Search Results (177)

Water treadmill (WT) exercise is used for horses’ rehabilitation and training. Given that each training needs to be individualized for each horse, the goal is to assess whether infrared thermography (IRT) can serve as a non-invasive tool for daily monitoring of individual training and rehabilitation progress in horses undergoing WT exercise. Fifteen Polish Warmblood school horses were subjected to five WT sessions: dry treadmill, fetlock-depth water, fetlock-depth water with artificial river (AR), carpal-depth water, and carpal-depth water with AR. IRT images, collected pre- and post-exercise, were analyzed for the mean temperature (Tmean) and maximal temperature (Tmax) across 14 regions of interest (ROIs) representing the body surface overlying specific superficial muscles. While on a dry treadmill, Tmean and Tmax increased post-exercise in all ROIs; wetting of the hair coat limited surface temperature analysis in ROIs annotated on limbs. Tmax over the m. brachiocephalicus, m. trapezius pars cervicalis, m. triceps brachii, and m. semitendinosus increased during walking in carpal-depth water, which therefore may be suggested as an indirect indicator of increased activity related to forelimb protraction and flexion–extension of the limb joints. Tmax over the m. latissimus dorsi and m. longissimus increased during carpal-depth WT exercise with active AR mode, which may be suggested as an indicator of increased workload including vertical displacement of the trunk. Full article

Introduction: Hip abductor strength is essential for pelvic stability, lower limb alignment, and injury prevention. Weaknesses of the gluteus medius and minimus contribute to various musculoskeletal conditions. Lateral band walks and monster walks are elastic resistance exercises commonly used to target the hip abductors and external rotators in functional, weight-bearing tasks. Therefore, the aim was to summarize the current evidence on the biomechanics, muscle activation, and clinical applications of lateral and monster band walks. Methods: This narrative review was conducted following the SANRA guideline. A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus up to April 2025. Studies on the biomechanics, electromyography, and clinical applications of lateral band walks and monster walks were included, alongside relevant evidence on hip abductor strengthening. Results: A total of 13 studies were included in the review, of which 4 specifically investigated lateral band walk and/or monster walk exercises. Lateral and monster walks elicit moderate to high activation of the gluteus medius and maximus, especially when performed with the band at the ankles or forefeet and in a semi-squat posture. This technique minimizes compensation from the tensor fasciae latae and promotes selective gluteal recruitment. Proper execution requires control of the trunk and pelvis, optimal squat depth, and consistent band tension. Anatomical factors (e.g., femoral torsion), sex differences, and postural variations may influence movement quality and necessitate tailored instruction. Full article

This study investigates how three technical factors—steering wheel tilt, torque, and cabin vibration frequency—affect driver posture. Heavy-truck drivers often suffer from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), mainly due to poor cabin ergonomics and prolonged postures during work. In countries like Ecuador, making major structural changes to cabin design is not feasible. These factors were identified through video analysis and surveys from drivers at two Ecuadorian trucking companies. An experimental system was developed using a simplified cabin to control these variables, while posture and muscle activity were recorded in 16 participants using motion capture, inertial sensors, and electromyography (EMG) on the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, triceps brachii, quadriceps muscle, and gastrocnemius muscle. The test protocol simulated key truck-driving tasks. Data were analyzed using ANOVA (${\displaystyle p<0.05}$), with technical factors and mass index as independent variables, and posture metrics as dependent variables. Results showed that head mass index significantly affected head abduction–adduction (${\displaystyle -}$8.12 to ${\displaystyle -}$2.18°), and spine mass index influenced spine flexion–extension (${\displaystyle -}$0.38 to 6.99°). Among technical factors, steering wheel tilt impacted trunk flexion–extension (${\displaystyle -}$13.56 to 16.99°) and arm rotation (${\displaystyle -}$31.1 to 19.7°). Steering wheel torque affected arm rotation (${\displaystyle -}$30.49 to ${\displaystyle -}$6.77°), while vibration frequency influenced forearm flexion–extension (3.76 to 16.51°). EMG signals showed little variation between muscles, likely due to the protocol’s short duration. These findings offer quantitative support for improving cabin ergonomics in low-resource settings through targeted, cost-effective design changes. Full article

