Body Weight-supported Treadmill Research Articles

Effects of Exercise Interventions on Cardiac Structure, Function, and Mechanics in Individuals with Chronic Motor-Complete Spinal Cord Injury: An Exploratory Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) at or above T6 face increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks due to altered autonomic control and physical inactivity. Arm cycle ergometry training (ACET) or body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) may improve cardiovascular health, but the impact on cardiac structure and function remains unclear. Objectives: The study aimed to compare the impact of two exercise interventions on cardiac measures in individuals with chronic SCI. Methods: Participants with motor-complete SCI (C4-T6, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale [AIS] grade A or B) were randomly assigned to perform 72 ACET or BWSTT sessions. Left ventricular (LV) echocardiography assessments were performed pre and post training. Data were analyzed using a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance and effect sizes (Cohen’s d). Results: Twelve participants underwent analysis (6 per group), revealing significant Group (ACET, BWSTT) x Time (pre, post) interactions for global circumferential systolic and diastolic strain rate (SR) and early diastolic filling velocity (p ≤ .018; Cohen’s d > .8/ -.8). Within-group post hoc testing demonstrated a significant decrease in global circumferential systolic SR (p < .001, d = -4.00) and a significant increase in global circumferential diastolic SR (p = .025, d = 2.48) following ACET, with no significant differences following BWSTT. Although there were no statistically significant within-group post hoc changes (p > .58) for diastolic filling, there was a large effect size favoring ACET (d = 1.11). Conclusion: This exploratory study suggests that ACET alters LV mechanics and potentially diastolic function in a cohort of individuals with chronic, cervical or upper thoracic, motor-complete SCI. Conversely, no significant changes were observed following BWSTT. These findings indicate that ACET can improve cardiac function relative to BWSTT in individuals with SCI, though further studies are warranted.

Physical therapist burden delivering gait training for a patient with lateropulsion after stroke during inpatient rehabilitation: a single-case design

Background/Aims Gait training for patients with lateropulsion after stroke improves outcomes (eg reduced lateropulsion and improved function) but can be burdensome on the physical therapist. This study describes the physical therapist burden and performance of a patient with moderate lateropulsion during three gait training approaches during inpatient rehabilitation. Methods A physical therapist delivered gait training (one session each of overground robotic exoskeleton, overground supported walking, and body weight-supported treadmill training) for a patient with lateropulsion (scoring 8 out of 17 on the Burke Lateropulsion Scale). Outcomes were physiological burden (heart rate, metabolic equivalents, respiratory exchange ratio and energy expenditure), which were measured via a wearable metabolic system and perceptual burden (National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index) on the physical therapist. Patient performance (step count, time walking, time spent upright and time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity) was recorded. Results During overground robotic exoskeleton gait training, the physical therapist's physiological metrics included an average heart rate of 116 beats per minute (minimum–maximum: 98–127, time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity was 0%), average metabolic equivalents of 3.2 (minimum–maximum: 1.7–4.3), a respiratory exchange ratio of 0.79 (minimum–maximum: 0.70–0.93), an energy expenditure of 228 kcal/hour and a perceptual burden of 33.3. The patient walked 228 steps, spent 15.4 minutes upright, 8.7 minutes walking and achieved 0% in moderate-to-vigorous intensity. During overground supported walking, the physical therapist's metrics included an average heart rate of 145 beats per minute (minimum–maximum: 113–164, time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity was 87%), average metabolic equivalents of 4.7 (minimum–maximum: 2.7–6.0), a respiratory exchange ratio of 0.96 (minimum–maximum: 0.81–1.16), an energy expenditure of 343 kcal/hour and a perceptual burden of 60.8. The patient walked 588 steps, spent 19.6 minutes upright, 10.5 minutes walking and achieved 38% in moderate-to-vigorous intensity. During body weight-supported treadmill training, the physical therapist's metrics included an average heart rate of 112 beats per minute (minimum–maximum: 69–137, time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity was 34%), average metabolic equivalents of 3.9 (minimum–maximum: 3.2–4.4), a respiratory exchange ratio of 0.89 (minimum–maximum: 0.82–0.95), an energy expenditure of 281 kcal/hour and a perceptual burden of 32.5. The patient walked 682 steps, spent 16.0 minutes upright, 10.0 minutes walking and achieved 0% in moderate-to-vigorous intensity. Conclusions As concordance between physical therapist burden and patient gait performance was low in this study, future efforts to identify gait training approaches that minimise therapist burden while maximising outcomes for the patient with lateropulsion are necessary for the health of both. Implications for practice Physical therapists may consider advanced technology use such as overground robotic exoskeletons to reduce the burden during the provision of gait training for patients with lateropulsion. Gait training performance of patients with lateropulsion may vary across different gait training approaches with low correspondence to therapist burden.

