48760 research outputs found
Sort by
Comparison of Physical Fitness Measures and Injury Risk in Law Enforcement Officers
No full textLaw enforcement officers (LEOs) perform intense and unpredictable physical exertions resulting from their occupational tasks. Optimal movement quality is beneficial for the performance of these tasks and for decreasing injury risk. The Modified Landing Error Scoring System (M-LESS) is a screening tool that helps identify poor movement patterns that could raise the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in mobility, stability, and muscular endurance across LEOs categorized into low-risk (LR), moderate-risk (MR), or high-risk (HR) for injury based on M-LESS scores. METHODS: Twenty-two active-duty male LEOs (40.5 ± 9.4 y, 178.5 ± 6.9 cm, 93.5 ± 11.7 kg) voluntarily completed a vertical jump (VJ), push-up test (PU), upper-quadrant and lower-quadrant Y- balance test (YBT-UQ and YBT-LQ, respectively), sit-and-reach test (SR), ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ADF), and body composition test using skinfold measures (BC) as part of a voluntary testing session. Participants also self-reported frequency of strength training per week, and height and weight which were used to calculate body mass index (BMI). The M-LESS was performed using standardized procedures, and participants were consequently classified into either the LR, MR, or HR group (using scores of 0–3, 4-6, and 7+, respectively). A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed to compare results across the LESS groups using SPSS version 30 (IBM Corp) with an alpha significance of p \u3c 0.05. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the M-LESS groups for any outcome measures (p \u3e 0.05). However, the HR group had a higher BMI and body fat percentage compared to LR individuals (BMI = 30.15 ± 3.88 vs. 27.71 ± 2.76 kg/m², BC = 19.70 ± 3.87 vs.18.53 ± 2.73%). VJ and PU scores decreased as risk level increased, and YBT-UQ, YBT-LQ, and ADF scores for the dominant and non-dominant sides were more preferable (higher) in the LR group compared to the HR group. CONCLUSION: While the differences were not statistically significant, the trends indicate that LEOs with higher M-LESS scores had poorer stability, mobility, and body composition metrics. These results emphasize the importance of movement screening to identify potential performance issues and inform targeted training programs for LEOs
The Effect of a Polyphenol-Rich Cranberry Supplement on the Strength-Endurance Performance of Rock Climbers
No full textPolyphenols have been shown to have significant benefits on the aerobic system; however, there is currently little information about their effects on strength-endurance. Cranberries are rich in polyphenols, specifically the rare A-type proanthocyanidin (aPAC), which is associated with their various physiological benefits.
Purpose: This study aims to see the effect of a 28-day cranberry supplementation on rock climbers’ anaerobic performance of push-ups, pull-ups, and hang-boarding.
Methods: 19 participants (14M: 5F) took part in an exploratory study involving two groups, control (CON, n = 11) and cranberry-supplemented (CS, n = 8), with repeated measures over 28 days. The CON group took no supplement, while the CS group took a lab-grade freeze-dried cranberry supplement containing 7.2 – 10% aPAC daily (0.3 g/kg of body weight). Participants came in 3 times during the 28 days (day 0, 14, and 28) and completed push-ups (PU), pull-ups (PLU), and hang-boarding (HB).
Results: While no statistically significant improvements were found, the CS group had a smaller, insignificant increase in PU when compared to CON (+10.9% vs +11.12%, p = 0.933). The PLUs saw a greater non-significant improvement in performance for the CS group compared to the CON (+14.78% vs +3.28%, p = 0.552). The CS group saw greater insignificant improvements for HB when compared to the CON (+4.77% vs -8.77%, p = 0.102).
