Exercise Therapy Program Research Articles

Effectiveness of Yoga Based Exercise Therapy Program on Balance, Mobility and Gait Speed in Institutional Living Older Adults

Study Objective: To find out the effectiveness of yoga based exercise therapy program on Balance,Mobility and Gait speed in institutional living older adults.Design: Pre and Post- test experimental designSetting: Daivadan old age home, Chethimattom, Kottayam, KeralaSubjects: 30 male older adults, they are divided into Group A and B with 15 subjects eachMeasurement: After measuring Balance, Mobility and Gait speed scores Group A was given their normalexercise along with Yoga which includes several Asanas and Pranayamas. Group B continue with theirnormal exercise and they had not undergone any yoga. The treatment duration was 6 days in a week for atotal period of 4 weeksResult: The results showed that there was a significant result in Balance, Mobility and Gait speed scores forthe older adults received Yoga based exercise therapy programConclusion: The study’s results show that Yoga based exercise therapy program when added to standard careimproves Balance, Mobility and Gait speed in old aged adults and enhance fall preventions in comparisonto conventional exercise alone

Effectivity Biopsychosocial intervention with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exercise Therapy Program in Chronic Low Back Pain: Meta-analysis

Background: Pain is a common complaint that causes decreased work productivity and a cause of disability. Biomedical interventions failed to inhibit the increase in chronic low back pain (CLBP) treatment costs. The pain perception of CLBP patients is influenced by emotional psychological and cognitive factors that require biopsychosocial intervention. This study aimed to summarize the existing literature data regarding the effectiveness of biopsychosocial interventions with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exercise Therapy Program (ETP) in CLBP. Subjects and Method: This research was systematic review and meta-analysis of the Randomized Control Trial study on the electronic database Pubmed, Google scholar, Willey Online Library, Research Gate, Science Direct. Data analysis was performed using the Revman 5.3 program with Cohen's effect size d. Results: There are 7 articles included in this research. The results of the analysis of studies on the effectiveness of biopsychosocial interventions for CBT and ETP in reducing the intensity of CLBP pain were very large with the effect size (d= -1.31; 95% CI= -2.39 to -0.23; p <0.001), while the effect size of the disability index was very large (d= -1.62; 95% CI= -2.70 to -0.54; p<0.001). Conclusion: Biopsychosocial interventions for CBT and ETP are effective in reducing the pain and disability index of CLBP. The effectiveness of biopsychosocial interventions with CBT and ETP methods is due to the patient's efficacy in completing the rehabilitation program. Keywords: biopysichosocial, CBT, ETP, CLBP Correspondence: Arif Fadli. Masters Program in Public Health Sciences, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta 57126, Central Java. Email: Ariffadli950@gmail.com. Mobile: +6281355377050. Indonesian Journal of Medicine (2021), 06(02): 177-193 https://doi.org/10.26911/theijmed.2021.06.02.07

Short-term effects of range-of-motion exercise on temporomandibular joints of patients who undergo disc displacement with reduction of temporomandibular joint.

[Purpose] We investigated the short-term effects of an exercise therapy program that combined a range-of-motion exercise for the temporomandibular joint with self-traction therapy for patients with temporomandibular joint disorders who undergo disc displacement with reduction of the painful temporomandibular joint. [Participants and Methods] The program involved 31 patients with moderate or higher functional pain. The range-of-motion exercise for the temporomandibular joint was performed at the first visit by the therapist, and the patients were instructed to perform self-traction therapy in the morning and while bathing for the next 2 weeks, until their next visit. The maximum mouth opening distance and the visual analog scale scores at the first consultation and 2 weeks later were compared to assess the changes in pain on motion and mastication as well as the impact of the program on daily activities. [Results] All symptoms of the patients showed significant improvements after 2 weeks of starting the treatment. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that an exercise therapy program combining range-of-motion exercises for the temporomandibular joint and self-traction therapy may be an effective conservative therapy for reducing the pain and obstacles experienced by patients with temporomandibular joint disorders who undergo disc displacement with reduction of the painful temporomandibular joint.

An Age-Friendly Health System.

