فصلنامه علوم پیراپزشکی و توانبخشی
سال سیزدهم شماره 4 (زمستان 1403)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of low vision on quality of life, general self- efficacy and depression in visually impaired people between the ages of 13 and 62 years.

This research was applied in terms of purpose and causal-comparative in terms of execution. The study sample was 106 people with low vision and normal vision, who were divided into two groups (53 low vision and 53 normal sighted people) in a targeted way. Visually impaired people included 18 female and 35 male, and people with normal vision included 32 female and 21 male. The vision of normal and visually impaired people was measured by the examiner using the Snellen E chart. Data was collected using standard questionnaire of beck depression (1996), Sherer self-efficacy questionnaire (1982) and quality of life questionnaire related to vision (VFQ-25). Validity was calculated and confirmed by content validity method and reliability based on Cronbach's alpha coefficients for each of the questionnaires. The data were analyzed using t-test of two independent samples, Mann-Whitney test, Chi square test, Fisher’s exact test and multiples regression analysis variables with SPSS 22 software.

The results showed that visually impaired people have poorer visual performance than people with normal vision based on general self-efficacy, but this difference is not statistically significant (P>0.05). According to the results of the regression analysis, gender was one of the factors affecting the reduction of general self-efficacy on the visual performance of visually impaired people (P =0.02). Depression was reported more in the group of visually impaired people than in the group of people with normal vision, but this difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Using the results of the test, it was determined that the visual performance based on the quality of life in visually impaired people is lower than the visual performance in people with normal vision and there is a significant difference between the quality of life in the two groups of visually impaired and normal vision people (P=0.001).

The results of this study showed that low vision is an effective factor in visual performance. Based on the findings of this study, the quality of life is considered to be an effective factor on the visual performance of visually impaired people. Therefore, the need to pay more attention to the psychological components of visually impaired patients is revealed.

Goalball is a sport for visually impaired athletes and can affect physiological indicators. Therefore, the present study compared and investigated the effects of eight weeks of moderate and high-intensity interval training on the physiological indicators of goalball players.

24 male goalball players in a semi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design randomly divided into three groups, including control, high-intensity interval training (intermittent running for 30 seconds with an intensity of 100-200% of the heart rate reserve (HRR), 30 seconds of active recovery at a speed of 50% HRR), and moderate-intensity interval training (including 25 minutes with an intensity of 40-50% HRR and the last four weeks 30 to 35 minutes with an intensity of 60-65% HRR). The data were analyzed using the repeated measure kruskal wallis tests at the significance level of p<0.05.

The results showed that both exercises had a significant effect on the concentration of lactate (p < 0.001, η2=0.847), TNFα (p < 0.001, η2=0.659), malondialdehyde (p < 0.001, η2=0.809) and superoxide dismutase (p < 0.001, η2=0.799). Also, compared to moderate-intensity exercises, high-intensity exercises caused a significant decrease in the concentration of lactate (p<0.001), TNFα (p<0.001), malondialdehyde (p<0.001), and an increase in superoxide dismutase (p<0.001).

High-intensity interval training has a greater effect on the concentration of lactate, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and TNFα than moderate-intensity training. Therefore, it is recommended to trainers to use high-intensity interval training to improve physiological performance and reduce fatigue and muscle damage.

Low back pain is a major health problem worldwide with a clear social and economic impact and is a leading cause of years of disability and work absence. The purpose of the present study is the effect of eight weeks of motor control exercises and myofascial release on the range of motion of the lumbar spine and disability in people with non-specific chronic low back pain.

