[Reliability of maximum amplitude and its related intensity of H' response]

In studies of the spinal circuits, change of Renshaw cell activity is measured by H_ response. For recording H' response, new electrical stimulation device was designed and built; and the first recorded H' response in Iran was done. The purpose of this study was to investigate the intersession and intra-session reliability of peak amplitude of H' response and its related intensity detected of new device. Soleus muscles of dominant extremity in 6 subjects were tested in 3 sessions and 2 times in each session that intra-session interval was 20 minutes and intersession interval was 1 week. Peak amplitude and its related intensity exhibited intra-session and intersession reliability 0.92, 0.98, 0.86 and 0.9 respectively. Standard Error of Measurement was 0.37 and 0.47 for intra-session and 0.44 and 1.06 for inter session respectively. Peak amplitude and its related intensity exhibited very high intra-session and intersession reliability

[Effect of whole body vibration on healthy rat plasma parameters]

Whole body vibration [WBV] has been regarded as an exercise training method and as a non-pharmacological supportive treatment option appearing to be efficient for chronic disease conditions, such as bone disorders and cardio-respiratory fitness. Since, data on the safety and efficacy of vibration on plasma parameters are lacking, therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the effects of WBV on the plasma parameters in adult male Wistar rat model. Male Wistar rats weighing 140-180 g were divided into control and the vibration group. Vibration training consisted of vertical sinusoidal whole body vibration for 8 weeks, followed by blood collection. The vibrated rats weighed more than the control group [approximately 14% more]. Plasma CK, E2 and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the vibration group compared with the controls. The mean of Vit. D level was 15% higher; hsCRP level was 11% lower and IL-6 level was 32% higher in the vibration group. No difference was observed for other selected plasma parameters. The potential effects of physiological responses of WBV on several physiological systems are without deteriorations in plasma parameters

[ comparison of 6-week resistance training and pulsed electromagnetic field on TALP, CA, P, cortisol, and anthropometric parameters in osteoporotic postmenopausal women]

Considering the high sensitivity of bone to mechanical stimulations, one of the potential ways of impressing bone tissue in clinical perspective, is applying physical and mechanical loads. In this study, we compared the effect of progressive resistive exercise versus pulsed electromagnetic fields on total ALP, calcium, phosphorus and cortisol, and anthropometric variables in primary postmenopausal osteoporotic women. Thirty estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women were assigned randomly to pulsed electromagnetic field therapy [PEMF], resistance training [RT], and control groups. Treatment in the PEMF group consisted of 45 min induction of rectangular wave with frequency of 30 Hz and intensity of 40 Gauss; the RT group consisted of performing trunk, upper and lower body resistance exercises that progressed during 6 weeks from 50% to 85% 1RM, for approximately 45 min, 3 days/week. Throughout this duration of six weeks, the control group was requested not to change their physical activity routines and dietary intakes. Blood total ALP, Ca2+, P, and cortisol was measured before and after 6 weeks. After 6 weeks of PEMF or RT, total ALP increased significantly in the control group. Fat mass was significantly decreased in RT group after 6 weeks and increased significantly in controls. In all groups serum Ca, P, and cortisol showed no significant changes after 6 weeks. Regarding the increase of total ALP in the RT and PEMF groups, it seems that PEMF can be used instead of RT for improving bone metabolism in high risk, severely osteoporotic patients

[ effect of 6-week submaximal training with and without external loading on cardiovascular fitness, balance, cortisol, and lipid profiles in osteoporotic postmenopausal women]

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare submaximal aerobic exercise with and without external loading on physical fitness, balance and blood lipids in osteoporotic postmenopausal women

Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven volunteer osteoporotic postmenopausal women were randomly divided into three groups: aerobic [n=8], weighted vest [n=9], and control [n=10]. Training consisted of 18 sessions of submaximal aerobic walking on the treadmill 30 min daily for 3 times a week. [3 min warm-up, 24 min training with 50-60% Heart rate reserve [HRR], and 3 min cool down]. In the weighted vest group, subjects wore a weighted vest [4-8% of body weight]. Body composition, balance and, cardiovascular fitness parameters were measured before and after training and blood lipids and cortisol hormone levels were also assessed

Results: Fat decreased and lean mass increased significantly in the weighted vest group [P=0.027 and P=0.005 respectively]. HRrest and BPrest significantly decreased in the weighted vest and aerobic groups, respectively. After training, balance criteria increased significantly in the weighted vest and aerobic groups, but decreased in the control group. Cortisol levels showed a significant decrease in training groups. Lipid level changes were not significant

Conclusion: Results of this study showed the weighted vest training is better to improve physical fitness and balance in osteoporotic postmenopausal women. Cortisol depression after submaximal aerobic exercise may be effective in maintenance of bone mass in postmenoposal women

[Effects of the lower leg tapping on H reflexes recruitment curve parameters: a comparison of soleus and lateral gastrocnemius muscles motor neurons]

