Rapid and accurate alignment of nucleotide conversion sequencing reads with HISAT-3N.

Sequencing technologies using nucleotide conversion techniques such as cytosine to thymine in bisulfite-seq and thymine to cytosine in SLAM seq are powerful tools to explore the chemical intricacies of cellular processes. To date, no one has developed a unified methodology for aligning converted sequences and consolidating alignment of these technologies in one package. In this paper, we describe hierarchical indexing for spliced alignment of transcripts-3 nucleotides (HISAT-3N), which can rapidly and accurately align sequences consisting of any nucleotide conversion by leveraging the powerful hierarchical index and repeat index algorithms originally developed for the HISAT software. Tests on real and simulated data sets show that HISAT-3N is faster than other modern systems, with greater alignment accuracy, higher scalability, and smaller memory requirements. HISAT-3N therefore becomes an ideal aligner when used with converted sequence technologies.

SeqWho: reliable, rapid determination of sequence file identity using k-mer frequencies in Random Forest classifiers.

MOTIVATION: With the vast improvements in sequencing technologies and increased number of protocols, sequencing is being used to answer complex biological problems. Subsequently, analysis pipelines have become more time consuming and complicated, usually requiring highly extensive prevalidation steps. Here, we present SeqWho, a program designed to assess heuristically the quality of sequencing files and reliably classify the organism and protocol type by using Random Forest classifiers trained on biases native in k-mer frequencies and repeat sequence identities. RESULTS: Using one of our primary models, we show that our method accurately and rapidly classifies human and mouse sequences from nine different sequencing libraries by species, library and both together, 98.32%, 97.86% and 96.38% of the time, respectively. Ultimately, we demonstrate that SeqWho is a powerful method for reliably validating the quality and identity of the sequencing files used in any pipeline. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: https://github.com/DaehwanKimLab/seqwho. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Automated classification of cytogenetic abnormalities in hematolymphoid neoplasms.

MOTIVATION: Algorithms for classifying chromosomes, like convolutional deep neural networks (CNNs), show promise to augment cytogeneticists' workflows; however, a critical limitation is their inability to accurately classify various structural chromosomal abnormalities. In hematopathology, recurrent structural cytogenetic abnormalities herald diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic implications, but are laborious for expert cytogeneticists to identify. Non-recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities also occur frequently cancerous cells. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of using CNNs to accurately classify many recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities while being able to reliably detect non-recurrent, spurious abnormal chromosomes, as well as provide insights into dataset assembly, model selection and training methodology that improve overall generalizability and performance for chromosome classification. RESULTS: Our top-performing model achieved a mean weighted F1 score of 96.86% on the validation set and 94.03% on the test set. Gradient class activation maps indicated that our model learned biologically meaningful feature maps, reinforcing the clinical utility of our proposed approach. Altogether, this work: proposes a new dataset framework for training chromosome classifiers for use in a clinical environment, reveals that residual CNNs and cyclical learning rates confer superior performance, and demonstrates the feasibility of using this approach to automatically screen for many recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities while adeptly classifying non-recurrent abnormal chromosomes. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: Software is freely available at https://github.com/DaehwanKimLab/Chromosome-ReAd. The data underlying this article cannot be shared publicly due to it being protected patient information. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Activatable Fluorescent Probes Targeting Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor on the Cell Membrane.

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is a glycolipid-anchored protein located on the cell surface that is implicated in the promotion of metastasis. New fluorescent probes for the detection of uPAR expression that feature a rapid "turn-on" response are reported here. They consist of a donor-π-acceptor-based fluorophore conjugated with a uPAR-binding AE105 peptide. The resulting AE105-coupled uPAR-targeting probes are weakly emissive in aqueous buffer solutions; however, a fluorescence "turn-on" signal is instantly triggered upon specific binding to uPAR (KD =63.2 nM for P1 and 49.5 nM for P2), which restricts the rotational deactivation of the fluorophore. Applications of the probes were demonstrated in the imaging of uPAR overexpressed on the membrane of cancer cell and in a cell-based uPAR inhibitor assay.

