Conventional Exercise Program Research Articles

The effect of trunk training on trunk control, upper extremity, and pulmonary function in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A randomized clinical trial

Objectives: To investigate the effect of trunk training on trunk control, arm, and pulmonary function in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Design: A randomised controlled trial. Settings: Neuromuscular diseases clinic of university hospital. Subjects: Twenty-six children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy aged 5–16 were included in the study. Intervention: Participants were randomly allocated into two groups. The study group (N = 13) exercised with the trunk-oriented exercise program and the conventional exercise program, whereas the control group (N = 13) underwent the conventional exercise program for eight weeks. Main measures: The primary outcomes were trunk control was assessed using the Trunk Control Measurement Scale, the arm function was assessed using Performance of Upper Limb, and respiratory function using the pulmonary function test. Data collection was conducted at baseline, and eighth week. The differences in trunk control scores, arm function scores, and respiratory function values before and after the training were calculated for the intergroup comparison. Results: The mean age of the participants was 11.6 (2.6) in the study group and 10.6 (3.4) in the control group. The changes between trunk control score, arm function score (total and distal level score), and respiratory function value (Forced Vital Capacity, Forced Expiratory Volume in one second, and Peak Expiratory Flow Volume percentage values) were compared and significant differences were found after eight week periods in the study and control groups. Conclusions: Trunk-oriented exercise program in Duchenne muscular dystrophy might be effective for trunk control, arm, and respiratory function.

MO623EFFECT OF PLANTAR ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION DURING ROUTINE HEMODIALYSIS PROCESS ON THE DAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN ADULTS WITH DIABETES AND END-STAGE RENAL DISEASE - A RANDOMIZED DOUBLE-BLINDED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract Background Physical inactivity among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) is a long-standing clinical problem. While exercise could be beneficial, post-dialysis fatigue, limited time availability, and severe frailty to travel often lead to poor adherence to conventional exercise programs. To address this gap, we proposed testing an alternative therapy using intradialytic plantar electrical nerve stimulation (IPENS) provided during the routine hemodialysis process. Methods Participants were randomized into either an intervention group (IG: n=16, age=57.6±3.6 years, BMI=29.7±1.5 kg/m2, female=31%) or a control group (CG: n=15, age=63.5±1.6 years, BMI=29.9±1.6 kg/m2, female=41%). The IG received 1-hour IPENS during routine hemodialysis process (3 sessions/week) for 12 weeks. The CG was provided with an identical but non-functional device for the same period. Participants and therapy-providers were blinded to the group allocation. Daily life physical activity (e.g., cumulative postures including sitting, standing, lying, and walking; walking characteristics including step count, number of unbroken walking bout, and postural transitions including sit to stand and stand to sit) was monitored remotely at baseline and 12-week for a period of 48h using a validated pendant sensor. To determine the effect of intervention, we estimated Cohen’s effect size d. In addition, time effect, group effect, and time×group effect were estimated using general linear model. Results All participants in the IG tolerated the IPENS and completed all therapy sessions, indicating the feasibility. In the IG, we observed significant increase in time spent in standing (Cohen's d=0.8, p=0.039) and walking (Cohen's d=0.82, p=0.034), number of walking episodes (d=0.88, p=0.024), and number of postural transitions (d=0.93, p=0.018) with a decrease in the average duration for sit to stand transition (d=0.87, p=0.032) compared to the CG. Conclusions This is an ongoing study and our target sample is 100 eligible participants. This study provides earlier results on IPENS therapy's feasibility and effectiveness as an alternative to exercise programs to improve daily life physical activity among people undergoing routine hemodialysis process. If the results were held at a larger sample, we could recommend routine

The Effects of Exergame on Postural Control in Individuals with Ataxia: a Rater-Blinded, Randomized Controlled, Cross-over Study.

