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Biomedical subjects

Eli Carmeli

Publications and source records attributed to Eli Carmeli.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Effects of caloric restriction and exercise training on skeletal muscle histochemistry in aging Fischer 344 rats.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of calorie restriction and exercise on hindlimb histochemistry and fiber type in Fischer 344 rats as they advanced from adulthood through senescence. At 10 months of age, animals were divided into sedentary fed ad libitum, exercise (18 m/min, 8% grade, 20 min/day, 5 days/week) fed ad libitum, and calorie restricted by alternate days of feeding. Succinic dehydrogenase, myosin adenosine triphosphatase (mATPase at pH 9.4), nicotine adenonine dinucleotide reductase, and Periodic Acid Shiff histochemical stains were performed on plantaris and soleus muscles. The results indicated that aging resulted in a progressive decline in plantaris Type I muscle fiber in sedentary animals, while exercise resulted in maintenance of these fibers. The percent of plantaris Type II fibers increased between 10 and 24 months of age. Exercise also resulted in a small, but significant, increase in the percentage of plantaris Type IIa fibers at 24 months of age. The soleus fiber distribution for Type I fibers was unaffected by increasing age in all groups of animals. The implications of these results suggest the implementation of exercise as a lifestyle modification as early as possible.

Aging↗
PubMed2006

Does passive leg activity influence oxygen saturation and activity in sedentary elderly adults?

This study aimed to investigate whether any physiological changes might have a clinically significant effect on function in sedentary, institutionalized, older adults treated by a passive training program. A total of 18 subjects (mean age 60.7 +/- 3.4) with intellectual disability (ID) participated. We measured SpO2 (arterial oxygen saturation) before, during, and after passive training, and used Barthel Index to measure daily living activities. The general trend indicated that inactive people with ID evidenced a continual increase in SpO2% levels and some functional gains during passive treatment, with superiority to manual passive treatment compared to mechanical active passive training. For current clinical practice, most sedentary patients who experience clinically significant deconditioning and desaturation can benefit from passive treatment.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2006

A comparative study of organized class-based exercise programs versus individual home-based exercise programs for elderly patients following hip surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of supervised and non-supervised exercise programs for improving health and rehabilitation outcomes for elderly persons following hip surgery. METHOD: Prospective, descriptive and quantitative study involving two groups: The class-based program (group A, n = 34: 21 females, 13 males, mean age 79.2 years +/- 5.23) was directed and administered in the outpatient clinic, and a home-based program (group B, n = 29, 17 females, 12 males, mean age 80.3 years +/- 5.74) which administered in the patient's home. Sixty three elderly patients began at a period of 2 weeks post hip surgery for open reduction with internal fixation. The training period took place for 14 consecutive weeks. The main outcome measures include results from physical performance test, functional reach test and short form-36 health survey questionnaire. RESULTS: Fifty five patients completed the exercise program. No significant difference according to gender or Body Mass Index was found between the groups. At the conclusion of 14 weeks of exercise training both groups demonstrated improvement in physical function. However, only 4 of 6 total tasks of a physical performance test were improved in the home-based group compared to improvement in all 6 tasks for the class-based group. The SF-36 scores and the functional reach test indicated that the class-based subjects also presented significant gains in contrast to no significant changes in the home exercise group. CONCLUSIONS: Both groups demonstrated improvement in a number of issues. However, there appears to be more positive health outcomes presented by the participants in the supervised/class-based group when compared to the non-supervised/home-based group. And therefore, patients may select to participate to either a home-based or class-based regime. The clinical relevance is the significant of the necessity for close supervision by a professional therapist. In addition, the results could have some political and economical implications on the healthcare system.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

The expression of MMP-2 following immobilization and high-intensity running in plantaris muscle fiber in rats.

