Objective To explore the effect of joint mobilization and quadriceps setting on nitric oxide(NO) and tumor necrosis factor(TNF) of the experimental knee osteoarthritis in rabbits. Methods Rabbits model of knee osteoarthritis was induced by papain. 32 rabbits were divided into 4 groups randomly, 8 in each group. The changes of contents of NO and TNF in synovia were detected.Results Expression of NO and TNF in synovia of all treatment groups decreased compared to the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion Joint mobilization and quadriceps setting can decrease the level of NO and TNF in synovia.

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy ofZi Wu Liu Zhu Na Jia needling (acupuncture based on midnight-noon ebb-flow theory) in treating spastic hemiplegia after cerebral stroke by using surface electromyography (sEMG).Method Fifty-two patients with spastic hemiplegia due to cerebral stroke were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 26 cases each. The two groups were both intervened by conventional rehabilitation training. In addition, the treatment group was givenZi Wu Liu Zhu Na Jia needling and the control group was given ordinary acupuncture. The two groups were treated once a day, 15 sessions as a course. The ambulation ability, muscle tension, neurological deficit score (NDS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale (FMA), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were evaluated before the intervention and after 2 treatment courses, and the sEMG signals were also collected and analyzed.Result The Holden's Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC) and Modified Ashworth Scale scores were significantly changed in the two groups after the intervention (P<0.01). After the intervention, the FAC and MAS scores in the treatment group were significantly different from those in the control group (P<0.05). The NDS, FMA and BBS scores were significantly changed in the two groups after the treatment (P<0.05). The NDS, FMA and BBS scores in the treatment group were significantly different from those in the control group after the treatment (P<0.05). Of the sEMG signals, H/M max in the treatment group was significantly different from that in the control group after the intervention (P<0.01).Zi Wu Liu Zhu Na Jia needling with rehabilitation training can significantly mitigate the muscle tension and promote the activities of daily living in patients with spastic hemiplegia after cerebral stroke.

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Xiaoyao powder combined with prozac and psychological therapy on post-stroke depression (PSD).Methods85 PSD patients were randomly divided into the treatment group (n=43) and control group (n=42). All patients were treated with routine therapy, including prozac and psychological therapy. Patients in the treatment group were also given Xiaoyao powder. Scores of Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), modified Barthel index (MBI) and Scandinavian Stroke Scale (SSS) of all patients were evaluated before and after therapy.ResultsAfter treatment, the effective rate and MBI scores were significantly higher and scores of HAMD and SSS were significantly lower for patients of the treatment group compared with those of the control group (P<0.01).ConclusionXiaoyao powder combined with prozac and psychological therapy can improve depression and neural function of PSD patients significantly.

Objective To observe the effect of Zhenganxifeng decoction and Buyanghuanwu decoction on the early rehabilitation of the stroke.Methods 101 cases with acute stroke were randomly divided into the treatment group(n=51) and control group(n=50).All patients were treated with routine medical therapy,physiotherapy and electric stimulation for a month.The treatment group was treated with Zhenganxifeng decoction while the control group with Buyanghuanwu decoction in addition.Results The motor function and Activities of Daily Living(ADL) in both groups were improved after treatment,but were better in treatment group than in control group(P<0.01).Conclusion It is better to use Zhenganxifeng decoction in the early rehabilitation of the stroke than Buyanghuanwu decoction.

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture plus constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) in recovering neurologic function of patients with spastic hemiplegia.MethodSixty patients with post-stroke spastic hemiplegia were randomized into an electroacupuncture group, a CIMT group, and an electroacupuncture+CIMT (integrated) group to receive corresponding intervention in addition tothe ordinary rehabilitation treatment, 20 cases in each group. Before treatment and after 4-week treatment, the modified Ashworth Scale, Clinical Neurologic Deficit Scale, Short-form Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale (FMA), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were adopted for evaluation and comparison.ResultAfter 4-week treatment, the Ashworth score and neurologic deficit score were significantly reduced in the three groups (P<0.01), and the scores in CIMT group were significantly lower than that in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05), and the scores in the integrated group were markedly lower than that in the other two groups (P<0.05); the FMA and BBS scores were significantly increased after intervention in the three groups (P<0.01), and the scores in CIMT group were higher than that in the elctroacupuncture group (P<0.05), and the scores in the integrated group were higher than that in the other two groups(P<0.05).ConclusionElectroacupuncture plus CIMT can reduce the muscular tension of the affected limb in patients with spastic hemiplegia, and improve the neurologic function, motor function, and the quality of life of the patients.

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of ultrasound in evaluating pharyngeal dysphagia after stroke.Methods:Thirty stroke survivors with dysphagia formed the patient group, and 30 healthy persons formed the healthy group. All received pharyngeal ultrasound examinations by the same sonographer. The maximum distance from the hyoid bone to the mandible, the minimum distance, and the required time were measured or calculated. The hyoid bone′s motion, distance shortening rate, geniohyoid muscle activity, activity time, and activity speed were calculated. The differences in each value were compared, and the values were correlated with the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) score using Spearman rank correlation. Receiver operating characteristics curves (ROC curves) were used to evaluate the value of hyoid bone and geniohyoid muscle activity for evaluating the severity of pharyngeal swallowing disorders after a stroke.Results:The average range of activity, activity time, and activity speed of the geniohyoid muscle in the patient group were all significantly different from the healthy group′s averages. The hyoid bone′s range of activity, activity time, activity speed, and the rate of shortening of its distance from the mandible were also significantly different, on average. The patients′ VFSS grades correlated strongly with the activity of the geniohyoid muscle, moderately with the geniohyoid muscle′s speed, and weakly with the duration of hyoid bone activity.Conclusion:The speed of geniohyoid muscle activity and hyoid bone activity time can be used to evaluate the severity of pharyngeal swallowing dysfunction after a stroke. Geniohyoid muscle activity is the best indicator.