The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of self-reported visual and neck/shoulder complaints among individuals with a low vision diagnosis. The study also aimed to examine whether there was an association between the degree of self-rated visual and the neck/shoulder complaints. There was a questionnaire survey that was conducted on patients that visits an eye center in a county in central Sweden. There were a total of 18 people participated in the survey, between 17-92 years old. The questionnaire contained 22 questions and was analyzed with SPSS. The results showed how the distributions of answers were to the questions about the respondents’ vision respectively of respondents’ musculoskeletal problems. Results also showed that there was an association between the degree of self- rated visual difficulties and the degree of self- rated neck/shoulder disorder. The results in this study support the hypothesis that a relationship exists between visual and musculoskeletal problems. / Syftet med denna studie varatt beskriva förekomsten av självskattade syn och nacke/skuldra besvär hospersoner med ögonsjukdomar. Studien syftade också till att undersöka om det fannsett samband mellan graden av självskattade synbesvär och självskattade besvär inacke/skuldra. Enkätundersökning genomfördes på patienter som besökte ensyncentral i ett län i mellersta Sverige. Totalt 18 personer deltog iundersökningen, inom ålderskategorin 17-92 år gamla. Enkäten innehöll 22 frågorinklusive bakgrundsfrågor om kön och livsfaktorer som sedan analyserades medhjälp av databasen SPSS. Resultaten visade hur fördelningarna av svaren påfrågorna om respondenternas syn respektive muskuloskeletala problem. Resultatetvisade också att det fanns ett statistiskt signifikant samband mellan graden avsjälvbeskattade synbesvär och graden av självbeskattade nacke/skuldra besvär.Resultaten ger stöd för hypotesen att det finns en relation mellan öga-nacke/skuldrabesvär hos synsvaga individer.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2008. / lntroduction: Swimming is one of the most popular participation sports 1 as people are drawn to swimming for leisure, cardiovascular workouts, or competition 2 . As a result, the sport of swirnrninq has improved 9reatly over the past 20 years 3 . Olbjectoves: The aim of this study was to determine a profile of musculoskeletal injuries in competitive swimmers in the greater Durban area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; as well as to determine whether any relationships exist between swimming injuries sustained in this study and the risk factors identified in other studies, and to compare the results with international data. Therefore; for the purpose of this study, the following information was gathered in order to build up an injury profile: o Demographics of competitive swimmers in South Africa, o The participants swimming history, o The presence of any past or current injuries and o Factors associated with current and previous injuries were also investigated. This study was a prospective, cross-sectional, questionnaire based study, investigating the profile of musculoskeletal injuries in 101 competitive swimmers in the greater Durban area. The data was collected by means of a self-administrated questionnaire, which was completed by the participants, under the supervision of the researcher, parents or coach. / M

Title: Effects of dance sport in the musculoskeletal system of the individual Objectives: The goal is to musculoskeletal examination of selected individuals and evaluation the effect of dance sport on examined status. The results should be the basis for further research in this area. Methods: Kinesiology analysis, bioimpedance analysis and X-ray were used for scrutiny of the musculoskeletal system. Primary and secondary data were analyzed afterwards. Results: Findings of struktural deformities: flat feet (both), both sided hallux valgus with incipient degenerative changes of I. MTP joint (male), limit angle of I. MTP joint of left leg (female). These deviations are related to the using of dance shoes. Muscle imbalance upper thoracic region and lateral imbalance of tested people are the result of the prescribed holding and leading used in dance. Keywords: dance sport, musculoskeletal system, muscle imbalances, feet deformities

Altas concentrações de ácidos graxos saturados desencadeiam resistência à insulina no músculo esquelético e o estresse de retículo endoplasmático (RE) é sugerido neste processo. Este estudo objetivou investigar, em células musculares L6, os efeitos do tratamento com palmitato sobre o estresse de RE e a ativação do NF-kB, relacionando-os com o prejuízo na expressão do GLUT4. Pelos resultados, observou-se que o tratamento com 0,75 mM de palmitato induziu redução no conteúdo de GLUT4 e Slc2a4. Os marcadores de estresse como GRP78, PERK/EIF2a e IRE1a/XBP-1/TRAF2 apresentaram pouca ativação. O fator transcricional NF-kB apresentou-se aumentado em seu conteúdo proteico e RNAm. A atividade de ligação do NF-kB à região promotora do Slc2a4 mostrou aumento independente do grau de fosforilação de IKK. Em suma, observou-se que o palmitato reprime a expressão do Slc2a4 e que induz pouco estresse de RE em células L6. Por outro lado, a participação do NF-kB parece ser importante no controle deste fenômeno reduzindo a expressão do Slc2a4 e prejudicando a homeostasia da glicose. / High concentrations of saturated fatty acids trigger insulin resistance in skeletal muscle and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER) is suggested in this process. This study aimed to investigate, in L6 muscle cells, the effects of palmitate treatment on ER stress pathways and activation of NF-kB, relating them to the impaired expression of GLUT4. The results showed that treatment with 0.75 mM of palmitate induced reduction in the amount of GLUT4 and Slc2a4. Stress markers such as GRP78, PERK/EIF2a and IRE1a/XBP-1/TRAF2 showed little activation. The transcription factor NF-kB were increased in protein content and mRNA. The binding activity of NF-kB to the promoter region of Slc2a4 showed increased independent from the phosphorylation of IKK. Finally, it was observed that palmitate represses the expression of Slc2a4 and that this fatty acid induces little activation of reticulum stress pathways in L6 cells. On the other hand, the involvement of NF-kB appears to be important to control this phenomenon, reducing the expression of Slc2a4 and impairing glucose homeostasis.

