Effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation in knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized sham-controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus databases until August 3, 2023, and identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of tDCS in knee OA whose outcomes using pain scores or functional scales. The selected RCTs were subjected to meta-analysis and risk of bias assessment. RESULTS: Seven RCTs involving 488 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with the control group, the tDCS group exhibited significant improvement in pain scores after treatment (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70 to 1.35; n = 359; I2 = 46%), pain scores during follow-up (SMD = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.21 to 1.45; n = 358; I2 = 86%), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) scores after treatment (SMD = 4.76; 95% CI: 0.16 to 9.53; n = 319; I2 = 74%), but WOMAC scores during follow-up did not differ significantly between the groups (SMD = 0.06; 95% CI: -0.2 to 0.32; n = 225; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: tDCS is a promising therapy for knee OA. Further investigation using large-scale, high-quality RCTs is necessary for optimal tDCS approach in knee OA.

Effectiveness of a 12-week telerehabilitation training in people with long COVID: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Telerehabilitation has been developed and applied for years for cardiac and pulmonary diseases with good clinical outcomes. However, its application to participants with long COVID remains limited. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effectiveness of a 12-week telerehabilitation training program in participants with long COVID. The primary outcome was cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and secondary outcomes were physical activity (PA) amounts, exercise self-efficacy, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). METHODS: A parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted. Eligible participants with long COVID (n = 182) were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the experimental group (EG) or the control group (CG). The EG received 12 weeks of telerehabilitation training with weekly remote monitoring for exercise maintenance and support. The CG received PA counseling only. CRF, PA amounts, exercise self-efficacy, sleep quality, and HRQOL were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the intervention effects by examining the interaction between time and group. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two participants (67 %) completed the study, and 182 were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The EG had greater walking behavior (ß = -763.3, p < 0.001), total amount of PA (ß= -711, p = 0.003), exercise self-efficacy (ß = -1.19, p < 0.001), and better sleep quality (ß = 1.69, p = 0.012) after the 12-weeks of telerehabilitation training than the CG. However, there were no significant differences in any CRF parameters or HRQOL at 12 weeks between the EG and CG. CONCLUSION: Telerehabilitation training offers a personalized and convenient approach that can increase exercise willingness and PA amounts and improve sleep quality. These findings underscore the potential benefits of telerehabilitation training for promoting healthier lifestyles and improving overall health outcomes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05205460) on January 25, 2022.

Physical activity patterns, sleep quality, and stress levels among rotating-shift nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

AIM: To examine the associations between physical activity patterns, sleep quality, and stress levels among rotating-shift nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. BACKGROUND: Stress adversely impacts hospital nurses, particularly those on rotating shifts. The effects of physical activity patterns and sleep quality on the stress levels of these nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic warrant investigation. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted with 550 eligible registered hospital nurses, randomly selected from four hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan. The work schedule type of these nurses was categorized into rotating shifts (working at least two shifts in a month, involving day, evening, and night shifts) or fixed-day shifts (working only the day shift). Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity patterns (sedentary or active), sleep quality (poor or adequate), and stress levels for analysis. RESULTS: Rotating-shift nurses with active physical activity patterns exhibited lower stress levels compared with those with sedentary patterns. Nurses who experienced adequate sleep quality had lower stress levels compared with those with poor sleep quality among rotating and fixed-day shift nurses. CONCLUSIONS: Active physical activity patterns and adequate sleep quality were associated with lower stress levels among rotating-shift nurses during the pandemic. Promoting active physical activity and enhancing sleep quality are essential strategies for reducing stress in these nurses. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: Strategies aimed at promoting physical activity and improving sleep quality should be integral components of health promotion programs and policymaking efforts directed at nursing leaders, to foster a healthy and supportive work environment and enhance the welfare of rotating-shift hospital nurses. REPORTING METHOD: The study is reported using the statement of Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE).

