Salam M Elhafez

Isokinetic imbalance of hip muscles in soccer players with osteitis pubis

Abstract In this study, we compared the isokinetic torques of hip flexors/extensors and abductors/adductors in soccer players suffering from osteitis pubis (OP), with normal soccer players. Twenty soccer male athletes with OP and 20 normal soccer athletes were included in this study. Peak torque/body weight (PT/BW) was recorded from hip flexor/extensor and abductor/adductor muscles during isokinetic concentric contraction modes at angular velocity of 2.1 rad · s−1, for both groups. The results showed a significant difference between the normal and OP groups for hip flexors (P < 0.05). The normal group had significant, lower PT/BW value than the OP group for their hip flexors (P < 0.05). The hip flexor/extensor PT ratio of OP affected and non-affected limbs was significantly different from that of normal dominant and non-dominant limbs. There were no significant differences between the normal and OP groups for hip extensor, adductor and abductor muscles (P > 0.05). Regarding the hip adductor/abductor PT ratio, there was no significant difference between the normal and OP groups of athletes (P > 0.05). The OP group displayed increase in hip flexor strength that disturbed the hip flexor/extensor torque ratio of OP. Therefore, increasing the hip extensor strength should be part of rehabilitation programmes of patients with OP.

Efficacy of virtual reality-based balance training versus the Biodex balance system training on the body balance of adults.

[Purpose] This study investigated efficacy of virtual reality (VR)-based balance training on enhancing balance and postural reactions of adults as a low-cost new modality compared to the established Biodex Balance System (BBS). [Subjects] Thirty normal adults of both genders were divided randomly into two equal-sized experimental groups of 15: BBS balance training and VR balance training. [Methods] The training programmes were conducted in 12 sessions, three 15-min sessions per week. The Nintendo® Wii Fit Plus (NWFP) and its balance board were used to train of the VR group. Each participant answered a questionnaire concerning usability, enjoyment, balance improvement, and fatigue at the end of the training programs. [Results] The study found a significant increase the measure of mean overall balance (OLB) in both groups. No significant difference was found between the groups, but a significant decrease in the mean balance-test time was found for both groups, with no significant difference between the two training methods. The VR programme was rated highly enjoyable by 81.8% of the group. [Conclusion] The Wii Fit Plus system with the balance board as a new VR balance-training technique, can be considered an effective and enjoyable tool for the training of adults’ body balance.

Loss of Bone Calcium in Exposure to 50 Hz Magnetic Fields

This study investigates the effect of whole body exposure to magnetic fields on the calcium level of blood and bone in a trial to avoid the liability of osteoporosis, fractures, and delayed union of fractures after exposure to magnetic fields present everywhere in the environment. The procedures of the study included analysis for calcium level in both bone and blood. The procedures were performed on 50 Guinea pigs equally divided into 5 groups. Groups A, B, C, and D were exposed to 50 Hz, 0.2 mT magnetic field for 30 d. Group E animals were the control. Group A was sacrificed immediately after exposure; Group B was left away from the field for 15 d for spontaneous repair; Group C received the drug Centrum dissolved in drinking water for 15 d after exposure to the magnetic field; and Group D received centrum in drinking water during the period of exposure (30 d). After sacrificing all animals, the calcium level in both bone and blood was evaluated. Values of blood analysis revealed significant increase in the blood calcium level in exposed animals compared with the control group (P < 0.002) with excess in Group A. This indicated that the calcium left the bone to the blood. Values of the bone analysis revealed significant decrease in bone calcium concentration level in Group A compared with the control group and improvement in the bone condition in Groups C and D, indicating the role of trace element after the exposure period as a compensatory agent of magnetic field damage and its role during the exposure period as a radio-protecting agent.

