A New Nonpharmacological Method in Fibromyalgia:

Study shows that use of woolen underwear and woolen bedding were effective in reducing the symptoms of patients suffering from fibromyalgia. The use of wool is recommended as a means of treatment for alleviating the pain in these pts.

Methods
Study aims to assess the effect of wool use in pts with fibromyalgia
Experimental design: 50 pts, distributed equally into 2 groups: a control group and a treatment group
Pts in the treatment group:
wore woolen underwear, covering the body from shoulders to the thighs
used woolen bedding such as woolen bed liner
woolen quilt and pillow
All pts were assessed at the beginning and the end of 6th wk
Data collected using the VAS (0–10), tender points count, and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire
Results
Pts in the treatment group reported significant improvements in their conditions
There was reduction in pain levels, tender point counts, and all scores of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire

Use of anti-depressants and the risk of fracture of the hip or femur

Current use of both selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic anti-depressants (TCAs) increase hip/femur fracture risk; the elevated fracture risk should be considered when prescribing anti-depressants.

Methods:
Aim was to examine the association between the use of antidepressants and the risk of hip/femur fractures
Empahsis was on the relation with the degree of 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter (5-HTT) inhibition and the duration of use
Adult pts (n=6,763) with a first hip/femur fracture during the study period
For each case, 4 controls (n=26,341) were matched by age, gender and geographic region

Results:
Risk of hip/femur fracture increased with current use of SSRIs and TCAs
The risk of hip/femur fracture declined rapidly after discontinuation of use
The risk of hip/femur fracture increased as the degree of 5-HTT inhibition of all anti-depressants increased

Grapes and Cardiovascular Disease

Epidemiological studies suggest that consumption of wine, grape products, and other foods containing polyphenols is associated with decreased risk for cardiovascular disease. The benefits of wine consumption appear to be greater than other alcoholic beverages. Experimental studies indicate that grape polyphenols could reduce atherosclerosis by a number of mechanisms, including inhibition of oxidation of LDL and other favorable effects on cellular redox state, improvement of endothelial function, lowering blood pressure, inhibition of platelet aggregation, reducing inflammation, and activating novel proteins that prevent cell senescence, e.g. Sirtuin 1. Translational studies in humans support these beneficial effects. More clinical studies are needed to confirm these effects and formulate dietary guidelines.

The Journal of Nutrition, 07/23/09

Mountain Biking Injuries in Children and Adolescents

The primary causes of mountain biking injuries in children and adolescents include overuse, excessive fatigue, age, level of experience, and inappropriate or improperly adjusted equipment. Additional factors contributing to trauma among this age group involve musculoskeletal immaturity, collisions and falls, excessive speed, environmental conditions, conditioning and fitness status of the rider, nonconservative behavioural patterns, and inadequate medical care. The limited available data restrict the identification and understanding of specific paediatric mountain biking injuries and injury mechanisms. Education about unnecessary risk of injury, use of protective equipment, suitable bikes and proper riding technique, coupled with attentive and proper behaviour, are encouraged to reduce unnecessary injury. This article provides information on the causation and risk factors associated with injury among young mountain bikers, and recommendations to minimize trauma and enhance optimal performance and long–term enjoyment in this outdoor sport.

Sports Medicine, 12/24/09

Combining Hypoxic Methods for Peak Performance

The authors propose a new combination of hypoxic method (which the authors suggest naming Living High–Training Low and High, interspersed; LHTLHi) combining LHTL (five nights at 3000 m and two nights at sea level) with training at sea level except for a few (2.3 per week) intermittent hypoxic exposure during continuous session (IHT) of supra–threshold training. This review also provides a rationale on how to combine the different hypoxic methods and suggests advances in both their implementation and their periodization during the yearly training programme of athletes competing in endurance, glycolytic or intermittent sports.

Sports Medicine, 12/23/09

Back Muscle Activation Patterns in Chronic Low Back Pain During Walking: A "Guarding" Hypothesis

Mean smoothed rectified sEMG (SRE) values were significantly higher in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) than in controls both during periods of double support and swing. SRE ratios were not significantly different between groups. Results showed no influence of disability or fear of movement on either SRE values or ratios. In patients with CLBP, increased lumbar muscle activity during all periods of stride, with comparable alteration between swing and double support, suggests difficulties with total muscle relaxation. On the basis of this evaluation, it is concluded that patients with CLBP show a guarding mechanism during walking. No relationship is found between perceived fear, disability, and muscle activity.

