Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic at the Durban Institute of Technology, 2008. / Purpose Cricket fast bowlers are prone to the development of Myofascial pain syndrome and in particular active myofascial trigger points in their rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder joint (Scott, et al. 2001). This is due to the severe stresses placed upon the muscles, bones and joints of the shoulder as a result of the high velocity throwing action (Bartlett, et al.1996). In muscles containing active myofascial trigger points a decrease in the stretch range of motion as well as the maximal contractile force is noted, these two factors may negatively affect the speed at which a fast bowler deliver the ball (Travell, Simons and Simons, 1999). Dry needling is viewed as the most effective means of deactivating myofascial trigger points leading to in increase in both the contractile force and range of motion of the affected muscle, which could increase the speed at which the bowler delivers the ball (Wilks, 2003). The aim of the study was to determine the immediate effect of dry needling active myofascial trigger points of the rotator cuff on bowling speed in action cricket fast bowlers. Method The study consisted of 40 participants (randomly split into two equal groups of 20) each with shoulder pain of a myofascial origin. Group A (intervention group) received the dry needling intervention in their most tender active myofascial trigger point. While participants in Group B (control group) received no treatment. Bowling speeds were measured both before and after the intervention, to determine its effect on bowling speed. IV Data was entered into MS Exel spreadsheet and imported into SPSS version 15 (SPSS Inc.,Chicago, Iiiinois, USA), which was used for data analysis. Paticipants were evaluated on bowling speed, Algometer readings and Numerical pain rating Scale (NRS) both pre and post intervention. Participants were also asked if they believed the intervention increased, decreased or had no effect on their bowling speeds. Two sample t-test was used to compare baseline values between the groups. A repeated measure ANOVA was used to compare the rate of change of each outcome over time in the two groups. Pearson’s correlation analysis (intra-group) was used to assess the strength and magnitude of correlations of the changes in the outcomes. The McNemar – Bowker test and Weighted Cohen’s kappa statistics were calculated to assess agreement between perceived and actual levels of change. Results A significant treatment effect was observed in the intervention group were an increase in bowling speed, algometer readings as well a decrease in Numerical pain rating scale(NRS) scores was observed. There was also a perceived increase in the speed the participants delivered the ball in the intervention group. No significant changes were observed in the control group. The findings of this study indicate that dry needling as a treatment modality would be beneficial to fast bowlers in not only increasing their speeds but also the pain experienced as a result of active myofascial trigger points.

Tyrimo objektas: Peties sąnario judesių amplitudės, raumenų jėgos, skausmo ir funkcinio pajėgumo pokyčiai taikant pratimus ir peties sąnario mobilizaciją po peties sąnario sukamosios manžetės plyšimo operacijos. Temos aktualumas. Peties sąnario sukamosios manžetės plyšimai dažnai lemia peties sąnario skausmus ir įvairaus pobūdžio negalią vyresniame amžiuje (Khair & Gulotta, 2011). Šią traumą patiria apie 25,0 proc. vyresnių nei 60 m žmonių ir apie 20,0 proc. vyresnių nei 20 m žmonių (Itoj, 2013). Lietuvoje yra atlikta nedaug tyrimų apie peties sąnario sukamosios manžetės plyšimus. Užsienio autoriai daugiau tyrinėja peties sąnario mobilizacijos ir pasyvių techninkų efektyvumą sergant peties ankšumo sindromu, artritu, artroze ir kitomis ligomis. Ypač trūksta informacijos apie gydymą, kuris leistų pacientams išvengti operacijos. Daugelis autorių nurodo, jog reikalingi išsamesni tyrimai šioje srityje. Tyrimo tikslas: įvertinti peties sąnario mobilizacijos ir pratimų efektyvumą gydant peties sąnario sukamosios manžetės plyšimus. Tyrimo uždaviniai: 1. Įvertinti pacientų po sukamosios manžetės plyšimo operacijos paties sąnario judesių amplitudę, raumenų jėgą, skausmą ir funkcinį pajėgumą prieš kineziterapiją. 2. Įvertinti peties sąnario mobilizacijos ir gydomųjų pratimų poveikį pacientų peties sąnario judesių amplitudei, raumenų jėgai, skausmui ir funkciniam pajėgumui po sukamosios manžetės plyšimo operacijos. 3. Įvertinti pacientų po sukamosios manžetės plyšimo operacijos judesių... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Object: The change of shoulder range of motion, muscle strength, pain and functional capacity after taking exercises and shoulder joint mobilization for patients after rotator cuff tear reconstruction surgery. Relevance of the topic. In elder age shoulder pain and various disabilities often occur because of the rotator cuff tears (Khair & Gulotta, 2011). 25,0 percent of population over 60 years and 20,0 percent of population over 20 years suffer from this injury (Itoj, 2013). Foreigner scientists more often make studies about the effectiveness of shoulder joint mobilization and other passive physical therapy techniques in curing other shoulder illnesses such as impingement syndrome, arthritis and ect. Especially there is lack of information about treatment that would prevent patients from surgery. Many scientists indicate that more studies are necessary about this topic. Task. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of shoulder joint mobilization and therapeutic exercises curing rotator cuff tears. The main goals of this study were: 1. To evaluate range of motion, muscle strength, pain and functional capacity of operated shoulder for patients after rotator cuff tear arthroscopic reconstruction surgery. 2. To evaluate effectiveness of shoulder joint mobilization and therapeutic exercises for range of motion, muscle strength, pain and functional capacity of operated shoulder for patients after rotator cuff tear reconstruction surgery. 3. To evaluate how shoulder... [to full text]

