Spinal traction is a physical intervention that provides constant or intermittent stretching axial force to the lumbar vertebrae to gradually distract spinal tissues into better alignment, reduce intervertebral disc (IVD) pressure, and manage lower back pain (LBP). However, such axial traction may change the normal lordotic curvature, and result in unwanted side effects and/or inefficient reduction of the IVD pressure. An alternative to axial traction has been recently tested, consisting of posteroanterior (PA) traction in supine posture, which was recently shown effective to increase the intervertebral space and lordotic angle using MRI.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAutomatic thermal and mechanical massage beds support self-managed treatment, including reduction of pain and stress, enhanced circulation, and improved mobility. As the devices become more sophisticated (increasing the degrees of freedom), it is essential to identify the settings that best target the desired tissue. To that end, we developed an MRI-derived model of the lower back and simulated the physiological effects of a commercial thermal-mechanical massage bed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Sports Med Phys Fitness
May 2018
Background: Fitness is known to influence arterial stiffness. This study aimed to assess differences in cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility according to arterial stiffness, based on sex and age.
Methods: We enrolled 1590 healthy adults (men: 1242, women: 348) who were free of metabolic syndrome.
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) can reduce cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in coronary artery disease. Long coronary artery lesions may be associated with adverse outcomes after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate angiographic outcomes after a comprehensive CR program in patients with DESs for long coronary artery lesions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week program of therapeutic Tai Chi on the motor function and physical function of idiopathic Parkinson's disease patients (PDs). Methods.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDespite documented efficacy and recommendations, pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been underutilized. Home-based PR was proposed as an alternative, but there were limited data. The adequate exercise intensity was also a crucial issue.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Several biological age (BA) prediction models have been suggested with a variety of biomarkers. Valid models should be able to measure BA in a relatively short time period and predict subsequent physiological capability. Physiological and physical fitness variables have been shown to be distinctive markers for predicting BA and morbidity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Sports Sci Med
October 2013
Systemic inflammation has been found in association with vascular endothelial function for clinical implications including exercise-induced pathology. However, information on the relationship between the exercise-related inflammatory responses and endothelial function is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of prolonged endurance exercise on the expression of selected soluble adhesion molecules and inflammatory markers.
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