The current study is of quasi-experimental type. In this study, 16 men with non-specific chronic low back pain diagnosed by a neurosurgeon were selected in a purposeful and accessible way and were randomly and equally divided into two experimental groups (age 30.2±6.1years, body mass index 23.7±3.7 kg/m2) and control (age 26.2±4.8 years, body mass index 25.6±5.4 kg/m2) the experimental group performed motor control exercises and myofascial release three times a week for a period of eight weeks, and the control group performed motor control exercises similar to the experimental group during the same period of time. The range of motion of the lumbar spine (Modified – Modified Schober Test) and disability (Oswestry Disability Index) of participants was evaluated before and after eight weeks of training. Data analysis was done using repeated measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni's post hoc test at a five percent error level and using SPSS software version 26.

Movement control exercises with and without myofascial release have caused a significant increase in the amount of range of motion of the lumbar spine and significant reduction in the severity of disability of the subjects, after training compared to before training (p<0.001). range of motion of the lumbar spine and severity of disability was not significantly different between the control and experimental groups (p>0.05). Also, there was no significant difference between the control and experimental groups in range of motion of the lumbar spine and severity of disability changes before and after training (p>0.05).

According to the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that motor control exercises with and without myofascial release can improve the of range of motion of the lumbar spine and reduction in the severity of disability in people with non-specific chronic low back pain. although the effect of motor control exercises and myofascial release on the range of motion of the lumbar spine and reduction in the severity of disability was more than motor control exercises alone, but the amount of this effect was not significant. Therefore, it is possible that both protocols can be suggested as a useful method for the rehabilitation of people with non-specific chronic low back pain.

Diagnosing an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture based on a physical examination is a challenge for both surgeons and surgeon’s assistant. The Lever sign test has been developed as a new physical examination to overcome the practical limitations of routine clinical trials and optimize diagnosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reliability and diagnostic value and outcome of the Lever test.

In this prospective diagnostic study, 154 patients who were candidates for arthroscopic surgery were evaluated. Prior to the tests, patients' clinical manifestations were recorded. Lever, Drawer, Lachman and pivot diagnostic tests were performed by an orthopedic surgeon and an experienced surgeon assistant before and after anesthesia. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of these tests compared to arthroscopy findings were calculated as a gold standard. The ease of performing the tests was assessed from the point of view of the performers as well as the patients' pain during the test with the standard pain score (Visual Analog Scale, VAS).

The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of Lever test before anesthesia were calculated as 70.5, 63, and 91.3 and after anesthesia 74.5, 66.51, 90.23 respectively. Among the tests, Lever was the easiest before anesthesia with 68%, and after anesthesia with 74.5% it was the easiest after drawer test from the point of view of the operators. Lever test with a vas score of 4.01 had the least pain during the test.

The lever test can be performed clinically easily and has little pain for the patient and is comparable to other orthopedic tests in terms of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. This test is recommended as an effective orthopedic maneuver, along with other ACL tear diagnostic tools, especially when other tests are associated with severe pain.

The aim of this present study was to compare the amount of pain, maximum oxygen consumption and maximum plantar pressures at different speeds in females with patellofemoral pain syndrome and healthy females.

The current research was of semi-experimental and laboratory type. Polar instrument was used to measure the maximum oxygen consumption. 30 subjects in two groups ran the ten-meter track where the foot scanner was located at slow and fast speeds. Relevant variables were recorded with a foot scanner. SPSS version 23 software was used for statistical analysis.

The results of the speed factor showed that at the peak of the variables internal heel force (Cohen’s d=0.146; p<0.05), external heel force (Cohen's d=0.179; p<0.05), the first metatarsal (Cohen's d=0.181; p<0.05), second, third (Cohen's d=0.218; p<0.05), fourth (Cohen's d=0.180; p<0.05), fifth (Cohen's d= 0.201; p<0.05), midfoot (Cohen's d=0.253; p≥0.001), first toe (Cohen's d=0.200; p<0.05), fingers 2 to 5 (Cohen's d=0.156; p< 0.05). Ground reaction force (Cohen's d =0.489: p≥0.001), center of pressure in the anterior-posterior region (Cohen's d = 0.131; p<0.05) there is a significant increase in both healthy groups and patients with patellofemoral syndrome during running at fast speed. Also, in the speed factor, the maximum time to reach the peak of ground reaction force (Cohen's d=0.727; p≥0.001), the time to reach the ground reaction force (Cohen's d=0.366; p≥0.001), decreased. The results of the present study showed a significant increase in the amount of pain in the group with patellofemoral syndrome (p≥0.001).

