Revista Brasileira de Fisioterapia Efficacy of electroacupuncture for myofascial pain in the upper trapezius muscle: a case series Eficácia da eletroacupuntura para dor miofascial do músculo trapézio: uma série de casos

Efficacy of electroacupuncture for myofascial pain in the upper trapezius muscle: a case series Revista Brasileira de Fisioterapia, vol. 15, núm. 5, septiembre-octubre, 2011, pp. 371-379 Associação Brasileira de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação em Fisioterapia São Carlos, Brasil Abstract Background: Electroacupunture (EA) includes the passage of an electrical current through the acupuncture needle and is commonly use

Pain Intensity And Cervical Range Of Motion In Women With Myofascial Pain Treated With Acupuncture And Electroacupuncture: A Double-blinded, Randomized Clinical Trial.

Acupuncture stimulates points on the body, influencing the perception of myofascial pain or altering physiologic functions. The aim was to evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture (EAC) and acupuncture (AC) for myofascial pain of the upper trapezius and cervical range of motion, using SHAM acupuncture as control. Sixty women presenting at least one trigger point at the upper trapezius and local or referred pain for more than six months were randomized into EAC, AC, and SHAM groups. Eight sessions were scheduled and a follow-up was conducted after 28 days. The Visual Analog Scale assessed the intensity of local and general pain. A fleximeter assessed cervical movements. Data were analyzed using paired t or Wilcoxon's tests, ANOVA or Friedman or Kruskal-Wallis tests and Pearson's correlation (α=0.05). There was reduction in general pain in the EAC and AC groups after eight sessions (P<0.001). A significant decrease in pain intensity occurred for the right trapezius in all groups and for the left trapezius in the EAC and AC groups. Intergroup comparisons showed improvement in general pain in the EAC and AC groups and in local pain intensity in the EAC group (P<0.05), which showed an increase in left rotation (P=0.049). The AC group showed increases in inclination (P=0.005) sustained until follow-up and rotation to the right (P=0.032). EAC and AC were effective in reducing the pain intensity compared with SHAM. EAC was better than AC for local pain relief. These treatments can assist in increasing cervical range of motion, albeit subtly.1934-4

Efficacy Of Electroacupuncture For Myofascial Pain In The Upper Trapezius Muscle: A Case Series.

Electroacupunture (EA) includes the passage of an electrical current through the acupuncture needle and is commonly used for pain relief. To evaluate the EA treatment effects for myofascial pain in the upper trapezius muscle. Twenty women aged ranging from 18 to 40 years (mean=24.95; SD=5.88 years), with a body mass index ranging from 19 to 25 kg/m2 (mean=22.33; SD=0.56 kg/m2), with regular menstrual cycles controlled by oral contraceptive, local or referred pain for more than six months and at least one myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius participated in this study. The participants received a total of nine EA sessions over five weeks. The needles were inserted at the accupoints GB20, GB21, LV3, LI4, and at ashi points. A mixed current of 2 Hz and 100 Hz was applied alternatively every 5 seconds for 30 minutes. The outcomes were pain intensity measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT) measured by an algometer, electromyography (EMG) and quality of life measured by the SF-36 questionnaire. Inter-occurrences between sessions were monitored. Paired t-test, Wilcoxon test, and repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) having Tukey-Kramer as post-hoc tests were used. Significant improvement in pain intensity and in PPT occurred after treatment (P<0.0001). EMG of the right trapezius during contraction increased significantly, suggesting muscle function enhancement; the quality of life improved, related to physical components of the SF-36 (P<0.05). The EA showed to be a reliable method for myofascial pain relief. Large randomized blinded controlled trials might be carried out to confirm these results. Article registered in the Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos under number RBR-4hb6f6.15371-

Eficácia da eletroacupuntura para dor miofascial do músculo trapézio: uma série de casos

