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Background and aim: The elderly people are one of the most vulnerable people in any society. Falling in this group is accompanied with decrease of daily living activities. With regard of improvement of balance in perevention of falling, the aim of this study is survey about the effect of Cawthorne and Cooksey exercises on improvement of balance.
Material and Methods:36 elder men with age above 60 years old put in two groups (control group= 19 and exercise group= 17) who lived in the elderly center in city of Mashhad. The subjects in exercise group participated in the Cawthorne and Cooksey exercises during three months, three times a week, during sixty minutes. Balance status of subjects evaluated with Berg Balance Scale(BBS) in 4 stages ( befor exercise and one month, two months and three months) after exercises.
Result: Results showed that improvement of the balance in the different evaluation stages of BBS was significantly increased particularly in the first and second months (p< 0.05). The effects of exercise group were significantly different from control group(p=0.000).
Conclusion: Cawthorne and Cooksey exercises were effective on the balance improvement of elderly men in center of Mashhad and two months of these exercises were enough to improve balance in this group.

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Background and aim: Belts and back supports are frequently used to prevent low back pain. Despite many studies, there are not sufficient evidence and conclusive consensus about the effects of these supports. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of lumbosacral supports on motor control pattern during combined trunk motion.

Materials and Methods: 30 healthy young men were selected for the study. Temporal parameters of motor control and activity level of three pairs of trunk muscles were measured during combined trunk motion against minimum resistance and resistance equal to 50% of maximal isometric strength, under with and without back support conditions.

Results: By application of a lumbosacral support, movement response time was significantly decreased under minimum resistance (P=0/004). Application of support decreased reaction time and motor time under two resistance conditions significantly (P<0/05). No significant changes were found in trunk muscle activity levels following wearing a back support (P>0/05).

 Conclusion: By application of a lumbosacral support, individual reaction time was decreased. Although back support did not change the trunk muscle activity level, but the erector spinae muscle efficiency was increased to initiate desired movement.

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Background and aim: The ability to maintain upright stance is essential in gait and initiation of voluntary movements that are vital not only for sport but also for activity of daily living .Lateral ankle sprains are common in athletes and are most prevalent in jumping sports such as volleyball , football and basketball .Although these injuries are common after direct contact. It may occur in non contact mechanism such as landing from a jump. Neuromuscular control plays a major role in dynamic joint stability. Most of ankle joint injuries occur in jump-landing task and at the end of sport activitiesparticularly when the athlete is fatigued. Our purpose was to evaluate the effects of ankle muscle fatigue on dynamic postural stability in jump landing task. 

Material and methods: Twenty two healthy women athletes (age:22.8±1.7 years, height:160.3±4.9 cm and weight:56.2±5.8  kg) volunteered to participate in this study .Two test sessions were done with a rest period of one week between them . During each session, effect of one group of ankle muscles (sagital or frontal movers) on dynamic postural stability was assessed. Postural stability was evaluated for 5 seconds after landing on force plate by postural stability indices ( Medial/Lateral, Anterior/Posterior, Vertical and Dynamic Postural Stability Indices) before and after isokinetic fatigue of ankle muscles.

Results: The finding indicate significant increase in all stability indices after isokinetic fatigue of ankle muscles (p<0.05).

Conclusion:These results indicate that isokinetic fatigue of ankle muscles significantly decrease postural control ability in healthy women athlete. 

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Background and aim: Despite of necessity of legible handwriting for primary students, difficulties in handwriting present in 10-30% of these children. The purpose of this study was to determine relationship between the legibility of handwriting and different pencil grip patterns.
Material and methods: in this cross-sectional study, fifty-three first-grade students were randomly selected and divided into one of the following groups according to their types of pencil grip: dynamic tripod, lateral tripod, lateral quadruped and other types. The legibility of handwriting was scored by the handwriting legibility checklist of Persian language. Correlation between handwriting legibility and pencil grip was evaluated by chi-square test.
Results: Data analysis did not show any meaningful relationship between handwriting legibility and different types of pencil grip.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that different types of pencil grip have no considerable effect on legibility of handwriting during solving an illegible handwriting. Emphasis should be placed on the other factors rather than pencil grip.

