Proprioceptive Exercises Research Articles

Effect of Proprioceptive Training on Kinesiophobia and Balance in Geriatric Population

Background: The ageing process reduces sensory and motor capabilities such as balance & also increases the fear of movement, resulting in a high number of falls among the elderly. Some therapeutic interventions can directly interrupt this process and improves balance and kinesiophobia. This study examines the effect of proprioceptive training on both. Objective: To determine the effect of proprioceptive training on kinesiophobia and balance in geriatric population. Methodology: A random sample consisting of 17 community dwelling elderly participants were recruited from an old age home in Indore. The inclusion criteria were people aged 60 and above, with a history of fall. All the participants were trained under a 6 week proprioception training program using Swiss ball . The proprioceptive exercises were progressed according to the participant’s response. Participants were evaluated pre and post intervention for kinesiophobia using Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia and for Balance using Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Result: Pre and post intervention comparison of TAMPA shows an average improvement of 18 with t value 33.613, p <0.05, which shows a significant decrease in kinesiophobia after the treatment. Pre and post intervention comparison of BBS shows an average improvement of 14.941 with t value 28.465, p <0.05, which shows a significant improvement in balance after the treatment. Conclusion: The study provides evidence for the efficacy of proprioception training on Kinesiophobia and Balance in geriatric population. KEY WORDS: Kinesiophobia, Balance, Proprioception Training, Geriatric Population.

The effects of lower extremity static muscle fatigue on balance components

BackgroundThe body exhibits dynamic and static movements in response to the changes in the center of gravity in some positions. Balance plays a key role in all sports branches and daily life because it can control the lowest energy consumption and muscle activation.ObjectivesThis study investigated the effects of lower extremity static muscle fatigue on static and dynamic balance components.Design/methodsThe sample consisted of 40 healthy volunteers aged 18–24 years. Participants took part in an isometric fatigue protocol for lower extremity muscles. A squat position was used for static fatigue for lower extremity muscles. Measurements were performed in a squat press for 25 s, with the knee at a 90-degree angle and a load of about 30% of the participant's weight isometrically. The protocol was repeated five times. The participant was allowed to rest for two minutes between each repetition. The muscles and their antagonists that contracted most actively during the squat press exercise were vastus lateralis obliquus, rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, biceps femoris, semi tendineus, and lateral gastrocnemius. Electromyography (EMG) measurements were conducted on these muscles bilaterally and motion analysis system was used to standardize the 90-degree angle of the knee joint.ResultsThere was a significant difference between pre-test and post-test Eyes Open (EO) static balance scores, pre- and post-exercise post-test dynamic balance scores between non-athletes and athletes, pre- and post-exercise post-test dominant leg EO, and pre-test non-dominant leg between non-athletes and athletes (p < .05). There was a significant difference in the Median Frequency (MF) (Hz) values of the dominant leg agonist rectus femoris (p < .05) and the antagonist muscle semi tendineus (p < .05) scores during isometric squat press between athletes and non-athletes.ConclusionsWe need different applications to understand the mechanisms underlying balance and discover athletes' potential. Lower extremity proprioception exercises have positive effects on static body balance parameters.

Proprioceptive and Dual-Task Training: The Key of Stroke Rehabilitation, A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aims to reveal the effectiveness of proprioceptive exercise combined with dual-task training in stroke patients. The research was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus databases to evaluate studies of rehabilitation interventions with proprioceptive and dual-task exercises in patients with stroke. The keywords for the search were: “stroke” AND “proprioception” OR “proprioceptive” AND “rehabilitation” OR “training” OR “exercises” AND “dual-task” OR “task-performance” with the following inclusion criteria: comparative studies of rehabilitation interventions with proprioceptive and dual-task exercises in stroke patients. Of the 104,014 studies identified, 23 were included according to the inclusion criteria. Proprioceptive and dual-task exercises stimulate and promote postural balance, gait, and quality of life and reduce the risk of falls in stroke patients compared with traditional rehabilitation programs. In conclusion, this systematic review suggests that proprioceptive exercise combined with dual-task training is needed to improve balance and recover gait. Moreover, it provides a comprehensive overview of the literature on the various proprioceptive treatments with contextual dual-task exercises for imbalance after stroke, providing a guide for choosing a complete rehabilitation protocol that combines these two techniques.