Conclusion: Currently, this study is unable to demonstrate the effects of cranberry polyphenols on rock climbers’ strength-endurance performance, likely due to low sample size. Ongoing recruitment is aiming to increase participant numbers and strengthen the analysis
Surgical Management of a Grade-II Anterior Talofibular Ligament Tear with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Case Report
No full textCASE HISTORY: A 21-year-old female with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) sustained a right ankle inversion injury while stepping off a curb, resulting in acute pain, swelling, and inability to weightbear. Initial conservative treatment including rest, ice, and traditional physical therapy (PT) was initiated but failed to relieve symptoms. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed a Grade-II ATFL tear with chronic instability. After three months of unsuccessful conservative management and persistent pain and instability, surgical intervention was pursued. PHYSICAL EXAM: Examination revealed marked tenderness over the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), restricted motion in all directions, decreased strength (2+/5) and positive anterior drawer (2+). DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSES: At initial evaluation, the patient presented with 3/10 pain at rest and 7/10 “sharp” pain with motion, accompanied by a 3+ ankle effusion. The treating PT considered a differential diagnoses of lateral ankle sprain, peroneal tendon strain, osteochondral lesion of the talus, and syndesmotic injury. TESTS & RESULTS: Radiographs ruled out the presence of a fracture. Special tests revealed a positive anterior drawer test, and negative cotton and External Rotation Squeeze tests. MRI revealed a Grade-II ATFL tear. Stress X-Ray was positive for talar tilt, consistent with chronic instability. FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Final diagnosis was a Grade-II ATFL tear secondary to ligamentous laxity associated with hEDS. DISCUSSION: Although Grade-II ATFL tears typically respond to conservative management, individuals with hEDS exhibit greater instability and delayed healing, warranting earlier surgical consideration. This case highlights the importance of identifying connective tissue disorders when managing ankle injuries, as standard protocols may be insufficient for this patient population. OUTCOME OF THE CASE: The patient underwent right ankle arthroscopy and Modified Broström-Gould repair with internal bracing, achieving significant postoperative improvement. RETURN TO ACTIVITY AND FURTHER FOLLOW-UP: At three month follow up, the patient demonstrated full, pain-free range of motion, 5/5 strength and returned to dynamic activities such as running, jumping, and single-leg hopping without instability
Effects of Load, Walking Direction, and Lifting Straps on Upper Limb Muscle Activation During the Farmer’s Walk.
No full textThe Farmer’s Walk is a functional loaded gait exercise that integrates strength, balance, and postural control. It is frequently integrated into rehabilitation programs due to its functional relevance and ability to challenge total body strength, core stability, and dynamic control. PURPOSE: While its effects on postural stability and grip endurance have been documented, the neuromuscular activation patterns of upper limb muscles during loaded gait remain poorly understood. METHODS: Surface EMG was recorded from six muscles: supraspinatus, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, extensor digitorum, flexor carpi radialis, and flexor carpi ulnaris during forward and backward walking with loads equal to 50%, 75%, 100%, and 150% of body weight. Additional trials at 100% and 150% body weight were performed using lifting straps. RESULTS: EMG amplitudes were normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC). All muscles showed progressive increases in EMG amplitude with load, with significant increases at 100% and 150% compared to 50% body weight. The supraspinatus consistently demonstrated higher activity than the biceps across all loads, and intermuscular differences became more pronounced at higher loads. Notably, the supraspinatus, triceps, and flexor carpi ulnaris reached maximal activation levels. The use of straps and walking direction (forward vs. backward) also influenced activation patterns. CONCLUSION: Increasing load during the Farmer’s Walk elicited progressive neuromuscular activation across upper limb muscles, with the supraspinatus, triceps, and flexor carpi ulnaris demonstrating the highest recruitment at heavier loads. These findings suggest that load magnitude, walking direction, and grip assistance significantly modulate upper limb muscle activation, highlighting the Farmer’s Walk as a valuable exercise for targeted strength and stability training in rehabilitation. This study provides the first detailed characterization of upper limb muscle activity during the Farmer’s Walk, highlighting differential load-dependent and task-dependent activation across muscles
August 26, 2025 NAGPRA and Tribal Relations Committee Meeting Minutes
No full textAugust 26, 2025 minutes for the WKU NAGPRA and Tribal Relations Committee meeting. Meeting conducted via Zoom
