Conventional Exercise Program Research Articles

Comparative study between aquatic therapy and land-based exercises in hemiplegic patients after stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to assess the effects of aquatic therapy in individuals with hemiplegia compared to those of a conventional land-based exercise program. This was a blinded, randomized controlled study of chronic stroke patients with hemiplegia. The participants were randomized in to aquatic therapy (experimental) or conventional therapy (control) groups. The aquatic therapy group conducted the exercise program in a swimming pool, and the conventional therapy group performed to an exercise on the land environment three times per week for six weeks. Both interventions focused on posture, balance, and weight-bearing exercises. Outcomes included the Berg Balance Scale, Brunnstrom scale, Motricity Index, muscle strength tests, Modified Ashworth Scale, Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke, Trunk Control Test and Functional Independence Measure. Also, postural sway was evaluated by using the variables of center of pressure displacements in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions. The findings of the present study show that the experimental group (26 patients) exhibited significant improvements in spasticity compared to the control group (25 patients) (p = 0.01). The conventional therapy group also achieved significant improvements (p < 0.05) in anteroposterior deviation, mediolateral velocity, and total velocity of center of pressure in a sitting position with eyes closed. Land-based exercises were more beneficial in the spasticity of chronic stroke patients.

Effect of Integrated Postural Training in Individuals with Text Neck Syndrome

Background: Text neck syndrome is a repetitive stress injury caused by prolonged use of electronic gadgets, particularly smartphones. With smartphone addiction surpassing internet addiction, it has led to increased musculoskeletal problems. Currently, symptomatic treatment for text neck syndrome includes neck pain, postural changes, and cervical proprioceptive errors. The condition is chronic and progressive, and timely intervention and postural correction are crucial to minimize early consequences in later life. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of integrated postural training in individuals with text neck syndrome. Methods: This study included 80 participants clinically diagnosed with text neck syndrome who were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were further divided into two groups, with Group A receiving a conventional exercise program and Group B receiving integrated postural training 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Pre- and post-assessment scores of visual analog scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), range of motion (ROM) of the cervical spine, tragus to wall test (TTW), Vernier Caliper measurements for rounded shoulders and cervical joint position error testing (CPJE Testing) were taken and the results were obtained by statistical analysis of the data. Results: The results of this study showed that there was an extremely significant improvement in neck pain, cervical ROM, forward head posture, and rounded shoulder posture in both the groups with a p-value of &lt;0.0001 except for the CPJE testing, which showed to be significant in the Group B with a p-value &lt;0.0001 as compared to Group A. Conclusion: The study concluded that integrated postural training showed significant improvement and has been beneficial in relieving pain, improving cervical range of motion, posture, and the cervical joint position error in individuals with text neck syndrome.

Effect of Structured Cardio-Respiratory Fitness Protocol on Physical Function and Performance in Geriatric Patients: A Quasi Experimental Study

Background: Exercise interventions have emerged as a promising avenue for mitigating age-related declines, particularly in the context of physiological changes such as sarcopenia and muscle strength loss. A recent study utilizing the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework underscored declines in physical functioning among older adults. Geriatric individuals commonly undergo cardio-respiratory changes and experience a decrease in physical fitness. This study seeks to compare the effects of a structured cardio-respiratory fitness protocol with a conventional exercise program on physical function and performance in geriatric patients, with a specific focus on the impact of cardio-respiratory fitness on overall physical function. Methods: Employing a quasi-experimental pre-test post-test design spanning six months, two groups of participants aged 50 to 70, encompassing both genders and with a BMI between 20 and 30, was included. The experimental group adhered to the structured cardio-respiratory fitness protocol, while the control group received conventional physiotherapy. Measured parameters included heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and Borg scale ratings. Pre and post-treatment data underwent statistical analysis. Results: Both groups demonstrated improvements in HR, RR, PEFR, and Borg scale ratings post-intervention. Notably, the experimental group exhibited significantly greater improvements in these parameters compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The structured cardio-respiratory fitness protocol yielded a significant enhancement in physical function and performance among geriatric patients. Recommendations for future research involve incorporating larger sample sizes, extended intervention durations, and personalized approaches to maximize effectiveness. This study contributes valuable insights into the potential benefits of structured cardio-respiratory fitness interventions for augmenting geriatric physical function and overall quality of life.

