Biomedical subjects

Günther Wiesinger

Publications and source records attributed to Günther Wiesinger.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

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↗

PubMed2003

Functional and biochemical properties of chronically stimulated human skeletal muscle.

The present study was undertaken to investigate in a randomized controlled trial the effects of chronic (10 weeks, 4 h per day, 7 days per week) low-frequency (15 Hz) stimulation (CLFS) of the knee extensor and hamstring muscles of both legs in healthy volunteers via surface electrodes. A control group (n=10) underwent the same treatment (sham stimulation) as the CLFS-treated group (n=10), except that stimulation intensity was kept at a level which did not evoke contractions. Biopsy samples were taken before the onset and after cessation of stimulation from the right vastus lateralis muscle of all subjects. The biopsy samples were analyzed for changes in myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms and activities of citrate synthase (CS) and glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as markers of aerobic-oxidative and anaerobic pathways of energy metabolism, respectively. In addition, functional properties, i.e., oxygen consumption (VO(2)) and work capacity, were assessed. Sham stimulation did not affect the functional properties and had no detectable effect on MHC isoform and enzyme activity patterns. Conversely, CLFS induced changes in the MHC isoform pattern in the fast-to-slow direction with an approximately 20% decrease in the relative concentration of MHCIId/x (from 28% to 22%) and an approximately 10% increase in the relative concentration of MHCI (from 30% to 34%). In addition, CLFS led to a approximately 9% increase in the activity of CS concomitant with an approximatley 7% decrease in the activity of GAPDH. This increase in aerobic-oxidative capacity was accompanied by improved work capacity and VO(2) at the anaerobic threshold by 26% and 20%, respectively.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Step aerobic vs. cycle ergometer training: effects on aerobic capacity, coordinative tasks, and pleasure in untrained adults--a randomized controlled trial.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of step aerobic (StA) and cycle ergometer training (CET) on physical performance, coordination, and pleasure, during workout. Forty untrained persons (40-70 years) were randomly assigned to either of the two regimens. Prior to and after three months of training, we investigated the participants' physical performance with a cycle ergometer test and by testing coordinative tasks (upper extremities: tapping test; lower extremities: one-leg stance). After the training period, visual analog scales were used to evaluate personal assessment (pleasure, wellbeing, team spirit, interest in prolongation of training). StA increased the relative oxygen uptake at the anaerobic threshold (RVO2AT) while CET increased the relative maximal oxygen uptake (RVO2max) to a statistically significant extent. However, intergroup comparison failed to show group-specific differences. Concerning coordinative tasks, the members of the StA group achieved a significant time reduction for both hands' tapping test. However, only the improvement in left-handed tapping was significantly higher than that achieved by members of the CET group. Despite the absence of group-specific differences, CET members showed a statistically significant change when comparing the duration of pre- with post-training time for one-leg stance under proprioceptive conditions. Team spirit was significantly higher in the StA group than in the CET group. Except for the time reduction in left-handed tapping, the present study found no group-specific differences in physical performance and coordination. Participating in a StA class has a more cohesive effect on the individual members than attending a CET group.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

[Optimizing electrotherapy--a comparative study of 3 different currents].

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation can be used to increase strength of skeletal muscle. In neuromuscular electrical stimulation of innervated skeletal muscle, the application of the highest possible intensities of electricity is an important determinant of therapeutic success with regard to strength training. The therapeutic goal of "strengthening muscles" is opposed to the side effect of discomfort through the application of electricity. The aim of the present study was to compare three forms of electric current with respect to subjective tolerance and maximum achievable muscular strength. Twenty-nine healthy male volunteers were included in a single-blind study in which three forms of electric current were applied in a randomized fashion. The following types were compared: a short monophasic form, a biphasic form that was twice as long in terms of impulse duration, and a long monophasic form with an equal impulse duration than tht of the biphasic form and with an impulse form that corresponded to the short monophasic current. Stimulation was administered via surface electrodes placed on the knee extensors in the lower extremity on the right side. The intensity of the current was increased to the individual limit of tolerance or to a maximum of 100 mA. The main target parameter used to determine the success of treatment was the maximum electrically induced strength as a percentage of maximal voluntary contraction. The short monophasic form of electricity was associated with much less discomfort than the long monophasic and biphasic forms (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0062). Furthermore, the biphasic form was better tolerated (and therefore had a larger therapeutic range of application) than the long monophasic form (p = 0.041). The biphasic and long monophasic forms produced higher values for maximum electrically induced strength than did the short monophasic form (p = 0.0001, p = 0.0010). To summarize: the biphasic form had a larger range of therapeutic application than the long monophasic form. Furthermore, the biphasic form produced 40% more electrically induced strength than the short monophasic one. It may be concluded that, in terms of therapeutic application, the biphasic form of electric current is superior to the monophasic forms described in the present study.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Calcific trochanteric bursitis: resolution of calcifications and clinical remission with non-invasive treatment. A case report.

Calcific trochanteric bursitis, a common regional pain syndrome, is characterized by chronic, intermittent aching pain over the lateral aspect of the hip and limitation of function. Effective treatment is invasive, including infiltration therapy and surgical intervention. The therapeutic effects of conservative treatment modalities have not been proven. A 59-year-old woman presented at the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation with a 2-year history of pain in the right hip. She had been treated with several agents such as glucocorticoids and local anesthetics (via injection) for two years, but without success. Physical examination revealed the clinical diagnosis of bursitis trochanterica. Radiographic findings showed calcified rounded masses measuring about 1.5 cm in diameter around the greater trochanter; a calcific bursitis trochanterica was diagnosed. The patient presented for conservative treatment in order to avoid surgical intervention for removing the calcification and the bursal sac. A non-invasive treatment regimen including intensive pulsed ultrasound therapy, physiotherapy and iontophoresis was started. The conservative treatment led to a remission of both, symptoms as well as radiographic findings, which revealed complete resolution of calcifications. This case report shows that, in cases of calcific trochanteric bursitis (including those with extensive calcifications), a non-invasive conservative treatment regimen including intensive high-dosed pulsed ultrasound therapy should be attempted before more invasive treatment (injections, surgery) is considered.

Bursitis↗