Improved Muscle Tone Research Articles

Facial acupuncture as a way to restore external and internal well-being

Facial acupuncture is non‑invasive and safe, and it can significantly improve skin elasticity by stimulating collagen production and enhancing blood circulation. This leads to reduction in wrinkles, improvement in muscle tone, and skin tightening. Acupuncture can help alleviate inflammatory skin conditions like acne or psoriasis by regulating hormonal function and the immune system. Additionally, it can bring mental health benefits by reducing stress and enhancing overall well‑being, potentially boosting self‑confidence and self‑acceptance. Ultimately, facial acupuncture represents a holistic approach to health and beauty, focusing not only on enhancing external appearance but also on balancing the internal energy of the body, which can have a positive impact on quality of life.

Intrathecal Baclofen Infusion-Botulinum Toxin Combined Treatment Efficacy in the Management of Spasticity due to Cerebral Palsy.

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of permanent, but not unchanging, disorders of movement and/or posture and motor function, which are due to a non-progressive interference, lesion, or abnormality of the developing/immature brain. One clinical presentation is muscle spasticity, which leads to a significant impact on the individual's functionality and quality of life. Spasticity treatment is multidisciplinary and includes pharmacological and physical intervention; intrathecal baclofen shows a positive effect in severe spasticity and suboptimal response to oral drugs, while local injection of Botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) improves muscle tone, motion and pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the combined intrathecal baclofen infusion (ITB) - botulinum toxin treatment in the management of spasticity in CP. 8 patients with spastic tetraparesis were enrolled. All patients were treated with intrathecal Baclofen; in lower limbs, no spastic symptoms appeared, while marked spasticity was noted in upper limbs. We injected the right and left Biceps Brachial (BB) and Flexor Digitorum Superficialis (FDS) muscles with botulinum toxin type A. All patients underwent Myometric measurement, Ashworth Scale, Numerical Rating Scale, and Visual Analogic Scale evaluation before infiltration (T0), 30 days after injection (T1), 60 days after injection (T2), and 90 days after treatment (T3). All data demonstrated an improvement in spasticity, pain, quality of life, and self-care during the study, with p < 0.05. No side effects appeared. This study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of intrathecal baclofen infusion and botulinum toxin combined treatment in the management of spasticity, pain, quality of life, and selfcare in CP patients.

Effects of central intermittent theta-burst stimulation combined with repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation on upper limb function in stroke patients.

Intermittent theta-burst stimulation and repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation can improve motor function in poststroke patients, but the therapeutic effect of this combination remains unclear. To determine the effects of central intermittent theta-burst stimulation and repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation on upper limb function. Fifty-six subacute stroke patients were randomly assigned to three groups: the CMS (n = 18), peripheral magnetic stimulation (PMS) (n = 19) and CPS (n = 19) groups. The CMS group received intermittent theta-burst stimulation and peripheral false stimulation, while the PMS group received repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation and central false stimulation once a day for five days a week over four weeks. The CPS group received intermittent theta-burst stimulation and repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation simultaneously once daily for four weeks. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Action Research Arm Test, Modified Barthel Index and Modified Ashworth Scale evaluated outcomes before and after four weeks of treatment. The motor function scores of all groups were significantly increased after treatment compared with before treatment, while the Modified Ashworth Scale score showed no significant change. There was a significant difference in the motor function score of the CPS group compared with that of the CMS and PMS groups, but there was no significant improvement in the Modified Ashworth Scale score. Combining the two treatment methods can improve patients' motor function and daily living abilities but cannot improve muscle tone.

