RESEARCH NEWS Tai Chi May Help Prevent Falls Post Stroke

According to research presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference, Tai Chi may help reduce falls among adult stroke survivors.

Scientists at the University of Arizona College of

Nursing in America, studied 89 stroke survivors, aged around 70-years-old, who had suffered a stroke three years prior to starting the study.

Stroke survivors experience, on average, seven times as many falls per year than healthy adults.

30 of the participants (46 per cent women and 54 per cent men) practiced Tai Chi; 28 took part in standard post-stroke care; and 31 joined a SilverSneakers® group (a recognised health and fitness programme, including gym membership and access to customised classes for older adults).

The usual care group received a weekly phone call and written material about participating in

community-based physical activity. Those in the Tai Chi and SilverSneakers ® took part in an hour long exercise class three times a week.

During the 12-week trial there were a total of 34 reported falls – mainly from tripping or slipping. Five were from the Tai Chi group, 15 from the usual care group and 14 from the SilverSneakers®.

Dr Ruth E. Taylor-Piliae, who led the study said: “Learning how to find and maintain your balance after a stroke is a challenge. Tai Chi is effective in improving both static and dynamic balance, which is important to prevent falls.”

To view full article visit http://spxj.nl/10qYFCV

Exercise May Help Slow Down Diabetic Nerve Pain

Regular exercise reduces the development of painful diabetic neuropathy in animals – suggesting the same could be true for humans.

Researchers have identified exercise increases the release of a protective chemical called Heat Shock Protein 72 (Hsp72) which helps protect against cellular damage which leads to neuropathic pain.

Neuropathic pain is a common and difficult-to-treat type of pain related to nerve damage – most commonly caused by diabetes. Affecting about half of diabetic patients, diabetic neuropathy causes symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or pain in the arms and legs.

To view full article visit http://spxj.nl/ZOgxVX

Tomato Juice!

Is This The New Sports Drink? New research carried out by Greek scientists suggests tomato juice aids post-workout recovery more effectively than carbohydrate supplement drinks.

Researchers at the General Chemical State Laboratory also found blood glucose levels returned to normal more quickly after a hard session if athletes consumed tomato juice.

The study found tomato juice helped neutralise harmful enzymes and proteins that form after exercise.

The findings back up previous research which found that tomato juice helped to reduce oxidative damage after exercise. To view full article visit http://spxj.nl/ZfJ2tr

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The REPS Journal 2013;27(May):10-11