Effectiveness of Home-based rehabilitation in improving physical function of persons with Stroke and other physical disability: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: A significant number of people with physical disabilities in the world, especially in most developing countries face a lot of impediments. There is a dearth of literature describing the consensus of effectiveness of home-based rehabilitation programs designed specifically for people living with different types of physical disabilities resulting from stroke, Parkinson's and other musculoskeletal conditions. OBJECTIVE: To determine if home-based rehabilitation is effective in improving physical function of people with physical disabilities. METHOD: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was done. An electronic search of the literature was done by PubMed, Cochrane Library, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature from 1990 to March 2018 to identify full text, peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials, Published in English. Selected randomized controlled trials were critically appraised with 11 items Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale scores extracted from the Physiotherapy Evidence Database and studies were included if the cutoff of 5 points was reached on Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale score. RESULTS: Nine randomized controlled trials met the preset eligibility criteria. This systematic review found that there is the consistency of findings among the included studies which showed that home-based rehabilitation is an effective option for people with physical disabilities. CONCLUSION: Home-based rehabilitation is not superior to hospital-based rehabilitation in improving nearly all patient outcomes assessed. However, home-based exercise programs require patient enthusiasm and regular follow-up to yield positive outcomes.

Systematic Review on Effectiveness of shoulder taping in Hemiplegia.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain and subluxation are the commonly encountered problems among subjects with hemiplegia. Rehabilitating the shoulder following stroke is a challenging task among physiotherapists in rehabilitation set up. There is a need to validate the effectiveness of externally applied taping materials in hemiplegic shoulder. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review analyses the efficacy of taping on hemiplegic shoulder in terms of alleviating pain and managing subluxation. METHODS: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to determine the effects of taping on hemiplegic shoulder. Articles were electronically searched from the year 2000 to 2017 in the 4 databases, Google scholar, CINAHL, Pubmed, and Pedro. Reviewers graded the papers according to Lloyd-Smith's hierarchy of evidence scale. Papers were quality appraised using a systematic review of RCT tool developed by National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (United States), named as quality assessment of controlled intervention studies tool. RESULTS: Eight papers were included, totaling 132 participants. All the RCT's included in this review were good quality. There was a significant effect on taping method for reduction of pain and subluxation among subjects with stroke. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review provides sufficient evidence to suggest taping is a beneficial method for reducing pain and shoulder subluxation among stroke subjects.

Effect of Aerobic Exercises in Improving Premenstrual Symptoms Among Healthy Women: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Premenstrual symptoms in women of reproductive age are associated with substantial distress and functional impairments. A healthy lifestyle is the first step to manage premenstrual symptoms. Recreational physical activities have been recommended as an alternative to medical management in easing premenstrual symptoms. Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to analyze the effects of aerobic exercises in improving premenstrual symptoms among healthy women. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from inception to February 2022, were searched using keywords in electronic databases such as, SCOPUS, PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane and web of science. RCTs published in English, comparing the effects of aerobic exercise with other interventions or controls were included. PEDro scale and Cochrane collaboration tool for risk of bias was used to assess the methodological quality of included trials. Data from the included study and the participant's characteristics, interventions, outcome and results were extracted. Results: Five RCTs with 492 participants were included in this systematic review. Methodological quality assessed by PEDro (4.8/10) and Cochrane collaboration tool for risk of bias were moderate. Allocation concealment, blinding of participants and outcome assessors were the most common bias in all included studies. Walking, swimming and running were the common aerobic exercises performed in the RCTs. Aerobic exercise is effective in improving physical physiological symptoms among women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Conclusion: Aerobic exercises are effective in improving premenstrual symptoms. This review provides moderate evidence for improving hematological parameters during PMS. Further RCTs with long term follow up and quality of life would consolidate our findings.

Effect of scapular stabilization exercise program in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome: a systematic review.

Scapular stabilization approaches have been a mainstay of therapeutic training programs in the recent past for patients with subacromial im-pingement syndrome, whereas its contributions solely in the clinical outcome of reducing shoulder pain and disability are largely unclear. This systematic review aims to evaluate and summarize the best evi-dence regarding the role of scapular stabilization interventions in allevi-ating shoulder dysfunction among subjects with subacromial impinge-ment syndrome. Six reviewers involved in this systematic review. Liter-ature was retrieved systematically through searching 5 electronic data-bases (PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Google Scholar). Articles published from the year 2010 up to and including 2019 were in-cluded. The literature search included clinical trials those intervened subjects with scapular exercises or scapular stabilization exercises or scapular rehabilitation, as an intervention for subacromial impingement syndrome. Seven studies, totaling 228 participants were included in this systematic review. Articles included in this review were graded ac-cording to Lloyd-Smith hierarchy of evidence scale and critically ap-praised with a tool developed by National, Heart, Lung and Blood Insti-tute (United States), named as quality assessment of controlled inter-vention studies tool. There was a significant effect on the scapular sta-bilization exercise program on improving pain and disability among sub-jects with subacromial impingement syndrome. This systematic review provides sufficient evidence to suggest that scapular stabilization exer-cises offers effectiveness in reducing pain and disability among sub-jects with subacromial impingement syndrome. However, more trials with larger sample are needed to provide a more definitive evidence on the clinical outcomes of scapular stabilization exercises among pa-tients with impingement.

