Tmc proteins are essential for zebrafish hearing where Tmc1 is not obligatory.

Perception of sound is initiated by mechanically gated ion channels at the tips of stereocilia. Mature mammalian auditory hair cells require transmembrane channel-like 1 (TMC1) for mechanotransduction, and mutations of the cognate genetic sequences result in dominant or recessive heritable deafness forms in humans and mice. In contrast, zebrafish lateral line hair cells, which detect water motion, require Tmc2a and Tmc2b. Here, we use standard and multiplex genome editing in conjunction with functional and behavioral assays to determine the reliance of zebrafish hearing and vestibular organs on Tmc proteins. Surprisingly, our approach using multiple mutant alleles demonstrates that hearing in zebrafish is not dependent on Tmc1, nor is it fully dependent on Tmc2a and Tmc2b. Hearing however is absent in triple-mutant zebrafish that lack Tmc1, Tmc2a and Tmc2b. These outcomes reveal a striking resemblance of Tmc protein reliance in the vestibular sensory epithelia of mammals to the maculae of zebrafish. Moreover, our findings disclose a logic of Tmc use where hearing depends on a complement of Tmc proteins beyond those employed to sense water motion.

Ribeye protein is intrinsically dynamic but is stabilized in the context of the ribbon synapse.

KEY POINTS: The synaptic ribbon is an organelle that coordinates rapid and sustained vesicle release to enable hearing and balance. Ribeye a and b proteins are major constituents of the synaptic ribbon in hair cells. In this study, we use optically clear transgenic zebrafish to examine the potential dynamics of ribeye proteins in vivo. We demonstrate that ribeye proteins are inherently dynamic but are stabilized at the ribbons of hair cells in the ear and the lateral line system. ABSTRACT: Ribeye protein is a major constituent of the synaptic ribbon, an organelle that coordinates rapid and sustained vesicle release to enable hearing and balance. The ribbon is considered to be a stable structure. However, under certain physiological conditions such as acoustic overexposure that results in temporary noise-induced hearing loss or perturbations of ion channels, ribbons may change shape or vanish altogether, suggesting greater plasticity than previously appreciated. The dynamic properties of ribeye proteins are unknown. Here we use transgenesis and imaging to explore the behaviours of ribeye proteins within the ribbon and also their intrinsic properties outside the context of the ribbon synapse in a control cell type, the skin cell. By fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) on transgenic zebrafish larvae, we test whether ribeye proteins are dynamic in vivo in real time. In the skin, a cell type devoid of synaptic contacts, Ribeye a-mCherry exchanges with ribbon-like structures on a time scale of minutes (t1/2  = 3.2 min). In contrast, Ribeye a of the ear and lateral line and Ribeye b of the lateral line each exchange at ribbons of hair cells an order of magnitude slower (t1/2 of 125.6 min, 107.0 min and 95.3 min, respectively) than Ribeye a of the skin. These basal exchange rates suggest that long-term ribbon presence may require ribeye renewal. Our studies demonstrate that ribeye proteins are inherently dynamic but are stabilized at the ribbons of sensory cells in vivo.

Zebrafish Models for the Mechanosensory Hair Cell Dysfunction in Usher Syndrome 3 Reveal That Clarin-1 Is an Essential Hair Bundle Protein.

Usher syndrome type III (USH3) is characterized by progressive loss of hearing and vision, and varying degrees of vestibular dysfunction. It is caused by mutations that affect the human clarin-1 protein (hCLRN1), a member of the tetraspanin protein family. The missense mutation CLRN1(N48K), which affects a conserved N-glycosylation site in hCLRN1, is a common causative USH3 mutation among Ashkenazi Jews. The affected individuals hear at birth but lose that function over time. Here, we developed an animal model system using zebrafish transgenesis and gene targeting to provide an explanation for this phenotype. Immunolabeling demonstrated that Clrn1 localized to the hair cell bundles (hair bundles). The clrn1 mutants generated by zinc finger nucleases displayed aberrant hair bundle morphology with diminished function. Two transgenic zebrafish that express either hCLRN1 or hCLRN1(N48K) in hair cells were produced to examine the subcellular localization patterns of wild-type and mutant human proteins. hCLRN1 localized to the hair bundles similarly to zebrafish Clrn1; in contrast, hCLRN1(N48K) largely mislocalized to the cell body with a small amount reaching the hair bundle. We propose that this small amount of hCLRN1(N48K) in the hair bundle provides clarin-1-mediated function during the early stages of life; however, the presence of hCLRN1(N48K) in the hair bundle diminishes over time because of intracellular degradation of the mutant protein, leading to progressive loss of hair bundle integrity and hair cell function. These findings and genetic tools provide an understanding and path forward to identify therapies to mitigate hearing loss linked to the CLRN1 mutation. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Mutations in the clarin-1 gene affect eye and ear function in humans. Individuals with the CLRN1(N48K) mutation are born able to hear but lose that function over time. Here, we develop an animal model system using zebrafish transgenesis and gene targeting to provide an explanation for this phenotype. This approach illuminates the role of clarin-1 and the molecular mechanism linked to the CLRN1(N48K) mutation in sensory hair cells of the inner ear. Additionally, the investigation provided an in vivo model to guide future drug discovery to rescue the hCLRN1(N48K) in hair cells.