The Clinical Journal of Pain, 12/23/09

Nutrigenomics in Cardiovascular Disease: Implications for the Future

Recent nutrigenomics studies show the influence of genotype on the responsiveness to dietary factors or nutrients that may reduce CVD risk. Nutrigenomics research is expected to provide the scientific evidence for genotype–based personalized nutrition to promote health and prevent chronic disease, including CVD. It is imperative that healthcare providers, including cardiovascular nurses, are trained in genetics to foster delivery of competent genetic– and genomic–focused care and to facilitate incorporation of this new knowledge into current clinical practice, education, and research.

Progress in Cardiovascular Nursing, 12/22/09

Screening for Antiviral Activities of Isolated Compounds from Essential Oils

The results indicate that phenylpropanoids and sesquiterpenes present in essential oils contribute to their antiviral activity against HSV.

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine , 12/22/09

Gait Analysis of Knee Arthritis Treated With Hyaluronic Acid

The subjective response to treatment was correlated with changes in gait parameters. Single–limb support time, velocity, fatigability, and swing phase were not improved. Only double–limb support time was found to be significantly different. The remaining gait variables were not changed. Separately, the subset of patients that achieved greater than 70% subjective pain relief had no objective improvements in gait parameters. Hyaluronic acid therapy may result in a placebo effect for the treatment of gonarthrosis.

Journal of Arthroplasty, 12/22/09

A novel Dance Dance Revolution system for in-home training of stepping ability: Basic parameters of system use by older adults

The findings suggest that older adults are able to interact with video games based upon Dance Dance Revolution but that stepping performance is determined by characteristics of game play such as arrow drift speed and step rate. These novel exergames suggest a low cost method by which older adults can be engaged in exercises that challenge balance that can be conducted in their own homes.

British Journal of Sports Medicine, 12/22/09

Differences in scapular and humeral head position between swimmers and non-swimmers

Clinicians should be aware that swim status, in combination with gender or dominance may affect scapular position but does not affect humeral head position. Where swimming had an effect, it minimized differences between genders and sides. The small dominance effect on the humeral head position is unlikely to be clinically detectable.

Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 12/22/09

That dumb jock might be smarter than he looks

For young men, the fitter you are, the better your brain works.

A study recently published online in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences took advantage of data collected on 1.2 million Swedish men born between 1950 and 1976, and found that those in better shape displayed higher intelligence. Note that the findings were based on cardiovascular health, which led to better blood flow, less anxiety and less fatigue. All of these things could help to raise brain power. Muscle mass had nothing to do with it.

The study also looked at 3,000 young men who were twins (1,432 of them identical twins) – and using these data were able to determine that four-fifths of smarts was due to environmental factors and only 15% could be chalked up to genetics.

Bottom line? Can’t blame your bad math grades on your parents’ genes

Effects of different impact exercise modalities on bone mineral density in premenopausal women: a meta-analysis

Exercise programmes that combine odd– or high–impact activity with high–magnitude resistance training appear effective in augmenting BMD in premenopausal women at the hip and spine. High–impact–alone protocols are effective only on hip BMD in this group. However, diverse methodological and reporting discrepancies are evident in published trials.

Journal of Bone and Mineral Metabolism, 12/21/09

Exercise and the Growth Hormone-Insulin-Like Growth Factor Axis

The aim of this review was to discuss whether measurement of free and/or bioactive IGF–I have increased the knowledge on the processes that link exercise, muscle hypertrophy, and GH/IGF–I axis. Thus, the current review will discuss (i) the different IGF–I assay methodologies and (ii) the current literature on free, bioactive, and immunoreactive (total) IGF–I in exercising subjects.

Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 12/21/09

Caloric Restriction with or without Exercise: The Fitness versus Fatness Debate

Despite similar effect on fat losses, combining caloric restriction (CR) with exercise increased aerobic fitness in parallel with improved insulin sensitivity, LDL cholesterol, and diastolic BP. The results lend support for inclusion of an exercise component in weight loss programs to improve metabolic fitness.

Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 12/19/09

Effect of Glycemic Index Meals on Recovery and Subsequent Endurance Capacity

The consumption of a HGI meal during a 4 h recovery improved endurance capacity in a subsequent run; however, the precise mechanism(s) by which this takes place is yet to be clarified.

Scapular Dyskinesis: current concepts

The presence or absence of scapular dyskinesis needs to be determined during the clinical examination. An exam consisting of visual inspection of scapular position at rest and during dynamic humeral movements along with the performance of objective posture measurements and scapular corrective maneuvers will help the clinician ascertain the extent to which the scapula is involved in the shoulder injury. Treatment of scapular dyskinesis should begin with optimized anatomy and then progress to the restoration of dynamic scapular stability via strengthening of the scapular stabilizers utilizing kinetic–chain based rehabilitation protocols.