Association Between Physical Activity Amount and Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Sleep Quality, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Long COVID: A Cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between physical activity (PA) amount and gender differences on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), sleep quality, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in individuals with long COVID. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: An integrated outpatient clinic for post-COVID-19 at a medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of patients (N=264) diagnosed with long COVID. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: PA amounts, sleep quality, and HRQoL were measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the World Health Organization Questionnaire on Quality of Life: Short Form, respectively. CRF was evaluated through graded exercise testing. RESULTS: The participants had a mean age of 42.5±13.5 years and a mean duration of post-COVID-19 symptoms of 12.7±6.8 weeks. More than half (n=149, 56.5%) were female patients. Female participants had significantly lower CRF than male participants (P<.05). Older age and higher body mass index were associated with worse CRF and HRQoL (P<.05). Less sitting behavior and greater amounts of vigorous-intensity PA (VPA) or total PA were associated with better CRF (P<.05). In addition, greater total PA and moderate-intensity PA (MPA) were associated with better sleep quality and HRQoL (P<.05), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Gender differences were found in CRF among patients with long COVID. Greater self-reported VPA or total PA was associated with better CRF, whereas greater total PA and MPA were associated with better sleep quality and HRQoL, respectively, in patients with long COVID. Further research is needed to explore these associations in longitudinal studies.

Virtual reality exercise programs ameliorate frailty and fall risks in older adults: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Virtual reality (VR) technology constitutes a promising rehabilitation strategy, but its effect on frailty in older adults remains inconclusive. This study examined the effects of interactive VR training programs on lower-limb muscle strength, walking speed, balance, and fall risks in older adults with frailty. METHODS: Various electronic databases comprising PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Cochrane Library, Embase, the Chinese Electronic Periodical Service, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and gray literature were searched from their inception through December 31, 2022 for relevant studies. Randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of interactive VR training programs on lower-limb muscle strength, balance, walking speed, and fall risks as measured by validated scales or methods. in older adults aged 65 years and older with frailty were included. A random-effects model was employed to examine the overall effect size, and the trim-and-fill method was adopted to examine publication bias. RESULTS: For those studies that defined frailty using fall risks, substantial evidence demonstrated that interactive VR training interventions increased lower-limb muscle strength (Hedges' g = 0.35, p = 0.015), walking speed (Hedges' g = 0.29, p = 0.003), balance (Hedges' g = 0.62, p = 0.011), and fall risks (Hedges' g = -0.61, p < 0.001). Studies that defined frailty in accordance with the Fried frailty phenotype criteria indicated that interactive VR training interventions only increased walking speed (Hedges' g = 0.28, p = 0.023) and balance (Hedges' g = 0.27, p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Interactive VR training programs may benefit older adults with frailty with respect to walking speed and balance. More studies with good study quality are required to validate the effects of interactive VR exercise training on these frailty-related parameters in older adults.

Effectiveness of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Visual Feedback Training in Improving Neuroplasticity and Lower Limb Function after Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Study.

After a stroke, sustained gait impairment can restrict participation in the activities listed in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health model and cause poor quality of life. The present study investigated the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and visual feedback training (VF) training in improving lower limb motor performance, gait, and corticospinal excitability in patients with chronic stroke. Thirty patients were randomized into three groups that received either rTMS or sham stimulation over the contralesional leg region accompanied by VF training groups in addition to the conventional rehabilitation group. All participants underwent intervention sessions three times per week for four weeks. Outcome measures included the motor-evoked potential (MEP) of the anterior tibialis muscle, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test scores, and Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Lower Extremity scores. After the intervention, the rTMS and VF group had significantly improved in MEP latency (p = 0.011), TUG scores (p = 0.008), and BBS scores (p = 0.011). The sham rTMS and VF group had improved MEP latency (p = 0.027). The rTMS and VF training may enhance the cortical excitability and walking ability of individuals with chronic stroke. The potential benefits encourage a larger trial to determine the efficacy in stroke patients.

Validating stroke-induced bilateral ankle coordination deficits using bilateral ankle measure relationship with motor functions in lower limbs.

