Search

Objective Osteoporosis is a widespread skeletal condition due to decreased muscle strength and bone density. The most common complications are fractures followed by pain and reduced quality of life (QoL). Therefore, this research aimed to examine the effect of exercise therapy on muscle strength, QoL, and bone mass in osteoporotic women. Materials & Methods Available literature was reviewed using ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane. Studies were considered eligible if they were randomized controlled trials (RCT) conducted on postmenopausal osteoporotic women, used exercise therapy as an intervention, and investigated muscle strength, QoL, and bone mass as outcomes. Two authors independently assessed the quality of the articles using the physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) scale. The Cohen's d effect size was computed by dividing the mean standardized difference by the standard deviation to measure the treatment effect, which includes exercise therapy. Results Seven papers were chosen to be included in this research. Their PEDro scores varied between 6 and 9 out of a possible 10. The effect size mean differences, resulting from exercise therapy, ranged from 0.32 to 0.63, indicating "small" to "moderate" effects in enhancing the condition of osteoporotic postmenopausal women. It was reported that there was a small effect size in 5 studies and a medium effect size in 2 studies. The research findings suggested the effect of balance, strengthening, stretching, stability, and motor control exercises on bone mass and muscle strength in osteoporotic postmenopausal women. Conclusion Findings indicate that exercise therapy interventions positively affect muscular strength, QoL, and bone mass in osteoporotic postmenopausal women. Additional well-conducted research is required to support this assumption further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The study aimed to compare the effects of separate and simultaneous application of Tecar therapy and low-level laser therapy on neurological symptoms of type 2 diabetic patients. Patients and methods: In this randomized control trial conducted between November 2021 and February 2022, 45 patients (30 females, 15 males; mean age: 65.7±7.6 years; range, 51 to 76 years) with type 2 diabetes and peripheral sensory neuropathy of the lower limbs were randomly divided into three groups: Tecar + sham laser (n=15), Tecar + laser (n=15), and laser + sham Tecar (n=15). Outcome measures for both right and left limbs included tibial motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV), sural nerve amplitude, sole sensation, and ankle-brachial index (ABI) measured before and after 10 sessions and after a three-month follow-up. Results: In intergroup comparison, the Tecar + laser group significantly improved compared to the laser + sham Tecar group in terms of tibial MNCV in both limbs after 10 sessions and all measured outcomes after three months (p<0.05). In addition, comparison between the Tecar + laser and Tecar + sham laser groups for tibial MNCV (p=0.021 for the right limb and p=0.002 for the left limb) and ABI (p=0.001 for the right limb and p=0.002 for the left limb) in both limbs after three months was significant. In the intragroup comparison, a significant improvement was found in the laser + sham Tecar group for sole sensation (p<0.001) and ABI (p<0.001) of both limbs after three months compared to before the interventions, whereas in the other two groups, significant improvements were found in all four outcomes. Conclusion: A significant increase was found in neurological outcomes in all three groups after 10 sessions. Moreover, the use of combined Tecar therapy and laser compared to Tecar or laser alone could lead to a more lasting effect in improving the sensory symptoms of type 2 diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy of the lower limbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Tecar therapy on neuropathy symptoms and tibial nerve conduction velocity in individuals with diabetes. Patients and methods: The single-blind, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial was conducted between January 2019 and October 2019. Twenty-four type 2 diabetics (8 males, 16 females; mean age: 60.4±8.9 years; range, 40 to 78 years) with peripheral neuropathy were randomly allocated to control (n=12) and study (n=12) groups. The study group received the capacitive Tecar therapy with 10 to 30% intensity and infrared radiation in 10 sessions. The controls received the same protocol with zero intensity. The neuropathy symptoms and nerve conduction velocity were evaluated at baseline, after 10 sessions, and six weeks after the end of sessions. Results: There were no significant differences in variables (p>0.05). In this way, the homogeneity of the data variables was confirmed. Moreover, the results of two-way mixed analysis of variance showed that improvement of neuropathy symptoms in the study group was significantly more than controls in all stages (p<0.001). After 10 sessions, the results of post hoc analysis showed that the neuropathy symptoms and tibial nerve conduction velocity were significantly improved in both groups (p<0.001). The improvements were still present at six weeks in the study