Improvement In Proprioception Research Articles

Immediate Effects of Kinesio Tape and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Pain and Proprioception in Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare the immediate effects of single-session Kinesio Tape (KT) and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) interventions on pain and proprioception in patients with chronic neck pain (CNP). MethodsForty patients with CNP aged 21 to 44 years were included in this study. The participants were divided into 2 groups as the IASTM and KT groups. The participants in the KT group took part in one session of KT application to the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles, while those in the IASTM group took part in one session of IASTM application to the same muscles. The pain levels of the participants during activity were recorded using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and their cervical region proprioception levels were assessed using the Cervical Range of Motion device. Pain severity and proprioception were assessed before and after the interventions. ResultsNo statistically significant difference was found between the pretreatment pain and proprioception values of the 2 groups (P > .05). After the treatments, there was a significant improvement in proprioception in both groups (P ≤ .001). Similarly, there was a significant improvement in VAS values in both groups after the treatments (P ≤ .001). The VAS and proprioception values of the 2 groups were not significantly different in the post-treatment measurements (P > .05). ConclusionIt was concluded that the IASTM and KT interventions had an immediate effect on pain and proprioception in the participants who had CNP, while neither intervention was superior to the other.

Effect of Local Vibration Therapy on Pain, Joint Position Sense, Kinesiophobia, and Disability in Cervical Disc Herniation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background/Objectives: Vibration therapy approaches are an effective and safe treatment option for musculoskeletal disorders. This study examines the effects of vibration therapy using a percussion massage gun (PMG) on joint position sense, range of motion, pain, functionality, and kinesiophobia in individuals with cervical disc herniation (CDH). Methods: This single-blind randomized controlled trial involved 44 CDH patients divided into a Vibration Group (VG) and a Conventional Group (CG). The CG underwent a standard physiotherapy treatment heat application, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), and exercises for range of motion and strengthening. VG received conventional therapy augmented with vibration therapy (VT) via a PMG. Joint position sense (JPS) using the Laser Pointer Assisted Angle Repetition Test; pain intensity with the Visual Analog Scale, kinesiophobia with the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, and cervical dysfunction with the Neck Disability Index were assessed. Results: Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in pain, kinesiophobia, disability, and proprioception after treatment (p < 0.05). When comparing the difference values between groups, the VG was found to be more effective than the CG in the parameters of VAS activity (p = 0.013). The CG had more improvement in JPS neck left rotation than the VG (p = 0.000). Conclusions: VT, when combined with conventional physiotherapy, is effective in improving pain, proprioception, and functionality in individuals with CDH. These findings support the inclusion of VT as a beneficial adjunct therapy. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups is recommended to validate these results and explore the long-term effects of VT on CDH.

A Study on the Effectiveness of VR Rehabilitation Training Content for Older Individuals with Total Knee Replacement: Pilot Study.

There is a paucity of research applying fully immersive virtual reality (VR) training to older adults with degenerative joint disease. This study investigated the effects of a training program utilizing fully immersive VR games on proprioception and gait ability in older patients with degenerative arthritis who had undergone total knee arthroplasty. This randomized controlled trial enrolled patients aged ≥65 years who were diagnosed with knee joint arthritis and had undergone knee arthroplasty followed by physical therapy. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (receiving training using fully immersive VR games along with regular physical therapy) and a control group (receiving only regular physical therapy). The intervention was conducted five times a week for four weeks. Knee joint proprioception was measured using Biodex before and after the intervention. Spatial-temporal gait variables were collected using OptoGait for gait assessment. There was a significant decrease in the absolute error values of proprioception after the intervention in the experimental group, compared to before (p < 0.05), indicating improvement in proprioception. Gait speed, step count, and stride length improved significantly (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), demonstrating an enhancement in gait ability. The experimental group showed significantly greater improvements in gait speed, step count, and stride length than the control group (p < 0.01). Training using a fully immersive VR exercise program may have potential benefits for improving proprioception and gait parameters in patients who have undergone total knee arthroplasty. Fully immersive VR game-based training can be utilized as an effective rehabilitation intervention for patients undergoing knee arthroplasty in the future.