The efficacy of balance and proprioception exercises in female patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled study

Objective Loss of proprioception and balance disorders are commonly observed in patients with knee osteoarthritis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of balance and proprioception exercises in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Design A single-center randomized trial with three parallel arms. Setting A tertiary health care facility in Turkey. Participants Female patients with knee osteoarthritis aged 40–70 years. Interventions Ten-week exercise program in Biodex training, classical balance training and isometric strengthening groups. Main measures Dynamic balance (overall stability index and the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance), pain (visual analogue scale), physical function (30-s chair stand test and 40-meter fast-paced walk test) and quality of life (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score). Results Eighty-nine patients enrolled in the study. The Biodex training group, the classical training group, and the control group had overall stability index values of 1.0 ± 0.07, 1.4 ± 0.07 and 1.4 ± 0.07, and the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance – Condition-3 values of 0.7 ± 0.04, 0.9 ± 0.04 and 0.9 ± 0.04 respectively, at the end of treatment. In terms of pain scores on movement, each group showed significant improvement compared to their baseline, and the classical balance training group had better scores than the control group. No other significant difference was found between the groups. Physical function and quality of life outcomes showed significant main effects only in the time factor. Conclusions Balance and proprioception exercises may have positive effects on dynamic balance and pain. The effects on physical function and quality of life should be investigated in further studies with larger sample.

Immediate Effects of Single-Session Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercises on the Sit-to-Stand Strategy in Patients With Chronic Lumbar Spinal Disc Disease: A Preliminary Study

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to measure the immediate effects of single-session proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises on the sit-to-stand (STS) task and level of pain in patients with chronic low back pain. MethodsFifty-three patients were assigned to the control and intervention groups. The total time was 30 minutes (each exercise 5 minutes). The minimum vertical ground reaction force (VGRFmin) and maximum vertical ground reaction force (VGRFmax) and time phases (Tmin – time to counterforce, Tmax – time to peak force, Ttot – time to post-peak rebound force) were measured with a Kistler force plate in eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions during the STS task. Pain level was determined on a numeric rating scale. ResultsMain effects were observed only in the intervention group: decreasing pain value (F = 25.398, P < .0001), increasing Tmin (F = 5.72, P = .0044), decreasing Tmax (F = 3.43, P = .04), and decreasing Ttot (F = 3.935, P = .02258). There was a main effect of the eyes factor on VGRFmin (F = 12.53, P < .0001) and VGRFmax (F = 7.16, P < .01). ConclusionImmediate effects of single-session proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises were observed in decreasing the level of pain. Adaptation effects were noted in the retention test. The STS task could be optimized in time phases and dynamic movements in patients with chronic low back pain.

Dynamic stabilization of the painful thumb: A historical and evidence-informed synthesis

Study DesignExpert opinion IntroductionThumb carpometacarpal joint (CMC) osteoarthritis is a common condition seen in the hand therapy clinic. Prevalence is generally higher in females, and the percentage rises for post-menopausal females. Patients typically present with pain and functional difficulties. Conservative management is recommended before a surgical consult. Evidence is mounting that a dynamic stability modeled approach has a significant effect on pain and improving function. PurposeThe purpose of this paper is two-fold: first, to present the history and development of a dynamic stabilization model for treatment of the patient with thumb CMC osteoarthritis (OA), and second, to provide expert clinical commentary and recommendations for the treatment of thumb CMC OA in light of the best available evidence. MethodsExpert clinical commentary is based on an extensive review of relevant literature. ResultsThe current literature and expert opinion supports an evidence-informed multimodal intervention: modalities, pain relief techniques, manual release, joint mobilizations as deemed necessary, neuromuscular re-education through proprioceptive exercises, and education in joint protection principles. ConclusionA rationale for a dynamic stabilization approach is presented. The unique anatomy of the thumb deserves finely tuned care based on high quality research. To advance our knowledge and clinical skills we must not become stagnant, but continue to generate high level evidence. The standard for future thumb CMC OA studies should be well-defined intervention parameters, consistent documentation, and the use of appropriate patient-rated outcome measures.

