Effects of platelet-rich plasma combined with isometric quadriceps contraction on cartilage in a rat model of knee osteoarthritis.

Background: Intra-articular injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or isometric contraction of quadriceps (ICQ) has shown positive effects in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, the synergistic effect of combining PRP and ICQ intervention (joint intervention) on cartilage repair has not been validated. Thus, this study aimed to explore the reparative effects of joint intervention on cartilage in a KOA rat model. Methods: Fifty-four 2-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the control group (CG, n = 6) and model group (injected with sodium iodoacetate, n = 48). After 1 week, six rats from the model group were randomly selected for validation. The remaining 42 rats were further divided into seven groups: PRP group (PRPG), ICQ group (ICQG), joint intervention group (JIG), normal saline group (NSG), acupuncture group (AG), normal saline and acupuncture group (NSAG) and model blank group (MBG). The intervention lasted for 4 weeks, with PRPG and JIG receiving PRP injections (twice) and ICQG and JIG undergoing ICQ (five times per week, 15 min each session). Results: Histological staining with haematoxylin and eosin as well as transmission electron microscopy revealed severe cartilage damage in MBG, AG, NSAG and NSG, followed by PRPG and ICQG. JIG exhibited a more intact cartilage structure. Compared with JIG, the Mankin scores increased remarkably in PRPG, ICQG, AG, NSAG and NSG (P < 0.01). Relative mRNA expression levels showed the upregulation of IL-1ß in ICQG, NSAG and NSG compared with JIG (P < 0.05) and the upregulation of IL-6, IL-18 and MMP-13 in AG and NSAG (P < 0.05). Compared with PRPG, IL-1ß and IL-6 were upregulated in ICQG, AG, NSAG and NSG (P < 0.05). In addition, IL-18 was upregulated in AG (P < 0.01), and IL-18, MMP-13 and TNF-α were upregulated in NSAG (P < 0.05). Compared with ICQG, IL-1ß, IL-18, MMP-13 and TNF-α were upregulated in NSAG (P < 0.05), and IL-1ß and IL-18 were upregulated in AG (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The combination of PRP and ICQ can alleviate inflammatory responses in cartilage, promote chondrocyte regeneration and facilitate matrix tissue repair. Compared with single interventions, a synergistic effect is observed.

Effects of combined resistance training and Tai Chi on oxidative stress, blood glucose and lipid metabolism and quality of life in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This study examined the effects of resistance training (RT), Tai Chi (TC) and combination intervention (RT & TC) on the oxidative stress, blood glucose and lipid metabolism and quality of life of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Ninety-four elderly patients with T2DM were randomly divided into an RT group (RTG, n = 23), TC group (TCG, n = 24), combination intervention group (CIG, n = 24) and control group (CG, n = 23). All participants were given nutrition and medication. On this basis, RTG, TCG and CIG were administered for 24 weeks (3 times/week, 40 minutes/time). Observation indicators were malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and diabetes specific quality of life (DSQL). RT, TC and joint intervention can reduce the oxidative stress damage on elderly patients with T2DM to different degrees, control the levels of blood sugar and blood lipid and improve the quality of life. Compared with single intervention, combination intervention can further reduce the level of oxidative stress but has no additional benefits on blood glucose and lipid control and quality of life.

Effects of three-duration Tai-Chi exercises on depression and sleep quality in older women.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the effects of 24 weeks of three-duration Tai-Chi (TC) practice on depression and sleep quality in older women. METHODS: A total of 124 older women were randomly divided into four groups: short-time group (SG, n = 31, mean age: 65.3), medium-time group (MG, n = 30, mean age: 65.7), long-time group (LG, n = 32, mean age: 64.9) and control group (CG, n = 31, mean age: 66.2). The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were measured. RESULTS: 1) Within-group comparisons: Compared with the baseline, the 12th and 24th weeks showed reductions in TNF-α and IL-6 levels and increase in 5-HT level in the SG, MG and LG (p < 0.05). The LG at the 24th week had reduced BDI and PSQI scores (p < 0.05). Compared with the 12th week, the 24th week showed reductions in TNF-α and IL-6 levels (p < 0.01) and increase in 5-HT level (p < 0.05) in the SG, MG, and LG. 2) Between-group comparisons: The SG, MG, and LG had lower TNF-α and IL-6 levels and higher 5-HT level than the CG at 12th and 24th weeks (p < 0.05). At the 24th week, the LG had lower BDI and PSQI scores than the CG and lower TNF-α level than the SG and MG (p < 0.05). The MG had lower TNF-α levels than the SG in the 24th week (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that older individuals may undertake at least 12 weeks of TC exercise with a duration of 60 min per session to significantly improve depressive mood and sleep quality.