To describe a screening and intervention program for geriatric syndromes instituted at a rural healthcare system that utilizes the 4Ms of an age-friendly health system, and to provide exercise and cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) as part of an age-friendly health program. Retrospective evaluation of clinical data. Rural primary healthcare system. Older adults aged 65 years and older in Perry County, Missouri. Screening for geriatric syndromes was done using the Rapid Geriatric Assessment (RGA), which includes the FRAIL, SARC-F, Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ), and Rapid Cognitive Screen (RCS). Outcomes for exercise and CST included the Five Times Sit to Stand (FTSS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests, Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD), Saint Louis University Mental Status Examination (SLUMS), and Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease (QoL-AD) measures. The RGA was administered to 1,326 individuals of which 36.5% were frail, 42.1% were sarcopenic, 26.1% were at risk for anorexia, and 20.8% had dementia. Of these receiving exercise therapy, both the FTSS and the TUG were improved at 3 months and 12 to 24 months. In the CST group, SLUMS, QoL-AD, and CSDD were improved at 7 weeks and 6 to 12 months. It is feasible to introduce a screening program for geriatric syndromes and respond to the results with successful exercise and cognitive stimulation therapy programs.

Feasibility and acceptability of aquatic exercise therapy in burn patients – A pilot study

BackgroundAs the assistive and resistive properties of water can facilitate the performance of exercise, aquatic exercise therapy might be a promising rehabilitation modality for burn patients. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of aquatic exercise therapy in adult burn patients with an indication for supervised exercise therapy. MethodsEligible for this observational pilot study were all competent adult burn patients with an indication for supervised exercise therapy who had been admitted to the burn centre of the Maasstad Hospital between June 2016 and February 2017. Patients were asked to participate in an in-hospital aquatic exercise therapy program for a minimum of 2 weeks, 2 times per week, or otherwise serve as control by having land-based exercise therapy (regular care). Feasibility of aquatic exercise therapy was assessed by comparing the number of eligible patients to the number of patients that could actually participate, monitoring attendance rates, monitoring complications, and evaluating early experiences. Acceptability was assessed using the Water Exercise Acceptability Questionnaire. ResultsEleven patients were invited and ten of them agreed to participate. All chose aquatic instead of land-based exercise therapy. Participants were aged between 19 and 64 years and their burns affected 18–53% of total body surface area (TBSA). Aquatic exercise therapy appeared feasible in nine of 13 eligible patients (69%). Attendance rates were high (42–100%) and the majority of participants (n = 9) continued with aquatic exercise therapy beyond the initial two weeks. No serious complications (e.g. infections) occurred. Adverse symptoms (wound healing issues) were reported in five participants, but in four of them these were not likely to be due to the aquatic exercise therapy. Enjoyment was high and adherence to the aquatic exercise therapy was further facilitated by support from staff, a sense of achievement, noticeable improvements, personal motivation, and support from other participants. Peer support was reported as a positive side effect. ConclusionsThese preliminary results indicate that aquatic exercise therapy is both feasible and acceptable for the majority of adult burn patients with an indication for supervised exercise therapy. No indications were found for an increased risk of infection or other serious complications.

Patients use fewer analgesics following supervised exercise therapy and patient education: an observational study of 16 499 patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis

ObjectivesTo investigate changes in analgesic use before and after supervised exercise therapy and patient education in patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsWe recruited 16 499 of 25 933 eligible...

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.

Protocolo de exercícios terapêuticos em grupo para pessoas com doença de Alzheimer

