Background Restoring gait is essential for stroke rehabilitation to support patients’ return to independent living. Objective To examine the effects of gait training using an active over-ground body weight-support walking system (GT-AOGBWSWS) on balance and gait in stroke patients. Methods In this RCT, 26 chronic stroke patients were randomized to either the GT-AOGBWSWS ( n = 13) or conventional gait training (CGT) ( n = 13) groups. Both groups underwent gait training—GT-AOGBWSWS with Andago ® and CGT—alongside a standard rehabilitation program, totaling 105 minutes daily, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG), and gait was assessed using the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) and 10-meter walk test (10MWT). Results Both groups showed significant post-intervention improvements in balance and gait ( p <0.05), though the GT-AOGBWSWS group had significantly greater improvements in BBS (18.82% vs 6.8%), TUG (13.61% vs 5.27%), DGI (15.18% vs 7.61%), and 10MWT (19.55% vs 3.71%) compared to the CGT group. Conclusions GT-AOGBWSWS shows promise for enhancing balance and gait in stroke patients. These findings highlight the potential of active over-ground body weight-supported walking systems as an effective intervention for stroke rehabilitation. Future large-scale RCTs are warranted to further validate these results and to explore the mechanisms and patient characteristics that optimize treatment outcomes.

Background The human feet are the first element of the biokinematic chain and have a significant effect on the functioning of the entire body. The most common foot deformities include hallux valgus and there is a correlation between hallux valgus and the occurrence of other pathologies in the foot and lower leg, including e.g. limited mobility of the joints of the foot and the ankle-shin joint. Surgery is the most frequently used treatment method for hallux valgus but according to the suggestion of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, patients should receive conservative treatments before surgical treatment which may also support the effects of surgical treatment after surgery. There are still no reports in the available literature confirming the effectiveness of kinesio taping and valgus splints in the treatment of hallux valgus. Objective Comparison of the influence of kinesio taping and a valgus splint on range of extension and flexion in the metatarsophalangeal joints and interphalangeal joints of the hallux, the ankle-shin joints and flexibility of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Methods A total of 113 women were allocated to 5 groups: group EKT (hallux valgus; exercises and kinesio taping), group EO (hallux valgus; exercises and valgus night splint), group E (hallux valgus; exercises), group C1 (no hallux valgus; no intervention) and group C2 (hallux valgus; no intervention). The rehabilitation programme lasted 12 weeks. Exercises were performed for 45 minutes twice a week, KT tapes were changed every 4 days and the valgus night splints were put on every night. The range of motion in the selected joints was assessed with a goniometer and flexibility tests of selected muscles were performed. Results Statistically significant improvements were observed in flexion in the left metatarsophalangeal joint in the group EKT group (p=0.02) and in the right foot in the EO group (p=0.01). With respect to flexion and extension, a statistically significant improvement in the left ankle-shin joint was observed in the EKT group (p=0.02; p=0.04). For flexion in the right interphalangeal joint statistically significant changes were observed for the EKT (improvement; p=0.01) and C2 (deterioration; p=0.04) groups. An improvement in the flexibility of the soleus muscle was observed in the EKT (left foot p=0.03 and p=0.00; right foot p=0.04 and p=0,01) and EO (left foot p=0.04; right foot p=0.04) groups. Conclusions All the assessed methods effectively improved several indicators in the surveyed women, but exercises combined with kinesio taping were the most effective.

Background As technology evolves, the market for wearable physical activity monitors has expanded exponentially. As the user base of activity trackers grows, ensuring their accuracy and validity becomes increasingly crucial. However, research in this field remains limited. Methods This study evaluated the validity and accuracy of Fitbit in measuring step count and distance during standardised treadmill walking (5.5 km/h) for 30 minutes. Comparisons were made with the gold standard of manual step counting. ActiGraph data was collected and analysed simultaneously as a comparator. Results Thirty college students (16 males, 14 females) participated. Fitbit demonstrated excellent agreement with manually counted steps (intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.81–0.96, p < 0.001). Overall Fitbit underestimated steps (mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) = 3.6 ± 0.03%) and distance travelled (MAPE = 10.5 ± 0.07%). Fitbit accuracy was higher in females (MAPE = 9.4 ± 0.07%) than males (MAPE = 11.4 ± 0.06%). A Bland-Altman plot between Fitbit and manual count presented less than 1% limit of agreement range (286.6 to −83.7). In contrast, ActiGraph lacked agreement and accuracy in step measurement in a controlled setting. Notably, gender differences may impact the accuracy in distance travelled but not in step counts recorded by Fitbit. Conclusions Our findings underscore the high validity and moderate-to-high accuracy of the Fitbit Inspire 2 in measuring step count relative to manual counting within controlled settings among young, healthy adults. However, Fitbit displayed low accuracy in measuring distance travelled compared to actual distances.

