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Aasa, Ulrika
Publications (10 of 57) Show all publications
Bengtsson, V., Berglund, L., Öhberg, F. & Aasa, U. (2023). Thoracolumbar and Lumbopelvic Spinal Alignment During the Barbell Back Squat: A Comparison Between Men and Women. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 18(4), 820-830
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Thoracolumbar and Lumbopelvic Spinal Alignment During the Barbell Back Squat: A Comparison Between Men and Women
2023 (English)In: International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, E-ISSN 2159-2896, Vol. 18, no 4, p. 820-830Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background:  Maintaining neutral spinal alignment is considered important when performing the barbell back squat exercise. Since male and female lifters may differ in injury location it is important to examine whether they differ in spinal alignment during the back squat.

Objectives:  The study aimed to quantify the spinal alignment in the upper and lower lumbar spine during the barbell back squat exercise in male and female lifters. Secondary aims were to compare alignment during the back squat to standing habitual lumbar spine alignment and determine whether male and female lifters differ in these aspects.

Study design:  Observational, Cross-sectional.

Methods:  Competitive power- and weightlifters were recruited and performed three repetitions of the barbell back squat exercise using a load equivalent to 70% of their one-repetition maximum. Spinal alignment and range of motion were measured using inertial measurement units placed on the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine. Data was presented descriptively and comparisons between men and women as well as spinal alignment in four different positions were done with a factorial repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results:  Twenty-three (14 males, 9 females) were included. During execution of the squat, spinal alignment adjustments in the lumbar spine were made in all three planes of movement, compared to the start position, in both male and female lifters. Compared to their standing habitual posture, all lifters adjusted their upper lumbar spine to a less lordotic position when in the start position of the back squat (standing upright with the barbell on their back). Only male lifters assumed a less lordotic alignment in their lower lumbar spine in the start position compared their habitual posture.

Conclusions:  Adjustments of spinal alignment, predominantly in the sagittal plane, are made during execution of the back squat in both male and female lifters. Further, lifters adopt a less lordotic alignment with a heavy barbell on their upper back, more so in male than female lifters. In conclusion, it seems that spinal alignment changes noticeably during the barbell back squat.

Level of evidence:  3

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 2023
Keywords
Inertial sensors, Lifting technique, Posture, Powerlifting, Weightlifting
National Category
Physiotherapy
Research subject
physiotherapy
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-212693 (URN)10.26603/001c.83942 (DOI)37547841 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85166774211 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2023-08-08 Created: 2023-08-08 Last updated: 2023-08-15Bibliographically approved
Aasa, B., Sandlund, J., Rudolfsson, T. & Aasa, U. (2022). Acuity of goal-directed arm movements and movement control: evaluation of differences between patients with persistent neck/shoulder pain and healthy controls. European Journal of Physiotherapy, 24(1), 47-55
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Acuity of goal-directed arm movements and movement control: evaluation of differences between patients with persistent neck/shoulder pain and healthy controls
2022 (English)In: European Journal of Physiotherapy, ISSN 2167-9169, E-ISSN 2167-9177, Vol. 24, no 1, p. 47-55Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background: The main aim was to examine whether patients with persistent upper quadrant pain have higher end-point variability in goal directed pointing movements than pain-free controls when the pointing task is performed in total darkness and under full vision. An additional aim was to study associations between the magnitude of end-point variability and a clinical movement control test battery and self-rated functioning among patients.

Methods: Seventeen patients and 17 age- and gender-matched pain-free controls performed a pointing task that evaluated end-point variability of repetitive shoulder movements in horizontal adduction and abduction with full vision, and abduction with no visual information, completed a movement control test battery of neck and shoulder control tests and answered questionnaires.

Results: Patients had higher end point variability for horizontal abduction when performed with no visual information. For horizontal adduction the variability was higher, but only when it was controlled for movement time. No significant correlations were found between end-point variability and self-rated functioning, nor between end-point variability and neuromuscular control of the glenohumeral joint.

Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence that patients with persistent neck/shoulder pain can partly compensate proprioceptive deficits in goal-directed arm movement when visual feedback is present.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Routledge, 2022
Keywords
Motor control, visual input, ergonomics, proprioception
National Category
Physiotherapy
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-173768 (URN)10.1080/21679169.2020.1785004 (DOI)000549583400001 ()2-s2.0-85087643824 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2020-07-31 Created: 2020-07-31 Last updated: 2022-07-06Bibliographically approved
Svensson, F., Aasa, U. & Strong, A. (2022). Textile electromyography electrodes reveal differences in lower limb muscle activation during loaded squats when comparing fixed and free barbell movement paths. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 4, Article ID 1021323.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Textile electromyography electrodes reveal differences in lower limb muscle activation during loaded squats when comparing fixed and free barbell movement paths
2022 (English)In: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, E-ISSN 2624-9367, Vol. 4, article id 1021323Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Introduction: Traditional recordings of muscle activation often involve time-consuming application of surface electrodes affixed to the skin in laboratory environments. The development of textile electromyography (EMG) electrodes now allows fast and unobtrusive assessment of muscle activation in ecologically valid environments. In this study, textile EMG shorts were used to assess whether performing squats with the barbell resting freely on the shoulders or using a Smith machine for a fixed barbell movement path is preferable for maximizing lower limb muscle activation.

Methods: Sixteen athletes performed free and fixed barbell squats in a gym with external loads equivalent to their body mass. Quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteus maximus activation was measured bilaterally with textile EMG electrodes embedded in shorts.

Results: Mean quadriceps activation was greater for the free compared with the fixed movement path for the right (mean difference [MD] 14μV, p = 0.04, ηp2 = 0.28) and left leg (MD 15μV, p = 0.01, ηp2 = 0.39) over the entire squat and specifically during the first half of the eccentric phase for the left leg (MD 7μV, p = 0.04, d = 0.56), second half of the eccentric phase for both legs (right leg MD 21μV, p = 0.05, d = 0.54; left leg MD 23μV, p = 0.04, d = 0.52) and the first half of the concentric phase for both legs (right leg MD 24μV, p = 0.04, d = 0.56; left leg MD 15μV, p = 0.01, d = 0.72). Greater hamstrings activation for the free path was seen for the second half of the eccentric phase (left leg MD 4μV, p = 0.03, d = 0.58) and first half of the concentric phase (right leg MD 5μV, p = 0.02, d = 0.72). No significant differences were found for gluteus maximus.

Discussion: Textile EMG electrodes embedded in shorts revealed that to maximize thigh muscle activity during loaded squats, a free barbell movement path is preferable to a fixed barbell movement path.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Frontiers Media S.A., 2022
Keywords
RDS electromyography, weightlifting, resistance training, motor control, squat
National Category
Sport and Fitness Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-205032 (URN)10.3389/fspor.2022.1021323 (DOI)000896805300001 ()36524056 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85143911934 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2023-02-20 Created: 2023-02-20 Last updated: 2023-02-21Bibliographically approved
Bengtsson, V., Aasa, U., Öhberg, F. & Berglund, L. (2022). Thoracolumbar and lumbopelvic spinal alignment during the deadlift exercise: a comparison between men and women. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 17(6), 1063-1074
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Thoracolumbar and lumbopelvic spinal alignment during the deadlift exercise: a comparison between men and women
2022 (English)In: International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, E-ISSN 2159-2896, Vol. 17, no 6, p. 1063-1074Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background: A neutral spinal alignment is considered important during the execution of the deadlift exercise to decrease the risk of injury. Since male and female powerlifters experience pain in different parts of their backs, it is important to examine whether men and women differ in spinal alignment during the deadlift.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to quantify the spinal alignment in the upper (thoracolumbar, T11-L2) and lower (lumbopelvic, L2-S2) lumbar spine during the deadlift exercise in male and female lifters. Secondary aims were to compare lumbar spine alignment during the deadlift to standing habitual posture, and determine whether male and female lifters differ in these aspects.

Study Design: Observational, Cross-sectional.

Methods: Twenty-four (14 men, 10 women) lifters performed three repetitions of the deadlift exercise using 70% of their respective one-repetition maximum. Spinal alignment and spinal range of motion were measured using three inertial measurement units placed on the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine. Data from three different positions were analyzed; habitual posture in standing, and start and stop positions of the deadlift, i.e. bottom and finish position respectively.