Background: This study aimed to develop a method to analyze the kinetic and kinematic characteristics of the traditional karate Gyaku Tsuki (reverse punch), focusing on the activation sequence of lower and upper extremities and trunk muscles during execution. Methods: An elite male (N = 1) karate athlete (in kata) performed 20 Gyaku Tsuki punches while equipped with 16 wireless surface EMG sensors integrated with 3-axis accelerometers. The five punches with the highest forearm acceleration were selected for analysis. EMG, accelerometer, and synchronized video data were recorded and processed. Results: A novel visualization technique was developed to represent muscle activation over time, distinguishing a spectrum of 0–25–50–75–100% activation levels. Muscle activation times for arm, leg, and trunk muscles ranged from −0.31 to −0.11 s relative to punch execution, indicating rapid, coordinated muscle engagement. Conclusions: This method enables detailed analysis of muscle activation patterns in karate punches. It offers valuable insights for biomechanics researchers and practical applications for coaches aiming to enhance performance and prevent injuries through better understanding of movement dynamics. Full article

Background/Objectives: Non-invasive spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation (scTS) has expanded the therapeutic landscape of spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation, offering potential benefits beyond compensatory approaches to paralysis. Children with SCI are particularly susceptible to developing neuromuscular scoliosis due to trunk muscle paralysis and ongoing skeletal growth, making targeted interventions crucial. As demonstrated in adults and pediatrics with SCI, the ability of scTS to acutely and safely enable an upright posture and trunk control could be leveraged as a therapeutic adjunct. Activity-based locomotor training (AB-LT) alone significantly improves trunk control in children with SCIs; combining it with scTS may enhance outcomes. This pilot study evaluated the safety, feasibility, and cumulative effects of AB-LT combined with scTS on trunk control in children with SCI. Methods: Three children with SCI completed 19 to 64 sessions of combined AB-LT and scTS. Adverse effects were monitored session to session, and trunk control was assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results: Across 130 interventions in three participants, 88.5% of sessions were free from adverse effects. Reported adverse events included autonomic dysreflexia (5.4%), skin redness at electrode sites (4.6%), and headaches (1.5%). No significant impact of scTS on fatigue or central hemodynamic parameters was observed. Post-intervention, all participants demonstrated improved trunk control during quiet and perturbed sitting. Conclusions: These findings provide the first evidence supporting the safety and feasibility of this combinatorial approach in pediatric SCI rehabilitation while emphasizing the importance of monitoring skin integrity and signs of autonomic dysreflexia. This intervention shows potential synergistic benefits, warranting further research to confirm efficacy and optimize therapeutic protocols. Full article

