Passive Range Of Motion Exercises Research Articles

Physiotherapy management of functional activity disorders of knee dekstra et cause post-op anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Introduction: anterior cruciate ligament injury is one of the common knee injuries among athletes, which can cause functional activity impairment of the knee, such as pain, edema, range of motion limitation, contracture, and anxiety. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a surgical procedure that aims to restore the stability and function of the knee. Patients who undergo Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction require appropriate physiotherapy management to accelerate the healing and recovery process. Aim: this study aims to determine the physiotherapy management of functional activity disorders of the knee joints and the causes of postoperative anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Methods: this study used a case study method with a research subject of a 24-year-old male who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on the right knee and underwent Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Data were collected using instruments such as the VAS pain scale, goniometer to measure a range of motion, MMT to measure muscle strength, and international knee documentation committee questionnaire to measure functional activity. Results: showed a decrease in pain, an increase in range of motion, an increase in muscle strength, and an increase in functional activity on the right knee caused post-op Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction after receiving physiotherapy intervention for 9 sessions. Conclusion: physiotherapy management given in the form of electrical muscle stimulation, prone hang, passive range of motion exercise, patella mobilization, isotonic & isometric strengthening, and walking exercise, as well as education, can help overcome functional activity impairment on the right knee et cause post-op anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Effective Surgical Management of Femoralhead Affections in Dogs: Review of Ten Cases

Ten dogs suffering from various conditions affecting the coxofemoral joint, including hip dysplasia, hip luxation, and femoral capital fractures, were included in the study. Nine of these dogs underwent treatment with femoral head osteotomy, while one case of hip luxation was treated using a toggle technique. All procedures involved a cranio-lateral incision approach and osteotomy performed with an oscillating saw. Following physiotherapy and passive range of motion exercises, all the dogs exhibited pain-free ambulation. The simple Femoral Head Ostectomy surgery effectively manages various femoral head affections, alleviating pain and leading to a significant improvement in the quality of life.

The effect of electromyography triggered electrical stimulation to abdominal muscles on sitting balance, respiratory functions, and abdominal muscle thickness in complete spinal cord injury: a randomized controlled trial.

Complete thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) results in a loss of innervation to the abdominal muscles, which affects trunk stability and performance of activities of daily living from a sitting position. Respiratory function is also affected, leading to frequent pulmonary complications. Given the importance of trunk stability and respiratory function, we investigated the effects of electromyography triggered electrical stimulation (EMG-ES) applied to the abdominal muscles on sitting balance, respiratory functions and abdominal muscle thickness in individuals with complete thoracic SCI. This randomized controlled study included 34 participants with complete thoracic SCI who were randomly allocated to the experimental group ( n = 17) and the control group ( n = 17). During the 4-week intervention period, the experimental group received EMG-ES to their abdominal muscles, while the control group received isometric abdominal exercises three times per week. Both groups continued with their routine rehabilitation program (active or passive range of motion exercises, stretching, and balance coordination exercises). The primary outcome measures were the modified functional reach test (mFRT) and trunk control test (TCT). Secondary outcome measures included a pulmonary function test (PFT) and the bilateral abdominal muscle thicknesses using ultrasonography. At the end of the study, the experimental group showed significantly greater improvements in both primary outcomes. The mean difference in pre-post changes between the groups for the mFRT area was 242.8 cm² [95% confidence interval (CI): 181.3-329.8; effect size 0.92; P < 0.001] and 5.0 points for TCT (95% CI: 3.9-6.0; effect size 0.98, P < 0.001). The increase in the abdominal muscle thickness was also significantly greater in the experimental group ( P < 0.001) without significant differences in the PFT ( P > 0.05). We conclude that adding EMG-ES of abdominal muscles may further improve sitting balance and abdominal muscle thickness in individuals with complete thoracic SCI.

Do passive range of motion exercises lead to quicker postsurgical recovery of canine IVDD?

PICO Question In canine patients recovering from surgery for intervertebral disc disease, do passive range of motion exercises, compared to no intervention, lead to a shorter or faster rate of recovery? Clinical bottom line Category of research Treatment. Number and type of study designs reviewed Five studies (two randomised controlled trials, two retrospective cohort studies and one retrospective case series) were critically appraised. Strength of evidence Weak. Outcomes reported There is no evidence that passive range of motion (PROM) exercises are associated with a quicker postsurgical recovery in the canine intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) patient. Conclusion There is a lack of evidence about specific rehabilitation techniques for the postoperative canine IVDD patient. Based on the current data, a multimodal approach, including basic and intense rehabilitation techniques is suggested. How to apply this evidence in practice The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources. Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.

