The determination of sarcopenia in older adults using a practical measure.

Background: Many older adults are at risk of sarcopenia, a gradual loss of muscle mass affecting muscle strength and physical function, which can lead to adverse health consequences deteriorating their independence. However, the detection could be delayed due to the requirement of many measures, including a complex imaging modality. Thus, an exploration for a practical community- or home-based measure would be helpful to identify at-risk older adults and begin the timely management.

Different Protocols for Low Whole-Body Vibration Frequency for Spasticity and Physical Performance in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy.

Background: Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a therapeutic exercise tool that can be used in children with cerebral palsy (CP). A low vibration frequency with different protocols has been suggested, but no optimal dose has been explicitly indicated. We aimed to determine the superiority of a gradually increased 7-18 Hz WBV protocol over a static 11 Hz WBV and the immediate and short-term effects of WBV training on improving spasticity, functional strength, balance, and walking ability in children with spastic CP.

Muscle Activity and Co-Activation of Gait Cycle during Walking in Water and on Land in People with Spastic Cerebral Palsy.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in the muscle activity and co-activation index (CoA) of the rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), gastrocnemius medialis (GM,) and tibialis anterior (TA) during walking on land and in water in healthy adolescents compared with those with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy (CP) adolescents.

Methods: Four healthy individuals (median; age: 14 years, height: 1.57 cm, BMI: 16.

Quadriceps Electromyographic Activity in Closed and Open Kinetic-Chain Exercises with Hip-Adductor Co-Contraction in Sedentary Women.

Background: Different closed and open kinetic-chain exercises with hip-adductor co-contraction have different effects on quadriceps activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in quadriceps activity during the squat (SQ) and knee extension (KE) and straight leg raise (SLR) exercises with and without hip adduction in sedentary women.

Methods: Twenty-eight sedentary women aged 44.

Reliability and Validity of Mini-Balance Evaluation System Test in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy.

Type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy is known to cause balance limitations in static, dynamic, and functional activity. The Mini-BESTest, a shortened version of BESTest, was evolved to identify balance disorders within a short duration. No prior studies have yet been conducted to assess the usefulness of Mini-BESTest in the diagnosis of type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The prevalence and work-related physical factors associated with knee pain in older Thai farmers.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of knee pain in older farmers and to identify the associated factors, including the demographic variables, behaviours and physical activity/exercise levels. [Participants and Methods] A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a total of 285 systematically randomized farmers who were 60 years and older. [Results] The results of this study showed that the overall prevalence of knee pain in this population was 54.

Effects of Combined Exercise Training on Functional Performance in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized-Controlled Study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined exercise training on functional performance in participants with cerebral palsy.

Methods: Fifteen participants with spastic cerebral palsy were randomly allocated into either exercise or control groups. Participants in the exercise group participated in a combined strength and endurance training program for 70 minutes per day, 3 days per week, for 8 weeks, whereas those in the control group did not participate in an exercise program.

Effect of combining passive muscle stretching and whole body vibration on spasticity and physical performance of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.

[Purpose] This study evaluated the immediate and short-term effects of a combination of prolonged passive muscle stretching (PMS) and whole body vibration (WBV) on the spasticity, strength and balance of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. [Subjects and Methods] A randomized two-period crossover trial was designed. Twelve subjects with cerebral palsy aged 10.

The Effectiveness of Thai Exercise with Traditional Massage on the Pain, Walking Ability and QOL of Older People with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial in the Community.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effectiveness of a class- and home-based exercise with massage between Thai traditional and standardized physical therapy (TPT and SPT) in older people with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-one subjects with KOA (aged 50-85 years) in two selected villages were randomly assigned into the TPT or SPT programs. Seventeen TPT subjects received Thai exercise with traditional massage, and 14 SPT individuals performed strengthening exercise with Swedish massage.