bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electromyographic analysis of gluteus medius subdivisions during hip abductor strengthening exercises
Authors: Ju Sung-Kwang , Yoo Won-Gyu 
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND: The gluteus medius (GM) which functions mainly in weight-bearing to stabilize the pelvis in a unilateral stance against gravity has been described as having several anatomic subdivisions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the activation of the three GM subdivisions (anterior, medial, and posterior) during four weight bearing exercises. METHODS: This study investigated GM activation in 15 healthy adult males during four weight-bearing exercises; hip fire hydrant, standing forward bent-horizontal hip abduction (SFB-HHA), wall press and pelvic drop. Muscle activations in the three GM subdivisions were measured using electromyography (EMG) and compared using a repeated one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: All GM subdivisions showed higher activation during high position exercises (pelvic drop, SFB-HHA, wall press exercise) than during the low position exercise (hip fire hydrant). The anterior subdivision showed higher activity during pelvic drop exercise than during SFB-HHA and wall press exercises. Higher posterior subdivision activity was observed during SFB-HHA compared to wall press and pelvic drop exercises, posterior subdivision activity was higher during wall press compared to pelvic drop. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that pelvic drop is the appropriate exercise to activate the anterior subdivision of the GM, whereas SFB-HHA is the best exercise to activate the posterior subdivision.
Upper extremity strength and motor speed in children with visual impairment following a 16-week yoga training program
Authors: Mohanty Soubhagyalaxmi , Pradhan Balaram , Hankey Alex 
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND: Yoga's benefits on various aspects of health for sighted children is substantially supported by the literature. This study aimed to extend those fidings to children with visual impairment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to measure changes in upper extremity strength and motor speed in children with visual impairment following 16-weeks of yoga training. METHODS: This was a two arm pre post, single blind, waitlist-controlled study. Eighty-three (yoga [n= 41], control [n= 42]) participants (aged 9-16 years) enrolled, 6 dropped out from the trial. Demographic characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups. The following variables: upper extremity muscle strength; elbow flexion and elbow extension, pinch strength and motor speed were evaluated bilaterally using a handheld dynamometer, pinch dynamometer and finger tapping board respectively at baseline and after the 16-week intervention. SPSS-20 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Significant improvements in all variables (P < 0.05) were observed in the yoga group for both limbs but no significant changes were observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that yoga may be considered an effective option to improve muscle strength and motor function in children with visual impairment.
Optimal load for maximizing upper-body power: Test-retest reproducibility
Authors: García-Ramos Amador , Haff G. Gregory , Padial Paulino , Feriche Belén 
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND: The load that maximizes power output, commonly called ``optimal load'', has received wide attention for training and testing purposes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reproducibility in the determination of the load that maximizes mean power (MP), mean propulsive power (MPP), and peak power (PP) during the bench press (BP) and bench press throw (BPT) exercises. METHODS: Twenty-two men conducted 4 evaluations after a preliminary BP 1-repetition maximum (1RM) determination. In a counterbalanced order, subjects performed 2 sessions of BP in one week and 2 sessions of BPT in another week. MP, MPP, and PP at each tenth percentile (20-70% of 1RM) were recorded on each testing day. Two procedures were used to determine the individual optimal load: (1) Absolute: individual load with the highest power output;(2) Predicted: obtained from the parabolic load-power relationship. RESULTS: While acceptable reproducibility was found for MP in both exercises and procedures (ICC: 0.85-0.96; CV: 2.7%-12.2%), low reproducibility was obtained for MPP (ICC: -0.20-0.60; CV: 21.1%-29.3%), and PP (ICC: 0.42-0.78; CV: 17.8%-20.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The low reproducibility associated with the determination of the optimal load suggests that it may be unnecessary to look for a single optimal load for training.
