[ relationship between the flexibility of calf muscles and functional status of athletes with ankle injuries]

One of the risk factors in sports injuries is inappropriate flexibility of muscles, which leads to pain, decrease range of motion and functional limitation in sport or daily activities and affects the athletes' quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between flexibility of calf muscles and functional status of athletes with ankle injuries. Thirty male athletes with ankle injuries [mean age +/- SD, 22.63 +/- 3.94; range: 18-40 years] participated in this study. Ankle dorsiflexion of affected and non-affected sides were measured with a goniometer. FAOS [Foot and Ankle Outcome Score] questionnaire was used to evaluate the functional status of ankle. The relationship between flexibility of calf muscles in the affected extremity, and total score of the functional questionnaire, was not statistically significant [P>0.05]. While the relationship between the flexibility of muscles and functional questionnaire's total score in the non injured extremity was significant [P = 0.004, r = 0.51]. This study revealed that although the athletes who have more flexibility of calf muscles, show better functional status of ankle; but there is not necessarily a relationship between inflexibility of the muscles and lowered functional status

[ effect of soft cervical collar on movement response and anticipatory postural adjustment of postural muscle of neck following arm flexion during standing]

Neck pain is one of three common complains of neuromuscular system. There are three subsystem to maintain stability of spine: passive subsystem, active [muscles] subsystem and control subsystem. Detection of postural muscle response during postural perturbation like fast arm movement can be utilized to analyse of postural control. Wearing cervical collars is a way to prevent or cure cervical pain. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of soft cervical collar on movement response and duration of activity and recruitment pattern of cervical muscles. Twenty healthy young women participated in this study. They flex right shoulder in response to sound stimulus with and without wearing soft cervical collar. Surface Electromyography [EMG] used to assess postural muscle activity in following muscles: Deltoid, Trapezius, Cervical Erector spinae and Sternocleidomastoid. The effect of soft cervical collar on reaction time, onset and duration of activity of cervical muscles was calculated, Wearing soft cervical collar increased reaction time of arm flexion [P< 0.05] and decreased duration of activity of cervical extensor, trapezius and erector spinae [P< 0.05]. During shoulder flexion with additional load, onset activity of trapezius muscle was significantly earlier than other neck muscles but cervical erector spinae and Sternocleidomastoid exhibit coactivation pattern in response to perturbation. During fast arm movement that leads to postural perturbation, soft cervical collar alleviates the response and reduce activity of muscles. The strategy of motor control centers in response to perturbation in cervical spine is coactivation of flexor and extensor muscles to maintain stability

[Correlation of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy with mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate in patients with kidney stones]

Background: At present, although more than 90% of renal stones are treated at a success rate of 68-86% with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy [ESWL], complications such as the possible occurrence of hypertension are attributed to application of this technique

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation of ESWL with the mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate

Methods: This analytical study was performed on 75 patients with kidney stones in Mashhad using non-probability and purposeful sampling. Blood pressure was measured at three stages before, during, and after lithotripsy in the supine position. The relationship between ESWL- related hypertension and autonomic neural activity was also evaluated by heart rate spectral analysis. Data was analyzed with t-test and one-way analysis of variance

Findings: The mean arterial blood pressure increased from 93.30 +/- 9.73 to 98.30 +/- 12.63 in men and from 87.82 +/- 11.08 to 96.08 +/- 14.51 mmHg in women during lithotripsy and the difference was found to significant, statistically [P<0.001]. The incidence of diastolic pressure >/= 100 mmHg in patients with diastolic pressure less than 90 mmHg prior to lithotripsy was 7.5%

Conclusion: These results indicate the risk of hypertension during lithotripsy however, the possible occurrence of hypertension following lithotripsy needs more prospective studies

[Comparison of the effects of cow's milk, fortified soy milk, and calcium supplement of plasma adipocytokines in overweight and obese women]

Obesity is an escalating public health problem. Adipose tissue synthesizes and secretes a variety of biological molecules, termed adipocytokines that may contribute to obesity-linked metabolic abnormalities, including cardiovascular diseases. We compared the effect of cow' milk, calcium fortified soy milk and calcium supplement of adipocytokines in premenopausal overweight and obese women. In this clinical trial, 100 healthy overweight or obese premenopausal women were randomly allocated to one of the following dietary regimens for 8 weeks: 1] a control diet 2] a calcium-supplemented diet containing 800mg/d calcium carbonate 3]a high milk diet containing three servings of low fat milk or a 4] a soy milk diet containing three servings of calcium fortified soy milk [all of them providing a 500kcal/day deficit]. At baseline and after 8 weeks, anthropometric indices and plasma leptin, adiponectin, TNF alpha, CRP, and IL-6 were measured. Plasma CRP and leptin were significantly correlated with all anthropometric indices except for WHR, and plasma adiponectin had significant negative correlation with WHR at baseline. Although plasma leptin, CRP, and IL-6 decreased significantly in all groups [P<0.01], except for CRP in the control group, there were no significant differences among four groups. Results showed that a 500kcal/d deficit diet has beneficial effects on plasma adipocytokines, but calcium intake, either as calcium carbonate or as milk, causes no differences, and merits further research

