Effects of physical exercise on the functional recovery of rat hindlimbs with impairments of the sciatic nerve as assessed by 2D video analysis

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of treadmill training on functional recovery by analyzing the ankle joint as well as the knee and hip joints with 2D video analysis during gait by rats with sciatic nerve injury. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. The sham group (SG) received only a sham operation without any sciatic injury; the training group (TG) performed treadmill training for 4 weeks after sciatic injury; and the control group (CG) wasn’t provided with any therapeutic intervention after sciatic injury. [Results] The ankle, knee, and hip ROM of TG and CG during the initial, mid stance, and toe-off phases of gait at post-test were significantly different from SG. [Conclusion] Physical exercise, like treadmill training, is beneficial for the improvement of the ankle, knee and hip joints of rats with crushed sciatic nerve injury.Key words: Sciatic nerve injury, Physical exercise, 2D video analysis     

对简化太极拳运动步态站立中期的分析

目的研究简化太极拳对下肢功能的影响。方法使用关节测角器测量30名健康成年男性运动中的髋、膝、踝关节活动度。结果单腿支撑时同侧和对侧髋、膝和右踝关节活动度减小，左踝关节活动度几乎无变化。结论太极拳运动可增强下肢功能。     

The Effects of Lower Extremity Angle According to Heel-height Changes in Young Ladies in Their 20s during Gait

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of heel-height changes on the low joint angles of the lower extremities of women in their 20s during gait. [Subjects and Methods] Qualisys Track Manager Software ver. 2.8 (Qualisys, Sweden) was used to perform measurements on 14 female university students in their 20s. To measure movements, the subjects were asked to walk while wearing high-heeled shoes and reflective stickers on their hip joints, knee joints, and ankle joints, the changes in joint angles were measured at heel strike, foot flat, and toe off. [Results] Analysis of the amount of change according to heel height changes during gait showed that the angle of the hip joints was reduced with an increase in heel-height. Although the changes were not significant, the angle of the knee joints was reduced during heel strike, foot flat, and midstance, and it was increased during toe off. In contrast, the angle of the ankle joints was increased by a significant amount during heel strike, foot flat, midstance, and toe off. [Conclusions] During gait with high heels, the movements of the lower extremities of women in their 20s were reduced significantly with an increase in heel height. Therefore, it is concluded that the restrictions on gait can only be reduced by wearing low-heeled shoes.Key words: Heel height, Gait, Low extremity     

Comparison of gait before and after superficial trunk muscle exercise and deep trunk muscle exercise

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of superficial trunk muscle and deep trunk muscle exercise on gait. [Subjects] The subjects were 45 young adults who voluntarily consented to participate. The subjects were divided into a control group, a superficial muscle exercise group, and a deep muscle exercise group with 15 participants in each group. [Methods] Each group performed the exercises 5 times a week for 4 weeks. A Gait Analyzer was used to measure the subjects’ gait. A one-way ANOVA was conducted for analysis between each group. [Results] After 4 weeks, the values from right heel contact to foot flat, left foot flat to heel off, right foot flat to heel off, and left heel off to toe off significantly differed among the groups. [Conclusion] The superficial trunk muscle exercise improved stability, such as the period of mid stance during gait. The deep trunk muscle exercise improved mobility, such as heel contact to foot flat and heel off to toe off during gait.Key words: Superficial trunk muscle exercise, Deep trunk muscle exercise, Gait     

运动疗法促进坐骨神经损伤小鼠的运动功能恢复

目的:评估运动疗法对坐骨神经损伤小鼠运动功能恢复的促进作用。方法:将60只雄性C57BL/6小鼠随机分为假手术组、坐骨神经损伤组和运动治疗组,每组20只。通过挤压坐骨神经建立坐骨神经损伤小鼠模型。对各组小鼠脚趾形态和坐骨神经功能指数(Sciatic Functional Index,SFI)进行评估。通过免疫荧光染色观察各组小鼠神经纤维的形态及数量。使用透射电子显微镜检查小鼠坐骨神经损伤部位远端的有髓神经纤维数量。使用real-time PCR检测与神经损伤修复相关的基因。结果:与假手术组比较,坐骨神经损伤组小鼠脚趾不能张开,SFI高且下降速度慢,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。与坐骨神经损伤组比较,运动治疗组小鼠脚趾张开功能轻度恢复,SFI下降速度快,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。免疫荧光染色结果显示:坐骨神经损伤组受损部位远端神经纤维数量少,密度低;而运动治疗组受损部位远端神经纤维数量和密度均升高。电镜结果显示:与假手术组比较,坐骨神经损伤组小鼠受损部位远端有髓神经纤维比例降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001);与坐骨神经损伤组比较,运动治疗组小鼠受损部位远端有髓神经纤维比例升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。Real-time PCR结果显示:与假手术组比较,坐骨神经损伤组BDNF,Mpz和Cdh1基因表达均降低(P<0.01或P<0.001),Artn基因表达升高(P<0.001);与坐骨神经损伤组比较,运动治疗组BDNF,Mpz,Cdh1,Gap-43,cJun基因表达水平升高(P<0.01或P<0.001),Artn基因表达降低(P<0.01)。结论:运动疗法对坐骨神经损伤小鼠的运动功能恢复有促进作用。     

