The Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Postural Control in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

Introduction: To study the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on postural control in chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients. Materials and Methods: The current study is an experimental one with twenty eight patients suffering from chronic LBP (25-45 Y/O). At first non-random sampling technique was used to have the study subjects selected, using block randomization, then, we assigned them to main groups known as intervention and control. The mean center of pressure (COP) velocity and displacement were measured at three time intervals; prior to the intervention, once the intervention was provided and thirty minutes after it. The tests were done with eyes open and closed on a force platform. Sensory electrical stimulation was applied through the TENS device. Descriptive statistics, independent sample test, repeated measurement and ANOVA with repeated measurement on time were used for data analysis. Results: The results of the present study demonstrated that the application of sensory electrical stimulation among patients with CLBP could improve the postural control in Medio-lateral immediately after and 30 minutes following the application of TENS among the patients with their eyes closed (P<0.05). Also, COP displacement and velocity in ML direction with eyes closed significantly decreased immediately and 30 min after application of sensory electrical stimulation in the intervention group in comparison with the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Low frequency TENS with contraction level amplitude seems to have positive effects on postural control in patients suffering from CLBP. So, this study showed the effectiveness of low frequency TENS to imprive postural control in patients with CLBP.Key words: Chronic Low Back Pain, Postural Control, Transcutaneus Electrical Nerve Stimulatio

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain and Burnout among Librarians of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Background: Musculoskeletal pain and burnout can influence the quality of services provided by librarians working in libraries; therefore, the present study has been designed to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain as well as the existence of burnout among librarians working in libraries affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Method: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted by taking a census of librarians working in libraries affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was assessed using the standard Nordic questionnaire, and the pain intensity was measured based on the numeric pain rating scale. The standard Maslach and Jackson questionnaire, with a reliability coefficient of 0.78, was used to measure burnout. Results: According to the findings, the most common musculoskeletal pain experienced by the librarians was a pain in the spinal region, particularly in the low back, and after that, the pain in the upper limb was most frequent. In terms of burnout, librarians experienced low levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, and moderate levels of personal accomplishment. Conclusion: All librarians reported at least one musculoskeletal pain. Low back pain is frequent among librarians. These individuals suffer from burnout

Can Muscle Relaxation Affect Balance in Patients with Tension-Type Headache? A Pre-Post Study

Background: Proprioceptive inputs from the cervical region play an important role in balance. In patients with tension-type headache (TTH), proprioception is altered. The effect of treatment for TTH on balance is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of post-isometric relaxation (PIR) in the neck muscles on pain, disability and balance in patients with TTH. Methods: 30 patients with chronic TTH who had a trigger point and tenderness in the upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid (SCM), suboccipital or splenius muscles were enrolled in the study. The patients underwent PIR based on Liebenson’s method. Before and after treatment, balance was evaluated with the Y balance test, time up and go test, functional reach test and single leg stance test. As clinical symptoms of TTH we considered the intensity and frequency of headaches,which were recorded along with neck disability index (NDI) as secondary outcomes. Paired t-tests were used to analyze the data. Results: The results of the Y balance test, time up and go test, functional reach test and single leg stance test changed significantly after treatment (P<0.001). Significant differences were also found for all secondary variables (P<0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the PIR technique for muscle relaxation in the upper trapezius, SCM, suboccipital or splenius muscles may improve balance along with clinical symptoms such as pain and disability in patients with TTH

Comparison of Head, Neck, and Upper Trunk Postures between Patients Who Have Undergone Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Healthy Subjects: A pilot study

Background: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting is an effective treatment for reducing symptoms and mortality in coronary artery patients.Although patients experience post sternotomy complications such as musculoskeletal disorders. So, the aim of this study was to compare the head, neck and upper trunk postures between patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting and healthy individuals. Methods: In this cross-sectional case-control study, twenty-one men (56.38 ± 8.64 years) were randomly selected from among patients who had been referred to Al-Zahra Cardiac Rehabilitation Center in Shiraz and undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and the angles of forward head, thoracic kyphosis, and rounded shoulder were measured. Twenty healthy men (51.70 ± 10.40 years) were also evaluated and compared in terms of the above variables. This study was designed and conducted as a pilot. The angles of the forward head and rounded shoulder were assessed by placing reflective markers on the body and processing the images by Digimizer MedCalc software, version 4.6.1. Thoracic kyphosis angle was measured by a flexible ruler. The Persian version of the SF36 questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life, and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test to verify the normal distribution of data. Independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney test were used for between-group comparison for data with normal and non-normal distribution, respectively. Results: The comparison of the forward head, rounded shoulder, and thoracic kyphosis angles showed no significant difference between post-surgical and healthy subjects (P> 0.05). Patients' quality of life was significantly different from that of the control group in all aspects, except for general and mental-emotional health (p <0.05). Conclusion: There was no significant difference between the case and control groups in the angles of forward head, thoracic kyphosis, and rounded shoulder. Patients who underwent CABG, however, experienced a significant reduction in their quality of life compared to the control group. Therefore, it seems necessary to pay attention to patients and find solutions to manage and improve various aspects of life, such as physical and mental health

