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Biomedical subjects

M DiBenedetto

Publications and source records attributed to M DiBenedetto.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

An improved approach to the evaluation of the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve.

The detection of ulnar nerve lesions at Guyon's canal requires evaluation of the distal ulnar sensory and distal motor latency to the abductor digiti minimi (ADM). In addition precision in the measurement of distal motor latencies (DL) to the first dorsal interosseous (1DI) muscle and response amplitude is necessary. This study examines a standardized technique assessing distal ulnar nerve conduction aimed to provide a more sensitive evaluation of these lesions. Fifty normals and eighteen subjects with hand symptoms were assessed to determine DL to the ADM and 1DI and response amplitudes. These standard values were then compared to values obtained from clinically proven cases of distal ulnar lesions over the previous 2 years. The main outcome measures were elimination of premotor potentials and prolongation of 1DI DL. The results revealed that the standardized technique consistently eliminates premotor potentials (PMP) and provides a significantly narrowed range of normal DL values. This enhanced precision allows for more accurate normative values, making recognition of more subtle lesions possible. Normative data compared to values from a 2 year chart review of distal ulnar lesions shows predictive trends toward prolonged 1DI DL and diminution of 1DI amplitudes (AMP).

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Experience with a pre-basic fitness program at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

One hundred seventy-five consecutive recruits entering the Fort Jackson Fitness Company were evaluated for Upper Body Strength, Flexibility, and Cardiovascular Fitness, and the results were compared with those of 60 soldiers entering Basic Training directly from the Reception Station. Injury rate and end-cycle performance were compared between Fitness Company graduates and their regular basic trainee cohort. The study showed that the Push-up repetition and two-mile run times were still below the standard for the Post. Sick call rate was also significantly higher among the less conditioned troops. Sit-up repetition and other basic soldiering skills, however, as well as EPTS (discharges for medical conditions existing prior to service) and ELS (entry level separation) rates, were equal. Increase of Fitness Company graduation requirements and dissemination of standards and requirements to potential recruits in high schools, colleges, and other public institutions are recommended.

Exercise↗
PubMed1979

Pes cavus and claw toes deformity in patients with spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis.

Patients with spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis were surveyed for the presence of extreme foot deformities and spasticity. Pes cavus and claw toes were found in eight of 80 spastic spinal cord injury and two of 20 multiple sclerosis patients. Pes cavus and claw toes were not found in 29 flaccid spinal cord injury patients. Pes cavus and claw toes were associated with flexor reflexes which could be elicited by pin prick proximal to the knee, suggesting extreme spasticity--and by low excitatory thresholds for the anterior tibialis as indicated electromyographically. Complications of severe spasticity associated with spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis include pes cavus and claw toes, mediated in part by spasms of the anterior tibialis.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Cannabis and the peripheral nervous system.

The possible ill-effects of cannabis on the peripheral nervous system were examined in 27 male subjects with respect to their motor and sensory nerve conduction. They were classified by their previous cannabis use into casual and heavy users. The nerve conduction studies were done after a baseline period of five days and then repeated after a three-week period during which the subjects could acquire and smoke standardized cannabis cigarettes. The casual users smoked a mean of 54-3 and the heavy users a mean of 109-5 cigarettes during the smoking period. No deterioration of peripheral nerve function could be demonstrated.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Electrodiagnostic evidence of subclinical disease states in drug abusers.

One hundred drug abusers, free of clinical signs or symptoms of disease, were examined by electrodiagnostic techniques. Sensory conduction of median, ulnar and sural nerves was evaluated in terms of latency, velocity and amplitude of evoked potential. Motor nerve latencies and conduction velocities of median, ulnar and personeal nerves were determined. Definite changes in the evoked sensory potentials of median and sural nerves of subjects using heroin or LSD were demonstrated. The sensory amplitude changes were suggestive of axonal degreneration because of normal duration. Maximum motor conduction velocity was abnormal in one patient who admitted using a variety of drugs; five heroin and two barbiturate users showed dispersed motor responses suggesting small fiber involvement. No abnormality could be shown in marjuana smokers. Signifcance of these findings is explained, emphasizing important potential for recognition of subclinical abnormalities and the opportunity for disease prevention.

Action Potentials↗