Jaewook Lee, Hyunji Doo, Jong-Chul Park, Eonho Kim, Jihong Park
{"title":"Anticipatory Effect on Lower Extremity Muscle Recruitment and Activation Patterns During Single Leg Drop Tasks.","authors":"Jaewook Lee, Hyunji Doo, Jong-Chul Park, Eonho Kim, Jihong Park","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To examine the anticipatory effect on lower extremity muscle activation during single leg drop landing and jumping.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Seventeen healthy males performed single leg drop landing and jumping, under conditions manipulating the subsequent movement after landing. Participants performed the anticipated condition (subsequent movement-land/jump-was preplanned), followed by the unanticipated condition (subsequent movement was given via visual signals). Electromyography of the gluteus medius (GM), rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), semitendinosus (ST), biceps femoris (BF), tibialis anterior (TA), and medial gastrocnemius (MG) were obtained. The time of onset, time-to-peak amplitude (from onset or initial contact), and peak amplitude were compared (p<0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, under the unanticipated condition, the time (0 = initial contact) of onset of RF (-101 ms vs. -245 ms), TA (-116 ms vs. -232 ms) and MG (-122 ms vs. -180 ms) and time-to-peak amplitude (from initial contact) of RF (223 ms vs. 13 ms), ST (111 ms vs. -9 ms), and MG (79 ms vs. -41 ms for unanticipated and anticipated, respectively) were delayed compared to anticipated condition.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>When visual cues were unanticipated, participants demonstrated delayed and redistributed muscle activation timing during single leg landing and jumping.</p>","PeriodicalId":16430,"journal":{"name":"Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions","volume":"26 3","pages":"369-377"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13539744/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148865196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparison of Active versus Passive Whole-Body Vibration Training on Neuromuscular Activation of Deep Trunk Muscles and Dynamic Postural Stability: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Hyunju Lee, Jaehwan Kim, Hyelim Kwak, Hyunah Lee, Minyong Eom, Kisik Tae","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This pilot study compared the effects of Active Vibration Exercise (AVE) involving dynamic movements and static Whole-Body Vibration Exercise (WBVE) on deep trunk muscle activation, dynamic balance, and peripheral circulation in healthy adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Ten participants were randomly assigned to AVE or WBVE groups (n=5 each) for two weeks of twice-daily 5-minute sessions. Primary outcomes measured deep trunk muscle (internal oblique [IO] and multifidus) activation via surface electromyography. Secondary outcomes assessed dynamic balance, peripheral circulation, grip strength, and flexibility.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Within-group comparisons indicated no significant pre-to-post changes for either group. However, between-group change score analysis showed a statistically significant difference in left IO activation (p=0.032, effect size r=0.694), favoring the AVE group. Both groups showed non-significant numerical improvements in skin temperature, balance, and flexibility.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These preliminary findings suggest that integrating dynamic movements with vibration (AVE) may be more effective for specific deep trunk muscle activation than static WBVE. Further large-scale trials are needed to confirm AVE's therapeutic value for core stabilization due to this study's limited sample size.</p>","PeriodicalId":16430,"journal":{"name":"Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions","volume":"26 3","pages":"407-417"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13539736/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148865192","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Vitamin D Status and Supplementation in Lumbar Spinal Fusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes.","authors":"Stylianos Kapetanakis, Michael Patrianakos, Mikail Chatzivasiliadis, Panagiotis Konstantinou, Lazaros Kostretzis, Konstantinos Ditsios","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the association between vitamin D status or vitamin D-related interventions and outcomes following lumbar spinal fusion. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to January 2026 in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies including adult patients undergoing lumbar fusion with assessment of vitamin D status or supplementation and a comparator group were eligible. Random-effects models were used as the primary analyses. Nine studies were included. Five studies (n = 351) assessed radiographic fusion success, demonstrating a significantly higher likelihood of fusion in patients with better vitamin D status or supplementation (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.13-1.38; I2 = 0%). Six studies (n = 3,081) evaluated fusion failure, showing a significantly lower risk in vitamin D-exposed groups (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.27-0.76; I2 = 34.8%). Sensitivity analyses indicated that heterogeneity was partly related to differences in outcome definitions and study design. Patient-reported outcomes showed inconsistent results, with no significant effects in random-effects analyses and changes below minimal clinically important differences. Vitamin D exposure was associated with improved radiographic outcomes; however, findings should be interpreted cautiously due to clinical and methodological heterogeneity. Further prospective studies are required.</p>","PeriodicalId":16430,"journal":{"name":"Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions","volume":"26 3","pages":"482-495"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13539726/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148865444","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sophie A McCauley, Kerry J Mann, Jack Cannon, Michael Chang, Nnamdi Mgbemena, Mehdi Rassafiani, Timothy D Miller
