Effects of measurement posture and stimulation intensity on the nociceptive flexion reflex (RIII reflex).

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the measurement posture and stimulation intensity on the nociceptive flexion reflex (RIII reflex). [Subjects and Methods] Thirty normal female adult subjects were selected for this study. Their RIII reflexes were measured in three positions and with three degrees of stimulation intensity. The measurement posture was randomly selected. The analysis items were the stimulation intensity of the induced RIII reflex, the amplitude of the RIII reflex, and the numeric rating scale (NRS). [Results] The study results showed statistically significant differences in the interaction effects between the measurement posture and the stimulation intensity. The NRS showed no statistically significant differences in the interaction effects but showed statistically significant differences in the main effect. The amplitude of the RIII reflex showed no statistically significant differences in the interaction effects and showed statistically significant differences only in the stimulation intensity. [Conclusion] The study results suggest that the RIII reflex may be influenced by the measurement posture and stimulation intensity.

Analysis of the muscular activities of the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles in functional reach.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the changes in the muscle activities of each section of the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles in the functional reach test. [Subjects and Methods] This study selected those who can walk independently, can reach out their arm up to over 25 cm, can show over 90° shoulder joint bending, have not undergone an operation in the lower limb joint, and are not taking any medication affecting their ability to keep their balance from among 24 elderly males and 24 elderly females. The muscular activities of the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles were measured using the functional reach test and electromyogram. The functional reach test was conducted at a total of four sections: 0, 15, 20, and 25 cm. [Results] Gender and age affected the muscular activity by section in the functional reach test. It was also found that the gastrocnemius muscle was used more than the tibialis anterior muscle to keep the balance, and the aged subjects with good balance ability showed no great change in muscular activity on both stable and unstable ground. [Conclusion] It was found that the subjects used the tibialis anterior muscle more, and the lower limbs of the frequently used part, to keep their balance. As the aged subjects had good balance ability, they showed no great change in muscular activity on both stable and unstable ground.

Effects of body mass index on plantar pressure and balance.

[Purpose] To suggest physiotherapy programs and to determine foot stability based on the results of plantar pressure and spontaneity balance in the normal group and in the obesity group according to the body mass index (BMI). [Subjects and Methods] The plantar pressure and balance of 20 females college students in their 20s were measured according to their BMI. BMI was measured by using BMS 330. The peak plantar pressure was measured in a static position in the forefoot and hind-foot areas. To study balance, the spontaneity balance of each foot was measured on both stable and unstable surfaces. [Results] In terms of plantar pressure, no significant change was observed in the forefoot and hind-foot peak pressure. In terms of spontaneity balance, no significant difference in foot position interaction was observed on both stable and unstable surfaces, while a significant difference was observed in the foot position between the groups. [Conclusion] The index of hind-foot spontaneity balance was low, particularly in the obesity group. This meant significant hind-foot swaying. The forefoot body weight support percentage increased to reinforce the reduced spontaneity balance index.

Effects of galvanic vestibular stimulation on event related potentials.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of galvanic vestibular stimulation on event-related potentials. [Subjects and Methods] Forty normal female adult subjects were randomly distributed to a galvanic vestibular stimulation application group (20 subjects) and sham group (20 subjects). For galvanic vestibular stimulation application, a positive electrode was applied to the right mastoid process, and a negative electrode was applied to the left mastoid process; simulation was applied for 10 minutes. A test was conducted on the N100 and P300 components of the event-related potentials before and after galvanic vestibular stimulation. [Results] The N100 latency showed statistically significant differences in interaction effects between time and group in the F3, F4, Fz, and Pz areas. The P300 latency showed the same results in the Fp1 and Fp2 areas, the N100 amplitude showed the same results in the Fp2, Fz, and Pz areas; and the P300 amplitude showed the same results in the Pz area. [Conclusion] These results suggest that galvanic vestibular stimulation may play a positive role in the N100 and P300 components of the event-related potentials of the cerebral cortex related to decision-making in matching words with images.

Effect of the application of a metatarsal bar on pressure in the metatarsal bones of the foot.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the effect of application of a metatarsal bar on the pressure in the metatarsal bones of the foot using a foot analysis system (pressure on the forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot). [Subjects and Methods] Forty female university students in their twenties were selected for this study, and an experiment was conducted with them as the subjects, before and after application of a metatarsal bar. The static foot regions were divided into the forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot, and then the maximum, average, and low pressures exerted at each region were measured, along with the static foot pressure distribution ratio. 1) Static foot pressure: The tips of both feet were aligned to match the vertical and horizontal lines of the foot pressure measuring plate. The subjects were told to look toward the front and not to wear shoes. 2) Distribution ratio: The distribution ratio was measured in four regions (front, back, left, and right) using the same method as used for static foot pressure measurement. [Results] The results of this study showed that the maximum, average, and minimum static pressures in the forefoot were significantly decreased. The minimum static pressure in the midfoot was significantly increased, and the pressure in the other parts was significantly decreased. The maximum and average static pressures in the rearfoot were also significantly decreased. [Conclusion] As reduction of foot pressure with a metatarsal bar results in lowering of the arch and an increased contact surface, the foot pressure was dispersed. These results suggest that wearing shoes with a bar that can decrease the foot pressure is therapeutically helpful for patients with a diabetic foot lesion or rheumatoid arthritis.