Effectiveness of Shoulder Taping in Treating Hemiplegic Shoulder Subluxation: A Randomized Controlled Study of 35 Patients.

BACKGROUND Shoulder subluxation in patients with stroke impairs recovery and quality of life. Kinesiology tape is elastic and water-resistant, is commonly used to prevent musculoskeletal injury, and is increasing in use for rehabilitation of patients requiring neurological or physical rehabilitation. This study included 35 patients with shoulder subluxation following stroke and aimed to compare outcomes from standard physical therapy with and without shoulder kinesiology taping. MATERIAL AND METHODS This randomized controlled study involved 35 participants. The patients were randomized into a shoulder kinesiology taping group (n=18) or sham taping group (n=17). All patients underwent a conventional rehabilitation exercise program 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Half of the patients underwent shoulder kinesiology taping, and the other half underwent sham taping. Pre- and post-assessment scores were recorded for all participants for shoulder subluxation distance (SSD), active range of motion (AROM), visual analog scale (VAS), shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), and modified Barthel index (MBI). RESULTS After the intervention, SSD, AROM, VAS, SPADI, and MBI improved significantly in the shoulder kinesiology taping and sham taping groups (P<0.05). Also, the shoulder kinesiology taping group showed more effective changes in SSD, AROM, VAS, SPADI, and MBI than the sham taping group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the shoulder kinesiology taping is effective in improving SSD, AROM, VAS, SPADI, and MBI in patients with hemiplegic shoulder subluxation.

Effectiveness of a high-intensity laser for improving hemiplegic shoulder dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial

Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is a common complication that occurs after stroke and has been reported in up to 84% of hemiplegic patients. One of the recommended treatment options for shoulder pain is high-intensity laser therapy (HILT). This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy on pain, function and hand grip strength in patients with hemiplegic shoulder dysfunction. Forty-four hemiplegic patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 (study group, n = 22) received 3 HILT sessions a week for three weeks in combination with three sessions of therapeutic exercise per week for three weeks, and Group 2 (control group, n = 22) received a conventional exercise program for HSP three times a week for three weeks. Shoulder pain was evaluated using the McGill pain questionnaire (MPQ), the functional outcome of the shoulder was evaluated with the University of California–Los Angeles functional scale (UCLA), and handgrip strength was evaluated with a hydraulic hand dynamometer. The increase in the UCLA scores and the decrease in the MPQ scores after treatment were significant in the study group (p < 0.001) as well as in the control group (p < 0.05) in comparison with the pretreatment between-group comparison. Additionally, the increase in hand grip strength was significant in both groups after treatment (p < 0.001). The study group showed significant improvement over the control group with respect to the UCLA score, handgrip strength, and MPQ score (p < 0.001). HILT combined with therapeutic exercise provides greater improvement than therapeutic exercise alone in terms of hemiplegic shoulder pain, dysfunction, and handgrip strength.

The effects of exergames on upper extremity performance, trunk mobility, gait, balance, and cognition in Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled study.

In recent years, game-based exercises have been included more in the rehabilitation programs of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and positive effects have been observed. This study aims to investigate the effects of innovative games particularly designed for neurological patients on upper extremity performance, trunk mobility and cognition in patients with PD. Twenty-three patients were enrolled in this randomized controlled study and randomly allocated into two groups: Exergames Program (EP) and Conventional Exercise Program (CP). Both groups received supervised physiotherapy sessions for 3days a week and 8weeks in total (24 sessions). Each session lasted 1h. Evaluations were applied before and after the treatment: 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT), Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Functional Reach Test (FRT), and Parkinson Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). Twenty patients were included in the analysis because of the dropouts. Our findings showed that both groups improved significantly in 9-HPT dominant side, MMDT, TIS, MDS-UPDRS, TUG, FRT, and PDQ-39 (p < 0.05). MoCA scores of EP group improved significantly (p < 0.05) while CP group's did not (p > 0.05). It was found that EP group had better improvements in 9-HPT dominant side, MMDT turning test, and MoCA than CP group when the differences in the changes within the groups were compared (p < 0.05). Game-based training can be a useful rehabilitation tool to improve upper extremities performance, trunk mobility, cognition, functional mobility, balance, and quality of life and may have superiority over conventional exercises in improving cognition and upper extremity functions. NCT05235880. Release Date: April 1, 2022.

