Expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor,IGF-1 and cortisol elicited by regular aerobic exercise in adolescents

[Purpose] This study was conducted on adolescent subjects whose brains are still developing with the purpose of identifying the effect of 8 weeks duration of aerobic exercises on the expression of BDNF, IGF-1 and cortisol, to identify effect of aerobic exercise on the expression of cortisol, BDNF and IGF-1 related to nerve cell growth. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 20 junior-high school students with no history of physical illness. The students were divided into an exercise group and a control group. The exercise group performed 3 treadmill exercise times per week for 8 weeks. The exercise time for the consumption of 200 kcal was calculated and the exercises were performed by each individual for 8 weeks. [Results] The exercise group showed statistically significant in increases serum BDNF and IGF-1 after 8 weeks, but cortisol showed no significant change. There were statistically significant differences between the groups in serum BDNF and IGF-1 after 8 weeks, but the difference in cortisol levels was not significant. [Conclusion] We found that long-term regular aerobic exercises has a positive effect on the enhancement of serum BDNF levels at rest and IGF-1 of adolescents who are still undergoing through brain developments.Key words: Aerobic exercise, Adolescents, BDNF     

移植神经的端侧吻合动物模型的制作

【目的】确定制作移植神经端侧吻合动物模型的方法并对神经再生情况进行定性检测。【方法】雌性SD大鼠,共12只,分3组建立模型分别为正常对照组、端端吻合组和端侧吻合组。术后四周行电生理检测、钳夹试验以及组织学检测。【结果】三组均有神经纤维再生通过各个吻合口。电生理检测于胫前肌均可记录到复合肌肉动作电位(CMAP),钳夹腓总神经吻合口远端时均出现疼痛避让。【结论】本研究建立了移植神经端侧吻合的动物模型,并证明在术后四周,可有神经纤维再生出现,同时再生的神经纤维具有一定的感觉与运动功能。     

The effect of weight-bearing exercise and non-weight-bearing exercise on gait in rats with sciatic nerve crush injury

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to access the effect of weight bearing exercise (treadmill exercise) and non-weight-bearing exercise (swimming exercise) on gait in the recovery process after a sciatic nerve crush injury. [Subjects and Methods] Rats were randomly divided into a swimming group (n=3) with non-weight-bearing exercise after a sciatic nerve crush and a treadmill group (n=3) with weight bearing exercise after a sciatic nerve crush. Dartfish is a program that can analyze and interpret motion through video images. The knee lateral epicondyle, lateral malleolus, and metatarsophalangeal joint of the fifth toe were marked by black dots before recording. [Results] There were significant differences in TOK (knee angle toe off) and ICK (knee angle at initial contact) in the swimming group and in TOK, ICA (ankle angle at initial contact), and ICK in the treadmill group. In comparison between groups, there were significant differences in TOA (ankle angle in toe off) and ICA at the 7th day. [Conclusion] There was no difference between weight bearing and non-weight-bearing exercise in sciatic nerve damage, and both exercises accelerated the recovery process in this study.Key words: Sciatic nerve crush injury, Weight-bearing exercise, Gait     

Effect of Isometric Quadriceps Exercise on Muscle Strength,Pain, and Function in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Study

[Purpose] The aim of present study was to investigate the effects of isometric quadriceps exercise on muscle strength, pain, and function in knee osteoarthritis. [Subjects and Methods] Outpatients (N=42, 21 per group; age range 40–65 years; 13 men and 29 women) with osteoarthritis of the knee participated in the study. The experimental group performed isometric exercises including isometric quadriceps, straight leg raising, and isometric hip adduction exercise 5 days a week for 5 weeks, whereas the control group did not performed any exercise program. The outcome measures or dependent variables selected for this study were pain intensity, isometric quadriceps strength, and knee function. These variables were measured using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), strength gauge device, and reduced WOMAC index, respectively. All the measurements were taken at baseline (week 0) and at the end of the trial at week 5. [Results] In between-group comparisons, the maximum isometric quadriceps strength, reduction in pain intensity, and improvement in function in the isometric exercise group at the end of the 5th week were significantly greater than those of the control group (p<0.05). [Conclusion] The 5-week isometric quadriceps exercise program showed beneficial effects on quadriceps muscle strength, pain, and functional disability in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.Key words: Isometric exercise, Osteoarthritis, Rehabilitation     

