Search Results (110)

Introduction: Cross-country running performance is influenced by a complex interaction of physiological, biomechanical, and morphological factors. Recently, infrared thermography (IRT) has emerged as a non-invasive method to assess skin temperature (TSK) and detect potential asymmetries associated with neuromuscular status, fatigue, and injury risk. However, limited evidence exists regarding its relationship with competitive performance in endurance athletes. Methods: An observational study, conducted with STROBE guidelines, included 24 national-level cross-country athletes competing in the 2026 Spanish National Championships. Pre-competition assessments comprised bilateral thermographic analysis of the anterior and posterior thigh and leg regions, alongside some anthropometric measurements (thigh and leg circumferences) following ISAK standards. Performance was evaluated using official race times. Independent t-tests and linear regression models were applied to assess sex differences and associations between variables. Results: No significant sex differences were observed in thigh circumference, whereas males presented significantly greater leg volume (right p = 0.020; left p = 0.042). Thermographic analysis showed no differences in bilateral thermal asymmetry (ΔTSK) between sex quadriceps (p = 0.077), hamstrings (p = 0.695), shins (p = 0.510), and calves (p = 0.194); however, higher absolute temperatures were observed in males in specific thigh regions (right anterior p = 0.039, right posterior p = 0.015, left posterior p = 0.020). Males achieved significantly faster race times during the first four laps, t1 (p ≤ 0.001), t2 (p = 0.002), t3 (p = 0.002), and t4 (p = 0.008), but there was no difference in the fifth lap, t5 (p = 0.179). Statistically significant correlations were observed between temperature differences in the various anatomical regions and competition results during the first four laps, in three of the four regions analyzed (anterior thigh p = 0.035, posterior thigh p = 0.010, anterior leg p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: Pre-competition thermal asymmetry of the lower limbs appears to be negatively associated with endurance performance, potentially reflecting suboptimal neuromuscular status or incomplete recovery. IRT represents a practical and sensitive tool for monitoring athletes’ physiological readiness. Full article

Background/Objectives: Well-leg compartment syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication associated with the lithotomy position during pelvic or lower abdominal surgery. While previous studies have examined this condition in specific surgical fields, comprehensive studies focusing on minimally invasive surgery, including laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery, have not been conducted. This scoping review aimed to summarize the latest evidence on this condition, identify risk factors, and evaluate prevention strategies. Methods: This scoping review was conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL. Data were extracted from studies focusing on patients who underwent minimally invasive surgery in the lithotomy position. Results: A total of 25 studies, including cohort studies and case reports, were included. The majority of cases were observed in procedures exceeding 4 h in duration, with a notable prevalence in the left lower extremity during gastrointestinal surgical procedures. Fasciotomy was required in the majority of reported cases. Risk factors included high body mass index, large calf circumference, prolonged operative time, peripheral vascular disease, and specific surgical positions such as head-down or head-down plus right-sided tilting. Preventive measures included intraoperative lower limb pressure monitoring, leg positioning, use of improved support devices, and reduction of operative time in the lithotomy position. Conclusions: This review identified key risk factors and preventive measures for compartment syndrome of the unaffected lower limb in minimally invasive pelvic surgery. However, evidence for minimally invasive surgery is limited, and standardized guidelines do not exist. Further multicenter studies are needed to establish optimal preventive measures and improve patient safety. Full article