The purpose of the study was to investigate the static and dynamic architecture of supraspinatus throughout its volume in the normal and pathological state. The architecture was first investigated in cadaveric specimens free of any tendon pathology. Using a serial dissection and digitization method tailored for supraspinatus, the musculotendinous architecture was modeled in situ. The 3D model reconstructed in Autodesk MayaTM allowed for visualization and quantification of the fiber bundle architecture i.e. fiber bundle length (FBL), pennation angle (PA), muscle volume (MV) and tendon dimensions. Based on attachment sites and architectural parameters, the supraspinatus was found to have two architecturally distinct regions, anterior and posterior, each with three subdivisions. The findings from the cadaveric investigation served as a map and platform for the development of an ultrasound (US) protocol that allowed for the dynamic fiber bundle architecture to be quantified in vivo in normal subjects and subjects with a full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear. The architecture was studied in the relaxed state and in three contracted states (60º abduction with either neutral rotation, 80º external rotation, or 80º internal rotation). The dynamic changes in the architecture within the distinct regions of the muscle were not uniform and varied as a function of joint position. Mean FBL in the anterior region shortened significantly with contraction (p<0.05) but not in the posterior. In the anterior region, mean PA was significantly smaller in the middle part compared to the deep (p<0.05). Comparison of the normal and pathological muscle found large differences in the percentage change of FBL and PA with contraction. The architectural parameter that showed the largest changes with tendon pathology was PA. In sum, the results showed that the static and dynamic fiber bundle architecture of supraspinatus is heterogeneous throughout the muscle volume and may influence tendon stresses. The architectural data collected in this study and the 3D muscle model can be used to develop future contractile models. The US protocol may serve as an assessment tool to predict the functional outcome of rehabilitative exercises and surgery.

Currently there does not exist a type of peripheral nerve interface that adequately combines spatial selectivity, spatial coverage and low invasiveness. In order to address this lack, we investigated the application of bioelectric source localization algorithms, adapted from electroencephalography/magnetoencephalography, to recordings from a 56-contact “matrix” nerve cuff electrode. If successful, this strategy would enable us to improve current neuroprostheses and conduct more detailed investigations of neural control systems. Using forward field similarities, we first developed a method to reduce the number of unnecessary variables in the inverse problem, and in doing so obtained an upper bound on the spatial resolution. Next, a simulation study of the peripheral nerve source localization problem revealed that the method is unlikely to work unless noise is very low and a very accurate model of the nerve is available. Under more realistic conditions, the method had localization errors in the 140 μm-180 μm range, high numbers of spurious pathways, and low resolution. On the other hand, the simulations also showed that imposing physiologically meaningful constraints on the solution can reduce the number of spurious pathways. Both the influence of the constraints and the importance of the model accuracy were validated experimentally using recordings from rat sciatic nerves. Unfortunately, neither idealized models nor models based on nerve sample cross-sections were sufficiently accurate to allow reliable identification of the branches stimulated during the experiments. To overcome this problem, an experimental leadfield was constructed using training data, thereby eliminating the dependence on anatomical models. This new strategy was successful in identifying single-branch cases, but not multi-branches ones. Lastly, an examination of the information contained in the matrix cuff recordings was performed in comparison to a single-ring configuration of contacts. The matrix cuff was able to achieve better fascicle discrimination due to its ability to select among the most informative locations around the nerve. These findings suggest that nerve cuff-based neuroprosthetic applications would benefit from implanting devices with a large number of contacts, then performing a contact selection procedure. Conditions that must be met before source localization approaches can be applied in practice to peripheral nerves were also discussed.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Linköping : Univ., 2001. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

