A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine looked at the effectiveness of tai chi in the treatment of fibromyalgia.
Tai chi is a form of self-defense developed in China more than 2,000 years ago. It consists of flowing, circular movements that emphasize balance and meditation.
Fibromyalgia is a common, painful clinical syndrome. Typical symptoms include muscle pain, stiffness, fatigue, sleep disturbances and mood changes. It affects about 200 million people throughout the world. Symptoms vary with levels of stress, climactic conditions and other triggering events.
Tai chi has been described as an effective way of relieving painful musculoskeletal conditions, including low back pain. It has also provided a complementary treatment for cardiovascular conditions. This is the first time it has been studied in conjunction with fibromyalgia.
The study reported on 66 patients randomly assigned to a group participating in either tai chi classes or a wellness education and stretching session. At least 79 percent of the tai chi participants reported improvement of symptoms, while only 39 percent of the wellness group felt they had improved.
“I'm not surprised by the results of the study,” said David Chandler, a tai chi master from Quaker Hill. “I've worked with many patients with fibromyalgia over the years and in fact some have become tai chi instructors.”
Chandler’s classes include many people with medical conditions who have been encouraged by their physicians to participate in a fitness endeavor. He has found that brief, daily tai chi sessions can be very effective while patients are gradually increasing their stamina.
Medications used to treat fibromyalgia include antidepressants, anticonvulsants and anti-inflammatory agents. The response to long-term medical treatment alone has been disappointing.
Despite the need for further research, the potential benefits of a combined treatment approach that includes tai chi are encouraging.
Exertional heat symptoms cannot be ignored
Korey Stringer, an offensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings, died suddenly in August 2001 while in football camp. The cause of death was determined to be exertional heat stroke, also known as EHS.
EHS consists of neurologic abnormalities and failure of multiple organs when the core body temperature reaches 104 degrees. As opposed to other causes of sports-related deaths, there are symptoms leading up to an EHS crisis that are fatal if ignored.
EHS, along with heat exhaustion, heat syncope and heat cramps, are exertional heat illnesses. EHS is the most serious and all are associated with dehydration and vigorous activity in hot environments. Symptoms include lightheadedness, hyperventilation, confusion, headache, fatigue, loss of balance, vomiting and diarrhea. More severe symptoms of seizures and coma are the result of an uncontrolled rise in temperature.
The Korey Stringer Institute was established at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Douglas Casa is a professor of kinesiology and among the world’s foremost experts on EHS.
“Athletes must listen to their bodies for signs of illness,” Casa said. Once symptoms begin, athletes should take a break, get to a shaded area and rehydrate.
“When EHS is suspected, immediately remove the athlete’s equipment and begin cooling,” said Bob Howard, Head Athletic Trainer for UConn.
The best way to initiate cooling is by immersion in a tub of cold water within 10 minutes of symptom onset. The player should remain submerged to the neck until the temperature drops to 101 degrees and improvement begins. This treatment alone has a perfect survival rate when properly followed.
Although most common in football, parents and coaches must be alert to these symptoms in all activities, including marching band.
Easy access to hydration and the availability of an ice tub or other rapid cooling mechanism can save lives.
Lou Gehrig’s disease and head trauma
Potential causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have eluded neuroscientists for many years. A proposed relationship between this deadly condition and contact sports has recently surprised the scientific community.
ALS is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is a uniformly fatal disease that results in degeneration of the motor nerves where they originate in the spinal cord. Like its namesake, its victims gradually lose control of all motor function — including their ability to speak and breathe.
The cause of ALS is unknown, with the exception of 10% of patients in whom there is a hereditary link. Recently, a paper connecting chronic brain injuries and ALS has been published in a major scientific journal.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a condition consisting of cognitive decline, personality changes and movement disorders in people who have suffered multiple brain injuries. Post-mortem examination of the brains of athletes who participate in violent contact sports including football and boxing contain a protein not normally seen in patients who suffer dementia.
Three athletes who generously donated their brains and spinal cords died of a motor neuron disease resembling ALS. Careful study of their spinal cords revealed the presence of a protein not present in patients dying of similar illnesses who did not have a history of head trauma.
Chris Nowinski is a former professional wrestler and college football player who serves as co-director of the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy.
