Neck strength

OBJECTIVES: : Several studies have reported that oropharyngeal myofunctional therapy (OMT) reduces the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, because OMT protocols are often complicated, they take time and effort to implement. The aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic effect of 8 weeks of simple tongue strength training with a training device. METHODS: : Twenty patients with mild to moderate sleep-disordered breathing were randomized to the control group (n=10) or intervention group (n=10)...

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this investigation was to compare the thickness of the deep local muscles in the neck region, as well as local and widespread sensitivity and functionality, between individuals with migraine, Tension-Type Headache (TTH), and healthy controls. To date, we know that the onset of migraine and TTH share similar pathophysiological pathways. Nevertheless, there may be some anatomical and functional differences which would explain why clinicians may obtain variable results when treating both pathological entities with similar or equal approaches...

BACKGROUND: While most complications of cervical surgery are reversible, some, such as symptomatic postoperative spinal epidural hematoma (SEH), which generally occurs within 24 h, are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Delayed neurological dysfunction is diagnosed in cases when symptoms present > 3 d postoperatively. Owing to its rarity, the risk factors for delayed neurological dysfunction are unclear. Consequently, this condition can result in irreversible neurological deficits and serious consequences...

OBJECTIVES: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) aims to improve pain, relieve neural compression, achieve rapid solid bony arthrodesis, and restore cervical alignment. Bony fusion occurs as early as 3 months and up to 24 months after ACDF. The correlations between bony fusion and clinical outcomes after ACDF remain unclear. Macro-topographic and porous features have been introduced to interbody cage technology, aiming to improve the strength of the bone-implant interface to promote early fusion...

A 32 year-old climber sustained a grade IV frostbite injury to the right hand which required amputation at the neck of the proximal phalanges of all the long fingers. To increase range of motion and strength in the remaining metacarpophalangeal joints, tenodesis of the flexor digitalis superficialis and profundus tendons onto the proximal phalanges was performed. Several revisions for removal of bony spurs, dorsal skin advancement flaps and web space deepening were necessary. After 2 years, the patient achieved 10-0-100° metacarpophalangeal joint range of motion in extension-flexion and could do full body-weight pull-ups on 1 cm deep holds, lift 50 kg on a 2 cm deep hold (normal contralateral side, 40 kg), climb up to F7a routes and use a mechanical 4-finger functional prosthesis...

OBJECTIVE: The biomechanical characteristics of proximal femoral trabeculae are closely related to the occurrence and treatment of proximal femoral fractures. Therefore, it is of great significance to study its biomechanical effects of cancellous bone in the proximal femur. This study examines the biomechanical effects of the cancellous bone in the proximal femur using a controlled variable method, which provide a foundation for further research into the mechanical properties of the proximal femur...

BACKGROUND: Neck and jaw pain is common and is associated with jaw functional limitations, postural stability, muscular endurance, and proprioception. This study aimed to investigate the effect of jaw and neck pain on craniocervico- mandibular functions and postural stability in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJDs). METHODS: Fifty-two patients with TMJDs were included and assessed using Fonseca's Questionnaire and the Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index...

BACKGROUND: Talar neck fractures are rare but potentially devastating injuries, with early reduction and rigid fixation essential to facilitate union and prevent avascular necrosis. Even small degrees of malunion will alter load transmission and subtalar joint kinematics. Changes in fixation techniques have led to dual plating strategies. While locked plating has perceived advantages in porotic bone and comminution, its biomechanical benefits in talar neck fractures have not been shown...

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the association of body composition, muscle strength, balance, and functional capacity on falls and fall injuries among community-dwelling older women. METHODS: The study comprised of a 2-year randomized controlled trial involving 914 women with an average age of 76.5 (SD = 3.3) years at baseline. The women were assigned to exercise intervention (n = 457) and control groups (n = 457)...

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of three different kinesio taping (KT) techniques in individuals with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) who have a trigger point in the trapezius muscle. METHODS: The individuals included in our study were randomly divided into four groups: Group 1: Functional correlation technique, group 2: Fascia correlation technique, group 3: Star taping technique (STT), and group 4: Sham group. The visual analog scale was used to assess pain, cervical joint range of motion (ROM) with a universal goniometer, grip strength with a hand dynamometer, number of active trigger points by palpation, pressure-pain threshold with an algometer, quality of life with the Nottingham Health Profile and functional level with the Neck Disability index were evaluated before and after treatment...