group (p<0.05). However, there was no change in these outcomes after six weeks in the control group (p>0.05). Conclusion: Tecar therapy could improve neuropathy symptoms and tibial nerve conduction velocity in diabetic individuals with peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, the use of this method to control the symptoms of diabetic patients can be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effect of flexi-bar and stabilization exercises on static and dynamic postural control in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Patients and methods: In this randomized controlled study conducted between November 2019 and March 2020, 38 patients (19 males, 19 females; mean age: 33.8±6.2 years; range, 20 to 45 years) were randomly assigned into flexi-bar (n=19) and stabilization (n=19) groups. Both groups received general physiotherapy for three sessions per week, a total of 10 sessions. Besides, the flexi-bar group received flexi-bar exercises, and the stabilization group received stabilization exercises. Postural sway was assessed with a force platform in three difficult conditions, including open eye, close eye, and one-leg standing and dynamic posture with the modified Star Excursion Balance Test. Results: After the intervention, both groups showed a significant improvement in static and dynamic postural control (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were found between groups after treatment, while only the phase-plane portrait of opened eyes condition was significantly improved (p=0.03), in the flexi-bar group compared to the stabilization group. Conclusion: Both flexi-bar and stabilization exercises effectively improved static and dynamic postural control, but none of the exercises was superior to the other. Flexi-bar is recommended as an effective tool in low back pain rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Several studies have investigated gait biomechanics in people with functional ankle instability (FAI). However, the potential role of information processing (attention) in the gait control of these patients is still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive load on the range of motion (ROM) of lower limb joints during walking in men with and without FAI. Methods The study was a non-randomized controlled clinical trial. Eighteen male subjects with FAI and 19 healthy subjects participated in this study and completed three randomized conditions (three trials per condition): normal walking on a treadmill (single task), normal walking while performing a cognitive task (dual task), and (3) performing cognitive task while sitting. Three-dimensional information of hip, knee, and ankle joint ROM in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes were measured as gait kinematic components, and the error ratio and average reaction time were measured as cognitive task indicators. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine the intrasession reliability of kinematic and cognitive measures. Results The ICC of kinematic variables, including the hip, knee, and ankle joint ROM, with and without applying cognitive tasks in three planes was more than 0.70. During the single task, the group with FAI showed a significantly decreased knee ROM in the transverse plane and a decreased hip ROM in the sagittal plane compared to the healthy group. During the dual task, the group with FAI showed a significantly increased hip ROM in the sagittal plane compared to the healthy group. The results of the cognitive task showed that the group with FAI had a longer reaction time in the auditory Stroop test during dual-task walking than in the sitting position. Conclusion FAI can be an important factor in motor-cognitive interactions. Using a cognitive task may be an effective strategy in the rehabilitation program of men with FAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This study aimed to determine the intrasession reliability of nonlinear gait kinematic analysis under single and dual-task conditions in individuals with and without Functional ankle instability (FAI). Methods. Individuals with FAI and healthy subjects completed a walking task on a treadmill, with or without performing an auditory Stroop task. The gait kinematic parameters, including the LyE of hip, knee, and ankle angles in three planes, were recorded. Cognitive task performance was analyzed using error ratio and average reaction time. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was utilized to determine the intrasession reliability of kinematic and cognitive outcome measures. Results. ICCs for the FAI group in dual and single-task conditions ranged between 0.53 to 0.85 and 0.62 to 0.96, respectively. ICCs for healthy groups in dual and singletask conditions ranged between 0.47 to 0.89 and 0.86 to 0.95, respectively. Lower ICC values were mainly related to the hip and knee transverse planes ranging from 0.47 to 0.68. ICC values of the auditory Stroop task were higher in the reaction time variable (FAI (0.95), control (0.84)) than in the error ratio (FAI (-0.01), control (0.43)). Conclusions. LyE of gait kinematics had moderate to very high reliability in participants with and without FAI in both single and dual-task conditions, and it might be helpful for clinical