ACF7 is a hair-bundle antecedent, positioned to integrate cuticular plate actin and somatic tubulin.

The precise morphology of the mechanosensitive hair bundle requires seamless integration of actin and microtubule networks. Here, we identify Acf7a (actin crosslinking family protein 7a) as a protein positioned to bridge these distinct cytoskeletal networks in hair cells. By imaging Acf7a-Citrine fusion protein in zebrafish and immunolabeling of vestibular and cochlear mouse hair cells, we show that Acf7a and ACF7 circumscribe, underlie, and are interwoven into the cuticular plate (CP), and they also encircle the basal body of the kinocilium. In cochlear hair cells, ACF7 localization is graded, with the highest concentration near each fonticulus--an area free of F-actin in the region of the CP that contains the basal body. During hair-cell development and regeneration, Acf7a precedes formation of the hair bundle and CP. Finally, electron tomography demonstrates that the ends of microtubules insert into the CP and are decorated with filamentous linkers connecting microtubules to the CP. These observations are consistent with ACF7 being a linker protein, which may shape the cytoskeleton of the hair cell early during hair-bundle genesis.

Balance training using an interactive game to enhance the use of the affected side after stroke.

[Purpose] Stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases are major causes of adult mobility problems. Because stroke immobilizes the affected body part, balance training uses the healthy body part to complete the target movement. The muscle utilization rate on the stroke affected side is often reduced which further hinders affected side functional recovery in rehabilitation. [Subjects and Methods] This study tested a newly-developed interactive device with two force plates to measuring right and left side centers of pressure, to establish its efficacy in the improvement of the static standing ability of patients with hemiplegia. An interactive virtual reality game with different side reaction ratios was used to improve patient balance. The feasibility of the proposed approach was experimentally demonstrated. [Results] Although the non-affected-side is usually used to support the body weight in the standing position, under certain circumstances the patients could switch to using the affected side. A dramatic improvement in static standing balance control was achieved in the eyes open condition. [Conclusion] The proposed dual force plate technique used in this study separately measured the affected and non-affected-side centers of pressure. Based on this approach, different side ratio integration was achieved using an interactive game that helped stroke patients improve balance on the affected side. Only the patient who had suffered stroke relatively recently benefited significantly. The proposed technique is of little benefit for patients whose mobility has stagnated to a certain level.

Frowning and jaw clenching muscle activity reflects the perception of effort during incremental workload cycling.

The present study aimed to investigate whether facial electromyography (EMG) recordings reflect the perception of effort and primary active lower limb muscle activity during incremental workload cycling. The effects of exercise intensity on EMG activity of the corrugator supercilii (CS), masseter and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles, heart rate (HR) and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were investigated, and the correlations among these parameters were determined. Eighteen males and 15 females performed continuous incremental workload cycling exercise until exhaustion. CS, masseter and VL muscle activities were continuously recorded using EMG during exercise. HR was also continuously monitored during the test. During the final 30 s of each stage of cycle ergometer exercise, participants were asked to report their feeling of exertion on the adult OMNI-Cycle RPE. HR and EMG activity of the facial muscles and the primary active lower limb muscle were strongly correlated with RPE; they increased with power output. Furthermore, facial muscle activity increased significantly during high-intensity exercise. Masseter muscle activity was strongly and positively correlated with HR, RPE and VL activity. The present investigation supports the view that facial EMG activity reflects the perception of effort. The jaw clenching facial expression can be considered an important factor for improving the reporting of perceived effort during high-intensity exercise in males and females. Key pointsFrowning and jaw clenching muscle activity reflects the perception of effort during incremental workload cycling.EMG activity of the masseter muscle was strongly and positively correlated with RPE, HR and lower limb EMG activity during incremental workload cycling.The jaw clenching facial expression can be considered an important factor for estimating the intensity of effort.

