This study shows that if you want to lose weight or lower your cholesterol, then you have to stick to a long-term exercise or strength training program. But if your goal is just cardio-respiratory fitness and glucose tolerance, then short-term intense interval training can help you to achieve that goal.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of brief intense interval training as exercise intervention for promoting health and to evaluate potential benefits about common interventions, that is, prolonged exercise and strength training.
Methods: Thirty-six untrained men were divided into groups that completed 12 wk of intense interval running (INT; total training time 40 min·wk−1), prolonged running (~150 min·wk−1), and strength training (~150 min·wk−1) or continued their habitual lifestyle without participation in physical training.
Results: The improvement in cardio-respiratory fitness was superior in the INT (14% ± 2% increase in VO2max) compared with the other two exercise interventions (7% ± 2% and 3% ± 2% increases). The blood glucose concentration 2 h after oral ingestion of 75 g of glucose was lowered to a similar extent after training in the INT (from 6.1 ± 0.6 to 5.1 ± 0.4 mM, P < 0.05) and the prolonged running group (from 5.6 ± 1.5 to 4.9 ± 1.1 mM, P < 0.05). In contrast, INT was less efficient than prolonged running for lowering the subjects' resting HR, fat percentage, and reducing the ratio between total and HDL plasma cholesterol. Furthermore, total bone mass and lean body mass remained unchanged in the INT group, whereas both these parameters were increased by the strength-training intervention.
Conclusions: INT for 12 wk is an effective training stimulus for improvement of cardio-respiratory fitness and glucose tolerance, but in relation to the treatment of hyperlipidemia and obesity, it is less effective than prolonged training. Furthermore and in contrast to strength training, 12 wk of INT had no impact on muscle mass or indices of skeletal health.
Source: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/729632
David P. Chen, D.C.
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland 20708
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Monday, May 16, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Is there any truth to the "old wives' tale" that habitual knuckle-cracking will lead to osteoarthritis in the hands?
This is among one of the most asked questions when patients come to see me at Laurel Regional Chiropractic. According to this recent article in the American Board of Family Medicine (2011;24(2):169-174), there appears to be no correlation between knuckle cracking and hand osteoarthritis.
Background: Previous studies have not shown a correlation between knuckle cracking (KC) and hand osteoarthritis (OA). However, one study showed an inverse correlation between KC and metacarpophalangeal joint OA.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study among persons aged 50 to 89 years who received a radiograph of the right hand during the last 5 years. Patients had radiographically proven hand OA, and controls did not. Participants indicated frequency, duration, and details of their KC behavior and known risk factors for hand OA.
Results: The prevalence of KC among 215 respondents (135 patients, 80 controls) was 20%. When examined in aggregate, the prevalence of OA in any joint was similar among those who crack knuckles (18.1%) and those who do not (21.5%; P = .548). When examined by joint type, KC was not a risk for OA in that joint. Total past duration (in years) and volume (daily frequency × years) of KC of each joint type also was not significantly correlated with OA at the respective joint.
Conclusions: A history of habitual KC—including the total duration and total cumulative exposure—does not seem to be a risk factor for hand OA.
Source: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/739188
David P. Chen, D.C.
Chiropractor at Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Background: Previous studies have not shown a correlation between knuckle cracking (KC) and hand osteoarthritis (OA). However, one study showed an inverse correlation between KC and metacarpophalangeal joint OA.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study among persons aged 50 to 89 years who received a radiograph of the right hand during the last 5 years. Patients had radiographically proven hand OA, and controls did not. Participants indicated frequency, duration, and details of their KC behavior and known risk factors for hand OA.
Results: The prevalence of KC among 215 respondents (135 patients, 80 controls) was 20%. When examined in aggregate, the prevalence of OA in any joint was similar among those who crack knuckles (18.1%) and those who do not (21.5%; P = .548). When examined by joint type, KC was not a risk for OA in that joint. Total past duration (in years) and volume (daily frequency × years) of KC of each joint type also was not significantly correlated with OA at the respective joint.
Conclusions: A history of habitual KC—including the total duration and total cumulative exposure—does not seem to be a risk factor for hand OA.
Source: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/739188
David P. Chen, D.C.
Chiropractor at Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Monday, May 9, 2011
Exercising With Lower Back Pain: Prescription for Health
Lower back pain is one of the most common medical complaints in the world. Don't let low back pain get you down! A well-designed exercise program can help speed recovery from low back pain, reduce pain levels, and possibly prevent reinjury. In fact, regular physical activity has been shown to increase muscle strength and endurance, enhance mobility and reduce the risk of falling is superior to spine therapy at helping people cope with back pain and at keeping it under control! The key to maximizing the benefits of exercise is to follow a well-designed program that you can stick to over the long-term.
