[Assessment of effect of cognitive task on postural control in female patients with knee osteoarthritis]

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems that can affect activity daily living of patients. Many studies have indicated postural control deficits in these patients; but the effect of dual tasking on postural control has not been examined yet. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of cognitive task on postural control in the female patients with knee osteoarthritis. Postural stability in knee OA patients and healthy subjects [20 subjects in each group] in four positions was measured using the Force plate. Positions included double leg stance with closed or opened eyes with and without cognitive task. Area of COP and mean velocity [Vm] were measured for as static postural stability. Area under the curve increased in the double leg stance position in the patients significantly [P<0.05]. While mean velocity decreased by performing a dual task [P<0.05]. The response to dual-tasking was not significant between the 2 groups [P>0.05]. Postural control deficits and increased of center of pressure's sway were identified in participants with Knee osteoarthritis. Also performance of a cognitive task resulted in decrease of postural sway, but the dual- tasking did not change the postural performance of knee OA patients compared to healthy subjects

Assessment of balance impairments in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems, can affect on patient's daily activity and produce dependency in their daily activity and functional disability; The aim of present study is to compare static balance in patients with knee osteoarthritis and healthy subjects using force plate. Postural stability in knee OA patients and healthy subjects [each group 20 subjects] were measured by force plate. Two positions were selected double stance with closed or opened eyes. Range of fore/aft [Rfa] and Range of side ways [Rsw], were measured as static postural stability. Rsw increased significantly in the double stance position in patients group [P<0.05]. Also in both groups, Rsw and Rfa in the double stance with closed eyes were more than of open eyes position [P<0.05]. Postural control deficits and increase of center of pressure's sway were identified in participants with knee osteoarthritis. Therefore, one of the most important goals of rehabilitation is to improve balance control in knee OA patients

effects of simultaneous activation of exteroception and proprioception on function of upper extremity in children with diplegic spastic cerebral palsy, 3-7 years old

The role of function of upper extremity in activity of daily living is critical and any impairment of function could cause major problems for diplegic spastic cerebral palsy [CP] patients. So, the application of rehabilitation protocols that could regain the hand function is very important. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of simultaneous activation of exteroception and proprioception on function of upper extremity in children with diplegic spastic CP, 3-7 years old. Thirteen CP patients [3-7 years; mean: 4.92 years; 4 boys and 9 girls] were participated in this study. Simultaneous activation of exteroception and proprioception were done 3 times a week [for 8 weeks]. Function of upper extremity was evaluated by Quest Test and the degree of spasticity in wrist was evaluated by Modified Ashworth Scale. The results of this study showed that after simultaneous activation of exteroception and proprioception, function of upper extremity was significantly improved [P<0.001]. In addition, degree of spasticity in wrist muscles was significantly decreased [P<0.022]. Based on results of current study, it might be suggested that simultaneous activation of exteroception and proprioception could improve the function of upper extremity and decrease of spasticity. This in respect could reduce the disabilities of patients. So, the application of current protocols for the patients is suggested

case report: proximal femoral focal deficiency [PFFD]

Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency [PFFD]is a rare congenital defect with prevalence of one in 50000 to 200000 live births. It affects the proximal femur and frequently the acetabulum and may occurs unilaterally and/or bilaterally. The side effects of PFFD vary in patients. These include: limb length discrepancy, instability of the hip and knee joint, contractures of the hip and knee muscles, unequal level of the knees, short stature and associated anomalies. Usually, children with PFFD and their families are faced with many treatment decisions, both surgical and non- surgical. Therefore, the treatment of PFFD has always been a challenge for the specialists. In this report, a 3-years-old boy with PFFD with dysplasia of hip and acetabulum and femur shortness in both side and delay in motor milestones has been reported who was referred by physician to the faculty of rehabilitation for occupational therapy and rehabilitation treatment

[Study of causes of patellofemoral pain syndrome in taekwondo athletes compaired with non-athletes]

Taekwondo is one of the active and exciting martial arts, during competitions about 90 percent of stricks are executed by feet and through powerful, tiny and fast movements, knee bending and straightening in different angle of hip joint movements. Meanwhile during raising lower limb, it is probable direct hits to ones thigh and knee. in the other hands, there are too complaints about anterior knee pains among athletes in clinics. Therefore this make a question in mind: Is there any relationship between knees severes activities in this sport and patellofemoral pain syndrome. The aim of this study is to answer to this question. In this study, 30 professional male-taekwondo athletes from north of Khuzestan were selected separately according to inclusion and exclusion criteria after preliminary assessments by orthopedist and physiotherapist. Raw data about causes of patellofemoral pain syndrome and functional tests and physical measurements [thigh, knee and ankle joint,etc] were collected. Similar data collected from a thirty non-athlete, the second group. Collected data from both groups analyzed with SPSS package. The following results were obtained after comparing the two groups initial left and right knees measurements.1. Athletes right knees patellofemoral joints assessment score [karlsson questionnaire score] was considerably lower than the nonathlete ones. [P=0/039] 2. There were no considerable differences in two legs Q-angle between two groups during sitting or standing conditions.3. There were no considerable differences in measures obtained from knee functional tests between two groups.4. There were no considerable differences in thigh circumferential size in different distances from knee joint line between two groups. Low score obtained from karlsson questionnaire for taekwondo athletes right foot v.s non-athletes is an evidence for existence of more prepared factors for P.F.P.S. some of these factors are:1. Tightness of muscles and soft tissue. 2. Lack of muscular efficiency [partial weakness] than overpressure knees in taekwondo. 3. Increased Q-angle

[Comparison of concentric isokinetic dominant shoulder internal and external rotator torque between professional female volleyball and tennis players]

The purpose of this study was to measure isokinetic maximum and average peak torque of internal and external rotators of glenohumeral joint in volley ball and tennis players This study was performed on 17 professional female athletes [7 tennis players and 10 volleyball players] with age ranged 18-28 years. The subjects had played in a skilled team for more than 3 years. They were free from injury to their dominant shoulder in the past year. Subjects performed a five minute warm up by shoulder wheel and Maximum average Peak Torque [APT] were obtained unilaterally by a Biodex System 3 with the arm of players in 90 degree abduction at 120,180 and 210 o/s. Players performed five trails of concentric movements with 30 second rest between them. Maximum and average of maximum torques of shoulder rotator, in both groups, expect for internal rotators of tennis players, reduced by increase of movement speed [P<0.05]. There are not significant difference between two groups in maximum, average of maximum torques and normalized data [ratio of maximum torque to weight]. There is significant difference between two groups in percentage of APT of External rotator / Internal rotator ratio at 210 o/s [P<0.05]. Volleyball and tennis have no effect on isokinetic strength of shoulder rotators. In high speed, ratio of External rotator / Internal rotator is reduced. This indicates that increase in movement speed increase internal rotator in comparison to external rotator in these professional female athletes