Exergame trainings might have therapeutic value in ataxic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exergame training with an exercise program on postural control by comparing it with traditional balance and coordination exercise program. Nineteen patients were randomly allocated to two groups. In the first group, exergame training and an exercise program (EEP) were applied together for the first 8 weeks; after 10 weeks washout, a conventional exercise program (CEP) was applied for the second 8 weeks. In the second group, the CEP was applied first followed by the EEP. Outcome measures were Limits of Stability test (LoS), International Classification Ataxia Ratio Scale (ICARS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Timed-Up and Go test with a cognitive task (TUG-C), Reactive postural control and sensory orientation subscales of the Mini-BESTest. Seventeen patients (mean age ± SD, 32.53 ± 11.07 years) completed the study. ICARS, BBS scores improved only after EEP (p < 0.05). While there was no change in the RT and MVL parameters of the LoS test after EEP, the MXE, EPE, and DCL parameters improved significantly (p < 0.05). The MXE and MVL parameters of LoS improved after CEP (p < 0.05). There were no significant improvements in the Mini-BESTest’s reactive postural control and sensory orientation subscale scores after both EEP and CEP (p > 0.05). The results of the present study demonstrated that exergame training can be used as a complementary training option in physiotherapy to improve postural control in patients with ataxia. ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier: NCT03607058

Efficacy of core stability versus task oriented trainings on balance in ataxic persons with multiple sclerosis. A single blinded randomized controlled trial

Background: Balance and ataxic symptoms are commonly encountered in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Many intervention approaches have been proposed to address balance in PwMS. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of adding core stability versus task oriented trainings on traditional approaches on balance in ataxic PwMS. Methods: Forty five ataxic relapsing-remitting PwMS from both sexes were randomly assigned into three identical groups. Control group (CG) treated with conventional balance exercise program; study groups I (GI) and II (GII) received respectively additional training using core stability exercises and task oriented trainings. Outcome measures recorded pre and post study period included stability index (SI), anterior posterior stability index (APSI), and mediolateral stability index (MLSI) using Biodex stability system in addition to the Berg balance scale (BBS). Results: Post treatment, the results indicated significant improvement in (SI) and (APSI) (p<0.05), and non-significant improvement (p>0.05) in (MLSI) and BBS in CG. In GI and GII there was a significant improvement in all balance measures (p<0.05). Comparison of post treatment results between groups indicated a significant improvement of GII compared to CG in all study measures, GI showed non- significant difference in all balance measures compared to the CG(P>0.05). Conclusion: In PwMS balance rehabilitation should be multimodal; core stability exercises and task-oriented training in addition to conventional balance training are effective to improve balance and should be considered as an essential part of the training program for balance rehabilitation in ataxic PwMS. Task-oriented training in addition to conventional balance rehabilitation seem to be a favorable approach.

Effects of a home based exercise intervention on cardiac biomarkers, liver enzymes, and cardiometabolic outcomes in CABG and PCI patients.

Background: We investigated the impact of a home-based exercise intervention (HBEI) on cardiac biomarkers, liver enzymes, cardiometabolic outcomes, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in clinically stable patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Materials and Methods: The study was a nonrandomized clinical trial conducted in Tehran, Iran, from July 2019 to January 2020. Forty cardiac patients (after the cardiac intervention, CABG, n = 32; PCI, n = 8) were recruited based on the study inclusion criteria and were allocated consecutively to one of two groups: (1) HBEI (n = 18) and (2) conventional center-based exercise program (CBEP, n = 22). The CBEP group performed the routine exercise program of Sadr Heart Clinic, and the HBEI group performed a home-based remotely monitored exercise protocol, both three times per week, for 8 weeks. The following variables were assessed before and after the intervention: anthropometric measures; blood pressure; lipid profile; cardiac biomarkers including cardiac troponin I, creatine kinase, and total and Mb isozyme; liver enzymes including aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase; creatinine; urea; exercise capacity; and HRQL.Results: In comparison with pretest in both CBEP and HBEI groups, a significant improvement in all of the measured variables (P < 0.05), but not in ejection fraction was observed (P > 0.05). Moreover, in the CBEP group, a more significant decline in troponin I levels (P = 0.03), and in the HBEI group, a greater reduction in weight (P = 0.01) and body mass index (P = 0.04) occurred.Conclusion: The findings suggest that a properly designed and monitored HBEI may be as effective as conventional center-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) exercise programs and should be encouraged in those cardiac patients who are unable or uninterested in conventional center-based CR exercise programs.