Effects of galvanic vestibular stimulation on visual memory recall and EEG.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the effects of galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) on visual memory recall and EEG. [Subjects and Methods] In the present study, 42 adults were selected and divided equally into two groups of 21 adults, the GVS group and the Sham group. The error rate was calculated as a percentage based on the total number of errors in the answers to 24 questions after stimulation, while the reaction time was measured in intervals between the time the questions were asked and the time it took the subjects to answer the questions. EEG data were obtained by attaching electrodes to the Fz, Cz, and Pz points during the question and answer phase. [Results] The error rate showed statistically significant differences in the interaction involving the time of response and group. The reaction time showed no statistically significant differences in the interaction involving the time of response and group. When relative band power parameters were analyzed, alpha waves showed no statistically significant differences in the interaction involving the time of response and group, but only the Fz area of beta waves showed statistically significant differences in the interaction involving the time of response and group. [Conclusion] GVS may improve visual memory recall in relation to a flower, a person, an animal, or a building.

Effects of the Electrode Type on N100 and P300 in tDCS Applications.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of types of electrode on N100 and P300 in transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applications. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty subjects were randomly assigned to two groups with 15 subjects in each group depending on the electrode types. A positive electrode on the primary motor area (C4) and a negative electrode on the left primary motor area (C3), and stimulation was applied for 20 minutes. Before and after tDCS, N100 and P300 were measured by attaching an electrode to Fp1 and Fp2. [Results] In tDCS applications, N100 and P300 showed no significant interaction effects between time and group for either latency or amplitude in the Fp1 and Fp 2 areas, but there was a statistically significant difference in the main effect duration. [Conclusion] The latencies of N100 and P300 were shortened and that their amplitudes increased in both the Fp1 and Fp2 areas, regardless of the type of electrode.

Analysis of balance ability dependent on the angle of the knee joint in females in their 20s.

The aim of this study was to investigate how balance ability according to angle of the knee joint changes in young female adults wearing a knee orthosis. [Methods] This study was conducted with 11 healthy female adults. The subjects used a knee brace that could be set to angles of 0°, 15°, and 30° of knee flexion. The ability to balance was evaluated by balance assessment. A total of four postures were used for measurements: a forward-facing posture with the eyes open on a stable surface (NO), a forward-facing posture with the eyes closed on a stable surface (NC), a forward-facing posture with the eyes open on an unstable surface (PO), and a forward-facing posture with the eyes closed on an unstable surface (PC). [Results] Regarding the weight distribution index and stability index on a stable surface, there was no interaction according to whether there was visual deprivation or not or according to knee flexion angle. Furthermore, the stability index on an unstable surface showed no interaction according to whether there was visual deprivation or not or according to knee flexion angle. But the WDI on a stable surface showed no interaction according to whether there was visual deprivation or not or according to knee flexion angle. [Conclusion] There were significant differences in the knee extension range of motion of normal elderly people and knee osteoarthritis, and the quadriceps femoris played an important role in knee function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Effects of Inter-electrode Distance on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness in Microcurrent Therapy.

[Purpose] This study examined the effect of the distance between the two electrodes on delayed onset muscle soreness during microcurrent therapy. [Methods] In this study 24 healthy women who hadn't exercised regularly for six months were selected and randomly divided into two groups. Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) was induced and experimental Group 1 were given microcurrent treatment with the electrodes attached at a close distance evaluated. Experimental Group 2 received the same treatment with the electrodes attached at a greater distance apart. Visual analogue scale pain and the RIII reflex were evaluated after inducing DOMS and after one day, two days, three days and four days of microcurrent treatment. [Results] The visual analogue scale and amplitude of RIII amplitude only showed significant differences with the length of time of the treatment. [Conclusion] This study found that difference of interelectrode distance has no influence on VAS pain and the RIII reflex of DOMS. Although there were no significant differences in RIII amplitude, we suspect that it may be influenced by current parameters such as frequency and intensity.

The effects of ketorolac tromethamine and baicalein on the levels of inflammatory factors in human synoviocytes.

This study examined the effects of ketorolac tromethamine (KT) and baicalein (BE) on the levels of inflammatory factors in human synoviocytes. The fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) cells were used to determine the possible regulatory effects of KT and BE (KTBE) on the levels of inflammatory factors in FLS cells. In addition, the levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-1beta mRNA expression in FLS cells induced by a TNF-alpha and IL-1beta co-treatment were largely inhibited by a KTBE treatment. The level of FLS cells proliferation was increased by IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, and strongly inhibited by KTBE treatment. The production of oxygen species (ROS) was inhibited by KTBE in FLS cells. KTBE appears to regulate the levels of mRNA that are important for regulating RA progression.

Anti-hyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of ketorolac tromethamine gel using pulsed ultrasound in inflamed rats.

The aim of this study was to determine if a ketorolac tromethamine (KT) gel solution could be administered in vivo via phonophoretic transdermal delivery using pulsed ultrasound by examining its anti-hyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in a rat carrageenan inflammation model. 1% carrageenan was injected into the plantar surface of the right hindpaw of a rat, and anti-hyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of KT via phonophoretic transdermal delivery were examined. The changes in the mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, nociceptive flexor reflex (NFR), as well as the swelling changes were determined. According to the anti-hyperagesia and anti-inflammation tests, which were used to determine the change in the pain threshold, NFR and swelling showed that the group given the phonophoretic transdermal delivery of KT exhibited significantly more noticeable anti-hyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory effects than those treated with the simple application of a KT gel. The transdermal application of KT gel using phonophoresis had significant anti-hyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. These findings suggest that the transdermal administration of a KT gel using phonophoresis using pulsed ultrasound might be useful for treating acute inflammation and pain.