BACKGROUND: Coordinated control between the bilateral ankle joints plays an important role in performing daily life functions, such as walking and running. However, few studies have explored the impact of stroke on movement disorders that decrease the coordination control of the bilateral extremities and may decrease daily activities that require coordination control of the bilateral ankles. This study aimed to investigate the coordination control of the bilateral ankles using a novel bilateral ankle measurement system and evaluate the relationship of bilateral movement coordination control deficits with motor and functional performances of the lower extremities in patients with stroke. METHODS: Twenty-one healthy adults (36.5 ± 13.2 y/o) and 19 patients with chronic stroke (58.7 ± 10.5 y/o) were enrolled. A novel measurement device with embedded rotary potentiometers was used to evaluate bilateral ankle coordination control. Participants were asked to move their dominant (non-paretic) foot from dorsiflexion to plantarflexion position and non-dominant (paretic) foot from dorsiflexion to plantarflexion position (condition 1) simultaneously, and vice versa (condition 2). Alternating time and angle for coordination control with movements of both ankles were calculated for each condition. Motor and functional performance measurements of the lower extremities included the lower-extremity portion of the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA-LE), Berg Balance Test (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Barthel Index (BI). RESULTS: Compared with the healthy group, alternating time was shorter in the stroke group by 8.3% (p = 0.015), and the alternating angles of conditions 1 and 2 were significantly higher than those of the healthy group by 1.4° (p = 0.001) and 2.5° (p = 0.013), respectively. The alternating angle in condition 2 showed moderate correlations with TUG (r = 0.512; p = 0.025), 10-m walk (r = 0.747; p < 0.001), gait speed (r = - 0.497 to - 0.491; p < 0.05), length (r = - 0.518 to - 0.551; p < 0.05), and BI (r = - 0.457; p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: Stroke decreases alternating time, increases alternating angle, and shows bilateral ankle coordination control deficits temporally and spatially. A higher alternating angle is moderately to highly associated with motor function and lower limb function in patients with stroke.

Effectiveness of a 12-week tele-exercise training program on cardiorespiratory fitness and heart rate recovery in patients with cardiometabolic multimorbidity.

BACKGROUND: Exercise has positive impacts on cardiometabolic health. However, evidence regarding the effectiveness of tele-exercise training on cardiorespiratory fitness and heart rate recovery in patients with cardiometabolic multimorbidity remains limited. AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess whether an assumed increase in physical activity (PA) after a 12-week tele-exercise training program improved cardiorespiratory fitness and heart rate recovery of patients with cardiometabolic multimorbidity. METHODS: A parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted. Eligible patients with cardiometabolic multimorbidity (n = 83) were randomized 1:1 to either an experimental group (EG, received a 12-week tele-exercise training program with 3 sessions/week and 30 min/session and weekly remote monitoring for maintenance of exercise) or a control group (CG, usual care only). PA, cardiorespiratory fitness, and heart rate recovery were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the intervention effects via the interaction of time and group. RESULTS: Sixty-eight participants (81.9%) completed the study, and 83 were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The EG with higher vigorous-intensity PA (ß = 714, p = .037), walking behavior (ß = 750, p = .0007), and total amount of PA (ß = 1748, p = .001) after the intervention had significantly elevated cardiorespiratory fitness, including VO2peak (ß = 3.9, p = .042), workload (ß = 17.9, p = .034), and anaerobic threshold (ß = 2.1, p = .041), and increased one-min heart rate recovery (ß = 5.3, p = .025), compared with the CG. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: A 12-week tele-exercise training program was effective for increased PA, elevated cardiorespiratory fitness, and improved heart rate recovery for patients with cardiometabolic multimorbidity. These findings highlight the feasibility of better delivering lifestyle interventions for cardiometabolic health management.

Validation of Vibration Exercises on Enhancing Muscle Strength and Upper Limb Functionality among Pre-Frail Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Pre-frail older adults require appropriate exercise to enhance muscle strength as well as upper limb functionality. We developed a handheld vibrator and evaluated its effectiveness in enhancing muscle strength compared to conventional exercises among pre-frail community-dwelling older adults. Thirty-one pre-frail older adults (aged 75.5 ± 5.1 years) were recruited and randomly allocated to a vibration group (VG) and control group (CG). The VG underwent 20 minutes of vibration (frequency: 30 Hz, amplitude: 5 mm, horizontal vibration) using a handheld vibrator as well as 40 minutes of conventional exercise. The CG received 60 minutes of conventional exercise only. The primary outcome was muscle strength assessment (kg), and the secondary outcome included activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living scores. The comparisons between the outcome measures revealed no significant differences at the baseline level. Muscle strength of the dominant (ß = 2.49, p = 0.002) and non-dominant (ß = 1.89, p = 0.02) wrist flexion, brachioradialis (ß = 3.8, p = 0.01), and biceps brachii (ß = 3.02, p = 0.02) in the dominant upper limbs was significantly increased among the VG. The vibration intervention can enhance muscle strength in the upper limbs among pre-frail older adults.

