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Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate an isometric voluntary force generation and relaxation capacity of the quadriceps femoris (QF) muscle prior and after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Methods: Isometric maximal voluntary contraction force, rate of force development, voluntary activation, half-relaxation time, and latency of contraction of the QF muscle were recorded in 12 female patients (aged 49-68 years) with knee osteoarthritis one day before, 3 and 6 months following TKA in the operated and nonoperated leg. Knee pain intensity was assessed by visual analog scale, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire was used to assess knee problems during daily living.Results: A significant decrease in knee pain and significant increase in KOOS were established after TKA. Maximal voluntary isometric force in the operated leg was lower (P < 0.05) before, 3 and 6 months after TKA as compared to the nonoperated leg. Rate of force development of the QF muscle in the operated leg compared to the nonoperated leg was significantly lower (P < 0.05) 3 and 6 months after TKA. Voluntary activation, latency of contraction, and half-relaxation time of the QF muscle did not differ significantly before, 3 and 6 months after TKA.Conclusions: The present study indicated reduced maximal and explosive strength of quadriceps femoris muscle in the operated leg 3 and 6 months after TKA with no significant changes in voluntary activation, and capacity for rapid contraction and relaxation.Level Of Evidence: Prospective comparative study, Level II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate knee pain and postural stability in women with knee osteoarthritis (OA), who used postoperative home exercise program (HEP) with balance exercises. 14 women with knee OA in stage III-IV (aged 48-70 years) participated in this study before and 6 months after unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). All patients performed HEP during 6 months after unilateral TKA. Data of patients was compared with healthy age-matched women (controls, n=10). Postural stability characteristics (centre of pressure (COP) displacement in the anterior-posterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) direction, COP sway equivalent radius and area) during 30 s bipedal standing (eyes open) were recorded on two dynamographic force plates. Pain in knee joint was estimated with visual-analogue scale. COP displacement in AP direction of the operated and non-operated leg was greater (p<0.05) in women with knee OA before and 6 months after TKA compared to the controls. Knee joint pain in the operated leg reduced 70% after TKA. TKA together with HEP has an important role in preserving postural stability and reducing knee joint pain in women with III-IV stage gonarthrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare postural control and vertical jumping performance characteristics in adolescent and adult male basketball players. Forty nine male basketball players participated in this study. They were distributed into three groups: (1) young adolescents (YA; with mean age 15.4±0.7 yrs), (2) old adolescents (OA; 17.9±1.2 yrs), and (3) adults (AD; 25.9±3.7 yrs). Static standing balance during bi- and unipedal standing and vertical jumping characteristics were measured on a force platform. AD basketball players had significantly (p<0.05) higher vertical jumping height and power development per unit of body mass as compared to YA and OA group; OA group outperformed YA group as well. Static standing stability was better in AD group than YA and OA group. There were no significant differences between YA and OA groups in static standing balance test. Age and sports participation were significantly (p<0.05) positively correlated with vertical jumping height and power. Anthropometrical characteristics and sports participation were all significantly (p<0.05) negatively correlated with centre of pressure trace length during bi- and unipedal standing. No significant correlation was observed between balance and vertical jumping characteristics. It was concluded that in male basketball players the improvement in vertical jumping performance and static standing balance during bipedal stance are influenced by sports participation and maturation, whereas static standing balance during unipedal stance is not affected by aforementioned factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the gait and muscle strength characteristics in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) before and six months after surgery. Eight patients (4 men and 4 women) aged 58-77 years with PFPS following unilateral TKA who had primary degenerative knee OA participated in the study before and six months after reoperation. In patients was registered the active range of motion (AROM) of knee extension and flexion, hip abduction and adduction. Isometric maximal voluntary contraction (IMVC) force of knee flexors, extensors, abductors and adductors was