Rehabilitation Training Group Research Articles

The effects of vestibular rehabilitation training on the symptoms of vertigo and disability in patients with vestibular peripheral vertigo

Objective: To compare the effects of vestibular rehabilitation training and drug therapy on the symptoms of vertigo and disability in patients with vestibular peripheral vertigo. Methods: This prospective study was enrolled 43 patients with vestibular peripheral vertigo who admitted to the outpatient department of Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University from January 2018 to December 2018. They were randomly divided into two groups: control group (drug treatment group) and experimental group (drug treatment combined rehabilitation training group). All patients filled in the first vertigo disability rating scale (DHI), specific activity balance confidence scale (ABC) and anxiety self-rating scale (SAS) on the day of treatment and at two, four and eight weeks after treatment intervention, and the data were statistically analyzed. Results: There was no significant difference in gender, age and body weight between the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment (Control group (4w) : DHI (45.5±30.6) , ABC (86.9±12.4) , SAS (37.9±8.2) Experimental group (8w) : DHI (34.8±28.5) , SAS (35.7±7.9) ) , the three scales of the two groups were better than before treatment (Control group: DHI (59.2±25.9) , ABC (79.7±16.7) ,SAS (41.1±6.8) ; Experimental group: DHI (55.2±20.5) , ABC (80.3±18.3) , SAS (41.9±9.1) ) . The comparison of data before and after treatment in each group according to treatment time indicated that DHI and ABC scores in the experimental group showed that the DHI and ABC scores of the experimental group changed significantly at 2 weeks after treatment, and the SAS scores changed at 4 weeks after treatment. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). However, there was a statistically significant difference between the control group DHI score 4 weeks after treatment and SAS score 8 weeks after treatment (P<0.05). ABC score did not show statistical difference (P>0.05). Conclusion: The subjective symptoms and anxiety of vertigo and disability in the two groups improved obviously after treatment. Compared with drug therapy alone, drug therapy combined with vestibular rehabilitation training can significantly improve patients' subjective symptoms of vertigo and disability, as well as their anxiety and depression, so as to improve their overall quality of life.

Posture and dysphonia associations in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy: stabilometric analysis.

The aim of this study is the analysis of postural changes of patients affected by vocal disorders post-thyroidectomy, in the absence of post-operative organ damage, through a stabilometry analysis, evaluating the effectiveness of a speech-language intensive treatment in phoniatric and postural quality recovery. 260 patients with vocal dysfunction after surgery without iatrogenic damage were enrolled. 130 patients were subject to post-surgical logopedic rehabilitative training (Group A); other 130 patients were not subject to any post-surgical treatment (Group B). For all patients, vocal and stabilometric parameters were evaluated before and after 2days and 1month from surgery. Vocal parameters evaluated were Voice Handicap Index-10, Maximum Phonation Time and objective evaluation of voice with Multidimensional Voice Program (MDVP). Stabilometric parameters evaluated were Sway area (mm2) and Sway velocity (mm/s) in firm surface and foam pad with eyes opened and closed. Regarding the stabilometric parameters, Group A obtained a statistically significant recovery of the correct posture statistically significant compared to Group B, after a month of speech therapy. Vocal parameters (VHI, MPT, MDVP) were statistically different between the two groups (p < 0.05), with a better improvement in Group A. Thanks to our study, we have shown that a logopedic rehabilitation therapy in patients with dysfunctional post-thyroidectomy dysphonia improves both the vocal and postural outcomes.

Effects of pricking blood therapy at meridian sinews on upper limb spasm of post-stroke patients 经筋刺血对脑卒中后患者上肢痉挛状态的影响

