Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-term functional outcome of patients with longitudinal radial deficiency: cross-sectional evaluation of function, activity and participation

Purpose: To evaluate all functional aspects of patients with longitudinal radial dysplasia and to clarify the relationship between body functions on the one hand and limitations in activity and participation on the other hand. Methods: Thirty-one arms of seventeen adult patients with longitudinal radial dysplasia were analysed. Body function was assessed by measuring grip and pinch strength and active range of motion (ROM) of the hand. Activities were measured using the “Sequential Occupational Dexterity Assessment “, to measure perceived restrictions in participation the “Impact on Participation and Autonomy questionnaire” was used. Relationships between severity of dysplasia, body function, participation and activity were determined. Results: Patients with a severe type scored significantly lower in body function scores than patients with a mild form. Patients with limited active finger joint motion performed worse on activities. We found no significant differences in activity and participation between mild or severe types and found no correlation in participation scores. Conclusion: Although considerable restrictions in joint mobility and strength were revealed, little or no limitations on the activity and participation level were found. Limitations in body functions hardly influenced capacity on activity level and did not influence participation in societal roles. Implications for Rehabilitation People with LRD learn to accomplish many of the everyday tasks without great difficulty and do not report a low quality of participation in major life activities. Professionals working in rehabilitation medicine should focus on activity and participation rather than on body structure or functions. Therapy focused solely on increasing joint motion or strength does not lead to further improvement. For parents it will be reassuring to know that children with severe radial deficiencies can satisfactory fulfill social roles in later life.
The Biomechanical and Perceptual Influence of Chain Resistance on the Performance of the Olympic Clean

Proponents of chain training suggest that using chains hung from the ends of barbells rather than using conventional barbells alone enhances strength, power, and neuromuscular adaptations. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a conventional barbell with chains compared to a conventional barbell without chains would affect the performance of an Olympic Clean. The subjects were also asked regarding their perception of how chains affected their lifting. Four male and 3 female competitive weightlifters who used chains as part of their training participated in the study. The testing protocol compared the subjects' lifting 80% and 85% of their 1 repetition maximum (1RM) using conventional barbells and their lifting 80% and 85% of their 1RM using chains (75% conventional barbells + 5% chains and 80% conventional barbells + 5% chains, respectively). Video analysis evaluated the bar's vertical displacement and velocity and the rate of force production. Vertical ground reaction forces for the first-pull, unweighting, and second-pull phases of the lift were evaluated by using a force plate. After testing, the subjects completed a 2-item questionnaire asking individual perception of the effects of the chains. The results showed no significant difference for condition for any of the variables examined. In contrast, all subjects perceived that the chains required a greater effort. In conclusion, the results indicated that the addition of chains provided no greater value over lifting conventional barbells alone in the performance of the Olympic Clean, although the subjects perceived the chains to have a positive effect.
Physiological Adaptation in Noncompetitive Rock Climbers: Good for Aerobic Fitness?

The present investigation aimed to establish whether noncompetitive rock climbing fulfills sports medicine recommendations for maintaining a good level of aerobic fitness. The physiological profile of 13 rock climbers, 8 men (age, 43 ± 8 years) and 5 women (age, 31 ± 8 years) was assessed by means of laboratory tests. Maximal aerobic power (&OV0312;o2peak) and ventilatory threshold (VT) were assessed using a cycloergometer incremental test. During outdoor rock face climbing, &OV0312;o2 and heart rate (HR) were measured with a portable metabolimeter and the relative steady-state values (&OV0312;o2 and HR during rock climbing) were computed. Blood lactate was measured during recovery. All data are presented as mean ± SD. &OV0312;o2peak was 39.1 ± 4.3 mL·kg−1·min−1 in men and 39.7 ± 5 mL·kg−1·min−1 in women, while VT was 29.4 ± 3.0 mL·kg−1·min−1 in men and 28.8 ± 4.6 mL·kg−1·min−1 in women. The &OV0312;o2 during rock climbing was 28.3 ± 1.5 mL·kg−1·min−1 in men and 27.5 ± 3.7 mL·kg−1·min−1 in women. The HR during rock climbing was 144 ± 16 b·min−1 in men and 164 ± 13 b·min−1 in women. The aerobic profile was classified from excellent to superior in accordance with the standards of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The exercise intensity (&OV0312;o2 during rock climbing expressed as a percentage of &;o2peak) was 70 ± 6% in men and 72 ± 8% in women. Moreover, the energy expenditure was 1000-1500 kcal per week. In conclusion, noncompetitive rock climbing has proved to be a typical aerobic activity. The intensity of exercise is comparable to that recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine to maintain good cardiorespiratory fitness.
Monitoring of physical activity in young children: How much is enough?