British Journal of Sports Medicine, 12/18/09

Effect of Pilates Training on People With Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Twenty–five Pilates exercise and 24 relaxation/stretching exercise participants completed the study. In group 1, significant improvement was observed in both pain and FIQ at week 12 but only in FIQ at 24 weeks. In group 2, no significant improvement was obtained in pain and FIQ at week 12 and week 24. Comparison of the 2 groups showed significantly superior improvement in pain and FIQ in group 1 at week 12 but no difference between the 2 groups at week 24. The authors suggest Pilates as an effective and safe method for people with FMS. This study is the first clinical study designed to investigate the role of the Pilates method in FMS treatment. The authors believe that further research with more participants and longer follow–up periods could help assess the therapeutic value of this popular physical exercise method.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 12/08/09

Increased Trapezius Pain Sensitivity Is Not Associated With Increased Tissue Hardness

This study confirms clinical findings with heterogeniosity in pain sensitivity and hardness across the upper trapezius muscle. Developments of new techniques that objectively can identify tender points are important, but thus far, manual palpation is best clinical practice.

The Journal of Pain, 12/17/09

Aquatic Exercise and Quality of Life in Persons with Osteoarthritis

Given the availability of existing community aquatics programs, aquatic exercise offers a therapeutic and pragmatic option to promote quality of life among individuals who are living with both obesity and osteoarthritis. Future investigation is needed to replicate these findings and develop strategies to increase long–term participation in aquatics programs.

Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 12/17/09

Painkiller deaths double in Ontario

Source The Globe and Mail
December 8th, 2009

Painkillers are causing twice the number of overdose deaths they were two decades ago, a new study has revealed. And most of those who died obtained the medications through a doctor’s prescription and had seen a physician within the last month of their life.

The increase mirrors a dramatic rise in prescriptions for oxycodone. The potent opiate, found in OxyContin and Percocet, has proliferated in an epidemic of chronic pain turning Canadians into a nation of pill-poppers – using more prescription opioids per capita than any country but the United States and Belgium.

It’s an indication that many doctors have underestimated the power and complexity of prescription opioids, and their ability to harm as well as help, said Irfan Dhalla, a doctor at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto and the report’s primary author.

Dr. Dhalla is one of many physicians and researchers who argue that prescribing physicians – from general practitioners to gynecologists – need to reconsider the treatment of patients suffering from chronic pain and addiction.

“Physicians will be very surprised to learn just how many deaths occur from prescription opioids each year,” Dr. Dhalla said.

This new information comes as the Ontario government changes the way it regulates prescription opioids – placing limits on how many pills it will pay for per prescription, and possibly adding more addiction-treatment options for patients. Helen Stevenson, head of the province’s public drug program, says this urgent action is necessary because of a slew of evidence about Ontarians becoming hooked on these drugs.

One case brought to light by the study involved a patient who “walked out of the pharmacy with more than 2,000 pills” – all obtained through an apparently legitimate prescription.

“That, in itself, shocked us,” Ms. Stevenson said. “When we then saw this bigger picture of our data, we realized the urgency of starting to implement measures.

The study, published today in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, found that between 1991 and 2007, opioid-related deaths doubled in Ontario – to 27.2 per million people from 13.7 per million. During that period, prescriptions of oxycodone – added in 2000 to the list of drugs Ontario’s drug plan covers – shot up 850 per cent, and the number of oxycodone-related deaths quintupled.

More tellingly, about two-thirds of people dying of prescription opioid overdoses had seen a doctor in the preceding month; more than half had filled an opioid prescription in that time. The typical patient had seen a doctor 15 times in the year before he or she died.

Those overdosing on oxycodone are predominantly people with family doctors or, at the very least, easy access to a walk-in clinic. They aren’t buying their drugs on the street – or, if they are, it’s to supplement prescriptions.

Although there have been studies of opioid-related deaths in the United States and elsewhere, this is the first study examining trends in prescription-opioid deaths in Canada – and the first in the world to examine whether people dying of prescription-opioid overdoses are within the health system.

“If people are seeing physicians and getting prescriptions and going to pharmacies, that would certainly suggest a missed opportunity for prevention,” Dr. Dhalla said. “If you’re seeing your doctor 15 times in the year before you die, that means there are 15 visits where the fact that a person might be on multiple drugs that interact with each other could be addressed, psychological problems could be addressed, alternative strategies for dealing with chronic pain could be considered”

The study found prescription opioids kill, on average, 300 people in Ontario each year. HIV/AIDS kills 100 people annually; H1N1 has killed 100 people in Ontario so far. Other illicit drugs cause few overdose deaths by comparison.

