Inhalation of ultrafine and fine particulate matter disrupts systemic vascular function.

This study investigated the effects of particulate matter (PM) with aerodynamic diameter 0.02-1 microm (noted as PM1) inhalation during exercise on conduit artery and microvascular function. Inhalation of internal combustion-derived PM is associated with cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.

Modulation of the tibial nerve H-reflex by mechanical stimulation of afferents in the lumbar spine.

The purpose of this study was to describe the convergence of afferent discharges from the ligament-muscular system of the lumbar spine to the segmentally-related gastrocnemius muscle. The subjects were 32 healthy, young volunteers recruited from a college student population. Afferent discharges from the ligament-muscular system of the lumbar spine were evoked by manually moving the trunk into either flexion (n = 16) or left lateral bending (n = 16) using a multi-directional adjustable treatment table (Zenith Cox Flexion Table).

Responsiveness of the Bournemouth and Oswestry questionnaires: a prospective pilot study.

Background: The assessment of health-related quality-of-life outcome information has become an essential feature in the delivery of quality health care. Outcome assessment and increased clinical research capacity have been identified as recommended areas of priority for chiropractic research, chiropractic colleges, and the profession.

Objective: This article reports the results of a multisite pilot project utilizing New York Chiropractic College's 3 off-campus health centers.

Spinal reflex excitability changes after lumbar spine passive flexion mobilization.

Background: Flexion distraction has gained increased credibility as a therapeutic modality for treatment of low back pain. Although important work in the area has elucidated the intradiskal pressure profiles during flexion distraction, the accompanying neural responses have yet to be described.

Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to assess neural reflex responses to motion with 3 degrees of freedom applied to the lumbar spine and to evaluate H-reflex responses of the soleus.

Endogenous opioid effects on motoneuron pool excitability: potential analgesic effect of acute exercise.

Background: Metabolic and thermal stresses of exercise mediate the release of endogenous opioids depressing motoneuron activation (MNA). Although exercise is routinely presented as a coequal treatment for management of acute and chronic low back pain (LBP), it is not clear that exercise-induced endogenous opioid release can play a role in the analgesic and treatment outcomes for patients with LBP. Furthermore, if opioid involvement is present, it is not clear what level of exercise might be beneficial in the suppression of MNA and possibly LBP.