BACKGROUND: Electroacupunture (EA) includes the passage of an electrical current through the acupuncture needle and is commonly used for pain relief. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the EA treatment effects for myofascial pain in the upper trapezius muscle. METHODS: Twenty women aged ranging from 18 to 40 years (mean=24.95; SD=5.88 years), with a body mass index ranging from 19 to 25 kg/m2 (mean=22.33; SD=0.56 kg/m2), with regular menstrual cycles controlled by oral contraceptive, local or referred pain for more than six months and at least one myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius participated in this study. The participants received a total of nine EA sessions over five weeks. The needles were inserted at the accupoints GB20, GB21, LV3, LI4, and at ashi points. A mixed current of 2 Hz and 100 Hz was applied alternatively every 5 seconds for 30 minutes. The outcomes were pain intensity measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT) measured by an algometer, electromyography (EMG) and quality of life measured by the SF-36 questionnaire. Inter-occurrences between sessions were monitored. Paired t-test, Wilcoxon test, and repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) having Tukey-Kramer as post-hoc tests were used. RESULTS: Significant improvement in pain intensity and in PPT occurred after treatment (P<0.0001). EMG of the right trapezius during contraction increased significantly, suggesting muscle function enhancement; the quality of life improved, related to physical components of the SF-36 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The EA showed to be a reliable method for myofascial pain relief. Large randomized blinded controlled trials might be carried out to confirm these results. Article registered in the Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos under number RBR-4hb6f6.CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: A eletroacupuntura (EA) inclui a passagem de uma corrente elétrica pela agulha de acupuntura e é comumente utilizada para aliviar a dor. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da EA no tratamento da dor miofascial do músculo trapézio superior. MÉTODOS: Participaram 20 voluntárias com idade entre 18 e 40 anos (24,95±5,88 anos), índice de massa corpórea entre 19 e 25 kg/m2 (22,33±0,56 kg/m2), ciclo menstrual regulado por anticoncepcionais, dor por mais de seis meses no trapézio superior, com pelo menos um ponto gatilho miofascial. Nove sessões de EA foram agendadas, sendo duas por semana. As agulhas foram inseridas nos pontos VB20, VB21, F3, IG4 e em pontos ashi. Aplicou-se uma corrente alternada de 2 Hz e 100 Hz a cada 5 segundos durante 30 minutos. Avaliou-se a eficácia do tratamento quantificando a intensidade da dor com a Escala Visual Analógica (EVA); o limiar de dor à pressão (LDP), com algômetro digital, eletromiografia (EMG) e com o questionário de qualidade de vida SF-36. Possíveis fatores influenciadores entre as sessões foram monitorados. Aplicaram-se os testes t pareado, Wilcoxon e análise de variância com medidas repetidas (ANOVA) e, como post-hoc, o teste de Tukey-Kramer. RESULTADO: Após o tratamento, houve melhora na intensidade da dor e no LDP (P<0,0001). A EMG no trapézio direito, durante a contração, aumentou significativamente, sugerindo melhora da função muscular. A qualidade de vida melhorou considerando os componentes físicos do SF-36 (P<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A EA mostrou-se confiável no alívio da dor miofascial. Estudos randomizados, cegos e controlados devem ser realizados para confirmar esses resultados. Artigo registrado no Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos sob o número RBR-4hb6f6.37137

Medida de função motora, corticoterapia e pacientes com distrofia muscular de Duchenne

Objective: To assess the evolution of motor function in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) treated with steroids (prednisolone or deflazacort) through the Motor Function Measure (MFM), which evaluates three dimensions of motor performance (D1, D2, D3). Methods: Thirty-three patients with DMD (22 ambulant, 6 non-ambulant and 5 who lost the capacity to walk during the period of the study) were assessed using the MFM scale six times over a period of 18 months. Results: All the motor functions remained stable for 14 months in all patients, except D1 for those who lost their walking ability. In ambulant patients, D2 (axial and proximal motor capacities) motor functions improved during six months; an improvement in D3 (distal motor capacity) was noted during the total follow-up. D1 (standing posture and transfers) and total score were useful to predict the loss of the ability to walk. Conclusions: The use of the MFM in DMD patients confirms the benefits of the steroid treatment for slowing the progression of the disease.OBJETIVO: Avaliar a evolução da função motora de pacientes com distrofia muscular de Duchenne (DMD) em corticoterapia (predinisolona e deflazacort), por meio da escala Medida da Função Motora (MFM), que avalia três dimensões de funções motoras (D1, D2, D3). \ud MÉTODOS: Trinta e três pacientes com DMD (22 deambulantes, seis cadeirantes e cinco que perderam a capacidade de andar ao longo do estudo) foram avaliados pela escala MFM em seis momentos durante 18 meses. \ud RESULTADOS: Todas as funções motoras mantiveram-se estáveis durante 14 meses, exceto D1 para os pacientes que perderam a marcha. Nos pacientes deambulantes, a D2 (função motora axial e proximal) apresentou melhora durante seis meses. Melhora em D3 (função motora distal) também foi observada durante o seguimento. A D1 (postura em pé e transferências) e o escore total foram importantes para predizer a perda de marcha. \ud CONCLUSÕES: O uso da MFM nos pacientes com DMD confirma os benefícios do tratamento com corticoides na diminuição da velocidade de progressão da doença

