OBJECTIVES Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass with age, has a great impact on physical function, and especially in postmenopausal women, who experience a greater decline in muscle strength than do men of similar age. Conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may diminish this loss of muscle strength and may even increase muscle strength. However, HRT is not currently promoted for this ind...

Background & Aims: Grip strength plays a fundamental role in many daily activities of upper extremities. Reduced grip strength is common in patients with some musculoskeletal disorders in upper extremities. Kinesio taping of the forearm area might help to facilitate muscle contraction through stimulating the skin mechanoreceptors and consequently increasing sensory feedbacks around the taped ar...

BACKGROUND In persons with prior paralytic poliomyelitis, progressive muscle weakness can occur after a stable period of at least 15 years. Knowledge is limited about which factors influence changes in lower limb muscle strength in these persons. OBJECTIVE To assess changes in lower limb muscle strength annually over 4 years in persons with late effects of polio and to identify prognostic fac...

Numerous neurological diseases are accompanied by atrophy of the intrinsic muscles of the hand. Muscle strength testing of these muscles is frequently used for clinical decision making. Traditionally, these strength measurements have focused on manual muscle testing (MMT) or on grip and pinch strength dynamometry. We have developed a hand-held dynamometer, the Rotterdam Intrinsic Hand Myometer ...

Background and Objectives: This review aims to explore the use of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in patients with mechanical ventilation (MV). The topics were related to its effect on the duration of MV or weaning, respiratory symptoms or lung function, inspiratory muscle strength (IMS) or endurance, functional ability, and quality of life (QoL).  Methods: Articles published in the last 10 ...