Thesis (MHSc--Health Science) -- AUT University, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references. Also held in print ( leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.) in the Archive at the City Campus (T 617.572044 HAR)

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic at the Durban Institute of Technology, 2008. / Purpose Cricket fast bowlers are prone to the development of Myofascial pain syndrome and in particular active myofascial trigger points in their rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder joint (Scott, et al. 2001). This is due to the severe stresses placed upon the muscles, bones and joints of the shoulder as a result of the high velocity throwing action (Bartlett, et al.1996). In muscles containing active myofascial trigger points a decrease in the stretch range of motion as well as the maximal contractile force is noted, these two factors may negatively affect the speed at which a fast bowler deliver the ball (Travell, Simons and Simons, 1999). Dry needling is viewed as the most effective means of deactivating myofascial trigger points leading to in increase in both the contractile force and range of motion of the affected muscle, which could increase the speed at which the bowler delivers the ball (Wilks, 2003). The aim of the study was to determine the immediate effect of dry needling active myofascial trigger points of the rotator cuff on bowling speed in action cricket fast bowlers. Method The study consisted of 40 participants (randomly split into two equal groups of 20) each with shoulder pain of a myofascial origin. Group A (intervention group) received the dry needling intervention in their most tender active myofascial trigger point. While participants in Group B (control group) received no treatment. Bowling speeds were measured both before and after the intervention, to determine its effect on bowling speed. IV Data was entered into MS Exel spreadsheet and imported into SPSS version 15 (SPSS Inc.,Chicago, Iiiinois, USA), which was used for data analysis. Paticipants were evaluated on bowling speed, Algometer readings and Numerical pain rating Scale (NRS) both pre and post intervention. Participants were also asked if they believed the intervention increased, decreased or had no effect on their bowling speeds. Two sample t-test was used to compare baseline values between the groups. A repeated measure ANOVA was used to compare the rate of change of each outcome over time in the two groups. Pearson’s correlation analysis (intra-group) was used to assess the strength and magnitude of correlations of the changes in the outcomes. The McNemar – Bowker test and Weighted Cohen’s kappa statistics were calculated to assess agreement between perceived and actual levels of change. Results A significant treatment effect was observed in the intervention group were an increase in bowling speed, algometer readings as well a decrease in Numerical pain rating scale(NRS) scores was observed. There was also a perceived increase in the speed the participants delivered the ball in the intervention group. No significant changes were observed in the control group. The findings of this study indicate that dry needling as a treatment modality would be beneficial to fast bowlers in not only increasing their speeds but also the pain experienced as a result of active myofascial trigger points.