INTRODUÇÃO: O envelhecimento gera diversas alterações biológicas que dão origens a condições de saúde como a Doença de Alzheimer (DA) que pode prejudicar a funcionalidade dos idosos.OBJETIVO: Verificar o efeito de um programa de exercícios fisioterapêuticos sobre a saúde dos idosos com DA. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo longitudinal, em idosos com DA frequentadores de um Centro-Dia. Os participantes foram selecionados por meio de características demográficos e condições de saúde. Para análise das variáveis de desfecho foram avaliados pré e pós intervenção com os testes: Timed Up and Go (TUG), Caixa e Blocos, Escala de Berg e Alcance funcional em pé e sentado. Em seguida foram submetidos a um protocolo de intervenção em grupo dividido em três fases: fase preparatória, fase ativa e fase de desaquecimento. Utilizou-se para análise estatística o Teste T-Student Pareado e a correlação de Pearson. Foi estabelecido Intervalo de Confiança (IC) e p&lt;0,05. RESULTADOS: Foram realizadas 28 sessões com 11 idosas, com idade média de 88 (± 4) anos, frequência semanal no Centro Dia de 4 (± 1) vezes e pontuação média no MEEM de 12 (± 5). Obtiveram significância estatística no teste Alcance Sentado pré 22,3 (±10,4) e pós 28,2 (±9,0), com p = 0,003 e, no teste de TUG pré 16,9 (±5,8) e pós 2,5 (± 3,9), com p = 0,009. Além disso, o teste Berg e TUG apresentaram correlação negativa, classificada como boa p= 0,020. CONCLUSÃO: O protocolo proposto contribuiu para melhora na saúde funcional observadas no aumento do alcance funcional e da mobilidade das idosas.

Effects of a 12-week home exercise therapy program on pain and neuromuscular activity in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a 12-week home exercise therapy program on pain, function and neuromuscular activity of the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis. Fifty patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome were treated with a 12-week online home exercise program. The primary outcomes of pain and function were assessed at the 12-week follow-up using the Visual Analog Scale and Kujala Score, respectively. Secondary outcomes were the muscle onset time and the ratio of vastus medialis and vastus lateralis during different daily activities. After 12weeks, patients showed significant (p < 0.05) improvements of 27 points on the Visual Analog Scale and 10 points on Kujala Score. Differences in pre-post comparison regarding both temporal and amplitude-related neurophysiological differences between the vastus medialis and lateralis were only found when the subjects were divided into groups of different electromyographic patterns. Then changes in the pre-post comparison were particularly evident in the patient group with a delayed vastus medialis onset and a lower activity of the vastus medialis compared to the VL. Pain and function improved significantly after a home exercise therapy program in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. In addition, patients with a delayed onset or reduced activity of the vastus medialis compared to the vastus lateralis experienced a reduction in this imbalance.

High Intensity Training to Treat Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: Effectiveness of Various Exercise Modes.

High-intensity training (HIT) improves rehabilitation outcomes such as functional disability and physical performance in several chronic disorders. Promising results were also found in chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP). However, the impact of different exercise modes on HIT effectiveness in CNSLBP remains unclear. Therefore, this study evaluated the effectiveness of various HIT exercise modes and compared differences between these modes, on pain intensity, disability, and physical performance, as a therapeutic intervention for persons with CNSLBP. In a randomized comparative trial, consisting of a 12-week program, persons with CNSLBP were divided into four HIT groups, i.e., cardiorespiratory interval training coupled with either general resistance training, core strength training, combined general resistance and core strength training, or mobility exercises. Before and after the program, the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI), and Patient Specific Functioning Scale (PSFS) were recorded, and a cardiopulmonary exercise test (VO2max, cycling time) and isometric trunk strength test (maximum muscle torque) were performed. Eighty participants (mean age: 44.0 y, 34 males) were included. Improvements were found within all groups after the HIT programs and ranged from −39 to −57% on the NPRS, +27 to +64% on the MODI, +38 to +89% on the PSFS, +7 to +14% on VO2max, and +11 to +18% on cycling time. No differences between groups were found. High-intensity cardiorespiratory interval training improves CNSLBP rehabilitation outcomes when performed with other HIT exercise modes or mobility exercises. Hence, when setting up an exercise therapy program in CNSLBP rehabilitation, various HIT modes can be considered as therapy modalities.