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of compression socks worn post exercise on the perceived rating of muscle soreness. Methods: In a randomly cross over design, 16 subjects performed a soreness inducing protocol. Below knee CG (Compression garments) were worn for the next 6 hours post exercise. HR (Heart Rate), RPE (rate of perceived exhaustion) and time to complete one cycle was measured throughout the intervention. PS (Perceived Soreness) was assessed prior, immediate post, 6h, and 24h post exercise. Results: There was no significant difference in perception of soreness between compression and no compression at 6h post exercise (p=.136) and at 24h post exercise (p=286). Conclusion: Compression socks worn post exercise did not significantly alter ratings of perceived soreness after a soreness inducing protocol. / by Friederike Feil. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2011. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2011. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Orientador: Maeli Dal Pai / Banca: Luís Fernando Marins / Banca: Ian Porto Gurgel Amaral / Banca: Robson Francisco Carvalho / Banca: Danilo Pinhal / Resumo: O pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) apresenta excelentes características zootécnicas como rápido crescimento, parâmetro que está diretamente relacionado com o aumento da musculatura estriada esquelética. Pesquisas envolvendo a caracterização de genes musculares têm sido realizadas utilizando-se tecnologias moleculares, em espécies de peixes modelo como o Zebrafish que possui o genoma sequenciado. No pacu, espécie que não possui o genoma sequenciado, esta falta de informação genética dificulta a realização de pesquisas relacionadas com a identificação das vias de sinalização que regulam o desenvolvimento, o crescimento e a manutenção do fenótipo muscular. Além disso, a falta de informação promove uma limitação para o desenvolvimento de programas de melhoramento para esta espécie. Os principais objetivos do presente estudo foram: 1) aumentar os recursos genéticos disponíveis para a espécie, 2) comparar os transcriptomas dos tipos de músculo, vermelho e branco explorando as vias de sinalização que controlam os tipos de fibras musculares 3) investigar a expressão de deubiquitinas pertencente a família do sistema de Proteases ubiquitinas-específicas (USP) no músculo branco em resposta ao jejum e realimentação. Com o sequenciamento, obteve-se aproximadamente 0.6Tb de leituras a partir de bibliotecas do músculo esquelético vermelho e branco. Aproximadamente, 665 milhões de leituras foram utilizadas para a realização da montagem, resultando em 504.065 contigs com um comprimento médio de 1,334bp e N50 = 2,772bp; 47% do transcriptoma foi anotado com êxito, onde pode-se identificar cerca de 15.000 genes considerados únicos e aproximadamente 8000 sequências com região codificante completas. Dentre os genes identificados destacam-se 319 genes de vias metabólicas e 380 microssatélites. Novecentos e ciquenta e seis e 604 genes foram diferencialmente expressos entre o músculo vermelho e branco, respectivamente. / Abstract: Pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) has excellent husbandry features like rapid growth. This parameter is directly related to the increase of skeletal muscle. Researches involving the characterization of muscle genes have been performed using molecular technologies, in species of fish such as zebrafish model that has sequenced the genome. In pacu, a species that does not have the sequenced genome, this lack of genetic information makes it difficult to conduct research related to the identification of signaling pathways that regulate development, growth and maintenance of muscle phenotype. Moreover, the lack of information promotes a limitation for the development of breeding programs for this species. The main objectives of this study were: 1) to increase the available genetic resources for the species, 2) compare the transcriptomes of red and white muscle types, exploring the signaling pathways that control the types of muscle fibers 3) to investigate the expression of deubiquitins belonging to the family of ubiquitin-specific proteases system (USP) in muscle in response to fasting and feedback. With the sequencing, it was obtained approximately 0.6Tb readings from red skeletal muscle and white libraries. Approximately 665 million readings were used to perform the assembly, resulting in 504 065 contigs with an average length of N50 = 1,334bp and 2,772bp; 47% of the transcriptome was noted successfully, which can be identified about 15,000 genes considered as unique and approximately 8000 sequences coding complete region. Among the identified genes, we could observe 319 metabolic pathways genes and 380 microsatellite. Nine hundred fifty six and 604 genes were differentially expressed between red and white muscle, respectively. We identified 442 pairs of paralogs genes resulting from genomic duplication at the base source of teleost fish. It was possible to identify differential expression of paralogous genes include the types of fibers... / Doutor

