With the increasing prominence of population aging, the cognitive decline of the elderly has gradually become a hotspot of clinical research. As a traditional rehabilitation exercise, Tai Chi has been proved to have a positive effect on improving cognitive function and delaying cognitive decline in the elderly. However, the related brain function mechanism is still unclear. In this paper, we collected studies which observed the changes of Tai Chi on brain regions related to cognitive function in the elderly using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalogram (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). We summarized relevant studies from perspective of structural and functional changes in the brain. The results showed that Tai Chi may delay and improve cognitive decline in the elderly by reshaping the structure and function of brain regions related to cognitive function such as memory, attention and execution. The effect of Tai Chi for cognitive function may be associated with positive regulation of cardiovascular function, emotion and meditation level of the elderly. In addition, the improvement of cognitive function further enhances the balance of the elderly. We also found that practice time, frequency and intensity of Tai Chi could be factors influencing the improvement of cognitive function and brain function in the elderly.
Aged ; Attention ; Brain/physiology* ; Cognition ; Humans ; Neuroimaging ; Tai Ji/psychology*

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of pelvic floor muscle exercise using electric stimulation and biofeedback on maximum pressure of vaginal contraction, vaginal contraction duration and sexual function in women who have had vaginal rejuvenation. METHODS: The research design was a non-equivalent control group non-synchronized design study. Participants in this study were women who had vaginal rejuvenation at C obstetrics and gynecology hospital. The 15 participants in the experimental group were given pelvic floor muscle exercise using electric stimulation and biofeedback and the 15 participants in the control group received self pelvic floor muscle exercise. RESULTS: For maximum pressure of vaginal contraction, the experimental group showed a statistically significant increase compared to than the control group (t=5.96, p<.001). For vaginal contraction duration, the experimental group also showed a statistically significant increase compared to the control group (t=3.23, p=.003). For women's sexual function, the experimental group showed a significant increase when compared to the control group in total sexual function scores (t=3.41, p=.002). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that pelvic floor muscle exercise with electric stimulation and biofeedback after vaginal rejuvenation is effective in strengthening vaginal contraction pressure, vaginal contraction and that it also positively functions to increase women's sexual function.
Adult ; Biofeedback, Psychology ; *Electric Stimulation ; *Exercise ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Muscle Contraction/physiology ; Pelvic Floor/*physiology ; Rejuvenation/*physiology ; Sexual Behavior/psychology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Vagina/*physiology/surgery

BACKGROUNDDepression is a common problem impeding post-stroke rehabilitation. Up to 70% of patients show depression symptoms during the first twelve months after stroke onset. However, the depression and its effect on functional recovery can be difficult to diagnose. The purpose of this study was to use gait analysis as a tool to compare the recovery after stroke in patients with and without depression and to assess the impact of the initiation time of rehabilitation after stroke onset.

METHODSOne hundred and forty five consecutive patients after first ever stroke admitted for designed rehabilitation program within 2 to 31 months after stroke onset participated. All patients received 4 weeks treatment program included comprehensive rehabilitation consisted of multipurpose activities 5 days a week. These included individual and group exercises, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and gait training. Gait analysis with Kistler force plates was employed to assess gait pattern symmetry before and after the treatment. Gait symmetry was evaluated based on seven gait parameters. Regaining of gait pattern symmetry was assumed as a measure of rehabilitation outcome.

RESULTSAfter rehabilitation program gait symmetry was regained in patients without depression. Gait asymmetry remained unchanged in patients diagnosed with depression. No major differences in outcome from rehabilitation were noted in regards to the initiation time of rehabilitation after the stroke onset.

CONCLUSIONSDepression limits gait recovery after stroke. The time of initiation of rehabilitation after stroke onset does not limit the motor recovery after rehabilitation program.