Evaluation of a Combination Approach to Improving Muscle Tone and Decreasing Subcutaneous Tissue Thickness Using a Sequential, Dual-Modality, Energy-Based Device

Abstract Background The body shaping market has long been at the forefront of the aesthetic industry. With technological advances, patient demand for body sculpting in terms of reduction in subcutaneous tissue and enhancement of muscle has seen continual growth. Several devices have emerged in the space, however few that achieve both SQR (Subcutaneous Tissue Reduction) and VMI (Voluntary Muscle Increase) as measured by thickness, during the same treatment session. Objectives This article presents the results of a pilot study on a unique approach to subcutaneous tissue reduction and increasing muscle thickness using a dual modality, energy-based device. Methods 12 compliant subjects (8 female and 4 male with an average age of 40 years were enrolled in this single center, prospective study. All subjects were treated with the dual modality device (850 nm super-luminescent diode matrix and electrical muscle stimulation) with external applicators being placed over the lower abdomen. The subjects received five (5) weekly treatments. Ultrasound measurements, photos, weight and waist measurements were taken at baseline, prior to the start of the 5th treatments and at the two (2) week and two (2) month follow-up visits. Results At the two (2) month follow up visit, the average Subcutaneous Tissue Reduction (SQR) was 34.03% and the Voluntary Muscle Increase (VMI) measured 22.97% in all subjects who completed the study. All subject and physician evaluations rated results as satisfactory or better. There were no complications. Conclusions Preliminary data shows this dual-modality, Electrical Muscle Stimulation/Super Luminescent Diode Matrix (EMS/SDM) system provides both a safe and effective treatment for the reduction of subcutaneous tissue thickness and increase in muscle definition and thickness. Objective and subjective evaluations demonstrated high levels of efficacy and satisfaction in all subjects.

Eperisone Hydrochloride, a Muscle Relaxant, Is a Potent P2X7 Receptor Antagonist.

Eperisone Hydrochloride was launched in Japan in 1983 and has been used to improve muscle tone and treat spastic paralysis (Originator: Eisai Co., Ltd.). However, its biochemical mechanism of action is unknown. SB Drug Discovery was used to evaluate purinergic P2X (P2X) receptor antagonism using fluorescence. In this study, we discovered that its target protein is the P2X7 receptor. Also, P2X receptor subtype selectivity was high. This finding demonstrates the (Eperisone-P2X7-pain linkage), the validity of P2X7 as a drug target, and the possibility of drug repositioning of Eperisone Hydrochloride.

Effect of Botulinum Toxin Injections in the Treatment of Spasticity of Different Etiologies: An Umbrella Review.

Spasticity is a very common neurological sequelae that significantly impacts the quality of life of patients, affecting more than 12 million people worldwide. Botulinum toxin is considered a reversible treatment for spasticity, but due to the large amount of available evidence, synthesis seems necessary. Therefore, we conducted an overview of existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses to evaluate the effect of botulinum toxin injections in the treatment of spasticity of different etiologies. A systematic search of different databases, including Pubmed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, was performed from inception to February 2024. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the effect of botulinum toxin compared to that of the control treatment using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). All the statistical analyses were performed using STATA 15 software. 28 studies were included in the umbrella review. The effect of botulinum toxin injections on spasticity, as measured by the MAS, was significantly lower in all but three studies, although these studies also supported the intervention. The SMDs reported by the meta-analyses ranged from -0.98 to -0.01. Botulinum toxin injections were effective at treating spasticity of different etiologies, as indicated by the measurements on the MAS. This implies an improvement in muscle tone and, consequently, in the patient's mobility and quality of life.

The Effect of Cylindrical Grip ROM Exercise Therapy on Finger Grip Muscle Strength in The Upper Extremities of Post Stroke Patients

One of the conditions in post-stroke patients is that post-stroke sensory and motor disorders occur on one side of the body, resulting in balance disorders including muscle weakness.Based on a preliminary study conducted in June 2023, it was discovered that 5 respondents who were in the Inpatient Room at Siti Hajar Hospital Sidoarjo most often experienced paralysis in the upper extremities caused by decreased muscle tone so that patients were unable to move their bodies (immobilization). extremity motor abilities through a rehabilitation program.Cylindrical Grip which is a functional hand exercise by holding a cylindrical object such as a glass, bottle, rolled tissue in the palm of the hand (Kleim &amp; Jones, 2008 in Soloman, 2013). The benefits of this therapy are to increase the client's independence and increase muscle strength. Movement exercises can also be useful for improving muscle tone and tendon reflexes.This research used Pre-Experimental design with One Group Pretest and Posttest approach. The population was all post-stroke patients in the inpatient ward who experienced paralysis of the upper right/sinistra extremities at Siti Hajar Hospital. The results of the study proved that there was a change in the value of finger grip muscle strength before and after Cylindrical Grip ROM exercise therapy. The majority of respondents had finger grip muscle strength in the weak category, 23 respondents (76.7%) after being given therapy, different results were obtained, namely the majority of respondents had finger grip muscle strength in the weak category, 15 respondents (50.02). This number decreased after the intervention. Pre and Post data was carried out using the Paired T Test which stated that there was an effect of Cylindrical Grip Exercise Therapy on Finger Grip Muscle Strength in post-stroke patients.

