Association between physical activity and self-rated health in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) tend to experience poor self-rated health. However, few studies have examined the association between physical activity and self-rated health in pediatric patients with T1DM. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between regular physical activity, regular muscle strength exercise, and self-rated health in pediatric patients with T1DM who lacked diabetes care. The eligible participants for this study were 37 pediatric patients with T1DM aged 9 to 17 years. Physical activity was divided into regular physical activity and regular muscle strength exercise to analyze the relationship with self-rated health using binomial logistic regression analysis. The results showed that self-rated health of pediatric patients with T1DM who did not engage in regular muscle strength exercise was significantly lower than those who did (odds ratio [OR], 0.100; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.012-0.855; P<0.05). However, the association between regular physical activity and self-rated health was not statistically significant (OR, 0.211; 95% CI, 0.041-1.088; P=0.06). In conclusion, regular muscle strength exercise in pediatric patients with T1DM who lacked diabetes care was effective in contributing to optimal self-rated health. Future research is needed to collect physical activity data using objective assessment methods and to analyze the association between variables applying diverse factors for pediatric patients with T1DM, which might be able to effect on their health.

Influence of Resistance Exercise Training to Strengthen Muscles across Multiple Joints of the Lower Limbs on Dynamic Balance Functions of Stroke Patients

[Purpose] The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of resistance exercise training for strengthening muscles across multiple joints on the dynamic balance function of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Subjects in the training group (n=14) and the control group (n=14) received conservative physical therapy for 30 minutes per day, five days per week, for a period of six weeks. The training group additionally performed three sets (eight to 10 repetitions per set) of resistance exercise at 70% of the 1-repetition maximum (1RM) to strengthen muscles across multiple joints. The control group did the same exercises for the same duration but without resistance. To assess dynamic balance function, before and after the intervention, we measured antero-posterior (A-P) and medio-lateral (M-L) sway distances, the Berg balance scale (BBS), and the timed up and go (TUG) times. [Results] Compared to pre-intervention values, the BBS score showed significant increases in both groups, and A-P and M-L sway distances and TUG times showed significant decreases in both groups. Changes in A-P and M-L sway distances, BBS scores, and TUG times were significantly different between the muscle training group and the control group. [Conclusion] Training involving muscle strength across multiple joints is an effective intervention for improvement of dynamic balance function of stroke patients.