Cross-modal sensory integration of visual-tactile motion information: instrument design and human psychophysics.

Information obtained from multiple sensory modalities, such as vision and touch, is integrated to yield a holistic percept. As a haptic approach usually involves cross-modal sensory experiences, it is necessary to develop an apparatus that can characterize how a biological system integrates visual-tactile sensory information as well as how a robotic device infers object information emanating from both vision and touch. In the present study, we develop a novel visual-tactile cross-modal integration stimulator that consists of an LED panel to present visual stimuli and a tactile stimulator with three degrees of freedom that can present tactile motion stimuli with arbitrary motion direction, speed, and indentation depth in the skin. The apparatus can present cross-modal stimuli in which the spatial locations of visual and tactile stimulations are perfectly aligned. We presented visual-tactile stimuli in which the visual and tactile directions were either congruent or incongruent, and human observers reported the perceived visual direction of motion. Results showed that perceived direction of visual motion can be biased by the direction of tactile motion when visual signals are weakened. The results also showed that the visual-tactile motion integration follows the rule of temporal congruency of multi-modal inputs, a fundamental property known for cross-modal integration.

Two-year effects of an interdisciplinary intervention on recovery following hip fracture in older Taiwanese with cognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVE: This article aims to evaluate the long-term effects of an interdisciplinary intervention program on cognitively impaired older persons after hip fracture in Taiwan. METHODS: Of 160 subjects randomly assigned to control (n = 81) and intervention (n = 79) groups, 24 (29.6%) and 27 (34.2%) were cognitively impaired in the control and intervention groups, respectively, and outcomes were followed for 2 years after discharge. RESULTS: Among cognitively impaired subjects, more in the intervention group recovered their previous walking ability (odds ratio [OR] =3.49; confidence interval [CI] = 1.64 to 7.42), activities of daily life performance (ß = 18.59; p = 0.0002), and more were readmitted to the hospital (OR = 4.44, CI = 1.53 to 12.89) than those in the control group during the first 2 years following discharge. Among subjects without cognitive impairment, more in the intervention group recovered their previous walking ability (OR = 2.6; CI = 1.33 to 5.07), had fewer falls (OR = 0.47; CI = 0.25 to 0.86), and made fewer emergency room visits (OR = 0.33; CI = 0.11 to 0.97) during the first 2 years following discharge than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitively impaired individuals benefited from our interdisciplinary intervention by improving their walking ability and physical function during the first 2 years following discharge. Specific strategies on fall prevention following hip fracture need to be further developed for cognitively impaired individuals.

Immediate effects of ischemic compression on neck function in patients with cervicogenic cephalic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Cervicogenic cephalic syndrome (CCS), a group of diseases, consists of cervicogenic headache and dizziness. These symptoms may cause loss of physical function compared with other headache and dizziness disorders. The purpose of this case-control study was to assess the clinical effects of ischemic compression (IC) in patients with CCS. METHODS: Twenty-seven subjects with chronic neck pain (persisting for >3 months) and 26 healthy volunteers were examined. Subjects with organic lesion of the ear, nose, throat, eye, or central nervous system were excluded. The CCS group received IC over the maximal tender points of the origin of the posterior nuchal muscle. Sensory organization test (SOT) scores, cervical range of motion (ROM), and isometric strength of neck were measured before IC and after IC. RESULTS: The ROM of the cervical spine increased in all directions after IC (P < .0083) in the CCS group, and isometric strength in the CCS group rose in all directions after IC (P = .000). There was a significant difference in ankle strategy score under the sway-referenced vision and fixed support condition (P = .003) between the control group and CCS before IC. The ankle strategy score of the CCS group improved substantially after IC under eyes closed and sway-referenced support conditions (P = .003). The visual and vestibular ratios in the CCS group also increased after IC (P = .006 and P = .002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study showed that ROM of the cervical spine and isometric strength increased in all directions, and the SOT scores showed increased postural stability under conditions with swayed reference support after IC in the CCS group. The ratios for vestibular and visual function also increased after IC in the CCS group.

Roles of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential, and p53 in evodiamine-induced apoptosis and G2/M arrest of human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells.