Background/Objectives: The assessment of relationships between trunk muscle activity and thoraco-lumbar movements during sagittal bending has demonstrated that low back pain (LBP) subgroups (flexion pattern and active extension pattern motor control impairment) reveal distinct relationships that differentiate these subgroups from control groups. The study objective was to establish whether such relationships exist during various daily activities. Methods: Fifty participants with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) (27 flexion pattern (FP), 23 active extension pattern (AEP)) and 28 healthy controls were recruited. Spinal kinematics were analysed using 3D motion analysis (Vicon™, Oxford, UK) and the muscle activity recorded via surface electromyography during a range of activities (box lift, box replace, reach up, step up, step down, stand-to-sit, and sit-to-stand). The mean sagittal angles for upper and lower thoracic and lumbar regions were correlated with normalised mean amplitude electromyography of bilateral transversus abdominis/internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO), superficial lumbar multifidus (LM), and erector spinae (ES). Relationships were assessed via Pearson correlations (significance p < 0.01). Results: In the AEP group, increased spinal extension was associated with altered LM activity during box-replace, reach-up, step-up, and step-down tasks. In the FP group, increased lower lumbar spinal flexion was associated with reduced muscle activation, while increased lower thoracic flexion was associated with increased muscle activation. The control group elicited no significant associations. Correlations ranged between −0.812 and 0.754. Conclusions: Differential relationships between muscle activity and spinal kinematics exist in AEP, FP, and pain-free control groups, reinforcing previous observations that flexion or extension-related LBP involves distinct motor control strategies during different activities. These insights could inform targeted intervention approaches, such as movement-based interventions and wearable technologies, for these groups. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sedentary office workers (SOWs) often adopt prolonged sitting postures, which potentially disrupt the lumbar–pelvic rhythm (LPR) and contribute to lower back pain (LBP). This study aimed to clarify the group differences in LPR and related physical factors between SOWs with and without LBP. Methods: Sixty-three SOWs were divided into LBP (n = 30) and non-LBP (n = 33) groups. The lumbar flexion angle (LF) and lumbar–hip angle difference (LHD), which are indicators of LPR, were measured using inertial sensors during trunk flexion. Hip flexion muscle strength (HFMS) and hip-extension muscle strength (HEMS) were assessed using handheld dynamometry. Hip joint range of motion (ROM) was measured using a goniometer. Lumbar proprioception was evaluated via active joint repositioning, and pain and perception were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire. Results: Multiple regression analysis showed significantly greater LF (estimated regression coefficient [ERC]: −2.9, p < 0.05) and LHD (ERC: −5.5, p < 0.05) during early trunk flexion (ETF) in the LBP group. In the LBP group, LHD during ETF and late trunk flexion were positively correlated with HFMS, and HFMS was correlated with HEMS. Conclusions: HFMS may contribute to an altered LPR in SOWs with LBP. Full article

There have been significant breakthroughs in developing highly functional myoelectric prostheses, yet individuals who have experienced upper-limb loss consistently report low levels of satisfaction when performing daily tasks while using myoelectric prostheses. This research aims to evaluate the change in the user’s experience after completing a training program in which tasks are designed to facilitate adaptation to the myoelectric arm in performing the activities of daily living. One participant with a left transradial limb difference was recruited for this project. The user’s experience was evaluated by comparing task completion time, trunk and shoulder angles, object control, movement smoothness, vertical ground reaction forces, the center of pressure location, and selected muscle activation of her affected arm between baseline and post-training. The data collection was performed through a motion capture system, a pressure mat, and wireless EMG modules. While indications of potential improvements in balance, muscle efficiency, and functionality were present, the data were inconclusive as to the effectiveness of the training procedure. One outcome measure that showed improvement across most tasks was the task completion time, which, on average, for the targeted Box and Block Test (tBBT) task was reduced by 24.0 s, box lifting by 1.6 s, bottle pouring by 9.0 s, and the pulley task by 8.4 s. This project serves as part of a larger multi-visit study evaluating the effects of home-based functional training on facilitating users’ adaptation to the myoelectric arm. Full article

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of different support surfaces on trunk muscle activity during slap shots and wrist shots in ice hockey players by analyzing muscle activation patterns across varying conditions. Methods: A total of 22 healthy male collegiate ice hockey players participated in this study. Ice hockey players were assessed for muscle activity in their trunk muscles (rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and erector spinae). Each player performed a slap shot and wrist shot on solid ground, a slap shot and wrist shot on ice, and a skating slap shot and wrist shot on ice. Data from a 3 s interval, excluding the first and last second of the 5 s measurement period, were used for analysis. All electromyography signals were normalized using maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Results: Significant differences were found in all muscles except for the external oblique, depending on the support surface and shooting method. (p < 0.05). The muscle activity of the rectus abdominis was significantly greater for the slap shot and wrist shot on ice than for the slap shot and wrist shot on the ground, and the slap shot and skating slap shot on ice than for the wrist shot on the ground (p < 0.05). The internal oblique was significantly higher for slap shots and wrist shots on ice than for slap shots and wrist shots on the ground (p < 0.05). The erector spinae was significantly greater for the skating slap shot and wrist shot on ice than for the wrist shot on the ground, and the skating slap shot on ice was significantly greater than the skating wrist shot on ice (p < 0.05). Conclusions: To enhance the shooting efficiency of ice hockey players competing on ice, exercises on unstable surfaces and targeted trunk muscle training are considered to be effective. Full article