Conventional anthropometric measures used to predict dyslipidemia, such as body mass index and waist circumference, vary over time and may not fully capture early-life influences on metabolic risk. Fixed skeletal proportions, including limb length ratios, remain stable after physical maturity and may reflect developmental exposures relevant to lipid metabolism. This study examined the association between the upper arm–to–upper leg length ratio (UA/UL), a fixed skeletal proportion metric with established links to diabetes risk and dyslipidemia; this represents an application not previously reported in a nationally representative U.S. population. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of adults aged ≥20 years using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–March 2020 (n = 7569). The UA/UL ratio was calculated from standardized upper arm and upper leg length measurements and categorized into quartiles based on the weighted sample distribution. Dyslipidemia was defined according to National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria or current lipid-lowering medication use. Survey-weighted logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) across progressively adjusted models. Dyslipidemia prevalence increased across UA/UL quartiles (58.4% in Q1 to 81.3% in Q4; p < 0.001). In unadjusted analyses, individuals in the highest UA/UL quartile had greater odds of dyslipidemia compared with the lowest quartile (OR 3.10, 95% CI 2.49–3.86). Associations remained significant after adjustment for demographic factors and for anthropometric measures considered separately. However, the association was attenuated and no longer statistically significant in fully adjusted models that included demographics, adiposity measures, hypertension, and diabetes. In sex-stratified analyses, the association was attenuated and no longer statistically significant in either sex after full adjustment; formal interaction testing confirmed no significant effect modification by sex (p-for-interaction = 0.943). Full article

Background/Objectives: Previous studies have compared nutritional deficiency parameters in patients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs) to healthy individuals or those with unrelated conditions. This single-center study assessed blood levels of factors involved in ulcer healing and compared patients with VLUs to those with chronic venous insufficiency without ulcers. Methods: A total of 24 patients were included: 17 with VLUs formed the study group, and 7 with lower-limb venous insufficiency without ulcers served as controls. Disease severity was assessed using the CEAP classification, and all participants underwent ankle–brachial index (ABI) measurement. Venous blood samples were analyzed for selected vitamins, proteins, ions, protein electrophoresis, and amino acid profiles. Results: Strong correlations were identified (r > 0.5 or r < −0.5), some of which were statistically significant. Positive associations in the study group included BMI with waist circumference (r = 0.85, p < 0.05), tyrosine with proline (r = 0.84, p < 0.05), and valine with leucine (r = 0.82, p < 0.05). Negative correlations included albumin with folic acid (r = −0.73, p < 0.05), albumin with vitamin B6 (r = −0.71, p < 0.05), and folic acid with waist circumference (r = −0.65, p < 0.05). No significant differences in blood concentrations were observed between groups. Conclusions: Statistically significant correlations were observed between selected biochemical parameters, including albumin and alpha-1 globulins, as well as amino acid and vitamin concentrations, in both patients with VLUs and controls with chronic venous insufficiency without ulcers. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and clarify their relevance to venous leg ulcers. Full article

Introduction: Venous leg ulcers are the most severe manifestation of chronic venous insufficiency, and their treatment is based on compression therapy, whose effectiveness depends on the magnitude of the pressure and the biomechanical properties of the system. Doubts persist about the actual correlation between interface pressure, bandage stiffness and clinical outcomes in real-world practice. Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy and biomechanical behavior of different multicomponent compression systems in venous leg ulcers, analyzing the relationship between interface pressure, static stiffness, edema reduction and variation in the wound area. Methodology: This is a prospective, observational and multicenter study in six districts/health areas of Andalusia, in adults with active venous ulcers attended by Advanced Practice Nurses in Complex Chronic Wounds. Several multi-component compression systems were applied, and interface pressure was monitored using Tight Alright^® at three points on the leg for 96 h, recording final pressure, static stiffness, perimeters and ulcer area. Results: All systems achieved a reduction in leg circumference, more marked at the proximal points, evidencing an overall decongestant effect. The correlation between final pressure and edema reduction was weak, and relevant differences were observed in the reduction in ulcer area, with Urgo K2 and CPK Compress 2 standing out with decreases of more than 50% compared to medium or low yields of other systems with comparable pressures. The static stiffness analysis showed specific patterns according to system and leg size, as well as a heterogeneous longitudinal distribution of pressure. Conclusions: The efficacy of compression in venous ulcers depends on both the interface pressure and the design and biomechanical behavior of the system, with clinically relevant differences between multicomponent dressings. Multipoint pressure and stiffness monitoring provides useful information to optimize system selection and support decisions based on biomechanical parameters and standardized clinical outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body; it is frequently ruptured during sports and other dynamic physical activities. The purpose of this study was to compare recovery patterns over time between injuries to the dominant (DMT) and non-dominant (NDMT) limbs, and to examine differences in the limb symmetry index (LSI) for the uninjured side. Methods: This study includes a retrospective analysis of individuals who completed a standard rehabilitation program for 12 months and had regular checkups every three months. The study sample comprised 17 patients with DMT injuries and 17 patients with NDMT injuries, all active male recreational participants who underwent surgical repair of an Achilles tendon rupture. Outcome measures included dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), calf circumference, plantarflexion strength, hop test performance, and the Y-Balance Test (YBT). Results: Both groups demonstrated continuous, progressive improvement in ROM, plantarflexion strength, hop test distance, and YBT scores, showing a significant main effect of time (p < 0.05). Although DMT showed greater strength than NDMT at 6 and 9 months, this difference was no longer significant at 12 months (p > 0.05). In all three YBT directions, the DMT group achieved greater reach distances than the NDMT group at 12 months (p < 0.05). At the final follow-up, both groups exceeded 90% LSI in ROM, calf circumference, plantarflexion strength, and hop performance (p < 0.05). However, in the YBT, only the DMT group surpassed 90% LSI, whereas the NDMT group showed poorer recovery. Conclusions: ROM, calf circumference, and muscle strength ultimately showed no significant differences between groups, but dynamic balance recovery was superior in the DMT group. These findings suggest that clinicians and rehabilitation specialists should consider leg dominance when designing rehabilitation programs. Full article