Effects of computer-aided rowing exercise systems on improving muscle strength and function in older adults with mild knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is common in aged adults and can result in muscle weakness and function limitations in lower limbs. Knee OA affects the quality of life in the elderly. Technology-supported feedback to achieve lower impact on knee joints and individualized exercise could benefit elderly patients with knee OA. Herein, a computer-aided feedback rowing exercise system is proposed, and its effects on improving muscle strength, health conditions, and knee functions of older adults with mild knee OA were investigated. METHODS: Thirty-eight older adults with mild knee OA and satisfying the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) clinical criteria participated in this randomized controlled clinical trial. Each subject was randomly assigned to a computer-aided rowing exercise (CRE) group (n = 20) or a control group (CON) (n = 18) that received regular resistance exercise programs two times per week for 12 weeks. Outcome measurements, including the Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities (WOMAC), muscle strength and functional fitness of the lower limbs, were evaluated before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Participants' functional fitness in the CRE group exhibited significantly higher adjusted mean post-tests scores, including the WOMAC (p = 0.006), hip abductors strength (kg) (MD = 2.36 [1.28, 3.44], p = 5.67 × 10-5), hip adductors strength (MD = 3.04 [1.38, 4.69], p = 0.001), hip flexors strength (MD = 4.01 [2.24, 5.78], p = 6.46 × 10-5), hip extensors strength (MD = 2.88 [1.64, 4.12], p = 4.43 × 10-5), knee flexors strength (MD = 2.03 [0.66, 3.41], p = 0.005), knee extensors strength (MD = 1.80 [0.65, 2.94], p = 0.003), and functional-reach (cm) (MD = 3.74 [0.68, 6.80], p = 0.018), with large effect sizes (η2 = 0.17-0.42), than those in the CON group after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults with knee OA in the CRE group exhibited superior muscle strength, health conditions, and functional fitness improvements after the 12-week computer-aided rowing exercise program than those receiving the conventional exercise approach. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Institutional Review Board of the Taipei Medical University approved the study protocol (no. N201908020, 27/05/2020) and retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (trial registry no. NCT04919486, 09/06/2021).

Impact of Rotating Shifts on Lifestyle Patterns and Perceived Stress among Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Although rotating shifts have a negative health impact, their association with hospital nurses' health risks remains controversial due to incomplete adjustment in lifestyle patterns and heterogeneity of work schedules. However, whether work schedule characteristics are associated with lifestyle patterns and perceived stress remains undetermined. We assessed the correlations of work schedule characteristics, lifestyle patterns, and perceived stress among hospital nurses. This cross-sectional study included 340 nurses from two hospitals. Final data from 329 nurses regarding work schedule characteristics, lifestyle patterns (physical activity, dietary behavior, and sleep pattern), and perceived stress were analyzed via linear regression models. Fixed-day-shift nurses had reduced perceived stress (ß = 0.15, p = 0.007) compared with rotating-shift nurses. Additionally, among rotating-shift nurses, fixed-evening- and fixed-night-shift nurses had longer sleep duration (ß = 0.27, p < 0.001; ß = 0.25, p < 0.001) compared to non-fixed-rotating-shift nurses. Longer rotating-shift work was associated with healthier dietary behaviors (ß = 0.15, p = 0.008), better sleep quality (ß = −0.17, p = 0.003), lower perceived stress (ß = −0.24, p < 0.001), and shorter sleep duration (ß = −0.17, p = 0.003). Hospital nurses' work schedule characteristics were associated with lifestyle patterns, dietary behavior, sleep pattern, and perceived stress. Fixed-shifts were beneficial for lifestyle and lower perceived stress. Longer rotating shifts could help nurses adjust their lifestyles accordingly.

Chronic low back pain is associated with impaired bed turning ability: Evaluation by a mobility detection system.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess and compare kinetics and kinematic variables of bed turning ability using a mobility detection system in patients with and without chronic low back pain and to observe the impacts of the disease on bed turning kinetics and kinematics. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with chronic low back pain were enrolled and compared to healthy controls (n = 34). Pain scores and disability level were assessed by Numeric Pain Rating Scale and the function questionnaires including Oswestry Disability Index and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire. Bed turning ability was tested using the Mobile Detection System. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were applied to compare the differences between groups. FINDINGS: Patients with chronic low back pain had significantly lower turning over and back force/weight ratio (p < 0.001) than those healthy controls. Turning over time was significantly longer in patients with Numeric Rating Scale score 3 than in those with Numeric Rating Scale score 2 (p = 0.015). Turning over and back force were significantly higher in male patients and patients with higher BMI after adjusting BMI and sex, respectively (all p < 0.001). When turning back, chronic low back pain patients with Numeric Rating Scale scores of 3 had lower turning back force/weight ratio than those with Numeric Rating Scale scores of 2 (p = 0.014). Male patients had higher turning back force/weight ratio after adjusting pain score (p = 0.001). INTERPRETATION: The novel Mobility Detection System can provide more objective assessments of bed turning kinetics and kinematics in patients with chronic low back pain.

