Evidence map of traditional Chinese exercises.

Objective: This study aimed to assess and visually depict the clinical evidence landscape of traditional Chinese exercises and identify any research gaps and future research needs. Methods: We comprehensively searched seven Chinese and English databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews (SRs) evaluating the effects of traditional Chinese exercises from their inception until May 2023. The quality of evidence was assessed via the GRADE approach, and the research topics, intervention effects, and strength of evidence were graphically displayed. Results: This evidence map includes 2,017 studies, comprising 1,822 RCTs and 195 SRs. These studies were conducted globally in various countries. Among the traditional Chinese exercises, Tai Chi and Baduanjin have received the most research attention, with a growing number of publications. When traditional Chinese exercises were compared with the control groups, 88.2% of the included SRs reported significantly positive effects, 4.1% reported unclear effects, and 7.7% reported no significant differences. The findings suggested that traditional Chinese exercises could benefit patients with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke, Parkinson's disease, anxiety, and depression. However, the overall quality of the evidence was suboptimal, with 11.3% rated as moderate, 45.6% as low, and 43.1% as critically low. Conclusion: This evidence map visually represents valuable information on traditional Chinese exercises. While most studies have reported significant benefits, the overall quality of evidence is low.

Benefits of core stability exercise and relaxation technique for primary dysmenorrhea in an unmarried girl: A case report.

Primary dysmenorrhea denotes the onset of recurrent lower abdominal pain and uterine contractions throughout the bleeding phase of menstruation in the absence of any underlying pelvic pathology. Core stability exercise is considered a beneficial exercise program for managing several health problems. Various relaxation techniques can be used in womanhood with primary dysmenorrhea for relief of pain and improving their quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to learn and understand the benefits of core stabilization exercise along with relaxation techniques for primary dysmenorrhea in an unmarried girl. This single-case study was planned to analyze the effect of core stability exercise along with relaxation techniques in the management of primary dysmenorrhea symptoms. Relaxation exercises along with core stability exercises were given to subjectswith primary dysmenorrhea for 20 sessions of 30 minutes spanned for 5 weeks, four sessions a week. Along with the demographic profile, pre- and post -intervention value of pain in the visual analog scale (VAS) and Working Ability, Location, Intensity, Days of Pain, Dysmenorrhea (WaLIDD) score was obtained, recorded, and analyzed. This single-case study results showed significant improvement in the outcome of pain in the VAS and WaLIDD score after the intervention of core stability exercise along with relaxation exercise for the primary dysmenorrhea patients. Pre- and post-intervention of core stability exercise along with Mitchell's relaxation exercises, measurements of VAS, and dysmenorrhea severity in WaLIDD scores revealed an effective reduction in pain and severity using core stability training and relaxation training in an unmarried girl diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea.

Feasibility of a telehealth breathing intervention for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a restrictive chronic lung disease that results in scarring of the tissue due to an unknown cause. Dyspnea is experienced by 90 % of patients and is correlated with reduced quality of life and survival times. Breathing techniques can improve perceived dyspnea, however, are not readily taught outside of inpatient hospital settings and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, the latter being accessed by only 3 % of patients with chronic lung disease. Telehealth may be an option to increase access to this imperative symptom management education to improve symptom management and patient outcomes. AIMS: 1) To determine the feasibility of a telehealth breathing intervention for patients living with IPF; 2) To determine the usability of the telehealth system; 3) To describe within-group changes in dyspnea, quality of life, anxiety, and depression. DESIGN: A single-group, pre-post intervention. METHODS: Study participants were recruited from community-dwelling patients living with IPF. Pre-intervention data was collected on symptoms using standardized questionnaires. Participants enrolled in one telehealth Zoom session per week over the course of four weeks and practiced breathing exercises 10-minutes per day. Following the intervention, participants completed post-intervention, feasibility, and usability questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: All feasibility benchmarks were met. Following the intervention, mean symptom scores improved, however were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that a telehealth breathing intervention is a feasible option to increase access to the symptom management strategy of breathing techniques to manage perceived dyspnea to positively influence symptoms experienced by patients living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Versus Plantar-Specific Calf Stretching Exercises in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition with multifactorial etiology. It is the most frequent cause of heel pain and has been categorized as an overuse syndrome. A clinical examination and history are crucial for diagnosis. There are several different forms of treatment available, two of which are frequently used: physical therapy and steroid injections. Recent research on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has demonstrated encouraging outcomes and fewer side effects when compared to steroid injections. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted and randomization was done of indoor patients into two groups. Group 1, ending with odd numbers, was given PRP injections, and Group 2, ending with even numbers, was advised plantar-specific calf stretching exercises. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores were evaluated before and after the intervention and follow-up was done on the second, sixth, and 12th weeks. Results Comparing the VAS scores between the two groups, we found that in the pre-intervention phase, the VAS score of Group 1 was 5.4±0.56 and that of Group 2 was 5.4±0.59. In the post-intervention phase, the VAS score in Group 1 was 4.6±0.89, while in Group 2 it was 5.2±0.62. In the second week after intervention, the VAS score was observed to be 3.3±0.97 in Group 1, while in Group 2, it was 3.3±0.80. After the sixth week of intervention, the observed VAS score was 2.7±0.78, while in Group 2 it was 2.9±0.82. The mean VAS score after 12weeks of intervention was observed to be 2.3±0.91 in Group 1, while in Group 2, it was 2.2±0.80. Conclusion PRP injections and plantar-specific calf stretching exercises are equally effective in providing pain relief in plantar fasciitis. PRP injections have complications and problems which have been discussed. Exercises are devoid of such complications. No recurrences occurred in the exercise group and four cases had recurrence in the PRP group.

