Improvement In Weight Bearing Research Articles

The effect of a single textured insole in gait rehabilitation of individuals with stroke.

Rehabilitation interventions designed to restore gait symmetry in individuals with stroke are not always effective. The goal was to evaluate the long-term effect of using a single textured insole in gait rehabilitation. Ten individuals with stroke who showed asymmetrical stance were randomly divided into two groups and participated in physical therapy. Individuals in the experimental group received a 6-week physical therapy while being provided with a textured insole in the shoe on the unaffected side. Individuals in the control group received a 6-week physical therapy only. Both groups underwent a battery of identical tests before the start of the rehabilitation intervention, following its completion, and 4 months after the end of therapy. After the intervention, weight bearing (WB) on the affected side and gait velocity increased in the experimental group (P<0.05) to a larger degree compared with the control group. Moreover, symmetry of gait was increased in the experimental group (P<0.05). Improvements in WB, gait velocity, and symmetry of gait were maintained in the experimental group after the end of 4-month retention period. The study outcome revealed that a 6-week intervention involving a single textured insole could result in a long-lasting improvement of gait velocity, symmetry of WB, and gait in individuals with stroke.

Evaluation of the dose–response relationship of oral robenacoxib in urate crystal‐induced acute stifle synovitis in dogs

The objective of the study was to establish the dose-response relationship for robenacoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, in a urate crystal model of acute synovitis. In a randomized partial Latin square design trial, 12 beagle dogs were administered orally single doses of robenacoxib (0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8mg/kg), placebo and the positive control meloxicam (0.1mg/kg), 3h after injection of sodium urate crystals into a stifle joint. Dogs were assessed for weight bearing on a force plate and by subjective clinical orthopaedic observations. Robenacoxib produced dose-dependent improvement in weight bearing, and decreased pain on palpation and joint swelling, over the dose range 0.5-2mg/kg with no further increase in effect over the range 2-8mg/kg. For weight bearing on the force plate, the ED50 of robenacoxib was 0.6-0.8mg/kg. The onset of action and time to peak effect of robenacoxib were faster (respectively, 2-2.5h and 3-5h) than for meloxicam (respectively, 3h and 6h). Robenacoxib significantly inhibited COX-2 at all doses, with dose-related activity. Robenacoxib did not inhibit COX-1 over the dose range 0.5-4mg/kg, but produced transient inhibition at 8mg/kg. In conclusion, oral administration of robenacoxib over the dose range 0.5-8mg/kg demonstrated significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory efficacy in dogs.

Treatment of coxofemoral luxation in a mature Welsh pony by femoral head ostectomy: Long‐term outcome

SummaryA 233 kg, 4‐year‐old Welsh pony stallion presented with a unilateral coxofemoral luxation and a history of previous upward fixation of the patella. This condition was surgically managed by femoral head ostectomy using a craniodorsal approach to the luxated coxofemoral joint, without greater trochanteric osteotomy. Immediate improvement in weightbearing was observed after surgery and primary intention healing was recorded. Long‐term outcome, 4 years after surgery, was assessed by radiographic, ultrasonographic and lameness examination. The pony was in good body condition and the initial weight of this patient was restored. Despite fetlock hyperlaxity of the contralateral hindlimb, amyotrophy and mechanical lameness of the affected hindlimb, the pony showed evident comfort without apparent signs of pain and was able to trot and gallop. Bone callus was observed at imaging examination.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Vitis thunbergii var. taiwaniana on Knee Damage Associated with Arthritis

Vitis thunbergii Sieb. et Zucc. var. taiwaniana Lu (VT) is an indigenous plant in Taiwan that is traditionally used for promoting joint health. In this study, we used in vitro primary human chondrocytes (PHCs) and two in vivo animal models to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of VT on arthritis. Results showed that the water extract of the stems and roots from VT (VT-SR) was rich in flavones and phenols with 1.1 mg/g of resveratrol, 6.7 mg/g of hopeaphenol, and 5.1 mg/g of (+)-ɛ-viniferin. VT-SR significantly scavenged DPPH radicals and inhibited prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced PHCs without exhibiting significant cytotoxicity. In in vivo models, the VT-SR (500 mg/kg) significantly decreased serum PGE2 and knee 2-(18)F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ((18)F-FDG) levels in LPS-induced acute inflammatory arthritis in rabbits. In addition, dietary supplementation with VT-SR for 28 days significantly alleviated type II collagenase-induced rat osteoarthritis with improvements in weight bearing and range of motion tests. In conclusion, our results suggest that the VT-SR is a good candidate for developing dietary supplements to prevent joint deterioration and inhibit inflammation.

