Clinical Study of Shentong Zhuyu Decoction Combined with Massage Therapy in the Treatment of Exertional Chronic Lumbar Muscle Strain

[Objectives]To explore the effects of Shentong Zhuyu decoction combined with massage therapy in the treatment of exertional chronic lumbar muscle strain.[Methods]Sixty-four cases of exertional chronic lumbar muscle strain were randomly divided into two groups(32 cases each group).The patients in the control group only took celecoxib capsules,and those in the treatment group additionally took Shentong Zhuyu decoction combined with massage therapy.TCM syndrome score,lumbar function,hemorrheology index and clinical effect were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.[Results]After treatment,the TCM syndrome scores of lumbar distension/dull pain,tingling-like lumbago,adverse lateral turn,body weight loss,dark purple tongue,slow or astringent pulse,and Oswestry disability index(ODI)score in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group,and the levels of plasma viscosity,red blood cell aggregation index,platelet aggregation rate(PAG)and fibrinogen(Fib)were lower than those in the control group,showing statistical significance(P<0.05).The overall clinical effect distribution of the treatment group was better than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).[Conclusions]Shentong Zhuyu decoction combined with massage therapy can effectively relieve the symptoms of patients with lumbago and improve the lumbar mobility function and hemorrheology,with obvious therapeutic effects in the treatment of exertional chronic lumbar muscle strain.

The effect of hamstring flexibility on peak hamstring muscle strain in sprinting

Background:The effect of hamstring flexibility on the peak hamstring muscle strains in sprinting,until now,remained unknown,which limited our understanding of risk factors of hamstring muscle strain injury(hamstring injury).As a continuation of our previous study,this study was aimed to examine the relationship between hamstring flexibility and peak hamstring muscle strains in sprinting.Methods:Ten male and 10 female college students participated in this study.Hamstring flexibility,isokinetic strength data,three-dimensional(3D)kinematic data in a hamstring isokinetic test,and kinematic data in a sprinting test were collected for each participant.The optimal hamstring muscle lengths and peak hamstring muscle strains in sprinting were determined for each participant.Results:The muscle strain of each of the 3 biarticulated hamstring muscles reached a peak during the late swing phase.Peak hamstring muscle strains were negatively correlated to hamstring flexibility(0.1179 ≤ R2≤ 0.4519,p = 0.001) but not to hip and knee joint positions at the time of peak hamstring muscle strains.Peak hamstring muscle strains were not different for different genders.Peak muscle strains of biceps long head(0.071 ± 0.059) and semitendinosus(0.070 ± 0.055) were significantly greater than that of semimembranosus(0.064 ± 0.054).Conclusion:A potential for hamstring injury exists during the late swing phase of sprinting.Peak hamstring muscle strains in sprinting are negatively correlated to hamstring flexibility across individuals.The magnitude of peak muscle strains is different among hamstring muscles in sprinting,which may explain the different injury rate among hamstring muscles.

Research in prevention and rehabilitation of hamstring muscle strain injury

Hamstring muscle strain injury is the most common and prevalent injury in sports involving high-speed running,such as American football,Australian football,English rugby,soccer,track and field,and cricket.1Hamstring muscle strain injury also has a high recurrence rate of up to 48%.2The average practice and game time loss due to hamstring injury is between17 and 60 days,contingent on the grade of injury.2Severe hamstring muscle strain injuries,and associated recurrent inju-

Therapeutic Effect of Shaoyao Jiawei Gancao Decoction(芍药加味甘草汤)with Acupoint Application on Chronic Lumbar Muscle Strain and the Recovery of Lumbar Strength

