Interleaved neuromuscular electrical stimulation after spinal cord injury.

Introduction: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) over a muscle belly (mNMES) recruits superficial motor units (MUs) preferentially, whereas NMES over a nerve trunk (nNMES) recruits MUs evenly throughout the muscle. We performed tests to determine whether "interleaving" pulses between the mNMES and nNMES sites (iNMES) reduces the fatigability of contractions for people experiencing paralysis because of chronic spinal cord injury.

Methods: Plantar flexion torque and soleus electromyography (M-waves) were recorded from 8 participants.

Interleaved neuromuscular electrical stimulation reduces muscle fatigue.

Introduction: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can be delivered over a muscle belly (mNMES) or nerve trunk (nNMES). Both methods generate contractions that fatigue rapidly due, in part, to non-physiologically high motor unit (MU) discharge frequencies. In this study we introduce interleaved NMES (iNMES), whereby stimulus pulses are alternated between mNMES and nNMES.

H-reflexes reduce fatigue of evoked contractions after spinal cord injury.

Introduction: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) over a muscle belly (mNMES) generates contractions predominantly through M-waves, while NMES over a nerve trunk (nNMES) can generate contractions through H-reflexes in people who are neurologically intact. We tested whether the differences between mNMES and nNMES are present in people with chronic motor-complete spinal cord injury and, if so, whether they influence contraction fatigue.

Methods: Plantar-flexion torque and soleus electromyography were recorded from 8 participants.

Home-based functional walking program for advanced cancer patients receiving palliative care: a case series.

Background: Although meta-analyses have demonstrated that physical activity can positively impact quality of life outcomes in early stage cancer patients, it is not yet known whether these benefits can be extended to patients with advanced cancer. In a previous pilot survey of patients with advanced cancer with a median survival of 104 days, participants felt willing and able to participate in a physical activity intervention, and reported a strong preference for walking and home-based programming. Here, we report on the initial development and feasibility of a home-based functional walking program in patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care.

Sociodemographic, behavioural and environmental correlates of sweetened beverage consumption among pre-school children.

Objective: To identify sociodemographic and environmental correlates of sweetened beverages (regular soft drinks, fruit juice) among children of pre-school age.

Design: Children's dietary intake, food behaviours and screen time were measured by parental report. A Geographic Informational System was used to assess the number of grocery stores and fast-food restaurants available within 1 km of the children's residence.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation has a global effect on corticospinal excitability for leg muscles and a focused effect for hand muscles.

The afferent volley generated during neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can increase the excitability of human corticospinal (CS) pathways to muscles of the leg and hand. Over time, such increases can strengthen CS pathways damaged by injury or disease and result in enduring improvements in function. There is some evidence that NMES affects CS excitability differently for muscles of the leg and hand, although a direct comparison has not been conducted.

Reflex pathways connect receptors in the human lower leg to the erector spinae muscles of the lower back.

Reflex pathways connect all four limbs in humans. Presently, we tested the hypothesis that reflexes also link sensory receptors in the lower leg with muscles of the lower back (erector spinae; ES). Taps were applied to the right Achilles' tendon and electromyographic activity was recorded from the right soleus and bilaterally from ES.

Change in excitability of motor axons modifies statistical MUNE results.

Motor unit number estimation (MUNE) techniques--whether they reflect a true motor unit count or some related index--should not be confounded by changes in the neuromuscular system other than a decline in the number of functional motor units. In neurodegenerative conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), there is evidence of changes in the excitability of motor axons. If changes in axon excitability confound a particular MUNE technique, this would influence the use of that technique in ALS patients.

The cumulative effect of coffee and a mental stress task on heart rate, blood pressure, and mental alertness is similar in caffeine-naïve and caffeine-habituated females.

Most North American workers drink coffee throughout their workday, although the cumulative effect of job stress and coffee is not well known. Research has shown that coffee affects the cardiovascular system and mental alertness primarily through the active ingredient caffeine; however, the dose of caffeine used in these studies is greater than a normal cup of coffee. In addition, these changes have been mostly determined in male caffeine-habituated consumers.

Analyzing theoretical mechanisms of physical activity behavior change in breast cancer survivors: results from the activity promotion (ACTION) trial.

Background: We previously reported that a physical activity (PA) behavior change intervention based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) increased PA and quality of life in breast cancer survivors.

Purpose: To examine the effects of our interventions on TPB variables and to determine if PA at 12 weeks follow-up was mediated by TPB variables at 4 weeks.

Methods: Breast cancer survivors (N = 377) were randomly assigned to receive either a standard public health recommendation for PA (SR group), a step pedometer alone, or one of two TPB-based behavior change interventions consisting of print materials (alone or combined with a step pedometer).

Effects of aerobic exercise training on estrogen metabolism in premenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Regular physical activity may alter estrogen metabolism, a proposed biomarker of breast cancer risk, by shifting metabolism to favor production of 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1). Few studies, however, have examined this question using a randomized controlled trial.

Purpose: To examine the effects of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise training on 2-OHE1 and 16alpha-hydroxyestrone (16alpha-OHE1) in premenopausal women.

Feasibility of an exercise rehabilitation programme for cancer patients.

A growing body of evidence indicates the benefits of exercise as a rehabilitation intervention for cancer patients. However, few hospitals offer exercise-based rehabilitation programmes to patients. This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a group-based exercise programme for cancer patients attending a local oncology centre.