Whole Body Vibration for Athletes: An Evidence Informed Review

Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is a well-known modality which is increasingly being used by athletes to improve their conditioning levels. Muscle strength and power are major health related fitness components that contribute to marked success in athletic events. Recently, this exercise modality has been utilised by number of researches to investigate its role and efficacy in muscular conditioning. Muscle strength and power have been found to significantly increase when WBV is added to the conventional exercise program but the mechanism by which this strength and power increases has not been well documented. The present review aimed to highlight the impact of WBV on muscle strength, power, muscle activity, and the mechanism by which these gains occur in athletic populations.

Effectiveness of a Program Combining Strengthening, Stretching, and Aerobic Training Exercises in a Standing versus a Sitting Position in Overweight Subjects with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

There is an increasing incidence, prevalence, and burden of knee osteoarthritis due to a global increase in obesity and an aging population. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of the addition of aerobic exercises performed in an unloaded or loaded position to a conventional exercise program in overweight subjects with knee osteoarthritis. Twenty-four subjects were randomly allocated to receive 36 sessions of 30-min duration of either sitting aerobic exercises (experimental group) or standing aerobic exercises (control group). Pain intensity, knee disability, and quality-of-life data were collected at baseline and at 12, 24, and 36 sessions. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) were constructed for the analysis of the differences. Significant differences were found in the experimental group for self-reported pain and knee pain and disability at 24 and 36 sessions (p < 0.05). Significant between-group differences were observed in change in self-reported knee pain and disability and quality of life from baseline to 24th- and 36th-session measurements in favor of the experimental group. Adherence to treatment was higher in the experimental group. Adding aerobic exercises in an unloaded position to a conventional exercise program produced superior effects over time for self-reported knee pain, knee pain and disability and quality of life compared to loaded aerobic exercises in overweight subjects with knee osteoarthritis.

Isokinetic training - its radiographic and inflammatory effects on chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial.

Background:Isokinetic training (IKT) and core stabilization training (CST) are commonly used for balance training in musculoskeletal conditions. The knowledge about the effective implementation of these training protocols on radiological and biochemical effects in university football players with chronic low back pain (LBP) is lacking.Objective:To find and compare the effects of isokinetic training and CST on radiological and biochemical effects in university football players with chronic LBP.Design:Randomized, double-blinded controlled study.Setting:University hospital.Participants:60 LBP participants were randomized into isokinetic group (IKT; n = 20), core stabilization group (CST; n = 20) and the control group (n = 20) and received respective exercises for 4 weeks.Outcome measures:Radiological (muscle cross sectional area & muscle thickness) and biochemical (C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor -α, interleukin [IL]-2, IL-4, IL-6) values were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks (immediate effect).Results:The reports of the IKT, CST and control group were compared between the groups. Four weeks following training IKT group shows more significant changes in muscle cross sectional area (Psoas Major, Quadratus Lumborum, Multifidus and Erector Spinae muscles) and muscle thickness (Multifidus) than CST and control groups (p < 0.001). Biochemical measures such as C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor -α, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-6 also show significant improvement in IKT group than the other 2 groups (P < .001).Conclusion:Training through Isokinetic is an effective treatment program than conventional exercise programs in the aspect of radiological and biochemical analysis in university football players with chronic LBP, which may also help to prevent further injury. The present study can be used to improve the physical therapist's knowledge and clinical decision skills on LBP in football players.

Sleep Quality in Older Women: Effects of a Vibration Training Program

Background: Sleep is an important phenomenon to restore the body, both physically and emotionally, providing a state of balance in the person. It has been proven that adequate sleep at night is one of the main needs of older people in order to maintain an active and healthy life; among other factors, regular physical exercise can improve the quality of sleep. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effects of a physical exercise program supplemented with vibration training on sleep quality and the use of sleep drugs in women over 65 years of age. Methods: Fifty-two independent, physically active adult women were randomised into two groups: a physical exercise program (n = 26, control group) and the same physical exercise program supplemented with vibration training (n = 26, experimental group). The control group performed two weekly sessions of exercise, and the experimental group added another two sessions of vibration training to these two sessions for 12 weeks. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh index. Statistical significance was established as p &lt; 0.05. Results: After the intervention, there were significant changes to the quality of sleep (p = 0.001) and hours of sleep (p = 0.002) in the experimental group. The consumption of drugs decreased in this group, although not significantly; however, it did have a moderate effect size (p = 0.058; d = 0.36). The control group, on the other hand, reported significantly worsened sleep quality (p = 0.001) and increased drug use (p = 0.008). Conclusion: Three months of vibration training, as a complement to a conventional physical exercise program, improves sleep quality and reduces the consumption of sleeping pills in women over 65 years of age.

