No abstract

Gait training using a cane with an augmented pressure sensor to enhance weight bearing over the affected lower limb is beneficial and effective in improving the peak force of cane, muscle activation, and gait in stroke patients.

Interferon γ (IFN-γ) induces an inflammatory response and apoptotic cell death. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease associated with increased levels of inflammatory mediators, including tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and T helper (Th) 17 cells, and downregulation of apoptosis of inflammatory cells. We hypothesized that IFN-γ would reduce inflammatory cell death in vitro and that loss of IFN-γ would aggravate inflammation in vivo. IFN-γ downregulated necroptosis and the expression of cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (cFLIPL) and mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL). However, loss of IFN-γ promoted the production of cFLIPL and MLKL, and necroptosis. IFN-γ deficiency increased Th17 cell number and upregulated the expression of IL-17 and TNF-α. Expression of MLKL, receptor interacting protein kinase (RIPK)1, and RIPK3 was increased in the joints of mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Compared with wild-type mice with CIA, IFN-γ−/− CIA mice showed exacerbation of cartilage damage and joint inflammation, and acceleration of MLKL, RIPK1, and RIPK3 production in the joints. IFN-γ deficiency induced the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. These results suggest that IFN-γ regulates inflammatory cell death and may have potential for use in the treatment of RA.

Trunk instability is one of main problems in survivors following stroke. We investigated the effects of weight-shift training (WST) on an unstable surface in sitting position on trunk control, proprioception, and balance in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Eighteen participants with chronic hemiparetic stroke were recruited and were allocated to either WST or control group. The WST group received a weight-shift training program for 30 min and then received a conventional exercise program for 30 min, while the control group received conventional exercise program for 60 min, five times a week for four weeks for both groups. In this randomized control study, we used three outcome measures: trunk reposition error (TRE), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. TRE was measured by each participant's reposition error to the target angle during his/her active trunk movement. TIS and TUG were examined for trunk control abilities and dynamic balance abilities, respectively. After training, TRE showed significantly greater improvement in the WST group (mean change, 1.67 ± 1.45˚) than the control group (mean change, 0.08 ± 1.05˚). The TIS score was significantly higher in the WST group (mean change, 2.33 ± 1.50) than the control group (mean change, 0.13 ± 0.83). The TUG test also showed a significant improvement in the WST group (mean change, 5.03 ± 1.88 sec) than the control group (mean change, 2.59 ± 1.86 sec). Our findings indicate that weight-shift training is beneficial for improving trunk control and proprioception in patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two different stretching techniques on range of motion (ROM), muscle activation, and balance. [Subjects] For the present study, 48 adults with hamstring muscle tightness were recruited and randomly divided into three groups: a static stretching group (n=16), a PNF stretching group (n=16), a control group (n=16). [Methods] Both of the stretching techniques were applied to the hamstring once. Active knee extension angle, muscle activation during maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVC), and static balance were measured before and after the application of each stretching technique. [Results] Both the static stretching and the PNF stretching groups showed significant increases in knee extension angle compared to the control group. However, there were no significant differences in muscle activation or balance between the groups. [Conclusion] Static stretching and PNF stretching techniques improved ROM without decrease in muscle activation, but neither of them exerted statistically significant effects on balance.