Os músculos do manguito rotador são os responsáveis pelo movimento de rotação do ombro e representam sítio freqüente de processos patológicos.O desequilíbrio de forças do manguito rotador pode desencadear patologias distintas do ombro ou ser resultado destas. A quantificação da força muscular do manguito rotador com dados precisos, somente é possível com aparelhos de alto custo, longe do alcance da maioria dos profissionais envolvidos com o problema em nosso país. No presente estudo, um aparelho relativamente simples e de baixo custo, capaz de mensurar com precisão a força muscular isométrica de rotação interna e rotação externa do ombro, foi projetado e construído com materiais de fácil obtenção e preço acessível. Ele consiste basicamente de uma plataforma de medição do torque de rotação do ombro acoplada a uma cadeira e adaptável para avaliação bilateral. O aparelho foi projetado para que o indivíduo permaneça sentado durante o teste, com cotovelo fletido a 90 graus e o antebraço apoiado sobre uma superfície plana. Um torquímetro, devidamente calibrado, foi fixado na porção inferior da plataforma, no ponto correspondente ao centro de rotação do ombro. A mudança no comprimento do braço de alavanca foi permitida pela variação na posição de um manípulo para apoio da mão durante os esforços de rotação interna e de rotação externa do ombro. Variações no comprimento do braço de alavanca e na altura da plataforma foram projetadas para adaptarem-se aos braços e antebraços dos indivíduos. O aparelho foi testado em 20 indivíduos saudáveis e demonstrou ser completamente versátil para uso em diversas condições e confiável na produção de informações sobre o torque dos músculos rotadores do ombro. / The rotator cuff muscles are responsible for the rotation movements of the shoulder and frequent site of pathological processes. Rotator cuff muscle power imbalance may unchain or result from distinct shoulder diseases. To date precise quantification of rotator cuff muscle power is only possible with the use of expensive machines, far from the reach of most of the professionals involved with the problem in our country. In the present investigation, a relatively simple and low cost device, able to precisely measuring isometric internal and external rotator muscle power, was developed and built with easily obtainable and low cost materials. It consists basically of a platform for measuring the rotational torque of the shoulder adaptable to both sides of a chair for bilateral evaluation. It was designed for the individual to remain seated while in test, the elbow flexed at 90o and the forearm rested on a flat surface. A properly calibrated torquimeter was adapted to the bottom side of the platform in a point corresponding to the shoulder’s center of rotation. The moving lever was provided with a handle to be grasped by the individual while doing internal or external efforts with the shoulder. Both platform height and moving lever were made adaptable to individual arm and forearm lengths. The device was tested with 20 healthy individuals and demonstrated to be quite versatile for use in many different conditions and reliable in providing information on the torque of the rotator muscle of the shoulder.

Abstract This thesis describes the development of pressure sensor arrays and a range of methods suitable for the long-term measurement of heart rate and blood pressure determination using a cuff and a pressure sensor array on the radial artery. This study also reviews the historical background of noninvasive blood pressure measurement methods, summarizes the accuracies achieved and explains the requirements for common national and international standards of accuracy. Two prototype series of pressure transducer arrays based on electro-mechanical film (EMFi) were designed and tested. By offering high (∼TΩ) resistance, EMFi is an excellent material for low-current long-term measurement applications. About 50 transducer arrays were built using different configurations and electrode materials to sense low-frequency pressure pulsations on the radial artery in the wrist. In addition to uniform quality, essential requirements included an adequate linear response in the desired temperature range. Transducer sensitivity was tested as a function of temperature in the range of 25–45 °C at varying static and alternating pressures. The average sensitivity of the EMFi used in the transducers proved adequate (∼2.2 mV/mmHg and ∼7 mV/mmHg for normal and high sensitive films) for the intended purpose. The thesis also evaluates blood pressure measurements by the electronic palpation method (EP) and compares the achieved accuracy to that of the oscillometric method (OSC) using average intra-arterial (IA) blood pressure as a reference. All of these three measurements were made simultaneously for each person. In one test group, measurements were conducted on healthy volunteers in sitting and supine position during increasing and decreasing cuff pressure. Another group, comprising elderly cardiac patients, was measured only in the supine position during cuff inflation. The results showed that the EP method was approximately as accurate as the OSC method with the healthy subjects and slightly more accurate with the cardiac patient group. The advantage of the EP method is that also the wave shape and velocity of arterial pressure pulses is available for further analysis, including the assessment of arterial stiffness.

Title: The effect of exercise with blood flow restriction on the development of muscle strength Objectives: The aim of this work was to assess the magnitude of the effect of exercise with blood flow restriction on the development of muscle strength on the basis of a systematic research and to determine the main factors that moderate this increase. Methods: Primary sources were searched in the scientific databases Academic Search Ultimate, Web of Science and Taylor and Francis. Individual training interventions were found in the included studies. Based on the training interventions, possible moderating factors of the magnitude of the effect on the development of muscular strength of the upper or lower limbs were defined. From the results of the studies, the effect size values of Cohen's d and Hedge's g were calculated. The influence of concrete parameters of application of the vascular occlusion and blood flow restriction exercise on the magnitude of the effect was evaluated on the basis of correlation analysis. Results: A total of 27 studies were included in this diploma thesis, in which 39 different trainings using blood flow restriction exercises were found and included. Based on the correlation analysis, no direct relationship was found between the exercise parameters and the magnitude of the...