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Background: Repetitive exposure to vibration has been shown to induce peripheral nerve dysfunction. Dentists are exposed to handheld vibrating tools in their daily clinical practice. Most of the studies are done in dentists who have symptoms such as paresthesia and numbness of the hands. Thus, we conducted the study to explore the effect of vibration on nerve conduction variables in apparently healthy asymptomatic dental residents. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 22 dental residents and age matched 22 medical residents as controls. Nerve conduction study was performed in median and ulnar nerves of both hands. Results: Anthropometric and cardiorespiratory variables were comparable between the groups. There were no statistically significant differences between dental and medical residents in the sensory conduction variables (right median onset latency=2.05±0.27 vs 1.91±0.21, p value=0.07; right median amplitude =27.80±8.11 vs 29.55±7.04, p=0.45; right median conduction velocity = 59.54±7.05 vs 61.06±5.15, p= 0.42) and motor conduction variables (right median distal latency = 2.87±0.38 vs 2.87±0.38, p= 0.94; right median distal amplitude=10.71±2.19 vs 11.10±2.37, p=0.58; right median conduction velocity= 70.57±13.16 vs 68.53±7.73, p= 0.54) of median and ulnar nerves. Further, there was no significant difference between the dominant and non-dominant hands of dental residents. Conclusions: Hand held vibration tools did not alter nerve conduction study parameters of dental residents. Keywords: Dentists; nerve conduction study; vibration.

Introduction. Neuropathies in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients are well known. However, electrophysiological changes in their peripheral nerves, particularly before overt peripheral neuropathy have received much less attention. Hence, we aimed to study the electrophysiological status of bilateral sural nerves in T2DM patients who do not show symptoms and signs of peripheral neuropathy. Material and methods. We selected 35 T2DM male patients and 35 age- and sex-matched control subjects without any clinical evidence of peripheral neuropathy and infectious, systemic, metabolic, and neuropsychiatric illnesses after informed written consent. Nerve conduction study (NCS) of bilateral sural nerves of both the groups was done at the lab temperature of 26 ± 2oC by antidromic method of stimulation using standard methods. Their latency, conduction velocity, amplitude, and duration of bilateral sural sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs) were measured and compared. Results. T2DM patients had reduced amplitudes of bilateral sural SNAPs compared to control subjects [left (12.46 ± 3.77) μV vs. (16.42 ± 4.58) μV, p = 0.000; right (11.96 ± 4.45) μV vs . (16.62 ± 6.20) μV, p = 0.001] though they were above the normal cut-off value of ≥ 4 μV. T2DM patients showed prolonged durations of bilateral sural SNAPs compared to the control subjects [left (1.99 ± 0.38) ms vs . (1.67 ± 0.27) ms, p = 0.000; right (1.92 ± 0.47) ms vs . (1.55 ± 0.33) ms, p = 0.000]. Conclusion. Reduced amplitudes and prolonged durations of bilateral sural SNAPs are the electrophysiological alterations, suggestive of peripheral neuropathy, in T2DM patients that appear before they show clinical symptoms and signs of peripheral neuropathy.

Background: The prevalence of anemia in adolescence girls are said to be 42 to 60% in Nepal. Iron deficiency results from prolonged deficit of iron in diet or increased need for iron during a period of intense growth like adolescence. However, the terms anemia, iron deficiency, and iron deficiency anemia are used interchangeably. Aims and Objective: We aimed to find out the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency in adolescent school girls of Dharan, Nepal by measuring hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in higher secondary schools, including government and private schools, of Dharan conducted by the Department of Basic and Clinical Physiology, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal. A total of 150 adolescent school girls of Dharan was selected by systemic random sampling method. Hemoglobin and ferritin levels were analyzed by cyanmethemoglobin method and immunoturbidimetric assay respectively. Descriptive statistics, paired t-test and chi-square test were used. Results: Anemic girls were 33.33% (n=50/150). Anemia with iron deficiency was identified in 17.33% girls (n=26/50) and anemia with normal iron level was in 16 % girls (n=24/50). Normal hemoglobin level with iron deficiency was identified in 9% (n= 14/100) girls and normal hemoglobin with normal ferritin level was in 57% (n=86/100) girls. Conclusions: Prevalence of anemia was less in the adolescent school girls of Dharan, Nepal, than the earlier documented reports in which only half the anemic adolescent girls were iron deficient; suggesting that the remaining other anemic girls had other causes of anemia. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(5) 2017 22-26

