Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect and process evaluation of implementing standardized tests to monitor patients in spinal cord injury rehabilitation

Purpose. To evaluate the implementation of standardized physical and functional tests to monitor patients with a spinal cord injury (SCI) in eight rehabilitation centers and to analyze the enablers and the barriers of the implementation process. Method. The method involved prospective effect and process evaluation. Team members responded to mailed questionnaires at the start (n = 115) and end (n = 82) of the 1-year implementation period. Furthermore, a questionnaire was administered to managers (n = 8), coordinators (n = 8), and 32 persons with SCI in four centers. Outcome of the effect evaluation was the phase of implementation of standardized testing in each center. The process evaluation analyzed enablers and barriers of the implementation process. Results. After a year of implementation, half of the centers shifted to higher implementation phases. None of the centers was classified in the highest phase. Enablers were the positive attitude of the team members regarding standardized testing and an encouraging local coordinator. Most important barrier was lack of time to implement the standardized testing. Conclusion. There is a large support for implementing standardized tests to monitor patients with SCI. During the 1-year, a positive shift was visible in the extent of implementation. Successful implementation of patient monitoring requires substantial amounts of time and effort of the rehabilitation centers involved.
Lower Body Stiffness Modulation Strategies in Well Trained Female Athletes

Abstract Millett, EL, Moresi, MP, Watsford, ML, Taylor, PG, and Greene, DA. Lower body stiffness modulation strategies in well trained female athletes. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2845–2856, 2016—Lower extremity stiffness quantifies the relationship between the amount of leg compression and the external load to which the limb are subjected. This study aimed to assess differences in leg and joint stiffness and the subsequent kinematic and kinetic control mechanisms between athletes from various training backgrounds. Forty-seven female participants (20 nationally identified netballers, 13 high level endurance athletes and 14 age and gender matched controls) completed a maximal unilateral countermovement jump, drop jump and horizontal jump to assess stiffness. Leg stiffness, joint stiffness and associated mechanical parameters were assessed with a 10 camera motion analysis system and force plate. No significant differences were evident for leg stiffness measures between athletic groups for any of the tasks (p = 0.321–0.849). However, differences in joint stiffness and its contribution to leg stiffness, jump performance outcome measures and stiffness control mechanisms were evident between all groups. Practitioners should consider the appropriateness of the task utilised in leg stiffness screening. Inclusion of mechanistic and/or more sports specific tasks may be more appropriate for athletic groups.
Development and validation of an ELISA for quantification of soluble IFN-β receptor: assessment in multiple sclerosis.

AIM The soluble isoform of the IFN-β receptor (sIFNAR2) can bind IFN-β and modulate its activity, although its role in autoimmune diseases remains unknown. METHODS A recombinant human sIFNAR2 protein was cloned, expressed and purified after which we developed and validated an ELISA for its quantification in human serum. Serum sIFNAR2 were assessed in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and healthy controls. RESULTS The ELISA has a dynamic range of 3.9-250 ng/ml and a detection limit of 2.44 ng/ml. Serum sIFNAR2 were significantly lower in untreated-MS patients than in healthy controls. CONCLUSION The ELISA is suitable for quantification of sIFNAR2 in serum and should facilitate the study of sIFNAR2 in neuroimmunological diseases such as MS.
The psychosocial well-being of parents of children with cerebral palsy: a comparison study

Purpose. Parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP) may be at risk from poor psychosocial well-being, compared with parents of children without a long-term health condition (LTHC). However, research has produced some conflicting findings on the topic and no comparison studies have been conducted in the UK. Furthermore, studies have only used measures of negative psychosocial well-being. The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative study of parents of children with CP and parents of children without a LTHC in the UK. Method. Seventy parents of children with CP and 70 parents of children without a LTHC completed self-administered questionnaires, comprising measures of psychosocial distress and positive psychosocial well-being. Results. This study demonstrated that parents of children with CP have significantly poorer psychosocial well-being compared with parents of children without a LTHC: parents of children with CP had lower satisfaction with life and higher levels of anxious and depressed mood. Conclusions. These results suggest caring for a child with CP may put parents at risk from poor psychosocial well-being. Interventions to improve parental well-being are urgently needed.
SCIRehab: a model for rehabilitation research using comprehensive person, process and outcome data