Effects of video-based cervical stabilization home exercises in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: arandomized controlled pilot study.

This study aimed to examine the effects of aremote video-based cervical stabilization exercise program on cervical proprioception, functional status, and disease-related quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients with RA were evaluated regarding cervical joint positioning error, cervical region functional status (Neck Disability Index), general functional status (Health Assessment Questionnaire), and disease-related quality of life (Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life Scale). Patients were randomized to exercise (n = 14, 10female) and control (n = 12, 9female) groups. Patients in the exercise group performed avideo-based home exercise program consisting of progressive cervical stabilization exercises three times aweek for sixweeks in addition to their routine medication. The patients in the control group continued their routine medication only. Evaluations were repeated in both groups in the seventh week following the baseline evaluation. Groups were similar at baseline (p > 0.05). Patients in both groups had low disease activity (DAS-28 CRP ≤ 3.2). The remote video-based exercise program led to significant improvements in cervical proprioception, functional status, and disease-related quality of life (p < 0.05). No significant changes were detected in any parameters in the control group (p > 0.05). Obtained changes were superior in the exercise group compared to the control group (d > 1.00, p < 0.05). Cervical stabilization exercises may increase cervical proprioception, improve functional status, and enhance disease-related quality of life in patients with RA when administered as aremote program. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04948775 , NCT04948775.

The influence of an individual exercise program on stability and proprioception improvement in a patient after ankle sprain

Background. Among the most common ankle injuries in volleyball players are sprains. They often occur during the jumping and landing phases. The injury may lead to proprioceptive disorders and stability issues. The aim of this study was to present the influence of an individual exercise program on improving stability and proprioception in a patient after experiencing a sprained ankle. Material and methods. The case study included a 20-year-old patient who suffered a right ankle sprain. The patient, an active volleyball player, reported instability and periodically occurring pain. After conducting an objective assessment of stability and proprioception using the diagnostic and therapeutic system with a stabilometric platform and camera 3D, the patient underwent an individual exercise program. The patient also reported a pain level of 6 on the VAS scale. Results. The initial overall stability of the patient, measured as the ellipse surface, improved from 337.04 mm² to 190.94 mm². Proprioception, assessed as the average tracking error (ATE), changed from 21.78% to 21.17% for the left lower limb and from 38.52% to 27.43% for the right lower limb. The pain level on the VAS scale decreased to 4. Conclusion. The conducted exercise program has a positive impact on improving stability and proprioception, as well as reducing the level of chronic pain.

Effects of Virtual Reality Therapy Combined With Conventional Rehabilitation on Pain, Kinematic Function, and Disability in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Neck pain is a common condition that leads to neck motor dysfunction and subsequent disability, with a significant global health care burden. As a newly emerging tool, virtual reality (VR) technology has been employed to address pain and reduce disability among patients with neck pain. However, there is still a lack of high-quality studies evaluating the efficacy of VR therapy combined with conventional rehabilitation for patients with chronic neck pain, particularly in terms of kinematic function. This study aims to investigate the effect of VR therapy combined with conventional rehabilitation on pain, kinematic function, and disability in patients with chronic neck pain. We conducted an assessor-blinded, allocation-concealed randomized controlled trial. Sixty-four participants experiencing chronic neck pain were randomly allocated into the experimental group that underwent VR rehabilitation plus conventional rehabilitation or the control group receiving the same amount of conventional rehabilitation alone for 10 sessions over 4 weeks. Pain intensity, disability, kinematic function (cervical range of motion, proprioception, and mean and peak velocity), degree of satisfaction, and relief of symptoms were evaluated at 3 timepoints (baseline, postintervention, and at 3 months follow-up). A 2*3 mixed repeated measures analysis of variance was utilized for analyzing the difference across indicators, with a significant difference level of .05. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in pain, disability, and kinematic functions (P<.05) at postintervention and at 3-month follow-up. The experimental group showed superior therapeutic outcomes compared to the control group in pain reduction (mean difference from the baseline: 5.50 vs 1.81 at posttreatment; 5.21 vs 1.91 at the 3-month follow-up, respectively; P<.001), disability improvement (mean difference from baseline: 3.04 vs 0.50 at posttreatment; 3.20 vs 0.85 at the 3-month follow-up, respectively; P<.001), and enhanced kinematic functions (P<.05). Moreover, participants in the experimental group reported better satisfaction and relief of symptoms than the control group (P<.05), with better initiative for exercising during the follow-up period. However, there was no between-group difference of improvement in proprioception. No adverse events were reported or observed in our research. The findings of our study support the efficacy of combining VR therapy with conventional rehabilitation in alleviating pain, enhancing kinematic function, and reducing disability of patients with chronic neck pain. Future research should focus on refining the therapeutic protocols and dosages for VR therapy as well as on optimizing its application in clinical settings for improved convenience and effectiveness. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000040132; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=64346.

