Kinesiology taping and ankle foot orthosis equivalent therapeutic effects on gait function in stroke patients with foot drop: A preliminary study.

An ankle foot orthosis (AFO) is a standard type of orthosis applied to immediately treat foot drop symptoms. Kinesiology taping (KT) is a therapeutic method used in patients with neurological diseases, such as stroke, as well as in patients after orthopedic and sports injuries. This study aimed to compare outcomes of AFO treatment with those of KT to investigate the effect on gait ability in patients with foot drop after stroke. We recruited 18 patients exhibiting foot drop from stroke. Gait ability was assessed under 2 conditions: treatment with KT and that with AFO using the GAITRite system according to the following parameters: cadence, velocity, swing time, stance time, step length, and stride length. As a result, gait ability after treatment with KT and that after treatment with AFO showed no significant differences in cadence (P = .851), velocity (P = .865), swing time (P = .289 and .123), stance time (P = .255 and .711), step length (P = .955 and .975), and stride length (P = .711 and .690) of the affected and less-affected limbs. This study demonstrated that KT and AFO use have similar effects on gait function in patients with foot drop after stroke. Thus, treatment of foot drop with KT may be an alternative in patients for whom AFO use is contraindicated.

The Effect of Kinesio Taping Combined with Virtual-Reality-Based Upper Extremity Training on Upper Extremity Function and Self-Esteem in Stroke Patients.

(1) Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of virtual-reality-based hand motion training (VRT) in parallel with the Kinesio Taping (KT) technique on upper extremity function in stroke patients and to present a more effective therapeutic basis for virtual reality training intervention. (2) Methods: First, 43 stroke patients were randomly assigned to two groups: 21 experimental subjects and 22 controls. The experimental group performed Kinesio Taping (KT) on the dorsal part of the hand along with virtual-reality-based hand motion training, and the control group performed only virtual-reality-based hand motion training. The intervention was conducted for a total of 30 sessions over 6 weeks. To evaluate changes in upper extremity function, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), and the Motor Activity Log (MAL) (including amount of use (AOU) and quality of movement (QOM)) were evaluated. In addition, the Self-Efficacy Scale (SEF) was evaluated to examine the change in the self-esteem of the study subjects. (3) Results: The experimental group who participated in the virtual reality training in parallel with the KT technique showed statistically significant improvement (** p < 0.01) in the FMA-UE, WMFT, and MAL evaluations that investigate changes in upper extremity function. SEF evaluation also showed a statistically significant improvement (** p < 0.01). A statistically significant difference between the two groups was observed in the evaluation of FMA-UE, WMFT, MAL-QOM, and SEF (†p < 0.05), showing that that combined intervention was more effective at improving upper extremity function than the existing VRT intervention. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in the MAL-AOU item, which is an evaluation of upper extremity function (p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the amount of change in upper limb function (††p < 0.01). (4) Conclusions: It was confirmed that virtual-reality-based hand motion training performed in parallel with the KT technique had a positive effect on the recovery of upper extremity function of stroke patients. The fact that the KT technique provided stability to the wrist by assisting the wrist extensor muscles appears to have improved the upper extremity function more effectively than VRT alone.

Effect of 3-Dimensional Robotic Therapy Combined with Electromyography-Triggered Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Upper Limb Function and Cerebral Cortex Activation in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: This study investigated the effect of 3-dimensional robotic therapy (RT) combined with electromyography-triggered neuromuscular electrical stimulation (RT-ENMES) on stroke patients' upper-limb function and cerebral cortex activation. (2) Methods: Sixty-one stroke patients were assigned randomly to one of three groups. The stroke patients were in the subacute stage between 2 and 6 months after onset. The three groups received 20 min of RT and 20 min of electromyography-triggered neuromuscular electrical stimulation (ENMES) in the RT-ENMES group (n = 21), 40 min of RT in the RT group (n = 20), and 40 min of ENMES in the ENMES group (n = 20). The treatments were for 40 min, 5 days per week, and for 8 weeks. Upper-extremity function was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer assessment for upper extremity (FMA-UE), Wolf motor function test, and action research arm test (ARAT); cerebral cortex activation and motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitude were evaluated before and after the study. (3) Results: The analysis showed significant changes in all evaluation items for all three groups in the before-and-after comparisons. Significant changes were observed in the FMA-UE, ARAT, and MEP; in the posttest, the RT-ENMES group showed more significant changes in the FMA-UE, ARAT, and MEP than the other two groups. (4) Conclusions: The study analysis suggests that RT-ENMES effectively improves upper-limb function and cerebral cortex activation in patients with stroke.

