Effects of Tai Chi on the neuromuscular function of the patients with functional ankle instability: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Ankle instability limits physical activities and undermines a person's quality of life. Tai Chi's health benefits have been reported in different population groups. However, the effects of Tai Chi on neuromuscular function among young adults with functional ankle instability (FAI) remain unclear. Therefore, we aim to investigate the effect of Tai Chi on young adults with FAI. METHODS: This study will be conducted as a randomized controlled trial with blinded assessors. A total of 104 young adults with FAI will be recruited and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The participants in the simplified Tai Chi exercise program (STCEP) group will receive a 12-week Tai Chi training. The participants in the control group will receive a low-intensity exercise program and health education for 12 weeks. The primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks. Primary outcome measures will include the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) score, kinematics/kinetics data, electromyography during single-leg landing tasks, and the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT). Secondary outcome measures will include the total time of Dynamic Leap and Balance Test (DLBT), ankle muscle strength, and ankle proprioception. DISCUSSION: This study will investigate the effects of Tai Chi exercise on the neuromuscular function of patients with FAI, as indicated by ankle joint biomechanics, ankle proprioception, balance, ankle muscle strength, and ankle muscle activation. Results will demonstrate that Tai Chi can be an effective exercise for young adults with FAI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100044089 . Registered on 10 March 2021.

Nonsurgical spinal decompression system traction combined with electroacupuncture in the treatment of multi-segmental cervical disc herniation: A case report.

RATIONALE: With the spread of computers and mobile phones, cervical spondylosis has become a common occupational disease in clinics, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. We used a nonsurgical spinal decompression system (SDS) combined with physical therapy electroacupuncture (EA) to treat a case of mixed cervical spondylosis caused by multi-level cervical disc herniation, and we achieved satisfactory results. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 44-year-old Caucasian Asian woman presented with neck pain and numbness on the left side of the limb. MRI showed the patient's C3-C7 segment cervical disc herniation, and the flexion arch of the cervical spine was reversed. DIAGNOSIS: The patient was diagnosed with a mixed cervical spondylosis. INTERVENTIONS: The patient received a month of physical therapy (SDS traction combined with EA). OUTCOMES: Before and after treatment: VAS score of neck pain decreased from 8 to 0; Cervical spine mobility returned to normal; The grip strength of left hand increased from 7.5 kg to 19.2 kg; Cervical curvature index changed from -16.04% to -3.50%; the physiological curvature of the cervical spine was significantly restored. There was no dizziness or neck discomfort at 6 month and 1 year follow-up. LESSONS SUBSETIONS: SDS traction combined with EA is effective for the treatment of cervical disc herniation and can help restore and rebuild the biomechanical balance of the cervical spine.

Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on body stability among the elderly during stair descent under different levels of illumination.

The elderly are prone to stair descent falls under low illumination. Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese conditioning exercise, has been proved to improve body stability by altering body condition, gait, and proprioception. This study investigates whether Tai Chi exercise could improve body stability during stair descent under high and low illumination. Three groups of elderly women who practice Tai Chi, brisk walking, and no exercise were included. They descended from a simulated staircase. Tai Chi participants decreased horizontal velocity, centre of mass (COM) sway, and increased foot clearance compared with other participants, these movements could increase body stability; Compared with under high illumination, Tai Chi participants decreased horizontal velocity, loading rate, braking impulse, and increased inclination angle, COM sway, centre of pressure displacement under low illumination. Tai Chi participants were more sensitive to the difference in illumination, and took corresponding strategies to stabilize their bodies during stair descent.

Apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation of cancer cells induced by cordycepin.

Cordycepin, a 3-deoxyadenosine, is the predominant functional component of the fungus Cordyceps militaris, a traditional Chinese medicine. Previous studies investigating the inhibition of cancer cells by cordycepin identified that it not only promotes cell apoptosis, but also controls cell proliferation. Furthermore, studies have elucidated the molecular mechanisms of inhibiting cell proliferation by cordycepin binding the A3 adenosine receptor, activating G protein, inhibiting cAMP formation, decreasing glycogen synthase kinase-3ß/ß-catenin activation and suppressing cyclin D1 and c-myc expression. The most significant signaling pathway in which cell apoptosis is induced by cordycepin is the caspase pathway. Cordycepin induces cell apoptosis via binding the DR3 receptor and consequently activating caspase-8/-3. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that cordycepin may be used as a natural medicine, as it can not only control tumor cell proliferation, but also induce cancer cell apoptosis.