Sacral neuromodulation for constipation and fecal incontinence in children and adolescents – study protocol of a prospective, randomized trial on the application of invasive vs. non-invasive technique

BackgroundA therapeutic effect of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) on fecal incontinence (FI) and quality of life has been proven in adults. SNM is, however, rarely used in pediatric cases. The aim of the study is to investigate effects of SNM in pediatric constipation in a prospective parallel-group trial.MethodsA monocentric, randomized, unblinded, parallel-group trial is conducted. SNM is conducted in the invasive variant and in an innovative, external approach with adhesive electrodes (enteral neuromodulation, ENM). We include patients with constipation according to the ROME IV criteria and refractory to conventional options. Patients with functional constipation and Hirschsprung’s disease are able to participate. Participants are allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either SNM or ENM group. Clinical data and quality of life is evaluated in regular check-ups. Neuromodulation is applied continuously for 3 months (end point of the study) with follow-up-points at 6 and 12 months. Findings are analyzed statistically considering a 5% significance level (p ≤ 0.05). Outcome variables are defined as change in (1) episodes of abdominal pain, (2) episodes of FI, (3) defecation frequency, (4) stool consistency. Improvement of proprioception, influence on urinary incontinence, quality of life and safety of treatment are assessed as secondary outcome variables. We expect a relevant improvement in both study groups.DiscussionThis is the first trial, evaluating effects of neuromodulation for constipation in children and adolescents and comparing effects of the invasive and non-invasive application (SNM vs. ENM).Trial registrationThe study is registered with clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier NCT04713085 (date of registration 01/14/2021).

Deficits in proprioception and strength may contribute to the impaired postural stability among individuals with functional ankle instability.

Purpose: The correlations of postural stability with proprioception and strength may explain the recurrent sprains among individuals with functional ankle instability (FAI). This study aimed to compare anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) postural stability, along with ankle proprioception and strength between individuals with and without FAI and investigated their correlations. Methods: Forty participants with FAI and another 40 without FAI were recruited. Their postural stability, represented by time to stabilization (TTS) in the AP (TTSAP) and ML (TTSML) directions, was calculated by the ground reaction force during jumping onto a force plate. Their ankle proprioception and strength during plantarflexion/dorsiflexion and inversion/eversion were measured using a proprioception device and a strength testing system, separately. Results: Individuals with FAI had longer TTSAP (p = 0.015) and TTSML (p = 0.006), larger ankle proprioception thresholds (p = 0.000-0.001), and less strength (p = 0.001-0.017) than those without FAI. Correlations between strength and TTSAP were detected among individuals with (ankle plantarflexion, r = -0.409, p = 0.009) and without FAI (ankle plantarflexion, r = -0.348, p = 0.028; ankle dorsiflexion, r = -0.473, p = 0.002). Correlations of proprioception (ankle inversion, r = 0.327, p = 0.040; ankle eversion, r = 0.354, p = 0.025) and strength (ankle eversion, r = -0.479, p = 0.002) with TTSML were detected among individuals without FAI but not among those with FAI. Conclusion: Individuals with FAI have worse postural stability and proprioception and less strength. Their proprioception and strength decreased to a point where they could not provide sufficient functional assistance to the ML postural stability. Improvements in proprioception and strength may be keys to prevent recurrent ankle sprains among individuals with FAI.