Background Chronic inflammation and fibrosis of the joint capsule in adhesive capsulitis (AC) may alter the neurodynamics of nervous tissues surrounding the capsule of the shoulder joint. Objectives The study was designed to observe the sensory response and neural tissue mobility during Modified Median Neurodynamic Test1 (MNT1), Radial Neurodynamic Test (RNT), and Modified Ulnar Neurodynamic Test (M-UNT) on symptomatic, compared to asymptomatic, upper limb patients with stage 2 AC. Methods This was an observational cross-sectional study. Assessment of neural tissue sensitivity was performed on 73 patients with stage 2 AC using M-MNT1, RNT, and M-UNT on both limbs. The type of sensory response produced during neurodynamic testing was recorded on the body chart and ROM of limited elbow extension (M-MNT1), shoulder abduction (RNT), and elbow flexion (M-UNT) was measured with a goniometer in degrees. The percentage of patients with positive tests (both abnormal sensory response and limited ROM) was calculated. After assessing the normality of variables, the intra-individual difference in ROM was analysed. Results Results of the study suggest that around 37% of patients had positive test responses for one of the modified neurodynamic tests. However, 67% of patients demonstrated significant differences in ROM between symptomatic and asymptomatic upper limbs. Conclusions About 37% of patients with stage 2 AC showed positive neural sensitivity response to upper limb neurodynamic testing. However, 67% of patients had restricted neural tissue mobility on symptomatic upper limbs.

Background There is a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of telerehabilitation in improving muscle strength, quality of life and joint mobility in adult cancer survivors. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of telerehabilitation in improving muscle strength, quality of life, and joint mobility in cancer survivors compared to traditional face-to-face rehabilitation. Methods PubMed, SciELO, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, PEDro, Scopus, and CINAHL databases were searched. We included randomized clinical trials that evaluated adults in cancer treatments using the telerehabilitation modality. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the PEDro scale, risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool, clinical relevance of interventions was interpreted with effect size, and evidence synthesis was determined with GRADE. Results Six studies that evaluated a total of 365 adult participants aged between 18 and 80 years were included. A moderate certainty of evidence for improving quality of life and low for improving muscle strength using telerehabilitation interventions was found. In relation to joint mobility, we were unable to assess the evidence as no studies were found that included this measured outcome. Conclusion Telerehabilitation was moderately effective in improving quality of life and has low effectiveness in improving muscle strength. It is recommended a telerehabilitation program with a frequency of 3 times a week and with a minimum duration of 3 months to obtain both preventive and positive changes in quality of life and muscle strength.

Background Track and field athletes engage in high-impact sports and their feet are subjected to a significant amount of force during jumping and sprinting; thus, there have been a greater number of foot posture deviations seen in these athletes. These forces have been revealed to contribute to musculoskeletal alterations and lower extremity malalignment up to the pelvis, which consequently causes uneven strains on the joints, inefficient muscle function, and impaired lower limb proprioception in the kinetic chain. Objective To find the influence of foot posture on pelvic inclination in collegiate track and field athletes using Foot Posture Index (FPI-6) and smartphone inclinometer. Furthermore, the study also aimed to compare the foot posture types among track and field athletes. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 56 track and field athletes within the age group 18–25 years from various colleges in Belagavi city. They were assessed using Foot Posture Index (FPI-6) to determine foot posture type, and smartphone inclinometer to determine the pelvic inclination. Results The results revealed a strong positive correlation between foot posture and pelvic inclination of the left side (r = 0.62) and right side (r = 0.70). Furthermore, higher FPI scores have been significantly correlated with higher degrees of pelvic inclination in these athletes. Conclusion The study concluded that there is an influence of foot posture on pelvic inclination in collegiate track and field athletes. Additionally, our study suggested that pronated feet have been associated with a higher pelvic inclination angle due to the existence of the kinetic chain.

