@article{WochatzSchraplauEngeletal.2022, author = {Wochatz, Monique and Schraplau, Anne and Engel, Tilman and Zecher, Mahli Megan and Sharon, Hadar and Alt, Yasmin and Mayer, Frank and Kalron, Alon}, title = {Application of eccentric training in various clinical populations}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {17}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {12}, publisher = {Public Library of Science}, address = {San Francisco, California, USA}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0270875}, pages = {15}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Physical activity and exercise are effective approaches in prevention and therapy of multiple diseases. Although the specific characteristics of lengthening contractions have the potential to be beneficial in many clinical conditions, eccentric training is not commonly used in clinical populations with metabolic, orthopaedic, or neurologic conditions. The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate the feasibility, functional benefits, and systemic responses of an eccentric exercise program focused on the trunk and lower extremities in people with low back pain (LBP) and multiple sclerosis (MS). A six-week eccentric training program with three weekly sessions is performed by people with LBP and MS. The program consists of ten exercises addressing strength of the trunk and lower extremities. The study follows a four-group design (N = 12 per group) in two study centers (Israel and Germany): three groups perform the eccentric training program: A) control group (healthy, asymptomatic); B) people with LBP; C) people with MS; group D (people with MS) receives standard care physiotherapy. Baseline measurements are conducted before first training, post-measurement takes place after the last session both comprise blood sampling, self-reported questionnaires, mobility, balance, and strength testing. The feasibility of the eccentric training program will be evaluated using quantitative and qualitative measures related to the study process, compliance and adherence, safety, and overall program assessment. For preliminary assessment of potential intervention effects, surrogate parameters related to mobility, postural control, muscle strength and systemic effects are assessed. The presented study will add knowledge regarding safety, feasibility, and initial effects of eccentric training in people with orthopaedic and neurological conditions. The simple exercises, that are easily modifiable in complexity and intensity, are likely beneficial to other populations. Thus, multiple applications and implementation pathways for the herein presented training program are conceivable.}, language = {en} } @article{WochatzEngelMuelleretal.2020, author = {Wochatz, Monique and Engel, Tilman and M{\"u}ller, Steffen and Mayer, Frank}, title = {Alterations in scapular kinematics and scapular muscle activity after fatiguing shoulder flexion and extension movements}, series = {Medicine and science in sports and exercise : MSSE}, volume = {52}, journal = {Medicine and science in sports and exercise : MSSE}, number = {17}, publisher = {Lippincott Williams \& Wilkins}, address = {Philadelphia}, issn = {0195-9131}, doi = {10.1249/01.mss.0000676540.02017.2c}, pages = {274 -- 274}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Repetitive overhead motions in combination with heavy loading were identified as risk factors for the development of shoulder pain. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Altered scapular kinematics as a result of muscle fatigue is suspected to be a contributor. PURPOSE: To determine scapular kinematics and scapular muscle activity at the beginning and end of constant shoulder flexion and extension loading in asymptomatic individuals. METHODS: Eleven asymptomatic adults (28±4yrs; 1.74±0.13m; 74±16kg) underwent maximum isokinetic loading of shoulder flexion (FLX) and extension (EXT) in the sagittal plane (ROM: 20- 180°; concentric mode; 180°/s) until individual peak torque was reduced by 50\%. Simultaneously 3D scapular kinematics were assessed with a motion capture system and scapular muscle activity with a 3-lead sEMG of upper and lower trapezius (UT, LT) and serratus anterior (SA). Scapular position angles were calculated for every 20° increment between 20-120° humerothoracic positions. Muscle activity was quantified by amplitudes (RMS) of the total ROM. Descriptive analyses (mean±SD) of kinematics and muscle activity at begin (taskB) and end (taskE) of the loading task was followed by ANOVA and paired t-tests. RESULTS: At taskB activity ranged from 589±343mV to 605±250mV during FLX and from 105±41mV to 164±73mV during EXT across muscles. At taskE activity ranged from 594±304mV to 875±276mV during FLX and from 97±33mV to 147±57mV during EXT. Differences with increased muscle activity were seen for LT and UT during FLX (meandiff= 141±113mV for LT, p<0.01; 191±153mV for UT, p<0.01). Scapula position angles continuously increased in upward rotation, posterior tilt and external rotation during FLX and reversed during EXT both at taskB and taskE. At taskE scapula showed greater external rotation (meandiff= 3.6±3.7°, p<0.05) during FLX and decreased upward rotation (meandiff= 1.9±2.3°, p<0.05) and posterior tilt (meandiff= 1.0±2.1°, p<0.05) during EXT across humeral positions. CONCLUSIONS: Force reduction in consequence of fatiguing shoulder loading results in increased scapular muscle activity and minor alterations in scapula motion. Whether even small changes have a clinical impact by creating unfavorable subacromial conditions potentially initiating pain remains unclear.