Objective:To study the therapeutic effect of Shaoyao Jiawei Gancao Decoction(芍药加味甘草汤)with acupoint application on chronic lumbar muscle strain and the recovery of lumbar strength.Methods:From August 2018 to August 2019,100 patients with chronic lumbar muscle strain admitted to our hospital were selected and randomly divided into an acupoint application group and a combined group of 50 cases each.The acupoint application group was treated by acupoint application,and the combined group was treated with Shaoyao Jiawei Gancao Decoction(芍药加味甘草汤)based on acupoint application.The indexes scores,VAS scores,ADL scores,ODI scores,lumbar endurance,TCM syndrome scores and the treatment effects of the two groups before and after treatment were statistically analyzed,and TNF-αand TXB2 levels were detected.Results:After treatment,the scores of indexes,VAS,ODI,TCM syndrome,TNF-αand TXB2 in the combined group were lower than those in the acupoint application group,and the ADL score,lumbar endurance and treatment efficiency were higher than those in the acupoint application group,with a statistical difference(P<0.05).Conclusion:Shaoyao Jiawei Gancao Decoction(芍药加味甘草汤)with acupoint application can effectively reduce pain,improve lumbar function,restore lumbar strength,effectively relieve inflammation,with significant effects.

Magnetic resonance imaging： a valuable method for diagnosing chronic lumbago caused by lumbar muscle strain and monitoring healingprocess

Background Magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） is the most sensitive technique for evaluating the healing process and should be performed before the patients return to their exercise routines. The aim of this research was to diagnose chronic lumbago associated with lumbar muscle strain and to monitor healing process by MRI. Methods Sixty-five symptomatic cases of chronic lumbago caused by lumbar muscle strain were collected from March 2009 to October 2011. MRI was used to examine, diagnose and monitor the healing process. The control group included 65 random cases of asymptomatic volunteers. MRI methods included routine sequences of GRE TlWl, TSE T2WI and special sequences of T2-STIR-FS, combined with DWI. We compared the MRI characteristics of symptomatic cases before and after healing and with asymptomatic controls. Results The important MRI characteristics of chronic lumbago with lumbar muscle strain included： （1） The low back muscle showed edema. （2） The low back intermuscular spaces showed edema and/or fluid. （3） The low back spaces beside the spinous process showed edema and/or fluid. （4） The low back vertebral articular process fossae or transverse process fossae showed fluid. Of these image characteristics, the intermuscular space edema provided the best diagnostic sensitivity, Se=83%, with Y1=0.63, Tr=74%. The low back muscle edema provided the best diagnostic specificity, Sp=100%, with Y1=0.66, Tr=83%. And the spaces edema beside the spinous process provided the best diangnostic accuracy, Tr=86%, with YI = 0.71, Se=80%, Sp=91%. The diagnosis accurate could be improved by combining multiple MRI characteristics. The diagnostic accuracy could achieve n=93%, with Y1=0.86, Se=100% and Sp=86% when two characteristics were combined. After rehabilitation care, the edema disappeared on the repeated MRI. Conclusions MRI may well be a useful diagnostic method for lumbago with lumbar muscle strain. Combining routine sequences with T2-STIR-FS and DWI sequences could demonstrate the pathological changes of lumbar muscle strain and monitor the healing.

Relationships among hamstring muscle optimal length and hamstring flexibility and strength

Background:Hamstring muscle strain injury(hamstring injury) due to excessive muscle strain is one of the most common injuries in sports.The relationships among hamstring muscle optimal lengths and hamstring flexibility and strength were unknown,which limited our understanding of risk factors for hamstring injury.This study was aimed at examining the relationships among hamstring muscle optimal length and flexibility and strength.Methods:Hamstring flexibility and isokinetic strength data and three-dimensional kinematic data for hamstring isokinetic tests were collected for11 male and 10 female recreational athletes.The maximal hamstring muscle forces,optimal lengths,and muscle lengths in standing were determined for each participant.Results:Hamstring muscle optimal lengths were significantly correlated to hamstring flexibility score and gender,but not to hamstring strength.The greater the flexibility score,the longer the hamstring muscle optimal length.With the same flexibility score,females tend to have shorter hamstring optimal muscle lengths compared to males.Hamstring flexibility score and hamstring strength were not correlated.Hamstring muscle optimal lengths were longer than but not significantly correlated to corresponding hamstring muscle lengths in standing.Conclusion:Hamstring flexibility may affect hamstring muscle maximum strain in movements.With similar hamstring flexibility,hamstring muscle maximal strain in a given movement may be different between genders.Hamstring muscle lengths in standing should not be used as an approximation of their optimal lengths in calculation of hamstring muscle strain in musculoskeletal system modeling.