Clinical effects of proprioceptive thumb exercise for individuals with carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial

Study DesignRandomized Control Trial. IntroductionThumb CMC joint OA is a common diagnosis. Currently there is no evidence available to under if proprioceptive neuromuscular training is an effective intervention for this population. Purpose of the studyTo establish the effectiveness of a proprioceptive training program as a complementary therapy for patients with thumb CMC joint OA. MethodsStandard conservative thumb CMC joint OA treatments were received by both the control (n = 26) and experimental groups (n = 26) for a period of 12 weeks. The experimental group received a proprioceptive training program during the same intervention period. Outcome measures included severity of pain with activity according to the numerical rating scale (NRS), QuickDASH, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and proprioception via joint position sense (JPS). ResultsFifty-two females participated in the study. Both the experimental and control group made both clinically and statistically significant changes in the mean VAS and COPM scores over time. Only the experimental group achieved a statistically and clinically significant change in JPS error score over time. DiscussionExperimental group achieved a statistically significant change in JPS over time in concordance with previous investigations. Changes in pain scores differed from prior investigations and the between-group comparison was not statistically significant. Changes in the Quick DASH was similar to previous findings. ConclusionProprioceptive training in addition to a traditional rehabilitation program decreased error scores on the joint position sense test.

IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENCE WORKERS THROUGH PROPRIOCEPTIVE EXERCISES

Proprioceptive re-education improves stability and balance control and reduces the risk of injury. Through this research, we intend to emphasise that simple exercises such as simple assessment tests are equally useful in preventing knee sprain, in terms of primary prophylaxis and recurrence prevention. The study involved 15 active military workers (11 male and 4 female) from the Ministry of National Defence, who were included in the category of people practising the sports activities required by their profession. These sports activities are varied and consist of: athletics, martial arts, football, volleyball and military application routes specific to the training of this professional category. We aim to verify the effectiveness of proprioceptive exercises included in an original programme. We applied the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), which is used by clinicians and researchers to assess static and dynamic balance, track performance changes after implementing a prevention or rehabilitation programme and identify people at risk of injury. For the assessment of knee function-related quality of life following the programme applied to participants, we used the Lysholm Scale and 2000 IKDC questionnaires. The statistical results obtained using the dependent t test indicate significant increases in dynamic balance and postural control for both the affected and healthy lower limbs, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the exercise programme used as well as its therapeutic and prophylactic effects. Consequently, the implementation of such a programme can be a measure aimed at improving the health-related quality of life of active military personnel in the Ministry of National Defence.

Effects of A Progressive Rehabilitation Program on Shoulder Internal Rotation Range of Motion, Acromiohumeral Distance, And Pain in An Adolescent Female Swimmer with Subacromial Pain (Impingement) Syndrome

Shoulder injuries are common in competitive youth swimmers because of sport-specific changes in upper extremity physical characteristics and acromio-humeral distance (AHD). These physical alterations could cause abnormal scapular kinematics and positioning. Subacromial pain syndrome (SPS), scapular dyskinesis, and SLAP lesions require a multiphase approach. A 14-years-old female athlete who has been swimming for 7 years had SPS symptoms for 14 months. She also had scapular dyskinesis and suspected SLAP lesion. She received 15 treatment sessions. We conducted a progressive and comprehensive rehabilitation program consisting of electrotherapy, thermal agent, mobilization techniques, posterior shoulder stretching exercises, upper and lower extremity strengthening, proprioception, scapular stabilization, and core stabilization exercises, rhythmic stabilization exercises, plyometric exercises, and the advanced thrower’s 10 program. Internal rotation range of motion (IRROM) with bubble inclinometer, pain with Visual Analog Scale, and AHD with ultrasonographic imaging were assessed before treatment and at the end of the 9th and 15th treatment sessions. Before treatment, IRROM was 52°, AHD was 10.67 mm, and pain intensity at rest and during swimming was 0 and 3.1 cm, respectively. After 9 treatment sessions, IRROM was 55.6°, AHD was 11.62 mm, pain intensity at rest and during swimming was 3.7 cm and 5.1 cm, respectively. At the end of the treatment, IRROM was 58.33°, AHD was 12.02 mm, pain intensity at rest and during swimming was 0 cm. A progressive and challenging rehabilitation program may positively change the scapular and glenohumeral kinematic patterns leading to an increase in AHD and IRROM, therefore a decrease in pain.