Results: During the deadlift, spinal adjustments were evident in all three planes of movement. From standing habitual posture to the start position the lumbar lordosis decreased 13° in the upper and 20° in the lower lumbar spine. From start position to stop position the total range of motion in the sagittal plane was 11° in the upper and 22° in the lower lumbar spine. The decreased lumbar lordosis from standing habitual posture to the start position was significantly greater among men.

Conclusions: Men and women adjust their spinal alignment in all three planes of movement when performing a deadlift and men seem to make greater adjustments from their standing habitual posture to start position in the sagittal plane. Level of Evidence 3.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
North American Sports Medicine Institute, 2022
Keywords
inertial sensors, lifting technique, posture, powerlifting
National Category
Physiotherapy Orthopaedics
Research subject
physiotherapy
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-200377 (URN)10.26603/001c.37859 (DOI)36237649 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85139461910 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2022-11-08 Created: 2022-11-08 Last updated: 2023-05-04Bibliographically approved
Aasa, U., Bengtsson, V., Berglund, L. & Öhberg, F. (2022). Variability of lumbar spinal alignment among power- and weightlifters during the deadlift and barbell back squat. Sports Biomechanics, 21(6), 707-717
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Variability of lumbar spinal alignment among power- and weightlifters during the deadlift and barbell back squat
2022 (English)In: Sports Biomechanics, ISSN 1476-3141, E-ISSN 1752-6116, Vol. 21, no 6, p. 707-717Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The aims of the study were to evaluate the relative and absolute variability of upper (T11-L2) and lower (L2-S2) lumbar spinal alignment in power- and weightlifters during the deadlift and back squat exercises, and to compare this alignment between the two lifting groups. Twenty-four competitive powerlifters (n = 14) and weightlifters (n = 10) performed three repetitions of the deadlift and the back squat exercises using a load equivalent to 70% of their respective one-repetition maximum. The main outcome measures were the three-dimensional lumbar spinal alignment for start position, minimum and maximum angle of their spinal alignment, and range of motion measured using inertial measurement units. Relative intra-trial reliability was calculated using the two-way random model intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and absolute reliability with minimal detectable change (MDC). The ICC ranged between 0.69 and 0.99 and the MDC between 1 degrees-8 degrees for the deadlift. Corresponding figures for the squat were 0.78-0.99 and 1 degrees-6 degrees. In all participants during both exercises, spinal adjustments were made in both thoracolumbar and lumbopelvic areas in all three dimensions. In conclusion, when performing three repetitions of the deadlift and the squat, lumbar spinal alignment of the lifters did not change much between repetitions and did not differ significantly between power- and weightlifters.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Routledge, 2022
Keywords
Inertial sensors, powerlifting, weightlifting, lifting technique
National Category
Physiotherapy
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-165734 (URN)10.1080/14763141.2019.1675751 (DOI)000496089200001 ()31718474 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85075026469 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2019-12-10 Created: 2019-12-10 Last updated: 2022-08-04Bibliographically approved
Tegern, M., Aasa, U. & Larsson, H. (2021). Cervico-thoracic pain and associated impairments in air force personnel: a cross-sectional study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 22(1), Article ID 441.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Cervico-thoracic pain and associated impairments in air force personnel: a cross-sectional study
2021 (English)In: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, E-ISSN 1471-2474, Vol. 22, no 1, article id 441Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background: Pain and impaired function in the cervical region are common in Air Force personnel (AFP), but evidence is limited regarding the thoracic region. This cross-sectional cohort study examined associations between cervico-thoracic pain and physical performance among Swedish AFP and explored possible differences and similarities in test performance between fighter pilots (FP), helicopter pilots (HP) and rear crew (RC).

Methods: AFP (n = 73) from one airbase performed eight tests of movement control of the spine, active cervical range of motion (ROM) in all six directions and isometric strength and endurance of the cervical flexors and extensors. The association between test performance and cervico-thoracic pain (based on the ‘Musculoskeletal screening protocol’ questionnaire) were analysed in a multiple binary logistic regression model.

Results: For AFP with cervico-thoracic pain (30%), movement control was impaired in the ‘neck flexion test’ (OR [95%CI] =3.61 [1.06–12.34]) and the ‘forward lean test’ (OR [95%CI] =3.43[1.04–11.37]), together with reduced flexion ROM (OR [95%CI] =0.93 [0.87–0.99]). Test performance was in general similar between the three groups, but FP and HP could control the ‘forward lean test’ to a significantly higher degree than RC (p = 0.000). Further, FP showed significantly greater ROM in lateral flexion to the right compared to HP and RC (mean: 40.3°, 36.2° and 33.4°, respectively, p = 0.000), and they showed higher, although not significant, flexor strength than RC (p = 0.026).

