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Abstract Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence is extremely high worldwide, and patients who develop AKI are at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), CKD progression, and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). However, there is no established treatment strategy for AKI. Based on the idea that exercise has a stabilizing effect on hemodynamics, we hypothesized that rehabilitation would have beneficial renal outcomes in patients with AKI associated with cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether rehabilitation can stabilize hemodynamics and positively impact renal outcomes in patients with AKI associated with cardiovascular disease. Methods In total, 107 patients with AKI associated with cardiovascular disease were enrolled in this single-center retrospective study and were either assigned to the exposure group (n = 36), which received rehabilitation at least once a week for at least 8 consecutive weeks, or to the control group (n = 71). Estimated glomerular filtration rate was assessed at baseline before admission, at the lowest value during hospitalization, and at 3, 12, and 24 months after enrolment. Trends over time (group × time) between the two groups were compared using generalized estimating equations. Moreover, congestive status was assessed by amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and the effect of rehabilitation on congestion improvement was investigated using logistical regression analysis. Results The time course of renal function after AKI, from baseline to each of the three timepoints suggested significant differences between the two groups (p

Abstract Background Bicruciate-retaining (BCR) prosthesis has been introduced to recreate normal knee movement by preserving both the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. However, the use of BCR total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is still debatable because of several disappointing reports. We have been performing BCR TKAs with personalized alignment (PA). This study aimed to reveal the limb alignment and soft tissue balance of FA-BCR TKAs and compare the clinical outcomes of FA-BCR TKAs with those of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Methods Fifty BCR TKAs and 58 UKAs were included in this study. The joint component gaps of BCR TKA were evaluated intraoperatively and the postoperative hip–knee–ankle (HKA) angle, medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) were measured using full-length standing radiography. The short-term clinical outcomes of BCR TKAs were compared with those of UKA using the scoring system of 2011 Knee Society Scoring (KSS) and the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) at an average of 2 years postoperatively (1-4yeras). Results The coronal alignment values of PA-BCR TKA were as follows: HKA angle, 177.9° ± 2.3°; MPTA, 85.4° ± 1.9°; and LDFA, 87.5° ± 1.9°. The joint component gaps at flexion angles of 10°, 30°, 60°, and 90° were 11.1 ± 1.2, 10.9 ± 1.4, 10.7 ± 1.3, and 11.2 ± 1.4 mm for the medial compartment and 12.9 ± 1.5, 12.6 ± 1.8, 12.5 ± 1.8 and 12.5 ± 1.7 mm for the lateral compartment, respectively. The patient expectation score and maximum extension angle of PA-BCR TKA were significantly better than those of UKAs. Conclusions The short-term clinical outcomes of PA-BCR TKA were comparable or a slightly superior to those of UKAs.

Abstract Background Given rapid aging of the global population, preventing adverse events such as falls is essential for preserving functional capacity and quality of life among older adults, especially those at high risk due to hemodialysis (HD) treatment. We aimed to investigate the effects of a 3-year intradialytic exercise intervention on fall occurrence and physical performance in older patients undergoing HD. Methods Sixty-one patients were non-randomly assigned to the exercise (n = 31) and control groups (n = 30). The exercise group performed aerobic and resistance training during HD three times per week for 3 years. Handgrip strength, lower extremity muscle strength, 10-m walking speed, and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores were assessed at baseline. Physical function was reassessed every year in the exercise group. All participants were followed up until the first fall or the end of the study period. Results There were no significant between-group differences in baseline data. Over a median follow-up of 35 months, 10 (16.3%) falls occurred, including 1 (3.2%) in the exercise group and 9 (30%) in the control group. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the exercise intervention significantly reduced the occurrence of falls. No significant differences in physical function were observed among four time points in patients who completed the 3-year program. Conclusion Intradialytic exercise may represent an essential intervention for preventing falls in older patients undergoing HD. Trial registration: This study was retrospectively registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN 00044821, February 4, 2021).

