مرتضی صادقی

Background : Beyond biological changes, ageing is often associated with degenerative and progressive changes in functional and physiological performance. Different types of exercise and rehabilitation method were introduced for resolving or preventing aging complications. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 8- week- dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) training on functional performance and quality of life in healthy elderly men. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight old men were selected by convenience sampling manner and divided randomly in two groups of experimental (n=13, age: 65.8±4.3 years, height: 1.63±5.92 cm, weight: 69.1±7.4 kg) and control (n=15, age: 66.3±3.8 years, height: 1.64±4.89 cm, weight: 70.1± 6.3 kg). The experimental group received neuromuscular stabilization training for 8 weeks and 3 sessions for 1 hour in a clinic in Baghdad. Static balance (by functional reach test), dynamic balance (by time-up and go test), functional performance (by Berge test), and quality of life (by Leiden-Padua (LEIPAD e questionnaire) were measured before and after training. Data was analyzed by repeated measure ANOVA in SPSS software. P value was set at P ≤0.05. Results : The results showed that the intergroup interaction in the variables of functional performance (F=53.3, P =0.00), quality of life (F=65.04, P =0.00), static (F=106.7, P =0.00) and dynamic (F=26.99, P =0.00) balance was significant with the superiority of the DNS group. Conclusion: Postural control, functional performance and quality of life improved after training protocol. Therefore, DNS training can be used as a complementary method for rehabilitation of elderly.

Introduction: Energy Consumption (EC) and Body Mass Index (BMI) are the major complications associated with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), which can be improved by exercise rehabilitation. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of using rebound therapy (exercise on a trampoline) on EC and BMI in individuals with SCI. Materials and Methods: Sixteen individuals with SCI (ASIA classification: A=6, B=6, C=2, D=2) were selected and randomly divided into two groups of experimental (rebound exercise) and control. The experimental group performed the exercise program by a modified trampoline for 12 weeks (10-30 minutes; 3 sessions a week). EC was measured by the Physiological Cost Index (PCI) and BMI was calculated by standard formula before and after the exercise intervention. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed by Repeated-Measures Analysis of Variance (RM-ANOVA) in SPSS. Results: The results of RM-ANOVA revealed significant interaction in both criteria (P<0.01). In other words, the experimental group changes were substantial, compared to that of the control group. Conclusion: The collected results indicated that rebound therapy could, in effect, improve the SCI individuals’ EC and BMI. Furthermore, it was suggested that rebound exercise can be a useful sports rehabilitation method for patients with SCI.