The Effects of Topical Agent (Kelo-Cote or Contractubex) Massage on the Thickness of Post-Burn Scar Tissue Formed in Rats

BACKGROUND: We conducted an experimental study to compare the effect of massage using topical agents (Kelo-cote or Contractubex) on scar formation by massaging the healed burn wound on the dorsal area of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. METHODS: Four areas of second degree contact burn were made on the dorsal area of each of 15 SD rats, using a soldering iron 15 mm in diameter. After gross epithelialization in the defect, 15 SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: the Kelo-cote group, Contractubex group, Vaseline group, and control group. Rats in three of the groups (all but the Control group) were massaged twice per day for 5 minutes each day, while those in the Control group were left unattended. For histologic analysis, we performed a biopsy and evaluated the thickness of scar tissue. RESULTS: In the Kelo-cote and Contractubex groups, scar tissue thicknesses showed a significant decrease, compared with the Vaseline and control groups. However, no significant differences were observed between the Kelo-cote and Contractubex groups. In the Vaseline group, scar tissue thicknesses showed a significant decrease, compared with the control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that massage using a topical agent is helpful in the prevention of scar formation and that massage only with lubricant (no use of a topical agent) also has a considerable effect, although not as much as the use of a topical agent. Thus, we recommend massage with a topical agent on the post-burn scar as an effective method for decreasing the scar thickness.

Multivalent Effect of Isokinetic Muscular Strengthening Exercise in Aged Persons

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the multivalent effects of isokinetic strengthening exercises in aged person. METHOD: Sixrteen physically active elderly men and women (age 64.40+/-3.66) were recruited. The subjects underwent a 12-week knee flexor/extensor isokinetic exercise program of concentric contractions at a velocity of 180 degrees/sec of the both knee twice a week for 12 weeks. Training was carried out on the isokinetic dynamometer. The subjects were evaluated with muscular strength at 90 degrees/sec, endurance at 180 degrees/sec, cardio-pulmonary function, balance, mood and life quality at baseline, 4-week, 8-week and 12-week. RESULTS: Six of 16 people gave up in the middle of the course, 10 people completed a muscle strengthening exercise program. Muscular strength, balance, mood and life quality improved. CONCLUSION: Isokinetic exercise of the knee joint muscle was carried out and showed the result of multivalent effect in old age. Therefore strengthening exercise in aged persons was thought to be provided for welfare policy of an aging society as well as personal health improvement.

Validity of the Prediction Equation of the Maximal OxygenConsumption in Submaximal Exercise Test

OBJECTIVE: To explore accuracy and validity of a VO2max prediction equation of the multistage model using by modified Bruce protocol submaximal exercise test in healthy subjects. METHOD: Thirty three healthy subjects (age: 44.0+/-12.9) were recruited. VO2max was measured during treadmill by direct gas analysis from a maximal incremental test. VO2max was then predicted from multistage model equation with age, measured oxygen consumption and heart rate during a maximal incremental treadmill test. And the predicted VO2max values from equation were compared with the measured VO2max values. RESULTS: The predicted VO2max values and the measured VO2max values were highly correlated (r=0.9, p<0.001). The predicted VO2max values (2,285.3+/-536.0 ml/min) were not significantly different from the measured VO2max values (2,285.5+/-598.5 ml/min). CONCLUSION: In healthy subjects, the multistage model equation offers a fairly accurate VO2max prediction. Therefore the equation can be used in the estimation of VO2max at modified Bruce protocol in an aerobic exercise program.