European journal of applied physiology
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Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. · Jun 2018
Variability in circulating gas emboli after a same scuba diving exposure.
A reduction in ambient pressure or decompression from scuba diving can result in ultrasound-detectable venous gas emboli (VGE). These environmental exposures carry a risk of decompression sickness (DCS) which is mitigated by adherence to decompression schedules; however, bubbles are routinely observed for dives well within these limits and significant inter-personal variability in DCS risk exists. Here, we assess the variability and evolution of VGE for 2 h post-dive using echocardiography, following a standardized pool dive in calm warm conditions. ⋯ Since VGE evolution post-dive varies between people, more work is clearly needed to isolate contributing factors. In this respect, going toward a more continuous evaluation, or developing new means to detect decompression stress markers, may offer the ability to better assess dynamic correlations to other physiological parameters.
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Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. · Apr 2018
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of combining ergonomic interventions and motor control exercises on muscle activity and kinematics in people with work-related neck-shoulder pain.
This study compared the effects of "Ergomotor" intervention and conventional physiotherapy, on influencing the motor control in the neck-shoulder region in people with work-related neck-shoulder pain (WRNSP). ⋯ The present results provided some evidence to support the positive and sustainable benefits of integrating motor control training into the workplace postures and motions.
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Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. · Feb 2018
Non-invasive estimation of muscle oxygen uptake kinetics with pseudorandom binary sequence and step exercise responses.
The aim of the study was to test for significant differences in non-invasively estimated muscle oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) kinetics, assessed by a square-wave exercise protocol (STEP) as well as by a time series approach with pseudorandom binary sequence (PRBS) work rate (WR) changes. ⋯ Both approaches (STEP and PRBS) are not significantly different for estimating the [Formula: see text] kinetics, but the very high variability impairs the predictability between the models. However, the determination of the length of phase I [Formula: see text] should be as appropriate as possible because predefined duration lengths can result in overestimations in [Formula: see text] kinetics.
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Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. · Jan 2018
Heterogeneity of passive elastic properties within the quadriceps femoris muscle-tendon unit.
The purpose of this study was to compare regional elastic properties between anterior and posterior regions of the patellar tendon, and individual quadriceps muscles, over a range of knee flexion angles. ⋯ Passive knee flexion at and beyond 70° was associated with non-uniform elastic properties within the proximal patellar tendon and between individual quadriceps muscles. To what extent this heterogeneity of passive elastic properties contributes to injury remains unknown.
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Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. · Oct 2017
Increase in echo intensity and extracellular-to-intracellular water ratio is independently associated with muscle weakness in elderly women.
The changes in muscle composition and its heterogeneity during aging are associated with muscle weakness in elderly persons independent of decreases in muscle mass or muscle thickness (MT). Both the assessment of echo intensity (EI) with ultrasound imaging and the evaluation of the extracellular water/intracellular water (ECW/ICW) ratio with segmental bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) are non-invasive and convenient methods and seem valuable for muscle quality determination. However, no previous study has evaluated both EI and the ECW/ICW ratio simultaneously to investigate their relationship to muscle strength. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether both EI and the ECW/ICW ratio are independently associated with muscle strength in elderly women. ⋯ This study suggests that the simultaneous application of EI and the ECW/ICW ratio is useful in assessing muscle strength, and accurately estimates the changes in muscle quality related to muscle weakness.