One Year Experience of the Hand Allotransplantation First Performed after Korea Organ Transplantation Act (KOTA) Amendment.

The revision of the Korea Organ Transplantation Act (KOTA) in 2018 included hand/arm among the organs that can be transplanted. The first hand transplantation since the revision of KOTA took place in January 2021. A 62-year-old male patient experienced hand amputation on July 13, 2018, by a catapult injury. The patient first visited our institute 3 months after the injury. After serial interviews and an overall evaluation, the patient was registered on the hand transplantation waiting list in January 2020. On January 9, 2021, the patient underwent hand transplantation at the right distal forearm level. The total operation time was 17 hours 15 minutes, and the cold ischemic time was 4 hours 9 minutes. Postoperative immunosuppression was administered based on the protocol used for kidney transplantation. Two acute rejection episodes occurred, on postoperative days 33 and 41. Both rejection episodes were reversible with rescue therapy of a higher tacrolimus trough level, steroid pulse therapy, and topical immunosuppressants. Controlled passive range of motion exercise was started on postoperative day 10. Dynamic splint was applied on postoperative day 18. At 1 year, graft maintenance and functional improvement were satisfactory, and the patient showed a Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score of 25.8. We successfully performed the first hand transplantation surgery under the KOTA amendment. It came from the organic and effective cooperation of plastic, orthopaedic, and transplantation departments and we believe it will guarantee the future ongoing success.

Robot-aided Rehabilitation with SREx: A Smart Robotic Exoskeleton for Reducing Therapists' Physical Stress

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> Upper limb dysfunctions (ULD) are common following a neurological insult. Passive range of motion (PROM) exercise of the affected extremity is one of the critical components of current rehabilitation plans of care when treating these patients. Robot-aided rehabilitation is a promising technology for this and comes with the added advantage of reducing therapists' physical burden. This study describes the development of a robot-aided upper limb rehabilitation device, 7 degrees of freedom exoskeleton type robot named SREx. It also shows the preliminary testing results on healthy participants with emulated ULD patients. <h3>Design</h3> Experimental study. <h3>Setting</h3> In the BioRobotics Lab. <h3>Participants</h3> Five healthy male human subjects (age: 26-30 years) participated in this study. <h3>Interventions</h3> Healthy human subjects (n=5) wore the SREx on the lateral side of their right hands while being seated on chair. Isolated, composite joint PROM sessions containing slower, medium, and faster speed cycles. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Tests were carried out in three settings: (a) subject exerts no effort, (b) resistance to motion equivalent to patient with generalized spasticity resulting from ULD, and (c) sudden jerking/ perturbation during motion emulating real patients' muscle spasm. During all exercises human-robot interaction was measured with force-torque sensor. Collected ROM data was statistically analyzed. <h3>Results</h3> The robot was able to provide therapeutic PROM to all subjects' UL with a maximum ROM error of ∼3.6 degrees even under external perturbation of force at 6.8 lbs. The preliminary testing showed that the robot was able to provide PROM exercise without the need for physical intervention from anyone else, in an effective manner for emulated patient conditions. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The SREx can provide safe and measurable PROM exercises to healthy patients. The next step is to receive feedback from individuals suffering from ULD. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Decrease in medial meniscal extrusion after physical therapy to improve knee pain and range of motion in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A retrospective study.