The effect of 2-week, high-intensity running and a 2-week immobilization on muscle fiber type composition of the plantaris muscle from 18 female, 6-month-old Wistar rats (running, n = 6; immobilization, n = 6; sedentary control, n = 6) was bio- and histochemically investigated. The high-intensity treadmill running began with 20 min (32 m/min, 0% gradient, 75% VO2 max), up to 50 min/day. Right hind limbs were immobilized by an external fixation procedure for 13 days. Muscle mass of the plantaris muscle in the immobilized groups was reduced by 16% in comparison with the sedentary control group. High-intensity running and immobilization increased both mRNA and protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase type 2 (MMP-2) in plantaris. Running and immobilization decreased the percentages of transverse sectional area of fast-twitch glycolytic (FG) type IIb fibers, running increased relative cross-sectional area of fast-twitch oxidative glycolytic (FOG) type IIa muscle fibers, whereas immobilization increased relative cross-sectional area of slow-twitch oxidative (SO) muscle fibers (type I). Our results suggest that both high-intensity running and immobilization are enough to induce overwhelming changes in plantaris.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2006

Rehabilitation exercise for treatment of vestibular disorder: a case study.

Vertigo and dizziness are common symptoms in the general population. While the clinical picture is well known and widely described, there are different interpretations of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. The purpose of this case report was to describe the treatment of a 56 year old woman with complains of positional vertigo for 35 consecutive years. She suffered from a sudden onset of rotatory, unilateral horizontal canal type benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The symptoms started a day after falling from a bus, where she injured her head. Otherwise her medical history was unremarkable. She was treated with an individualized home exercise program of eye movement exercises, Brandt/Daroff exercises, and general conditioning exercises (i.e., laying on the left side from sitting on the bed, while the head rotated 45 degrees to the right, waiting for about one minute; twice a day on gradual basis, not laying on the side all the way, but to use enough pillows to lay about at 60 degrees). Four weeks from the start of physical therapy, the patient was free of symptoms, even when her neck was in the extended position.

Dizziness↗
PubMed2005

High intensity exercise increases expression of matrix metalloproteinases in fast skeletal muscle fibres.

Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes that function in the extracellular matrix to degrade connective tissues. While it is clear that exercise-induced injury in skeletal muscle promotes increased expression of MMPs, the relationship between exercise intensity and expression of MMPs in muscles is unknown. These experiments tested the hypothesis that exercise-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) is dose-dependent such that high-intensity endurance exercise increases MMP expression whereas low-intensity endurance exercise will not promote MMP expression in skeletal muscles. Female rats (4 months old) completed 2 weeks of treadmill running at either low (18 m min(-1); approximately 50% maximum oxygen consumption rate ) or high intensity (32 m min(-1); approximately 70% ; up to 50 min day(-1)). Non-running, sedentary animals served as controls. Muscle mRNA and protein levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were assessed in gastrocnemius, quadriceps and soleus muscles by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Results indicate that exercise did not alter MMP-9 in any of these skeletal muscles. Further, our data reveal that low-intensity exercise did not alter the expression of MMP-2 in any of the muscles investigated. In contrast, high-intensity exercise increased both mRNA and protein levels of MMP-2 in skeletal muscles containing a high percentage of fast type II fibres (i.e. gastronemius and superficial quadriceps). These results support the hypothesis that high-intensity exercise is required to promote the expression of MMP-2 in skeletal muscles and that the influence of exercise on MMP-2 expression is dominant in muscles containing a high percentage of fast fibres.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Managing scoliosis in a young child with Rett syndrome: a case study.

Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder primarily affecting females. One of its most disabling features is the severe and rapid progression of scoliosis. So far, only surgical intervention has succeeded in reversing the development of scoliosis in Rett syndrome. The present study describes a new management approach implemented with a girl with Rett syndrome. The core of the management regime was intensive: asymmetrical activation of trunk muscles through equilibrium reactions. The X-rays accompanying the article (evaluated by four experienced orthopedic surgeons blinded to the intervention process) suggested that the intervention was successful in reversing the progress of the scoliosis for the above-mentioned child. Discontinuation of treatment led to severe and rapid deterioration of the spinal curve. Due to the fact that this was a case study, generalization is limited, but we suggest further investigation and studies with this method.

