Upper limbs cycle ergometer increases muscle strength, trunk control and independence of acute stroke subjects: A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Studies demonstrate the benefits of upper limbs cycle ergometer (ULCE) in subacute and chronic stroke subjects, but the literature still needs to explore the acute phase of the disease.

Objective: Verify the effects of ULCE on muscular strength, trunk control and independence of post-stroke subjects in hospital acute phase.

Methods: In this randomized clinical trial participants were allocated into two groups.

Effects of aerobic cycling training on mobility and functionality of acute stroke subjects: A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Studies demonstrate the benefits of aerobic cycling training in subacute and chronic stroke subjects, but there is a lack in the literature about its effects on the acute phase.

Objective: Verify the effects of aerobic cycling training on lower limbs muscle strength, gait speed, balance, mobility and functionality of acute stroke subjects.

Methods: Control group (CG) performed conventional physiotherapy twice a day and the intervention group (IG) performed a conventional physiotherapy and a cycle ergometer session, for five consecutive days.

Is the dopaminergic loss associated with gait and postural impairments in subjects with Parkinson's disease at different motor stages?

Gait and postural control deficiencies in Parkinson's disease (PD) involve several specific motor aspects. The aim of this study was to identify and compare the main changes in gait kinematics and postural control with dopaminergic loss in the striatum region. This is a cross-sectional study that included 42 individuals with PD at different motor stages, according to the Hoehn & Yahr scale (H&Y).

Impairments in gait kinematics and postural control may not correlate with dopamine transporter depletion in individuals with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of dopamine, an important neurotransmitter involved in regulating movement. Nuclear medicine imaging methods such as single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) combined with radiotracers can obtain the density of this neurotransmitter. This reduced density leads to classic PD symptoms, such as bradykinesia, tremor and stiffness, consequently affecting walking and postural control.

Protective effects of therapeutic cold and heat against the oxidative damage induced by a muscle strain injury in rats.

The mechanisms of action of physical agents commonly used to treat skeletal muscle lesions are not well understood. In this study, we examined whether the modulation of oxidative stress is involved in the beneficial effects of cold and heat on gastrocnemius muscle strain injury. Adult male Wistar rats were submitted to a strain injury and treated with therapeutic agents in an isolated or combined form.