Role of physiotherapy in post-operative knee stiffness: A literature review

Objectives: Restricted motion range, also known as knee stiffness, is one of the significant complications after intra-articular or extra-articular injury. Postoperatively, it is primarily due to articular fibrosis (intra and extra) and scarring adhesions in the quadriceps-femoral apparatus after ligament reconstruction, patellar tendon repair, burn, and total knee arthroplasty. Knee stiffness is both preventable and treatable with physiotherapy treatment. Physiotherapy includes electrotherapy and exercises therapy playing an important role in reduction of knee stiffness. The aim of the present study to survey the existing literature related to exercise therapy and electrotherapy programs for the management of post-operative knee stiffness. Materials and Methods: A computerized search of the ELSEVIER, PubMed, and Medline database was conducted for year 2008 onward. The search was performed using English language. Results: Based on the literature survey undertaken, the best approach for efficient recovery is to plan and start treatment regime preoperatively that should be continued until achieving knee symmetry postoperatively. Conclusion: The findings of the current study support that both electrotherapy and exercise interventions play a significant role to overcome the consequences of post-operative knee stiffness. In addition to it, literature enlightens that advanced techniques such as unique sustained method and Graston technique are much more beneficial and advantageous over traditional and conventional methods of physiotherapy treatment to manage post-operative knee stiffness.

Exercise During The Cancer Continuum: Patients' Knowledge And Perceived Barriers

PURPOSE: Exercise therapy programs are increasingly incorporated into oncological clinics, but it is largely unknown if this facilitates information availability or patients’ exercise readiness. This survey compares the knowledge and barriers regarding exercise in cancer patients treated in an oncological clinic with an established exercise therapy and counseling program versus an oncological clinic without any exercise offers. METHODS: Participants were recruited in an oncological outpatient clinic that provides an exercise therapy and counseling program (OC+Ex) and an oncological outpatient clinic without any exercise offers (OC). Information status concerning cancer diagnosis, treatment, exercise, and exercise-related barriers were assessed with an extended version of the EORTC QLQ-INFO-25 questionnaire and the Perceived Physical Activity Barriers (PPAB) scale. Results were compared using contingency tables and chi-square tests. RESULTS: Out of 215 patients 200 returned the questionnaire (OC+Ex: n = 109; 64±13 yrs.; 85% during treatment; OC: n = 91; 60±11 yrs.; 96% during treatment). A comparable proportion of the patients of the OC+Ex and the OC felt moderately to well informed concerning cancer treatment (90% vs. 88%) and side effects (81% vs. 79%). Regarding exercise 31% vs. 15% and 23% vs. 29% of the patients in the OC+Ex versus the OC reported a high or moderate information status, while 18% (OC+Ex) or 27% (OC) stated to not have received any information (p < .05). Patients in the OC+Ex documented receiving specific exercise recommendations more often than patients in the OC (41% vs. 16%; p < .001), 25% (OC+Ex) or 3% (OC) reported a direct referral to a concrete exercise course/program (p < .001). 53% (OC+Ex) and 60% (OC) asked for more information about exercise. Perceived exercise barriers included fatigue (39%), physical weakness (31%), nausea (24%), pain/discomfort (23%), and lack of exercise routine (25%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that an exercise program at an oncological clinic supports patients’ knowledge about exercise. Further targeted triage and information activities including a stronger collaboration between oncologists and exercise specialists might contribute to further enhance patients’ knowledge, to diminish perceived barriers and to improve exercise behavior.

New-generation anti-obesity drugs: naltrexone/bupropion and liraglutide. An update for endocrinologists and nutritionists.

The prevalence of obesity increases worldwide and has a significant economic impact on health care systems. A comprehensive program of lifestyle modification, including diet, exercise, and behavior therapy is considered the first option for achieving the significant weight loss. However, the intrinsic difficulties associated with maintenance of lifestyle changes contribute to the unsatisfactory long-term outcomes reported and weight regain in the obesity management. In this context, pharmacological approaches are useful to maximize non-pharmacological interventions in the long-term management of obesity. As add-on to lifestyle modification, pharmacological interventions are useful to facilitate clinically weight loss. In the past, anti-obesity drugs were limited. To date, the landscape has changed and naltrexone/bupropion and liraglutide have been recently added as new-generation anti-obesity drugs on obesity treatment and could represent important tools to manage of obesity. Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that shares 97% homology to native GLP-1 with effects on the limbic system. The treatment with liraglutide 3.0 mg, in combination with a hypocaloric diet and increased physical activity, provides a clinically meaningful weight loss. The combination of naltrexone 32 mg and bupropion 360 mg acts on the mesolimbic reward pathway and the hypothalamic hunger system, two areas of the central nervous system. The combination of naltrexone/bupropion, an adjunct to a hypocaloric diet and increased physical activity, is approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight and ≥1 weight-related comorbidity. In the present review, we have focused on the current evidence on two new-generation anti-obesity drugs, naltrexone/bupropion and liraglutide 3.0 mg addressing the main studies that investigated these two new drugs for obesity treatment. Furthermore, evidence on semaglutide, currently in the pipeline for potential future therapeutic use for weight loss, are reported.

