Déficit proprioceptivo em indivíduos com ruptura unilateral do ligamento cruzado anterior após a avaliação ativa do senso de posição articular

ResumoObjetivoVerificar se o déficit proprioceptivo no SPA permanece quando pacientes com um membro LCA deficiente são avaliados por meio do teste de reprodução ativa da posição articular, em comparação com o membro contralateral.MétodosParticiparam do estudo 20 pacientes com ruptura unilateral do LCA. Foi feito o teste de reprodução ativa da posição articular no membro LCA deficiente e contralateral saudável. Foram usadas as posições meta de 20% e 50% da amplitude articular máxima. O desempenho proprioceptivo foi determinado por meio dos valores de erro absoluto (EA), erro variável (EV) e erro constante (EC).ResultadosDiferenças significativas foram encontradas para o EA em ambas as posições avaliadas e para o EC em 50% AAM.ConclusãoO déficit proprioceptivo quando avaliado pelo EA permanece mesmo quando a avaliação do senso de posição articular é ativa e, consequentemente, envolve a atividade de receptores intramusculares e tendíneos.AbstractObjectiveTo ascertain whether the proprioceptive deficit in the sense of joint position continues to be present when patients with a limb presenting a deficient anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are assessed by testing their active reproduction of joint position, in comparison with the contralateral limb.MethodsTwenty patients with unilateral ACL tearing participated in the study. Their active reproduction of joint position in the limb with the deficient ACL and in the healthy contralateral limb was tested. Meta‐positions of 20% and 50% of the maximum joint range of motion were used. Proprioceptive performance was determined through the values of the absolute error, variable error and constant error.ResultsSignificant differences in absolute error were found at both of the positions evaluated, and in constant error at 50% of the maximum joint range of motion.ConclusionWhen evaluated in terms of absolute error, the proprioceptive deficit continues to be present even when an active evaluation of the sense of joint position is made. Consequently, this sense involves activity of both intramuscular and tendon receptors

Proprioceptive deficit in individuals with unilateral tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament after active evaluation of the sense of joint position

AbstractObjectiveTo ascertain whether the proprioceptive deficit in the sense of joint position continues to be present when patients with a limb presenting a deficient anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are assessed by testing their active reproduction of joint position, in comparison with the contralateral limb.MethodsTwenty patients with unilateral ACL tearing participated in the study. Their active reproduction of joint position in the limb with the deficient ACL and in the healthy contralateral limb was tested. Meta-positions of 20% and 50% of the maximum joint range of motion were used. Proprioceptive performance was determined through the values of the absolute error, variable error and constant error.ResultsSignificant differences in absolute error were found at both of the positions evaluated, and in constant error at 50% of the maximum joint range of motion.ConclusionWhen evaluated in terms of absolute error, the proprioceptive deficit continues to be present even when an active evaluation of the sense of joint position is made. Consequently, this sense involves activity of both intramuscular and tendon receptors

Viscosupplementation improves pain, function and muscle strength, but not proprioception, in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a prospective randomized trial

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of intra-articular infiltration with hyaluronic acid and dexamethasone alone and in combination in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHOD: This prospective randomized trial evaluated 44 patients undergoing treatment for OA. Patients were selected through clinical and radiological analysis using the American College of Rheumatology criteria. We included patients aged between 50 and 70 years who presented with K-L stage p2 knee OA and normal limb alignment. Patients with a previous history of knee injury (ligamentous, meniscal or traumatic), infection, patellofemoral OA or chondroprotective drug use in the previous year were excluded. Participants were randomized into 3 groups and underwent treatment with viscosupplementation (VS, n=16), viscosupplementation plus dexamethasone (VD, n=16) or dexamethasone (DX, n=12). All patients were evaluated before and 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after infiltration. Analysis included a physical examination, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire (total score and domain subscores) and an evaluation of knee extensor and flexor strength and proprioception using an isokinetic dynamometer. RESULTS: VS significantly improved the WOMAC total score and subscores for pain, stiffness and function for up to 6 months after infiltration. It also improved knee extensor and flexor strength during the same period. Proprioception was not affected by any of the treatments. CONCLUSIONS: VS alone improved pain, stiffness and function according to the WOMAC total score and subscores and improved knee extensor and flexor strength, but not proprioception, for up to six months after infiltration. These findings suggest that VS has a positive effect on quadriceps arthrogenic inhibition