A New Electromagnetic Technology as a Strategy to Help the Recovery of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Athletes: A Pilot Study

Background: Because of its anatomical location, the knee joint has to sustain enormous forces during exercise and physical activity. One of the most frequent damage affecting ligaments in the lower body is the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury. Treatment may include rest and rehabilitation physical exercises. This study wanted to explore an alternative method for supporting ACL injury recovery using an electromagnetic device for young athletes. Methods: A total of 10 athletes, 4 females and 6 males, who had undergone ACL surgery for the first time were considered. They ranged from 15 to 22 years. Results: After two months of follow-up from the experiment starting time, our results showed for every patient an evident muscle tonification in both limbs. Conclusion: Our data showed that for athletes combining physical exercises with the electro-magnetic technology had led to a significant and positive improvement in muscle tone and strength without discomfort or side effects in patients after ACL surgery. A milder approach gives the athlete a gradual recovery and a variable intervention window based on the patient’s characteristics and personal needs. The device we used represents valuable and effective support that could be widely employed in the physiotherapy field.

The Effectiveness of Therapeutic Exercises Accompanied by Electrical Stimulation in the Rehabilitation of Paraplegic Patients in the Elderly

Therapeutic exercise in combination with electrical stimulation has become an important method to help improve movement and raise functional efficiency in elderly paraplegics. Therefore, this research focused on designing a rehabilitation program with electrical stimulation to raise the functional efficiency of the elderly with paraplegia and to know its effect on the muscle tone of the muscles of the upper and lower extremities of the affected part. In this paper, the researcher used the experimental approach due to its suitability to the nature of the research, using the intentional method in selecting a sample of 8 patients with simple and medium degrees. The results showed the positive effect of rehabilitative exercises with electrical stimulation used in a sample in improving muscle tone and reducing the effects of spasms in it, as well as a positive effect of the rehabilitative exercise program with electrical stimulation in increasing and improving the range of motion, and an improvement was also found in the angles of the joints of the affected limbs as a result of continuous movement and continuation in the performance of the proposed rehabilitation exercises in a sample with the ability of the injured individuals to perform strength training and improve the movement level. In conclusion, the researcher recommends being guided by the therapeutic program in rehabilitation and paying attention to flexibility and orthotics together as two sides of the same coin to get rid of muscle spasm in particular and improve muscle tone in general, and to pay attention to the development of muscle strength, balance, flexibility and views of the affected muscles.

THE BENEFITS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF POSTPARTUM DIASTASIS

The diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle (ARMD) is a physiological change that occurs in the female body due to pregnancy, hormonal changes, mechanical stress on the abdominal wall by fetal growth and displacement of abdominal organs. Physiotherapy plays a very important role, promoting a stimulation mainly of the abdominal and pelvic muscles to improve muscle tone.

Proprioceptive Exercises in Hemiplegia Improve Balance and Spatiotemporal Parameters