Analysis of Vibration Frequency and Direction for Facilitating Upper-Limb Muscle Activity.

We aimed to determine the effect of vibration frequency and direction on upper-limb muscle activation using a handheld vibrator. We recruited 19 healthy participants who were instructed to hold a handheld vibrator in their dominant hand and maintain the elbow at 90° flexion, while vertical and horizontal vibrations were applied with frequencies of 15, 30, 45, and 60 Hz for 60 s each. Surface electromyography (EMG) measured the activities of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS), flexor carpi radialis (FCR), extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU), extensor carpi radialis (ECR), biceps, triceps, and deltoid anterior muscles. EMG changes were evaluated as the difference in muscle activity between vibration and no-vibration (0 Hz) conditions. Muscle activity was induced under vibration conditions in both vertical and horizontal (p < 0.05) directions. At 45 Hz, FDS and FCR activities increased during horizontal vibrations, compared with those during vertical vibrations. ECU activity significantly increased under 15-Hz vertical vibrations compared with that during horizontal vibrations. Vibrations from the handheld vibrator significantly induced upper-limb muscle activity. The maximum muscle activations for FDS, ECR, ECU, biceps, and triceps were induced by 45-Hz horizontal vibration. The 60-Hz vertical and 30-Hz horizontal vibrations facilitated maximum muscle activations for the FCR and deltoid anterior, respectively.

The impact of aging and reaching movements on grip stability control during manual precision tasks.

BACKGROUND: Operating an object by generating stable hand-grip force during static or dynamic posture control of the upper extremities simultaneously is an important daily activity. Older adults require different attentional resources during grip strength control and arm movements. However, the impact of aging and reaching movements on precise grip strength and stability control among older adults is not well understood. This study investigated the impact of aging and reaching movements on grip strength and stability control in both hands of the upper extremities. METHODS: Fifty healthy young adults (age: 28.8 ± 14.0 years) and 54 healthy older adults (73.6 ± 6.3 years) were recruited to perform isometric grip strength test at 20% maximal voluntary contraction as the target force during three manual precision tasks simultaneously: stationary task (without arm movements), forward-reach task, and backward-reach task. The average grip force (in kg) and coefficient of variation values (expressed as a percentage) during manual precision tasks were calculated to determine the quality of participants' grip strength. The deviation error, absolute error, and force-stability index values were calculated to determine the strength control relative to the target force. RESULTS: For both the young and older groups, the force-stability index values in both hands were significantly higher during forward- and backward-reaching movements than in the stationary condition (p < 0.05). The older group exhibited a significantly lower hand-grip strength and stability of strength control in both hands than the young group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Aging and reaching task performance reduced the grip strength of participants and increased the variations in strength control of both hands relative to the target force, indicating that older adults exhibit poor grip strength and stability control when performing arm-reaching movements. These findings may help clinical therapists in establishing objective indexes for poor grip-stability control screening and developing appropriate rehabilitation programs or health-promotion exercises that can improve grip strength and stability control in older people.

Effects of Intradialytic Exercise on Dialytic Parameters, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Depression Status in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Exercise is fundamentally important in managing chronic diseases and improving health-related quality of life (HRQL). However, whether intradialytic exercise is safe through assessment of changes in dialytic parameters and has a positive impact on HRQL and depression status of hemodialysis patients requires further research with diverse racial and cultural populations to identify. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intradialytic exercise on dialytic parameters, HRQL, and depression status in hemodialysis patients. A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a medical center in Northern Taiwan. Sixty-four hemodialysis patients were recruited using stratified random sampling. Participants were randomized into an experimental group (EG, n = 32) or a control group (CG, n = 32). The EG received a 12-week intradialytic exercise program while the CG maintained their usual lifestyles. Dialytic parameters, HRQL, and depression status were collected at baseline and at 12 weeks. The results indicated no differences in the dialytic parameters from the baseline between both groups. However, the EG had increased HRQL (ß = 22.6, p < 0.001) and reduced depression status (ß = -7.5, p = 0.02) at 12 weeks compared to the CG. Therefore, a 12-week intradialytic exercise regime is safe and effective in improving HRQL and reducing depression status for hemodialysis patients.

