Balance In Healthy Subjects Research Articles

Myeloperoxidase expression in human colonic mucosa is related to systemic oxidative balance in healthy subjects

ABSTRACTObjectives: To improve understanding of the preclinical stage of colonic inflammation by exploring the existence of a link between early inflammatory changes in the colonic mucosa and the systemic redox balance.Methods: Clinical characteristics, a fasting blood draw, and mucosal biopsies from the right, left, and sigmoid-rectum colonic tracts collected from 28 healthy individuals (14/14 males/females) who underwent colonoscopy. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) positive cells infiltrating colonic mucosa specimens were assessed by immunohistochemistry, and patients divided into high or low MPO expressing cells/optical field groups (MPOhigh or MPOlow, respectively).The systemic oxidative balance has been studied through derived-Reactive Oxygen Metabolites (d-ROMs), Biological Antioxidant Potential (BAP), and Lipoperoxide-cholesterol Oxidizing (LP-CHOLOX) tests on serum.Results: MPOhigh patients demonstrated an increased systemic oxidative stress compared to MPOlow individuals (P = 0.035), especially when MPO is referred to the left-sided colonic mucosa (P = 0.007). MPOlow subjects in the sigmoid-rectum showed a significant higher antioxidant capacity in the serum (P < 0.02). Sex-specific differences in MPO expression (male and female: 4.6 ± 3.2 and 2.6 ± 1.5 MPO-positive cells/optical field, respectively, P = 0.044), and a decreasing gradient in MPO expression moving from the cecum to the rectum (ascendant, descendant, and sigmoid-rectum: 3.7 ± 2.8, 3.1 ± 1.7, and 1.4 ± 0.5, respectively, P = 0.012) were also found and discussed.Discussion: The study is the first demonstrating a connection between systemic redox balance and MPO expression in the colonic mucosa, according to the colonic tract and patient gender. Further research evaluating the MPO expression in the human colon and its relationship with pathological conditions could benefit from these results.

Influence of Circadian Rhythm on Balance In Healthy Subjects

Influence of Circadian Rhythm on Balance In Healthy Subjects

Influência de tarefas cognitivas sobre o equilíbrio estático de indivíduos saudáveis

Introdução: O controle postural depende da ação integrada dos sistemas sensoriais e motores, e uma maior demanda atencional em situações de dupla-tarefa possivelmente acarreta maior oscilação postural. Objetivo: comparar a influência de tarefas cognitivas sobre o equilíbrio estático de indivíduos saudáveis. Materiais e métodos: estudo transversal realizado com 20 participantes adultos saudáveis. Os participantes foram submetidos a avaliação estabilométrica (olhos abertos e fechados) durante a execução de tarefas cognitivas (Stroop Test e contagem regressiva) e na situação controle (sem tarefa). Os deslocamentos do centro de pressão foram coletados e analisado. Resultados: Houve diferença significante dos efeitos obtidos na execução da tarefa matemática em comparação às demais situações (aumento da área de deslocamento e oscilações do centro de pressão). As demais comparações do tamanho do efeito não demonstraram significância. Conclusão: A execução de tarefas cognitivas influenciou o equilíbrio estático dos participantes. A tarefa matemática demonstrou maior influencia sobre o equilíbrio estático.

Effect of proprioception cross training on repositioning accuracy and balance among healthy individuals.

[Purpose] To investigate possible cross effects of proprioception training on proprioception repositioning accuracy of the knee joint and on balance in healthy subjects. [Subjects and Methods] Sixty healthy college students and faculty members from faculty of physical therapy, Cairo University were recruited to participate. Participants were randomly assigned to training group (n=30) and control group (n=30). The training group received proprioceptive training program only for the dominant leg while the control group did not receive any kind of training. Outcome measures were twofold: (1) proprioception repositioning accuracy quantified through the active repositioning test for the non-dominant knee; and (2) balance stability indices determined through using Biodex balance system. Measurements were recorded before and after 8 weeks of proprioception training. [Results] There were significant decrease in the error of repositioning accuracy and the stability indices including anterposterior stability index, mediolateral stability index, and overall stability index of training group, measured post training, compared with control group. [Conclusion] Proprioception training has significant cross training effects on proprioception repositioning accuracy of the knee joint and on balance among healthy subjects.