There is limited evidence on how much and on which days accelerometry monitoring should be performed to obtain a representative measurement of physical activity (PA) in young children. We measured 76 children (40 M and 36 F, mean age 5.6 years [SD ± 0.4]) on 7 days using Actigraph accelerometers. Mean daily PA was expressed in counts per min (cpm). Reliability increased as the number of days and hours of monitoring increased, but only to 10 hr per day. At 7 days of monitoring for 10 hr per day, reliability was 80% (95% CI [70%, 86%]). The number of days was more important to reliability than the number of hours. The inclusion or exclusion of weekend days made relatively little difference. A monitoring period of 7 days for 10 hr per day produced the highest reliability. Surprisingly short monitoring periods may provide adequate reliability in young children.
Evaluation of Plyometric Intensity Using Electromyography

The purpose of this study was to investigate the motor unit activation of the quadriceps (Q), hamstring (H), and gastrocnemius (G) muscle groups during a variety of plyometric exercises to further understand the nature of these exercises. Twenty-three athletes volunteered to perform randomly ordered plyometric exercises, thought to cover a continuum of intensity levels, including two-foot ankle hops; 15-cm cone hops; tuck, pike, and box jumps; one- and two-leg vertical jump and reach; squat jumps with approximately 30% of their 1RM squat load; and 30- and 61-cm depth jumps. Integrated electromyographic data were analyzed for each exercise using a one-way repeated-measures ANOVA. Results revealed significant main effects for the Q when all subjects are analyzed, as well as for separate analysis of men, women, subjects with vertical jumps greater than 50 cm, and those with vertical jumps less than or equal to 50 cm (p ≤ 0.05). Significant main effects were also found for the G muscle group in the analysis of all subjects, as well as for men and subjects with vertical jumps greater than 50cm (p ≤ 0.05). No significant main effects were found for the H muscle group. Pairwise comparisons revealed a variety of differences among plyometric exercises. In some cases, plyometrics previously reported to be of high intensity, such as the depth jump, yielded relatively little motor unit recruitment compared with exercises typically thought to be of low intensity. Results can assist the practitioner in creating plyometric programs based on the nature of the motor unit recruitment.
Pain, pain anxiety and emotional and behavioural problems in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract Purpose: Pain is commonly experienced in those with cerebral palsy (CP), and previous research suggests an increase in behavioural and emotional problems in children experiencing pain and pain anxiety. Therefore, it was hypothesised that pain intensity and pain anxiety would predict behavioural and emotional problems in children with CP. Method: Parents or guardians of 61 children (38 boys, 23 girls) with CP, aged 5–15 years completed an online questionnaire on pain intensity, pain anxiety and behavioural and emotional problems. Correlation and a multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to examine whether pain intensity and/or pain anxiety predicts behavioural and emotional problems. Results: A total of 59% of participants reported that their children with CP currently experiences pain. Multiple regression analyses revealed that pain intensity (p = 0.038) and pain anxiety (p < 0.001) both made a significant and independent contributions in predicting anxiety in children, however, pain anxiety was the only predictor that made a significant and independent contribution to the depression (p = 0.001) and the behavioural and emotional problems measure (p = 0.004). Conclusions: Whilst pain intensity appears to be associated with behavioural and emotional problems in children, pain anxiety may be more strongly associated still. Implications for Rehabilitation Pain intensity and pain anxiety may have strong associations with behavioural and emotional problems in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) Pain anxiety may be a stronger predictor of behavioural and emotional problems than the actual pain experienced in children with CP Clinicians may need to consider how children’s perception of their pain affects their behavioural and emotional outcomes, as these may significantly affect the outcome of the rehabilitation
The roles, barriers and experiences of rehabilitation therapists in disaster relief: post-earthquake Haiti 2010

