Analysis of Effect of Intensity of Aerobic Exercise on Cognitive and Motor Functions and Neurotrophic Factor Expression Patterns in an Alzheimer's Disease Rat Model.

The effect of aerobic exercise at different intensities on Alzheimer's disease (AD) still remains unclear. We investigated the effect of aerobic exercise at different intensities on cognitive and motor functions and neurotrophic factor expression. Thirty-two AD-induced rats were randomly assigned to control (CG), low-intensity (Group I), medium-intensity (Group II), and high-intensity (Group III) exercise groups. Each group, except for the CG, performed aerobic exercise for 20 min a day five times a week. After performing aerobic exercise for 4 weeks, their cognitive and motor functions and neurotrophic factor expression patterns were analyzed and compared between the groups. All variables of cognitive and motor functions and neurotrophic factor expression were significantly improved in Groups I, II, and III compared to those in the CG (p < 0.05). Among the neurotrophic factors, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression was significantly improved in Group III compared to that in Groups I and II (p < 0.05). In the intra-group comparison of cognitive and motor functions, no significant difference was observed in CG, but the aerobic exercise groups showed improvements. Only Group III showed a significant improvement in the time it took to find eight food items accurately (p < 0.05). Aerobic exercise improved the cognitive and motor functions and neurotrophic factor expression patterns in the AD-induced rat model, with high-intensity aerobic exercise having greater effects on cognitive function and BDNF expression.

Effects of trunk stabilization exercises using laser pointer visual feedback in patients with chronic stroke: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Many previous studies have cited the importance of trunk stabilization exercises in patients with stroke. However, the evidence for optimal trunk stabilization exercises for patients with stroke is still lacking. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of laser pointer visual feedback in trunk stabilization exercises that are important for improving trunk dysfunction in patients with stroke. METHODS: In total, 30 patients with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent a traditional stroke rehabilitation program and trunk stabilization exercises using laser pointer visual feedback. The control group underwent a traditional stroke rehabilitation program and trunk stabilization exercises without visual feedback. Pre- and postintervention results after 6 weeks were evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale, static and dynamic plantar pressure, 10-m walk test, and the Korean version of the Fall Efficacy Scale. The results were analyzed using a general linear repeated measurement model. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvements in BBS scores, static plantar pressure, dynamic plantar pressure, 10 MWT, and K-FES scores after 6 weeks of intervention (P< 0.05). Compared to the control group, significant improvements were observed in the experimental group in the Berg Balance Scale scores, dynamic paretic posterior plantar pressure, 10-m walk test, and Korean version of the Fall Efficacy Scale scores (P< 0.025). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated the effectiveness of visual feedback during trunk stabilization exercises for resolving trunk dysfunction in patients with stroke. Trunk stabilization exercises using laser pointer visual feedback have been found to be more effective in balance, walking, and fall efficacy in patients with stroke.

The Effect of Lumbar Belts with Different Extensibilities on Kinematic, Kinetic, and Muscle Activity of Sit-to-Stand Motions in Patients with Nonspecific Low Back Pain.

Although lumbar belts can be used for the treatment and prevention of low back pain, the role of the lumbar belt remains unclear without clear guidelines. This study aimed to investigate the effect of lumbar belts with different extensibilities on the kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity of sit-to-stand motions in terms of motor control in patients with nonspecific low back pain. A total of 30 subjects participated in the study: 15 patients with nonspecific low back pain and 15 healthy adults. Participants performed the sit-to-stand motion in random order of three conditions: no lumbar belt, wearing an extensible lumbar belt, and wearing a non-extensible lumbar belt. The sit-to-stand motion's kinematic, kinetic, and muscle activity variables in each condition were measured using a three-dimensional motion analysis device, force plate, and surface electromyography. An interaction effect was found for the time taken, anterior pelvic tilt angle, and muscle activity of the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris. The two lumbar belts with different extensibilities had a positive effect on motor control in patients with nonspecific low back pain. Therefore, both types of extensible lumbar belts can be useful in the sit-to-stand motion, which is an important functional activity for patients with nonspecific low back pain.