Effect of exercise on the expression of nerve growth factor in the spinal cord of rats with induced osteoarthritis

[Purpose] We examined the impact of exercise on the expression pattern of nerve growth factor in the spinal cord of rats with induced osteoarthritis of the knee joint. [Subjects and Methods] To produce monosodium iodoacetate-induced arthritis, rats were administered 3 mg/50 µL monosodium iodoacetate through the interarticular space of the right knee. The animals were randomly divided into four groups: rats sacrificed 3 weeks after 0.9% saline solution injection (shame group, n = 10), rats sacrificed 3 weeks after monosodium iodoacetate injection (control group, n = 10), rats with 4 weeks rest from 3 weeks after monosodium iodoacetate injection (no exercise group, n = 10), and rats with 4 weeks treadmill training from 3 weeks after monosodium iodoacetate injection (exercise group, n = 10). Serial coronal sections of the lumbar spine were cut and processed for immunohistochemistry. [Results] The expression of nerve growth factor was significantly increased in the EG compared with the SG, CG, and NEG. [Conclusion] Increased nerve growth factor expression in the spinal cord due to exercise-induced stimulation can be effective in treating chronic pain. Such treatment will contribute not only to improving the joint function of patients with chronic pain but also their quality of life.Key words: Osteoarthritis, Treadmill exercise, Nerve growth factor     

Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field and Swimming Exercise on Rats with Experimental Sciatic Nerve Injury

[Purpose] The current study aimed to reveal the therapeutic effects of a pulsed electromagnetic field and swimming exercises on rats with experimental sciatic nerve injury, which was induced with crush-type neuropathy model damage, using electrophysiological methods. [Subjects] In the current study, the sample consisted of 28 adult male Wistar albino rats. [Methods] The rats were randomized into four groups (n=7). Swimming exercise and PEMF (2 Hz and 0.3 MT) were applied one hour a day, five days a week, for four weeks. Electroneuromyographic (ENMG) measurements were taken on day 7. [Results] When the data were evaluated, it was found that the 4 weeks of PEMF and swimming exercises led to an increase in motor conduction rates and a decrease in latency values, but the changes were not significant in comparison with the control and injury groups. The compound muscle action potential (CMAP) values of the left leg were lower in weeks 2, 3, and 4 in the swimming exercise group in comparison with the control group, although for the PEMF group, the CMAP values of the left leg reached the level observed in the control group beginning in week 3. [Conclusion] PEMF and swimming exercise made positive contributions to nerve regeneration after week 1, and regeneration was enhanced.Key words: Pulsed electromagnetic field, Swimming exercise, Nerve regeneration     

Effects of the Nerve Mobilization Technique on Lower Limb Function in Patients with Poststroke Hemiparesis

[Purpose] The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of a sciatic nerve mobilization technique on improvement of lower limb function in patient with poststroke hemiparesis. [Subjects] Twenty- two stroke patients participated in this study. [Methods] They were randomly selected based on selection criteria and divided into two groups. In the subject group (n=10), sciatic nerve mobilization with conventional physical therapy was applied to patients. In the control group (n=10), only conventional physical therapy was applied to stroke patients. [Results] There were significant differences between the two groups in pressure, sway, total pressure, angle of the knee joint, and functional reaching test results in the intervention at two weeks and at four weeks. [Conclusion] The present study showed that sciatic nerve mobilization with conventional physical therapy was more effective for lower limb function than conventional physical therapy alone in patient with poststroke hemiparesis.Key words: Sciatic nerve mobilization, Foot pressure, Knee joint angle     