Effects of trunk exercise with physioball to improve trunk balance among subjects with stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Poststroke subjects present with difficulties of reduced functional mobility and balance. Trunk impairment is common among stroke subjects which hinder the performance of upper and lower limb. In poststroke rehabilitation limbs are provided much attention than the trunk. Trunk function has been identified as an important early predictor of functional outcome after stroke. Physioball is commonly used among healthy subjects in performing trunk exercises. This systematic review with meta-analysis is conducted to investigate the effect of trunk exercises performed using physioball in improving trunk performance after stroke. Six authors identified relevant articles from the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL (Cumulative Index and Nursing and Allied Health Literature), PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database). Articles evaluating the effect of physioball exercise for improving trunk stability among stroke subjects were included. Databases were screened from 2009 and up to 2019. Qualitative synthesis of evidence was prepared and meta-analysis was implemented to draw pooled effects of physioball exercise on improving trunk performance and balance among stroke subjects. Eight papers were included, totaling 273 participants. All the articles included in this review demonstrated moderate to good quality. Meta-analysis performed with seven papers demonstrated statistical significance of physioball in improving trunk performance during acute and subacute stages of stroke. Brunnel Balance Assessment outcomes demonstrated statistically significant improvement of balance among overall stroke survivors. Trunk exercise performed over a physioball is effective during the acute and subacute stage. This meta-analysis could not find its significant effect in improving trunk performance in the chronic stages.

Improving walking via real-time visual feedback after stroke in treadmill training (RE-VISIT): a protocol for randomized controlled trial / Melhorando a caminhada por meio de feedback visual em tempo real após acidente vascular cerebral em treinamento em esteira (RE-VISIT): um protocolo para ensaio clínico randomizado

BACKGROUND: After a stroke, most patients often suffer reduced walking ability and balance. Restoring walking ability and improving balance are major goals of stroke rehabilitation. Treadmills are often used in clinical setups to achieve these goals. Adding dimensions to the visual feedback in addition to the mirror for real-time frontal view is proven to enhance the gait. It is, therefore, important to design additional real-time visual feedback in treadmill training, in particular for the sagittal view involved side. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to test if the real-time sagittal visual feedback during treadmill training is superior to the conventional mirror feedback treadmill training program of equivalent intensity in improving walking speed and balance after stroke. METHODS/DESIGN: The RE-VISIT trial (Real-time Visual feedback after Stroke in Treadmill training) is registered in the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2023/10/058299). In this two-arm randomized control trial, which will be a single-blinded study, 42 eligible stroke survivors undergoing rehabilitation will be randomly allocated (1:1 ratio) to either real-time visual sagittal feedback along with front mirror (experimental) group or only front mirror treadmill training (control) group, all the participants will receive 15 sessions of treadmill training for up to 15 min at a safe self-selected speed over 5-6 weeks. The RE-VISIT (experimental) group will receive real-time, visual sagittal view feedback of the involved lower limb trajectory along with the routine front mirror view during treadmill training and will be asked to modify their gait pattern. The control group will receive treadmill walking training only with the routine front mirror view feedback. Clinical and gait assessments will be conducted at the baseline, immediately following the final session of training, and at the 9th week during follow-up. The outcome measures of interest are walking speed (primary) and balance (secondary), which will be measured prior to baseline, post 15 sessions of training, and at the 9th week following training. DISCUSSION: This REVISIT trial will provide insight and contribute to the existing innovation and modifications of incorporating realtime visual feedback during treadmill training in post-stroke gait rehabilitation. The findings will help the better designing of a gait rehabilitation program with a treadmill for post-stroke subjects to improve walking speed, and balance for those who have greater difficulties in community ambulation. We anticipate that those in the REVISIT training will demonstrate improved walking ability.