Effects of Balance and Strength Training for Ankle Proprioception in People with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Study.

After an ankle sprain, the ligament and joint capsule are damaged, and as a result, proprioceptive sense is damaged, causing a feeling of giving away in the ankle and resulting in recurrent sprains. Given the relevant studies, it has been seen that people with chronic ankle instability (CAI) commonly have deficits in joint position sense and reinjury risks. Joint position sense plays an important role in ankle control, thereby reducing the risk of injury. Therefore, this study aims to compare the effects of balance and strength training on ankle proprioception in people with CAI. This single-blind randomized controlled study included 29 volunteer participants (21 women and eight men) aged 18 to 30 years. Participants with a Cumberland ankle instability scale score less than or equal to 24 were randomly divided into two treatment groups: strength training (n = 14) and balance training (n = 15). Y balance test, joint position, and vibration sense were evaluated at the beginning and end of the treatment. "Hop to stabilization" exercises were applied to the balance group and resistive bands exercises to the strength group, which were performed for 6 weeks, 35 minutes per day, two times per week. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial directions of the Y balance test (P = .89, P = .50, and P = .34, respectively), but the strength training group showed significant improvement in ankle proprioception (140°) and vibration sense (fifth finger) (P < .001), and the post hoc Cohen's d effect size values were medium (.52) and small (.25), respectively. The findings of this study show that strengthening and balance exercises have similar effects on dynamic balance, but strengthening exercises are more effective in improving joint position and vibration sense. Given the positive effects of both exercise programs, it is recommended to implement the two interventions separately or together for CAI rehabilitation.

Effects of whole-body vibration therapy on pain, functionality, postural stability, and proprioception in patients with subacute and chronic non-specific low back pain: asystematic review.

Non-specific low back pain (NLBP) is acommon and clinically significant condition with substantial socioeconomic implications. Whole-body vibration therapy (WBVT) has shown effectiveness in improving pain and sensorimotor function (e.g., in osteoporosis) in previous studies. However, studies had heterogeneous settings. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of WBVT on pain, function, proprioception, and postural stability in patients with subacute and chronic NLBP. Asystematic literature search was conducted in the scientific databases PubMed, EMBASE, and PEDro (from inception until 17.05.2023). Only prospective controlled and uncontrolled studies were included. Outcome measures assessed were pain intensity, function (activities of daily living and physical function), proprioception, and postural stability. Atotal of 12 original articles (n = 821) were included in the analysis. Ten of the studies were randomized controlled trials, one study had acrossover design, and one study had aone-group pre-post study design. The studies compared WBVT vs. no intervention, WBVT vs. basic physical therapy, WBVT vs. core stabilization exercises with and without respiratory resistance, WBVT vs. lumbar extension exercises, and WBVT vs. whole body electromyostimulation training. The treatment approaches varied in terms of duration (2-18weeks), frequency (2-3times per week, two applications with a2-week break), vibration frequency (5-30 Hz), type of exercises (WBVT with or without static or dynamic exercises), and vibration direction (horizontal and vertical). Significant pain reduction was observed in all 10studies that investigated pain levels. Significant improvement in daily activity function was reported in five of the six studies that investigated daily function, while improvement in physical function was observed in all four studies that investigated physical function. Improvement in proprioception was reported in all three studies that investigated proprioception, and significant improvement in postural stability was observed in four out of six studies that investigated postural stability. No adverse events or side effects related to WBVT were reported. The majority of the included studies demonstrated significant pain reduction, improvement in physical and daily functioning, and enhanced proprioception. Improvement in postural stability was less consistent. WBVT appears to be asafe and effective treatment modality for subacute and chronic NLBP when used within amultimodal approach. Future research should focus on standardized settings including assessment methods, treatment regimens, frequencies, and intensities.