Stroke volume responses may be related to the gap between peak and maximal O2 consumption
Authors: Colakoglu Muzaffer , Ozkaya Ozgur , Balci Gorkem Aybars , Yapicioglu Bulent 
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND: Although several studies have focused on maximal O2 uptake ([Formula: see text] O2max) measured by a verification phase following the determination of peak O2 uptake ([Formula: see text] O2peak) by a graded exercise test, an explanation for the underlying mechanisms of the difference between[Formula: see text] O2peak and confirmed [Formula: see text] O2max is scant. OBJECTIVE: To explore the hypothesis that when the difference between [Formula: see text] O2peak and [Formula: see text] O2max(Δ[Formula: see text] O2) increases, the gap between peak stroke volume (SVpeak) and SV level corresponding to [Formula: see text] O2peak velocities (Δ SV) grows. METHODS: Nine moderately to well-trained male athletes([Formula: see text] O2max: 60.2 ± 7 mL ⋅ min-1 ⋅ kg-1) volunteered to take part in the study. Following familiarization session, volunteers were asked to perform submaximal and maximal graded exercise tests. Then, constant-loading SVpeak tests (using wattages in a range from 40-100% of [Formula: see text] O2peak) and verification phase (using wattages corresponding with 100-110% of [Formula: see text] O2peak) were conducted in a climatic chamber. RESULTS: The Δ[Formula: see text] O2 was well correlated withΔ SV (Pearson r= 0.89; p≤ 0.001). The mean SVpeak of participants corresponded to 60.3 ± 18% of [Formula: see text] O2peak.[Formula: see text] O2max was significantly greater (11.2%) than [Formula: see text] O2peak (60.2 ± 7 vs. 54.2 ± 8.1 mL ⋅ min-1 ⋅ kg-1) (p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: [Formula: see text] O2peak and [Formula: see text] O2max differences may be related to the gap between SVpeak and SV at [Formula: see text] O2peak.
The effects of Kinesiotaping on quadriceps muscle performance at different velocities: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Guedes Rogerio , Bottaro Martim , Magalhães Igor , Trindade Matheus , Brown Lee E. , Carmo Jake do , Carregaro Rodrigo Luiz 
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND: Kinesiotaping (KT) has become popular among athletic trainers and physical therapists. Most of KT studies investigated only the immediate responses, and only a few evaluated the long-term effects. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of 48 hours of KT on knee extensor performance of healthy subjects during isokinetic exercise at different muscle action velocities. METHODS: Twenty six healthy men were enrolled and the study presented a drop-out rate of 19%. Participants were randomly allocated to one of two intervention groups: 1. KT with the tape applied for activation of rectus femoris with 40% tension 2. Control (CO) with the tape applied on rectus femoris without tension. Measurements were collected at baseline (BL) without KT, immediately (T0) post KT application, and 24 h (T24) and 48 h (T48) after KT application. The main outcome measures were Knee extension peak torque (PT), load range (LR) and time to reach the PT (TPT). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between KT and CO for PT, LR or TPT at 60 or 240°/s, and no significant differences on time (BL, IMD, 24 h and 48 h) for both groups. CONCLUSION: Kinesiotaping did not enhance knee extensor neuromuscular performance of healthy men at different muscle action velocities. An important finding was that the continued use of the Kinesiotaping (48 h) did not influence muscle performance.
The influence of hemiparesis on triceps surae morphological and mechanical properties in stroke survivors
Authors: Dias Caroline Pieta , Lanferdini Fábio Juner , Onzi Eduardo dos Santos , Goulart Natalia Batista Albuquerque , Becker Jefferson , Gomes Irênio , Vaz Marco Aurélio 
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND: Hemiparesis causes a reduction in neuromuscular structure and function and affects the contractile properties of the plantar flexors. OBJECTIVE: To compare the triceps surae volume, activation and mechanical properties in hemiparetic stroke survivors to those of healthy subjects. METHODS: Twelve hemiparetic stroke survivors (mean age, 62 years) and twelve healthy subjects (mean age, 60 years) participated in the study. The triceps surae muscle volume was estimated by ultrasound and anthropometric data. Plantar flexor muscle activation and dorsiflexor co-activation were measured with surface electromyography, and isometric plantar flexor moment was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. Muscle quality was determined by the moment/muscle volume ratio. One-way ANOVA was used for between-groups comparisons (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The paretic and non-paretic limbs of stroke survivors showed smaller muscle volume (∼ 36% and ∼ 35%, respectively) than the dominant limb of healthy subjects (p< 0.01). The muscle quality was similar between the non-paretic limb and the dominant limb of healthy subjects (p> 0.05) but was lower in the paretic limb (p< 0.05). Peak moment was lower (∼ 61%) in the paretic and non-paretic (∼ 33%) limbs compared to the dominant limb of healthy subjects (p< 0.01). The paretic limb showed lower gastrocnemius medialis activation than did the non-paretic (∼ 45%) and dominant (∼ 33%) limbs of healthy subjects (p< 0.01). CONCLUSION: Structural and functional losses are higher in the paretic than in the non-paretic limb and in the non-paretic compared to a healthy limb.