measured and gait kinematic characteristics and kinetic characteristics of knee joint were recorded. Knee flexion AROM in the involved leg was significantly lower (p<0.05) as compared to the uninvolved leg pre- and post-surgery. The patients had greater (p<0.05) hip abduction AROM and significant increase (31%, p<0.05) of IMVC force of the involved leg's hip abductors postoperatively as compared before surgery. Six months after surgery a significant (p<0.05) improvement of gait spatiotemporal characteristics (increase of swing time and stride length (p<0.05), together with decrease of stance time and cadence, as well increase of stride length) was noted in the involved leg. In TKA patients 6 months after reoperation due to PFPS the knee joint function in involved leg was significantly improved and the positive changes in gait with comfortable velocity took place as compared before surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hip muscle weakness is an often-occurring condition after displaced fractures of the proximal femur in older patients. The aim of this study was to compare hip muscle strength and pain in elderly female patients after proximal femoral fracture. Nine female patients (mean±SD of 71.4±3.9 yrs) participated in this study. Knee extensor, hip abductor and adductor muscle strength was evaluated with handheld dynamometer Lafayette (USA) during the first week of postoperative stay in hospital, and 6 months postfracture with fractured and nonfractured leg. Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale. A week after the operation knee extensor, hip abductor and adductor muscle isometric muscle strength for the fractured leg was decreased (p<0.05) by 50.7%, 55.6% and 38.8%, respectively, compared to the nonfractured limb. At 6-month follow-up, hip muscle strength increased significantly (p < 0.05) in both the fractured and nonfractured leg. Hip muscle strength for the fractured leg was significantly lower (p<0.05) compared with the nonfractured leg 6 months after surgery. Pain score was significantly (p<0.05) higher during the first postoperative week as compared to 6 months follow-up. It was concluded that voluntary maximal isometric forcegenerating capacity of knee and hip muscles for the fractured leg was markedly increased 1 week and 6 months postoperatively. Isometric force-generating capacity for the fractured leg was significantly improved by 6 months follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the isometric force production capacity of the leg extensor muscles in 9-12-year-old children with spastic diplegia (SD; 11 girls and 10 boys) and age- and gendermatched nondisabled children (11 girls and 10 boys). Isometric maximal voluntary contraction force of the leg extensor muscles was measured during unilateral and bilateral contractions (leg press exercise) using custom-made dynamometric chair. Children with SD had significantly (p<0.05) lower isometric maximal force during bilateral and unilateral contractions compared with healthy children. Bilateral strength deficit did not differ significantly in children with and without SD. No significant correlations between isometric force characteristics of the leg extensor muscles and anthropometric parameters were observed in children with SD. These results indicated that in children with SD, isometric voluntary force-generating capacity of the leg extensor muscles during bilateral and unilateral contractions is markedly reduced, whereas bilateral strength deficit is not differ compared with age- and gender-matched healthy children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distance runners suffer often from overuse injures, caused by excessive pronation or supinating foot. The purpose of this study was to compare the rearfoot kinematics and the questionnaire results of incidences of overuse injuries symptoms. Fourteen distance runners, who were distributed into the more-symptomatic (MSL, n = 7) and less-symptomatic (LSL, n = 7) groups according to the questionnaire participated in this study. The subjects ran at average speed 3.79 m·s-1 on the 5,8 m runway with four markers set on rearfoot and shank, and kinematics were determined using the motion analysis system with 6 and 8 cameras. For the rearfoot kinematics analysis the angles between calcaneus and shank in both legs were measured: angle at impact; maximum angle; the pronation amplitude; time from impact to maximum angle; time from maximum angle to toe-off supination. The pronation amplitude in the right foot was greater (p < 0.05) in MSL compared to LSL group (5.5° and 8.2°, respectively; p = 0.02). The other measured parameters did not differ significantly between the groups. We concluded that the variations in rearfoot kinematics can not be the reasons for causing the symptoms of overuse and their origin should be searched from training errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MALE BASKETBALL PLAYERS DURING PRE-SEASON PHASE: A PILOT STUDY" by T. Jallai, J. Ereline, T. Kums, H. Aibast, H. Gapejeva, and M. Pääsuke is presented.

