Influence of Dynamic Balance on Jumping-Based Asymmetries in Team Sport: A between-Sports Comparison in Basketball and Handball Athletes

The aims of the present study were to analyze mobility, dynamic balance and lower-limb strength and the prevalence of asymmetry according to the type of sport and assess the association between inter-limb asymmetry and sports performance. A total of 23 basketball and 25 handball players performed a test battery consisting of functional movements and a jump test. Inter-limb asymmetry was calculated using a standard percentage difference equation. A between-groups comparison analysis was carried out, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients (r) were calculated to establish a relationship between asymmetries and physical performance. The results found athletes in different sports to exhibit different performance in functional movements and the jump test, but no bilateral asymmetries. The reactive strength index (RSI) and stiffness asymmetries were significantly associated with the anterior reach Y-balance test (YBT) (r = -0.412; p < 0.01 and r = -0.359; p < 0.05, respectively), and the unilateral triple hop test (THTU) was negatively correlated to anterior reach, posterior lateral reach YBT and YBT composite YBT (r = -0.341 to -0.377; p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the asymmetries exhibited important dispersion not dependent upon the type of sport but on each individual and the applied test. In addition, asymmetry in anterior direction YBT showed the strongest association to the rest of the sports performance variables

Recomendaciones de experto sobre el bloqueo de la interleucina 6 en pacientes con artritis reumatoide

[Abstract] Objective: To draft recommendations on interleukin 6 (IL-6) blockade in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), based on best evidence and experience. Methods: A group of 10 experts on IL-6 blockade in RA was selected. The 2 coordinators formulated 23 questions about IL-6 blockade (indications, efficacy, safety, etc.). A systematic review was conducted to answer the questions. Using this information, inclusion and exclusion criteria were established, as were the search strategies (Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched). Two different reviewers selected the articles. Evidence tables were created. At the same time, European League Against Rheumatism and American College of Rheumatology abstracts were evaluated. Based on this evidence, the coordinators proposed preliminary recommendations that the experts discussed and voted on in a nominal group meeting. The level of evidence and grade of recommendation were established using the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine and the level of agreement with the Delphi technique (2 rounds). Agreement was established if at least 80% of the experts voted yes (yes/no). Results: The 8 preliminary recommendations were accepted after the Delphi process. They covered aspects such as the use of these therapies in monotherapy, in combination, in patients with refractory disease or intolerant patients, response evaluation, optimization and risk management. Conclusions: The manuscript aims to solve frequently asked questions and aid in decision making strategies when treating RA patients with IL-6 blockade.[Resumen] Objetivo. Generar recomendaciones sobre el bloqueo de la interleucina 6 (IL-6) en pacientes con artritis reumatoide (AR), basadas en la mejor evidencia y experiencia. Métodos. Se seleccionó a 10 expertos reumatólogos en el manejo de los inhibidores de la IL-6. Los 2 coordinadores generaron 23 preguntas sobre el bloqueo de la IL-6 en la AR (perfiles de indicación, eficacia, seguridad, etc.) para ser contestadas mediante una revisión sistemática de la literatura. Con base en las preguntas se definieron los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, y las estrategias de búsqueda (para interrogar Medline, Embase y la Cochrane Library). Dos revisores seleccionaron los artículos resultantes de la búsqueda. Se generaron tablas de evidencia. Paralelamente, se evaluaron abstracts de congresos de EULAR y ACR. Con toda esta evidencia los coordinadores propusieron 8 recomendaciones preliminares que se evaluaron, discutieron y votaron en una reunión de grupo nominal con el resto de los expertos. Para cada recomendación se estableció el nivel de evidencia y grado de recomendación, y el grado de acuerdo mediante un Delphi. Se definió acuerdo si al menos el 80% de los participantes contestaban sí a la recomendación (sí o no). Resultados. Las 8 recomendaciones preliminares se aceptaron tras el Delphi. Abarcan aspectos como su uso en monoterapia, en combinación, en pacientes refractarios o intolerantes, la evaluación de su respuesta, la optimización o la gestión del riesgo. Conclusiones. Este documento pretende resolver algunos interrogantes clínicos habituales y facilitar la toma de decisiones con el bloqueo de la IL-6 en el manejo de la AR

Longitudinal analysis of blood DNA methylation identifies mechanisms of response to tumor necrosis factor inhibitor therapy in rheumatoid arthritis

