Effect of Balance Exercises with Smart Phone Based Virtual Reality Programme on Balance in Stroke Patients
Published on: 28th September, 2023
Background and objectives: A stroke is a neurological deficit, caused due to vascular changes. Impaired postural control and balance impairments in post-stroke patients are associated with a high risk of falls among stroke patients. The perturbation-based balance training is mainly used in older adults and balance impairment. Virtual reality (VR) as a novel technology is rapidly becoming a popular intervention for improving balance. VR can visualize computer-generated environments with a full field of view through Head-mounted displays (HMD-VR). This study was conducted to assess and investigate the effect of balance exercises with smartphone-based virtual reality programs on balance in stroke patients.Methods: This was a randomized single-group pre and post-test study design. 30 subjects met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled, assigned, and received intervention. Subjects were given perturbation-based balance exercises and smartphone-based virtual reality along with conventional physiotherapy. The intervention protocol was for 6 days/week for 4 weeks period. Results: Following 4 weeks of intervention showed improvement in postural control and balance which was assessed using BBS, TUG, VR BESS, BESTest, and SIS 3.0. Paired t-test was used to differentiate the mean significance. The mean pre to post-intervention difference is 12.6 with a p - value < 0.05. TUG score improved from pre to post-intervention difference is 1.443 with a p - value < 0.05. VR BESS score improved from pre to post-intervention difference is 10.266 with a p value < 0.05. The mean BESTest pre to post-intervention difference is 11.467 with a p - value < 0.05. SIS 3.0 score improved from a pre to post-intervention difference is 20.33 with p - value < 0.05. The result of this study showed a highly significant difference in pre and post-treatment.Conclusion: The study concludes that perturbation-based balance exercises with smartphone-based virtual reality programs are a useful adjunct to improving balance in stroke patients along with conventional physiotherapy.
Neuromuscular Training in Football: A Literature Review
Published on: 12th October, 2023
Introduction: Neuromuscular training (NT) involves a series of functionally focused exercises that address aspects such as postural stability, sensory perception, and muscle strengthening. These exercises are incorporated as an integral part of a currently used training protocol. Objective: To review the main effects of NT on injury prevention in soccer players and its impact on related physical performance. Methods: Review of the literature describing different studies on NT in soccer. The following databases were used to search and retrieve the scientific articles: PubMed, Scopus, and Ebsco. Combinations of the following keywords were used to perform the search (“neuromuscular training” OR “proprioceptive training” OR “sensorimotor training”) AND (“soccer” OR “football” OR “soccer players” OR “football players”). Results: A positive trend is observed in NT for the prevention of knee and ankle injuries, in addition to improving muscle strength and motor skills such as agility and coordination. Conclusion: This review managed to identify that NT is effective in reducing the risk of injury in soccer players; however, the literature has mainly addressed lower extremity injuries. Therefore, it may be necessary for future investigations to focus on the upper extremity and trunk. Likewise, it was determined that NT has a potential impact on improving physical performance, with the variables of strength, power, speed, agility, and balance being the most studied.
Dual Role of Clinician Managers in Healthcare - Challenges and Opportunities
Published on: 26th December, 2023
Background: Clinician managers can play a crucial role in healthcare organizations, including hospitals, by combining their clinical expertise with managerial responsibilities. They bring valuable insights and firsthand experience of patient care to managerial positions, contributing to improved patient outcomes and hospital performance. However, they face unique challenges that require careful attention and solutions. Aim: This review aims to critically discuss the role of clinicians as managers, the challenges that they face, and how they exercise their influence in hospital settings. Key findings: The role of clinicians as managers is critical for effective leadership and delivery of high-quality patient care. Described as a two-way window, clinician managers bridge the gap between medicine and management by combining clinical expertise with managerial skills in a hybrid leadership approach. Studies have shown a positive impact on hospital performance, including enhanced quality care, improved patient outcomes, and potentially better financial performance. In addition, they play a vital role in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and boosting staff engagement. However, challenges such as identity conflicts, and limited formal training, are present, especially for first-time managers. Conclusion: Adapting to the dual role of clinician and manager demands a mindset shift and the development of new skills, necessitating strategic support. This includes leadership education, organizational support, mentoring, and collaborative models to empower clinician managers. Targeted training programs, formal mentoring, and peer support networks equip them with essential skills, while workload management, well-being initiatives, and a culture of balance foster success and growth.
