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Cerebral perturbations provoked by prolonged exercise.

This review addresses cerebral metabolic and neurohumoral alterations during prolonged exercise in humans with special focus on associations with fatigue. Global energy turnover in the brain is unaltered by the transition from rest to moderately intense exercise, apparently because exercise-induced activation of some brain regions including cortical motor areas is compensated for by reduced activity in other regions of the brain. However, strenuous exercise is associated with cerebral metabolic and neurohumoral alterations that may relate to central fatigue. Fatigue should be acknowledged as a complex phenomenon influenced by both peripheral and central factors. However, failure to drive the motorneurons adequately as a consequence of neurophysiological alterations seems to play a dominant role under some circumstances. During exercise with hyperthermia excessive accumulation of heat in the brain due to impeded heat removal by the cerebral circulation may elevate the brain temperature to >40 degrees C and impair the ability to sustain maximal motor activation. Also, when prolonged exercise results in hypoglycaemia, perceived exertion increases at the same time as the cerebral glucose uptake becomes low, and centrally mediated fatigue appears to arise as the cerebral energy turnover becomes restricted by the availability of substrates for the brain. Changes in serotonergic activity, inhibitory feed-back from the exercising muscles, elevated ammonia levels, and alterations in regional dopaminergic activity may also contribute to the impaired voluntary activation of the motorneurons after prolonged and strenuous exercise. Furthermore, central fatigue may involve depletion of cerebral glycogen stores, as signified by the observation that following exhaustive exercise the cerebral glucose uptake increases out of proportion to that of oxygen. In summary, prolonged exercise may induce homeostatic disturbances within the central nervous system (CNS) that subsequently attenuates motor activation. Therefore, strenuous exercise is a challenge not only to the cardiorespiratory and locomotive systems but also to the brain.

Animals↗

Electromyographic analysis of four techniques for isometric trunk muscle exercises.

Posture to avoid hyperextension of the lumbar spine during isometric trunk muscle exercises has been widely recommended. However, there are no common standards for cervical and pelvic alignment during exercises. To investigate the effects of four different techniques regarding cervical and pelvic alignment, electromyographic (EMG) and radiological studies were performed on 30 healthy subjects. The four different postures were: (1) maximally extended neck, (2) neutral neck, (3) maximally flexed neck, and (4) maximally flexed neck with pelvic stabilization through muscle contraction. During flexion exercises, the largest increase in EMG activity in the abdominal muscles was observed with the flexed neck with pelvic stabilization (p < .01). During extensor exercises, the largest increase in EMG activity in the erector spinae was also obtained in the same position (p < .01). An increase of EMG activity in antagonist muscles (eg, erector spinae on flexion, and rectus and oblique muscles on extension) was also greatest with the flexed neck and pelvic stabilization. From the radiographic study, degrees of lumbar lordosis were least with the flexed neck and pelvic stabilization (p < .01). This study showed that neck and pelvic alignment can influence the EMG activity of trunk flexors and extensors during isometric trunk exercises. For isometric trunk muscle exercises, a maximum flexed neck with pelvic stabilization through muscle contraction seems to be the most optimal posture for decreasing the lumbar lordosis and for activating trunk flexors and extensors most effectively.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Extravesical diverticuloplasty for repair of a paraureteral diverticulum and the associated refluxing ureter.

PURPOSE: Extravesical diverticuloplasty for repairing a paraureteral (Hutch) diverticulum and the related refluxing ureter is presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the 16 children in this study 10 had bilateral paraureteral diverticula with associated bilateral vesicoureteral reflux, 2 had bilateral paraureteral diverticula with a bilateral duplicated ureter, unilateral duplex refluxing ureters and contralateral lower moiety vesicoureteral reflux, and 4 had a unilateral paraureteral diverticulum with an ipsilateral refluxing ureter. The anatomical relationship of the ureteral orifice and diverticulum was identified by cystourethroscopy preoperatively and confirmed during the extravesical operation. The surgical technique differed depending on the size of the diverticulum and the position of the ureteral opening when the bladder was completely distended. The larger prolapsed diverticular mucosa served as a backing for the detrusor muscle, which was closed over the ureter, and the smaller diverticulum was repaired as a dilated ureter. Overall 30 renal units with grades II to IV vesicoureteral reflux were corrected by this method. RESULTS: All patients were followed with ultrasound and voiding cystourethrography 3 and 9 months postoperatively. The diverticula with associated refluxing ureters were successfully cured. Neither postoperative recurrence nor ureteral obstruction were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Extravesical diverticuloplasty can be performed for many sizes of paraureteral diverticula and concomitantly for the associated refluxing ureter, including refluxing duplex ureters.

