AIM To investigate whether reductions in pain catastrophizing associated with physical performance in the early period after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS The study group of 46 participants underwent TKA or THA. The participants were evaluated within 7 d before the operation and at 14 d afterwards. Physical performance was measured by the Timed Up and ...

This study compared the peak isometric strength of the cervical flexors in deep bite temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) patients while biting in four bite positions: habitual occlusion, edge-to-edge, lateral shift and retruded. These values were then compared to those of the same subjects' bite positions elevated to a functional criterion (maximum isometric strength of the deltoid muscles). Th...

The low-back pain has demonstrated to be a common finding among athletes and particularly the overload in the lumbar column resulting from a strength or isometric resistance involvement of muscles of this segment as result of the muscular fatigue has been considered as important etiological factor for its development. In this context, tests used for the training evaluation of the lumbar spinae ...

The signs associated with an upper motor neurone syndrome vary considerably between text books. Often included are loss of dexterous, rapid and fractionated voluntary movements, variation of movement with mode of activation (prime mover, synergist, antagonist), weakness, various postural signs (eg, pronator drift), time-dependent tonal and tendon reflex changes and the extensor plantar response...

Pathologic progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) results from motor neuron death, while the clinical expression also reflects the compensatory effects of collateral reinnervation consequent to lower motor neuron loss. In a cross-sectional study of ALS subjects, we made comparisons between motor unit number estimation (MUNE) values and several measures reflecting collateral reinnerv...

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of asymptomatic back muscle weakness and spinal deformity on low back pain (LBP). METHODS Sixty healthy subjects without LBP participated in this study. Radiography and an isokinetic/isometric dynamometer were used to respectively measure spinal scoliosis/lordosis and the strength of the trunk flexors/extensors. After 2 years, 48 subjects visited the hospi...

BACKGROUND Muscle strengthening exercises are promoted for building and maintaining a healthy skeleton. We aimed to investigate the relationship between muscle strength and areal bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip in women aged 26-97 years. METHODS This cross-sectional study utilises data from 863 women assessed for the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Measures of hip flexor and abductor streng...

Anthropometric and muscle strength evaluation in prepubescent and pubescent swimmers and muscle strength and body composition are important for a better sporting performance. The objective of this study was to describe and to compare anthropometrical and muscle strength aspects of prepubescent and pubescent swimmer boys and girls. Forty-eight healthy competitive swimmers participated in this st...