Risk factors for Pneumocystis pneumonia with acute respiratory failure among kidney transplant recipients.

PURPOSE: One of the rare life-threatening fungal infections is pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). Immunocompromised patients are the main vulnerable population. We investigate the risk factors associated with the development of severe PCP infection with acute respiratory failure after kidney transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, single-center, case-control study. PCP patients who are kidney transplant recipients and required high-flow oxygen support or mechanical ventilation between March 2009 and February 2017 were included in the study. The comparison was conducted between the non-severe and severe PCP groups. To identify associated risk factors, we performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Among the total 2,330 kidney transplant recipients, 50 patients (2.1%) were diagnosed with PCP. Of these, 27 patients (54.0%) had severe PCP and 7 patients (14.0%) died, all of them were severe PCP patients. In the severe PCP group, the time from transplantation to PCP diagnosis (23.4 ± 24.9 months vs. 13.7 ± 9.9 months, p = 0.090) was insignificantly faster than in the non-severe PCP group. According to multiple logistic regression analysis, the significant risk factors associated with severe PCP were as follows, age (odds ratios (OR) 1.07; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.01-1.13; p = 0.027), time from transplantation to PCP diagnosis (odds ratios (OR) 0.92; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.86-0.99; p = 0.024), lymphopenia (OR 6.48; 95% CI: 1.05-40.09; p = 0.044), and history of acute rejection within 1 year (OR 8.28; 95% CI: 1.29-53.20; p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: Patients who have lymphopenia at the time of hospital admission or have been recently treated with acute rejection are more likely to progress to severe PCP, requiring intensive monitoring and aggressive treatment.

The effects of virtual soccer game on balance, gait function, and kick speed in chronic incomplete spinal cord injury: a randomized controlled trial.

STUDY DESIGN: Participant-blinded comparative pre-post randomized controlled trial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of virtual soccer game on balance, gait function, and kick speed in individuals with spinal cord injuries. SETTING: Forty participants with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) were included. METHODS: The participants were randomized into either an experimental group (EG) or a control group for treatment 3 days/week over 4 weeks. The clinical outcomes included the results of the chair stand test (CST), timed up-and-go (TUG) test, and 10 m walking test (10MWT). The virtual reality (VR) content outcome measure was kick speed. RESULTS: The independent t-test results indicated that the participants in the EG exhibited superior performances in the CST, TUG test, 10MWT, and kick speed test (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide novel, promising clinical evidence that VR rehabilitation improves both dynamic and static balance and reduces the risk of falls in patients with incomplete SCI of Asia impairment scale grades C-D.

Comparative Effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence-Based Interactive Home Exercise Applications in Adolescents with Obesity.

The rate of obesity in adolescents has increased due to social distancing measures and school closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These issues have caused adolescents to change their lifestyles and eating habits. Furthermore, the growth in inactive behavior and computer screen or watching TV time, as well as the reduction in physical activity, could similarly be related with obesity. To overcome this problem, we recently developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-based gesture recognition game application called Super Kids Adventure (SUKIA, Funrehab, Daejeon, Korea), which provides inexpensive and motivational game applications. This research is designed to assess the effects of SUKIA and Nintendo Switch (NINS) on calorie consumption, VO2 max, 6-minute walking test (6MWT) as well as body mass index (BMI), and the Borg rating of perceived exertion scale (RPE) in adolescents with obesity. A convenience sample of 24 adolescents with obesity were randomized into either the NINS or SUKIA groups 5 days/week for 3 weeks. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent t-tests were presented with significant level at p < 0.05, and the analysis indicated that SUKIA showed superior effects on calorie consumption, VO2 max, and RPE compared to NINS. Our results provide evidence that SUKIA can more effectively improve cardiopulmonary function and calorie consumption than NINS in adolescents with obesity during COVID-19.