Neurorestorative effects of epigallocatechin-3-Gallate on cognitive function in a chronic cerebral hypoperfusion rat model
Authors: Han Jae-Young , Kim Jung-Kook , Kim Jae-Hong , Oh Bong-Seok , Cho Wan-Ju , Jung Young Do , Lee Sam-Gyu 
Published: June 2016

Purpose: This study investigated whether (–)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) can enhance cognition by a neurorestorative effect in a rat model of bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO). Methods: Forty-eight male, 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to four groups 6 weeks after BCCAO or sham operation: EGCG-single intravenous injection (25 mg/kg/day; SIV group), EGCG-multiple intraperitoneal injection (50 mg/kg/day for 5 days; MIP group), untreated BCCAO group (untreated group), and sham-operated group (sham group). Results: Escape latency was significantly shorter in the SIV and MIP groups than in the untreated group. SIV and MIP groups were significantly different from the untreated group in the activity of superoxide dismutase and the content of malondialdehyde ( p < 0.05). Protein expression level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor was not significantly different between groups ( p > 0.05), while protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was significantly lower in the SIV group than in the untreated group ( p < 0.05). Protein expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits NR1 and NR2B was significantly higher in the MIP group than in the untreated group ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: EGCG administration at 6 weeks after BCCAO is neurorestorative via an anti-oxidant effect and synaptogenesis, except for angiogenesis.
Day/night difference in extradural cortical stimulation for motor relearning in a subacute stroke rat model
Authors: Kim Joo Yeon , Sun Woong , Park Eunhee , Lee Jiyeong , Kim Hyun , Shin Yong-Il , Kim Yun-Hee , Chang Won Hyuk 
Published: June 2016

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the proper timing of extradural cortical stimulation (ECS) on the motor relearning in a rat model of subacute photothrombotic stroke. Methods: Photothrombotic infarction was induced on the dominant sensorimotor cortex in male Sprague-Dawley rats after training in a single-pellet reaching task (SPRT). Rats were randomly divided into three groups after stroke: ECS during the inactive period (Day-ECS group), ECS during the active period (Night-ECS group) and no ECS (Non-stimulated group). Six sham-operated rats were assigned to the control group. The Day- and Night-ECS group received continuous ECS for 12 hours during the day or night for 2 weeks from day 4 after the stroke. Behavioral assessment with SPRT was performed daily. Results: SPRT showed a significantly faster and greater improvement in the Day and Night-ECS groups than in the Non-stimulated group. In the Day- and Night-ECS groups, the success rate of SPRT differed significantly from Non-stimulated group on day 11 and day 8, respectively. In addition, the Night-ECS group showed a significantly higher SPRT success rate than the Day-ECS group from days 10 to 13. Conclusion: ECS during the active period might be more effective for motor relearning in the subacute stroke rat model.