}, language = {en} } @article{SchomoellerRischKaplicketal.2021, author = {Schom{\"o}ller, Anne and Risch, Lucie and Kaplick, Hannes and Wochatz, Monique and Engel, Tilman and Schraplau, Anne and Sonnenburg, Dominik and Huppertz, Alexander and Mayer, Frank}, title = {Inter-rater and inter-session reliability of lumbar paraspinal muscle composition in a mobile MRI device}, series = {BJR : an international journal of radiology, radiation oncology and all related sciences / British Institute of Radiology}, volume = {94}, journal = {BJR : an international journal of radiology, radiation oncology and all related sciences / British Institute of Radiology}, number = {1127}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Bognor Regis}, issn = {0007-1285}, doi = {10.1259/bjr.20210141}, pages = {6}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Objective: To assess the reliability of measurements of paraspinal muscle transverse relaxation times (T2 times) between two observers and within one observer on different time points.
Methods: 14 participants (9f/5m, 33 +/- 5 years, 176 +/- 10 cm, 73 +/- 12 kg) underwent 2 consecutive MRI scans (M1,M2) on the same day, followed by 1 MRI scan 13-14 days later (M3) in a mobile 1.5 Tesla MRI. T2 times were calculated in T-2 weighted turbo spin- echo-sequences at the spinal level of the third lumbar vertebrae (11 slices, 2 mm slice thickness, 1 mm interslice gap, echo times: 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 ms) for M. erector spinae (ES) and M. multifidius (MF). The following reliability parameter were calculated for the agreement of T2 times between two different investigators (OBS1 \& OBS2) on the same MRI (inter rater reliability, IR) and by one investigator between different MRI of the same participant (intersession variability, IS): Test-Retest Variability (TRV, Differences/Mean*100); Coefficient of Variation (CV, Standard deviation/Mean*100); Bland-Altman Analysis (systematic bias = Mean of the Differences; Upper/Lower Limits of Agreement = Bias+/-1.96*SD); Intraclass Correlation Coefficient 3.1 (ICC) with absolute agreement, as well as its 95\% confidence interval.
Results: Mean TRV for IR was 2.6\% for ES and 4.2\% for MF. Mean TRV for IS was 3.5\% (ES) and 5.1\% (MF). Mean CV for IR was 1.9 (ES) and 3.0 (MF). Mean CV for IS was 2.5\% (ES) and 3.6\% (MF). A systematic bias of 1.3 ms (ES) and 2.1 ms (MF) were detected for IR and a systematic bias of 0.4 ms (ES) and 0.07 ms (MF) for IS. ICC for IR was 0.94 (ES) and 0.87 (MF). ICC for IS was 0.88 (ES) and 0.82 (MF).
Conclusion: Reliable assessment of paraspinal muscle T2 time justifies its use for scientific purposes. The applied technique could be recommended to use for future studies that aim to assess changes of T2 times, e.g. after an intense bout of eccentric exercises.}, language = {en} } @article{KhajooeiWochatzBaritelloetal.2020, author = {Khajooei, Mina and Wochatz, Monique and Baritello, Omar and Mayer, Frank}, title = {Effects of shoes on children's fundamental motor skills performance}, series = {Footwear science : official journal of the Footwear Biomechanics Group}, volume = {12}, journal = {Footwear science : official journal of the Footwear Biomechanics Group}, number = {1}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, address = {Abingdon}, issn = {1942-4280}, doi = {10.1080/19424280.2019.1696895}, pages = {55 -- 62}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Progression or impediment of fundamental motor skills performance (FMSP) in children depends on internal and environmental factors. Shoes as an environmental constraint are believed to affect these movements as children showed to perform qualitatively better with sports shoes than flip-flop sandals. However, locomotor performance assessments based on biomechanical variables are limited. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to assess the biomechanical effects of wearing shoes while performing fundamental motor skills in children. Barefoot and shod conditions were tested in healthy children between the age of 4 and 7 years. They were asked to perform basic and advanced motor skills including double-leg stance, horizontal jumps, walking as well as counter-movement jumps, single-leg stance and sprinting. Postural control and ground reaction data were measured with two embedded force plates. A 3D motion capture system was used to analyse the spatiotemporal parameters of walking and sprinting. Findings showed that the parameters of single- and double-leg stance, horizontal and counter-movement jump did not differ between barefoot and shod conditions. Most of the spatiotemporal variables including cadence, stride length, stride time, and contact time of walking and sprinting were statistically different between the barefoot and shod conditions. Consequently, tested shoes did not change performance and biomechanics of postural control and jumping tasks; however, the spatiotemporal gait parameters indicate changes in walking and sprinting characteristics with shoes in children.