Medial meniscal extrusion (MME) is the medial displacement of the meniscus, which extends beyond the tibial margin. Studies have shown an association between MME and knee pain and that surgical treatment can reduce the extent of MME. Here, we describe the beneficial effects of physical therapy as a feasible conservative treatment for MME. Data of 30 patients with knee osteoarthritis who underwent stretching of the semimembranosus tendon and passive range of motion (ROM) exercises twice a week for 8 weeks were retrospectively analyzed. MME was the measured distance between the medial meniscus and the line connecting the medial borders of the femur and tibia using ultrasound. Ultrasound findings of surrounding tissues, including the deep posterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament (dMCL), were recorded. Additionally, knee extension ROM was measured, and inner knee pain when walking was evaluated using a numerical rating scale. There were significant improvements between the baseline and 8 weeks for MME in the non-weight-bearing position (3.6 ± 0.3 mm vs. 3.0 ± 0.4 mm), MME in the weight-bearing position (4.3 ± 0.4 mm vs. 3.8 ± 0.5 mm), ROM (-12.3° ± 4.1° vs. -3.1° ± 3.8°), and knee pain (7.0 ± 0.9 vs. 1.1 ± 1.4) (each p < 0.001). In almost all cases in which the knee extension ROM improved, the dMCL was bulging at the baseline; after 8 weeks, the dMCL was flattened, suggesting ligament tension on ultrasound imaging. Stretching of the semimembranosus tendon and passive ROM exercises may reduce the extent of MME in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The ultrasound findings suggest that improvement in knee extension ROM may have led to the re-acquisition of MCL tension, which may have influenced MME reduction. Therefore, physical therapy may be a feasible conservative treatment for the reduction of MME.

The effect of mirror therapy on joint movement, pain and functionality in acute upper limb burns

ObjectiveMirror therapy is aimed at developing a normal proprioceptive perception for the area with pain or movement restriction by making use of the person's monitoring of the healthy side movements thanks to the mirror's reflective feature. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of mirror therapy on joint range of motion, pain and functionality in acute upper extremity burn injuries. MethodsDemographic and burn-specific data of individuals with upper extremity burns were recorded. Individuals were divided into two groups. Standard treatment was applied to the first group, and mirror treatment in addition to the standard treatment was applied to the second group for 30 sessions, 5 days a week for 6 weeks. In the standard treatment program, passive, active-assisted and active ROM, strengthening, stretching, resistant and functional exercises were applied. In the mirror therapy group, active exercises were performed on the healthy side by covering the burn area in the mirror box. Before and after the treatment, joint range of motion(ROM) was evaluated with Universal Goniometer, pain intensity was evaluated with Visual Analog Scale and upper extremity functions were evaluated with QuickDASH. ResultsA total of 32 (23 Male, 9 Female) individuals between the ages of 18–65 were included. The mean total burn surface area was 12.93 ± 9.80 in the standard treatment and 6.12 ± 2.96 in the mirror treatment. The groups were similar in terms of ROM change (p > 0.05). The pretest/posttest pain scores of both the standard therapy and mirror therapy groups were similar (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of pretest and posttest QuickDASH scores according to the groups (p > 0.05). The difference between the pretest/posttest QuickDASH scores of both Standard treatment and Mirror treatment groups was statistically significant. ConclusionThis study showed that the standard physiotherapy and rehabilitation program applied in the acute period in upper extremity burns and the mirror treatment applied in addition to this program provide similar improvements in joint range of motion and pain.

REHABILITATION OF HAND BURN PATIENTS IMPLEMENTING OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Patients with burns to their hands require rehabilitation for their early return to work and good quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of early intervention with occupational therapy in patients with burns to their hands. This study included 60 patients with second or third degree hand burns. Patients were included to the study 2 weeks after their burn wounds and grafted areas had healed. They had 3 occupational therapy sessions per week for 8 weeks. These sessions included active and passive range of motion exercises, stretching exercises, active resistive exercises and practicing activities of daily living. Before and after the 8 weeks of occupational therapy using the DASH questionnaire, functionality of the hand was assessed. Before intervention with occupational therapy, the average DASH score was 62.5, and after 8 weeks of occupational therapy it was 30.4 (average difference between the pre-intervention and post- intervention DASH scores is 32.1 points, p &lt; 0.001). After 8 weeks of occupational therapy, patients performed daily living activities with relatively very less difculty, and functionality of the hands was also increased. This study suggests that early intervention with rehabilitative therapies is benecial and may result in improved hand function.