The impact of singing on pulmonary function and quality of life in patients with Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy is a congenital disorder that results in progressive deterioration of muscle strength and function. The genetic disorder is caused by the absence of dystrophin protein which helps to keep muscle cells together, the absence of this protein causes muscles to become weak and fragile. Despite impairment of motor function and muscle strength, a major issue is the progressive impact on the respiratory muscles. Weak pulmonary function can lead to secondary issues such as atelectasis, decreased lung compliance, repeated infections, ineffective cough and ventilation-perfusion during sleep1. Respiratory failure is said to be the most common cause of death in patients with muscular dystrophy but there is evidence to prove breathing exercises can improve respiratory function in patients2. Dramatic change in pulmonary function has been proven through the use of correct breathing techniques to develop stronger respiratory muscles and positively impact quality of life in patients with pulmonary conditions3. There have been studies regarding respiratory training in patients with muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular diseases but none that involve the use of pitch. Studies have also proven that singing and vocal exercises can strengthen respiratory muscles and overall pulmonary function. Singing also results in the release of endorphins, learning a new skill and the increase in social opportunities, all of which positively impact quality of life4. The use of singing to develop respiratory muscles and pulmonary function has never been investigated in patients with muscular dystrophy. This study will address the knowledge gap by analysing literature and survey questions written for this dissertation. After having personally seen progressive development in pulmonary function and quality of life whilst teaching two singing students over the course of six years and being involved in singing groups working with and supporting people with disability

The unexpected fast polymerization during the synthesis of a glycolated polythiophene

Conjugated polymers with ethylene glycol side chains are emerging as ideal materials for bioelectronics, particularly for application in organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). To improve the OECT device performance, it is important to develop an efficient synthetic strategy that will provide access to novel high-performing materials besides focusing on molecular design. While a lot of efforts are being devoted to designing of new polymers by modifying the glycol side chains, understanding how their nature affects the polymerization kinetics and eventually the polymer structure and properties is not known. In this work, we have studied the influence of the content of the ethylene glycol side chain and its linkage on the formation of the active Grignard monomer species upon Grignard metathesis in three thiophene derivatives. A strong dependence of the monomer's concentration on polymerization was noted in our study indicating that for synthesizing P3MEEMT, a high-performing OECT material, by Kumada catalyst transfer polymerization (KCTP) a minimum of 0.15 M monomer is needed. Furthermore, kinetic studies by GPC show uncontrolled polymerization behavior contrary to the controlled chain growth characteristics of the KCTP.journal articl

Brain Activation During Maximum Concentric and Eccentric Knee Extension Muscle Contractions

Purpose: In spite of mounting evidence indicating that concentric and eccentric knee extensor muscle contractions might have special nervous system control strategies, the differentiation of brain frequencies between concentric and eccentric movements and how the motor cortex programs this contraction has been less studied. In this study, the brain and muscle activation differences during maximum concentric and eccentric contractions were compared. Methods: Nine healthy volunteers performed 20 maximum eccentric and 20 maximum concentric knee extensor contractions. Electroencephalography (EEG) signals from sensorimotor-related cortical areas were recorded simultaneous with the electromyography (EMG) of the knee extensor muscles. In the spectral analysis the performance related power values were calculated for Theta (4-7 Hz) and Alpha (7-12 Hz). Results: The time-domain results revealed, longer time and greater cortical activity is required for the preparation of an eccentric contraction. For the eccentric task, the cortical activity was greater, but the EMG was lower in comparison to the concentric task values. Statistical analysis showed significant higher and lower Theta and Alpha power in both types of contractions compared to the resting state, respectively. Conclusion: These findings suggest that increased Theta power is associated with task complexity and focused attention and decreased Alpha power values with increased information processing in the somatosensory cortex

Violacein: Properties and Production of a Versatile Bacterial Pigment

Violacein-producing bacteria, with their striking purple hues, have undoubtedly piqued the curiosity of scientists since their first discovery. The bisindole violacein is formed by the condensation of two tryptophan molecules through the action of five proteins. The genes required for its production, vio ABCDE, and the regulatory mechanisms employed have been studied within a small number of violacein-producing strains. As a compound, violacein is known to have diverse biological activities, including being an anticancer agent and being an antibiotic against Staphylococcus aureus and other Gram-positive pathogens. Identifying the biological roles of this pigmented molecule is of particular interest, and understanding violacein&apos;s function and mechanism of action has relevance to those unmasking any of its commercial or therapeutic benefits. Unfortunately, the production of violacein and its related derivatives is not easy and so various groups are also seeking to improve the fermentative yields of violacein through genetic engineering and synthetic biology. This review discusses the recent trends in the research and production of violacein by both natural and genetically modified bacterial strains.open0