Search Results (444)

Background/Objectives: Quadriceps arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) represents a key impairment following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), contributing to quadriceps weakness. Although transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) have been primarily investigated for analgesia, their effects on quadriceps strength in the early postoperative period remain underexplored. Methods: This study describes a single-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial investigating the short-term effects of a single high-frequency TENS session and a novel long-term potentiation (LTP) PENS protocol on quadriceps strength and related clinical outcomes after ACLR. Fifty-four participants will be randomly allocated using block randomization in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: a control group (conventional post-ACLR rehabilitation only), a TENS group (conventional rehabilitation plus a single high-frequency TENS session), or a PENS group (conventional rehabilitation plus a single LTP PENS session). Participants will receive neuromodulatory intervention during the sixth postoperative week. The LTP PENS protocol consists of five 5 s stimulation bursts at 100 Hz and 250 μs pulse width and has only been investigated once in patients with upper limb pathology, underscoring its novelty in a postoperative setting. Results: The primary outcome is quadriceps maximal voluntary isometric contraction, selected as a clinically relevant surrogate of quadriceps activation deficits associated with AMI. Secondary outcomes include pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, knee range of motion, thigh muscle perimeter, knee effusion and swelling, and self-reported function and knee-related quality of life. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, immediately post-treatment, and 1 and 7 days post-intervention by a blinded assessor. Full article

Background and Objectives: This study compared functional performance, gait performance, and dynamic balance between Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) Type I and Type II patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Materials and Methods: We included 162 consecutive patients scheduled for unilateral TKA between January 2022 and August 2025. Patients were classified according to CPAK type; 42 were Type I and 33 were Type II. Preoperative assessments included demographic data, Korean Knee Score, and WOMAC. Functional performance was evaluated using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and the 4 m walk test. Isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength (60°/s), hip abductor strength, and bilateral thigh circumferences measured 5 cm and 15 cm proximal to the patella were assessed. Dynamic balance asymmetry was evaluated using the POSTUROMED device. Inter-limb differences were calculated by comparing the operated and non-operated limbs. Results: No significant between-group differences were observed in clinical scores, knee extensor, or flexor strength deficits, hip abductor strength deficits, or thigh circumference differences. However, CPAK Type II patients demonstrated significantly better functional performance, with faster TUG (p = 0.014) and 4 m walk test times (p = 0.022). Dynamic balance outcomes were also significantly better in the Type II group (p = 0.042). Conclusions: Despite similar patient-reported clinical scores and muscle strength, patients with the CPAK Type II phenotype exhibited superior gait performance and dynamic balance compared with those with Type I following unilateral TKA. Full article

Background/Objectives: The rising global demand for sustainable and nutritionally valuable food sources highlights the importance of exploring alternatives to conventional livestock. Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) have gained attention as an environmentally efficient species, offering high-quality eggs and meat with favorable nutritional profiles. This study aimed to characterize the fatty acid (FA) composition of quail eggs (QEs) and meat (QM), investigating breast (B) and thigh (T) muscles produced in Poland under small-scale farming conditions, with a focus on assessing their functional foods’ potential. Methods: Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis was applied to determine FA profiles in fresh and stored samples. Statistical evaluation included two-way ANOVA, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis. Results: Results demonstrated that QE contained the highest total FA levels, dominated by monounsaturated fatty acids, with notable contributions from long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and conjugated linoleic acid isomers. In contrast, QM were characterized by higher proportions of PUFA, with significant differences between breast and thigh samples. Storage influenced the levels of selected FA, particularly n-3 PUFA and the n-3/n-6 ratio. PCA and cluster analysis confirmed clear separation between eggs and muscles, regardless of storage status. Overall, both QE and QM exhibited a favorable PUFA/SFA ratio, exceeding dietary recommendations. Conclusions: These findings underscore the nutritional and functional value of quail-derived foods, supporting their consideration as sustainable alternatives to chicken products and potential candidates for the ‘superfood’ category. Full article