Abstract Introduction Walking ability is an important prognostic factor for patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Since complications such as poor nutrition, anemia, malnutrition, and inflammation in patients undergoing HD may affect walking ability, the factors affected by 10-m walking speed must be investigated. This cross-sectional study enrolled 1205 outpatients undergoing HD and measured their 10-m walking speed. Methods Lower extremity muscle strength (LES), grip strength, one-leg standing time (OLST), and short physical performance battery (SPPB) score were measured as physical functions. Age, sex, body mass index, dialysis history, comorbidities, and hematological data were collected. Results A multiple regression analysis revealed that the 10-m walking speed was significantly associated with LES, grip strength, OLST, SPPB, and % creatinine production rate, even after adjusting for corresponding variables (R 2 = 0.69, p

Abstract Background Given the frequency of hamstring strain injuries (HSI) among male college American football players, several studies have attempted to determine whether certain risk factors can predict their occurrence. However, no consensus on modifiable risk factors for HSIs in male college American football players has yet been reached to prevent these injuries. This study aimed to clarify risk factors for HSI prospectively in college male American football players. Methods A total of 78 male college American football players, whose positions were limited to skill positions, were medically assessed for potential risk factors of HSI. The preseason medical assessment included anthropometric measurements, joint laxity and flexibility, muscle flexibility, muscle strength, and balance ability. Results HSI occurred in a total of 25 thighs from 25 players (32.1%). Injured players had significantly lower hamstring flexibility (p = 0.02) and hamstring to quadriceps strength ratio (H/Q) (p = 0.047) compared to uninjured players. Additionally, injured players had significantly lower general joint laxity scores, especially for the total (p = 0.04), hip (p = 0.007), and elbow (p = 0.04) scores, compared to uninjured players. Conclusions Lower hamstring flexibility, lower hamstring to quadriceps strength ratio, and lower general joint laxity score were identified as risk factors for HSI in male college American football players placed in skill positions. The muscle flexibility and H/Q ratio could be useful in preventing HSI in such players.

Abstract Background In bicruciate-stabilized total knee arthroplasty (BCS-TKA), the relationship between the postoperative kinematics and sports subscales in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between kinematics and sports subscales using the PROMs after BCS-TKA. Methods Sixty-one patients with severe knee osteoarthritis were examined at 13.5 ± 7.8 months after BCS-TKA. The patients performed squats under single fluoroscopic surveillance in the sagittal plane. Range of motion of the knee, axial rotation of the femur relative to the tibial component, and anteroposterior (AP) translation of the medial and lateral femorotibial contact points were measured using a 2D-to-3D registration technique. In addition, the relationship between the kinematics and improvement of the sports subscales in the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was evaluated. Results In rotation angle, the femoral external rotation was observed from 0 to 50° of flexion. The amount of femoral external rotation did not correlate with PROMs-SP. In medial AP translation, posterior translation was observed from 0 to 20° and 80–110° of flexion. Mild anterior translation was observed from 20 to 80° of flexion. Beyond 80° of flexion, posterior translation was positively correlated with squatting. In lateral AP translation, posterior translation was observed from 0 to 20° and 80–110° of flexion. Beyond 80° of flexion, posterior translation was positively correlated with running, jumping, twisting/pivoting, and kneeling. Conclusion Femoral rollback at high flexion during squatting may be important to improve sports performance after BCS-TKA.

Abstract Background The choice of mobile bearing (MB) thickness is essential for obtaining successful results after mobile-bearing Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 1-mm difference in bearing thickness on intraoperative MB movement and intraoperative knee kinematics in Oxford UKAs. Methods We prospectively investigated the effects of a 1-mm difference in bearing thickness on intraoperative MB movement and knee kinematics in 25 patients who underwent Oxford UKAs when surgeons didn’t know which bearing thickness to choose with 1-mm difference. A trial tibial component that was scaled every 2 mm was used to measure the intraoperative MB movement, and the tibial internal rotation relative to the femur and the knee varus angle was simultaneously evaluated using the navigation system as the knee kinematics. We separately evaluated sets of two MB thicknesses with 1-mm differences, and we compared the intraoperative parameters at maximum extension; 30º, 45º, 60º, and 90º flexion; and maximum flexion between the thicker MB (thick group) and the thinner MB (thin group). Results The MB in the thin group was located significantly posteriorly at 90º flexion compared with that in the thick group; however, there were no differences at the other flexion angles. There was significantly less tibial internal rotation in the thin group at 90º flexion than that in the thick group; however, there were no differences at the other flexion angles. The knee varus angles in the thick group were significantly smaller than those in the thin group by approximately one degree at all angles other than at 30º and 45º flexion. Conclusion The thicker MB could bring the less posterior MB movement and the more tibial internal rotation at 90º flexion, additionally the valgus correction angle in the thicker MB should be paid attention. These results could help surgeons to decide the thickness of MBs when they wonder the thickness of MB.