CONTEXTO: Após o acidente vascular cerebral, a maioria dos pacientes frequentemente sofre redução da capacidade de caminhar e do equilíbrio. Restaurar a capacidade de caminhar e melhorar o equilíbrio são os principais objetivos da reabilitação do AVC. As esteiras são frequentemente usadas em ambientes clínicos para atingir esses objetivos. Está comprovado que adicionar dimensões ao feedback visual, além do espelho para visão frontal em tempo real, melhora a marcha. É, portanto, importante projetar feedbacks visuais adicionais em tempo real no treinamento em esteira, em particular para o lado envolvido na visão sagital. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é testar se o feedback visual sagital em tempo real durante o treinamento em esteira é superior ao programa de treinamento em esteira com feedback de espelho convencional de intensidade equivalente na melhoria da velocidade de caminhada e equilíbrio após acidente vascular cerebral. MÉTODOS/ DESENHO: O ensaio RE-VISIT (feedback visual em tempo real após acidente vascular cerebral no treinamento em esteira) está registrado no Registro de Ensaios Clínicos da Índia (CTRI/2023/10/058299). Neste ensaio de controle randomizado de dois braços, que será um estudo cego, 42 sobreviventes de AVC elegíveis em reabilitação serão alocados aleatoriamente (proporção de 1:1) para feedback sagital visual em tempo real junto com grupo de espelho frontal (experimental) ou apenas Grupo de treinamento em esteira com espelho frontal (controle), todos os participantes receberão 15 sessões de treinamento em esteira por até 15 minutos em uma velocidade segura e autosselecionada durante 5-6 semanas. O grupo RE-VISIT (experimental) receberá feedback visual em tempo real da visão sagital da trajetória dos membros inferiores envolvidos, juntamente com a visão rotineira do espelho frontal durante o treinamento em esteira e será solicitado a modificar seu padrão de marcha. O grupo de controle receberá treinamento de caminhada em esteira apenas com o feedback rotineiro da visão do espelho frontal. Avaliações clínicas e de marcha serão realizadas no início do estudo, imediatamente após a sessão final de treinamento e na 9ª semana durante o acompanhamento. As medidas de resultados de interesse são a velocidade de caminhada (primária) e o equilíbrio (secundário), que serão medidos antes da linha de base, após a 15ª sessão de treinamento e na 9ª semana após o treinamento. DISCUSSÃO: este ensaio REVISIT fornecerá insights e contribuirá para a inovação e modificações existentes na incorporação de feedbacks visuais em tempo real durante o treinamento em esteira na reabilitação da marcha pós-AVC. As descobertas ajudarão no melhor desenho de um programa de reabilitação da marcha com esteira para indivíduos pós-AVC para melhorar a velocidade de caminhada e o equilíbrio para aqueles que têm maiores dificuldades na deambulação comunitária. Prevemos que aqueles no treinamento REVISIT demonstrarão melhor capacidade de caminhada.

Falls among community-dwelling older adults in Ethiopia; A preliminary cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Falls among older adults is a common precipitating factor for unintentional injuries and represent a major health problem associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and health care cost in low-and-middle-income countries. The burden of fall in this population is well established in high-income countries and scant attention is given to this precipitating factor in low-and-middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with fall among community-dwelling older adults in Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among community-dwelling older adults of Gondar. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used across administrative areas. Six hundred and five households were selected proportionally using systematic random sampling technique. Physical measurement and face to face interview method were employed using a structured questionnaire for data collection. Data were analyzed descriptively and through uni- and multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy (n = 170, 28.4%; 95% CI 24.7-32.1) community-dwelling older adults reported having experienced fall in the past 12 months. Sex (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.24-2.95), low educational status (OR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.19-4.74), uncomfortable home environment (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.34, 3.04), having diagnosed medical condition (OR = 4.659, 95% CI: 1.20-18.02), and use of medication (OR = 5.57, 95% CI: 1.19-26.21) were significantly associated risk factors of self-reported fall in the past 12 months. Most outdoor falls are associated with females and participants aged below 66 years. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, more than 1/4th of the community-dwelling older adults experienced at least one episode of fall and about 60% of them reported recurrent falls. Identifying risk group and risk factors that could be modified so as to prevent falls in older adults deserves attention. Outdoor falls are usually attributable to modifiable environmental aspects and improvements in outdoor environment needed.