Background Despite the successful adaptation to high altitude, some differences do occur due to long term exposure to the hypoxic environment. The effect of long term high altitude exposure on cardiac autonomic adjustment during basal and post-exercise recovery is less known. Thus we aimed to study the differences in basal cardiac autonomic adjustment and its response to exercise in highlanders and to compare it with lowlanders. Methods The study was conducted on 29 healthy highlander males who were born and brought up at altitude of 3000 m and above from the sea level, their cardiac autonomic adjustment was compared with age, sex, physical activity and ethnicity-matched 29 healthy lowlanders using Heart Rate Variability (HRV) during rest and recovery from sub-maximal exercise (3 m step test). Intergroup comparison between the highlanders and lowlanders and intragroup comparison between the rest and the postexercise recovery conditions were done. Results Resting heart rate and HRV during rest was comparable between the groups. However, heart rate recovery after 3 min step test was faster in highlanders (p

Background: Obese people have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease, though unknown mechanism, supposed to be due to autonomic dysfunction which is still in controversy. This study aimed to assess and compare heart rate variability (HRV) between normotensive obese and adults. Methods: The study was conducted on 30 normotensive obese adults (mean age 32.07±7.25 years) with BMI>30 and 29 age- and sex-matched normal weight controls (mean age 30.48±8.01 years) with BMI: 18-24 Kg/m 2 . Short-term HRV variables were assessed using standard protocol. The data were compared between the groups using Mann Whitney ‘U’ test. Results: In obese group, there was significant increase in the mean heart rate [79.17±8.80 Vs 71.48±8.41 beats/min, p=0.001], systolic blood pressure [121.20±9.89 Vs 113.24±11.07, mmHg, p=0.004] and diastolic blood pressure [84.97±7.87 Vs 74.83±10.31 mmHg, p=0.000]. The HRV parasympathetic indicators were less [RMSSD {28.75(16.72-38.35) Vs 41.55(30.6-56.75) ms, p=0.018}, NN50 {15.5(2-39) Vs 83.5(32.75-116.25), p=0.010}], and sympathetic indicator LF/HF ratio [1.2(0.65-2.20) Vs 0.79(0.5-1.02), p=0.004] was more in obese group. Conclusions: Obese persons have increased sympathetic activity with a reduction in parasympathetic (vagal) tone indicating poor autonomic cardiac rhythm control. Moreover, the altered autonomic activity could be the reason for increased mean heart rate and blood pressures in normotensive obese persons.

Background: Visual Evoked Potential is the assessment of the visual pathway and the visual cortex. The present study was descriptive analysis of normal VEP between the age of 6 months to 4 years of age and the determination of the neuronal development among healthy children of above age group.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in neurological lab of BPKIHS on healthy children (n=36) of well-baby clinic between the age of 0.5 to ≤4 years (yr). Subjects were divided into subgroup 1(0.5 to ≤2 yr), subgroup 2(2 to ≤3 yr) and subgroup 3(3 to ≤4 yr). Visual stimulator provided with flash light emitting diode (LED) goggle was used to stimulate the retina and VEP recording was done. Flash VEP parameters: latencies (N90, P120) and amplitude (N90-P120) were recorded. Post hoc (Bonferroni) analysis was done for comparing VEP variables. Pearson correlation and scatter plot with trend line analysis were done for VEP with respect to ageResults: VEP latencies of children, age-group 3 to Μ4 yr showed significantly less N90 latency on right eye stimulation comparing age-group 0.5 to Μ2 yr (103.75±22.54 vs. 79.09±17.77ms, p=0.012). P120 latency was significantly less on right eye stimulation (148.5±15.38 vs. 116.67±13.65ms p=0.001) and on left eye stimulation (145.91±18.11 vs. 116.67±13.65 ms, p=0.001) in age-group 3 to Μ4 yr children as compared to age-group 0.5 to Μ2 yr.Conclusion: Significant decrement of VEP latencies as age advances which explains the maturation of central nervous system and functionally approaching to adult value at around 3 to 4 yr.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(2) 2015 39-43