Effect of Wiihabilitation on strength ratio of ankle muscles in adults

[Purpose] This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Wiihabilitation on the ankle dorsiflexion/plantar flexion strength ratio in adults. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-two healthy male volunteers were randomly assigned to two equal groups (experimental and control). Participants in the experimental group received a Wiihabilitation training program for six weeks. Data were collected using a Biodex system 3 Isokinetic dynamometer. Peak torques of the dorsiflexors and plantar flexors were measured at an angular velocity of 60°/sec which in turn were used to derive the ankle dorsiflexion/plantar flexion strength ratio. [Results] The mean values of the ankle dorsiflexion/plantar flexion strength ratio decreased significantly between before and after the training in the experimental group, meanwhile there was no significant difference between before and after the training period in the control group . [Conclusion] Wiihabilitation has an impact on the ankle dorsiflexion/plantar flexion strength ratio, so it can be considered an effective training tool in terms of the ankle strength ratio. Thus, it could be recommended for both prevention and rehabilitation of ankle instability patients.

Axillary Ultrasound and Laser Combined With Postisometric Facilitation in Treatment of Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to compare axillary ultrasound, laser, and postisometric facilitation technique with standard care in the management of shoulder adhesive capsulitis. METHODS This is a randomized clinical trial study. Fifty-nine participants with shoulder adhesive capsulitis were selected and randomly assigned for eligibility. Forty-five participants were assigned into 3 equal groups of 15, and 14 participants were excluded from the study. The participants were blinded to their group allocation. Standard care group (A) received traditional physical therapy treatment in the form of pulsed ultrasound, scanning laser, supervised exercise program, and home exercise program; group B received the same physical therapy program as group A, except that the ultrasound and scanning laser were applied to the axillary region of the painful shoulder; and group C received the same modified physical therapy program as group B plus postisometric facilitation technique to the painful shoulder. All dependent variables were measured by the second author, who was blinded to the participants intervention group. The first author administered treatment to all 3 groups. All participants received 12 sessions (3 times/wk for 4 weeks). Pain level and shoulder range of motion (ROM; flexion, abduction, and external rotation) were recorded 3 times (pretreatment, immediately posttreatment, and 4 weeks of treatment). RESULTS Mixed-design multivariate analysis of variance indicated significant pain reduction with significant ROM increase in all groups posttreatment and after 4 weeks. Post hoc analysis for within groups revealed that shoulder ROM and pain levels improved significantly posttreatment compared with pretreatment ROM in all groups, with the greatest improvement in group C. Between-group analysis revealed that pain-free shoulder flexion, abduction, external rotation, and pain level improved significantly in group C compared with groups A and B immediately after treatment and after 4 weeks of follow-up (P < .05). Improvements reported in group B is more than in group A, and C is more than in groups A and B. CONCLUSIONS Combining axillary ultrasound and laser with postisometric facilitation had a greater effect in reducing pain and improving shoulder ROM in patients with shoulder adhesive capsulitis compared with axillary ultrasound and laser with traditional exercise.

Alterations in Trunk and Lower Extremity Joints Mechanics during Shod Walking in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability

Background: Trunk and hip joint stability and strength are important for proper gait mechanics and foot position during heel strike. So, it is important to consider the patency of all the leg joints for stability during gait. Objective: To examine the effect of unilateral chronic ankle instability on kinematics and kinetics of trunk and lower extremity joints during shod walking. Materials and Methods: 3-D motion analysis system was used to record the gait kinematics and kinetics of trunk and hip joint of fifty subjects during shod walking (25 chronic ankle instability (CAI), and 25 healthy control group matched with CAI group in age, gender, and activity). Kinematic and kinetics pattern differences were established at 90%, zero%, 10% and 30% of gait cycle in the sagittal and frontal planes. Statistical analysis: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to investigate the effect of unilateral chronic ankle instability on kinematics and kinetics of trunk and the lower extremity joints. The level of significant was set at 0.05 for all statistical tests. Results: Chronic ankle instability subjects were significantly (P< 0.05) more inverted in the frontal plane compared with controls in the entire studied parts of gait cycle. Subtalar joint motions are controlled by invertors moment compared with evertors moment in the controls. In addition to significant increase of ankle joint plantar flexion (P < 0.05), there was significant increase in ipsilateral hip joint adduction and lateral trunk lean towards the affected side. These proximal adaptations are significantly correlated to ankle adaptation in the same plane. Conclusion: Chronic ankle instability leads to kinematic and kinetic changes of trunk and hip caused by mechanical changes of ankle joint that should be considered during establishment of rehabilitation programs for persons suffering from chronic ankle instability.