Effects Of Body Weight Support Treadmill On Performance In Trained Distance Runners

Effects Of Body Weight Support Treadmill On Performance In Trained Distance Runners

Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation Enables Recovery of Walking in Children with Acute Flaccid Myelitis.

Limited research exists for use of transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS) in pediatric spinal cord injuries (SCI) to improve walking outcomes, especially in children diagnosed with SCI secondary to acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). This case series demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of TSS paired with gait training in children diagnosed with AFM. A total of 4 participants diagnosed with incomplete SCI secondary to AFM completed 22, 2-h therapy sessions over 5-8 weeks. TSS paired with body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) was provided for the first 30 min of each session. Changes in walking function were assessed through the 6 min walk test (6MWT), Timed Up and Go (TUG), 10 m walk test (10MWT), and walking index for spinal cord injury II (WISCI-II). To assess safety and feasibility, pain, adverse events, and participant and therapist exertion were monitored. All participants tolerated the TSS intervention without pain or an adverse response. Changes in the 6MWT exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for three participants and WISCI-II exceeding the minimal detectable change (MDC) for two of the participants. These results demonstrate that TSS is a safe and clinically feasible intervention for pediatric patients with AFM and may supplement gait-based interventions to facilitate improvements in walking function.

Passive bicycle training stimulates epiphyseal bone formation and restores bone integrity independent of locomotor recovery in a rat spinal cord injury model.

It is unknown whether activity-based physical therapy (ABPT) modalities that mobilize the paralyzed limbs improve bone integrity at the highly fracture-prone epiphyseal regions of the distal femur and proximal tibia following severe spinal cord injury (SCI). In this study, 4-mo-old skeletally mature littermate-matched male Sprague-Dawley rats received either SHAM surgery or severe contusion SCI. At 1 wk postsurgery, SCI rats were stratified to undergo no-ABPT, two 20-min bouts/day of quadrupedal bodyweight-supported treadmill training (qBWSTT), or hindlimb passive isokinetic bicycle (cycle) training, 5 days/wk for another 3 wk. We assessed locomotor recovery and plantar flexor muscle mass, tracked cancellous and cortical bone microstructure at the distal femoral and proximal tibial epiphyses using in vivo microcomputed tomography (microCT), and evaluated bone turnover at the tibial epiphysis with histomorphometry. All SCI animals displayed persistent hindlimb paralysis and pervasive muscle atrophy. Over the initial 2 wk, which included 1 wk of no exercise and 1 wk of ABPT acclimation, a similar magnitude of bone loss developed in all SCI groups. Thereafter, cancellous bone loss and cortical bone decrements increased in the SCI no-ABPT group. qBWSTT attenuated this trabecular bone loss but did not prevent the ongoing cortical bone deficits. In comparison, twice-daily cycle training increased the number and activity of osteoblasts versus other SCI groups and restored all bone microstructural parameters to SHAM levels at both epiphyseal sites. These data indicate that a novel passive isokinetic cycle training regimen reversed cancellous and cortical bone deterioration at key epiphyseal sites after experimental SCI via osteoblast-mediated bone anabolic mechanisms, independent of locomotor recovery or increased muscle mass.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study was the first to assess how quadrupedal bodyweight-supported treadmill training or passive isokinetic bicycle (cycle) training impacts bone recovery at the distal femoral and proximal tibial epiphyses in a rat model of severe contusion spinal cord injury. Our results demonstrate that passive isokinetic cycle training completely restored cancellous and cortical bone microstructural parameters at these sites via osteoblast-mediated bone anabolic actions, independent of locomotor recovery or increased plantar flexor muscle mass.

Effects of exercise on autonomic cardiovascular control in individuals with chronic, motor-complete spinal cord injury: an exploratory randomised clinical trial.