游泳训练对大鼠空间学习记忆能力与海马、前额叶皮质环磷酸腺苷、环磷酸鸟苷水平的影响

目的：探讨8周游泳训练对大鼠空间学习记忆能力的影响与环磷酸腺苷（cAMP）、环磷酸鸟苷（cGMP）信号传导途径的关系。方法：以大鼠为实验对象,采用Morris水迷宫法,研究8周游泳训练对大鼠空间学习记忆能力的作用;采用放射免疫法测定研究8周游泳训练对大鼠海马、前额叶皮质中cGMP、cAMP含量的影响。结果：①Morris水迷宫的测试表明,8周游泳训练后,大鼠的空间记忆能力有一定提高。②与安静组相比,8周游泳训练使大鼠海马cAMP水平非常显著性增加（P<0.01）,cAMP/cGMP比值显著性增高（P<0.05）,同时,前额叶皮质cAMP与cAMP/cGMP比值显著性增高（P<0.05）。结论：8周的游泳训练在提高大鼠空间学习记忆能力的同时伴有海马、前额叶皮质cAMP含量与cAMP/cGMP比值的变化,从而部分揭示了运动促进学习记忆能力提高的可能机制。     

Efficacy of multi-wave locked system laser therapy on nerve regeneration after crushing in Wister rats

[Purpose] To investigate the efficacy of the multi-wave locked system laser therapy on the regeneration of peripheral nerve injuries by evaluating the functional, electrophysiological, and morphological changes of the crushed sciatic nerve in Wistar rats. [Materials and Methods] Sixty male Wistar rats (200–250 g) were randomly assigned to control negative, control positive, or laser groups and subjected to no laser therapy or crushing, to crushing without laser therapy, or crushing followed by multi-wave locked system laser therapy five times/week for four weeks (power=1 W, energy density=10 J/cm², total energy=100 J), respectively. Functional, electrophysiological, and morphometric analyses were performed before and 7, 15, 21, and 28 days after crushing. The sciatic functional index, compound motor action potential amplitude, motor nerve conduction velocity, and nerve and myelin sheath diameters were measured. [Results] The sciatic functional index value decreased significantly, while the compound motor action potential amplitude, motor nerve conduction velocity, nerve diameter, and myelin sheath diameter increased significantly in the laser group post-treatment compared to the values in the control groups. [Conclusion] Multi-wave locked system laser therapy was effective in accelerating the regeneration of crushed sciatic nerves in Wistar rats.     

不同运动量对糖尿病大鼠血清瘦素水平的影响

目的：探讨运动与体重调节密切相关的血清瘦素水平的关系，观察不同运动量对糖尿病大鼠体重、血糖、血清胰岛素和血清瘦素的影响。方法：将实验动物分成6组，分别为正常对照组、正常运动组、糖尿病组、糖尿病小运动量组、糖尿病中运动量组和糖尿病大运动量组。运动组按Ploug方法进行游泳训练。结果：正常运动组大鼠游泳8周后的血清瘦素浓度较运动前显著降低。运动前4组糖尿病组大鼠与正常对照组相比，体重、血清胰岛素和血清瘦素水平显著降低．血糖浓度显著升高。8周后只有糖尿病中运动量组大鼠的每周体重增加数明显回升．血糖浓度较运动前降低35％，血清胰岛素浓度较运动前升高38％，血清瘦素浓度较运动前升高40％。而糖尿病小运动量组和糖尿病大运动量组大鼠运动8周后的上述指标较运动前均无显著性差异。多元相关回归分析．仅提示糖尿病大鼠血清胰岛素是血清瘦素有意义的影响因素。结论：正常生理状态下运动降低血清瘦素水平是机体为维持自身体重稳定和能量平衡的一种适应性反应；而在链脲佐菌素糖尿病状态下，瘦素似乎与胰岛素关系更密切，中等强度运动在降低血糖、改善机体对胰岛素敏感性的同时，似乎也改善了对瘦素的敏感性；运动量不足或运动量过大对糖尿病均无明显治疗效果。     