The Comparison of the Effects of Two Fatigue Protocols on Triceps- Surae Musculotendinous Stiffness in Healthy Female Students

Background: Previous studies have investigated different effects of muscle fatigue on body systems. However, there are no reports on the effect of fatigue protocol and its level on musculotendinous stiffness (MTS) of the tricep-surae. This study was designed to compare the effects of 2 levels of submaximal fatigue contraction on MTS of triceps-surae. Methods: Twenty female students by simple randomized sampling participated in this study. Triceps-surae musculotendinous stiffness was measured before and after two fatigue protocols. The fatigue protocols were comprised of a continuous isometric voluntary plantar flexion contraction (25% and 70% maximum voluntary contraction) until the contraction could no longer be maintained. The free oscillation technique was used to measure MTS of the triceps-surae. A Kistler force plate was used to measure the force applied. Results: Musculotendinous stiffness decreased immediately after both fatigue protocols (P≤0.05). Data analysis with RM ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference between the two protocols with respect to the decrease in MTS stiffness of the triceps-surae. Moreover, the decrease in stiffness did not change for 15 min after the two fatigue protocols (P>0.05). Conclusion: Musculotendinous stiffness of the triceps-surae decreased significantly after both fatigue protocols, and there was no significant difference between the two protocols with respect to change in triceps-surae musculotendinous stiffness. This result may be due to similar type of contraction in protocols, the learning effect, or the effect of central fatigue

The Effect of Effleurage Massage on Grip Endurance and Strength of Fatigued Healthy Young Women

مقدمه: دست یکی از مهم‌ترین اندام‌های انسان است که در بسیاری از فعالیت‌ها مانند عمل گرفتن، از آن استفاده می‌شود. از سوی دیگر، انجام فعالیت طولاني مدت عضلات منجر به خستگی می‌گردد. یکی از راه‌های کاهش این خستگی، انجام ماساژ است. مطالعات انجام شده در خصوص تأثیر ماساژ بر قدرت و تحمل عضلانی محدود می‌باشد. علاوه بر این، همخوانی در نتایج مطالعات مشابه در دسترس، وجود ندارد. بنابراین، هدف از انجام پژوهش حاضر، استفاده از یک روش ساده ماساژ و بررسی تأثیر آن بر قدرت و تحمل عضلانی به دنبال خستگی بود. مواد و روش‌ها: 49 نفر از دانشجویان دختر 18 تا 30 ساله دانشکده علوم توان‌بخشی شیراز، به روش تصادفي برای شرکت در پژوهش انتخاب شدند. آزمون‌ها شامل اندازه‌گیری حداکثر قدرت و زمان تحمل مشت کردن بود. تأثیر ماساژ و استراحت به تنهایی، بر این دو متغیر در 2 جلسه مجزا بررسی گردید. برای متغیر حداکثر قدرت عضلانی، از آزمون Paired t و جهت متغیر زمان تحمل عضلانی از معادل ناپارامتری آن، یعنی آزمون Wilcoxon استفاده گردید. در نهایت، داده‌ها در نرم‌افزار SPSS مورد تجزیه و تحلیل قرار گرفت. یافته‌ها: در پژوهش حاضر، قدرت مشت کردن پس از خستگی کاهش یافت. انجام ماساژ افلوراژ پس از خستگی، به طور معنی‌داری نسبت به گروه شاهد باعث افزایش قدرت مشت کردن گردید (050/0 > P). نتیجه‎گیری: انجام ماساژ افلوراژ، منجر به بهبود قدرت مشت کردن پس از خستگی ‌گردید؛ در حالی که بر میزان تحمل مشت کردن اثری نداشت. کلید واژه‌ها: ماساژ افلوراژ، خستگي عضلاني، قدرت، تحم