Elderly patients with femoral fractures need specific rehabilitation after surgery that aims to improve their self-reliance and life quality, reducing their mortality rate. Although worsening patient body composition increased the risk of an unfavourable prognosis, it remains unclear whether evaluating bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) parameters can predict any functional recovery. A longitudinal design was conducted on 45 elders (84.59 ± 7.18 years, 75.6% female) who underwent femoral surgery to examine BIA features as rehabilitation biomarkers. The patient’s body composition, assessed by anthropometry and bioimpedance analysis (BIA), and self-reliance were evaluated three times during follow-up in both healthy and surgical lower limbs. The ANCOVA test, adjusted for gender and side of surgery, found improvements in daily living activities, while only thigh circumferences decreased over time. Regarding the BIA, the surgical leg showed a wider decrement in bioelectrical resistance (R), whereas the bioelectric reactance (Xc) exhibited similar trends. Females who underwent surgery on their dominant leg showed significant changes (p < 0.001) in bioimpedance vectorial analysis (BIVA), with a linear trend from baseline to postoperative time, while males exhibited beneficial variations only between baseline and time 2 (p < 0.01). Geriatric patients exhibit characteristic traits that require additional attention. BIA may be a feasible and non-invasive method for monitoring patient prognosis and reducing national health system costs. Full article

Background: The aim was to compare the effects of full squat (FST) versus half squat training (HST) on body composition, muscle hypertrophy, and mean propulsive velocity (MPV) in young athletes. Methods: Twenty-eight highly trained male tennis players (13.88 ± 0.91 years, 166.08 ± 11.30 cm, 57.40 ± 8.99 kg, 14.34 ± 2.75% body fat) were randomly allocated to an eight-week FST or HST program. Training volume load was matched between interventions, and the only difference was the range of motion (squat depth). Pre- and post-training tests evaluated body composition (body mass and body fat percent), muscle hypertrophy (muscle volume of the thigh, calf, and leg, and cross-sectional area at half and maximum circumference of the thigh), and MPV at 45 and 50% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). An analysis of variance was used to analyze differences. Results: The results exhibited significant group-by-time interactions for body mass (p = 0.002, ηp² = 0.32), body fat (p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.71), and MPV (all p ≤ 0.005, ηp² ≥ 0.27). Post hoc comparisons showed that both groups presented significant improvements in body composition, muscle hypertrophy, and MPV (all p ≤ 0.004). However, FST outperformed HST in body fat (p = 0.032) and MPV at both %1RM (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Overall, FST would be preferred over HST for tennis training in youth athletes. Four to five sets of 8–12 repetitions at 60–70% 1RM, two days a week during preseason, appear to be sufficient to induce neuromuscular performance improvement and enhance body composition. Full article