evaluation. The low intrasession reliability in hip and knee transverse planes must be interpreted cautiously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review aimed to evaluate custom-made 3D printed insoles for people with flatfeet. PubMed, Embase, ISI web of knowledge, ProQuest, Scopus, and Cochrane databases, were searched from inception until January 2022. The quality assessment of included studies was performed through the Downs and Black checklist. A narrative analysis was performed since a meta-analysis could not be conducted. Ten studies including 225 subjects with flexible flatfeet were chosen for final evaluation. Although the evidence from selected literature was generally weak, using insoles with 3D printing technology may positively affect pain (comfort score) and foot function, with no significant change in vertical loading rate during walking or running. There were discrepancies among studies for plantar pressures, center of pressure trajectories, 3D ankle joint kinematics and kinetics of gait while wearing these insoles. Dose-response effects of medial posting on 3D printed insoles suggested beneficial effects on lower limb gait biomechanics in people with flatfeet. There was insufficient evidence to conclude the comparison between 3D printed insoles and other types of insoles. In conclusion, using a 3D printed insole may improve comfort score and foot function in people with flatfeet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forward Head Posture (FHP) results in spine malalignment, muscle imbalance and cervical proprioception sensory input impairment. Subjective description of FHP is interpreted differently by clinicians and therefore the FHP is classified as slight, moderate and sever. This study aimed to evaluate balance disorder in individuals with severe forward head posture (FHP). Twenty individuals with severe FHP and 20 controls were enrolled. Dynamic postural stability was assessed in all participants using the Biodex Balance System (BBS) in semi dynamic position with eye open/eye closed conditions. Based on the findings, dynamic postural stability in the sagittal plane was different between the groups (P<0.05). It can be concluded that impairment of dynamic postural stability occurs in individuals with severe FHP. The findings suggest that clinicians take into account the importance of dynamic postural stability assessment in FHP subjects and consider the application of intervention programs for improvement of the dynamic balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Forward head posture (FHP) is a common abnormal posture in neck disorders. FHP causes an alteration of the strength in the cervical muscles. Since both muscle quantity and quality impress the muscle strength, this study aimed to compare the echo intensity of cervical muscles (index of muscle quality) between women with and without FHP. Method: Echo intensity of cervical muscles was measured by Adobe Photoshop software and compared between two groups. Results: The findings of the current study indicate the insignificant difference between two groups regarding the echo intensity of cervical muscles. Conclusion: Evaluation of echo intensity of cervical muscles may expand knowledge about the muscle quality and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An acceptable reliability is needed for each scale and a valid decision-making process. Ultrasonography is a simple, cost-effective, and accessible tool compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess echo intensity (EI) as a biomarker of muscle function in neck musculoskeletal problems. However, no evidence is available regarding the reliability of neck muscle echogenicity according to rehabilitative ultrasonography in clinical studies on forward head posture (FHP). We determined the reliability of neck muscles EI in individuals with and without FHP. Transverse images of deep neck flexors (Longus Coli) and suboccipital (Rectus capitis posterior minor) muscles were acquired from 20 individuals with FHP and 20 controls in one session. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), minimum detectable change (MDC), and standard error of measurement (SEM) for EI were measured in this study. The ICC, SEM, and MDC ranges were 0.50 - 0.51, 2.73 - 3.41, and 7.56 - 9.46 for the Longus colli muscle and 0.48 - 0.49, 3.29 - 4.98, and 9.13 - 13.81 for the rectus capitis posterior minor (RCPm) muscle, respectively. Based on the present findings, EI showed acceptable reliability; therefore, it can be used for assessment of neck muscle morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Because of the significant prevalence of diabetes, disability of patients due to the complication of Diabeti Neuropathy (DN) has been increased. Physiotherapy is one of the methods for DN which can help control the symptoms through modalities such as infrared radiation, electrical stimulation and electromagnetic fields. Tecar therapy is a form of electromagnetic fields. This study investigated the effect of Capacitive Tecar therapy on pain and tactile sensation of the feet in type 2 diabetics with symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Materials & Methods This clinical trial was performed as pre-test and post-test with a control group. The