What are the methods of testing maximal effort?5 answersMaximal effort testing can be conducted using various methods. One approach involves correlating physiological parameters like heart rate, blood lactate concentration, oxygen uptake, and perceived exertion during maximal incremental tests using cycle ergometers. Another method includes using a respiratory exchange ratio (RER) greater than 1.05 as a criterion for maximal effort determination during cardiopulmonary exercise testing, although this may underestimate some patients' true exercise capacity. Additionally, electrocardiogram-derived respiration can be utilized to estimate tidal volume during a maximal effort treadmill test, showing promising results for TV estimation from ECG signals. Furthermore, functional capacity evaluations can assess maximal effort by analyzing the sensitivity and specificity of various tests, with only a few tests accurately differentiating between maximal and submaximal effort levels.
Which are the main tests to assess the ACL function?4 answersThe main tests to assess ACL function include the NEURAC® tests, single leg balance test (SLBT), Single Leg Hop, and Crossover Hop tests. The NEURAC® tests have shown effectiveness in detecting functional differences between the operated and non-operated extremity in adolescent patients after ACL reconstruction. The Single Leg Hop and Crossover Hop tests have demonstrated sufficient reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness in individuals following ACL injury. These tests are currently considered the most promising for assessing ACL function. Additionally, combining neurocognitive and motor dual-task challenges can help evaluate neural compensations and improve return to sport decisions following ACL reconstruction.
Why test muscle tone?5 answersAssessing muscle tone is important for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning of developmental disabilities (DD) in children. It can also help in evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions in persons with spasticity and other upper motor neuron disorders. Muscle tone is a commonly used but often poorly defined concept in studies of movement and posture. Objective measurement of muscle tone is needed as current assessments, such as the Ashworth Scale, are subjective and unreliable. Muscle tone is an expression of tissue stiffness and can change due to disease, such as hypotonia or hypertonia. The ability to objectively quantify muscle tone can provide valuable information in the research of spasticity and can help in detecting abnormal tone that affects motion performance. Therefore, testing muscle tone is essential for clinical practice and research purposes.
To test muscle flexibility using active or passive length test?3 answersMuscle flexibility can be tested using both active and passive length tests. Passive stretching techniques, such as static stretching and muscle energy technique (MET), have been shown to improve muscle flexibility. These techniques involve applying an external force to lengthen the muscle without active muscle contraction. On the other hand, active stretching tests, such as the active knee extension test, involve actively contracting the muscle while lengthening it. The choice of test may depend on the specific goals and preferences of the individual or the context in which the test is being conducted. Passive length tests may be more suitable for assessing acute changes in muscle flexibility, while active length tests may provide a more functional assessment of muscle length in relation to specific activities or sports.
What are the different types of RAI tests?3 answersThere is no information available in the provided abstracts about the different types of RAI tests.
Best orthopaedic tests for carpal tunnel ?5 answersThe best orthopaedic tests for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) include nerve conduction studies (NCS), ultrasonography (US), and clinical diagnostic tools such as the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 6 (CTS-6) test, Wainner test, Lo test, Kamath test, Tinel's test (TT), and Phalen's test (PT). NCS has the highest estimated sensitivity of 97%. US and CTS-6 have similar sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of CTS. Sensory nerve conduction tests and terminal latency index have a high sensitivity for confirming CTS. If sensory nerve action potentials cannot be recorded, all motor nerve conduction tests have a high sensitivity. The combination of tourniquet, carpal compression, and Phalen's tests is considered the most accurate for diagnosing CTS. The hand elevation test may be used in isolation and is superior to questionnaires and other physical signs in the clinical diagnosis of CTS.