application of the health belief model in oral health education

The goal of this study was to determine the application of health belief model in oral health education for 12- year-old children and its effect on oral health behaviors and indexes. A quasi-experimental study was carried out on twelve-year-old girl students [n-291] in the first grade of secondary school, in the central district of Tehran, Iran. Research sample was selected by a multistage cluster sampling. The data was obtained by using a valid reliable questionnaire for measuring the perceptions, a checklist for observing the quality of brushing and dental flossing and health files and clinical observation. First, a descriptive study was applied to individual perceptions, oral behaviors, Oral Hygiene Index [OHI] and Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth Index [DMFTI]. Then an educational planning based on the results and Health Belief Model [HBM] was applied. The procedure was repeated after six months. After education, based on HBM, all the oral health perceptions increased [P<.05]. Correct brushing and flossing are influenced by increased perceptions. A low correlation between the reduction of DMFTI and increased perceived severity and increased perceived barriers are found [r= -0.28, r= 0.43 respectively]. In addition, there was a limited correlation between OHI and increased perceived benefits [r= -0.26]. Using health belief model in oral health education for increasing the likelihood of taking preventive oral health behaviors is applicable

effects and maintenance of constraint-induced therapy on spasticity and function of upper extremity in hemiplegic cerebral palsy children 6 to 12 years old

Cerebral palsy is a non progressive disorder and the most common movement problem in children. Many children with cerebral palsy are of hemiplegic type. One of the important problems of this children is unilateral upper limb dysfunction, that not using the affected side causes forgetfulness and more problems on this side. In this study, effectiveness of Constraint-Induced Therapy [CIT] and the maintainance of this technique on spasticity and performance of upper extremity in hemiplegic cerebral palsy children 6 to 12 years old have been investigated. In this pretest - posttest quasi experimental study, 20 cerebral palsy hemiplegic children 6 to 12 years old [15 boys and 5 girls] with 8.7 years mean age were selected. Interventions were performed about 8 weeks and patients were followed for 4 weeks. Spasticity on the affected side in wrist and elbow were tested by Modified Ashworth Scale and upper extremity function by the Box and Block test. The data were analyzed with the Wilcoxon and paired t- tests. Constraint-Induced Therapy in the affected limb decreases significantly the spasticity of wrist [p = 0.00] and elbow [p = 0.005] and significantly increases performance score [p = 0.00], and the recovery significantly maintained one month after the interventions. Constraint-Induced Therapy of affected upper extremity could possibly decrease limb spasticity and increase function with two mechanisms: Fierstly, The reduction of not using the plegic side and secondly, neuroplasticity in CNS. This improvement may remain viable in the affected limb

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

Effects of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy on electrocardiogram changes in patients with renal stone

Background and Purpose: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy [ESWL] is initial treatment of choice for most calculi in the kidney. Although ESWL has many side effects one of which is cardiac arrhythmia, occurring mostly in non-synchronized mode. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy on electrocardiogram changes in patients with renal stone

Methods: This quasi-experimental study was carried out on 75 patients with renal stone who were selected by non-probability and convenience sampling. Then electrocardiograph was obtained from participants before, during and after lithotripsy. The relationship between ESWL-associated arrhythmia and autonomic neural activity was evaluated by heart rate spectral analysis. Electrocardiogram changes were interpreted and the data were analyzed in SPSS and SAS using chi-square, independent t-test, paired t-test, McNemar, Cochrane, One-way ANOVA and general linear model

Results: ESWL was found to elicit new or worsened electrocardiogram changes in 66.7 percent patients with no previous cardiac disease. A statistically significant correlation was demonstrated between the presence of ventricular premature contractions and analgesic drugs [p<0.001] and between the presence of ventricular tachycardia and treatment duration [p<0.001]

Conclusion: Shock waves delivered by lithotripsy cause cardiac arrhythmia

effect of seated crossed-leg position on the reading of blood pressure in patients with hypertension

Background and Purpose: One probable sources of error blood pressure measurement can be the cross-leg seating position but research findings in this regard are contradictory. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of crossing legs while measuring the blood pressure on the reading of blood pressure in patients with hypertension

Methods and Materials: The quasi- experimental study involved 90 patients selected through purposive sampling from among the population of patients with primary hypertension admitted to Internal and Cardiac Clinics of Vase'ee Hospital in Sabzevar, Iran. Patients, blood pressure was measured according to a written protocol in three steps: first sitting with both feet straight on the floor, then sitting with crossed legs, and finally sitting with both feet straight on the floor [as in the first step]. Conventional stethoscope and sphygmomanometer were used for measurements; t- test was used for data analysis in SPSS

Results: Crossing legs while measuring blood pressure

increased systolic bp by 6.81 mmHg [from 144.43 +/- 21.782 to 156.24 +/- 22.082] and diastolic bp by 3.12 mmHg [from 89.06 +/- 13.610 to 92.18 +/- 14.920]. Mean systolic bp when the third step of the protocol was adopted reduced 9.59 mmHg [from 156 +/- 22.082 to 146.66 +/- 22.438] and diastolic bp reduced by 3.53 mmHg [from 92.18 +/- 14.920 to 88.64 +/- 14.839]

