Cramps Research Articles

Tummy crunch-based gastrocnemius strengthening exercise (TCGS) on reducing fatigue and muscle cramps among patients undergoing hemodialysis

Tummy crunch-based gastrocnemius strengthening exercise (TCGS) on reducing fatigue and muscle cramps among patients undergoing hemodialysis

The Association Between Intradialytic Symptom Clusters and Recovery Time in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: An Exploratory Analysis.

Individuals receiving hemodialysis often experience concurrent symptoms during treatment and frequently report feeling unwell after dialysis. The degree to which intradialytic symptoms are related, and which specific symptoms may impair health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is uncertain. To explore intradialytic symptoms clusters, and the relationship between intradialytic symptom clusters with dialysis treatment recovery time and HRQoL. We conducted a post hoc analysis of a prospective cohort study of 118 prevalent patients receiving hemodialysis in two centers in Calgary, Alberta and Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Adults receiving hemodialysis treatment for at least 3 months, not scheduled for a modality change within 6 weeks of study commencement, who could provide informed consent and were able to complete English questionnaires independently or with assistance. Participants self-reported the presence (1 = none to 5 = very much) of 10 symptoms during each dialysis treatment, the time it took to recover from each treatment, and weekly Kidney Disease Quality of Life 36-Item-Short Form (KDQoL-36) assessments. Principal component analysis identified clusters of intradialytic symptoms. Mixed-effects, ordinal and linear regression examined the association between symptom clusters and recovery time (categorized as 0, >0 to 2, >2 to 6, or >6 hours), and the physical component and mental component scores (PCS and MCS) of the KDQoL-36. One hundred sixteen participants completed 901 intradialytic symptom questionnaires. The most common symptom was lack of energy (56% of treatments). Two intradialytic symptom clusters explained 39% of the total variance of available symptom data. The first cluster included bone or joint pain, muscle cramps, muscle soreness, feeling nervous, and lack of energy. The second cluster included nausea/vomiting, diarrhea and chest pain, and headache. The first cluster (median score: -0.56, 25th to 75th percentile: -1.18 to 0.55) was independently associated with longer recovery time (odds ratio [OR] 1.62 per unit difference in score, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23-2.12) and decreased PCS (-0.72 per unit difference in score, 95% CI: -1.29 to -0.15) and MCS scores (-0.82 per unit difference in score, 95% CI: -1.48 to -0.16), whereas the second cluster was not (OR 1.24, 95% CI: 0.97-1.58; PCS 0.19, 95% CI -0.46 to 0.83; MCS -0.72, 95% CI: -1.50 to 0.06). This was an exploratory analysis of a small data set from 2 centers. Further work is needed to externally validate these findings to confirm intradialytic symptom clusters and the generalizability of our findings. Intradialytic symptoms are correlated. The presence of select intradialytic symptoms may prolong the time it takes for a patient to recover from a dialysis treatment and impair HRQoL.

Weight-bearing Ultrasound to Diagnose Talar Dislocation Causing Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome.

The neuropathic compression of the tibial nerve and/or its branches on the medial side of the ankle is called tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS). Patients with TTS presents pain, paresthesia, hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, muscle cramps or numbness which affects the sole of the foot, the heel, or both. The clinical diagnosis is challenging because of the fairly non-specific and several symptomatology. We demonstrate a case of TTS caused by medial dislocation of the talar bone on the calcaneus bone impacting the tibial nerve diagnosed only by ultrasound with the patient in the standing position.

Hypomagnesemia-induced cerebellar syndrome: a case report

Magnesium is the second most abundant intracellular cation after potassium and is involved in over 600 enzymatic reactions that are essential for life. Hypomagnesemia (serum magnesium concentration <1.8 mg/dL (< 0.70 mmol/L)), is longstanding known to cause many clinical disorders: other electrolyte abnormalities, life-threatening arrhythmias and various neurological manifestations, from muscle cramps and myopathy, to vertigo, nystagmus, depression, acute confusional state and seizures. In the last few years some case reports have highlighted the possible existence of a peculiar hypomagnesemia induced cerebellar syndrome (HiCS). Here we present a clinical case of a 74-years-old man with severe hypomagnesemia presenting with vomiting, gait instability, diffuse tremor, associated with neuro-otological signs of cerebellar dysfunction and a MRI hyperintense lesion at cerebellar nodulus with clinico-radiological resolution after magnesium repletion.