A Voice-Activated Device Exercise and Social Engagement Program for Older Adult-Care Partner Dyads: Pilot Clinical Trial and Focus Group Study Evaluating the Feasibility, Use, and Estimated Functional Impact of EngAGE.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining exercise is essential for healthy aging but difficult to sustain. EngAGE is a socially motivated exercise program delivered over a voice-activated device that targets older adult-care partner dyads. OBJECTIVE: This 10-week pilot study aimed to assess EngAGE feasibility and use, obtain user experience feedback, and estimate potential impact on function. METHODS: In total, 10 older adults aged ≥65 years were recruited from an independent living residence together with their self-identified care partners. EngAGE delivered National Institute on Aging Go4Life exercises to older adults daily, while care partners received progress reports and prompts to send encouraging messages that were read aloud by the device to the older adult. Older adults' use was tracked, and physical function was assessed at baseline and follow-up. Follow-up focus group data provided qualitative feedback. RESULTS: On average, participants completed 393.7 individual exercises over the 10-week intervention period or 39.4 exercises/wk (range 48-492, median 431, IQR 384-481, SD 112.4) without injury and used EngAGE on an average of 41 of 70 days or 4.1 d/wk (range 7-66, median 51, IQR 23-56, and SD 21.2 days). Mean grip strength increased nonsignificantly by 1.3 kg (preintervention mean 26.3 kg, SD 11.0; postintervention mean 27.6 kg, SD 11.6; P=.34), and 4 of 10 participants improved by a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 2.5 kg. Further, the time for 5-repeated chair stands significantly reduced by 2.3 seconds (preintervention mean 12, SD 3.6 s; postintervention mean 9.7, SD 2.7 s; P=.02), and 3 of 9 participants improved by an MCID of -2.3 seconds. Furthermore, 3-meter usual walk performance was brisk at baseline (mean 2.1, SD 0.4 s) and decreased by 0.1 seconds (postintervention 2, SD 0.4 s; P=.13), although 5 of 9 participants improved by a MCID of 0.05 m/s. Qualitative results showed perceived benefits, favored program features, and areas for improvement. CONCLUSIONS: We present a pilot study of a new voice-activated device application customized to older adult users that may serve as a guide to other technology development for older adults. Our pilot study served to further refine the application and to inform a larger trial testing EngAGE's impact on functional outcomes, a necessary step for developing evidence-based technology tools.

Self-management Elucidates How Practicing Physical Exercises Influences the Health Related Quality of Life of Independently Dwelling Older Adults.

According to active aging theory, self-management plays a pivotal role for well-being of older adults as they navigate the aging process. The current quasi-experimental study, employing a between-within design, examines the impact of guided group physical training on changes in self-management and its subsequent effect on quality of life among a sample of independently living old adults. We assessed balance, strength, mobility, self-management, and quality of life were among 149 older adults (123 females, 26 males), mean age = 77.21. Half of the participants then began a 6 months of chair exercise training, consisting of one session per week. However, the training program was interrupted after 22 sessions due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Subsequently, participants were re-evaluated following the initial lockdown announcement but before its implementation. Show first, that practicing physical exercises, among the intervention group, led to increases in the three measured physiological abilities-balance, strength and movement-as well self-management and physical and mental quality of life. Second, the physiological abilities, were fully indirectly associated through self-management with physical and mental quality of life. The present findings provide a clear understanding of the role of self-management as a psychological outcome of reflected physical activity, as well as a mediator for health related quality of life. Further, self-management abilities among older adults can be regarded as a protective factor against adverse psychological outcomes at times of trauma.

Effects of therapeutic exercise on pain processing in people with chronic non-specific neck pain - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests that individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain may experience altered sensory processing, potentially contributing to the modest response to therapeutic exercise treatments. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to explore the effect of therapeutic exercise on pain processing among patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in multiple databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, SportDiscus, and Cochrane CENTRAL) from inception to June 2023. Inclusion criteria included randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing therapeutic exercise to non-exercise treatments or no treatment. The screening and data extraction was conducted by two reviewers. The methodological quality was evaluated using the PEDro scale and the certainty of evidence using GRADE. The primary outcomes assessed were pressure pain threshold (PPT), temporal summation, and conditioned pain modulation. RESULTS: Thirteen trials included a total of 948 participants, with 586 in the exercise therapy group and 362 in the non-exercise group. The therapeutic exercise was not superior to non-exercise treatments for both local and PPT in the immediate (MD = 0.13, 95%CI = -0.18 to 0.43), and short-term follow-up (MD = 0.17, 95%CI = -0.27 to 0.61). In the medium term, therapeutic exercise demonstrated a small effect size in increasing local PPT (Kg/cm2) (MD = 0.64, 95%CI = 0.08 to 1.19) compared to non-exercise interventions. The certainty of evidence for these outcomes was very low. CONCLUSIONS: There is very low certainty of evidence that therapeutic exercise is not superior than non-exercise treatment on pain processing in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain.