Adult ; Aged ; Depression ; physiopathology ; Female ; Gait ; physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recovery of Function ; physiology ; Stroke ; physiopathology ; psychology ; Walking ; physiology

OBJECTIVE: compare quality of life (QoL) and sexual functioning between sexually active ovarian cancer survivors and healthy women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 103 successfully treated ovarian cancer survivors and 220 healthy women. All women had engaged in sexual activity within the previous 3 months, and ovarian cancer survivors were under surveillance after primary treatment without evidence of disease. QoL and sexual functioning were assessed using three questionnaires; the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), Ovarian Cancer Module (EORTC QLQ-OV28), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Propensity score matching was used to adjust covariates between the ovarian cancer survivor and healthy women groups. In total, 73 ovarian cancer survivors and 73 healthy women were compared. RESULTS: Poorer social functioning (mean, 82.4 vs. 90.9; p=0.010) and more financial difficulties (mean, 16.4 vs. 7.8; p=0.019) were observed among ovarian cancer survivors than among healthy women. Sexuality, both in terms of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain and in terms of interest in sex, sexual activity, and enjoyment of sex (EORTC QLQ-OV28) were similar between the groups. However, vaginal dryness was more problematic in ovarian cancer survivors, with borderline statistical significance (p=0.081). CONCLUSION: Sexuality was not impaired in ovarian cancer survivors who were without evidence of disease after primary treatment and having sexual activities, compared with healthy women, whereas social functioning and financial status did deteriorate. Prospective cohort studies are needed.
Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Health ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Ovarian Neoplasms/epidemiology/psychology/rehabilitation ; *Quality of Life/psychology ; Sexual Behavior/*physiology/psychology ; *Sexuality/physiology/psychology ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; *Survivors/psychology/statistics & numerical data

Adult ; Aged ; Biofeedback, Psychology ; methods ; Depression ; therapy ; Female ; Heart Rate ; physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

To investigate the ageing status for male population aged or over 20 years old in urban communities, clarifying their distribution characteristics and rules, and to provide reference for aging research.
 Methods: A total of 1 120 men aged or over 20 years old in Nanchang were obtained by stratified sampling, and the aging scale was measured in 9 groups. The distribution characteristics of aging scores were analyzed by normality test, variance analysis, and linear correlation.
 Results: The total score of aging and the scores of physiological, psychological, and physiological dimensions were 54.01±9.24, 32.33±7.54, 14.66±1.64, and 7.02±1.16, respectively. The scores were positively correlated with age. The total score curve of aging was significantly increased in the 25-<30 and 30-<40, 65-<70 and 70-<75 years old groups. The physiological dimension curve was similar to the total score curve. The psychological dimension curve was more pronounced at 55-<60 and 60-<65 years old groups. The social dimension curve raised slowly and smoothly at all ages.
 Conclusion: The total score and the scores for all dimensions of male physiological-psycho-sociological increase with age; and changes near the age group of 55-<60 and 60-<65 are obvious, providing reference for the understanding of male aging.
Adult ; Age Distribution ; Aged ; Aging ; physiology ; psychology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

The relationship between visual acuity, the level of visual field impairment, visual functioning, and the quality of life was evaluated in Korean patients with glaucoma. Forty-three consecutive glaucoma patients from the glaucoma service at Severance Eye and Ear Hospital were included in this study. Each subject underwent a vision-specific functional status questionnaire (VF-14), a modified VF-14 (VF'-14) and general quality-of-life questionnaires of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Items Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). The visual acuity and visual field measurements with a Humphrey automated perimeter were taken within one month of the initial visit. The mean age of the subjects was 57.9 +/- 17.8. Among these patients, there were 23 males and 20 females. The mean deviation (MD) and the corrected pattern standard deviation (CPSD) by the automated perimeter in the eye with the better visual acuity were -5.87 +/- 5.16 dB and 3.92 +/- 2.74 dB respectively. The VF-14 and SF-36 scores were 41.28 +/- 14.56 and 52.39 +/- 6.61 respectively. There were significant correlations between the VF-14, VF'-14, and the MD of the better eye (p < 0.05). In Korean patients with glaucoma, the VF-14 and VF'-14 have significant relationship with the MD of the better eye in the visual field.
Female ; Glaucoma/physiopathology/*psychology ; Health Surveys ; Human ; Korea ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Quality of Life/*psychology ; Questionnaires ; Visual Acuity/*physiology ; Visual Fields

OBJECTIVETo introduce Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) into China, and to evaluate the quality of its Chinese Version.