Proposal of physical exercises for charcot marie tooth disease patients: a tailored approach

Background: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a neurological condition of genetic etiology classified among rare diseases.Methods: The aim of the study was to subject two CMT-1A patient sisters to an ad-hoc training program of 6 weeks (18 sessions) and to record and obtain improvements in proprioception, stability, balance, mobility, and strength.Results: The study showed positive results on the following scales: Romberg test; 6 MWT; 30-ACT; 30 CST; TUG; Q-Walk-12, and Q-SF-36.Conclusion: The study aimed to underline the importance of an early disease training approach to limit its progression. The study demonstrated a positive impact of a 6-week gym training program based on monopodalic standing and quadrupedal exercises on proprioceptive abilities, postural stability, and improved balance.

Altered Dynamic Resting State Functional Connectivity Associated With Somatosensory Impairments in the Upper Limb in the Early Sub-Acute Phase Post-Stroke

Background. Altered dynamic functional connectivity has been associated with motor impairments in the acute phase post-stroke. Its association with somatosensory impairments in the early sub-acute phase remains unexplored. Objective. To investigate altered dynamic functional connectivity associated with somatosensory impairments in the early sub-acute phase post-stroke. Methods. We collected resting state magnetic resonance imaging and clinical somatosensory function of the upper limb of 20 subacute stroke patients and 16 healthy controls (HC). A sliding-window approach was used to identify 3 connectivity states based on the estimated dynamic functional connectivity of sensorimotor related networks. Network components were subdivided into 3 domains: cortical and subcortical sensorimotor, as well as cognitive control network. Between-group differences were investigated using independent t-tests and Mann–Whitney-U tests. Analyzes were performed with correction for age, head motion and time post-stroke and corrected for multiple comparisons. Results. Stroke patients spent significantly less time in a weakly connected network state (state 3; dwell time: pstate3 = 0.003, meanstroke = 53.02, SDstroke = 53.13; meanHC = 118.92, SDHC = 72.84), and stayed shorter but more time intervals in a highly connected intra-domain network state (state 1; fraction time: pstate 1 < 0.001, meanstroke = 0.46, SDstroke = 0.26; meanHC = 0.26, SDHC = 0.21) compared to HC. After 8 weeks of therapy, improvements in wrist proprioception were moderately associated with decreases in dwell and fraction times toward a more normalized pattern. Conclusion. Changes in temporal properties of large-scale network interactions are present in the early rehabilitation phase post-stroke and could indicate enhanced neural plasticity. These findings could augment the understanding of cerebral reorganization after loss of neural tissue specialized in somatosensory functions.

Effectiveness of sleeper’s stretch on proprioception and range of motion in volleyball and basketball athletes with glenohumeral internal rotation deficit