The goal of exercise training is to improve overall fitness (cardiovascular, muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, coordination and function) while minimizing the stress to the lower back.
Talk with your health care provider before starting an exercise program and ask if they have specific concerns about you doing exercise. Most people do very well with regular exercise and sufficient time, but some people do need surgery.
Choose low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, and cycling.
Strong abdominals, back, and leg muscles are essential for helping you maintain good posture and body mechanics. Once the acute pain subsides, you can begin doing light strengthening-training exercises designed to help your posture.
Yoga and tai chi may help relieve or prevent lower back pain by increasing flexibility and reducing tension. Be careful, however, not to do any poses that could exacerbate your condition.
Start slowly and gradually progress the intensity and duration of your workouts.
Do low- to moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise for 20 to 60 minutes at least three to four days per week.
Avoid high-impact activities such as running.
While low-impact aerobic activities can be started within two weeks of the onset of lower back pain, exercises that target the trunk region should be delayed until at least two weeks after the first sign of symptoms.
Never exercise to the point of pain -- if something hurts, don't do it.
Your exercise program should be designed to maximize the benefits with the fewest risks of aggravating your health or physical condition.
Contact us at Laurel Regional Chiropractic for your lower back pain, we can work with you to establish realistic goals and design a safe and effective exercise program that addresses your specific condition.
Source: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/719762
David P. Chen, D.C.
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD 20708
The goal of exercise training is to improve overall fitness (cardiovascular, muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, coordination and function) while minimizing the stress to the lower back.
Talk with your health care provider before starting an exercise program and ask if they have specific concerns about you doing exercise. Most people do very well with regular exercise and sufficient time, but some people do need surgery.
Choose low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, and cycling.
Strong abdominals, back, and leg muscles are essential for helping you maintain good posture and body mechanics. Once the acute pain subsides, you can begin doing light strengthening-training exercises designed to help your posture.
Yoga and tai chi may help relieve or prevent lower back pain by increasing flexibility and reducing tension. Be careful, however, not to do any poses that could exacerbate your condition.
Start slowly and gradually progress the intensity and duration of your workouts.
Do low- to moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise for 20 to 60 minutes at least three to four days per week.
Avoid high-impact activities such as running.
While low-impact aerobic activities can be started within two weeks of the onset of lower back pain, exercises that target the trunk region should be delayed until at least two weeks after the first sign of symptoms.
Never exercise to the point of pain -- if something hurts, don't do it.
Your exercise program should be designed to maximize the benefits with the fewest risks of aggravating your health or physical condition.
Contact us at Laurel Regional Chiropractic for your lower back pain, we can work with you to establish realistic goals and design a safe and effective exercise program that addresses your specific condition.
Source: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/719762
David P. Chen, D.C.
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD 20708
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
A herniated disc...a prolapsed disc...or a ruptured disc?
What's the difference between a herniated disc, a prolapsed disc, a ruptured disc, they all sound pretty scary, but guess what? There is virtually no agreement in the medical community as to the differences between the terms - their definitions are disputed all the time.
But what does the definition really matter? Isn’t it more important that we know there is pain? Isn’t that we know the cause of pain more important?
The fact is, different doctors will interpret MRIs and x-rays differently. A single film might lead to multiple diagnoses. The focus should be on getting the right kind of treatment for pain and helping restore function and ability, not splitting hairs with definitions. That’s why at Laurel Regional Chiropractic, we put the spotlight on your well-being.
The fact is, for back injuries and pain that are disc-related, doctors and surgeons will often prescribe surgery when it isn’t necessary or even recommended. It’s the last line of defense, not the first. At Laurel Regional Chiropractic, we take the non-surgical route by providing conservative treatments. Therapies like the mechanical traction, spinal manipulation, and physical rehabilitation can restore range of motion and improve muscle support. For everyone we see, we will create the right treatment plan for each individual patient.
If you have a herniated disc and are suffering, come in and see us. We’re here to help. Call us at 301-953-0256 for our office in Laurel, MD and make your appointment for a consultation.
David P. Chen, D.C.
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
But what does the definition really matter? Isn’t it more important that we know there is pain? Isn’t that we know the cause of pain more important?
The fact is, different doctors will interpret MRIs and x-rays differently. A single film might lead to multiple diagnoses. The focus should be on getting the right kind of treatment for pain and helping restore function and ability, not splitting hairs with definitions. That’s why at Laurel Regional Chiropractic, we put the spotlight on your well-being.