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 Background and aim: The main problem of people with hearing loss is difficulty of hearing in background noise. One of the best tests that are used to evaluate speech perception in background noise is Quick Speech in Noise Test. The purpose of current study is to assess test-retest reliability and list equivalency of the Persian version of Quick Speech in Noise Test in young people with normal hearing. 

Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 36 young (18-35 years old) individuals with normal hearing. Materials were presented via compact disk of Persian version of quick speech in noise test with standard earphone. Almost one week after test session, re-test was performed. All of the correct words were scored and then signal to noise ratio loss was calculated.

Results: The mean SNR Loss was -1.5±0.74 dB. there was significant difference between test- retest scores for lists 1(p<0/05) and no significant difference between test- retest scores for lists 2, 3 and 4(p>0/05). There was significant difference between mean results of list 4 with list 1(p<0/05). There was significant difference for test- retest Pearson's Correlation in all lists.

Conclusion: Lists 2 and 3 of Persian version of Quick Speech in Noise Test are reliable and equivalent for determining signal to noise ratio loss.

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Background and aim: The most prominent problems that is produced after stroke are spasticity or increase in muscle tone, decrease in range of motion and function of upper extremity. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Volar-Dorsal Wrist/Hand Immobilization Splint on function of upper extremity, range of motion of  the elbow, wrist and metacarpophalengeal joints and spasticity of the elbow and wrist joints.

Material and methods: Fourteen patients were participated in these experiments. The patients were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and they had been given the splint after primary evaluation and were reevaluated after one month. Spasticity were evaluated with Modified Ashworth Scale.Range of motion were measured by goniometer. Fugl-meyer test were used to assess function of upper extremity. The splints were used 2 hours daily and whole night (6-8 hours) in one month.

Results: Comparison of data before and aft er the experiment showed significant mprovement in upper extremity function (P=0.04). Range of motion and spasticity were not significant (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Volar-Dorsal Wrist/Hand Immobilization Splint can improve the function of upper extremity. Although spasticity and range of motion showed a little changes in short-term use (1month) but the differences were not significant that will need more studies.

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 Background and aim: Nowadays, importance of multidimensional approach in evaluating of stuttering  is obvious. Stuttering aspects evaluation provided by speech situation checklist. In this study, validity and reliability of this checklist is performed on stuttering and non- stuttering  (6-11 years old) pupils. 

Material and methods: In this research, 43 stutterer and 45 non-stutterer pupils were evaluated.

After equalization of questionnaire to Persian language, emotional reaction & speech disruption questionnaire were completed according to their attitude . In order to test validity, four methods were used. Data were analyzed by parametric and non-parametric statistical tests

Results: Comparison of score average of speech disruption and emotional reaction tests showed significant difference between stutter and non-stutter groups for Persian language children (p<0.05). Emotional reaction and speech disruption checklist (Persian version) has high test-retest (p=0.000,Icc>0.86) and internal validity (p=0.000,α >0.93).

Conclusion: Persian equalized speech disruption and emotional reaction tests have high validity and reliability. it might be useful to differentiate stuttering pupil among normal ones.  

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Background and aim: Neck muscles contract dynamically in the majority of daily activities. Athletes, agricultures and industrial labors are predisposed to muscular fatigue. Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of dynamic fatigue on power and frequency domains of EMG spectrum.
Material and methods: In this study 20 healthy young men contracted neck muscles dynamically, until muscular fatigue occurs. Surface electromyography was recorded of levator scapula, neck paraspinals and upper trapezius, as neck extensors. The effects of dynamic contraction on frequency (Median Frequency) and Power domains(RMS) were compared before and after fatigue.
Results: The results of the present study indicated that MedF decreases following dynamic fatigue (P<0.05). After dynamic fatigue, RMS of levator scapula and upper trapezius increased significantly (P<0.05). Regarding to significant decrease of RMS and increase of MedF, paraspinals encountered with force reduction .
Conclusion: Changes of MedF and RMS indicated that a continuous dynamic contraction tends to exhaust levator scapula and upper trapezius but decreases paraspinals force.