Abstract Purpose: This article describes the roles and experiences of rehabilitation therapists involved in disaster relief work (DRW) in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. The results of a pilot study and phenomenological study are presented. Method: A phenomenological study of rehabilitation providers’ experiences in post-disaster relief care is presented along with preliminary pilot study results. The phenomenological study explored the experiences of therapists from a lived experience perspective through the roles they played in DRW. Results: Participants provided disaster relief through direct patient care, adaptive equipment sourcing and allocation, education and training, community outreach and logistic or administrative duties. Barriers and challenges included: (1) emotions: ups and downs; (2) challenges: working at the edge of practice; (3) education: key to success and sustainability; (4) lessons learned: social responsibility is why we go; and (5) difficulty coming home: no one understands. Conclusions: Therapists play a key role in disaster relief situations. Data presented should encourage organizations to include therapists from early planning to implementation of relief services. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of rehabilitation interventions in disaster settings. Implications for Rehabilitation Understanding the roles and experiences of therapists in disaster relief setting is important Certain barriers to providing care in post-disaster settings exist Those participating in disaster response should be well prepared and aware of that they might be asked to do
Muscles, Masses and Motion:The Physiology of Normality, Hypotonicity, Spasticity and Rigidity

Concepts clinical methods and contractions historical and elementary methods of measuring muscle tone displacement as the independent variable torque as the independent variable feedback-induced changes measurements of stiffness and inertia in absolute units thixotropy - a time-dependent stiffness hypotomia the use of abruptly alternating torques to investigate the postural system hypertomia - rigidity, spasticity and other conditions.
Exploring the later life relationship between adults with cerebral palsy and their non-disabled siblings

Abstract Purpose: Adults with moderate or severe cerebral palsy often require significant lifetime support from family and formal services. The aim of this study was to use a life course approach to explore how previous life experiences impact on the later life relationships of people with moderate to severe cerebral palsy aged 40 years and over and their non-disabled siblings. Method: Twelve adults with moderate to severe cerebral palsy and 16 of their non-disabled siblings were interviewed twice to explore their relationships. Constructivist grounded theory method was used to analyse the data. Results: Four themes were identified as important in understanding these later life sibling relationships: sharing childhood experiences, contact in adulthood, diminishing parental role and increasing support needs. Conclusions: The life course approach indicated that siblings’ growing up together was important for the development and maintenance of emotional closeness later in life. Emotional closeness and familial obligation were important factors in motivating siblings with and without cerebral palsy to maintain or re-establish contact with each other in adulthood. Maintenance of sibling relationships in later life is dependent on health, proximity and the ability to keep in contact with each other. Implications for Rehabilitation As adults with severe cerebral palsy live longer, their relationships with non-disabled siblings often take on increased importance and particularly as their parents may be no longer able to provide support. Service providers have a role in helping ageing siblings with and without disability to maintain and build their relationships, for example, by supporting geographically distant siblings to keep in touch. Service providers have a role in supporting the person with a disability and their siblings to make plans for the future.
Pretesting Static and Dynamic Stretching Does Not Affect Maximal Strength