The effect of proprioceptive training in the STAR Excursion Balance Test (SEBT)

Abstract Introduction. To control the movement, the brain must process proprioceptive information provided by mechanoreceptors. The role of proprioception in carrying out daily activities and physical exercises, was presented, using the SEBT technique and the proprioceptive mechanisms that represent the base of dynamic postural control. Objective. The aim was to highlight the effects of proprioceptive training on lower limb balance in subjects with lower limb injuries but also in healthy subjects, and to evaluate the effectiveness of proprioceptive programs based on postural instability to reduce knee sprains by developing proprioceptive control. These findings indicate the improvement of proprioceptive control which may be a key factor in reducing knee sprain. Working hypothesis. Applying a kinetic intervention protocol, consisting of static proprioceptive exercises, stimulates the body to maintain balance in situations of imbalance and increases the stability of the knee joint in Ministry of National Defense workers with a history of sprained knee or predisposition to injury. Methods. The research was performed on 30 subjects, male and female, employees of the Ministry of National Defense, distributed in two experimental groups: G1 and G2. Results. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the applied program, both for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, in increasing postural balance and proprioceptive control. Conclusions. Knee sprain is a trauma that occurs frequently among athletes. Like athletes, the Ministry of National Defense employees represent a population at high risk of injury or recurrence.

The effect of proprioceptive training on technical soccer skills in female soccer

Development of perceptual-cognitive motor skills is a crucial factor influencing soccer training and competition. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of neuromuscular coordination, proprioceptive and balance exercises on physiological attributes and technical skills in female soccer. Female soccer players competing in Greek A Division (N = 48) were assigned to intervention (N1 = 24) and control groups (N2 = 24). The Proprioceptive Training Intervention Program (PTIP) lasted approximately 20 min and was implemented five times per week for 16 weeks. It was hypothesized that the PTIP in addition to a regular training programme would significantly affect female soccer player perceptual-cognitive-motor capability as it was estimated with physiological attributes ([Formula: see text]O2max and agility) and motor performance soccer technical skills (juggling, heading, shooting, passing, and dribbling). All performance variables were measured prior and after the 16-weeks PTIP. Groups by Measures (2 × 2) ANOVAs with repeated measures on the second factor revealed that the intervention group decreased percent body fat and improved [Formula: see text]O2max and all technical skills in comparison to the control group after the PTIP ( p &lt; 0.05). The findings demonstrate the beneficial role of a proprioceptive training programme on both physiological attributes and technical skills in female soccer. Practical implications include the application of the intervention programme for monitoring and developing soccer players while also the use of the assessment tests to evaluate players.

Somatosensory Cortex Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Associative Sensory Stimulation of Peripheral Nerves Could Assist Motor and Sensory Recovery After Stroke.

