Indian Journal of Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy-An International Journal

Abstract

Background : Several studies on traumatic musculoskeletal pain syndromes such as Whiplash associated Disorder (WAD) have identified altered motor control of the cervical muscles during the performance of functional tasks. In chronic pain syndromes cervical muscle dysfunction appears to be a general sign. Postural asymmetries and movement dysfunction have been reported in patients with chronic pain. The objective of this study was to investigate if muscle tension of neck muscles is increased in patients with chronic neck pain. Thus this study compared the neck muscle activation patterns during static and dynamic tasks in patients with chronic neck pain of nontraumatic origin.

Methods: Electromyographic activity was recorded from the Sternocleidomastoid(SCM), Anterior Scalene(AS), Levator Scapulae(LS) and Upper Trapezius(UT) muscles. Percentage Maximum voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC) was calculated both during static tasks, which included shoulder abduction to 90° and hold, shrug and hold, craniocervical flexion and hold and a dynamic task.

Result: The results revealed elevated muscle activity in AS, LS and UT muscles during both static and dynamic tasks in patients with chronic neck pain of nontraumatic origin compared to controls.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, patients with chronic neck pain of non-traumatic origin have increased muscle activity and hence increased muscle tension, which is responsible for postural asymmetries. Thus this increased muscle tension should be the focus of treatment.

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Abstract

Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most important clinical manifestation of atherosclerosis1. A positive correlation exists between serum cholesterol and the risk of coronary heart disease and a negative correlation with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C).2, 3 Physical exercise in both hot and cold causes acute changes in serum lipid profile.

Aims & objective: The present study was aimed to compare the effects of single session of low intensity sub maximal exercise, in cold and hot ambient temperatures on Serum Lipid profile.

Materia & Materials: 10 healthy university students (age 24.1±0.9, weight 65.1±7.6) participated in the randomized, repeated measure, experimental study. Subjects performed submaximal cycling exercise at 45-55% heart rate reserve (Karvonen Method)4 at ambient temperatures of 20 ±1ºC (cold) and 42 ±1ºC (hot), on static bicycle for 30 minutes. Blood samples were drawn at 10 minutes pre, 10-15 minutes and 24 hours post submaximal exercise and results were observed for changes in lipid profile.

Results & Analysis: There was a significant increase of 35.66% and 38.89% and of 20.8% and 23.07% in HDL-C for post 10 min and 24 hour respectively following exercise in hot and cold temperature respectively. Significant increase of 7.6% and 8.2% was observed for post 10 minute and 24 hour respectively following exercise in hot temperature only in Total cholesterol. Significant increase of 10.8% in Triglyceride concentration post 10 minute exercise exposure in cold with non significant changes following exposure in hot environment.

Conclusion: Exercise in moderately hot temperature more effectively alters lipid profile than exercise in moderately cold temperature.

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