Search

Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is a well-known modality which is increasingly being used by athletes to improve their conditioning levels. Muscle strength and power are major health related fitness components that contribute to marked success in athletic events. Recently, this exercise modality has been utilised by number of researches to investigate its role and efficacy in muscular conditioning. Muscle strength and power have been found to significantly increase when WBV is added to the conventional exercise program but the mechanism by which this strength and power increases has not been well documented. The present review aimed to highlight the impact of WBV on muscle strength, power, muscle activity, and the mechanism by which these gains occur in athletic populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Shoulder complaints are the third most common musculoskeletal presentation, after back and neck disorders, in primary care. Among people with shoulder pain, Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (SIS) has the highest prevalence and accounts for 27% of shoulder disorders. Various treatment options are available for SIS. However, literature suggests the need of a review regarding the addition of Manual Therapy (MT) to the Therapeutic Exercise (TE) program. Aim: To investigate the effectiveness of MT combined with TEs versus TEs alone for the management of SIS. Materials and Methods: The study examined published randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies. A comprehensive search of two electronic databases (PubMed and PEDro) was performed from inception till the last week of August, 2020. The selected studies were assessed on methodological quality rating using the PEDro scale and the modified downs and black scale for experimental and quasiexperimental studies, respectively. The extracted outcomes were pain levels, strength, Range of Motion (ROM) and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scale score. The meta-analysis was done on continuous data and the data were summarised qualitatively and quantitatively. Results: Seven trials were included (n=437) after evaluation. Standard Mean Difference (SMD) with 95% CI was used to denote summary effects of the outcome measures. Pain {SMD: -1.07; 95%CI: -1.85, -0.28; p<0.01} showed positive effect when managed with MT combined with TE while external rotation strength {SMD: 0.55; 95%CI 0.27, 0.84; p<0.01} improved with TE alone. The majority of the studies (six out of seven) had low risk of bias. Conclusion: The results indicate that evidence exists for improvement in pain level and muscle strength with MT combined with TE and TE alone respectively. The qualitative evidence suggests that glenohumeral mobilisation and exercises are associated with best outcomes for SIS management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dietary consumption of omega-3 fatty acids has been found to be beneficial in patients with dry eye syndrome. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of dietary omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs) for dry eye in patients with psoriasis with and without meibomian gland dysfunction. Materials and Methods: An interventional, non-randomized, controlled, multi-center study was done. Psoriatic patients were recruited when they had either dry eye symptoms and/ or Schirmer <6 mm or Tear Film Breakup Time (TBUT) <10s. Based on the presence of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), subjects were allocated to MGD and Non-MGD groups, respectively (n=50 each). Age and sex matched subjects with psoriasis with no ophthalmological complaints served as controls (n=50). Subjects as well as controls were dosed with two O3FAs capsules, each containing 180 mg of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and 120mg Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), twice daily for 3 months (720 mg of EPA +480 mg DHA/day). Evaluation was done at baseline, one, two, and three months. Change in subjective symptoms was the primary outcome measure. Change in meibomian gland score (in MGD group), Schirmer score, and Tear Film Breakup Time (TBUT) were the secondary outcome measures. Results: Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed that there was a significant (p<0.001) change in symptoms, TBUT and Schirmer score in MGD (5, 4.6 & 4.6) and non-MGD (5.3, 1 & 5.2) groups at three months, respectively. Post-hoc test revealed that test parameters changed significantly at all points of time in MGD group. In non-MGD group the change was significant only after three months of intervention. These parameters did not change significantly in the control group at three months. Conclusion: Dietary O3FA supplementation for three months improved dry eye symptoms, tear film stability, tear production in psoriasis patients with and without meibomian gland dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Glass ionomer cement (GIC) has best suited paediatric dentists and is well recognised in the preventive era of dentistry. However its use is affected by its inferior mechanical properties. Hydroxyapatite whiskers have been lately introduced as strengthening additive without affecting its fluoride releasing property, but literature lacks data related to its effect on recharging ability of glass ionomer cement. Aim: To evaluate and compare fluoride release from hydroxyapatite incorporated glass ionomer cement following recharging with low fluoride dentifrices. materials and methods: An 8% Hydroxyapatite whiskers were added to Conventional Glass ionomer powder and 40 specimens each of conventional and Hydroxyapatite Glass ionomer cement were prepared using customised Teflon mould (5mm x 2mm) and were suspended in deionised water. Recharging of aged specimens was done using low fluoridated dentifrices containing 500ppm fluoride, twice daily and water was replenished every 24 hours. Fluoride release was analysed daily for 7 days and then weekly till 21 days using Sension 4 pH/ion selective electrode. Data thus obtained was statistically analysed by descriptive analysis followed by repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Significant (p<0.01) increase in fluoride release was observed in both the materials following recharging regimen. Recharge pattern of hydroxyapatite glass ionomer was found to be similar to conventional glass ionomer cement. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study it can be evinced that fluoride rechargability and re-release remains unaffected by the addition of hydroxyapatite whiskers and hence proves to be more acceptable additive to glass ionomer cement to improve its mechanical properties widening its arena of usage by clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]