The Effect of Action Observation Combined with Motor Imagery Training on Upper Extremity Function and Corticospinal Excitability in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of motor imagery (MI) intervention with action observation (AO) on upper extremity function and corticospinal activation in stroke patients. MI and AO are two forms of motion simulation that activate the motor system without physical activity. There are many studies that show the effect of AO and MI alone, but there are few studies in parallel. This study was conducted on 45 patients who were divided into an experimental group (n = 22) and a control group (n = 23) using a computer randomization program. The experimental group conducted AO with MI, and the control group only AO. All participants received interventions for twenty-five minutes per session, five times a week, for eight weeks. For the pre- and post-evaluation of all participants, motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude was measured to compare corticospinal activation, and Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity (FMA UE), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) and Motor Activity Log (MAL) were evaluated for changes in upper extremity function. In comparing the amount of change before and after the intervention, a significant change was observed in the experimental group's MEP amplitude. In the comparison between groups after the intervention and the amount of change before and after the intervention, the experimental group showed significant changes in FMA UE and MAL Amount of Use (MAL AOU) items. As a result of this study, AO with MI is effective in enhancing upper extremity function and increasing cortical spinal cord activation in patients with severe stroke with limited movement.

Effect of Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation for Dysphagia Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review.

Recently, a therapeutic method to stimulate the suprahyoid muscle using peripheral magnetic stimulation for dysphagia rehabilitation has been reported. However, clinical evidence, application protocol, and intervention method remain unclear. Therefore, a systematic review of the published literature is needed. The objective of this study was to systematically review clinical studies of peripheral magnetic stimulation applied for rehabilitation of dysphagia. Issues to be considered in future studies are also suggested. This systematic review performed a literature search of four databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science) to identify relevant studies published on the application of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) for swallowing-related muscles between 2010 and 2022. Seven studies were reviewed. Randomized controlled trials and one-group pre-post, case study designs were included. In the included studies, rPMS was applied to strengthen the submental suprahyoid muscles. The intervention regime varied. The rPMS was applied at a frequency of 30 Hz for 2 s. Rest time ranged from 8 s to 27-28 s. The number of intervention sessions ranged from 2-3 to 30. The intensity ranged from pain-inducing minimum intensity (90% of maximum stimulus output) to non-painful intensity (70-80% of maximum intensity). The rPMS on the suprahyoid muscles had positive effects on physiological changes in the swallowing function, such as displacement of the hyoid bone, muscle strength (cervical flexor, jaw-opening force), swallowing safety, swallowing performance, and swallowing-related quality of life. Participants also reported little pain and adverse reactions during rPMS. Although rPMS is a therapeutic option that can help improve the swallowing function as a non-invasive stimulation method in the rehabilitation of dysphagia, clinical evidence is needed for the development of clear stimulation protocols and guidelines.

Effects of Semi-Immersive Virtual Reality-Based Cognitive Training Combined with Locomotor Activity on Cognitive Function and Gait Ability in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of semi-immersive virtual reality-based cognitive training (VRCT) combined with locomotor activity on cognitive function, balance, and gait ability in older adults. Eighteen community-dwelling older adults participated in this study. Subjects who met the selection criteria were assigned to an experimental group (n = 9) and a control group (n = 9). The experimental group received VRCT combined with locomotor activity for 30 min a day, three times a week, for 6 weeks. The control group received tabletop activity-based cognitive training for the same amount of time. Before and after the training, the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), Trail Making Test (TMT; A and B), and Digit Span Test (DST; forward and backward) were used to evaluate cognitive function; and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and 10-m Walking Test (10MWT) were used to evaluate the improvement in the balance and gait ability parameters. After the intervention, the experimental group showed a significantly greater improvement in the TMT-A (p = 0.045) and DST-backward (p = 0.012) scores compared with the control group. Regarding the gait ability variable, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in the 10MWT test (p = 0.001). This study confirmed that semi-immersive VRCT combined with locomotor activity is useful for improving cognitive function and gait ability in older adults. Therefore, VRCT combined with locomotor activity can be used as a simultaneous intervention for cognitive rehabilitation and functional capacity improvement in older adults.