The fact is, for back injuries and pain that are disc-related, doctors and surgeons will often prescribe surgery when it isn’t necessary or even recommended. It’s the last line of defense, not the first. At Laurel Regional Chiropractic, we take the non-surgical route by providing conservative treatments. Therapies like the mechanical traction, spinal manipulation, and physical rehabilitation can restore range of motion and improve muscle support. For everyone we see, we will create the right treatment plan for each individual patient.
If you have a herniated disc and are suffering, come in and see us. We’re here to help. Call us at 301-953-0256 for our office in Laurel, MD and make your appointment for a consultation.
David P. Chen, D.C.
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Chiropractic manipulative therapy and low-level laser therapy in the management of cervical facet dysfunction
PURPOSE:
The aim of this study was to determine the short-term effect of chiropractic joint manipulation therapy (CMT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on pain and range of motion in the management of cervical facet dysfunction.
METHODS:
Sixty ambulatory women between the ages of 18 and 40 years with cervical facet joint pain of more than 30-day duration and normal neurologic examination were randomized to receive 1 of 3 treatment options: (1) CMT of the cervical spine, (2) LLLT applied to the cervical facet joints, or (3) a combination of CMT and LLLT. Each participant received 6 treatments in 3 weeks. The main outcome measures were as follows: the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index, Cervical Range of Motion Instrument, and Baseline Digital Inclinometer. Measurements were taken during weeks 1 (baseline), 2, 3, and 4.
RESULTS:
No differences existed between the 3 groups at baseline. A significant difference was seen between groups 1 (CMT) and 2 (LLLT) for cervical flexion, between groups 1 (CMT) and 3 (CMT + LLLT) for cervical flexion and rotation, and between groups 2 (LLLT) and 3 (CMT + LLLT) for pain disability in everyday life, lateral flexion, and rotation.
CONCLUSION:
All 3 groups showed improvement in the primary and secondary outcomes. A combination of CMT and LLLT was more effective than either of the 2 on their own. Both therapies are indicated as potentially beneficial treatments for cervical facet dysfunction. Further studies are needed to explore optimal treatment procedures for CMT and LLLT and the possible mechanism of interaction between therapies.
Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21492750
David P. Chen, D.C.
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD 20708
The aim of this study was to determine the short-term effect of chiropractic joint manipulation therapy (CMT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on pain and range of motion in the management of cervical facet dysfunction.
METHODS:
Sixty ambulatory women between the ages of 18 and 40 years with cervical facet joint pain of more than 30-day duration and normal neurologic examination were randomized to receive 1 of 3 treatment options: (1) CMT of the cervical spine, (2) LLLT applied to the cervical facet joints, or (3) a combination of CMT and LLLT. Each participant received 6 treatments in 3 weeks. The main outcome measures were as follows: the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index, Cervical Range of Motion Instrument, and Baseline Digital Inclinometer. Measurements were taken during weeks 1 (baseline), 2, 3, and 4.
RESULTS:
No differences existed between the 3 groups at baseline. A significant difference was seen between groups 1 (CMT) and 2 (LLLT) for cervical flexion, between groups 1 (CMT) and 3 (CMT + LLLT) for cervical flexion and rotation, and between groups 2 (LLLT) and 3 (CMT + LLLT) for pain disability in everyday life, lateral flexion, and rotation.
CONCLUSION:
All 3 groups showed improvement in the primary and secondary outcomes. A combination of CMT and LLLT was more effective than either of the 2 on their own. Both therapies are indicated as potentially beneficial treatments for cervical facet dysfunction. Further studies are needed to explore optimal treatment procedures for CMT and LLLT and the possible mechanism of interaction between therapies.
Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21492750
David P. Chen, D.C.
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD 20708
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Upper Cervical Manipulation Combined with Mobilization for the Treatment of Atlantoaxial Osteoarthritis
This new case series, managed by the Department of Orthopedics, in the General Military Hospital of Beijing, China, involved 10 patients with idiopathic degenerative and posttraumatic atlantoaxial osteoarthritis. They were treated with upper cervical chiropractic adjusting, in combination with mobilization device therapy.
Outcome measures included self-reported pain using a numeric pain scale (NPS) (1-10, with 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst possible pain), physical examination findings, and radiologic changes.
The reported results were quite impressive:
Pre to post pain findings included a reduction of pain from 8.6 to 2.6.
Rotation of C1 upon C2 increased from 28° to 52°, effectively doubling upper cervical range of motion.
Restoration of joint space was observed in 6 patients.
Clinical improvement was rated as “good” to “excellent” by 80% of these patients.