Factors affecting poor sleep quality in last trimester pregnant women: a cross-sectional research from Turkey.

The aim of the study was to determine the factors affecting poor sleep quality in the last trimester pregnant women. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care maternity hospital in Ankara, Turkey. The research was conducted between May and September 2019 with 570 pregnant women in the last trimester. The data were collected through the Personal Information Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form, Restless Legs Syndrome Form, Brief Fatigue Inventory, and Perceived Stress Scale. The mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score of the pregnant women was 5.98±3.31, and 48.9% of them were found to have over five Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. Hemoglobin levels, income perceptions, smoking habits, attending pregnant schools, experiencing leg pains or cramping, experiencing back, waist, or neck pains, Restless Legs Syndrome, fatigue levels, and perceived stress levels of the pregnant women were found to be important determinants of sleep quality (p<0.05). According to the findings, increasing hemogram levels, attending antenatal education programs, and improving the ability of pregnant women to manage stress are opportunities to improve sleep quality during pregnancy. Careful evaluation of pregnant women in terms of insomnia and affecting factors can be suggested during antenatal follow-up.

Physiotherapy Intervention in Nocturnal Leg Cramps: A Review

Physiotherapy Intervention in Nocturnal Leg Cramps: A Review

What are the effective medication treatments of leg cramps in pregnancy?

What are the effective medication treatments of leg cramps in pregnancy?

Role of Ayurveda in the Management of Becker Muscular Dystrophy: A Case Study

Abstract Muscular dystrophies are a group of genetic disorders that lead to a gradual weakening of muscles, resulting in increased disability over time. Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is one such condition and is inherited through an X-linked recessive pattern, primarily affecting males. Symptoms of BMD typically begin in the teenage years or late twenties. Initial signs may include muscle cramps during exercise and reduced stamina. Over time, there is a gradual loss of muscle bulk in the hips, pelvis, thighs, and shoulders, often leading to a tendency to walk on toes. In Ayurveda, the factors contributing to this disease are believed to be an aggravation of Vata (one of the three doshas), depletion of Mamsa (muscle tissue), and Meda (fat tissue), impaired digestive fire, and blockage of functional channels (Srotorodha). The present case involved a 15-year-old male with weakness in both lower limbs for 4 years, a decrease in muscle mass around the pelvic and thigh area for 3 years, and an increase in calf muscle size for 3 years. The patient exhibited pseudohypertrophy in both calf muscles and positive Gower’s sign, along with a positive family history and elevated creatine phosphokinase levels, leading to a diagnosis of BMD. The treatment approach incorporated Panchakarma therapies and internal Ayurvedic formulations in line with the management of Sarvang Vata disorder. The treatment was administered in four sessions, with a 3-month gap between each therapy session. After a year of treatment, there was not only a halt in the progression of the disease but also a notable improvement in lower limb strength, which increased from 4 to 4+. In addition, there was an increase in proximal muscle mass, from 12.5 inches to 13 inches, and a reduction in calf muscle size and tightness. This promising outcome suggests the potential for managing the disease using Ayurvedic principles and therapies.

Does Prophylactic Stretching Reduce the Occurrence of Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramping? A Critically Appraised Topic.

Exercise-associated muscle cramps (EAMC) are sudden, painful, and involuntary contractions of skeletal muscles during or after physical activity. The best treatment for EAMC is gentle static stretching until abatement. Stretching is theorized to relieve EAMC by normalizing alpha motor neuron control, specifically by increasing Golgi tendon organ activity, and physically separating contractile proteins. However, it is unclear if stretching or flexibility training prevents EAMC via the same mechanisms. Despite this, many clinicians believe prophylactic stretching prevents EAMC occurrence. Do athletes who experience EAMC during athletic activities perform less prophylactic stretching or flexibility training than athletes who do not develop EAMC during competitions? In 3 cohort studies and 1 case-control study, greater preevent muscle flexibility, stretching, or flexibility training (ie,duration, frequency) was not predictive of who developed EAMC during competition. In one study, athletes who developed EAMC actually stretched more often and 9 times longer (9.8 [23.8]min/wk) than noncrampers (1.1 [2.5]min/wk). There is minimal evidence that the frequency or duration of prophylactic stretching or flexibility training predicts which athletes developed EAMC during competition. To more effectively prevent EAMC, clinicians should identify athletes' unique intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors and target those risk factors with interventions. Minimal evidence from 3 prospective cohort studies and 1 case-control study (mostly level 3 studies) that suggests prophylactic stretching or flexibility training can predict which athletes develop EAMC during athletic competitions.