Effect of Dysphagia Rehabilitation Using Kinesiology Taping on Oropharyngeal Muscle Hypertrophy in Post-Stroke Patients: A Double Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: It has recently been shown that suprahyoid muscle exercise using kinesiology taping (KT) increases the activation of the suprahyoid muscle in healthy adults, suggesting a potential therapeutic clinical exercise for dysphagia rehabilitation. This study investigated the effect of dysphagia rehabilitation using KT in stroke patients with dysphagia. METHODS: Thirty subjects in South Korea were enrolled in this prospective placebo-controlled double-blind study. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental and sham groups. In the experimental group, the tape was attached to the hyolaryngeal complex, pulled downward with approximately 70% tension, and then attached to the sternum and the clavicle bilaterally. In the sham group, the tape was applied similarly but without the tension. Both groups performed voluntary swallowing 50 times (10 times swallowing per set, times 5 sets) a day for 4 weeks with KT applied. Outcome measures were assessed using portable ultrasound equipment. The parameter measured was the change in thickness of the tongue muscle, mylohyoid muscle, and the anterior belly of the digastric muscle. RESULTS: The experimental group showed statistically significant changes in the thickness of the tongue muscle, mylohyoid muscle, and anterior belly of the digastric muscle than the sham group (p = 0.007, 0.002, and 0.001). CONCLUSION: Dysphagia rehabilitation using KT is a technique that may promote oropharyngeal muscle thickness in patients with dysphagia after stroke.

Comparison of 2 types of therapeutic exercise: jaw opening exercise and head lift exercise for dysphagic stroke: A pilot study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the jaw opening exercise (JOE) on the thickness of the suprahyoid muscle and hyoid bone movement compared with the head lift exercise (HLE) in patients with dysphagia after strokeThis study recruited 30 patients with dysphagia after stroke. The JOE group performed a JOE using a resistance bar. The HLE group performed the traditional HLE. The total intervention duration was 6 weeks. We measured the thickness of the digastric and mylohyoid muscles using ultrasound. Two-dimensional motion analysis of the hyoid bone was performed using Image J software. The Borg rating of the perceived exertion scale was used to assess the intensity level of physical activity during the 2 exercises.Both groups showed a significant increase in the thickness of the digastric and mylohyoid muscles (P < .05). Hyoid bone motion was significantly increased in the anterior and superior movement in both groups (P < .05). After the intervention, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. The Borg rating of perceived exertion scale for the JOE group was significantly lower than that of the HLE group (P < .05).In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the JOE and the HLE had similar effects with respect to increasing suprahyoid muscle thickness and improving hyoid bone movement. However, the JOE required less perceived exertion than the HLE.

Tongue strengthening exercise is effective in improving the oropharyngeal muscles associated with swallowing in community-dwelling older adults in South Korea: A randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Tongue strengthening exercise (TSE) is a remedial method for the training of swallowing-related muscles in the oropharyngeal phase. However, clinical evidence of its effectiveness is insufficient. METHODS: To investigate the effect of TSE on the oropharyngeal muscles associated with swallowing in older adults, in this study, 40 elder adults living in the community were recruited and assigned to 2 groups. The experimental group performed a TSE with a 1-repetition maximum resistance level of 70%. The exercise was divided into an isometric and isotonic part. The control group did not perform an exercise. We measured the muscle strength and thickness of the tongue and suprahyoid muscles using an Iowa Oral Performance Instrument and ultrasonography. RESULTS: The experimental group showed a statistically significant increase in tongue muscle strength and thickness in the oral phase (P = .001 and <.001, respectively). In the pharyngeal phase, the experimental group showed a statistically significant increase in the mylohyoid and digastric muscles (suprahyoid muscles) (P = .045 and .019, respectively). The control group showed no statistically significant changes. CONCLUSION: TSE is effective in increasing the strength and thickness of the oropharyngeal muscles of elder adults and is recommended for those who are vulnerable to swallowing difficulties.

Game-based hand resistance exercise versus traditional manual hand exercises for improving hand strength, motor function, and compliance in stroke patients: A multi-center randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Game-based exercise is effective for improving strength and motor function in stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation, and it creates fun and motivation for exercise. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of game-based exercise on hand strength, motor function, and compliance in stroke patients. METHODS: Fifty stroke patients were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed a game-based hand resistance exercise. This exercise was divided into isotonic and isometric types and was performed 30 min/day, 5 days/week, for 6 weeks with 70% of the 1-repetition maximum. In contrast, the control group was given a traditional manual exercise by the occupational therapist, and the type of exercise and time involved were the same as those in the experimental group. The primary outcome measure was hand strength test measured using a dynamometer. Secondary outcome measures were manual function tests (MFT) and hand function tests using box and block test (BBT). Subject-based reports of motivation, fun, pain/fatigue evaluated on 0 to 10 numeric rating scales were compared between groups. RESULTS: After training, hand strength, MFT and BBT was improved in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < 0.001, both). Subject-based reports of motivation and fun was significantly greater in the experimental group than the control group (P < 0.001, both), except to pain/fatigue (P = 0.728). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we demonstrated that game-based exercise is more effective than manual exercise in improving muscle strength, motor function, and compliance in stroke patients.