Background: Perforator flaps improved the reconstruction paradigm in the lower extremity, increasing coverage possibilities. This study aims to quantify how added perforators could enhance standard geometrical patterns (compared to random flaps). Methods: A total of 29 cases of lower limb soft tissue reconstruction (STR)—52% trauma, 21% osteomyelitis with skin fistulas, 21% healing disorders with unstable scarring and 6% cancer-related surgery—were performed in our institution between 2012 to 2023 with geometric random (GR) local flaps (34%), geometric perforator-enhanced (GP) flaps (32%) or pure propeller perforator (PP) flaps (34%), were retrospectively analysed. Patients with proximal thigh defects, a follow up of less than 3 months and those who received an axial, muscle or free flap were excluded. Geometric patterns (as length:width ratio (L:W)) were compared among groups, analysing healing outcomes and complications. Results: Leg defects were categorized into 62% distal, 14% middle, 14% proximal third and 10% distal thigh. No significant difference in defect size was detected among groups. Mean flap size was significantly larger for GP (70.5 cm², (p < 0.05)) and PP (74.4 cm², (p < 0.01)) than GR (53.7 cm²). The L:W ratio was significantly higher in GP (L:W 2.2:1, (p < 0.05)) and PP (L:W 2.8:1, (p < 0.01)) than in GR (1.5:1), but no significant difference was found between GP and PP. A reduced complications rate (partial flap loss, infection, healing, revision surgery, etc.) was observed in the GP group, when compared to GR. Conclusions: Flap geometric design can be significantly improved by the inclusion of perforators, maintaining spatial advantages with larger ductility and improved vascular solidity. Full article

The purpose of this study was to examine morphological asymmetries in male youth judokas using an integrated assessment combining three-dimensional (3D) body scanning and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and to determine how these asymmetries relate to judo-specific performance. Twenty-seven competitive male youth judokas were evaluated for bilateral girth, segmental length, and lean mass asymmetries across upper- and lower-limb segments. The Absolute Asymmetry index, expressed as a percentage for individual body segments, and the average body symmetry across all variables were calculated, and associations with performance were assessed using the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT). Significant right-dominant asymmetries were found in elbow girth p < 0.001, forearm girth p < 0.001, thigh girth p = 0.028, and leg muscle mass p = 0.008. Upper-limb asymmetries were the primary contributors to total-body asymmetry, reflecting the unilateral gripping and rotational demands typical in judo. Only calf girth asymmetry was significantly associated with SJFT performance, with greater asymmetry linked to poorer outcomes, indicating a specific rather than general asymmetry–performance relationship (r = 0.405; p = 0.037). These findings underscore the importance of early detection of segment-specific asymmetries and suggest that rapid digital anthropometry is a practical tool for monitoring morphological development in youth judokas. Early targeted interventions may support balanced technical execution, enhance performance, and reduce the risk of uneven loading patterns as athletes progress to higher age categories and competition levels. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study evaluated the validity of DEXA-derived muscle quantification by assessing its agreement with AI-assisted CT measurements of muscle volume and intramuscular adipose tissue. It also examined whether inter-limb asymmetry improves DEXA–CT agreement beyond absolute DEXA values. The influence of lower-limb rotation on DEXA measurements was assessed, and the study aimed to clarify how DEXA should be obtained and interpreted to more accurately reflect true muscle status. Methods: Fifty-two patients who completed CT and DEXA within 14 days were included. CT was used to obtain pure muscle volume and intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) using a standardized AI segmentation protocol, and corresponding DEXA thigh segmentation provided lean mass and fat percentage. Position-specific correlation analysis, regression, and Bland–Altman agreement testing were performed for 104 limbs. The same analyses were applied to inter-limb differences to isolate within-person asymmetry and reduce between-person variance. Results: DEXA lean mass correlated with CT pure muscle volume (r = 0.776, p < 0.001), and inter-limb asymmetry further improved alignment with CT (r = 0.857, p < 0.001). However, DEXA fat mass asymmetry demonstrated no association with CT IMAT asymmetry (r = −0.004, p = 0.979). When results were stratified by the recorded rotational groups, the highest correlation was observed in the neutral position (r = 0.900, p < 0.001). Bland–Altman analyses showed wide limits of agreement for all absolute measurements, whereas inter-limb asymmetry demonstrated markedly narrower limits of agreement, indicating superior numerical consistency. Conclusions: Absolute DEXA estimates showed limited agreement with CT and varied with limb position. Inter-limb asymmetry improved lean mass assessment, whereas fat mass and percentage did not correspond to CT-based IMAT. DEXA may therefore be used as a complementary tool for evaluating regional muscle quantity, but not for assessing muscle quality. Full article