Abstract Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) is a common impairment of neuromuscular origin that affects overhead athletes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 4-week sleeper stretch program on proprioception and range of motion (ROM) in athletes clinically diagnosed with GIRD. This study was a single group crossover study design (pre-post). The athletes underwent sleeper stretching program (5 sessions/week for 4 weeks) on the affected and non-affected sides. A total of 32 male athletes (15 basketball/17 volleyball were assessed for outcome measures of internal rotation (IR), external rotation (ER), total range of motion (TROM), and proprioception in ER, IR, and TROM (eyes open and eyes closed) at baseline and at the end of intervention. The affected side ROM significantly improved from 54.53±8.90° to 77.56±4.33° and 58.27±3.33° to 81.10±3.67° for volleyball and basketball athletes, respectively (IR ROM); from 114.56±5.88° to 95.77±6.66° and 119.44±4.67° to 104.23±5.05° for volleyball and basketball athletes, respectively (ER ROM); and from 169.90±5.78° to 173.11±5.88° and 177.28±5.88° to 186.89±3.79° for volleyball and basketball athletes, respectively (TROM), after the four-week sleeper stretch exercise. The ROM changes were non-significant on the non-affected side (P&gt;0.05). The ANOVA reading for individual sports was found to be significant: volleyball athlete IR: [P&lt;0.05, effect size (ES)=0.63], basketball athlete IR: [P&lt;0.05, ES=0.74], volleyball athlete ER [P&lt;0.05, ES=0.49), basketball athlete ER [P&lt;0.05, ES=0.38). However, there was no significant improvement in proprioception measured with both eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) for the IR, ER, and TROM. This study establishes the important role of sleeper’s stretching protocol in improvement of internal rotation, external rotation, and total rotational motion of the affected side. These findings may have important clinical implications in the management of GIRD in volleyball and basketball athletes.

Myofascial Release as a Means of Injury Prevention and Movement Amplitude Recovery in Qualified Football Players

The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of MFR tools used in the training process of qualified football players. Materials and methods. The study participants were 28 football specialists of the Ukrainian Premier League football teams and 36 football players of FC “Zorya” (Luhansk). Methods used in the study included analysis, generalization and systematization of data from scientific and methodical literature and Internet, questionnaire survey, pedagogical observations, pedagogical testing of flexibility indicators, pedagogical experiment, methods of mathematical statistics. Results. The results of using MFR manual techniques in the training process of qualified football players are as follows: relaxation of chronically tense muscles, recovery of mobility and normal amplitude of motion in the joints, improvement of the elastic properties of the muscular and ligamentous structures of the musculoskeletal system of football players, optimization of hemodynamics and lymphodynamics at the microcirculatory level, optimization of general and local metabolic processes in the body, functional recovery of the musculoskeletal system of football players after excessive physical exertion and injuries, improvement of proprioception and neuromuscular control, optimization of the psychoemotional state. Conclusions. The analysis of the results of testing the flexibility of football players of FC “Zorya” (Luhansk) at the end of the first and second preparatory periods of the 2019-2020 sports season allows us to state the presence of higher indicators compared to the results of preliminary testing in the 2018-2019 sports season. According to the results of the monitoring performed by the specialists of the complex scientific group, there has been recorded an 11.11% decrease in the number of injuries related to damage to the muscular-ligamentous structures of the lower limbs and trunk of football players in FC “Zorya” (Luhansk).

Survival and Success Rate of Implants in Overdentures: Analyzing Patient and Implant Factors

Purpose: Edentulism can be treated using removable prostheses, fixed prostheses, and implant overdentures. Implant overdentures are more cost-effective than fixed prostheses and offer advantages of retention, support, stability, masticatory power, psychological stability, maintenance of alveolar bone, and improvement of proprioception compared to removable dentures. This study aimed to investigate the survival and success rate of implants in overdentures according to patient and implant factors.Materials and Methods: This study investigated patients who underwent implant surgery for overdenture treatment by a single surgeon at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at Seoul Asan Medical Center between 2005 and 2020. A total of 46 patients with 146 implants were included, and the survival and success rates of the implants were analyzed statistically. Additionally, the correlation between these rates and age, sex, implant placement location, and the number of implants was investigated.Results: A total of 146 implants were placed in 46 patients for implant overdentures. The average follow-up period for this study was 5.03 ± 3.89 years. The mean age of the patients was 68.5 ± 9.9 years, and there were 19 men and 27 women. The most commonly placed implants were in the mandibular anterior region, and the majority of dentures had two implants. The overall survival and success rates of implants in overdentures were 98.6% and 95.9%, respectively. Age, sex, implant placement location, and the number of implants showed no significant correlation with implant survival and success rates.Conclusion: The survival and success rates of implants for overdentures are extremely high, with no significant difference from those for fixed prosthetics.

