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PubMedDate not supplied

Compelled weightbearing in persons with hemiparesis following stroke: the effect of a lift insert and goal-directed balance exercise.

The hypotheses have been tested that 1) symmetry of weightbearing in persons who have sustained a stroke could be improved by the addition of a lift to the shoe on the non-paretic lower limb and 2) compelled weightbearing resulting from the addition of a lift in conjunction with targeted exercise helps to overcome the learned disuse of the paretic limb. Weightbearing on the paretic side was measured in eight persons with hemiparesis during quiet standing and in conditions of compelled weight shift. Compelled weight shifts were applied with special lifts to the shoe on the non-paretic limb of the subjects. An increase in symmetrical weightbearing was recorded in conditions of compelled weight shifts: 10-mm lift provided the best symmetry of bipedal standing. We suggest that improved symmetry of bipedal standing obtained with the lift of the non-paretic limb would help in overcoming the learned disuse of the affected limb. Pre- and post-test results of a person with hemiparesis who was wearing a shoe lift on the non-paretic limb during a 6-week physical therapy program showed statistically significant improvement of walking speed, stride length, and weightbearing. Such findings support the idea of using compelled weightbearing via lifting and targeted exercise during treatment.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

The simulation effects of mountain climbing training on selected endocrine responses.

The simulation effects of mountain climbing exercise training on plasma testosterone, cortisol and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were examined in ten recreational mountain male climbers. Subjects underwent a simulating mountain climbing exercise training 3 times a week for a total of eight weeks before an expedition to Mount Muztag Ata (7546 m, Xingian, China). During training, each subject carried a 40 kg back pack while walking on a treadmill at a speed of 1.9 mph for 60 min at sea level. Subjects completed an incremental treadmill test to exhaustion prior to training, after training, and one week after returning from Mount Muztag Ata. Blood samples were collected from antecubital vein at rest and at 5, 60, and 120 min post testing to determine the plasma testosterone, cortisol and LH levels. The basal plasma testosterone and cortisol concentrations were lower in both post-training and after-climbing conditions compared with that in the pre-training condition (p<0.01). The basal plasma LH concentration was remained unchanged after training and after the mountain climbing compared with levels measured in the pre-training phase. No correlation could be established between plasma LH and testosterone level. These results suggest that an eight-week period of mountain climbing training protocol may be beneficial in maintaining normal endocrine function during and after high altitude mountain expedition. Our results also indicate the decrease of plasma testosterone was LH independent.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Mental and physical health and acculturation among Hispanic Vietnam Veterans.

This study tested the associations between acculturation and mental and physical health among Hispanic Vietnam veterans. Secondary data analyses of the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Survey, an epidemiological study of a representative sample of veterans who served during the Vietnam era (N = 1,195), were conducted. An acculturation index was constructed using standard acculturation measures (range, 0-13), and its predictive validity was tested using nine outcome measures of physical health and eight measures of mental health. Among Puerto Rican and Mexican-American veterans, the scores on the acculturation index ranged from 0 to 12. Hispanic veterans were distributed across the acculturation continuum as follows: 0 to 3 (24%), 4 to 7 (59%), 8 to 12 (17%). The acculturation scores were not associated with mental or physical health risks for Hispanic veterans. Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans did not differ in mental or physical health risk compared with non-Hispanic whites. The association between acculturation and mental and physical health among Hispanics may not be generalized to Hispanic veterans. Hispanics who have been through an intensive assimilating experience, such as being in the military, appear to have health outcomes similar to whites.

Acculturation↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Regular changes in histogram forms in physical measurements and mathematical modeling].

A study of macroscopic fluctuations for objects separated by large distances confirmed the conclusion drawn earlier that, if the objects being measured are in different time zones, the increase in the probability of occurrence of histograms of similar form corresponds to the difference in the local time at the points of measurement. It was also found that, upon realization of pseudo-random sequences of numbers in mathematical generators, sequences of histograms very similar to those in real physical series can be realized. This suggests the presence of previously unknown regularities, both physical and mathematical, in sequences traditionally considered as absolutely random.

Alpha Particles↗
PubMed2002

Physiological responses at 0% and 10% treadmill incline using the RPE estimation-production paradigm.

BACKGROUND: This study examined physiological responses during 0% and 10% inclined treadmill exercise at prescribed ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) using the perceptual estimation-production paradigm. METHODS: RPE's were estimated during a Bruce treadmill test to volitional exhaustion. Subjects then produced individually prescribed RPE's (associated with 50% and 70% VO2max) during level (0% grade) and inclined (10% grade) treadmill exercise. Heart rate response (HR) and oxygen consumption (VO2) were compared between estimation (EST), level production (LPR), and incline production (IPR) trials using one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results were considered significant at < or = 0.05. RESULTS: At 50% VO2max, HR and VO2 were not significantly different between EST (134 +/- 13 b x min-1, 27.1 +/- 5.6 ml x kg x min-1) and IPR (139 +/- 18 b x min-1, 30.6 +/- 11.2 ml x kg x min-1). However, HR and VO2 during LPR (123 +/- 20 b x min-1, 24.3 +/- 8.8 ml x kg x min-1) were significantly lower than IPR. For 70% VO2max, HR and VO2 were not significantly different between EST (168 +/- 9 b x min-1, 42.1 +/- 9.4 ml x kg x min-1) and IPR (169 +/- 14 b x min-1, 41.1 +/- 10.2 ml x kg x min-1). However HR and VO2 during LPR (155 +/- 17 b x min-1, 35.1 +/- 8.1 ml x kg x min-1) were significantly lower than during EST and IPR. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest physiological responses during RPE estimation-production trials correspond better when estimation and production trials were performed at a similar treadmill incline. For exercise prescription purposes, RPE estimations made during inclined treadmill exercise may require adjustments to achieve appropriate intensities during level treadmill exercise.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Health status and fitness of the young men for military service].

