We used micron-sized latex spheres to probe the phase state and the viscoelastic properties of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) bilayers as a function of temperature. One or two particles were manipulated and stuck to a DMPC giant vesicle by means of an optical trap. Above the fluid-gel main transition temperature, T(m) congruent with 23.4 degrees C, the particles could move on the surface...

Introduction: Weakness of the lower limb muscles, which are the main impairments after stroke, is associated with reduced mobility and decreased performance in functional tasks. Therefore, the assessment of strength of these muscles is necessary, which is commonly assessed with portable dynamometry. Aims: To perform a literature review regarding the methods used to assess lower limb strength wi...

Heart rate is associated with work hardness and increase linearly with its increasing. In the average of energy consumption, heart rate measurement is simple but non-accurate method for calculation of work hardness. Our purpose in this research was to evaluate the relationship between heart rate and dynamometry results with hypothesis of work hardness effectiveness on the human power. This stud...

BACKGROUND The foot and ankle are frequently affected in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). One of the negative consequences of RA on the physical function of patients is a decrease in muscle strength. However, little is known about foot and muscle strength in this population. The aim of the study was to evaluate significant differences in foot and ankle muscle strength between patients w...

BACKGROUND Children with growth retardation or short stature generally present with lower strength than children of the same chronological age. The aim of the study was to establish if strength was dependent on variables related to stature in a population of healthy children and to propose practical predictive models for the muscle functions tested. A secondary aim was to test for any learning ...

AIM To evaluate hand muscle weakness detected through dynamometry as an indicator for change in motor nerve function detected by Voluntary Muscle Testing (VMT) of ulnar and median nerves. DESIGN The research was carried out as part of the INFIR Cohort Study among 303 subjects newly diagnosed with MB leprosy in two centres in UP state, northern India. METHODS To assess grip strength, key pin...

Wheelchair basketball players are classified in four classes based on the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) system of competition. Thus, the aim of the study was to ascertain if the IWBF classification, the type of injury and the wheelchair experience were related to different performance field-based tests. Thirteen basketball players undertook anthropometric measurements an...

Muscle dysfunction represents a pathophysiological feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Muscle impairment contributes to decreased effort capacity in these patients at least in the same proportion as pulmonary function limitation. Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) is a reliable, noninvasive parameter for assessing the respiratory muscle capacity. The aim of the present stud...

We have assessed the reliability of hand-held myometry in 33 patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), testing elbow flexion, handgrip, three-point pinch, knee flexion, knee extension, and foot dorsiflexion, and determining intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Interrater reliability was high for upper limbs, with an ICC of 0.92 for three-point pinch and 0.98 for elbow flexion and grip....

CONTEXT Scapular strength deficits have been linked to shoulder dysfunction. OBJECTIVE To establish normative data on the scapulothoracic musculature in normal subjects using a handheld dynamometer. DESIGN Descriptive normative data study. SETTING Field research. SUBJECTS 172 subjects with varying levels of overhead activity. METHODS A handheld dynamometer was used to test the upper, ...