Purpose. This article aims to present a comprehensive conceptual model of the SCIRehab project, which merges the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) focus on outcomes with the practice-based evidence (PBE) research design, which focusses on process and also quantifies person and outcomes details. The SCIRehab methodology operationalised this conceptual model to implement the most data-intensive study of spinal cord injury to date. We discuss the conceptual and methodological contributions of SCIRehab and how this comprehensive research approach may complement randomised controlled trials. Methods. PBE methodology applied to the SCIRehab study used extensive clinician input to develop taxonomies of each discipline's interventions and an electronic point-of-care documentation system to capture extensive details of the rehabilitation process. Traditional medical record abstracting and follow-up surveys were used to capture details on patient characteristics and outcomes achieved by 12 months post-injury. Results. Not applicable. Conclusions. Although data collection is not complete, the SCIRehab project has made major contributions to rehabilitation research, including a comprehensive conceptual model of person, process and outcome domains; discipline-specific taxonomies of rehabilitation interventions; and an electronic documentation system to capture details of the rehabilitation process.
Targeting the extracellular signature of metastatic colorectal cancers

Background: Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of tumor death, a consequence primarily of the spreading of malignant cells to liver and lung. Despite a range of interventions for liver metastases, the present knowledge of few specific molecular targets may contribute to late diagnosis and poorly effective therapy. Objective: To review the most innovative methodology employed to profile the signature(s) of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and to address diagnostic/therapeutic agents. Methods: A broad range Medline search was conducted, with particular attention to the search terms ‘liver metastasis signature’, in combination with ‘targeting’ and ‘nanotechnology’. Results/conclusions: Studies aimed at the discovery of molecular signatures of cancers and metastasis are ongoing; the future of cancer/metastasis targeting is nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery.
Functioning and disability in traumatic brain injury

Purpose. To describe functioning and disability in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) according to the model endorsed by the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF). Methods. Adult patients with acquired TBI were consecutively enrolled. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHO-DAS II) and the ICF checklist were administered in individual sessions. Descriptive analyses were performed to report on FIM and WHO-DAS II scores. ICF categories reported as a problem by more than 20% of patients were described in detail. Results. One hundred patients (66 males, mean age 36.1) were enrolled. Mean WHO-DAS II score was 16.8, mean FIM was 116.5 and 87 ICF categories were selected: 27 Body Functions (mainly mental and movement-related) and Structures, 43 Activities and Participation (mainly connected with mobility) and 17 Environmental Factors. Negligible difference between capacity and performance qualifiers was observed. Conclusions. The ICF can be successfully implemented in clinical and rehabilitation of patients with TBI, because it enables to describe the variety of problems they encounter: ICF-derived data provide a holistic view of disability and enable the impact of service interventions on functioning and participation, and enable clinicians to tailor intervention according to patient's actual needs.
Social participation of relatives post-stroke: the role of rehabilitation and related ethical issues

Purpose. (1) Describe the challenges facing relatives of persons with stroke in accomplishing their daily activities and social roles (participation). (2) Reflect on the role of rehabilitation for relatives and ethical issues that may emerge following the adoption of a family-centred approach. Method. Review of the scientific literature in Medline (1996 to July 2009), Embase (1996 to July 2009) databases using keywords: stroke AND participation AND family OR spouse OR caregivers AND ethics AND burden. Selection criteria were as follows: study must examine the participation of relatives post-stroke (or equivalent concept such as burden), rehabilitation interventions for relatives post-stroke or ethical issues related to being a relative of a person with stroke. Articles not written in English or French were excluded. Results. The sample comprised 17 scientific articles. According to five studies, social participation of relatives is characterised by increased responsibilities and a reduction in interpersonal relationships and leisure. In rehabilitation, there is no consensus regarding what should be done for relatives; guidelines exist but are not applied in practice. Little has been formally reported regarding ethical issues likely to emerge for relatives. Conclusions. The main impact of stroke is on social roles of relatives such as responsibilities, interpersonal relationships and leisure. The role of rehabilitation and related ethical issues needs further examination.
Acute Effects of Eccentric Overload on Concentric Front Squat Performance

