Effects of cranio-cervical flexion with transcranial direct current stimulation on muscle activity and neck functions in patients with cervicogenic headache.

[Purpose] To present an efficient treatment regimen for patients with cervicogenic headache by comparatively analyzing the neck disability index (NDI) and cervical muscle activity after an exercise intervention. [Participants and Methods] Thirty patients with cervicogenic headache were assigned to the cranio-cervical flexion group (n=15) and cranio-cervical flexion plus transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) group (n=15). Intervention was administered for four weeks, after which the participants' NDI and sternocleidomastoid muscle activity were measured. [Results] The treatment group demonstrated a significantly greater change in NDI after the intervention compared to the control group. The treatment group also showed a significantly greater change in sternocleidomastoid muscle activity than the control group. [Conclusion] Our results show that applying tDCS during cranio-cervical flexion exercise can strengthen the sternocleidomastoid muscle more effectively while improving pain and associated functions in patients with cervicogenic headache. These results would contribute towards developing a more efficient treatment for patients with cervicogenic headache.

Effects of cervical stretching and cranio-cervical flexion exercises on cervical muscle characteristics and posture of patients with cervicogenic headache.

[Purpose] The present study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of changes in mechanical characteristics of cervical muscles and cervical posture in patients with cervicogenic headache following exercise program intervention in order to present effective treatment methods for such patients. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 30 patients with cervicogenic headache were recruited and 15 patients were allocated to cervical stretching exercise group and 15 to cervical stretching exercise and cranio-cervical flexion exercise group. After 3 weeks of exercise intervention, craniovertebral angle and tone (Hz) and stiffness (N/m) of the suboccipital and upper trapezius muscles were measured. [Results] After the exercise program intervention, a greater amount of change in tone of suboccipital and upper trapezius muscles was found in the experimental group, as compared to the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Greater amount of change in muscle stiffness and craniovertebral angle was found in the experimental group, as compared to the control group. [Conclusion] Findings of the present study showed that cranio-cervical exercise was an effective form of exercise for changing muscle characteristics and posture in patients with cervicogenic headache. Such findings will be helpful in providing effective treatments for patients with cervicogenic headache.

The correlation between muscle activity of the quadriceps and balance and gait in stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between quadriceps muscle activity and balance and gait in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Fifty-five stroke patients (30 males 25 females; mean age 58.7 years; stroke duration 4.82 months; Korean mini-mental state examination score 26.4) participated in this study. MP100 surface electromyography, BioRescue, and LUKOtronic were used to measure the quadriceps muscle activity, balance, and gait, respectively. [Results] There was a significant correlation between quadriceps muscle activity (vastus lateralis % reference voluntary contraction, vastus medialis % reference voluntary contraction) and balance (limits of stability) and gait (gait velocity) but there was none between vastus lateralis % reference voluntary contraction, vastus medialis % reference voluntary contraction. [Conclusion] An increase in quadriceps muscle activity will improve balance and gait ability. To improve function in stroke patients, training is needed to strengthen the quadriceps muscles.

Study on the quality of life of children with cerebral palsy.

[Purpose] This study aims to analyze the factors that affect the quality of life of children with cerebral palsy. [Subjects and Methods] The study subjects were 138 children, aged 7-12, who suffer from cerebral palsy. Factors affecting subjects' quality of life were evaluated using the ICF-CY; quality of life was evaluated using the KIDSCREEN 52 - Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis was conducted. [Results] The factors related to physical functions that affect subjects' quality of life were mental function, sensory function and pain, genitourinary and reproductive function, as well as neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions. Factors related to activities and participation were learning and applying knowledge, self-care, interpersonal interactions and relationships, major life areas, and community, social and civic life. Lastly, factors related to the environment were products and technology, natural environment and human made changes to environment, and attitude. [Conclusion] In order to improve the quality of life of children with cerebral palsy, the compound effects of several factors should be comprehensively considered without being limited to a specific variable from physical function. And children should be provided with ample opportunities to participate in diverse activities and their physical functions, as well as the environmental factors, should improve.