Effects of Yogic Exercises on Life Stress and Blood Glucose Levels in Nursing Students

[Purpose] This study was performed to investigate the effects of yogic exercises on life stress and blood glucose levels in nursing students. [Subjects and Methods] The study was a randomized controlled trial. Twenty-seven undergraduate nursing students were randomly selected, with 12 assigned to an exercise group and 15 assigned to a control group. The yogic exercises intervention was undertaken for 60 minutes one day a week for 12 weeks. It consisted of physical exercise (surya namaskara) combined with relaxation and meditation (shavasana and yoga nidra). Life stress was measured by the Life Stress Scale for College Students, and postprandial blood glucose levels were measured with a digital glucometer. [Results] The exercise group measurements were significantly decreased in both life stress and postprandial blood glucose levels compared with the control group. [Conclusion] These findings indicate that yogic exercises would reduce life stress and lower postprandial blood glucose levels in nursing students.Key words: Yogic exercise, Stress, Blood glucose     

The effects of ankle joint muscle strengthening and proprioceptive exercise programs accompanied by functional electrical stimulation on stroke patients’ balance

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of ankle joint muscle strengthening and proprioceptive exercises accompanied by functional electrical stimulation on stroke patients’ balance ability. [Methods] For six weeks beginning in April 2015, 22 stroke patients receiving physical therapy at K Hospital located in Gyeonggi-do were divided into a functional electrical stimulation (FES), ankle proprioceptive exercise and ankle joint muscle strengthening exercise group (FPS group) of 11 patients and an FES and stretching exercise group (FS group) of 11 patients. The stimulation and exercises were conducted for 30 min per day, five days per week for six weeks. Balance ability was measured using a BioRescue and the Berg balance scale, functional reach test, and the timed up-and-go test were also used as clinical evaluation indices. Repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to examine differences between before the exercises and at three and six weeks after beginning the exercises within each group, and the amounts of change between the two groups were compared. [Results] In the comparison within each group, both groups showed significant differences between before and after the experiment in all the tests and comparison between the groups showed that greater improvement was seen in all values in the FPS group. [Conclusion] In the present study, implementing FES and stretching exercises plus ankle joint muscle strengthening and proprioceptive exercises was more effective at improving stroke patients balance ability than implementing only FES and stretching exercises.Key words: Proprioceptive, Strengthening, Stroke     

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     

Effects of chest resistance exercise and chest expansion exercise on stroke patients’ respiratory function and trunk control ability

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the efficiency of chest resistance and chest expansion exercises for improving respiratory function and trunk control ability in patients with stroke. [Subjects] Forty patients with stroke were randomly allocated into a chest resistance exercise group (CREG, n = 20) and a chest expansion exercise group (CEEG, n = 20). [Methods] CREG patients underwent chest resistance exercises, and diaphragmatic resistance exercises by way of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. CEEG patients underwent respiratory exercises with chest expansion in various positions. Both groups received 30 minutes of training per day, five times per week, for eight weeks. [Results] Both the CERG and CEEG groups showed significant changes in FVC, FEV1, and TIS after the intervention. TIS was significantly increased in the CREG compared to the CEEG after the intervention. [Conclusion] Both chest resistance and chest expansion exercises were effective for improving respiratory function and trunk control ability in stroke patients; however, chest resistance exercise is more efficient for increasing trunk control ability.Key words: Stroke, Respiratory function, Chest exercise     

Effect of Circuit Class Training for Eight Weeks on Changes in Ratios of F-Trp/BCAAs and Depression in People with Poststroke Depression