Impact of Active and Passive Range of Motion Exercises on Contracture Severity among Burn Patients

Impact of Active and Passive Range of Motion Exercises on Contracture Severity among Burn Patients

Comprehensive Physiotherapy Program for Children with Erb’s Paralysis Cases: Case Report

Obstetric Brachial Plexus Injury (OBPI) is a condition of brachial plexus lesions that occur during childbirth which can cause paralysis of the upper extremities which are divided into 3 categories based on the location of the lesion, namely, lesions of the upper plexus C5-C6 (Erb’s Palsy), lesions of the lower plexus C7-T1 (Klumpke’s palsy) and lesions on the upper &amp; lower plexus C5-T1 which is a combination of the two. In this case the patient diagnosed Erb’s Palsy dextra due to several factors such as macrosomia with a Birth Weight 4800 gr, shoulder distortion, breech, Diabetes Milletus in the mother, and a long second stage of labor. This causes the patient to have a “waiter’s tip hand” deformity pattern and cry loudly when the hand is moved in any direction. The physiotherapy treatment provided is the provision of Infra-Red (IR), Neurosensory Motor Reflex Integration (NMRI) and Passive Range of Motion Exercise. After 4 times of therapy, the result showed a decrease in pressure pain from T0: 5 to T4: 4, a decrease in motion pain from T0: 10 to T4: 8 measured using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, Primitive Reflexes from T0: negative to T4: positive, and an increase upper limb range of motion from T0: 2 to T4: 3 assessed using the Active Movement Scale (AMS). The results showed that Infra-Red, NMRI and Passive ROM Exercise were effective in the case of Erb’s Palsy.

Can Early Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Protocol Improve Disability after a Hemiparetic Stroke? A Pilot Study.

Background: The impairment of limb function and disability are among the most im portant consequences of stroke. To date, however, little research has been done on the early reha bilitation trial (ERT) after stroke in these patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of ERT neuromuscular protocol on motor function soon after hemiparetic stroke. The sample included twelve hemiparetic patients (54.3 ± 15.4 years old) with ischemic stroke (n = 7 control, n = 5 intervention patients). ERTwas started as early as possible after stroke and included passive range of motion exercises, resistance training, assisted standing up, and active exercises of the healthy side of the body, in addition to encouraging voluntary contraction of affected limbs as much as possible. The rehabilitation was progressive and took 3 months, 6 days per week, 2–3 h per session. Fu gle-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Box and Blocks test (BBT) and Timed up and go (TUG) assessments were conducted. There was a significantly greater improvement in the intervention group com pared to control: FMA lower limbs (p = 0.001), total motor function (p = 0.002), but no significant difference in FMA upper limb between groups (p = 0.51). The analysis of data related to BBT showed no significant differences between the experimental and control groups (p = 0.3). However, TUG test showed significant differences between the experimental and control groups (p = 0.004). The most important finding of this study was to spend enough time in training sessions and provide adequate rest time for each person. Our results showed that ERT was associated with improved motor function but not with the upper limbs. This provides a basis for a definitive trial.

Clinical evaluation of usefulness and effectiveness of sitting type continuous passive motion machines in patients with total knee arthroplasty: a study protocol for a single-blinded randomized controlled trial

BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an important management strategy for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) refractory to conservative management. Postoperative range of motion (ROM) exercise is important to recover patients’ activities of daily living. Continuous passive motion (CPM) is a machine that provides passive ROM exercises of the knee joint in a pre-defined arc of motion. The short- and long-term effects of CPM exercise are controversial. We hypothesized that the inconsistent results of the CPM exercise are due to poor fitting of CPM machines and measurement errors. This study aims to present a protocol for investigating a new type of CPM machine that could be applied in a sitting position in comparison with the conventional type of CPM machine for patients with unilateral TKAs.MethodsThis study presents the protocol of a prospective, multicenter, single-blinded, three-armed randomized controlled trial (RCT). One hundred and twenty-six patients receiving unilateral TKAs will be recruited at the physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of two urban tertiary medical hospitals. The patients were randomly divided into three groups with a 1:1:1 allocation. The intervention group will receive two weeks of post-operative rehabilitation using a new type of CPM machine. The control group will receive 2 weeks of post-operative rehabilitation using conventional CPM machines. The third group will receive post-operative rehabilitation with both types of CPM machines. The primary outcome will be the change in the passive ROM of the affected knee joint from baseline to 2 weeks after baseline assessment. The secondary outcomes will be pain and functional measurements, and will include patient-reported outcomes and performance tests surveyed at multiple time points up to 3 months after TKA.DiscussionThis is the first RCT to investigate the effect of a new type of CPM machine. The results of this RCT will determine whether the position of the patients during CPM exercise is important in post-operative rehabilitation protocols after TKAs and will provide evidence for the development of proper rehabilitation guidelines after TKAs.Trial registrationClinical Research Information Service of Republic of Korea, KCT0005520, Registered on 21 October 2020, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/21750

Role of Kinesiotherapy in the Prevention of Heterotopic Ossification: A Systematic Review.