Effects of lingual strength training on oropharyngeal muscles in South Korean adults.

BACKGROUND: Lingual strength training (LST) has been reported to positively affect the activation of submental muscles, as well as to increase lingual muscle strength. However, there is little evidence to support its effectiveness. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effect of LST on the strength and thickness of oropharyngeal muscles in healthy adults. METHODS: The study included 30 subjects who were assigned to the experimental (n = 15) and the control groups (n = 15). The experimental group performed LST based on tongue-to-palate resistance exercise method. LST was categorised as isometric and isotonic exercise. The intervention was performed five times a week for 6 weeks. The control group did not receive any intervention. The lingual strength was measured using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. Changes in the thickness of the mylohyoid and the digastric muscles and the lingual were assessed ultrasonographically. RESULTS: After the intervention, the thickness of the mylohyoid and the digastric muscles in the experimental group was significantly greater than that in the control group (P = 0.037 and 0.042). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that LST increases the thickness and the strength of oropharyngeal muscles. Therefore, LST is a useful option in patients with dysphagia or in elderly patients prone to swallowing dysfunction.

Effect of electrical stimulation on aspiration in children with cerebral palsy and dysphagia.

[Purpose] This study aims to investigate the effect of electrical stimulation on aspiration in children with cerebral palsy and dysphagia. [Participants and Methods] Five children with cerebral palsy and dysphagia were recruited. Electrical stimulation was applied to the submental region targeting submental muscles. All participants received electrical stimulation 30 min/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks. Evaluation was performed using the penetration-aspiration scale (PAS), based on a videofluoroscopic swallowing study. [Results] PAS scores showed a statistically significant decrease from 3.8 ± 1.5 to 2.1 ± 1.2 and from 6.4 ± 2.1 to 4.3 ± 2.5 for semisolids type and liquids respectively. [Conclusion] The use of electrical stimulation is effective in reducing aspiration in children with cerebral palsy and dysphagia.

The effects of tongue stretching exercise on tongue length in healthy adults: a preliminary study.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of tongue stretching exercise on the tongue length of healthy adults. [Subjects and Methods] This study recruited 6 healthy adults. They were treated for 4 weeks with tongue stretching. The change in tongue length during tongue protrusion before and after intervention was measured using a ruler. [Results] All 6 participants showed increased tongue length (minimum 20 mm to maximum 40 mm). [Conclusion] This study confirms that tongue stretching is a useful method to increase tongue length.

Effects of mental practice combined with electromyogram-triggered electrical stimulation for upper extremity function in stroke patients.

[Purpose] To investigate the effect of mental practice combined with electromyogram-triggered electrical stimulation (MP-EMG ES) on the upper extremity of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Participants were randomly assigned to experimental group or control group. The experimental group received MP-EMG ES plus conventional rehabilitation therapy for 5 days per week for 4 weeks. The control group received only conventional rehabilitation therapy. Outcome measure included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Motor Activity Log (MAL). [Results] Experimental group showed more improved in the FMA, MAL-AOU, MAL-QOM compared with the control group. [Conclusion] These results suggest that MP-EMG ES improves the upper extremity of subacute stroke patients better than conventional rehabilitation therapy alone.

Effects of Shaker exercise in stroke survivors with oropharyngeal dysphagia.

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia after stroke can cause a variety of complications, especially aspiration pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, rehabilitation methods to reduce aspiration in patients with dysphagia are important. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Shaker exercise on aspiration and oral diet level in stroke survivors with dysphagia. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 16) or a control group (n = 16). Participants in the experimental group performed Shaker exercise and conventional dysphagia therapy, whereas those in the control group performed only conventional dysphagia therapy. All participants performed training 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Degree of aspiration was assessed using the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) based on videofluoroscopic swallowing study, while oral diet level was assessed using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). RESULTS: The experimental group showed greater improvement on both the PAS (p < 0.05) and FOIS (p < 0.05) compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that Shaker exercise is a effective exercise for recovery of swallowing function in stroke survivors with dysphagia.