ObjectiveTo observe effects of pricking blood therapy at meridian sinews on upper limb spasm of post-stroke patients. MethodsA total of 72 patients with post-stroke upper limb spasm were randomly divided into a comprehensive group of pricking blood therapy at meridian sinews with rehabilitation training (comprehensive group) and the simple rehabilitation training group (rehabilitation group), and there were 36 patients in each group. On the basis of routine therapy, the patients of the two groups received rehabilitation therapy for 6 consecutive days and 1-day rest, for 4 weeks in total. On the above basis, the patients in the comprehensive group received pricking blood therapy at meridian sinews, once every other day, 3 times per week, for 4 weeks in total. Before treatment, after the first treatment, and after 4-week treatment, the patients were observed for changes of upper limb spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale, MAS), upper limb movement function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment, FMA), activity of daily living(Modified Barthel Index, MBI), and biceps and triceps integrated electromyogram(IEMG) values were observed as well as the therapeutic effects. Results(1) After the first treatment, there were statistically significant differences of the MAS scale grades in patients of the two groups (P<0.05). The FMA scores in the comprehensive group were increased than that before treatment (P<0.05), and the MBI scores of the two groups were increased than those before treatment (both P<0.05). The FMA and MBI scores in the comprehensive group were higher than those of the rehabilitation group (both P<0.05). The biceps and triceps IEMG values were not improved than those before treatment (all P>0.05). (2) After 4-week treatment, there were statistically significant differences of MAS grades in patients of the two groups (P<0.05). The FMA and MBI scores in the two groups were increased than those before treatment (all P<0.05), and the FMA and MBI scores in the comprehensive group were higher than those in the rehabilitation group (both P<0.05). Through comparison of the differences of FMA and MBI scores of the two groups, the difference values in the comprehensive group were higher than those of the rehabilitation group (both P<0.05). The biceps and triceps IEMG values in the two groups were decreased than those before treatment (all P<0.05), and those in the comprehensive group were lower than those in the rehabilitation group (both P<0.05). The biceps and triceps IEMG values in patients of the comprehensive group were higher than those before treatment (both P<0.05). (3) After 4-week treatment, the total effective rate in the comprehensive group was 83.3% (30/36), and that was 58.3% (21/36) in the rehabilitation group. The total effective rate in the comprehensive group was higher than that in the rehabilitation group (P<0.05). ConclusionsThe pricking blood therapy at meridian sinews can release affected upper limb flexor muscle spasticity and movement function of the patients with post-stroke upper limb spasm, decrease biceps IEMG values of the affected side, and improve activities of daily living.

The Effects of 8 Weeks Yoga and Cardiac Rehabilitation Training on Interlukin-6 and High Sensitivity C-Reaction Proteins After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Coronary artery bypass surgery is a common method for coronary artery disease (CAD) treatment, which in turn activates pro-inflammatory biomarkers such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high sensitivity C-reaction protein (hs-CRP). Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of 8 weeks Yoga and cardiac rehabilitation training on IL-6 and hs-CRP after coronary artery bypass surgery. Methods: The subjects of this randomized control trial study consist of 20 male patients (40 - 75 years old) who experienced coronary artery bypass surgery. They were randomly assigned in cardiac rehabilitation training group (CRT, n = 10) and combined training group (Yoga-cardiac rehabilitation) (YCRT, n = 10). Plasma levels of IL-6 and hs-CRP were assessed at baseline and end of the study. The CRT group performed cardiac rehabilitation program with 60% - 85% of maximum heart rate for 1 hour three days a week. The YCRT group performed one session in between cardiac rehabilitation and Yoga training for 1 hour three days in a week. All subjects completed training sessions at the cardiac rehabilitation center of Shahid Rajaie Cardiovascular, Medical and Research Center in Tehran for 8 weeks. SPSS software was used for analysis. Covariance analysis was used to compare groups (P ≤ 0.05). Results: Despite a small decline in IL-6 (10.90 to 8.77 in CRT group, 9.87 to 9.40 in YCRT group (and hs-CRP (2.58 to 2.00 in CRT group, 3.67 to 3.13 in YCRT group), there weren’t any significant differences in IL-6 (P = 0.160) and hs-CRP (P = 0.234) levels between two groups. Conclusions: It could be proposed to add Yoga training to cardiac rehabilitation program after coronary artery bypass surgery.

The effect of 8 weeks of combined yoga and rehabilitation training on salivary levels of alpha-amylase and cortisol in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined rehabilitation and yoga training on salivary levels of alpha-amylase and cortisol in patients after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 20 CABG patients were randomly divided into two groups of cardiac rehabilitation training group (CRT, n = 10) and combined training group (yoga-cardiac rehabilitation) (computed tomography [CT], n = 10). After initial clinical evaluation, exercise test, and salivation with 12 h fasting, individuals were referred to the rehabilitation ward of Shahid Rajaie Heart Hospital in Tehran and performed their exercise program for 8 weeks and three sessions per week then their evaluations were made again. A dependent t-test was used for intra-group changes and an independent t-test was used to compare the two groups at a significant level of 0.05. Results: The CT group showed a significant effect on salivary cortisol (P = 0.028), but these interventions did not show a significant effect on salivary alpha-amylase (P = 0.193). Furthermore, CRT alone had a significant effect on salivary cortisol indices (P = 0.011), there was no significant difference between groups (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that combined yoga and rehabilitation training had beneficial effects on the salivary levels of the stress factors that have been studied. Therefore, this type of rehabilitation exercise is recommended for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Rehabilitative Training Interacts with Ischemia-Instigated Spine Dynamics to Promote a Lasting Population of New Synapses in Peri-Infarct Motor Cortex