BackgroundWe investigated whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and sensory stimulation (SS) could promote upper limb recovery in participants with subacute stroke.MethodsParticipants were randomized into four groups: rTMS/Sham SS, Sham rTMS/SS, rTMS/SS, and control group (Sham rTMS/Sham SS). Participants underwent ten sessions of sham or active rTMS over S1 (10 Hz, 1,500 pulses, 120% of resting motor threshold, 20 min), followed by sham or active SS. The SS involved active sensory training (exploring features of objects and graphesthesia, proprioception exercises), mirror therapy, and Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in the region of the median nerve in the wrist (stimulation intensity as the minimum intensity at which the participants reported paresthesia; five electrical pulses of 1 ms duration each at 10 Hz were delivered every second over 45 min). Sham stimulations occurred as follows: Sham rTMS, coil was held while disconnected from the stimulator, and rTMS noise was presented with computer loudspeakers with recorded sound from a real stimulation. The Sham SS received therapy in the unaffected upper limb, did not use the mirror and received TENS stimulation for only 60 seconds. The primary outcome was the Body Structure/Function: Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Nottingham Sensory Assessment (NSA); the secondary outcome was the Activity/Participation domains, assessed with Box and Block Test, Motor Activity Log scale, Jebsen-Taylor Test, and Functional Independence Measure.ResultsForty participants with stroke ischemic (n = 38) and hemorrhagic (n = 2), men (n = 19) and women (n = 21), in the subacute stage (10.6 ± 6 weeks) had a mean age of 62.2 ± 9.6 years, were equally divided into four groups (10 participants in each group). Significant somatosensory improvements were found in participants receiving active rTMS and active SS, compared with those in the control group (sham rTMS with sham SS). Motor function improved only in participants who received active rTMS, with greater effects when active rTMS was combined with active SS.ConclusionThe combined use of SS with rTMS over S1 represents a more effective therapy for increasing sensory and motor recovery, as well as functional independence, in participants with subacute stroke.Clinical Trial Registration[clinicaltrials.gov], identifier [NCT03329807].

The WATER study: Which AquaTic ExeRcises increase muscle activity and limit pain for people with low back pain?

ObjectiveAquatic exercise therapy is used for the treatment and management of chronic low back pain (CLBP). However, to the authors’ knowledge, no studies to date have compared muscle activity between different aquatic exercises performed by people with CLBP. As such, this study assessed and compared muscle activity, pain, perceived exertion and exercise intensity between different rehabilitative aquatic exercises. DesignCross-sectional. SettingA 25-m indoor swimming pool within a university building. ParticipantsTwenty participants with non-specific CLBP. AssessmentTwenty-six aquatic exercises in shallow water (1.25-m depth). Muscle activity was quantified bilaterally for the erector spinae, multifidus, gluteus maximus and medius, rectus abdominis, and external and internal obliques. Main outcomesMean and peak muscle activity, pain (visual analogue scale), perceived exertion (Borg scale) and exercise intensity (heart rate). ResultsHip abduction/adduction and extension/flexion exercises produced higher activity for gluteal muscles. Variations of squat exercises increased the activity of back extensors. Higher abdominal muscle activity was produced with exercises that made use of buoyancy equipment and included leg and trunk movements while floating on the back, and with some proprioceptive and dynamic lower limb exercises. Pain occurrence and intensity were very low, with 17 exercises being pain free. ConclusionsThis study provides evidence on trunk and gluteal muscle activity, pain, intensity and perceived exertion for people with CLBP performing aquatic exercises. The findings may be useful when prescribing exercises for rehabilitation, as physiotherapists seek to implement progression in effort and muscle activity, variation in exercise type, and may wish to target or avoid particular muscles. Contribution of the Paper•This is the first study to compare trunk or gluteal muscle activity between 26 different aquatic rehabilitative exercises performed by people with CLBP.•Pain occurrence and intensity of aquatic exercises are very low, with most exercises being completely pain free.•The following aquatic exercises are particularly effective in increasing muscle activity: (a) hip abduction/adduction and extension/flexion exercises for gluteus maximus and medius; (b) squat exercises for back extensors (erector spinae and multifidus); and (c) exercises that make use of support buoyancy equipment and include leg movements while floating on the back for abdominals (rectus abdominis, and external and internal obliques).

Comparison of the effects of conventional physiotherapy and proprioception exercises on pain and ankle proprioception in patients with lumbar radiculopathy.