{"title":"Passive Stretching and Explosive Jumps Acutely Reduce Spinal Reflex Excitability and Alter Sit-To-Stand Biomechanics in Active Adults.","authors":"Sophie A McCauley, Kerry J Mann, Jack Cannon, Michael Chang, Nnamdi Mgbemena, Mehdi Rassafiani, Timothy D Miller","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To investigate the acute effects of passive stretching and explosive effort countermovement jumps on spinal reflex excitability and sit-to-stand electromyography patterns and vertical stiffness, in active adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A randomised within-participant crossover design was utilised, with 10 males and 10 females completing two separate sessions, each involving three sets of 60-seconds passive stretching (PS) and five sets of 20 explosive effort (EE) countermovement jumps (100 total); measures taken pre-intervention, post-PS and post-EE.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Spinal reflex excitability decreased in both post-PS and post-EE conditions (p < 0.001) compared to pre-condition measures, with no sex effect (p = 0.115). A condition × sex interaction revealed lower spinal reflex excitability in females post-EE (p = 0.002) compared to males. Biomechanically, sit-to-stand vertical stiffness increased in both post-PS and post-EE conditions (p < 0.001) compared to pre-condition, and electromyography patterns were influenced by both condition and sex (p ≤ 0.047).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our findings provide insight into the neurophysiological-biomechanical link warranting further investigation as a potential mechanism contributing to the known sex-based differences in lower limb injury risk, informing our understanding of movement control, rehabilitation, and injury prevention strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":16430,"journal":{"name":"Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions","volume":"26 3","pages":"392-406"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13539738/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148865350","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Madonna Maher Ezzat, Nahed Ahmed Salem, Sandra Mohamed Ahmed, Mostafa M ElKholy, Abdelaziz Abdelaziz Elsherif, Sahar Abdallah Abdallah, Nagwa Ibrahim Rehab
{"title":"Effect of Kinetic Control Retraining on Electromyographic Activity of Trunk Muscles in Patients with Lumbosacral Radiculopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Madonna Maher Ezzat, Nahed Ahmed Salem, Sandra Mohamed Ahmed, Mostafa M ElKholy, Abdelaziz Abdelaziz Elsherif, Sahar Abdallah Abdallah, Nagwa Ibrahim Rehab","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate whether adding kinetic control retraining to conventional physical therapy improves trunk muscle electromyographic (EMG) activity, pain, and disability in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy in a randomized controlled trial.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Fifty patients (35-50 years) were randomly assigned to a study group (kinetic control plus conventional therapy) and an active control group (conventional therapy) for six weeks. EMG activity of transversus abdominis (TA), erector spinae (ES) and superficial multifidus (MF) was assessed during trunk flexion/extension as root mean square (RMS) normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC). Pain and disability were assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Outcomes were assessed by a blinded assessor who was unaware of group allocation at baseline and post-intervention.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both groups showed improvements (p < 0.05). However, the study group showed greater reductions in ES and MF activity, VAS, and ODI, and increased TA activation compared with controls, suggesting clinical improvement. No adverse events.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy, adding kinetic control retraining to conventional physical therapy was associated with greater short-term improvements in trunk muscle activation patterns, pain, and disability than conventional physical therapy alone. However, these findings do not isolate the independent effect of kinetic control retraining.</p><p><strong>Clinicaltrials: </strong>gov ID: NCT07079202.</p>","PeriodicalId":16430,"journal":{"name":"Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions","volume":"26 3","pages":"436-446"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13539742/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148865310","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zainah S Alammari, Ibrahim S Aljulaymi, Ibrahim M Dewir
{"title":"Association between Foot Health, Musculoskeletal Pain, and Quality of Life in Adults from Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Zainah S Alammari, Ibrahim S Aljulaymi, Ibrahim M Dewir","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate the association between foot health, musculoskeletal pain, and HRQoL in adults residing in the Makkah region, Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2024 and June 2025 among 396 adults aged 19-60 years. Participants completed an online survey including the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ), the Arabic RAND-36 HRQoL survey, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation analyses, and multivariable linear regression models were used to examine associations and predictors of foot health outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The 12-month prevalence of MSK pain was 90.2%, most commonly affecting the lower back (64.9%), shoulders (63.4%), and neck (51.3%). Significant positive correlations were observed between FHSQ domains (p < 0.001). General foot health was positively associated with social functioning and vigor. Male sex was associated with better foot health outcomes, while obesity and smoking were associated with poorer scores in several domains.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>MSK pain is highly prevalent and associated with poorer foot health and reduced aspects of HRQoL. Integrated assessment of foot and musculoskeletal health may improve functional outcomes and well-being in community populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":16430,"journal":{"name":"Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions","volume":"26 3","pages":"457-465"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13539746/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148865214","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Upper Extremity Dysfunction and Quality of Life in Women with Non-Specific Neck Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Abdulkadir Göz, Sevgi Özalevli, Evrim Göz","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate and compare upper extremity functions and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between Non-specific neck pain (NSNP) patients and healthy controls.