The role of kinesiotherapy in heterotopic ossification remains unclear. The goal of this study was to revisit the literature on the preventive role of kinesiotherapy against heterotopic ossification formation and maturation. A systematic review was performed in MEDLINE, OVID, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. A high-quality clinical trial is missing from the literature. Of 9617 studies primarily identified, nine studies offered the proper data and were included. They infer that satisfactory results on neurogenic heterotopic ossification prevention were achieved with passive exercises, including continuous passive motion, that were initiated early and at a painless range of motion. On the contrary, for elbow posttraumatic heterotopic ossification and major joints burn-associated heterotopic ossification, active range of motion is indicated as early as possible. Because of the very low quality of the studies included in this review, firm conclusions cannot be drawn about the effectiveness of kinesiotherapy. Nevertheless, it is recommended that controlled passive range of motion exercises (especially continuous passive motion) be applied early and pain-free especially in the neurogenic heterotopic ossification patients while active range of motion in painless limits is beneficial in the heterotopic ossification prevention of traumatic elbows or burn joints.

Design and methods for the training in exercise activities and motion for growth (TEAM 4 growth) trial: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundGrowth is often impaired in infants with congenital heart disease. Poor growth has been associated with worse neurodevelopment, abnormal behavioral state, and longer time to hospital discharge. Nutritional interventions, drug therapy, and surgical palliation have varying degrees of success enhancing growth. Passive range of motion (PROM) improves somatic growth in preterm infants and is safe and feasible in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), after their first palliative surgery (Norwood procedure). MethodsThis multicenter, Phase III randomized control trial of a 21-day PROM exercise or standard of care evaluates growth in infants with HLHS after the Norwood procedure. Growth (weight-, height- and head circumference-for-age z-scores) will be compared at 4 months of age or at the pre-superior cavopulmonary connection evaluation visit, whichever comes first. Secondary outcomes include neonatal neurobehavioral patterns, neurodevelopmental assessment, and bone mineral density. Eligibility include diagnosis of HLHS or other single right ventricle anomaly, birth at ≥37 weeks gestation and Norwood procedure at <30 days of age, and family consent. Infants with known chromosomal or recognizable phenotypic syndromes associated with growth failure, listed for transplant, or expected to be discharged within 14 days of screening are excluded. ConclusionsThe TEAM 4 Growth trial will make an important contribution to understanding the role of PROM on growth, neurobehavior, neurodevelopment, and BMD in infants with complex cardiac anomalies, who are at high risk for growth failure and developmental concerns.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients.

Since coronavirus disease 2019 mainly affects the respiratory system, pulmonary rehabilitation has increased its importance during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Healthcare professionals must use appropriate personal protective equipment during rehabilitation of patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Comorbidities of the patient should be taken into consideration while organizing the rehabilitation program. Clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic to acute respiratory distress syndrome. There is no need for pulmonary rehabilitation in asymptomatic patients. Pulmonary rehabilitation may be recommended in patients with mild-moderate disease. It is advised that patients be followed up during the rehabilitation period. Positioning and passive range of motion exercises are beneficial in preventing immobilization complications in patients with critical illness. Post-coronavirus disease 2019 rehabilitation program should be established according to the needs and functional levels of the patients.

Latihan Range of Motion Terhadap Rentang Gerak Sendi Ekstremitas Atas Pasien Stroke di RSUD M.Natsir

Stroke patients who experience hemiparese who do not receive proper treatment can cause complications of functional disorders, impaired mobilization, disruption of daily activities and incurable disabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of passive Range Of Motion (ROM) exercise on increasing the range of motion of stroke patients in the Neurology Room at RSUD M.Natsir.This research design is quasi experimental with the design used is one group pretest - postest design.In this study, passive Range Of Motion (ROM) was performed on the upper extremities of stroke patients for five days, twice a day.The number of respondents in 30 stroke patients who experienced hemiparese,The data was collected by direct measurement using a measuring instrument for the degree of motion of the joints, namely the goniometer, and data analysis was carried out using the t dependent test (normally distributed data).The results showed a significant difference in the range of motion of the upper limb joints before and after passive ROM exercises. The conclusion that ROM exercises affect the range of motion of the upper limb joints in stroke patients.Passive ROM can be an alternative to increase the range of motion of the joints in the upper and lower extremities in stroke patients.

