Posture Induced Changes in the Maximal M-wave and the H-reflex Amplitude

The purpose of this study was to investigate posture induced changes in the H-reflex and maximal M-wave (M_max) amplitude in soleus muscle (SOL). The hypothesis of the present study is that both H-reflex amplitude and M_max amplitude change with posture. Nine healthy males were tested under two randomly administered conditions; prone and standing position. The ankle joint angle was set at the same angle in each postural condition by monitoring the electrical goniometer. H-reflex was elicited in the SOL from the right leg every 5 seconds using electrical stimulation to the tibial nerve in the popliteal fossa. Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from the middle surface of the SOL and the tibialis anterior muscle (TA) using silver bipolar electrodes. Absolute values of H_max, M_max amplitude and H_max/M_max ratio in each postural condition obtained from the H-M recruitment curve were compared. All H_max/M_max ratios, H_max amplitudes and M_max amplitudes were significantly lower in the standing position. The hypothesis of the present study was verified, and M_max amplitude in the SOL was inhibited by the standing posture. There is a possibility that M_max amplitude is changed in conjunction with the posture induced physiological response

Primary strumal carcinoid tumor of the ovary: A pregnant patient exhibiting severe constipation and CEA elevation

► We present a rare case of a PYY-positive primary strumal carcinoid tumor of the ovary during pregnancy. ► MRI was useful for the preoperative diagnosis, and the prenatal course was uneventful after the operation. ► Colitis due to severe constipation caused by PYY, which is an inhibitor of intestinal mobility, might induce serum CEA elevation

movement self-screening scores and pain

Background : Various musculoskeletal screening and functional performance tests are used to evaluate physical condition. However, validated analysis tools that can identify gaps in pain knowledge during athletes’ daily training are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pain intensity in athletes during their daily training and the KOJI AWARENESS™ test in order to determine whether body dysfunction is related to pain among athletes. Methods : This cross-sectional study was conducted in a fitness center at the authors’ affiliated institution. Thirty-five athletes (17 women and 18 men) aged 20-40 years were selected for study participation. KOJI AWARENESS™ self-evaluated test scores and pain intensity during daily training, as assessed on the numerical rating scale (NRS), were recorded. Results : The KOJI AWARENESS™ score showed a strong negative correlation with the NRS score for pain intensity during daily training (r = −0.640, P < 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between KOJI AWARENESS™ and NRS scores, even when body mass index, sex, and age were entered as control variables. Conclusions : KOJI AWARENESS™ was highly accurate in detecting pain in athletes during their training

Effectiveness of KOJI AWARENESS tool

Background : The KOJI AWARENESS™ screening test is a self-administered screening tool for assessment of mobility, stability, and strength. It provides corrective exercises corresponding to the individual’s answers to the KOJI AWARENESS™ test questions. However, there is no evidence of the effectiveness of corrective exercises in improving KOJI AWARENESS™ screening test scores and activity-related pain. Methods : Twenty- six healthy subjects (11 female and 15 male ; age 20–50 years) were selected for participation. In a controlled laboratory setting, subjects were administered the KOJI AWARENESS™ test and were provided with individualized exercise programs based on the results of this first test. KOJI AWARENESS™ results were checked on the first day immediately after the first exercise session, and then again after the two-week program. Pain intensity was also assessed during daily training using a numerical rating scale. Results : Compared to pre-intervention, KOJI AWARENESS™ scores were significantly higher immediately after the first corrective exercise session and after 2 weeks of intervention (p < 0.001). Moreover, pain intensity was significantly lower after 2 weeks of intervention (p < 0.001). Conclusions : Individualized KOJI AWARENESS™ corrective exercises were effective immediately on the first day and also after the two-week program in improving the KOJI AWARENESS™ score and reducing pain intensity during daily training

Effect of the Rotational Speed of a Long Jump Rope in a Person Turning the Rope on Heart Rate and Oxygen Uptake

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of different rotational speeds on the heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake of a person turning a long jump rope. The subjects consisted of six healthy Japanese males who volunteered to participate in the study. They were asked to turn a long jump rope. The measurement was set at three rotational speed conditions: 70, 90 and 110 rpm. The measurement indexes were HR, oxygen uptake, rating of perceived exertion and blood pressure. The 90 and 110 rpm conditions demonstrated significant HR increases from the first to the third minute of the 3-minute exercise compared with the 70 rpm condition. The 110 rpm condition showed significant HR increases from the first to the third minute compared with the 90 rpm condition. The 90 and 110 rpm conditions demonstrated significant oxygen uptake increases from the first to the third minute compared with the 70 rpm condition. The 110 rpm condition showed significant oxygen uptake increases from the first to the third minute compared with the 90 rpm condition. The changes in the HR and oxygen uptake of the rope turner were dependent on the rotational speed of the long jump rope

Day-to-Day Variation in the Hoffmann Reflex in Females

The present study aimed to investigate changes in the Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) at the same time on different days and to compare the findings between genders. Four males and five females in healthy subjects agreed to participate in the study and provided informed consent. All subjects were nonsmokers, and none of the females were consuming any oral contraceptives. The H-reflex was elicited in the right soleus muscle by constant current stimulation of the tibial nerve in the popliteal fossa with the subjects in the prone position. As a reference, the maximal amplitude of the H-wave relative to that of the M-wave (Hmax/Mmax) was measured to determine changes in α-motoneuron excitability. Hmax/Mmax of 6 to 9 trials and was represented by the coefficient of variation (CV). The CV of Hmax/Mmax in females was significantly higher than that in males. The level of Hmax/Mmax for males was highly reproducible, suggesting that fewer factors alter α-motoneuron excitability in males compared with those in females. Several female subjects experienced symptoms of depression and suffered from body and menstrual pain. Variations in Hmax/Mmax values were considerably greater for females than for males, suggesting that the α-motoneuron might be influenced by the menstrual cycle phase as well as by individual differences

Recurrent sebaceous carcinoma with wide intraepithelial spread to the nasal cavity: Report of two cases

Background: Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a relatively rare tumor that usually arises from the eyelid. Local extension down the nasolacrimal duct is relatively rare event for SC.Method: We herein report two cases of recurrent SC in the nasal cavity. Both patients had previously received primary treatment for SC of the eyelid. Seven years after the initial treatment, the first patient presented with a mass on the left medial canthus of the eyelid. Sixteen months after the initial treatment, the second patient presented with a large mass in the right nasal cavity.Results: The wide intraepithelial spread of SC over 30 mm from the initial surgical margin was beyond our expectations. The first patient is currently alive with local recurrence following the administration of chemoradiotherapy 46 months after treatment, while the second patient died of distant metastasis.Conclusion: This report focuses on the unique clinical features of intranasal recurrence of SC after treatment