Enhancing Quality of Life through a Supervised Cardiac Rehabilitation Program along with a conventional conditioning exercise program at home in Cardiovascular Disease Patients

Objectives: Debilitating day-to-day practices, including a sedentary lifestyle, increased unhealthy food consumption habits, no exercise, smoking, remarkably low HDL, and high cholesterol levels, lead to increased obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), affecting the quality of life. Supervised, steady, and long-term aerobic exercise training benefits cardiorespiratory fitness, psychological status, and quality of life. Therefore, the study’s objective was to determine the effect of cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) on heart rate (HR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and quality of life (QOL) in CVD patients.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The study followed a two-arm parallel group randomized comparative design. Thirty participants (n=15/group) with CVD (aged between 45-76 years) were randomly allocated to two groups (CRP vs. Control). CRP Group received the CRP and a conventional conditioning exercise program (CEP) at home and the Control Group received the conventional CEP only at home. The outcomes, HR, SBP, DBP, and QOL, were assessed using a sphygmomanometer and short-form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire’s physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scale, respectively. The t-test and Wilcoxon test were used to analyze between and within-group comparisons for all the outcomes scores, keeping the significance level α at 95% (p&lt;0.05) for all the statistical analyses.&#x0D; Results: The mean scores comparison of the outcomes, HR, PCS, and MCS, were found significant (95% CI, p&lt;0.05) within CRP and Control groups; however, SBP and DBP mean scores were found insignificant (95% CI, p&gt;0.05) within both groups, except DBP mean score which was found significant (p&lt;0.05) within CRP Group. Comparing the outcomes mean scores between the groups at four-week post-intervention, except PCS and MCS (95% CI, p&lt;0.05), HR, SBP, and DBP were found to be insignificant (p&gt;0.05). &#x0D; Conclusions: The CRP and conventional CEP at home together and conventional CEP at home alone were equally effective in decreasing HR and improving QOL in CVD patients. However, the CRP and conventional CEP at home together showed more effectiveness than the conventional CEP at home in improving the QOL in CVD patients.

Modified-constraint movement induced therapy versus neuro-developmental therapy on reaching capacity in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Upper extremity impairment is one of the complications in hemiplegic children. The purpose of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) is to improve the function of impaired arms and hands in these children. This study compared the efficacy of mCIMT and the approach of neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT) on reaching capacity in children with spastic hemiplegia. Fifty-two spastic hemiplegic children ranging in age from four to 6years were selected for this study from an outpatient clinic and biomechanical lab (Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, KSA). They were randomly divided into two experimental groups: group I received NDT and group II received mCIMT for the involved upper limb and restriction of the uninvolved arm movements for 12weeks (three times per week). Both groups received a conventional exercise program in addition to experimental one. Active elbow extension range of motion and three-dimensional motion analysis of the reaching task were measured before and after 3months of treatment. Significant enhancement in all pre-treatment and post-treatment outcomes was observed in both groups by a two-way mixed MANOVA; furthermore, Group II (mCIMT) showed the most significant improvement (elbow extension, percentage of reach to peak velocity, movement time and movement units) when comparing the post-treatment outcomes between the two groups (p<0.001). Addition of mCIMT to a conventional exercise was superior to adding NDT exercise therapy in promoting the performance of reaching pattern in hemiplegic children.

Motion tracking virtual reality technology in improving gait in the elderly: A randomized controlled trial

Objective This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of virtual reality-based treadmill training on gait performance and tolerance in the elderly. Design Two-armed randomized controlled trial. Setting The Medical Rehabilitation Sciences Department, Umm Al Qura University, Saudi Arabia. Participants Sixty Saudi elderly of both sexes, aged 65–75 years, were included. Interventions Participants were divided into two groups. The control group received treadmill training without virtual reality, alongside a conventional exercise program. The experimental group received a training program that was similar to the control group's exercises but with C-Mill virtual reality treadmill training. The program lasted one hour, three times per week, over four consecutive weeks. Main Measures The study assessed changes in outcome measures at baseline, Post-1 (after four weeks of training), and Post-2 (four weeks post-training). These measures encompassed the primary outcome, the 6-minute walk test (meter), as well as secondary outcomes such as stride length (meter), stride time (second), cadence (steps/minute), and velocity (meter/second). These parameters were evaluated using the GaitRite electronic gait analysis walkway. Results The experimental group showed better improvement in the mean values of the 6-minute walk test, stride length, stride time, cadence, and velocity compared to the control group at post-1 and post-2. The P-values were respectively at post-1 (0.019, 0.015, 0.041, 0.013, and 0.021) and (0.011, 0.025, 0.073, 0.061, and 0.017) at post-2 (all, P < .05). Conclusions C-Mill virtual reality treadmill training shows potential in improving gait parameters and walking tolerance in the elderly in Saudi Arabia.