Child, Preschool↗

Endoscopic plastic surgery.

This article discusses three of the most popular endoscopic procedures in plastic surgery. Brow lift, transaxillary breast augmentation, and abdominoplasty are all cosmetic procedures with a high demand on inconspicuous scars; however, many investigators are working on reconstructive endoscopically assisted procedures. The treatment of many facial fractures involving the upper third of the facial skeleton usually requires long bicoronal incisions similar to the incisions used in the traditional brow lift. Attempts are under way to use endoscopically assisted minimal-access techniques to reduce and fixate these fractures. Many flaps used in plastic surgery require long scars for harvest, as in the case of the latissimus dorsi muscle flap. A relatively long incision on the back is needed to gain access to the muscle so that it can be elevated from structures superficial and deep to it. Although it is unpopular, investigators have reported harvesting latissimus dorsi muscle flaps through fairly small incisions with the assistance of balloon dissectors and endoscopes. In the field of hand surgery, carpal tunnel release surgery has had more than one method proposed to transect the carpal ligament using endoscopes and special instrumentation. Although some reported series claim excellent results, many hand surgeons are reluctant to use endoscopes because of associated complications and a high recurrence rate of carpal tunnel syndrome. Plastic surgery has special demands that emphasize aesthetics in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Although the lack of natural optical cavities has slowed the incorporation of endoscopic surgery in the specialty, surgically created cavities are used to allow for minimal access incisions. The future of plastic surgery will include an ever-increasing number of endoscopically assisted procedures. Cosmetic and reconstructive procedures will benefit from this new technology.

Abdomen↗

Relative contribution of trunk muscles to the stability of the lumbar spine during isometric exertions.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the relative contribution of various trunk muscles to the stability of the lumbar spine. DESIGN: Quantification of spine stability with a biomechanical model. BACKGROUND: Modern low back rehabilitation techniques focus on muscles that stabilize the lumbar spine. However, the relative contribution of various trunk muscles to spine stability is currently unknown. METHODS: Eight male subjects performed isometric exertions in trunk flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation, and isometric exertions under vertical trunk loading and in a lifting hold. Each isometric trial was repeated three times at 20%, 40%, and 60% of the maximum trunk flexion force or with a load of 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% of body weight for the latter two exertions. Surface EMG data from 12 major trunk muscles were used in the biomechanical model to estimate stability of the lumbar spine. A simulation of each trial was performed repeatedly with one of the 10 major trunk muscle groups removed from the model. RESULTS: Relative contribution of each muscle to spine stability was significantly affected by the combination of loading magnitude and direction (3-way interaction). None of the removed muscles reduced spine stability by more than 30%. CONCLUSIONS: A single muscle cannot be identified as the most important for the stability of the lumbar spine. Rather, spine stability depends on the relative activation of all trunk muscles and other loading variables. RELEVANCE: This study will improve our understanding of individual trunk muscles' contribution to overall stability of the lumbar spine.

Adult↗

Reliability of electromyographic and torque measures during isometric axial rotation exertions of the trunk.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the between-days reliability of electromyographic (EMG) measurement of 6 bilateral trunk muscles and also the torque output in 3 planes during isometric right and left axial rotation at different exertion levels. METHODS: Ten healthy subjects performed isometric right and left axial rotation at 100, 70, 50 and 30% maximum voluntary contractions in two testing sessions at least 7 days apart. EMG amplitude and frequency analyses of the recorded surface EMG signals were performed for rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, latissimus dorsi, iliocostalis lumborum and multifidus bilaterally. The primary torque in the transverse plane and the coupling torques in sagittal and coronal planes were measured. RESULTS: For both EMG amplitude and frequency values, good (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC=0.75-0.89) to excellent (ICC>/=0.90) reliability was found in the 6 trunk muscles at different exertion levels during axial rotation. The reliability of both maximal isometric axial rotation torque and coupling torques in sagittal and coronal planes were found to be excellent (ICC>/=0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Good to excellent reliability of EMG measures of trunk muscles and torque measurements during isometric axial rotation was demonstrated. This provides further confidence of using EMG and triaxial torque assessment as outcome measures in rehabilitation and in the evaluation of the human performance in the work place.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Fear of movement/(re)injury, avoidance and pain disability in chronic low back pain patients.

Chronic pain syndromes such as chronic low back pain are responsible for enormous costs for health care and society. For these conditions a pure biomedical approach often proves insufficient. Numerous studies have shown that there is little direct relationship between pain and disability and suggest that the biopsychosocial approach offers the foundations for a better insight in how pain can become a persistent problem. The main assumption is that pain and pain disability are not only influenced by organic pathology, if found, but also by psychological and social factors. In this contribution, a behavioural analysis of chronic musculoskeletal pain will be discussed, with special attention to the role of pain-related fear in the development and maintenance of chronic pain disability, and the behavioural rehabilitation perspective of chronic pain management.