Management of Bilateral Patellar Luxation in an Alpaca

To report surgical management bilateral lateral patellar luxation in a mature alpaca using a combination of trochlear wedge recession (TWR), tibial tuberosity transposition (TTT), and joint capsule imbrication. Clinical case report. 9-year-old castrated male Alpaca. Bilateral, grade III/IV, lateral patellar luxation was identified by palpation, lameness examination and confirmed with radiography and ultrasonography. Surgical procedures were staged, with the left stifle treated first. Bilateral TWR, TTT, and joint capsule imbrication were performed. Outcome was assessed by radiography and follow up lameness examinations. An immediate improvement in weight bearing occurred after surgery of the left hind limb. Five months after initial surgery, right hind limb patella luxation was corrected. After surgery on the 2nd limb, the alpaca had progressive improvement in weight bearing during hospitalization. At 12 months, there were no signs of lameness and the alpaca had resumed normal activities. For bilateral lateral patellar luxation, a combination of TWR, TTT, and joint capsule imbrication resulted in excellent long-term outcome.

Compelled Body Weight Shift Approach in Rehabilitation of Individuals With Chronic Stroke

Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the compelled body weight shift (CBWS) therapy approach in the rehabilitation of individuals with chronic stroke. CBWS involves a forced shift of body weight toward a person’s affected side by means of a shoe insert that establishes a lift of the nonaffected lower extremity. Method: Eighteen individuals with chronic, unilateral stroke (mean age 57.7 ± 11.9 years, with a range of 35-75 years; mean time since stroke 6.7 ± 3.9 years, with a range of 1.1-14.1 years) who showed asymmetrical stance were randomly divided into 2 groups: the experimental group received 6 weeks of physical therapy combined with CBWS therapy, and the control group received only physical therapy. Both groups underwent a battery of identical tests (Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Berg Balance Scale, weight bearing, and gait velocity) before the start of the rehabilitation intervention, following its completion, and 3 months after the end of therapy. Results: After the intervention, weight bearing on the affected side (measured with the Balance Master) increased in the experimental group to a larger degree compared to the control group (9.7% vs 6.4%). Similarly, gait velocity increased 10.5% in the experimental group compared to the control group. Improvements in weight bearing and gait velocity were maintained in the experimental group after the 3-month retention period. Conclusion: The study outcome revealed that a 6-week intervention involving CBWS therapy could result in a long-lasting improvement of the symmetry of weight bearing and velocity of gait in individuals with chronic stroke.

Compelled Body Weight Shift Technique to Facilitate Rehabilitation of Individuals with Acute Stroke.

BackgroundThe study evaluates the effectiveness of Compelled Body Weight Shift (CBWS) approach in the rehabilitation of individuals with stroke. CBWS involves a forced shift of body weight towards a person’s affected side by means of a shoe insert that establishes a lift of the nonaffected lower extremity.MethodsEleven patients with acute stroke were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received a two-week conventional physical therapy combined with CBWS and the control group received only a two-week conventional therapy. Weight bearing, Gait velocity, Berg’s Balance, and Fugl-Meyer’s Scores were recorded before and after the intervention.ResultsWeight bearing on the affected side increased in the experimental group and decreased in the control group. The increase in gait velocity with treatment was significant in both the groups (P < 0.05). However, experimental group (P = 0.01) demonstrated larger improvements in gait velocity compared to the control group (P = 0.002). Berg Balance and Fugl-Meyer scores increased for both the groups.ConclusionThe implementation of a two-week intervention with CBWS resulted in the improvement in weight bearing and gait velocity of individuals with acute stroke. The present preliminary study suggests that CBWS technique could be implemented as an adjunct to conventional rehabilitation program for individuals with acute stroke.

Compelled Body Weight Shift Approach in Rehabilitation of Individuals With Chronic Stroke

Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the compelled body weight shift (CBWS) therapy approach in the rehabilitation of individuals with chronic stroke. CBWS involves a forced shift of body weight toward a person’s affected side by means of a shoe insert that establishes a lift of the nonaffected lower extremity. Method: Eighteen individuals with chronic, unilateral stroke (mean age 57.7 ± 11.9 years, with a range of 35-75 years; mean time since stroke 6.7 ± 3.9 years, with a range of 1.1-14.1 years) who showed asymmetrical stance were randomly divided into 2 groups: the experimental group received 6 weeks of physical therapy combined with CBWS therapy, and the control group received only physical therapy. Both groups underwent a battery of identical tests (Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Berg Balance Scale, weight bearing, and gait velocity) before the start of the rehabilitation intervention, following its completion, and 3 months after the end of therapy. Results: After the intervention, weight bearing on the affected side (measured with the Balance Master) increased in the experimental group to a larger degree compared to the control group (9.7% vs 6.4%). Similarly, gait velocity increased 10.5% in the experimental group compared to the control group. Improvements in weight bearing and gait velocity were maintained in the experimental group after the 3-month retention period. Conclusion: The study outcome revealed that a 6-week intervention involving CBWS therapy could result in a long-lasting improvement of the symmetry of weight bearing and velocity of gait in individuals with chronic stroke.

