The Effect of Urban Rail Transit on Decreasing Energy Consumption and Air Pollution in Ahvaz City

In this paper, the effect of utilizing first urban rail transit on decreasing energy consumption as well as air pollution in Ahvaz has been investigated. The No. 1metro path in Ahvaz with 23 kilometers length will connect the north eastern part of the city to its south western part by passing through the central area and crossing Karun River. At the beginning, some points will be mentioned regarding railway systems around the world and then the specification of Ahvaz No. 1 metro will be introduced. Finally, the amount of decreasing energy consumption and air pollution after utilizing 4 urban metro lines will be investigated. The results have shown considerable effects on decreasing these items.</jats:p

The Effects of Dry Needling on Pain Intensity and Pain Pressure Threshold in Patients with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Clinical Randomized Controlled Trial (Original article)

Background: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dry needling on pain and pain pressure threshold (PPT) in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). Methods: 29 patients with NSCLBP were randomly allocated into two experimental (N=14) and control (N=15) groups. The dry needling intervention was considered for quadratus lumborum, gluteus medius, and lumbar multifidus, in 6 sessions, and subjects of the control group followed their routine lifestyle. The measurements included pain and PPT, which were evaluated in the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up periods. The pain was a variable that had a three-month follow-up assessment. Analysis of variance of combined measurement with repeated measurement and Benferoni's post hoc test were used to investigate the effect of the intervention on the outcome measurements. Results: Three sessions of trigger point dry needling did not lead to a significant change in pain. However, after five sessions of dry needling, a significant decrease in pain was observed (p<0.05), and the positive changes significantly remained until one and three months after the end of the intervention (p<0.05). Furthermore; significant changes in PPT scores were detected following five sessions of trigger point dry needling treatment (p<0.05). These changes remained constant in the one-month follow-up assessment (p<0.05). Conclusion: Dry needling for the trigger points of the QL, GM, and LM muscles can improve pain intensity and PPT in patients with NSLBP

The Effectiveness of Electroacupuncture on Functional Status, Symptom Severity, Pain, and Grip Strength in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Study Protocol for a Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral nerve entrapment condition, impairing median nerve function at the carpal tunnel level. Previous studies indicate a strong patient preference for non-surgical treatment. While some evidence suggests electroacupuncture may promote nerve regeneration and improve functional outcomes, findings remain inconclusive. This study aims to assess the impact of electroacupuncture on symptom severity, functional status, pain, and grip strength in patients with mild to moderate CTS.Methods: This is a protocol for a randomized, sham-controlled trial. Thirty-eight patients diagnosed with CTS will be randomly assigned to either a treatment group receiving electroacupuncture or a control group receiving sham electroacupuncture. Both groups will undergo ten sessions over five weeks (twice weekly) and receive neurodynamic techniques as standard care. Outcome measures—symptom severity, functional status, pain, and grip strength—will be evaluated at baseline, after the fifth session, 48 hours after the tenth session, and two months post-treatment. This trial is registered at https://www.irct.ir/ (IRCT20191208045652N5) as of 7/12/2022.Result: Ultimately, the results of this study will provide evidence regarding the efficacy of Electroacupuncture combined with NDT techniques on Symptom Severity, Functional Status, Pain, and Grip strength in patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.Conclusion: This study will provide insights into the efficacy of electroacupuncture as a treatment for CTS