}, language = {en} } @misc{SchomoellerRischKaplicketal.2020, author = {Schom{\"o}ller, Anne and Risch, Lucie and Kaplick, Hannes and Schraplau, Anne and Wochatz, Monique and Engel, Tilman and Sonnenburg, Dominik and Mayer, Frank}, title = {Changes in paraspinal muscle T2 times and creatine kinase after a bout of eccentric exercise}, series = {Medicine and science in sports and exercise : official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine}, volume = {52}, journal = {Medicine and science in sports and exercise : official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine}, number = {17}, publisher = {Lippincott Williams \& Wilkins}, address = {Philadelphia}, issn = {0195-9131}, doi = {10.1249/01.mss.0000685648.68626.f1}, pages = {929 -- 929}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Eccentric (ECC) exercises might cause muscle damage, characterized by delayed-onset muscle soreness, elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels and local muscle oedema, shown by elevated T2 times in magnet resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Previous research suggests a high inter-individual difference regarding these systemic and local responses to eccentric workload. PURPOSE: To analyze ECC exercise-induced muscle damage in lumbar paraspinal muscles assessed via MRI. METHODS: Ten participants (3f/7m; 33±6y; 174±8cm; 71±12kg) were included in the study. Quantitative paraspinal muscle constitution of M. erector spinae and M. multifidius were assessed in supine position before and 72h after an intense eccentric trunk exercise bout in a mobile 1.5 tesla MRI device. MRI scans were recorded on spinal level L3 (T2-weighted TSE echo sequences, 11 slices, 2mm slice thickness, 3mm gap, echo times: 20, 40, 60, 80, 100ms, TR time: 2500ms). Muscle T2 times were calculated for manually traced regions of interest of the respective muscles with an imaging software. The exercise protocol was performed in an isokinetic device and consisted of 120sec alternating ECC trunk flexion-extension with maximal effort. Venous blood samples were taken before and 72h after the ECC exercise. Descriptive statistics (mean±SD) and t-testing for pre-post ECC exercises were performed. RESULTS: T2 times increased from pre- to post-ECC MRI measurements from 55±3ms to 79±28ms in M. erector spinae and from 62±5ms to 78±24ms in M. multifidius (p<0.001). CK increased from 126±97 U/L to 1447±20579 U/L. High SDs of T2 time and CK in post-ECC measures could be due to inter-individual reactions to ECC exercises. 3 participants showed high local and systemic reactions (HR) with T2 time increases of 120±24\% (M. erector spinae) and 73±50\% (M. multifidius). In comparison, the remaining 7 participants showed increases of 11±12\% (M. erector spinae) and 7±9\% (M. multifidius) in T2 time. Mean CK increased 9.5-fold in the 3 HR subjects compared with the remaining 7 subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The 120sec maximal ECC trunk flexion-extension protocol induced high amounts of muscle damage in 3 participants. Moderate to low responses were found in the remaining 7 subjects, assuming that inter-individual predictors play a role regarding physiological responses to ECC workload.}, language = {en} } @misc{SchraplauSonnenburgWochatzetal.2020, author = {Schraplau, Anne and Sonnenburg, Dominik and Wochatz, Monique and Engel, Tilman and Schom{\"o}ller, Anne and Risch, Lucie and Kaplick, Hannes and Mayer, Frank}, title = {Characterization of muscle damage and inflammation following repeated maximal eccentric loading of the trunk}, series = {Medicine and science in sports and exercise : official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine}, volume = {52}, journal = {Medicine and science in sports and exercise : official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine}, number = {7S}, publisher = {Lippincott Williams \& Wilkins}, address = {Philadelphia}, issn = {0195-9131}, doi = {10.1249/01.mss.0000679532.65880.af}, pages = {497 -- 497}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Eccentric exercises (ECC) induce reversible muscle damage, delayed-onset muscle soreness and an inflammatory reaction that is often followed by a systemic anti-inflammatory response. Thus, ECC might be beneficial for treatment of metabolic disorders which are frequently accompanied by a low-grade systemic inflammation. However, extent and time course of a systemic immune response after repeated ECC bouts are poorly characterized. PURPOSE: To analyze the (anti-)inflammatory response after repeated ECC loading of the trunk. METHODS: Ten healthy participants (33 ± 6 y; 173 ± 14 cm; 74 ± 16 kg) performed three isokinetic strength measurements of the trunk (concentric (CON), ECC1, ECC2, each 2 wks apart; flexion/extension, velocity 60°/s, 120s MVC). Pre- and 4, 24, 48, 72, 168h post-exercise, muscle soreness (numeric rating scale, NRS) was assessed and blood samples were taken and analyzed [Creatine kinase (CK), C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)]. Statistics were done by Friedman's test with Dunn's post hoc test (α=.05). RESULTS: Mean peak torque was higher during ECC1 (319 ± 142 Nm) than during CON (268 ± 108 Nm; p<.05) and not different between ECC1 and ECC2 (297 ± 126 Nm; p>.05). Markers of muscle damage (peaks post-ECC1: NRS 48h, 4.4±2.9; CK 72h, 14407 ± 19991 U/l) were higher after ECC1 than after CON and ECC2 (p<.05). The responses over 72h (stated as Area under the Curve, AUC) were abolished after ECC2 compared to ECC1 (p<.05) indicating the presence of the repeated bout effect. CRP levels were not changed. IL-6 levels increased 2-fold post-ECC1 (pre: 0.5 ± 0.4 vs. 72h: 1.0 ± 0.8 pg/ml). The IL-6 response was enhanced after ECC1 (AUC 61 ± 37 pg/ml*72h) compared to CON (AUC 33 ± 31 pg/ml*72h; p<.05). After ECC2, the IL-6 response (AUC 43 ± 25 pg/ml*72h) remained lower than post-ECC1, but the difference was not statistically significant. Serum levels of TNF-α and of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were below detection limits. Overall, markers of muscle damage and immune response showed high inter-individual variability. CONCLUSION: Despite maximal ECC loading of a large muscle group, no anti-inflammatory and just weak inflammatory responses were detected in healthy adults. Whether ECC elicits a different reaction in inflammatory clinical conditions is unclear.