Secondary analysis of a clinical trial. To assess the impact of 6 months of armcycle ergometry training (ACET), or body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT), on autonomic cardiovascular responses to a laboratory sit-up test (SUT) in individuals with chronic (≥1-year post-injury) spinal cord injury (SCI). Tertiary Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver, Canada. Sixteen individuals with motor-complete (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A-B) SCI between the fourth cervical and sixth thoracic spinal cord segments, aged 39 ± 11 years, were assessed. Participants were randomized to receive 72 sessions of moderate-to-vigorous intensity ACET (n = 8) or passive BWSTT (n = 8). Changes in mean arterial pressure (finger plethysmography), hemodynamics (Modelflow® method), and heart rate/heart rate variability (HR/HRV; electrocardiography) were measured in response toa SUT before and after 6 months of exercise training. Spontaneous cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (cvBRS) was assessed using the sequence method. Neither ACET nor BWSTT impacted hemodynamic responses to SUT or the incidence of orthostatic hypotension (all P > 0.36). ACET increased HR (P < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.34) and high frequency (HF) power HRV responses (P < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.42) to SUT following 6 months of training while BWSTT did not. Consistent with this, cvBRS improved (P < 0.05, ηp2 = 0.16) only following ACET. Improvements in cvBRS were correlated with both the HR (r = 0.726, P < 0.0001) and HF power (r = -0.484, P < 0.01) responses to SUT. Six months of ACET, but not BWSTT, improved cardiovagal baroreflex control of HR but had no effect on BP responses to SUT in individuals with chronic, motor-complete SCI. Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01718977.

Effect of robotic-assisted gait training program on spatiotemporal gait parameters for ambulatory children with cerebral palsy: A randomized control trial.

Gait training programs are commonly used to improve gait in children with cerebral palsy (CP). To compared the effects of robotic-gait assistant training (RAGT) and conventional body weight support treadmill training (CBWSTT) on gait parameters among ambulatory children with CP. The study is a randomized controlled trial of 36 children (17 in the RAGT group and 19 in the CBWSTT group) aged 5 to 14. Gait training involved 30-to 35-minute sessions three times per week over eight weeks. Mixed ANCOVA showed no main effect of time or group on all gait parameters (P > .05). Gross motor function measure dimensions D (GMFM D) and E (GMFM E) show main effects on step width. Stride length, step length, speed, swing phase, and double support phase interacted with GMFM D and E. There was a negative correlation between motor function level and the change from baseline. Children with lower motor function show a greater change from baseline. There were no significant differences between CBWSTT and RAGT for children with CP; however, with gait training interventions, the level of motor function should be considered.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Body Weight-supported Treadmill Training Enhances Independent Walking of Individuals with Chronic Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with body weight-support treadmill training (BWSTT) for improving walking function of individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). A 4-week, double-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled pilot study involved 12 sessions of real (10Hz, 1800 pulses) or sham rTMS combined with BWSTT (15-20min, moderate intensity). Walking independence was assessed using the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II (WISCI-II). Lower extremity motor function (lower extremity motor score [LEMS]) and spasticity, sensory function, functional independence (Spinal Cord Injury Measure III [SCIM-III]), and quality of life were also assessed. Walking independence (WISCI-II) after the 6th session was higher in the BWSTT/rTMS real (n = 7) (median change (IQR): 3 (1.5 to 3.5)) than in the sham group (n = 8) (median change (IQR): 0 (0 to 0.25), but there was no difference between groups after 12th session (BWSTT/rTMS real median change (IQR): 4 (2 to 5); BWSSTT/rTMS sham median change (IQR): 0 (0 to 3.25). Compared to baseline, LEMS and SCIM-III mobility scores were increased after 12 sessions in the BWSTT/rTMS real but not in the sham group. Within- and between-group sensory function, functional independence, and quality of life remained similar. This preliminary result suggests that combining BWSTT with rTMS could lead to earlier gait improvement in patients with chronic iSCI.

The effectiveness of partial body weight support treadmill training on walking in people with cerebral palsy