Effect of trunk stabilization exercise on abdominal muscle thickness, balance and gait abilities of patients with hemiplegic stroke: A randomized controlled trial.

Trunk stability has been identified as an important prerequisite of functional movement. To investigate the effectiveness of core muscle contraction training on abdominal muscle thickness, balance, and gait ability in stroke patients. Thirty patients with stroke were randomly assigned to two experimental groups and a control group. All groups received conventional therapeutic exercise program for six weeks. The experimental groups additionally trained trunk stability exercise with abdominal hollowing or bracing maneuvers within training time. Primary outcome measures were evaluated abdominal muscle thickness using the sonography. Secondary outcome measures were evaluated by the Functional Reach Test (FRT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 10-meter walk test (10MWT), and Timed Up and Go test (TUG). Compared with the control group, the effect of trunk stability training for the experimental groups on the abdominal muscles thickness change was observed (p < 0.05). The values in balance and gait measures, BBS, FRT, 10MWT, and TUG, showed significant improvement after the intervention periods (p < 0.05), although no significant differences were found in scores of gait and balance scales among groups. Trunk stability training with selective abdominal muscles activation has beneficial effects on abdominal muscles, balance, and mobility in stroke patients. Our findings might provide support for introducing stroke rehabilitation.

Effects of Wu Qin xi Qigong exercise on physical functioning in elderly people with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

Exercise therapy is a key intervention in the management of knee osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to test the 6-month effectiveness of Wu Qin Xi Qigong (WQXQ) exercise versus a conventional physical therapy (control group [CG]) on physical functioning in patients with early knee OA. This study was a 6-month follow-up from a randomized controlled trial. Participants with knee OA were randomly allocated to the WQXQ or CG. Data from the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, 6-Minute Walk Test, 30-Second Chair Stand Test, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, knee extension strength and knee flexion strength were collected before and after the 6-month intervention. Both treatment groups demonstrated large (20%-50%) and clinically relevant reductions in activity limitations, pain and knee instability, which were sustained at 6 months post-treatment. No differences in effectiveness between experimental and control treatment were found on Timed Up and Go Test, 6-Minute Walk Test, knee extension strength and knee flexion strength except for a higher Berg Balance Scale score (P = 0.029) and lower Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain score (P = 0.031) in the WQXQ group. Both WQXQ and conventional physical therapy exercise programs were highly effective in reducing activity limitations and pain, and promoting balance and muscle power. WQXQ was found to be more effective in promoting balance and reducing pain than conventional physical therapy exercise in patients with knee OA. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 899-903.

Older Adults' Perceptions of the Usefulness of Technologies for Engaging in Physical Activity: Using Focus Groups to Explore Physical Literacy.

