Prevalence and correlates of low physical activity in the Iranian population: National survey on non-communicable diseases in 2011

To assess the prevalence and correlates of low physical activity among Iranian population aged 15-64 years. We used the data collected in National Surveillance of Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases in Iran, 2011. Physical activity was categorized in 3 levels of low, moderate, and high based on a Persian version of Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. The multistage cluster sampling design was accounted for using complex survey analysis method. The sample included 10016 individuals; 41.7% (n = 4178) were men and 58.3% (n = 5837) were women. The mean (SD) age of participants was 38.8 (14.9) years also, and 69.8% (n = 6991) of the participants were from urban areas. The prevalence of low physical activity in the whole population was estimated to be 44.8% (95% CI: 41.7, 48.1). The odds of lower physical activity in the women were 3 times greater than men (OR = 3.14; 95% CI: 2.64, 3.57); in the wealthiest people was 25% lower than the poorest people (OR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.94). The odds of lower physical activity in the age groups 55-64 years were 44% greater than the youngest age groups 15-24 years (OR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.23, 1.68). The odds of lower physical activity in the obese participants were 18% greater than normal-weight people (OR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.38).). The odds of lower physical activity in diabetic patients were 30% greater than healthy people (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.57). The prevalence of low physical activity in Iran, 2011 was high. The correlates of low physical activity in Iran are different to those of Western populations. The main associated factors with low physical activity were female gender, urban area, low socioeconomic status, obesity, diabetes, and older age. Public health policies should target the groups at highest risk of low physical activity.

Two measurement methods of motor ulnar nerve conduction velocity at the elbow: a comparative study

BACKGROUND

Electrodiagnostically, localization of ulnar nerve lesions, which commonly occurs at the elbow, is sometimes problematic. Measurement of motor ulnar nerve conduction velocity (NCV) at the elbow is amongst the most popular techniques to diagnose ulnar neuropathy. In this method, recording from the first dorsal interosseous muscle (FDI) is suggested to be more sensitive than the abductor digiti minimi (ADM). However, the criterion for abnormality is based on the normal values recorded from ADM.

AIMS

To determine the normal values of Ulnar motor NCV using FDI and ADM and the difference between the values obtained from FDI and ADM. Additionally, to measure the amount of reduction of NCV across the elbow for each recording site.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study performed on 50 healthy volunteers (100 nerves). All subjects were in the same condition regarding joint position and surface hand temperature. We recorded ulnar NCV at forearm and across the elbow with recording electrode on both FDI and ADM, simultaneously.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The mean NCV at the elbow recorded from ADM and FDI were 62.65 +/- 7.62 m/s and 60.49 +/- 7.42 m/s respectively, showing significant difference. The ulnar minimum normal NCVs recorded from ADM and FDI were 47.4 m/s and 45.6 m/s, respectively. If the normal values of ADM are used as the basis for recording from FDI, it could lead to false-positive diagnosis of cases suspicious of ulnar neuropathy. Therefore it is preferred to use the normal values of FDI itself while recording.

Medical brachial cutaneous nerve conduction study

There is no nerve conduction study for the medial brachial cutaneous nerve in the literature. This study was done in the military hospital # 501 from feb 1st 1997 to june 1st 1999. Three hundred healthy adult (220 male) with a mean age of 40 +/- 13 (range, 14-66) years were studied. At first the sensory nerve action potential of median and ulnar and medial antebrachial cataneous nerves were recorded to show these roots C8-T1 are intact. Then the medial brachial cutaneous nerve was stimulated at the medial border of arm on the line that connects axilla to medial epicondyle (parallel with mid axillary line) there is the juntion site of coracobrachialis muscle to humerus, at the medial border of bicept brachialis muscle, and recording was done on 2 cm above the medial epicondyle. (10 cm under stimulating site). In all of them recording of sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) was done easily and the wave was a biphasic one with the primary negative phase. The latency was 2 +/- 0.3 ms (range, 1.4-2.6) and the amplitude of SNAP was 30 +/- 10 mu v (range, 10-50). The nerve conduction velocity was 61 +/- 4 m/s (range, 53-69). We think with regard of the intensity and site of stimulation and recording area this wave is not due to compound nerve action potential of median or ulnar nerve. This study may be useful in evaluation of T1 root and in the difference of medial cord and lower trunk lesions with the ulnar and medial part of median nerve injury.