[Assessment of effect of cognitive task on postural control in female patients with knee osteoarthritis]

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems that can affect activity daily living of patients. Many studies have indicated postural control deficits in these patients; but the effect of dual tasking on postural control has not been examined yet. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of cognitive task on postural control in the female patients with knee osteoarthritis. Postural stability in knee OA patients and healthy subjects [20 subjects in each group] in four positions was measured using the Force plate. Positions included double leg stance with closed or opened eyes with and without cognitive task. Area of COP and mean velocity [Vm] were measured for as static postural stability. Area under the curve increased in the double leg stance position in the patients significantly [P<0.05]. While mean velocity decreased by performing a dual task [P<0.05]. The response to dual-tasking was not significant between the 2 groups [P>0.05]. Postural control deficits and increased of center of pressure's sway were identified in participants with Knee osteoarthritis. Also performance of a cognitive task resulted in decrease of postural sway, but the dual- tasking did not change the postural performance of knee OA patients compared to healthy subjects

[Evaluation of powdered activated carbon efficiency in removal of dissolved organic carbon in water treatment]

Powdered Activated-carbon is known as a suitable absorbent for organic materials. The aim of this research is evaluation of Powdered Activated-Carbon [PAC] efficiency in removal of Dissolved Organic Carbon [DOC] in water treatment in Isfahan. The increase of PAC for DOC reduction has done in three paths in the Isfahan water treatment plant [WTP]. These paths including: 1] Intake up to entrance of WTP 2] Intake to exit of WTP 3] Between entrance and exit of waterworks. The paths were simulated by the Jar test system. Then DOC and UV[254] absorption were analyzed and SUVA parameter for samples and activated-carbon adsorption isotherm was calculated. The injected PAC doses of 20,40,60,80 and 100 mg/l caused decreasing in DOC and UV [254] absorption in every sample in all paths. The average of this decrease, from intake to WTP.s exit [second path] was the greatest 69.8 +/- 3.9% and the common WTP process had capability of removing 35% of DOC. The first path also showed that PAC can reduce 33 +/- 2% DOC of raw water by itself. Activated-carbon absorption results were adhered from Freundlich adsorption isotherm. In the third path there was less DOC removal efficiency than excepted when Activated-Carbon injected in rapid mixed basin with coagulant. Powdered activated carbon porosity reduction due to effect of coagulant can be the reason for this issue. Also according to different paths, the point of intake is more suitable for powdered activated carbon addition

Assessment of balance impairments in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems, can affect on patient's daily activity and produce dependency in their daily activity and functional disability; The aim of present study is to compare static balance in patients with knee osteoarthritis and healthy subjects using force plate. Postural stability in knee OA patients and healthy subjects [each group 20 subjects] were measured by force plate. Two positions were selected double stance with closed or opened eyes. Range of fore/aft [Rfa] and Range of side ways [Rsw], were measured as static postural stability. Rsw increased significantly in the double stance position in patients group [P<0.05]. Also in both groups, Rsw and Rfa in the double stance with closed eyes were more than of open eyes position [P<0.05]. Postural control deficits and increase of center of pressure's sway were identified in participants with knee osteoarthritis. Therefore, one of the most important goals of rehabilitation is to improve balance control in knee OA patients

effects of simultaneous activation of exteroception and proprioception on function of upper extremity in children with diplegic spastic cerebral palsy, 3-7 years old

The role of function of upper extremity in activity of daily living is critical and any impairment of function could cause major problems for diplegic spastic cerebral palsy [CP] patients. So, the application of rehabilitation protocols that could regain the hand function is very important. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of simultaneous activation of exteroception and proprioception on function of upper extremity in children with diplegic spastic CP, 3-7 years old. Thirteen CP patients [3-7 years; mean: 4.92 years; 4 boys and 9 girls] were participated in this study. Simultaneous activation of exteroception and proprioception were done 3 times a week [for 8 weeks]. Function of upper extremity was evaluated by Quest Test and the degree of spasticity in wrist was evaluated by Modified Ashworth Scale. The results of this study showed that after simultaneous activation of exteroception and proprioception, function of upper extremity was significantly improved [P<0.001]. In addition, degree of spasticity in wrist muscles was significantly decreased [P<0.022]. Based on results of current study, it might be suggested that simultaneous activation of exteroception and proprioception could improve the function of upper extremity and decrease of spasticity. This in respect could reduce the disabilities of patients. So, the application of current protocols for the patients is suggested

[Comparison of urine and milk iodine concentration among congenitally hypothyroid neonates and their mothers and a control group]

