The relationship between postural stability, core muscle endurance and agility in professional basketball players

Aim: The purpose of this study was to identify relationships between postural stability, core muscle endurance and agility in basketball players. Materials and Methods: 21 professional male basketball players [age: 17.±0.63 (years), body weight: 78.69±9.22 (kg), height: 186±7 (cm), BMI: 22.72±2.26 (kg/cm²)] were included to this study. Three balance variables were measured using Biodex Biosway™. Core muscle endurance was measured using three core endurance tests proposed by Mcgill. Agility was assessed by Hexagonal Obstacle Test (HOT). Results: The analysis results showed that postural stability is associated with HOT (r: 0.457). In addition, the postural stability was related to extension muscle endurance test and side bridge test (respectively, r: -0.501 and r: -0.468). There is no correlation between HOT and core muscle endurance test in basketball players. Conclusion: The athletes with good postural stability were better core muscle endurance and agility. It is important to apply exercise programs that enhance postural stability and increase core muscle endurance to improve sportive success

Gastro-bronchial Fistula, an Uncommon Complication of Transhital Esophagectomy: A Case Report

Abstract Background: Gastro-bronchial fistulas are rare complication of esophagogastric anostomos operations. They occur either in the early or late postoperative period. They have different etiological factors according to time of development. They have different prognostic feature due to the reason which cause fistulas. Therefore, differential diagnosis of gastro-bronchial fistula should be urgently done as soon as possible. Herein, we present a case of gastro-bronchial fistula which is rare and has valuable radiological findings. Case report: A 41 year old woman who had a cough, dyspnea, dysphagia, weight loss and retrosternal pain was admitted to local government hospital of Van. At the end of evaulation, the diagnosis was consistent with esophageal carcinoma. Then transhiatal esophagectomy with gastric pull-up and cervical anastomosis was performed. Three monhts after surgery, she developed cough, dyspnea and aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, chest X-ray was taken and chest computed tomography (CT) demonstrated gastro-bronchial fistula. After diagnosis of gastro-broncial fistula, the patient was consultated with thoracic surgery department and surgical treatment was decided. The patient was taken to the thoracic surgery department. She was cachectic, therefore total parenteral nutrition was started on. While she was waiting for surgical procedure, she had severe dyspnea. Finally she died due to aspiration and cardiopulmonary arrest. Conclusion: Gastro-bronchial fistula is a rare and devastating complication of esophageal resection that may be diffucult to diagnose. Poor prognosis is mainly due to the development of recurrent chest infections, malnutrition and diffuclty in surgical repairing in contrast to esophageal type. The diagnosis can be done either with bronchoscopy or computed tomography of chest. Surgery and endobronchial stenting are main alternative treatment modalities of this rare and fatal complication of esophagectomy

What Is The Optimal Frequency For Ankle Muscles During Whole-Body Vibration Exercises?

Usage of the whole-body vibration (WBV) is effective in preventing the ankle injuries caused by increasing neuromuscular activity. The aim of this study was to investigate effective frequencies for neuromuscular activity of ankle muscles. A single-group, repeated-measures study design was used. Twenty-three healthy subjects (age 23.91 +/- 3.07, BMI 22.66 +/- 3.39) participated in this study. This study investigated the effects of WBV on the EMG responses of the Tibialis Anterior (TA), Peroneus Longus (PL), Gastrocnemius Medial (GM) and Lateral heads (GL). The muscle activity was measured with an 8-channel EMG Noraxon MiniDTS system (Noraxon, USA, Inc, Scottsdale, AZ) during 0, 20, 40 and 60 Hz of vibration. The Physio Plate (R) vibration platform (Physio Plate (R), Domino S.R.L, San Vendemiano, Italy) was used to deliver mechanical vibration. Compared with no vibration condition; EMG activity of all ankle muscles were significantly increased from at 60 Hz (123 % in TA, 64 % in PL, 53 % in GM, 77 % in GL) (p<0.01). At 40 Hz of vibration frequency, EMG responses of GM and GL was significantly increased (27 % and 53%, respectively) (p<0.01). Only GL was significantly increased of 33 % at 20 Hz (p<0.01). It could be concluded that using higher frequencies at whole-body vibration exercises are more effective than lower frequencies on ankle muscles' EMG activities. During squat exercises on the WBV platform, higher frequencies should be used to increase ankle muscle activation.Wo