After subtotal infarcts of primary motor cortex (M1), motor rehabilitative training (RT) promotes improvements in paretic forelimb function that have been linked with its promotion of structural and functional reorganization of peri-infarct cortex, but how the reorganization unfolds is scantly understood. Cortical infarcts also instigate a prolonged period of dendritic spine turnover in peri-infarct cortex. Here we investigated the possibility that synaptic structural responses to RT in peri-infarct cortex reflect, in part, interactions with ischemia-instigated spine turnover. This was tested after artery-targeted photothrombotic M1 infarcts or Sham procedures in adult (4 months) C57BL/6 male and female GFP-M line (n = 24) and male yellow fluorescent protein-H line (n = 5) mice undergoing RT in skilled reaching or no-training control procedures. Regardless of training condition, spine turnover was increased out to 5 weeks postinfarct relative to Sham, as was the persistence of new spines formed within a week postinfarct. However, compared with no-training controls, new spines formed during postinfarct weeks 2-4 in mice undergoing RT persisted in much greater proportions to later time points, by a magnitude that predicted behavioral improvements in the RT group. These results indicate that RT interacts with ischemia-instigated spine turnover to promote preferential stabilization of newly formed spines, which is likely to yield a new population of mature synapses in peri-infarct cortex that could contribute to cortical functional reorganization and behavioral improvement. The findings newly implicate ischemia-instigated spine turnover as a mediator of cortical synaptic structural responses to RT and newly establish the experience dependency of new spine fates in the postischemic turnover context.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Motor rehabilitation, the main treatment for motor impairments after stroke, is far from sufficient to normalize function. A better understanding of neural substrates of rehabilitation-induced behavioral improvements could be useful for understanding how to optimize it. Here, we investigated the nature and time course of synaptic responses to motor rehabilitative training in vivo Focal ischemia instigated a period of synapse turnover in peri-infarct motor cortex of mice. Rehabilitative training increased the stability of new synapses formed during the initial weeks after the infarct, the magnitude of which was correlated with improvements in skilled motor performance. Therefore, the maintenance of new synapses formed after ischemia could represent a structural mechanism of rehabilitative training efficacy.

Clinical observation of effects of ultrashort wave therapy combined with acupuncture and rehabilitation training in the treatment of patients with dysphagia after stroke

Aim:The present study aimed to assess the clinical effects of ultrashort wave therapy combined with acupuncture and rehabilitation training on patients with dysphagia after stroke.Method:A total of 126 patients with stroke with dysphagia were randomly divided into an acupuncture group (control group: 63 patients) and a comprehensive rehabilitation training group (treatment group: 63 patients). The control group received rehabilitation training and acupuncture, whereas the treatment group received ultrashort wave therapy in addition to rehabilitation training and acupuncture (comprehensive rehabilitation training). The curative effect was evaluated using water-drinking test scores and swallowing quality of life scale (SWAL-QOL) scores before and after intervention. Additionally, the incidence of aspiration pneumonia was assessed in the two groups.Results:The water-drinking test scores in both groups were significantly better after 4 weeks of intervention than before intervention (P &lt; 0.01); however, the improvement degree was significantly greater in the treatment group than in the control group (P &lt; 0.01). The SWAL-QOL scores in both groups were significantly higher after intervention than before intervention (P &lt; 0.05); however, the improvement degree was significantly greater in the treatment group than in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, the incidence of aspiration pneumonia was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P &lt; 0.05).Conclusion:Comprehensive rehabilitation training can greatly improve dysphagia after stroke and can effectively reduce the incidence of aspiration pneumonia.

Electroacupuncture combined with rehabilitation training improves regional cerebral blood flow and reduces infarct volume by promoting expression of angiogenesis-related factors in acute cerebral ischemia rats