The effects of the duration of mobile phone use on heart rate variability parameters in healthy subjects.

Objective:This study aimed to estimate the influence of the duration of mobile phone use on heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy individuals.Methods:One hundred forty-eight individuals without any established systemic disease and who had undergone 24-h ambulatory ECG monitoring were included in the case-control study. All the individuals had been using mobile phones for more than 10 years. Three-channel 24-h Holter monitoring was performed to derive the mean heart rate, standard deviation of normal NN intervals (SDNN), standard deviation of 5-min (m) mean NN intervals (SDANN), the proportion of NN50 divided by the total number of NNs (pNN50), the root mean square differences of successive NN intervals (RMSSD), high (HF)-, low (LF)-, very low (VLF)-frequency power, total power components, and the LF/HF ratio. Individuals were divided into four groups according to their duration of mobile phone use [no mobile phone use (Control group), <30 min/day (Group 1), 30–60 min/day (Group 2), and >60 min/day (Group 3)].Results:All the groups had similar features with regard to demographic and clinical characteristics. No significant arrhythmias were observed in any of the groups. The LF/HF ratio was higher, whereas the SDNN, SDANN, RMSSD, and pNN50 values were lower in the study groups than in the control group (p<0.05). No significant differences were identified among groups with respect to heart rate, VLF, and total power values (p>0.05).Conclusion:In this study, it was shown that the duration of mobile phone use may affect the autonomic balance in healthy subjects. The electromagnetic field created by mobile phone use may induce HRV changes in the long term.

Effects of cold water immersion on variables of balance in healthy subjects with open and closed eyes

AbstractIntroduction Cryotherapy is the use of cold as therapeutic approach. Although often used, its impact on the postural balance is not well-known.Objectives To analyze the effects of cold water immersion in the postural balance on single-leg balance in healthy subjects through the variables of center-of-pressure, velocity anteroposterior and medial-lateral oscillations, comparing conditions open and closed eyes in the moments before, immediately, 20 and 40 minutes after cold water immersion.Material and methods Cross-sectional study with 30 male subjects, cold water immersion at 5 °C during 15 minutes assessed in a force platform, protocol of 3 trials of 30 seconds each with 10 seconds of rest, the average of the 3 trials was used for analysis. The software GraphPad Prisma 5.0 was used for statistical analysis, with the ANOVA test for repeated measures and comparisons with test of Friedman and post-test of Dunn.Results It was observed improvement of the balance by the results of the following variables: in the condition Open Eyes (OE) it was observed significant difference only in the velocity anteroposterior (AP) in the moment before immersion when compared to the 40-minute moment. Significant differences were observed in the condition Closed Eyes (CE) in the following comparisons: in the Center-of-Pressure (COP) only at the immediate moment when compared to the 40-minute moment; in the velocity AP in the moment before when compared to the 40-minute moment, in the immediate moment when compared to the 20-minute and 40-minute moments; and in the medial-lateral velocity (Vel-ML) in two comparisons: in the moment before immersion when compared to the 20-minute and 40-minute moments after cryotherapy. Results show safety in performing activities after cryotherapy.Conclusion Improvement of the postural balance after cold water immersion on the predetermined conditions of this study.

Effect of neck muscles and gluteus medius vibrations on standing balance in healthy subjects

Muscle vibration can be used to improve the center of pressure (CoP) shift. Several muscle sites have been used for various diseases without that we know their respective interest. To compare the effects and post-effects of neck muscle vibrations (NMV) and gluteus medius vibrations (GMV) on balance in healthy subjects Thirteen healthy subjects, mean: 23 years, right handed were tested on posturography, closed eyes, in standing position. They received successively left NMV and right GMV in a randomized order. The variation of the deviation of CoP on the médiolatéral plane was evaluated under vibration stimulation (5 min), at the end of the vibration and 5 minutes after. GMV induce a CoP movement to left side (9 responders) (mean: 5.21 mm; SD: 4.79; P = 0.003). At the end of the vibration, the effect remained significant (mean: 4.73, SD: 4.02; P = 0.001) and after 5 minutes, the subjects restored their initial balance (mean: 1.25, SD: 6.82; P = 0.33). For NMV, a movement toward left side was observed only in 5 subjects but this deviation seemed to be maintained at 5 min. The CoP deviation was not significant during ( P = 1), immediately after ( P = 0.72), and after 5 minutes of NMV ( P = 0.89). GMV cause a lateral shift in 70% of the subjects of nearly 5 mm. The effect of NMV was lower and less constant (only 5 responders) but sustainable. This could be explained by a sensorimotor peripheral action for GMV while NMV would involve high level body representation in space.