Background and Objectives: Abdominal obesity significantly impacts postural control and fall risk, yet its specific association with stepping reaction time (SRT), a critical component of balance recovery, remains underexplored in obese individuals. This study investigated the relationship between abdominal circumference (AC) and SRT while considering gender and body mass index (BMI). Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional observational study conducted at Majmaah University Virtual Reality Laboratory using advanced motion capture technology. In this cross-sectional study, 199 adults (104 males, 89 females) underwent AC measurement and SRT assessment using the Stability and Balance Learning Environment Apparatus (STABLE) with motion capture technology. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify associations between the variables. Results: The regression model for right SRT was statistically significant (F(8, 184) = 10.24, p < 0.001), explaining 30.8% of variance. Limits of stability with legs apart was negatively associated with right SRT (β = −0.144, p = 0.039), while left SRT was strongly associated (β = 0.451, p < 0.001). AC did not show any association with either right or left SRT. Males demonstrated significantly faster left SRT than females (b = −0.061, p = 0.048), and age was positively associated with left SRT (β = 0.203, p = 0.002). Conclusions: While AC shows correlation with overall obesity measures, it is not significantly associated with stepping reaction time when evaluated concurrently with balance performance and demographic factors. Limits of stability, age, and gender were more consistently associated with stepping reaction time. The cross-sectional design of this study precludes causal inference; longitudinal investigations are necessary to confirm these associations before implementing targeted fall prevention strategies. Full article

Background: Some studies have suggested that physical fitness and body composition may influence individual and collective performance. However, it is necessary to be able to define the relationships between these variables in soccer players of different ages. Objective: To determine the relation between physical fitness level, body composition, and somatotype in female youth soccer players in response to age. Materials and methods: A total of 56 players were evaluated: 19 early adolescents (EA–U13) with a body mass of 48.35 ± 5.67 kg and a height of 157.63 ± 5.55 cm, 21 middle adolescents (MA–U15) with a body mass of 54.02 ± 5.96 kg and a height of 160.37 ± 5.25 cm and 16 late adolescents (LA–U17) with a body mass of 55.37 ± 6.15 kg and a height of 162.39 ± 5.77 cm. The physical fitness tests were: Squat Jump (SJ), Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Countermovement Jump with Arms (CMJA), Single Leg Countermovement Jump, COD-Timer 5-0-5, COD-Timer 5+5, Speed 15 m, Hamstring Strength, and Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST). The International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) protocols were used to determine anthropometric measurements (skinfolds, circumferences, bone diameters), and the Heath-Carter method was used to assess body composition and somatotype, with z-scores calculated using the Phantom strategy. Results: The analysis revealed that the most significant differences between groups were observed in general anthropometric measurements (ω² = 0.84), followed by sitting height (ω² = 0.51) and percentage of body fat according to Carter’s method (ω² = 0.24), all with large and statistically significant effect sizes (p < 0.05). Larger muscle and bone dimensions, especially in the hip, thigh, and calf, are closely related to better strength, power, and initial sprint speed performance in female soccer players. Conclusions: This study reaffirms that muscle mass is a key predictor of athletic performance, along with strength at high speeds, promoting improvements in power and sprinting in the initial meters. Adiposity is a limiting factor for youth soccer players. Age progression and biological maturation favor the development of the mesomorphic profile, optimizing strength and power. Full article