Prevalence of Intradialytic Muscle Cramps and Quality of Life in Haemodialysis Patients

Objective: The aim of this study was to find out prevalence of intradialytic muscle cramps and quality of life in hemodialysis patients. Study design and settings: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in three different hospitals in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Methodology: Following ethical approval, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 361 patients undergoing hemodialysis through Convenience Sampling Technique. A self-structured questionnaire was used for demographic data and clinical characteristics. Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) was used to assess severity of muscle cramps and WHOQOL- BREF was used to assess quality of life in hemodialysis patients. Result: During hemodialysis, 78% participants experienced muscle cramps, the mean severity of cramps during hemodialysis was noted to be 7.08±1.94. The most of participants i.e. 45% reported muscle cramps in leg region. The QOL of patients undergoing hemodialysis was low in physical (59.95±19.19), psychological (58.60±17.04), and environmental (33.06±10.51) domains while good in the social domain (83.26±23.75) of WHOQOL- BREF questionnaire Conclusion: The current study's findings showed that muscle cramps in patients undergoing hemodialysis is common. The most reported muscle cramps region were legs. Patients undergoing hemodialysis have a low quality of life except social domain.

Investigating the Effects of Physical Activity on the Amount of Muscle Cramp Pain in Hemodialysis Patients

Investigating the Effects of Physical Activity on the Amount of Muscle Cramp Pain in Hemodialysis Patients

A clinical study on the effect of Lodhradi Kashaya on Madhumeha with special reference to Diabetes Mellitus (Type-2)

Introduction: Ayurveda describes Prameha as a disease entity which involves a number of diseases with various physical and chemical changes in urine. Madhumeha is included under Vatik Prameha where astringency is associated with sweetness in urine. The manifestation of metabolic abnormality as well as urinary tract pathology are included in two symptoms: Prabhuta Mutrata (excessive urination) and Avila Mutrata (urine turbidity). Sedentary life style, indulgence of Kapha-meda Vardhaka Ahara, avoidance of regular exercise, day sleep indicate Santarpanajanya origin of the disease. Methods: Lodhradi Kashaya with Lodhra, Musta, Katphal and Haritaki as described in Vasavarajeeyam is taken for this clinical study on 60 patients and its efficacy was compared with a standard drug metformin. Results: During the study it was found that both Lodhradi Kashaya and Metformin provided significant result in improving Signs and Symptoms like polyuria, turbid urination, Polydipsia, polyphagia, burning sensation, numbness, weakness, lassitude, pruritus, muscle cramps, and increased sweating. The test of significance shows that both the trial drug and control drug were highly significant at 0.1% level with p-value &lt;0.001 to improve glycosuria, FBS, PPBS and HbA1c in patients. Comparative analysis of the effectiveness of Lodhradi Kashaya and metformin w.r.t. objective sign and symptoms showed that both the treatments are almost equally effective to improve glycosuria, FBS, PPBS and HbA1c while Lodhradi Kashaya gives better clinical improvement than metformin in long term use in Diabetes. Lodhradi Kashaya is an efficient anti diabetic drug.

Breaking the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis early diagnostic barrier: the promise of general markers

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe neurodegenerative disease that is associated with selective and progressive loss of motor neurons. As a consequence, the symptoms of ALS are muscle cramps and weakness, and it eventually leads to death. The general markers for early diagnosis can assist ALS patients in receiving early intervention and prolonging their survival. Recently, some novel approaches or previously suggested methods have validated the potential for early diagnosis of ALS. The purpose of this review is to summarize the status of current general markers discovery and development for early diagnosis of ALS, including genes, proteins neuroimaging, neurophysiology, neuroultrasound, and machine learning models. The main genetic markers evaluated are superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72), transactivation-responsive DNA binding protein 43 (TARDBP), and fused in sarcoma (FUS) genes. Among proteins, neurofilament light chain is still the most established disease-specific adaptive change in ALS. The expression of chitinases, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and inflammatory factors are changed in the early stage of ALS. Besides, more patient-friendly and accessible feature assays are explored by the development of neuroimaging, neurophysiology, and neuroultrasound techniques. The novel disease-specific changes exhibited the promising potential for early diagnosis of ALS. All of these general markers still have limitations in the early diagnosis, therefore there is an urgent need for the validation and development of new disease-specific features for ALS.