Submitted in the article are medical causes of unfitness of those men called up for military service in peace-time. These include psychic dysfunctions (22%), traumata (18.5%), disorders of the nervous system and sensory organs (14.5%), of the osteomuscular system and connective tissue (13.3%), digestive diseases (8.6%). Mental disorders, those of the nervous system and sensory organs, the endocrine system and digestive organs rank first among causes of striking the serviceman off the register, coming up to 40.9%, 31.2%, and 6.8% respectively. Age has been established at which disease manifestations causing unfitness for military service come to reveal themselves: in 58.4 percent of registrants the above manifestations were first diagnosed in childhood, in 5.4 percent--at 16 to 17 years of age, in 36.2 percent--at call-up age.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Health conditions in the tribal villages of South Bihar: an epidemiologic survey.

In order to understand and establish an effective approach toward sustainable rural health development in the tribal region of South Bihar, an extensive socio-medical survey on over 90% of the houses of four tribal villages was undertaken. Using both a family-based questionnaire and screening physical examinations, the vital statistics, disease prevalence rates, immunization rates, and use of maternal health services in this neglected and previously unstudied area were determined. Local health-related behaviours and attitudes as well as nutritional status and family dietary intake were also focused upon. The results indicate that disease prevalence and mortality rates are significantly higher than expected and that existing services are less effective than previously thought. More importantly, the survey offers evidence that the fundamental obstacle toward improved community health remains a vast lack of health awareness and education in the villages; specifically in the areas of nutrition, immunization, diarrhoea prevention and treatment, maternity care, and family planning. Surveys of this kind provide vital information to health professionals working in underserved areas in India and should be an integral part of any such developmental undertaking.

Anemia↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Dental characteristics of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

A comprehensive assessment of the dental characteristics of 23 patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) was carried out, based on dental records, oral examinations and dental models. Decreasing muscle function was associated with increased plaque and calculus accumulation, leading to gingival inflammation, but caries experience was low. Disturbances in tooth form, number and eruption of the second premolars were observed in 39% of patients. Anterior and posterior open bites were common, associated with lip incompetence, mouth breathing, macroglossia and tongue thrusting. Maxillary and mandibular arch breadths were significantly larger, on average, in the DMD group than in controls. Rather than a normal parabolic arch form, the dental arches in DMD patients tended to be hyperbolic, with the posterior teeth being displaced buccally, consistent with an imbalance between the lingual and facial musculature.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Visual acuity, optical, and eye health readiness in the military.

Optimum vision readiness is essential on today's technologically advanced battlefield. A vision readiness screening of 4,825 active duty personnel at 13 Department of Defense sites from September through December 1997 revealed 4,021 (83.3%) not vision ready: 500 (10.4%) had substandard visual acuity, 1,249 (25.9%) had deficient optical devices, and 3,562 (73.8%) had eye health-related deficiencies. This suggests a more effective ongoing vision readiness process should be implemented to ensure all personnel are vision ready prior to deployment.

Contact Lenses↗
PubMed2003

The effects of levodopa on tongue strength and endurance in patients with Parkinson's disease.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of levodopa on measures of strength and endurance of tongue muscle contraction in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Ten patients with idiopathic PD were included. All patients were studied in practically defined on- and off-phases. They were asked to perform isometric tongue protrusions, which were registered by means of a calibrated tocograph. Results of on- and off-conditions were compared using non-parametric tests. Maximum force and contraction duration did not differ significantly between both conditions, but the integrated measurement of both (area under curve) was significantly larger in the on-state. The force decay slope was significantly lower in the on-state. No correlations were found with disease severity, disease stage or age. These findings fit the known pathophysiological effects on patterns of isometric muscle contraction in PD. It remains to be demonstrated if the effects of levodopa on tongue strength and endurance correlate with alterations in speech intelligibility, articulation and respiration.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Median nerve somatosensory evoked potentials and upper limb motor function in hemiparesis.

The purpose of this study is to describe the relationship between median nerve somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) parameters and clinical measures of motor impairment and physical disability in the affected upper limb of patients with hemiparesis. SEP assessments were carried out in 28 long-term survivors of stroke. Stroke survivors with preserved SEPs over the affected hemisphere exhibited significantly lower motor impairment and physical disability than those with absent waveforms. Among those with preserved waveforms, SEP amplitude exhibited a weak correlation with degree of upper limb motor impairment. The correlation between SEP amplitude and physical disability was not statistically significant. Contrary to prior reports, median nerve SEP appears to have a weak correlational relationship with clinical measures of upper limb function in hemiparesis.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Clinical prediction rules: a reader's guide].

INTRODUCTION: Clinical prediction rules or scores are instruments that allow to quantify the respective contributions of medical history, clinical examination and laboratory tests to a diagnosis or a prognosis in a given patient. STATE OF THE ART: The development of clinical prediction rules requires three steps: 1) derivation of the rule from a population with known clinical characteristics and diagnosis or prognosis; 2) validation of the rule in a population distinct from the derivation sample; and 3) evaluation of the impact of the rule on clinician behavior and patient outcomes. PERSPECTIVES: This paper provides a guide for the critical appraisal of a prediction rule illustrated by two clinical scores for the assessment of the clinical probability of pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical prediction rules or scores have become indispensable components of the clinician's toolbox.

Age Factors↗