches explicitly described under ‘muscle health’. PubMed and CINAHL were searched for clinical and randomized controlled trials published in the past 5 years (final search: March 2025) that used the term “muscle health.” Studies were reviewed for explicit definitions of “muscle health,” and all identified outcomes (e.g., strength, mass) and measurement tools (e.g., grip strength, ultrasound) were synthesized. This review was retrospectively registered (INPLASY202580069). Results: Of the 65 clinical or randomized controlled trials that met inclusion criteria, 29 provided an operational definition of ‘muscle health’, while 36 inferred measurements without a clear definition. The identified measurements spanned four primary categories, with body composition/muscle mass being the most common (92.3%), followed by muscle performance (78.5%), physical function (63.1%), and tissue composition (30.8%). Most studies included more than one muscle health metric (93.9%). Common assessment methods included DXA (44.6%), grip strength (64.6%), and gait speed (27.7%). Conclusions: While there are common measurement approaches, the definition of muscle health varies widely in the cited works. The framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, was used to identify domains aligned with muscle health components of muscle morphology/morphometry (e.g., mass and composition), functional status (performance-based tasks), and physical capacity (muscle performance). This framework provides a structured basis for evaluating muscle health in research and clinical practice. Consistent use of these domains could enhance assessment and support efforts to standardize testing and interpretation across settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Children with DS are at an increased risk of obesity and impaired motor performance. This study aimed to compare body composition and motor performance in children with DS and typically developing (TD) peers and to explore associations between adiposity and motor function. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 42 children aged 6–12 years (23 DS, 19 TD). Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Postural stability was evaluated with the Pediatric Balance Scale; hand grip strength with hand dynamometry; physical activity with the PAQ-C; and aerobic endurance with the YMCA 3 min step test. Results: Children with DS exhibited significantly higher adiposity and lower motor performance than their TD peers. In the DS group, body fat mass was negatively correlated with physical activity (r = –0.499, p = 0.018), balance (r = –0.684, p < 0.001), and aerobic endurance (r = –0.389, p < 0.073). Regression analysis identified physical activity and fitness level as significant predictors of BMI in children with DS (R² = 0.825). Conclusions: Children with DS exhibit higher adiposity and inferior motor performance compared to their TD peers, with strong associations between adiposity and reduced physical activity, balance, and aerobic endurance. These findings underscore the importance of early targeted interventions to improve health outcomes in children with DS, particularly in regions like Saudi Arabia, where prevalence is high. Full article