Background Walking speed is a vital health indicator and predicts community ambulation post-stroke. Hemiplegic patients face difficulty walking independently due to many factors, including the higher energy cost of walking (ECW). Objectives To compare the energy cost of walking and functional characteristics between household ambulators versus community ambulators in chronic stroke patients. Methods From September 2022 to October 2023, 151 chronic stroke patients were screened in a university rehabilitation center for this cross-sectional study. Patients were divided into three groups based on the walking speed: Household ambulators (<0.49 m/s), limited community ambulators (0.49–0.92 m/s), and unlimited community ambulators (>0.92 m/s). Multiple outcome measures were used, including the Physiological Cost Index (PCI), Berg Balance Scale, and Trunk Impairment Scale. Results The household ambulators (Group A) consumed more energy than the limited community ambulators (Group B) p < .01 and unlimited community ambulators (Group C) p < .001. The energy cost of walking between Group B and Group C yielded no significant results p > .05; however, the Berg Balance Scale ( p < .05) and Trunk Impairment Scale ( p =< .05) were found to be significant variables among limited and unlimited community ambulators. Conclusion Our study provides evidence that chronic stroke patients in different ambulation groups have varying energy costs for walking. Balance control and trunk performance were significant predictors that differentiated between limited and unlimited community ambulators.

Background Total knee replacement (TKR) is the most common surgical technique for improving mobility, reducing pain, and improving quality of life in patients with end-stage osteoarthritis. The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is a reliable assessment for evaluating changes in the physical performance among TKR patients. The goal of the current study was to compare predicted 6MWT distance and the actual 6MWT distance among patients who underwent TKR. Objective The objectives are to assess the predictive model equation’s validity in individuals who had undergone total knee replacements and to determine whether 6MWT’s predictive equation is reliable. Method Using purposive sampling, 82 samples of people who underwent TKR after 3 months were included. Knee range of motion, knee muscle strength, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Score (KOOS) pain score, and 6-minute walk test were used in the prediction equation. The patients’ (actual) 6MWT distance was measured and compared with the predicted values. The validity (concurrent validity) and reliability (test–retest reliability) of the 6MWD predictor model equation were evaluated. Result The correlation coefficient (Pearson r) between the actual six-minute walk test and the predictor equation value was 0.85, indicating high concurrent validity and also high test–retest reliability with intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.9. Conclusion The predicted 6MWT model evaluated in this study is proved to be valid and reliable which can be used to determine the walking distance a TKR patient should achieve at 3 months post-surgery.

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide health concern that may advance to end-stage renal disease, frequently necessitating haemodialysis or alternative renal replacement therapy. This ailment substantially impacts quality of life; however, consistent exercise can assist in managing numerous issues associated with it. Nonetheless, views on the advantages and obstacles of exercise significantly influence exercise behaviour. Objective This study sought to investigate the perceptions of benefits and barriers to exercise among CKD patients undergoing haemodialysis in India. Method A cross-sectional survey was performed involving 323 haemodialysis patients, who were evaluated using the Dialysis Patient-Perceived Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale. Descriptive statistics were employed for the analysis of data. Results The findings indicated that the most commonly cited advantages of exercise included mood enhancement (91.38%), enhanced self-care abilities (87.69%), motivation for an active lifestyle (87.08%) and heightened appetite (84.31%). The predominant hurdles identified were lower extremity muscle weariness (63.69%), apprehension regarding heightened thirst (64%), persistent fatigue (73.23%) and insufficient information regarding exercise (65.54%). Conclusion Although acknowledging the advantages, the majority of patients did not participate in consistent physical activity. The study showed that although CKD patients undergoing haemodialysis recognise the beneficial effects of exercise, such as enhanced mood and self-care capabilities, obstacles such as exhaustion, thirst and insufficient exercise knowledge hinder their ability to integrate it into their daily routine.

Aim To explore student experience and learning in a simulated clinical placement for novice physiotherapy students. Methods A 1-week simulated clinical placement was designed to enable the students to meet the learning outcomes for their first clinical placement. Students’ performance was assessed using the Common Assessment Form (CAF), a nationally standardised tool. Students’ confidence was assessed. A sample of students were invited to participate in focus groups. Focus groups were analysed using King’s Template analysis based on four themes identified a priori: (1) Orientation, (2) Simulation environment, (3) Feedback and debriefing and (4) Instructional design. Results Twenty-nine students participated in the simulated placement. All students met the learning outcomes. Students’ confidence improved from mean (standard deviation) 35.2 (6.2) to 40.1 (10.0), p -value 0.04. Students felt they could have been better orientated to the simulated environment, and they did enjoy the experience and found the simulation environment non-threatening. There was important feedback on the design of the simulated placement which should be considered for future iterations of the programme. Conclusion A 1-week simulated clinical placement for novice physiotherapy students can enable them to meet their learning outcomes. Future research should focus on developing validated outcome measures to evaluate simulation in physiotherapy education.