[Effect of selected trainings on muscle function and body composition in girls with mental retardation]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of selected trainings on muscle function in girls with mental retardation. Twenty-three girls with mental retardation [IQ 50-70] were selected and randomly divided into the control [n=10] and experimental [n=13] groups. The experimental group participated in selected trainings for 1 month, 4 sessions a week, with an intensity of 60-80% of maximum heart rate. Before and after the training program, muscle function including static balance, dynamic balance, muscle force and fatigue index, along with the body composition parameters of the participants were recorded. Data were analyzed using independent t and ANCOVA tests [alpha<0.05]. Results showed that selected trainings significantly increased static balance during open and closed eyes; however, it did not have a significant effect on dynamic balance, muscle force, muscle fatigue index, and body composition. Girls with mental retardation may apply the selected training to improve their static balance and delay fatigue; however, more studies are required to assess the effect of these kind of trainings on the other muscle function indices and body composition

[Evaluation of the horizontal components ground reaction force during gait of children with flat foot]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the horizontal components of the ground reaction force with subjects' flat foot and to compare these changes with subjects with normal foot. Fifteen subjects were randomly selected from 86 children with flexible flat foot, with a mean age [10.40 +/- 1.12], height [124.60 +/- 8.76] and weight [24.10 +/- 6.70]. 15 subjects were randomly selected to the control group from the population with normal feet that were homogeneous with group flat foot of the height, age and weight. Flat-arched feet were determined by the navicular drop test with Brody method, and 1000Hz KISTLER force plate were used to measure horizontal components of ground reaction force at heel strike [Initial heel contact], transfer weight onto the heel [Loading response], touch the foot of land [Mid stance] and transfer weight onto the toes [Terminal stance] during the Stance phase. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 21 software and independent t-test was used [p< 0.05]. There was a significant difference in the initial heel contact between flat foot and a normal foot. However, no significant difference was noted between the two groups at loading response, mid stance and terminal stance. According to the present research findings, it may be concluded that there are differences between children with flat foot and normal foot in the direction and amount of force at the time of heel strike or initial heel contact

Oral zinc sulphate and prevention of radiation-induced oropharyngeal mucositis in patients with head and neck cancers: a double blind, randomized controlled clinical trial

This research was conducted to evaluate the potential benefits of zinc sulphate in the prevention of radiation induced mucositis in patients who are being treated for head and neck cancers. Forty patients with proven cancers of head and neck were randomly divided into 2 equal groups that either received zinc sulphate or placebo [control group]. Patients who received curative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy were instructed to take zinc sulphate capsules [30 mg] daily at 8 hours interval. They were to begin 10 days before the start of treatment and continued until 2 weeks after completing the schedule. Mucositis was evaluated weekly according to the Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale [OMAS]. In both groups [zinc and control] mucositis was evident during the first week but its prevalence was 40% and 70.5% in the zinc and placebo groups respectively at the end of this period. This difference was significant [p<0.0001]. The mean severity of oropharyngeal mucositis increased after commencement of radiotherapy and reached to maximum intensity in the 4[th] week. Control group showed higher severity [p<0.0001]. In comparison with the placebo group, the mucositis score of OMAS in the zinc group was lower until at 2 weeks after end of the treatment [p=0.0001]. The present study shows that Zinc sulfate is effective in reducing the severity of radiation induced oropharyngeal mucositis. In addition, it delays the development of mucositis and may be used at a lower dose [30 mg 3 times daily] with the same benefit but fewer side effects