An abstract of the article "POSTURAL STABILITY OF STANCE IN FEMALE ENDURANCE TRAINED ATHLETES VERSUS MODERATELY PHYSICALLY ACTIVE WOMEN AGED 18-26 YEARS" by H. Gapeyeva, H. Aibast, J. Ereline, T. Kums, K. Jansen, and M. Pääsuke is presented.

An abstract of the article "BAROPODOMETRIC AND PLANTARFLEXOR MUSCLE STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS IN POWER AND ENDURANCE-TRAINED MEN" by H. Aibast, H. Gapeyeva, T. Kums, J. Ereline, and M. Pääsuke is presented.

An abstract of the article "TQUADRICEPS FEMORIS MUSCLE FORCE PRODUCTION CAPACITY AND VOLUME IN MODERATELY PHYSICALLY ACTIVE YOUNG AND ELDERLY WOMEN" by M. Pääsuke, J. Ereline, H. Gapeyeva, T. Kums, H. Aibast, M. Leht, M. Nigul, R. Pääsuke, and E. Seppet is presented.

An abstract of the article "WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION AND POSTURAL CONTROL ABILITY IN MIDDLE-AGED MEN" by T. Kums, H. Pilt, H. Gapeyeva, H. Aibast, J. Ereline, K. Jansen, V. Viljasoo, and M. Pääsuke is presented.

An abstract of the article "SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE WORKLOAD ASSESSMENT IN MALE TILE LAYERS" by K. Jansen, L. Esko, M. Luik, V. Viljasoo, J. Ereline, H. Gapeyeva, H. Aibast, and M. Pääsuke is presented.

An abstract of the article "QUADRICEPS FEMORIS MUSCLE FORCE GENERATION AND RELAXATION CAPACITY AFTER TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY" by D. Vahtrik, H. Gapeyeva, H. Aibast, J. Ereline, T. Kums, T. Haviko, M. Rätsepsoo, A. Mårtson, G. Schneider, and M. Pääsuke is presented.

An abstract of the article "DIFFERENCES IN LEG EXTENSOR MUSCLE FORCE-GENERATION CAPACITY IN YOUNG AND ELDERLY MEN" by T. Koovit, H. Aibast, J. Ereline, H. Gapayeva, T. Kums, and M. Pääsuke is presented.

