Conventional Exercise Therapy Research Articles

Enhanced nerve function recovery in radial nerve palsy patients with humerus shaft fracture: a randomized study of low-frequency pulse electrical stimulation combined with exercise therapy.

To evaluate the effect of low-frequency pulse electrical stimulation plus exercise therapy on nerve function recovery in patients with radial nerve palsy after humerus shaft fracture. A total of 110 patients with humerus shaft fracture and radial nerve injury admitted to our hospital from January 2017 to December 2021 were recruited. They were randomized to receive either conventional exercise therapy (control group) or conventional exercise therapy plus low-frequency pulse electrical stimulation (study group) according to the random number table method, with 55 cases in each. Clinical efficacy, muscle strength recovery, nerve conduction velocity (MCV), amplitude, wrist joint, and elbow joint activities of patients were analyzed and compared. Patients with low frequency stimulation (LFS) showed significantly higher treatment effectiveness (89.09%) than those with exercise therapy only (69.09%). The incorporation of LFS with exercise therapy provided more enhancement in the muscle strength of wrist extensor and total finger extensor in patients when compared with a mere exercise intervention, suggesting better muscle function recovery of patients produced by LFS. Moreover, a significant increase in MCV and its amplitude was observed in all included patients, among which those receiving LFS showed a greater escalation of MCV and its amplitude. Following a treatment duration of 6 months, more patients in the LFS cohort were reported to achieve a wrist extension and elbow extension with an angle over 45° than the controls. There was no notable variance in adverse responses noted between the two patient groups. In patients afflicted with humerus shaft fracture and radial nerve injury, the amalgamation of exercise therapy with low-frequency pulse electrical stimulation can significantly improve clinical efficacy, promote nerve function, and muscle strength recovery, and features a high safety profile. The combination of exercise therapy and low-frequency pulsed electrical stimulation can notably improve the promotion of neurologic function and muscle strength recovery in patients with humerus shaft fractures and radial nerve injuries with a high degree of safety.Clinical trial registration:https://www.researchregistry.com, identifier researchregistry9461.

Effects of Yi Jin Bang versus conventional exercise therapy in people with subacromial pain syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

Background/objectivePrevious studies have indicated that mind-body exercises can reduce pain and improve function for patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Yi Jin Bang is a novel home-based Chinese mind-body Qigong exercise for shoulder pain. However, few studies have evaluated its effects on subacromial pain syndrome. This study aimed to compare the effects of Yi Jin Bang with conventional exercises for subacromial pain syndrome. MethodsAdults with subacromial pain syndrome (N = 105; mean [SD] age, 37 [16] years; 73 females [70%]; median [IQR] duration of symptoms, 12 [6–24] months) were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 53) or the control group (n = 52). The experimental group performed home-based Yi Jin Bang exercises, whereas the control group performed home-based conventional exercises (stretching, strengthening, and motor control exercises). Both interventions were performed four times a week for 16 weeks. The primary outcome was the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Secondary outcomes included current shoulder pain intensity, active shoulder range of motion, back scratch test, isometric shoulder strength, and health-related quality of life. Assessments were performed at baseline and weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16. The primary endpoint was week 16. ResultsNo significant between-group difference was observed in the SPADI score at week 16 (mean difference, Yi Jin Bang minus conventional exercise, 0.14, 95% confidence interval −2.96 to 3.24; p = 0.93). ConclusionThere were no differences between Yi Jin Bang and conventional exercises in improving pain, disability, shoulder mobility, shoulder strength, and quality of life for people with subacromial pain syndrome.

