Initial Evidence on the Impact of Performance-Based Treadmill Training on Pulmonary Function and Physical Performance in a Child with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Single-Subject Experimental Study.

Aim: This study aimed to demonstrate the initial evidence on the impact of performance-based treadmill training on pulmonary function and physical performance of a patient with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).Methods: This study used a single-subject pre-experimental (A-B) research design (5 and 10 data points during the baseline and intervention phases, respectively) with a 4-month follow-up measurement. The subjects were a 5-year-old child diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Outcome measures were pulmonary function (forced vital capacity [FVC] and peak expiratory flow [PEF]) and physical performance (6-min walk test [6MWT], sit-to-stand test [STS], pediatric balance scale [PBS], and goal attainment scaling).Results: Applying the 2 standard deviation method, the FVC, PEF, 6MWT, and STS test scores showed significant improvement compared to baseline values. In addition, the PBS and goal attainment scaling scores improved by 5.36% (42 points to 45 points) and 29.61% (37.6 points to 59.75 points) after the intervention, respectively. Gains were maintained at the 4-month follow-up.Conclusions: These findings suggest that performance-based treadmill training may be a possible treatment option to improve the pulmonary function and physical performance of children with BPD. Further rigorous studies are needed to establish evidence regarding the effectiveness of the training program among this population.

Repeated Use of 6-min Walk Test with Immediate Knowledge of Results for Walking Capacity in Chronic Stroke: Clinical Trial of Fast versus Slow Walkers.

AIM: This study aimed to determine the effects of repeated use of the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) with immediate knowledge of results (KR) on the walking capacity by comparing fast and slow walkers in patients with chronic hemiparesis. METHODS: Twenty-five subjects were allocated to 2 groups depending on their walking speed1: Group 1 (fast walkers, n1 = 11): greater than equal to .8 m/s and2 Group 2 (slow walkers, n2 = 14): less than .8 m/s. All subjects underwent the 6MWT once a day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks (a total of 20 sessions). The 6MWT was performed on a 30-m path with immediate KR; subjects informed the time taken to walk each 30-m path. Outcome measures included the 6MWT and 10-meter walk test (10MWT). Measurements were taken before and after 4 weeks. Results of within-group comparisons showed significant improvements in the 10MWT and 6MWT for both groups pre- and post-test (P < .05). Furthermore, in between-group comparison, results of Group 1 differences were greater between pre- and post-test in the 10MWT and 6MWT values as compared to Group 2 (P < .05). These findings indicate that repeated use of the 6MWT with immediate KR may be beneficial to enhance walking capacity in patients with chronic stroke, with more favorable changes in better poststroke walking speed.

Action observation training of community ambulation for improving walking ability of patients with post-stroke hemiparesis: a randomized controlled pilot trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of action observation training involving community-based ambulation for improving walking ability after stroke. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled pilot study. SETTING: Inpatient rehabilitation hospital. SUBJECTS: A total of 25 inpatients with post-stroke hemiparesis were randomly assigned to either the experimental group ( n = 12) or control group ( n = 13). INTERVENTION: Subjects of the experimental group watched video clips demonstrating four-staged ambulation training with a more complex environment factor for 30 minutes, three times a week for four weeks. Meanwhile, subjects of the control group watched video clips, which showed different landscape pictures. MAIN MEASURES: Walking function was evaluated before and after the four-week intervention using a 10-m walk test, community walk test, activities-specific balance confidence scale, and spatiotemporal gait measures. RESULTS: Changes in the values for the 10-m walk test (0.17 ±0.19 m/s vs. 0.05 ±0.08 m/s), community walk test (-151.42 ±123.82 seconds vs. 67.08 ±176.77 seconds), and activities-specific balance confidence (6.25 ±5.61 scores vs. 0.72 ±2.24 scores) and the spatiotemporal parameters (i.e. stride length (19.00 ±11.34 cm vs. 3.16 ±11.20 cm), single support (5.87 ±5.13% vs. 0.25 ±5.95%), and velocity (15.66 ±12.34 cm/s vs. 2.96 ±10.54 cm/s)) indicated a significant improvement in the experimental group compared with the control group. In the experimental group, walking function and ambulation confidence was significantly different between the pre- and post-intervention, whereas the control group showed a significant difference only in the 10-m walk test. CONCLUSIONS: Action observation training of community ambulation may be favorably used for improving walking function of patients with post-stroke hemiparesis.