Lumbar radiculopathy is characterized by a significant amount of backache causing loss of workforce and is a significant health problem frequently seen in the general population. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of conventional physiotherapy (CT) and proprioception exercises (PE) on ankle proprioception and lumbar pain between patients with lumbar radiculopathy and a healthy control group. In this randomized clinical trial, 89 patients referred to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic were selected through convenience sampling. They were randomly assigned to three groups: CT (n= 27), PE (n= 31), CT&PE (n= 31). Thirty healthy volunteers were included in the study as the control group. Proprioception measurements were made with an isokinetic dynamometer at 10∘ dorsiflexion (DF), 11∘, and 25∘ plantarflexion (PF) angles. Lumbar pain was assessed by using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). The data were analyzed by IBM SPSS Statistics version 22.0 via the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of ankle proprioception and NPRS measurements in post-treatment evaluations (p< 0.05). Statistically significant differences were found between CT and PE groups and CT&PE and control groups. There was no statistically significant difference in comparing CT and PE groups and CT&PE and control groups within themselves (p> 0.05). The combined use of CT and PE is an effective method that can be used in the clinic to reduce angular differences in ankle proprioception which is one of the primary factors of balance and coordination and lumbar pain.

Assessment and Comparison between Cervical Retraction Exercise and Muscle Energy Technique on Cervical Joint Position Sense in Individuals with Forward Head Posture

Background: Forward Head posture (FHP) one of the most common postural disorder causes a change in the biomechanical movement, affect the length---tension relationship in the cervical muscles, increase muscular activity level and impair cervical proprioception. Cervical Retraction and Muscle Energy Technique (MET) have been proposed to improve joint proprioception. Objective: To assess and compare the effect between Cervical Retraction and Muscle Energy Technique on cervical joint position sense in individuals with forward head posture using head repositioning test. Method: This is a comparative study where 60 subjects were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria and assigned to Group A (n=30; Cervical Retraction) and Group B (n=30; Muscle Energy Technique) respectively. Proprioceptive exercises were given to both the groups. The intervention was given for 2 weeks-3 sessions per week. Error in Cervical Joint Position sense was assessed pre and post intervention using Head Repositioning Accuracy test. The data was collected and statistically analysed. Results: The study showed statistical significant reduction (p&lt;0.05) in error in cervical joint position sense within the groups as well as between the groups for all the physiological movement (Flexion, Extension, Left Rotation and Right Rotation). Conclusion: Cervical Retraction as well as Muscle Energy Technique can be used to improve Cervical Joint position sense. However, Cervical Retraction is better as compared to Muscle Energy Technique. Keywords: Forward head posture, Cervical Joint Position sense, Cervical Retraction, Muscle Energy Technique, Head Repositioning Accuracy test.

The Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercises on Dynamic Visual Acuity and Sport Performance of Young Basketball Players

The Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercises on Dynamic Visual Acuity and Sport Performance of Young Basketball Players

Effect of Proprioceptive Exercises along with Ergonomic Intervention on Middle Deltoid and Serratus Anterior Fatigue in Dentists with Non-Specific Chronic Neck Pain

There are several risk factors in dentistry that among them repetitive movements, being in a position for a long time due to muscle imbalances, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders which can cause problems such as limited mobility, fatigue, job loss or even changing jobs. Muscle imbalance between the stabilizers and mobilizers of the neck and shoulders in dentists leads to increased work-related disorders, superficial muscle fatigue, and deep muscle atrophy, which in turn, leads to many health problems such as neck pain and disability. To prevent such disorders, a high endurance of the cervical stabilizer muscles is essential for repetitive movements in the distal and shoulder region. In this study, the exercise program, including postural exercises, simultaneous training of shoulder-neck, scapular movements, and co-contraction were designed for 48 dentists. The statistical analysis showed that there was a significant decrease in the median frequency slope of the middle deltoid muscle (p = 0.004) and for the group who received the proprioception training along with posture correction exercises and exercise therapy (p = 0.004). Neck pain increased in the control group who received no exercises, after six weeks (p = 0.165). Six weeks of corrective exercises with ergonomic intervention balance muscles activity and can be used to decrease musculoskeletal disorders and muscle fatigue in person with Non-Specific Chronic Neck Pain.