“The perception, if you watch the movies, is that people inject heroin and die,” Dr. Dhalla said. “In Ontario there are far more deaths from prescription opioids than heroin. Deaths from illicit drug use without prescription opioids are relatively rare.”

It’s a case of a potent drug – as much as twice as powerful as morphine, which is far less easily available – not getting “the respect it deserves,” says David Juurlink, a doctor at Sunnybrook Health Sciences in Toronto and one of the report’s authors.

“It’s a very, very common medication, and familiarity breeds contempt,” he said.

A set of guidelines on opioid prescriptions, pain and addiction treatment drawn up by a team of experts from across the country is in the final stages of feedback, and will be released early next year.

Before the end of the month, Ontario plans to impose limits on the number of opioid pills it will cover, per prescription. And in January, the province will decide whether to fund buprenorphine – a less-addictive alternative to methadone that costs more per pill but would make addiction treatment available to more people.

“We don’t really have the authority to dictate what a doctor can prescribe,” Ms. Stevenson said. “Where we have the authority is around what we’re prepared to pay for.”

But while addiction doctors say it’s high time to add buprenorphine to the provincial formulary, they’re worried that limiting access to drugs is too blunt a tool, and will deprive patients suffering from pain of the treatment they may need.

“[Limits] might also actually reduce the availability of oxycodone and other prescribed opioids for patients who legitimately benefit from it,” said Curtis Handford, a doctor at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. “Physicians still need to be able to access medications if they feel they’re warranted.”

Reversal of childhood idiopathic scoliosis in an adult, without surgery: a case report and literature review

This report documents improved chest wall function and resolution of respiratory symptoms in response to nonsurgical approaches in an adult female, diagnosed at age eleven years with idiopathic scoliosis.

Scoliosis, 12/16/09

A systematic review of the effect of breakfast on the cognitive performance of children and adolescents

The evidence indicates that breakfast consumption is more beneficial than skipping breakfast, but this effect is more apparent in children whose nutritional status is compromised. There is a lack of research comparing breakfast type, precluding recommendations for the size and composition of an optimal breakfast for children's cognitive function. Few studies examined adolescents. Studies of school breakfast programmes suggest that such interventions can have positive effects on academic performance, but this may be in part explained by the increased school attendance that programmes encourage. The present systematic review considers methodological issues in this field and makes recommendations for future research design and policy priorities.

Nutrition Research Reviews, 12/16/09

The Effect of Running Shoes on Lower Extremity Joint Torques

The findings at the knee suggest relatively greater pressures at anatomical sites that are typically more prone to knee osteoarthritis, the medial and patellofemoral compartments. It is important to note the limitations of these findings and of current 3–dimensional gait analysis in general, that only resultant joint torques were assessed. It is unknown to what extent actual joint contact forces could be affected by compliance that a shoe might provide, a potentially valuable design characteristic that may offset the observed increases in joint torques.

PM&R, 12/16/09

Effect of physical activity on glutamine metabolism

After exercise, a reduced glutamine availability may be considered as a marker of overtraining. An increased glutamine availability may contribute to decreased inflammation and health benefits associated with optimal training. Thus, glutamine supplementation may enhance immunocompetence after strenuous exercise. The potential of glutamine supplementation during physical inactivity needs to be explored.

Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care, 12/14/09

Aqueous extracts from dietary supplements influence the production of inflammatory cytokines in immortalized and primary T lymphocytes

While the effects of Congaplex(R) and Immuplex(R) differed in these two models, these data demonstrate that the aqueous extracts from these two dietary supplements can affect the inflammatory response of T lymphocytes.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 12/15/09

Impact of progressive resistance training on lipids and lipoproteins in adults: Another look at a meta-analysis using prediction intervals

Caution may be warranted in recommending that PRT improves TC, HDL–C, TC/HDL–C, non–HDL–C, LDL–C, and TG in adults. Future research should continue to examine the effects of PRT on lipids and lipoproteins in adults so as to determine optimal programs and populations in which PRT may have a positive effect.

Preventive Medicine, 12/15/09

Cost Minimization Analysis of Low Back Pain Claims Data for Chiropractic Vs Medicine in a Managed Care Organization

This study of an managed care organization's (MCO) low back pain allowed costs may be better redirected to primary care or chiropractic, given equivalent levels of case complexity. This study suggests chiropractic management as less expensive compared with medical management of back pain when care extends beyond primary care. Primary care management alone is virtually indistinguishable from chiropractic management in terms of costs.

