[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

[Cross cultural adaptation, validity and Reliability study of the Persian version of the American shoulder and elbow surgeons [ASES] questionnaire for evaluation of shoulder function in injured athletes]

The translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the Persian version of the American shoulder and elbow surgeons [ASES] were carried out in accordance with published guidelines. The study was conducted on 100 athletes [25.96 +/- 5.81 years], which suffered from different shoulder disorders. When the translation and cultural adaptation of the original questionnaire was carried out on the standardized method, the participants were asked to complete a questionnaire booklet including the DASH, the Short Form General Health Survey [SF-36] and ASES questionnaires. In addition, 30 randomly selected patients were asked to complete the ASES questionnaire 48 hours later for the second time. After data collection the Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS software. The Cronbach's alpha was used to indicate internal consistency. Cronbach's alpha was 0.91 for ASES. Test-retest reliability was quantified by use of the intraclass correlation coefficient. It was 0.91 for ASES questionnaire. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used for the questionnaire validation study. The DASH questionnaire showed high correlation of ICC=0.78 with ASES. The ASES showed moderate correlation of 0.48 to 0.62 with those of the various scales of the SF-36. The Iranian ASES showed good reliability and validity and can be used for shoulder-specific patient self-assessment

Effect of 2 different jump types on vertical leg stiffness and performance parameters in healthy young women

To investigate effects of 2 different jump types on vertical leg stiffness and performance parameters in healthy young women. People usually use various types of high jumping. It seems any model may have different effects on biomechanical parameters of the human body. Present study determined the effect of 2 jump types on performance parameters and vertical leg stiffness as a mechanical response of body to perturbations which occur during jumping. Vertical leg stiffness and performance parameters [jump height, flight time, contact time and power] were calculated in 25 healthy female subjects, under 2 conditions of Squat Jump [SJ] and Counter Movement Jump [CMJ]. Vertical leg stiffness [P= 0.028] and jump height [P= 0.039] were significantly higher in CMJ than SJ. Jump type has not any significant effects on the flight time [P= 0.1], contact time [P= 0.7] and power [P= 0.3]. Counter movement jump increases the muscle force production, work output and GRF and may cause improvement in jump performance. Increased vertical leg stiffness improves performance as well as the risk of injury

Fractal time series analysis of force in subjects with chronic ankle instability

Forces which applied to ankle joint for control of stability can cause damage to joint if it does not have suitable control. Chronic ankle instability [CAI] is a current disability that can affect on activity daily living of the patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate forces which contribute to control of posture in difficult conditions. Postural control was measured by force plate in two groups of CAI and healthy subjects. Eight positions were selected, including of double stances with closed or opened eyes, and single stances with opened eyes [right/ left] with and without a cognitive task. Force changes in two direction; medial/lateral and anterior/posterior were evaluated with fractal time series analysis. Fractal dimension of force in two groups, following dual task in all of conditions reduced significantly [P<0.05]. There was not significant different between two groups in double stance with or without dual task. Single stance in patients indicated significant increase of fractal dimension in affected ankle joint [P<0.05] but comparison of two side in healthy subjects did not have difference. Also there was significant increase of fractal in affected ankle joint of patients in comparison with similar side of healthy subjects [P<0.05]. Patients with [CAI] have a problem in regulation offeree for control of posture. This difficulty increased and clearly indicated by dual task condition, which can cause susceptible qualifications for recurrent injuries. Fractal dimension is a suitable factor for analysis of control of posture in difficult situations

[ effect of soft cervical collar on movement response and anticipatory postural adjustment of postural muscle of neck following arm flexion during standing]

Neck pain is one of three common complains of neuromuscular system. There are three subsystem to maintain stability of spine: passive subsystem, active [muscles] subsystem and control subsystem. Detection of postural muscle response during postural perturbation like fast arm movement can be utilized to analyse of postural control. Wearing cervical collars is a way to prevent or cure cervical pain. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of soft cervical collar on movement response and duration of activity and recruitment pattern of cervical muscles. Twenty healthy young women participated in this study. They flex right shoulder in response to sound stimulus with and without wearing soft cervical collar. Surface Electromyography [EMG] used to assess postural muscle activity in following muscles: Deltoid, Trapezius, Cervical Erector spinae and Sternocleidomastoid. The effect of soft cervical collar on reaction time, onset and duration of activity of cervical muscles was calculated, Wearing soft cervical collar increased reaction time of arm flexion [P< 0.05] and decreased duration of activity of cervical extensor, trapezius and erector spinae [P< 0.05]. During shoulder flexion with additional load, onset activity of trapezius muscle was significantly earlier than other neck muscles but cervical erector spinae and Sternocleidomastoid exhibit coactivation pattern in response to perturbation. During fast arm movement that leads to postural perturbation, soft cervical collar alleviates the response and reduce activity of muscles. The strategy of motor control centers in response to perturbation in cervical spine is coactivation of flexor and extensor muscles to maintain stability

