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The postural system requires the sensory systems to maintain postural control (PC). Blind subjects use the somatosensory system to keep PC whereas sighted subjects use the visual system. So what happens to PC when challenging the sensory systems? We analyzed the center of pressure (COP) in ten blind and 10 sighted subjects under conditions: eyes open/closed (interference of visual system) and on firm/foam surfaces (interference of somatosensory system). We found that under the condition of eyes open on a firm surface, the blind subjects relied on the somatosensory system, whereas sighted subjects relied on the visual system. However, when eyes closed and on foam surface, similar behavior was found in both groups for all COP variables. In general blind subjects use their somatosensory system as the main sensory input to maintain PC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study assessed the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with treadmill training on spatiotemporal and kinematic variables in stroke survivors using gait speed as the primary outcome. A randomized, sham-controlled, triple-blind, study was conducted involving 28 patients with hemiparesis allocated to two groups. The experimental group was submitted to treadmill training combined with anodal tDCS over the primary motor cortex (M1) of the damaged hemisphere. The control group was submitted to treadmill training combined with sham tDCS. Stimulation was administered (2 mA, 20 min) five times a week for two weeks during treadmill training. No significant differences (p > 0.05) in spatiotemporal variables were found in the intra-group and inter-group analyses. However, the experimental group demonstrated improvements in kinematic variables of the knee and ankle (p < 0.05) and these results were maintained one month after the end of the intervention. The inter-group analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) with regard to the pelvis, hip and knee. Anodal tDCS over M1 of the damaged hemisphere combined with treadmill training did not affect spatiotemporal variables, but promoted improvements in kinematic variables of the pelvis, hip, knee and ankle and results were maintained one month after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive Aβ deposition in the brain is associated with the formation of senile plaques, and their diffuse distribution is related to Alzheimer's disease. Thirty rats (EG) were irradiated with light-emitting diode (photobiomodulation (PBM)) in the frontal region of the skull after being inoculated with the Aβ toxin in the hippocampus; 30 rats were used as the control group (CG). The analysis was conducted at 7, 14, and 21 days after irradiation. We observed a decreased in Aβ deposits in treated animals compared with animals in the CG. The behavioral and motor assessment revealed that the EG group covered a larger ground distance and explored the open field than the CG group on days 14 and 21 (p < 0.05). The EG group was statistically significant in the spatial memory test compared to the CG group on day 14. The use of PBM significantly reduced the presence of Aβ plaques and improved spatial memory and behavioral and motor skills in treated animals on day 21. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: low back pain (LBP) is characterized by pain in the region between the last costal arches and the gluteal fold. It can occur due to several intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and it has a very high prevalence in adulthood, causing several problems which directly influence the quality of life. Neurosensory Postural Therapy (NPT) is a technique which uses manual neural stimulation to adjust muscle tone. Objective: The aim of the present study was to verify the effects of NPT on pain, mobility, flexibility, functionality, cardiac variability and body oscillation. Methodology: Seven women over 20 years old were recruited, which were evaluated before and after the technique, which consisted of pressure on the upper and lower roots of the sciatic nerve at 3 points for 60 seconds. Results: The mean pain score was 2.71 - 1.38 and 1.35 ± 1.18, with a value of p = 0.02. For the Schöber test we obtained a mean of 21.93 ± 1.36 and 22.34 ± 1.30 cm in the pre- and post-test with p=0.01. No statistical difference was found in the Rolland Morris questionnaire. The electromyography obtained statistical difference in the analysis of the gluteus medius with p=0.02. Significant results (p=0.0001) were found in the lateral evaluation by the stabilometry and the HF/LF ratio showed difference with p=0.03 in the pretest and after 30 days. Conclusion: The technique of NPT has benefits in the parameters studies, demonstration being a fast technique with period of efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study evaluated the effects of foot reflexotherapy on pain and postural balance in elderly individuals with low back pain., Design: Randomized, controlled pilot study. Participants ( n = 20) were randomly assigned to 2 groups: individuals submitted to conventional foot massage (control group) or foot reflexotherapy (RT, intervention group) for a period of 5 weeks. Questionnaires on pain and disability (visual analogue scale [VAS] and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire [RMDQ]), heart rate variability, and orthostatic balance and baropodometric analysis were assessed at two intervals: before and after intervention., Results: RT group showed statistically significant differences when compared to control group in the following parameters: decrease in VAS scores for pain throughout the study, decrease in parasympathetic activity, and improvement in RMDQ scores. The two groups did not statistically differ in either orthostatic balance or baropodometric analyses., Conclusion: This study demonstrated that foot reflexotherapy induced analgesia but did not affect postural balance in elderly individuals with low back pain.