Histopathological Changes in the Periphery of the Sciatic Nerve of Rats after Knee Joint Immobilization

[Purpose] This study was performed to investigate the histological changes that occur in the periphery of the sciatic nerve in rats undergoing knee immobilization. [Subjects and Methods] 29 male 9-week-old Wistar rats were divided randomly into a control group (C group, n = 7) and an immobilized group (I group, n = 22). The animals in the I group had the left knee joint immobilized in maximal flexion with plaster casts for two weeks. After the experimental period, we obtained cross-sections of tissues from the center of the left thigh, and the periphery of the sciatic nerve was observed under an optical microscope after hematoxylin-eosin staining. [Results] In contrast to the rats of C group, the rats in I group showed adherence between the bundle of nerve fibers and perineurium, as well as thickening of the perineurium. These histological changes were statistically significant. [Conclusions] Immobilization of the knee joints of rats resulted in characteristic histological changes in the connective tissue around the sciatic nerve.Key words: Contracture, Sciatic nerve, Perineurium     

Plantarflexor and Dorsiflexor Activation during Inclined Walking with and without Modified Mobilization with Movement Using Tape in Women with Limited Ankle Dorsiflexion

[Purpose] This study compared the EMG activities of the plantarflexor and dorsiflexor muscles during inclined walking with and without modified mobilization with movement (modified MWM) using tape in women with limited ankle dorsiflexion. [Subjects] Fifteen women with limited dorsiflexion in their feet (22 feet in total) were recruited for this study. [Methods] The subjects walked with and without modified MWM using tape on a treadmill at 6 degrees with a speed of 1.25 m/s for 5 minutes. The EMG activities of the medial gastrocnemius (GCM) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles were measured using a surface EMG system. [Results] During incline walking with modified MWM using tape, the mean EMG activity of the GCM significantly increased, and that of the TA decreased between heel strike and heel off. There was no difference between heel off and toe off in the two muscles. [Conclusions] Modified MWM using tape on the talus during incline walking could alter the muscle activities of the GCM and TA between heel strike and heel off in women with limited ankle dorsiflexion.Key words: Ankle dorsiflexion, Inclined walking, Tape     

The effect of modified bridge exercise on balance ability of stroke patients

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to verify the effects of a modified bridging exercise on stroke patients with improvement in weight bearing on the affected side in standing and static balancing ability. [Subjects] Thirty patients who had a stroke were randomly allocated into a supine bridge exercise group (SBG, n=10), a supine bridge exercise on a TOGU balance pad group (SBTG, n=10), and a unilateral bridge exercise group (UBG, n=10). [Methods] The SBG patients underwent supine bridge exercise, the SBTG patients underwent supine bridge exercise with a TOGU balance pad, and the UBG patients underwent unilateral bridge exercise. All groups received 20 minutes of training per day, five times per week, for four weeks. [Results] All groups showed significant changes in weight bearing in a standing position after the intervention. The SBTG and UBG groups showed significant changes in balance ability. [Conclusion] According to the results of this study, bridge exercise was effective in improving weight bearing in a standing position and improving balance on stroke patients. The bridge exercise with a TOGU balance pad and the unilateral bridge exercise were especially more effective in anterior, posterior length in limit of stability following on standing.Key words: Bridge exercise, Stroke, Balance     

The Effect of Low-Intensity Ultrasound on Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor Expression in a Rat Sciatic Nerve Crushed Injury Model

Low-intensity ultrasound (LIU) can improve nerve regeneration and functional recovery after peripheral nerve crush injury, but the underlying mechanism is not clear. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of LIU on rat sciatic crush injury and to investigate a possible molecular mechanism. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent left sciatic nerve crush surgery and were then randomized into two groups: a treatment group that received LIU every other d, and a control group that received sham exposure. Compared with rats in the control group, rats in the treatment group had higher sciatic nerve function indexes, compound muscle action potentials, wet weight ratios of the target muscle and mRNA expression of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) in the crushed nerve and ipsilateral dorsal root ganglia. Our findings suggest that LIU might promote injured nerve regeneration by stimulating BDNF release.     