Effects of high-frequency current therapy on abdominal obesity in young women: a randomized controlled trial.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the effects of high-frequency current therapy on the abdominal obesity levels of young women. [Subjects] Twenty-two women with abdominal obesity were randomly allocated to either an experimental group (n 1 = 10) or a control group (n 2 = 12). [Methods] The experimental group subjects received high-frequency current therapy for the abdominal region 3 times per week for 6 weeks (a total of 18 sessions). Outcome measures were waist circumference, body mass index, and body composition data (abdominal obesity rate, subcutaneous fat mass, and body fat percentage). [Results] Significant main effects of time in the waist circumference, abdominal obesity rate, subcutaneous fat mass, and body fat percentage were found. Significant time-by-group interactions were found for waist circumference, abdominal obesity rate, subcutaneous fat mass, and body fat percentage. [Conclusion] The use of the high-frequency current therapy may be beneficial for reducing the levels of abdominal obesity in young women.

Effect of backpack position on foot weight distribution of school-aged children.

[Purpose] In the present study, we aimed to determine the effects of backpack position on foot weight distribution of standing school-aged children. [Subjects] Thirty school-aged children volunteered to participate in this study. [Methods] The subjects randomly performed four types of carrying a backpack: no backpack (condition-1), carrying a backpack at C7 (condition-2), carrying a backpack at 10 cm below C7 (condition-3), and carrying a backpack at 20 cm below C7 (condition-4). [Results] Statistically significant differences were noted in the anterior and posterior pressure values, and in the anterior-to-posterior ratio, among the four conditions (p < 0.05). Post-hoc analysis indicated that the pressure value of condition-4 was significantly lower in the anterior foot region and higher in the posterior foot region than in condition-2 and condition-3. In addition, the anterior-to-posterior ratio was lower in condition-4 than in condition-2 and condition-3. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that carrying a backpack in a higher position, with fastening of the shoulder strap, may be more favorable for normalizing the foot weight distribution.

Effects of a novel walking training program with postural correction and visual feedback on walking function in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis.

[Purpose] This study aimed to elucidate the effects of a novel walking training program with postural correction and visual feedback on walking function in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis. [Subjects] Sixteen subjects were randomly allocated to either the experimental group (EG) or the control group (CG), with eight subjects in each. [Methods] EG and CG subjects performed a 30-min treadmill walking training exercise twice daily for 2 weeks. EG subjects also underwent postural correction using elastic bands and received visual feedback during walking. The 10-m walk test was performed, and gait parameters were measured using a gait analysis system. [Results] All parameters showed significant main effects for the group factor and time-by-group interactions. Significant main effects for the time factor were found in the stride length and stance phase ratios. [Conclusion] The novel walking training program with postural correction and visual feedback may improve walking function in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis.

The effect of a novel core stabilization technique on managing patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized, controlled, experimenter-blinded study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the effect of a novel augmented core stabilization exercise technique on physical function, pain and core stability in patients with chronic low back pain. DESIGN: A block randomized controlled trial with two groups. SETTING: A sports rehabilitation clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Forty patients with low back pain (20 experimental, mean (SD) age 50.35 (9.26) years and 20 control, 51.30 (7.01)), 19 men and 21 women. INTERVENTIONS: In the experimental group ankle dorsiflexion was used in addition to drawing in the abdominal wall; the control group involved drawing in the abdominal wall alone. Both groups received the same conventional physical therapy training three days a week for eight weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Physical disability instruments; Oswestry Disability Index and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire; pain intensity assessments; visual analogue scale, Pain Disability Index, and a pain rating scale; and core stability measures, such as the active straight leg raise, were determined at pretest, posttest and two-month follow-up. RESULTS: After the intervention, the experimental group showed significant greater improvement at two months compared with the control group. Physical disability results included Oswestry Disability Index (P = 0.001, from 24.25 (7.08) to 13.35 (4.17)) and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (P = 0.001, from 15.55 (1.99) to 8.15 (1.69)), pain intensity including visual analogue scale (P = 0.001, from 6.30 (1.03) to 3.35 (0.59)), Pain Disability Index (P = 0.001, 31.25 (5.44) to 19.00 (3.58)) and pain rating scale (P = 0.001, from 72.25 (18.73) to 50.10 (15.47)), and the core stability test such as active straight leg raise (P = 0.001, from 7.40 (0.75) to 2.15 (0.49)). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the clinical evidence that adding ankle dorsiflexion to drawing in the abdominal wall gave increased benefit in terms of physical disability, pain and core stability in patients with chronic low back pain.