Body measurements are used regularly to describe phenotypes or the weight of animals. However, little data describe the age effect on the different measurements. In the present paper, 477 Bactrian camels (7–180 months old) were measured (length of the head, length and circumference of the neck, height at the withers, girth circumference, length of the front leg, and length of the body), and their growth was modeled by comparing different equations, the most convenient being the beta growth equation. In addition, the differences in body measurements of adult Bactrian camels between farms were tested by variance analysis, and multivariate analyses were used for identifying homogeneous clusters of camels according to their body measurements. The sampled animals were from different regions of the country. The significant relationships between cluster and region support the idea of racial differentiation. Body condition scoring is widely used in farm animals as an indicator of their feeding, health, and welfare status. If a body condition score is available for dromedaries, there is no specific grid for the Bactrian camel. Starting from typical examples taken from photos in different conditions, including extreme ones, a representation of a scoring system of 6 points from very emaciated (score 0) to overweight Bactrian camel (score 5) was proposed in the form of drawings from the right side, back, and three-quarter rear. To complete the drawings, a descriptive grid was built as a base for training stakeholders in relation to Bactrian camel farm management. However, the seasonal change in the fleece abundance, the variability of the humps’ shape, and the presence of crossbreeding with dromedary camels require adapting the scoring accordingly. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to compare clinical and functional outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using peroneus longus tendon (PLT) versus hamstring tendon (HT) autografts in matched cohorts. Materials and Methods: A retrospective matched cohort study with 1:1 nearest-neighbor matching without replacement on sex (exact), age (±3 years), and time to last follow-up (closest match) was performed on consecutive primary single-bundle ACLR cases. After exclusions and follow-up completion, 77 PLT patients were matched 1:1 with 82 HT patients based on age, sex, and follow-up. Outcomes included the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Evaluation Form, Lysholm Knee Score, Tegner Activity Scale, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, knee range of motion, manual strength testing, stability tests, limb circumferences, and the Single-Leg Hop test. Additionally, ankle-specific function in the PLT group was assessed using the AOFAS and FADI scores. Results: Graft diameter was larger with PLT (8.5 ± 0.6 mm) than with HT (8.1 ± 0.7 mm; p = 0.003). Both groups demonstrated significant improvement from the preoperative to the postoperative period on the IKDC, Lysholm, and Tegner scores (all p < 0.001). Between groups, postoperative IKDC and Lysholm scores were comparable (both p > 0.05), and Tegner scores did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Knee flexion loss was less frequent (9.1% vs. 68.3%; p = 0.001), and knee flexion strength was higher (4.7 ± 0.5 vs. 4.0 ± 0.8; p = 0.001) in PLT. Stability tests, LSI, extension strength, and limb circumferences were similar (all p > 0.05). Saphenous nerve symptoms were less frequent with PLT (13.0% vs. 29.3%; p = 0.010). Ankle function in PLT was preserved (AOFAS 96.9 ± 7.9; FADI 97.4 ± 8.5) with mild eversion limitation in 3 patients (3.9%). Re-rupture rates were low and did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05). Infections occurred only after HT, yielding a between-group difference (p = 0.030). Conclusions: PLT autografts provide clinical and functional outcomes comparable to those of HT, with advantages including a larger graft diameter, better preservation of knee flexion function, fewer symptoms related to the saphenous nerve, and excellent ankle outcomes. PLT is a safe and effective alternative for primary ACLR. Full article