The Effects of Mulligan Technique and Ultrasound on Pain and Functional Ability in Shoulder Impingement Condition at EMC Sentul Hospital

Shoulder impingement is a painful shoulder condition caused by injuries to the structures in the subacromial space. The research aims to analyze the effects of the Mulligan Technique and Ultrasound on pain and functional ability in shoulder impingement conditions at EMC Sentul Hospital. The research method used is a quasi-experimental design with pre and post-test control groups. Thirty participants were divided into two groups: an intervention group receiving the Mulligan Technique and Ultrasound (15 participants) and a control group receiving TENS and conventional exercise therapy (15 participants). Each participant underwent six sessions per week, twice a week. Before and after the treatment, each participant's pain level was measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and functional ability was assessed using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). The analysis of the data showed that both treatments in the two groups reduced pain and improved functional ability in shoulder impingement conditions. However, there was a significant difference in the group receiving the Mulligan Technique and Ultrasound, with an average pain reduction from 6.6 NRS to 1.3 NRS and an increase in functional ability from 62.6% to 11.85%. The group receiving TENS and conventional exercise therapy showed an average pain reduction from 3.6 NRS to 6.13 NRS and an increase in functional ability from 61.3% to 40.2%. In conclusion, the study suggests that the application of the Mulligan Technique and Ultrasound is more effective in reducing pain and improving functional abil-ity compared to TENS and conventional exercise therapy in shoulder impingement conditions.

Whole-Body Cryostimulation in Post-COVID Rehabilitation for Patients with Obesity: A Multidisciplinary Feasibility Study.

A post-COVID condition can reduce activity and quality of life, resulting in a significant socioeconomic and health burden. Understanding its impact on patients' health is important for the development of personalized rehabilitation interventions. An independent association between obesity and post-COVID condition was found because of complications and comorbidities. Sixteen patients with obesity and post-COVID symptoms (i.e., dyspnea, pain, poor sleep quality, muscle fatigue), admitted to the Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piancavallo (VB), Italy, were recruited for a four-week rehabilitation program including conventional exercise therapy, nutritional intervention, psychological support and whole-body cryostimulation (WBC). All participants attended all sessions of the program. Anthropometric data showed statistically significant changes in weight, waist circumference and body mass index. Biochemical analyses showed significant reductions in lipid and inflammatory profiles. There was a significant improvement in physical performance, reduction in pain and improvement in psychological well-being. A multidisciplinary rehabilitation protocol including WBC, designed for patients with obesity and a post-COVID condition, is safe and feasible. The overall improvements demonstrate that multidisciplinary rehabilitation was effective on post COVID patients and suggest that the use of WBC is safe and could play a role as a booster in rehabilitation programs.

Effects of baclofen administered to reduce muscle spasm on balance maintenance, gait ability and quality of life in stroke patients

This study aimed to investigate the impact of Baclofen on balance, gait, functional independence, and quality of life in ischemic stroke patients. Thirty patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke by a rehabilitation medicine specialist were randomly assigned to either an experimental group that underwent exercise therapy in conjunction with Baclofen or a control group that received conventional exercise therapy without Baclofen. In this study, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go, and 10-Meter Walk Test were used to evaluate balance and walking ability. Functional Independence Measure was employed to assess functional independence, and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life was used to evaluate the quality of life. The experimental results revealed statistically significant improvements in all evaluation measures for both groups when comparing post-test to pre-test. However, in comparisons between groups, all test items in the experimental group that combined Baclofen with exercise therapy were significantly higher than those in the control group. In conclusion, these results suggest that integrating Baclofen into exercise therapy rehabilitation programs could be a promising approach to enhance recovery outcomes for patients recovering from ischemic stroke.

The Effect of Therapeutic Adherence on the Effectiveness of a Digital Therapeutic Exercise Program: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

This study used a PSM model to comparatively assess the achievement of a clinically relevant pain improvement among patients who exhibit a high use (HU), intermediate use (IU), low use (LU), or sub-LU use profile. Sensitivity analyses with commonly accepted thresholds for clinically relevant improvements were conducted. Higher use profiles show a higher probability of achieving a clinically relevant improvement of self-reported pain intensities. Additionally, the achievement of any higher use level is associated with a significant increase in the probability of achieving a clinically relevant improvement. To enable the optimal effectiveness of DTx home exercise programs, an HU use profile should be pursued. This finding is in line with earlier guidance for the achievement of optimal therapeutic benefit from conventional movement and exercise therapy and underscores the importance of a cross-disciplinary effort from patients, healthcare professionals and system stakeholders alike to maximize the therapeutic effect from DTx.

