Yoga practice aids in management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM 2). In this study, we aimed to see the effects of yoga-based program in modifying certain biochemical parameters for long duration Type DM 2 elderly subjects. Sixty elderly with more than 15 years of DM 2 were randomly assigned into Control (Educational group) and Yoga group in a tertiary day care center. Educational group received advice and leaflets on general healthy lifestyle and exercise for every one month. The yoga group was offered individualized yoga asanas and Pranayama for 6 days a week over 12 weeks. Following 12 weeks of intervention, Pre- and Postbiochemical parameters were analyzed between the groups. Results showed a significant improvement in glycosylated hemoglobin level, Fasting glucose level, and serum lipid profile in Yoga group compared to Educational group. Yoga asanas under supervision have beneficial effects in biochemical parameters for chronic Type 2 diabetic elderly subjects.

Background: Inspiratory muscle training is used to specifically strengthen the respiratory muscles. Controversy exists regarding the use of inspiratory muscle training as a method of facilitating airways clearance. Acapella is already known to be effective in airway clearance. Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the effects of the Acapella and a threshold inspiratory muscle trainer as a method of airway clearance in subjects with bronchiectasis and to determine patient preference between the two techniques. Methods: Thirty patients (10 males, 20 females) mean age of 50.67±6.37 (mean±SD) with a history of expectoration of more than 30 ml sputum per day were recruited. The sequence of therapy was allocated by block randomization. Assessment and familiarization session was perfomed on day 1. Treatments employing the Acapella and inspiratory muscle trainer were done on days 2 and 3. Treatment order and allocation was determined by block randomization. Sputum volume was measured during and 2 hours after the treatment and patient treatment preference was recorded. Results: A statistically significant difference was found in the sputum volume expectorated after treatment with the Acapella (7.16±1.12 ml) compared with the threshold inspiratory muscle trainer (6.46±1.08 ml). Patients preferred Acapella in terms of usefulness of clearing secretions. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated increased sputum clearance following the use of the Acapella when compared to the threshold inspiratory muscle trainer. In addition, the Acapella was preferred by patients who judged that it was more useful in clearing secretions.

Background: Intensive Care Unit (ICU) acquired weakness is a common complication in critically ill patients affecting their prognosis. The handheld dynamometry is an objective method in detecting minimum muscle strength change, which has an impact on the physical function of ICU survivors. The minimal change in the force can be measured in units of weight such as pounds or kilograms. Aim of the Study: To detect the changes in peripheral muscle strength with handheld dynamometer in the early stage of ICU stay and to observe the progression of muscle weakness. Methodology: Three upper and three lower limb muscles force measured with handheld dynamometer during ICU stay. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA to detect changes in force generated by muscle on alternate days of ICU stay. Results: There was a reduction in peripheral muscle strength from day 3 to day 5 as well from day 5 to day 7 of ICU stay (P < 0.01). The average reduction in peripheral muscle strength was 11.8% during ICU stay. Conclusion: This study showed a progressive reduction in peripheral muscle strength as measured by handheld dynamometer during early period of ICU stay.

The Aim of the Study: This study aims to determine the effect of individualized home-based exercise on the quality of life post-Intensive Care Unit (ICU) discharge. Subjects: Adult patients invasively mechanically ventilated for more than 48 h in medical ICU. Methodology: Thirty-five patients were enrolled prospectively in this study. They were interviewed to complete short form 36 (SF-36) version 2 questionnaire and were randomly allocated to control and experimental group by block randomization. The experimental group received individualized exercise information sheet and control group was asked to continue routine exercises done during their hospital stay. The experimental group also received a log book and weekly telephonic reminders. Patients were interviewed to complete the SF-36 through the telephone 4 weeks after hospital discharge. Results: Physical and mental components of the quality of life as measured by the SF-36 at the end of 4 weeks after hospital discharge showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in the experimental group. Conclusion: A well-structured individualized exercise program improves the quality of life of critically ill patients after discharge.