Efectividad de una aplicación de telerrehabilitación para tableta en pacientes con fractura de extremo distal del radio

IntroductionTo assess whether, in patients with distal radius fracture feedback-guided exercises performed on a tablet touchscreen reduce healthcare usage and improve clinical recovery, more than the conventional home exercise program prescribed on paper. Material and methodsA multicentre, parallel, two-group, pragmatic, controlled trial with assessor blinding and intention-to-treat analysis. Forty-six patients with distal radius fracture were recruited in Andalusian Public Health System. Participants in the experimental and control groups received the same in-patient physiotherapy sessions. Experimental group received a home exercise program using the ReHand tablet application and control group received an evidence-based home exercise program on paper. The primary outcome was the number of physiotherapy sessions tallied from hospitals data management system. Secondary outcomes included: the face-to-face rehabilitation consultations with a physiatrist, and clinical outcomes such as functional ability, grip strength, dexterity, pain intensity and range of motion. ResultsThe experimental group required fewer physiotherapy sessions (MD: −16.94; 95%CI: −32.5 to −1.38) and rehabilitation consultations (MD: −1.7; 95%CI: −3.39 to −0.02) compared to the control group. ConclusionsIn patients with distal radius fracture, prescribing feedback-guided exercises performed on a tablet touchscreen provided by ReHand reduced number of physiotherapy sessions and rehabilitation consultations.

Exercise programs for scoliosis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a randomized-controlled study.

By improving core strength and stability, children with JIA can experience increased endurance, reduced pain, and improved posture. No study was found that investigated the effectiveness of 3-Dimension (3D) exercises in JIA. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of structured 3D exercises with that of a conventional exercise program specially planned for children with JIA who have scoliosis. This was a prospective, randomized-controlled study. Structured 3D scoliosis exercises for Group 1 (n: 25) and conventional exercises for the Group 2 (n: 25) were applied for 24weeks. The angle of trunk rotation (ATR) by scoliometer, scoliosis angle by Cobb angle, pain by a numerical rating scale (NRS), respiratory functions by spirometry, and perception of cosmetic deformity by The Walter Reed visual assessment scale (WRVAS) were evaluated. ATR, Cobb angle, and pain in Group I showed significant improvement compared to Group II. While the sub-parameters of WRVAS and increased significantly in both groups, the improvement in Group I was found to be greater between the groups. While FVC (%) and FEV1 (%) results within the group were significant in both groups. 3D exercises and conventional exercises are an effective and feasible method in the treatment of scoliosis in these children. Despite the curative effect of both methods, 3D exercises have been proven in this study to be more effective on Cobb angle, ATR, WRAS, and respiratory parameters.

Effectiveness of Circuit Class Training for Gait Parameters in Subactute Stroke Patients

Introduction: Mostly the CVA patient’s exhibit hemi paretic gait distinguished by unhurried and uneven gait pattern accompanied by faulty selective muscles power, retarded as well as changed balance reaction along with decreased weight bearing on the hemiplegic limb. Many studies have shown that use of walking aids, muscle strengthening, over ground walking, treadmill training and FES, are some of the available physiotherapy treatments to ameliorate gait in patients with stroke. Objective of our research program is to find out the difference between the efficacies of circuit class training versus conventional exercise program on gait parameters in sub- acute stroke subjects. Methodology: In this study using pre-post-test experimental design, 30 subjects with sub- acute stroke were assigned to 2 (groups A and group B) based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Each group shall contain 15 subjects. Group A receives circuit class training 1 hour per session on alternative days for 4 weeks and Group B received conventional training program for 30 minutes a day, for all days in a week, for 4 weeks, total sessions were 22-24. The outcomes are 6 MWT, DGI and SSQOL. The pre- and post- test values are taken on the first day and then after 4 weeks of treatment. Results: After the treatment there was an improvement within both groups. In the circuit class training group, there was an improvement after the intervention (P&lt;0.04) and conventional exercise therapy group (P&lt;0.03). There was no remarkable differentiation between these both protocols. The significance level between both the group was kept as P&gt;0.5. Conclusion: After the 4 weeks of the study the results reveals that the two groups (group A and group B) show marked changes in the gait parameters as well as the quality of life. However, when comparing circuit class interventions and conventional interventions there was no difference in the level of significance. So, our study concluding that both exercise protocols are effective and there is no significant difference between these both protocols on gait parameters and quality of life in subjects with sub- acute stroke.