[Knee extension syndrome: a focus on symptoms and treatments]

Anterior knee pain [AKP or AnKP] is one of the most common disorders of knee. Many studies have been implemented about anterior knee pain and effect of different treatments on this disorder. Todays, this general term has been divided and studied more closely. Knee extension syndrome is one of the common disorders in orthopedic and physical therapy that diagnosed with increased stiffness of quadriceps muscle and causes anterior knee pain. The purpose of this review article is to evaluate this disorder more closely. A literature search was carried out using MEDLINE and SCIENCE DIRECT cite and JOSPT journal database to assess existing literature about anterior knee pain. Furthermore, literatures about the different standpoints of anterior knee pain and effectiveness of different treatments and interventions of anterior knee pain and knee extension syndrome have been identified. Fifty articles have been surveyed: forty-two articles evaluated the effect of different treatments on anterior knee pain. Five articles evaluated the various aspects of anterior knee pain more closely and three ones related to knee extension syndrome. According to these studies results, the causes of anterior knee pain can be classified in two categories: 1] anterior knee pain associated with patellofemoral disorders and 2] anterior knee pain non-associated with patellofemoral disorders. The knee extension syndrome is the cause for anterior knee pain but non-associated with patellofemoral disorders. In this disorder, the tilt angle of patella could be increased and this factor can increase the patients' pain. In contrast to general belief that focuses on tensor fascia lata- ilotiobial band complex [TFL-ITB complex], the rectus femoris muscle stretching should be focused more, because the ilotiobial band has a less effect on patellar tilt

[Effect of bobath's therapeutic approach on spasticity and quality of movement patterns in hemiplegic patients]

Hemiplegia is a complication, results from upper motor neuron lesions and is usually associated with spasticity and movement disorders. To control spasticity and accomplish functional activities, several approaches have been presented such as Neurodevelopment treatment [NDT], according to Bobath's assumptions. Although lower limb spastic hemiplegia is common and its management is time-consuming, in this study we were intended to examine the effectiveness of this therapeutic approach on spasticity management and quality of lower limb movement patterns. Fifteen hemiplegic patients [age range, 44-75] participated in this study. Baseline assessments before and after the treatment included: spasticity measurement of plantar flexor muscles of ankle according to the Original Ashworth Scale [OAS], measurement of active and passive range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion and defining the quality of lower limb movement patterns according to "Standing test" of Bobath's approach. Following intervention [20 sessions], there was a significant decrease in spasticity and a significant increase in an active and passive range of motion and quality of movement patterns. According to the obtained results, by modification of excitation - inhibition in CNS and transmitting it to the peripheral region [muscles], Bobath's approach can reduce the spasticity of plantar flexor muscles, subsequently, the dorsiflexion range of motion increases. Indeed, this therapeutic approach increases coordination in movement patterns and improves quality of movement patterns by retraining balance in various positions. Results of this study may be used extensively in management of patients with upper motor neuron lesion referred to rehabilitation centers

[Isokinetic extension torque summation of lower extremity and functional test in patients with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency]

Knee joint has a major role in various lower extremity activities. Among different elements of knee joint complex; more interest was seen to anterior cruciate ligament because of its alignment, structural complications, more nerve receptors and susceptibility to injury. After injury of this ligament, knee extensor torque decreases but it is believed that this decrease compensated for by muscles of hip and ankle joints. This suggestion has not investigated by isokinetic studies. Therefore, the aim of this research was that if quadriceps muscle torque decreases in spite of rehabilitation process and if this decrease compensated for by hip extensors and ankle plantar flexors? 10 healthy men [age: 22-35 years old] and 10 patients with ACL deficiency [age: 23-42 years old] participated in this study. Plantar flexor muscle strength, quadriceps muscle strength and hip extensor muscle strength were tested by Isokinetic Biodex System 3 at 60 and 180 degrees of angular velocities. Also functional vertical jump test was done for each lower extremity. Will coxson test and Spearman correlation coefficient were used. Results showed that there was no significant difference between mean strength of gastrosoleus, hip extensors and sum of mean strength of gastrosoleus, quadriceps and hip extensors of patient's injured and sound limbs [P>0.05]. Results showed that there was significant difference between mean strength of quadriceps of injured and sound limbs [P> 0.01]. There was no relationship between gastrosoleus, quadriceps and hip extensor summation and vertical jump functional test in the patients and normal subjects [P>0.05]. The results show that compensation occurs in the ankle plantar flexors and hip extensors of injured lower extremity. Thus in spite of significant decrease in quadriceps strength in the injured limb, sum of mean strength of gastrosoleus, quadriceps and hip extensor muscles between injured and sound limbs was not statistically significant. Also there was no relationship between functional test and isokinetic parameters. Thus functional vertical jump test can not be used instead of isokinetic test