Habitually barefoot (HB) children from the Kalenjin tribe of Kenya are known for their high physical activity levels. To date, there has been no comprehensive assessment of foot structure and function in these highly active and HB children/adolescents and link with overuse injuries., Purpose: The aim of this research is to assess foot structure, foot function, injury and physical activity levels in Kenyan children and adolescents who are HB compared with those who were habitually shod (HS)., Methods: Foot structure, function, injury prevalence, and physical activity levels were studied using two studies with equal numbers of HS and HB. HS and HB children and adolescents were matched for age, sex, and body mass. Foot arch characteristics, foot strength, and lower-limb injury prevalence were investigated in Study 1 (n = 76). Heel bone stiffness, Achilles tendon moment arm length and physical activity levels in Study 2 (n=62). Foot muscle strength was measured using a strength device TKK 3360 and heel bone stiffness by bone ultrasonometry. The moment arm length of the Achilles tendon was estimated from photographs and physical activity was assessed using questionnaires and accelerometers., Results: Foot shortening strength was greater in HB (4.8 ± 1.9 kg vs 3.5 ± 1.8 kg, P < 0.01). Navicular drop was greater in HB (0.53 ± 0.32 cm vs 0.39 ± 0.19 cm, P < 0.05). Calcaneus stiffness index was greater (right 113.5 ± 17.1 vs 100.5 ± 116.8, P < 0.01 left 109.8 ± 15.7 vs 101.7 ± 18.7, P < 0.05) and Achilles tendon moment arm shorter in HB (right, 3.4 ± 0.4 vs 3.6 ± 0.4 cm, P < 0.05; left, 3.4 ± 0.5 vs 3.7 ± 0.4 cm, P < 0.01). Lower-limb injury prevalence was 8% in HB and 61% in HS. HB subjects spent more time engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity (60 ± 26 min·d vs 31 ± 13 min·d; P < 0.001)., Conclusions: Significant differences observed in foot parameters, injury prevalence and general foot health between HB and HS suggest that footwear conditions may impact on foot structure and function and general foot health. HB children and adolescents spent more time engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity and less time sedentary than HS children and adolescents.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate functional motor performance and haptic object recognition in 5-year-old children with mild expressive language disorder (ELD) in comparison with age- and gender-matched healthy children., Methods: The subjects were classified by speech-language pathologist using The Reynell Developmental Language Scales III and Boehm Test of Basic Concepts: Preschool as children with mild ELD (n=29, incl. 23 boys and 6 girls) and children with typical language development as controls (n=29, incl. 23 boys and 6 girls). The children were examined for manual dexterity, ball skills, static and dynamic balance by Movement-ABC, haptic object recognition (HOR), hand-grip strength (HGS) and vertical jumping performance., Results: Children with mild ELD demonstrated significantly higher scores (i.e., inferior performance) in all subtests of M-ABC (all p values <0.05), in haptic object recognition (p<0.01) and vertical jumping height (p<0.05) compared to controls. However, no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) emerged from HGS. Boys with mild ELD demonstrated higher results in impairment score (p<0.001), ball skills (p<0.01) and balance (p<0.01) of M-ABC, as well as in HOR (p<0.05). Girls with mild ELD showed higher impairment score (p<0.05) with lower percentile (p<0.05) in M-ABC, indicating inferior motor performance, and lower HGS for the non-dominant hand (p<0.05). Seven out of 29 (24.1%) children with mild ELD had definite or borderline motor difficulties, while only one child in control group (3.4%) demonstrated borderline motor difficulties., Conclusions: Children with mild expressive language disorder do not perform as well as controls in tests of functional motor skills, but their results in tests demanding maximal muscle force generation are in level with typically developing children. Boys and girls with mild ELD demonstrated higher impairment scores in M-ABC, indicating the need to follow their overall development more closely., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate motor skills, haptic object recognition and social interaction in 5-year-old children with mild specific expressive language impairment (expressive-SLI) and articulation disorder (AD) in comparison of age- and gender matched healthy children., Methods: Twenty nine children (23 boys and 6 girls) with expressive-SLI, 27 children (20 boys and 7 girls) with AD and 30 children (23 boys and 7 girls) with typically developing language as controls participated in our study. The children were examined for manual dexterity, ball skills, static and dynamic balance by M-ABC test, haptic object recognition and for social interaction by questionnaire completed by teachers., Results: Children with mild expressive-SLI demonstrated significantly poorer results in all subtests of motor skills (p<0.05), in haptic object recognition and social interaction (p<0.01) compared to controls. There were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) in measured parameters between children with AD and controls. Children with expressive-SLI performed considerably poorer compared to AD group in balance subtest (p<0.05), and in overall M-ABC test (p<0.01)., Conclusions: In children with mild expressive-SLI the functional motor performance, haptic perception and social interaction are considerably more affected than in children with AD. Although motor difficulties in speech production are prevalent in AD, it is localised and does not involve children's general motor skills, haptic perception or social interaction., (Copyright © 2011 The Japanese Society of Child Neurology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate motor performance and haptic object recognition (HOR) in 5-year-old boys with minor to moderate specific impairment of expressive language (expressive-SLI)., Methods:  Twenty-eight boys with expressive-SLI and 26 boys with typical language development as controls were recruited from ordinary kindergartens. An assessment of the voluntary isometric force production and relaxation capacity of the leg extensor muscles, manual dexterity, ball skills, balance and HOR was performed and the results were compared with those for age-matched control group., Results: Reaction times to voluntary contraction and relaxation of the leg extensor muscles as well as manual dexterity did not differ significantly in the measured groups. Boys with expressive-SLI demonstrated poorer results in ball skills (p < 0.01), balance (p < 0.01), less leg extensors strength (p < 0.05) and made considerably more (p < 0.001) errors in haptic perception test when compared to controls., Conclusions: Deviations in gross-motor performance and haptic perception are very common in children with minor to moderate expressive-SLI, being embodied especially in less muscle strength of lower extremities, poorer ball skills, balance and HOR., (© 2011 The Author(s)/Acta Paediatrica © 2011 Foundation Acta Paediatrica.)