Abstract Objective It was planned to investigate the effects of proprioceptive exercises applied to patients with hemiplegia on muscle tone, balance, perception, posture, mobility, and spatiotemporal parameters. Materials and Methods 70 participants with hemiplegia were randomized to an experimental group (conventional stroke rehabilitation program+proprioceptive exercise, 30 sessions) and a control group (conventional stroke rehabilitation program, 30 sessions). Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test, Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Posture Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), Spatiotemporal parameters (cadence, maximum plantar pressure, total weight transfer, step cycle duration, swing phase, step length and foot angle), and Berg Balance Scale (BERG) were applied on all participants before and after treatment. Results When the intra-group values were compared before and after the treatment, TUG, PASS, MMSE, RMI and BERG values increased significantly. MAS upper extremity and MAS lower extremity values decreased significantly. (p&lt;0.01). In the comparison between the groups, one of the spatiotemporal parameters, cadence, total weight transfer, and maximum plantar pressure values, increased significantly after the treatment. Step cycle duration, swing phase, step length and foot angle values decreased significantly after the treatment. (p&lt;0.01) Conclusion Unlike the literature, proprioceptive exercises that we add to the conventional rehabilitation program can be used to improve muscle tone, balance, perception, postural control, mobility, and spatiotemporal parameters.

Retrospectively Assessed Muscle Tone and Skin Colour following Airway Suctioning in Video-Recorded Infants Receiving Delivery Room Positive Pressure Ventilation.

Recently, the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation published a systematic review that concluded that routine suctioning of clear amniotic fluid in the delivery room might be associated with lower oxygen saturation (SpO2) and 10 min Apgar score. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of delivery room airway suctioning on the clinical appearance, including muscle tone and skin colour, of video-recorded term and preterm infants born through mainly clear amniotic fluid. This was a single-centre observational study using transcribed video recordings of neonatal stabilizations. All infants who received delivery room positive pressure ventilation (PPV) from August 2014 to November 2016 were included. The primary outcome was the effect of airway suctioning on muscle tone and skin colour (rated 0-2 according to the Apgar score), while the secondary outcome was the fraction of infants for whom airway suction preceded the initiation of PPV as a surrogate for "routine" airway suctioning. Airway suctioning was performed in 159 out of 302 video recordings and stimulated a vigorous cry in 47 (29.6%) infants, resulting in improvements in muscle tone (p = 0.09) and skin colour (p &lt; 0.001). In 43 (27.0%) infants, airway suctioning preceded the initiation of PPV. In this single-centre observational study, airway suctioning stimulated a vigorous cry with resulting improvements in muscle tone and skin colour. Airway suctioning was often performed prior to the initiation of PPV, indicating a practice of routine suctioning and guideline non-compliance.

A IMPORTÂNCIA DA DIETA SAUDÁVEL ASSOCIADO A EXERCÍCIOS DE RESISTÊNCIA PARA MELHORIA DA QUALIDADE DE VIDA EM IDOSOS

The elderly can be defined, according to the law, as any individual over the age of 60 years. From a biological point of view, it is a body degraded by the accumulation of several reactions, which needs greater care and attention. In Brazil, 15% of the population is elderly and this number is constantly growing, deserving more and more attention. The practice of physical exercises added to a healthy diet are essential characteristics to ensure a better quality of life and bring several benefits to the elderly. Therefore, this work aims to evaluate the practice of resistance exercises added to a healthy diet, based on the data present in the literature. To this end, a search was carried out in several databases in order to obtain the information. In total, more than 19 thousand works were collected, after the selection process, 9 works were selected for this review. It was observed that the practice of resistance physical exercises added to a healthy diet resulted in improved muscle tone, muscle resistance, fat reduction, increased lean mass, improved circulation and oxygenation, reduced risk of diseases, improvement in social factors and psychological. Therefore, such practices are essential to guarantee the quality of life in the elderly, allowing greater longevity and more health and disposition.

Effect of an Individualised Training Programme on Hamstrings and Change Direction Based on Tensiomyography in Football Players

The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of an individual training programme based on the tensiomyography results in the contractile properties of the knee flexor muscle with football players. Thirty-four subjects were recruited and assigned to an experimental (EG) or control group (CG). The contraction time and the muscle displacement measured by tensiomyography were assessed on two occasions: pre-time (middle of the competitive season, January) and post-time 8 weeks later. The training programme aimed to improve muscle tone and explosiveness according to the individual needs of each player. There was a significant interaction between time (assessment points) × group (EG vs. CG) × muscle in multivariate analysis. The findings confirmed that mechanical and neuromuscular characteristics changed over time and varied with the individual training programme (EG vs. CG) and the muscle being analysed. The 90° change of direction worsens the execution time in the control group and is maintained in the experimental group. The individual training programme, based on the tensiomyography results, showed improvements in the contractile properties in the muscles. Football coaches could use the programme to improve neuromuscular characteristics that improve performance and reduce the risk of muscle injury.