BACKGROUND: Our previous studies have shown that evodiamine (EVO) as paclitaxel and nocodazole could trigger apoptosis in various human cancer cells including human renal cell carcinoma cells, colorectal carcinoma cells, and glioblastoma cells. This study aims to investigate the anti-cancer effects of EVO on human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) cells, and underlining mechanism. METHODS: Two different endogenous p53 status human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) cells including SW1736 (wtp53) and KAT4B (mutp53) were applied in the present study. The cytotoxicity of EVO on ATC cells was measured by MTT assay, and apoptosis and G2/M arrest were detected by propidium iodide (PI) staining followed by flow cytometry. Expression of indicated proteins was evaluated by Western blotting analysis, and pharmacological studies using chemical inhibitors and siRNA were performed for elucidating underlying mechanism. The roles of mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species were investigated by flow cytometry using DiOC6 and DCFH-DA dye, respectively. RESULTS: SW1736 (wtp53) cells showed a higher apoptotic percentage than KAT4B (mutp53) cells in response to EVO stimulation via a flow cytometric analysis. Mechanistic studies showed that increased p53 and its downstream proteins, and disrupted MMP with increased intracellular peroxide production participated in EVO-induced apoptosis and G2/M arrest of SW1736 cells. In EVO-treated KAT4B cells, significant increases in G2/M percentage but little apoptotic events by EVO was observed. Structure-activity analysis showed that an alkyl group at position 14 was critical for induction of apoptosis related to ROS production and MMP disruption in SW1736 cells. CONCLUSION: Evidence indicated that the endogenous p53 status affected the sensitivity of ATC cells to EVO-induced apoptosis and G2/M arrest, revealing the potential role of p53 related to increased ROS production and disrupted MMP in the anticancer actions of EVO, and alkylation at position 14 of EVO is a critical substitution for apoptosis of ATC cells.

Teaching the Concept of Computational Thinking: A STEM-Based Program With Tangible Robots on Project-Based Learning Courses.

The twenty-first century is arguably the century of computing. In such a world saturated by computing, Computational Thinking is now recognized as a foundational competency for being an informed citizen and being successful in STEM work. Nevertheless, how to effectively import different types of teaching methods in university courses (lecture based learning, project based learning) is subjected to further evaluation. Currently, the arguments in favor of tangible robots including high interaction, great practicality, and specific operation results make themselves to be often used as a teaching medium and tool for teaching activities between teachers and students. Hence, in addition to cultivating students with computational thinking ability, this paper discussed how to integrate tangible robots into project-based learning courses of thinking skills training to improve the learning performance of the computational thinking ability. This study conducted in one semester on the 105 students from three classes. Experimental results show that the project-based learning method integrated with the teaching material of robotic visual programs approach had significantly better effectiveness in improving students' learning achievements than the traditional teaching method integrated with paper practice teaching materials approach. Analysis of the questionnaire results showed that the proposed learning approach did not increase the students' cognitive burden. In sum, the proposed approach helps students' learning achievement and cognitive load.

In vivo volumetric imaging of calcium and glutamate activity at synapses with high spatiotemporal resolution.

Studying neuronal activity at synapses requires high spatiotemporal resolution. For high spatial resolution in vivo imaging at depth, adaptive optics (AO) is required to correct sample-induced aberrations. To improve temporal resolution, Bessel focus has been combined with two-photon fluorescence microscopy (2PFM) for fast volumetric imaging at subcellular lateral resolution. To achieve both high-spatial and high-temporal resolution at depth, we develop an efficient AO method that corrects the distorted wavefront of Bessel focus at the objective focal plane and recovers diffraction-limited imaging performance. Applying AO Bessel focus scanning 2PFM to volumetric imaging of zebrafish larval and mouse brains down to 500 µm depth, we demonstrate substantial improvements in the sensitivity and resolution of structural and functional measurements of synapses in vivo. This enables volumetric measurements of synaptic calcium and glutamate activity at high accuracy, including the simultaneous recording of glutamate activity of apical and basal dendritic spines in the mouse cortex.

Fast widefield imaging of neuronal structure and function with optical sectioning in vivo.

Optical microscopy, owing to its noninvasiveness and subcellular resolution, enables in vivo visualization of neuronal structure and function in the physiological context. Optical-sectioning structured illumination microscopy (OS-SIM) is a widefield fluorescence imaging technique that uses structured illumination patterns to encode in-focus structures and optically sections 3D samples. However, its application to in vivo imaging has been limited. In this study, we optimized OS-SIM for in vivo neural imaging. We modified OS-SIM reconstruction algorithms to improve signal-to-noise ratio and correct motion-induced artifacts in live samples. Incorporating an adaptive optics (AO) module to OS-SIM, we found that correcting sample-induced optical aberrations was essential for achieving accurate structural and functional characterizations in vivo. With AO OS-SIM, we demonstrated fast, high-resolution in vivo imaging with optical sectioning for structural imaging of mouse cortical neurons and zebrafish larval motor neurons, and functional imaging of quantal synaptic transmission at Drosophila larval neuromuscular junctions.