Robotic Ankle Training Improves Sensorimotor Functions in Children with Cerebral Palsy—A Pilot Study

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have sensorimotor impairments including weakness, spasticity, reduced motor control and sensory deficits. Proprioceptive dysfunction compounds the decreased motor control and mobility. The aims of this paper were to (1) examine proprioceptive deficit of lower extremities of children with CP; (2) study improvement in proprioception and clinical impairments through robotic ankle training (RAT). Eight children with CP participated in a 6-week RAT with pre and post ankle proprioception, clinical, biomechanical assessment compared to the assessment of eight typically developing children (TDC). The children with CP participated in passive stretching (20 min/session) and active movement training (20 to 30 min/session) using an ankle rehabilitation robot (3 sessions/week over 6 weeks, total of 18 sessions). Proprioceptive acuity measured as the plantar and dorsi-flexion motion at which the children recognized the movement was 3.60 ± 2.28° in dorsiflexion and -3.72 ± 2.38° in plantar flexion for the CP group, inferior to that of the TDC group's 0.94 ± 0.43° in dorsiflexion (p = 0.027) and -0.86 ± 0.48° in plantar flexion (p = 0.012). After training, ankle motor and sensory functions were improved in children with CP, with the dorsiflexion strength increased from 3.61 ± 3.75 Nm to 7.48 ± 2.75 Nm (p = 0.018) and plantar flexion strength increased from -11.89 ± 7.04 Nm to -17.61 ± 6.81 Nm after training (p = 0.043). The dorsiflexion AROM increased from 5.58 ± 13.18° to 15.97 ± 11.21° (p = 0.028). The proprioceptive acuity showed a trend of decline to 3.08 ± 2.07° in dorsiflexion and to -2.59 ± 1.94° in plantar flexion (p > 0.05). The RAT is a promising intervention for children with CP to improve sensorimotor functions of the lower extremities. It provided an interactive and motivating training to engage children with CP in rehabilitation to improve clinical and sensorimotor performance.

Effect of a 6-week core stability training program on active trunk repositioning: a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionCore stability training has recently attracted attention for improving muscle performance. This study aimed to examine the effect of core stability training on active trunk repositioning error.MethodsForty healthy males, randomly assigned into two equal groups; experimental and control groups, participated in the study. Their age, weight, height, and BMI ranged between 18–22.5 years, 64–85 kg, 1.63–1.83 m, and 19.4–25 kg/m2, respectively. The Biodex Isokinetic dynamometer was used to assess the absolute error (AE) at both 30° and 60° trunk flexion, measured at a 60°/s angular velocity. Data were recorded twice; before (pre-test) and after (post-test) a 6-week period during which the experimental group was trained.ResultsMixed 3-way ANOVA revealed that the AE was significantly lower at 60° trunk flexion in both groups at pre-test, and in the control group at post-test compared with 30° flexion (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05). In addition, the AE decreased significantly in the post-test in the experimental group only at both trunk flexion angles compared with pre-test (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsThe decreased active trunk repositioning error with core stability training indicates improvement in trunk proprioception. Thus, core stability training could be beneficial if added to rehabilitation programs that aim to improve trunk proprioception.