Efficacy and safety of Supine Daoyin in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the efficacy and safety of Supine Daoyin, a TCM PR technique, in hospitalized patients with AECOPD. METHODS: This is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled trial involving AECOPD inpatients recruited from April 2021 to December 2023 in five tertiary hospitals in China. Participants were randomly assigned to 14 days of Supine Daoyin group or control group and evaluated at days 3, 7, and 14 (posttreatment). The primary outcomes were LOS and CCQ and secondary outcomes were 6MWD, 30-STS, BI, Borg CR10, time on mechanical ventilation, SGRQ, mCOPD-PRO, and mESQ-COPD. RESULTS: Out of 369 participants screened, 228 were randomly assigned (Supine Daoyin group: n = 114; control group: n = 114). For primary outcomes, there was no significant between-group difference in LOS (p > 0.05), but for CCQ the Supine Daoyin was superior to control at days 7 (p < 0.01) and 14 (p < 0.01). For secondary outcomes, Supine Daoyin groups showed robust and superior improvements in 6MWD, 30-STS, BI, Borg CR10, SGRQ, mCOPD-PRO, and mESQ-COPD (all p < 0.05), but for time on mechanical ventilation there was no significant difference in two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Supine Daoyin, a novel TCM PR technique, demonstrates safety and efficacy for AECOPD inpatients, yielding clinically meaningful improvements in health status, exercise capacity, and quality of life. This study offers a viable PR option for AECOPD patients with severe symptoms and limited mobility.

The Benefits of Cognitive Therapeutic Exercise in Symptomatic Arnold-Chiari Syndrome Type I: A Case Report on Gait, Balance, and Pain Management.

BACKGROUND: Chiari malformation is a rare congenital condition in which the cerebellar tonsils herniate through the foramen magnum, causing symptoms related to compression of the surrounding structures. Rehabilitation plays a key role in the pre- and post-operative management of the syndrome, as it can improve strength, range of motion, motor coordination, pain management, and performance of activities of daily living. METHODS: This article presents the case of a 43-year-old woman with Chiari malformation 1B who underwent resection of the filum terminale. She presented as an outpatient at the University Hospital "G. Martino" in Messina, complaining of difficulty walking, balance problems, lumbar pain, and heaviness in the lower limbs. Following a multidisciplinary assessment, she underwent an 11-month rehabilitation protocol based on cognitive therapeutic exercise. RESULTS: The patient achieved significant improvements in pain, mental confusion, and quality of life after treatment and at the 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study highlight the significant benefits of cognitive therapeutic exercises in Chiari malformation, with improvements in several key areas, including quality of life, pain management, and ability to perform activities of daily living.

Innovative integration of lung ultrasound and wearable monitoring for predicting pulmonary complications in colorectal surgery: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are common in patients who undergo colorectal surgery. Studies have focused on how to accurately diagnose and reduce the incidence of PPCs. Lung ultrasound has been proven to be useful in preoperative monitoring and postoperative care after cardiopulmonary surgery. However, lung ultrasound has not been studied in abdominal surgeries and has not been used with wearable devices to evaluate the influence of postoperative ambulation on the incidence of PPCs. AIM: To investigate the relationship between lung ultrasound scores, PPCs, and postoperative physical activity levels in patients who underwent colorectal surgery. METHODS: In this prospective observational study conducted from November 1, 2019 to August 1, 2020, patients who underwent colorectal surgery underwent daily bedside ultrasonography from the day before surgery to postoperative day (POD) 5. Lung ultrasound scores and PPCs were recorded and analyzed to investigate their relationship. Pedometer bracelets measured the daily movement distance for 5 days post-surgery, and the correlation between postoperative activity levels and lung ultrasound scores was examined. RESULTS: Thirteen cases of PPCs was observed in the cohort of 101 patients. The mean (standard deviation) peak lung ultrasound score was 5.32 (2.52). Patients with a lung ultrasound score of ≥ 6 constituted the high-risk group. High-risk lung ultrasound scores were associated with an increased incidence of PPCs after colorectal surgery (logistic regression coefficient, 1.715; odds ratio, 5.556). Postoperative movement distance was negatively associated with the lung ultrasound scores [Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (r), -0.356, P < 0.05]. CONCLUSION: Lung ultrasound effectively evaluates pulmonary condition post-colorectal surgery. Early ambulation and respiratory exercises in the initial two PODs will reduce PPCs and optimize postoperative care in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.