METHODSMENQOL was translated into Chinese language and the reverse translation was done by several specialists. After retest study on 30 cases, validity, reliability and responsiveness were implemented in 409 cases with menopause syndrome in the multicenter study.

RESULTS7 components were extracted in factor analysis, and the total cumulative contribution was 59.476%. By correlation analysis, 7 components were divided into four domains: vasomotor, psychosocial, physical and sexual items, same as in the English Version. The test-retest reliability of four domains were 0.806, 0.804, 0.941, 0.940 respectively. Cronbach alpha of four domains were 0.7258, 0.8234, 0.8475, 0.8641 respectively. There had been significant changes after treatment noticed.

CONCLUSIONThe measurement properties of MENQOL-Chinese Version including effectueness, reliability were met with satisfaction and seemed to be adaptable to Chinese menopause women.

China ; Climacteric ; physiology ; psychology ; Female ; Health Status Indicators ; Humans ; Menopause ; physiology ; psychology ; Middle Aged ; Personal Satisfaction ; Psychometrics ; Quality of Life ; Women's Health

BACKGROUNDCentral neurocytoma accounts for 0.1% of primary brain tumor that often occurs in young adults. Surgery is the main treatment for central neurocytoma and the rate of 5-year survival reaches up to over 90%. This study aimed to assess the effect of transcortical frontal approach to surgical resection of central neurocytoma on emotion and cognitive function 5 years after surgery.

METHODSTelephone following-up visits were used in this study. By means of neuropsychological testing, assayed emotion, memory and abstract thinking ability of 18 patients undergoing central neurocytoma resection by transcortical frontal approach for 5 years or more, with another 21 normal cases as control group were enrolled. The data were analyzed statistically by paired t test with SPSS11.5.

RESULTSPatients whose central neurocytoma was removed by transcortical frontal approach were not affected on calculating ability 5 years after operation while ability of memory declined sharply (P = 0.000), the older, the more sharply (P = 0.036). Ability of abstract thinking was significantly reduced (P = 0.000), the older, the more significantly as well (P = 0.012); additionally, anxiety and depression occurred in patients rather more than those of control group (P = 0.000), especially cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSIONSTranscortical frontal approach for surgical resection of central neurocytoma has certain long-term influence on patients' life quality, vulnerable to anxiety, depression and cognitive impairment, the severity of which was correlated to age. Therefore, improving surgical approach will be of value for better long-term life quality of patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Cognition ; physiology ; Emotions ; physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neurocytoma ; mortality ; physiopathology ; psychology ; surgery ; Postoperative Period ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: This study was designed to examine the relation of trait anger and anger expression to blood pressure, cholesterol, and depression in middle-aged Korean women. METHODS: This descriptive correlational design was conducted using a convenient sample taken from the health center of K University Hospital located in Kyungki province, Korea. The subjects were 252 women aged 40 to 64 years. Spielberger's state trait anger expression inventory - Korean version and Beck's depression inventory were used for measuring trait anger, state anger, anger expression and depression. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, Pearson correlation, two-way ANOVA, and cluster analysis using a pc-SAS program. RESULTS: The anger expression types by cluster analysis were Anger out/in type, Low anger expression type, and Anger control type. The level of cholesterol and depression were significantly higher in women with high anger in and high trait anger. In addition, the level of depression was significantly higher in women with a high anger temperament. CONCLUSIONS: Trait anger and anger in might be related to cholesterol and depression in women. However, this study does not reveal the relation between blood pressure and trait anger and anger expression.
Middle Aged ; Humans ; Female ; *Expressed Emotion ; Depressive Disorder/physiopathology/*psychology ; *Blood Pressure ; Anger/*physiology ; Adult