INFLUÊNCIAS DO TREINO DE EQUILÍBRIO SOBRE A APTIDÃO FÍSICA DOS ATLETAS DE ARTES MARCIAIS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chinese martial arts constitute an integral sport, demanding high capacity and physical fitness from its athletes. It is believed that functional balance training can enhance the performance of its athletes, as it strengthens and tones the muscles, stimulating the active proprioception of the executed movements. Objective: This paper investigates the effect of balance training on martial arts athletes and its impact on the execution of complex sports movements. Methods: Under experimental control, 100 martial arts athletes were selected and divided into two groups without statistical differences to perform the experiment. The experimental group added balance training, while the control group followed the usual training script. Sports fitness indices were measured before and after the intervention for statistical analysis. Results: The data regarding the balance index of the experimental group pre was 7.00±0.52, and after the experiment, it went to 8.40±0.47; the functional indices increased from 7.50±0.55 to 8.46±0.42. No statistically relevant changes were found in the control group. Conclusion: Functional balance training can complement daily training routines for greater benefits in martial arts athletes. The improvement of active proprioception statistically increases the ability of its practitioners in the execution of complex movements. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Effect Of Thermal Stimulation And Mirror Therapy On Hand Functions In Patients With Stroke: An Interventional Study

&#x0D; Background: Thermal stimulation can be used as an intervention to enhance sensory function. Activated areas by thermal stimulation are greater than those by tactile or mechanical stimulation. Mirror therapy creates the illusion of normal movement with the mirror image of the unaffected upper extremity. Thermal stimulation provides somatosensory stimulation that causes the forced use of the involved extremity as a protective response to heat which provokes volitional/reflexive motor activity. Somatosensory stimulation may induce brain plasticity.&#x0D; Purpose: This study was carried out to determine the effect of thermal stimulation and mirror therapy in the sensorimotor and functional recovery of hand in stroke patients with hand impairment.&#x0D; Methods: 18 stroke survivors were randomly assigned to Thermal Stimulation rehabilitation treatment and Mirror Therapy rehabilitation group (30 minutes daily for 3 weeks). Three measures, including Brunnstorm stage, Wolf motor Function Test, and Revised Nottingham Sensory Assessment scale was used as an outcome measure to assess the motor and sensory recovery.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Results: The Thermal Stimulation group showed a potential trend for improved recovery stage as measured by Brunnstorm staging for motor recovery of hand as compared to the Mirror therapy group. The Thermal Stimulation group also showed a statistically significant and large improvement in tactile, proprioception and stereognosis score as measured by Revised Nottingham sensory assessment scale whereas Mirror Therapy group showed significant improvement in stereognosis score alone.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: Thermal stimulation has more positive effect in the sensorimotor and functional recovery of hand in acute stroke patients with hand impairment within 3 weeks in comparison to Mirror Therapy. Thermal stimulation protocol should be added in the clinical setting of rehabilitation in stroke patients with hand impairment on the basis of the result of this study.&#x0D;

Comparing the effects of hopping and strength-balance exercises on the selected muscles strength and balance in male athletes with chronic ankle instability

Background and Aims: The present study aims to compare the effects of two types of hopping and strength-balance exercises on the balance and strength of selected muscles in athletes with chronic ankle instability. Methods: Participants were 30 male athletes with chronic ankle instability, who were selected using a purposive sampling method and randomly divided into two groups of hopping and strength-balance exercise. A questionnaire was used to record demographic characteristics and the information about the history of sports. To measure strength, a dynamometer was used. The Standing stork test and Y balance test were used to measure static and dynamic balances, respectively. Analysis of covariance and the Least Significant Difference post hoc test were used to compare the means. Results: There was a significant difference in the static balance (P&lt;0.001) and the total dynamic balance between the two groups (P&lt;0.001). The strength-balance exercise group in all directions of the Y balance test performed better than the hopping exercise group. Moreover, hip abduction strength (P=0.02) and the inversion (P=0.005) and eversion strengths (P=0.002) of ankle were significantly different between the two groups after training, where the strength-balance group had higher scores. There was no significant difference between the two groups in other factors. Conclusion: Both hopping and strength-balance exercises can be effective in improving the balance and strength of male athletes with chronic ankle instability, where the strength -balance exercise program seems to be more useful due to its comprehensiveness and given that it emphasizes the improvement of balance, proprioception, trunk strength, and lower limb strength, and can have a greater effect on the fast recovery of athletes.