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 12/14/09

Weight management advice: What do doctors recommend to their patients?

Many overweight patients have not been advised to lose weight, diet, or exercise, and physicians have been particularly reluctant to recommend medications. When physicians do prescribe medications, appropriate counseling too often fails to accompany the prescription. Efforts are needed to increase the involvement of physicians in guiding patients to effective weight management approaches.

Preventive Medicine, 12/14/09

Acute Low Back Pain with Radiculopathy

The results of this study show better improvement in acute low back pain (LBP) treated with low–level laser therapy (LLLT) used as additional therapy.

Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 12/14/09

Long-term Health Outcomes of Youth Sports Injuries

The authors review the current knowledge in the field of long–term health outcomes of youth sports injuries to evaluate the evidence regarding children dropping out of their sport due to injury, physeal injuries and growth disturbance, studies of injuries affecting the spine and knee of young and former athletes, and surgical outcome of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children.

British Journal of Sports Medicine, 12/14/09

Acupuncture and Temporomandibular Disorders: A 3-Month Follow-up EMG Study

Rancan SV et al. – Acupuncture promoted alterations in the EMG activity of masticatory muscles, increased maximal molar bite force, and led to remission of the subjects' painful symptomatology.

Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 12/07/09

Irritable bowel syndrome - The role of complementary medicines in treatment

Pirotta M – The underlying pathophysiology of IBS is not yet fully understood. People’s experience of IBS can fluctuate over time and various bowel symptoms may predominate. Many complementary medicines are used to treat IBS symptoms. Currently there is good evidence to recommend the use of probiotics, peppermint oil capsules and psyllium. Other therapies such as Chinese and Ayuvedic herbs and psychological techniques look promising, but further high quality trials are required before these approaches can be recommended.

Australian Family Physician, 12/10/09

Yoga Practice in Diabetes Improves Physical and Psychological Outcomes

Kosuri M et al. – The aim of this study was to examine the effect of yoga practice on clinical and psychological outcomes in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Participation of subjects with T2DM in yoga practice for 40 days resulted in reduced BMI, improved well–being, and reduced anxiety.

Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, 11/13/09

Growing Meat Without Animals ... Would You Eat It?

Scientists have figured out how to grow tiny nuggets of lab meat and say it will one day be possible to produce steaks in vats, sans any livestock.
Pork chops or burgers cultivated in labs could eliminate contamination problems, as well as address environmental concerns that come with industrial livestock farms.

However, such research opens up strange and perhaps even disturbing possibilities once considered only the realm of science fiction.

Currently, bioengineers are growing nerve, heart and other tissues in labs. Although such research is meant to help treat patients, biomedical engineers suggest growing skeletal muscle in labs -- the kind people typically think of as the meat they eat -- could also help feed the rising demand for meat worldwide.

Trends in Food Science & Technology November 2009

Food Focus: Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are on everyone’s mind this season. They seem to go hand in hand with the holidays, and fortunately, eating these and other sweet vegetables needn’t be limited to this time of year. Cravings for sweets can be greatly reduced by adding sweet vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, yams, parsnips, beets, squash, turnips and rutabagas to your daily diet. Sweet potatoes elevate blood sugar gently rather than with the jolt delivered by simple refined carbohydrates, so there’s no energy crash after you eat them. Much higher in nutrients than white potatoes and especially rich in vitamin A, sweet potatoes offer a creamy consistency that is satisfying and soothing. They are healing to the stomach, spleen, pancreas and reproductive organs and help to remove toxins from the body. They can increase the quantity of milk in lactating women and can lessen cramps and premenstrual symptoms. If you don’t have any sweet potatoes in your kitchen, go out and buy some (organic and local if possible).

Kinematic Analysis of Runners with Achilles Mid-Portion Tendinopathy

The authors found an increase in eversion displacement of the sub–talar joint in runners with Achilles mid–portion tendinopathy. Based on the findings from this study, there is evidence that devices used to control sub–talar eversion may be warranted in patients with Achilles mid–portion tendinopathy who demonstrate over–pronation during mid–stance of the running gait.

Foot & Ankle International, 12/09/09

Sports and osteoarthrosis

There are different therapeutic approaches to osteoarthrosis, which will be more important in the future. Exercise should be a core treatment for people with osteoarthritis, irrespective of age, comorbidity, pain severity, or disability. Exercise should include local muscle strengthening and general aerobic fitness.