Effect of strength training with additional acupuncture on balance, ankle sensation, and isokinetic muscle strength in chronic ankle instability among college students.

Purpose: The effects of the combination of strength training and acupuncture on chronic ankle instability have not been studied. This study examined effects of strength training combined with acupuncture on balance ability, ankle motion perception, and muscle strength in chronic ankle instability among college students. Methods: Forty-six chronic ankle instability college students were randomly categorized into the experimental group (n = 24, strength training + acupuncture) and the control group (n = 22, strength training) for an 8-week intervention. Results: For the results at 8 weeks, compared with the baseline, in the experimental group, the chronic Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) score, ankle dorsiflexion, plantar flex, eversion peak torque (60°/s), and plantar flex peak torque (180°/s) increased by 13.7%, 39.4%, 13.7%, 14.2%, and 12.3%, respectively. Dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion, and eversion kinesthetic sensation test angles decreased by 17.4%, 20.6%, 15.0%, and 17.2%, respectively. Anterior-posterior and medial-lateral displacement, and anterior-posterior and medial-lateral velocity decreased by 28.9%, 31.6%, 33.3%, and 12.4%, respectively. Anterior-posterior and medial-lateral displacement, and anterior-posterior and medial-lateral mean velocity decreased by 28.9%, 31.6%, 33.3%, and 12.4%, respectively. In the control group, the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool score and the ankle dorsiflexion peak torque (60°/s) increased by 13.8% and 17.9%, respectively. The inversion kinesthetic sensation test angle decreased by 15.2%, whereas anterior-posterior and medial-lateral displacement, and anterior-posterior and medial-lateral mean velocity decreased by 17.1%, 29.4%, 12.3%, and 16.8%, respectively. 2) For the comparison between the groups after 8 weeks, the values of ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flex peak torque (60°/s) in the experimental group were greater than those in the control group. The values of ankle plantar flex kinesthetic sensation test angle, the anterior-posterior displacement, and anterior-posterior mean velocity in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group. Conclusion: Acupuncture treatment in conjunction with muscle strength training can further improve the balance ability of anterior-posterior, ankle dorsiflexion, and plantar flex strength and plantar flex motion perception in chronic ankle instability participants.

Cross-sectional study of depression tendency and sleep quality in 1352 people practicing Tai Chi.

This cross-sectional study aimed to analyse the relationship between Tai Chi exercise habits and depression tendency and sleep quality in people practicing Tai Chi in Chengdu, China. A total of 1352 Tai Chi practitioners aged 50-79 years old were divided into six groups according to age and gender for Tai Chi exercise habits, depression tendency and sleep quality. The frequency of weekly Tai Chi practice and duration of single Tai Chi practice have a significant positive correlation with the exercise years. For female subjects who had long-term Tai Chi exercise, depression decreased with the duration and weekly frequency of a single exercise. Tai Chi exercise habits reduced sleep disturbance scores (in the male group aged 60-69 years old, exercise years, r = -0.242, p = 0.004) and sleep duration (in the male and female group aged 70-79 years old, duration of single Tai Chi practice, r = -0.334, p = 0.035; r = -0.235, p = 0.029), suggesting that long-term Tai Chi exercise may reduce the trend of poor sleep quality due to increased ageing.