Electromyographic Evaluation of Early-Stage Shoulder Rehabilitation Exercises Following Rotator Cuff Repair.

BackgroundElectromyography (EMG) is frequently used as a guide for exercise rehabilitation progression following rotator cuff repair. Knowledge of EMG activity during passive and active-assisted exercises may help guide clinicians when considering exercise prescription in the early post-operative period.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate EMG activity of the rotator cuff and deltoid musculature during passive and active-assisted shoulder range of motion (ROM) exercises commonly performed in post-operative rehabilitation.Study DesignDescriptive cohort laboratory study using healthy subjects.MethodsIn sixteen active healthy volunteers, surface and fine-wire EMG activity was measured in the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and anterior, middle and posterior deltoid muscles during eight common ROM exercises. Mean %MVIC values and 95% confidence intervals were used to rank exercises from the least to the most amount of muscular activity generated during the exercises.ResultsStandard pendulum exercises generated low levels of EMG activity in the supraspinatus and infraspinatus (≤15% MVIC), while active-assisted table slides, and the upright wall slide generated low levels of EMG activity in only the supraspinatus. No exercises were found to generate low levels of muscular activation (≤15% MVIC) in the subscapularis.ConclusionThis study found no clear distinctions between the EMG activity of the supraspinatus or the infraspinatus occurring during common passive and active-assisted ROM exercises. Subdividing ROM exercises based on muscle activity, may not be necessary to guide progression of exercises prior to commencing active motion after rotator cuff repair.Level of EvidenceLevel 3b

Association between work content and musculoskeletal disorders among home caregivers: a cross-section study.

In Taiwan, over 80% of home caregivers have experienced musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in the past year. Although MSDs in health care workers have been discussed in existing literature (e.g., in nursing staff), there is limited understanding of the association between MSD and the work content of home caregivers. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the work content and MSD of home caregivers. This cross-sectional study was conducted in long-term care units in central Taiwan. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, including basic information, work content survey, and information from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between work content and MSD. A total of 149 home caregivers with a mean age of approximately 50.97 ± 9.80 years were recruited for the study. The frequency of transfer of toilet and wheelchair was significantly associated with shoulder discomfort, upper back discomfort, and wrists/hands discomfort. In addition, the frequency of passive range of motion exercise was significantly associated with elbows discomfort. The results of this study indicated that the highest risk factor for MSD was transfer of toilet and wheelchair followed by passive range of motion exercise.

The immediate effect of harmonic therapy on peripheral blood flow in young males: A cross-over pilot study

BackgroundThere is limited evidence in the literature regarding the effects of harmonic therapy on peripheral blood circulation. ObjectiveThis pilot study aims to examine the immediate effect of passive and active assistive harmonic therapy on peripheral blood flow volume in healthy young males. DesignCross-over pilot study using quantitative data. SettingThis study was conducted in a university hospital. MethodsThree different interventions (passive range of motion exercise, active assistive harmonic therapy, and passive harmonic therapy) were applied to participants' dominant upper extremity shoulder joint. Interventions were performed only 1 session and 10 min at one-week intervals. Primary outcome measuresSuperficial palmar branch of the radial artery blood flow volume was evaluated with color Doppler ultrasound before and immediately after the intervention. ParticipantsFifteen young males (mean age:22.13 ± 1.68 years, range:20–25) participated in the study. ResultsBlood flow volume significantly increased with active assistive harmonic therapy (p = 0.001, d = 1.10) and passive harmonic therapy (p < 0.001, d = 1.44)) interventions. There was no change in blood flow volume with passive range of motion intervention (p = 0.28, d = 0.29). Active assistive harmonic therapy and passive harmonic therapy intervention significantly increased blood flow volume compared to passive range of motion intervention (p = 0.001, η2 = 0.28). ConclusionsBoth active assistive and passive harmonic therapy interventions produced an immediate increase in blood flow volume however, the clinical importance of these findings requires further investigation.