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a cross-sectional descriptive study included 80 individuals. The patient group comprised 40 NSNP patients, while the control group consisted of 40 healthy women. Upper extremity functions were assessed using Nine Hole Peg Test (9HPT), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), hand grip and pinch strength, Ruler Drop Test (RDT), Shoulder Position Sense and Single Arm Military Press Test (SAMP). HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36). Neck pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and neck disability using the Neck Disability Index (NDI).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The patient and control groups showed statistically significant differences for 9HPT, SAMP, RDT, DASH scores, and hand grip and pinch strengths (p<0.05). All subcategories of HRQoL were statistically significantly lower in patients than in control group (p<0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Compared to healthy controls, women with NSNP demonstrated worse upper extremity function and HRQoL. Assessment of upper extremity function may be considered as part of routine evaluation, and rehabilitation programs could consider incorporating targeted interventions to enhance these functions.</p><p><strong>Clinicaltrials: </strong>gov ID: NCT06233006.</p>","PeriodicalId":16430,"journal":{"name":"Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions","volume":"26 3","pages":"447-456"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13539723/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148865378","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Improvements in Static Balance Following an Oculomotor Exercise Program in Athletes.","authors":"Andromeda Lalaj, Vjollca Shpata","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The visual system is essential for postural control, and visual input significantly affect balance. This study investigated whether a structured oculomotor exercise program improves static balance in basketball, football, and boxing.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Of the 138 athletes initially randomized (69 per group), 128 completed the study and were included in the final analysis. Participants in the experimental group (EG, n=64) performed oculomotor exercises alongside usual training, whereas those in the control group (CG, n=64) continued usual training alone for six weeks. Static balance was assessed using the Stork test (s) and the Leonardo Mechanograph® platform, with between-group differences analyzed using adjusted post-intervention comparisons.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The EG demonstrated significantly greater improvements than the CG in both primary outcomes. Stork test standing time increased (adjusted mean difference [EG - CG] = 22.82 s, 95% CI: 19.54-26.10; p < .001). Ellipse area during dominant-leg stance with eyes open decreased (adjusted mean difference = -4.20 cm2, 95% CI: -5.10 to -3.30; p < .001), indicating better balance. No significant effect modification was observed for sex, years of sport experience, or weekly training volume (all p > 0.26).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Oculomotor exercises were associated with improved static balance over 6 weeks, suggesting they may be a promising addition to athletic training.</p><p><strong>Clinicaltrials: </strong>gov ID: NCT07430384.</p>","PeriodicalId":16430,"journal":{"name":"Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions","volume":"26 3","pages":"355-368"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13539741/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148865347","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Commentary to: Body Composition Alterations in Patients with Chronic Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Jiayi Chen","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16430,"journal":{"name":"Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions","volume":"26 3","pages":"496"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13539722/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148865203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Effect of Three Work-Equivalent Whole-Body Vibration Protocols on Acute Neuromuscular Performance in Highly Trained Adolescent Soccer Players.","authors":"Panagiotis Ampeliotis, Apostolos Z Skouras, Spyridon Methenitis, Charilaos Tsolakis, Georgios Papagiannis, Athanasios Triantafyllou, Panagiotis Koulouvaris","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The study compared acute neuromuscular responses to three work-equivalent whole-body vibration (WBV) protocols in highly trained adolescent soccer players.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirteen male soccer players (16.2 ± 0.3 years, BMI = 24.5 ± 1.5 kg/m2) completed a counterbalanced crossover study, performing on separate visits three WBV protocols: (P1) 1 x 3 min, (P2) 3 x 1 min, and (P3) 6 x 30 s. Knee extension maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and vastus lateralis EMG (root-mean-square, RMS) were measured at baseline and at 2, 5, and 15 min post-WBV, followed by two CMJ trials at baseline (best retained) and one CMJ trial post-WBV. Time-to-peak torque (TPT), rate of torque development (RTD), and neuromuscular efficiency (NME) were also evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No significant main effects of protocol or protocol-by-time interactions were observed across outcomes. Non-protocol effects were observed for EMGRMS normalized to baseline (%) (time, period, and carryover) and for carryover in RFD0-80 and CMJ power. Estimated effects were small, with wide confidence intervals.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Among highly trained adolescent soccer players, a 3-min, work-equivalent WBV exposure administered as 1 x 3 min, 3 x 1 min, or 6 x 30 s did not produce clear protocol-dependent changes in knee extensor isometric performance, neuromuscular indices, or CMJ performance within 2-15 min post-intervention. Any effects appear minimal relative to inter-individual variability.</p>","PeriodicalId":16430,"journal":{"name":"Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions","volume":"26 3","pages":"378-391"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13539743/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148865301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}