Clinical feasibility of action observation training for walking function of patients with post-stroke hemiparesis: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the effects of action observation training (AOT) on the walking ability of subjects with post-stroke hemiparesis. DESIGN: Randomized, single-blind, controlled pilot study. SETTING: Inpatient rehabilitation hospital. SUBJECTS: Twenty-one subjects with post-stroke hemiparesis were randomly allocated to either the experimental group (EG) or the control group (CG), with 11 and 10 patients, respectively. INTERVENTIONS: The subjects in the EG and CG watched video clips demonstrating four functional walking tasks and showing different landscape images, respectively. All subjects subsequently performed the walking tasks (a total of 30 min, once a day, 3 times weekly for a 4-week period). MAIN MEASURES: 10-m walk test, figure-of-8 walk test (time and steps), dynamic gait index (DGI), and gait symmetry score (swing and stance phases, and stride length) before and after the intervention. RESULTS: The changes between the pre- and post-test values of the 10-m walk test (median [interquartile range], -5.10 [-15.80--1.60] versus 0.00 [-6.60-4.06]), figure-of-8 walk test (time: -3.50 [-12.60--2.00] versus -1.25 [-4.98-0.25]; steps:-5.00 [-8.00--2.00] versus 0.00 [-3.25-0.25]), and DGI (4.00 [3.00-6.00] versus 1.00 [-4.00-3.00]) showed significant differences between the EG and CG (p < 0.05). In the EG, the 10-m walk test, time and steps of figure-of-8 walk test, DGI, and gait symmetry score in the stance phase showed significant differences between pre- and post-test (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that AOT can be beneficial in enhancing walking ability of patients with post-stroke hemiparesis, and may be clinically feasible as a practical adjunct to routine rehabilitation therapy. A power calculation on our data showed that 20 subjects in each group were required for further definitive studies.

Neck proprioceptive training for balance function in patients with chronic poststroke hemiparesis: a case series.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of neck proprioceptive training on the balance of patients with chronic poststroke hemiparesis. [Subjects] Three patients with chronic stroke were recruited for this study. [Methods] The subjects underwent neck proprioceptive training using the red light of a laser pointer (30 min daily, five times per week for 4 weeks). Outcome measures included the stability and weight distribution indices measured with a Tetrax system and Timed Up and Go (TUG) and proprioception tests. [Results] For all subjects, the stability and weight distribution indices increased by 1.87-9.66% in the eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions, and the TUG and proprioception test scores improved by 2.49-15.27%. [Conclusion] Neck proprioceptive training may be a good option for improving the balance function of patients with chronic poststroke hemiparesis.

Effect of stomatognathic alignment exercise on temporomandibular joint function and swallowing function of stroke patients with limited mouth opening.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of stomatognathic alignment exercise on temporomandibular joint function and swallowing function of stroke patients presenting limited mouth opening. [Subjects] Fourteen subjects with post-stroke hemiparesis presenting limited mouth opening were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group, with 7 subjects in each group. [Methods] Subjects in the experimental group participated in a stomatognathic alignment exercise program that consisted of mobility exercises of the TMJ and neck and postural correction. Main outcome measures were neck mobility, the active maximum range of mouth opening, the craniomandibular index (CMI), and the Mann assessment of swallowing ability (MASA) score. [Results] The changes in the values of the range of mouth opening, CMI, MASA, and all the parameters of neck mobility were significantly different between the groups. Furthermore, post-test values appeared to be significantly different for the range of mouth opening, the craniomandibular index, and the MASA scores between the groups (p>0.05). [Conclusion] Stomatognathic alignment exercise may improve TMJ function and swallowing function of patients with post-stroke hemiparesis.