Beedle, B, Rytter, SJ, Healy, RC, and Ward, TR. Pretesting static and dynamic stretching does not affect maximal strength. J Strength Cond Res 22(6): 1838-1843, 2008-The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was a significant difference in static stretching (SS), dynamic stretching (DS), and no stretching (NS) on maximal strength (one-repetition maximum [1RM]) in the bench and leg presses using free weights on 19 college-aged men and 32 women. Most of the participants were moderately to very active and had previous experience with weight training. The design was repeated measures, with each treatment being randomly assigned. Each testing session was separated by 72 hours. Moderate-intensity stretching was defined as stretching as far as possible without any assistance, and subjects were encouraged to do their best. For the SS routine, the chest, shoulder, triceps, quadriceps, and hamstrings were stretched. Three repetitions were performed for 15 seconds, each separated by a 10-second rest. For DS, the upper-body stretch was swinging each arm, one at a time, as far forward and then as far backward as possible in a diagonal plane. For the legs, the same movement was done for each leg, except performed in a sagittal plane. Each forward and backward movement took about 2 seconds. Three 30-second sets were administered, and a 10-second rest was allowed between sets. Next, 1RM was determined for the bench and leg presses in random order. Two warm-up sets were given, followed by several 1RM attempts. The last successful lift was recorded as the 1RM. Data were reported using means ± SD. A one-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used with alpha set at 0.05. There was no significant difference among the treatments. Moderate-intensity stretching does not seem to adversely affect 1RM in the bench and leg presses.
An exploration of alternative methods for assessing return-to-work success following occupational injury

Abstract Purpose: To explore alternative methods for assessing return-to-work success. Method: This exploratory study employed a prospective design. Participants (N = 150) were all vocational rehabilitation recipients who sustained a work-related injury that resulted in them being off work for at least 6 months, and were unable to return to their pre-injury position. At baseline (B), all were reported to have found post-injury employment. Qualitative features of the participants’ post-injury employment were assessed at the time of initial interview (T1), which was conducted a mean of approximately one year following the participants’ scheduled workplace re-entry (mean 344 days). Participants’ T1 employment characteristics were then compared to their outcomes at the time of follow-up (T2), which was approximately 3 months later (mean 85 days). Results: Findings indicate that 25% of participants were not in their baseline jobs at the time of last contact; some were in different jobs, however others were not working. At T1 many of those working reported experiencing difficulties. Comparisons revealed significant relationships between problem indicators at T1 and employment outcomes at T2, with significant problem indicators including worries that symptoms might interfere with their ability to continue in the job, difficulties with the job’s physical demands and a strong desire to leave their current job. When problem indicators were used in combination, stronger relationships were observed and self-assessed performance contributed to the effect. Conclusions: Results add support to the contention that rather than a single event, RTW is an evolving, complex and sometimes nonlinear process. This should be kept in mind when assessing the success of an injured worker’s RTW. Implications for Rehabilitation Alternative methods for assessing RTW success were explored. These focused on capturing the evolution of the RTW, its qualitative features and its potential for longer-term success. Results add support to the idea that rather than a single event, RTW is an evolving, complex and sometimes nonlinear process.
The Ecological Validity and Application of the Session-RPE Method for Quantifying Training Loads in Swimming