Conclusions: The impaired function associated with cervico-thoracic pain highlights the need for a deeper understanding of such relationships when designing tools to systematically optimize the physical performance and prevent pain among AFP. Studies with a longitudinal design are warranted to examine any causative associations between pain and impairments.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
BioMed Central, 2021
Keywords
Fighter pilots, Helicopter pilots, Isometric strength and endurance, Movement control, Musculoskeletal disorders, Neck pain, Physical performance, Prevention, Range of motion, Rear crew
National Category
Physiotherapy
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-183627 (URN)10.1186/s12891-021-04301-w (DOI)000656274500003 ()33990194 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85105815972 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2021-05-27 Created: 2021-05-27 Last updated: 2024-01-17Bibliographically approved
Falk, J., Aasa, U. & Berglund, L. (2021). How accurate are visual assessments by physical therapists of lumbo-pelvic movements during the squat and deadlift?. Physical Therapy in Sport, 50, 195-200
Open this publication in new window or tab >>How accurate are visual assessments by physical therapists of lumbo-pelvic movements during the squat and deadlift?
2021 (English)In: Physical Therapy in Sport, ISSN 1466-853X, E-ISSN 1873-1600, Vol. 50, p. 195-200Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Objectives: To investigate the accuracy of visual assessments made by physical therapists of lumbo-pelvic movements during the squat and deadlift and how much movement is considered injurious.

Design: Quantitative Cross-sectional.

Participants: 14 powerlifters, 10 Olympic weightlifters and six physical therapists.

Setting: The lifters were recorded simultaneously by video and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) system while performing squats and deadlifts. The physical therapists assessed the videos and rated whether specific lumbo-pelvic movements were visible during the lifts and whether the movement amplitude was considered injurious.

Main outcome measures: The nominal visual assessments, if there was a movement and if it was considered injurious, were compared to the degrees of movement attained from the IMU system.

Results: During the squat, a posterior pelvic tilt of ≥34° was required to visually detect the movement. For other lumbo-pelvic movements, there was no significant difference in the amount of movement between those who were assessed as moving or not moving their lumbo-pelvic area, nor was there a difference in movement amplitude between those who were assessed as having an increased risk of injury or not.

Conclusions: Physical therapists did not consistently detect lumbo-pelvic movements during squats and deadlifts when performed by competitive lifters.