Electromyographic analysis of shoulder impingement syndrome versus normal subjects

Altered muscle activity in the scapulothoracic and glenohumeral muscles is commonly believed to be a factor contributing to shoulder impingement syndrome [SIS], then, the aim of the study was to determine and compare the activity pattern of the shoulder muscles in subjects with and without SIS. In this case-control study, 9 female subjects with shoulder impingement syndrome and 13 matched healthy female subjects were participated voluntarily by simple random sampling. Surface electromyography of serratus anterior, pectoralis major, upper trapezium, lower trapezium, posterior deltoid, anterior deltoid muscles of dominant side were recorded during Diext and Diflex movement. Muscle activities were processed and compared in subjects with and without SIS. Non parametric test [Mann-Whitney Test]] was used for data analysis. In both movement patterns, all muscles of the patient showed a greater normalized RMS than healthy group but this increase was statistically significant in anterior deltoid [p=0/003, p=0/04], pectoralis major [p=0/01, p=0/02], serratus anterior [p=0/01] and posterior deltoid [p=0/01] during Diext and in lower trapezium [p=0/005,p=0=006] and pectoralis major [p=0/01] during Diflex. The results of this study indicate that patients with impingement symptoms show abnormal muscle activity. The findings support the theory that shoulders impingement may be related to altered muscle activity in the scapulothoracic and glenohumeral muscles

effect of lifting on trunk muscles motor control in athlete and non-athlete subjects

Spinal injury especially during occupational lifting is one of the most common neuromuscular disorders in the general population of the world. Asymmetric motions of trunk frequent bending and twisting, lifting and forceful activities contribute to spine disorders. Sport as a comprehensive activity might be able to cause less force to the spine and decrease spinal injuries. The purpose of present study was to determine the effect of lifting on motor control pattern during combined symmetric and asymmetric trunk motions on athlete and non-athlete subjects. Seventeen non-athlete female subjects and seventeen athlete female subjects performed to lift four loads [5,7,9, 12 kilogram] at symmetric and asymmetric conditions. Under each condition temporal parameters of motor control were measured on flexor and extensor of trunk muscles. In two groups of athletes and non-athletes with increasing load, muscles begin their activity faster [P<0.05]. No significant change was found at asymmetric condition. Also, in athletes premotor time of muscles during lifting was less than non-athletes. With increasing load, according to the feed forward control mechanism and awareness of subjects from amount of loads, muscles quickly prepared to contract for starting the movement. It seems that the response of movement on the neuromotor system of athletes is preprogrammed and automatic due to sport experience. Actually muscles have anticipation activity

Changes of flexion relaxation pattern following rhythmic motion and fatigue during neck flexion

