The use of thermal infrared imaging to assess the efficacy of a therapeutic exercise program in individuals with diabetes

Progress of Clinical Evaluation for Vascular Aging in Humans

Human society is experiencing a serious aging process. Age-related arteriosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) are the most common cause of deaths around the world and bring a huge burden on the whole society. Vascular aging-related pathological alterations of the vasculature play an important role in the pathogenesis of ASCVD and morbidity and mortality of older adults. In this review, we describe the progress of clinical evaluation of vascular aging in humans, including functional evaluation, structural assessment, and cellular molecular markers. The significance of detection for vascular aging is highlighted, and we call for close attention to the evaluation for a better quality of life in the elderly population.

The Efficacy of Sustained Heat Treatment on Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of heat applied for 8 hours immediately after or 24 hours after exercise on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in large skeletal muscle groups measured by subjective and objective means.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional repeated measure design study.

SETTING

Research laboratory.

SUBJECTS

Three groups of 20 subjects, age range 20 to 40 years.

INTERVENTION

Squats were conducted in three 5-minute bouts to initiate DOMS; 3 minutes of rest separated the bouts. One group had heat applied immediately after exercise, and a second group had heat applied 24 hours after exercise. A third group was the control group where no heat was applied.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Visual analog pain scales, muscle strength of quads, range of motion of quads, stiffness of quads (Continuous Passive Motion machine), algometer to measure quadriceps soreness, and blood myoglobin.

RESULTS

The most significant outcome was a reduction in soreness in the group that had low-temperature heat wraps applied immediately after exercise (P < 0.01). There was benefit to applying heat 24 hours after exercise, but to a smaller extent. This was corroborated by myoglobin, algometer, and stiffness data.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-level continuous heat wraps left for 8 hours just after heavy exercise reduced DOMS in the population tested as assessed by subjective and objective measures.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Although cold is commonly used after heavy exercise to reduce soreness, heat applied just after exercise seems very effective in reducing soreness. Unlike cold, it increases flexibility of tissue and tissue blood flow. For joint, it is still probably better to use cold to reduce swelling.

Anterior cruciate ligament elasticity and force for flexion during the menstrual cycle

Background

A high occurrence of knee injuries have been observed in women during the menstrual cycle (MC). As a result, numerous studies have been conducted regarding knee ligament elasticity during the MC. Some researchers believe that since estrogen receptor b exists in ligaments and tendons in the knee, estrogen may modulate towards a state of laxity. However, increased tissue temperature also observed during the MC can predispose ligament and tendon laxness. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess in women the relationship between Estradiol (E2) serum concentrations and tissue temperature during the MC and their combined effect on knee laxity.

Material/Methods

Ten non-athletic young healthy females, 18 to 30 years of age participated in the study. E2 serum concentrations, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) elasticity, and force to flex the knee (FFK), knee flexion-extension hysteresis (KFEH) were assessed both at ambient temperature (22°C) and after 38°C warming. Testing was performed multiple times during the participant’s MC, for one full MC.

Results

ACL elasticity was significantly higher (P<0.01) and FFK and KFEH were significantly lower (p<0.05) during ovulation when E2 levels were highest. ACL elasticity was still higher during ovulation after warming to 38°C. But, the effects of MC on FFK and KFEH were reduced by tissue warming.

Conclusions

ACL elasticity, FFK, and KFEH was affected not only by E2 but also tissue temperature. However, E2 had more impact on ACL elasticity while tissue temperature had more impact on FFK and KFEH at 38°C warming.

CoQ10 and endothelial function in Asians from Korea compared to Asians born in the United States and US born Caucasians

Background

The vascular endothelium is the interface between the blood and vascular smooth muscle in arteries. It is easily damaged by oxidative stress. Recent studies show that Asians are more susceptible than Caucasians to impairment of endothelial function. This study examined endothelial function in US-born Caucasians, Asians from Korea, and US-born Asians (almost all Korean decent) and examined the effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on endothelial function.

Material/Methods

Twenty Caucasians and 30 Asians participated (<35 years old, males and females). Endothelial function was assessed by the skin blood flow response to local heat using a thermode for 6 minutes at 44°C and by vascular occlusion for 4 minutes followed by release and measurement of skin blood flow for 2 minutes. In the US-born subjects, the experiments were repeated after 2-week administration of CoQ10 or a placebo.

Results

When applying 6 minutes of local heat at 44°C, the skin blood flows were significantly higher in Caucasians than both Asian groups Asians. Likewise after vascular occlusion, the blood flow response was greater in Caucasians compared to Asians. Asians born in Asia had the lowest response of the 3 groups of subjects. Administering CoQ10 for 2 weeks eliminated much of the difference between the groups, whereas there was no difference with a placebo.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that Asians either born in Asia or the US may have lower endothelial function than Caucasians. This may be explained, in part, by genetic variations causing increased oxidative stress from westernized diets in Asians. Co enzyme Q10 administration narrows the difference between the groups.