Fuel Selection during Prolonged Arm and Leg Exercise with 13C-Glucose Ingestion

The difference in fuel selection between AE and LE when water was ingested was modest with a slightly higher reliance on CHO oxidation during AE. The amount of exogenous glucose oxidized was lower but its %En was higher during AE because of the lower energy expenditure.

Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 12/03/09

Is there an injury epidemic in girls' sports?

Injuries to prominent sportswomen have raised questions about whether there is an injury epidemic for female athletes. The authors' aim was to synthesize the data on overall injury incidence among female athletes and present the evidence for specific injuries for which females appear to be at greater risk than males. The authors also reviewed the severity of female injuries, the hypothesized risk factors, and injury prevention studies. In general, females have a lower rate of injury than males. Females are at greater risk for specific injuries such as non–contact anterior cruciate ligament injuries, but these injuries are relatively rare. Further, females tend to have higher rates of surgery for the same injuries than males. Nevertheless, injury rates likely can be reduced by research efforts to identify modifiable risk factors using rigorous epidemiologic methods and the investigation of effective prevention programs.

British Journal of Sports Medicine, 12/11/09

Mediterranean diet and cognitive function in older adults

The possibility that the Mediterranean diet may affect not only the risk for Alzheimer's disease, but also the evolution of cognitive performances a long time before the clinical diagnosis of dementia and subsequent disease course constitutes major promising results. Replication of these results in other populations seems necessary to allow their generalization and to propose the Mediterranean diet as a potential preventive approach against cognitive decline or dementia in addition to its expected benefits against many other unfavorable outcomes in a public health perspective.

Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care, 12/11/09

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet and risk of gastric adenocarcinoma within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition

Buckland et al. – Greater adherence to an relative Mediterranean diet (rMED) is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of incident gastric adenocarcinoma (GC).

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 12/11/09

Prediction of vertebral fractures is specific for gender and site of bone mineral density measurement

Jacobs JWG et al. – Prediction of fractures is specific for gender and site of BMD measurement.

Methods
Lateral radiographs of the spine were obtained from 314 Portuguese individuals aged 60 years or older (205 women and 109 men) with bone mineral density (BMD) measurements at several sites
Associations between BMD at various sites, participant characteristics, and vertebral fractures were investigated.
Results
BMD measurements at all sites significantly predicted the presence of osteoporotic vertebral deformities in women but not in men.
BMD assessments were statistically significantly related to vertebral deformities in women but not in men.
BMD measurements of the lumbar spine and of the forearm, adjusted for gender, age, and body mass index, significantly predicted the presence of vertebral deformity, but BMD of the hip sites did not.

Journal of Rheumatology, 11/20/09

Relationships between coping strategies and lumbar muscle activity in subjects with chronic low back pain

van der Hulst M et al. – In chronic low back pain (CLBP), a maladaptive coping strategy like “catastrophizing” is related to increased lumbar muscle activity, and an adaptive strategy like “distraction” to increased lumbar muscle relaxation during walking.

European Journal of Pain, 12/09/09

Preventive Effect of Artificial Ligamentous Stabilization on the Upper Adjacent Segment Impairment Following Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Imagama S et al. – The results demonstrated an effect of soft stabilization for the prevention of transition syndrome in lumbar spine fusion. Although the postoperative follow–up periods in this study were not sufficiently long to reach a definitive conclusion, intervertebral breakdown adjacent to the rigid spine fusion could be diminished by the application of soft stabilization.

Spine 12/8/09

Therapeutic effects of magnetic and copper bracelets in osteoarthritis: A randomised placebo-controlled crossover trial

Richmond SJ et al. – The authors' results indicate that magnetic and copper bracelets are generally ineffective for managing pain, stiffness and physical function in osteoarthritis. Reported therapeutic benefits are most likely attributable to non–specific placebo effects. However such devices have no major adverse effects and may provide hope.

Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 12/08/09

Salt intake, stroke, and cardiovascular disease: meta-analysis of prospective studies

Strazzullo P et al. – High salt intake is associated with significantly increased risk of stroke and total cardiovascular disease. Because of imprecision in measurement of salt intake, these effect sizes are likely to be underestimated. These results support the role of a substantial population reduction in salt intake for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

British Medical Journal, 12/07/09

Comparison of the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment and local anaesthetic injection for low back pain: a randomised controlled clinical trial

Inoue M et al. – Both injection and acupuncture relieved pain, but acupuncture was superior for the immediate and sustained effects, suggesting that it is a useful treatment for low back pain. The difference in the effects may be attributable to differences in the mechanism of pain suppression.