The effect of various degrees of foot posture on standing balance in a healthy adult population

Purpose: Foot biomechanics plays a significant role in the quality of standing and walking. It has been believed that even minor biomechanical alterations in the foot support surface may influence strategies to maintain body standing balance. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of various degrees of foot posture on static and dynamic standing balance components in a healthy adult population.Subjects and methods: A convenience sample of 41 healthy adult subjects with a mean age of 24.3 ± 6.4 years and a body mass index (BMI) of 29 kg/m2 participated in this study. On the basis of foot posture index (FPI), the participants were allocated into either group A or B. Group A included 16 subjects with an FPI range of 6–11 whereas group B included 25 subjects with an FPI range of 0–5. Standing balance components were analyzed using computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) by the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB) and the limit of stability (LOS).Results: Spearman’s correlation coefficient showed a significant correlation between the standing dynamic balance and FPI in group B but not in group A. Moreover, it also showed no significant correlation between the standing static balance component and FPI in either group A or B.Conclusion: This study concluded that higher degrees of FPI might have an effect on standing dynamic balance in healthy subjects. These components may require extra attention during the preventive aspects of rehabilitation.

The Mulligan ankle taping does not affect balance performance in healthy subjects: a prospective, randomized blinded trial.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate the immediate effects of Mulligan fibular taping on static and dynamic postural balance in healthy subjects using computerized dynamic posturography (CDP). [Subjects and Methods] Forty-four volunteers (26 males and 18 females) aged 21 ±2 years participated in the study. The Mulligan tape was applied by a specialist in this technique. The placebo group received a treatment with a similar tape but with several cuts to avoid the fibular repositioning effect produced by Mulligan tape. Main outcome measures: The Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and the Motor Control Test (MCT) were performed by each subject at baseline and after the interventions. Outcome measures included equilibrium and strategy scores from each trial and condition of the SOT, and speed of reaction (latency period) from the MCT. [Results] Mulligan ankle taping did not have an impact on postural control during static and dynamic balance in subjects with healthy ankles when compared with placebo taping. [Conclusion] There was no difference in, equilibrium and strategy (SOT) and speed of reaction (MCT) in any of the subjects in this study. Therefore, this study suggests that Mulligan ankle taping does not have an impact on balance in healthy subjects.

The Effects of Diverse Warm-up Exercises on Balance.

[Purpose] To examine how stretching, plyometric, and treadmill exercises influence the dynamic balance necessary for sports activities. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-two healthy subjects participated in this study. The subjects conducted stretching, plyometric exercises, and treadmill walking for set times over a period of three days. The subjects’ dynamic balance was then measured. The measurements were taken prior to the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 20 minutes after the intervention. All the intervention times were set at 16 minutes, excluding resting times. The data were analyzed with using the two-way ANOVA. [Results] There was no interaction between exercises and time. There were no statistical differences among the exercises and no statistical differences in changes over time. [Conclusion] This study found that warm-up exercises such as plyometric exercises, stretching, and treadmill walking have no effect on the dynamic of balance in healthy subjects.

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Motor Lateralization after Stroke: A Case Series Study

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), which allows non-invasive monitoring of cerebral activation, might be a useful tool to assess brain activity in stroke patients because it allows recording without imposing restraints on the subject’s posture. Previous NIRS studies on stroke patients have focused on brain activation in patients with mild impairment or full recovery, and there has been a lack of data on patients without recovery. In the present study, we compared the hand movement-related brain activation pattern and laterality balance of healthy subjects and of stroke patients with mild or moderate hemiparesis in the chronic phase. In normal subjects, predominantly contralateral activation was observed during unilateral hand grasping. Similar contralateral-predominant activation was observed during grasping with the unaffected hand in stroke patients, and during affected-hand grasping in patients with mild hemiparesis. However, abnormal activation patterns, i.e., bilaterally increased activation and ipsilateral-predominant activation, were observed during affected-hand grasping in patients with moderate hemiparesis. These findings suggest that differences in brain activation patterns in stroke patients are well detected by NIRS.