Poster 180: A prospective randomized comparative study between isolated eccentric versus conventional exercise therapy in athletes with rotator cuff tendinopathy

Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of an isolated Eccentric exercise program versus Conventional exercise program in athletes with rotator cuff tendinopathy. Methods: The study included 80 athletes with rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy (diagnosed on Magnetic resonance imaging) presenting to author’s tertiary level institute. Patients were randomized into two groups of 40 each. The eccentric exercise group (n = 40, mean age = 26.4years ) received an isolated eccentric training combined with stretching, while the conventional exercise group received scapular stabilization exercises, concentric RC strengthening exercises and stretching. (n = 40, mean age = 25.2years). Patients in both groups fulfilled 12 week daily home based exercise program and received treatments twice a week for 3 months. Primary outcome measures were shoulder pain (a 0–100mm Visual Analog Scale; VAS) and function measured with the Constant Murley score and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Secondary outcome measures were isometric abduction strength in 45° in the scapular plane (Hand held dynamometer) and shoulder range of motion (forward elevation, abduction and external rotation). All measurements were taken at baseline, at 12, and 24weeks. There was no statistically significant difference in pre-intervention scores between two groups. The study was approved by Institutional Review Board. Results: After 24 weeks, both groups showed a significant decrease in VAS scores and DASH score and a significant increase in the Constant Murley score. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups for any of the evaluated outcome measures. In the EE group, there was a slight deterioration in both CM and VAS scores between 12 and 24 weeks, but this did not reach statistical significance. Both groups also had a significant increase in isometric muscle strength between baseline and 24 weeks. Conclusions: A 12 week isolated eccentric training program of the rotator cuff is as effective (but not superior to) as conventional exercise program for the rotator cuff tendinopathy in athletes.

Proximal to distal posture correction protocol for IT band friction syndrome in female amateur runners

Iliotibial band friction syndrome is an overuse knee injury that is more common in runners. In IT band syndrome, pain, and tenderness are present over the lateral aspect of the knee. It is more common in females because of physiological and anatomical factors. The objective of this research was to determine and compare the effect of proximal to distal postural correction protocol with conventional physiotherapy program for IT band friction syndrome in female amateur runners. This study included 150 female amateur runners with IT band friction syndrome based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then the subjects were randomly allocated into group A and group B by simple random sampling method. Group A was given proximal to distal postural correction protocol and for group B conventional physiotherapy exercise program was given. Outcome measures used were a visual analog scale, postural assessment, tenderness assessment by palpation and Ober’s test. Pre and post-assessment of the above measures was taken to conform the results. The results showed a statistically significant effect of the proximal to distal postural correction protocol as compared to a conventional exercise program for IT band friction syndrome in female amateur runners. There was a significant reduction in pain (&amp;lt;0.0001) in individuals in group A than the group B. Postural abnormalities in IT band friction syndrome were also significantly (&amp;lt;0.0001) resolved and the Ober’s test came as 76% negative out of 100%positive patients. Based on results, it was concluded that the proximal to distal postural correction protocol is effective in female amateur runners.

