Background and Objectives: Following an injury, upper-body strength and proprioception training is typically suggested. To our understanding, no prior research has looked into the impact of balance training on upper-body strength and stability. So, this study investigated the effects of Biodex balance training on enhancing the dynamic stability, strength, and function of the upper quarter (UQ) in recreational weightlifters. Materials and Methods: Fifty male weightlifters were randomly assigned into two groups. The experimental group received an upper-extremity Biodex balance training program three times/week for eight weeks, while the control group underwent a regular weightlifting training routine. Pre- and post-test scores of the upper-quarter dynamic stability, strength, and function were measured for both groups using the shoulder active repositioning accuracy test, two-minute push-up test, and the upper-quarter Y-balance test (UQ-YBT) and one-arm hop test, respectively. Results: Post-test values were significantly greater for the normalized UQ-YBT test than pre-test values in both groups (p < 0.05). Post-test values of the experimental group were significantly greater than the control group (p < 0.05). Regarding the shoulder active repositioning accuracy test and the time of the one-arm hop test, post-test values were significantly lower than pre-test values for both groups (p < 0.05), and post-test values of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.05). The post-test value of the two-minute push-up test of each group was significantly higher than the pre-test value (p < 0.05), without any significant difference between both groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Adding upper-body Biodex balance training to a regular weightlifting training routine was effective in enhancing the upper quarter′s dynamic stability and function.

This study aimed to explore the long-term effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on spatiotemporal gait parameters and functional balance in children with cerebral palsy. Thirty-nine children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy were randomly allocated to one of two groups: control or study. The children in both groups received traditional physical therapy three times per week for six months. In addition, the children in the study group received hyperbaric oxygen therapy five times/week for eight weeks. The GAITRite system and pediatric balance scale were used to assess spatiotemporal gait parameters and functional balance at baseline, post-intervention, and six months after the cessation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Post-intervention means of all measured parameters were significantly higher than pre-intervention means, but only for the study group (p < 0.05). However, both groups’ means at the six-month follow up were significantly greater than those at pre-intervention (p < 0.05). At the post-intervention and follow-up evaluations, comparisons between groups revealed a statistically significant difference in all measured parameters for the study group against the control group (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that adding hyperbaric oxygen therapy to physical therapy rehabilitation could be effective in improving spatiotemporal gait parameters and functional balance in children with cerebral palsy.

Background: Weightlifters commonly use upper-extremity high-load training, which encompasses techniques ranging from momentary failure to non-failure. However, little is known about how this training affects posture and core endurance, despite knowing that these factors are risk factors for weightlifting injuries. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the immediate effects of upper-extremity high-load training to momentary failure versus non-failure, using the dumbbell overhead press, on posture and core endurance in recreational collegiate weightlifters. Methods: Fifty recreational weightlifters aged 18–24 with two years of upper extremity resistance training experience were recruited for this study. The participants performed dumbbell overhead press exercises under high-load failure (HL-F) and high-load non-failure (HL-NF) conditions two days after 1RM testing and calculation of the 80% 1RM load. The study analyzed postural changes using photographic data processed in Kinovea, while core endurance was assessed during a prone plank test. Standardized warm-ups, controlled exercise execution, and pre- and post-exercise assessments were conducted to measure core endurance and postural alterations. Results: The thoracic kyphosis angle, together with scapular balance angle and lateral scapular slide distance, increased significantly after HL-F compared to the unloading state, while the craniovertebral angle and prone plank time decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The HL-NF condition showed no statistically significant differences relative to the unloading measurements (p > 0.05). The unloading measurements across testing days were consistent, indicating no carryover effect (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The findings indicate that high-load training to failure adversely affects posture and core endurance, increasing fatigue and potentially increasing the risk of acute injuries. Non-failure training maintains stability, underscoring the importance of strategic program design for achieving optimal performance while minimizing adverse effects.

The effectiveness of using McGill trunk endurance scores as raw values or body-weight-normalized metrics remains uncertain for evaluating weight classes, e

Objectives: to investigate the effects of adding preoperative exercises to postoperative progressive exercises on knee function, single hop distance, and global function post ACLR. Methods: Fifty male subjects undergone unilateral primary ACLR. They were divided randomly into two groups (A) and (B). Six weeks of exercises program given to Group (A) only preoperatively, while twenty four weeks of postoperative progressive exercises program given to all subjects in two groups. Knee function was assessed by knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), single leg hop distance was measured by single leg hop test, and global function was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) mm. All measured variables were taken 6 weeks before operation (pre-test), 12 weeks after operation (intermediate test), and 24 weeks after treatment program (post-test). Results: (Intermediate test) after 12 weeks group (A) showed significant improvement in KOOS and global function, while group (B) that treated only by postoperative program showed no significant differences in all variables. (Post-test) After 24 weeks postoperative both groups showed significant improvement in all variables, with superiority to group (A). Conclusions: Adding pre-operative exercises can give better results than only postoperative progressive rehabilitation in subjects with ACLR.