Avoidance Learning↗

Pyomyositis in south Indian children.

Thirty-two children with pyomyositis were studied. In 28 children, 23 boys and 5 girls, Staphylococcus aureus was the aetiological agent. The strains isolated were resistant to penicillin. The muscles of the thigh, back and upper arm were most frequently involved. Eight children had infections in other parts of the body, namely pneumonia, empyema, pericarditis, meningitis, osteomyelitis and arthritis. Two children died. At follow-up one child had chronic osteomyelitis. In four neonates, beta haemolytic streptococcus was the causative organism. All were septicaemic. One infant died.

Abscess↗

Anthropometry, spinal canal width, and flexibility of the spine and hamstring muscles in 45-55-year-old men with and without low back pain.

One hundred fifty 45-55-year-old men were divided into three groups: those with healthy backs, recurrent low back pain (LBP), and chronic LBP. These groups were studied with respect to anthropometry, spinal canal width, spinal sagittal configuration and flexibility, and the flexibility of the hamstrings musculature with straight leg raising (SLR). There were no differences between the groups with respect to anthropometry. The group with healthy backs had significantly greater lordosis and sagittal flexibility than the other groups. The width of the spinal canal was correlated to body height. The SLR test showed significantly higher values in the group with healthy backs and in the recurrent pain group than in the chronic pain group. The possible role of restoring normal range of motion to minimize the risk of LBP recurrence is discussed.

Anthropometry↗

Pain pattern in pregnancy and "catching" of the leg in pregnant women with posterior pelvic pain.

STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of symptoms and signs in pregnant women. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical appearance of back pain in pregnancy and the relation between pain distribution and symptoms in women with posterior pelvic pain, in order to shed light on etiologic factors. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Back pain is common in the general population. During pregnancy, it is even more common, and back pain is experienced by about 50% of pregnant women. In the pregnant woman, differentiation between common low back pain and posterior pelvic pain is believed to be essential because these symptoms should be treated in different ways. METHODS: The women were interviewed with a questionnaire. Those with back symptoms completed a pain drawing and were examined by an orthopedic surgeon. Based on the symptoms and findings, the women were divided into three groups: thoracic pain, lumbar pain, and posterior pelvic pain. RESULTS: Of 335 pregnant women, 51% had back pain at the time of examination. The pain was more widespread compared with common low back pain. Seventy-one percent of the 171 patients examined by the orthopedic surgeon had a positive posterior pelvic pain test. These women more often had pain in the gluteal and posterior thigh regions. A "catching" feeling of the leg was described when walking by 44 of 122 these women, whereas only 1 of 49 women without a posterior pelvic pain test had such symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The higher prevalence of back pain in pregnancy may be due to several factors. In women with posterior pelvic pain, there is a specific symptom-a catching of the leg when walking. The most probable explanation for the catching is that local nociception disturbs muscular function in women with posterior pelvic pain because changes in the sacroiliac joint range of motion, which is very small, cannot cause this symptom.

Adult↗

Patients' satisfaction with provided care/information and expectations on clinical outcome after lumbar disc herniation surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study of patients undergoing lumbar disc herniation surgery. OBJECTIVES: To assess patients' satisfaction with care/preoperative information, if expectations on surgical results and ability to return to work are related to baseline characteristics, and/or can predict self-reported outcome. Self-reported outcome was compared with objective outcome. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Patients' expectations on treatment results have been discussed as a predictive factor for postoperative outcome and satisfaction demonstrated to be directly related to patient expectations. METHODS: The study includes 148 patients, 46% women, mean age 40 (range 18-66). Before and 2 years after surgery, questionnaires about given information/care, expected/present work ability, and expectations on/obtained improvement of physical functions/symptoms (leg and back pain, sensibility, and muscle function) were filled in. The visual analog scale leg pain, Zung Depression Scale, and Oswestry Disability Index were used as baseline characteristics. At 2-year follow-up, self-reported and objective outcome was assessed. RESULTS: Satisfaction with given information/care were reported by 46% and 82%, respectively. Zung Depression Scale related to expectations on leg pain recovery (P = 0.022), work ability (P = 0.046), and satisfaction with given information (P = 0.031). Patients who expected to return (76%) and not return (24%) to work, returned in 78% and 26%, respectively (P = 0.021). A high agreement between self-reported outcome and objective outcome were found (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing lumbar disc herniation surgery are mostly satisfied with provided care before and after surgery, however, less satisfied with information provided. Further, patients with preoperative positive expectations on work return and realistic expectations on pain and physical recovery have a greater chance to be satisfied with the surgical results.