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Background and aim: Muscles are involved in complex and three dimensional activities. Timing and response to onset of external trigger need to perception and processing of data in central nervous system. The propose of this study is to determine reaction time, pre motor time and motor time with and without external load in healthy subjects. 

Material and methods: Twenty healthy subjects contributed in this study. Isoinertial dynamometer was used to assess complicated motions in sagital, frontal and transverse planes from full flexion, rotation and lateral flexion to right side to opposite direction inclusive full extension, rotation and lateral flexion to left side without and with 25 and 50% MVE. Reaction time, pre motor time, motor time, and maximum torque were also measured.

Results: Following combined motions,  reaction time and pre motor time were increased by external load (25 and 50% MVE). Lateral flexion showed more changes than extension (P<0.001). By increasing load, particularly in extension time and maximum torque were changed (P<0.001).

 Conclusion: Reaction time and pre motor time in combined motions are affected under extension and lateral flexion motions. Rotation has less effect on combined motions. Motions occur in sagital and frontal plane more than transverse plane. 

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Background and aim: The aim of this study was to verify the relationship between pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis with muscle tightness, muscle strength, BMI, and age in standing position.

Material and methods: In this study, 75 healthy female subjects participated with age range 20-70 years, mean (SD) = 40.66 (13.69). Pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis were measured in standing position with pelvic inclinometer and flexible ruler respectively. The length of muscles, including: erector spinae, iliopsoas, rectus femoris, hamstrings, tensor fascia lata & ilio tibial band, and gastrocnemius were assessed by Schober, Thomas, Ely, 90/90 SLR, Ober tests and passive dorsiflexion of foot, respectively. The strength of muscles, including: rectus abdominis, transversus abdominis, left & right obliqus, Gluteus maximums & medius, and quadriceps were evaluated by manual muscle tests.

 Results: The relationship between pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis with muscle strength, BMI, and age was poor. Muscle tightness and muscle strength had no significant effect on pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the evaluated variables including: pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis, have poor correlation with muscle tightness, muscle strength, BMI, and age. 

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Background and aim: Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disorder in childhood that affects on motor performance and functional activity. Impaired hand function is the secondary problem in children with spastic diplegia.

Individuals with hand dysfunction encounter with difficulties in self care, educational and recreational activities. The goal of this study is to investigate the effect of task oriented training on upper extremity function in children with spastic diplegia (8-12 years old).

Material and methods: Fifteen spastic diplegic children were participated in task oriented training three days weekly up to 8 weeks. The outcomes were measured with Jebsen-Ttaylor hand function test for upper extremity function, Purdue peg board test for hand dexterity, goniometer for range of motion and Ashworth scale for spasticity.

 Results: The data showed significant improvement in upper extremity function (P≤0.0001) , hand dexterity (P≤0.001) , wrist and elbow range of motion (P≤0.0001) and wrist and elbow spasticity (P≤0.05) after interventions.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that task oriented training can improve upper extremity function in children with spastic diplegia.