Complex chromosomal rearrangements in a patient with oligozoospermia and Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease

Complex chromosomal rearrangements in a patient with oligozoospermia and Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease

English

Body fluid volume and electrolyte concentration are normally maintained within very narrow limits despite wide variations in dietary intake, metabolic activity & environmental stresses. It is hypothesized that water retention in healthy people demonstrates weight fluctuations within 2-3 kg while obese subjects demonstrate more than 4 to 5 kg. Unpublished data reveals that people with increased weight gain, resort- ing to restricted diet, prolonged exercise or decreased calorie intake, experienced fluctuations in body weight and altered fluid electrolyte bal- ance. Sodium intake, particularly from processed foods is reported to be one of the causes of water related weight gain. However, studies on fluid balance of healthy subjects with increased body mass index are very scanty. The present study has observed linear relation between BMI and water retention. We hypothesize that subject with higher BMI demonstrated water retention leading to increase fat store and weight gain.

Evaluation of the Effect of the Magnetic Field Therapy on Motor Unit Action Potentials and Balance of Healthy Subjects

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the magnetic field therapy on the motor unit action potentials from the muscles of the sole of the foot and balance of healthy subjects. [Subjects] Twentyfour volunteer students from Yeditepe University Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation participated in this study. [Method] The feet region received 60-Gauss intensity pulsed magnetic field therapy for 20 minutes using a 30-cm solenoid electrode. Motor unit action potentials of the muscles of the sole were evaluated in both the dominant and non-dominant legs before and after the application of magnetic field therapy. One leg standing balance tests under the eyes open and eyes closed conditions in the static and dynamic forms were also evaluated in both the dominant and non-dominant legs before and after the application of magnetic field therapy. [Results] Motor unit action potential values and balance tests results showed statistically significant improvements in the post-treatment period in comparison to the pre-treatment observations. A strongly significant positive correlation was found between the motor unit action potentials and eyes open static balance on the non-dominant side. [Conclusions] Magnetic field therapy improves the activities of muscles and balance of healthy subjects.

Immediate Effect of Bilateral Talocrural Joint Manipulation on Postural Balance in Healthy Subjects

The aim of this study was to assess the immediate effect of bilateral talocrural joint manipulation on the postural balance of healthy subjects. Ninety healthy subjects (21 males and 69 females) were included in this study. The mean age, height and body weight of the subjects were 22.21 years, 165.1 cm and 62.58 Kg, respectively. Following collection of anthropometric data, the subjects were allocated randomly into an experimental group (receiving real talocrural joint manipulation), a placebo group and a control group. Before and after manipulation, the subjects performed two postural balance tasks, inquiet standing position (eyes open and eyes closed) on a force platform. The stabilometric data were recorded for 60 seconds in each condition. Sway area, medio-lateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) velocities and median frequency were calculated from the center of pressure (COP) displacements. The results showed that in the experimental group the COP sway velocity decreased in both directions of movement (AP and ML) and in both visual tasks (eyes open and eyes closed). In general, the placebo and control groups had similar postural balance across balance parameterss. Significant effect of the bilateral talocrural joint manipulation was found on main balance parameter like COP velocity in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions. These results have some much implications for manual therapy rehabilitation of individuals with ankle instability.

Relationship between the Application of TENS to the Lower Limbs and Balance of Healthy Subjects

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of TENS applied to the skin overlying the bellies of the gastrocnemius muscles of the lower limbs on balance and plantar pressure of healthy adults. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-eight healthy college students were the subjects of this study. Adhesive transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) electrodes were attached to the medial and lateral belly of the gastrocnemius muscle. Before and after the application of the TENS, subjects' balance ability and maximum plantar pressure were measured and compared. [Results] The scores improved in the balance tests, including the fall risk test and the stability limit test, after the application of TENS, and a statistically significant difference was noted in the stability limit test. The maximum plantar pressure after the application of TENS decreased except beneath the big toe, and statistically significant difference was found under the forefoot. [Conclusion] The results of present study suggest that TENS applied to the skin overlying gastrocnemius muscles is useful strategy that improves the balance ability of healthy adults.

