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H Dawes

Publications and source records attributed to H Dawes.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

A pilot randomised controlled trial of a home-based exercise programme aimed at improving endurance and function in adults with neuromuscular disorders.

AIM: To investigate the feasibility and effect of a home-based exercise programme on walking endurance, muscle strength, fatigue and function in people with neuromuscular disorders (NMDs). METHODS: 20 adults with NMDs recruited to a control (n = 11) or exercise (n = 9) group were assessed by blinded assessors at baseline and at week 8. Walking and strengthening exercises were given to the exercise group in an 8-week home exercise programme. A 2-min walk distance was the main outcome measurement; isometric muscle strength, fatigue and function were secondary measurements. RESULTS: 2-min walk distances were not found to change in either group (p>0.05; control: mean 14.50 (SD 22.06) m; exercise: mean 2.88 (SD 20.08) m), and no difference was observed in the change scores between groups (p>0.05). Leg muscle strength increased in the exercise group (p<0.05) but not in the control group (p>0.05). Significance was reached between the groups with respect to the difference in change in muscle strength scores in the right quadriceps (p<0.05; control: mean -2.82 (SD 4.87) kg; exercise: mean -7.08 (SD 2.82) kg). No change was observed in fatigue or function scores (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A home-based approach aimed at improving endurance in adults with NMDs is feasible and further investigation on a larger sample is warranted.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Treadmill training for individuals with multiple sclerosis: a pilot randomised trial.

This pilot study investigated whether 4 weeks of aerobic treadmill training in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) improved mobility and reduced fatigue. Individuals with MS were recruited to this prospective, randomised controlled trial. Individuals were assessed at baseline, week 7 and 12 with a 10 metre timed walk, a 2 minute walk, the Rivermead Mobility Index, and the Fatigue Severity Scale. After a pre-assessment familiarisation session and a baseline assessment, individuals were randomly allocated to an initial intervention or delayed intervention group. Treadmill training consisted of 4 weeks of supervised aerobic exercise delivered weeks 3-6 in the immediate group and 8-11 in the delayed group. Of the initial 19 recruits, 16 individuals completed the study. There was a significant difference in walking endurance between the delayed and immediate groups at baseline (p<0.05). On reassessment in week 7, decreases in 10 metre walk time were found in both groups, which was significant in the immediate group (p<0.05). The 2 minute walk distance significantly increased in both groups (p<0.05). In the training group, reassessed at week 12 after training ceased, there was a return towards baseline scores. No significant changes in fatigue scores were found. This study showed that in individuals with MS, aerobic treadmill training is feasible and well tolerated. Walking speed and endurance increased following training with no increase in reported fatigue. Detraining occurred in the period following training. A larger randomised clinical trial is warranted.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Evaluation of the Modified Jebsen Test of Hand Function and the University of Maryland Arm Questionnaire for Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the concurrent validity and test-retest reliability of the Modified Jebsen Test of Hand Function (MJT) and the University of Maryland Arm Questionnaire for Stroke (UMAQS). DESIGN: Individuals with acquired neurological disorders were retested within an average of 9.6 days after the first assessment. SETTING: Individuals were recruited from two specialist rehabilitation units, members of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Headway Group. SUBJECTS: Twenty-six individuals with acquired neurological disorders; stroke (12), MS (7), head injury (4), tumour (3) with moderate to high functioning upper limbs were recruited for this study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Arm function was assessed using the MJT, the UMAQS, the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT) and grip strength, calculating the ratio between affected and unaffected arm. RESULTS: The MJT showed good concurrent validity. Pearson's correlation with the NHPT was 0.86 and 0.88, on T1 and T2 respectively. The UMAQS showed no significant correlation with grip strength, the NHPT and the MJT. Test-retest reliability of the MJT was high with a correlation of 0.95, and 95% limits of agreement of 0.02 +/- 0.14. Correlations over time of the dominant hand/nondominant hand of the UMAQS were 0.72 and 0.83, with limits of agreement of -2.92 +/- 13.28 and 1.73 +/- 11.53. CONCLUSIONS: The present study supports the use of the MJT as a measure of gross functional dexterity. More information is needed to evaluate the UMAQS.

Arm↗
PubMed2001

Humans seek clues from closest kin.

Genomes: As researchers promote the value of different species in the competition for rare sequencing dollars, primate genomics can still make a case in the appeal for those funds, reports Heather Dawes.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

High-intensity cycling exercise after a stroke: a single case study.

Aerobic exercise training has demonstrated positive effects after brain injury. However, therapists express concern regarding the use of effortful exercise in individuals presenting with spasticity or involuntary muscle activity. This study aimed to address this concern and to evaluate whether an intervention of maximal intensity cycling exercise impaired an individual's ability to actively extend his hemiparetic elbow. Using a single case design, it was shown that active elbow extension improved during the period of this investigation, and was not impaired immediately following maximal cycling exercise.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Identification of sodium channel subtypes induced in cultured retinal pigment epithelium cells.

Recent electrophysiological experiments have shown that retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells begin to produce neuronal-type voltage-dependent sodium currents when placed in dissociated cell culture. In this study, the sodium channel types induced in cultured rat RPE cells were identified. Sodium channel mRNAs encoding two distinct alpha subunits were detected in the cultured RPE cells, brain type II/IIA, and a novel rat mRNA which we have termed RET1. These two sodium channel types may correspond to the TTX-sensitive and TTX-insensitive components of sodium current reported previously in cultured rat RPE cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