SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE
Year:2013 | Volume:2 | Issue:1|Papers Count:8

Background and Aim: Color vision is an important function of the visual system. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the effect of chronic occupational exposure to detergents on color vision ability in different group.Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in a detergent producer factory on all (300) workers who were in detergents production hall. After considering exclusion criteria, 279 persons were qualified to participate in the study. General visual exam and color vision test was performed for participants. Their color vision was evaluated by Ishihara and Farnsworth D-15.Results: 12.9% of participants showed color vision disorder, the prevalence of which was mostly related to powder groups.Conclusion: Chronic occupational exposure to excess amount of detergents can cause acquired color vision disorder.

Background and Aim: Neck extensor muscles play an important role in stabilizing the cervical spine. Upper limbs muscle activities may increase cervical extensor muscles function. The purpose of this study was to assess changes in neck extensor muscles thickness after a shoulder-abduction strengthening exercise program.Methods & Materials: In this study participants were 28 healthy women (age 20-25 years of old) who were randomly assigned to a shoulder-abduction strengthening exercise group (n=14) and control group (n=14). Intervention period in both groups was 10 weeks. The thickness of five cervical muscles including upper trapezius, semispinalis cervicis, semispinalis capitis, splenius capitis and multifidus muscles was measured by ultrasonography.Results: Shoulder-abduction strengthening exercise program lead to significant increase in thickness of the neck extensor muscles (p<0.001).Semispinalis capitis muscle showed the greatest increase in muscle thickness among the extensor muscles.Conclusion: Upper limbs muscle training as was used in this study plays an important role in increasing neck posterior muscles thickness. It is recommended to use this kind of training to improve the function of neck extensor muscles.

Background and Aim: According to the relatively high prevalence of low vision, especially in aging-population countries like IRAN and the effective role of low vision aids on the quality of life of these patients, in this cross-sectional study we evaluated the rate of satisfaction of low vision aids and quality of life in all low vision patients who referred to the red-crescent’s low vision center of Tehran since June, 21st, 2011 till June, 21th, 2012.Material & Method: This cross-sectional study evaluated the rate of satisfaction of low vision aids and quality of life in all low vision patients who presented to the red-crescent’s low vision center of Tehran since June, 21st, 2011 till June, 21th, 2012, with a questionnaire during interview or a telephonic call. Statistical testing was carried out by using the SPSS-18. Differences were considered significant at P£0.05.Results: All the general vision (P=0.012), average of quality of vision, quality of near activities, mental health, ability to perform routine chores, (P<0.0005) were increased significantly after the use of low vision aids. But quality of distance activities, social functioning, and ocular pain, didn’t change significantly before and after use of low vision aids (P>0.05). The satisfaction of 91.7 % of patient were more than 50%. The rate of satisfaction in males and females were 73.33% and 58,33% respectively, which were not statistically significant (P>0.05).Conclusion: The quality of life has been increased in different aspects after the use of low vision aids.

Background and Aim: Whole Body Vibration is as an effective exercise modality for musculoskeletal structure that is combination with conventional resistance training, is effective in improving strength and power. So far, only a few studies have examined the effects of whole body vibration on upper limb muscle strength. In most studies the effects of whole body vibration was studied during push up directly on vibration plate. The aim of this study is to investigate the acute indirect effects of a single session of whole body vibration on maximum isometric strength of the elbow flexor muscles in non-athletes and young individuals.Material and Method: Thirty healthy and non-athletes volunteers were randomly assigned into two groups of Whole body vibration (N=15) and control group (N=15). Maximal isometric strength of the elbow flexor muscles of the whole body vibration group before and after vibration (3 sets of 45 seconds, 50 Hz and low amplitude) was measured using transducer. In the control group, the same procedure was carried out without vibration.Result: Whole body vibration enhances isometric strength of the elbow flexor muscles significantly (P=.004).Conclusion: It seems that the short-term and one session of whole body vibration, which indirectly apply, is an effective method in increasing isometric strength of elbow flexor muscles. Also, if you use whole body vibration with the functional forms of other exercises, better result will be achieved.