Cognition of fatigue effects on motion response can improve treatment approaches. Determination of mechanism [maximal voluntary contraction and repetition of movement] that cause change of central responses and neuromuscular transmission have specific emphasis in evaluation and treatment of patients. Following fatigue it is arguable which is more important, neural or osteo-ligamental components. Behavior of para spinal muscles due to their roles in control of posture and spinal alignments are more importance. Gesture and motion pattern of neck and lumbar column following fatigue is due to accession of disorder in neuromuscular junction [NMJ] or limitation in reflex response at this system. Reflex influence is not just for muscle fatigue but also it appeared in synergic muscles. It is clear that stimuli and inhibitory ways have important role in this process. Twenty normal subjects [10 female and 10 male] contributed in this study. Tests were including: 1- Training and warm up 2- Placement of recording electrodes on neck extensor muscles at second and forth spinal vertebra of dominant side. 3- Five motion of neck flexion and extension in sitting position at full range without external load. 4- Fatigue test, contain; A- Maximal isometric contraction at middle range about 3 minute, which were controlled by a dynamometer until onset of fatigue. B- Fifty dynamic and cyclic motions of neck flexion and extension in full range of it. 5- Perform five motions similar stage 3 immediately after muscle fatigue. Three middle cycles were chosen for evaluation. Degree of off activities in flexion, degree of onset of activities in extension, silent period and mean of muscles activities [RMS], before and after fatigue selected for analysis. Comparison of two type of fatigue indicated that there are significant differences between them. Range of motion and eccentric activity were similar for two conditions. Isometric fatigue showed more effect than cyclic condition. In neck motions flexion relaxation occurred. Dynamic motion and isometric activities caused muscle fatigue and changed silent period. This period reduced and it means that onset of extensor muscle activities occurred very soon and moved to middle and outer ranges. In this manner, naught privilege mechanical of non contractile elements in neck region is cause of this reduction. On the other hand extensor muscles have more responsibility for control and preservation of posture. Comparison of two approaches indicated that isometric activity produce more fatigue and spectral indexes such as median and mean frequency reduced markedly

Immediate effect of lateral-wedged insole on postural control in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy [CP] is the most common motor impairment in childhood and affects 2 in 1000 live births, in which postural and motor control involved. In hemiplegic type, two sides of the body have differences in postural tone that cause weight shift to the intact side. In these children postural disorders appear as postural stability disorder. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of lateral wedge insole on postural control in cerebral palsy children. Sixteen hemiplegic children attended in this program and stood in two conditions on the force plate with and without lateral wedge on the hard plate. Center of pressure displacement measured for medio-lateral and antro-posterio directions. Every test took 20 seconds. It was repeated 3 times. Range of sideways decreased significantly with use of 5° wedge. Also a shoe wedge of 5° provided symmetrical weight distribution. The results represent that a 5° lateral wedge applied to the unaffected limb, can improve factors of postural control and gain the symmetry in hemiplegic children

effect of dual task on energy of postural sway in patients with neck myofacial pain

Neck pain is one of the common diseases [66.7%], which contains different age's groups such as youn. Results of researches indicate prevalence of women neck pain is higher than men, so experiment in neck disease in female is more necessary. The aim of this study is to evaluate changes of postural stability in patient with muscular neck pain. Twenty patients and fifteen healthy subjects contribute in this study. Postural sway in quiet standing was assessed in both limb stance [BLS], one limb stance [OLS] of dominant side, on a force platform with open eyes [rigid-open]; and standing on a force platform with closed eyes [rigid-closed]; and standing on the foam [10.5 cm-thick] with open eyes [foam-open] without shoes. All of above conditions were done with dual task. Mean changes of logarithmic displacement in medial-lateral and for- aft directions were calculated. There are significant differences between two groups, especially following dual task, and difficult conditions of OLS and standing on the foam. Patients with neck pain have difficultly in postural control that need to attending in treatment and prevention of following damages

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

Assessment of motor units recruitment at the knee extensor muscles

Biomechanical conditions of limbs can affect on motor unit recruitment [MUR] markedly. Surface Electromyography [SEMG] is an approach for evaluation of muscle activities and onset time during different fimctions. The purpose of this study is to use SEMG for detection of central motor control in different functions of knee extensor muscles. Ten healthy subjects contributed in this study. They were done five repetitions of knee flexion/extension in open and close chain separately during recording of SEMG simultaneously. Integrated EMG [iEMG] of three middle repeated cycles were detected according to chain [open- close] and kind of contraction [concentric- eccentric].then the Average of three slope of iEMG compared to each other. There were not significant differences in MUR of three extensor muscles for concentric and eccentric contractions in open chain but vastus medialis and lateralis muscles showed significant changes in close chain [P<0.05]. Result showed that there were significant differences of MUR for two kind of muscle contractions between open and close chains [P<0.05]. Recruitment of motor units has not shown difference in open chain between concentric and eccentric contractions. This process indicates representative similarity of control pattern in two kind of contraction in open chain. Concentric contraction at close chain cycle has more MUR in comparison with eccentric contraction. It is equal to more interference of contractible compartment in concentric to eccentric contraction. This happens due to the nature of two kind of contraction particularly in close chain cycle. Comparison between two chains indicated that more motor units contribute in close chain [concentric and eccentric]. It means that motor unit recruitment increased due to effect of increase of load in close chain