Analyzing the posture of athletes is an important preventive diagnostic tool, especially because some posture parameters appear to be associated with risk of muscle injury and complaints. So far, it is unclear how these parameters change during the day under sport-related stress. In this pilot study, the posture parameters of pelvic tilt, body lean, trunk lean, and pelvic displacement were analyzed in 20 soccer players (16.61 ± 0.28 years, 179.38 ± 6.40 cm, 70.35 ± 7.79 kg, playing in the German Youth Academy League) at three points in time on one day, in each case with habitual posture and active posture with eyes open and closed. Intensive sporting activities took place between the measurement points. A repeated two-factor ANOVA was calculated for each posture parameter with the factors of measurement time and posture. Cohen’s d was determined as a measure of the effect size, and the intra-class correlation coefficient was calculated for the three measurement times. Only pelvic tilt and body lean remained stable throughout the day. We therefore recommend using both parameters to assess the posture of athletes, especially because studies show that they can be associated with possible complaints and injuries. However, since the examined posture parameters change significantly depending on whether a habitual or actively tense posture is adopted, particular attention must be paid to reproducible postures and clear instructions to the test subjects. Full article

Background: the validity and reliability of the front plank test (FPT) have been studied in young adults but not in adults aged 34 to 60 years. The aim of this study was to analyze the criterion-related validity and reliability of the front plank test (FPT) for evaluating trunk musculature in adults according to sex and age groups. Methods: a repeated measures design was used to study the reliability of the FPT. A total of 84 adults aged 18–62 years performed trunk muscular force tests and the FPT. Criterion-related validity was assessed using repeated measures ANOVA. Reliability was examined by ICC, error measurements, and Bland–Altman analysis across sex and age groups. Results: significant differences in the activation of the rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles were found compared with the erector spinae and multifidus muscles (p < 0.001). No correlations were found between FPT time and physical activity or rate of perceived exertion at the end (p > 0.05). Low and moderate correlations were found with body fat percentage, trunk fat mass percentage, and external oblique, regardless of sex and age groups (p < 0.05). Extremely high reliability was found regardless of sex and age groups (ICC > 0.98), with low error measurements (RMSE = 11.93–18.73; %CV = 4.91–6.33; SEE = 11.45–16.84). MDC90 values indicated no real change between T1 and T2. Conclusion: FPT is a valid and reliable test for assessing trunk musculature in adults regardless of sex and age groups. Full article

Background/Objectives: Limited spinal range of motion (ROM) is linked to low back disorders, emphasizing the need to maintain mobility in the elderly. This study measured maximum spinal ROM, asymmetrical patterns, and the effects of age and muscle activation on spinal mobility. Methods: Forty healthy participants aged 50 and older were recruited. An optical motion capture system recorded three-dimensional coordinates of reflective markers placed on spinal landmarks. Asymmetry was analyzed in sidebending and axial rotation. Electromyography (EMG) data were collected bilaterally from paraspinal muscles at L3 during flexion, extension, sidebending, and axial rotation. Results: Trunk ROM averaged 111° in flexion, 38° in extension, 46° in sidebending, and 87° in axial rotation. Kinematic asymmetry was observed in sidebending and axial rotation. ROM decreased with age in flexion motion (p ≤ 0.04). EMG activity was significantly correlated with ROM data for all combined motions (p = 0.0002). The strongest EMG signal was recorded during flexion, whereas the weakest signal was observed during extension. EMG activity also correlated with kinematic asymmetry (p ≤ 0.03). Conclusions: Age and muscle activation significantly influence spinal ROM in the elderly. Lumbar kinematic asymmetry can be partially attributed to paraspinal muscle activation, underscoring the importance of analyzing asymmetrical motions in conjunction with EMG activity. Full article

