Stair-Climbing Training with Interferential Electrotherapy Improves Knee Muscle Strength, Dynamic Postural Stability, Pain Score, and Physical Activity in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis.

Background/Objective: This study aimed to compare the functional outcomes, such as knee muscle strength, dynamic postural stability, pain scores, and physical activity, in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) on stair climbing training with and without interferential electrotherapy (IFE) for 12 weeks. Methods: A total of 40 knee OA patients with Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade ≤ 2 were enrolled (20 stair-climbing training with IFE vs. 20 stair-climbing training without IFE). The knee quadriceps and hamstring muscle strengths were measured using an isokinetic device. The dynamic postural stability was assessed using postural stabilometry. The pain score was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). Physical activity was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Results: The WOMAC score was significantly different (p < 0.019) between stair-climbing training with and without IFE in patients with knee OA, while knee muscle strength, dynamic postural stability, or pain score were not (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: Stair-climbing training with IFE was more beneficial for physical activity recovery than stair-climbing training without IFE. Therefore, clinicians and therapists should be aware that stair climbing, which can be practiced in daily life for the management of patients with knee OA, and the addition of IFE may improve physical activity.

Comparison of Functional Outcomes after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Meniscal Repair for Unstable versus Stable Meniscal Tears.

This study aimed to compare functional outcomes including knee muscle strength in the quadriceps and hamstrings, and proprioception, assessed through dynamic postural stability (overall stability index [OSI]) and self-reported outcomes in the operated and non-operated knees between anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with meniscal repair for unstable (root and radial tears) and stable (longitudinal, horizontal, and bucket handle tears) meniscal tears. A total of 76 patients were randomly selected (41 with ACLR with meniscal repair for unstable meniscal tears and 35 with ACLR with meniscal repair for stable meniscal tears) at three different time points (preoperative, 6 months, and 12 months). Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to investigate the differences in outcomes for between-subject and within-subject factors. In the operated knees, there were no significant differences for functional outcomes between the two groups (all p > 0.05). In the non-operated knees, a significant difference was observed for the OSI between the two groups, which was significantly higher in ACLR with meniscal repair for unstable meniscal tears than for stable meniscal tears at 6 months (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age (p = 0.027), preoperative OSI in the operated knees (p = 0.005), and postoperative OSI in the operated knees at 6 months (p = 0.002) were significant and independent predictors for OSI in the non-operated knees at 6 months postoperatively. Therefore, while no differences were observed in functional outcomes between the two groups in the operated knees, dynamic postural stability was poorer at 6 months postoperatively in the non-operated knees of patients with ACLR with meniscal repair for unstable meniscal tears. Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between preoperative/postoperative dynamic postural stability in the operated knees and postoperative dynamic postural stability in the non-operated knees. Hence, we recommend incorporating balance exercises for both knees in post-surgical rehabilitation, particularly for patients with unstable meniscal tears.

Addition of anterolateral ligament reconstruction to primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction could benefit recovery of functional outcomes.

This study aimed to compare functional outcomes sequentially up to 1 year after combined anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) and isolated ACLR. Fifty patients who underwent ACLR with versus without ALLR were analyzed at four different time points (preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively). For the functional outcomes, muscle strength and acceleration time (AT) were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Proprioception was evaluated using joint position sense and dynamic postural stability. Patient-reported outcomes were measured using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11) scores. Functional performance was assessed using single-leg hop distance (SLHD) and Limb Symmetry Index. In the operated knees, quadriceps (at 6 months postoperatively, p = 0.003) and hamstring (at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, p < 0.001) strength were significantly higher in the combined ACLR and ALLR group than the isolated ACLR group. The TSK-11 (at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, p < 0.001) was significantly lower in the combined ACLR and ALLR group than the isolated ACLR group. SLHD was significantly higher in the combined ACLR and ALLR group than the isolated ACLR group (at 6 months, p = 0.022 and at 12 months, p = 0.024). The addition of ALLR to primary ACLR yielded better muscle performance, fear of movement, and functional performance than isolated ACLR.

Application of extracorporeal shockwave therapy to improve microcirculation in diabetic foot ulcers: A prospective study.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) can induce wound healing by increasing tissue microcirculation. However, studies on the effect of ESWT on enhancing tissue microcirculation in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), particularly on when the microcirculation increases after ESWT application, are still lacking. Therefore, we aimed to examine the effectiveness of ESWT in promoting microcirculation in DFU patients in a time-dependent manner. We included 50 feet of 25 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and Wagner grade I to II DFU in this study. The affected feet were used as the ESWT group and the unaffected contralateral feet were used as the control group. ESWT was performed in 3 sessions per week for a total of 3 weeks. Transcutaneous partial oxygen pressure (TcPO2) was used to evaluate the tissue microcirculation. The TcPO2 level (>43 mm Hg) in the ESWT group was recovered by the 2nd week of treatment, and statistical significance (P < .05) was demonstrated at the same time. From the 2nd week of ESWT, a significant increase in TcPO2 was observed in Wagner grade I and II DFU. These findings imply that the ESWT may improve microcirculation in patients with Wagner grades I to II DFU. However, this impact requires at least 2 weeks or more than 6 sessions. For better comparison, further studies with larger clinical groups and extended period are needed.

Comparison of Functional Outcomes between Supervised Rehabilitation and Telerehabilitation in Female Patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common cause of anterior knee pain, and therapeutic exercises are recommended. During the COVID-19 pandemic, despite recommendations on the importance of telerehabilitation, insufficient studies have investigated functional outcomes between supervised rehabilitation and telerehabilitation in patients with PFPS. This study aimed to compare the muscle strength, muscle activation time, and patient-reported outcomes between supervised rehabilitation and telerehabilitation in female patients with PFPS. A total of 61 patients (supervised, n = 30; telerehabilitation, n = 31) participated. Muscle strength and activation time of the quadriceps and hamstrings were measured using an isokinetic device. Hip muscle strength was evaluated using a hand-held dynamometer. Patient-reported outcomes were measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS) for functional ability, and Tampa scale for kinesiophobia (TSK-11). No significant differences were found in muscle strength, muscle activation time, or patient-reported outcomes of the involved knees between the two groups (p > 0.05). In addition, the rate of change in all parameters did not significantly differ between the two groups (p > 0.05). Telerehabilitation, such as a home-exercise program supervised by physical therapists, may be as effective as supervised rehabilitation in improving functional outcomes in female patients with PFPS.