Assessment of donor-site morbidity using balance and gait tests after bilateral fibula osteoseptocutaneous free flap transfer.

The donor-site morbidity from harvesting unilateral free fibular osteoseptocutaneous flaps has been previously evaluated and is considered minimal. The purpose of this study was to investigate functional deficits after bilateral fibular osteoseptocutaneous flap harvest. Between 1990 and 2004, 7 consecutive patients undergoing mandible reconstruction utilizing bilateral autogenous free fibular osteoseptocutaneous flaps were included in the study. They were evaluated for the following subjective symptoms on the donor leg: pain, paresthesia, walking ability, restriction in activity, gait alteration, and aesthetic result. In addition, balance test and gait analysis were used to quantitatively assess functional outcomes. The results of this objective assessment were compared with those of 8 age-matched control subjects. Most patients had few subjective symptoms. The most common complaints were pain after prolonged walking (14%), slight difficulty in squatting (28%), and minimal paresthesia on 1 of the donor legs (14%). There were no significant differences in reaction time and movement velocity on either the balance test or gait analysis between the study and control groups (P > 0.05). However, there were significant differences with regard to right backward directional control, maximum stability with eye closing, sway referenced support, and ankle strategy (P < 0.05). Long-term follow-up revealed minimal donor-site morbidity after bilateral fibular osteoseptocutaneous free flap harvests. The functional deficits could only be found under the most unfavorable sensory feedback conditions.

Effectiveness of goosestep training or its modification on treating patellar malalignment syndrome: clinical, radiographic, and electromyographic studies.

INTRODUCTION: Imbalanced soft tissue tension between medial and lateral para-patellar structures is the most common pathogenic cause of patellar malalignment syndrome. Despite the fact that an effective technique has not been developed, this disorder is usually treated conservatively. This prospective study tried to identify an effective alternative treatment for patellar malalignment syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty female patients (age, 20-40 years) with bilateral patellar malalignment syndrome were randomly divided into two groups. Forty knees in 20 patients were treated with goosestep training without forcefully striking the ground, and 40 knees in other 20 patients were treated with goosestep training with forcefully striking the ground. RESULTS: After 1 month, significant clinical improvement was observed in 72.5% of all patients (P < 0.001). Congruence or lateral patellofemoral angles and VMO/VL (vastus medialis obliquus/vastus lateralis) ratio significantly improved within 1 or 3 months in both groups (P < 0.001 for each comparison). CONCLUSION: Goosestep training with or without forcefully striking the ground is a feasible method for treating patellar malalignment syndrome. The main advantages include its convenience, simplicity, lack of cost, and demonstrated effectiveness.

Interdisciplinary intervention for hip fracture in older Taiwanese: benefits last for 1 year.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the effects of interventions for elderly patients with hip fracture in Asian countries, particularly beyond the short term. METHODS: Outcomes (service utilization, clinical outcomes, self-care ability, and depressive symptoms) were assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge. Self-care ability (ability to perform activities of daily living [ADLs]), was measured by the Chinese Barthel Index. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Chinese Geriatric Depression Scale, short form. RESULTS: The experimental group (n = 80) had a significantly better ADL trajectory than the control group (n = 82) during the 1st year after discharge (p =.002). More participants in the experimental group than in the control group recovered their previous walking ability both at 6 months (81% vs 58%, respectively) and 12 months (84% vs 66%, respectively) after discharge. Overall, the odds ratio for the experimental group recovering their previous walking ability was 2.72 (p <.001) compared to the control group. The experimental group had significantly fewer depressive symptoms than the control group during the 1st year following discharge (p =.004). CONCLUSION: An interdisciplinary intervention for hip fracture with a discharge support component benefited elderly persons with hip fracture by improving both self-care ability and walking ability, and by decreasing depressive symptoms during the 1st year after hospital discharge.

Finite element analysis of plantar fascia under stretch-the relative contribution of windlass mechanism and Achilles tendon force.