Child↗
PubMed2005

Can physical training have an effect on well-being in adults with mild intellectual disability?

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of physical training on balance, strength, and general well-being in adult people with intellectual disability (ID). This study evaluated how physical training can effect physical and psychological change among 'older' adults with mild ID. Participants consisted of non-randomly selected groups with ID (n=22), between 54 and 66 years of age. Clinical balance functional tests were measured by a modified Timed Get-up and Go test and Functional Reach test. Knee muscles strength were measured on a Biodex dynamometer. The self-concept of well-being was measured by direct interview with a questionnaire consisting of 37 structural statements. Physical training program was conducted three times a week for six consecutive months. Multiple regression analyses suggested positive relations between balance, muscle strength, well-being and physical training between the experimental and control group. This positive relation can support the role and importance of physical training to improve locomotor performance and perception of well-being among 'older' adults with ID.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2005

The effect of hindlimb immobilization on acid phosphatase, metalloproteinases and nuclear factor-kappaB in muscles of young and old rats.

Age-associated muscle wasting (sarcopenia of old age) is a major problem in elderly people, however, the mechanisms of muscle proteolysis in aging remain obscure and enigmatic. Possible reasons for loss of skeletal muscle mass with aging may be attributed to multiple and complex proteolytic systems. The purpose of the present study was to explore the kinetics of activation of extracellular hydrolytic and proteolytic systems in muscles of hindlimbs immobilized by external fixation of 24-month-old female Wistar rats, in comparison with those of 6-month-old rats. Results show that elevated acid phosphatase activities (lysosomal hydrolytic enzyme activated mainly in macrophages) in immobilized limb muscles of young animals, differ from old animals. In young rats external fixation resulted in significantly elevated acid phosphatase activities (50-55%; p<0.05) after 4 weeks of immobilization, whereas in old animals similar increases were observed already during the first and second weeks of immobilization. The extracellular proteolytic enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and -9), were also differentially activated in old animals compared to young animals. In young animals, as shown in previous studies, both MMP-2 and -9 activities were elevated significantly in immobilized muscles. In this study of old animals, only MMP-2 activity was detected, with no significant elevation in the immobilized muscles of old animals. In addition, the levels of the transcription factor Nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in nuclear extracts of old rat muscles, as detected by ELISA, showed a biphasic pattern after immobilization, suggesting that NF-kappaB could be activated by different processes in the atrophy process, at least in the old age. In conclusion, it seems that the kinetics of activation of extracellular hydrolytic and proteolytic systems differ in muscles of old animals compared to young animals.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed2005

The role of NF-kappaB in protein breakdown in immobilization, aging, and exercise: from basic processes to promotion of health.

Between the ages of 20 and 80 years, humans lose about 20-30% of their skeletal muscle weight. This phenomenon has been termed sarcopenia of old age and is directly involved in the well-being of the aged. With aging, people tend to be less mobile and are frequently bedridden, which exacerbates the muscle weight loss. The molecular mechanisms responsible for the muscle protein breakdown during immobilization in aging have been studied in our laboratory in a model of 24-month-old Wistar rats, immobilized for 4 weeks. Subsequently we investigated the activation of the intracellular and extracellular proteolytic systems in the immobilized muscles. A similar group of young (6-month-old) rats was examined and compared to the older rats. The involvement of NF-kappaB transcription factor in muscle atrophy was assessed in immobilized muscles of young and old animals. There were marked differences in the kinetics and the pattern of NF-kappaB activation in young versus old muscles. It seems that in both young and old animals in the early stages of limb immobilization, an alternative pathway of NF-kappaB activation can be observed. However, in late stages of immobilization, the canonic pathway of NF-kappaB activation (p65/p50 complex with I-kappaB alpha degradation) is predominant. Interestingly, the canonic activation pathway is more prominent in muscles from old animals compared to young ones. The activation of NF-kappaB has been observed also in muscles subjected to acute and intense exercise, implying that inflammatory processes may take place under the conditions of intense exercise. This may cause muscle damage and protein breakdown. Therefore, using NF-kappaB pathway inhibitors may prove beneficial in attenuating NF-kappaB-associated muscle damage in both disuse atrophy and strenuous exercise.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Snoezelen or controlled multisensory stimulation. Treatment aspects from Israel.