Background:Prolonged standing can have deleterious effects on the muscles and peripheral nerves of lower limbs leading to peripheral neuropathy. Barbers stand for quite a long period as due to their occupation which can expose them to neuromuscular disorders. Aims: To study nerve conduction and surface electromyography of lower limbs; and psychological fatigue in barbers. Material and methods:This cross sectional study included 26 barbers and 30 healthy controls. Anthropometric, nerve conduction and surface EMG variables were recorded in both groups. Compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) of peripheral nerves of both limbs and motor unit action potentials (MUAPs) of gastrocnemius muscles were recorded. Psychological fatigue was assessed using the Borg scale in the barbers. The unpaired “t” test was applied for comparing anthropometric, cardio respiratory, nerve conduction and surface EMG variables between barbers and controls. Pearson’s correlation was applied for finding association between fatigue score and surface EMG variables in barbers. Results:CMAP and SNAP responses of peripheral nerves of lower limbs were low in barbers as compared to controls (p Conclusion:The decrease in CMAP and SNAP amplitudes of peripheral nerves in barbers might be due to repetitive stress in the form of prolonged standing leading to entrapment neuropathies. Surface EMG findings showing an increase in MUAP amplitude of both gastrocnemius muscles are an indication of muscle fatigue.

Introduction: Thyroid hormone effects on many organs including central and peripheral nervous systems. However, these hormones do not affect all systems/organs to a similar extent. Thus, we conducted this study to explore the effect of thyroid hormones on somatic nervous system assessed by Nerve conduction study and cardiac autonomic activity assessed by heart rate variability. Methods: The study included newly diagnosed hypothyroid patients and healthy controls. In all subjects NCS were performed in median, ulnar, tibial and sural nerves using Nihonkohden machine Cardiac autonomic control was assessed using Short-term Heart Rate Variability and parameters were analyzed by Time Domain and Frequency Domain methods. Results: Both the groups were comparable in term of age, Body Mass Index, Pulse Rate, Systolic Blood Pressure and Diastolic Blood Pressure. Sensory parameters of NCS showed significant decrease in left median nerve SNAP amplitude (38.24±10.23 Vs 31.59±14.06, P=0.048) and nerve conduction velocity of bilateral median nerve in hypothyroid patients. In motor parameters of NCS, onset latencies of bilateral median nerves and right ulnar nerve were significantly increased in hypothyroid patients. All Time Domain measures of HRV and Frequency Domain measures; LF Power, HF Power and Total Power were significantly decreased (P

Background: Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP) provides important diagnostic and prognostic information regarding the functional integrity of the visual system. This study, describes the effects of less or excess thyroid hormones of adults in visual conduction that helps to know the progression to neurological functional defects.Methods: The study was done in 75 consenting subjects (hypothyroid = 24, hyperthyroid = 25, euthyroid = 26). The VEP parameters N75, P100, N145 latencies and its amplitudes within different thyroid status (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and euthyroidism) were compared. One way ANOVA was used to compare VEP parameters among three groups and Pearson’s correlation to find relation between thyroid hormones and VEP parameters.Results: There was positive correlation of 0.335, 0.338 and 0.301 between amplitudes of N75, P100 and N145 waves and fT3 hormone respectively. Furthermore, fT4 showed a positive correlation of 0.186 and 0.185 with the wave amplitudes of N75 and N145 waves respectively and negative correlation of TSH levels of -0.492, -0.280, -0.397 with amplitudes of N75, P100, N145 waves respectively. Hyperthyroid group had higher in VEP latency than euthyroid group in N75 (73±5.77 vs. 68.54±4.32), P100 (106.42±9.74 vs. 100.94±8.17) and N145 (153.03±16.39 vs. 144.37±7.02) waves. Similarly, hypothyroid group had higher in VEP latency than euthyroid group in N75 (72.12±6.34 vs. 68.54±4.32) wave.Conclusions: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism led to conduction delay in adults, possibly adversely affecting function of myelin. The prominent visual evoked potential abnormalities in hyperthyroidism and less change in hypothyroidism show that the visual neuropathy is more common in hyperthyroidism.

Background and Objective: Clinical trials have shown the potential use of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists like Ondansetron, Tropisetron and Zacopride in a number of disorders of gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system such as cancer chemotherapy induced vomiting, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and migraine. Various experimental and clinical studies also point the usefulness of Ondansetron in neuropathic pain. Therefore, the present study was conducted to find out whether Ondansetron could be used as an alternative to a standard drug, Amitriptyline in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy. Methodology: A randomized double blind prospective clinical study was conducted on