Effects of Tai Chi and brisk walking on the bone mineral density of perimenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: There is a lack of information on whether the positive effect of Tai Chi (TC) and brisk walking (BW) exercise on bone mineral density (BMD) in perimenopausal women remains after exercise cessation. To compare the effects of regular TC and BW exercise on BMD in perimenopausal women and to analyze the maintenance effects after exercise cessation. Methods: The TC and BW groups performed 48 weeks of exercise. The BMD of the lumbar spine and dominant-side proximal femur was measured in all subjects at weeks 0, 48, 52, and 56. Results: Compared with baseline, the BMD of the lumbar spine (L2-4) at week 48 increased by 5.05% (P = 0.031) in the TC group, and the BMD of the femoral neck at week 48 increased by 8.23% (P = 0.031) in the BW group. At 4 and 8 weeks after exercise cessation, the BMD of L2-4 in the TC group was still increased by 5.05% (P = 0.041) and 5.05% (P = 0.023), respectively, and the BMD of the femoral neck was still increased by 8.23% (P = 0.018) and 9.41% (P = 0.007), respectively, in the BW group. Conclusion: Forty-eight weeks of TC exercise significantly increases the BMD of L2-4 in perimenopausal women, and BW exercise significantly increases the BMD of the femoral neck; these effects are maintained at 4 and 8 weeks after exercise cessation. These results suggest that these two exercises reduce the BMD decrease caused by aging.

Effect of Tai Chi on depression symptoms and sleep quality among older adult women after exercise cessation.

This study investigated the effects of Tai Chi exercise on the psychological health and sleep quality of older adult women after exercise cessation. Nineteen Tai Chi practitioners and 20 controls completed the final tests. All participants completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at 0, 24 and 28 weeks (4 weeks after Tai Chi cessation). Compared with baseline, the fatigue, depression, total mood disturbance and PSQI scores in the Tai Chi group decreased at week 24 by 18.8%, 24.7%, 5.7% and 24.6%, and the vigour score increased by 18.3%. At week 28, depression and PSQI scores in the Tai Chi group decreased by 24.0% and 20.4%, respectively. Practicing Tai Chi for 24 weeks positively affected fatigue, depression, vigour and sleep quality among older adult women. The effect on reducing depression and improving sleep quality was sustained 4 weeks after Tai Chi was stopped.

Effects of whole-body vibration training with the same amplitude and different frequencies on the proximal femoral bone density in elderly women.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the whole-body vibration training with the same amplitude and different vibration frequencies was used to compare the difference in bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal femurs in elderly women. METHODS: This study included three age-, height-, and weight-matched groups; the medium-frequency group (N.=19) received 24 weeks of whole-body vibration training with a vibration frequency of 20 Hz; the high-frequency group (N.=18) received 24 weeks of whole-body vibration training with a vibration frequency of 40 Hz; and the control group (N.=19) received no intervention. Changes in the BMD of the proximal femur on the dominant side in the three groups were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: According to the between-group comparison, the BMD of the greater trochanter and Ward's triangle in the middle-frequency group increased by 7.6% and 13.3%, respectively (P<0.05), while the BMD of the greater trochanter and Ward's triangle in the high-frequency group increased by 10.6% and 16.9%, respectively (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in BMD between the medium-frequency group and the high-frequency group at 24 weeks (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Whole-body vibration training with a frequency of 20 Hz and 40 Hz improved the BMD of the proximal femurs in elderly women to varying degrees but had no significant effect on femoral neck BMD. Under the same amplitude conditions, an increase in vibration frequency did not cause further changes in BMD.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for isokinetic muscle strength around the knee joint in athletes with patellar tendinopathy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of 16 weeks of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in athletes with patellar tendinopathy. METHODS: Athletes with patellar tendinopathy were matched for age, height and body weight and assigned to the experimental group (N.=26) or control group (N.=25). Subjects in the experimental group received 16 rounds (once per week) of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (2000 single shocks; strength, 1.5 to 3.0 bar; shock frequency, 9 to 12 Hz). Subjects in the control group received physical treatments, such as acupuncture, ultrasonic wave, and microwave therapy. RESULTS: After 16 weeks, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Score in the experimental group was reduced by 69.4% (P<0.01) compared with that at 0 weeks. Knee joint 60°/s and 240°/s peak torques were increased by 17.2% (P<0.01) and 7.2% (P<0.05), respectively, and extensor endurance by 17.4% (P<0.05). VAS Score in the control group was reduced by 16.9% (P<0.01) at 16 weeks compared with 0 weeks, and the knee joint 60°/s peak torque was increased by 8.2% (P<0.05). For between-groups comparisons, the VAS Score in the experimental group was reduced by 62.7% (P<0.01); whereas knee joint 60°/s and 240°/s peak torques increased by 8.8% and 5.8%, respectively, and extensor endurance by 12.5% (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between male and female subjects (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy has a positive effect on patellar tendinopathy in athletes, with no gender differences in therapeutic effect. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy may be used to alleviate pain and improve knee joint extensor strength and endurance.

