Exercise Therapy Research Articles

Evaluating the effects of exercise protocols in hospitalized onco-hematological patients: a systematic review.

Physical activity is associated with improved functionality, independence and quality of life in cancer patients undergoing active treatment. Exercises can be prescribed to improve patient outcomes. Evaluate the effects of applied exercise protocols on functional capacity, quality of life, fatigue and muscle strength in hospitalized onco-hematological patients compared to conventional treatment. Systematic literature review carried out in PUBMED, EMBASE and Scopus databases with the following descriptors: Hematological neoplasms AND Exercise Therapy AND Hospitalization, in November 2023. Studies with adult inpatients with hematological neoplasms who performed an exercise protocol in the intervention group were included. After applying the eligibility criteria, 9 articles were included in the review, 7 of which were randomized clinical trials and 6 were carried out on transplant patients. The most commonly assessed outcome was functional capacity, followed by muscle strength and quality of life, and ending with an assessment of fatigue. Studies have shown positive results for patients, especially those that combine resistance and aerobic exercise protocols. An exercise protocol for patients with onco-hematological diseases can improve the outcomes analyzed. Aerobic and resistance exercises should be performed, but more studies are needed to assess the time and doses required for each activity.

Differences in 6-Minute Walk Distance Across Heart Disease Recurrence Risk Levels in Cardiac Rehab Patients

Background/Objectives: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are multi-component interventions comprising structured strength and cardiovascular exercise training, psychological support, education, and therapies to promote positive lifestyle changes. This study aimed to determine if there are differences in the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) across risk groups for recurrent heart disease. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used existing data collected from electronic medical records. The 6-minute walk distance was measured at baseline (pre-6MWD) and upon the completion of the CR program (post-6MWD). Short-term cardiac event recurrence risk was determined using a two-year recurrent coronary heart disease (2yRCHD) risk percentage, calculated according to the Framingham 2yRCHD calculator. Risk was then stratified into (1) low, (2) moderate, and (3) high-risk groups. Demographic variables (e.g., age, sex, racial/ethnic group) and clinical variables (e.g., BMI, lipid panels, fasting glucose levels, comorbidities) were collected to describe the study participants and identify potential confounders. An ANOVA and ANCOVA were performed to examine the differences in 6MWD across the 2yRCHD risk groups. Results: A total of 394 CR participants’ data were included in this analysis. Ninety-nine percent of the female participants were classified as low risk for recurrent heart disease, resulting in an extremely small sample size in the moderate-risk (n = 1) and no representation (n = 0) in the high-risk group. This lack of representation made it impossible to conduct comparative analyses across all the participants or to analyze female participants separately by risk category. Consequently, only male participant data were included in the final analysis. The study showed that pre- and post-6MWD measurements were significantly different across the three 2yRCHD risk groups (p = 0.006 for pre-6MWD; p = 0.002 for post-6MWD). The ANCOVA indicated that these differences were independent of the selected covariates. Post hoc analyses revealed significant differences in 6MWDs between the low- and high-risk groups and between the moderate- and high-risk groups, but not between the low- and moderate-risk groups, for both pre- and post-6MWD measurements. Compared to the CR participants in the high-risk group, those in the low- and moderate-risk groups achieved significantly longer distances in the 6-minute walk tests. Conclusions: The observed differences in the 6MWD across short-term cardiac recurrence risk levels suggest its potential as a simple, accessible tool for assessing cardiac recurrence risk levels in community settings. Further research is needed to generalize these findings to more diverse populations and to support aging in place for older adults living with heart disease.

Total Elbow Replacement in Swine: Surgical Technique and Initial Clinical Experience in a Kunekune Sow.

The aim of this study was to describe the development of a total elbow replacement (TER) technique in swine and report the outcome of TER in a Kunekune sow (61 kg) with severe elbow osteoarthritis. The technique was developed by operating on three pig cadavers (Yorkshire 40-50 kg). The TATE Elbow implant fit was confirmed with modeling to the patient's computed tomography imaging. Patient-specific instrumentation was printed for attempted use. Total elbow replacement was performed using a lateral approach, including lateral epicondylar osteotomy, careful retraction of the radial nerve, and preservation of the lateral collateral ligament. Postoperative care included controlled exercise and physical therapy. A lateral approach to the pig elbow for TATE TER was successfully developed. The bulk of the lateral head of the triceps muscle precluded use of the patient-specific instrumentation; the procedure was performed using standard instrumentation. Radiographic evidence up to 9 months postoperatively showed adequate implant alignment and satisfactory osteointegration of humeral and radioulnar components. There were not any postoperative complications and the patient's comfort was improved by 6 months and sustained at 18 months. A lateral approach for TATE TER in a pig with advanced elbow osteoarthritis proved feasible and effective. With the expansion of the TATE Elbow line, it is possible that a larger range of pigs could be treated. This report suggests that a lateral approach for TATE TER in dogs could represent a suitable alternative to the medial approach currently used.

