Effectiveness of robot-assisted gait training on motor impairments in people with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) on motor impairments in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). A computer-based systematic literature search was performed in six databases according to PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effects of RAGT on motor impairments in people with PD were included. GRADE approach and PEDro scale were used to determine the studies' quality of evidence. Meta-analyses were performed by calculating the weighted mean difference (WMD) at 95% confidence interval. Seven RCTs (PEDro: 5-8) met the inclusion criteria for systematic review and meta-analyses. The meta-analysis showed significant improvement on Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale Part III after intervention [WMD=3.292; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.378-5.207; P=0.000], and after 1-month follow-up (WMD=5.512; 95% CI=2.396-8.629; P=0.001). Stride length (WMD=9.283; 95% CI=7.153-11.414; P=0.00) and gait speed (WMD=0.166; 95% CI=-0.090 to 0.243; P=0.000) showed significant improvements after RAGT. Balance as measured by Berg Balance Scale was improved significantly after intervention (WMD=3.87; 95% CI=0.374-6.735; P=0.029) and at 1-month follow-up (WMD=3.87; 95% CI=1.324-6.413; P=0.002). The pooled analysis did not detect any significant changes regarding stride time, cadence and functional balance scales. GRADE level of evidence ranged between high and low. The RAGT showed better outcomes than conventional interventions on some motor aspects in PD. However, RAGT did not seem superior to control interventions. Further RCTs that examine the effect of RAGT on more specific outcomes and at different medication statuses are required.

Soft Tissue Mobilization and PNF Improve Range of Motion and Minimize Pain Level in Shoulder Impingement.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of soft tissue mobilization and PNF on pain level, and shoulder ROM in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty patients with painful and limited glenohumeral ROM activities were selected. The subjects were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=15), which received treatment consisting of soft tissues mobilization and the PNF technique. The control group received an ultrasound treatment. Pain level, glenohumeral external rotation and overhead reach were measured before and after the intervention in groups. [Results] The experimental group showed a significant reduction in pain level in comparison with the control group. The values for Shoulder external rotation showed a significant improvement. The mean value for overhead reach in the experimental group significantly increased. [Conclusion] The combination of soft tissue mobilization for the subscapularis for 7 minutes and 5 repetitions of the contract-relax PNF technique for the shoulder internal rotator muscles followed by 5 repetitions of a PNF facilitated abduction and external rotation diagonal pattern was found to be effective in reducing pain and improving glenohumeral external rotation and overhead reach during a single intervention session.