Source: http://www.chiro.org/cases/ABSTRACTS/Upper_Cervical_Manipulation.shtml
David P. Chen, D.C.
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD 20708
Outcome measures included self-reported pain using a numeric pain scale (NPS) (1-10, with 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst possible pain), physical examination findings, and radiologic changes.
The reported results were quite impressive:
Pre to post pain findings included a reduction of pain from 8.6 to 2.6.
Rotation of C1 upon C2 increased from 28° to 52°, effectively doubling upper cervical range of motion.
Restoration of joint space was observed in 6 patients.
Clinical improvement was rated as “good” to “excellent” by 80% of these patients.
Source: http://www.chiro.org/cases/ABSTRACTS/Upper_Cervical_Manipulation.shtml
David P. Chen, D.C.
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD 20708
Monday, April 4, 2011
60% of Surgical Candidates Avoid Surgery with Chiropractic
Lifetime prevalence of a herniated disc has been estimated to be 35% in men and 45% in woman and it has been estimated that 90% of all leg pain secondary to herniated discs occurs at either the L4-5 or L5-S1 levels. It has also been reported that average duration of symptoms is 55.9 weeks, underscoring the critical necessity for finding a viable solution for these patients”
It was reported by McMorland, Suter, Casha, du Plessis, and Hurlbert in 2010 that over 250,000 patients a year undergo elective lumbar discectomy (spinal surgery) for the treatment of low back disc issues in the United States. The researchers did a comparative randomized clinical study comparing spinal microdiscectomy (surgery) performed by neurosurgeons to non-operative manipulative treatments (chiropractic adjustments) performed by chiropractors. They compared quality of life and disabilities of the patients in the study.
This study was limited to patients with distinct one-sided lumbar disc herniations as diagnosed via MRI and had associated radicular (nerve root) symptoms. Based upon the authors’ review of available MRI studies, the patients participating in the study were all initially considered surgical candidates.
Both the surgical and chiropractic groups reported no new neurological problems surfaced and had only minor post-treatment soreness. 60% of the patients who underwent chiropractic care reported a successful outcome while 40% required surgery and of those 40%, all reported successful outcomes. Of those patients choosing surgery as the primary means of treatment, 15% reported a failed surgical outcome and then chose chiropractic as a secondary choice. Of those 15% with failed surgeries, all were reported to have performed worse in clinical outcomes.
While it is clear that an accurate diagnosis could dictate that many patients require immediate surgery, many also do not. The above study indicates that a conservative non-operative approach of chiropractic care prevented 60% from needless surgery. While a larger study would give us more information, based upon the outcomes, cost factors and potential increased risks of surgery, it was concluded that chiropractic is a viable, first line treatment option.
These studies along with many others conclude that a drug-free approach of chiropractic care is one of the best solutions for patients with surgical lumbar discs and sciatic pain.
Source: http://healthfultips.com/?p=955
David P. Chen, D.C.
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD 20708
It was reported by McMorland, Suter, Casha, du Plessis, and Hurlbert in 2010 that over 250,000 patients a year undergo elective lumbar discectomy (spinal surgery) for the treatment of low back disc issues in the United States. The researchers did a comparative randomized clinical study comparing spinal microdiscectomy (surgery) performed by neurosurgeons to non-operative manipulative treatments (chiropractic adjustments) performed by chiropractors. They compared quality of life and disabilities of the patients in the study.
This study was limited to patients with distinct one-sided lumbar disc herniations as diagnosed via MRI and had associated radicular (nerve root) symptoms. Based upon the authors’ review of available MRI studies, the patients participating in the study were all initially considered surgical candidates.
Both the surgical and chiropractic groups reported no new neurological problems surfaced and had only minor post-treatment soreness. 60% of the patients who underwent chiropractic care reported a successful outcome while 40% required surgery and of those 40%, all reported successful outcomes. Of those patients choosing surgery as the primary means of treatment, 15% reported a failed surgical outcome and then chose chiropractic as a secondary choice. Of those 15% with failed surgeries, all were reported to have performed worse in clinical outcomes.
While it is clear that an accurate diagnosis could dictate that many patients require immediate surgery, many also do not. The above study indicates that a conservative non-operative approach of chiropractic care prevented 60% from needless surgery. While a larger study would give us more information, based upon the outcomes, cost factors and potential increased risks of surgery, it was concluded that chiropractic is a viable, first line treatment option.
These studies along with many others conclude that a drug-free approach of chiropractic care is one of the best solutions for patients with surgical lumbar discs and sciatic pain.
Source: http://healthfultips.com/?p=955
David P. Chen, D.C.
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD 20708
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