The application of tapping has been widely used by physiotherapists for many years as a useful rehabilitation program in the treatment of a wide variety of neuron musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore the aim of this study was to answer whether Tapping has the same effects on fast jerking muscles motor neurons as it affects slow muscle or not? In this semi-experimental study, Fifteen non-athletic healthy volunteers with the age of 27.7 +/- 3.4 ?years old in the way of available sampling were assessed. After cutting and preparing, the Y-strip Kinesiotape was applied on insertion of Achill Tendon toward medial and lateral head of Gastrocnemious muscles. The H-Reflex was used for assessment of motor neurons recruitment curve of soleus and lateral gastrocnemious muscles. Percutaneously 40 electrically pulses with duration of 1 millisecond and 3 stimulations per each stimulus intensity were induced on Tibial nerves and H-Reflex recruitment curve were recorded in 4 phases. In order to compare the parameters between two muscles the ANOVA repeated measurement was used. The required intensity to record the last H-Reflex in recruitment curve was significantly decreased in lateral Gastrocnemious compare with Soleus, 5 minutes after tapping [P=0.01] and 15 minutes after stopping the tap [P=0.03]. There was a significant difference in the average changes in other variables. But There was a significant difference in all other variables in lateral gastrocnemious compare with soleus muscle [P<0.05]. Tapping has more facilitative effects on lateral Gasterosoleus muscle specially type I motoneurons and to some lesser extent in soleus motoneurons. Therefore it seems that Tapping can be more used to facilitate fast muscles

Effects of low intensity pulsed ultrasound on healing of denervated Tibial fracture in the rabbit

Low intensity pulsed ultrasound [LIPUS] has been shown in healing of fractures. This study investigates the effect of LIPUS as a fracture-healing adjunct on the denervated tibial fractures in rabbit model. Twenty four male Dutch rabbits were randomly divided into four groups including two control and two ultrasound-treated [US-treated] groups. A standardized mid-tibial osteotomy was performed in the right tibia. Ipsilateral sciatic nerve was cut two centimeter above the right knee. After three days, the rabbits of US-treated groups received the therapeutic dose [100 mW/cm[]] of ultrasound for 15 minutes per day until the 6th and 8th week and the control groups did not receive any treatment. The rabbits were sacrificed at weeks 6th and 8th post surgery and the external fixator and tibia were carefully removed. Radiographs were taken by lateral and anteroposterior views. Mechanical testing of rabbit's tibiae was used. The specimens were taken from callus of fracture for histomorphometric study of trabecula in the fractured area. Immunohistochemical staining for ki67 was used to evaluate cellular proliferation. Radiographs showed the callus was visible indicating the ossification of the callus tissue without any significant difference between US- treated and control groups. Biomechanical, histomorphic and immunohistochemical evaluations had no significant difference between control and US-treated groups after 6 and 8 weeks postoperation. These finding suggest that ultrasound therapy with features which applied in this study had no significant effect on denervated tibial fracture repair in rabbits

[Evaluating the effects of pentoxifylline administration on experimental pressure sore in rats by biomechanical examinations]

The aim of the present investigation was to study the effect of pentoxifylline administration on wound healing process of an experimental pressure sore in rat by biomechanical evaluating method. In ten adult male rats under general anesthesia and sterile conditions one experimental pressure sore by no20Halsted mosquito forceps were made. A double layer folded skin of dorsal region were held under most pressure grade of the forceps for 2 hours. It was followed by 30 minutes[the skin] relaxation. This procedure was repeated for 12 times during three consecutive days. Seven days later pressure sore was made. Rats were divided into control and experimental groups. Pentoxifylline was injected intraperitonealy at a dose of 50mg/kg daily from beginning of pressure sore for twenty days. After these procedures rats were killed by chloroform, and samples were extracted from the wound and surrounding skin. Samples were biomechamcally examined by a material testing instrument and maximum stress [N/mm[2]] work up to maximum force [Nmm]. The young modulus of elasticity [N/mm] were them calculated. In experimental group maximum stress [2.05 +/- 0.15] and work up to maximum force [63.75 +/- 4.97] were significantly higher than those of control group[1.3 +/- 0.27] and[43.3 +/- 14.96] [p-0.002 and p=0.035 relatively]. Pentoxifylline administration in rats which had an experimental pressure sore significantly accelerated wound healing process compared to those of control group which was observed by biomechanical examination

[ acute and permanent effects of short term aerobic training on coagulation and fibrinolytic factors and lipid profiles in postmenopausal women]