Investigation of walking tasks experienced by community-living individuals with chronic stroke using a validated community ambulation survey.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to demonstrate the necessary walking skills for community ambulation of individuals with chronic stroke using a validated community ambulation survey. METHODS: A total of 107 older adults and 99 ambulatory, urban-living people with chronic stroke were sampled by convenience method. A community ambulation survey was developed to establish content and concurrent validity. Using the survey, older adults and individuals with stroke documented the frequency with which walking tasks were performed throughout the day. RESULTS: The survey was valid for clinical use (kappa coefficients ranging from 0.737 to 0.873). Compared with those encountered by the older adult group, walking tasks less frequently performed by the stroke group included the use of revolving doors, navigating stairs, walking through crossways, carrying and manipulating objects, and walking at a fast pace and for long distances. Participants in the stroke group used automatic doors to enter buildings and walked through underpasses to pass crossways more frequently than those in the older adult group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings identify the walking tasks that people with chronic stroke show less participation in community, which should be involved in routine rehabilitation schedules to restore functional walking in the community.Implications for rehabilitationCommunity ambulation survey is appropriate to identify the challenging walking tasks that people with chronic stroke show less participation in community.People with chronic stroke showed less frequent participation in walking tasks such as using stairs, using crossways, carrying objects, and walking fast and long distances, which are challenging for them.To achieve the final goal of stroke rehabilitation, it is necessary to repeatedly practice challenging walking tasks in a routine rehabilitation schedule.

Effects of incorporating dual task into repeated 6-min walk test on balance and walking functions in patients with subacute stroke: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of incorporating dual task into a repeated 6-min walk test (6MWT) on balance and walking functions in patients with subacute stroke. METHODS: Twenty-eight subacute stroke survivors were randomized into experimental group (EG) and control group (CG). EG and CG participated in dual task during the repeated 6MWT and the repeated 6-min test, respectively, for twice a day, three times weekly over 4 weeks. Outcome assessments were measured pre- and post-test using the 10-m walk test (10MWT), timed up and go test (TUG), 6MWT, Berg balance scale (BBS), and the activities specific balance confidence scale (ABC). RESULTS: In the between-group comparison, change values in the 6MWT and ABC values between pre- and post-test appeared to be significantly different (p < 0.05). In within-group comparisons, the 10MWT, 6MWT, TUG, and ABC scores showed significant differences between pre- and post-test values in two groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Repeated 6MWT may be beneficial to enhance balance and walking functions in patients with subacute stroke, with more favorable effects when performing dual tasks.

Physiotherapy strategies for functional improvement in a child with complicated hereditary spastic paraplegia: 1-year follow-up of a case report using a changing criterion design.

BACKGROUND: and Purpose: Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) are a group of clinically diverse genetic disorders that share the neurologic symptom of difficulty in walking due to progressive serious muscle weakness and spasticity in the legs. This study describes a physiotherapy program for improving the functional ability of a child diagnosed with complicated HSP and reports the treatment results. METHODS: A 10-year-old boy with complicated HSP received a physiotherapy intervention that included strengthening of the leg muscles and treadmill training for 1 h per session, three to four times a week for 6 weeks. Outcome measures included sit-to-stand, 10-m walk, 1-min walk tests, and gross motor function measures (dimensions D and E). RESULTS: After the intervention, the sit-to-stand, 1-min walk, and 10-m walk test scores improved by 6.75 times, 2.57 m, and 0.05 m/s, respectively. Furthermore, the gross motor function measure dimensions D and E scores improved by 8% (46%-54%) and 5% (22%-27%), respectively. The gains in each parameter were maintained at the 3- and 6-month and 1-year follow-ups. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that structured physiotherapy programs can benefit the functional rehabilitation of children with complicated HSP.

Pelvic floor muscle exercises utilizing trunk stabilization for treating postpartum urinary incontinence: randomized controlled pilot trial of supervised versus unsupervised training.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of supervised and unsupervised pelvic floor muscle exercises utilizing trunk stabilization for treating postpartum urinary incontinence and to compare the outcomes. DESIGN: Randomized, single-blind controlled study. SETTING: Outpatient rehabilitation hospital. SUBJECTS: Eighteen subjects with postpartum urinary incontinence. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were randomized to either a supervised training group with verbal instruction from a physiotherapist, or an unsupervised training group after undergoing a supervised demonstration session. MAIN MEASURES: Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptom questionnaire (urinary symptoms and quality of life) and vaginal function test (maximal vaginal squeeze pressure and holding time) using a perineometer. RESULTS: The change values for urinary symptoms (-27.22 ± 6.20 versus -18.22 ± 5.49), quality of life (-5.33 ± 2.96 versus -1.78 ± 3.93), total score (-32.56 ± 8.17 versus -20.00 ± 6.67), maximal vaginal squeeze pressure (18.96 ± 9.08 versus 2.67 ± 3.64 mmHg), and holding time (11.32 ± 3.17 versus 5.72 ± 2.29 seconds) were more improved in the supervised group than in the unsupervised group (P < 0.05). In the supervised group, significant differences were found for all variables between pre- and post-test values (P < 0.01), whereas the unsupervised group showed significant differences for urinary symptom score, total score and holding time between the pre- and post-test results (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that exercising the pelvic floor muscles by utilizing trunk stabilization under physiotherapist supervision may be beneficial for the management of postpartum urinary incontinence.