Abstract Munger, CN, Archer, DC, Leyva, WD, Wong, MA, Coburn, JW, Costa, PB, and Brown, LE. Acute effects of eccentric overload on concentric front squat performance. J Strength Cond Res 31(5): 1192–1197, 2017—Eccentric overload is used to enhance performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of eccentric overload on concentric front squat performance. Twenty resistance-trained men (age = 23.80 ± 1.82 years, height = 176.95 ± 5.21 cm, mass = 83.49 ± 10.43 kg, 1 repetition maximum [1RM] front squat = 131.02 ± 21.32 kg) volunteered. A dynamic warm-up and warm-up sets of front squat were performed. Eccentric hooks were added to the barbell. They descended for 3 seconds, until eccentric hooks released, and performed the concentric phase as fast as possible. There were 3 randomly ordered conditions with the concentric phase always at 90% 1RM and the eccentric phase at 105, 110, and 120% of 1RM. Two repetitions were performed for each condition. A repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine differences. For peak velocity, there were main effects for time and condition (p < 0.05), where post (1.01 ± 0.10 m·s−1) was greater than pre (0.96 ± 0.11 m·s−1) and 120% (1.03 ± 1.11 m·s−1) was greater than 105% (0.99 ± 0.13 m·s−1). For peak power, there was a main effect for condition where 120% (2,225.00 ± 432.37 W) was greater than 105% (2,021.84 ± 563.53 W). For peak ground reaction force, there were main effects for time and condition, where post was greater than pre and 120% was greater than 105%. For the rate of force development, there was no interaction or main effects. Eccentric overload enhanced concentric velocity and power; therefore, it can be used by strength coaches and athletes during the power phase of a training program. It can also be used to prescribe supramaximal loads and could be a tool to supplement the clean exercise because the front squat is a precursor.
Maximum Dynamic Lower-Limb Strength Was Maintained During 24-Week Reduced Training Frequency in Previously Sedentary Older Women

Abstract Walker, S, Serrano, J, and Van Roie, E. Maximum dynamic lower-limb strength was maintained during 24-week reduced training frequency in previously sedentary older women. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 1063–1071, 2018—There is little study into the effects of reducing strength training below the recommended twice weekly frequency, particularly in older women, despite the possibility that individuals will encounter periods of reduced training frequency. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of a period of reduced training frequency on maximum strength and muscle mass of the lower limbs in comparison with the recommended training frequency of twice per week. After an initial 12-week period, where all subjects trained twice per week, a reduced strength training group (RST) trained once per week, whereas another strength training group (ST) continued to train twice per week for 24 weeks. A nontraining age-matched control group (CON) was used for comparison. All subjects were tested for leg press 1-repetition maximum (1RM), electromyogram (EMG) amplitude of vastus lateralis and medialis, and quadriceps cross-sectional area (CSA) measured by panoramic ultrasound at weeks 0, 12, and 36. Both ST and RST continued to increase 1RM during the reduced training frequency period compared with control (∼8% and ∼5% vs. ∼−3%, respectively; p ⩽ 0.05). Accompanying these changes were significant increases in EMG amplitude in both ST and RST (p ⩽ 0.05). However, the initial gains in quadriceps CSA made from week 0 to week 12 in RST were lost when training once per week (RST ∼−5%). Therefore, reduced training frequency in this population does not adversely affect maximum strength or muscle activity but can negatively affect muscle mass, even reversing training-induced gains. Older individuals not training at least twice per week may compromise potential increases in muscle mass, important in counteracting effects of aging.
Cross-Sectional and Retrospective Cohort Analysis of the Effects of Age on Flexibility, Strength Endurance, Lower-Body Power, and Aerobic Fitness in Law Enforcement Officers

