bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lengthening the Hamstring Muscles Without Stretching Using “Awareness Through Movement”
Authors: Stephens James , Davidson Joshua , DeRosa Joseph , Kriz Michael , Saltzman Nicole 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Background and PurposePassive stretching is widely used to increase muscle flexibility, but it has been shown that this process does not produce long-term changes in the viscoelastic properties of muscle as originally thought. The authors tested a method of lengthening hamstring muscles called “Awareness Through Movement” (ATM) that does not use passive stretching. Subjects. Thirty-three subjects who were randomly assigned to ATM and control groups met the screening criteria and completed the intervention phase of the study. Methods. The ATM group went through a process of learning complex active movements designed to increase length in the hamstring muscles. Hamstring muscle length was measured before and after intervention using the Active Knee Extension Test. Results. The ATM group gained significantly more hamstring muscle length (+7.04°) compared with the control group (+1.15°). Discussion and Conclusions. The results suggest that muscle length can be increased through a process of active movement that does not involve stretching. Further research is needed to investigate this finding.
Community-Based Tai Chi and Its Effect on Injurious Falls, Balance, Gait, and Fear of Falling in Older People
Authors: Lin Mau-Roung , Hwang Hei-Fen , Wang Yi-Wei , Chang Shu-Hui , Wolf Steven L 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Background and Purpose. It is important to determine the effect of adherence to a tai chi program on falls and related functional outcomes in older people. This study examined the effect of a community-based tai chi program on injurious falls, balance, gait, and fear of falling among people aged 65 years and older in Taiwan. Subjects and Methods. In 6 rural villages in Taichung County, 1,200 subjects participated in the initial assessment. During a 1-year intervention period, all study villages were provided with education on fall prevention. Two villages had been provided tai chi exercise (n=472 participants or “tai chi villagers”), and 4 villages served as control villages (n=728 participants or “control villagers”). Injurious falls were ascertained by telephone interviews every 3 months over a 2-year study period; additionally, balance, gait, and fear of falling were assessed in 2 follow-up assessments. Results. Eighty-eight subjects, 83 from the tai chi villages and 5 from the control villages, participated and practiced in the tai chi program (the group labeled “tai chi practitioners”). After the tai chi program, injurious falls among the control villagers significantly declined by 44% (adjusted rate ratio [RR]=0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.36–0.92). Compared with the results for the control villagers, the decline was 31% greater (RR=0.69; 95% CI=0.30–1.56) among the tai chi villagers and 50% greater (RR=0.5; 95% CI=0.11–2.17) among the tai chi practitioners; the results did not reach statistical significance. Furthermore, compared with the scores for the control villagers, the scores for the tai chi practitioners increased by 1.8 points (95% CI=0.2–3.4) on the Tinetti Balance Scale and increased by 0.9 point (95% CI=0.1–1.8) on the Tinetti Gait Scale. No significant changes in the fear of falling were detected among the tai chi practitioners, tai chi villagers, and control villagers. Discussion and Conclusion. Tai chi can prevent a decline in functional balance and gait among older people. However, the reduction in injurious falls attained with tai chi did not reach statistical significance; the statistical inefficiency may have resulted partly from the large decline in injurious falls in control villagers. Finally, the unexpected effect of educational intervention on reducing injurious falls in different settings needs to be further examined. on injurious falls, balance, gait, and fear of falling in older people. Phys Ther. 2006;86:1189 –1201.]
Identification of Intervention Categories for Physical Therapy, Based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: A Delphi Exercise
Authors: Finger Monika E , Cieza Alarcos , Stoll Juerg , Stucki Gerold , Huber Erika O 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Background and Purpose. Disability or limitations in human functioning are universal experiences that concern all people. Physical therapists aim to improve functioning and prevent disability. With the approval of the new International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), we can now rely on a globally recognized framework and classification to be used in different health care situations by all health care professionals in multidisciplinary teams. The objective of this study was to identify ICF categories that describe the most relevant and common patient problems managed by physical therapists in acute, rehabilitation, and community health care situations taking into account 3 major groups of health conditions: musculoskeletal, neurological, and internal. Subjects. The subjects were physical therapists who were identified as possible participants by the heads of physical therapy departments who were members of the Swiss Association of Physical Therapy Department Heads or who were recruited from the membership of the Swiss Association of Physiotherapy. Methods. A consensus-building, 3-round, electronic-mail survey with 9 groups of physical therapists was conducted using the Delphi technique. Results. Two hundred sixty-three physical therapists participated in at least one round of the Delphi exercise. They had consensus levels of 80% or higher for categories in all ICF components (Body Functions, Body Structures, Activities and Participation, and Environmental Factors 1 and 2). Discussion and Conclusion. This study is a first step toward identifying a list of intervention categories relevant for physical therapy according to the ICF. The ICF, designed as a common language for multidisciplinary use, is also a very helpful framework for defining the core competence for the physical therapy profession.
Gait Training of Patients After Stroke Using an Electromechanical Gait Trainer Combined With Simultaneous Functional Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Tong Raymond KY , Ng Maple FW , Li Leonard SW , So Elaine FM 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground and Purpose. This case report describes the implementation of gait training intervention that used an electromechanical gait trainer with simultaneous functional electrical stimulation (FES) for 2 patients with acute ischemic stroke. Case Descriptions. Two individuals with post-stroke hemiplegia of less than 6 weeks' duration participated in a 4-week gait training program as an adjunct to physical therapy received at a hospital. After the 4-week intervention, both patients were discharged from the hospital, and they returned after 6 months for a follow-up evaluation. Outcomes. By the end of the 4-week intervention, both patients had shown improvements in scores on the Barthel Index, Berg Balance Scale, Functional Ambulation Categories Scale, 5-m timed walking test, and Motricity Index. In the 6-month follow-up evaluation, both patients continued to have improvements in all outcome measures. Discussion. This case report shows that, following the use of an electromechanical gait trainer simultaneously with FES, patients after acute stroke had improvements in gait performance, functional activities, balance, and motor control in the long term.
Measurement of Muscle Thickness as Quantitative Muscle Evaluation for Adults With Severe Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Ohata Koji , Tsuboyama Tadao , Ichihashi Noriaki , Minami Satosi 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Background and Purpose. The muscle strength of people with severe cerebral palsy (CP) is difficult to quantify because of cognitive and selective motor control problems. However, if muscle strength is related to muscle atrophy caused by activity limitation, quantitative morphological analysis such as analysis of muscle thickness (MTH), measured by ultrasound imaging, may be used to examine the muscle condition in daily use. The primary purpose of this investigation was to clarify the difference in MTH of several muscles by the motor functions used in daily activity in adults with CP with different levels of severity of involvement. The secondary purpose was to examine whether MTH is associated with age, body characteristics, and muscle spasticity. Subjects. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 25 adults with severe CP. Methods. The MTH of the biceps brachii (BB), quadriceps femoris (QF), triceps surae (TS), and longissimus (LO) muscles was measured with an ultrasound imaging device. The severity of the condition was classified with the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), and functional status in sitting and standing was evaluated with a questionnaire administered to the staff assisting in the care of the subjects. Muscle spasticity was assessed with the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Results. The MTH of the QF, LO, and TS showed significant differences according to the GMFCS level, and the MTH of the QF and LO differed significantly depending on functional status during activities of daily living. Age and body mass index showed no significant correlation with the MTH of any muscle. Body weight was correlated with the MTH of the BB and LO. The girth of the extremity was correlated only with the MTH of the BB. There was no relationship between MTH and MAS scores. Discussion and Conclusion. These results suggest that the MTH of the QF and LO differed significantly depending on the subjects' motor function during daily activity. The measurement of MTH may be an alternative method of quantitative muscle evaluation for people with severe CP for whom direct measurement of muscle strength is difficult. [Ohata K, Tsuboyama T, Ichihashi N, Minami S. Measurement of muscle thickness as quantitative muscle evaluation for adults with severe cerebral palsy. Phys Ther. 2006;86:1231–1239.]
Physical Therapist Management Following Rotator Cuff Repair for a Patient With Postpolio Syndrome
Authors: Carlson Mary , Hadlock Tana 
Published: February 2007

