Effects of back extensor strength training versus balance training on postural control.

Purpose: Aim of this study was to investigate effects of 1) regular back extensor strength training as opposed to balance training, and 2) the influence of the sequence of both training types on postural control, force, and muscle efficiency.

Methods: Twenty-six young, healthy subjects were investigated at baseline, 1 month and 2 months later. At each examination, subjects completed a posturographic, balance skill, and isometric maximum voluntary (MVC) back extension testing, including surface electromyographic (SEMG) recordings.

Load-dependence of fatigue related changes in tremor around 10 Hz.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of different loads on tremor around 10 Hz during fatiguing contractions.

Methods: Eighteen healthy volunteers performed sustained isometric knee extensions at 30%, 50% and 70% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). During the fatiguing contractions, mechanical recordings were made with a high-resolution force sensor.

Diabetic neuropathic foot ulcer: successful treatment by low-intensity laser therapy.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of low-intensity laser irradiation for the induction of wound healing of a diabetic neuropathic foot ulcer.

Case: We report a case of a man with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, sensory neuropathy, macroangiopathy and microangiopathy who had been suffering from an ulcer of his first left toe accompanied by osteomyelitis for 6 weeks.

Results: After a total of 16 sessions of low-intensity laser therapy using a 670-nm diode laser administered within a 4-week period the ulcer healed completely.

Induction of complete wound healing in recalcitrant ulcers by low-intensity laser irradiation depends on ulcer cause and size.

Chronic skin ulcers still represent a therapeutic challenge in dermatology. Among the various non-invasive treatment modalities used for the improvement of impaired wound healing, low-intensity laser irradiations are gaining an increasing body of interest. We used low-intensity laser irradiations delivered by a 30 mW helium-neon laser at an energy density of 30 J/cm2 three times weekly for the induction of wound healing in ulcers of diverse causes.

Benefit of 6 months long-term physical training in polymyositis/dermatomyositis patients.

Objective: The benefit of long-term physical training in patients with chronic polymyositis or dermatomyositis (PM/DM) was studied prospectively.

Methods: Eight patients with chronic PM/DM participated in a training programme for 6 months. A group of five PM/DM patients without any physical training was observed for control purposes.