Comparison of efficacy of a supervised versus non-supervised physical therapy exercise program on the pain, functionality and quality of life of patients with non-specific chronic low-back pain: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of supervised physical therapy program versus non-supervised on pain, functionality, fear of movement and quality of life in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. Design: A randomized double-blind clinical trial. Setting: Clinical outpatient unit; home. Subjects: A total of 64 participants with non-specific chronic low back pain were randomized into either supervised exercise group (n = 32) or non-supervised home exercise group (n = 32). Interventions: The supervised group was treated with therapy exercises (strengthen lumbopelvic musculature), while the non-supervised received an informative session of the exercises, which were performed un-supervised at home. Both groups received three weekly sessions for eight weeks. Main Measures: Pain, disability, fear of movement, quality of life, trunk muscle endurance and trunk anteflexion motion were assessed at baseline, two, and six months of follow-up. Results: Although analysis of variance (ANOVA) test showed statistically significant differences between groups for pain (P = 0.028; supervised: 2.5 ± 2.1; non-supervised: 3.5 ± 1.5) and disability for Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire (P = 0.004; supervised: 3.1 ± 2.2; non-supervised: 5.1 ± 3.0) and for Oswestry Disability Index (P = 0.034; supervised: 14.5 ± 7.1; non-supervised: 19.2 ± 10.0) at 8 weeks immediately posttreatment, there were no differences between the groups in patient-rated pain, functionality, fear of movement and quality of life at six months of follow-up. Conclusion: Patients with chronic low back pain who received supervised exercise showed more improvement in both the short and long term in all patient-rated outcomes over the non-supervised group, but the differences were small and not clinically significant.

Gonoarthrosis in former athletes treated which regenerative therapy and therapeutic exercise program

Osteoarthritis, or wear and tear of the knee joint, is a cause of sports trauma, affecting a large number of the population of former athletes in the province. The therapeutic alternative to gonoarthrosis exatlets implanted with regenerative therapy and rehabilitative exercises is applied to this sports-practicing population with balls. The assessment of variables, in responses to treatment implemented in the exathletes, was carried out over 6 months, where bilateral thigh atrophy prevailed over unilateral atrophy, to lesser degree atrophy of the affected thighs was presented after treatment with the applied therapeutic exercise program. 71.4% showed recovery of muscle strength with grade 5 (normal) muscle notes for the muscle group of knee flexor poplites, and 85.7% with grade 5 (normal) muscle notes for the femoral or crural quadriceps muscle group, which are involved in the extension of the knees. With the application of this exercise alternative in former athletes with gonoarthrosis treated with regenerative therapy, more than 70% showed recovery of the variables studied.

Impact of comorbidities on short-term outcomes from supervised exercise therapy and education - a cohort study of 24,492 patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis

Purpose: Exercise therapy and patient education is recommended as the first line treatment for people with knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA) with the goal of improving pain, functional impairments, and overall health. Whilst the majority of OA patients have comorbidities, little is known about the impact of these comorbidities on the outcomes of exercise therapy and education. Therefore, we aimed to determine how different comorbidities and clusters of comorbidities effect patient health outcomes following an 8-week supervised exercise therapy and education program for knee and hip OA.

Outcomes following the glad program for patients with symptomatic knee and hip osteoarthritis in Denmark, Canada and Australia. A longitudinal analysis including 28,370 patients

Purpose: Exercise therapy and patient education is recommended as first line treatment for patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA). Good Life with osteoArthritis from Denmark (GLA:D®) is an 8-week structured patient education and exercise program targeting patients with knee and hip OA. The program is implemented in clinical practice in different countries and reporting outcomes across countries may show what to expect when implementing such a program. The aim of the study was to report and compare outcomes and predictors across three countries for patients with symptomatic knee and hip OA attending the evidence-based education and exercise therapy program GLA:D®.