Impact of asymptomatic genu recurvatum on patellar mobility in young males / Impacto do genu recurvatum assintomático na mobilidade patelar em jovens do sexo masculino

BACKGROUND: Genu recurvatum is one of the most commonly presented lower extremity postural malalignments in individuals. Though genu recurvatum and its impact on impaired knee proprioception, anterior cruciate injuries and posterior soft tissue dysfunctions are reported, its association with patellar mobility is scarcely reported and warrants exploration. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the medial and lateral patellar mobility differences in adult young males with genu recurvatum and normal knee alignment. METHODS: The ethical approval for this cross-sectional study protocol was obtained and the study was conducted in Research Department of Alva's College of Physiotherapy and Research Centre, Moodubidire, DK, Karnataka, India. The study participants were recruited through an institutional-based musculoskeletal and sports clinic. The estimated sample size for this study was 174. A total of 87 young males with genu recurvatum and 87 young males with normal knee alignment fulfilling the selection criteria were enrolled in two groups. Participants' knee joint was examined by an assessor and individuals with > 5° knee hyperextension were assigned to genu recurvatum group, and individuals with knee extension < 5° from neutral were assigned to the normal knee alignment group. Further, the patellar glide test was performed to examine the presence of patellar hypermobility in both groups. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants in genu recurvatum and normal knee alignment group was 22.04 + 1.860 and 21.91 + 1.869, respectively. A significant higher proportion (86.2%) of participants with genu recurvatum identified with patellar hypermobility compared to normal knee alignment. Within the genu recurvatum subjects, 66.66& and 19.54% were observed to have medial and lateral patellar hypermobility. The odds for occurrence of patellar hypermobility in genu recurvatum was estimated to be 13.007 (95%, CI, 5.481 ­ 30.866), respectively. CONCLUSION: The study result suggests that medial patellar hypermobility is more common in individuals with genu recurvatum. Further study investigating on the mechanism contributing towards medial patellar mobility in genu recurvatum populations could validate the present study findings.

INTRODUÇÃO: Genu recurvatum é um dos desalinhamento posturais dos membros inferiores mais comumente apresentado em indivíduos. Embora o genu recurvatum e seu impacto na propriocepção prejudicada do joelho, lesões cruzadas anteriores e disfunções dos tecidos moles posteriores sejam relatados, sua associação com a mobilidade patelar é pouco relatada e merece exploração. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar as diferenças de mobilidade patelar medial e lateral em homens adultos do sexo masculino com genu recurvatum e alinhamento normal do joelho. MÉTODOS: O protocolo do estudo foi explicado e a aprovação ética para o protocolo do estudo foi obtida e o estudo foi conduzido no Departamento de Pesquisa do Alva's College of Physiotherapy and Research Centre, Moodubidire, DK, Karnataka, India. Os participantes do estudo foram recrutados por meio de clínica musculoesquelética e esportiva de base institucional. O tamanho estimado da amostra para este estudo foi de 174. Um total de 87 jovens do sexo masculino com genu recurvatum e 87 jovens do sexo masculino com alinhamento normal do joelho foram incluídos em dois grupos. A articulação do joelho dos participantes foi examinada por um avaliador e os indivíduos com hiperextensão do joelho > 5° foram designados para o grupo Genu recurvatum, e os indivíduos com extensão do joelho < 5° do neutro foram designados para o grupo de alinhamento normal do joelho. Além disso, o teste de deslizamento patelar foi realizado para examinar a presença de hipermobilidade patelar. RESULTADOS: A média de idade dos participantes do grupo genu recurvatum e alinhamento normal do joelho foi 22,04 + e 21,91 + 1,869, respectivamente. Uma proporção significativamente maior (86,2%) de participantes com genu recurvatum identificados com hipermobilidade patelar em comparação com indivíduos com alinhamento normal do joelho. Entre os indivíduos com genu recurvatum, observou-se que 66,66% e 19,54% apresentavam hipermobilidade patelar medial e lateral. Entre aqueles com alinhamento normal do joelho, 44,83% apresentaram hipermobilidade patelar. A razão de chances para ocorrência de hipermobilidade patelar no genu recurvatum foi estimada em 13,007 (95%, IC, 5,481 ­ 30,866), respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: O resultado do estudo sugere que a hipermobilidade patelar medial é mais comum em indivíduos com genu recurvatum. Um estudo mais aprofundado que investigue o mecanismo detalhado que contribui para a mobilidade patelar medial em populações de genu recurvatum poderia validar os resultados do presente estudo.