Although Iran is known as an iodine sufficient area, congenital hypothyroidism [CH] is prevalent. Because iodine excess can contribute to hypothyroidism we evaluated the role of iodine excess and ID in the etiology of CH. In a cross sectional study UICs [Urine Iodine Concentration] in newborns with CH as well as UIC and MIC [Milk Iodine Concentration] of their mothers were compared with a control group. After acid digestion of urine samples milk samples, iodine concentrations were determined by the Sandell-Kolthoff method. Chi-square and Wilcoxon, and Pearson correlation tests were used for statistical analysis. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The median of MIC of CH [n=68] and healthy subjects [n=179] was different [210 vs. 170 micro g/L respectively, P<0.05]. However the median of UIC in neonates and those of mother's of CH and healthy subjects were not different statistically [305 vs. 300 micro g/L and 150 vs. 130 micro g/L respectively, P>0.05]; 71.2% and 46.7% of mothers of hypothyroid and healthy subjects had MICs above 180 micro g/I [iodine excess] respectively [p=0.002]. Based on the higher levels of MIC in mothers of CH neonates, iodine excess could be a possible risk factor for CH. Since however comparison of UIC between the control and neonate groups showed no differences, further investigations are needed to facilitate deeper insight into and clarification of the etiology of CH

[Usefulness of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of the etiology of congenital hypothyroidism comparing with radioisotope scanning]

Congenital hypothyroidism [CH] is the most prevalent preventable cause of mental retardation. Since it is impossible to determine the etiology of CH by biochemical tests per se, imaging modalities of thyroid gland are used to evaluate the morphology and function of this gland and among them radionuclide scanning is currently the gold standard. Considering the limitations of time and accessibility of radioisotope scanning and benefits and faults of ultrasonography in determination of etiology of CH, the aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of sonography as compared to the gold standard imaging method of scintigraphy, in the diagnosis of etiology of primary congenital hypothyroidism in the screening program of Isfahan. This study was conducted from May 2002-February 2007. In order to compare ultrasonography to thyroid scintigraphy for etiologic diagnosis of CH, 102 CH newborns examined by both thyroid scintigraphy and ultrasonography were included in this study. The ultrasonographic findings were compared with the standard-of-reference scintigraphic findings and the sensitivity, specificity of the ultrasonography were determined. According to results of the ultrasonography 63, 27, 3 and 9 infants had normal thyroid glands, agenesia, ectopia and hypoplasia respectively and based on scintigraphic results 57, 36 and 9 of them had normal thyroid gland, agenesia and ectopia respectively. Ultrasound detected sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, LR+ and LR- were 86%, 86%, 90%, 90%, 6.1 and 0.16 respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography compared with thyroid scintigraphy in diagnosis of thyroid gland ectopia was 33% and 100% respectively. Although calculated sensitivity and specificity of this method was not equal to those of thyroid radioisotope scanning but had an acceptable range, thyroid ultrasonography is a relatively appropriate imaging tool for diagnosing thyroid dysgenesia. Hence ultrasonography can be used as the first imaging tool for diagnosing CH, especially when the family prefers not to have the infant scanned

case report: proximal femoral focal deficiency [PFFD]

Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency [PFFD]is a rare congenital defect with prevalence of one in 50000 to 200000 live births. It affects the proximal femur and frequently the acetabulum and may occurs unilaterally and/or bilaterally. The side effects of PFFD vary in patients. These include: limb length discrepancy, instability of the hip and knee joint, contractures of the hip and knee muscles, unequal level of the knees, short stature and associated anomalies. Usually, children with PFFD and their families are faced with many treatment decisions, both surgical and non- surgical. Therefore, the treatment of PFFD has always been a challenge for the specialists. In this report, a 3-years-old boy with PFFD with dysplasia of hip and acetabulum and femur shortness in both side and delay in motor milestones has been reported who was referred by physician to the faculty of rehabilitation for occupational therapy and rehabilitation treatment

[Study of causes of patellofemoral pain syndrome in taekwondo athletes compaired with non-athletes]

