ABSTRACT
Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of neuromuscular physical Therapy as compared to strength training following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in terms of pain, function, quality of life, strength and power of participants. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted at Kanaan Physiotherapy & Spine Clinic, Lahore, Pakistan from July 2020 to December 2020. Seventy-six patients were selected by non-probability convenience sampling technique and randomly divided into either neuromuscular training or strength training group. Sample included 20-40 years aged adults with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament injury who had undergone surgical reconstruction of ACL two months ago using hamstring graft. Patients were assessed using the Cincinnati Knee Score for function, Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, SF-36 for quality of life, and Single Leg Hop, Triple Hop, Crossover Hop and 6-meter Hop test for power and strength. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version-21. A t-test was used to assess difference between groups. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Results revealed that neuromuscular training is statistically significant in reducing pain (p<0.001) and improving function (p<0.001), power & strength (p<0.001) and quality of life (p=0.001). Conclusion: Study concludes that compared to strength training, neuromuscular training was significantly more effective in reducing pain; improving function, quality of life, strength and power.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of disability. It is difficult to devise an optimal rehabilitation plan once stroke survivors are back home. Conventional rehabilitative therapies are extensively used in patients with stroke to recover motor functioning and disability, but these are arduous and expensive. Virtual reality (VR) video games inspire patients to get involved in their therapeutic exercise routine in a fun way. VR in the form of games provides a fruitful, secure, and challenging learning environment for motor control and neural plasticity development in rehabilitation. The effects of upper limb sensorimotor functioning and balance are the main focus of this trial. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of VR training and routine physical therapy on balance and upper extremity sensorimotor function in patients with stroke. METHODS: It was a single assessor-blinded randomized clinical trial. A total of 74 participants with their first chronic stroke were included and rehabilitated in a clinical setting. The lottery method was used to randomly assign patients to either the VR group (n=37) or the routine physical therapy group (n=37). The VR group received a 1-hour session of VR training for 3 weekdays over 6 weeks, and the routine physical therapy group received different stretching and strengthening exercises. The outcome measuring tools were the Berg Balance Scale for balance and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (upper extremity) scale for sensorimotor, joint pain, and range assessment. The assessment was done at the start of treatment and after the 6 weeks of intervention. Data analysis was done using SPSS 22. RESULTS: The trial was completed by 68 patients. A significant difference between the two groups was found in the Berg Balance Scale score (P<.001), Fugl-Meyer Assessment for motor function (P=.03), and Fugl-Meyer Assessment for joint pain and joint range (P<.001); however, no significant difference (P=.19) in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for upper extremity sensation was noted. CONCLUSIONS: VR training is helpful for improving balance and function of the upper extremities in the routine life of patients with stroke; although, it was not found to be better than conventional training in improving upper limb sensation. VR training can be a better option in a rehabilitation plan designed to increase functional capability. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials RCT20190715044216N1; https://www.irct.ir/user/trial/40898/view.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of muscle energy technique with Mulligan mobilisation in patients having non-specific neck pain. METHODS: The quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Physiotherapy Department of Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from March to September 2017, and comprised patients of either gender having non-specific neck pain who ere divided into two groups. In group 1 patients, muscle energy technique was used, while group 2 patients had Mulligan mobilisation. Pain intensity, functional status of neck and cervical range of motion were measured before and after treatment. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. RESULTS: Of the 56 patients, 28(50%) were in each of the two groups. The overall mean age was 36.89±9.28 years. Pain intensity, functional status and neck extension range of motion improved significantly more in group 2 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mulligan mobilisation was found to be a better option in managing patients with non-specific neck pain.