“This study provides insight into why contact sports athletes have been diagnosed with ALS at far higher rates than the normal population,” said Nowinski, who assisted with the research.
While there are no clear conclusions to be drawn from a study of such a limited sample size, it raises many questions about the effects of repeated head trauma. Further research will hopefully provide some answers.
ALS is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is a uniformly fatal disease that results in degeneration of the motor nerves where they originate in the spinal cord. Like its namesake, its victims gradually lose control of all motor function — including their ability to speak and breathe.
The cause of ALS is unknown, with the exception of 10% of patients in whom there is a hereditary link. Recently, a paper connecting chronic brain injuries and ALS has been published in a major scientific journal.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a condition consisting of cognitive decline, personality changes and movement disorders in people who have suffered multiple brain injuries. Post-mortem examination of the brains of athletes who participate in violent contact sports including football and boxing contain a protein not normally seen in patients who suffer dementia.
Three athletes who generously donated their brains and spinal cords died of a motor neuron disease resembling ALS. Careful study of their spinal cords revealed the presence of a protein not present in patients dying of similar illnesses who did not have a history of head trauma.
Chris Nowinski is a former professional wrestler and college football player who serves as co-director of the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy.
“This study provides insight into why contact sports athletes have been diagnosed with ALS at far higher rates than the normal population,” said Nowinski, who assisted with the research.
While there are no clear conclusions to be drawn from a study of such a limited sample size, it raises many questions about the effects of repeated head trauma. Further research will hopefully provide some answers.
Hula Hoop your way to better health
Core fitness is essential to any exercise regimen. Hula hooping is becoming a popular way to improve core strength and increase stamina.
The abdominal, low back, pelvic and upper leg muscles make up the “core” muscles. They provide strength necessary for the agility and speed required for most sports.
"Hooping" as a fitness activity dates back to ancient cultures. The hula hoop first became popular in the 1950s. It is now part of a resurgent movement that includes informal groups and organized classes of adults and children.
The current iteration of the hula hoop consists of approximately 11 feet of ¾-inch PVC tubing sometimes filled with sand or water for added weight.
Participants gradually increase the amount of time while adding additional elements like light weights and running.
Stephanie Bennett is a certified hoop teacher at Centered Movement Hoops in Rhode Island. Participants in her classes are primarily women between the ages 7-75 years old, with the average being 34.
“Hula hooping is an alternative exercise that is not intimidating. The hoop merely provides a prop for an energetic workout,” said Bennett.
Bennett believes that a mind-body connection develops while hula hooping and this results in a meditative component to the workout.
Tami Renfro of Colchester is a registered nurse who gets together with a group of men and women after work to hoop. The group consists of nurses and other health workers who find it to be a good way to relieve stress. One member of their group lost 68 pounds since combining hula hooping with a diet.
“I have personally had fewer issues with low back pain and the laughter at our sessions is energizing,” said Renfro.
Rarely are terms like “refreshing,” “energizing” and “relaxing” used in association with a vigorous workout. Hula hooping is definitely something to explore.
Yoga provides early opportunity for parents to exercise with children
Creating a healthy lifestyle of diet, exercise and discipline presents a personal challenge. It is also among the greatest gifts parents can pass on to their children.
Many parents now realize that the earlier these habits are established, the easier they are to maintain. Over the past 30 years, parent-infant fitness programs have become a popular means of introducing fitness while providing a bonding experience. The first courses involved teaching infants to swim. This setting is perfect for fitness and the added feature of promoting water safety.
Yoga is a combination of mental and physical abilities. Its origins are part of ancient Indian culture with roots extending back to 3000 BC. The skills also provide an excellent foundation for infants as young as six weeks to begin a journey toward good health.
Itsy Bitsy Yoga is a program for parents and infants. It combines a child’s natural developmental movements with traditional yoga poses. Helen Garabedian founded Itsy Bitsy Yoga in 1999 to bring together parents who are interested in a holistic approach to health and their children.
“Yoga establishes early lines of communication between parents and children while exercising multiple muscle groups,” said Tara Armstrong, a certified Itsy Bitsy facilitator. She began teaching this innovative yoga program in the Norwich area three-and-a-half years ago when she was searching for a post-natal fitness endeavor to do with her child. She found yoga to be helpful during childbirth and felt it would be a natural transition. She now facilitates weekly classes at the Centerspace Wellness Studio in Bozrah.
