Humans ; Intervertebral Disc ; Paraplegia/etiology* ; Prolapse

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of wheelchair ergometer training on spinal cord-injured paraplegics. Eleven male paraplegics with a mean age of 30.9 years (range, 20 to 49 years) participated in the wheelchair ergometer training for the period of 5 weeks. The mean peak heart rate, the mean peak systolic blood pressure and the mean time required for 100m wheelchair propelling at resistance level 1 were significantly decreased at the end of 5 weeks of training as compared with those at pre-training. There was no statistically significant difference in pulmonary function test at pre- and post-training. The peak torque of shoulder flexor and the total work of shoulder flexor and extensor at 180 degrees/sec after training were increased more significantly than those prior to the training. In accordance with the findings as revealed above, it is deemed that the endurance and strength of the upper body and the cardiac fitness for spinal cord-injured paraplegics may be improved by the wheelchair ergometer exercise
Adult ; *Exercise Therapy ; Human ; Male ; Middle Age ; Paraplegia/etiology/*rehabilitation ; Spinal Cord Injuries/complications/*rehabilitation ; *Wheelchairs

Arthroscopy ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Paraplegia ; etiology ; Pulmonary Embolism ; complications

Acupuncture Therapy ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease ; complications ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Paraplegia ; etiology ; therapy

Exons ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Pedigree ; Spastic Paraplegia, Hereditary ; etiology ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of the treatment on paraplegic patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) by implantation of China-made three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis.

METHODSEighteen paraplegic patients with ED refractory to non-operative treatment were implanted with three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis through an incision at the border of penis and scrotum. The rate of maintained coitus and the satisfactory coitus of spouse were obtained by inquiring and letter visiting.

RESULTSOperations were successfully performed upon all 18 patients. Follow-ups after operations ranged from 3 months to 36 months, mean follow-up being 18 months. Fluid exudation from penile prosthesis and localized infection occurred in one patient and mechanic complication occurred in two. Maintained coitus rate was 17/18. Ejaculation reflection occurred in three patients.

CONCLUSIONSTreatment of paraplegic patient with ED refractory to non-operative treatment by implantation of China-made three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis has good concealment and rehabilitative effect, with similar mechanical troubles to imported products. With excellent covertness, implantation of three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis is well accepted by ED patients.

Adult ; Erectile Dysfunction ; etiology ; surgery ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Paraplegia ; complications ; Penile Implantation ; Penile Prosthesis

Acute Disease ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease ; complications ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Paraplegia ; etiology ; Peripheral Nerves ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVETo explore the impacts on the fine movement of upper extremity with flaccid paralysis in stroke treated with acupuncture and motor imagery.

METHODSSixty-two cases of flaccid paralysis of upper extremity in stroke were randomized into an observation group (30 cases) and a control group (32 cases). In the control group, the conventional western medication and the passive movement of the extremity were applied. Additionally, the penetrating needling technique was used at the head points [penetrating needling from Baihui (GV 20) to Taiyang (EX-HN 5)] and the local affected extremity [penetrating needling from Jianyu (LI 15) to Binao (LI1 14), from Quchi (LI 11) to Shaohai (HT 3), from Waiguan (TE 5) to Neiguan (PC 6), etc]. The needles were retained for 30 min. In the observation group, on the basic treatment as the control group, during the needle retaining, the motor imagery therapy was supplemented. The treatment was given once a day, 5 treatments a week, for 4 weeks totally in the either group. The scores in the action research arm test (ARAT) and the modified Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) were recorded at the moment of enrollment, in 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, in the 6th and 8th weeks, as well as after 90 days separately.

RESULTS(1) ARAT score: since the 2nd week, ARAT scores in the observation group were all improved significantly as compared with those in the control group at the each time points (all P<0. 05). In the observation group, the scores were improved significantly in the pair comparison at the time points (all P<0. 05). In the control group, the score in the 2nd week was not different significantly as compared with that before treatment (P>0. 05), but the scores at the rest time points were improved significantly in the pair comparison (all P<0. 05); (2) FMA score: in the 2nd week and on the 90th day, FMA score in the observation group was higher significantly than those in the control group (both P < 0. 05). In the observation group, the scores were all improved significantly in the pair comparison at the time points (all P<0. 05). In the control group, except that in comparison between the 90th day and the 8th week (P>0. 05), the results were all P<0. 05 at the rest time points.

CONCLUSIONThe early intervention of the combined therapy of acupuncture and motor imagery effectively promotes the recovery of the coordination function and the fine movement of upper extremity, especially the improvements of the fine movement in stroke at flaccid paralysis stage. The efficacy is better than the single acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Imagery (Psychotherapy) ; Imagination ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Motor Activity ; Paraplegia ; etiology ; physiopathology ; psychology ; therapy ; Stroke ; complications ; therapy ; Upper Extremity ; physiopathology

Adult ; Ankylosis ; diagnostic imaging ; etiology ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Hip ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Male ; Ossification, Heterotopic ; complications ; Paraplegia ; complications ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the beneficial effects of application of a self-designed reciprocating gait orthosis (RGO) combined with comprehensive rehabilitation training on bladder and bowel function in paraplegic patients sustaining spinal cord injuries (SCI).

METHODSTwelve paraplegic patients with complete spinal cord injury at the levels between T(4) and L(1) received the RGO with a comprehensive rehabilitation exercise program carried out before and after fixing. Cold water and colon excretion tests were performed before and 3 months after application of the RGO, and the bladder volume, residue bladder volume, and bladder and bowel pressures were measured in these patients.

RESULTSThe 12 paraplegic patients all showed positive results in cold water test before and after RGO application. Before RGO application, 11 of these patients were positive for urine bacteria and only 1 patient was still positive 3 months after the application. The bladder volume and bowel pressure of the patients were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the residue volume and pressure of the bladder were significantly reduced 3 months after RGO application (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONRGO combined with comprehensive rehabilitation training can effectively improve the bladder and bowel function and the quality of life of patients with complete spinal cord injury, suggesting much clinical value for its extensive application.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Intestines ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Orthotic Devices ; Paraplegia ; etiology ; physiopathology ; rehabilitation ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; complications ; Urinary Bladder ; physiopathology ; Walkers ; Young Adult