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to investigate the potential effects of circuit class training (CCT) on poststroke depression through changes in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) (isoleucine, leucine, and valine) and free-tryptophan (f-Trp). [Subjects] The study subjects were 40 stroke patients with major depressive disorder. The subjects were group-matched into an experimental and a control group according to sex, age, height, and weight. [Methods] The experimental CCT group performed gradual task-oriented CCT (80 min per session). The control group performed stretching exercises and weight bearing exercises (80 min per session). Both groups performed the exercises three times per week for eight weeks (24 sessions). Blood samples were collected immediately before the exercise (9:10 a.m.) and after the exercise (10:30 a.m.), every two weeks for eight weeks. [Results] The f-Trp/BCAAs ratio in the CCT group showed a significant increase compared to the control group over time. [Conclusion] The results show that the CCT may help to improve depression in people with poststroke depression (PSD).Key words: Circuit class training, F-Trp/BCAAs ratios, Poststroke depression     

Effects of a Fall Prevention Exercise Program on Muscle Strength and Balance of the Old-old Elderly

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week balance exercise and elastic-resistance exercise program on muscle strength and balance of the old-old elderly (over the age of 75). [Subjects and Methods] Fifty-five elderly persons were recruited from the community and assigned to three groups for convenience: balance exercise (intervention group 1; INT 1), resistance exercise (intervention group 2; INT 2), and control (CON) groups. The intervention was performed twice a week at a senior center and three times a week at home for 8 weeks. Muscle strength and balance were evaluated before and at the end of the trial, using a PowertrackIIand Tetrax. [Results] There were significant improvements in the strength of all seven muscle groups and balance in the INT 2 group. In the INT 1 group, there were significant improvements in the strength of all muscle groups except for the knee flexor and ankle plantar flexor muscle groups. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that an intervention using balance exercises or elastic-resistance exercises is effective at improving the muscle strength and balance of the old-old elderly. These type of exercises should be appropriate for the physical characteristics of the subjects.Key words: Falls, Muscle strength, Postural balance     

Comparison of physical function according to the lumbar movement method of stabilizing a patient with chronic low back pain

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the changes caused by lumbar stabilization exercises in chronic low back pain patients. [Subjects and Methods] Swiss ball exercise regimen group and sling exercise regimen group exercised for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 12 weeks. The control group was to continue performing their usual daily living activities. [Results] We obtained significant results in both the Swiss ball and sling exercise groups, but not in the control group. The best effect was obtained in the sling exercise group. [Conclusion] The Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index and visual pain scale scores of the patients with low back pain decreased in both the Swiss ball exercise group and the sling exercise group, and these patients experienced an increase in waist isometric muscular strength after 12 weeks of exercise compared with those doing no exercise (the control group).Key words: Lumbar stabilizing, Sling exercise, Chronic back pain     

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     

The Effects of Stretching and Stabilization Exercise on the Improvement of Spastic Shoulder Function in Hemiplegic Patients

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of stretching and joint stabilization exercises applied to spastic shoulder joints on improving shoulder dysfunction in hemiplegic patients. [Subjects and Methods] Hemiplegic patients were classified into three groups: one group received 30 min of traditional exercise therapy for the spastic shoulder joint; one group received 30 min stretching; and one group received 15 min of stretching and 15 min of joint stabilization exercises. The exercises were performed once a day, five times per week for eight weeks. Changes in the pathologic thickness of tendons and recovery of shoulder function were compared among the three groups. Differences among the three groups before the experiment, at four weeks, and at eight weeks were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. [Results] The stretching and joint stabilization exercise therapy group showed greater improvement in shoulder function than the traditional exercise therapy group and the stretching only group. This group also showed greater decreases in the pathologic thickness of tendons, than the other groups. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that an exercise therapy program that combined stretching and joint stabilization exercise was more effective than other exercises for improvement of spastic shoulder joint dysfunction in hemiplegic patients.Key words: Spasticity shoulder, Joint stabilization, Stretching     

