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Biomedical subjects

J W Gersten

Publications and source records attributed to J W Gersten.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1991

Effect of exercise on muscle function decline with aging.

As people age, changes in muscle occur that are associated with a decrease in strength and endurance. These changes result in decreased functional capacity and quality of life. A substantial portion of this decrease is the result not of aging but of the sedentary life-style so frequently associated with aging. In "healthy old" persons and in older animals in experiments, an appropriate exercise program can result in increased strength and endurance. This is true both in longitudinal and short-term studies. As physical impairment increases, the exercise program must be individualized, and results are not as readily predictable. Much work remains before we may be certain how much exercise can be tolerated in these more impaired persons and what the effects may be.

Aged↗
PubMed1982

A quantitative electromyographic index that is independent of the force of contraction.

Quantitative EMG has been used to improve the accuracy of the diagnosis of myopathy. Equipment is available commercially that utilizes the Willison method of quantification, but the technique has not been widely used because of the necessity of measuring muscle contraction force. An analysis of the basic parameters of the Willison method of quantification was performed for forces of 10, 20, 40 and 60% of maximum for 16 normal subjects for the deltoid muscle. An index was derived from the basic parameters that is independent of the force of contraction. The index is a standardized value for turns/sec expressed as a logarithm. The index has a mean of 1.171 with a standard error of 0.059 for a sample size of 10 muscle sites. Quantitative EMG can be utilized in routine clinical examinations by applying mild to moderate resisting forces to patients, and the proposed index can be determined graphically. The force applied to patients can be maintained within the range of the forces investigated by estimating the force of contraction, evaluating patient effort and fatigue, and monitoring the parameter of total amplitude per second.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1979

Effect of pelvic-femoral position on vertebral separation produced by lumbar traction.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between hip position and the amount of vertebral separation produced by intermittent lumbar traction. Ten subjects received intermittent lumbar traction at a force of 31.8 kg (70 lb) for 15 minutes in each of three positions of hip flexion (supine): 0 degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees. Vertebral separation was measured on lateral roentgenograms by outlining and marking the vertebral bodies and measuring interspaces with fine-point calipers. Except for the T12-L1 interspace, traction produced greater posterior interspace separation as the angle of hip flexion increased from 0 to 90 degrees. These differences were statistically significant at interspaces L4-5 and L5-S1. We found no systematic changes in anterior interspace distance. To produce maximal posterior vertebral interspace separation, pelvic traction should be applied with the hip flexed 90 degrees.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Provision of rehabilitation services for a rural mountainous region in Colorado.

1. Four alternative methods for provision of rehabilitative services to a rural, mountainous region of Colorado were examined. These concepts were: minicenter, clinic-on-wheels, ambulance taxi, and temporary rest home. 2. From the standpoint of breakeven facts and resource efficiency the minicenter and clinic-on-wheels were similar and superior to the other two. 3. Further comparison between the minicenter and clinic-on-wheels in eight areas revealed that the former had more areas of superiority. Since the items were not weighed, final choice between these two alternatives would have to depend upon the value judgement of the community.

Colorado↗
PubMed1976

The relationship between occupational therapy and physical therapy test scores in children with learning disabilities.

Twenty-seven children with learning disabilities associated with perceptual deficits were studied in order to determine what relationship might exist between occupational therapy and physical therapy test scores. Intercorrelations were computed and multivariate models were developed for the occupational therapy test items. Numerous positive relationships were demonstrated between the two groups of test items, consistent with previous clinical and experimental data. One test, however, did not duplicate the other, and both are essential in the evaluation of the learning-disabled child with perceptual deficits. Negative correlations also emerged, which might have been caused by compensation for deficits.

Child↗
PubMed1975

Effectiveness of aides in a perceptual motor training program for children with learning disabilities.

A program for children with learning disabilities associated with perceptual deficits was designed that included elements of gross and fine motor coordination, visual and somatosensory perceptual training, dance, art, music and language. The effectiveness of nonprofessional "perceptual-aides," who were trained in this program, was evaluated. Twenty-eight children with learning disabilities associated with perceptual deficits were treated by occupational, physical, recreational and language therapists; and 27 similarly involved children were treated by two aides, under supervision, after training by therapists. Treatment in both groups was for four hours weekly over a four to seven month period. There was significant improvement in motor skills, visual and somatosensory perception, language and educational skills in the two programs. Although there was no significant difference between the two groups, there was a slight advantage to the aide program. The cost of the aide program was 10 percent higher than the therapist program during the first year, but 22 percent lower than the therapist program during the second year.

Allied Health Personnel↗
PubMed1967

Isometric tension differences in fibers of red and white muscles.

Measurements of maximum isometric tension and rate of onset of tension in fibers of glycerinated rat muscle indicate that the red soleus fibers develop significantly higher tensions than do white medial gastrocnemius fibers. Gastrocnemius fibers develop tension at a significantly faster rate than soleus fibers, however. These differences seem to be related to formation of actinmyosin cross-links.

Animals↗