Anatomical and functional effects of lateral cervical hemicontusion in adult rats
Authors: Walker Chandler L. , Zhang Yi Ping , Liu Yucheng , Li Yiping , Walker Melissa J. , Liu Nai-Kui , Shields Christopher B. , Xu Xiao-Ming 
Published: June 2016

Purpose: Cervical injuries are the most common form of spinal cord injury (SCI), and are often complicated by pathological secondary damage. Therefore, cervical SCI is of great clinical importance for understanding pathology and potential therapies. Here we utilize a weight drop cervical hemi-contusion injury model using a NYU/MASCIS impactor that produced graded anatomical and functional deficits. Methods: Three groups of rats were established: 1) Sham (laminectomy only) ( n = 6), 12.5 mm weight drop ( n = 10), and 25 mm weight drop ( n = 10) SCI groups. Forelimb functional assessments of grooming ability, cereal manipulation, and forepaw adhesive removal were performed weekly after injury. Using transcranial magnetic motor evoked potentials (tcMMEPs), supraspinal motor stimulations were recorded in both forelimbs and hindlimbs at 5 and 28d post-injury. Lesion volume and myelinated tissue area were assessed through histological analysis. Results: A 12.5 mm weight drop height produced considerable tissue damage compared to Sham animals, while a 25 mm drop induced even greater damage than the 12.5 mm drop ( p < 0.05). Forelimb functional assessments showed that increased injury severity and tissue damage was correlated to the degree of forelimb functional deficits. Interestingly, the hindlimbs showed little to no motor function loss. Upon tcMMEP stimulation, surprisingly little motor signal was recorded in the hindlimbs despite outward evidence of hindlimb motor recovery. Conclusions: Our findings highlight a correlation between anatomical damage and functional outcome in a graded cervical hemi-contusion model, and support a loss of descending motor control from supraspinal inputs and intraspinal plasticity that promote spontaneous hindlimb functional recovery in this model.
Post-stroke gaseous hypothermia increases vascular density but not neurogenesis in the ischemic penumbra of aged rats
Authors: Sandu Raluca Elena , Uzoni Adriana , Ciobanu Ovidiu , Moldovan Mihai , Anghel Andrei , Radu Eugen , Coogan Andrew N. , Popa-Wagner Aurel 
Published: June 2016

Purpose: In aged humans, stroke is a major cause of disability for which no neuroprotective measures are available. In animal studies of focal ischemia, short-term hypothermia often reduces infarct size. Nevertheless, efficient neuroprotection requires long-term, regulated lowering of whole body temperature. Previously, we reported that post-stroke exposure to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) effectively lowers whole body temperature and confers neuroprotection in aged animals. Methods: In the present study using behavioral tests, MRI, telemetrical EEG, BP and temperature recordings, RT-PCR and immunofluorescence, we assessed infarct size, vascular density, neurogenesis and as well as the expression of genes coding for proteasomal proteins as well as in post-stroke aged Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to H2S- induced hypothermia. Results: Two days exposure to mild hypothermia diminishes the expression of several genes involved in protein degradation, thereby leading to better preservation of infarcted tissue. Further, hypothermia increased the density of newly formed blood vessels in the peri-lesional cortex did not enhance neurogenesis in the infarcted area of aged rats. Likewise, there was improved recovery of fine vestibulomotor function and asymmetric sensorimotor deficit. Conclusion: Long-term hypothermia may be a viable clinical approach by simultaneously targeting multiple processes including better tissue preservation, enhanced vascular density and improved behavioral performance.
Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor promotes brain repair following traumatic brain injury by recruitment of microglia and increasing neurotrophic factor expression
Authors: Song Shijie , Kong Xiaoyuan , Acosta Sandra , Sava Vasyl , Borlongan Cesar , Sanchez-Ramos Juan 
Published: June 2016

Purpose: The overall objective was to elucidate cellular mechanisms by which G-CSF enhances recovery from traumatic brain injury in a hippocampal-dependent learning task. Methods: Chimeric mice were prepared by transplanting bone marrow cells that express green fluorescent protein (GFP+) from a transgenic “green” mice into C57BL/6 mice. Two months later, the animals sustained mild controlled cortical impact (CCI) to the right frontal-parietal cortex, followed by G-CSF (100 μg/kg) treatment for 3 consecutive days. The primary behavioral end-point was performance on the radial arm water maze (RAWM) assessed before and after CCI (days 7 and 14). Secondary endpoints included a), motor performance on a rotating cylinder (rotarod), b) measurement of microglial and astroglial response, c) hippocampal neurogenesis, and d) measures of neurotrophic factors (BDNF, GDNF) in brain homogenates. Results: G-CSF treatment resulted in significantly better performance on the rotorod at one week, and in the RAWM after one and two weeks. The cellular changes found 2 wks after CCI in the G-CSF group included increased numbers of hippocampal newborn neurons as well as astrocytosis and microgliosis in striatum and frontal cortex on both sides of brain. GFP+ cells that co-labeled with Iba1 (microglial marker) comprised a significant proportion of striatal microglia in G-CSF treated animals, indicating the capacity of G-CSF to increase microglial recruitment to the site of injury. Neurotrophic factors GDNF and BDNF, elaborated by activated microglia and astrocytes, were increased in G-CSF treated mice. Conclusions: G-CSF serves as a neurotrophic factor that increases hippocampal neurogenesis (or enhances survival of new-born neurons), and activates astrocytes and microglia. In turn, these activated glia release a plethora of cytokines and neurotrophic factors that contribute, in a poorly understood cascade, to the brain’s repair response. G-CSF also acts directly on bone marrow-derived cells to enhance recruitment of microglia to the site of CCI from circulating monocytes to the site of CCI.
