[Purpose] This study evaluated the effects of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation
of the soleus muscle on spinal cord and peripheral motor nerve excitability. [Subjects and
Methods] Twelve healthy adults (mean age 22 years) who provided written informed consent
were administered repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation for 10 min. Pre-and
post-stimulation latencies and amplitudes of H- and M-waves of the soleus muscle were
measured using electromyography and compared using paired t-tests. [Results] Pre- and
post-stimulation latencies (28.3 ± 3.3 vs. 29.1 ± 1.3 ms, respectively) and amplitudes
(35.8 ± 1.3 vs. 35.8 ± 1.1 mV, respectively) of H-waves were similar. Pre-stimulation
latencies of M-waves were significantly higher than post-stimulation latencies (6.1 ± 2.2
vs. 5.0 ± 0.9 ms, respectively), although pre- and post-stimulation amplitudes were
similar (12.2 ± 1.4 vs. 12.2 ± 1.3 mV, respectively). Motor neuron excitability, based on
the excitability of motor nerves and peripheral nerve action, was increased by M-waves
following magnetic stimulation. [Conclusion] The lack of effect of magnetic stimulation on
the amplitude and latency of the H-reflex suggests that magnetic stimulation did not
activate sensory nerve synapses of α motor neurons in the spinal cord. However, because
motor nerves were stimulated together with sensory nerves, the increased H-wave amplitude
may have reflected changes in peripheral rather than in α motor nerves.
The aim of this study was to clarify and compare the efficacies of rehabilitation using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS), a form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), in convalescing stroke and Parkinson's disease patients. For both types of stimuli, kinetic analysis and performance analysis of upper limb motor paralysis and gait analysis showed an increase in speed of movement, and an improvement in performance was observed. Both stimuli resulted in significant improvement compared with a sham stimulus. Change in speed of movement and performance was observed with both tDCS and cTBS, but there was not a significantly large difference between the stimuli. Improved movement due to reduction of excessive tension caused by spasticity was observed. In patients with Parkinson's disease, gait speed and step length were increased. It is suggested that performance was improved because movement became smoother. The efficacy of tDCS and cTBS in patients with motor disorders caused by stroke or Parkinson's disease will probably be further improved when combined with physical therapy.
[Purpose] To investigate the effects of pelvic tilt on trunk function and on change in sitting pressure during a side reach test performed by healthy subjects. [Subjects and Methods] Trunk range of motion, muscle strength and sitting pressure of 19 right-handed healthy subjects (mean age: 20.2 years) sitting upright were measured during left and right side reach tests with the pelvis in the neutral and posterior positions. The relationship of trunk function and sitting pressure in the different pelvic tilt positions was analyzed.[Results] Side reach distance was significantly shorter with posterior pelvic tilt than in the neutral position. Particularly during the right side reach test, the left trunk muscle strength correlated with shift in the center of gravity in the frontal plane.[Conclusion] Pelvic position may affect side reach distance. The distance is related to trunk side flexion muscle strength, which is a factor in sideward shift in the center of gravity.
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