The Effects of Stair Gait Exercise on Static Balance Ability of Stroke Patients

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of stair gait exercise on the static balance ability of chronic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] The thirty stroke patients who participated in this experiment were randomly assigned to an experimental (n=15) or control (n=15) group. The experimental group performed stair gait exercise for 30 minutes, while the control group performed flat surface gait exercise for 30 minutes. The programs lasted four weeks, with both groups performing the exercises three times per week for 30 minutes each time. The stability balance ability of subjects was measured and compared before and after the interventions. [Results] The results of the experimental group showed a significantly different values, but those of the control group did not. Between-group comparison of changes in the anterior/posterior length in the limit of stability revealed significant increases in the experimental group but no significant increase in the control group. Only the surface area ellipse of Romberg, the length of Romberg, and length/area of Romberg showed significant differences between the two groups after the interventions. [Conclusion] The static balance ability improved in the group that performed the stair gait exercise. This study provides important data for identifying the recovery of balance ability through rehabilitation exercises in patients with nervous system diseases.Key words: Strokes, Balance ability, Stair gait     

Influence of Isokinetic Strength Training of Unilateral Ankle on Ipsilateral One-legged Standing Balance of Adults

[Purpose] The purpose of the current study was to investigate the changes in one-legged standing balance of the ipsilateral lower limb following unilateral isokinetic strength training. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty healthy adult volunteers were randomly assigned to either a training group or a control group, so that each group included 15 subjects. Subjects in the training group performed unilateral ankle isokinetic exercises of the dominant leg using the Biodex 3 PRO System for a period of four weeks. Ipsilateral one-legged standing balance was evaluated before and after the intervention with three stability indexes of balance using the Biodex System: Anterior-Posterior Stability Index (APSI), Medial-Lateral Stability Index (MLSI), and Overall Stability Index (OSI). [Results] Comparison of pre- and post-test data revealed significant improvements in strength values (dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, eversion, and inversion) and stability indexes (APSI, MLSI, OSI). [Conclusion] These results suggest that ankle strengthening exercise can be considered as a form of exercise that may assist individuals with improvement of balance.Key words: Postural balance, Isokinetic exercise, Strength training     

The effects of isometric trunk exercises and dynamic trunk exercises on gait in elderly people

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of dynamic trunk exercises and isometric trunk exercises on gait in elderly people. [Subjects] This study randomly allocated 20 elderly people to an isometric trunk exercise group (n=10) and a dynamic trunk exercise group (n=10). The exercises were performed for 30 minutes three times a week for 12 weeks. Gait speed, stride length, cadence, and step width were measured at a normal pace using GAITRite. All groups were evaluated before and after 12 weeks. [Results] The isometric exercise group showed a significant change in gait velocity, cadence, and left and right step lengths. The dynamic trunk exercise group showed a significant change in gait velocity, cadence, left and right step lengths, left and right step times, and left and right stride lengths. Moreover, a comparison of the exercise effect between the two groups showed a significant difference in gait velocity. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that isometric trunk exercises and dynamic trunk exercises have a positive effect on gait function in elderly people. In particular, isometric trunk exercises are recommended to promote gait velocity.Key words: Isometric trunk exercise, Dynamic trunk exercise, Gait     

Effects of air stacking on pulmonary function and peak cough flow in patients with cervical spinal cord injury

[Purpose] This study evaluated the effects of air stacking on pulmonary function and peak cough flow in patients with cervical spinal cord injury. [Subjects] Twenty-six patients were included in the study and were randomized into experimental (n = 14) and control (n = 12) groups. [Methods] Both groups performed therapeutic exercises: the control group performed incentive spirometry, while the experimental group performed 20 repetitions of air stacking exercise twice a day. The training for both groups continued for 5 days a week for 6 weeks. [Results] Forced vital capacity and peak cough flow increased significantly in the experimental group compared to the controls. All within-group variables in the experimental group differed significantly at 6 weeks compared to baseline, while in the control group only Forced vital capacity differed significantly at 6 weeks compared to baseline. [Conclusion] Air stacking exercise significantly improved pulmonary function and peak cough flow in patients with a cervical spinal cord injury.Key words: Air stacking exercise, Cervical spinal cord injury, Respiratory rehabilitation