Impacts of tai chi exercise on functional fitness in community-dwelling older adults with mild degenerative knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Degenerative osteoarthritis (OA) often leads to pain and stiffness of the affected joints, which may affect the physical performance and decrease the quality of life of people with degenerative knee OA. Compared to traditional exercise, tai chi is a safe exercise with slow movements which can facilitate physical functioning and psychological well being, and might be suitable for improving the physical activities of older adults with knee OA. Therefore, this study investigated the impacts of tai chi exercise on the functional fitness of community-dwelling older adults with degenerative knee OA. METHODS: Sixty-eight community-dwelling older adults with knee OA were recruited from the local community to participate in this randomized controlled clinical trial. All subjects were randomly assigned to either an TCE group that practiced tai chi exercise (TCE) (n = 36) or a control group (CON) (n = 32) that received regular health education programs twice per week for 12 weeks. Outcome measurements were determined using functional fitness tests before and after the intervention, including a 30-s chair stand (number of repeats), 30-s arm-curl (number of repeats), 2-min step (number of steps), chair sit-and-reach (reaching distance, cm), back-scratch flexibility (distance between hands, cm), single-leg stand (time, s), functional reach (reaching distance, cm), 8-foot up-and-go (time, s), and 10-m walk tests (time, s). Pre-post comparisons of functional fitness were analyzed using the ANCOVA test with SPSS software version 18.0. RESULTS: Results revealed that participants' functional fitness in the TCE group had significantly higher adjusted mean post-tests scores than that in the CON group after the intervention, including the 8-foot up-and-go (s) (mean difference [MD]=-2.92 [-3.93, -1.91], p = 2.39*10- 7), 30-s arm curl (MD = 4.75 (2.76, 6.73), p = 1.11*10- 5), 2-min step (MD = 36.94 [23.53, 50.36], p = 7.08*10- 7), 30-s chair stand (MD = 4.66 [2.97, 6.36], p = 6.96*10- 7), functional-reach (MD = 5.86 [3.52, 8.20], p = 4.72*10- 6), single-leg stand with eyes closed (MD = 3.44 [1.92, 4.97], p = 2.74*10- 5), chair sit-and-reach (MD = 3.93 [1.72, 6.15], p = 0.001), and single-leg stand with eyes opened (MD = 17.07 [6.29, 27.85], p = 0.002), with large effect sizes (η²=0.14 ~ 0.34). CONCLUSIONS: Community-dwelling older adults with knee OA in the TCE group had better functional fitness performances after the 12-week tai chi intervention than those receiving only health education.

Impacts of Stroke on Muscle Perceptions and Relationships with the Motor and Functional Performance of the Lower Extremities.

Stroke results in paretic limb disabilities, but few studies have investigated the impacts of stroke on muscle perception deficits in multiaxis movements and related functional changes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate stroke-related changes in muscle perceptions using a multiaxis ankle haptic interface and analyze their relationships with various functions. Sixteen stroke patients and 22 healthy participants performed active reproduction tests in multiaxis movements involving the tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), peroneus longus, and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) of the ankle joint. The direction error (DE), absolute error (AE), and variable error (VE) were calculated. The lower extremity of Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-LE), Barthel Index (BI), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients, Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), and 10-m walk test (10MWT) were evaluated. VE of EDL for the paretic ankle was significantly lower than that for the nonparetic ankle (p = 0.009). AE of TA, EDL, and FDL and VE of EDL and FDL of muscle perceptions were significantly lower in healthy participants than in stroke patients (p < 0.05 for both). DE of TA for the paretic ankle was moderately correlated with FMA-LE (r = -0.509) and POMA (r = -0.619) scores. AE and VE of EDL for the paretic ankle were moderately correlated with the 10MWT score (r = 0.515 vs. 0.557). AE of FDL for the paretic ankle was also moderately correlated with BI (r = -0.562). This study indicated poorer accuracy and consistency in muscle perception for paretic ankles, which correlated with lower limb functions of stroke patients.

Acromioplasty reduces critical shoulder angle in patients with rotator cuff tear.