Background: People with Cerebral Palsy (CP) face daily motor, sensory, and cognitive impairments that significantly impact their quality of life. This systematic review aimed to investigate RCTs regarding the effectiveness of treadmill walking with partial body weight support (PBWSTT) in individuals with CP. Methods: A search was performed in PubMed, Scopus and Research Gate. The study selection process was conducted by two separate reviewers. The quality of the final studies included in the systematic review was assessed using the PEDro scale. Results: Out of the 673 studies initially identified, 6 studies were included. The results showed that (PBWSTT) leads to an increase in scores on the GMFM scale, as well as improvement in walking pattern, speed, endurance, and rhythm. The method of PBWSTT in comparison to conventional physiοtherapy did not show better results, as the included studies in this review showed conflicting results. Conclusion: The effect of therapeutic exercise with partial body weight support has a positive impact on improving the gross motor function of patients with Cerebral Palsy. However, the question of whether PBWSTT is more effective than conventional physiotherapy and over-ground walking exercise cannot be conclusively answered yet, highlighting the importance of conducting further research in this field.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BODY WEIGHT SUPPORTED TREADMILL TRAINING IN IMPROVING THE LOWER LIMB FUNCTIONS IN ACUTE STROKE PATIENTS

Background: A stroke can profoundly affect the functionality of the lower limbs. It can greatly influence a person’s ability to walk and maintain balance. disruption of the brain’s ability to control muscle movements, which is often a consequence of a stroke. No published studies focused on Body weight-supported treadmill training in improving lower limb functions. However, body weight treadmill training has proven successful in improving the lower limb functions of acute stroke patients. Aim: To examine the effects of body weight-supported treadmill training in improving the gait and balance in acute stroke patients. Methods: A comprehensive research on Pubmed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases using specific keywords stroke, interventions used in stroke, lower limb functions, and physiotherapy evidence-based database was utilized for quality assessment. Results: This review included ten studies; the findings of this review demonstrate that body weight-supported treadmill training will improve the lower limb functions of acute stroke patients. Conclusion: The results of this review offer abundant proof that body weight-supported treadmill training improves lower limb function in patients suffering from acute stroke. KEYWORDS: Treadmill training with weight support, stroke, evidence-based practice, lower limb functions, and evidence-based physiotherapy

Which aerobic exercise is more effective in Parkinson's patients? Cycle ergometer versus body weight-supported treadmill.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise applied with bodyweight-supported treadmill (BWSTT) or cycle ergometer (CE) in Parkinson's patients. In the prospective single-blind study, 38 Parkinson's patients with Hoehn-Yahr Stage 1-3 were randomized into the CE and BWSTT groups between May 2019 and March 2020. Evaluations before and after six weeks of treatment included a six-min walking test with a software device as the primary outcome and functional balance tests (Tinetti balance and gait test, one-leg stance balance test) as secondary outcomes. Both groups received 40 min of aerobic exercise three days per week with conventional rehabilitation and various methods. CE and BWSTT groups were created. The aerobic exercise program was designed based on treatment recommendations for Parkinson's patients of the American College of Sports Medicine (CE test, with the Karvonen formula, 40-60% reserve). Posttreatment and pretreatment evaluations were compared within and between groups. The six-week aerobic exercise program was completed by 16 participants (9 males, 7 females; mean age: 65.9±8.1; range, 47 to 78 years) in the CE group and 15 participants (9 males, 6 females; mean age: 62.5±7.5; range, 49 to 79 years) in the BWSTT group. The demographic characteristics of the patients were similar. Primary and secondary outcomes were significantly different after treatment than before treatment in both groups. There were no significant differences between the groups in outcomes. The results showed that both methods are effective and not superior to each other. Aerobic exercise programs led by experienced clinicians can benefit patients.

The effectiveness of bodyweight-supported treadmill training in stroke patients: randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to assess the impact of conventional rehabilitation (CR) and the combination of bodyweight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) with CR on walking speed, endurance, balance, mobility, and the quality of life in stroke survivors. In this prospective, randomized, controlled, and single-blind study, 30 stroke patients were included (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT04597658 date: October 22, 2020). These patients were divided into two groups: (1) CR only (control group, n = 14) and (2) CR with BWSTT (experimental group, n = 16). Both groups received CR for 3 consecutive weeks, 5days a week, for 30min each day. The experimental group received an additional 30min of BWSTT per session. Patients were evaluated using the 10-m walk test (10MWT), the six-minute walk test (6MWT), the Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment Score, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), and the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL) before and after the intervention. Both groups showed significant improvements across all scales after the intervention. The BWSTT group exhibited particularly noteworthy enhancements in comfortable 10MWT and TUG scores (p = 0.043 and p = 0.025, respectively) compared to the CR group post-intervention. In conclusion, a holistic approach combining conventional physiotherapy with overground gait training can enhance various aspects of mobility. This approach offers a cost-effective and equipment-free alternative to BWSTT and necessitates specialized treadmill and bodyweight support systems, incurring higher costs. However, using BWSTT as a co-therapy therapy can be costly but provides additional benefits for enhancing functional mobility.