Background and PurposePostpoliomyelitis sequelae, such as gait instability and progressive weakness, predispose people with postpolio syndrome to secondary disabilities. With aging, people who depend on their upper extremities to accommodate lower-extremity deficits may anticipate overuse injuries. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of mobilization and exercise in postoperative rehabilitation of rotator cuff surgery on a patient with postpolio syndrome.Case DescriptionA 48-year-old woman with postpolio syndrome had rotator cuff surgical repair followed by physical therapy intervention. Maitland mobilization and mild functional exercises were chosen to avoid triggering fatigue.OutcomesMeasurements taken preoperatively, before and after physical therapy intervention, and 2 years after intervention showed return to independent status with excellent retention.DiscussionNo fatigue or overuse weakness was encountered. This is the first case report to document physical therapy following rotator cuff repair in a patient with postpolio syndrome.
Neuroplasticity After Spinal Cord Injury and Training: An Emerging Paradigm Shift in Rehabilitation and Walking Recovery
Authors: Behrman Andrea L , Bowden Mark G , Nair Preeti M 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPhysical rehabilitation after spinal cord injury has been based on the premise that the nervous system is hard-wired and irreparable. Upon this assumption, clinicians have compensated for irremediable sensorimotor deficits using braces, assistive devices, and wheelchairs to achieve upright and seated mobility. Evidence from basic science, however, demonstrates that the central nervous system after injury is malleable and can learn, and this evidence has challenged our current assumptions. The evidence is especially compelling concerning locomotion. The purpose of this perspective article is to summarize the evidence supporting an impending paradigm shift from compensation for deficits to rehabilitation as an agent for walking recovery. A physiologically based approach for the rehabilitation of walking has developed, translating evidence for activity-dependent neuroplasticity after spinal cord injury and the neurobiological control of walking. Advanced by partnerships among neuroscientists, clinicians, and researchers, critical rehabilitation concepts are emerging for activity-based therapy to improve walking recovery, with promising clinical findings.
Application of Combined Botulinum Toxin Type A and Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy for an Individual With Chronic Upper-Extremity Spasticity After Stroke
Authors: Sun Shu-Fen , Hsu Chien-Wei , Hwang Chiao-Wen , Hsu Pei-Te , Wang Jue-Long , Yang Chia-Lin 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground and Purpose. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is a promising intervention for retraining upper-extremity function after a stroke. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of a combination of botulinum toxin type A (BtxA) and a modified CIMT program for a patient with severe spasticity who was unable to use his right upper extremity. Case Description. The 52-year-old patient, who had a stroke 4 years ago, did not meet the minimum motor criteria for CIMT benefit. After receiving BtxA injections targeting the elbow, wrist, and finger flexors, he completed a 4-week program of modified CIMT followed by a 5-month home exercise program. Outcomes. The patient exhibited improvement in muscle tone (the velocity-dependent resistance to stretch that muscle exhibits) and in scores on several upper-extremity function tests (Modified Ashworth Scale, Motor Activity Log, Wolf Motor Function Test, Action Research Arm Test, and Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery). He also reported making much progress in the functional use of the involved upper extremity. Discussion. In a patient with severe flexor spasticity and nonuse of the dominant upper extremity after a stroke, a combined treatment of BtxA and modified CIMT may have resulted in improved upper-extremity use.
Paretic Upper-Limb Strength Best Explains Arm Activity in People With Stroke
Authors: Harris Jocelyn E , Eng Janice J 
Published: February 2007

