Biomedical subjects

Christian Mittermaier

Publications and source records attributed to Christian Mittermaier.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Effects of whole-body vibration in patients with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether a whole-body vibration (mechanical oscillations) in comparison to a placebo administration leads to better postural control, mobility and balance in patients with multiple sclerosis. DESIGN: Double-blind, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Outpatient clinic of a university department of physical medicine and rehabilitation. SUBJECTS: Twelve multiple sclerosis patients with moderate disability (Kurtzke's Expanded Disability Status Scale 2.5-5) were allocated either to the intervention group or to the placebo group. INTERVENTIONS: In the intervention group a whole-body vibration at low frequency (2.0-4.4 Hz oscillations at 3-mm amplitude) in five series of 1 min each with a 1-min break between the series was applied. In the placebo group a Burst-transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) application on the nondominant forearm in five series of 1 min each with a 1-min break between the series was applied as well. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Posturographic assessment using the Sensory Organization Test, the Timed Get Up and Go Test and the Functional Reach Test immediately preceding the application, 15 min, one week and two weeks after the application. The statistical analysis was applied to the change score from preapplication values to values 15 min, one week and two weeks post intervention. RESULTS: Compared with the placebo group the intervention group showed advantages in terms of the Sensory Organization Test and the Timed Get Up and Go Test at each time point of measurement after the application. The effects were strongest one week after the intervention, where significant differences for the change score (p = 0.041) were found for the Timed Get Up and Go Test with the mean score reducing from 9.2 s (preapplication) to 8.2 s one week after whole-body vibration and increasing from 9.5 s (preapplication) to 10.2 s one week after placebo application. The mean values of the posturographic assessment increased from 70.5 points (preapplication) to 77.5 points one week after whole body vibration and increased only from 67.2 points (preapplication) to 67.5 points one week after the placebo application. No differences were found for the Functional Reach Test. CONCLUSION: The results of this pilot study indicated that whole-body vibration may positively influence the postural control and mobility in multiple sclerosis patients.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Fourier analysis of impedance rheography for peripheral arterial occlusive disease.

This study identified those harmonics from the frequency spectrum of electrical impedance rheographic signals that discriminate between patients with and without peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). Ninety-four patients with suspected PAOD were evaluated by impedance rheography and ankle-arm blood pressure index. The leg with the lower ankle-arm index was used in the analysis and a haemodynamically relevant PAOD was assumed at an ankle-arm index lower than 0.85. The frequency spectrum of the impedance signals of the shank was calculated by means of a fast Fourier transformation algorithm. The first ten harmonics were used as independent variables in a stepwise logistic regression analysis to evaluate the dependent variable PAOD. In the regression analysis only the third harmonic was accepted ( P<0.0001). The correct classification of the patients was 90%. In conclusion, by means of Fourier analysis of impedance rheographic signals, a high accuracy in the diagnosis of PAOD can be achieved.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Impact of depressive mood on relapse in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a prospective 18-month follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: There is evidence of an interaction between psychological factors and activity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We examined the influence of depressive mood and associated anxiety on the course of IBD over a period of 18 months in a cohort of patients after an episode of active disease. METHODS: In this prospective, longitudinal, observational study, 60 patients (37 women and 23 men) with clinically inactive IBD (Crohn disease, n = 47, 78%; ulcerative colitis, n = 13, 22%) were enrolled after a flare of disease. Psychological status, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and disease activity were evaluated at baseline and then every 3 months for a period of 18 months by means of clinical and biological parameters, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Questionnaire, and the Rating Form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Concerns. RESULTS: At baseline, depression (BDI > or = 13 points) was found in 17 of 60 (28%) patients. Thirty-two patients (59%) experienced at least one relapse during the 18 months of follow-up. Regression analysis showed a significant correlation between BDI scores at baseline and the total number of relapses after 12 (p <.01) and 18 months (p <.01) of follow-up. Furthermore, depression scores at baseline correlated with the time until the first recurrence of the disease (p <.05). Anxiety and low HRQOL were also related with more frequent relapses during follow-up (p <.05 and p <.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Psychological factors such as a depressive mood associated with anxiety and impaired HRQOL may exert a negative influence on the course of IBD. Therefore, assessment and management of psychological distress should be included in clinical treatment of patients with IBD.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Change of complexity patterns in human posture during aging.

Human posture is a prototypical example of a complex control system. The joint output of several physiological - most likely nonlinearly interacting - processes leads to correctional movements which enable us to stand upright. These correctional body movements reflect some features of the underlying control mechanisms. We analyze the movements of quietly standing persons by means of various types of fractal measures, which are designed to capture 'degrees of complexity'. We observe changes of these fractal measures as a function of age and show that aging goes hand in hand with a decrease of complexity in movement patterns towards more regular movements. We try to explain these results in a stochastic resonance framework. We conjecture that the reduction of posture complexity is linked to deteriorated balance performance and argue that clinical treatment of age-related balance problems should focus on regaining this complexity therapeutically. We line out two possible starting points for actual therapy.

Adult↗