The Effect of Increasing mTOR Signaling on the Speed of Regeneration in D. dorotocephala planaria

Muscle strains are a common injury that can occur during physical activity or exercise, and they can range from mild to severe depending on the extent of the damage. The mTOR pathway is a highly conserved signaling pathway that has been implicated in various cellular processes, including tissue regeneration. Previous studies that have investigated protein synthesis in mice have concluded that the mTOR pathway can improve muscle regeneration. However, the specific effects of mTOR pathway activation on muscle regeneration in planarians have yet to be fully explored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the use of Arginine and Leucine to stimulate the mTOR pathway for muscle strains in planarians. During the experiment, planarians were amputated, and different dosages of Arginine and Leucine were used to stimulate the mTOR pathway in Dugesia dorotocephala. The speed of muscle regeneration was measured over 14 days in five groups, with thirty planarians in each group. The results showed that the rate of regeneration from 0.134 mM Leucine solution showed a significant increase compared to the control group, while the groups exposed to 0.1, 0.3 mM Arginine, and 0.0134 Leucine did not show significant changes in muscle regeneration. These findings suggest that mTOR pathway activation may enhance muscle regeneration in planarians and that the effects may be dose-dependent. These findings have important implications for developing new treatments for tissue damage. Further studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms of mTOR pathway activation on muscle regeneration in planarians and its potential use in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Operation rules of scraping technique

Traditional Chinese medicine scraping is a kind of natural therapy with a long history of simple and safe operation.It is easy to learn and tools are readily available,so that it has a very wide range of practical value.This paper introduces the definition and indications,function and standardization process of scraping technology,the technical operation specifications and matters needing attentions,as well as the application method of scraping technology,with a view to providing reference for clinical use of scraping technology in the treatment of cervical spondylosis,periarthritis of shoulder,lumbar muscle strain,hypertension,chloasma,and other diseases.

Risk factors for hamstring injuries in Australian male professional cricket players

Background:Injuries to the hamstring are relatively common in professional cricketers(as they are in many team sports) and have increased in incidence in the "T20 era"(introduction of 20-over matches) of cricket since 2006.Methods:This study analyzed incidence of hamstring injury in the various elite male match types over a 20-year period(1995–1996 to 2014–2015seasons).Risk factors for hamstring strain were assessed using a multivariate logistic regression analysis technique.Results:There were 276 match time-loss hamstring injuries recorded over a 20-year period at the Australian state or national player level,of which170 occurred in one of 40,145 player match sets.The overall rate of match onset rate was 22.5 hamstring injuries per 1000 team days.Fast bowling onset injuries were the highest subcategory at a rate of 10.9 injuries per 1000 team days,although batting onset injuries were particularly common in 50-over(one day) international matches.Significant risk factors in logistic regression analysis,in addition to hamstring injury history,were being a fast bowler relative risk(RR) 2.5(95% confidence interval(CI):1.3–4.5) and playing a match in Australia RR 2.3(95%CI:1.3–3.9).Conclusion:Fast bowlers suffer more hamstring injuries than other playing roles in cricket,particularly in First Class(multi-day) cricket.Batsmen are more likely to get injured in 50-over(one day) cricket.Playing in Australia(compared to overseas venues) leads to increased risk of hamstring injury.

Effect of Electroacupuncture Combined with Tuina on Lumbar Muscle Tone in Patients with Acute Lumbar Sprain

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of electroacupuncture(EA)combined with tuina on acute lumbar sprain and lumbar muscle tone before and after treatment. Methods: A total of 130 acute lumbar sprain cases were randomly allocated into an observation group and a control group, 65 in each group. Cases in the observation group were treated with EA combined with tuina, whereas cases in the control group were treated with Diclofenac Sodium Dual Release Enteric-coated capsules. The muscle tones in two groups were tested before and after treatment. Results: The recovery rate and overall response rate in the observation group were 66.2% and 93.8% respectively, versus 56.9% and 87.7% in the control group, showing no between-group statistical significances(P>0.05). After treatment, the force-displacement area under curve(AUC) in both groups showed a significance difference(P<0.05). Conclusion: Both EA combined with tuina and aforementioned oral medication have remarkable effects for acute lumbar sprain, and the former can better improve the lumbar muscle tone in patients with acute lumbar sprain.