Background and Aim: Considering the fact that visual impairment is still one of our country's health problems, this study was conducted to determine the causes of blindness and low vision in visually impaired membership of Ardabil Province welfare organization.Materials and Methods: The present study which was based on descriptive and national-census, that carried out in visually impaired population supported by welfare organization in all urban and rural areas of Ardabil province in 2012 and collection of samples lasted for 7 months. The subjects were inspected by optometrist to determine their visual status (blindness or low vision) and then referred to ophthalmologist in order to discover the main causes of visual impairment based on the international classification of diseases version 10. Statistical analysis of collected data was performed using SPSS software version 18.Results: Overall, 403 subjects with mean age of years participated in this study. 73.2% were blind, 26.8 % were low vision and according gender grouping, 60.50 % of them were male, 39.50 % were female that divided into three groups with the age level of lower than 15 (11.2%) 15 to 49 (76.7%) and 50 and higher (12.1%). The age range was 1 to 78 years. The causes of blindness and low vision were in descending order: optic atrophy (18.4%), retinitis pigmentosa (16.8%), corneal diseases (12.4%), chorioretinal diseases (9.4%), cataract (8.9%), glaucoma (8.2%), phthisis bulbi (7.2%), degenerative myopia (6.9%), microphtalmos (4%), amblyopia (3.2%), albinism (2.5%) and nistagmus (2%).Conclusion: In this study the main causes of visual impairments were optic atrophy and retinitis pigmentosa. thus specific prevention plans can be effective in reducing the incidence of visual disabilities.

Background and Aim: Falling and its consequences is one of the main concerns of the elderly adults. Introducing techniques for improving balance of elderly and preventing them from falling is the critical goals of the health system in any society. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immediate effect of massage and mobilization of the feet and ankles on balance for elderly adults.Materials and Methods: In this study men and women over 60 years of age were randomly assigned into two groups of 15 persons. In the intervention group, the therapeutic protocol included 20 minutes of massage and mobilization on the feet and ankles. In the control group, shortwave diathermy was used for 20 minutes in the off mode (placebo) on the feet and ankles. In this study the subjects in both groups were analyzed by two clinical balance tests namely “one leg standing test” and “Lateral reach test” before and after the start of the protocol and the results were compared before and afterward.Results: Findings showed that in the “one leg standing test” the balance is improved significantly in the intervention group after 20 minutes of massage and mobilization (P < 0.05) and the interaction between time and group was also significant in the “one leg standing test” with P < 0.01 in the intervention group. In “Lateral reach test”, although there was not a significant difference before and after the intervention in both groups, a numerical increase was noticed in the lateral reach distance in the intervention group. The interaction between time and group was significant in the intervention group with P < 0.01.Conclusion: According to the results, massage and mobilization of the feet and ankles has an immediate effect on balance in the elderly adults.

Background and Aim: Since, the complex electromyographic signal (EMG) is controlled by CNS during muscle contraction and depends on physiologic and anatomic characteristics of muscle; it can be used in studying coordination and control of movement. Because of the relationship between quantities of EMG signal and muscle force, this technique has been used for studying the neuromuscular activity in postural tasks, functional movements, ergonomic conditions and training as well as clinical programs. Since motion in water has a special effect on muscle activity, and surface EMG is a great tool in recording and visualization of muscle activity. Its use has expanded among those who have a special interest in the effect of muscle motion such as researchers in the field of rehabilitation, sport and other areas related to biomechanics and kinesiology. With regard to the inherent differences between water and land, use of surface EMG is different. Challenges related to water proofing, sealing the electrodes and instruments when recording EMG signals for long duration is evident. In this review article, by examining different studies, challenges of recording EMG in water as well as various activities which have been examined by this method and their results will be reviewed. Searching for the articles was done on: EMG, Biomechanics, Neuromuscular activity, Aquatic Exercise in some related databases such as Pub Med, Science Direct and Mendely.

Background and Aim: In the past two decades, numerous studies using ultrasonographic imaging and indicators such as the bladder or urethra mobility were conducted to assess the pelvic floor structure and morphology, also to diagnose disorders like urinary in continence as well as prolapsed and their severities. Regarding the Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging (RUSI) and the importance of studying pelvic floor muscle function for physiotherapists, this article aimed to review practical aspects of two common ultrasonographic imaging methods for assessment of pelvic floor muscles’ function.Conclusion: Trans-abdominal and Trans-labial have been introduced as two common ultrasonographic methods to evaluate pelvic floor muscle function. However, Trans-labial method is more sensitive with less measurement error. No need to get dressed, quick imaging and viewing the patient's bladder are considered as advantages of Trans-abodominal approach.