The waist circumference (WC) to calf circumference (CC) ratio (WCR), a measure of visceral fat, was calculated from WC and CC, measures of abdominal obesity and skeletal muscle mass, respectively. In this study, we investigated the relationship of WCR with pre-frailty and frailty using the Fried Frailty Phenotype Questionnaire (FFPQ). A total of 175 community-dwelling older adults in Wakasa-cho, Kaminaka-Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture, Japan were included in this study. Frailty was determined by the FFPQ scores, with those who scored 0, 1-2, and ≥ 3 on the FFPQ being considered robust, pre-frailty, and frailty, respectively. Pre-frailty and frailty were diagnosed in 90 (51.4%) and 18 (10.3%) patients, respectively, using the FFPQ (p < 0.001). CC was not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.415). WCR was significantly higher in the pre-frailty and frailty groups than in the robust group (p < 0.001). The FFPQ scores were significantly positively correlated with WCR (r = 0.364, p < 0.001). Pre-frailty and frailty diagnosed by FFPQ were analysed in relation to WCR, WC, and CC by ordinal logistic regression analysis, which showed that WCR and CC were associated with pre-frailty and frailty after adjustment (WCR: odds ratio (OR) 5.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43-23.70, p = 0.015; CC: OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.69-0.94, p = 0.006). This study investigated the association of WCR with prefrailty and frailty diagnosed using the FFPQ in community-dwelling older adults. High abdominal fat and low lower leg muscle mass were significantly associated with frailty and WCR during the pre-frailty stage. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lipedema is a chronic adipose tissue disorder characterized by disproportionate fat accumulation and inflammation, predominantly affecting women. While recent evidence suggests a systemic pro-inflammatory state in lipedema, the role of diet in modulating inflammation remains underexplored. This study assessed the anti-inflammatory potential of a Mediterranean-style ketogenic diet and its effects after 7 months of adherence on systemic inflammation markers (CRP and IL-6) in women with lipedema (n = 24) and a control group with overweight/obesity (n = 24). Methods: The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) was used to characterize the inflammatory potential of the diet throughout the intervention. Dietary intake was analyzed pre- and post-intervention, and anthropometric, body composition, and biochemical parameters were measured. Results: Beyond its beneficial effects on body composition (significant reductions in body weight, fat, leg circumferences, and visceral fat), the intervention diet also demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential. In lipedema, baseline diet showed a pro-inflammatory DII profile (DII/day = 3.04), which was reduced by about 1.5 points after the intervention (p = 0.008). When expressed per 1000 kcal, the DII values were markedly lower for both baseline (DII = 0.22) and intervention diet (DII = ~0.01). Following the intervention diet, reduction in CRP (−0.39, p = 0.016) and IL-6 levels (−0.33, p = 0.034) in lipedema were observed. A significant positive association was observed between the intervention diet’s DII and CRP (r = 0.55, p = 0.005), and between the baseline diet’s DII and IL-6 (r = 0.50, p = 0.013) in lipedema group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that ketogenic diet rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients can reduce systemic inflammation in lipedema patients, independently of caloric restriction. Full article

Background: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is one of the main causes of venous leg ulcers. Rheological disorders of the blood, such as changes in viscosity, hematocrit, and erythrocyte aggregation and deformability, can impair microcirculation and impede healing. Carbonic acid (CO₂) dry baths are a non-invasive physical method that can affect microcirculation and blood parameters, and this study aimed to assess their effectiveness in ulcer healing and in modifying selected blood rheological parameters in patients with CVI. Methods: This prospective, controlled study enrolled 23 participants (11 patients with active venous leg ulcers and 12 healthy controls). The intervention group underwent ten sessions of dry CO₂ baths, performed twice weekly for 5 weeks. No randomization was applied. Ulcer healing was assessed planimetrically, and blood rheological parameters (hematocrit, blood and plasma viscosity, erythrocyte deformability index [EI], aggregation index [AI], aggregation amplitude [AMP], and half-time of aggregation [T_1/2]) were measured before and after therapy. Results: Following the intervention, the ulcer area decreased significantly (median 3.35 cm² to 1.74 cm²; p < 0.01), as did ulcer circumference (7.33 cm to 5.87 cm; p < 0.01). Hematocrit increased (median 40.25% to 41.50%; p < 0.05), and blood viscosity values at low shear rates approached those of the control group. In contrast, erythrocyte deformability (EI) and aggregation indices (AI, AMP, T_1/2) showed no statistically significant intragroup changes, although intergroup differences persisted. Pain intensity decreased significantly (VAS 6.0 to 3.5 cm; p < 0.05). Conclusions: CO₂ dry baths support the treatment of venous ulcers by improving microcirculation and reducing pain. Their impact on blood rheology may have clinical significance, especially as an adjunct to therapy in chronic venous insufficiency. However, the relatively small sample size (n = 23) should be considered a limitation when interpreting these findings. Full article