}, language = {en} } @article{HenschkeKaplickWochatzetal.2022, author = {Henschke, Jakob and Kaplick, Hannes and Wochatz, Monique and Engel, Tilman}, title = {Assessing the validity of inertial measurement units for shoulder kinematics using a commercial sensor-software system}, series = {Health science reports}, volume = {5}, journal = {Health science reports}, number = {5}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {2398-8835}, doi = {10.1002/hsr2.772}, pages = {1 -- 11}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background and Aims Wearable inertial sensors may offer additional kinematic parameters of the shoulder compared to traditional instruments such as goniometers when elaborate and time-consuming data processing procedures are undertaken. However, in clinical practice simple-real time motion analysis is required to improve clinical reasoning. Therefore, the aim was to assess the criterion validity between a portable "off-the-shelf" sensor-software system (IMU) and optical motion (Mocap) for measuring kinematic parameters during active shoulder movements. Methods 24 healthy participants (9 female, 15 male, age 29 +/- 4 years, height 177 +/- 11 cm, weight 73 +/- 14 kg) were included. Range of motion (ROM), total range of motion (TROM), peak and mean angular velocity of both systems were assessed during simple (abduction/adduction, horizontal flexion/horizontal extension, vertical flexion/extension, and external/internal rotation) and complex shoulder movements. Criterion validity was determined using intraclass-correlation coefficients (ICC), root mean square error (RMSE) and Bland and Altmann analysis (bias; upper and lower limits of agreement). Results ROM and TROM analysis revealed inconsistent validity during simple (ICC: 0.040-0.733, RMSE: 9.7 degrees-20.3 degrees, bias: 1.2 degrees-50.7 degrees) and insufficient agreement during complex shoulder movements (ICC: 0.104-0.453, RMSE: 10.1 degrees-23.3 degrees, bias: 1.0 degrees-55.9 degrees). Peak angular velocity (ICC: 0.202-0.865, RMSE: 14.6 degrees/s-26.7 degrees/s, bias: 10.2 degrees/s-29.9 degrees/s) and mean angular velocity (ICC: 0.019-0.786, RMSE:6.1 degrees/s-34.2 degrees/s, bias: 1.6 degrees/s-27.8 degrees/s) were inconsistent. Conclusions The "off-the-shelf" sensor-software system showed overall insufficient agreement with the gold standard. Further development of commercial IMU-software-solutions may increase measurement accuracy and permit their integration into everyday clinical practice.}, language = {en} } @article{EngelSchraplauWochatzetal.2021, author = {Engel, Tilman and Schraplau, Anne and Wochatz, Monique and Kopinski, Stephan and Sonnenburg, Dominik and Schom{\"o}ller, Anne and Risch, Lucie and Kaplick, Hannes and Mayer, Frank}, title = {Feasability of An Eccentric Isokinetic Protocol to Induce Trunk Muscle Damage: A Pilot Study}, series = {Sports Medicine International Open}, volume = {6}, journal = {Sports Medicine International Open}, edition = {1}, publisher = {Thieme}, address = {Stuttgart}, issn = {2367-1890}, doi = {10.1055/a-1757-6724}, pages = {E9 -- E17}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Eccentric exercise is discussed as a treatment option for clinical populations, but specific responses in terms of muscle damage and systemic inflammation after repeated loading of large muscle groups have not been conclusively characterized. Therefore, this study tested the feasibility of an isokinetic protocol for repeated maximum eccentric loading of the trunk muscles. Nine asymptomatic participants (5 f/4 m; 34±6 yrs; 175±13 cm; 76±17 kg) performed three isokinetic 2-minute all-out trunk strength tests (1x concentric (CON), 2x eccentric (ECC1, ECC2), 2 weeks apart; flexion/extension, 60°/s, ROM 55°). Outcomes were peak torque, torque decline, total work, and indicators of muscle damage and inflammation (over 168 h). Statistics were done using the Friedman test (Dunn's post-test). For ECC1 and ECC2, peak torque and total work were increased and torque decline reduced compared to CON. Repeated ECC bouts yielded unaltered torque and work outcomes. Muscle damage markers were highest after ECC1 (soreness 48 h, creatine kinase 72 h; p<0.05). Their overall responses (area under the curve) were abolished post-ECC2 compared to post-ECC1 (p<0.05). Interleukin-6 was higher post-ECC1 than CON, and attenuated post-ECC2 (p>0.05). Interleukin-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α were not detectable. All markers showed high inter-individual variability. The protocol was feasible to induce muscle damage indicators after exercising a large muscle group, but the pilot results indicated only weak systemic inflammatory responses in asymptomatic adults.