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<0.04) and conventional exercise therapy group (P<0.03). There was no remarkable differentiation between these both protocols. The significance level between both the group was kept as P>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.

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

Safety and Efficacy of a Bodyweight Exercise Training Program in Symptomatic Patients With Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis

Conventional exercise therapy including aerobic and resistance training is desirable for cardiovascular disease, whereas it is generally considered contraindicated for symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis (AS). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bodyweight resistance exercise training (BRET), which is low-intensity exercise training in symptomatic patients with severe AS. A BRET program consisting of 8 exercises was performed 3 times a week by patients with AS with physical therapists. For the 78 symptomatic patients with severe AS, the median aortic valve area and mean transaortic valve pressure gradient were 0.56 cm2 and 48.9 mm Hg, respectively; none showed any harmful changes in blood pressure or heart rate in 11 sessions of the BRET program. There were no adverse events during hospitalization. Meanwhile, Barthel's Index score significantly improved at the time of hospital discharge. In conclusion, the BRET program in this study did not appear to cause harmful changes in hemodynamics during the program or adverse events during hospitalization, and it improved activities of daily living in symptomatic patients with severe AS, allowing doctors and physical therapists to conduct it safely, with less emotional stress, for cardiac rehabilitation for such patients.

Clinical observation on cluster acupuncture at scalp points combined with exercise therapy in treatment of limb spasm after stroke

To observe the clinical effect of cluster acupuncture at scalp points in treating limb spasm after stroke on the basis of conventional exercise therapy. A total of 72 patients with limb spasm after stroke were randomly divided into an observation group (36 cases, 5 cases dropped off) and a control group (36 cases, 6 cases dropped off). The control group was treated with exercise therapy. In the observation group, on the basis of the control group, penetrating technique of acupuncture was exerted at Qianding (GV 21) to Baihui (GV 20), Xinhui (GV 22) to Qianding (GV 21), etc. once a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the changes of the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), simplified Fugl-Meyer motor assessment (FMA), and modified Barthel index (MBI) scores of the two groups were compared. After treatment, the MAS scores of upper and lower limbs in the two groups were lower than before treatment (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of FMA and BMI in the two groups were higher than before treatment (P<0.05), and the score of MBI in the observation group was higher than the control group (P<0.05). On the basis of conventional exercise therapy, cluster acupuncture at scalp points can reduce the spasm, improve motor function and activities of daily living in patients with limb spasm after stroke.

Comparison of the Effects of Neurocognitive Therapeutic Exercise(CTE) and Conventional Therapy on the Reduction of Shoulder Pain in Farm Worker

Comparison of the effects of neurocognitive therapeutic exercise(CTE) and conventional therapy on the reduction of shoulder pain in farm workers. The aim of this randomized controlled pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of neurocognitive therapeutic exercise(CTE) and conventional exercise therapy in reducing work-related shoulder pain. Twenty elderly patients with work-related shoulder pain were randomly assigned to one group: neurocognitive group or conventional group. Both sessions lasted 30 min, three times a week for 8 weeks, and the assessments were blinded. Outcome measures included the visual analog scale (VAS) score, structured questionnaire, and rapid entire body assessment (REBA). Active range of motion (AROM) of shoulder abduction and parametric statistical tests were performed using paired and independent t-tests. Both groups experienced improvements in all outcomes measures relative to the baseline values. Changes in VAS score (p=.151) showed no significant differences between the two groups. The neurocognitive therapeutic exercise could be a safe and more useful strategy for improving REBA (p=.001) and AROM (p=.001). Neurocognitive rehabilitation is effective in reducing and improving function in farm workers with shoulder pain.