Objectives: This study examined whether integrating an isometric exercise program into physical education (PE) lessons influences functional outcomes and cardiovascular risk markers in adolescents beyond the effects of standard PE alone. Methods: Boys aged 14–15 years were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG, n = 19) or a control group (CG, n = 21). The EG completed a 6-week isometric exercise program integrated into PE lessons, while the CG followed the regular PE curriculum only. The intervention was based on hold isometric muscle actions (HIMA) with progressively increased volume. Anthropometric measures included body height, body mass, and body mass index (BMI). Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Functional capacity was evaluated using field-based measures of lower-limb strength and power (isometric mid-thigh pull, standing broad jump, squat jump, and countermovement jump). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured as indicators of cardiovascular health. Results: A mixed model ANOVA showed that no significant group × time interactions were observed for body composition, functional outcomes, or blood pressure (all p > 0.05). Lean body mass increased over time in both groups (p < 0.01). Improvements in isometric mid-thigh pull (p < 0.01) and standing broad jump (p = 0.01) occurred irrespective of group allocation. Blood pressure remained unchanged. Linear regression revealed that biological maturation did not moderate intervention effects; however, more mature participants demonstrated higher absolute strength levels independent of the intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The inclusion of an isometric exercise program within PE lessons did not provide additional benefits for health-related functional outcomes beyond standard PE alone. In its current format, isometric exercise does not appear to add sufficient value to justify its implementation as a stand-alone strategy in school-based PE. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies are a heterogeneous group of autoimmune disorders that may present as paraneoplastic syndromes. Although most frequently associated with solid-organ malignancies, hematological neoplasia, particularly lymphomas, is also likely linked. Case Presentation: We describe a sexagenarian female with progressive proximal muscle weakness, myalgias, and lymphadenopathy. Laboratory evaluation revealed markedly elevated creatine phosphokinase and myositis-specific antibodies: anti-Mi-2α and anti-EJ. Magnetic resonance imaging of the thighs confirmed active myositis. Lymph node biopsy reported follicular lymphoma. The patient was initiated on methotrexate and rituximab, with which she reported significant symptomatic relief. Conclusions: Inflammatory myopathy is an exceedingly rare presentation of follicular lymphoma. This case emphasizes that lymphomas can closely mimic other disease processes and present significant diagnostic challenges, and they should be included in the differential diagnosis of myopathies. Improved awareness and early diagnosis of lymphoproliferative neoplasia often yield better overall clinical outcomes. Full article

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of different dietary protein levels on the carcass traits, meat quality characteristics, and nutrient composition of slow-growing ducks. At 22 days of age, the ducks were randomly divided into two groups and fed with low- or high-protein diets for 41 days, from 22 to 63 days of age. Each group consisted of six replicates, with each replicate containing 500 ducklings per pen (10 m × 10 m). The results showed that dietary protein had no significant effects on carcass traits, meat quality, amino acid profiles in breast muscle and thigh muscle, and fatty acid contents in breast muscle. However, it increased the contents of C14:0, C16:0, C16:1, C18:1, C20:4, SFA, MUFA, and ω-6 fatty acids (p < 0.05), and reduced the contents of C22:6, ω-3 fatty acids, and ω-3/ω-6 ratio in thigh muscle (p < 0.05). Female ducks fed with a low-protein diet had the contents of aspartic acid, threonine, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, tyrosine, and arginine in the breast muscle, along with a higher pH24 value (p < 0.05). Thigh muscle accumulated more isoleucine and histidine contents, and lower lysine and arginine in female ducks fed with a low-protein diet. Male ducks fed with a low-protein diet had higher contents of alanine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, and lysine in the breast muscle (p < 0.05). Furthermore, male ducks exhibited higher contents of C16:0, C18:1, C18:2, C18:3, saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), ω-3, and ω-6 in breast muscle (p < 0.05). Male ducks fed with low-protein diets had higher C16:0 content in breast muscle, and female ducks fed with a low-protein diet had lower C16:1 and C17:0 contents (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study suggests that dietary protein modulation can differentially regulate amino acid and fatty acid deposition in slow-growing ducks through gender-specific metabolic pathways and exert distinct effects on fatty acid metabolism. Full article