In Israel today, with a total population of over 6 million persons, the Division for Mental Retardation (DMR) provides services to 23,000 persons with intellectual disability (ID). Of the 23,000, residential services are provided to more than 6,000 in close to 60 residential centers, another 2,000 are provided residential care in hostels or group homes in the community in about 50 locations, while the rest are served with day-care kindergarten, day-treatment centers, sheltered workshops, or integrated care in the community. The first Snoezelen room (controlled multisensory stimulation) in the DMR was established at the Bnei Zion residential care center in 1995. The Snoezelen method is now used in Israel in more than 30 residential care centers and 3 community settings. Since the year 2000, a physiotherapist has been employed in order to supervise the treatment and development of the method nationally. Professional staff meetings take place every 4 months. A certification course has been established on a national basis for individuals from different professions (occupational therapists, physiotherapists, teachers, music therapists, nurses, speech therapists, or caregivers). Snoezelen has proved to be an important instrument and a powerful therapeutic tool among the various treatment modules employed in Israel for persons with ID. This paper presents the concept illustrated with two case stories.

Humans↗
PubMed2004

The assimilation of assistive technology in residential care centers for people with intellectual disabilities.

People with intellectual disability (ID) require special support in order to achieve independence in their daily life. Persons with ID are less exposed to assistive technology, although studies have shown that the availability of aids afford an opportunity to reach independence and cooperation. The aim of this study was to examine the nature of the relationship between involvement of the physiotherapy (PT) team and the degree to which assistive technology was used. A questionnaire was sent to all PTs employed at all 54 residential care centers for persons with ID of the Division for Mental Retardation at the Ministry of Social Affairs in Israel. A significantly positive correlation was found between the degree of involvement of the PT and the utilization of assistive technology. The study results may be summarized by stating that PTs demonstrated a great deal of involvement, particularly in relation to the extent of their work in the residential care centers. PT's awareness of the importance was indicated as the major reason to use assistive technology.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2004

Handgrip strength as a diagnostic tool in work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders in women.

The aim of this study was to determine if handgrip strength might be used as a diagnostic tool in musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities in women working in an industrial environment. The setting was an electronic factory with four groups of women (n = 101) in a factory assembling electronic components. Handgrip strength was measured using a Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer. The study investigated grip strength in managers-engineers, cable wiring, circuit board assembly, integrated circuits women at 90 degrees elbow flexion and 180 elbow extension. Women seeking or receiving medical care for musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities or neck showed significant declines (p < 0.01) in handgrip strength and these also related to the type of work and the level of perceived physical exertion. Women in the managerial-engineering group showed fewer musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity compared with the other groups and also had significantly stronger handgrip. Our findings encourage us to recommend hand dynamometer testing as a useful diagnostic tool to determine loss of handgrip strength.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Matrix metalloproteinases and skeletal muscle: a brief review.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc- dependent proteolytic enzymes that function mainly in the extracellular matrix, where they contribute to the development, functioning, and pathology of a wide range of tissues. This mini-review describes the MMPs and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) in skeletal muscle, and considers their involvement in muscle development, ischemia, myonecrosis, angiogenesis, denervation, exercise-induced injuries, disuse atrophy, muscle repair and regeneration, and inflammatory myopathies and dystrophies. Despite the very limited information currently available on MMPs and their inhibitors in skeletal muscle, it is becoming increasingly clear that they have important physiological functions in maintenance of the integrity and homeostasis of muscle fibers and of the extracellular matrix. Understanding the roles of MMPs and TIMPs may lead to the development of new drug-related treatments for various muscle disorders based on suppression or upregulation of their expression.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

A quantitative somatosensory testing of pain threshold in individuals with mental retardation.