Background and Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship among variables of upper-limb impairment, upper-limb performance in activities of daily living (activity), and engagement in life events and roles (participation) in people with chronic stroke.

Subjects
The subjects were 93 community-dwelling individuals with stroke (≥1 year).

Methods
This study, which was conducted in a tertiary rehabilitation center, used a cross-sectional design. The main measures of impairment were the Modified Ashworth Scale, handheld dynamometry, sensory testing (monofilaments), and the Brief Pain Inventory. The main measures of activity were the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI) and the Motor Activity Log (MAL). The main measure of participation was the Reintegration to Normal Living (RNL) Index.

Results
Paretic upper-limb strength (force-generating capacity) (r=.89, P&lt;.01), grip strength (r=.69, P&lt;.01), and tone (resistance to passive movement) (r=−.80, P&lt;.01) were the impairment variables that were most strongly related to activity. Tone (r=−.23, P&lt;.05) and CAHAI scores (r=.22, P&lt;.05) had a significant, but weak, relationship to participation. Upper-limb strength accounted for 87% of the variance of the CAHAI scores and 78% of the variance of the MAL scores. In the participation models, tone and CAHAI scores accounted for 5% of the variance of the RNL Index scores.

Discussion and Conclusion
Paretic upper-limb strength had the strongest relationship with variables of activity and best explained upper-limb performance in activities of daily living. Grip strength, tone, and sensation also were factors of upper-limb performance in activities of daily living. Increased tone and upper-limb performance in activities of daily living had a weak relationship with participation.
Lessons Learned in Participant Recruitment and Retention: The EXCITE Trial
Authors: Blanton Sarah , Morris David M , Prettyman Michelle G , McCulloch Karen , Redmond Susan , Light Kathye E , Wolf Steven L 
Published: February 2007