Design and analysis of plantar hydraulic control device for body weight support treadmill training

Design and analysis of plantar hydraulic control device for body weight support treadmill training

Effectiveness of Partial Body Weight-Supported Treadmill Training on Various Outcomes in Different Contexts among Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The efficiency of partial body weight-supported treadmill training (PBWSTT) for treating various conditions in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) in diverse contexts of rehabilitation, households, or schools is unknown. The major objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the effectiveness of PBWSTT on various outcomes in different contexts among children and adolescents with CP. We incorporated full-text, randomized controlled trial studies that specifically assessed the effects of PBWSTT walking, motor function, stride, balance, and endurance in children and adolescents aged 3 to 18 years with CP. The literature search was carried out using Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus, Scopus, PEDro, and ResearchGate databases. The methodological quality was evaluated using a Cochrane risk of bias instrument. A meta-analysis of pooled data from 10 studies with 255 participants demonstrated that PBWSTT for 4-12 weeks in rehabilitation (mean difference [MD] = 1.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.40-2.48, p < 0.0001), at home or in a school context (MD = 13.5, 95% CI = 13.9-16.0, p < 0.0001), was significantly effective for treating various conditions in children and adolescents suffering with CP. The period of 4-12 weeks of PBWSTT in rehabilitation and at-home/school settings is effective on various outcomes in children or adolescents with CP.

Feasibility of Body Weight Support Treadmill Training for Addressing Activity Limitation in Higher Thoracic Complete Spinal Cord Injury-A Case Report

Feasibility of Body Weight Support Treadmill Training for Addressing Activity Limitation in Higher Thoracic Complete Spinal Cord Injury-A Case Report

Glycine and N-Acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) Combined with Body Weight Support Treadmill Training Improved Spinal Cord and Skeletal Muscle Structure and Function in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury.

Skeletal muscle atrophy is a frequent complication after spinal cord injury (SCI) and can influence the recovery of motor function and metabolism in affected patients. Delaying skeletal muscle atrophy can promote functional recovery in SCI rats. In the present study, we investigated whether a combination of body weight support treadmill training (BWSTT) and glycine and N-acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) could exert neuroprotective effects, promote motor function recovery, and delay skeletal muscle atrophy in rats with SCI, and we assessed the therapeutic effects of the double intervention from both a structural and functional viewpoint. We found that, after SCI, rats given GlyNAC alone showed an improvement in Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scores, gait symmetry, and results in the open field test, indicative of improved motor function, while GlyNAC combined with BWSTT was more effective than either treatment alone at ameliorating voluntary motor function in injured rats. Meanwhile, the results of the skeletal muscle myofiber cross-sectional area (CSA), hindlimb grip strength, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) immunostaining analysis demonstrated that GlyNAC improved the structure and function of the skeletal muscle in rats with SCI and delayed the atrophication of skeletal muscle.

Characterizing Bodyweight-Supported Treadmill Walking on Land and Underwater Using Foot-Worn Inertial Measurement Units and Machine Learning for Gait Event Detection.

Gait rehabilitation commonly relies on bodyweight unloading mechanisms, such as overhead mechanical support and underwater buoyancy. Lightweight and wireless inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors provide a cost-effective tool for quantifying body segment motions without the need for video recordings or ground reaction force measures. Identifying the instant when the foot contacts and leaves the ground from IMU data can be challenging, often requiring scrupulous parameter selection and researcher supervision. We aimed to assess the use of machine learning methods for gait event detection based on features from foot segment rotational velocity using foot-worn IMU sensors during bodyweight-supported treadmill walking on land and underwater. Twelve healthy subjects completed on-land treadmill walking with overhead mechanical bodyweight support, and three subjects completed underwater treadmill walking. We placed IMU sensors on the foot and recorded motion capture and ground reaction force data on land and recorded IMU sensor data from wireless foot pressure insoles underwater. To detect gait events based on IMU data features, we used random forest machine learning classification. We achieved high gait event detection accuracy (95-96%) during on-land bodyweight-supported treadmill walking across a range of gait speeds and bodyweight support levels. Due to biomechanical changes during underwater treadmill walking compared to on land, accurate underwater gait event detection required specific underwater training data. Using single-axis IMU data and machine learning classification, we were able to effectively identify gait events during bodyweight-supported treadmill walking on land and underwater. Robust and automated gait event detection methods can enable advances in gait rehabilitation.