Effects of different periods of Tai Chi exercise on the kinesthesia of the lower limb joints of elderly women.

This study investigated the effects of different periods of Tai Chi exercise on knee and ankle joint kinesthesia. A total of 20 Tai Chi practitioners and 19 controls completed the final test. Customized devices were used to measure the kinesthesia of the knee and ankle joints at the start, after 24 weeks and after 48 weeks of the intervention. Results showed that the 24-week Tai Chi intervention considerably improved the kinesthesia of the knee flexion and extension and ankle dorsiflexion. The 48-week Tai Chi intervention improved the kinesthesia towards knee flexion and extension, ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. Moreover, the 48-week Tai Chi intervention had better kinesthesia towards knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion compared with the 24-week Tai Chi intervention. Our results suggest that long-term (48 weeks versus 24 weeks) Tai Chi exercise benefits the knee and ankle kinesthesia of elderly women.

Effect of 1-year regular Tai Chi on neuromuscular reaction in elderly women: a randomized controlled study.

This study assessed the effect of 1-year regular Tai Chi (TC) on neuromuscular reaction in elderly women. A total of 41 elderly women (55 years-68 years) completed the study. The TC group (n = 21) performed the 24-form TC, while the control group (C, n = 20) was instructed to read newspapers or watch television when the TC group practised. Electromyogram measurements were conducted before and after intervention. After a year-long intervention, the post-test results of between-group neuromuscular reaction time showed significant differences in the rectus femoris (t = 3.607, p = 0.001), semitendinosus (t = 2.678, p = 0.011), anterior tibialis (t = 3.455, p = 0.001), and gastrocnemius muscles (t = 4.061, p = 0.000). Within-group results showed that the TC group had significantly shorter neuromuscular reaction time compared to its baseline value in the rectus femoris (t = 3.066, p = 0.006), semitendinosus (t = 2.485, p = 0.022), anterior tibialis (t = 2.311, p = 0.032), and gastrocnemius muscles (t = 2.462, p = 0.023). Results suggested that year-long regular TC can improve neuromuscular reaction function in elderly women.

Effects of 24-week Tai Chi exercise on the knee and ankle proprioception of older women.

This study examined the effects of regular Tai Chi (TC) exercise on the kinaesthesia of the knee and ankle joints of older women. A total of 43 women aged 55-68 years participated in this study. In a 24-week study period, the TC group (n = 22) underwent an organized TC exercise, whereas the control group (n = 21) maintained a sedentary lifestyle. Customized instruments were used to measure the threshold for the detection of the passive motion of the knee and ankle joints. After 24 weeks, the TC group showed a significantly smaller threshold for the detection of passive motion of knee extension (31.4%, p = 0.009), knee flexion (27.0%, p = 0.044), and ankle dorsal flexion (28.9%, p = 0.014) than the control group. Other comparisons showed no significant differences. The 24-week TC exercise benefited the lower-limb kinaesthesia of the knee joint flexion and extension and ankle dorsal flexion.

Effects of 24 weeks of Tai Chi Exercise on Postural Control among Elderly Women.

This study examined the effects of 24 weeks of Tai Chi Quan on the postural control of elderly women. A total of 43 women aged 55-68 years participated in the study. A Tai Chi group (n = 22) underwent an organized Tai Chi exercise, whereas the control group (n = 21) maintained a habitual, no-regular-exercise lifestyle. A Good Balance tester (Metitur, Finland) was used to measure the time, paths and velocity of the center of pressure (COP) of subjects during stance while shifting COP to targeted positions shown on a monitor. After 24 weeks, the Tai Chi group showed significantly shorter total (18.6%, p = 0.005), mediolateral (21.9%, p = 0.002) and anteroposterior (18.3%, p = 0.002) COP sway paths than the control group. The results indicate that 24 weeks of the Tai Chi exercise improved the efficiency of postural control for elderly women.