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare balance performance and electromyographic activity in individuals with COPD, with and without sarcopenia. Method: Thirty-five patients with COPD were classified with and without sarcopenia according to EWGSOP criteria. Balance was assessed using a force platform under four conditions: standing with feet apart and eyes opened (FHEO), eyes closed (FHEC), on an unstable surface (US), and on one leg (OLS). The surface electromyography activity of lower limb muscles and trunks was recorded. Additionally, the timed up and go test (TUG) and the Brief Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Brief-BESTest) were also utilized. Results: Under the FHEO, FHEC, and US conditions, individuals with sarcopenia demonstrated increased velocities, larger oscillation amplitudes, and greater center of pressure displacements under the US condition (p ≤ 0.02). They also showed a higher activation of the scalene, sternocleidomastoid, and abdominal muscles during OLS, along with a reduced activation of the tibialis anterior during OLS and US, and a decreased activation of the vastus medialis during FHEC and US (p ≤ 0.04). Furthermore, sarcopenic COPD patients exhibited poorer performance on the TUG and Brief-BESTest compared to their non-sarcopenic counterparts (p ≤ 0.02). Conclusions: Individuals with COPD and sarcopenia demonstrated greater instability in both bipedal stances and on unstable surfaces, as well as poorer performance in both dynamic and static balance assessments. Furthermore, these individuals exhibited reduced muscular activation in the lower limbs compared to those without sarcopenia. Full article

Reduced muscle strength can affect daily activities, so monitoring is essential. Methods such as isokinetic dynamometers assess maximum muscle force, while hand dynamometers measure hand grip strength. Research has investigated hand grip strength as a predictor of upper, lower and total strength, but the results remain unsystematic. The aim of this study was to systematize the current state of knowledge to test whether hand grip strength can be used as an indicator of overall strength and functional performance. A review of studies from 2000 to 2023 was conducted using: ScienceDirect, PubMed and GoogleScholar. The focus was on articles that examined the relationship between hand grip strength and muscle torque. The following keywords, entered in different configurations, were used in the search: ’hand grip’, ’muscle strength’, ’correlation’ and ’association’. A total of 22 studies were selected for analysis, involving 752 healthy adults, 30 physically active people, 120 ill adults, 2965 older people and 112 ill older people. The analysis looked at associations between hand grip strength and muscle moments of the trunk, limbs and knee joint. The results from the literature indicate that the value of the correlation between hand grip strength and muscle torque varies (from low to high) depending on the test method or group. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using hand grip strength as the sole measure of overall strength and functional performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Preliminary observations support the view that spinal cord epidural stimulation (scES) combined with trunk-specific training can improve trunk stability during functional activities in individuals with thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI). We studied the acute effects of trunk-specific stimulation on sitting postural control. Methods: Twenty-three individuals with severe cervical SCI were implanted with an epidural stimulator. Postural control was assessed before any activity-based training, without and with trunk-specific scES. In particular, participants performed sitting with upright posture, forward/back lean, and lateral lean activities while sitting on a standard therapy mat. Full-body kinematics and trunk electromyography (EMG) were acquired. Anterior-posterior and lateral trunk displacement along with trunk velocity in all four directions were obtained and used to classify postural control responses. Results: Compared to no stimulation, application of trunk-specific scES led to trunk anterior–posterior displacement increases during forward/back lean (2.79 ± 0.97 cm; p-value = 0.01), and trunk lateral displacement increases during lateral lean (2.19 ± 0.79 cm; p-value = 0.01). After digital filtering of stimulation artifacts, EMG root mean square amplitudes for bilateral external oblique, rectus abdominus, and erector spinae muscles were higher with stimulation for all activities (all p-values < 0.03). Conclusions: The results indicate improvements in trunk lean distances and muscle activation when leaning activities are performed with trunk-specific epidural stimulation. Full article