Comparative efficacy of inspiratory, expiratory and combined respiratory muscle training on the pulmonary functions and chest expansion in acute stroke survivors

Background: Respiratory muscle strength can be reduced in patients diagnosed with stroke, which reasonably justifies the use of respiratory muscle training in this population. This study determines the comparative efficacy of inspiratory, expiratory, and combined respiratory muscle training on the pulmonary functions and chest expansion in acute stroke survivors. Method: Forty-five acute stroke survivors (15 in each group) completed all protocols of the study. Participants were randomly assigned to any one of three groups. In addition to the conventional exercise therapy, participants received any one of the three respiratory muscle training protocols (inspiratory muscle training, expiratory muscle training or combined respiratory muscle training). Chest expansion was assessed using tape measure and pulmonary function parameters were assessed using a spirometer. Results: Paired t-test analysis showed significant improvements in the chest expansion and the pulmonary function parameters following training in each group. One-way ANOVA showed significant improvements in the pulmonary function parameters across the three groups but not in the chest expansion with p - value = 0.405. Least significant difference (LSD), post-hoc analysis shows that the significant difference for FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC lies between inspiratory muscle training group and expiratory muscle training group. Conclusion: When the three training methods were compared, it was found that expiratory muscle training was the most beneficial in improving the pulmonary functions and chest expansion in acute stroke survivors.

EFFECT OF COMBINING TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION WITH EXERCISE REGIME ON SPASTICITY AND UPPER EXTREMITY FUNCTION FOLLOWING CHRONIC MIDDLE CEREBRAL ARTERY STROKE

Background: Post stoke hemiparesis limit the upper extremity function due to development of spasticity and synergy patterns, therefore rendering the patient impaired in activities of daily living. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has recently been used to reduce spasticity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of TENS on spasticity and upper extremity function following chronic middle cerebral artery stroke (MCA). Study design and setting: interventional study conducted on patients from clinical and hospital setting in Ahmedabad. Methods: A total of 30 patients between the age group of 35-75 years of age. Group A received TENS for 30 minutes in addition to conventional exercise therapy regime where as group B received only exercise therapy regime. The intervention was given for 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The outcome measures were Modified Ashworth scale (MAS) and Fugl Meyer assessment for upper extremity (FMA-UE). The data collected was statistically analysed by using Wilcoxon’s signed rank test for within group analysis and Mann Whitney U test for between the group analysis. Results and conclusion: Group A showed a statically (P &lt;0.05) as well as clinically significant improvement in both the outcome measures. There-fore it was concluded that TENS prove to be effective in reducing spasticity and improving upper extremity function in chronic MCA stroke. KEY WORDS: Stroke, Spasticity, TENS, Modified Ashworth scale (MAS), Fugl Meyer assessment for upper extremity (FMA-UE).

Influence of Scapula Training Exercises on Shoulder Joint Function After Surgery for Rotator Cuff Injury.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the clinical effectiveness of scapula training exercises on shoulder function after surgery for rotator cuff injury.Material/MethodsForty-six patients with rotator cuff injury after surgery were randomized into the experiment group or control group. Both groups were treated with conventional therapeutic exercise and physical therapy, and scapular training exercise was added to the experiment group. Patient status was evaluated by Constant-Murley scale (CMS), visual analogue scale (VAS), and the active range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder before and after 6 weeks and 12 weeks of treatment.ResultsAfter 6 weeks and 12 weeks of treatment, all evaluations of the 2 groups were significantly improved as compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). Moreover after 6 weeks of treatment, the CMS (pain, daily life, range of activity, total scores), VAS and ROM (anteflexion) in the experimental group were significantly better than those in the control group (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in CMS (strength test) and ROM (abduction, rear extension) (P>0.05). After 12 weeks of treatment, all items in the experimental group were significantly improved compared to the control group (P<0.05).ConclusionsThe combination of conventional rehabilitation interventions and scapular training exercise were an effective treatment of the shoulder dysfunction. Moreover, increased Scapula training exercise had better effect on the improvement of shoulder function.