The peak vertical forces in females with patellofemoral pain syndrome were higher than healthy females. On the other hand, females with patellofemoral pain syndrome are more exposed to lower limb injuries than healthy females.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) leads to a decrease in the range of motion and strength of the knee muscles. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PNF stretching exercises and lower extremity strengthening on knee range of motion and quadriceps muscle strength before and after local quadriceps fatigue in male athletes with PFPS.

24 male athletes (20-30 years age range) with PFPS from Tehran were randomly divided into two equal groups of PNF stretching exercises and strengthening exercises. Two groups trained for 8 weeks, 3 sessions a week for 60 minutes. The range of motion of the knee and the strength of the quadriceps were measured before and after each training session (at each testing session and after harvesting) using a digital electro goniometer (accuracy: 0/1 degrees) and Biodex isokinetic dynamometer. The data were analyzed using ANOVA with a significance level of P<0/05.

The exercise program significantly improved the range of knee motion in the extension movement (ES=0/75 and P<0/05). A significant difference was observed between the measurements before and after the test (ES=0/75). The range of knee motion in the extension movement increased by 16% in the stretching group and 11% in the strengthening group after 8 weeks. Additionally, the exercise program significantly increased the strength of quadriceps muscles (ES=0/65 and P<0/05). The comparison and post-test showed a significant difference (ES=0/75). After 8 weeks, quadriceps strength increased by 19% in the stretching group and 12% in the strengthening group.  

Both training programs were exercises, but PNF stretching exercises were better than strengthening exercises in improving knee range of motion and knee strength in athletes with PFPS. Future researches should examine the effectiveness of these interventions in female athletes.

One of the significant challenges in treating urinary tract infection (UTL) is emergence of antibiotic resistance bacteria. Gepotidacin, a new antibiotic, has been designed to combat bacterial infection, practically UTIs, and may serve as a traditional antibiotic. The present review study aims to investigate the efficacy and safely of Gepotidacin in treating UTIs, practically those caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria.

A comprehensive search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2010 - 2024. The search keywords included urinary tract infection, Gepotidacin and antibiotic resistance.

Gepotidacin has demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against range of pathogens, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, practically those resistant to Fluoroquinolones and other antibiotics. Minimums inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of Gepotidacin was found to be lower than that of other antibiotics, including its potential as a more effective treatment option.

Gepotidacin is a promising antibiotic that may provide a solution to growing problems on antibiotic resistance in UTIs. Its unique mechanisms of action, which targets the DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes, makes it an attractive alternative to traditional antibiotics.  Further studies are needed to fully explore the potential of Gepotidacin in clinical practice.

Vestibular disorders such as deafness are associated with heterogeneous genetic patterns and multifactorial hereditary transmission methods. Improvement in the field of genetic sequencing has provided evidence of familial classification in vestibular disorders and is the beginning for revealing the genetic causes and new treatment options, especially in Meniere’s disease and disorders associated with hearing loss. In this review, our aim is to present the recent findings in the field of effective genes in vestibular disorders and investigating the possible treatment of these disorders.

In this review article, the words “genes and vestibular diseases” and genetic therapy had searched in ‘google scholar” and “science direct” and "PubMed" databases in the years 2000 to 2023.

After searching in Google Scholar, Science Direct and PubMed databases, new and related articles were collected and studied, and about 32 articles were used in this study.

The application of molecular and gene therapy for the restoration and return of hearing and vestibular disorder is significant. The discovery of possible new treatments for the creation of new hair cells are important advances in science that will facilitate further studies towards biological treatment of inner ear diseases.