Effectiveness of community-based ambulation training for walking function of post-stroke hemiparesis: a randomized controlled pilot trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of community-based ambulation training on walking function of patients with post-stroke hemiparesis. DESIGN: Randomized, single-blind, controlled pilot study. SETTING: Inpatient rehabilitation hospital. SUBJECTS: Twenty-five subjects were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group, with 13 and 12 subjects, respectively. INTERVENTIONS: All subjects received a routine physical therapy. The subjects in the experimental group also received community-based ambulation training, which was performed for an hour, once a day, three times a week for a four-week period. MAIN MEASURES: Ten-metre walk test, 6-minute walk test, community walk test, walking ability questionnaire and activities-specific balance confidence scale before and after the intervention. RESULTS: The change values of the 10-m walk test (0.21 ± 0.12 m/s versus 0.07 ± 0.10 m/s), community walk test (-13.61 ± 10.31 minutes versus -3.27 ± 11.99 minutes), walking ability questionnaire (6.15 ± 3.60 score versus 2.75 ± 2.38 score) and activities-specific balance confidence scale (17.45 ± 11.55 score versus 2.55 ± 10.14 score) were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05). At post-test, the 10-m walk test was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (0.72 ± 0.24 m/s versus 0.50 ± 0.23 m/s) (P < 0.05). In the experimental group, there were significant differences for all variables between pre-test and post-test (P < 0.01), whereas the subjects of the control group showed a significant difference in only the walking ability questionnaire (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate that community-based ambulation training can be helpful in improving walking ability of patients with post-stroke hemiparesis and may be used as a practical adjunct to routine rehabilitation therapy.

Visual and kinesthetic locomotor imagery training integrated with auditory step rhythm for walking performance of patients with chronic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of visual and kinesthetic locomotor imagery training on walking performance and to determine the clinical feasibility of incorporating auditory step rhythm into the training. DESIGN: Randomized crossover trial. SETTING: Laboratory of a Department of Physical Therapy. SUBJECTS: Fifteen subjects with post-stroke hemiparesis. INTERVENTION: Four locomotor imagery trainings on walking performance: visual locomotor imagery training, kinesthetic locomotor imagery training, visual locomotor imagery training with auditory step rhythm and kinesthetic locomotor imagery training with auditory step rhythm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The timed up-and-go test and electromyographic and kinematic analyses of the affected lower limb during one gait cycle. RESULTS: After the interventions, significant differences were found in the timed up-and-go test results between the visual locomotor imagery training (25.69 ± 16.16 to 23.97 ± 14.30) and the kinesthetic locomotor imagery training with auditory step rhythm (22.68 ± 12.35 to 15.77 ± 8.58) (P < 0.05). During the swing and stance phases, the kinesthetic locomotor imagery training exhibited significantly increased activation in a greater number of muscles and increased angular displacement of the knee and ankle joints compared with the visual locomotor imagery training, and these effects were more prominent when auditory step rhythm was integrated into each form of locomotor imagery training. The activation of the hamstring during the swing phase and the gastrocnemius during the stance phase, as well as kinematic data of the knee joint, were significantly different for posttest values between the visual locomotor imagery training and the kinesthetic locomotor imagery training with auditory step rhythm (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic effect may be further enhanced in the kinesthetic locomotor imagery training than in the visual locomotor imagery training. The auditory step rhythm together with the locomotor imagery training produces a greater positive effect in improving the walking performance of patients with post-stroke hemiparesis.

One-year follow-up of problem-based task training for a child presenting cerebellar ataxia after brainstem glioma surgery: A single-subject experimental study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: For the rehabilitation of patients with cerebellar ataxia, task training aids in achieving functional benefits. This study aimed to investigate the effects of problem-based task training on balance and motor function in a child with cerebellar ataxia after brainstem glioma surgery. METHODS: This study used a single-subject reversal design (A-B) with a 1-year follow-up. A 5-year old child with cerebellar ataxia due to a brain glioma completed problem-based task training, including a 10-step walk and return trial, walking while carrying an object, walking between parallel lines, and kicking a ball. Assessments were made using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and motor function tests (International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS), Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). RESULTS: During the intervention phase, the PBS score showed clinically and statistically significant improvement compared to the baseline score. The ICARS and GMFM scores improved by 10.53% and 3.56%, respectively, after the intervention. Furthermore, in the PEDI score, functional skills and caregiver assistance in the mobility domain increased by 7.58% and 5.02%, respectively, after the intervention. The improvements in all parameters were maintained or increased at further follow-up phases. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that problem-based task training has a positive effect on balance and motor function in a child with cerebellar ataxia after brainstem glioma surgery.