Melaleuca cajuputi Powell Essential Oil: A Review of Botanical, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties

Melaleuca cajuputi Powell essential oil (MCEO) is widely used in Malay traditional medicine for the treatment of stomach cramps, cough, acne, insect bites, thrush problems and many more. The demand for medicinal applications of MCEO is gradually increasing among the Southeast Asian community. All information regarding MCEO was collected via internet sources such as Google Scholar, Elsevier, PubMed, Baidu Scholar, Web of Science and local books. Meta-analysis method was performed to identify all publications or relevant books regarding the MCEO range from 1998 to 2021. The main bioactive compounds of MCEO include terpenes, esters, aldehydes and alkenes. Scientific research on MCEO has revealed a wide range of pharmacological activities such as contact and fumigant toxicity, repellence, antibacterial activity and many more. The MCEO has a huge potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications, but comprehensive toxicity studies must be conducted to ensure their safety. Research on pharmacokinetics studies and potential drug interactions with standard-of-care medications is still limited, which calls for additional studies, particularly in humans. Further assessments and clinical trials should be performed before it can be integrated into medicinal practices.

Thyroid storm in an uncontrolled graves’ disease with multiple complications: a case report

Thyroid storm is an acute and life-threatening condition. Graves’ disease is the most common cause of thyroid storm. In this case, reported an uncontrolled Graves’ disease patient with multiple complications progressing to thyroid storm. A 33-years-old woman was admitted to the emergency department with agitation. Patient had a history of uncontrolled hyperthyroidism four years ago. From physical examination found exophthalmos, bibasilar rales in both lungs, shifting dullness on stomach, swollen feet, and cold extremities. The ECG showed an atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was found very low with 0.02 mIU/L and very high free thyroxine (FT4) with 5.04 ng/dL. The neck USG showed thyroiditis and bilateral neck lymphadenopathy. The patient was hospitalized for 9 days (4 days in ICCU and 5 days in the general ward). A very high thyroid hormone receptor antibody (TRab) of 35.9 signified a diagnosis of Graves’ disease. The patient had a total Burch-Wartofsky point scale (BWPS) score of 80 and highly suggestive of a thyroid storm. Multiple complications of Graves’ disease are cardiac failure, atrial fibrillation, seizures, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, elevated liver enzymes, coma, jaundice, and thromboembolism while in this case the patient had cardiac failure, atrial fibrillation, and elevated liver enzymes. Thyroid storm is diagnosed with clinical features not on laboratory results. It is important to evaluate multiple complications of Graves’ disease as an early warning to reduce the mortality of thyroid storm.

Role of Folic Acid, Vitamin D, and Progesterone in Pregnancy and Threatened Abortion

The most frequent early pregnancy problem threatened abortion, affects 20% of pregnancies. Vaginal bleeding may be present, together with or without abdominal cramps. Women who are getting older, smoking, being overweight or obese, having PCOS, and having had an abortion in the past are danger signs for a potential abortion. The Physiology of the disease has been linked to alterations in cytokine concentrations or weakened maternal immunity. By taking the clinical history into account, determine the therapy options and provide crucial information for the prognosis, the physical examination, the biochemistry of the mother's serum, and the results of the ultrasound. The most popular advice is to stay in bed, but its usefulness is not well supported. Progesterone, vitamin D, and folic acid are further alternatives.

Symptom burden in chronic liver disease.

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a significant contributor to global mortality. For people who are living with CLD, however, there is a substantial and often overlooked burden of physical and psychological symptoms that significantly affect health-related quality of life. CLD frequently presents with a multitude of interrelated and intricate symptoms, including fatigue, pruritus, muscle cramps, sexual dysfunction, and falls. Increasingly, there is interest in studying and developing interventional strategies to provide a more global approach to managing these complex patients. Moreover, in addition to established guidelines for the management of conventional complications, such as ascites and hepatic encephalopathy, there have been efforts in developing evidence-based guidance for the treatment of the more subjective yet still problematic elements. This review will address the management of these less "classical" but nonetheless important symptoms.