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with rehabilitation training on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and angiogenesis in rats with acute cerebral ischemia (ACI), so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of ACI. A total of 135 male SD rats were divided into 5 groups: sham-operation (sham), model, EA, rehabilitation training and EA+rehabilitation training (combined treatment) groups (n=27 rats in each group). The ACI model was established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery with thread embolus. EA (2 Hz/20 Hz, 3-5 V) was applied to "Baihui" (GV20), "Shuigou" (GV26) and bilateral "Neiguan" (PC6) for 20 min, once daily for 14 days. The rehabilitation training including hair-brushing in an enriched environment (10 min), round wooden-stick turning (10 min), grid-board climbing (10 min), and treadmill running (30 min/d) was condacted once daily for 14 days. The rCBF was measured by Doppler ultrasound. The cerebral infarct volume (CIV) was measured after 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. The expression of CD34+ in the ischemic penumbra region of brain tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the expressions of angiogenesis-related factors as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) proteins in the ischemic brain tissue were detected by Western blot. Following modeling, the rCBF levels at the 5 min, 3rd, 7th and 14th day were significantly decreased in the model group relevant to the sham group (P<0.01). After the intervention, the rCBF levels were significantly increased on day 3, 7 and 14 in the combined treatment group and on day 7 and 14 in both the EA and rehabilitation training groups in comparison with the model group (P<0.01). The CIV was obvious in the model group in comparison with the sham group (P<0.01), but was markedly smaller in the EA, rehabilitation training and combined treatment groups on day 3,7 and 14 than in the model group (P<0.01). The number of CD34+ positive cells, and the expression levels of VEGF, VEGFR2, and bFGF proteins in ischemic brain tissues were significantly higher on day 3, 7 and 14 in the model group than in the sham group (P<0.01, P<0.05), and were further up-regulated considerably at the 3 time-points in the 3 treatment groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). The therapeutic effect of EA+rehabilitation training was significantly superior to that of simple EA and simple rehabilitation training in up-regulating rCBF, CD34+ positive cell number, and expression levels of VEGF, VEGFR2 and bFGF, and in down-regulating the CIV on day 3,7 and 14 (P<0.05, P<0.01). No significant differences were found between the EA and rehabilitation groups in the above-mentioned 6 indexes (P>0.05). EA combined with rehabilitation training can reduce the infarct volume and increase rCBF in ACI rats, which is probably associated with its effects in promoting the expression of angiogenesis-related factors of ischemic brain tissues. The effect of EA combined with rehabilitation training is markedly better than that of EA and rehabilitation training alone.

Effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation on the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson′s disease

Objective To explore the effect of repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with rehabilitation training on the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson′s disease. Methods A total of 150 persons with Parkinson′s disease were randomly divided into an rTMS group, a rehabilitation training group and an observation group, each of 50. The rTMS group received only repeated magnetic stimulation. The rehabilitation training group received only standard rehabilitation training. The observation group was given both for 4 weeks. The overall efficacy of each treatment was evaluated using the unified Parkinson′s disease rating scale (UPDRS), while the motor symptoms were assessed using the 10 m back-and-forth run test, a simple test for evaluating hand function (STEF) and Berg′s balance scale. Non-motor symptoms were evaluated using a questionnaire (NMSQ), the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), the Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), the Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and the Parkinson′s disease sleep scale (PDSS). Moreover, a comprehensive quality of life assessment questionnaire (SF-36) was used to evaluate the life quality of patients before and after the treatment. Results Compared with before the treatment, the average UPDRS scores of all three groups were lower after the treatment. Moreover, the average UPDRS score of the observation group was significantly lower than those of the other two groups. Significant improvement was observed in the mean 10 m run time and in the average STEF and Berg scores of the rehabilitation training and observation groups, but not in the rTMS group′s averages. After the treatment, the mean NMSQ, MMSE, HAMD, HAMA and PDSS results of the rTMS and observation groups were significantly better than those before treatment, with the observation group′s averages significantly better than those of the rehabilitation training group. The average PDSS and SF-36 scores of the observation group were also significantly better than those of the other groups. Conclusion rTMS combined with rehabilitation training can significantly improve the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson′s disease patients, and its efficacy is superior to that of rTMS or rehabilitation training alone. Key words: Parkinson′s disease; Transcranial magnetic stimulation; Rehabilitation training

Effect of rehabilitation therapy and nursing intervention on postoperative recovery of patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage.

Rehabilitation therapy combined with nursing intervention in postoperative recovery of patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage was investigated. Retrospective analysis was carried out in 78 patients with severe HICH hematoma evacuation after treatment in Xuzhou No. 1 People's Hospital, Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University from March 2014 to July 2017. The 28 patients who received routine treatment and nursing care were regarded as the control group, the 27 patients who underwent rehabilitation training based with routine treatment and nursing care were the rehabilitation training group. Moreover, the 23 patients who underwent rehabilitation training and nursing intervention based on routine treatment were regarded as the nursing intervention group. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and Fugl-Meyer scores were compared immediately after surgery (T1), 4 weeks after treatment (T2) and 12 weeks after treatment (T3). During the period of T3, the total effective rate and adverse reactions were compared among the three groups of patients. The systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure at T3 among the three groups were significantly lower than both T2 and T1, and the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of T2 was lower than T1 (P<0.05). Among the three groups of patients, the Fugl-Meyer score at T3 was significantly higher than both the T2 and T1, and the Fugl-Meyer score at T2 was higher than T1 (P<0.050). In the control group, the number of patients with shoulder-hand syndrome, hemorrhoids, and depression was significantly higher than both the rehabilitation training group and the nursing intervention group (P<0.050). The number of people with depression in the rehabilitation training group was significantly higher than the nursing intervention group (P<0.050). Rehabilitation therapy and nursing intervention are better than routine treatment and nursing for postoperative recovery of HICH patients, and has a lower adverse reaction rates after surgery, it is worthy of promotion clinically.