Physical and Affective Physical Literacy Domains Improved After a Six-Week Exergame Exercise Program in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Introduction: We investigated the effects of an exergames-based exercise program for older adults, and its benefits on their physical literacy (PL) domains, such as physical (mobility skills), affective (motivation and confidence), cognitive (knowledge about physical activity [PA]), and behavioral (daily exertion) when compared with a conventional exercise program and no training (NT) (control). Material and Methods: Forty older adults (mean age 72 years) volunteered and were randomized within three groups-exergame training (ET; n = 15), conventional training (CT; n = 14), and NT (n = 11). ET group performed training sessions based on a commercially available exergame console, while the CT group enrolled in a convention exercise program (aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility exercises). The training program was conducted three times a week for 6 weeks. The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Exercise Confidence Survey (ECS), Motives for Physical Activity Measure-Revised (MPAM-R), Knowledge and Understanding Questionnaire (K&UQ), and total PA tracking (using wearable technology) were used as the study's outcomes. Outcome variables were measured at preintervention (week 0), postintervention (week 6), and at the time of final follow-up (week 9). Results: We observed a reduction in the ET TUG time at postintervention and follow-up. Also, a significant main effect for group and moment of measurement was observed for the Fitness-Health subscore, derived from MPAM-R. The values demonstrated by ET and CT were statistically different (P = 0.01) and a within-group comparison revealed significant differences in the ET from preintervention to both postintervention and follow-up (both, P = 0.01). We did not observe any other significant difference. Conclusion: Our results suggest that a 6-week exergame-based training program may have the potential in improving the physical and affective domains of PL in community-dwelling older adults. The topics related to fitness and health seem to be of interest in this population and programs can make use of them to improve the PL domains.

Effect of Ankle Exercises in Preventing Ankle Sprain in Amateur Football Players: A Follow-up Study

Purpose: A lateral ligament complex injury to the ankle joint affects around 1 out of every 10,000 persons every day, accounting for a quarter of all sports injuries. As a result, injury prevention initiatives aimed at adolescents may have a greater influence on player health in the future. Materials and Methods: 74 people were screened, and 60 were chosen based on inclusion criteria to participate in the study. A total of 60 football players were separated into two groups, each with 30 players. Players between the ages of 10 and 15 years who had been practicing for at least 6 months were included, while players with previous ankle sprain injuries, as well as previous neurological and musculoskeletal problems, were excluded. The range of motion of the ankle joint was measured and demographic data were gathered. The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) was utilized as an end measure before the exercise program, after 4 weeks, and after 6 months of follow-up. Conventional exercises along with a conventional ankle exercise program were given to the two groups. Results: The severity of injuries in the experimental group was mild to moderate, whereas it was moderate to severe in the control group. The experimental group’s SEBT reach distance improved considerably after 4 weeks and 6 months of follow-up (p0.00001), but the control group’s improvement was not significant after 4 weeks. The control group showed considerable improvement after 6 months of follow-up except for anteromedial and posterolateral directions. Conclusion: The difference in SEBT reach distance between the two groups was significant in all directions; however, there was no significant difference in medial reach when the difference between the two groups was compared at post 4 weeks and 6 months.

Comparison between the Effects of Combined Conventional Exercise Therapy Plus Respiratory Exercise Program with Combined Conventional Exercise Therapy Plus Aqua Exercise Program on the Pulmonary Function of Subacute Stroke Patients

Comparison between the Effects of Combined Conventional Exercise Therapy Plus Respiratory Exercise Program with Combined Conventional Exercise Therapy Plus Aqua Exercise Program on the Pulmonary Function of Subacute Stroke Patients

Effectiveness of a telerehabilitation tablet app in combination with face-to-face physiotherapy for people with wrist, hand or finger injuries: A pragmatic multicentre clinical trial.

To evaluate whether, in patients with trauma and soft tissue injuries of the wrist, hand and/or fingers, an exercise program performed on a touchscreen tablet-based app reduces the consumption of face-to-face resources and improves clinical recovery, compared to a conventional home exercise program prescribed on paper. Pragmatic, multicentre, parallel, two-group, controlled clinical trial with blinded assessor. Eighty-one patients with traumatic bone and/or soft tissue injuries of the hand, wrist and/or fingers recruited in four hospitals of the Andalusian Public Health System. The experimental group received a home exercise program using a touchscreen tablet application and the control group received a home exercise program on paper. Both groups received the same treatment of face-to-face physiotherapy. Number of physiotherapy sessions. Secondary outcomes were the duration of physiotherapy and clinical variables such as functional ability, grip strength, pain and manual dexterity. The experimental group required fewer physiotherapy sessions (MD -11,5 sessions; 95% CI -21.4 to -1.4), showed a shorter duration of physiotherapy (MD -3.8 weeks, 95% CI -7 to -1) and had better recovery of grip strength, pain and dexterity compared to the control group. In patients with trauma and soft tissue injuries of the wrist, hand and/or fingers, an exercise program performed on a touchscreen tablet-based app in combination with face-to-face physiotherapy reduces the consumption of face-to-face resources and improves clinical recovery, compared to conventional home exercise program prescribed on paper.