[Abstract] Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the joints that has been associated with variation in the peripheral blood methylome. In this study, we aim to identify epigenetic variation that is associated with the response to tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) therapy. Methods: Peripheral blood genome-wide DNA methylation profiles were analyzed in a discovery cohort of 62 RA patients at baseline and at week 12 of TNFi therapy. DNA methylation of individual CpG sites and enrichment of biological pathways were evaluated for their association with drug response. Using a novel cell deconvolution approach, altered DNA methylation associated with TNFi response was also tested in the six main immune cell types in blood. Validation of the results was performed in an independent longitudinal cohort of 60 RA patients. Findings: Treatment with TNFi was associated with significant longitudinal peripheral blood methylation changes in biological pathways related to RA (FDR<0.05). 139 biological functions were modified by therapy, with methylation levels changing systematically towards a signature similar to that of healthy controls. Differences in the methylation profile of T cell activation and differentiation, GTPase-mediated signaling, and actin filament organization pathways were associated with the clinical response to therapy. Cell type deconvolution analysis identified CpG sites in CD4+T, NK, neutrophils and monocytes that were significantly associated with the response to TNFi. Interpretation: Our results show that treatment with TNFi restores homeostatic blood methylation in RA. The clinical response to TNFi is associated to methylation variation in specific biological pathways, and it involves cells from both the innate and adaptive immune systems

Decisive Factors for a Greater Performance in the Change of Direction and Its Angulation in Male Basketball Players

A study was made to initially evaluate whether the age category directly could influence anthropometric measurements, functional movement tests, linear sprint (30 m) and strength. Moreover, and as the main purpose, this study aimed to examine the relationship between the time execution and angles in di erent changes of direction (COD) test with the analyzed sport performance variables. A total sample of 23 basketball players (age: 17.5 2.42 years; height: 184.6 6.68 cm; body weight: 78.09 11.9 kg). Between-groups’ comparison explored the di erences between basketball categories (Junior, n = 12; Senior, n = 11). The COD variables were divided by the time execution into low responders (LR) and high responders (HR) to establish comparisons between groups related to COD time execution. Pearson’s correlation coe cient was used to establish correlations between di erent CODs and sport performance variables. The results showed a greater influence of age category upon COD performance, especially when the cutting angle was sharper (7.05% [Confidence limits (CL) 90%: 2.33; 11.99]; Quantitative chances (QC) 0/2/98), in which athletes need greater application of strength. Moreover, the sharper the angle or the larger the number of cuts made, the greater the relationship with the vertical force–velocity profile (-42.39 [CL 90%: -57.37; -22.16]; QC 100/0/0%). Thus, the usefulness of the f–v profile to implement training programs that optimize the f–v imbalance and the improvement of the COD performance in basketball players is suggested

Efectos de la intervención desde terapia ocupacional sobre la percepción del dolor crónico y la calidad de vida en pacientes con artritis reumatoide

Objectives: To determine if an occupational therapy based intervention focused on performance reorganization on patients with rheumatoid arthritis reduces pain and improves self-efficacy and quality of life. Material and methods: Randomized controlled intervention study through a group program of seven occupational therapy sessions, conducted in five weeks. Results: We found an improvement in self-efficacy (p<0,001) and quality of life scores (p = 0,001, p = 0,08), as well as pain intensity MPQ (McGill Pain Questionnaire) measures, although the values collected with VAS (visual analogue scale) maintained over time. Conclusions: The program was effective in changing the studied variables, although a new study with a larger sample is required.Objetivos: determinar si una propuesta de intervención experimental desarrollada desde el campo de trabajo de la terapia ocupacional, dirigida a la reestructuración del desempeño ocupacional en pacientes con artritis reumatoide, reduce los niveles de dolor percibidos y mejora la autoeficacia y la calidad de vida de los mismos. Esta intervención se llevó a cabo de forma grupal, utilizando modelos de formación y enseñanza de estrategias a los pacientes. Material y método: estudio de intervención controlado aleatorizado de un programa grupal de terapia ocupacional de siete sesiones, de dos horas cada una, realizadas en cinco semanas. Resultados: se detectó una mejora en las puntuaciones de autoeficacia (p < 0,001) y de calidad de vida (p = 0,001; p = 0,08), así como de las puntuaciones de intensidad de dolor medidas con MPQ (McGill Pain Questionnaire), aunque los valores recogidos con EVA (escala visual analógica) se mantienen en el tiempo. Conclusiones: el programa resultó eficaz en la modificación de las variables estudiadas, apreciándose cambios significativos tanto en intensidad de dolor, como en los valores referidos a autoeficacia y calidad de vida. Es recomendable repetir el trabajo con una muestra mayor que permita obtener datos más consistentes