Critical shoulder angle (CSA) is the angle between the superior and inferior bone margins of the glenoid and the most lateral border of the acromion and is potentially affected during a rotator cuff tear (RCT). Acromioplasty is generally performed to rectify the anatomy of the acromion during RCT repair surgery. However, limited information is available regarding the changes in the CSA after anterolateral acromioplasty. We hypothesized that CSA can be decreased after anterolateral acromioplasty. Data were retrospectively collected from 712 patients with RCTs and underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between January 2012 and December 2018, of which 337 patients were included in the study. The presurgical and postsurgical CSA were then determined and compared using a paired samples t test. Because previous study mentioned CSA more than 38 degrees were at risk of rotator cuff re-tear, patients were segregated into two groups: CSA < 38° and CSA ≥ 38°; these groups were compared using an independent-samples t test. These 337 participants (160 male and 177 female) presented a CSA of 38.4° ± 6.0° before anterolateral acromioplasty, which significantly decreased to 35.8° ± 5.9° after surgery (P < .05). Before surgery, 172 patients were present in the CSA ≥ 38° group and 57 were preset in the CSA < 38° group after surgery. The CSA decreased significantly in the CSA ≥ 38° group rather than in the CSA < 38° group (P < .05). In conclusion, the CSA can be effectively decreased through anterolateral acromioplasty, and this reduction in the CSA is more significant among individuals with CSA ≥ 38° than among those with CSA < 38°, indicating that acromioplasty is recommended along with RCT repair especially among individuals with a wide presurgical CSA.

Feasibility and effect of interactive telerehabilitation on balance in individuals with chronic stroke: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Stroke survivors need continuing exercise intervention to maintain functional status. This study assessed the feasibility and efficacy of an interactive telerehabilitation exergaming system to improve balance in individuals with chronic stroke, compared to conventional one-on-one rehabilitation. METHODS: In this prospective case-control pilot study, 30 Taiwanese individuals with chronic stroke were enrolled and randomly allocated to an experimental group and a control group. All participants received intervention 3 times per week for 4 weeks in the study hospital. The experiment group underwent telerehabilitation using a Kinect camera-based interactive telerehabilitation system in an independent room to simulate home environment. In contrast, the control group received conventional one-on-one physiotherapy in a dedicated rehabilitation area. The effectiveness of interactive telerehabilitation in improving balance in stroke survivors was evaluated by comparing outcomes between the two groups. The primary outcome was Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores. Secondary outcomes were performance of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Modified Falls Efficacy Scale, Motricity Index, and Functional Ambulation Category. RESULTS: Comparison of outcomes between experimental and control groups revealed no significant differences between groups at baseline and post-intervention for all outcome measures. However, BBS scores improved significantly in both groups (control group: p = 0.01, effect size = 0.49; experimental group: p = 0.01, effect size = 0.70). Completion times of TUG tests also improved significantly in the experimental group (p = 0.005, effect size = 0.70). CONCLUSION: The Kinect camera-based interactive telerehabilitation system demonstrates superior or equal efficacy compared to conventional one-on-one physiotherapy for improving balance in individuals with chronic stroke. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT03698357. Registered October 4, 2018, retrospectively registered.

Machine-Based Hand Massage Ameliorates Preoperative Anxiety in Patients Awaiting Ambulatory Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Hand massage therapies have been used to relieve anxiety and pain in various clinical situations. The effects of machine-based hand massage on preoperative anxiety in ambulatory surgery settings have not been evaluated. PURPOSE: This prospective study was designed to investigate the effect of machine-based hand massage on preoperative anxiety and vital signs in ambulatory surgery patients. METHODS: One hundred ninety-nine patients aged 18 years and older who were scheduled to receive ambulatory surgery were recruited from the Taipei Municipal Wanfang Hospital in Taipei City, Taiwan. The patients were assigned randomly to the experimental group (n = 101), which received presurgical machine-based hand massage therapy, and the control group (n = 98), which received no intervention. The patients in both groups completed the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory short form at preintervention (baseline) and postintervention. RESULTS: Within-group comparisons of Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory short form scores showed significant decreases between preintervention and postintervention scores in the experimental group (44.3 ± 11.2 to 37.9 ± 8.7) and no significant change in the control group. Within-group comparisons of vital signs revealed a significant increase in mean respiration rate between baseline and postintervention in both groups (both ps < .05). Blood pressure was found to have decreased significantly only in the control group at postintervention (p < .05). No significant preintervention to postintervention change in pulse was observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that machine-based hand massage reduces anxiety significantly in patients awaiting ambulatory surgery while not significantly affecting their vital signs.