Taekwondo is one of the active and exciting martial arts, during competitions about 90 percent of stricks are executed by feet and through powerful, tiny and fast movements, knee bending and straightening in different angle of hip joint movements. Meanwhile during raising lower limb, it is probable direct hits to ones thigh and knee. in the other hands, there are too complaints about anterior knee pains among athletes in clinics. Therefore this make a question in mind: Is there any relationship between knees severes activities in this sport and patellofemoral pain syndrome. The aim of this study is to answer to this question. In this study, 30 professional male-taekwondo athletes from north of Khuzestan were selected separately according to inclusion and exclusion criteria after preliminary assessments by orthopedist and physiotherapist. Raw data about causes of patellofemoral pain syndrome and functional tests and physical measurements [thigh, knee and ankle joint,etc] were collected. Similar data collected from a thirty non-athlete, the second group. Collected data from both groups analyzed with SPSS package. The following results were obtained after comparing the two groups initial left and right knees measurements.1. Athletes right knees patellofemoral joints assessment score [karlsson questionnaire score] was considerably lower than the nonathlete ones. [P=0/039] 2. There were no considerable differences in two legs Q-angle between two groups during sitting or standing conditions.3. There were no considerable differences in measures obtained from knee functional tests between two groups.4. There were no considerable differences in thigh circumferential size in different distances from knee joint line between two groups. Low score obtained from karlsson questionnaire for taekwondo athletes right foot v.s non-athletes is an evidence for existence of more prepared factors for P.F.P.S. some of these factors are:1. Tightness of muscles and soft tissue. 2. Lack of muscular efficiency [partial weakness] than overpressure knees in taekwondo. 3. Increased Q-angle

Swedish massage and abnormal reflexes of chidren with spastic cerbral palsy

Massage therapy is one of the most widely used complementary and alternative medicine therapies for children. This study was conducted to determine the effect of wedish massage on abnormal reflexes in children with spastic cerebral palsy [CP]. This study was a single blind clinical trial conducted on forty children with spastic CP who were recruited from clinics of the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences. They were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The routine occupational therapy [OT] techniques were performed during a 3 month-period in both groups. The intervention group also received Swedish massage for 30 minutes before every OT session. Primary, spinal, brain stem, midbrain, cortical and automatic reflexes were evaluated at the beginning of the study and 3 months later. The data analysis was done by parametric and nonparametric tests. Finally, thirteen subjects in the intervention group and 14 subjects in the control group were remained and studied. The average ages in the intervention and control groups were 49.5 and 42.1 months respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in abnormal reflexes in the intervention group in comparison to the control [P>0.05]. Adding Swedish massage to traditional OT techniques had no significant effects on abnormal reflexes in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Evidently more research is required in order to completely reject the effects of Swedish massage on abnormal reflexes of children with CP

effect of adding homeopathic treatment to rehabilitation on abnormal reflexes of children with spastic cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy [CP] is a static encephalopathy with abnormal reflexes that cause motor developmental delay. In addition to conventional methods, complementary medicine like homeopathy has been used in treatment of neuro-developmental disorders. This study has been done to determine the effect of adding homeopathic treatment to rehabilitation on abnormal reflexes of children with spastic cerebral palsy. In this study by using minimization technique subjects were divided to case and control groups. The routine rehabilitation techniques were done in 4 months in both groups. The control group received placebo and the case group received homeopathy drugs. Primitive, spinal, brain stem, midbrain, cortical reflexes and automatic movement reaction in the beginning and the end of four months were assessed and compared in two groups. Data collected by assessment forms, direct observations and examinations. The average age in case and control groups was 28, 28.4 months respectively. Primitive reflexes: Palmar Grasp reflex in 14.3% of cases has improved but in control group has no differences [PV=0.681]. Plantar Grasp and walking reflex in two groups before and after intervention have no differences [PV=1]. Moro reflex in 28.6% of cases and 11.1% of controls improved [PV=0.408]. Regarding to proved effects of homeopathy mentioned in different articles on physical status of children with CP as well as executive limitations, it is not possible to reject the effects of homeopathy on reflexes of children with CP.As homeopathy is young in Iran, it is recommended to make researches about effects of homeopathy on neurodevelopmental disorders

[Comparison of concentric isokinetic dominant shoulder internal and external rotator torque between professional female volleyball and tennis players]

The purpose of this study was to measure isokinetic maximum and average peak torque of internal and external rotators of glenohumeral joint in volley ball and tennis players This study was performed on 17 professional female athletes [7 tennis players and 10 volleyball players] with age ranged 18-28 years. The subjects had played in a skilled team for more than 3 years. They were free from injury to their dominant shoulder in the past year. Subjects performed a five minute warm up by shoulder wheel and Maximum average Peak Torque [APT] were obtained unilaterally by a Biodex System 3 with the arm of players in 90 degree abduction at 120,180 and 210 o/s. Players performed five trails of concentric movements with 30 second rest between them. Maximum and average of maximum torques of shoulder rotator, in both groups, expect for internal rotators of tennis players, reduced by increase of movement speed [P<0.05]. There are not significant difference between two groups in maximum, average of maximum torques and normalized data [ratio of maximum torque to weight]. There is significant difference between two groups in percentage of APT of External rotator / Internal rotator ratio at 210 o/s [P<0.05]. Volleyball and tennis have no effect on isokinetic strength of shoulder rotators. In high speed, ratio of External rotator / Internal rotator is reduced. This indicates that increase in movement speed increase internal rotator in comparison to external rotator in these professional female athletes