Mediating effects of social support between Type D personality and self-care behaviours among heart failure patients.

AIMS: Patients with heart failure exhibit poor adherence to self-care behaviours. Recent studies have shown a link between Type D personality, social support, and self-care behaviours of patients with chronic diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying this relationship have received little empirical attention in those with heart failure. This study aimed to identify the mediating effects of social support in the relationship between Type D personality and self-care behaviours in patients with heart failure. DESIGN: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. METHODS: The sample comprised 170 patients aged over 18 years who had been diagnosed with heart failure for over 6 months and visited a tertiary care university hospital in Seoul. From April-July 2019, data were collected through an interview conducted using a structured questionnaire and a review of medical records by two trained research assistants. Multiple regression models were tested using the SPSS PROCESS procedure with bootstrapping to determine the significance of the mediation. RESULTS: The prevalence of Type D personality in patients with heart failure was 20.0%. Significant associations were identified among Type D personality, social support, and self-care behaviours. Results revealed an indirect effect, suggesting that the effects of Type D personality on self-care behaviours were mediated by social support. CONCLUSION: Heart failure patients with Type D personality were likely to lack social support, which may have influenced their low adherence to self-care behaviours. Thus, to facilitate long-lasting self-care behaviours, it is vital to provide supportive care or educational programs for patients with Type D personality. IMPACT: Providing sustainable social support can have a positive impact on the long-term self-care maintenance of patients with heart failure patients who have a Type D personality. Future studies are required to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between Type D personality, social support, and self-care behaviours.

Inhibition of NUPR1-Karyopherin ß1 Binding Increases Anticancer Drug Sensitivity.

BACKGROUND: Nuclear protein-1 (NUPR1, also known as p8/Com-1) is a transcription factor involved in the regulation of cellular stress responses, including serum starvation and drug stimulation. METHODS: We investigated the mechanism of NUPR1 nuclear translocation involving karyopherin ß1 (KPNB1), using a single-molecule binding assay and confocal microscopy. The cellular effects associated with NUPR1-KPNB1 inhibition were investigated by gene expression profiling and cell cycle analysis. RESULTS: The single-molecule binding assay revealed that KPNB1 bound to NUPR1 with a binding affinity of 0.75 nM and that this binding was blocked by the aminothiazole ATZ-502. Following doxorubicin-only treatment, NUPR1 was translocated to the nucleus in more than 90% and NUPR1 translocation was blocked by the ATZ-502 combination treatment in MDA-MB-231 with no change in NUPR1 expression, providing strong evidence that NUPR1 nuclear translocation was directly inhibited by the ATZ-502 treatment. Inhibition of KPNB1 and NUPR1 binding was associated with a synergistic anticancer effect (up to 19.6-fold) in various cancer cell lines. NUPR1-related genes were also downregulated following the doxorubicin-ATZ-502 combination treatment. CONCLUSION: Our current findings clearly demonstrate that NUPR1 translocation into the nucleus requires karyopherin ß1 binding. Inhibition of the KPNB1 and NUPR1 interaction may constitute a new cancer therapeutic approach that can increase the drug efficacy while reducing the side effects.

A Method for Estimating Time-Dependent Corrosion Depth of Carbon and Weathering Steel Using an Atmospheric Corrosion Monitor Sensor.