Conclusion: According to the findings, blood pressure reading increases in patients with hypertension when they take a seated cross-leg position during bp measurement

effect of changing position on patients' fatigue and satisfaction after coronary angiography

Patients' satisfaction is one of the most important indices for evaluating quality of care. Restricting patients to be bed rest after angiography leads to minimize the complications bleeding which is always accompanied by patient's fatigue and dissatisfaction. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of changing patients' position on the levels of fatigue and satisfaction and to monitor the amount of bleeding and hematoma after angiography. This study was a quasi-experimental design with accessible sampling on Iranian patients [with 18-80 years old] who had undergone non-emergency angiography, were randomly allocated to experimental or control group [35 patients in each group]. A demographic questionnaire, visual analog scale to measure the fatigue intensity and the level of satisfaction, and a specific ruler to measure the amount of bleeding and hematoma were used to collect data. The experimental group was treated with the modified positioning compared to the control group with routine protocol. To analyze the data, t-test, chi square, ANOVA with repeated measure and correlation tests were used. The study finding showed that the control group had significantly higher fatigue scores, and lower satisfaction scores than the experimental group at 3, 6, 8 hours and on the next morning after angiography [P < 0.05]. There also was no significant difference in the amount of bleeding and hematoma in the experimental group compared to the control group [P > 0.05]. According to the study results, modifying positioning of the patients after angiography is associated with decreased level of fatigue and increased satisfaction level without increasing the risk of bleeding and hematoma

[ effects of external load and trunk posture on the electromyographic activity of trunk muscles in healthy females]

Background: epidemiological evidences have showed that low back pain fallowing load-carrying is the most common disorder in musclo-skeletal system and is common in industrialized countries.Moreover, little is known about how muscles are recruited when several option of the accomplishment of task are available. Thus this study aimed to examine the effects of external load and trunk posture on the electromyography activity of trunk muscles

Materials and methods: 10 healthy women with no history of low back pain were enrolled in this study. Two inclinometers and five channel EMG system were used to evaluate the right trunk muscle activities [rectus abdominis, internal and external oblique, erector spine, and multifidus]. Six static tasks while holding three levels of load [0, 6, 12 Kg] in two trunk position [neutral and 30 degree of flexion] were simulated for subjects

Results: with highest external load, the electrical activity of back and abdominal muscles increased significantly and with highest trunk flexion, the electrical activity of back muscles increased significantly [P<0.05]

Conclusions: co-contraction of back and abdominal muscles occurred in response to greater need for biomechanical stability. The increased extensor muscles activity during trunk flexion is necessary for stability and controlling of flexion

[Couples' Knowledge and attitude about sexuality in pregnancy]

Alteration in pattern of sexuality is known to be impressed by couples' believes about women's physical and psychological changes during pregnancy. The objective of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of couples about sexual relations during pregnancy. In a descriptive study from February to April 2005, two hundred sixty six consecutive pregnant women referring to a university hospital were asked to answer a questionnaire containing questions their sexual status and some demographic data. In 122 cases the answers of the spouses was collected also. The answers were compared in divided groups according to age range, duration of marriage, parity and educational status. Fifty five percent of men and fifty eight percent of women had a negative attitude about sexual relations during pregnancy, and 60% of men and 75% of women presented incorrect knowledge about sexuality during pregnancy. Main reasons for decreased sexual relations in pregnancy were mentioned to be dysparaunia, and the fear of trauma to the baby, abortion, membrane rapture, preterm labor and infection. As couples' knowledge and attitudes about sexuality affect their general sexual behavior during pregnancy it is crucial to provide proper consultation regarding sexual relations in prenatal care services

effect of continuous consultation care model on rehospitalization and chest pain in patients with coronary artery disease

Cardiovascular disease is one of the major causes of mortality in the world and chest pain is the most common symptoms of coronary atherosclerotic lesion or myocardial ischemia. This condition is the origin of readmission for coronary clients. To investigate the effect of the continuous consultation care model on hospitalization [readmission] and chest pain of coronary artery disease clients. This research was a clinical trial study in which the demographic, self report and check list questionnaires were used before and after the intervention in the two groups of experimental and control cases. A total number of 70 cases were equally divided into two groups and the continuous consultation care model was applied to the experimental group for a period of six months. In the same time, the control group was treated based on routine protocol. The results showed that the mean score of the hospitalizations or readmission before the study was 0.51 which decreased to 0.11 following the intervention in experimental group. In the control group, the mean scores were 0.57 and 0.34 before and after the study, respectively. The independent T test showed a significant difference between the two groups [P<0.03]. The mean score of the chest pain [coronary pain] during the study in the experimental and the control groups were 5 and 8 times, respectively. The independent T test and repeated measurements of ANOVA with [P<0.001] also showed a significant difference between experimental and control groups. The continuous consultation care model showed to affect the two variables of chest pain and readmission rates in coronary artery disease clients