RESUMEN
Background and Aim: Cervical Traction (CT) is a vital physiotherapeutic modality in the management of cervical musculoskeletal disorders. This study determined the cardio-respiratory responses to CT using different percentage body weights on Apparently Healthy Individuals (AHI). Materials and Methods: 163 consecutively recruited AHI that met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned into three groups (A, B and C) that were subjected to CT weights of 7.5%, 10% and 15% of their total body weights respectively. Participants’ systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, Pulse Rate (PR), Respiratory Rate (RR) and Inspiratory Capacity (IC) was recorded before and after traction. The side-effects reported by participants during and after traction were also recorded using a previously validated 8- item self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using Paired t-test, Independent t-test, Chi square test and One-way ANOVA. Results: IC and PR significantly changed across the three groups post-traction. RR significantly changed in groups B and C post-traction but not in group A. SBP and DBP showed no significant differences in any of the group post-traction. The participant’s side effects of pain in the neck or arm, dizziness and shortness of breath were found to be significantly associated with cervical traction across the three groups, (p < 0.05; CI=0.00-0.00). Conclusion: CT alters the cardiovascular and respiratory system leading to side effects that increase with increased traction weight. Use of a minimum weight for CT is recommended.
RESUMEN
Background: Control of diabetes involves maintaining normal or near normal blood glucose levels through appropriate therapy: insulin; oral hypoglycemic agents; diet and exercise. The aim of this study was to investigate the blood glucose response to aerobic exercise training among subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH); Enugu. Materials and Methods: Subjects with diagnosis of T2DM attending the diabetes clinic of the UNTH participated in the study. A total of 54 subjects with T2DM (fasting blood sugar [FBS] of between110 and 225 mg/dl) were randomized into two age matched groups: Exercise (n = 30) and control (n = 24) groups. The exercise group involved in an 8 week continuous training (60-79 heart rate [HR] max) of between 45 and 60 min; 3 times/week; while the controls group remain sedentary. Systolic blood pressure (SBP); diastolic blood pressure (DBP); aerobic fitness (VO 2 max) and FBS were assessed. Analysis of covariance and Pearson correlation tests were used in data analysis. Results: We observed significant effect of exercise training program on; SBP (P = 0.000); DBP (P = 0.007); FBS (P = 0.001) and VO 2 max (P = 0.013). Changes in VO 2 max significantly and negatively correlated with changes in FBS (r = -0.220) at P 0.05. Conclusion: It was concluded that aerobic exercise program is an effective adjunct in controlling blood glucose level among type 2 diabetic subjects