Performance of quality of life and functional capacity in women with knee osteoarthritis treated with viscosupplementation and strength training

The viscosupplementation and strength training are interventions accepted in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Objective: The study describes the effect of two interventions in quality of life and functional capacity. Method: Thirty women diagnosed with bilateral knee osteoarthritis of grade II and III by radiological criteria of Kellgren & Lawrence, were randomized into three groups with ten patients each: VSTF group submitted to viscosupplementation and strength training, TF group submitted only to strength training and VS group submitted only to viscossuplementation. Moments of the study were defined as pre-procedure (PRE), after 48 hours of VS (POS-VS) after 12 weeks of training (POS T) and after eight weeks of detraining (POS D). Quality of life was assessed by the SF-36 BRAZIL, functional capacity by Lequesne index. Intraarticular infiltrations were carried out with a single dose of 6 ml / 48 mg with 6,000,000 kDa Hylan GF-20 and strength training sessions were held for twelve weeks. Results: Strength training and viscosupplementation were effective in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Both interventions promoted improvements in quality of life and in functional capacity (p < 0.001), with advantage to the groups that trained force. Conclusion: Strength training is a possible replacement of viscosupplementation in the treatment of osteoarthritis of women's knees. However, the beneficial effect of viscosupplementation in pain reduction suggests better efficiency in the strength training execution which may be an advantage of the association of both

Comunidades bi-étnicas en las Tierras Altas de Guatemala

Traditionally, the sociopolitical structure and cultural composition of Postclassic highland Maya communities have been viewed through a lens that emphasizes their “Mexicanization” or “Nahuaization”. We propose, instead, that they be viewed as bi-ethnic entities articulated through the negotiation of power between local Maya elites and those of Nahua origin. A bi-ethnicity approach sheds light on critical historical issues that hitherto have been explained only from the hypothesis of cultural diffusion. Based on historical and archaeological evidence, we advocate that Postclassic Maya groups were formed and characterized by integrating the symbols, institutions, and power relations of Nahua-speaking outsiders who were, in effect, foreign agents.La estructura sociopolítica y la composición cultural de los grupos mayas Postclásicos en las Tierras Altas han sido tradicionalmente entendidas como resultados del proceso de “mexicanización” o “nahuaización”. Contrario a estos modelos, proponemos que las entidades mayas tenían una composición bi-étnica maya-nahua articulada a través de la negociación de estructuras políticas y posiciones de poder entre élites locales mayas y aquéllas de origen nahua. Una aproximación desde la bi-etnicidad arroja luz sobre aspectos históricos críticos que han sido tradicionalmente explicados únicamente desde hipótesis de difusión cultural. Con base en evidencia histórica y arqueológica, enfatizamos una caracterización típicamente maya de los grupos Postclásicos, notando sin embargo una integración importante de simbolismos, instituciones y relaciones de poder derivadas de la participación de agentes de origen nahua

AI-Enhanced Prediction of Peak Rate of Torque Development from Accelerometer Signals

This study explores the use of accelerometer signals as the predictors of Rate of Torque Development (RTD) using an artificial neural network (ANN) prediction model. Sixteen physically active men participated (29 ± 5 years), performing explosive isometric contractions while acceleration (ACC) signals were measured. The dataset, comprising ACC signals and corresponding RTD values, was split into training and testing (70–30%) sets for ANN training. The trained model predicted the peak RTD values from the ACC signal inputs. The measured and predicted peak RTD values were compared, with no significant differences observed (p = 0.852). A strong linear fit (R² = 0.81), ICC = 0.94 (p < 0.001), and a mean bias of 30.8 Nm/s demonstrated almost perfect agreement between measures. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using accelerometer data to predict peak RTD, offering a portable and cost-effective method compared to traditional equipment. The ANN prediction model provides a reliable means of estimating RTD from ACC signals, potentially enhancing accessibility to RTD assessment in sports and rehabilitation settings. The findings support the use of ANN models for predicting RTD, highlighting the potential of AI in developing performance analysis tools