Insufficient physical activity (PA) levels observed among older adults remain extremely high and pose a danger to developing and maintaining their physical literacy (PL). Each person’s level of PL partly depends on their physical and cognitive skills, confidence level, and degree of motivation to practice PA daily. New technologies, such as exergames and wearable fitness trackers, may enable older adults to increase their PL, stimulating uptake and ongoing PA participation. Objective: This focus group study aims to describe older adults’ perceptions of the use of technologies to engage in physical exercise programs. Methods: Fifteen participants were randomly selected from a sample of 40 older adults who completed a randomized controlled trial that investigated the benefits of using technology in the context of group-based exercise programs. Separate post-intervention focus groups were performed with an exergaming group, a conventional physical training group, and a no training group (control). Data were mapped onto constructs from the four domains of PL: affective, physical, cognitive, and behavioral. Results: Generally, participants expressed positive perceptions about the benefits of using technology to engage in PA. These positive feelings outweighed the costs and the lack of familiarization with technology. Common themes for the three groups emerged from the discussions and included familiarization with technology, using fitness tracker to monitor PA, previous exposure to technology, and interaction with peers, staff members, and relatives. In particular, participants from the exergaming group explored the ideas of training their cognitive skills while using the exergame accessories, exercising in an alternative way, competitive versus cooperative play, changes in sense of humor, skill transferability from game to real environment, progressions of the exercise intensities, and the potential use of exergames for rehabilitation. Conclusions: Participants in this study reported positive perceptions about implementing technology into exercise. Emphasizing the benefits of using technology in group-based exercise programs may increase older adults’ PL levels and their future technology adoption. The potential implementation of technology into conventional exercise programs should focus on older adults’ lifelong values, biopsychosocial conditions, and the possibility of reducing age-related risk of injuries and chronic diseases.

The natural course of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background and AimThe present study aims to describe the characteristics and long-term clinical outcomes of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Material and MethodsA total of 1308 individuals with NAFLD were seen in the Liver Diseases Outpatient Clinic. Diagnosis of NAFLD in each case was based on biochemical, radiological and histological criteria, when available. After diagnosis, all NAFLD patients were administered a conventional diet and exercise program. The median follow-up period was 55.3 months.ResultsAt the time of the diagnosis, the mean age was 50.8±11.3 years, and female gender was slightly predominant (51.4%). The median body mass index was 29.2±4.7 kg/m2: 39% were obese. Seventeen percent of the patients had diabetes mellitus, 53% insulin resistance, 60% hyperlipidemia, and 32% hypertension. Median serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels were 31 U/L (range: 10–248 U/L), 45 U/L (range: 10–285 U/L) and 41 (range: 8–1200 U/L), respectively. Liver biopsy was performed in 293 individuals. The median NAFLD activity score was 5.0, median hepatic steatosis 2, ballooning 1, lobular inflammation 1, portal inflammation 0, and fibrosis 0. Of note, 41.3% of the samples (121/293) revealed the presence of fibrosis and 31% of the samples (37/121) showed significant fibrosis. With multivariate analysis, diabetes and obesity were associated with the presence of significant fibrosis. Among them, 765 patients (M/F: 353/412, mean age: 51.0±10.9) had at least six months of follow-up. In this group, from baseline to the end of the follow-up period, a significant improvement in the serum AST and ALT levels was observed.ConclusionNAFLD is a potentially progressive disease. Diabetes and obesity were associated with the presence of advanced fibrosis.

Effectiveness of physiotherapy exercises on grip strength, muscular endurance, and aerobic performance in Indian judo players

BACKGROUND: The judo is the dynamic, high-intensity intermittent sport which needs advanced skills and military science excellence for fulfillment. Throughout the judo combat, strength and muscle power are associated with performance and judo-throw potency; therefore, the study aims to analyze the effect of physiotherapy exercises on grip strength, aerobic performance, and muscular endurance in Indian judo players. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental study design was used. The study participants were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 15) received physiotherapy exercises of grip strength training, muscular endurance training, and aerobic training for 3 days/week for 6 weeks and Group B (n = 15) received the conventional exercise program. Pre- and posttreatment analysis was recorded and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: A total of thirty players were recruited for the study. The grip strength of Group A improved from 13.98 to 19.28 (0.0001) for the dominant hand and from 10.66 to 16.26 (0.0001) for nondominant hand as compared to Group B from 12.92 to 13.59 (0.270) for the dominant hand and from 10.45 to 11.34 (0.135) for nondominant hand. The muscular endurance for sit-ups and push-ups of Group A improved from 10.2 to 17.2 (0.0001) and 13.47 to 19.93 (0.0001), respectively, as compared to Group B whose values were 9–10.13 (0.091) and 11.67–12.53 (0.155), respectively. The aerobic performance of Group A improved from 40.91 to 47.31 (0.0001) as compared to Group B from 39.26 to 40.16 (0.222). CONCLUSION: Physiotherapy exercises are effective for improvement in grip strength, aerobic performance, and muscular endurance among Indian judo players.