Stretching plays an important role in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Information on the internal stresses/strains of the plantar fascia under stretch is useful in enhancing knowledge on the stretch mechanisms. Although direct measurement can monitor plantar fascia changes, it is invasive and gathers only localized information. The purpose of this paper was to construct a three-dimensional finite element model of the foot to calculate the stretch effects on plantar fascia and monitor its stress/strain distributions and concentrations. A three-dimensional foot model was developed and contained 26 bones with joint cartilages, 67 ligaments and a fan-like solid plantar fascia modeling. All tissues were idealized as linear elastic, homogeneous and isotropic whilst the plantar fascia was assigned as hyperelastic to represent its nonlinearity. The plantar fascia was monitored for its biomechanical responses under various stretch combinations: three toe dorsiflexion angles (windlass effect: 15 degrees , 30 degrees and 45 degrees ) and five Achilles tendon forces (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500N). Our results indicated that the plantar fascia strain increased as the dorsiflexion angles increased, and this phenomenon was enhanced by increasing Achilles tendon force. A stress concentration was found near the medial calcaneal tubercle, and the fascia stress was higher underneath the first foot ray and gradually decreased as it moved toward the fifth ray. The current model recreated the position of the foot when stretch is placed on the plantar fascia. The results provided a general insight into the mechanical and biomechanical aspects of the influences of windlass mechanism and Achilles tendon force on plantar fascia stress and strain distribution. These findings might have practical implications onto plantar fascia stretch approaches, and provide guidelines to its surgical release.

Effect of magnetic knee wrap on quadriceps strength in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of magnetic knee wrap on isokinetic quadriceps strength in patients with painful knee osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled and before-after trial. SETTING: Rehabilitation clinic in a tertiary hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Eligible patients (N=50) (mean age+/-SD, 66.0+/-8.6 y) with mild to moderate knee OA were recruited from the outpatient department and 37 (74%) completed the trial. Only 3 (6%) withdrew due to study-related adverse effects. INTERVENTIONS: Wearing the active (n=24) or sham (n=26) magnetic knee wrap for 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was isokinetic quadriceps strength. Secondary outcome measures included the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) Pain Scale. RESULTS: Using intention-to-treat analyses, the peak isokinetic quadriceps strength increased significantly in the treated leg at 30 degrees/s (P=.007) and 60 degrees/s (P=.022) after wearing the magnetic knee wrap. Compared with baseline, the median strength increase for the treated leg in the study group significantly exceeded that in the control group at week 4 (.05 Nm/kg vs -.09 Nm/kg at 60 degrees/s, P=.038) and week 12 (30 degrees/s, .09 Nm/kg vs .04 Nm/kg, P=.044; 60 degrees/s, .17 Nm/kg vs .02 Nm/kg, P=.031). The HAQ-DI and HAQ Pain Scales improved significantly in both groups. Compared with baseline, the improvement at week 12 in terms of the HAQ-DI in the study group significantly exceeded that in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic knee wrap may significantly facilitate isokinetic quadriceps strength in patients with mild to moderate knee OA.

Effect of Kinesio taping on muscle strength in athletes-a pilot study.

Muscle strength is a key component of an athlete's performance and may be influenced by taping. This study examined the possible immediate and delayed effects of Kinesio taping on muscle strength in quadriceps and hamstring when taping is applied to the anterior thigh of healthy young athletes. Fourteen healthy young athletes (seven males and seven females) free of knee problems were enrolled in this study. Muscle strength of the subject was assessed by the isokinetic dynamometer under three conditions: (1) without taping; (2) immediately after taping; (3) 12h after taping with the tape remaining in situ. The result revealed no significant difference in muscle power among the three conditions. Kinesio taping on the anterior thigh neither decreased nor increased muscle strength in healthy non-injured young athletes.

Eye-hand coordination of elderly people who practice Tai Chi Chuan.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of motor control from Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) on eye-hand coordination in the elderly. METHODS: Forty-two elderly people were recruited into this study. People in the TCC group (n = 22) had been practicing TCC regularly for more than 3 years. The control group (n = 20) comprised healthy and active elderly people. Subjects were asked to stroke target sensors in a test device with computer recording. There were three different target sensor sizes (1 cm, 1.5 cm and 2 cm in diameter) for different tests. For each target stroking, the following were recorded and calculated: start and end positions, duration of movement, pause time, peak velocity, and the time to reach peak velocity. RESULTS: The TCC group showed significantly better results in decrease of displacement (p = 0.003), movement time (p = 0.002), pause time (p < 0.001), number of submovements (p = 0.001), and better skewness coefficients (p < 0.001) than the control group. However, the difference in the peak velocity of the TCC and control groups did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: The elderly TCC group had better results on the eye-hand coordination test than the control elderly group.