The intent of this study was to describe the effects of long term paraplegia and wheelchair use on upper limb function. Bilateral upper extremity isokinetic and grip strength, pain, and active range of motion were compared in 52 men with paraplegia (mean age 44 years: mean duration of spinal cord injury (SCI) 17 years) and 52 age and activity-level matched able-bodied men. The impact of upper limb pain on activities of daily living (ADL) performance was examined in the paraplegic sample. Strength was not significantly different between the two samples except for bilateral shoulder flexion (able-bodied stronger) and bilateral elbow extension (paraplegia stronger). Strength changed similarly with age in the two groups. The effect of duration of SCI on strength, excluding age, was significant for grip strength only. Duration of paraplegia and activity-level were better predictors of strength than age in 9 of 14 muscle groups, whereas in the able-bodied, age was the best strength predictor. Limited bilateral shoulder internal rotation and non-dominant external rotation were associated with paraplegia. Upper limb pain in the past week was associated with paraplegia (shoulder p<.001; elbow p<.00l; wrist/hand p<.00l). Reported pain prevalences for the paraplegic sample were: shoulder 39%, elbow 31%, wrist/hand 40%. The paraplegic subjects' pain intensity ratings revealed them to be experiencing mild to moderate levels of upper limb pain. Shoulder pain was associated with duration of injury, exclusive of age (p<.05). Measurement of the impact of upper limb pain On 18 activities of daily living (ADL) tasks revealed pain to be experienced by the majority of subjects with paraplegia (mobility tasks 60%; self-care tasks 5 8 % ; general activities tasks 60%). However, only 23-35% had made changes in their routines, and 6-16% had sought assistance with ADL due to upper limb pain. ++ / When age was excluded, it appeared that duration of SCI was more associated with pain during ADL, but this was significant only for pain during self-care tasks. The tasks most reported to cause upper limb pain were work/school, sleep, wheelchair transfers, outdoor wheeling, and driving. These results suggest that preventative and management steps are required to ensure continued independence and quality of life in this group over time. The effect of duration of SCI suggests that limitations in upper limb function may be seen in this population at relatively young ages.

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 292-352) Determines the role of matrix metalloproteinases, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in reperfusion injury following skeletal muscle ischaemia; and, whether inhibition of MMPs by doxycycline protects against tissue damage.

This study placed specific emphasis on the motor-skills and practice strategies employed by piano players when practising and performing in relation to playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs). The survey questionnaire-instrument was designed by the researcher to investigate the prevalence of PRMDs among both professional and non-professional piano players. Five hundred and five respondents completed the self-administered survey questionnaire. Out of the total 505 participants, 42% of the players reported PRMDs. The professional players (72%) reported a significantly higher incidence (p < 0.05) of PRMDs in comparison with the non-professional group. The professional players with piano as their major instrument, using predominantly neutral wrist posture (i.e., open-kinetic chain playing technique), reported a significantly higher incidence of PRMDs. Although the present study showed a greater number of years of playing was associated with greater risk of PRMDs, the result also showed that the years of playing had no significant effect on the incidence of PRMDs (p > .05) when it was analyzed with the practice hours within seven days. Moreover, analyzing the practice hours over seven days with the piano major/non-major instrument, the various grade levels and PRMDs; the results showed that the practice hours had no significant effect on the groups with and without PRMDs (p > .05). Although women reported a significantly higher percentage of PRMDs (p < 0.05) than men, there was no significant association between the groups with and without PRMDs when analyzing practice hours over seven days by grade levels and gender. The PRMDs seem to arise when overuse is compounded by misuse and/or adverse playing conditions. The best and safest practice would be to minimize consumption of musculoskeletal force production and combine this with effective practice-breaks between sessions to achieve the optimum goal of daily practice. Keywords: hand injury, PRMDs, wrist pain, hand-span size, playing-technique, and piano player.

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 292-352) / xvi, 352 leaves : / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Determines the role of matrix metalloproteinases, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in reperfusion injury following skeletal muscle ischaemia; and, whether inhibition of MMPs by doxycycline protects against tissue damage. / Thesis (M.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Surgery, 2002