The risk of acute cardiovascular and thrombotic events increases after menopause. Changes in hormones, body composition and especially abnormalities in endogenous coagulation and the fibrinolysis system may play important roles in the risk of an acute cardiovascular event. Physical activity and physical fitness have consistently been linked to lower CVD rates in women. In this study we evaluated the effect of short-term aerobic training on the fibrinolytic and coagulative factors, anthropometric parameters and fat profiles in postmenopausal women. Twenty healthy postmenopausal women, aged between 48-55 years, were randomly divided into two groups, the training [n=10], and control groups [n=10]. Training consisted of 10 sessions of sub-maximal aerobic cycling, 35 minutes for a 3 weeks period, 3 times a week [5 min warm up, 25 min aerobic training, and 5 min active and 15 min passive recovery]. Changes in specific coagulation, fibrinolytic factors and fat profiles were assessed, both before the first, and again and before and after the 10th session of the aerobic program. At the end of the training we found no statistically differences in weight and BMI [Body Mass Index] between the two groups; lean body mass however increased [p=0.01] and percentage of fat decreased in the training group [p-0.05]. Rest heart rate [p=0.000], systolic [p=0.004] and diastolic blood pressure [p=0.05] and after [p=0.004] the 10th session, tPA-Ac showed a significant increase only after the 10th session [p=0.002]. Also fibrinogen [p=0.04] and vWF-Ag, [Von Willebrand Factor], showed significant reduction before and after the 10th session [p=0.004]. After training, total cholesterol [p=0.006], triglycerides [p=0.05] and LDL [p=0.03] decreased, whereas HDL [p=0.007] increased. In postmenopausal women aerobic training increased activity levels of fibrinolytic factors and decreased acute and permanent effects of coagulative factors. These changes in the coagulative factors and fat profiles suggest that regular sub-maximal aerobic training in postmenopausal women may prevent cardiovascular diseases

[ effect of trans-cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS] on range of motion and morning stiffness of knee joint on patient with knee osteoarthritis]

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent human joint disease and knee joint is the most common joint, which is affected in the disease. The most common signs of this disease are reducing of motion range and morning stiffness of knee joint. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the effect of TENS technique, as a non-pharmacological therapy, on range of motion and morning stiffness of knee joint on patients with knee osteoarthritis. In this quasi-experimental and single blind study, a total of 57 patients with knee osteoarthritis who referred to Imam Khomeini hospital in Tehran in 2005 were randomly divided into two groups of case [29] and control [28]. TENS technique [110 Htz] was administered to the case group for 4 weeks [3 times a week for 20 minutes]. Then, range of motion and morning stiffness of knee joint measured in different times during the intervention in this group. The same situation was used for the control but with turn-off system [Placebo]. Range of motion and morning stiffness of knee joint was measured in the two groups in the first season [beginning], sixth session and at the end of study. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, KV, and t tests. The mean of motion range in the case group was 82.2 +/- 2.26 before intervention, and increased to 89.7 +/- 3.07 and 117 +/- 4.5 at the sixth session and at the end of intervention, respectively [p<0.001]. In the control group, the mean of this parameter in different times of intervention was not significant. Moreover, in the two groups, there was not significant difference in joint morning stiffness in different times of intervention. Based on the results, TENS technique affects remarkably on range of motion with no effect on morning stiffness of knee joint in patients with osteoarthritis. Thus, this method would increase range of knee motion in patients with osteoarthritis

[Effects of boron and calcium supplementation on mechanical properties of bone in rats]

The objective of this study was to consider the effects of boron [B] and calcium [Ca] supplementation on mechanical properties of bone tissues and mineral content of selected bones in rats. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats underwent three different treatments with boron and calcium in their drinking water, while being fed ad libitum for 4weeks. Rats were placed into three treatment groups: group1 were given 2 mg B/d; group 2, 300 mg Ca/d, and group 3, a combination of 2 mg B + 300 mg Ca/d. After the experimental period body weights were recorded and bone mechanical properties were determined on the tibiae, femurs, and fifth lumbar vertebral bones and the mineral contents of these bones was calculated as the ash percentage. Bone mechanical properties were observed to be better after boron supplementation. The hardness of the lumbar vertebral bones tended to increase in all groups. The group receiving Boron supplementation demonstrated maximal hardness in all bones while calcium supplementation had the least effect; however, in the case of lumbar vertebral bones, this negative effect was corrected in the presence of boron,. Highest mean energy to maximal load was shown with boron supplementation, demonstrating significant differences with Ca group; in comparison with the controls, least difference in mean energy to maximal load, was seen in the Calcium group. There were no significant differences in energy and deformation with ultimate load among the four groups. There were no significant differences in ash weights among the four groups. Boron supplementation increased the bone mechanical properties in rats and its efficiency tended to be higher in lumbar vertebral bones

[Comparison of effectiveness and durability of two stretching methods [Hold-Relax, Static Stretching] for treatment of hamstring muscle tightness]

It is quite obvious that stretching techniques enhance the joint range of motion. However the permanency of these techniques after the treatment period remains questionable. So this randomized clinical trial was done to determine and compare the permanency of Hold-Relax and static Stretching techniques on extensibility of short hamstring during 4 weeks. Twenty non-athlete girls with 18-26 years old with bilateral hamstring muscles shortness [SLR /= 0.05]. These findings revealed that there is no clear difference in terms of effects and permanency between the two techniques, so the results of our study enable clinicians to provide the more simple technique in their stretching activities that is [static stretch]