Feasibility of implementing a supervised telehealth exercise intervention in frail survivors of hematopoietic cell transplantation: a pilot randomized trial

BackgroundPatients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) are at high risk of chronic health complications, including frailty and physical dysfunction. Conventional exercise programs have been shown to improve frailty in other cancer populations, but these have largely been based out of rehabilitation facilities that may act as geographic and logistical barriers. There is a paucity of information on the feasibility of implementing telehealth exercise interventions in long-term HCT survivors.MethodsWe conducted a pilot randomized trial to assess the feasibility of an 8-week telehealth exercise intervention in 20 pre-frail or frail HCT survivors. Participants were randomized to either a telehealth exercise (N = 10) or delayed control (N = 10). We administered a remote physical function assessment at baseline, followed by an 8-week telehealth exercise intervention (30-60 min/session, 3 sessions/week), and post-intervention. The primary endpoint was feasibility as determined by 1) > 70% of participants completing all remote physical functional assessments, and 2) > 70% of participants in the exercise group completing > 70% (17/24) of the prescribed exercise sessions. Exploratory outcomes included changes in gait speed, handgrip strength, and short physical performance battery.ResultsThe mean [standard deviation] age at study enrollment was 64.7 [9.1] years old. Twelve had undergone allogenic and 8 had undergone autologous HCT at an average of 17 years from study enrollment. Both feasibility criteria were achieved. Nineteen patients (95%) completed all remote study outcome assessments at baseline and post-intervention, and nine participants in the exercise group completed > 70% of prescribed exercise sessions. Overall, no significant group x time interaction was observed on handgrip strength, fatigue, body mass index, and short physical performance battery test (P < 0.05). However, there were significant within-group improvements in four-meter gait speed (+ 13.9%; P = 0.004) and 5-minute gait speed (+ 25.4%; P = 0.04) in the exercise group whereas non-significant changes in four-meter gait speed (-3.8%) and 5-minute gait speed (-5.8%) were observed after 8 weeks.ConclusionImplementing an 8-week telehealth exercise intervention for long-term HCT survivors was feasible. Our findings set the stage for innovative delivery of supervised exercise intervention that reduces the burden of frailty in HCT survivors as well as other at-risk cancer survivors.Trial registrationThe protocol and informed consent were approved by the institutional IRB (IRB#20731) and registered (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04968119; date of registration: 20/07/2021).

Effectiveness of Vestibular Rehabilitation in Improving Health Status and Balance in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a highly prevalent health problem whose main symptom is widespread pain, although it presents as other manifestations, such as loss of balance, that seem to mainly affect visuo-vestibular information. to compare the effects of a Vestibular Rehabilitation (VR) program versus those of a Conventional Physical Exercise (CPE) program on the health status of patients with FMS. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was performed. Patients with FMS were randomly assigned to VR or CPE programs. The protocols were performed in 40 min group sessions, twice weekly, for 16 sessions. Perceived health status, static and dynamic balance, verticality perception, confidence in balance, sensitization and kinesiophobia were measured at baseline, post-treatment and at the three-month follow-up and analyzed using an intention-to-treat approach. Forty-eight subjects were randomly assigned, of whom thirty-five completed the planned VR (n = 19) or CPE (n = 16) program. At the three-month follow-up, there were differences in physical health status measured with the SF-12 (mean = -4.36, SE = 1.88, p = 0.027), balance during walking (mean = 1.90, SE = 0.57, p = 0.002), the perception of verticality in degrees (mean = 3.61, SE = 1.51, p = 0.024) and the anteroposterior position of the center of pressure (mean = -7.88, SE = 2.80, p = 0.009), as well as a decrease in the number of falls (mean = 0.98, SE = 0.44, p = 0.033), favoring the VR group. Vestibular Rehabilitation can be as beneficial as conventional exercise in improving the state of health in patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome, providing additional improvements in physical health status, body balance, the perception of verticality and the number of falls.