samples consisted of 24 diabetics aged 17-78 years with symtoms of peripheral neuropathy allocated in the control and experimental group randomly. The patients of experimental groups participated in 10 sessions and received the Capasitive tecar therapy with 10%-30% intensity in addition to infrared radiation; the controls received the same protocol with zero intensity of tecar. Pain and tactile sensation of the soles were evaluated before and after sessions. The collected data were analyzed by the Reapeted measure Analysis Of Variance (ANOVA). All statistical analyses were performed in SPSS V. 18. The significance level was set at P<0.05. Results The results of Rearetd Measure ANOVA showed that there was a significant difference in the mean scores of pain and tactile sensation of soles in the post-test compared to the pre-test of two groups. (P<0.001).There was also a significant difference in the means of post-test scores of variable pain (P=0.002) and tactile sensation (P<0.001) between the two groups. The improvement of variables in experimental group was more than control group. Conclusion The results of this study revealed that Tecar Therapy with infrared radiation can be an appropriate therapeutic program for improving pain and tactile sensation of soles in diabetic patients with symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes is a chronic disease that reduces cardiorespiratory fitness and increases systolic and diastolic blood pressures as well as resting heart rate due to the activity level of the sympathetic nervous system. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of 2 types of aerobic exercise, with and without external loading, on cardiac parameters in diabetic patients. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was carried out on 45 volunteers. These individuals were randomly divided into aerobic, weighted vest, and control groups. The aerobic protocol comprised 24 sessions of aerobic exercise. The exercise program for the weighted vest group was identical to that of the aerobic group, except that the subjects wore a weighted vest. The parameters were measured before and after the 24 sessions. Results: The mean age of the study population was 48.30 ± 5.02 years in the aerobic group, 48.33 ± 5.74 years in the weighted vest group, and 48.60 ± 4.79 years in the control group. Males comprised 7 (53.8%) patients in the aerobic group, 7 (58.3%) in the weighted vest group, and 8 (53.3%) in the control group. After 8 weeks, maximum oxygen consumption in the aerobic group (mean ± SD = 37.54 ± 8.02 mL/kg/min, 95% CI: 5.48 to 11.60; p value < 0.001) and the weighted vest group (mean ± SD = 35.92 ± 3.96 mL/kg/min, 95% CI: 4.36 to 9.64; p value < 0.001) was increased, similar to metabolic equivalent of task in the aerobic group (mean ± SD = 11.60 ± 1.62 kcal/kg x h, 95% CI: 1.48 to 2.72; p value < 0.001) and the weighted vest group (mean ± SD = 11.21 ± 1.11 kcal/kg x h, 95% CI: 1.23 to 2.28; p value < 0.001). Furthermore, resting heart rate decreased significantly in the aerobic group (mean ± SD = 90.23 ± 8.90 bpm, 95% CI: -13.93 to -1.29; p value = 0.022) and the weighted vest group (mean ± SD = 90.58 ± 9.19 bpm, 95% CI: -0.16 to -12.33; p value = 0.045). Conclusion: These findings suggest that 24 aerobic exercise sessions might improve cardiac parameters in type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Craniocervical (CC) muscles control posture of the CC area. Muscle imbalance at this area induces musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study was to develop a device for measuring isometric force of CC flexor and extensor muscles and to evaluate its intra-rater reliability.Method: Isometric force of CC flexor and extensor muscles was measured in 20 women by one examiner on two days with a custom-made device. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurements (SEM), smallest detectable difference (SDD), and Pearson correlation coefficient were computed.Results: The results of this study revealed that this device had excellent reliability (ICC: 0.98, SEM: 2.29 N, SDD: 6.36 N, Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.97 for CC flexor muscles and ICC: 0.97, SEM: 2.13 N, SDD: 5.91 N, Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.94 for CC extensor muscles).Discussion: This new device can improve knowledge about the CC muscle and efficacy of treatments in patients with poor posture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the impact of manual therapy (friction massage) and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training on erectile dysfunction (ED), pelvic floor muscle thickness, and blood flow in the penile arteries and veins in men who have undergone prostatic adenectomy (PA). Materials and Methods: This study employed a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial design. Forty patients participated and were divided into two groups: intervention and control (n=20 per group). The intervention group received 10 sessions of pelvic floor muscle training and manual therapy, while the control group solely underwent pelvic floor muscle training. The recovery rate was measured using the International Index of Erectile Function 15 (IIEF-15) questionnaire and Erection Hardness Score (EHS). Sonographic factors