Abstract Background The normal knee kinematics during asymmetrical kneeling such as the sitting sideways remains unknown. This study aimed to clarify in vivo kinematics during sitting sideways of normal knees. Methods Twelve knees from six volunteers were examined. Under fluoroscopy, each volunteer performed a sitting sideways. A two-dimensional/three-dimensional registration technique was used. The rotation angle, varus-valgus angle, anteroposterior translation of the medial and lateral sides of the femur relative to the tibia, and kinematic pathway in each flexion angle was evaluated. Results Bilateral knees during sitting sideways showed a femoral external rotation relative to the tibia with flexion (ipsilateral: 13.7 ± 3.5°, contralateral: 5.8 ± 6.8°). Whereas the ipsilateral knees showed valgus movement of 4.6 ± 2.5° from 130° to 150° of flexion, and the contralateral knees showed varus movement of -3.1 ± 4.4° from 110° to 150° of flexion. The medial side of the contralateral knees was more posteriorly located than that of the ipsilateral knees beyond 110° of flexion. The lateral side of the contralateral knees was more anteriorly located than that of the ipsilateral knees from 120° to 150° of flexion. In the ipsilateral knees, a medial pivot pattern followed by a bicondylar rollback was observed. In the contralateral knees, no significant movement followed by a bicondylar rollback was observed. Conclusion Even though the asymmetrical kneeling such as sitting sideways, the knees did not display asymmetrical movement.

Abstract Background The first objective of this study was to determine the relationship between muscle strength or physical performance and mortality, and the second objective was to show the relationship of Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) to muscle strength and physical performance decline. Methods We examined handgrip, the 5-times chair stand test, and GNRI in 635 maintenance hemodialysis patients and followed up for 72 months. Predictors for all-cause death were examined using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional analysis. The relationship between possible sarcopenia and nutritional disorder (GNRI) was constructed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. We used the Youden index to determine the optimal cutoff points for GNRI. Results The multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that the GNRI did not show any significance, although handgrip (HR 3.61, 95% CI 1.70–7.68, p

Abstract Background Tibial internal rotation following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is important in achieving favorable postoperative clinical outcomes. Studies have reported the effect of intraoperative soft tissue balance on tibial internal rotation in conventional TKA, no studies have evaluated the effects of soft tissue balance at medial or lateral compartments separately on tibial internal rotation in bi-cruciate stabilized (BCS) TKA. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between medial or lateral component gaps and rotational knee kinematics in BCS TKA. Methods One hundred fifty-eight knees that underwent BCS TKA were included in this study. The intraoperative medial and lateral joint laxities which was defined as the value of component gap minus the thickness of the tibial component were firstly divided into two groups, respectively: Group M-stable (medial joint laxity, ≤ 2 mm) or Group M-loose (medial joint laxity, ≥ 3 mm) and Group L-stable (lateral joint laxity, ≤ 3 mm) or Group L-loose (lateral joint laxity, ≥ 4 mm). And finally, the knees enrolled in this study were divided into four groups based on the combination of Group M and Group L: Group A (M-stable and L-stable), Group B (M-stable and L-loose), Group C (M-loose and L-stable), and Group D (M-loose and L-loose). The intraoperative rotational knee kinematics were compared between the four Groups at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° flexion, respectively. Results The rotational angular difference between 0° flexion and maximum flexion in Group B at 30° flexion was significantly larger than that in Group A at 30° flexion (*p