Armstrong has classes for infants and toddlers from newborn to four years.
Instituting a regular schedule of fitness should start young to get a head start on good health habits. It will also diminish the likelihood of chronic illness and improve professional productivity. If interested, contact 860-886-8592.
Magnets attract loyal following among athletes
The power generated by magnetic fields has fascinated people for centuries. Many attempts have been made to utilize magnetic energy as a cure for medical ailments. These efforts have also ignited a $300-million-a-year industry in the United States, much of which involves athletes.
Magnetic therapy is the application of magnetic devices to the body as a means of achieving health benefits. Practitioners of this alternative medical practice claim success in wound healing and fatigue by improving circulation. The greatest notoriety has come from suggested anti-inflammatory effects and subsequent pain relief.
The first athletes to utilize magnetic therapy on a large-scale basis were golfers. It started with the use of copper bracelets. Although not magnetic, the color change produced on the skin was believed to indicate benefit. Magnets soon followed, with the use of more elaborate metals including stainless steel, titanium and tungsten carbide.
The use of magnetic bracelets, necklaces and inner soles has spread to all sports including football, basketball, tennis and even bull riding. This has led to success in the commercial market outside of sports.
“The use of titanium magnetic bracelets and necklaces is so widespread in baseball that it has become more of a fashion statement than a therapeutic device,” said TJ Saunders, head athletic trainer of the Connecticut Tigers.
Numerous controlled studies have been performed comparing the application of actual magnets and placebo magnets to similar populations of patients. Results indicate no beneficial effect of magnets. Scientists believe the magnetic fields generated are too weak to provide benefit.
The other part of this equation is that many patients have experienced subjective improvement of their symptoms and no harm has been demonstrated by using magnetic therapy.
Considering the options available to athletes for improved performance, magnets are a safe approach.
Q&A: Frequently asked questions about youth sports concussions
I recently had the opportunity to address a group of coaches, parents and athletes regarding concussions in youth sports. The seminar, sponsored by Backus Hospital, was designed to help the audience recognize the early signs of concussion and take appropriate action.
Many good questions arose from the discussion and the information may be helpful to others:
• After suffering a concussion, when is it safe for an athlete to return to competition? Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the incident. In general, the athlete should be symptom-free before beginning a program where activities gradually escalate from stationary cycling to a full return. If at any time symptoms return, the progression stops and the previous level resumes.
• If an athlete suffers a concussion, who determines when to resume an activity? After suffering a concussion, no athlete should return until they have been evaluated by a medical professional with experience in the treatment of concussion. Proof of medical clearance should be provided in writing.
• In a situation where there are complaints of a headache and nausea but head trauma is uncertain, should the athlete be removed from the contest? Absolutely. It is sometimes difficult to determine if and when head trauma occurred and the patient may have amnesia. When in doubt, it is best to eliminate the possibility of further harm.
• At what age should an athlete begin neck strengthening exercises to prevent indirect concussion? Any strengthening program in a child should be initiated in conjunction with a strength and conditioning specialist.
For those who could not attend this seminar, more information, including a video, can be obtained at www.backushospital.org/concussion. It was encouraging to see so many adults who are involved in youth sports become trained in the recognition of this potentially deadly injury.
Many good questions arose from the discussion and the information may be helpful to others:
• After suffering a concussion, when is it safe for an athlete to return to competition? Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the incident. In general, the athlete should be symptom-free before beginning a program where activities gradually escalate from stationary cycling to a full return. If at any time symptoms return, the progression stops and the previous level resumes.
• If an athlete suffers a concussion, who determines when to resume an activity? After suffering a concussion, no athlete should return until they have been evaluated by a medical professional with experience in the treatment of concussion. Proof of medical clearance should be provided in writing.
• In a situation where there are complaints of a headache and nausea but head trauma is uncertain, should the athlete be removed from the contest? Absolutely. It is sometimes difficult to determine if and when head trauma occurred and the patient may have amnesia. When in doubt, it is best to eliminate the possibility of further harm.