Exercises with action observation contribute to upper limb recovery in chronic stroke patients: a controlled clinical trial

Abstract Aims: To investigate the effects of an exercise program with action observation versus conventional physical therapy on upper limb functionality in chronic stroke subjects. Methods: In this controlled clinical trial, thirty-five stroke patients were divided into two groups, experimental group, comprising eighteen patients that received an exercise program with action observation; and a control group, comprising seventeen patients that received conventional exercise program. Functional recovery was assessed with the Fugl-Meyer Scale, manual dexterity was assessed with the Box and Blocks test, and the functional use of the affected upper limb was assessed with the Reach scale. Evaluations occurred at baseline, after three and six months of intervention. Statistical analyses were performed with the Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance and the Friedman test, under a 5% significance. Results: Both interventions provided benefits to chronic stroke patients. Exercise program with action observation presented better results on motor recovery (p < 0.001) and functional use of the affected limb (p < 0.001) when compared with conventional therapy. Both treatments improved the manual dexterity of the participants (p = 0.002), but in a similar way (p = 0.461). Conclusion: A six-month exercise program with action observation provided benefits on functional recovery and functional use of an affected upper limb in chronic stroke patients. Exercises with action observation demonstrated the potential for improving affected upper limb in chronic stroke patients.

Exercises using a touchscreen tablet application improved functional ability more than an exercise program prescribed on paper in people after surgical carpal tunnel release: a randomised trial.

In people who have undergone surgical carpal tunnel release, do sensorimotor-based exercises performed on the touchscreen of a tablet device improve outcomes more than a conventional home exercise program prescribed on paper? Randomised, parallel-group trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding, and intention-to-treat analysis. Fifty participants within 10 days of surgical carpal tunnel release. Each participant was prescribed a 4-week home exercise program. Participants in the experimental group received the ReHand tablet application, which administered and monitored exercises via the touchscreen. The control group was prescribed a home exercise program on paper, as is usual practice in the public hospital system. The primary outcome was functional ability of the hand, reported using the shortened form of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were grip strength, pain intensity measured on a 10-cm visual analogue scale, and dexterity measured with the Nine-Hole Peg Test. Outcomes were measured by a blinded assessor at baseline and at the end of the 4-week intervention period. At Week 4, functional ability improved significantly more in the experimental group than the control group (MD -21, 95% CI -33 to -9) on the QuickDASH score (0 to 100). Although the mean estimates of effect on the secondary outcome also all favoured the experimental group, none reached statistical significance: grip strength (MD 5.6 kg, 95% CI -0.5 to 11.7), pain (MD -1.4 cm, 95% CI -2.9 to 0.1), and dexterity (MD -1.3 seconds, 95% CI -3.7 to 1.1). Use of the ReHand tablet application for early rehabilitation after carpal tunnel release is more effective in the recovery of functional ability than a conventional home exercise program. It remains unclear whether there are any benefits in grip strength, pain or dexterity. ACTRN12618001887268.

The effect of Tai Chi on balance and functional mobility in children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss

Background: The aim of the study was to examine the effect of Tai Chi on balance and functional mobility in children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss.Methods: The study included 39 children, aged 10–14 years, with congenital sensorineural hearing loss. The participants were divided into three groups as the Tai Chi group, conventional exercise group, and control group. The Tai Chi group and the conventional exercise group received a 1-h exercise program twice a week for 10 weeks. The balance function of the children was assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale, the balance subtest of Bruininks-Oseretsky Test 2-Short Form, and the Functional Reach Test. The Timed Up and Go Test and the Timed Up and Down Stairs Test were used to assess functional mobility. The Wilcoxon rank, Kruskal–Wallis. and Mann–Whitney U-tests were used for statistical analyses.Results: When the pre-training values of the groups were compared, with the exception of the Timed Up and Go test, there was no statistically significant difference with respect to demographic data, balance, and functional mobility parameters (p > 0.05). After training, the overall balance and functional mobility tests improved compared to pre-training values in both the Tai Chi and conventional exercise groups (p < 0.05). When the post-training values were compared between the groups, with the exception of the Functional Reach Test and the Timed Up and Down Stairs Test, the results of both exercise groups were superior to those of the control group (p < 0.05).Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that Tai Chi and conventional exercise programs have positive effects on balance and functional mobility in children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss. However, no superiority of Tai Chi or the conventional exercise programs was determined over the other. Both Tai Chi and conventional exercise programs could be used to improve balance and functional mobility in children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss.Implications for rehabilitationTai Chi and conventional exercises are effective on balance in children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss.Tai Chi and conventional exercises are effective on functional mobility in children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss.Tai Chi may be added to the rehabilitation program for children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss.