Introduction: The use of new technologies and innovations are out of access for people living in a developing country like Nepal. The mechanical sewing machine is still in existence at a large scale and dominant all over the country. Tailoring is one of the major occupations adopted by skilled people with lower socioeconomic status and education level. Sural nerves of both right and left legs are exposed to strenuous and chronic stress exerted by chronic paddling of mechanical sewing machine with legs. Aim: To evaluate the influence of chronic and strenuous paddling on right and left sural nerves. Materials and Methods: The study recruited 30 healthy male tailors with median age {34(31-37.25)} years (study group), and, 30 healthy male volunteers with age {34(32-36.25)} years (control group). Anthropometric measurements (age, height, weight, BMI and length of both right and left legs) as well as cardio respiratory measurements [Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Dystolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Pules Rate (PR) and Respiratory Rate (RR)] were recorded for each subject. Standard nerve conduction techniques using constant measured distances were applied to evaluate sural nerve (sensory) in both legs of each individual. The differences in variables between the study and control groups were tested using Student’s t-test for parametric variables and Mann-Whitney U test for nonparametric variables. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Age, height, weight, body mass index and leg length were not significantly different between tailors and control groups. Cardio respiratory measurements (SBP, DBP, PR and RR) were also not significantly altered between both the groups. The sensory nerve conduction velocities (m/s) of the right {44.23(42.72-47.83) vs 50(46- 54)} and left sural nerves {45.97±5.86 vs 50.67±6.59} m/s were found significantly reduced in tailors in comparison to control group. Similarly amplitudes (µv) of right sural (20.75±5.42 vs 24.10±5.45) and left sural nerves {18.2(12.43-21.8) vs 32.0(26.5-35.25)} were significantly less in tailors in comparison to control group whereas, latencies (ms) of right sural {2.6(2.2-2.7) vs 2.0(2.0-2.250} and left sural nerve {2.4(2.07-2.72) vs 2.0(2.0-2.0)} were found significantly high in tailors as compared with control group. Conclusion: Operating mechanical sewing machine by paddling chronically and arduously could have attributed to abnormal nerve conduction study parameters due to vibration effect of the machine on right and left sural nerves. The results of present study follow the trend towards presymptomatic or asymptomatic neuropathy similar to subclinical neuropathy.

Background and Aims. Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) assess the integrity of the visual pathways from the optic nerve to the occipital cortex. Optic disc cupping and visual field loss have been associated with prolongation of latency of VEP in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods. Pattern reversal and flash VEP tests were done in consenting 20 primary open angle glaucoma eyes and 40 normal control eyes. Results. In POAG cases, the refractive error [3.51±1.88 versus 1.88±1.11, D, p=0.001], cup-disc ratio in percent [66.00±16.98 versus 28.50±5.80, p=0.001], intraocular pressure [19.55±2.08 versus 11.65±1.64, mmHg, p=0.001], and automated visual field pattern standard deviation [4.13±6.96 versus 1.64±0.45, dB, p=0.001] were significantly more than in control. The visual acuity [0.41±0.29 versus 1.00±0.00, p=0.001], foveal visual sensitivity [25.92±6.88 versus 33.48±1.75, dB, p=0.001], and automated visual field mean deviation [−9.63±10.58 versus 0.07±1.54, dB, p=0.001] were significantly less in cases than in control. Among VEP variables, pattern reversal latency N145 [149.00±15.75 versus 137.52±15.20, ms, p=0.011], flash amplitude N75 [2.18±.57 versus 1.47±.38, μV, p=0.001], and flash amplitude N145 [1.99±.39 versus 1.43±.38, μV, p=0.001] were increased in cases. The pattern reversal amplitude N75 [1.97±.35 versus 2.47±.58, μV, p=0.001], amplitude P100 [3.09±.46 versus 6.07±1.44, μV, p=0.001], and amplitude N145 [2.21±.58 versus 4.45±1.99, μV, p=0.001] were decreased in cases. Conclusions. POAG caused glaucomatous damage to optic pathway.