}, language = {en} } @article{RischWochatzMesserschmidtetal.2017, author = {Risch, Lucie and Wochatz, Monique and Messerschmidt, Janin and Engel, Tilman and Mayer, Frank and Cassel, Michael}, title = {Reliability of evaluating achilles tendon vascularization assessed with doppler ultrasound advanced dynamic flow}, series = {Journal of ultrasound in medicine}, volume = {37}, journal = {Journal of ultrasound in medicine}, number = {3}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {0278-4297}, doi = {10.1002/jum.14414}, pages = {737 -- 744}, year = {2017}, abstract = {The reliability of quantifying intratendinous vascularization by high-sensitivity Doppler ultrasound advanced dynamic flow has not been examined yet. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of evaluating Achilles tendon vascularization by advanced dynamic flow using established scoring systems. Methods-Three investigators evaluated vascularization in 67 recordings in a test-retest design, applying the Ohberg score, a modified Ohberg score, and a counting score. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement for the Ohberg score and modified Ohberg score was analyzed by the Cohen kappa and Fleiss kappa coefficients (absolute), Kendall tau b coefficient, and Kendall coefficient of concordance (W; relative). The reliability of the counting score was analyzed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) 2.1 and 3.1, the standard error of measurement (SEM), and Bland-Altman analysis (bias and limits of agreement [LoA]). Results-Intraobserver and interobserver agreement (absolute/relative) ranged from 0.61 to 0.87/0.87 to 0.95 and 0.11 to 0.66/0.76 to 0.89 for the Ohberg score and from 0.81 to 0.87/0.92 to 0.95 and 0.64 to 0.80/0.88 to 0.93 for the modified Ohberg score, respectively. The counting score revealed an intraobserver ICC of 0.94 to 0.97 (SEM, 1.0-1.5; bias, -1; and LoA, 3-4 vessels). The interobserver ICC for the counting score ranged from 0.91 to 0.98 (SEM, 1.0-1.9; bias, 0; and LoA, 3-5 vessels). Conclusions-The modified Ohberg score and counting score showed excellent reliability and seem convenient for research and clinical practice. The Ohberg score revealed decent intraobserver but unexpected low interobserver reliability and therefore cannot be recommended.}, language = {en} } @article{WochatzRabeWolteretal.2017, author = {Wochatz, Monique and Rabe, Sophie and Wolter, Martin and Engel, Tilman and Mueller, Steffen and Mayer, Frank}, title = {Muscle activity of upper and lower trapezius and serratus anterior during unloaded and maximal loaded shoulder flexion and extension}, series = {International Biomechanics}, volume = {4}, journal = {International Biomechanics}, number = {2}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1080/23335432.2017.1364668}, pages = {68 -- 76}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Altered scapular muscle activity is mostly described under unloaded and submaximal loaded conditions in impingement patients. However, there is no clear evidence on muscle activity with respect to movement phases under maximum load in healthy subjects. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate scapular muscle activity under unloaded and maximum loaded isokinetic shoulder flexion and extension in regard to the movement phase. Fourteen adults performed unloaded (continuous passive motion [CPM]) as well as maximum loaded (concentric [CON], eccentric [ECC]) isokinetic shoulder flexion (Flex) and extension (Ext). Simultaneously, scapular muscle activity was measured by EMG. Root mean square was calculated for the whole ROM and four movement phases. Data were analyzed descriptively and by two-way repeated measures ANOVA. CPMFlex resulted in a linear increase of muscle activity for all muscles. Muscle activity during CONFlex and ECCFlex resulted in either constant activity levels or in an initial increase followed by a plateau in the second half of movement. CPMExt decreased with the progression of movement, whereas CONExt and ECCExt initially decreased and either levelled off or increased in the second half of movement. Scapular muscle activity of unloaded shoulder flexion and extension changed under maximum load showing increased activity levels and an altered pattern over the course of movement.}, language = {en} } @article{WochatzRabeEngeletal.2021, author = {Wochatz, Monique and Rabe, Sophie and Engel, Tilman and M{\"u}ller, Steffen and Mayer, Frank}, title = {Scapular kinematics during unloaded and maximal loaded isokinetic concentric and eccentric shoulder flexion and extension movements}, series = {Journal of electromyography \& kinesiology : official journal of the International Society of Electrophysiology and Kinesiology}, volume = {57}, journal = {Journal of electromyography \& kinesiology : official journal of the International Society of Electrophysiology and Kinesiology}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1050-6411}, doi = {10.1016/j.jelekin.2021.102517}, pages = {8}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Characterization of scapular kinematics under demanding load conditions might aid to distinguish between physiological and clinically relevant alterations. Previous investigations focused only on submaximal external load situations. How scapular movement changes with maximal load remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate 3D scapular kinematics during unloaded and maximal loaded shoulder flexion and extension. Twelve asymptomatic individuals performed shoulder flexion and extension movements under unloaded and maximal concentric and eccentric loaded isokinetic conditions. 