Effects of Inclined Treadmill Walking on Pelvic Anterior Tilt Angle, Hamstring Muscle Length,and Trunk Muscle Endurance of Seated Workers with Flat-back Syndrome

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of inclined treadmill walking on pelvic anterior tilt angle, hamstring muscle length, and back muscle endurance of seated workers with flat-back syndrome. [Subjects] Eight seated workers with flat-back syndrome who complained of low-back pain in the L3–5 region participated in this study. [Methods] The subjects performed a walking exercise on a 30° inclined treadmill. We measured the pelvic anterior tilt angle, hamstring muscle length, and back muscle endurance before and after inclined treadmill walking. [Results] Anterior pelvic tilt angle and active knee extension angle significantly increased after inclined treadmill walking. Trunk extensor and flexor muscle endurance times were also significantly increased compared to the baseline. [Conclusion] Inclined treadmill walking may be an effective approach for the prevention or treatment of low-back pain in flat-back syndrome.Key words: Inclined treadmill walking, LBP, Seated workers     

被动运动对家兔周围神经挤压伤后功能恢复的影响

目的：探讨被动运动对周围神经挤压伤后神经功能恢复的影响。方法：用电生理学的方法观察被动运动对周围神经挤压伤后早期再生和运动功能恢复的影响,并与夹板固定组进行比较。结果：康复训练组神经传导速度比夹板固定组快,比较差异有显著性意义（P〈0.05）,康复训练组的波幅比夹板固定组低,差异无显著性意义（P〉0.05）,康复训练组的潜伏期比夹板固定组短,差异有显著性意义（P〈0.05）。康复训练组的髓鞘厚度、单位面积的有髓纤维数目、再生轴突直径均比康复训练组大,差异有显著性意义（P〈0.05）。康复训练组小腿三头肌湿重和肌细胞直径比夹板固定组大,前者差异有显著性意义（P〈0.05）,后者差异无显著性意义（P〉0.05）。结论：被动运动能促进胫神经挤压伤后早期再生和运动功能的恢复。     

Synergistic effects of low‐level laser and mesenchymal stem cells on functional recovery in rats with crushed sciatic nerves

Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been proposed to exert beneficial effects on peripheral nerve regeneration after a peripheral nerve injury, but the functional recovery in the denervated limb is still limited. In this study, we used low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjunct therapy for MSC transplantation on the functional recovery of crushed sciatic nerve in rats. Peripheral nerve injury was induced in 48 Sprague–Dawley rats by crushing the unilateral sciatic nerve, using a vessel clamp. The animals with crushed injury were randomly divided into four groups: control group, with no treatment; MSC group, treated with MSC alone; LLLT group, treated with LLLT alone; and MSCLLLT group, treated with a combination of MSC and LLLT. The sciatic function index (SFI), vertical activity of locomotion (VA) and ankle angle (AA) of rats were examined for functional assessments after treatment. Electrophysiological, morphological and S100 immunohistochemical studies were also conducted. The MSCLLLT group showed a greater recovery in SFI, VA and AA, with significant difference from MSC, LLLT and control groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, markedly enhanced electrophysiological function and expression of S100 immunoreactivity, as well as fewer inflammatory cells and less vacuole formation were also demonstrated after nerve crush injury in the MSCLLLT group when compared with the groups receiving a single treatment (p < 0.05). MSC transplantation combined with LLLT could achieve better results in functional recovery than a conventional treatment of MSC or LLLT alone. LLLT has a synergistic effect in providing greater functional recovery with MSC transplantation after nerve crush injury. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Histochemical fiber type alterations secondary to exercise training of reinnervating adult rat muscle

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of exercise training on reinnervating rat muscle histochemistry. Adult female Wistar rats in 5 groups (1 control and 4 experimental) underwent bilateral sciatic nerve crush. The 4 experimental groups were exercised on a motorized treadmill at 35% grade and a speed of 27m/min once (groups J and L) or twice (groups K and M) daily, 5 days/week from the 2nd (groups J and K), and 3rd (groups L and M), to the 6th week after the crush. The exercise sessions lasted 1 hour. The fiber diameter and percent of type I and II fibers (weak and strong myosin ATPase reaction, pH .94) were evaluated in the soleus and superficial and deep regions of the plantaris muscles. Exercise training did not affect the fiber diameters. There was no change in the fiber type distribution in the soleus and superficial region of the plantaris. However, the percent of type II fibers increased significantly (p less than 0.05) in the deep region of the plantaris groups J, K, L and M bu 12%, 7%, 15% and 10%, respectively. This study indicated that exercise did not interfere with reinnervation and that there was an increase in the proportion of fibers with a strong myosin ATPase reaction in the deep region of the plantaris.     

