Compromised muscle function can be evaluated in respiratory disease patients by supramaximal magnetic stimulation (isometric twitch) of the quadriceps, a technique that is reproducible and objective. We validated the technique, comparing a device used in our laboratory with another reference electromagnet. We also assessed whether the technique could potentially be used to train the muscle by r...

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of NMES program applied in male soccer players (after ACL reconstruction) on the quadriceps muscle. The 80 participants (NMES = 40, control = 40) received an exercise program, including three sessions weekly. The individuals in NMES group additionally received neuromuscular electrical stimulation procedures on both right and l...

BACKGROUND Although the aerobic profile of the quadriceps muscle is reduced in COPD, there is conflicting evidence regarding whether this leads to reduced quadriceps muscle endurance. We, therefore, performed a systematic review of studies comparing quadriceps endurance in individuals with COPD with that in healthy control subjects. METHODS Relevant studies were identified by searching six el...

It is not clear whether the strength or endurance of thigh muscles (quadriceps and hamstring) is positively or negatively correlated with the adduction moment of osteoarthritic knees. This study therefore assessed the relationships between the strength and endurance of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles and adduction moment in osteoarthritic knees and evaluated predictors of the adduction mom...

[Purpose] The aim of present study was to investigate the effects of isometric quadriceps exercise on muscle strength, pain, and function in knee osteoarthritis. [Subjects and Methods] Outpatients (N=42, 21 per group; age range 40-65 years; 13 men and 29 women) with osteoarthritis of the knee participated in the study. The experimental group performed isometric exercises including isometric qua...

BACKGROUND Critical illness is associated with muscle weakness leading to long-term functional limitations. OBJECTIVES To assess the reliability of a novel method for evaluating fatigability of the quadriceps muscle in noncooperating healthy subjects. METHODS On two occasions, separated by seven days, nonvoluntary isometric contractions (twitch and tetanic) of the quadriceps femoris muscle ...

With long-term electrical stimulation training, paralyzed muscle can serve as an effective load delivery agent for the skeletal system. Muscle adaptations to training, however, will almost certainly outstrip bone adaptations, exposing participants in training protocols to an elevated risk for fracture. Assessing the physiological properties of the chronically paralyzed quadriceps may transmit u...

This study attempted to compare the muscle fiber morphological responses to dynamic electrical muscle stimulation (DEMS) and dynamic hydraulic stimulation (DHS) in rats under hindlimb suspension (HLS). DEMS at 1 Hz, 50 Hz and 100 Hz for 10 min/day, 5 days/week were introduced to the animals' right quadriceps. Static and 2 Hz DHS were introduced to the right tibiae of other animal groups on a "1...

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of muscle weakness and the importance of physical inactivity in cystic fibrosis (CF), and its relationship to exercise tolerance and muscle strength. Exercise tolerance, skeletal and respiratory muscle strength were studied in a group of 64 adults with CF (age 26+/-8 yrs, FEV(1 % predicted) 65+/-19) and in 20 age-matched controls. P...

This study was originally presented at the American College of Sports Medicine annual meeting in San Diego, CA, 1984. Following repair of the anterior cruciate ligament, it is fairly typical for a patient to return to activity at approximately 12 months postsurgery. The purpose of the study was to quantify quadriceps size and function at 1 year postsurgery. Bilateral isokinetic torque measureme...