Technological Breakthroughs in Sport: Current Practice and Future Potential of Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Modern Data Visualization in Performance Analysis

We are currently witnessing an unprecedented era of digital transformation in sports, driven by the revolutions in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Data Visualization (DV). These technologies hold the promise of redefining sports performance analysis, automating data collection, creating immersive training environments, and enhancing decision-making processes. Traditionally, performance analysis in sports relied on manual data collection, subjective observations, and standard statistical models. These methods, while effective, had limitations in terms of time and subjectivity. However, recent advances in technology have ushered in a new era of objective and real-time performance analysis. AI has revolutionized sports analysis by streamlining data collection, processing vast datasets, and automating information synthesis. VR introduces highly realistic training environments, allowing athletes to train and refine their skills in controlled settings. AR overlays digital information onto the real sports environment, providing real-time feedback and facilitating tactical planning. DV techniques convert complex data into visual representations, improving the understanding of performance metrics. In this paper, we explore the potential of these emerging technologies to transform sports performance analysis, offering valuable resources to coaches and athletes. We aim to enhance athletes’ performance, optimize training strategies, and inform decision-making processes. Additionally, we identify challenges and propose solutions for integrating these technologies into current sports analysis practices. This narrative review provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical context and evolution of performance analysis in sports science, highlighting current methods’ merits and limitations. It delves into the transformative potential of AI, VR, AR, and DV, offering insights into how these tools can be integrated into a theoretical model

Proprioceptive deficit in patients with complete tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament

Objective:To investigate the existence of proprioceptive deficits between the injured limb and the uninjured (i.e. contralateral normal) limb, in individuals who suffered complete tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), using a strength reproduction test.Methods:Sixteen patients with complete tearing of the ACL participated in the study. A voluntary maximum isometric strength test was performed, with reproduction of the muscle strength in the limb with complete tearing of the ACL and the healthy contralateral limb, with the knee flexed at 60°. The meta-intensity was used for the procedure of 20% of the voluntary maximum isometric strength. The proprioceptive performance was determined by means of absolute error, variable error and constant error values.Results:Significant differences were found between the control group and ACL group for the variables of absolute error (p = 0.05) and constant error (p = 0.01). No difference was found in relation to variable error (p = 0.83).Conclusion:Our data corroborate the hypothesis that there is a proprioceptive deficit in subjects with complete tearing of the ACL in an injured limb, in comparison with the uninjured limb, during evaluation of the sense of strength. This deficit can be explained in terms of partial or total loss of the mechanoreceptors of the ACL

Bodyweight distribution between limbs, muscle strength, and proprioception in traumatic transtibial amputees: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate how transtibial amputation (TT) affects bodyweight distribution, voluntary knee joint position sense (JPS), and quadriceps (QUA) and hamstrings (HAM) strength in prosthetized patients. METHODS: Only TT patients who had been prosthetized for more than one year were included, and an agepaired able-bodied group was used as control. The participants stood on force plates with their eyes open to measure bodyweight distribution between the limbs. Knee voluntary JPS was assessed by actively reproducing a set of given arbitrary joint angles using a video analysis approach, and QUA and HAM strength were assessed isometrically with a hand-held dynamometer. RESULTS: Sixteen TT subjects (age: 39.4±4.8 years) and sixteen age-paired control subjects (age: 38.4±4.3 years) participated in the study. The amputees supported their bodyweight majorly on the sound limb (54.8±8.3%, po0.001). The proprioceptive performance was similar between the amputated (absolute error (AE): 2.2±1.6o , variable error (VE): 1.9±1.6o , constant error (CE): -0.7±2.0o ) and non-amputated limbs (AE: 2.6±0.9o , VE: 2.1±0.9o , CE: 0.02±2.3o ), and was not different from that of control subjects (AE: 2.0±0.9o , VE: 1.4±0.4o , CE: -1.1±1.7o ). There was a considerable weakness of the QUA and HAM in the amputated limb compared with the sound limb and control subjects (po0.001 both). CONCLUSIONS: The asymmetric bodyweight distribution in the transtibial amputees was not accompanied by a reduction in knee proprioception. There was significant weakness in the amputated limb, which could be a potential issue when designing rehabilitation programs