Evaluation of the effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis

To evaluate the effects of a food supplemented with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis. Randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial. 38 client-owned dogs with osteoarthritis examined at 2 university veterinary clinics. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive a typical commercial food (n = 16) or a test food (22) containing 3.5% fish oil omega-3 fatty acids. On day 0 (before the trial began) and days 45 and 90 after the trial began, investigators conducted orthopedic evaluations and force-plate analyses of the most severely affected limb of each dog, and owners completed questionnaires to characterize their dogs' arthritis signs. The change in mean peak vertical force between days 90 and 0 was significant for the test-food group (5.6%) but not for the control-food group (0.4%). Improvement in peak vertical force values was evident in 82% of the dogs in the test-food group, compared with 38% of the dogs in the control-food group. In addition, according to investigators' subjective evaluations, dogs fed the test food had significant improvements in lameness and weight bearing on day 90, compared with measurements obtained on day 0. At least in the short term, dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids resulted in an improvement in weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis.

Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 improves recovery after spinal cord injury in rodents

Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) has neuroprotective properties in vitro and has been reported to limit postischemic lesion volume in vivo. Previously, mGluR5 has been identified on microglia in vitro, but the effects of mGluR5 activation on inflammation in vivo or on recovery after spinal cord injury is unknown. Rats received intrathecal infusion of the selective mGluR5 agonist (RS)-2-chloro-5-hydroxyphenylglycine (CHPG) for 7 days after moderate impact spinal cord injury at T9. Complementary studies examined CHPG effects on activated spinal microglia cultures. Functional motor recovery was significantly increased by CHPG treatment up to 28 days after injury, with improvements in weight bearing, step taking, and coordination of stepping behavior. CHPG treatment significantly reduced lesion volume and increased white matter sparing at 28 days after injury. Administration of CHPG attenuated microglial-associated inflammatory responses in a dose-dependent fashion, including expression of ED1, Iba-1, Galectin-3, NADPH oxidase components, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Because mGluR5 is expressed by microglial cells in the rat spinal cord, such effects may be mediated by direct action on microglial cells. mGluR5 stimulation also reduced microglial activation and decreased microglial-induced neurotoxicity in spinal cord microglia cultures; the latter effects were blocked by the selective mGluR5 antagonist MTEP. These data demonstrate that mGluR5 activation can reduce microglial-associated inflammation, suggesting that the protective effects of mGluR5 agonists may reflect this action. Ann Neurol 2009;66:63-74.

Trochlear Block Recession in an Alpaca with Traumatic Lateral Patellar Luxation

To report surgical treatment of traumatic lateral patellar luxation using trochlear block recession in an alpaca. Clinical case report. Five-year-old female alpaca. Grade IV/IV lateral, left patella luxation and mild femoropatellar joint effusion was identified by palpation and visual assessment, and confirmed by ultrasonography and radiographs. Trochlear block recession combined with lateral retinacular release and medial imbrication to restore patella function. Progressive improvement in weight bearing occurred during hospitalization (6 days) and at 3.5 weeks, no lameness was observed; radiographically, the patella was in normal anatomic alignment. At 15 months, there were no signs of lameness with unrestricted exercise and the alpaca had given birth to another cria. In this alpaca with traumatic origin of the lateral patellar luxation and normal femoro-tibial alignment, a combination of retinacular imbrication, contralateral release, and trochlear block recession were successful for long-term treatment of lateral patellar luxation. Although trochlear block recession is most commonly performed in small animals, this technique may be useful in treatment of traumatic patellar luxations in camelids.

Effectiveness of Constraint induced movement therapy as compared to bimanual therapy in Upper motor function outcome in child with hemiplegic Cerebral palsy.

Objective:This study aims at determining the effectiveness of constraint induced movement therapy as compared to bimanual therapy for improving functional status in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.Methods:This study was a randomized control trial, children (n = 20) with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy was randomly allocated to CIMT (constraint induced movement therapy) and BMT (bimanual therapy) group. The children with spastic hemiplegia, age between 1.5 and 12 year and having 10 degrees of wrist extension and 10 degrees of finger extension were included in study. Treatment regime was two hours of daily training six days a week for two weeks. Constraint was applied to CIMT group for six hours. The outcome tool QUEST was used for baseline and post treatment assessment.Result:CIMT had superior outcome as compared to BMT in improving functional status (p=0.007). On QUEST tool grasp and dissociated movements results were significant (p=0.005) and (p=0.028) respectively. Weight bearing and protective extension resulted in no significant outcome (p=0.080) and (p=0.149) respectively. Dissociated movements and grasp are significantly improved but there is no difference for weight bearing and protective extension in CIMT treated group as compared to BMT treated group.Conclusion:CIMT approach is better in improving functional status of child with cerebral palsy as compared to BMT. Significant improvement in grasp and dissociated movement is noted in group of CIMT while there was no significant improvement in weight bearing and protective extension in CIMT group when compared to BMT. CIMT is considered the appropriate treatment approach for unilateral conditions while BMT for bilateral conditions.