In this study, a time-dependent corrosion depth estimation method using atmospheric corrosion monitor (ACM) sensor data to evaluate time-dependent corrosion behaviors is proposed. For the time-dependent corrosion depth estimation of uncoated carbon steel and weathering steel, acceleration corrosion tests were conducted in salt-spray corrosion environments and evaluated with a corrosion damage estimation method using ACM sensing data and corrosion loss data of the tested steel specimens. To estimate the time-dependent corrosion depth using corrosion current by an ACM sensor, the relationship between the mean corrosion depth calculated from the weight loss method and the corrosion current was evaluated. The mean corrosion depth was estimated by calculating the corrosion current and evaluating the relationship between the mean corrosion depth and corrosion current during the expected period. From the test and estimation results, the corrosion current demonstrated a good linear correlation with the mean corrosion depth of carbon steel and weathering. The calculated mean corrosion depth is nearly the same as that of the tested specimen, which can be well used to estimate corrosion rate for the uncoated carbon steel and weathering steel.

Preliminary Study for Measurement of Shear Stress and Hemocompatibility Using Commercialized Lab on a Chip.

We have investigated the effect of flow rate on shear stress and in turn thrombus formation on a lab-on-a-chip with a microchannel that is suitable for cell culture and growth. Using a combination of Arduino UNO, Arduino Motor Shield, and a SERVO stepper motor, we created a pump system that closely mimics the in vivo conditions of the human body. With this system, we achieved continuous flow of blood and observed attached platelets at the bottom of the collagen coated microslide, confirming that with shear stress, thrombus formation increases.

No difference in anterior knee pain after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in patients with or without patellofemoral osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to compare functional outcomes of medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in patients with patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PF OA) and those without PF OA and to evaluate the effect of PF OA on functional outcomes after UKA. METHODS: The outcomes of 48 knees in patients without PF OA who underwent medial UKA (non-PF OA group) were compared to the outcomes of 57 knees in patients with PF OA [Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade ≤ 2] who underwent medial UKA (PF OA group) with a median follow-up of 5.4 years (range 3.1-10.2 years). Clinical outcomes including anterior knee pain, HSS scores, radiological parameters, and the progression of patellofemoral osteoarthritis were compared, and their effects on functional outcomes were evaluated at the final follow-up visits. RESULTS: At final follow-up visits, no significant inter-group difference was found in terms of anterior knee pain (1.9 vs. 1.9 in non-PF OA and PF OA groups, respectively), HSS score, or range of motion. Preoperative anterior knee pain and patellofemoral joint degeneration were found to be unrelated to poor outcome in patients that underwent medial UKA. Furthermore, no correlation was found between any functional outcome variable and chondral lesion pattern. CONCLUSIONS: The result of UKA for medial unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis was excellent regardless of PF OA (K-L grade ≤ 2). Hence, the patients with medial unicompartmental OA combined with a moderate degree of anterior knee pain or patellofemoral arthritis should be viewed as appropriate candidates for medial UKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The effectiveness of core stabilization exercise using ultrasound biofeedback on motor function, balance control, gait speed and activities of daily living in stroke patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with hemiparetic stroke experience diminished motor function, dynamic balance, and gait speed, which influence their activities of daily living (ADL). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of ultrasound biofeedback core exercise (UBCE) on Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), Time up and go (TUG), 10-meter walking test (10MWT) and functional independent measure (FIM) in participants with stroke. METHODS: Twenty-four stroke survivors consistently underwent UBCE or abdominal draw-in maneuver (ADIM) for 30 min/session, 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Clinical outcome measurements - the FMA, TUG, 10MWT, and FIM - were observed pre-and post-intervention. RESULTS: We detected significant changes in the FMA-lower extremities, TUG, 10MWT, and FIM scores between the UBCE and ADIM groups. UBCE and ADIM showed significant improvements in FMA-lower extremities, TUG, 10MWT, and FIM scores. However, UBCE showed more favorable results than ADIM in patients with stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Our research provides novel therapeutic suggestion of neurorehabilitation in stroke patients.