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Background and aim: Rehabilitation treatments have significant role in reducing the disabilities of Cerebro Vascular Accident (CVA). Due to great role of upper limb in the function of individuals particularly in Activity of Daily Living and the effect of stability of shoulder girdle on hand function, the aim of this study was to study the effects of Progressive Resistive Exercise on shoulder extensor and abductor muscles isometric strengths in adult hemiplegic.                                                                                  

Material and methods: 17 adult hemiplegics patients (50-70yrs., mean =60.52, SD=7.22) with RT side dominancy and 6 months after stroke, participated in this study. All procedures were approved by ethical committee of TUMS and written consents were also taken. Patients were familiarized with the procedure and shoulder extensor and abductor muscles isometric strengths were measured by dynamometer.                                            

Results: According to results of our study, shoulder extensor and abductor muscles isometric strengths showed significant differences between mean scores of pre and post intervention (P<0.05). Progressive Resistive Exercise improved 34% in shoulder extensor muscles isometric strength and 27% shoulder abductor muscle isometric strength.                                 

Conclusion: Results of our research showed that progressive resistive exercise approach is a useful method for increasing the isometric strength of shoulder extensor and abductor muscles. Therefore, it might be concluded that improvement of strength of shoulder muscles could result in stability in shoulder girdle and consequently might affect on hand function in hemiplegic patients.                                                             

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Background and aim: Fatigue is the inability to generate the maximal force that can be produced by the muscle . Fatigue is a subject that patients and athletes frequently encounter. Fatigue is one factor that limits muscle function and may lead to various pain and injury conditions. It is most commonly caused either by repetitive motion or by sustained muscular
contractions. Massage has been used for rehabilitation and relaxation for thousands of years. Massage is widely believed to have a beneficial effect on treating muscle fatigue and has been used in clinical and sports setting for that purpose. There is limited scientific evidence, however, to support the use of massage for enhancing performance and recovery from injury, or for preventing injury. The comparison of massage and rest on the knee extensor muscles fatigue after maximal isokinetic contractions is the main objective of this research.
Materials and methods: Fifteen healthy female aged between 20-30 volunteered to participate in this research. They did at least once a week some non-professional light sporting activities. Each of volunteers was evaluated in 3 different times. The first session was in order to familiarize the volunteers with the test and Isokinetic. For the main test, each of the volunteers was evaluated twice with one week interval. At the start of each session after warm up, the following parameters were measured: Perceived fatigue by Visual Analog Scale ¸average peak torque and average power maximal concentric of quadriceps at the velocity of 60 degrees per second by Isokinetic apparatus. Then in order to fatigue protocol ¸ the subjects were asked to perform successive and maximal quadriceps contractions until three subsequent quadriceps torque output reaches below 50 percent maximal torque output. Afterwards average peak torque and average power was measured. The extent of perceived fatigue was evaluated as before. Subjects then either received massage on the knee extensors or rested for 15 minute duration. Recovery from fatigue was quantified using average peak torque (APT), average power (AP) and perceived recovery scale (VAS).
Results: After maximal fatigue and decrease in torque output, below 50 percent maximal torque, 15 minutes of massage could change APT after fatigue from mean 56.70 (Nm) to 91.53 (Nm)) , AP from 38.64 to 63.62 (Nm) and VAS from 90.06 to 10.20 (mm). After 15 minute rest could change APT from 55.36 to 68.10 (Nm), AP from 37.69 to 48 (Nm) and VAS from 90.06 to 20.73 (mm).
Conclusion: There was significant difference between rest and massage conditions for recovery of fatigue. Massage was an effective intervention for enhancing muscle performance and recovery from fatigue but rest didn`t have such an effect. In both cases, recovery stage (massage or rest) caused significant change in perceived fatigue but massage is more effective on the decrease of perceived fatigue. Therefore, massage has been more effective than rest as a strategy to return to normal state and has caused more relief in perceived fatigue.