Efficacy of combined endurance-resistance training versus endurance training in patients with heart failure after percutaneous coronary intervention: A randomized controlled trial

Background: This study aimed to compare the effects of combined endurance-resistance training (CT) versus endurance training (ET) on some cardiovascular markers in patients with heart failure after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Materials and Methods: The study applied a randomized, controlled design in which 75 patients with heart failure who had undergone PCI were randomly assigned to one of three groups: ET, CT, and control. The ET group performed ET for 45 min, three times a week for 7 weeks. The CT group performed the same ET for 30 min followed by a resistance exercise protocol. The control group received usual care. Functional capacity, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were measured. Results: After the intervention, functional capacity was improved (P < 0.001) and NT-pro BNP level was significantly reduced (P = 0.004 in the CT group, P = 0.002 in the ET group). Hs-CRP level was significantly reduced only in the ET group (P = 0.030). The control group showed no significant changes in any cardiovascular parameters (P ≥ 0.05). Changes in functional capacity (P < 0.001) in both training groups were significantly different from the control group. No significant differences were found between the ET and CT groups regarding changes in all outcomes after exercise training (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: Exercise training is safe and feasible in post-PCI patients, even in those with reduced ejection fraction. CT was as effective as ET in reducing NT-pro BNP level and improving functional capacity in heart failure patients after PCI

Comparison of the effect of selected muscle groups fatigue on postural control during bipedal stance in healthy young women

Background: The maintenance of balance is an essential requirement for the performance of daily tasks and sporting activities and muscular fatigue is a factor to impair postural control, so this study was done to compare the effect of selected muscle groups fatigue on postural control during bipedal stance in healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: Fifteen healthy female students (24.3 ± 2.6 years) completed three testing session with a break period of at least 2 days. During each session, postural control was assessed during two 30-s trials of bipedal stance with eyes close before and after the fatigue protocol. Fatigue protocols were performed by 60% of their unfatigued Maximum Voluntary Contraction of unilateral ankle plantar flexors, bilateral lumbar extensors and bilateral neck extensors. One of the three fatigue protocols was performed on each session. Results: The result showed that fatigue had a significant effect on COP velocity and it increase COP velocity but there was not found any difference in postural sway between muscle groups. Conclusion: Localized muscle fatigue caused deficits in postural control regardless of the location of fatigue. Authors suggest the possibility of the contributions of central mechanisms to postural deficits due to fatigue and it seems that difference was not between muscle groups due to central fatigue

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Shiraz Male Wushu Players: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Wushu is one of the martial arts that combines explosive strength and speed movements with combat techniques. Most studies to date of wushurelated injuries have been published in Chinese languages. No published studies have reported the prevalence of these injuries in Iran. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in male wushu players in Shiraz. Methods: Male wushu athletes aged 18 to 30 years were included in this cross sectional study if they had been practicing for 2 hours per session, twice a week during the past 3 years. The athletes were recruited by convenience sampling from 30 wushu clubs in Shiraz, Iran. The sample size was 165. The study was conducted from June to September 2016. Each participant was asked to complete an information questionnaire about his musculoskeletal injuries related to wushu during the previous year. Results: About two third (65.45%) of wushu players had one or more injuries during the previous year. Severe injuries were most commonly located in the head/neck and knee/tibia areas, and inflammation was more prevalent than the other types of injuries. Conclusion: Wushu players in this study reported a high prevalence of injuries affecting different parts of the body

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Shiraz Male Wushu Players: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Wushu is one of the martial arts that combines explosive strength and speed movements with combat techniques. Most studies to date of wushurelated injuries have been published in Chinese languages. No published studies have reported the prevalence of these injuries in Iran. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in male wushu players in Shiraz. Methods: Male wushu athletes aged 18 to 30 years were included in this cross sectional study if they had been practicing for 2 hours per session, twice a week during the past 3 years. The athletes were recruited by convenience sampling from 30 wushu clubs in Shiraz, Iran. The sample size was 165. The study was conducted from June to September 2016. Each participant was asked to complete an information questionnaire about his musculoskeletal injuries related to wushu during the previous year. Results: About two third (65.45%) of wushu players had one or more injuries during the previous year. Severe injuries were most commonly located in the head/neck and knee/tibia areas, and inflammation was more prevalent than the other types of injuries. Conclusion: Wushu players in this study reported a high prevalence of injuries affecting different parts of the body