Abstract Background This study aims to elucidate and compare the relationship between the knee flexion angle and patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) in both non-weight-bearing (NWB) and weight-bearing (WB) conditions. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 61 knees (47 patients) who underwent total knee arthroplasty. The knee flexion angle was measured by three conditions: NWB in manual goniometer, NWB in fluoroscopic three-dimensional (3D) analysis and WB in the fluoroscopic 3D analysis. The PROM was evaluated by postoperative 2011 Knee Society Score (2011 KSS) and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Correlations between the knee flexion angle and PROM was analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Additionally, whether the angular difference between NWB and WB correlated with the PROM or not was evaluated. Results The NWB knee flexion angle in a goniometer, NWB in 3D analysis, and WB in 3D analysis were 124.6° ± 8.4°, 118.0° ± 10.5°, and 109.5° ± 13.3°, respectively. The angular difference was 8.5° ± 12.8°. No PROM correlation existed in NWB using a goniometer. Moreover, significant positive correlations in 2011 KSS symptoms (r = 0.35) and 2011 KSS functional activities (r = 0.27) were noted in NWB using 3D analysis. Significant positive correlations existed in 2011 KSS symptoms (r = 0.32), 2011 KSS functional activities (r = 0.57), KOOS pain (r = 0.37), KOOS activity of daily living (ADL; r = 0.45), KOOS sports (r = 0.42), and KOOS quality of life (r = 0.36) in WB using 3D analysis. Significant negative correlations were noted in 2011 KSS functional activities (r = − 0.45), KOOS ADL (r = − 0.30), and KOOS sports (r = − 0.38) in angular difference. Conclusions The WB knee flexion angle better correlated with PROM compared with NWB by evaluation of 3D analysis. The larger the angular difference existed between NWB and WB, the lower the PROM score.

Abstract Background Although Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is used in patients of wide age ranges, there is no clear information regarding the age differences in terms of intraoperative femorotibial rotational kinematics and its influence on clinical outcomes. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the age differences in terms of intraoperative rotational kinematics and postoperative clinical outcomes and to analyze their relationship with classification according to the age group. Methods We investigated 111 knees of patients who underwent Oxford UKA using a navigation system and divided them into two groups: elderly (aged ≥75 years; 48 knees) and nonelderly (aged

Abstract Background Low physical fitness is often found in patients undergoing hemodialysis. It may be possible that the recovery of impaired motor function with rehabilitative training might be affected when the patient is on hemodialysis. So far, however, no researcher has clinically investigated this issue in post-stroke patients. The purpose of this study is to clarify the difference of functional recovery during the convalescent phase between post-stroke patients with and without hemodialysis. Methods A cohort of 82 post-stroke hemiparetic patients who were admitted to our rehabilitation hospital, were subjected. On the day of admission and discharge, some clinical parameters including Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) were evaluated for each patient. The changes during the hospitalization and the values at the discharge in these parameters were statistically compared between the patients with and without hemodialysis. Results The FIM motor score at the discharge was significantly lower in hemodialysis patients than non-hemodialysis patients (64.7 ± 21.2 points in hemodialysis patients and 81.8 ± 28.0 points in non-hemodialysis patients, p < 0.05). In addition, the frequency of FAC at the discharge of ≥ 3 was significantly lower in hemodialysis patients than non-hemodialysis patients (40.0% in hemodialysis patients and 72.2% in non-hemodialysis patients, p < 0.05). Conclusion In patients undergoing hemodialysis seem to experience a worse functional recovery during the convalescent phase compared to those not undergoing hemodialysis. We might have to modify the rehabilitative program during the convalescent phase after stroke if the patient was on hemodialysis.

Abstract Background The risk of adverse events associated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) in elderly patients has not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between physical function and hospitalization in elderly PD patients. Methods This is a single-center prospective observational cohort study. Thirty-three aged patients (74.8 ± 5.9 years) participated in a 6-min walk distance, short physical performance battery (SPPB), lower extremity muscle strength, and 10-m walk speed. All subjects were followed until hospitalization to the end of the follow-up period. Results The 6-min walk distance was 332 ± 112.5 m; SPPB was 11 (8.3–12) points; the lower extremity muscle strength was 36.6 ± 9.6%; 10-m walk speed was 1.1± 0.2 m/s. During the follow-up, 19 patients (57.5%) were hospitalized. In the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank test, a lower 6-min walk distance and PD vintage were significantly associated with hospitalization (p