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Background and aim: To investigate the effect of the light touch, vision and dual task interference on the surface electromyography (sEMG) activity of ankle muscles Participants: Thirty persons (12 male, 18 Female), right hand without any neuro-musculo-skeletal disorder and in healthy condition, participated in this study.
Methods and Materials: Participants stood in upright and semi tandem position. There was a high sensitivity sensor on the right side in direction of femur greater trochanter. They should press the sensor less than 50 gr. Also we examined the rate of activity in 3 muscles (Tibialis Anterior, Proneus Longuse, Soleuse) on both lower limbs by Biometrix sEMG device. 4 positions were experimented in semi tandem standing: No Touch, No Counting No Touch, Counting Light Touch, No Counting Light Touch, Counting. Each of the above positions was tested in 2 conditions: Eyes Open, Eyes Closed.
Results: Our findings detect that light touch contact especially during vision, resulted in reducing the rate of sEMG activity in the leg postural muscles. No touch and closed eyes, raise the rate of sEMG activity to maximum.
conclusion: On basis of findings, it seems that following skin receptors stimulation, some complicated mechanisms will be begun and in order to the orders of Central Nervous System (CNS), these muscles will make the hole body, stable. So it can reduce the entered pressure on leg postural muscles. Therefore we can see the lesser rate in sEMG activity of leg postural muscles.

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Background and Aim: Children with speech and language disorders have a reduced diadochokinesis rates.. The purpose of this study was to compare the oral diadochokinesis with rate of speech and reading in normal students.
Materials and Methods: One hundred of fifth grade female students were participated in this descriptive - comparative study. All subjects were native speakers of persion who passed an informal screening test of articulation and speech. None of subjects had a history of speech, hearing, behavioral and neurological disorders. The subjects were asked to read a text of their book, tell a story and perform some oral diadochokinesis tasks (flecher`s criterion).The time was measured by Cool Edit. Descriptive statistics and compared t-test were used for analysis .
Results : the syllable / tâ /had the highest rate of diadochokinesis , while the syllables /pa/ and / kâ/ were in the next orders ( 3.96,4.01, 4.52).The rate of reading was higher than the rate of talking. There was a significant relationship between the reading rate and diadochokinesis in / kâ / (P=0.02) and / pâtâkâ / (P=0.02)
Conclusion: the results indicate that there is no relation between the rate of speech and diadochokinesis but there is a significant relation between Reading rate and diadochokinesis in some tasks..

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Background and aim: Swallowing disorder is one of the most important complaints of patients with upper motor neuron lesions.The rate of disphagia increases due to elderly subjects and brain injuries in our society Majority of these patients have hidden aspiration. Electromyographic assessment of swallowing can produce indicators of recovery and treatment effectiveness. This study tries to indicate pattern and recruitment of muscle activity in swallowing by surface electromyography.
Methods and Materials: Twenty healthy subjects (20-50) and ten subjects with swallowing dysfunction contribute at this study. Activities of bilateral orbicularis oris, buccinator, sternocleidomastoid and anterior region of throat muscles recorded during three stage of liquid swallowing include water, juice and honey by surface electrodes. Value of activity (RMS), duration of activity (Dur) , median (Mdf) and band (Banf) frequency of above muscles were measured.
Results: Healthy subjects indicated increase of RMS, Dur, Mdf and Banf of muscles, following increase of sweeten and viscose of liquid (P<0.05). Patients had more increase of this findings at oral muscles markedly, whereas Dur of throat muscle showed more increase in time (P<0.05). Comparison of between two groups indicated patients have more Dur time especially at throat muscles (P<0.05) and in contras reduce of activities and frequency parameters than healthy subjects (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Patients lean to keep liquid in oral phase and during throat swallow have more limitation. Patients may catch early fatigue and dysfunction for maintenance and keep of liquid particularly in throat region and it redound to change of trajectory of liquid to the respiratory tube. Therefore, rehabilitation protocols must enforce on coordination of oropharengeal muscles and recovery by movement therapy patterns.

