[Evaluation of comparison of hamstring and rectus femoris muscles stiffness and peak torque between anterior knee pain patients and healthy subjects]

This study was performed to compare the stiffness of hamstring and rectus femoris muscles in subjects with anterior knee pain and normal subjects. In this non experimental and case-control study, 20 persons with anterior knee pain were selected simply from convenient sample and 20 healthy persons were selected by matching method. proximal and distal stiffness of hamstring and rectus femoris muscles were measured using an isokinetic device in the passive mode. Also, maximal concentric peak torque during flexion and extension movements of hip and knee, in two groups were compared by independent T-test and correlation analysis. There was no significant difference between anterior knee pain and proximal compartment of rectus femoris [P=0.320] and hamstring [P=0.125] stiffness, but there was significant difference between anterior knee pain and distal compartment of rectus femoris and hamstring stiffness [P<0.001]. Significant relationship was found between anterior knee pain and muscles strength [P<0.001]. No correlation was found between strength and stiffness of rectus femoris [P=0.356] and hamstring muscles [P=0.643] in patients group, but in healthy subjects this relationship was found [P<0.001]. In patients with anterior knee pain, hamstring and rectus femoris muscles stiffness increased and muscle strength decreased. Increasing of muscle strength was effective on stiffness in healthy subjects, but there was no relation between them in patients group. Also rectus femoris and hamstring muscles possibly have different proximal and distal neuromuscular compartments

Effect of stress management education on mood and perceived stress among oral contraceptive pill users

Mood changes and high perceived stress are considered as the controversial side effects of oral contraceptive pill [OCP] consumption. The belief that OCPs cause mood changes and depression could be a significant factor to discontinue OCP use in women, the event that inevitably leads to increase the rate of unwanted pregnancies with high costs on the families and society. Therefore, providing stress management educational programs could improve mood and perceived stress during OCP use, thereby, prevents discontinuation of OCPs. The aim of this study was to determine whether stress management education could influence mood and perceived stress in oral contraceptive users. This randomized controlled trial was conducted on ninety two women who were suitable candidates to use OCPs. Mood state and perceived stress were measured by PANAS and PSS, before intervention [as pretest]. Then, all of the subjects were randomly assigned into either experimental or control group. The experimental group [n=46] used OCP for three cycles with routine contraception counseling and concurrently exposed to one session of stress management education, and 3 times telephone counseling. The control group [n=46] received only routine contraception counseling during OCP use for three months. Mood and perceived stress were measured again after educational intervention. Significant reduction in negative mood and perceived stress and improvement in positive mood were found in the experimental group compared to the control group. The findings suggest beneficial effects of stress management education and counseling during OCP use that could reduce the rate of discontinuation and subsequent unwanted pregnancies. In addition, the stress management intervention could be considered as a significant factor to improve women's health promoting behaviors and quality of life during OCP use