OBJECTIVE: It is important to assess nutritional status to determine the presence of malnutrition because poor nutritional status will reduce the efficacy and increase the side effects of radiotherapy. The aim of this research was to assess nutritional status by comparing several parameters, namely anthropometry, biochemistry, physical condition, and inflammatory parameters, with Patient Generated-Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) as the gold standard. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 78 subjects was conducted at the General Hospital Dr...

The trapezius muscle (TRAP) belongs to the scapulothoracic group of muscles, which play a crucial role in the integrity and strength of the upper limb, trunk, head, and neck movements and, thus, in maintaining balance. Combined retrograde tracing (using fluorescent tracer Fast Blue, FB) and double-labelling immunohistochemistry were applied to investigate the chemical coding of motoneurons projecting to the porcine TRAP. FB-positive (FB+) motoneurons supplying the cervical (c-TRAP) and thoracic part (th-TRAP) of the right (injected with the tracer) TRAP were located within the IX-th Rexed lamina in the ipsilateral ventral horn of the grey matter of the spinal medulla...

The welding ability of Ti-6Al-4V alloy is weak due to their two-phase microstructure. On the other hand, friction welding methods lead to significant microstructural changes. In this research, for the first time, pure titanium was successfully joined to the Ti-6Al-4V alloy, without any change in the microstructure and mechanical properties of both alloys, by applying the SPW method. Further, the effects of temperature, pressure, and time of the SPW process on the microstructure and mechanical properties of commercial pure (C...

BACKGROUND: People with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) present a higher tendency to develop sarcopenia and osteoporosis compared with the normal population. Currently, osteoporosis screening has been frequently performed among T2DM patients, but sarcopenia screening is relatively less, and the association between the two diseases remains unclear. Herein, this study aims to determine the association between sarcopenia and osteoporosis in Chinese T2DM patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 678 patients with T2DM in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University...

INTRODUCTION: Neck pain is a global health problem that can cause severe disability and a huge medical burden. Clinical practice guideline (CPG) is an important basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment. A high-quality CPG plays a significant role in clinical practice. However, the quality of the CPGs for neck pain lacks comprehensive assessment. This protocol aims to evaluate the methodological, recommendation, reporting quality of global CPGs for neck pain and identify key recommendations and gaps that limit evidence-based practice...

BACKGROUND: Early detection of dysphagia is important for preventing aspiration pneumonia. Although videofluoroscopy is currently the primary diagnostic tool for dysphagia, access to this tool may be limited because of radiation exposure risk, high cost, and other factors. PURPOSE: In this study, a meta-analysis was used to determine the strength of the correlation between dysphagia detection outcomes obtained using subjective questionnaires and videofluoroscopy...

Introduction Infections affecting the central nervous system (CNS) can stem from various sources, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, manifesting as conditions like meningitis, encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, and brain abscesses. Despite significant advancements in diagnosis and treatment, these infections continue to pose substantial risks to life. Several factors contribute to the causes of CNS infections. Demographic and geographic elements, the health status of individuals, their immune system's strength, the availability of diagnostic tools, and local prevention initiatives, all play pivotal roles...

AIM: This study aims to investigate the effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) techniques on respiratory parameters, swallowing, functional capacity, fatigue, and quality of life in people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). METHOD: Thirty-four PwMS were included and randomized into the PNF Group (mean age: 43.23±10.55/years) or Control Group (mean age:38.47±8.18/years). In the PNF group, head-neck, upper extremity, trunk, and breathing techniques were applied three days/eight weeks...

Bibrachial amyotrophy signifies a clinical phenotype characterized by weakness in both upper extremities with preserved strength in the face, neck, and lower extremities. The underlying causes of bibrachial amyotrophy are broad. We report a patient exhibiting bibrachial amyotrophy who initially received a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); however, his clinical course and NCS/EMG were atypical for ALS. Further evaluation demonstrated dural tears with CSF leak, resulting in a compressive extradural fluid collection, ventral myelopathy, and intracranial hypotension...

Genomic analysis of the T-cell receptor (TCR) reveals the strength, breadth, and clonal dynamics of the adaptive immune response to pathogens or cancer. The diversity of the TCR repertoire, however, means that sequencing is technically challenging, particularly for samples with low quality, degraded nucleic acids. Here, we developed and validated FUME-TCRseq, a robust and sensitive RNA-based TCR sequencing methodology that is suitable for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples and low amounts of input material...