Effectiveness of proprioceptive training versus conventional exercises on postural sway in patients with early knee osteoarthritis – A randomized controlled trial protocol

IntroductionIn recent times, ‘early osteoarthritis’ (EOA) has achieved recognition as a disease entity. The importance of defining EOA is in the fact that a variety of joint preservation treatments are available. Development of the sense of proprioception is a known vital element of most exercise rehabilitation programmes. Postural sways have been found to be prevalent in arthritic patients. It follows therefore that correction of early postural aberrations should help patients with EOA. The current study aims to determine the effectiveness of such proprioceptive training versus conventional exercises in patients with EOA. MethodThis study is a randomized controlled trial. A total of 100 participants between the age of 20–45 years will be recruited. Participants will be randomly assigned to conventional or interventional group. Participants in both the groups will receive 12 session of treatment over a period of four weeks. Outcome measure considered are center of pressure excursion, joint position sense, hand held dynamometer, visual analog scale and knee injury and osteoarthritis Outcome Score for functional outcome. ResultsData collected will be analyzed by mean, SD and 2 factor ANOVA for repeated measure, followed by Bonferroni post hoc analysis. Data will be analyzed using SPSS package version 17.0, p < 0.05 will be considered as significant. ConclusionThe authors hope to determine whether proprioceptive training improves outcome better than conventional exercise therapy and hope to contribute to an improved targeted treatment for patients with Early osteoarthritis.

Kesan Realiti Visual Berasaskan Terapi ke Atas Ketahanan Berjalan dan Kualiti Hidup Penghidap Osteoarthritis Lutut

Despite being becoming popular and heavily used in rehabilitation, the evidence on the effectiveness of Virtual reality-based therapy (VRBT) among persons with knee osteoarthritis (OA) remains limited. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of VRBT on walking endurance and quality of life of older persons with knee OA in comparison to conventional exercise therapy. This was a randomised controlled trial involving 44 participants (mean age and standard deviation = 66.32 + 5.73 years) who received either a VRBT (experimental group, n=22) or a conventional exercise therapy (control group, n=22) for 45 minutes, twice per week for 12 weeks. The outcome of both therapies on walking endurance was measured using Six-minute Walk Test (6MWT), while quality of life was assessed using the Malay-version of Short Form-36 (SF-36). Analysis was done by ‘intention-to-treat’ approach, using Mixed Model ANOVA. A significant time-effect (p < 0.05), with large effect size between 0.54 and 1.0 were found for all outcomes following the therapies. An increase of 17% and 19% of 6MWT scores were obtained in experimental and control group, respectively. Meanwhile, the scores for the physical and mental components of the SF-36 increased by 37.8% and 19.4% in the experimental group, and 45.7% and 20.6% in the control group. However, no significant group and interaction effects were found for all outcomes. In conclusion, VRBT is comparable with c onventional exercise therapy in improving walking endurance and quality of life of persons with knee OA, and can be used as a therapy option for this population. DOI : http://dx.doi.org./10.17576/JSKM-2019-1702-13

The effect of dynamic elastomeric fabric orthosis (DEFO) on sitting balance and gross manual dexterity in children with cerebral palsy: A single-blinded randomized controlled study

The aim of this study was to investigate if the use of a vest type dynamic elastomeric fabric orthosis (DEFO) will lead to improvement in sitting balance, hip lateralization and gross manual dexterity. Twenty-four children with CP between the ages of 3–7 with impaired trunk control were allocated to either of three groups: Control group who received only conventional exercise therapy, DEFO 2 hours group who wore DEFO 2 hours during therapy and DEFO 6 hours group who wore DEFO 4 hours in addition to 2 hours of wear during therapy. Children were evaluated with sitting domain of Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), Sitting Assessment Scale (SAS), Box and Block Test (BBT) and Parent Satisfaction Questionnaire before treatment (BT), at posttreatment, at 1 month posttreatment (MPT) and at 3 MPT. SAS and BBT were also assessed when immediately after wearing the orthosis. To measure trunk asymmetry and effect of orthosis in hip lateralization, changes in Cobb (CA) and kyphotic angles (KA) and Migration index (MI) between BT and 6 MPT were determined. All groups showed similar improvements except the control group showing less improvement in SAS scores than DEFO groups. SAS and BBT scores also improved immediately after wearing the orthosis. While CA and KA decreased significantly at 6 MPT, MI did not show statistically significant difference. Changes in radiographic assessments were similar between groups except kyphotic angle values. KA values showed less change in control group. When DEFO groups compared with each other, there were no significant differences in any of the assessments. DEFO vest has an immediate effect on sitting balance and gross manual dexterity. DEFO provides improvements in posture and balance during sitting. Using DEFO vest for 2 hours and 6 hours yielded similar outcomes. Wearing DEFO vest improves kyphotic posture but not scoliosis and hip lateralization.

