Physical ability, cervical function, and walking plantar pressure in frail and pre-frail older adults: An attentional focus approach

International audienceAging and increased vulnerability define the clinical condition of frailty. However, while the cervical function is recognized as a determinant of balance and walking performance, no study simultaneously physical ability, cervical function, balance, and plantar pressure distribution in walking in nursing house population. Thus, the present study aimed to compare these parameters between Frail and Pre-Frail aged people. Thirty-one (12 men and 19 women) institutionalized participants (age: 89.45 ± 5.27 years, weight: 61.54 ± 9.99 kg, height: 160.34 ± 7.93 cm) were recruited and divided into Pre-Frail and Frail groups according to SPPB (Short Physical Performance Battery) score (Frail <6, Pre-Frail ≥6). Participants performed the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) and a static balance evaluation. The cervical range of motion (COM), knee extensor strength, and walking plantar pressure distribution have been measured. The Pre-Frail group showed a higher gait speed (ES = 0.78, p ≤ 0.001) and a better TUGT, as well as higher knee extensor strength (ES = 0.4, p = 0.04). Furthermore, the Pre-Frail group presented a center of pressure (COP) displacement velocity on the sagittal axis (ES = 0.43, p = 0.02) and a more COP projection on this axis (ES = 0.43, p = 0.02). No significant difference has been observed between the two groups concerning the total contact time and most of the plantar pressure parameters except for the rear foot relative contact time which was lower in the Pre-Frail group. The Pre-Frail group also showed better cervical tilt mobility (ES = 0.35, p = 0.04). This study highlights the influence of some new parameters on frailty in older people, such as cervical mobility and plantar pressure distribution in walking

Influence of hand-held racket on scapulothoracic kinematics during humeral elevation in the scapular plane in young tennis players: a preliminary study

38ième congrès de la Société de Biomécanique francophone, MARSEILLE, FRANCE, 04-/09/2013 - 06/09/2013In overhead activities, and particularly in tennis, themajority of the force required to propel the ball forwards is developed in the legs and trunk in a closed chain manner, funnelled through the scapulohumeral complex and transferred to the racket (Sciascia et al. 2012). Specific segment positions and motions are fundamental for an efficient linkage of multiple segments in such kinetic chain (Sciascia et al. 2012).Among the ideal nodes of the tennis serve, the coupled scapular retraction/arm rotation to achieve cocking in the scapular plane is recommended (Sciascia et al. 2012). The scapula is conflicting as it is required to provide both significant mobility through a large arc of motion and a stable base for arm function (McClure et al. 2012). These competing functions make the scapular region vulnerable to scapular dyskinesis. Such alterations in scapular motions are observed in up to two-thirds of overhead athletes' shoulder pathologies (Kibler and Thomas 2012). As a consequence, early evaluation of scapular kinematics is indicated to prevent the athlete's risk of shoulder injury, and potentially minimise the occurrence of such injury later in the player's career. Moreover, tennis is one of the overhead activities involving an implement, hence questioning the racket influence on scapular motions. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the scapulothoracic kinematics during scaption in young tennis players when holding or not the tennis racket