Origin and Development of Muscle Cramps

Minetto, Marco Alessandro; Holobar, Aleš; Botter, Alberto; Farina, Dario

Exercise & Sport Sciences Reviews:

January 2013 - Volume 41 - Issue 1 - p 3–10

doi: 10.1097/JES.0b013e3182724817

Abstract

Cramps are sudden, involuntary, painful muscle contractions. Their pathophysiology remains poorly understood. One hypothesis is that cramps result from changes in motor neuron excitability (central origin). Another hypothesis is that they result from spontaneous discharges of the motor nerves (peripheral origin). The central origin hypothesis has been supported by recent experimental findings, whose implications for understanding cramp contractions are discussed. 

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ACUPUNCTURE IN PREGNANCY AND LABOUR THE EVIDENCE FOR EFFECTIVENESS

Written by Sarah Budd
Edited and produced by the Acupuncture Research Resource Centre
Published by the British Acupuncture Council

SUMMARY
This paper presents a summary of the evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of pregnancy- related conditions and other uses in obstetrics . The majority of the articles reviewed relate to induction or preparation for labour (11 studies) and analgesia in labour (16). Others cover various conditions of pregnancy such as backache or breech presentation. There is a wide variability in the type of acupuncture and methodological design making it difficult to compare studies and develop overall conclusions. Nevertheless the available sources provide some evidence that acupuncture is an effective treatment for these conditions.


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Mobility Decline in Old Age

Rantakokko, Merja; Mänty, Minna; Rantanen, Taina

Exercise & Sport Sciences Reviews:

January 2013 - Volume 41 - Issue 1 - p 19–25

doi: 10.1097/JES.0b013e3182556f1e

 

Abstract

Mobility is important for community independence. With increasing age, underlying pathologies, genetic vulnerabilities, physiological and sensory impairments, and environmental barriers increase the risk for mobility decline. Understanding how mobility declines is paramount to finding ways to promote mobility in old age.

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