Muscular Aftereffects and the Maintenance of Balance in Healthy Subjects and Patients with Impaired Sensorimotor Integration

The vertical posture of patients with impaired sensorimotor integration was compared with that in healthy subjects before and after 30 sec of involuntary cervical muscle contraction. Studies were performed on seven patients with impaired sensorimotor integration. The movement trajectories of the center of mass were recorded for 30 sec in the standing position with the eyes open and closed and on foam rubber with the eyes open before and after involuntary contraction of the cervical muscles. The areas of oscillation of patients standing with the eyes open and on foam rubber were greater than those in healthy subjects, while the mean positions of the center of mass standing with the eyes open and closed were closer to the axis of the talocrural joints. Closing of the eyes had a smaller destabilizing effect on patients than on healthy subjects. Contraction of the cervical muscles for 30 sec in healthy subjects led to a backward displacement of the center of pressure toward the axis of the talocrural joints, especially on standing with the eyes open, along with a decrease in the length of the center of pressure curve, especially its frontal components, on standing on foam rubber. In patients, the aftereffects of involuntary cervical muscle contraction consisted of a reduction in the area of oscillations on foam rubber and a relative increase in frontal oscillations while standing with the eyes closed. These results lead to the conclusion that standing in patients with impaired sensorimotor integration was more sensitive to changes in proprioceptive than visual afferentation, while 30-sec involuntary cervical muscle contraction brought measures of vertical stability in patients closer to age-normal values.

The energy balance positively regulates the levels of circulating TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand in humans

Although decreased levels of circulating TRAIL have been associated to cardiovascular risk and overall mortality, the mechanisms controlling TRAIL levels in physiopathological conditions are currently unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether changes in the energy intake and insulin sensitivity may influence circulating TRAIL, and to analyze potential relationships between circulating TRAIL and changes in fat mass in healthy subjects receiving hypocaloric or hypercaloric diets. Three distinct groups of participants were studied, at the end of a 14-day (n=9), 35-day (n=30) or 60-day (n=16) period of experimental bed rest to induce insulin resistance and during controlled ambulation, after receiving eucaloric, hypocaloric or hypercaloric diets. After bed rest conditions, energy restriction significantly decreased circulating TRAIL, while overfeeding significantly increased TRAIL levels with respect to eucaloric control subjects. Moreover, a positive correlation was found between levels of circulating TRAIL and energy intake as well as between circulating TRAIL and energy balance, as determined by changes in fat mass in these subjects. Circulating levels of TRAIL exhibit a clear-cut positive correlation with the energy intake and balance in healthy subjects during experimental physical inactivity.

Mobile radiofrequency does not interfere with antiarrhythmic drugs in patients with ischemic heart disease

Mobile radiofrequency does not interfere with antiarrhythmic drugs in patients with ischemic heart disease

Effects of a Single-Task Versus a Dual-Task Paradigm on Cognition and Balance in Healthy Subjects

Recent evidence has revealed deficiencies in the ability to divide attention after concussion. To examine the effects of a single vs a dual task on cognition and balance in healthy subjects and to examine reliability of 2 dual-task paradigms while examining the overall feasibility of the tasks. Pretest-posttest experimental design. Sports medicine research laboratory. 30 healthy, recreationally active college students. Subjects performed balance and cognitive tasks under the single- and dual-task conditions during 2 test sessions 14 d apart. The procedural reaction-time (PRT) test of the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (eyes-closed tasks) and an adapted Procedural Auditory Task (PAT; eyes-open tasks) were used to assess cognition. The NeuroCom Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) were used to assess balance performance. Five 2-way, within-subject ANOVAs and a paired-samples t test were used to analyze the data. ICCs were used to assess reliability across 2 test sessions. On the SOT, performance significantly improved between test sessions (F1,29 = 35.695, P < .001) and from the single to the dual task (F1,29 = 9.604, P = .004). On the PRT, performance significantly improved between test sessions (F1,29 = 57.252, P < .001) and from the single to the dual task (F1,29 = 7.673, P = .010). No differences were seen on the BESS and the PAT. Reliability across test sessions ranged from moderate to poor for outcome measure. The BESS appears to be a more reliable and functional tool in dual-task conditions as a result of its increased reliability and clinical applicability. In addition, the BESS is more readily available to clinicians than the SOT.