Abstract Lockie, RG, Dawes, JJ, Kornhauser, CL, and Holmes, RJ. Cross-sectional and retrospective cohort analysis of the effects of age on flexibility, strength endurance, lower-body power, and aerobic fitness in law enforcement officers. J Strength Cond Res 33(2): 451–458, 2019—There can be a great age range in cohorts of law enforcement officers. As the tasks required of officers generally do not change with advancing age, it is important to understand how physical performance in tests that assess job-specific characteristics may be altered. Retrospective analysis of performance test data of 383 officers (362 men and 21 women) was conducted. The tests included the following: sit-and-reach to determine hamstring and lower back flexibility; maximal push-up and sit-up repetitions in 60 seconds to measure muscle endurance; vertical jump (VJ) to assess lower-body power; and 2.4-km run to ascertain aerobic capacity. Data were stratified by age into 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, and 50–59 year groups, and analyzed by sex. A 1-way analysis of variance with the Bonferroni post hoc test was used to calculate the differences between the groups. Considering the male subjects, the 40–49 and 50–59 year groups performed poorer in the VJ, sit-up test, and 2.4-km run compared with the 20–29 year group (p ⩽ 0.001–0.045). For the female subjects, the 20–29 year group was superior to the 30–39 (p = 0.013) and 40–49 (p = 0.025) year groups in the push-up test. To ensure that an older officer can successfully complete occupation-specific tasks, lower-body power, abdominal strength, and aerobic training should be completed. Female officers should also attempt to maintain relative upper-body strength. Practitioners must attempt to design training programs that fit within the context of the occupational demands, and potentially using a nontraditional training design as law enforcement officers may not have the time to follow a traditional periodization model.
Promoting Prevention: preventing youth drug use in Swansea, UK, by targeting risk and protective factors

The multi‐agency, multiple‐intervention Promoting Prevention initiative aims to prevent drug use and youth offending in Swansea. It was evaluated using a computer‐based interactive questionnaire with 580 young people aged 11–18 years. Results indicate that exposure to risk factors within the main domains of the young person's life (family, school, neighbourhood, psychological) significantly increases the likelihood that they will ever become involved in drug use (‘ever takers’), whilst ever takers are three times more likely to offend than young people who have never taken an illicit drug (‘never takers’). The evaluation indicates that Promoting Prevention's cross‐cutting, consultative and risk‐focused methodology is an effective way of targeting interventions to prevent and reduce drug use among young people in Swansea.
Effect of External Loading on Force and Power Production During Plyometric Push-ups

Abstract Hinshaw, TJ, Stephenson, ML, Sha, Z, and Dai, B. Effect of external loading on force and power production during plyometric push-ups. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 1099–1108, 2018—One common exercise to train upper-body strength and power is the push-up. Training at the loads that would produce the greatest power is an effective way to increase peak power. The purpose of the current study was to quantify the changes in peak force, peak power, and peak velocity among a modified plyometric push-up and plyometric push-ups with or without external loading in physically active young adults. Eighteen male and 17 female participants completed 4 push-ups: (a) modified plyometric push-up on the knees, (b) plyometric push-up without external loading, (c) plyometric push-up with an external load of 5% of body weight, and (d) plyometric push-up with an external load of 10% of body weight. Two force platforms were set up to collect vertical ground reaction forces at the hands and feet. The modified plyometric push-up demonstrated the lowest force, power, and velocity (5.4≥ Cohen's dz ≥1.2). Peak force and force at peak velocity increased (3.8≥ Cohen's dz ≥0.3) and peak velocity and velocity at peak power decreased (1.4≥ Cohen's dz ≥0.8) for the push-up without external loading compared with the 2 push-ups with external loading. No significant differences were observed for peak power among the push-ups with or without external loading (0.4≥ Cohen's dz ≥0.1). Although peak power is similar with or without external loading, push-ups without external loading may be more beneficial for a quick movement, and push-ups with external loading may be more beneficial for a greater force production.
The Effects of Multiple Sets of Squats and Jump Squats on Mechanical Variables.