Effects of a combination of scapular stabilization and thoracic extension exercises for office workers with forward head posture on the craniovertebral angle, respiration, pain, and disability: A randomized-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate how exercise programs not directly applied to the cervical spine affect office workers with forward head posture (FHP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 2018 and June 2018, a total of 32 office workers with FHP (13 males, 19 females; mean age 36.63 years; range, 23 to 57 years) were randomized either to experimental (n=16) or control groups (n=16). Scapular stabilization and thoracic extension exercises were applied to the experimental group and cervical stabilization and stretching exercises to the control group. The results of the pre-intervention and after six weeks measurement of the craniovertebral angle (CVA), respiration, pain, and disability were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: For intra-group comparison, both groups showed significant differences (p<0.05) in CVA, forced expiratory volume at 1 sec (FEV1), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and neck disability index at pre- and post-intervention, while only the experimental group showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, and forced vital capacity. For inter-group comparison, a significant difference (p<0.05) between FEV1 and VAS was observed. CONCLUSION: The combination of scapular stabilization and thoracic extension exercises, not directly applied to the cervical spine, has an effect on improving the posture, respiration, neck pain, and disability in office workers with FHP.

Analysis of the Effect of Wearing Extensible and Non-Extensible Lumbar Belts on Biomechanical Factors of the Sit-to-Stand Movement and Pain-Related Psychological Factors Affecting Office Workers with Low Back Pain.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of wearing extensible and non-extensible lumbar belt (LB) on biomechanical factors of the sit-to-stand (STD) movement and pain-related psychological factors affecting office workers with low back pain. Among 30 office workers, 15 with low back pain (LBP) were assigned to the experimental group and 15 healthy adults were assigned to the control group. The participants performed STD movement in random order of three different conditions: without LB (Condition 1), with extensible LB (Condition 2), and with non-extensible LB (Condition 3). Biomechanical variables of STD movement in each condition were measured using a three-dimensional motion analysis system and force plate. Pain-related psychological factors were measured only in the experimental group. Among the biomechanical factors of STD movement, an interaction effect was found in the maximum anterior pelvic tilt angle and total-phase range of motion of the trunk (p < 0.05). Pain intensity, pain-related anxiety, and pain catastrophizing were decreased in the conditions with lumbar belts (Conditions 2 and 3) compared to the condition without LB (Condition 1) (p < 0.05). Extensible and non-extensible lumbar belts engender biomechanically beneficial effects during STD movement in both office workers with LBP and healthy office workers. Further, pain intensity, pain-related anxiety, and pain catastrophizing were decreased in office workers with LBP. Therefore, both types of extensible lumbar belts may be helpful in the daily life of patients with LBP and office workers.

Effects of pectoralis minor length on strength improvement and pain reduction during scapular reposition test.

[Purpose] This study aimed to compare pain and shoulder elevation strength when scapular reposition test is applied to subclinical individuals with a short or long pectoralis minor. [Participants and Methods] Subclinical participants (n=34) with a positive impingement result on at least one of three tests were assigned to short (n=18) or long (n=16) pectoralis minor groups. Impingement tests were repeated with and without scapular reposition test. Visual analog scale was used to measure pain intensities under both conditions. Isometric shoulder elevation strength was measured by dynamometry. Two-way analyzes of variance and paired t-test were used to evaluate the effects of scapular reposition test in the two groups. [Results] The effects of pectoralis minor length on the frequencies of meaningful strength, pain reduction, and positive scapular reposition test result were evaluated. Repositioning reduced pain in both groups. In the short pectoralis minor group, shoulder elevation strength was significantly improved by scapular reposition test. A meaningful strength improvement and positive scapular reposition test result were reported more frequently in the short pectoralis minor group. [Conclusion] Consideration of pectoralis minor length and scapular reposition test results could aid the identification of factors contributing to scapular dyskinesis and related shoulder injuries, thereby enabling the selection of appropriate interventions.

Comparison of medial femoral cartilage deformation in normal adults according to gait conditions.

This study aimed to explore the deformation of medial femoral cartilage in normal adults according to gait conditions. Overall, 76 normal adults without degenerative arthritis or a knee injury on medical history were randomly assigned into control, flatland walk, slope walk, and stepper walk groups. The control group was rested for 30 min, the test group performed flatland walking, 16° slope walking, and stepper walking, respectively. The thickness of medial femoral cartilage before and after gait was evaluated through ultrasound test. Compared with the control group, a significant difference was noted for medial femoral cartilage deformation before and after gait in all the three groups. Comparison of the medial femoral cartilage deformation among the groups revealed a significant difference between the control group and the flatland walk, slope walk, and stepper walk groups (P<0.05). The flatland walk group had a significant difference between the slope walk group and stepper walk group (P<0.05), whereas no significant difference was noted between the slope walk and stepper walk groups (P>0.05). After a 30-min walk, the thickness of medial femoral cartilage was reduced, and a difference in deformation was noted according to gait conditions. The thickness of medial femoral cartilage was reduced more in the stepper walk and slope walk groups, wherein more load operates on the knee, than the flatland walk group.