Effect of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization training using the inertial load of water on functional movement and postural sway in middle-aged women: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic stress and diseases occur more frequently in middle-aged compared to younger women and this is often the result of physical, psychological and socio-economic changes. These health consequences reduce lower body muscle mass and flexibility, leading to generalized impairments in functional movement and balance. Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) training using the inertial load of water is known for its positive impact on functional strength improvement and muscle stabilization. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effect of DNS training using inertial water loads on functional movement and postural sway in middle-aged women. METHOD: A sample of 24 middle-aged women participated in the study and were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group, n = 12 (age: 58.33 ± 1.48 yrs, height: 162.16 ± 1.27 cm, weight: 61.77 ± 2.21 kg) and control group, n = 12 (age: 59.58 ± 1.13 yrs, height: 160.1 ± 1.13 cm, weight: 57.51 ± 1.12 kg). Center of Pressure (COP), moving distance, Root Mean Square (RMS), movement area and Functional Movement Screen (FMS) were conducted and analyzed pre- and post-examination. Participants engaged in the DNS training regimen, which utilized the inertial load of water, for 60 min each session, conducted twice weekly for 12 weeks. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the COP distance (p < 0.001), RMS (p < 0.05), COP area and FMS test (p < 0.001) in the pre-post comparison of each group. And significant differences were found in COP distance (p < 0.05), RMS (p < 0.05), COP area (p < 0.05) and FMS test (p < 0.05) between groups. The DNS training improved the dynamic stability of single-leg standing, torso stability and functional movement in middle-aged women. CONCLUSION: DNS training programs using the inertial load of water have been shown to be effective in movement improvement and posture retention ability, which is beneficial for functional movement, equilibrium strategy, and dynamic stability of middle-aged women. Furthermore, the DNS training method designed in this study can be useful for trainees who require posture correction in a safe and effective way regardless of their age and gender.

Effects of Instability Neuromuscular Training Using an Inertial Load of Water on the Balance Ability of Healthy Older Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The reflexive responses to resist external forces and maintain posture result from the coordination between the vestibular system, muscle, tendon, and joint proprioceptors, and vision. Aging deteriorates these crucial functions, increasing the risk of falls. This study aimed to verify whether a training program with water bags, an Instability Neuromuscular training (INT) using the inertial load of water, could positively impact balance ability and dynamic stability. This study was conducted with twenty-two healthy older women aged ≥ 65 (mean age: 74.82 ± 7.00 years, height: 154.20 ± 5.49 cm, weight: 55.84 ± 7.46 kg, BMI: 23.55 ± 3.58 kg/m2). The participants were randomly allocated into two groups: a group that used water bags and a control group performing bodyweight exercises. The intervention training lasted 12 weeks, with 2 sessions per week totaling 24 sessions, each lasting 60 min. The pre- and post-tests were compared using t-tests to examine within- and-between-group differences. The effect size was examined based on the interaction between group and time using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA. The Modified Timed Up and Go manual (TUG manual), Sharpened Romberg Test (SRT), and Y-balance test (YBT) were conducted to assess dynamic stability, including gait function, static stability, and reactive ability. In comparison between groups, the waterbag training group showed a decrease in task completion time associated with an increase in walking speed in the TUG manual test (p < 0.05), and an increase in static stability and reaction time in the Sharpened Romberg test with eyes closed (p < 0.05), and an increase in single-leg stance ability in both legs in the Y-balance test (p < 0.05). All statistical confidence interval levels were set 95%. INT using the inertial load of water enhanced the somatosensory system and gait related to dynamic stability in older women. Therefore, the clinical application of this training program is expected to reduce the risk of falls in healthy older women, improving dynamic stability related to gait.

Physiotherapeutic effects of an innovative golf swing-assist device on discomfort and mobility in amateur golfers with low back pain: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Although the biomechanical features of the golf swing are extremely determined, multiple joint movements with limited pelvic and thoracic rotation movement can cause injury to the golfer and are linked with low back pain (LBP). We have developed the Pulley Master machine (PM), which is designed to offer active movement evaluation and monitoring as well as repetitive and task-specific training. OBJECTIVE: The primary goal of the present research was to analyze the effects of PM and Transfer of Electricity-Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) therapy on the lumbar pain scale and thoracic and pelvic mobility in amateur golfers with LBP. METHODS: Twenty-one amateur golfers with LBP (six females, mean age = 23.43 ± 2.36 years) were randomly assigned to either PM or TECAR groups for five days per week over one week. Clinical outcome measurements included pelvic and thoracic mobility as well as a pain rating scale. Statistical analyses were presented using the analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the statistical significance level was set at P< 0.05. RESULTS: ANOVA showed that PM outperformed TECAR in terms of pelvic and thoracic mobility as well as a pain rating scale. CONCLUSION: The results provide novel and encouraging clinical evidence that PM improves pain control and mobility in amateur golfers with LBP.

Comparative accuracy of a shoulder range motion measurement sensor and Vicon 3D motion capture for shoulder abduction in frozen shoulder.

BACKGROUND: Although patients with frozen shoulders have the range of motion (ROM) of their shoulder's abduction movements measured at hospital and the physical therapy visits, multiple visits to check for progress is often difficult. Thus, we developed an artificial intelligence-based image recognition detectable sensor (AIRDS) intended for easy use at home. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of a sensor (AIRDS) measuring shoulder abduction angle, thus offering a valid and feasible system for monitoring patients with frozen shoulder. METHODS: Ten patients with frozen shoulder (5 males, 5 females) performed shoulder joint movements while being measured with the AIRDS system and the 3-dimensional Vicon system. The measure of the outcome included the linear regression of the shoulder abduction joint kinematics. RESULTS: Linear regression analysis of the AIRDS system and the Vicon system demonstrated a significant correlation coefficient of R2= 0.9979 (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide novel, promising evidence that AIRDS can accurately measure the timing and total spatial characteristics of clinical movements. AIRDS is designed to provide real-time ROM measurements for joint mobility using artificial intelligence instead of the judgement of the physical therapist.

A precision neurorehabilitation using SSEP for early detection of sensory deficit and restoration of the motor recovery in balance, gait and activities of daily living in acute stroke.

BACKGROUND: Impaired sensory in acute stroke patients results in dynamic balance, gait and activities of daily living (ADL) impairment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of present study was to examine the correlation between somatosensory-evoked potential (SSEP) parameters and motor recovery in balance, gait and ADL performance in hemiparetic stroke survivors. METHODS: One hundred and one participants with hemiparetic stroke (43 males, 58 females; mean age, 6538 ± 1222 years; post-stroke duration, 199 ± 0.74 month) participated in this study. The Electro Synergy system (Viasys Healthcare; San Diego, CA, USA) was applied to measure SSEP measurement. The 101 stroke survivors were divided into three groups consistent with their SSEP results: sensory normal group; sensory impaired group; sensory absent group. All the subject participated the inpatient rehabilitation intervention for 4 weeks. Analyses of variance (ANOVA) were used to verify the group difference among the three groups after the treatment. RESULTS: ANOVA revealed the significant difference (p< 0.01). The Scheffe test demonstrated that the sensory normal group showed greater increasement in Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Fugl-Myer Assessment (FMA), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) scores than the sensory impaired and absent group (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our research provides therapeutic evidence that correlation of somatosensory functions on motor recovery, balance, gait, and ADL in patients with hemiplegic stroke.