Acupuncture in Medicine, 12/07/09

Some Factors Predict Successful Short-Term Outcomes in Individuals With Shoulder Pain Receiving Cervicothoracic Manipulation: A Single-Arm Trial

Mintken PE et al. – The identified prognostic variables will allow clinicians to make an a prior identification of individuals with shoulder pain who are likely to experience short–term improvement with cervical and thoracic spine manipulation. Future studies are necessary to validate these findings.

Physical Therapy, 12/04/09

They need to validate these findings because the found that spinal manipulation gave the patients relief from their pain.

Bone Geometry, Strength, and Muscle Size in Runners with a History of Stress Fracture

Popp KL et al. – The findings suggest that cortical bone strength, cortical area, and MCSA are all lower in runners with a history of stress fracture. However, the lower strength was appropriate for the smaller muscle size, suggesting that interventions to reduce stress fracture risk might be aimed at improving muscle size and strength.

Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 12/03/09

Acupuncture Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis:

Zhang SP et al. – The results indicate that acupuncture can provide pain relief to patient with plantar fasciitis, and that PC 7 is a relatively specific acupoint for heel pain.

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine , 11/24/09

Can patellar tape reduce the patellar malalignment and pain associated with patellofemoral osteoarthritis

Crossley KM et al. – Patellar taping is a conservative treatment that may reduce patellar malalignment and pain in people with patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to compare patellar alignment in people with and without patellofemoral joint OA and to evaluate immediate effects of patellar taping on patellar alignment and pain in people with patellofemoral joint OA. Patellar tape may reduce malalignment and pain associated with patellofemoral joint OA.

Arthritis Care and Research , 12/02/09

Association of vitamin B-6 status with inflammation, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammatory conditions

Shen J et al. – Low vitamin B–6 concentrations are associated with inflammation, higher oxidative stress, and metabolic conditions in older Puerto Rican adults. These data suggest that vitamin B–6 may influence cardiovascular disease risk through mechanisms other than homocysteine and support the notion that nutritional status may influence the health disparities present in this population.


American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 12/03/09

Boswellia frereana (frankincense) suppresses cytokine-induced matrix metalloproteinase expression and production of pro-inflammatory molecules.

Blain EJ et al. – The authors have demonstrated that B. frereana prevents collagen degradation, and inhibits the production of pro–inflammatory mediators and MMPs. Due to its efficacy they propose that B. frereana should be examined further as a potential therapeutic agent for treating inflammatory symptoms associated with arthritis.


Phytotherapy Research, 12/02/09

The initial effects of different rates of lumbar mobilisations on pressure pain thresholds in asymptomatic subjects

Willett E et al. – This study provides new experimental evidence that lumbar posteroanterior mobilisations produce an immediate and significant widespread hypoalgesic effect, regardless of the rates of mobilisation in asymptomatic subjects.

Manual Therapy , 12/01/09

Comparison of the Effectiveness of 3 Manual PT Techniques in a Subgroup of Patients W/ LBP Who Satisfy a Clinical Prediction Rule:

Cleland JA et al. – The results of the study support the generalizability of the clinical prediction rule (CPR) to another thrust manipulation technique, but not to the nonthrust manipulation technique that was used in this study. In general, these results also provided support that the CPR can be generalized to different settings from which it was derived and validated. However, additional research is needed to examine this issue.

Spine 11/30/09

Experiences of individuals with chronic low back pain during and after their participation in a spinal stabilisation exercise programme - A pilot qual

Sokunbi O et al. – Participants' experiences were not limited to the positive effects of stabilisation exercises on pain, functional disability and quality of life, but also reflected increases in confidence, the formulation of self help strategies and the ability to exert better control over their LBP. The findings highlight the importance of well planned associated educational support packages in the treatment of LBP paving the way for future qualitative research.

Manual Therapy , 11/30/09

Doxycycline for osteoarthritis of the knee or hip

Nuesch E et al. – The symptomatic benefit of doxycycline is minimal to non–existent. The small benefit in terms of joint space narrowing is of questionable clinical relevance and outweighed by safety problems. Doxycycline should not be recommended for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee or hip.

Cochrane Reviews, 10/23/09

Diet Quality in Childhood Is Prospectively Associated with the Timing of Puberty but Not with Body Composition at Puberty Onset

Cheng et al. – These data suggest that diet quality was not independently associated with body composition at the age at take–off (ATO). Children with lower diet quality according to a nutrient density–based index appear to enter puberty at an earlier age, independently of prepubertal body composition.