• At what age should an athlete begin neck strengthening exercises to prevent indirect concussion? Any strengthening program in a child should be initiated in conjunction with a strength and conditioning specialist.
For those who could not attend this seminar, more information, including a video, can be obtained at www.backushospital.org/concussion. It was encouraging to see so many adults who are involved in youth sports become trained in the recognition of this potentially deadly injury.
Weightlifting can be part of youth exercise programs
Health club membership for participants between the ages of 6 and 17 is increasing. Along with this rise comes questions of what activities these athletes should be performing, especially with respect to weight lifting.
Exercise can be classified as primarily cardiovascular or aerobic and resistance or anaerobic. Sports like running, cycling or swimming are principally aerobic and designed to increase heart and lung capacity. Weight lifting and other strength-related challenges are designed to repeatedly stretch muscles against force to increase muscle fiber size and power.
The issue of safety regarding resistive exercise involves applying excessive force to developing muscles and joints resulting in tearing and deformation.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and other organizations, resistance activities are an essential part of a balanced exercise program, but must be performed properly. Benefits such as improving bone strength, maintaining a healthy weight, establishing a healthy lifestyle and better self esteem are some of the advantages.
Chris McNally, and his wife Sheri, of Norwich, are family fitness specialists with 20 years of experience working with children. They believe all children should start with “body weight exercises” like pushups, pull-ups and squats. In younger children, these should be performed as part of a game or other entertaining activity.
“If children start with a well-supervised program, the risk of harm is minimal. The bigger risk is not challenging their bodies when they are young and missing out on the benefits of being fit,” said McNally. He believes weight lifting can begin safely in a physiologically mature child at age 11.
As in most activities, children tend to imitate their parents or other adults they admire. A balanced fitness program is definitely a family investment that will pay huge dividends.
Exercise can be classified as primarily cardiovascular or aerobic and resistance or anaerobic. Sports like running, cycling or swimming are principally aerobic and designed to increase heart and lung capacity. Weight lifting and other strength-related challenges are designed to repeatedly stretch muscles against force to increase muscle fiber size and power.
The issue of safety regarding resistive exercise involves applying excessive force to developing muscles and joints resulting in tearing and deformation.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and other organizations, resistance activities are an essential part of a balanced exercise program, but must be performed properly. Benefits such as improving bone strength, maintaining a healthy weight, establishing a healthy lifestyle and better self esteem are some of the advantages.
Chris McNally, and his wife Sheri, of Norwich, are family fitness specialists with 20 years of experience working with children. They believe all children should start with “body weight exercises” like pushups, pull-ups and squats. In younger children, these should be performed as part of a game or other entertaining activity.
“If children start with a well-supervised program, the risk of harm is minimal. The bigger risk is not challenging their bodies when they are young and missing out on the benefits of being fit,” said McNally. He believes weight lifting can begin safely in a physiologically mature child at age 11.
As in most activities, children tend to imitate their parents or other adults they admire. A balanced fitness program is definitely a family investment that will pay huge dividends.
We can prevent concussions in youth sports
On July 1 , Connecticut proudly joined the growing ranks of states that have come forward and placed the safety of young athletes as a high priority on the legislative agenda.
A new law is now in effect that requires all scholastic coaches to attend a seminar on recognizing the early signs of concussion. The law also prohibits athletes from returning to a contact sport until cleared in writing by a medical professional with experience in the treatment of concussions.
As in other states, this law has had the added benefit of prompting serious discussion about how to make sports safer at all levels. In Connecticut, thanks to concerned parents, similar concussion restrictions are being implemented voluntarily at the youth sports (pre-high school) level.
As a neurologist involved in the field of sports neurology, I witness the devastating effects of concussion on a regular basis. A typical scenario is one where an athlete suffers a head injury but does not report it to a coach or parent. The first injury is then followed by a second impact before allowing the brain enough time to rest and heal. This second injury can result in more long-lasting and sometimes permanent symptoms of headache, dizziness and cognitive impairment.
Head injuries in younger children take longer to heal and are generally more severe. Ironically, it is the youth level of play where there are the fewest medical resources available, like a certified athletic trainer at every game.
On July 22, Backus Hospital is hosting a free lecture and discussion on the subject of head injuries in sports. It is designed for coaches, parents and athletes and will allow them to recognize early symptoms and take appropriate steps.