Keywords
Inertial measurement units, Kinematics, Movement analysis, Powerlifting, Weightlifting
National Category
Physiotherapy
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-185323 (URN)10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.05.011 (DOI)000661948900025 ()2-s2.0-85108073148 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2021-06-28 Created: 2021-06-28 Last updated: 2023-09-05Bibliographically approved
af Wåhlberg, A. E., Madison, G., Aasa, U. & Yu, J. J. (2021). Meta-Analytic Analysis of Invariance Across Samples: Introducing a Method That Does Not Require Raw Data. Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 43(1), 68-80
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Meta-Analytic Analysis of Invariance Across Samples: Introducing a Method That Does Not Require Raw Data
2021 (English)In: Basic and Applied Social Psychology, ISSN 0197-3533, E-ISSN 1532-4834, Vol. 43, no 1, p. 68-80Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Invariance of surveys across different groups means that the respondents interpret the items in the same way, as reflected in similar factor loadings, for example. Invariance can be assessed using various statistical procedures, such as Multi-Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis. However, these analyses require access to raw data. Here, we introduce a meta-analytic method that requires only the factor correlation matrices of samples as input. It compares the structures of intercorrelations of factors by correlating these values across two samples, yielding a value of overall similarity for how the factors intercorrelate in different samples. This method was tested in three different ways. We conclude that the method yields useful results and can assess invariance when raw data are not available.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Routledge, 2021
National Category
Psychology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-177169 (URN)10.1080/01973533.2020.1843461 (DOI)000587831800001 ()2-s2.0-85095777884 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2020-12-08 Created: 2020-12-08 Last updated: 2021-07-06Bibliographically approved
Pedrelli, M., Parini, P., Kindberg, J., Arnemo, J. M., Bjorkhem, I., Aasa, U., . . . Hurt-Camejo, E. (2021). Vasculoprotective properties of plasma lipoproteins from brown bears (Ursus arctos). Journal of Lipid Research, 62, Article ID 100065.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Vasculoprotective properties of plasma lipoproteins from brown bears (Ursus arctos)
Show others...
2021 (English)In: Journal of Lipid Research, ISSN 0022-2275, E-ISSN 1539-7262, Vol. 62, article id 100065Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Plasma cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) levels are twice as high in hibernating brown bears (Ursus arctos) than healthy humans. Yet, bears display no signs of early stage atherosclerosis development when adult. To explore this apparent paradox, we analyzed plasma lipoproteins from the same 10 bears in winter (hibernation) and summer using size exclusion chromatography, ultracentrifugation, and electrophoresis. LDL binding to arterial proteoglycans (PGs) and plasma cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) were also evaluated. The data collected and analyzed from bears were also compared with those from healthy humans. In bears, the cholesterol ester, unesterified cholesterol, TG, and phospholipid contents of VLDL and LDL were higher in winter than in summer. The percentage lipid composition of LDL differed between bears and humans but did not change seasonally in bears. Bear LDL was larger, richer in TGs, showed prebeta electrophoretic mobility, and had 5-10 times lower binding to arterial PGs than human LDL. Finally, plasma CEC was higher in bears than in humans, especially the HDL fraction when mediated by ABCA1. These results suggest that in brown bears the absence of early atherogenesis is likely associated with a lower affinity of LDL for arterial PGs and an elevated CEC of bear plasma.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2021
Keywords
ApoB, Atherosclerosis, Cholesterol efflux, Hibernation, LDL, Lipids, Lipoproteins, Proteoglycans, Triglycerides, Ursus arctos
National Category
Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-184131 (URN)10.1016/J.JLR.2021.100065 (DOI)000651435700001 ()33713671 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85106615460 (Scopus ID)
Funder
AstraZenecaRegion StockholmSwedish Heart Lung Foundation
Available from: 2021-06-09 Created: 2021-06-09 Last updated: 2021-06-09Bibliographically approved
Aasa, U. & Berglund, L. (2020). A descriptive analysis of functional impairments and patho-anatomical findings in eight powerlifters. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 60(4), 582-593
Open this publication in new window or tab >>A descriptive analysis of functional impairments and patho-anatomical findings in eight powerlifters
2020 (English)In: Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, ISSN 0022-4707, E-ISSN 1827-1928, Vol. 60, no 4, p. 582-593Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a common pain problem in powerlifters. There is a lack of evidence to guide powerlifters and health-care professionals in understanding the role of powerlifting in the development of LBP and treatment of injuries in powerlifters. This study aimed to describe functional impairments and patho-anatomical findings in eight powerlifters with and without LBP. METHODS: First, four powerlifters with LBP were recruited. Each powerlifter was then matched with a pain-free lifter (Control) by age, Body Mass Index and competition weight class. They all performed physical performance tests and were examined with magnetic resonance imaging. Four weeks prior to the examination the powerlifters also recorded training load. Powerlifters with LBP were also examined by a physiotherapist in order to define their pain and impairments. RESULTS: The four male powerlifters with LBP had a nociceptive pain associated with non-ideal squatting technique, higher flexibility in their lumbar spine than in their hips and patho-anatomical findings such as degenerated discs (four), spondylolysis (one) and spinal stenosis (one). However, the controls also showed similar functional impairments and patho-anatomical findings. CONCLUSIONS: Powerlifters with and without LBP show similar functional impairments and patho-anatomical findings. However, powerlifters' LBP seems associated with pain during movement and loading of the lumbar spine. The association and causation between specific functional impairments, patho-anatomical findings and LBP in powerlifters has to be further investigated in studies including more participants.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Edizioni Minerva Medica, 2020
Keywords
Resistance training, Magnetic resonance imaging, Weight lifting, Musculoskeletal diseases
National Category
Sport and Fitness Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-172827 (URN)10.23736/S0022-4707.19.10201-0 (DOI)000538439500011 ()31974334 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85084695123 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2020-06-29 Created: 2020-06-29 Last updated: 2023-03-23Bibliographically approved
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