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of coordination training and strength training on the lower extremity inter-segmental coordination during instep kicking for novices. Thirty-two male college students with no soccer-specific training experience participated and were randomly assigned to either a coordination training group, a strength training group, or a kicking training group. Both the coordination and strength training groups also performed the same kicking training as the kicking training group. Each participant executed exercise training three times a week for eight weeks. The instep kicking test was performed before and after the three training sessions. Two-way ANOVAs were conducted to determine the training effects on the kicking performance and the inter-segmental coordination. The maximum ball speed significantly increased for all three training groups (p < 0.001, effect size = 0.638). In contrast, improvements in kicking accuracy were specific to the coordination training group (p = 0.001, effect size = 0.326), with no significant changes observed in the strength (p = 0.052, effect size = 0.138) or kicking groups (p = 0.953, effect size < 0.001). The time spent percentage of the knee-ankle shank-phase coordination pattern in the leg-cocking phase was significantly increased (p = 0.003, effect size = 0.268), but the time spent percentage of the hip-knee thigh-phase in the back swing phase significantly decreased after the three trainings (p = 0.031, effect size = 0.150). A significant reduction in the relative activity of the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles occurred exclusively after coordination training (p = 0.024, effect size = 0.188). This study confirms that coordination training provides a unique contribution to skill acquisition in novices, specifically enhancing kicking accuracy and neuromuscular control, whereas improvements in maximal ball speed were generic to all training types. Full article

Background: Reconstruction of the thigh extensor mechanism following wide excision of a soft-tissue sarcoma is difficult. The aim of this study was to describe the outcomes following complete quadriceps resection for large high-grade soft-tissue sarcomas. Methods: Ten patients with AJCC grade IIIB soft-tissue sarcomas of the anterior thigh were treated with total wide margin quadricectomy, with a mean follow-up of 4 years (range: 51–163 months) in the five surviving patients with conservative surgical procedures. The minimum follow-up period for four of these patients was 8 years. The extensor mechanism was reconstructed with local muscle transfers (eight cases) or a neurotized free flap of the contralateral vastus lateralis (two cases). Results: Four patients died, two due to non-tumor related causes and two due to metastatic disease at 50 months and 43 months. The remaining six were alive and disease-free at the final follow-up. All patients received surgical revision due to wound necrosis. Another patient required an external hemipelvectomy due to early local recurrence of the disease. Functional results of the five patients who remained alive and retained their limb were good or excellent in two cases, acceptable in one, and poor in two, according to their MSTS scores. Average knee flexion was 80° (range: 10–150°). Passive extension was complete in all cases, though no patients achieved it actively. Extensor strength was 2/5 in four patients and 4/5 in the other. Conclusion: Total quadricectomy for high-grade soft-tissue sarcomas of the anterior thigh compartment ensures wide resection margins and local disease control, although local wound complications are common, particularly in older patients. Resection appears to be technically easier if performed distally to proximally in the thigh. Local muscle transfers are more suited for low-demand patients, while neurotized free muscle flaps are mainly an option for young, motivated patients. Full article

Background/Objective: Postural control differs between individuals with lower limb amputation and the general population. Although previous studies examined the effects of unexpected surface perturbations on postural control in individuals with transtibial amputation (TTA) and individuals with transfemoral amputation (TFA), their impact on lower limb muscle activation remains unclear. This study aimed to assess postural control on a stable surface and to evaluate the effects of unexpected surface perturbations on lower limb muscle activation in unilateral TTAs, TFAs, and in a healthy control group (CG). Methods: The study included 10 TTAs, 9 TFAs, and 10 healthy controls. Postural control was assessed using a force platform, and lower limb muscle activity was recorded with surface electromyography during unexpected surface perturbations. Results: The TFAs showed the highest anteroposterior and lateral postural sway under compliant surface eyes closed and the highest lateral sway under normal surface eyes closed, whereas the CG showed the lowest values (p < 0.05). During forward perturbations, rectus femoris (RF) and tibialis anterior (TA) activations were significantly higher than biceps femoris (BF) and medial head of the gastrocnemius (GM) activations, respectively, across all groups (p < 0.05). During backward perturbations, GM activations exceeded TA activations in all groups, while BF activations were higher than RF only in TTAs (p < 0.05). Significant group effects were found for RF and BF during forward perturbations, and side effects for BF (forward) and RF (backward) activations (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Postural control responses vary with the level of lower limb amputation. TFAs relied more on visual input during quiet standing, whereas TTAs demonstrated greater reliance on thigh muscle activation during surface perturbations. These findings highlight the need to consider amputation level in balance and rehabilitation programs. Full article