Adult↗

Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction: the soft tissue alternative.

The available methods of soft tissue reconstruction of the breast are described. They are usually preferable to the use of a prosthesis. For unilateral reconstruction the appropriate method depends on the age of the patient and the size of the breast. In an elderly patient with large breast, a two-stage breast-sharing procedure is advocated. In a young patient with a small breast, an extended latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap provides a suitable reconstruction. In a middle-aged woman with a breast of moderate size and an adequate amount of abdominal subcutaneous tissue, the most appropriate method of reconstruction is a rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. For bilateral reconstruction where the consistency is less important, a prosthesis, with or without a latissimus dorsi flap for cover, is the method of first choice.

Abdomen↗

Physical exercise and low back pain.

Health care providers often prescribe exercises as treatment for nonspecific low back pain. However, the effectiveness of this treatment is poorly documented in the literature. While the evidence suggests that exercise in general is beneficial, there is a lack of knowledge about the types, frequency and duration of exercises that should be prescribed and at what stage of injury they are most helpful. In addition, few studies have dealt with exercise treatment alone rather than in combination with other treatments, making it hard to decipher the unique contribution of exercise. Inadequate study designs also make conclusions difficult. Conversely, the literature clearly shows that inactivity has detrimental effects (i.e. delayed return to normal activity, and negative physiological and psychological effects) for low back pain patients.

Acute Disease↗

Exercise programs for subjects with low back disorders.

Exercise has played a central role in rehabilitation of subjects with low back pain. The research in this field has intensified since the 1980s. Low back pain has been associated with both physically stressful and sedentary occupations. There is no clear association between low back pain and physical activity during leisure time. Many studies have shown that subjects with back pain have impairments in muscular and connective tissue, functional limitations in muscular strength, endurance, speed, and neuromuscular functions, and physical, social and psychological disabilities. The ultimate aims of the exercise-based programs are to reduce and prevent these impairments, functional limitations and disabilities. The results of controlled studies with exercise programs have shown a positive effect on physical impairments and functional limitations for subjects with chronic low back pain. The outcome of exercise programs has not been so positive for disability, defined as an inability or a limitation in performance in social interactions including occupational activities.

Exercise Therapy↗

Functional restoration in chronic low back pain.

Conventional treatments have not slowed down the ever expanding low back pain (LBP) problem. Traditional treatment has most probably contributed to the growth of the problem. Therefore, in a search for new solutions, 'functional restoration' has been devised. In connection with chronic LBP the term has been associated with a full-day program lasting from 3 to 5 weeks. It includes multidisciplinary treatment of patients in groups with intensive physical and ergonomic training, psychological pain management, back school, as well as teaching in social/work related issues. The key concepts are 'acceptance of the pain', 'activity', 'self-responsibility', 'multidisciplinary' and 'quantitative functional evaluation (QFE)'. The latter is aimed so that the participants can feel the physical improvement, encouraging them to be able to go back to work, or at least to lead a more active life style. Several controlled studies suggest a lasting effect in terms of regaining their ability to work and improving pain behavior for a good part of disabled chronic LBP patients. However, it is noteworthy that randomized studies seemingly show poorer results than studies not employing randomized controls.

Ergonomics↗

Measurements and evaluations in low back pain patients.

With the present review of literature, the authors intended to compare the definition terms, selection criteria, and measurement tools or methods used in different studies related to chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients. The relevance of including all the above information is that any health-care professional can use them to evaluate their treatment methods with CLBP patients or use them in study designs according to their objectives. These measurements concern pain measurements, measures that were used to describe the CLBP pain, questionnaires used to measure the CLBP patients' responses to pain, the pain effects on their living activities, and also measurements of the physical abilities and functional performance. A computerized literature search in English MEDLINE was conducted using "low back pain," and "flexibility, "strength,""evaluation,""functional level," and "measurements" as search words. Identified abstracts were scanned, and useful articles were acquired for further review. Interms of CLBP definitions, the authors concluded that is best defined as a lumbar, sacral, or lumbosacral spinal pain that is continuous or essentially continuous but low level punctuated by exacerbations of pain, each of which is characterized as "acute." In order to establish the criteria for selecting participants in a study design related to CLBP, pain characteristics and clinical diagnoses have to be taken into consideration for obtaining homogeneity of groups. Finally, the selection of measurement tools and evaluation methods is related to the study's goals, the specialization of the researchers, and their validity.

Chronic Disease↗