The Effect of Mat Pilates Exercise Program on Body Mass Index and Body Composition in Non-Physically Active Working Iraqi Women
Published on: 29th December, 2023
The current study aimed to investigate the effect of using a pilates exercise program on improving body mass index and body composition of non-physically active working women. The participants of the study were (16) working women at the University of Basrah, Iraq. A pre-posttest was utilized to collect the data, (after a 12-week cycle of exercises) in Pilates groups, the results of the study showed that there were statistically significant differences at (α ≤ 0.05) in the women’s mean scores on body mass index and body composition. The study concluded that the pilates exercise program is effective in the improvement of body mass index and body composition of non-physically active working women.
Impact of Balanced Lifestyles on Childhood Development: A Study at Crèche
Published on: 9th January, 2024
Introduction: In our fast-paced world, children’s dietary habits and behaviour are increasingly concerning, with a tendency toward indulging in sweets and snacks. Insights are derived from observations of 20 children at a crèche facility.Temptation of sweets: Children’s inherent attraction to sweet and salty snacks challenges maintaining a healthy diet. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues, recognizing the pivotal role parents and caregivers play in guiding children toward healthier choices.Significance of a balanced diet: A well-rounded and nutritious diet is crucial for a child’s physical and mental development. Providing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is essential.Role of activities: Diversifying a child’s routine with engaging activities is a powerful strategy to redirect their focus from unhealthy snacks. Sports, arts, outdoor play, and educational games promote physical fitness, creativity, and cognitive development, contributing to a well-balanced lifestyle.Strategies for encouraging healthy choices:• Lead by example: Modelling healthy habits inspires children to adopt similar behaviour.• Educate about nutrition: Imparting knowledge about the nutritional value of foods equips children to make informed choices.• Make healthy options accessible: Stocking the kitchen with nutritious snacks makes it convenient for children to opt for healthier alternatives.• Limit unhealthy choices: Setting clear limits on sugary snacks helps children develop moderation and self-control.• Create a fun and active environment: Fostering an enjoyable environment involves family outings, games, and making exercise a natural part of daily life.Results: Encouraging results were observed among the 20 children. Two children, aged around 12, demonstrated awareness of healthy habits. Excluding these two, others showed positive changes in behaviour towards sweets and snacks through activities and counselling.Conclusion: Maintaining a balance between a child’s consumption of sweets and snacks and engaging in diverse activities is crucial for overall development. A combination of nutritious choices and engaging activities guides children toward a path of health and happiness
Treatment Outcome in Patients with Myofascial Orofacial Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Published on: 18th January, 2024
Background: Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) pain attributed to myalgia is a common condition and patients should get advice on the best treatment option. Objectives: The aim was to evaluate the effect of two different exercise programs, or bite splint therapy, respectively, in patients with chronic frequent primary myofascial orofacial pain. Methods: The study was a randomized clinical trial including patients fulfilling criteria of chronic frequent primary myofascial orofacial pain with a reported pain intensity of ≥ 4 on a numerical rating scale (0-10). Ninety subjects were randomized to either bite splint, home exercises, or a supervised exercise program. Two examiners blinded to the treatment modality examined the same subject at baseline and a 3-month follow-up. Non-parametric statistical methods were applied for the outcome of treatment in intended-to-treat analyses. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The pain severity index was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) in all treatment groups. Jaw opening capacity improved significantly (p < 0.05) for those randomized to bite splint and for those in the home exercise program. About 70% of the participants reported improvement in their TMD pain severity with no significant difference between treatments. Both exercise groups improved in jaw function at the 3-month follow-up compared to baseline. Those who had a bite splint reported significantly more improvement in their headaches compared to those in the exercise programs. Conclusion: Jaw exercise programs and bite splint treatments had similar positive effects on TMD pain severity attributed to myalgia after 3 months.