Effects of task-oriented training on upper extremity functional performance in patients with sub-acute stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

[Purpose] The present study aimed to determine the effects of a task-oriented training on paretic upper extremity functional performance in patients with subacute stroke. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-eight subacute stroke sufferers (mean age: 50.07, standard deviation 9.31 years; mean time since stroke 11.11, standard deviation 6.73 weeks) were randomly allocated to task-oriented training (n=14) or conventional exercise program (n=14) group. They were trained as a hospital-based, individualized training 1 hour a session, 5 sessions a week for 4 weeks. Wolf Motor Function Test (primary outcome), motor portion of Fugl-Meyer assessment upper extremity, and hand function domain of Stroke Impact Scale were assessed at baseline, after 2 and 4 weeks of training. [Results] All participants completed their training programs. At all post-training assessments, the task-oriented training group showed significantly more improvements in all outcomes than the conventional exercise program group. No serious adverse effects were observed during or after the training. [Conclusion] Task-oriented training produced statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements of paretic upper extremity functional performance in patients with subacute stroke. These beneficial effects were observed after 2 weeks (10 hours) of training. Future investigation is warranted to confirm and expand these findings.

Effects of McKenzie and stabilization exercises in reducing pain intensity and functional disability in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain: a systematic review.

[Purpose] The purpose of this review is to compare the effect of McKenzie and stabilization exercises in reducing pain and disability in individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain. [Methods] A systematic literature review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were performed using 6 databases. The quality of reviewed articles were assessed by the risk of bias using the Cochrane collaboration’s tool. [Results] A total of 829 articles were found from the databases, of which 10 were finally selected to be included in this review. The overall risk of bias assessment indicated that the risk of bias was low in one study and high in the other nine studies. One study reported reduced pain and two studies reported reduced functional disability in the McKenzie exercise group compared to other exercises. Two studies reported reduced pain and three studies reported reduced functional disability in the stabilization exercise group compared to other exercises. In two studies, the stabilization exercise group was as effective as McKenzie exercise group in reducing pain and functional disability in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. [Conclusion] Only two studies compared stabilization and McKenzie exercises in the management of chronic nonspecific low back pain. Therefore, insufficient evidence is available to draw any conclusive comparison on the effects of McKenzie and stabilization exercises in chronic nonspecific low back pain. However, both McKenzie and stabilization exercises was better than conventional exercise programs in reducing functional disability in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Effect of Agility Exercises on Knee Symptom Status Among Patients With Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of disability due to limitations of joint movement and accounts for more hospitalisations which ultimately result in an increased health care costs. The present study was carried out to assess the effect of agility exercises on knee symptom status among patients with osteoarthritis. It was a quasi-experimental pre-test posttest control group design study conducted over a period of three months in 50 subjects who were diagnosed as having mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis attending outpatient department of physical medicine and rehabilitation, Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram. Basic socio-demographic and clinical data of subjects were assessed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Knee symptom status was assessed using WOMAC osteoarthritis index part-I. All the subjects meeting the inclusion criteria were assessed with both tools. Control group subjects were given range of motion and quadriceps setting exercises. Experimental group subjects were given demonstration of agility exercises along with range of motion and quadriceps setting exercises. All the subjects continued their prescribed medications also at home. Subjects were assessed after two weeks using WOMAC osteoarthritis index part-I. On statistical analysis it was understood that both groups were comparable on the basis of baseline sociodemographic and clinical data. There was significant improvement in knee symptoms among experimental group subjects (p&lt;.0.001). The results suggest that agility exercises can be included along with conventional exercise programme in patients with knee osteoarthritis.