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Background and Aim: Stuttering contains speech disruption or observed behaviors and inner reactions of speech- associated or emotional, disruptive, coping, and attitudinal reactions. Inner events can be reported by the person who stutters but can not be reliably defined by listener perceptions. Both the disorder's directly observable and inner elements and their interactive effects need to be fully assessed to achieve to clinically deals. This study investigates validity and reliability of the tests about inner events in stuttering children.
Materials & Methods: This descriptive and analytical study was performed on 96 stuttering and non stuttering students in 6-11 (similar in age and sex). After Persian equalization of questionnaire and verifying, tests validity are scored by 10 experts. In order to tests reliability, children performed tests in two stages (25 days interval). Three methods were used: 1.comparsion between the mean tests scores in two stage 2.Investigation of correlation between two stages. 3. Investigation of results reliability (ICC). The data were analyzed by parametric and non-parametric statistical tests (paired t-test, spearman and pearson).Independent t-test were used in order to compare the mean tests scores between stuttering and non- stuttering children.
Results: Although there was different between the mean BCL and CAT scores of stuttering and non stuttering children but this between group difference is not statistically significant (p>0.05) . The mean BCL and CAT scores between two group (stuttering and non-stuttering) was statistically significant (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Behavioral checklist and communication attitude tests changed in stuttering children at 6-11 age. Both are valid and reliable and these tests distinguish between stuttering and non stuttering children.

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Background and Aim: The standard tests are tools for quantifying different aspects of speech & language abilities and communicative skills. However developing and applying standard tests is necessary for assessing, screening, defining the speech & language abilities, diagnosing the speech & language disorders and attending to outcomes of treatment process. Therefore in this study for providing general view of speech & language assessment tests, we reviewed some of tests related to some important aspects of speech & language abilities.
Method: This research is a review study based on American speech-language and hearing association. We reviewed exactly the tests that are in this association site because it is one of comprehensive and reliable references for speech-language pathologists. Just four most practical aspects of them, from the first test developed to now (2010), are selected and then analyzed.
Results: In this study, 251 tests of assessment of speech and language are reviewed. 54 tests are related to articulation and phonological assessment. One hundred and forty tests are related to assessment of children expressive language. Forty three tests are available for assessing the expressive language in adult. 14 tests are presented for evaluating autistic children.
Conclusion: However there are widespread spectrum of standard tests but it is necessary to develop other tests in different aspects of speech and language pathology.

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Background and aim: One of the most important part of management and modification of CAD risk factor is to control the level of plasma lipid profile. Application of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation in patient with CAD could decrease the level of CHL, TG, LDL and increasing of HDL .There are a lot of studies that discuss the effect of rehabilitation on different people with different races and life style
Material and Methods: Thirty six patients with the age (40-75) who were referred by cardiologist participated in this study. Fast walking on treadmill, biking on stationary bicycle and cycling with upper body ergometer were chosen as aerobic exercises. For assessing the short term and long term effects of this protocol, blood sampling were taken at three stages before exercise initiation, after 12 and 24 sessions of exercise.
Results: Following the cardiac rehabilitation protocol, the level of CHL, LDL and the ratio of LDL/HDL and CHL/HDL decreased significantly.
Conclusion: Cardiac rehabilitation could be used as means to improve lipid profile level in blood serum, prevention of cardiovascular disease and reducing mortality and morbidity rates.

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Background and aim: The aim of this review article is to study the effects of different positions & change of position on parameters of H- reflex.
Materials & Methods: changing position influence the excitability of motor neuron pools & can provide some evidence to resolve neurological and biomechanical problems as disk herniation & radiculopathies . One of the methods to assess these changes is H- reflex which described by German neurologist, Hoffman in 1918.It is a monosynaptic reflex with Ia fibers as afferent limb & α-motor neurons as efferent limb. To investigate the effects of changing positions on H reflex parameters, different databases, E-journals & thesis have been searched.
Result: Different positions & changing position influence different parameters of H-reflex .
Conclusion: Different H- reflex Parameters especially amplitude of H- reflex , show a wide range of varieties and this may explain that amplitude of H-reflex is not a reliable parameter.