Effects of proprioceptive circuit exercise on knee joint pain and muscle function in patients with knee osteoarthritis

[Purpose] This study applied proprioceptive circuit exercise to patients with degenerative knee osteoarthritis and examined its effects on knee joint muscle function and the level of pain. [Subjects] In this study, 14 patients with knee osteoarthritis in two groups, a proprioceptive circuit exercise group (n = 7) and control group (n = 7), were examined. [Methods] IsoMed 2000 (D&R Ferstl GmbH, Hemau, Germany) was used to assess knee joint muscle function, and a Visual Analog Scale was used to measure pain level. [Results] In the proprioceptive circuit exercise group, knee joint muscle function and pain levels improved significantly, whereas in the control group, no significant improvement was observed. [Conclusion] A proprioceptive circuit exercise may be an effective way to strengthen knee joint muscle function and reduce pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis.Key words: Proprioceptive circuit exercise, Muscle function, Pain     

Effect of treadmill walking with ankle stretching orthosis on ankle flexibility and gait

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the kinematics of the ankle in the lunge to estabilish effectiveness of an ankle stretching orthosis (ASO) on the ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) of individuals with limited dorsiflexion ROM. [Subjects and Methods] Forty ankles with decreased dorsiflexion ROM of 20 participants were evaluated in this study. After wearing the ASO, participants walked on a treadmill for 15 minutes. Participants walked on the treadmill at a self-selected comfortable speed. Ankle dorsiflexion ROM, maximum dorsiflexion ROM before heel-off, and time to heel-off during the stance phase of gait were measured before and after 15 minutes of treadmill walking with the ASO. The differences in all variables between before and after treadmill walking with ASO were analyzed using the paired t-test. [Results] Ankle active and passive ROM, and dorsiflexion ROM during lunge increased significantly after treadmill walking with ASO. Treadmill walking with the ASO significantly increased the angle of maximal dorsiflexion before heel-off and time to heel-off during the stance phase. [Conclusion] The results of this study show that treadmill walking with the ASO effectively improved ankle flexibility and restored the normal gait pattern of the ankle joint by increasing dorsiflexion ROM, maximal angle of dorsiflexion, and time to heel-off in the stance phase.     

Effects of ankle strengthening exercises combined with motor imagery training on the timed up and go test score and weight bearing ratio in stroke patients

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of ankle strengthening exercises combined with motor imagery training and those of ankle strengthening exercises alone in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty stroke patients were randomly assigned to one of the following two groups: experimental group (15 patients) and control group (15 patients). The experimental group underwent motor imagery training for 15 minutes and ankle joint strengthening exercises for 15 minutes, while the control group underwent only ankle joint strengthening exercises for 30 minutes. Each session and training program was implemented four times a week for 4 weeks. The timed up and go (TUG) test score, affected-side weight bearing ratio, and affected-side front/rear weight bearing ratio were assessed. [Results] Both groups demonstrated improvement on the TUG test, and in the affected-side weight bearing ratios, affected-side front/rear weight bearing ratios, and balance errors. The experimental group demonstrated greater improvement than the control group in all variables. [Conclusion] Motor imagery training is an effective treatment method for improving static balance ability in stroke patients.Key words: Motor imagery training, Stroke, Balance     

Association between toe grasping strength and accelerometer-determined physical activity in middle-aged and older women

[Purpose] To test the hypothesis that toe grasping strength is associated with daily physical activity in older adults. [Subjects] Fifty-seven Japanese women, aged 52–78 years, volunteered. [Methods] Toe grasping and knee extension strength were measured. Physical activity was also measured, using an accelerometer, and the total duration of each level of exercise intensity (light, moderate, and vigorous) and average step counts were calculated. Subjects were separated into two groups on the basis of accelerometer-determined step counts: LOW (n=28, <8000 steps/day) and HIGH (n=29, ≥8000 steps/day). [Results] Body mass index and body composition (% fat and fat-free mass) were similar between the two groups. Absolute and relative toe grasping strengths (divided by body weight) were greater in HIGH than in LOW. However, both absolute and relative knee extension strength were similar between the groups. Relative toe grasping and knee extension strength correlated with all 3 intensities of physical activity and average step count. After adjusting for age, the duration of light plus moderate physical activity and average step counts correlated to toe grasping strength but not to knee extension strength. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that toe grasping strength may be associated with the amount of light intensity daily physical activity.Key words: Accelerometer, Isometric contraction, Foot muscle strength