The protocol for a multisite, double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of axillary nerve stimulation for chronic shoulder pain

BackgroundShoulder impingement syndrome is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain, accounting for approximately 30% of all shoulder pain. Approximately 35% of patients with shoulder impingement syndrome are refractory to conservative treatment. For patients who fail conservative treatment, there is no established treatment to successfully treat their chronic pain. Prior randomized control trials have demonstrated efficacy for the use of a single lead intramuscular peripheral nerve stimulation of the axillary nerve at the motor points of the deltoid muscle for treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain. This is the first controlled trial to utilize the same novel technology to treat shoulder impingement syndrome outside of the stroke population.MethodsThis is a dual-site, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, randomized control trial. Participants will be randomized to two treatment groups. The intervention group will be treated with active peripheral nerve stimulation of the axillary nerve of the affected shoulder and the control group will be treated with sham peripheral nerve stimulation of the axillary nerve of the affected shoulder. Both groups will receive a standardized exercise therapy program directed by a licensed therapist.DiscussionThis study protocol will allow the investigators to determine if this novel, non-pharmacologic treatment of shoulder pain can demonstrate the same benefit in musculoskeletal patients which has been previously demonstrated in the stroke population.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov, NCT03752619. Registered on 26 November 2018.

Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a hypopressive exercise program on postmenopausal cancer survivors: A pilot study

BackgroundCancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common symptom during and after cancer treatment that negatively affects the patient's quality of life. Exercise is one of the most effective non-pharmacological treatments for CRF. Multimodal exercise therapy programs that include hypopressive exercises, relaxation and myofascial release may be beneficial for CRF. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a multimodal program on CRF and lower limb functional strength in postmenopausal women diagnosed with cancer. Methods7 postmenopausal women (age = 55.28 years; BMI = 26.05 kg/m2) who had a cancer diagnosis participated in a supervised and progressive 55-min class once per week for 12-weeks. CRF was measured using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Cancer Related Fatigue 12 and lower limb strength was assessed with the sit and stand test. ResultsNo adverse events were reported during the training period and all participants completed the exercise protocol. There was a significant increase (p = 0.01) in lower limb functional strength (pre: 19.60 (SD = 2.19) vs post: 24.60(SD = 2.19)) with an effect size of d = 2.28 and a decrease in CRF (p = 0.245) (pre: 29.36 ± 24.42; post: 17.85 ± 14.23) with a trivial effect size (d < 0.5). ConclusionsThese preliminary findings indicate that a supervised once per week multimodal program that includes hypopressive exercises for postmenopausal cancer survivors increased lower limb functional strength without exacerbating their CRF. These findings support further randomized trials of hypopressive training programs on patients with cancer.

A randomized clinical trial for the effect of static stretching and strengthening exercise on pelvic tilt angle in LBP patients

BackgroundStretching and strengthening exercises are commonly used to improve muscle shortness of the hamstring as any tension in this muscle can have an effect on the pelvic posture. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two methods of improving short hamstring on the angle of pelvic tilt in LBP sufferers. MethodsForty-five low back pain patients aged 19–59 years with hamstring tightness participated in this clinical trial. The patients were categorized randomly into three groups: 1- static stretching, 2-strengthening exercise and 3-control group. The two intervention groups received physical therapy and special exercise program thrice a week in a total of 12 sessions, while the control group received only conventional physical therapy. Before and after the treatment implementation, the pelvic tilt and straight leg raising (SLR) degree were assessed for each group. ResultAfter 12 sessions of treatment, the ANCOVA models indicated non-significant differences in pelvic tilt angle and SLR score changes (p > 0.05), among the three groups. In addition, no statistically significant correlation was observed between the pelvic tilt and SLR test [except for the strengthening exercise group (Pearson correlation coefficient = −0.54, P < 0.05)]. ConclusionsIn LBP sufferers, both static stretching and strengthening of hamstring muscle in its lengthened position caused elongation and extensibility in the hamstring muscle and increased SLR test score, but did not change pelvic tilt angle.