Deep acupuncture of Lianquan (CV23) and Yifeng (TE17) in combination with conventional acupuncture of other acupoints is superior to swallowing rehabilitation training in improving post-stroke dysphagia in apoplexy patients

To observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture therapy in the treatment of dysphagia in apoplexy patients. A total of 104 patients with post-stroke dysphagia were randomized into a control (conventional swallowing rehabilitation training) group and an acupuncture group (n＝ 52 cases in each one). In the control group, the conventional swallowing rehabilitation training was conducted, twice daily, 6 times a week for 4 weeks. In the acupuncture group, deep needling of main acupoints Lianquan (CV23) and Yifeng (TE17), and conventional acupuncture of adjuvant acupoints as Fengchi (GB20) and Fengfu (GV16), Wangu (GB12), Lieque (LU7), Jinjin (EX-HN12), Yuye (EX-HN13), etc. as well as electroacupuncture stimulation (15－20 Hz, 5 mA, and duration of 30 min) of ipsilateral CV23-GV16, TE17-GB20, and bilateral Neidaying acupoints were conducted. The acupuncture treatment was given once daily, 6 times a week for consecutive 4 weeks. In addition, patients of the two groups also received routine symptomatic treatment with drugs for anti-platelet aggregation, nourishing cranial nerve, lowering blood pressure, controlling blood glucose, improving cerebral circulation, etc. Before and after the treatment, the standard swallowing assessment (SSA, 18－46 points) and Kubota water swallowing test (WST, 1－5 grades) were conducted to evaluate the patient's swallowing function. The comprehensive therapeutic effect was assessed in accordance with the SSA and Kubota WST, and adverse reactions were recorded. After the treatment, the SSA score was considerably reduced in the two groups relevant to their own pre-treatment (both P<0.05), and was significantly lower in the acupuncture group than in the control group (P<0.05). The Kubota WST grade was evidently increased in the number of patients with grade Ⅰ (P<0.05) and reduced in the numbers of patients with grade Ⅲ－Ⅴ in both groups relevant to their own pre-treatment, and was more patients with grade Ⅰ in the acupuncture group than in the control group (P<0.05). Outcomes of the comprehensive therapeutic effect indicated that of the two 52 cases in the control and acupuncture groups, 8 (15.38%) and 19 (36.53%) were cured, 7 (13.46%) and 15 (28.45%) had marked improvement, 17 (32.69%) and 12 (23.08%) were effective, and 20 (38.46%) and 6 (11.54%) failed in the treatment, with the effective rate being 61.54% and 88.46%, respectively. The total effective rate of the acupuncture group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The adverse reactions such as regional hematoma (in 3 cases) and pain (in 2 cases) in the acupuncture group, and choking-coughing in the control group were seen, being 9.62% and 11.54% in the incidence rate, respectively. Deep needling of main acupoints Lianquan (CV23) and Yifeng (TE 17) in combination with conventional acupuncture of other acupoints is effective in improving local glossopharyngeal function in apoplexy patients with dysphagia, which is obviously superior to conventional swallowing rehabilitation training in the therapeutic effect and is applicable in clinical practice.

Effects of Tai Chi Yunshou exercise on community-based stroke patients: a cluster randomized controlled trial