Vojta Therapy in Medical Rehabilitation of Children with Consequences of Perinatal Central Nervous System Affections

INTRODUCTION. According to the Federal Statistical Observation of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, perinatal Central Nervous System affections are one of the leading causes of childhood disability. The development and scientific substantiation of new non-drug technologies for medical rehabilitation of children with perinatal lesions of the Central Nervous System remains the main task. A promising technique is Vojta-therapy, a method based on the activation of motor reflexes due to irritation of certain areas on the child’s body. AIM. Scientific substantiation of the use of Vojta therapy in the medical rehabilitation of children with the consequences of perinatal Central Nervous System affections. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Clinical observations were performed in 110 children with perinatal Central Nervous System affections between the ages of 2 and 12 months. The comparison groups were formed depending on the nature of kinesiotherapy: the study group (n=55) – children who received Vojta therapy; the comparison group (n=55) – children who did not receive Vojta-therapy. We used clinical and neurological examination, INFANIB score, and SPSS 23.0 statistical analysis. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Analysis of the clinical and neurological examination data after Vojta therapy revealed a statistically significant increase in the overall motor activity of children. When the method was included in the rehabilitation of patients under the age of 4 months, the number of children with delayed reflex extinction decreased, at the age of 4-8 months, the appearance of coups and crawling was recorded, at the age of 8 months, the walking skill was formed in a timely manner. By the adjusted age of 1 year, patients receiving Vojta therapy were diagnosed with cerebral palsy 2 times less often than in the comparison group. CONCLUSION. The inclusion of Vojta therapy in the program of medical rehabilitation of children with the consequences of perinatal Central Nervous System affections contributed to the reduction of pathological motor activity, improvement of muscle tone and the formation of age-related skills. The use of Vojta therapy in children with the consequences of perinatal Central Nervous System affections up to 8 months determined a more pronounced increase in the grade score on the INFANIB scale and helped to reduce the frequency of cerebral palsy formation by 2 times.

Efficacy Assessment of Upper Limb Home-Based Exercises Using a Prototype Exercise Robot for Continuous Passive Movement Among Individuals with Paresis in the Long-Term Follow-Up: Preliminary Report

Introduction: Home exercises are a promising alternative to outpatient care or in-hospital exercise programmes. The forms of exercises with the use of robotic devices is constantly developing, and their positive effects have been well-documented. Research objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of upper limb home-based exercises with the use of the “Best Arm” robot following the onset of diseases causing spastic paresis in long-term observation. Materials and methods: The study comprised 40 participants at an average age of 58.73 ±16.80. For a period of 8 months, training of the limb with paresis using the “Best Arm” device was carried out to test joint mobility, hand grip strength, and to measure the circumference of the forearm and upper arm. Results: Statistical analysis shows a significant change in active and passive range of motion, as well as muscle strength after an 8-month intervention period in the group under study. Conclusions: Home-based exercises using a prototype of the “Best Arm” device for exercising the upper limb with paresis have had a moderate effect on improving range of motion and muscle strength. However, these exercises did not significantly improve muscle tone or the functional capabilities of the upper limb.

Design and Practice of Aerobics Teaching Design Based on Data Fusion Algorithm

Aerobic exercise is a very popular form of exercise. It combines various forms of sports and music. Aerobic exercise improves muscle tone and relaxes the mind and body while burning calories. It is designed to individualize instruction for different audiences. It is an important factor in the applicability of the operation. The purpose of this paper is to build different human models based on sensor network numbers to quantify different movements through the Internet of Things (IoT) to design personalized curriculum design and practice to improve the popularity of creative aerobics curriculum. In this paper, we first give an overview of the algorithm and data fusion algorithm and then simulate the aerobics creative curriculum design. First, the variance is used as the error measure to establish the data fusion algorithm and aerobics new concept innovation curriculum design and practice. The established model is compared with the aerobics curriculum design under the traditional model to highlight the advantages of the curriculum design under the data fusion algorithm. A comparison is also made with examples. The experimental results show that the data of the audience’s movement changes during different creative processes solve the aerobics creative editing problem. Compared with the traditional curriculum design, the efficiency of the curriculum design and practice is improved by 20.23%.