AbstractParticipant recruitment is considered the most difficult aspect of the research process. Despite the integral role of recruitment in randomized clinical trials, publication of data defining the recruitment effort is not routine in rehabilitation initiatives. The recruitment process for the Extremity Constraint-Induced Therapy Evaluation (EXCITE) trial illustrates obstacles to and strategies for participant accrual and retention that are inherent in rehabilitation clinical trials. The purpose of this article is to increase awareness of the multiple facets of recruitment necessary for successful clinical trials, thus supporting the continued development of evidence-based practice in physical therapy. The Recruitment Index is presented as a variable to measure recruitment efficacy. In addition, ethical aspects of recruitment are explored, including informed consent and the concept of therapeutic misconception.
Tribological behavior of the polyamide composite coating filled with different fillers under dry sliding
Authors: Xu Haiyan , Feng Zhizhong , Chen Jianmin , Zhou Huidi 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe polyamide (PA) composite coating filled with the particles of microsized MoS2, microsized graphite, and nano‐Al2O3, respectively, were prepared by flame spraying. The friction and wear characteristics of the PA coating and composite coating filled with the varied content of filler under dry sliding against stainless steel were comparatively investigated using a block‐ring tester. The morphologies of the worn surfaces and transfer films on the counterpart steel ring were observed on a scanning electron microscope. The result showed that the addition of fillers to the composite coatings changed significantly the friction coefficient and wear rate of the coatings. The composite coatings filled with a low level content of fillers showed lower wear rate than did pure PA coating under dry sliding; especially the MoS2/PA composite coating had the lowest wear rate among these composite coatings. The composite coatings with a high level content of fillers had higher wear rate than did pure PA coating, except of the Al2O3/PA composite coating. The bonding strengths between the polymer matrix and fillers changed with the content of the fillers, which accounted for the differences in the tribological properties of the composite coatings filled with the varied content fillers. On the other hand, the difference in the friction and wear behaviors of the composite coatings and pure coating were attributed to the difference in their worn surface morphologies and transfer film characteristics. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Reinforced material from reclaimed rubber/natural rubber, using electron beam and thermal treatment
Authors: Hassan Medhat M. , Mahmoud Ghada A. , El‐Nahas Hussien H. , Hegazy El‐Sayed A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractReclaimed rubber powder (RRP) was treated by the addition of maleic anhydride (MA) to impart desired properties suitable for self‐adhesive sheets and concrete lining applications. The produced MA‐RRP was mixed with natural rubber (NR) with various compositions. A fixed 1 : 1 blend ratio of NR : RRP was reinforced with various contents of glass fiber (GF) in an open two‐roll mixing mill. The composites were irradiated using a 1.5 MeV electron beam accelerator at 30 and 50 kGy irradiation doses. Different properties of composite such as tensile strength, elongation at break, hardness, swelling behavior in different media, thermal stability, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) for both unirradiated and irradiated samples with respect to the RRP and GF content were investigated. Results show that the tensile strength and swelling resistance increase with increasing RRP content in the NR/RRP blends, whereas the elongation at break exhibit opposite trend. It can be observed that the hardness increases with increasing the fiber content. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Synthesis and optimization of copper sulfide‐coated electrically conducting poly(acrylonitrile) fibers
Authors: Baseri S. , Zadhoush A. , Morshed M. , Amirnasr M. , Azarnasab M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn this research work, coating of acrylic fibers (fibers spun from poly acrylonitrile) with copper sulfide was investigated. Surface of the acrylic fibers were coated with an insoluble conducting copper sulfide layer. One‐step dipping method was carried out. Acrylic fibers were treated in a bath containing divalent copper ions, a reducing agent, which is capable of reducing the divalent copper ions to a monovalent copper ions and a sulfur‐containing compound. This treatment resulted in a reduction of electrical resistance to 1 × 109that of an almost infinite resistance for the untreated fibers. The influence of some parameters such as concentration of copper (II) sulfate, hydroxylamine sulfate, sodium thiosulfate, and temperature of treatment bath were also investigated. A second reducing material such as sodium dithionite was used to improve the electrical conductivity of the fibers. The amount of reacted copper was measured by atomic absorption technique. The surface properties of the coated‐acrylic fibers were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Within the experimental conditions, a solution containing 1.2 g/dm3copper (II) sulfate, 1.6 g/dm3hydroxylamine sulfate, 3.6 g/dm3sodium thiosulfate, and 3 g/dm3sodium dithionite was selected as a suitable formulation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Easily available enzymes as natural retting agents
Authors: Antonov Viktor , Marek Jan , Bjelkova Marie , Smirous Prokop , Fischer Holger 
Published: February 2007

AbstractEasily available commercial enzymes currently have great potential in bast fibre processing and can be modified for different end uses. There are several new technologies using enzymes that are able to modify fibre parameters, achieve requested properties, improve processing results and are more beneficial to the ecology in the area of bast fibre processing and fabrics finishing. Enzymatic methods for retting of flax, “cottonisation” of bast fibres, hemp separation, and processing of flax rovings before wet spinning, etc., fall into this group of new technologies. Such enzymatic biotechnologies can provide benefits in textile, composite, reinforced plastic and other technical applications. Laboratory, pilot and industrial scale results and experiences have demonstrated the ability of selected enzymes to decompose interfibre‐bonding layers based on pectin, lignin and hemicelluloses. Texazym SER spray is able to increase flax long fibre yields by more than 40%. Other enzymes in combination with mild mechanical treatment can replace aggressive and energy‐intensive processing like Laroche “cottonisation”. Texazym SCW and DLG pretreatments of flax rovings are presented.