were assessed using simple and Doppler ultrasound. Results: The intervention group exhibited significantly higher erectile function scores (F(1,37)=158.04, P < 0.001, η2 P = 0.810) and a higher average total (IIEF-15) score (20.52) (F(1,37)=136.76, P < 0.001, η2 P = 0.787) com- pared to the control group in the post-test assessment. Comparison between the two groups revealed an increase in ultrasonic parameters such as the thickness of the ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus muscles, maximum systolic velocity, and minimum diastolic velocity of the cavernosal artery in the intervention group. However, the maximum blood flow velocity in the posterior vein decreased. Conclusion: PFM training and friction massage play a significant role in managing ED following PA, positioning them as the primary treatment approach for men experiencing ED post-prostatectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forward head posture (FHP) is considered to be one of the most common postural disorders in the spinal column. Recently studies have reported impaired proprioception to be one of the results of prolonged FHP. Studies have suggested that vibration stimulus is capable of improving joint proprioception. Thus the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of one session of whole body vibration (WBV) training in standing position on cervical joint position sense in individuals with FHP. Thirty (12 females and 18 males) individuals with FHP were randomly assigned to a vibration (experimental) or non-vibration (control) group. The vibration group experienced 5 sets of WBV while holding the head and neck in retraction. The non-vibration group held the same position for the same time without any vibration. Four target angles were established to assess the absolute and constant joint position sense (JPS) errors for each individual. Results showed significant reduction (P<0/05) in JPS absolute errors in 2 target angles in the vibration group when compared to the non-vibration group. It was concluded that relative improvement in cervical JPS could be achieved when adding additional sensory input from WBV stimulus to the head and neck retraction exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objective: This study compared the immediate effect of manual pressure release (MPR) and strain/counterstrain (SCs) techniques on latent trigger point of the upper trapezius muscle. Methods: Sixty-six volunteers (mean age, 24.73±1.63 years) participated in this study. Subjects underwent a screening process to establish the presence of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the upper trapezius muscle. Subjects were divided randomly into 3 groups: MPR group, SCs group and a placebo group, which received a sham ultrasound. The outcome measure was the pressure pain threshold (PPT) and visual analogue scale (VAS) on the MTrP in the upper trapezius muscle by an assessor blinded to the treatment allocation of the subject. Results: The experimental groups showed a trend toward an increase in PPT levels and decrease in VAS after the intervention procedures. Within-group effect sizes were large in the MPR and SCs groups (d >1), and small to medium in the placebo group (d ∼0.4). Comparing MPR and SCs groups showed significant differences in PPT and VAS changes (P <0.05). Conclusions: MPR and SCs techniques are superior to sham ultrasound in immediately reducing pain in patients with non-specific neck pain and upper trapezius MTrP, but MPR technique is better than SCs technique. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the impact of manual therapy (friction massage) and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training on erectile dysfunction (ED), pelvic floor muscle thickness, and blood flow in the penile arteries and veins in men who have undergone prostatic adenectomy (PA)., Materials and Methods: This study employed a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial design. Forty patients participated and were divided into two groups: intervention and control (n=20 per group). The intervention group received 10 sessions of pelvic floor muscle training and manual therapy, while the control group solely underwent pelvic floor muscle training. The recovery rate was measured using the International Index of Erectile Function 15 (IIEF-15) questionnaire and Erection Hardness Score (EHS). Sonographic factors were assessed using simple and Doppler ultrasound., Results: The intervention group exhibited significantly higher erectile function scores (F(1,37)=158.04, P < 0.001, η2 P = 0.810) and a higher average total (IIEF-15) score (20.52) (F(1,37)=136.76, P < 0.001, η2 P = 0.787) compared to the control group in the post-test assessment. Comparison between the two groups revealed an increase in ultrasonic parameters such as the thickness of the ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus muscles, maximum systolic velocity, and minimum diastolic velocity of the cavernosal artery in the intervention group. However, the maximum blood flow velocity in the posterior vein decreased., Conclusion: PFM training and friction massage play a significant role in managing ED following PA, positioning them as the primary treatment approach for men experiencing ED post-prostatectomy.

