Effects of Preoperative Isokinetic Eccentric Training and Whey Protein Isolate Supplement on Quadriceps Strength and Knee Function in Patients with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture.

Objective To explore the effect of preoperative isokinetic eccentric training with or not whey protein isolate supplement before operation on lower limb muscle strength and knee function in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Methods A total of 22 male volunteers aged 18-40 years with ACL rupture were recruited in outpatient service. With randomized block design,subjects were randomly assigned to isokinetic eccentric training (IE) group and isokinetic eccentric training with whey protein isolate supplement (IE+WPI) group. The IE group received isokinetic eccentric training of the injured limb on an isokinetic dynamometer under the guidance of physiatrist in laboratory before operation. There were 3-4 sets per day with 8-10 repetitions for each set,twice a week,with at least one day between sessions. The IE+WPI group were supplied with whey protein isolate 22 g per day on the basis of isokinetic eccentric training,taking breakfast or 30-60 minutes after the training. The intervention lasted for 6 weeks. Isokinetic muscle strength of limbs,the function and laxity of knee,the circumferences of thigh and knee,and the body composition were measured before and after the treatment. Results Compared with baseline,the peak torque (PT) of isokinetic-eccentric contraction (IE group:41.0%,P=0.018;IE+WPI group:46.7%,P=0.008) and the concentric contraction (IE group:29.6%,P=0.018;IE+WPI group:38.9%,P=0.038) of quadriceps in the two training groups significantly increased after isokinetic eccentric training. The Lysholm score increased significantly in IE+WPI group compared with baseline (P=0.018). Conclusions Isokinetic eccentric training before operation for ACL rupture patients can increase the strength of quadriceps and improve the function of knees. Protein isolate supplement can improve such effect.

[Selective innervation of sacral anterior rootlets to micturition and erection function in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the selective innervation of sacral anterior rootlets to micturition and erection function in SD rats. METHODS: Forty male SD rats of clean grade, aged 6 weeks old, were selected. Ten rats received a retrograde nerve tract tracing study. Thirty rats were chosen for an electro-physiological study. The L6, S1 spinal cord segment anterior rootlets of anesthetic rats were electrostimulated respectively. The intravesical pressure, urethral perfusion pressure and intracavernous pressure were recorded simultaneously and innervation effectiveness was analyzed. RESULTS: CB-HRP labeled neurons were observed mainly in L6 and S1 spinal cords. When some anterior rootlets of L6 and S1 were electrostimulated, the intravesical pressure rose gradually, but the urethral perfusion pressure and the intracavernous pressure curve changed slightly; when other rootlets of the same anterior root were stimulated, the urethral perfusion pressure could reach the peak; while others were stimulated, the intracavernous pressure rose quickly, but there were no great changes in intravesical pressure and urethral perfusion pressure. Some other rootlets might lead to the simultaneous changes of 2 or 3 above-mentioned pressures. CONCLUSION: The innervations of L6 and S1 anterior rootlets to rats' bladder detrusor, external urethral sphincter and penile cavernous body are significantly distinct. Different rootlets may be distinguished by microanatomy and electrostimulation.

[Effects of highly selective dorsal rootlets rhizotomy on bladder function and penis erection in SD rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the highly selective dorsal rhizotomy influence on bladder and penis erection function of SD rats. METHODS: Forty mature male SD rats of clean grades, with weight range of 300-350 g were selected. Ten rats were chosen to do electrophysiology study on dorsal rootlets of L6 and S1 segment. Changes in intravesical pressure (IVP) and intracavernous pressure (ICP) were investigated to define main segments which conducted to bladder and corpus cavernosum. Thirty rats were divided into two groups (A and B) on average at random. In group A, we made highly selective dorsal rhizotomy on the fascicle of conduction bladder detrusor muscle. In group B, we made highly selective dorsal rhizotomy on the fascicle of conduction corpus cavernosum. Changes of IVP and ICP after rhizotomy were investigated and recorded. RESULTS: The changes of IVP during electrostimulation were of no significant variation between L6 and S1 (P=0.972). With the changes of ICP during electrostimulation, S1 segment was of more significant variation than L6 segment, ΔICP of S1 was (13.05±8.41) cmH2O (1 cmH2O=0.098 kPa), while ΔICP of L6 was (6.88±2.76) cmH2O (P<0.01). There was no reasonable variation in IVP and ICP on the left and right dorsal rootlets of S1 segment (P was 0.623 and 0.828 respectively). In group A, there was significant variation in IVP, ΔIVP of before rhizotomy was (14.37±4.89) cmH2O, while after rhizotomy was (3.25±1.29) cmH2O (P<0.001) while no obvious variation in ICP (P=0.153) after highly selective rhizotomy on S1 dorsal rootlets. In group B, there was significant variation in ICP, ΔICP of before rhizotomy was (11.97±4.41) cmH2O, while after rhizotomy was (2.68±1.01) cmH2O (P<0.001), but no obvious variation in IVP (P=0.162) after highly selective rhizotomy on S1 dorsal rootlets. CONCLUSION: SD rats' different rootlets of S1 dorsal rootlets can be distinguished by microanatomy and electrostimulation. The IVP and ICP had distinct changes after highly selective dorsal rhizotomy. It could provide an experimental support to treat spastic bladder after spinal cord injury and retain at maximum reflexible erection function in the clinic.