Transdermal Nicotine Patch Effects on EEG Power Spectra and Heart Rate Variability During Sleep of Healthy Male Adults.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of transdermal nicotine patch on sleep physiology is not well established. The current study aimed to examine the influence of nicotine patch on homeostatic sleep propensity and autonomic nervous system. METHODS: We studied 16 non-smoking young healthy volunteers with nocturnal polysomnography in a double blind crossover design between sleep with and without nicotine patch. We compared the sleep variables, sleep EEG power spectra, and heart rate variability. RESULTS: The night with nicotine patch showed significant increase in sleep latency, wake after sleep onset, and stage 1 sleep; and decrease in total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and percentage of REM sleep. Also, spectral analysis of the sleep EEG in the night with nicotine patch revealed decreased slow wave activity in stage 2 and REM sleep and increased alpha activity in the first NREM-REM sleep cycle. Heart rate variability showed no differences between the 2 nights, but the low to high ratio (a parameter indicative of sympathetic nervous system activity) positively correlated with wake after sleep onset in night with nicotine patch. CONCLUSION: Transdermal nicotine patch significantly disrupts sleep continuity, sleep architecture, and homeostatic sleep propensity. The overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system may be responsible for these changes.

Effects of electrical stimulation combined with dysphagia therapy in elderly individual with oropharyngeal dysphagia: a case study.

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of dysphagia therapy in an old man with difficulty swallowing in the oral and pharyngeal phases. [Subjects and Methods] The subject was a 72-year-old man with no history of neurological disorders. He was admitted to local hospital because of the complaint of swallowing difficulty. The interventions performed were electrical stimulation and conventional dysphagia therapy. We assessed the tongue and lip muscle strengths. Swallowing function was evaluated by using the videofluoroscopic dysphagia and penetration-aspiration scales. [Results] After the intervention, the tongue and lip muscle strengths increased from 35 to 39 kPa and from 18 to 23 kPa, respectively. Moreover, the oral and pharyngeal phases of the videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale were improved. Furthermore, aspiration decreased from 4 to 2 points in the penetration-aspiration scale. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that electrical stimulation and conventional dysphagia therapy were effective in improving the swallowing function in an elderly individual with dysphagia.

Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on facial muscle strength and oral function in stroke patients with facial palsy.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on facial muscle strength and oral function in stroke patients with facial palsy. [Subjects and Methods] Nine subjects received the electrical stimulation and traditional dysphagia therapy. Electrical stimulation was applied to stimulate each subject's facial muscles 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. [Results] Subjects showed significant improvement in cheek and lip strength and oral function after the intervention. [Conclusion] This study demonstrates that electrical stimulation improves facial muscle strength and oral function in stroke patients with dysphagia.

Effects of combining mental practice with electromyogram-triggered electrical stimulation for stroke patients with unilateral neglect.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mental practice combined with electromyogram-triggered electrical stimulation on neglect and activities of daily living in stroke patients with unilateral neglect. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-three stroke patients with unilateral neglect were recruited from a local university hospital, and were divided into two groups. The experimental group received an intervention consisting of mental practice combined with electromyogram-triggered electrical stimulation on the neglected side, while the control group received cyclic electrical stimulation at the same site. In addition, both groups received an identical intervention of conventional occupational and physical therapy. [Results] After the intervention, the experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement in the line bisection test result, star cancellation test result, and Catherine Bergego Scale scores. The control group showed a significant improvement only in the line bisection test result. [Conclusion] These data suggest that mental practice combined with electromyogram-triggered electrical stimulation is an effective, novel treatment for reducing unilateral neglect in stroke patients.

Characterization and antimicrobial property of poly(acrylic acid) nanogel containing silver particle prepared by electron beam.

In this study, we developed a one step process to synthesize nanogel containing silver nanoparticles involving electron beam irradiation. Water-soluble silver nitrate powder is dissolved in the distilled water and then poly(acrylic acid) (PAAc) and hexane are put into this silver nitrate solution. These samples are irradiated by an electron beam to make the PAAc nanogels containing silver nanoparticles (Ag/PAAc nanogels). The nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). In addition, the particle size and zeta-potential were confirmed by a particle size analyzer (PSA). The antibacterial properties of the nanogels were evaluated by paper diffusion test. The Ag/PAAc nanogels had an antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The nanogels also demonstrated a good healing effect against diabetic ulcer. The size of the Ag/PAAc nanogels decreased with increasing irradiation doses, and the absolute value of the zeta potential increased with increasing irradiation doses. Also, the Ag/PAAc nanogels exhibited good antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In in vivo wound healing, the Ag/PAAc nanogels have a good healing effect.