High-voltage pulsed galvanic stimulation versus exercises on acceleration of recovery in Bell's palsy

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of high-voltage pulsed galvanic stimulation [HVPGS] on improving functional activity of facial muscles and facilitation of facial expression in Bell's palsy. The study included 20 patients from both sexes with age ranged from 11 to 13 years [mean = 9.97 +/- 1.59 years], they were selected on basic criteria to confirm the absence of contractures and to detect the stage of Bell's palsy. Strength duration curve [SDC] with different durations [0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 msec] and muscle grading scale for the orbicularis oris muscle were measured pre and post the suggested period of treatment. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups; the study group received a suggested program of HVPGS on the paralyzed facial muscles, followed by traditional physiotherapy treatment and the control group received traditional physiotherapy treatment only. Treatment was conducted for two successive months for both groups. Results collected at the end of treatment from the study group revealed a valuable reduction in the mean values of SDC of the orbicularis oris muscle which was concomitant with a significant increase in the active range of motion of the facial muscles. These results were statistically highly significant in relation to the results collected from the control group which might be due to the effect of HVPGS. The benefits afforded from this study indicated that the application of HVPGS in cases of Bell's palsy may facilitate the facial muscles, which was concomitant with the improvement in facial expression

Role of aerobic exercises on controlling blood sugar in juvenile diabetes

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of aerobic exercises on controlling blood sugar in juvenile diabetes. The study included eighteen patients from both sexes, with age ranged from nine to twelve years. They were selected on basic criteria to confirm the blood sugar. They were randomly and divided into two groups of equal number, control and study groups. Patients in the control group received medical treatment [insulin] and diet control only, while those belonging to the study group received a suggested program of aerobic exercises in addition to the previously mentioned regimen. Blood glucose and body weight analysis was done pre and post the suggested period of treatment. Treatment was conducted for ten successive weeks. The collected data after termination of the suggested period of treatment of both groups revealed significant improvement in the study group, utilizing aerobic exercises, compared to those in the control group. Furthermore, a similar improvement was also noted in comparing the results of the study group, before and after treatment. Such an improvement included reduction of blood glucose and body weight. So, it should be stressed that utilization of aerobic exercises in combination with insulin therapy and diet control is effective in treating juvenile diabetes