Correlação entre resistência de preensão manual e resistência muscular escapular em indivíduos assintomáticos / Correlation between hand grip endurance and scapular muscle endurance in asymptomatic individuals

INTRODUÇÃO: A atividade de preensão é uma ação diária essencial em casa e no local de trabalho, onde muitas vezes é necessário levantar e segurar cargas com uma preensão relativamente estática usando contração isométrica. A força e resistência muscular no aspecto proximal das extremidades superiores influenciam na função da mão, e indivíduos com força e resistência reduzidas são mais propensos a desenvolver distúrbios musculoesqueléticos relacionados ao trabalho. Uma boa resistência de preensão pode ser influenciada pela estabilização fornecida pelos músculos do ombro. Este estudo tem como objetivo determinar a extensão da correlação entre resistência de preensão manual e resistência muscular da escápula em jovens assintomáticos. MÉTODO: O tamanho da amostra para este estudo foi n = 62, com base em estudos anteriores. Indivíduos saudáveis, com idade entre 18 e 25 anos, de ambos os sexos, foram incluídos. Uma avaliação objetiva da resistência da preensão foi realizada usando um dinamômetro manual hidráulico, e a resistência escapular foi avaliada usando o teste muscular escapular. RESULTADOS: A análise de dados foi realizada usando o SPSS versão 20. Houve correlações positivas significativas entre as medidas de resistência escapular e a resistência de preensão palmar para ambos os lados (teste de correlação de Pearson, r = 0,612 (p < 0,001) e r = 0,524 (p < 0,001), respectivamente, para resistência de preensão da mão não dominante e dominante). CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: Os achados preliminares deste estudo sustentam que a resistência do músculo escapular exibe uma relação com a resistência da preensão palmar, sugerindo que o treinamento de resistência escapular pode ser um complemento eficaz no processo de reabilitação das funções da extremidade superior.

INTRODUCTION: Gripping activity is an essential daily activity at home and at the workplace, where lifting and holding loads with a relatively static grip using isometric contraction is often required. Muscle strength and endurance in the proximal aspect of the upper extremities influence hand function, and individuals with reduced strength and endurance are more prone to developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Good grip endurance might be influenced by the stabilization provided by shoulder muscles. This study aims to determine the correlation between hand grip endurance and scapula muscle endurance among young asymptomatic individuals. METHOD: The sample size for this study is n = 62, based on previous studies. Healthy individuals of both genders, aged between 18 and 25 years, were included. An objective assessment of grip endurance was performed using a hydraulic hand dynamometer, while scapular endurance was evaluated using the scapular muscle test. RESULTS: Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. There were significant positive correlations between scapular endurance measures and the hand grip endurance on both sides (Pearson correlation test, r = 0.612 (p < 0.001) and r = 0.524 (p < 0.001), respectively, for non-dominant and dominant hand grip endurance). FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The preliminary findings of this study support the notion that scapular muscle endurance is related to hand grip endurance, suggesting that scapular endurance training may be an effective adjunct in the rehabilitation process for upper extremity functions.

Effect of square stepping exercise for older adults to prevent fall and injury related to fall: systematic review and meta-analysis of current evidences.

Falls and fall related injuries become an emerging health problem among older adults. As a result a review of the recent evidences is needed to design a prevention strategy. The aim of this review was to determine the effect of square stepping exercise (SSE) for fall down injury among older adults compared with walking training or other exercises. An electronic database search for relevant randomized control trials published in English from 2005 to 2016 was conducted. Articles with outcome measures of functional reach, perceived health status, fear of fall were included. Quality of the included articles was rated using Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale and the pooled effect of SSE was obtained by Review Manager (RevMan5) software. Significant effect of SSE was detected over walking or no treatment to improve balance as well to prevent fear of fall and improve perceived health status. The results of this systematic review proposed that SSE significantly better than walking or no treatment to prevent fall, prevent fear of fall and improve perceived health status.

Reported influences of backpack loads on postural deviation among school children: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, a large number of students experience spinal pain quite early in life due to heavy school bag loads. Moreover, external forces in the form of school bags may influence the normal growth, development of children and adolescents, and also maintenance of alignment of their bodies, which can pose a huge threat to postural integrity under external load. Awareness about the appropriate load and placement of backpack is thought to be important in reducing musculoskeletal complications among children's. METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to determine the influence of postural deviations due to backpack load among school children's. Electronic databases were searched, and a reference list of retrieved articles were relevant to postural changes among school children with the backpack were screened. Reviewers graded the papers according to Lloyd-Smith's hierarchy of evidence scale. Papers were quality appraised using a modified Crombie tool. RESULTS: Twelve papers were identified for inclusion in this review. Methodological difference limited our ability to collate evidence. CONCLUSION: Most of the articles recommended that backpack load limit for school children should be 10-15% of body weight. However, the appropriate load limit for school children is limited due to lack of articles, the low hierarchy of evidence, and small sample size. This review constrains the use of published literature to inform good load limit of school pack among the school children.