Effects of high intensity training on pain, disability, exercise capacity and muscle strength in persons with nonspecific chronic low back pain: Preliminary RCT results

Nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a musculoskeletal disorder affecting many people worldwide. Exercise therapy (ET) is an important component of NSCLBP management. However, effect sizes remain low. High Intensity Training (HIT) is an effective training method for improving physical fitness and health related parameters in healthy persons as well as for decreasing pain and disability in persons with chronic disorders. The value of HIT in NSCLBP rehabilitation is unclear. The aim of this study is (1) to compare HIT to conventional ET, and (2) to compare the effects of different modes of HIT, with regard to pain, disability, exercise capacity, and muscle strength, in persons with NSCLBP. A five-arm parallel RCT ( n = 150) is carried out consisting of an ET program (24 sessions/12 weeks) organized at REVAL (Hasselt University, Belgium) in persons with NSCLBP. Participants are randomly assigned into one of four intervention groups performing various modes of HIT or a control group performing moderate intensity training resembling conventional care ( Fig. 1 ). Participants are measured at baseline and after completing the program. Primary outcome measures are pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale), functional disability (Oswestry Disability Index), exercise capacity (VO 2 max during exercise testing), and abdominal and back strength (Newton/kg during isometric strength testing). Forty-three persons with NSCLBP have completed the program (group average: n = 9). All outcomes showed time-related improvements in all groups ( P > 0.001). No between group differences were noted in any outcomes. Preliminary data of this RCT suggest that HIT has positive effects on pain intensity, functional disability, exercise capacity, and isometric abdominal/back muscle strength, in persons with NSCLBP. Patient recruitment is still ongoing to increase the power of this study and further analyse the differences between HIT groups with specific modalities and conventional therapy.

Does stabilizing input pressure orthosis vest, lycra-based compression orthosis, improve trunk posture and prevent hip lateralization in children with cerebral palsy?

This study aims to investigate whether the use of a lycra-based compression orthosis known as stabilizing input pressure orthosis (SPIO) vest improves trunk posture and hip lateralization in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to compare the effects of two- and six-hours daily wear of the orthosis. Between December 2013 and July 2015, a total of 24 children with CP (5 boys, 19 girls; mean age 61.1 months; range 35 to 105 months) with impaired trunk control were included in this single-blind, randomized-controlled study. All were randomized to either of the three groups as the control group (received only conventional exercise therapy), the SPIO 2-hour group (worn orthosis two hours during therapy), and the SPIO 6-hour group (worn orthosis four hours in addition to two hours of wear during therapy). The Sitting Assessment Scale (SAS), Cobb angle, kyphotic angle, and Migration Index were used to evaluate the trunk posture and hip lateralization before treatment and at six months after treatment. The SAS scores improved compared to baseline in all groups. The Cobb angle and kyphotic angle showed a significant decrease at six months after treatment only in the SPIO groups, while intra-group analysis of the Migration Index did not show a statistically significant difference. Changes in the radiographic assessments were similar among the groups, except for the kyphotic angles. The kyphotic angle showed less change in the control group. Comparison of the SPIO groups showed no significant differences in terms of the variables assessed. The SPIO vest improves the kyphotic posture, but not scoliosis and hip lateralization in children with CP with impaired trunk control when used in combination with the conventional therapy. Using the SPIO vest for two and six hours also yields similar outcomes.