Search

Introduction: Stroke survivors can experience various consequences that affect their physical and psychological balance. Yoga seems to be relevant for this population as it allows to work on both the body and the mind. The first objective of this study was to investigate the non-inferiority of yoga compared with conventional physical activity in improving physical function in patients with chronic post-stroke sequelae. The secondary objective was to investigate the superiority of yoga in improving the mental health of these patients. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Thirty-six patients were randomized into two groups to practice a yoga program (YOG'AVC) or the Fitness and Mobility Exercise (FAME) program. Patients were assessed in a blinding mode pre- (T0) and post-program (T1) and 3–4 months after completion (T2). The physical assessments were the Berg Balance Scale, timed up and go test, 6-minute walk test, and quadriceps strength measured by hand-held dynamometer. Questionnaire assessments were: Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale–Simplified, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck's Depression Inventory, and the Reintegration to Normal Living Index. Results: The YOG'AVC program was not inferior to the FAME program in improving balance, functional mobility and muscle strength. Both groups showed significant improvement (p < 0.05) between T0 and T1 in their anxiety, depression, and reintegration to normal life scores, with no significant difference between groups. Discussion: Both programs seem to be valuable in improving the physical abilities and psychological well-being of chronic post-stroke patients. However, further studies are required to confirm the difference between these programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, several authors have proposed the use of a submaximal 'perceptually regulated exercise test' (PRET) to predict maximal oxygen uptake ( $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\;\hbox{max} } $$ ). The PRET involves asking the individual to self-regulate a series of short bouts of exercise corresponding to pre-set ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). The individual linear relationship between RPE and oxygen uptake (RPE: $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$ ) is then extrapolated to the $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\;\hbox{max} } $$ , which corresponds to the theoretical maximal RPE (RPE). Studies suggest that prediction accuracy from this method may be better improved during a second PRET. Similarly, some authors have recommended an extrapolation to RPE rather than RPE. Objectives: The purpose of the meta-analysis was to examine the validity of the method of predicting $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\;\hbox{max} } $$ from the RPE: $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$ during a PRET, and to determine the level of agreement and accuracy of predicting $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\;\hbox{max} } $$ from an initial PRET and retest using RPE and RPE. Data Sources: From a systematic search of the literature, 512 research articles were identified. Study Eligibility Criteria: The eligible manuscripts were those which used the relationship between the RPE and $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$ , and used only the Borg's RPE scale. Participants and Interventions: Ten studies ( n = 274 individuals) were included. Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods: For each study, actual and predicted $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\;\hbox{max} } $$ from four subgroup outcomes (RPE in the initial test, RPE in the retest, RPE in the initial test, RPE in the retest) were identified, and then compared. The magnitude of the difference regardless of subgroup outcomes was examined to determine if it is better to predict $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\;\hbox{max} } $$ from extrapolation to RPE or RPE. The magnitude of differences was examined for the best PRET (test vs retest). Results: The results revealed that $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\;\hbox{max} } $$ may be predicted from RPE: $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$ during PRET in different populations and in various PRET modalities, regardless of the subgroup outcomes. To obtain greater accuracy of predictions, extrapolation to RPE during a retest may be recommended. Limitations: The included studies reported poor selection bias and data collection methods. Conclusions and Implications of Key Findings: The $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\;\hbox{max} } $$ may be predicted from RPE: $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$ during PRET, especially when $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\;\hbox{max} } $$ is extrapolated to RPE during a second PRET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response from the authors of the article "Submaximal, Perceptually Regulated Exercise Testing Predicts Maximal Oxygen Uptake: A Meta-Analysis Study" in the 2016 issue is presented.

Subacromial shoulder pain syndrome is a very common and challenging musculoskeletal disorder. Kinematics, electromyographic muscle activity and isokinetic dynamometry are promising non-invasive movement analysis tools to improve understanding of this condition. No review has combined their results to provide a better understanding of the effects of subacromial pain syndrome on shoulder movement. This systematic review aimed to synthesise the associations between exposure to shoulder pain due to subacromial pain syndromes or subacromial impingement and changes in shoulder movement measures. The databases were Scholar google, Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus and the Cochrane Library. We included studies that observed the association of the presence of subacromial pain syndromes or subacromial impingement with changes in shoulder motion measures. Seventeen studies with 943 participants were included. The main kinematic change was a lower scapular posterior during abduction in the subacromial pain syndrome group with a "low" level of evidence (standardised mean difference = −0.61, 95% confidence interval [−0.80; −0.43]). The main electromyographic change was an earlier onset of activation of the upper trapezius in the subacromial pain syndrome group, with a "moderate" level of evidence (standardised mean difference = 1.01, 95% confidence interval: [−2.97; 0.96]). The main isokinetic change was a lower peak internal rotator torque in the subacromial pain syndrome group, with a 'low' level of evidence (standardised mean difference = −0.41, 95% confidence interval: [−0.53; −0.29]). The variables measured during movement are associated with subacromial pain syndrome or subacromial impingement syndrome. Consistency between the results supports the importance of scapula biomechanics measurements in these conditions. • Subacromial pain syndrome changes shoulder movements. • Global changes come from motor redistribution related to pain processing. • Rehabilitation of this condition should increase focus on motor abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]