Falls are a leading cause of injury and loss of independence in older adults, often linked to deficits in lower-limb muscle function and gait mechanics. Eccentric exercise can improve muscular resilience, while aquatic walking offers a safe, supportive environment to retrain gait; however, little is known about how these modalities interact at the neuromuscular level. This study compared lower-limb muscle activation during gait on land and in water, before and after an acute bout of eccentric exercise, in healthy young adults. Surface electromyography was collected from the tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius medialis (GM), vastus lateralis (VL), and biceps femoris (BF) during treadmill walking on land and at equivalent speeds in chest-deep water. Results showed that aquatic walking consistently altered activation patterns relative to land walking, with increased TA activity (28%, Cohen’s d = 0.69) and reduced GM activity (−27%, Cohen’s d = −0.48) during swing, reduced VL activity during stance (−20%, Cohen’s d = −0.43), increased VL activity during swing (46%, Cohen’s d = 0.72), and increased BF activity during stance (51%, Cohen’s d = 0.63). These changes produced distinct co-activation patterns between the shank and thigh. Eccentric exercise had limited effects overall but increased thigh co-activation during swing in land walking. Findings suggest that eccentric exercise can be safely combined with aquatic walking and highlight the potential of this multimodal approach for enhancing gait mechanics relevant to fall prevention. Full article

Oxidative stress is believed to deteriorate production performance and cause substantial economic losses in commercial poultry farming. Resveratrol (RES) is a polyphenolic antioxidant that can improve intestinal barrier function and regulate gut microbiota composition. This study aimed to evaluate whether short-term (14 days) dietary resveratrol (1000–3000 mg/kg) mitigates dexamethasone (DEX)-induced oxidative stress and performance loss in yellow-feathered broilers. Two hundred and forty 52-day-old birds were assigned to five treatments (n = 8 pens × 6). Control (CON) and DEX groups received the basal diet; DR1, DR2 and DR3 were provided with the basal diet plus 1000, 2000 or 3000 mg/kg RES. During days 1–5, the DEX and RES (DR1, DR2 and DR3) groups were intraperitoneally injected with 5 mg/kg BW DEX; CON birds received saline. DEX significantly reduced average daily gain (ADG) and raised feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.05) without altering feed intake. RES at 1000–2000 mg/kg improved ADG, reduced FCR and lowered serum corticosterone and blood urea nitrogen while increasing albumin (p < 0.05). DEX elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver and thigh muscle, suppressed liver catalase (CAT) activity, and suppressed thigh muscle superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and CAT activities. In serum, only SOD activity decreased. RES partially alleviated the abnormal changes in these antioxidant indices. Intestinally, DEX increased MDA, shortened villi and reduced the villus-to-crypt ratio, whereas RES partially reinstated ileal morphology, decreased MDA dose-dependently and linearly enhanced duodenal SOD activity (p < 0.05). DEX downregulated Occludin mRNA; RES upregulated Occludin and elevated ileal GPX2, SOD, CAT and PPAR-γ transcripts with a quadratic response to RES dose, while lowering duodenal CAT mRNA. Overall, short-term RES supplementation—particularly at 1000–2000 mg/kg—improves growth performance, meat quality and intestinal health of yellow-feathered broilers under DEX-induced oxidative stress by enhancing systemic and intestinal antioxidant capacity and reinforcing epithelial barrier integrity. Full article

Muscle imbalance due to reduced muscular endurance is a significant risk factor. Thus, for the lower limb, muscle imbalance is one of the most common causes of traumatic injury. A number of studies on isoinertial technology have demonstrated that it allows the development of forces similar to or greater than those generated in the same exercise but performed with traditional weights. Our research aimed to analyze the morpho-functional changes at the muscle level using ultrasound, and the evolution of muscle power output express of maximal muscle strength at the level of the knee extensors, specifically the rectus femoris muscle, following an isoinertial training program. The study included 11 female soccer-practicing sportswomen with average age (15.18 ± 1.08). The assessment included an ultrasound assessment of the rectus femoris muscle, before and after isoiniertial training (post acute moment); a muscle force assessment using dynamometry; and an evaluation of isoinertial parameters as concentric and excentric power, in terms of coefficients that represent report between the left and right sides. The isoinertial protocols training included three weekly sessions of isoinertial exercises. The results show an increase in the values of the ultrasound dimensions, approximately at the same level for both measured dimensions, which is significant for demonstrating the existence of an increase in muscle volume. An important progress is observed in the mean maximum strength and maximum force, but especially in the duration of maintenance of the maximum loading force. There is no statistically significant symmetry at the level of the rectus femoris muscle for concentric power and no statistically significant symmetry tendency for eccentric power, although there is a favorable evolution in terms of values. Full article