The commonly held view, mainly based on behavioral observations, is that individuals with mental retardation (MR) have a decreased sensitivity to pain. However, the sensitivity to noxious stimuli was not systematically measured in these individuals. For this purpose we developed an experimental protocol with which we trained individuals with mild MR (unspecified MR and Down's syndrome) in heat-pain threshold (HPT) measurement on the hand, and then performed the measurement using both the method of limits (MLI) which relies on reaction time (RT) and the method of levels (MLE) which is RT-free. This allowed for an indirect assessment of the RT and conduction velocity (CV) of these individuals. We found that HPT in individuals with unspecified MR (41.23+/-1.86 degrees C) and Down's syndrome (40.96+/-2.93 degrees C) was significantly lower than that of controls (42.86+/-2.42 degrees C) when measured with the MLE (P < 0.05). With the MLI no significant differences in HPT were found between the groups. However, the RT and CV values of individuals with unspecified MR and Down's syndrome were significantly lower compared to controls (e.g. mean RT of 1.86 and 2.55 compared to 1.2 s, respectively, P < 0.01). From this work it would appear that individuals with MR are not only pain-sensitive, but also more sensitive to heat-pain than normal. It is suggested that computerized quantitative testing of pain threshold is feasible in individuals with MR preferably by using RT-free methods (e.g. the MLE) due to the low RT and CV values exhibited by them.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Impact of a walking program in people with down syndrome.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a pain-free treadmill walking program in intellectually disabled (ID) adults with arterial occlusive disease. Fourteen participants with mild ID participated in the walking program. Six patients showed stable intermittent claudication. A control (nontreadmill, n = 12) group consisted of 4 individuals with intermittent claudication. Noninvasive determinations of lower-limb hemodynamics included photoplethysmography and ankle-brachial pressure. Pain levels were measured according to a pain pathophysiology index. The treadmill program consisted of individually prescribed low-endurance walking at a 0% incline done at a comfortable speed 3 times per week. All participants completed the 15-week walking program and showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in walking speed, distance, and duration. Pain levels were reduced in individuals suffering from intermittent claudication. Blood hemodynamic parameters also showed significant improvements. In conclusion, low-intensity treadmill walking significantly improved the functional capacities of adult individuals with mild ID with vascular occlusion and reduced pain levels.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

[Vestibular function, falls and hip fracture in elderly--a relationship study].

BACKGROUND: Falling is the main reason for which people over 70 arrive at emergency rooms. Over 90% of hip fractures occur as a direct result of falling. PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between the function of the vestibular system and hip fractures following falls in elderly. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The research group (n = 84) undergone hip surgery as a result of a fall and were then hospitalized in a rehabilitative geriatric care unit at the Meir Hospital in Kfar Sava. The control group (n = 85)--without any history of a hip fracture and living in a retirement home. Four clinical tests were given to each examinee in order to locate any impairment of the vestibular system. Three of the clinical examinations concentrated on testing the VOR while the fourth test was especially used to locate BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo). Sociodemographic status and medical history were taken. RESULTS: A significant difference was found between the two groups (those with a hip fracture and those without any hip fracture) with regard to the functioning of the VOR, age, endocrine disease and medications for treating diabetic. However, there was no significant difference found in the appearance of the BPPV. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to locate the elderly who are at risk of falling in nursing homes and the community at large by performing the four simple clinical tests. Correct diagnosis and early treatment of the vestibular impairment in elderly patient can prevent the next fall.

Accidental Falls↗