Mobile game-based virtual reality rehabilitation program for upper limb dysfunction after ischemic stroke
Authors: Choi Yoon-Hee , Ku Jeonghun , Lim Hyunmi , Kim Yeo Hyung , Paik Nam-Jong 
Published: June 2016

Background: Virtual reality (VR) has the potential to provide intensive, repetitive, and task-oriented training, and game-based therapy can enhance patients’ motivation and enjoyment. Objective: The objective of the present study was to develop a mobile game-based upper extremity VR program for patients who have experienced stroke, and to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the program. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, controlled trial included 24 patients with ischemic stroke. The intervention group ( n = 12) received 30 min of conventional occupational therapy (OT) and 30 min of the mobile upper extremity rehabilitation program using a smartphone and a tablet PC (MoU-Rehab). The controls ( n = 12) received conventional OT alone for 1 h per day. Rehabilitation consisted of 10 sessions of therapy, 5 days per week, for 2 weeks. The outcome measures (Fugl−Meyer Assessment of the upper extremity [FMA-UE], Brunnström stage [B-stage] for the arm and the hand, manual muscle testing [MMT], modified Barthel index [MBI], EuroQol-5 Dimension [EQ-5D], and Beck Depression Inventory [BDI]) were assessed at the beginning and end of treatment, and at 1 month. User satisfaction was evaluated by a questionnaire. Results: A greater improvement in the FMA-UE, B-stage, and MMT was found after treatment with the MoU-Rehab than with conventional therapy. The extent of improvements in the MBI, EQ-5D, and BDI was not significantly different between the two groups. Patients in the experimental group completed the 2-weeks treatment without adverse effects, and they were generally satisfied with MoU-Rehab. Conclusion: This mobile game-based VR rehabilitation program appears to be feasible and effective for promoting upper limb recovery after ischemic stroke.
Use of human mesenchymal stem cell treatment to prevent anhedonia in a rat model of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Darkazalli Ali , Ismail Abdol Aziz Ould , Abad Nastaren , Grant Samuel C. , Levenson Cathy W. 
Published: June 2016

Purpose: Major depression and related mood disorders are the most common long-term outcomes associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Given the potentially debilitating consequences of depression, and the fact that TBI patients are frequently refractory to antidepressant drugs, new therapies are clearly needed. We hypothesized that human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC), delivered intravenously, can effectively treat TBI-induced depression and other behavioral deficits associated with TBI. Methods: Rats ( n = 8 per group) were subjected to experimental TBI or control sham operation. Six hours post TBI, rats were treated with 1×106 hMSC or vehicle control. Immediately after TBI and prior to hMSC or control treatment, rats were subjected to either targeted precision x-ray irradiation to eliminate subventricular zone (SVZ) proliferation or sham irradiation. One week after TBI, SVZ irradiation, and hMSC treatment, rats were evaluated for the depression-like behavior, anhedonia, using the two-bottle saccharin preference paradigm; and for working memory using the novel object recognition test. Results: TBI resulted in a 54% ( p≤0.05) decrease in saccharin preference scores while treatment of TBI with hMSC fully prevented this anhedonic behavior. TBI was also found to produce a 73% ( p≤0.05) decrease in novel object interaction time, indicating impaired working memory, and was similarly improved by treatment with hMSC. The ability of hMSC to prevent TBI-associated depression and working memory impairment was eliminated when SVZ proliferation was inhibited by irradiation. Conclusions: This work has identified a possible role for hMSC in the treatment of TBI-induced depression and other behaviors and suggests a mechanistic role for proliferative cells of the SVZ proliferation in hMSC efficacy.