Effect of modified constrained induced movement therapy on improving arm function in children with obstetric brachial plexus injury

Many children who sustain birth injuries to the brachial plexus suffer significant functional limitations due to various sequelae affecting the shoulder and elbow or forearm. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of a treatment program based on the elements of the modified constraint induced movement therapy [MCIMT] to encourage use of the affected arm of a child with obstetric brachial plexus injury [OBPI]. Thirty children with OBPI from both sexes ranging in age from three to five years were assigned into two groups of equal number. The control group [group A] who received the exercise program which focused on improving the arm function as well as shoulder abduction and external rotation and the study group [group B] received MCIMT in addition to the same exercise program given to the control group. The arm function was evaluated by the Mallet score system, while active abduction and external rotation range of motion were measured by a standard universal goniometer. The results revealed no significant difference when comparing the pretreatment mean values of the two groups [study and control], while a significant improvement was observed in measuring variables of the two groups when comparing their pre and post treatment mean values. A significant difference was also observed when comparing the post treatment results of the two groups in favor of the study group [group B]. The modified constraint movement therapy is an effective method on improving the arm function in children with OBPI

Effect of laser therapy versus aerobic exercise training on small airway ventilation and selected immune system response in asthmatic children

Asthma is common in children, affects about 18% of children less than 12 years of age worldwide and its prevalence is increasing. Patients with bronchial asthma have poor ventilation in small airways which gradually impairs their overall physical ability and reduces health related quality of life. Many people turn to alternative and complementary treatment. To compare the effect of laser acupuncture therapy and aerobic exercise on small airways ventilation [the greatest affected lung area] and immune system in asthmatic children. Thirty six asthmatic patients participated in this study and divided into two equal groups, group [1] received medical treatment and the usual physiotherapy in addition to laser acupuncture therapy, where group [2] received medical treatment and the usual physiotherapy in addition to aerobic exercise training. The program continued for two months. Measurements of lgG, FEF0.2-12%. FEF25-75% and MEF50% obtained before starting of the study and after two successive months. The results of this study indicated that there were significant improvements in the measurement parameters including IgG, FEF0.2-1.2%, FEF25-75% and MEF50% for both groups, where there was no significant difference between both groups [p<0.05]. Both laser acupuncture therapy and aerobic exercise can be considered as valid and effective modalities in the management of asthmatic patients

effect of sulphasalazine therapy on lipid peroxidation products from serum of psoriatic arthritic patients

Lipid peroxidation products as measured by fluorescence spectroscopy were detected in significant concentrations in serum from 10 of 15 [66.6%] of psoriatic arthritic patients as compared with serum from normal individuals. Sulfasalazine therapy significantly reduced the levels of lipid peroxidation products in serum from psoriatic arthritic patients as compared to their levels before treatment

talar tilt angle in the diagnosis of injuries of the lateral ligament of the ankle

Ninety consecutive cases of injuries of the lateral ligament of the ankle were involved in a prospective study to assess the reliability of the measurements of the talar tilt angle in determining the severity of the injury. Measurements were performed under local anesthesia. We introduced a new simple device to hold the ankle in maximum inversion by the patient. The sound side was used as a control and the difference in measurements between the affected side and the sound side was considered.It was found that a talar tilt difference of less than ten degrees indicates a mild injury which may be treated adequately by simple measures. But measures of more than ten degrees difference implies a more combined injury of the lateral ligament and should be treated accordingly