La relación de la actividad física sobre la imagen corporal en mujeres postparto

The perception of body image is usually affected in the different stages of a woman's life. The practice of physical exercise would be related to an improvement in the perception of body image, so it is important to investigate how the practice of physical exercise affects body image in the postpartum stage, since at this stage the perception is usually more negative . For this purpose, an online questionnaire was designed, consisting of socio-demographic questions, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Body Shape Questionnaire. The sample consisted of 80 Spanish women, aged between 23 and 42 years, who were mothers in 2020 and 2021. The results show that the Body Mass Index is positively and significantly associated with body dissatisfaction.  However, in relation to physical exercise, the results showed an inverse relationship. The women with the highest body dissatisfaction were those with the highest Body Mass Index and the highest level of physical activity, with Body Mass Index being the variable that most explained body dissatisfaction.La percepción de la imagen corporal suele verse afectada en las diferentes etapas de la vida de la mujer. La práctica de ejercicio físico está relacionada con una mejora de la percepción de la imagen corporal, por lo que resulta importante investigar para conocer cómo afecta la práctica de ejercicio físico a la imagen corporal en la etapa postparto, ya que en esta etapa la percepción suele ser más negativa. Para ello, se diseñó un cuestionario en línea compuesto por cuestiones sociodemográficas, se evaluó el nivel de actividad física a través del International Physical Activity Questionnaire y la satisfacción corporal a través del Body Shape Questionnaire. La muestra ha sido compuesta por 80 mujeres españolas, de edades comprendidas entre 23 y 42 años que han sido madres en los años 2020 y 2021. Los resultados muestran que el Índice de Masa Corporal está asociado positiva y significativamente con la insatisfacción corporal. Sin embargo, en relación con el ejercicio físico, los resultados mostraron una relación inversa a la esperada. Aquellas mujeres que presentaban mayor insatisfacción corporal fueron las que más Índice de Masa Corporal tenía y más práctica de actividad física realizaban, siendo el Índice de Masa Corpora la variable que más explicaba la insatisfacción corporal

Beneficios y barreras del desplazamiento activo hacia el centro escolar: una revisión sistemática

Scientific evidence shows us how a lack of movement throughout the day can have negative effects on our health. Active commuting to school enables the acquisition of healthy habits following the recommendations of the World Health Organization. The purpose of this article was to carry out a systematic review of the state of the art, in relation to active commuting to school, the existing obstacles and its physical, psychological, and motivational benefits at different educational stages. The design corresponds to a review of previous studies published between 2015 and 2020. The databases Web of Science, Pubmed and Scopus were used to carry out the study. For the selection of studies, only those that matched the pre-established standards were identified. From the 25 initial results, 13 articles were selected that met the pre-specified eligibility standards. The results showed a positive relationship between active commuting from home to school and associated health benefits for the practitioners. In contrast, a significant number of barriers were associated with the choice of active commuting to schools, high schools and/or universities. More research and published studies are needed to clarify specifically and detailed the health benefits of active commuting, as well as the steps to be taken in plans to minimize the barriers to active commuting.La evidencia científica nos muestra cómo la falta de movimiento a lo largo del día puede tener efectos negativos en nuestra salud. Los desplazamientos activos al centro escolar permiten la adquisición de hábitos saludables siguiendo las recomendaciones de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. El objetivo de este artículo fue realizar una revisión sistemática sobre el estado del arte, en relación con el desplazamiento activo al centro escolar, las barreras existentes y sus beneficios a nivel físico, psicológico y motivacional en las diferentes etapas educativas. El diseño corresponde a una revisión de los estudios previamente publicados entre 2015 y 2020. Para la realización del trabajo se han utilizado las siguientes bases de datos: Web of Science, Pubmed y Scopus. Para la selección de los estudios, se identificaron sólo aquellos que coincidieron con los criterios preestablecidos. De los 25 resultados iniciales, se seleccionaron 13 artículos que cumplían los criterios de elegibilidad preestablecidos con anterioridad. Los resultados mostraron relación positiva entre el desplazamiento activo desde el hogar de residencia hasta el centro de estudios y beneficios asociados con la salud de los practicantes. En contraposición, se asociaron un número importante de barreras las cuales dificultan la elección de un transporte activo hacia las escuelas, institutos y/o universidades. Son necesarias más investigaciones y publicaciones de estudios que clarifiquen de forma específica y detallada los beneficios que reporta en la salud la realización de desplazamientos activos, así como los pasos a seguir en planes para minimizar las barreras que lo dificultan

Experts document on methotrexate use in combined therapy with biological or targeted synthetic disease modifying drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

We aimed to develop recommendations for the management of methotrexate (MTX) when considering the combination with biological (b) or targeted synthetic (ts) disease modifying drugs (DMARDs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Eleven experts on RA were selected. Two coordinators formulated 13 questions about the combination therapy of MTX with bDMARDs or tsDMARDs. A systematic review was conducted to answer the questions. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established as well as the search strategies (Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched up to January 2019). Two reviewers selected the articles and collected data. Simultaneously, EULAR and ACR meeting abstracts were evaluated. Based on this evidence, the coordinators proposed preliminary recommendations that the experts discussed and voted in a nominal group meeting. The level of evidence and grade of recommendation was established using the Oxford Center for Evidence Based Medicine and the level of agreement with a Delphi. Agreement was established if at least 80% of the experts voted 'yes' (yes/no). The systematic review retrieved 513 citations of which 61 were finally included. A total of 10 recommendations were generated, voted and accepted. The level of agreement was very high in all of them and it was achieved in the first Delphi round. Final recommendations cover aspects such as the optimal MTX dosage, tapering strategy or patients' risk management. This document is intended to help clinicians solve usual clinical questions and facilitate decision making when treating RA patients with MTX in combination with bDMARDs or tsDMARDs