BackgroudTai Chi Chuan was used for stroke survivors with balance impairments. However, even a short-form of Tai Chi Chuan includes forms that make the exercise challenging for the stroke survivors. Tai Chi Yunshou (wave hands in the cloud) is the “mother” form and the fundamental form of all Tai Chi Chuan styles, which is considered more suitable and feasible for stroke survivors with balance impairments. So this study was designed to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi Yunshou exercise on community-based stroke patients with balance dysfunctions.MethodsA total of 250 participants from 10 community health centers (5 per arm) were selected and randomly allocated into Tai Chi Yunshou exercise group (TC group) or a balance rehabilitation training group (control group) in an equal ratio. Participants in the TC group were received Tai Chi Yunshou exercise training five times per week for 12 weeks and those in control group were received balance rehabilitation training five times per week for 12 weeks. Outcome assessments including Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Time up to go test (TUGT), Modified Barthel Index (MBI) were measured at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and followed-up 6 weeks (18 weeks), 12 weeks (24 weeks). Intention-to-treat analysis was performed. Analysis of variance of repeated measures was used to assess between-group differences.ResultsA total of 244 participants, 120 in the TC group and 124 in the rehabilitation group, were included in final analysis. There was no siginificant difference in Tai Chi Yunshou and balance rehabilitation training on the improvement of balance ability and mobility (P = 0.531 and P = 0.839, respectively) after adjustment for baseline. However, there was significant difference between two groups on improvement of motor funtion (P = 0.022), fear of falling (P < 0.001) and depression (P = 0.035) for the post stroke patients. No adverse events were reported during the study.ConclusionTai Chi Yunshou and balance rehabilitation training led to improved balance ability and functional mobility, and both are suitable community-based programs that may benefit for stroke recovery and community reintegration. Our data demonstrated that a 12-week Tai Chi Yunshou intervention was more effective in motor function, fear of falling and depression than balance rehabilitation training. Future studies examining the effectiveness of Tai Chi Yunahou as a balance ability improvement strategy for community-dwelling survivors of stroke are recommended.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trail Registry: ChiCRT-TRC-13003641. Registration date: 22 August, 2013.

Effects of tongue acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training group of dysarthria on speech function in post-stroke dysarthria patients

To observe the effects of tongue and nape acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training group of dysarthria on speech function in post-stroke dysarthria patients, and to explore the treatment of dysarthria. Eighty patients with dysarthria were randomly divided into an observation group (40 cases) and a control group (40 cases). The patients in the two groups were treated with conventional treatment. The patients in the control group were treated with the acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training group of dysarthria; the patients in the observation group were treated with the control group treatment and tongue acupuncture, once a day, 6 days per week for 2 weeks. The patients were evaluated with general dysarthria scale and dysarthria checklist of Chinese Rehabilitation Study Center before and after 2-week treatment. After treatment, the total score and each item score of general dysarthria scale were reduced (all P<0.05); all the score in the observation group was lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05), except the score of jaw which had no significant difference between the two groups. After treatment, the dysarthria checklist of Chinese Rehabilitation Study Center in the observation group was superior to that in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 85.0% (34/40) in the observation group, which was higher than 67.5% (27/40) in the control group (P<0.05). Tongue acupuncture, nape acupuncture and rehabilitation training group of dysarthria could effectively improve the speech function of post-stroke dysarthria patients.

Clinical observation on plum-blossom needle combined with rehabilitation training for hand spasm after stroke

To observe the effect difference between plum-blossom needle combined with rehabilitation training and conventional rehabilitation training for hand spasm after stroke. A total of 61 patients were randomly divided into a comprehensive treatment group (30 cases) and a rehabilitation training group (31 cases). In the rehabilitation training group, Bobath occupational therapy, OT training, and hand function training were adopted, once every day; on the basis of treatment in the rehabilitation group, plum-blossom needle was applied at the lung meridian of hand-taiyin, heart meridian of hand-shaoyin, pericardium meridian of hand-jueyin in the comprehensive treatment group. The treatment was given once every two days, three weeks as one course in the two gnoups. After 3 courses of treatment, clinical efficacy evaluation was performed, and the modified Ashworth scale and Fugl-Meyer (FMA) motor function scores were assessed before and after treatment. After treatment, the grade for Ashworth scale and FMA scores in the comprehensive treatment group and the rehabilitation trainning group were better than those before treatment (all P<0.05), and the improvements in hand spasm and hand fuction in the comprehensive treatment group were superior apparently to those in the rehabilitation trainning group (both P<0.05) The total effective rate of hand function was 93.3% (28/30) in the comprehensive treatment group, which was better than 74.2% (23/31) in the rehabilitation training group (P<0.05). Plum-blossom needle combined with rehabilitation training are more effective than simple rehabilitation training for hand spasm after stroke.