Changes in lumbar spine motor control strategies following an increase in load

Joint trauma and injury are the most common causes of dynamic instability. Dynamic instability has a great effect on the lumbar spine, due to its three-dimensional motions. The greatest amounts of compression and shearing force are imposed at the points of maximum torque and velocity. The changes in these phase angles upon bearing various loads can cause some pathologic conditions. In this study, we examined the phase angle at maximum torque and velocity in the three planes of movement and then estimated their displacement upon external loads. Using the B200 isoinertial dynamometer, 13 subjects were tested in three stages as follows: 1] Familiarization with tests and apparatus. 2] Warm-up and three maximum isometric tests, with a rest interval between each test, in the three axes of lumbar motion including: flexion/extension, rotation to right/left, lateral flexion to the right/left. 3] Five dynamic tests in these three axes of motion without load, with 25% maximum voluntary torque, and with 50% maximum voluntary torque. Special software was used to analyze the raw data and detect the occurrence of maximum torque and velocity in the dynamic range of motion at each of the three axes. When the load was increased, the maximum dynamic torque in each of the three axes increased [P < 0.05]. The increase in load shifted the phase angles toward the maximum torque and velocity [P < 0.05], with a positive correlation between changes in torque and velocity phase angles [P < 0.05]. Rather than being a function of the biomechanical pattern, the changes in maximum torque and velocity of the phase angles following an increase in motion resistance to the outer range of the three axes are actually a control behavior in the motion processing system in dynamic movement

[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

[Functional outcome of lower limb following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; a prospective clinical study]

Both isokinetic testing and functional tests are commonly used to evaluate anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed [ACLR] patients. The object of this study was to evaluate motor performance of the knee and determine the relationship of isokinetic test scores to scores on a variety of lower extremity functional tests. Ten healthy subjects and eleven ACLR patients at least six months after surgery performed the following: knee isokinetic tests at 60 and 180 deg/sec; three functional tests including leg vertical jump, single hop, and triple cross-over hop for distance. The International Knee Document Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form [IKDCSKEF] was used to score the self-assessment of each study participant. Paired T-test was used to compare the involved and uninvolved knee. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationship between the scores on the isokinetic test and functional tests. Significance was determined by P<0.05. IKDCSKEF score was significantly lower in patients than control subjects. Quadriceps peak torque and functional test scores were significantly lower in the involved knee of the ACLR subjects compared to the uninvolved knee. Correlation coefficients of isokinetic peak torque to body weight and functional testing were not significant in patients or control subjects, whi1e the limb symmetry index [LSI] of the quadriceps isokinetics peak torque to body weight and the LSI of the functional tests were significant [r = 0.54 to 0.97]. These results indicate a significant relationship between the LSI of various functional tests and the LSI of isokinetic testing among ACLR patients. Thus, in situations where an isokinetic dynamometer is not available, the LSI of functional tests can be used to estimate quadriceps deficiency for ACLR patients

[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

[Comparison of the effect of infrared [IR] and Phenytoin cream on skin wound healing in rat]

Background and Objective: Infrared [IR] is one of the modalities in electrotherapy that indicates for treatment of some diseases with minimal side effects, but there is different ideas about its effects on wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of IR on skin wound healing in rat and its comparison with phenytoin's effect

Methods: This interventional and experimental study was done on three groups of rats. After inducing general anesthesia in rats, skin wound was made on dorsal neck about 2 cm[2]. Then from third day after operation, IR and phenytoin cream [1%] were indicated in two groups. No treatment was administered for control group. Wound surface area, percentage of recovery and rat weight change post operation at 1[st], 4[th], 7[th] and 10[th] day were measured. Number of fibroblasts, collagen fibers, new vessels, lymphocytes, macrophages, neutrophils and thickness of epiderm were determined in three groups by biopsy at 10[th] day

Findings: The results showed that percentage of recovery was not significantly different in three groups at 4[th] day. But, percentage of recovery at 7[th] day in IR, control and phenytoin group were 51.5+/-17.7, 38.8+/-17.9 and 55.3+/-10.1, respectively [P<0.04] and at 10[th] day in IR, control and phenytoin group were 68.4+/-17.5, 57+/-18.4 and 78.9+/-8.2, respectively [P<0.01]. Number of new vessels, fibroblasts, macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils and thickness of epiderm were not significantly different in three groups after 10[th] days. Number of collagen fibers was significantly different in three groups [P<0.01]

Conclusion: Findings suggest that infrared accelerates wound healing from 7[th] day that this effect is the same as phenytoin's healing effect