Effects of fast and slow squat exercises on the muscle activity of the paretic lower extremity in patients with chronic stroke

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the speed of squat exercises on paretic lower extremity muscle activity in patients with hemiplegia following a stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Ten stroke patients performed fast and slow squat exercises for 2 seconds and 8 seconds, respectively. The muscle activities of the paretic and non-paretic sides of the rectus femoris muscle, the biceps femoris muscle, and the tibialis anterior muscle were assessed and compared using surface electromyography. [Results] The paretic side of the rectus femoris muscle showed statistically significant differences in the fast squat exercise group, which demonstrated the highest muscle activity during the rapid return to the upright position. [Conclusion] The rectus femoris muscle showed the highest muscle activity during the return to the upright position during the fast squat exercise, which indicates that the rectus femoris muscle is highly active during the fast squat exercise.Key words: Fast and slow squat exercise, Muscle activity, Chronic strokes     

The effects of trunk stabilization exercise on bone density after menopause

[Purpose] This study examined the effect of low intensity exercise on bone density by conducting trunk stabilization exercise on females after menopause for 24 weeks. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty three female subjects over 47 years old and under the age of 53 were selected and 16 for experimental group and 17 for control group were randomly selected. Experimental group had performed spinal and pelvic stabilization exercise 30 minutes a day, 5times a week, for 24 weeks. Except for the daily life, control group did not participate in any characteristic movement. Bone density of every member in experimental group was measured using average value of bone density of 1st–4th lumbar through quantitative computer tomography. [Results] There was a meaningful difference in only control group about measured value of bone density within each group, experimental and control group, but there was no meaningful difference in measured value of bone density between two groups, experimental group and control group. [Conclusion] Through this research, we could see the fact that although trunk stability exercise could not change bone density meaningfully, it could maintain bone density. In the future, it is randomly necessary to study things related this because results of researches can show different results according to exercise intensity, exercise period, age, weight, hormone status and mediation period. It is considered that it will help to prevent and treat patients with osteoporosis a lot.Key words: Bone mineral density, Computer tomography, Low intensity exercise     

The effects of stepper exercise with visual feedback on strength,walking, and stair climbing in individuals following stroke

[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of stepper exercise with visual feedback on strength, walking, and stair climbing in stroke patients. [Subjects] Twenty-six stroke patients were divided randomly into the stepper exercise with visual feedback group (n = 13) or the stepper exercise group (n = 13). [Methods] Subjects in the experimental group received feedback through the mirror during exercise, while those in the control group performed the exercise without visual feedback; both groups exercised for the 30 min thrice per week for 6 weeks. The hip extensor and knee extensor strength, 10-m walking test results, and 11-step stair climbing test results were evaluated before and after the intervention. [Results] The stepper exercise with visual feedback group showed significantly greater improvement for hip extensor strength and the 10-m walking test. The knee extensor strength and 11-step stair climbing in both groups showed significantly greater improvement after the intervention, but without any significant difference between groups. [Conclusion] The findings of this study indicate that the stepper exercise with visual feedback can help improve the strength of the hip extensor and the 10-m walking test; the stepper exercise alone may also improve the knee extensor strength and stair climbing ability.Key words: Stroke, Stairs, Visual feedback     

Comparisons of shoulder stabilization muscle activities according to postural changes during flexi-bar exercise

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare shoulder stabilization muscle activities according to postural changes during flexi-bar exercise. [Subjects] The subjects included 18 students (10 males, 8 females) at B University. [Methods] The subjects performed the following flexi-bar exercises: 1) medio-lateral oscillation with the 90° shoulder abduction, with the hand in the neutral position; 2) dorso-ventral oscillation with 90° shoulder flexion, with the hand in the neutral position; 3) superior-inferior oscillation with 90° shoulder flexion, with the 80° hand pronation. [Results] The activity of the serratus anterior showed significant differences between each position; however, activities of the upper trapezius and middle trapezius were not significantly different. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicate that posture control is important for selective strengthening of the serratus anterior muscle during flexi-bar exercises.Key words: Flexi-bar exercise, Shoulder stabilization, Muscle activity     

Differences in the risk factors of reflux esophagitis according to age in Korea

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Korea has been believed to be low, but the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Korea is expected to increase because of the longer life expectancy and more ingestion of westernized food. The aim of this study was to report differences in the risk factors of reflux esophagitis (RE) according to age in Korea. We prospectively recruited the subjects who had RE among those who visited a health promotion center for upper gastrointestinal cancer surveillance at Hallym Medical Center (five institutions) between January 2008 and February 2009. The enrolled study participants comprised 742 subjects with RE and 1484 healthy controls. The independent risk factors of RE in young and adult group were male sex, smoking, coffee, body mass index ≥ 25, hiatal hernia, and Helicobacter pylori negativity. The risk factors of RE in elderly group were smoking, coffee, and hiatal hernia. The risk factors for RE according to age group were found to differ. In elderly group, Helicobacter pylori infection was not a significant protective factor contrary to young and adult groups.     

Treatment sequencing strategy for hepatic epithelioid haemangioendothelioma

Background

The biology of hepatic epithelial haemangioendothelioma (HEHE) is variable, lying intermediate to haemangioma and angiosarcoma. Treatments vary owing to the rarity of the disease and frequent misdiagnosis.

Methods

Between 1989 and 2013, patients retrospectively identified with HEHE from a single academic cancer centre were analysed to evaluate clinicopathological factors and initial treatment regimens associated with survival.

Results

Fifty patients with confirmed HEHE had a median follow-up of 51 months (range 1–322). There was no difference in 5-year survival between patients presenting with unilateral compared with bilateral hepatic disease (51.4% versus 80.7%, respectively; P = 0.1), localized compared with metastatic disease (69% versus 78.3%, respectively; P = 0.7) or an initial treatment regimen of Surgery, Chemotherapy/Embolization or Observation alone (83.3% versus 71.3% versus 72.4%, respectively; P = 0.9). However, 5-year survival for patients treated with chemotherapy at any point during their disease course was decreased compared with those who did not receive any chemotherapy (43.6% versus 82.9%, respectively; P = 0.02) and was predictive of a decreased overall survival on univariate analysis [HR 3.1 (CI 0.9–10.7), P = 0.02].

Conclusions

HEHE frequently follows an indolent course, suggesting that immediate treatment may not be the optimal strategy. Initial observation to assess disease behaviour may better stratify treatment options, reserving surgery for those who remain resectable/transplantable. Prospective cooperative trials or registries may confirm this strategy.