Effects of intradermal needling on core muscle stability in children with cerebral palsy: a clinical comparative study

To observe the effects of rehabilitation training (RT) combined with intradermal needling, RT combined with acupuncture and RT alone on core muscle stability in children with cerebral palsy, and to explore the superior therapy to improve core muscle stability in children with cerebral palsy. A total of 120 children with cerebral palsy aged from 2 to 4 years old were randomly divided into a RT and intradermal needling group (group A), a RT and acupuncture group (group B) and a RT group (group C), 40 cases in each one. The patients in the group C were treated with kinesitherapy and core muscle stability training, once a day. Along with identical RT of group C, the patients in the group B were treated with acupuncture (once a day), while the patients in the group A were treated with intradermal needling at Yaoyangguan (GV 3), Mingmen (GV 4), Jiaji (EX-B 2, L2-L5), and 4-week treatment was taken as one course. The integrated electromyography (iEMG) of surface electromyography, root mean square (RMS) and mean power frequency (MPF) of erector spinae muscles, Berg balance scale as well as B area (siting), C area (climbing and kneeling), D area (standing) and E area (walking, running and jumping) of gross motor function measure (GMFM) were compared before and after 3-course treatment. ① Compared before treatment, the iEMG and RMS of erector spinae muscles in the group A and group B as well as MPF in the group A were all increased after treatment (all P<0.05); after treatment, all the electromyography indexes in the group A were higher than those in the group B and group C (all P<0.05); the RMS in the group B was higher than that in the group C (P<0.05). ② Compared before treatment, the Berg balance scale was all increased after treatment in the three groups (all P<0.05), and the scale in the group A was higher those that in the group B and group C (both P<0.05). ③ Compared before treatment, the B area and C area of GMFM in the three groups as well as D area in the group A and group B were all improved after treatment (all P<0.05); the B area, C area and D area in the group A and group B were higher than those in the group C (all P<0.05); the B area and C area in the group A were higher than those in the group B (both P<0.05). Based on RT, the intradermal needling could better improve core muscle stability and balance-motor ability in children with cerebral palsy, which is superior to regular acupuncture and RT alone.

The effects of inspiratory muscle training on exercise capacity, dyspnea and respiratory functions in lung transplantation candidates: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To investigate whether inspiratory muscle training would contribute to the improvement of exercise capacity, dyspnea perception and respiratory functions in lung transplantation candidates. Design: Prospective randomized controlled trial. Setting: Pulmonary Rehabilitation center. Subjects: A total of 34 patients with severe lung disease requiring lung transplantation were randomly allocated to either pulmonary rehabilitation plus inspiratory muscle training group (PR + IMT group, n = 17) or pulmonary rehabilitation group (PR group, n = 17) before any lung transplantation operation. Methods: All patients underwent supervised pulmonary rehabilitation program on two days per week for three months. The PR + IMT group received inspiratory muscle training in addition to the standard pulmonary rehabilitation program. The 6-minute walk test, maximal inspiratory pressure, modified Medical Research Concile dyspnea scores and spirometric parameters were measured for each patient. Results: The PR + IMT group had statistically significantly increased in walking distance (100 m, P = 0.03), maximum inspiratory pressure (26 cmH2O, P = 0.001) and alveolar volume ratio of carbonmonoxide diffusion capacity (9%, P = 0.02) than PR group. Although both groups demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in the dyspnea score, no significant differences were found between the groups (P = 0.075). There was no change in spirometric variables in both groups. Conclusion: A greater increase in exercise capacity was observed in the PR + IMT group. Our study showed that inspiratory muscle training improved exercise capacity even further and increased the benefits provided by pulmonary rehabilitation.

Computer Aided Technology-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation Efficacy Against Patients’ Cerebral Stroke

Cognitive dysfunction caused by cerebral stroke in different degrees throws patients into troubles in daily life. It, therefore, has been a great challenge about how to develop a positive and accurate diagnosis and treatment program against cognitive impairments and in favor of rehabilitation of patients after cerebral stroke. This paper investigates 128 cases of stroke patients randomly chosen and included into the traditional rehabilitation and computer-aided training groups who respectively received routine drug and traditional cognitive rehabilitation therapies for 4 weeks, except that the computer-aided training group also underwent a computer-aided cognitive exercises. A Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) was introduced for rating both groups. After a comparative analysis was conducted on the results, it turns out that, after cerebral stroke of patients, whether the traditional cognitive rehabilitation therapy or the computer-aided cognitive therapy they received, the cognitive dysfunction can be relieved, but the computer-aided training process, as an adjuvant therapy, has a more significant efficacy against this symptom. It is proved that the Computer Aided Technology (CAT) has played a great role in the rehabilitation of patients with cognitive dysfunction after cerebral stroke, which attributes to its strong targeted therapy, practicality, time-saving and less effort, and good scientificity. Not only that, it also has a great practical significance for clinical cognitive rehabilitation.