Is it appropriate to use external loads during side-lying hip abduction exercise for weakened gluteus medius?

BACKGROUND: Side-lying hip abduction exercise could be beneficial to improve the neuromuscular control of the hip abductor; however, there has been limited information available to determine the exercise load during the exercise. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of using external loads on the hip abductor muscles during side-lying hip abduction exercises in females with gluteus medius (GM) weakness. METHODS: This study enrolled 24 females with weakness in the GM. Electromyographic (EMG) data of the quadratus lumborum (QL) and GM muscles were recorded during the exercise under three load conditions: no-load, external load-1 (3% of body weight), and external load-2 (5% of body weight). RESULTS: During the exercise, the EMG activities of the QL were significantly different under all three conditions (p< 0.05), with greater activity observed in the external load-2 condition (92.05 ± 65.93% maximal voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]) as compared to the others, and in the external load-1 condition (82.47 ± 57.36% MVIC) as compared to the no-load condition (48.94 ± 45.09% MVIC). Furthermore, the GM/QL ratios showed significant differences between no-load (1.78 ± 1.47) and external load-1 conditions (0.93 ± 0.60), and between no-load and external load-2 (0.85 ± 0.45) conditions (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that greater load could be a factor to increase the QL activity during the exercise in females with weakened GM.

An 18-month follow-up study on the effect of a neuromuscular stabilization technique on Cobb's angle in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A single-blind, age-matched controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of spinal realignment and stabilization in scoliosis need to be examined. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the long-term effect of a neuromuscular stabilization technique (NST) on Cobb's angle in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. METHODS: Twenty females recruited from two hospitals participated in this study. On the basis of convenience of location, participants were allocated to either the experimental group (EG) that underwent the NST, or the control group (CG) that received education for a home exercise program. The NST for the EG was performed for an average of 30 min per session, three times a week for six months, and consisted of spinal realignment and stabilization. Then, 12- and 18-month measurements for long-term follow-ups were conducted for the EG. The outcome measure was Cobb's angle. RESULTS: Between-group comparison revealed a statistically significant difference at post-test (t=-3.26, p< 0.01) but not pre-test (t=-1.36, p= 0.19). Participants of the EG (-6.20 ± 2.49∘) showed greater differences between pre- and post-test scores compared to participants of the CG (-1.40 ± 0.52∘) (p< 0.05). Within-group comparisons showed a significant difference in both groups (p< 0.05). In the EG, Cobb's angle significantly changed across the follow-up sessions (p< 0.05), indicating more improvements by the 12-month (8.50 ± 4.03∘) and 18-month (6.60 ± 3.89∘) follow-ups. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the NST may be a beneficial option to correct spinal alignments in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Effects of patient-specific mobility therapy for TMJ, neck, and shoulder dysfunction after submandibular gland tumor surgery: a case report.

Aims: This case report describes a patient-specific mobility therapy (PSMT) program to restore range of motion (ROM) and overcome functional limitations of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), neck, and shoulder in a 48-year-old man who underwent submandibular gland tumor surgery.Methods: The patient also received transcutaneous electrical stimulation and ultrasound to relieve pain. Treatment was provided four sessions per week for four weeks. The measured outcomes included the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), and mobility of the TMJ, neck, and shoulder.Outcomes: The ROM of the TMJ, neck, and shoulder improved from 4.00 mm to 21.00 mm, 1.67 cm to 6.40 cm, and 9.75° to 56.00°, respectively, during the 1st intervention phase when compared with the baseline phase, and these gains were also maintained in the later phases. Furthermore, the NDI and PSFS scores improved by 12.75 points (24.50 to 11.75) and 5.25 points (2.00 to 7.25), respectively.Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the success of PSMT in conjunction with transcutaneous electrical stimulation and ultrasound in alleviating pain and improving targeted impairments for this patient following submandibular gland tumor surgery.