BACKGROUND The study was aimed to assess somatic neural alterations in lower limbs of elite Nepalese football players by comparing their nerve conduction parameters with non-athletic controls. METHODS Players (N.=27, age 22.74±2.52 yrs.) with excellent cardio-respiratory fitness and presenting no signs of injuries, and sedentary controls (N.=29, age 23.41±2.95 yrs.) were recruited for the study. Standard nerve conduction techniques were applied to evaluate posterior tibial and sural nerves in the dominant and non-dominant limbs of each individual. Conduction velocity, onset latency, amplitude and duration of the motor and sensory evoked responses were recorded. RESULTS The players had significantly lower resting mean heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure than controls. Tibial compound muscle action potential (CMAP) showed higher amplitude as compared to controls; tibial proximal CMAP amplitude [(13.624±4.57) vs. (10.810±4.62) mV, P=0.035] of dominant leg, tibial proximal [(13.893±4.60) vs. (11.083±4.51) mV, P=0.045] and distal [(16.388±3.62) vs. (13.958±4.65) mV, P=0.049] amplitude of non-dominant leg. Likewise, players had significantly shorter tibial CMAPs duration of each lower limb compared with corresponding limb of controls. Sural nerve of non-dominant leg revealed shortened sensory nerve action potential duration [(1.729±0.25) vs. (1.904±0.289) ms, P=0.018]. CONCLUSIONS Increased tibial CMAP amplitude and decreased CMAP duration in players suggest excitation of more number of motor units and higher synchronicity of muscle fibers' discharge than in controls respectively. Higher amplitude can also be attributed to increase in muscle fiber size and/or efficiency of neuromuscular transmission. Increased synchronicity indirectly reflects narrow range of conduction velocity among tibial neurons. The adaptive changes in somatic nerves need more crucial research for exact identification of sites and the structures responsible.

Background: Nerve conduction study (NCS) is useful for evaluation of nerve, muscle, and/or neuromuscular function. Neurophysiologist interprets NCS with consideration of various anthropometric and technical parameters viz. age, gender, height, temperature etc. apart from the underlying pathology. Fewer studies have reported the effect of limb dominance on NCS. Moreover, the findings are controversial. Therefore, author aimed to investigate the effect of limb dominance on motor nerve conduction study parameters.Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study included sixty healthy individuals (44 right and 16 left handed) of either sex with age 18 to 30 years. The NCS parameters of median and ulnar nerves were assessed by stimulating it and recording from the muscle and skin overlying the nerve respectively using Digital Nihon Kohden machine. The obtained data were analyzed using independent sample t-test.Results: Right ulnar nerve onset latency was significantly longer in left-handed individuals (1.85±0.508 ms vs 1.62±0.195 ms, p=0.012). The left ulnar nerve F wave minimum latency (25.88±0.74 ms vs 24.46±2.64 ms, p=0.002) was significantly longer in left-handed individuals. Likewise, right ulnar nerve distal latency (2.45±0.76 ms vs 2.14±0.39 ms, p=0.044), and right ulnar nerve F wave minimum (25.9±1.21 ms vs 24.85 ms±1.74, p=0.030) were significantly high in left-handed individuals.Conclusions: NCS parameters in terms of latencies were longer in left-handed individuals. Therefore, limb dominance seems to be an important factor one should pay attention during bilateral comparison of obtained data in neurophysiological reporting of referred cases.

Background: The F wave is a CMAP (compound muscle action potential) evoked by a supramaximal stimulation of a motor nerve. F waves are particularly useful for the diagnoses of polyneuropathies at an early stage and proximal nerve lesions.Methods: Healthy males (n=64) and females (n=26) medical students of BPKIHS with age 20 to 24 years were enrolled. Anthropometric parameters; F wave latencies, persistence and chronodispersion of bilateral median, ulnar and tibial nerves were recorded in Neurophysiology Lab II of BPKIHS. Descriptive analysis was done.Results: Mean age, height and weight of the subjects were 21.64±1.19 years, 165.61±5.4cms and 64.07±5.5kg. Mean minimum F wave latencies (ms) of right median, ulnar and tibial nerves were 24.09±1.95, 24.02±1.76, 44.34±3.02 while on the left side were 23.92±1.96, 24.11±1.92, 44.07±2.83 respectively. F persistence was above 80%. F chronodispersion (ms) for right and left median, ulnar and tibial nerves were 2.77±0.70, 2.79±0.65, 2.71±0.67, 2.80±0.56, 3.48±0.73 and 3.45±0.64 respectively.Conclusions: Maximum and minimum F wave latencies, F chronodispersion and F persistence were derived for both sexes in an age group of 20-24 years.