Background: The long-term effects of aerobic exercise on the cardiorespiratory system have been studied extensively. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise with and without external loads on blood glucose, cardiovascular, respiratory, and body temperature indices in patients with type II diabetes., Methods: The present randomized control trial recruited participants from the Diabetes Center of Hamadan University through advertisement. Thirty individuals were selected and divided into an aerobic exercise group and a weighted vest group via block randomization. The intervention protocol included aerobic exercise on the treadmill (0 slopes) with an intensity of 50% to 70% of the maximum heart rate. The exercise program for the weighted vest group was identical to that of the aerobic group, except that the subjects wore a weighted vest., Results: The mean age of the study population was 46.77±5.11 years in the aerobic group and 48±5.95 years in the weighted vest group. After the intervention, blood glucose in the aerobic group (167.07±72.48 mg/dL; P<0.001) and the weighted vest group (167.75±61.53 mg/dL; P<0.001) was decreased. Additionally, resting heart rate (aerobic: 96.83±11.86 bpm and vest: 94.92±13.65 bpm) and body temperature (aerobic: 36.20±0.83 °C and vest: 35.48±0.46 °C) were increased (P<0.001). Decreased systolic (aerobic: 117.92±19.27 mmHg and vest: 120.91±12.04 mmHg) and diastolic (aerobic: 77.38±7.54 mmHg and vest: 82.5±11.32 mmHg) blood pressure and increased respiration rate (aerobic: 23.07±5.45 breath/min and vest: 22±3.19 breath/min) were seen in both groups but were not statistically significant., Conclusion: One aerobic exercise session with and without external loads reduced blood glucose levels and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in our 2 study groups., (Copyright © 2023 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences.)

Objective : Forward head posture (FHP) is a common abnormal posture in neck disorders. FHP causes an alteration of the strength in the cervical muscles. Since both muscle quantity and quality impress the muscle strength, this study aimed to compare the echo intensity of cervical muscles (index of muscle quality) between women with and without FHP. Method : Echo intensity of cervical muscles was measured by Adobe Photoshop software and compared between two groups. Results : The findings of the current study indicate the insignificant difference between two groups regarding the echo intensity of cervical muscles. Conclusion : Evaluation of echo intensity of cervical muscles may expand knowledge about the muscle quality and function.

Background: Diabetes is a chronic disease that reduces cardiorespiratory fitness and increases systolic and diastolic blood pressures as well as resting heart rate due to the activity level of the sympathetic nervous system. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of 2 types of aerobic exercise, with and without external loading, on cardiac parameters in diabetic patients. Methods : This randomized controlled trial was carried out on 45 volunteers. These individuals were randomly divided into aerobic, weighted vest, and control groups. The aerobic protocol comprised 24 sessions of aerobic exercise. The exercise program for the weighted vest group was identical to that of the aerobic group, except that the subjects wore a weighted vest. The parameters were measured before and after the 24 sessions. Results : The mean age of the study population was 48.30±5.02 years in the aerobic group, 48.33±5.74 years in the weighted vest group, and 48.60±4.79 years in the control group. Males comprised 7 (53.8%) patients in the aerobic group, 7 (58.3%) in the weighted vest group, and 8 (53.3%) in the control group. After 8 weeks, maximum oxygen consumption in the aerobic group (mean±SD=37.54±8.02 mL/kg/min, 95% CI: 5.48 to 11.60; P<0.001) and the weighted vest group (mean±SD=35.92±3.96 mL/kg/min, 95% CI: 4.36 to 9.64; P<0.001) was increased, similar to metabolic equivalent of task in the aerobic group (mean±SD=11.60±1.62 kcal/kg×h, 95% CI: 1.48 to 2.72; P<0.001) and the weighted vest group (mean±SD=11.21±1.11 kcal/kg×h, 95% CI: 1.23 to 2.28; P<0.001). Furthermore, resting heart rate decreased significantly in the aerobic group (mean ± SD=90.23±8.90 bpm, 95% CI: -13.93 to -1.29; P=0.022) and the weighted vest group (mean±SD=90.58±9.19 bpm, 95% CI: -0.16 to - 12.33; P=0.045). Conclusion : These findings suggest that 24 aerobic exercise sessions might improve cardiac parameters in type 2 diabetes.

Objective: Craniocervical (CC) muscles control posture of the CC area. Muscle imbalance at this area induces musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study was to develop a device for measuring isometric force of CC flexor and extensor muscles and to evaluate its intra-rater reliability., Method: Isometric force of CC flexor and extensor muscles was measured in 20 women by one examiner on two days with a custom-made device. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurements (SEM), smallest detectable difference (SDD), and Pearson correlation coefficient were computed., Results: The results of this study revealed that this device had excellent reliability (ICC: 0.98, SEM: 2.29 N, SDD: 6.36 N, Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.97 for CC flexor muscles and ICC: 0.97, SEM: 2.13 N, SDD: 5.91 N, Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.94 for CC extensor muscles)., Discussion: This new device can improve knowledge about the CC muscle and efficacy of treatments in patients with poor posture.