Effects of nape acupuncture combined with swallowing rehabilitation on dysphagia in pseudobulbar palsy

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the therapeutic effects of nape acupuncture combined with rehabilitative swallowing training for dysphagia caused by pseudobulbar palsy, and to compare it with rehabilitative swallowing training alone, and to observe the improvement in quality of life after the therapy. METHODSOne hundred patients were randomly divided into two groups: the rehabilitative swallowing training group (control group, n = 50) and the nape acupuncture combined with rehabilitative swallowing training group (experimental group, n = 50). Each group had 8 weeks’ therapy, 5 times a week. Patients in the control group received rehabilitative swallowing training, while those in the experimental group received nape acupuncture therapy based on swallowing rehabilitation. The outcomes were assessed by the repetitive saliva-swallowing test (RSST), water swallow test (WST), standardized swallowing assessment (SSA), and a swallow quality-of-life questionnaire (SWAL-QOL). Correlations of onset age, onset frequency and lesion location with the efficacy of the acupuncture treatment were also observed. RESULTSThe scores for RSST, WST, and SSA in both groups were lower than before the therapy (P < 0.001), although the changes were more marked in the experimental group than in the control group (RSST and WST, P< 0.005; SSA, P< 0.001). Both groups recorded changes in SWAL-QOL index after the therapy (P< 0.001); and the experimental group scored higher than the control group (P < 0.001). The efficacy of acupuncture was not correlated with location (P > 0.05), but was related to onset age (P < 0.05) and onset frequency (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONNape acupuncture combined with rehabilitative swallowing training has an effect on dysphagia caused by pseudobulbar palsy and improves quality of life.

Case-control study on the effect of core strength training on the function of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

To observe the effect of core strength training on knee joint function and postural stability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). A total of 80 ACLR patients were randomly allocated into conventional rehabilitation training group and core strength training group from May 2013 to May 2015 with 40 patients in each group. The patients in conventional rehabilitation training group underwent conventional ACLR rehabilitation training, in which 28 males and 12 females. The mean age was(30.5±5.2) years old(ranged, 22 to 42 years old). The mean BMI was(23.8±2.4) kg/m²(ranged, 18.2 to 25.9 kg/m²). Thirty patients had injuries on the dominant side and 10 patients had injuries on the non-dominant side. The core strength training group received conventional ACLR rehabilitation training and core strength training, in which 31 males and 9 females. The mean age was(31.1±4.8) years old(ranged, 21 to 45 years old). The mean BMI was(24.1±2.7) kg/m²(ranged, 18.5 to 26.1 kg/m²) . Twenty-seven patients had injuries on the dominant side and 13 patients had injuries on the non-dominant side. The Lysholm score, tibial anterior transition measured by KT-1000 before and after treatment, and the Star Excursion Balance Test results after treatment were compared between the two groups. Six months after rehabilitation training, the tibial anterior transition of the conventional rehabilitation training group and the core strength training group were(3.4±1.0) mm and(3.3±1.2) mm respectively, which were less than(12.1±1.8) mm and(12.5±2.0) mm before treatment. But there was no significant difference in anterior tibial translation between two groups(P>0.05). The Lysholm score of the conventional rehabilitation training group and the core strength training group were 91.8±4.3 and 92.1±3.9 individually, which were higher than 69.2±5.8 and 70.2±5.1 before treatment. But there was no significant difference in Lysholm score between two groups(P>0.05). Six months after rehabilitation training, the results of Star Excursion Balance Test showed the reach distance with the support in the injured side and healthy side in the core strength training group were greater than that of the conventional rehabilitation training group in the eight directions(P<0.05). The core strength training could improve the dynamic balance of ACLR patients.

Evaluation of the Impact of Cognitive Training on Quality of Life in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation in a group of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Methods: Thirty-four patients were included in this study and randomly allocated either to treatment with multidisciplinary rehabilitation plus cognitive training or to treatment with multidisciplinary rehabilitation alone. Results: After 3 months of cognitive treatment, the patients assigned to the rehabilitation plus cognitive training group displayed an improvement in the cognitive test of executive function and a marked improvement in quality of life (QoL). The patients treated with multidisciplinary rehabilitation without cognitive training improved in the physical composite score alone. Both groups of patients displayed an improvement in depression, though the improvement was confirmed at the 6-month follow-up examination (p = 0.036) only in patients treated with multidisciplinary rehabilitation plus cognitive training. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment is the best approach to treat MS. The specific effect of each treatment needs to be assessed to be able to determine its role within a multidisciplinary approach. Cognitive rehabilitation is an important aspect of this multidisciplinary approach insofar as it may improve the QoL of MS people.