Skin temperature was monitored during a graded exercise to verify whether trained individuals have different skin thermoregulation from untrained ones. Eighteen subjects (10 trained; 8 untrained) were studied recording thermal videos of their skin temperature during the exercise. Training level was assessed by maximal oxygen uptake measurements. Trained individuals have better skin thermal control than untrained.

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The mechanical behaviour of skeletal muscle is influenced by internal factors (e.g. re-use of elastic energy) and/or external conditions (e.g. floor compliance, shoe structure etc.). These factors have an effect on muscular work economy-this was investigated in the present study. Eight subjects were tested during three different series of jumps. Each series consisted of rhythmical vertical jumps performed at desired frequency and height for 1 min. The first (1) series was executed on the laboratory floor without rebound condition (subjects were asked to maintain 1 s period in an isometric condition before concentric work was performed), the second (II) and the third (III) series were performed in rebound conditions respectively on a laboratory floor (hard surface) and on a special panel possessing high compliance (a special foam rubber panel with stiffness of 14.4 kN/m). Expired air was collected during the test and recovery for determination of energy expenditure. Mechanical work was calculated from the vertical displacement of the body during the jumps. The results indicated that the net efficiency in the jumps without prestretch of the leg extensor muscles (series I) was the lowest (19.4%). In contrast, the net efficiency observed in rebound jumps (series II and III) was respectively 30.8% and 33.1%, demonstrating that the reuse of elastic energy (Wel) plays an important role for muscular work efficiency. However, the contribution of Wel to the total work performed was different p < 0.05, Student's t-test) in jumps on the special panel (41%) compared to the normal surface (37%), even if the total amount of stored elastic energy was the same in both conditions. The different efficiency observed between series II and III was attributed to the compliance of the surface on which the tests were executed. It was suggested that man could change his neuromuscular pattern to adapt muscular behaviour for matching the damped properties shown by the high compliance surface. Finally, the soft surface may favour a very low rate of running injuries.

Cervical dystonia is a syndrome characterized by anomalous postures and unintentional repetitive movements of the head and the neck. Aim of this study is to show the effectiveness of the combined treatment botulinum toxin-FKT through the use of a recent methodic of investigation, myoton, and of the classical clinical evaluations, such as Tsui and VASscales. 15 patients (9 females, 6 males) have been selected. During the initial visit and in the following controls, performed every month, patients have been submitted to physiatric examination, clinical evaluation of the dystonia through the Tsui scale, clinical evaluation of the pain through the VAS scale, myometric evaluation. We obtained statistically reduction of muscular tone's value in passive elongation (to=16,34±1,23) until 4 month (t4 =16,1l±1,23), when we performed a second infiltration. After 4 months from the second infiltration (t8=15,99±1,1l) value did not present more some statistical correlation and was necessary to perform a new infiltration. Values of elasticity, stiffness, Tsui and VASscale followed the same course ofthe tone. Our study demonstrates that combined treatment botulinum toxin-FKT is effective. It emerges that if to the treatment with botulinum toxin follows a suitable FKT treatment, the effect of the drug lasts 4 months and not 3 months as described by the literature. Our study has underlined that using myometric measurement we can consider least changes in muscular tone, elasticity and stiffness; we have a broader view of the spastic muscle, and we can better plan appropriate rehabilitative care for each patient.Cervical dystonia is a syndrome characterized by anomalous postures and unintentional repetitive movements of the head and the neck. It develops through:1. contemporary contraction of agonist and antagonists muscles; 2. reduction of the motor control inhibiting mechanisms; 3. alteration of the afferences from basal ganglia Pl. In relationship to the posture of the head and the neck four types of cervical dystonia are recognized: torticollis (head and neck are rotated in hourly sense or counterclockwise), 1aterocollis (head tilted on the shoulder), retrocollis (turned head to the back with the nape toward the shoulders) or anterocollis (turned head in ahead with the chin toward the sternum). It is often associated with other types of diystonia (oro-mandibular, blepharospasm, axial or hand dystonia) and / or postural tremor. Symptoms increase by the work, the stress and the motor activity; they decrease by the postural changes and the rest. From different years, therapy with botulinum toxin has radically modified the functional prognosis ofthe cervical dystonia; it become the first-quality treatment [2]. The effectiveness of the treatment is tied up to the correct identification of the muscles and the suitable dosing of toxin to inject. The identification of the muscles depends on the posture of the head and neck. Torticollis is mainly sustained by the contralateral sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) and ipsilateral splenius m...

Purpose. New interspinous process decompression devices (IPDs) provide an alternative to conservative treatment and decompressive surgery for patients with neurogenic intermittent claudication (NIC) due to degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS). HeliFix is a minimally invasive IPD that can be implanted percutaneously. This is a preliminary evaluation of safety and effectiveness of this IPD up to 12 months after implantation. Methods. After percutaneous implantation in 100 patients with NIC due to DLSS, data on symptoms, quality of life, pain, and use of pain medication were obtained for up to 12 months. Results. Early symptoms and physical function improvements were maintained for up to 12 months. Leg, buttock/groin, and back pain were eased throughout, and the use and strength of related pain medication were reduced. Devices were removed from 2% of patients due to lack of effectiveness. Conclusions. Overall, in a period of up to 12-month follow-up, the safety and effectiveness of the HeliFix offered a minimally invasive option for the relief of NIC complaints in a high proportion of patients. Further studies are undertaken in order to provide insight on outcomes and effectiveness compared to other decompression methods and to develop guidance on optimal patient selection.