I highly recommend attending this seminar since the most effective treatment for a concussion is early recognition and rest.
A new law is now in effect that requires all scholastic coaches to attend a seminar on recognizing the early signs of concussion. The law also prohibits athletes from returning to a contact sport until cleared in writing by a medical professional with experience in the treatment of concussions.
As in other states, this law has had the added benefit of prompting serious discussion about how to make sports safer at all levels. In Connecticut, thanks to concerned parents, similar concussion restrictions are being implemented voluntarily at the youth sports (pre-high school) level.
As a neurologist involved in the field of sports neurology, I witness the devastating effects of concussion on a regular basis. A typical scenario is one where an athlete suffers a head injury but does not report it to a coach or parent. The first injury is then followed by a second impact before allowing the brain enough time to rest and heal. This second injury can result in more long-lasting and sometimes permanent symptoms of headache, dizziness and cognitive impairment.
Head injuries in younger children take longer to heal and are generally more severe. Ironically, it is the youth level of play where there are the fewest medical resources available, like a certified athletic trainer at every game.
On July 22, Backus Hospital is hosting a free lecture and discussion on the subject of head injuries in sports. It is designed for coaches, parents and athletes and will allow them to recognize early symptoms and take appropriate steps.
I highly recommend attending this seminar since the most effective treatment for a concussion is early recognition and rest.
Field conditions can cause injuries
Among the most prominent and often overlooked factors impacting athletic injuries at any level of play is the condition of the playing field. Many of these injuries are avoidable.
Athletic fields vary greatly depending on the sport, climate and funds available for upkeep. Most community sports teams cannot afford full time grounds-keeping staff. Parents shouldn’t hesitate to get involved by following some helpful hints:
• Get to the game early and walk on the field. Often coaches and officials are preoccupied with game preparation and don’t have time to inspect the grounds. Remove any debris, check for holes and be sure goal posts are securely padded.
• Baseball diamonds should be evenly mowed with no impediments that can cause a “bad hop” on the infield. Outfield fences should be inspected for sharp protrusions sticking out in the event a player runs into it.
• Indoor courts should be examined for moist areas that will affect traction.
• Seating must be a safe distance back from the players to avoid collisions between players and fans when chasing a loose ball.
“The amount of moisture on a field is crucial to avoid slipping. If a field is too moist or too dry, athletes will not be able to maintain firm footing and may potentially be injured,” said Ryan Lefler, Assistant Director of Stadium Operations and Turf Management at Dodd Stadium. Uniform moisture and smooth transitions from turf to dirt are essential in preparing a baseball field.
Despite 40 years of experience, the jury is still undecided regarding the safety of artificial turf when compared to grass. Technologic improvements in artificial turf make them more comparable each year.
When it comes to field safety, a vigilant coach, parent or fan may be the key to avoiding serious injury.
Athletic fields vary greatly depending on the sport, climate and funds available for upkeep. Most community sports teams cannot afford full time grounds-keeping staff. Parents shouldn’t hesitate to get involved by following some helpful hints:
• Get to the game early and walk on the field. Often coaches and officials are preoccupied with game preparation and don’t have time to inspect the grounds. Remove any debris, check for holes and be sure goal posts are securely padded.
• Baseball diamonds should be evenly mowed with no impediments that can cause a “bad hop” on the infield. Outfield fences should be inspected for sharp protrusions sticking out in the event a player runs into it.
• Indoor courts should be examined for moist areas that will affect traction.
• Seating must be a safe distance back from the players to avoid collisions between players and fans when chasing a loose ball.
“The amount of moisture on a field is crucial to avoid slipping. If a field is too moist or too dry, athletes will not be able to maintain firm footing and may potentially be injured,” said Ryan Lefler, Assistant Director of Stadium Operations and Turf Management at Dodd Stadium. Uniform moisture and smooth transitions from turf to dirt are essential in preparing a baseball field.
Despite 40 years of experience, the jury is still undecided regarding the safety of artificial turf when compared to grass. Technologic improvements in artificial turf make them more comparable each year.
When it comes to field safety, a vigilant coach, parent or fan may be the key to avoiding serious injury.
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