Wallace, LK, Slattery, KM, and Coutts, AJ. The ecological validity and application of the session-RPE method for quantifying training loads in swimming. J Strength Cond Res 23(1): 33-38, 2009-There are few practical methods available for evaluating training loads (TL) during swimming. The purpose of this study was to examine the ecological validity of the session-rating of perceived exertion (RPE) method for quantifying internal TL in competitive swimmers using heart rate (HR)-based methods and distance as criterion measures. This study also examined the correspondence between athlete and coach perceptions of internal TL using the session-RPE method. Twelve (six male, six female) well-trained swimmers (mean ± SD: age 22.3 ± 3.1 years, weight 71.8 ± 11.6 kg, height 175.0 ± 9.0 cm) participated in this study. All subjects completed a swimming step test to evaluate individual HR zones and blood lactate profile before undertaking 20 swim training sessions where RPE, HR, and distance covered were recorded. Training load was then calculated for each session using the session-RPE, HR-based methods, and session distance. The session-RPE scores were correlated to HR-based methods for measuring internal TL as well as training distance for each swimmer. All individual correlations between session-RPE, HR-based methods (r = 0.55-0.94; p < 0.05), and distance measures (r = 0.37-0.81; p < 0.05) were significant. Two-way ANOVA showed that there was a significant interaction for training intensity × coach-athlete perception, indicating that coach RPE was lower than athlete RPE for low-intensity sessions and higher than athlete RPE at high-intensity sessions. The results of this study suggest that session-RPE may provide a practical, noninvasive method for quantifying internal TL in competitive swimmers.
The therapeutic role of motor imagery on the functional rehabilitation of a stage II shoulder impingement syndrome

Abstract Purpose: Motor imagery (MI) has been used as a complementary therapeutic tool for motor recovery after central nervous system disease and peripheral injuries. However, it has never been used as a preventive tool. We investigated the use of MI in the rehabilitation of stage II shoulder impingement syndrome. For the first time, MI is used before surgery. Method: Sixteen participants were randomly assigned to either a MI or control group. Shoulder functional assessment (Constant score), range of motion and pain were measured before and after intervention. Results: Higher Constant score was observed in the MI than in the control group (p = 0.04). Participants in the MI group further displayed greater movement amplitude (extension (p < 0.001); flexion (p = 0.025); lateral rotation (p < 0.001). Finally, the MI group showed greater pain decrease (p = 0.01). Conclusion: MI intervention seems to alleviate pain and enhance mobility, this is probably due to changes in muscle control and consequently in joint amplitude. MI might contribute to postpone or even protect from passing to stage III that may require surgery. Implications for Rehabilitation Adding motor imagery training to classical physical therapy in a stage II impingement syndrome: Helps in alleviating pain Enhances shoulder mobility Motor imagery is a valuable technique that can be used as a preventive tool before the stage III of the impingement syndrome.
School non-completers: Profiles and initial destinations

This study examines non-completion of Year 12 at school for a nationally representative sample of young people who were 15 years old and still attending school in 2003. The study explores relationships between non-completion and selected socio-demographic and school-related factors, and changes in rates of school non-completion from the early 1980s to 2005. There is a particular emphasis on how socio-demographic and school-related factors over that period have influenced early school leaving. This study also examines the use of an alternative measure of 'school completion', which incorporates participation in a vocational education and training (VET) program after leaving school.
Sit-and-Reach Flexibility and Running Economy of Men and Women Collegiate Distance Runners

Trehearn, TL and Buresh, RJ. Sit-and-reach flexibility and running economy of men and women collegiate distance runners. J Strength Cond Res 23(1): 158-162, 2009-Flexibility has been controversially suggested as one of the biomechanical factors contributing to the variability observed in running economy among distance runners. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the magnitude of the relationship between sit-and-reach flexibility and running economy in men and women. Eight collegiate distance runners (4 men and 4 women) served as subjects for this correlational study (age = 19.9 ± 1.25 years; &OV0312;o2max = 63.2 ± 3.4 ml·kg−1·min−1). Each subject's flexibility was measured using the standard sit-and-reach test, and running economy was recorded during an incremental maximal treadmill test at both absolute (men = 241.2 m·min−1; women = 198.32 m·min−1) and relative (10-km pace) velocities. Statistical analyses indicated a significant relationship between sit-and-reach scores and running economy at an absolute velocity (r = 0.826, p ≤ 0.05), as well as a significant sex difference in sit-and-reach scores (p ≤ 0.05). The significant relationship demonstrates that the less flexible distance runners tended to be more economical, possibly as a result of the energy-efficient function of the elastic components in the muscles and tendons during the stretch-shortening cycle.