SENAM HAMIL DALAM MENURUNKAN KELUHAN KRAM KAKI PADA IBU HAMIL TRIMESTER III

Cramps in pregnant women can occur due to a lack of blood circulation to the lower part of the body, which is usually obstructed due to increased body weight and pressure in the uterus. One solution to avoid leg cramps is to do pregnancy exercises. Pregnancy exercises can optimize physical balance, attitude and movement during pregnancy, reduce physical complaints such as back pain and muscle spasms. The purpose of this research is to provide midwifery care to pregnant women by doing pregnant exercises in reducing leg cramps in third trimester pregnant women. This research was conducted using case study methodology, field observation, and descriptive qualitative methods. This study used one respondent. The results obtained were reduced leg cramps after routine pregnancy exercises. The conclusion that can be obtained is that pregnant gymnastics can reduce the intensity of leg cramps in third trimester pregnant women.

Redefining Maternal Wellness: The Role of Antenatal Exercises in Musculoskeletal Issues Among Primigravida Mothers.

During pregnancy, there are notable alterations in biomechanics, hormones, and vascular functioning, which frequently result in a range of musculoskeletal ailments, including back pain, leg cramps, and pelvic girdle discomfort. The significance of pregnancy-related musculoskeletal problems on women's daily functioning and general well-being is highlighted by their widespread occurrence worldwide, necessitating heightened focus and implementation of effective therapeutic approaches. The main aims of this study were to assess the effectiveness of prenatal exercises in musculoskeletal discomfort and investigate the association between post-intervention levels of discomfort and certain demographic factors. A quantitative technique was used in this study, utilizing a pre-experimental design conducted for three months. A total of 60 primigravida mothers were selected as participants through purposive sampling. The study was conducted in a Maternity Tertiary Care Center located in Tamil Nadu. The intervention encompassed the provision of antenatal exercises, specifically focusing on abdominal tightness, pelvic tilting, and foot and ankle movements. The researcher demonstrated the exercises for 20 minutes, and afterward, mothers were asked to perform the activities themselves. The process was monitored and observed for two weeks. The findings were statistically significant, suggesting a noteworthy decrease in musculoskeletal disorders following the implementation of the intervention. The statistical analysis revealed a significant degree of significance (P = 0.001), confirming the efficacy of the exercises. Before the implementation of the intervention, a significant proportion of mothers, namely, 45 (75%) reported experiencing moderate back pain. However, following the intervention, this percentage notably fell to 33.34% (20). The incidence of moderate pelvic pain decreased from 80% (48) to 30% (18), and a comparable pattern was observed in the reduction of leg cramps. Additionally, the research identified significant associations between the improvements and a range of demographic and obstetricfactors, including the level of education, occupation, family structure, age at marriage, and weight of the mother. The results highlight the significance of incorporating antenatal exercises as a regular component of prenatal care to minimize musculoskeletal discomfort, hence promoting the overall health and well-being of expectant mothers.

To swim or not to swim after eating: a randomised controlled crossover feasibility trial

Background The aim was to investigate and challenge the belief that swimming immediately after eating is dangerous and also to investigate what potentially could happen when swimming immediately after a meal. We wanted to explore feasibility and get background data to perform sample size calculations and choose outcome parameters for a full-scale randomized trial. Methods The trial was performed during lunch breaks at a medical writing course in Turkey in June 2022. Participants were randomised on the first trial day to swim 14 meters breaststroke immediately after lunch or wait 30 minutes after eating, with crossover on the second trial day. Main outcomes measures were mortality, and mood, discomfort, and adverse events were assessed in participant-reported questionnaires. Participants completed a Profile of Mood States-Adolescents questionnaire, a visual analogue scale for discomfort, and a questionnaire of adverse events after each swim. Results A total of 26 participants completed the trial. No cases of mortality, drowning, resuscitation, side stitch, or muscle cramps were reported. The participants reported no significant difference in their mood states after each swim and no significant difference was found regarding the participants’ swimming time (P = 0.53). However, more discomfort was reported when swimming immediately instead of 30 minutes after eating (P = 0.05). Conclusions It seems that swimming after eating is safe since no mortality or cramps were registered. However, a significant level of discomfort was found when swimming immediately after eating lunch. This feasibility trial provides background data for a future full-scale randomised trial. Clinicaltrials.gov registration NCT05401396 (25/05/2022).