The Journal of Nutrition, 11/19/09

Carotenoids and cardiovascular disease

Carotenoids are a class of natural fat–soluble pigments found principally in plants. They have potential antioxidant biological properties due to their chemical structure and interaction with biological membranes. The most abundant carotenoids in the diet are beta–carotene, lycopene, lutein, beta–cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin. Numerous epidemiologic studies have supported the hypothesis that antioxidants could be used as an inexpensive means of prevention, and possibly treatment, of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this review is to examine the published studies about the use of carotenoids, especially lycopene and astaxanthin, in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Current Atherosclerosis Reports, 11/13/09

A Randomized Trial of Nebulized 3% Hypertonic Saline With Epinephrine in the Treatment of Acute Bronchiolitis in the Emergency Department

In the treatment of acute bronchiolitis, hypertonic saline and epinephrine did not improve clinical outcome any more than normal saline and epinephrine in the emergency setting. This differs from previously published results of outpatient and inpatient populations and merits further evaluation.

Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 11/23/09

Nutritional supplements and serum lipids: Does anything work

Clinical trial evidence strongly supports the notion that both red yeast rice and plant stanols and sterols effectively lower low–density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Preliminary evidence supports the possibility that green tea catechins and black tea theaflavins may lower LDL. Data do not support an LDL–lowering claim for guggulipid, policosanol, or cinnamon. Finally, there is strong clinical trial evidence suggesting that marine omega–3 fatty acids lower triglycerides.

Current Atherosclerosis Reports, 11/16/09

Plantar contact stress and gait analysis after resection of tarsal coalition.

Operative treatment of tarsal coalition achieved fair clinical and radiographic results and did not restore physiologic gait and foot loading.

Acta Orthopaedica Belgica, 11/17/09

FAKTR-PM Course this weekend

FAKTR-PM stands for "Functional And Kinetic Treatment with Rehabilitation, Provocation and Motion." It was developed to help speed recovery from chronic musculoskeletal pain syndromes and has also been shown to work extremely well on acute musculoskeletal/fascial conditions. This course is on using instrument assisted soft tissue and manual therapies, combined with Kinesiotaping and various low-tech rehabilitation devices such as Thera-Band simultaneously. This approach provides a powerful stimulus to healing tissues.

Open House!

My Long Island office (located inside the Islip Gold's Gym) will be having and open house and will be giving a course on Golf injuries. Please join us on November 17th. For more details please visit: http://www.goldsgym.com/gyms/index.php?gymID=0996

A little about me

Dr. Valente graduated from Texas Chiropractic College in Pasadena, Texas, in 2001 with a focus on radiology, rehabilitation, and myofascial disorders. During this time he received a certification in acupuncture and was trained in concussion grading and athletic taping. At the same time joined the Baseball Sports Medicine Institute where he treated Profesional and Amateur athletes.

In 2001, he joined Broadway Orthopedic and Sports Specialists in New York City as Director of Chiropractic where he worked along with orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, massage therapists, and personal trainers from Gold's Gym, NYC. In 2006 he co-founded Elite Health & Sports Chiropractic, P.C.

Dr. Valente has obtained the postgraduate education as a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician by the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. This certification is specific to physical fitness and the evaluation and treatment of injuries encountered in sports. In 2006 & 2007, Dr. Valente has covered the Brooklyn AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour in Brooklyn, NY. From 2001-2006 he was a Team Doctor for the Nike Pro-Am Basketball League.

Dr. Valente is one of the few chiropractors in New York who performs Manipulation Under Anesthesia, a valuable procedure for people with chronic neck, back, and joint problems who have not been responsive to conventional treatment.

Dr. Valente also is a member of the United States Sports Chiropractic Federation which promotes the development and care of athletes at international sporting events.

Welcome to my Blog!

Welcome and thanks for visiting the blog of Dr. Valente, your one-stop shop for learning about what sports chiropractic is and what it can do for you, and a place where I can post important health information to share with my patients and followers.

Practice Information:

At both my practices, I specializes in treating a variety of conditions, from chronic low back and neck pain to sports rehabilitation following an accident or injury. We can also provide information about improving your diet, creating a healthier workplace, and increasing the overall quality of your health.

I am in Manhattan on Tuesday, Thursdays & Fridays and in the Islip office on Monday, Wednesday & Saturday.

Our mission is to provide high-quality care to people and athlelets of all ages. We strive to not only correct a person's health problems, but to educate and enlighten people so that they do not encounter similar problems in the future.