Magnetic Muscle Stimulation of Abdominal Muscle
Muscle WeaknessEvaluate the safety and efficacy of magnetic muscle stimulation (MMS) of abdominal muscle.
Functional Change With MMS
Muscle WeaknessEvaluate the safety and efficacy of magnetic muscle stimulation (MMS) of abdominal muscle.
Biomedical Instrumentation in the Study of Mirror Therapy in Elderly's Hands Motor Activity
Muscle Weakness ConditionsCheck if the Mirror therapy represents an effective method in improving the motor activity of the hands of institutionalized elderly.
Improving Muscle Function in Nutritionally at Risk, Elderly Patients
Muscle WeaknessICU-acquired WeaknessThe investigators propose to conduct a randomized, control trial of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation in elderly patients (≥65 years of age) with acute respiratory failure, who are identified at high risk for malnutrition by ICU-specific nutritional risk scores. Patients will receive either 3g of HMB daily, or control, daily until day 28 following randomization (even if discharged).The investigators will measure functional outcomes using standard, validated measures prior and after discharge.
The Specificity, Sensitivity and Clinical Correlation of CBA, RIPA and ELISA in Detecting AChR and...
Detection Autoantibody of Myasthenia GravisMyasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular junction (NMJ) disorder mediated by autoantibodies against AChR, MuSK or other autoantigens located at the post synaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction. Presence of autoantibodies specific for AChR or MuSK can establish diagnosis in conjunction with clinical presentations. In most established guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of myasthenia gravis, determination of AChR and MuSK antibodies has been recommended. Radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and cell-based assay (CBA) are all commercially available and have been adopted for autoantibody detection by most referring neurologists. At present, specificity and sensitivity of these methods have not been compared in large cohorts within a context of stringent quality control. As a consequence, there are no national or international consensus regarding selection of methods and interpretation of results, resulting in challenges to neurologists managing these patients. To this end, the investigators proposed to conduct a multicenter, double-blind, prospective study to compare the sensitivity and specificity of CBA, RIPA and ELISA assays to detect AChR and MuSK antibodies.
Critical Care Observation of Motor Activity (COMA) and SICU Outcomes
Motor ActivityMuscle Strength1 moreIn the surgical intensive care unit (SICU), goals of critical care are often discussed in long-term ventilated patients around the time of extubation. Muscle weakness predicts extubation failure but formal muscle strength assessment by the Medical Research Council scale is time-consuming and not part of the daily clinical exam. In this observational study, we hypothesize that COMA measurement, routinely used by the SICU nurses, is a reliable and valid predictor for patients' SICU outcomes. This prospective observational study is carried out within a consecutively enrolled cohort of adult patients who are extubated in two SICUs at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
Physical Activity and Fatigue in Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia GravisDanish patients with myasthenia gravis are asked to answer a validated and international questionnaire about physical activity. Also background questions about their disease and comorbidity are asked. To validate the data about physical activity from the questionnaires 69 patients are asked to wear an accelerometer for 7 days to measure activity level.
Isokinetic Muscular Assessment After ACL Ligamentoplasty: Study of Factors Predictive of Muscle...
ACL - Anterior Cruciate Ligament DeficiencyMuscle WeaknessDespite advances in surgery and rehabilitation, the return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery remains a major challenge. challenge. Among the objective criteria retained, the isokinetic muscle strength assessment is an increasingly practiced evaluation and it is recommended to carry out follow-ups at 3-4 months (intermediate) and at 6-8 months (final) after surgery. However, the factors associated with muscle imbalance are uncertain and the threshold values of the intermediate isokinetic strength test (3-4 months) are inconsistent. In a retrospective analysis, the investigators aim to assess the predictive criteria for muscle imbalance after ACL reconstruction surgery.
Changes in the Force-velocity Relationship of Knee Muscles After ACL Reconstruction
Anterior Cruciate Ligament InjuriesMuscle WeaknessAnterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a frequent and devastating injury in sport, especially in pivoting-contact disciplines. In many cases, athletes will undergo an ACL reconstruction (ACL-R) for recovering knee stability, preventing further injuries and returning to sport (RTS). Among the criteria for RTS, knee muscle strength is the most used objective criteria and especially the symmetry of knee flexors and/or extensors between the operated and uninjured knee. Isokinetic testing of knee muscle strength is considered as a reference for knee muscle testing during the follow up stages after ACL-R. This evaluation allows to measure the strength (torque) of knee flexors and extensors at several angular velocities. However, there is no relevant litterature about the force-velocity (Fo-v) relationship of knee flexors and extensors after ACL-R. The present study aimed to evaluate and test the differences between the Fo-v relationship parameters between the operated and uninjured knees at 4 months and 8 months after ACL-R, using the 2-points method with isokinetic testing. Also, the investigators aimed to test the impact of the type of surgery (patellar tendon autograft vs. hamstring tendon autograft) on the Fo-v relationship after ACL-R
Use of Jumping Mechanography as a Method to Assess Musculoskeletal Status in Older Adults
Musculoskeletal StatusMuscle WeaknessDecline in muscle function may increase risk of hip fracture and decrease quality of life. Different tests are currently used to measure muscle function but they do not work for all individuals. A test called "jumping mechanography," which measures jumping power, may be useful in more people and obtain better information. This study will help us determine whether this test is able to detect differences between muscle function in younger and older adults, as well as whether it is a safe method to use in all ages.