Acute Impact of Proprioceptive Exercise on Proprioception and Balance in Athletes

This study aimed to compare the acute effect of a proprioceptive exercise session and a non-specific exercise session on knee position sense, and the static and dynamic balance of athletes. Sixty male athletes (19.4 ± 1.2 years) participated in a within-subjects repeated-measures study. Knee position sense in closed kinetic chain, and static (BESS test) and dynamic balance (Y-balance test) were measured before and after two exercise sessions, consisting of 10 min of non-specific exercise in a cycle-ergometer or proprioceptive exercise with an unstable platform. Overall, both exercise sessions significantly improved knee position sense, BESS score, and YBT composite score, and no differences were detected between proprioceptive and non-specific sessions (knee position sense, −6.9 ± 65.2% vs. −11.5 ± 75.0%, p = 0.680; BESS, −19.3 ± 47.7% vs. −29.03 ± 23.5%, p = 0.121; YBT, 2.6 ± 2.7% vs. 2.2 ± 2.2%, p = 0.305). Twenty athletes did not improve knee position sense after the exercise session (non-responders). When analyzing only the exercise responders, both sessions improved knee position sense, but the improvement was greater after the proprioceptive exercise session (56.4 ± 25.6% vs. 43.8 ± 18.9%, p = 0.023). In conclusion, a single proprioceptive, as well as non-specific, exercise session increased knee position sense and balance. The proprioceptive exercise seems to be more effective in improving joint position sense when considering only athletes who respond to the intervention.

Huzurevindeki Geriatrik Diyabetli Bireylerde Proprioseptif Egzersizin Denge ve Duyusal Fonksiyona Etkisi: Randomize Kontrollü Çalışma

Objective: Diabetes is a chronic disease whose prevalence increases with age and causes severe damages in all systems of the body. The aim of our study was to assess the effects of proprioceptive exercises on balance and sensory function in the geriatric adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Material and Methods: Forty individuals aged 65 and over with Type 2 diabetes mellitus were divided as a study group (n=20) and as a control group (n=20). All patients were evaluated at the baseline and after 8 weeks training. Balance was measured using Berg Balance Scale and Nintendo Wii system. Balance and gait were evaluated by Tinetti Balance and Gait Test. Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test was used for assessing tactile sensory, diapason for vibration and active matching test for joint position sense. Study group received 45 minutes long proprioceptive exercise training 3 times/week for 8 weeks and the control group only received diabetic patient education. Results: Study group demonstrated significant differences in Berg Balance Scale, Wii Fit balance age and Tinetti Balance and Gait Test scores (p<0.05). Vibration perception duration yielded a higher duration in the study group after treatment (p<0.05). Active matching movement and tactile sensory of the sole showed statistically improvement in the study group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Proprioceptive exercises recommended to individuals with geriatric diabetes can be a beneficial approach to increase balance ability to prevent falling and somatosensory loss.

The Effect of the Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy on the Upper Extremity Functions of Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy Patients.

Functional limitation of the upper extremity (UE) in obstetrical brachial plexus paralysis (OBPP) restricts a child's participation in daily living and social activities. In treatment, the participation of UE in rehabilitation is important. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is a promising rehabilitation approach that is used to improve the UE functions of patients with neurological dysfunctions. This single-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial includes 30 pediatric patients diagnosed with chronic OBPP aged between 2 and 12 years. The patients were divided into two groups as a modified CIMT group and a control group. Patients in both groups underwent classical rehabilitation treatment 4 times a week for 8 weeks. Range of motion (ROM), stretching, strengthening, and proprioceptive exercises were given to both control and CIMT group. The patients in the CIMT group had to wear constraining arm slings 2 h per day and 4 days a week for 8 weeks. The patients were evaluated both before and after treatment using the Mallet classification system and the Melbourne unilateral upper limb assessment-2 (The MA2) scale. In both groups, the Mallet and MA2 scores significantly increased after the treatment process. However, the percentage of improvement was higher for the CIMT group. Modified CIMT improves the joint ROM and the functional use of the extremity among OBPP-diagnosed children. This improvement is greater in the CIMT group compared to the improvement in the control group. Implementation of CIMT in a routine rehabilitation process may be helpful.