Clinical effects of a novel deep learning-based rehabilitation application on cardiopulmonary function, dynamic and static balance, gait function, and activities of daily living in adolescents with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents with hemiplegic cerebral palsy undergo conventional physical therapy (CPT) to improve static and dynamic balance, activities of daily living and cardiopulmonary function. To overcome this problem, we developed an innovative deep learning-based rehabilitation application (DRA) to provide a motivational and chaffed platform for such individuals. DRA evaluates the patients' functional abilities and diagnosis an appropriate therapeutic intervention like CPT. METHODS: We compared the effects of DRA and CPT on 6-minute walking test (6 MWT), Borg rating of perceived exertion scale, Berg balance scale, functional ambulation category, and modified Barthel index in adolescents with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. A convenience sample of 30 adolescents with hemiplegic cerebral palsy was randomized into either the DRA or CPT group. DRA and CPT were administered to the participants, with each session lasting 30 minutes and apportioned thrice a week for a total of 4 weeks. RESULTS: Analysis of variance was performed and the level of significance was set at P < .05. The analysis indicated that DRA showed therapeutic effects on 6 MWT, Berg balance scale, and modified Barthel index compared to CPT. CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidence that DRA can improve cardiopulmonary function, balance, and activities of daily living more effectively than CPT in adolescents with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Sustainable effectiveness of kinetic chain stretching on active hip flexion movement and muscle activation for hamstring tightness: A preliminary investigation.

BACKGROUND: Conventional hamstring (HAM) stretching therapeutic effects are not substantiable in neuromusculoskeletal conditions with HAM tightness or shortness. We developed a kinetic chain stabilization exercise to provide a more sustainable effectiveness in adults with HAM tightness. However, its therapeutic effects and underlying motor mechanisms remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of traditional active HAM stretching (AHS) and kinetic chain stretching (KCS) on electromyographic (EMG) amplitude and hip flexion range of motion (ROM) in participants with HAM tightness. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 18 participants (mean age: 25.01 ± 2.47 years) with HAM tightness were assigned to the AHS or KCS group. Hip joint movement, EMG amplitude, and onset times were recorded in the bilateral erector spinae, HAM, transverse abdominis/internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO), and rectus abdominis during a straight leg raise test. RESULTS: Compared to AHS, KCS led to greater increase in the hip flexion ROM and EMG activation amplitudes in the left and right EO and left IO. Post-test hip flexion ROM data in both the groups were higher than the pre-test data. CONCLUSION: KCS produced more sustainable effectiveness in hip flexion movement and EMG motor control patterns in participants with HAM tightness than AHS.

Potential adverse effects of face mask use on cardiopulmonary function and thermoregulation in robotic stroke rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic led to the implementation of wearing face masks and social distancing in stroke rehabilitation to prevent airborne transmission and contain the virus. The use of masks causes hypoxia and dyspnea in patients with stroke, predisposing them to other harmful medical conditions. Despite the clinical importance of the potential risk of wearing masks during robotic stroke rehabilitation, no clinical evidence is available in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of stroke robotic rehabilitation with and without using a face mask on cardiopulmonary fatigue, muscle fatigue, O2 saturation, pulse, blood pressure (BP), and temperature in healthy adults and patients with hemiparetic stroke. METHOD: A total of 30 participants, comprising 20 males and 10 females, were enrolled in a case-control study and a cross-sectional randomized controlled trial conducted at the Center for Rehabilitation Hospital. The study population included 15 individuals with hemiparetic stroke (mean age: 57.26±8.69) and 15 healthy adult controls (mean age: 30.20±9.86). All participants underwent a 30-minute familiarization session, followed by experimental masked and unmasked robotic interactive gait training (RIGT) for at least 30 minutes. Clinical tests included the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion, muscle fatigue via surface electromyography, O2 saturation, pulse, BP, and temperature. RESULTS: An analysis of covariance showed that compared to RIGT without a mask, RIGT with a mask showed adverse effects on BRPE, O2 saturation, and right rectus femoris muscle fatigue (P < 0.05) in the control and experimental groups. CONCLUSION: The clinical study revealed that compared to RIGT without a mask, RIGT with a mask affected cardiopulmonary fatigue, muscle fatigue, O2 saturation, pulse, and BP in healthy adults and participants with hemiparetic stroke.

Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Body Vibration Rehabilitation on Motor Function and Activities of Daily Living in Stroke Patients with Impaired Sensory Function.

Stroke patients experience impaired sensory and motor functions, which impact their activities of daily living (ADL). The current study was designed to determine the best neurorehabilitation method to improve clinical outcomes, including the trunk-impairment scale (TIS), Berg balance scale (BBS), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), and modified Barthel index (MBI), in stroke patients with impaired sensory function. Forty-four stroke survivors consistently underwent proprioceptive body vibration rehabilitation training (PBVT) or conventional physical therapy (CPT) for 30 min/session, 5 days a week for 8 weeks. Four clinical outcome variables-the FMA, TIS, BBS, and MBI-were examined pre- and post-intervention. We observed significant differences in the FMA, BBS, and MBI scores between the PBVT and CPT groups. PBVT and CPT showed significant improvements in FMA, BBS, TIS, and MBI scores. However, PVBT elicited more favorable results than CPT in patients with stroke and impaired sensory function. Collectively, this study provides the first clinical evidence of optimal neurorehabilitation in stroke patients with impaired sensory function.

Therapeutic Effects of Metaverse Rehabilitation for Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Metaverse physical therapy (MPT), an adjuvant technology for the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy (CP), has gained notoriety in the clinical field owing to its accessibility and because it provides motivation for rehabilitation. The aim is to compare the gross motor function and cardiopulmonary function, the activities of daily living, quality of life (QOL), and the perceived risk of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 transmission between MPT and conventional physical therapy (CPT). A convenience sample of 26 children with CP (mean age, 11.23 ± 3.24 years, 14 females) were randomized into either the MPT or CPT group and received therapy three days/week for four weeks. Clinical outcomes included gross-motor-function measure 66 (GMFM-66), heart rate (HR), Borg-rating perceived exertion (BRPE), functional independence measure (FIM), pediatric QOL, and the risk of COVID-19 transmission. An analysis of variance showed that compared with CPT, MPT exerted positive effects on GMFM, HR, and BRPE. An independent t-test showed that compared with CPT, MPT exerted positive effects on the perceived transmission risk of COVID-19 but not on FIM and QOL. Our results provide promising therapeutic evidence that MPT improves gross motor function, cardiopulmonary function, and the risk of COVID-19 in children with CP.

Untacted automated robotic upper-trunk- lower reciprocal locomotor training for knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Although millions of people with osteoarthritis (OA) have altered biomechanical alignment, movement, and knee joint pain during gait, there are no effective and sustainable interventions. To mitigate such impairments, we developed an untacted self-automated robotic and electromyography (EMG)-augmented upper-trunk-lower reciprocal locomotor training (SRGT) intervention. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of SRGT and conventional treadmill gait training (CTGT) on the medial knee joint space width (JSW), hip adduction moment (HAM), knee varus deformity, pain, and physical function in community-dwelling older adults with OA. METHODS: Older adults diagnosed with medial compartment knee OA (5 men, 35 women; mean age = 78.50 ± 9.10 years) were recruited and underwent either SRGT or CTGT, 30 min a day, 3 times a week, over a 4-week period. Outcome measurements included the JSW, HAM, knee varus angle (VA), and Western Ontario McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC). RESULTS: Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed that SRGT ed to greater changes in medial knee JSW (p= 0.00001), HAM (p= 0.00001), VA (p= 0.00001), and WOMAC (p= 0.00001) scores. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first evidence for the long-term clinical and biomechanical effects of SRGT on JSW, knee joint kinematics, kinetics, and WOMAC scores in older adults with OA. Most importantly, self-automatic robotic gait training may be an alternative, effective, and sustainable treatment for the upper-trunk-lower reciprocal locomotor training in older adults with OA.

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.