3D scapular kinematics assessed with a motion capture system was analyzed for 20° intervals of humeral positions from 20° to 120° flexion. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to evaluate kinematic differences between load conditions for scapular position angles, scapulohumeral rhythm and scapular motion extent. Increased scapular upward rotation was seen during shoulder flexion and extension as well as decreased posterior tilt and external rotation during eccentric and concentric arm descents of maximal loaded compared to unloaded conditions. Load effects were further seen for the scapulohumeral rhythm with greater scapular involvement at lower humeral positions and increased scapular motion extent under maximal loaded shoulder movements. With maximal load applied to the arm physiological scapular movement pattern are induced that may imply both impingement sparing and causing mechanisms.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Wochatz2021, author = {Wochatz, Monique}, title = {Influence of different loading conditions on scapular movement and scapular muscle activation patterns}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {iv, 129, xiv}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The scapula plays a significant role in efficient shoulder movement. Thus, alterations from typical scapular motion during upper limb movements are thought to be associated with shoulder pathologies. However, a clear understanding of the relationship is not yet obtained.. Scapular alterations may only represent physiological variability as their occurrence can appear equally as frequent in individuals with and without shoulder disorders. Evaluation of scapular motion during increased load might be a beneficial approach to detect clinically relevant alterations. However, functional motion adaptations in response to maximum effort upper extremity loading has not been established yet. Therefore, the overall purpose of this research project was to give further insight in physiological adaptations of scapular kinematics and their underlying scapular muscle activity in response to high demanding shoulder movements in healthy asymptomatic individuals. Prior to the investigation of the effect of various load situation, the reproducibility of scapular kinematics and scapular muscle activity were evaluated under maximum effort arm movements. Healthy asymptomatic adults performed unloaded and maximal loaded concentric and eccentric isokinetic shoulder flexion and extension movements in the scapular plane while scapular kinematics and scapular muscle activity were simultaneously assessed. A 3D motion capture system (infra-red cameras \& reflective markers) was utilized to track scapular and humerus motion in relation to the thorax. 3D scapular position angles were given for arm raising and lowering between humerus positions of 20° and 120° flexion. To further characterize the scapular pattern, the scapular motion extent and scapulohumeral rhythm (ratio of scapular and humerus motion extent) were determined. Muscle activity of the upper and lower trapezius and the serratus anterior were assessed with surface electromyography. Amplitudes were calculated for the whole ROM and four equidistant movement phases. Reliability was characterized by overall moderate to good reproducibility across the load conditions. Irrespective of applied load, scapular kinematics followed a motion pattern of continuous upward rotation, posterior tilt and external rotation during arm elevation and a continuous downward rotation, anterior tilt and internal rotation during arm lowering. However, kinematics were altered between maximal loaded and unloaded conditions showing increased upward rotation, reduced posterior tilt and external rotation. Further, the scapulohumeral rhythm was decreased and scapular motion extent increased under maximal loaded movements. Muscle activity during maximum effort were of greater magnitude and differed in their pattern in comparison to the continuous increase and decrease of activity during unloaded shoulder flexion and extension. Relationships between scapular kinematics and their underlying scapular muscle activity could only be identified for a few isolated combinations, whereas the majority showed no associations. Scapular kinematics and scapular muscle activity pattern alter according to the applied load. Alterations between the load conditions comply in magnitude and partially in direction with differences seen between symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Even though long-term effects of identified adaptations in response to maximum load are so far unclear, deviations from typical scapular motion or muscle activation should not per se be seen as indicators of shoulder impairment. However, evaluation of alterations in scapular motion and activation in response to maximum effort may have the potential to identify individuals that are unable to cope with increased upper limb demands. Findings further challenge the understanding of scapular motion and stabilization by the trapezius and serratus anterior muscles, as clear relationships between the underlying scapular muscle activity and scapular kinematics were neither observed during unloaded nor maximal loaded shoulder movements.