PURPOSE The mechanical responses to two non-ballistic squat and two ballistic jump squat protocols performed over multiple sets were investigated. One protocol from each of the two non-ballistic and ballistic conditions incorporated a pause between the eccentric and concentric phases of the movements in order to determine the influence of the coupling time on the mechanical variables and post-activation potentiation (PAP). METHODS Eleven men (age: 21.9 ± 1.8 years; height: 1.79 ± 0.05 m; mass: 87.0 ± 7.4 kg) attended four sessions where they performed multiple sets of squats and jump squats with a load equivalent to 30% 1-repeititon maximum under one of the following conditions: 1) 3 × 4 repetitions of non-ballistic squats (30N-B); 2) 3 × 4 repetitions of non-ballistic squats with a 3-second pause between the eccentric and concentric phases of each repetition (30PN-B); 3) 3 × 4 repetitions of ballistic jump squats (30B); 4) 3 × 4 repetitions of ballistic jump squats with a 3-second pause between the eccentric and concentric phases of each repetition (30PB). Force plates were used to calculate variables including average vertical velocity, average vertical force (GRF), and average power output (PO). RESULTS Vertical velocities during the ballistic conditions were significantly greater than those attained during the non-ballistic conditions (mean differences: 0.21 - 0.25 m/s, p<0.001, effect sizes [ES]: 1.70 - 1.89) as were GRFs (mean differences: 478 - 526 N, p<0.001, ES: 1.61 - 1.63), and PO (mean differences: 711 - 869 W, p<0.001, ES: 1.66 - 1.73). Moreover, the increase in PO across the three sets in 30B was significantly greater than the changes observed during 30N-B, 30PN-B, and 30PB (p≤0.015). The pause reduced the mechanical variables during both the non-ballistic and ballistic conditions, although the differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Ballistic jump squats may be an effective exercise for developing PO given the high velocities and forces generated in these exercises. Furthermore, the completion of multiple sets of jump squats may induce PAP to enhance PO. The coupling times between the eccentric and concentric phases of the jump squats should be short in order to maximize the GRF and PO across the sets.
Effect of Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Exercise and Continuous Exercise on Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness in Untrained Healthy Males

Abstract Farias Junior, LF, Browne, RAV, Frazão, DT, Dantas, TCB, Silva, PHM, Freitas, RPA, Aoki, MS, and Costa, EC. Effect of low-volume high-intensity interval exercise and continuous exercise on delayed-onset muscle soreness in untrained healthy males. J Strength Cond Res 33(3): 774–782, 2019—The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a single session of a low-volume high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and a continuous exercise (CE) on the magnitude of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in untrained healthy males. Fifteen participants (25.1 ± 4.4 years) completed 2 experimental sessions in a randomized order: (a) low-volume HIIE: 10 × 60 seconds at 90% of maximal velocity (MV) interspersed with 60 seconds of active recovery at 30% of MV and (b) CE: 20 minutes at 60% of MV. Pressure-pain threshold (PPT), pressure-pain tolerance (PPTol), and perceived pain intensity (PPI) were assessed in the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and gastrocnemius before and 24 hours after exercise. There was a decrease of PPT in the rectus femoris (−0.5 kg·cm−2) and PPTol in the gastrocnemius (−1.4 kg·cm−2) and an increase of PPI in the rectus femoris (14.4 mm) and in the biceps femoris (11.7 mm) 24 hours after the low-volume HIIE session (p ⩽ 0.05). There was a decrease of PPT (rectus femoris: −0.8 kg·cm−2; biceps femoris: −0.5 kg·cm−2; gastrocnemius: −0.9 kg·cm−2) and PPTol (rectus femoris: −1.9 kg·cm−2; biceps femoris: −2.7 kg·cm−2; gastrocnemius: −1.6 kg·cm−2) and an increase of PPI (rectus femoris: 8.1 mm; biceps femoris: 10.3 mm; gastrocnemius: 17.5 mm) in all muscles 24 hours after the CE session (p ⩽ 0.05). No difference was observed between HIIE and CE sessions in any DOMS-related parameter (p > 0.05). In conclusion, a single session of low-volume HIIE and CE elicited a similar mild DOMS 24 hours after exercise in untrained healthy males.