The Cortisol Connection: Weight Gain and Stress Hormones
Published on: 28th March, 2024
Weight gain can be good or bad for health. Benefits include increased health for overweight people, disease or surgical recovery, and more. Health concerns, joint and musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory issues, metabolic abnormalities, cardiovascular health, psychological impact, reduced mobility, digestive troubles, hormonal changes, and cancer risk are negative impacts. Weight gain outcomes depend on heredity, weight distribution, and health. Maintaining a healthy weight needs a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management. A doctor or nutritionist can offer personalized weight management advice. Stress chemicals like cortisol trigger weight gain. ACTH stimulates adrenal glands to release cortisol, which increases hunger, fat storage, insulin resistance, and muscle loss. Understanding how stress hormones like cortisol affect weight gain is vital to reducing chronic stress’s health risks. Stress reduction, a balanced diet, regular exercise, proper sleep, social support, and professional treatment can mitigate these outcomes. Ultimately, stress hormones like cortisol can cause weight gain, but a holistic strategy tackling physical and psychological stress can help people maintain a healthy weight.
Chronic Ethanol Decreases the Left Ventricular Cardiac Performance
Published on: 15th April, 2024
Introduction: Spaced fiber bundles, less evident cell striations, deposition of collagen fiber bundles, and increased presence of fibroblasts in the cardiac tissue of rats that voluntarily and chronically ingested ethanol were observed by our research group. In addition, we observed increased proliferation and cell death of cardiomyocytes. To find out whether these changes lead to impaired heart functionality, some clinical tests were performed. Aim: to investigate whether chronic ethanol decreases the left ventricular performance assessed by exercise testing, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram of male and female UChB strain rats. Material and methods: ten adult males and ten adult females, Wistar strain rats, named UChB (University of Chile), spontaneous high ethanol drinkers (consumption greater than 2 g ethanol / Kg body weight/day), and ten male UChB rats and ten adults female UChB rats, not exposed to ethanol, UChBC rats (controls) were used. Cardiac performance was evaluated by the stress test, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram. Results: Exposed females showed ventricular morphological changes in the heart. The exposed females and males had the highest heart relative weight with females being larger than males. The exposed females showed altered electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. Conclusion: Chronic ethanol decreases the left ventricular cardiac performance in rats. Females are more sensitive to changes in cardiac electrical conduction.
Morning and Evening Exercise with or without High-Pressure Intervals have Different Effects on Controlling Blood Sugar and Glucose Fluctuations in People with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Published on: 29th December, 2023
Summary: Exercise is recommended for the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes. Also, to control and reduce glucose fluctuations in people with type 1 diabetes. However, the most appropriate time and the most effective intensity of exercise is still unknown, and various studies provide different results and different recommendations, and none of the studies provide a comprehensive and practical result. We conducted our studies to examine the results and determine the effect of time and intensity of exercise on blood sugar control and glucose fluctuations during the day. Methods: search in PubMed and Google Scholar with keywords morning, evening, type 1 and 2 diabetes, exercise, interval, periodic, aerobic, and glucose and blood sugar fluctuations were performed. A total of 31 articles were reviewed and finally, 10 articles that were most related to each other or had complementary information were selected. Conclusion: HIIT exercises are useful for type 2 diabetes, but they are recommended for type 1 diabetes with less pressure. Morning exercise increases glucose and evening exercise is applicable for type 1 and 2 diabetes.
Macitentan in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease and Pulmonary Hypertension: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Published on: 22nd April, 2024
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with a mortality rate of 37%. There is an upregulation of adhesion molecules which leads to the expression of endothelin-1, a potent vasoconstrictor. A prospective, descriptive study was done to determine the safety and efficacy of macitentan in patients with SCD and PH. Continuous variables were reported as mean ± SEM or percentage where appropriate. We screened 13 patients and recruited five. All five patients were adults. Data were analyzed as appropriate by student t - test. Statistical significance was assumed at p < 0.05. Baseline pulmonary hemodynamics obtained by right heart catheterization and systemic hemodynamics were (± SEM): mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) 32 ± 8 mmHg, right atrial pressure (RAP) 9 ± 4 mmHg, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) 257 dynes-sec/cm5 and CI 3·7 ± 0.39 l/m2. Of all parameters, only PVR and 6-min walk distance changed significantly. For the group, MPAP decreased by 15.6%, PVR by 22.5% and RAP by 25.5%. The 6-minute walk distance increased over sixteen weeks except in Patient 4 who had a 3% decrease. The mean walk distance increased in the total distance, from 464 ± 158 meters to 477 ± 190 meters (p .123). In four patients, the adverse events were mild to moderate and did not lead to study drug discontinuation. Significant improvement in pulmonary hemodynamics and exercise capacity in patients with SCD-related pulmonary arterial hypertension. We found that macitentan was safe and well tolerated.
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