[ Relationship between Static and Dynamic Postural Stability Index and Anthropometrics Index in Healthy Men and Women with Normal BMI Index]

Background: Changing in anthropometrics index can cause a reduction in the balance of body and may be considered as a contributing factor in falling down. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the correlation between body mass index [BMI] and static and dynamic postural balance among healthy subjects.

Materials and Methods: Fifty healthy male and female University students were selected through simple non-probability sampling. Static and dynamic stability index were measured by means of Biodex Balance System and also a tape measure and non-digital scale were used to examine Anthropometrics index. Obtained data were analyzed through Independent t-test and Pearson Correlation test[p<0.05].

Results: Results did not show a significant correlation between static stability index and BMI among male and female groups [p>0.05] [for example: the overall static stability index r= 0.21, p=0.30 in male group] while, there was observed a significant correlation between dynamic stability index and BMI, Weight and Height variables among male and female groups [p<0.05] [for example: the overall dynamic stability index r= 0.54, p= 0.005 in male group]. Besides, there was an adverse significant correlation between the range of stability index and BMI [for example: the overall limit of dynamic stability r=-0.45, p=0.02 in male group].

Conclusion: present results indicated that there are a direct relationship between dynamic stability and anthropometrics indexes and also, an indirect relationship between the range of stability and anthropometrics indexes.

[Cervicogenic headache - a case report]

Cervicogenic headache [CEH] is a chronic, hemicranial pain syndrome in which the sensation of pain originates in the cervical spine or soft tissues of the neck and is referred to the head. Cervicogenic headache is a relatively common but often overlooked disorder. There is sufficient evidence to support this category and the existing diagnostic criteria are adequate. The purpose of this case report was to describe an intervention approach consisting of release and muscle energy techniques for an individual with cervicogenic headache. Clinical examination revealed myofacial trigger points in trapezius, sternocliedomastoid and upper cervical spine erectors. Visual analogue scale [VAS] identified severe pain. Range of flexion and rotation was reduced. Complete pain relief was seen following three times treatment sessions. The results indicating definite diagnosis and appropriate treatment of cervicogenic headache

[Comparison of the effects of closed and open kinematic chain and target angle on knee joint position sense in healthy men and women]

Weight bearing position is considered as a functional condition. However, available data about it and also knee position sense is little. This study aimed to compare knee joint position sense in weight bearing and non weight bearing positions in men and women, and to determine the effect of target angle on knee joint position sense. This interventional study was performed in Zahedan University of medical sciences, Zahedan, Iran in 2006. Forty-four healthy subjects [22 women, 22 men] participated in this study through simple non-probability sampling. Subjects were asked to flex their knees in prone or in standing position, while their eyes closed. Three target angles [45, 60, 90 degrees of knee flexion] were reproduced by each subject. Angle matching errors were measured using an electrogoniometer. Outcomes were collected in form of relative, absolute and variable errors. Data were analyzed using MANOVA test. There was significant difference between weight bearing and non weight bearing positions in terms of angle matching error [P < 0.05], while no significant difference was seen between women and men, and also in three target positions. This study showed that subjects are more capable of recognition and identification of the angles during weight bearing position. A larger amount of proprioceptive afferent data may result from sources other than examined knee and lower extremity

relationship between lower-extremity muscle strength and functional performance in hemiparetic patients

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between involved lower extremity muscle strength and two functional tasks: gait ability and balance and motor skills in chronic stage of a stroke. In 2004, an analytical study was conducted in Tehran province, Iran. Participants were thirty-four hemiparetic patients secondary to stroke aging 52.41'6.19 years and 37'26.37 months since stroke. The isometric strength of seven muscle groups was measured with a hand-held dynamometer. Gait ability and balance and motor skills were evaluated using Functional Ambulation Category [FAC] and Timed get up and go tests, respectively. All muscle groups' strength, except for hip extensors [r = 0.16], were correlated significantly with the timed get up and go scores [r = 0.37-0.45]. None of these muscle groups' strength, except for hip abductors [r = 0.34], were correlated with functional ambulation category test scores [r = -0.02-0.2]. The results showed that all muscles' strength, except for hip extensors, were valid predictors of balance and motor skills and strength of hip abductors were valid predictors of gait ability. Our results are in support of using the involved lower extremity muscle strength measurements for evaluation of balance and motor skills and treatment of people in the chronic stage of a stroke

Prevalence of shoulder postural impairments in 10-12 years old primary students of Zahedan

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of shoulder postural impairments in 10-12 years old primary school students of Zahedan in 2005. One hundred-fifty three students participated in this descriptive study through multi-stage clustering sampling. The Level of shoulders [cm] and the rounded shoulders [cm] were measured using checkered board and board with red line in its center, respectively. Scapular symmetry [cm] was measured using Kibler test. The level of dominant shoulder was higher than non-dominant shoulder in 89.7% of right-handed students. Scapular asymmetry was not seen in zero [p = 0.42] and 90 [p = 0.3] degrees of shoulder abduction in dominant shoulders of the right handed students. Rounded shoulders were seen in 56.2% of students. Although, rounded shoulders was more common in 10 years old [in 61.6%] [p = 0.002]. Shoulder depression was seen in 61.3% of students that carrying shoulder bag [p = 0.028]. Present results showed that long term settling in abnormal posture with regard to flexibility of musculoskeletal system resulted in rounded shoulders. Also, carrying shoulder bag can lead to shoulder depression. The results support the effectiveness of proper postural and writing training for preventing shoulder postural impairments

effect of strengthening exercises on exaggerated muscle tonicity in chronic hemiparesis following stroke

The purpose of this study was to determine quadriceps and gasterosoleous muscles tonicity problems in hemiparetic patients and the effects of strengthening exercises protocol in treatment of these impairments. In 2004, a clinical randomized trial was conducted in Tehran province, Iran. Thirty four-hemiparetic patients secondary to stroke aging 49.05 +/- 6.19 years participated in this trial. Patients were assigned randomly to either an experimental group or a control group and muscle strength [kg] were measured using hand held dynamometer and their muscle tone [ordinal] was graded on the Modified Ashworth Scale [MAS] before and after 12 sessions of intervention. The experimental group received functional, balance and strengthening exercises protocol. The control group received functional and balance exercises protocol. In experimental group measure of quadriceps and gastrosoleous tonicity decreased from 1.88 +/- 1.05 to 0.82 +/- 0.88 and 3.06 +/- 1.43 to 1.65 +/- 1.11, respectively [p<0.0001]. Treatment was reduced gastrosoleous tone from 3.23 +/- 1.15 to 3 +/- 1 in the control group [p= 0.041]. Tonicity of both muscles decreased in the experimental group compared to the control group [p<0.0001]. Present results, in contrary with current opinions, support the effectiveness of lower limb muscle strength training to reduce the spasticity in addition to improving muscle strength in the chronic stage of stroke