Category: Articles

Structural Differences in Muscles of Long-Term Resistance Trained Individuals Compared to Untrained

Skeletal muscle adaptations to long-term resistance training are typically attributed to increased size of muscle fibers. However, the possibility of changes in the number of muscle fibers and detailed myofibril structures remains less explored. This study aims to investigate these aspects by comparing muscle characteristics between individuals who have been engaged in long-term resistance training

Evaluating the Efficacy of Ischemic Compression Therapy on Cervical Spine Mobility and Headache Characteristics in Migraine Patients

Migraine is a complex neurological condition that not only disrupts daily life but also often comes with painful musculoskeletal complications. Most migraine sufferers—up to 76%—experience neck pain, which may be linked to hypertonic muscles in the neck and shoulders, including the upper trapezius muscle. These muscle issues contribute to the physical discomfort associated with migraines

Understanding and Addressing Muscle Pain

A review published in the Journal of Physiological Sciences reviewedfundamental studies on muscular pain, encompassing the characteristics of primary afferent fibers and neurons, spinal and thalamic projections, several muscular pain models, and possible neurochemical mechanisms of muscle pain. Muscle pain, a common yet understudied phenomenon, affects a significant portion of the population, particularly those experiencing

Understanding the Lived Experience of People with Fibromyalgia through Social Media

Fibromyalgia, characterized by chronic widespread pain, fatigue, and a plethora of other sensory and emotional symptoms, affects a significant portion of the global population. This condition is primarily associated with nociplastic pain, where pain perception is altered without clear physical damage. Recent studies have highlighted the complex nature of fibromyalgia, involving both physiological and psychological

Investigating Thoracolumbar Fascia Shear Strain in Low Back Pain

Thoracolumbar fascia (TLF), a key spinal stabilizing structure, may hold answers to nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP). The TLF plays a critical role in movement and force transmission across the spine. Alterations in its structure or mechanics, such as changes in shear strain, could irritate nerve endings and contribute to NSLBP. A clinical study from

Foam Rolling: Enhancing Flexibility and Range of Motion in Athletes

Maintaining and improving flexibility is essential for preventing injuries and enhancing athletic performance. The ankle’s range of motion (ROM) is especially critical for basic movements like walking, running, and jumping. Restricted dorsiflexion, for instance, can alter landing mechanics and increase the risk of lower-extremity injuries. Additionally, reduced ankle ROM adversely affects balance and posture, influencing

The Role of Visual Target Distance in Postural Stability: Insights for Therapists

Postural stability, a critical component of balance, is regulated by the central nervous system through interactions with peripheral sensory receptors, including visual, vestibular, stomatognathic, and somatosensory systems. Among these, the visual system plays a dominant role in maintaining balance during both static and dynamic conditions. Visual fixations, which enable the eyes to focus on a

Evaluating Cold Water Immersion and Percussive Massage for Post-Exercise Recovery

Effective recovery is essential in athletic training to balance the demands of exercise-induced muscle damage and optimize performance. Cold water immersion is widely used as a recovery strategy, while newer methods, such as percussive massage devices, are gaining popularity despite limited evidence supporting their effectiveness. This study compares the efficacy of cold water immersion, percussive

Enhancing Hamstring Flexibility with Instrument-Assisted Manual Therapy

Hamstring injuries are a significant concern in sports, particularly in soccer, where they are among the most common injuries. Preventive measures, including strength training and interventions targeting myofascial chains, are critical to reducing injury prevalence. Instrument-assisted manual therapy (IAMT) is gaining attention as a promising approach to improving movement and reducing injury risk by addressing

Muscle Strength and Mortality in the Oldest Old: A Gradual Link Between Handgrip Strength and Survival

Aging is often accompanied by a decline in muscle strength, which can influence overall survival, particularly in adults aged 90 and older. This study examines the relationship between muscle strength. The results indicate a continuous, inverse relationship between handgrip strength and mortality risk, highlighting the importance of maintaining strength even in advanced age. Introduction With