Background Reports on pediatric electroencephalogram of Nepalese patients are rare. Objective We aimed to study the relationship between provisional clinical and electrophysiological diagnoses of pediatric patients with documentation of demographic profiles, and type and frequency of the disorders/diseases. Methods Electroencephalographic reports of 634 children from 2006 to 2009 were analyzed at neurophysiology laboratory, department of Basic and Clinical Physiology, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal, retrospectively. Chi-Square test was applied after detail descriptive statistics. Results Male and female were 72.2 % (n=458/634) and 27.76 % (n=176/634) respectively. Most frequent EEG abnormality was seizure disorder (n=370, 59.39%), then febrile seizure (n= 94, 15.08%) and birth asphyxia with hypoxic-induced encephalopathy (n=68, 10.91%). Electroencephalogram showed significant epileptiform discharges in seizure disorder (p=0.001, OR= 2.26, 95 % CI= 1.61 to 3.18) and in cerebral palsy (p=0.049, OR=6.88, 95 % CI=0.89 to 145.95), specifically in 6 to 12 (p=0.001, OR=2.94, 95 % CI=1.43 to 6.06) and one to five (p=0.019) years, respectively. Electroencephalogram detected significantly less epileptiform discharges (p=0.001, OR=0.25, 95 % CI= 0.15 to 0.42) in febrile seizure specifically in 1 to 5 years (p=0.003, OR=0.16, 95 % CI= 0.04 to 0.63). Conclusion Predominant Electroencephalographic abnormality was seizure disorder, followed by febrile seizure and birth asphyxia with hypoxic-induced encephalopathy respectively. Electroencephalographic abnormality was highly associated with seizure disorder and cerebral palsy but was not associated with febrile seizure. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v11i2.12484 Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.11(2) 2013: 110-116

Objective: There are conflicting reports in the literature concerning the time and frequency domain parameters of heart rate variability (HRV) in athletes. Furthermore, the exact impact of different sports disciplines on cardiac autonomic function is unclear. Thus, the study was destined to assess and compare HRV in the time and frequency domains between elite Nepalese football players and non-athletes. Methods: Temporal and spectral HRV parameters determined from 5-minute continuous ECG during supine rest were studied in 27 elite male football players (age: 22.74±2.52 years) with excellent cardiorespiratory fitness, and 30 non-athletic male (age: 23.41±2.95 years) volunteers (control group). All HRV parameters were compared between the groups. Results: Resting heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower and all parasympathetic-related time and frequency domain indices, including root mean square of successive differences [RMSSD, 55.10(39.40-82.60) vs 25.70(20.10-44.45) ms, p=0.001], High frequency power in absolute value [HF, 1019(582-2127) vs 277(105.50-695) ms 2 , p=0.001] and in normalized unit [HFnu, 57.70(49.50-68.60) vs 42.20 (29.45-56.40)%, p=0.001]), were higher in footballers compared to non-athletics. Similarly, standard deviation of all NN intervals (SDNN), determinant of global HRV, was higher in players (p=0.003). Furthermore, the power spectral components low frequency in normalized unit (LFnu), a sympathetic marker, and LF/HF, which reflect sympatho-vagal balance, were significantly lower in players. Conclusion: The footballers had enhanced parasympathetic (higher RMSSD, HF and HFnu, and lower LF/HF ratio) and diminished sympathetic (lower LFnu) tone on heart. Football playing has favorable effect on the

Background: Nerve conduction study (NCS) assesses peripheral nerve functions and has clinical implication. Objective: To study effect of gender on NCS variables in healthy adults. Settings and Design: Department of Physiology, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal. Material and Method: The study was done in 34 (m=19, 32±11 years; f=15, 32±12 years) consenting healthy adults. The compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) were recorded. Statistical analysis: The effect of gender on NCS variables was analyzed using Mann Whitney U test. Results: Male vs. female: males had increased CMAP and F-wave latencies (ms) in all tested motor nerves. CMAP duration (ms) was longer in males (p

Background Most of the people associated with tailoring occupation in Nepal are still using mechanical sewing machine as an alternative of new technology for tailoring. Common peroneal nerves of both right and left legs are exposed to strenuous and chronic stress exerted by vibration and paddling of mechanical sewing machine. Methods The study included 30 healthy male tailors and 30 healthy male individuals. Anthropometric variables as well as cardio respiratory variables were determined for each subject. Standard Nerve Conduction Techniques using constant measured distances were applied to evaluate common peroneal nerve (motor) in both legs of each individual. Data were analyzed and compared between study and control groups using Man Whitney U test setting the significance level p ≤ 0.05. Results Anthropometric and cardio respiratory variables were not significantly altered between the study and control groups. The Compound muscle action potential (CMAP) latency of common peroneal nerves of both right [(11.29 ± 1.25 vs. 10.03 ± 1.37), P