Abstract Background One of the causes of dissatisfaction following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is abnormal knee kinematics. A newly designed bi-cruciate stabilized (BCS) TKA system has been developed to produce close-to-normal kinematics because of its anatomic tibiofemoral articular geometry and cam-post mechanism. Although BCS TKA is expected to improve patient satisfaction, no reports have described the appropriate technique or soft tissue handling required to achieve excellent satisfaction with BCS TKA. This study is to identify intraoperative surgical predictors of patient satisfaction after BCS TKA. Methods We studied 104 knees with primary varus knee osteoarthritis that underwent BCS TKA with a navigation system retrospectively. Surgical parameters including coronal, sagittal and axial alignment and joint laxity in each compartment that affected patient satisfaction was evaluated. Satisfaction score was evaluated with use of the 2011 Knee Society Scoring system. The multivariate regression analysis included age, gender, body mass index and intraoperative parameters that correlated with satisfaction scores in the univariate analysis (P

Abstract Background Few studies compared the length change of ligaments of normal knees during dynamic activities of daily living. The aim of this study was to investigate in vivo length change of ligaments of the normal knees during high flexion. Methods Eight normal knees were investigated. Each volunteer performed squatting, kneeling, and cross-leg motions. Each sequential motion was performed under fluoroscopic surveillance in the sagittal plane. The femoral, tibial, and fibular attachment areas of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), deep medial collateral ligament (dMCL), superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) were determined according to osseous landmarks. After 2D/3D registration, the direct distance from the femoral attachment to the tibial or fibular attachment was measured as the ligament length. Results From 20° to 90° with flexion, the ACL was significantly shorter during cross-leg motion than during squatting. For the PCL, dMCL, sMCL, and LCL, there were no significant differences among the 3 motions. Conclusion The ACL was shorter during cross-leg motion than during squatting in mid-flexion. This suggests that the ACL is looser during cross-leg motion than during squatting. On the other hand, the length change of the PCL, MCL, and LCL did not change even though the high flexion motions were different.

Abstract Background This study investigated the association between the blood pressure response during hemodialysis (HD) and exercise tolerance or heart rate recovery (HRR) measured with cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX). Methods The study enrolled 23 patients who had been undergoing 4-h regular maintenance HD. The maximum workload (Loadpeak), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), workload and oxygen uptake at the anaerobic threshold (LoadAT and VO2AT, respectively), and HRR were measured with CPX. The average systolic blood pressure during HD (SBPav) was measured, and the number of times the SBP was less than 100 mmHg was determined in the 2-week period after CPX. Results The SBPav showed a significant correlation with LoadAT (r = 0.46) and Loadpeak (r = 0.43, p < 0.05). The number of times the SBP was less than 100 mmHg showed a significant correlation with the HRR (r = − 0.44, p < 0.05). Conclusion Exercise intolerance and HRR in HD patients may be associated with blood pressure instability during HD.

Abstract Background Reduced muscle strength and physical performance are prevalent in patients of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), and deleterious changes in these parameters are associated with increased mortality. Methods This retrospective observational study included 306 patients, who received a 6-month resistance exercise program during hemodialysis, three times per week on an outpatient basis. The training protocol consisted of two sets of 10 repetitions of knee extension, hip abduction, and hip flexion, using an elastic band in a sitting or supine position. Primary outcome measures included muscle strength, measured by percent knee extension muscle power to dry body weight (pKEMP-dBW), and physical performance, measured by short physical performance battery (SPPB). The adjusted mean differences in these variables during the 6 months were estimated using a multivariate linear regression model. Results The mean age with standard deviation was 70 ± 11 years. One hundred and sixty patients (52.3%) were men and the dry weight was 55.6 ± 11.3 kg. Sarcopenia, defined as SPPB ≤8, was present in 21.4% patients. Their hemodialysis adequacy was acceptable, with a Kt/V of 1.65 ± 0.29, and their nutritional status was good, with a normalized protein catabolism rate of 0.89 ± 0.18 g/kg/day. During the 6 months, both pKEMP-dBW and SPPB showed a slight but significant increase with an adjusted mean difference of 2.8 (95% confidence interval 1.3–4.3, p