The impact of early postoperative rehabilitation on restoring the functions of the limb after surgery on the cranial cruciate ligament in dogs

Relevance. This research is relevant due to ability to help in improving quality of pets life after surgery on the cranial cruciate ligament.Methods. Descriptive (description dynamics recovery various animals), сomparative (comparisons pace recovery various groups of animals applying different metods) methods were used.Results. Applied rehabilitation activities in early postoperative period accelerate recovery, improves muscle tone, keeps joint movements and helps in its stabilization.

Can Incobotulinumtoxin-A Treatment Improve Quality of Life Better Than Conventional Therapy in Spastic Muscle Post-Stroke Patients? Results from a Pilot Study from a Single Center.

Post-stroke spasticity frequently occurs in patients with stroke, and there is a need for more quality-of-life assessments for different therapies. We evaluated for the first time in Romania the quality of life among patients with post-stroke spasticity, comparing two therapies over a 6-month period: botulinum toxin type A (BOT) with conventional therapy (CON). We also assessed the reduction of spasticity and functionality secondary to the increase in the mobility in upper limbs. This study was based on a prospective, randomized design, including subjects with post-stroke spasticity (N = 34; 34–80 years of age): in the CON arm, patients received therapy against muscle spasticity and physiotherapy, and, in the BOT arm, patients received incobotulinumtoxin-A and additionally conventional treatment, if required. Among 34 treated subjects in the two arms, the quality of life was significantly higher after BOT therapy (p < 0.001), represented by improvement in movement (p < 0.001), usual activities (p = 0.018), and distress (p < 0.001). Improvements in muscle tone (Ashworth Scale) over 6 months of treatment period were greater in the BOT arm (100%) than in the CON arm (11.8%). These preliminary results suggested that incobotulinumtoxin-A increased quality of life by improving movement, daily activities, mental health, and muscle tone more effectively than conventional therapy and could form a basis for future comparator studies.

P-NE018. The importance of paying attention to the waveform pattern of the f wave in a patient with cerebrovascular diseases who showed markedly increased muscle tone of the thenar muscles

Introduction . We investigated F wave in a patient with cerebrovascular diseases in which there was no voluntary movement of the hand, especially the thumb, due to markedly increased tone of the thenar muscles. We experienced a case in which characteristic change in the appearance pattern of F wave and the effect of rehabilitation. Methods . Case was a patient with right hemiplegia due to left cerebral hemorrhage (putamen) who showed markedly increased muscle tone of thumb flexors (MAS 4) and no voluntary movements. F-waves were recorded from the affected thenar muscles with median nerve stimulation (0.5 Hz, 30 times) in supine position. Exercise therapy, which included stretching of the affected thenar muscles were also carried out, and subsequent changes in the F-wave waveform were examined. The exercise therapy was performed twice a week for 20 minutes each session. Results . An F-wave with an average latency of 28.6 ms appeared after the appearance of the M-wave. However, various forms of F-wave-like waveforms were observed during the short latency (19.9 ms). No discharge of the short latency waveform was observed without electrical stimulation. After 3 months of exercise therapy, the short latency waveform disappeared, muscle tone was slightly improved (MAS 3), and voluntary movements of the paralyzed thumb was also appeared a little. Conclusion . The short latency waveform was not identical, and therefore cannot be considered to be axonal reflexes. As this waveform was not observed without electrical stimulation, the possibility that the excitability of the anterior horn cells of the spinal cord may have been increased. In addition, since exercise therapy improve muscle tone and did not show the appearance of the short latency, it is necessary to pay attention to the waveform pattern of F waves to evaluate spasticity in which markedly increased muscle tone in patients with cerebrovascular diseases.