}, language = {en} } @article{WochatzTilgnerMuelleretal.2019, author = {Wochatz, Monique and Tilgner, Nina and Mueller, Steffen and Rabe, Sophie and Eichler, Sarah and John, Michael and V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Mayer, Frank}, title = {Reliability and validity of the Kinect V2 for the assessment of lower extremity rehabilitation exercises}, series = {Gait \& posture}, volume = {70}, journal = {Gait \& posture}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Clare}, issn = {0966-6362}, doi = {10.1016/j.gaitpost.2019.03.020}, pages = {330 -- 335}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Research question: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability of lower extremity kinematics during squat, hip abduction and lunge exercises captured by the Kinect and to evaluate the agreement to a reference 3D camera-based motion system. Methods: Twenty-one healthy individuals performed five repetitions of each lower limb exercise on two different days. Movements were simultaneously assessed by the Kinect and the reference 3D motion system. Joint angles and positions of the lower limb were calculated for sagittal and frontal plane. For the inter-session reliability and the agreement between the two systems standard error of measurement (SEM), bias with limits of agreement (LoA) and Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r) were calculated. Results: Parameters indicated varying reliability for the assessed joint angles and positions and decreasing reliability with increasing task complexity. Across all exercises, measurement deviations were shown especially for small movement amplitudes. Variability was acceptable for joint angles and positions during the squat, partially acceptable during the hip abduction and predominately inacceptable during the lunge. The agreement between systems was characterized by systematic errors. Overestimations by the Kinect were apparent for hip flexion during the squat and hip abduction/adduction during the hip abduction exercise as well as for the knee positions during the lunge. Knee and hip flexion during hip abduction and lunge were underestimated by the Kinect. Significance: The Kinect system can reliably assess lower limb joint angles and positions during simple exercises. The validity of the system is however restricted. An application in the field of early orthopedic rehabilitation without further development of post-processing techniques seems so far limited.}, language = {en} } @article{WochatzRabeWolteretal.2017, author = {Wochatz, Monique and Rabe, Sophie and Wolter, Martin and Engel, Tilman and Mueller, Steffen and Mayer, Frank}, title = {Reproducibility of scapular muscle activity in isokinetic shoulder flexion and extension}, series = {Journal of electromyography and kinesiology}, volume = {34}, journal = {Journal of electromyography and kinesiology}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {1050-6411}, doi = {10.1016/j.jelekin.2017.04.006}, pages = {86 -- 92}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Repetitive overhead movements have been identified as a main risk factor to develop shoulder complaints with scapular muscle activity being altered. Reliable assessment of muscle activity is essential to differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the intra-and inter-session reliability of scapular muscle activity during maximal isokinetic shoulder flexion and extension. Eleven asymptomatic adults performed maximum effort isokinetic shoulder flexion and extension (concentric and eccentric at 60 degrees/s) in a test-retest design. Muscle activity of the upper and lower trapezius and serratus anterior was assessed by sEMG. Root Mean Square was calculated for whole ROM and single movement phases of absolute and normalized muscle activity. Absolute (Bland-Altman analysis (Bias, LoA), Minimal detectable change (MDC)) and relative reliability parameters (Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV)/test-retest variability (TRV)) were utilized for the evaluation of reproducibility. Intra-session reliability revealed ICCs between 0.56 and 0.98, averaged CVs of 18\% and average MDCs of 81 mV. Inter-session reliability resulted in ICCs between 0.13 and 0.93, averaged TRVs of 21\%, average MDCs of 15\% and systematic and random error between -8 +/- 60\% and 12 +/- 36\%. Scapular muscle activity assessed in overhead movements can be measured reliably under maximum load conditions, though variability is dependent on the movement phase. Measurement variability does not exceed magnitudes of altered scapular muscle activities as reported in previous studies. Therefore, maximum load application is a promising approach for the evaluation of changes in scapular control related to pathologies. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}, language = {en} } @article{EichlerSalzwedelRabeetal.2019, author = {Eichler, Sarah and Salzwedel, Annett and Rabe, Sophie and Mueller, Steffen and Mayer, Frank and Wochatz, Monique and Hadzic, Miralem and John, Michael and Wegscheider, Karl and V{\"o}ller, Heinz}, title = {The Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation as a Supplement to Rehabilitation in Patients After Total Knee or Hip Replacement}, series = {JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies}, volume = {6}, journal = {JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies}, number = {2}, publisher = {jmir rehab}, address = {Toronto}, issn = {2369-2529}, doi = {10.2196/14236}, pages = {12}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Background: Telerehabilitation can contribute to the maintenance of successful rehabilitation regardless of location and time. The aim of this study was to investigate a specific three-month interactive telerehabilitation routine regarding its effectiveness in assisting patients with physical functionality and with returning to work compared to typical aftercare. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate a specific three-month interactive telerehabilitation with regard to effectiveness in functioning and return to work compared to usual aftercare. Methods: From August 2016 to December 2017, 111 patients (mean 54.9 years old; SD 6.8; 54.3\% female) with hip or knee replacement were enrolled in the randomized controlled trial. At discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and after three months, their distance in the 6-minute walk test was assessed as the primary endpoint. Other functional parameters, including health related quality of life, pain, and time to return to work, were secondary endpoints. Results: Patients in the intervention group performed telerehabilitation for an average of 55.0 minutes (SD 9.2) per week. Adherence was high, at over 75\%, until the 7th week of the three-month intervention phase. Almost all the patients and therapists used the communication options. Both the intervention group (average difference 88.3 m; SD 57.7; P=.95) and the control group (average difference 79.6 m; SD 48.7; P=.95) increased their distance in the 6-minute-walk-test. Improvements in other functional parameters, as well as in quality of life and pain, were achieved in both groups. The higher proportion of working patients in the intervention group (64.6\%; P=.01) versus the control group (46.2\%) is of note. Conclusions: The effect of the investigated telerehabilitation therapy in patients following knee or hip replacement was equivalent to the usual aftercare in terms of functional testing, quality of life, and pain. Since a significantly higher return-to-work rate could be achieved, this therapy might be a promising supplement to established aftercare.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{WochatzKopinskiEngeletal.2014, author = {Wochatz, Monique and Kopinski, Stephan and Engel, Tilman and M{\"u}ller, Steffen and Mayer, Frank}, title = {Flexion-extension ratio of trunk peak torque measures and antagonistic activity in males and females}, series = {Medicine and science in sports and exercise : official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine}, volume = {46}, booktitle = {Medicine and science in sports and exercise : official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine}, number = {5}, publisher = {Lippincott Williams \& Wilkins}, address = {Philadelphia}, issn = {0195-9131}, pages = {148 -- 148}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{ScharhagRosenbergerWochatzOttoetal.2014, author = {Scharhag-Rosenberger, Friederike and Wochatz, Monique and Otto, Christoph and Cassel, Michael and Mayer, Frank and Scharhag, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Blood lactate concentrations are mildly affected by mobile gas exchange measurements}, series = {International journal of sports medicine}, volume = {35}, journal = {International journal of sports medicine}, number = {7}, publisher = {Thieme}, address = {Stuttgart}, issn = {0172-4622}, doi = {10.1055/s-0033-1354386}, pages = {590 -- 594}, year = {2014}, abstract = {We sought to investigate the effects of wearing a mobile respiratory gas analysis system during a treadmill test on blood lactate (bLa) concentrations and commonly applied bLa thresholds. A total of 16 recreational athletes (31 +/- 3 years, V0205: 58 6 ml min(-1)-kg(-1)) performed one multistage treadmill test with and one without gas exchange measurements (GEM and noGEM). The whole bLa curve, the lactate threshold (LT), the individual anaerobic thresholds according to Stegmann(IAT(sr)) and Dickhuth (IAT(Di)), and a fixed bLa concentration of 4 mmob.l(-1) (OBLA) were evaluated. The bLa curve was shifted slightly leftward in GEM compared to noGEM (P<0.05), whereas the heart rate response was not different between conditions (P= 0.89). There was no difference between GEM and noGEM for LT (2.61 +/- 0.34 vs. 2.64 +/- 0.39 m(-1) s(-1) P=0.49) and IAT(st) (3.47 +/- 0.42 vs. 3.55 +/- 0.47m-s(-1), P=0.12). However, IATD(Di) (3.57 +/- 0.39 vs. 3.66 +/- 0.44m-s(-1), P<0.01) and OBLA (3.85 +/- 0.46 vs. 3.96 +/- 0.47m-s-1, P<0.01) occurred at slower running velocities in GEM. The bLa response to treadmill tests is mildly affected by wearing a mobile gas analysis system. This also applies to bLa thresholds located at higher exercise intensities. While the magnitude of the effects is of little importance for recreational athletes, it might be relevant for elite athletes and scientific studies.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{WochatzCasselKoenigetal.2013, author = {Wochatz, Monique and Cassel, Michael and K{\"o}nig, Niklas and Fr{\"o}hlich, Katja and Mayer, Frank}, title = {Intra- and inter-observer variability of a retrospective analysis of achilles tendon ultrasound scans}, series = {Medicine and science in sports and exercise : official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine}, volume = {45}, booktitle = {Medicine and science in sports and exercise : official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine}, number = {5}, publisher = {Lippincott Williams \& Wilkins}, address = {Philadelphia}, issn = {0195-9131}, pages = {239 -- 239}, year = {2013}, language = {en} }