Comparative efficacy of 24 exercise types on postural instability in adults with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo compare, rank and evaluate the 24 exercise types that improve postural instability in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).MethodsWe searched the data in PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane library, and Web of Science from their inception date to January 23, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that aimed at determining the effectiveness of physical activity interventions on postural instability in adults with PD. This review focused on different balance outcome categories: (a) balance test batteries (BBS); (b) static steady-state balance (sSSB); (c) dynamic steady-state balance (dSSB); (d) proactive balance (PB); (e) reactive balance (RB).ResultsAmong 10,474 records, 199 studies (patients = 9523) were eligible for qualitative synthesis. The random-effects NMA model revealed that the following exercise training modalities had the highest p score of being best when compared with control group: body-weight support treadmill training (BWS_TT) for BBS (p score = 0.97; pooled standardised mean difference (95% CI): 1.56 (0.72 to 2.39)) and dSSB (1.00; 1.53 (1.07 to 2.00)), aquatic exercise (AQE) for sSSB (0.85; 0.94 (0.33 to 1.54)), Pilates for PB (0.95; 1.42 (0.59 to 2.26)). Balance and gait training with the external cue or attention (BGT_ECA) and robotic assisted gait balance (RA_GT) had similar superior effects in improving RB. The confidence in evidence was often low according to Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis.ConclusionsThere is low quality evidence that BWS_TT, AQE, Pilates, BGT_ECA and RA_GT are possibly the most effective treatments, pending outcome of interest, for adults with PD.

Body Weight Support Treadmill Training Combined With Sciatic Nerve Electrical Stimulation Ameliorating Motor Function by Enhancing PI3K/Akt Proteins Expression via BDNF/TrkB Signaling Pathway in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury

To investigate the effects of body weight support treadmill training (BWSTT) and sciatic nerve electrical stimulation (SNES) on motor function recovery in spinal cord injury (SCI) rats and its possible mechanism. Modified Allen's method was utilized for T10 incomplete SCI. The Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) score and modified Tarlov score were applied to assess motor function. Pathologic alterations of the spinal cord and muscles were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The positive staining region of collagen fibers was assessed with Masson staining. Immunofluorescence was applied to count the positive cells of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB). BDNF, TrkB, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt) relative mRNA and protein expressions were evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. On the 21st day of the intervention, the motor scores in SNES and BWSTT+ SNES groups were higher than that in SCI group (P < 0.05). Compared with SCI group, mRNA and protein expressions of BDNF/TrkB and PI3K/Akt were more significant on the 21st day of the intervention in SNES and BWSTT+ SNES groups (P < 0.05), but there was no difference in BWSTT group (P > 0.05). This experiment demonstrated that BWSTT combined with SNES contributed to alleviating spinal cord tissue injury, delaying muscle atrophy and improving locomotion. One of the possible mechanisms may be related to the regulation of the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway, which changes the expression of PI3K/Akt protein. Furthermore, it was discovered that the ultra-early BWSTT may not be conducive to recovery.

Effects of Different Exercise Modes on Gait Performance of Parkinson's Disease Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Gait disturbances are among the main symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) and can increase fall risk. In this study we aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of different exercise modes on gait indexes of PD patients. We conducted a review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in studies listed in Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrailS.gov, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases from their inception to October 23, 2021. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of exercise on gait index by using the Timed Up and Go test, (TUG), stride length, stride cadence, or 6Minutes Walking Test (6MWT). We used Review Manager 5.3 to evaluate the quality of the included literature, and we used Stata 15.1 and R-Studio for the network meta-analysis. We assessed the relative ranking of therapies by the surface under the cumulative ranking possibilities. In 159 studies, there were 24 exercise interventions. Compared with the control group, 13 exercises showed significant improvements on the TUG; six exercises were significantly better for improving stride length; only one exercise was better for improving stride cadence; and four exercises were better for improving the 6MWT. The surface under the cumulative ranking curves suggested that Pilates, body weight support treadmill training, resistance training, and a multidisciplinary exercise program were preferable for gains on TUG, stride length, stride cadence, and 6MWT. This meta-analytic review found that exercise therapies bring obvious benefits to gait indexes of patients with PD, and the efficacy of exercise therapies varied with different types of exercise and outcome indexes.