Harnessing the therapeutic potential of exercise in extracellular vesicle-based therapy in metabolic disease associated cardiovascular complications.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality, affecting ∼18 million individuals each year. Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus in particular, both chronic metabolic disorders, are risk factors for CVD. The salutary effects of physical activity in preventing and ameliorating CVD have long been acknowledged, as it improves glucose and lipid homeostasis, alongside attenuating oxidative damage, increasing mitochondrial function, and ultimately improving cardiac function. Exercise serves as a catalyst for the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs), facilitating inter-tissue communication, by which tissues can deliver important signals from one tissue to another. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have focused on the cargo encapsulated within exercise-derived EVs, as well as the orchestration of inter-tissue crosstalk aimed at modulating metabolism and tissue function in CVDs. The precise mechanisms underpinning the cardioprotective properties of exercise-derived EVs, however, remains only partially elucidated. This review explores novel EV based therapeutic options in CVD and, in particular, EVs derived from models of exercise to alter metabolism and enhance cardiovascular outcomes.

Targeted Drug Delivery: From Chemistry to Robotics at Small Scales

The limited bioavailability, susceptibility to degradation, and adverse side effects of novel drugs often hinder their effective administration. Nanoparticles, with customizable properties and small size, have emerged as potential carriers, though their delivery efficiency remains low. With their ability to navigate fluid environments, micro- and nanorobots offer promising solutions to improve the delivery and retention of drugs at targeted tissues. The design and composition of these motile devices, often inspired by natural locomotion mechanisms, are currently being refined for improved biocompatibility, adaptability, and collective task performance. Recent research has focused on loading these devices with therapeutic agents and evaluating their efficacy in living organisms. While chemotherapy has been predominant, micro- and nanorobots also show significant potential for biological and physical therapies, and hybrid methods combining multiple therapies have demonstrated synergistic benefits. This review identifies major challenges, including the need for application-specific solutions, standardized performance evaluation methods, and the integration of engineering with pharmacology.

Abstract 4127909: Smartphone-enabled, home-based exercise in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease: the Smart Step Grady randomized trial

Introduction: About 10% of peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients develop claudication, with African Americans at higher risk and more severe symptoms. While supervised exercise therapy (SET) is a primary treatment, its uptake is low. We assessed the feasibility and effectiveness of smartphone-delivered home-based exercise therapy (HBET) in improving functional capacity and PAD symptoms in low-resource settings lacking SET. Methods: We conducted an interim analysis of Smart Step, a pilot randomized trial (1:1 ratio) comparing smartphone-enabled HBET to usual care (UC) in symptomatic PAD patients at Grady Memorial Hospital, a public safety net hospital in Atlanta, GA, from August 2018 to March 2024. The HBET group received virtual exercise coaching, app-based education, messaging, and reminders for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included changes in the Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ) and Short Form 36 (SF-36) scores. Data were analyzed using intention-to-treat, with mixed model repeated measures regression assessing the association between 6MWD and treatment. Results: We screened 102 patients and enrolled 46. To date, 26 (56%) participants have completed the study, 6 (13%) dropped out, and 14 (30%) are pending completion. The mean [SD] age was 63 [12] years, with 50% female and 90% African American. After 12 weeks, the mean 6MWD increased by 15.7 m from a baseline of 336.0 m in the HBET arm (n=13) and decreased by 6.6 from a baseline of 310.2 m in the UC arm (n=13). The between-group difference was 22.4 [95% CI -11.8 – 56.6] m; p=0.19). The WIQ stair climbing score changed by -10.9 in the UC arm vs. 7.1 in the HBET arm (between group difference 17.9 [95% CI 1.1-34.8]; p=0.04), while the other WIQ sub-scores were more similar between groups. The 12-week changes in SF-36 scores were not different by group. Conclusion: In this preliminary analysis, the HBET arm showed within-group improvements in 6MWD and symptoms after 12 weeks, but most changes were not significantly different when comparing them with the UC arm. Future analyses are pending and will provide the necessary statistical power for a more precise measure of the treatment effects.

Abstract 4135434: Effect of early nutritional guidance for patients with acute myocardial infarction: A single center retrospective cohort study

Introduction/Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) stands as a major global cause of mortality. Various intervention strategies, such as pre-hospital care, reperfusion therapies, pharmacological interventions, dietary modifications, and exercise therapies, have been researched to improve patient prognosis. Research Question: There remains a lack of evidence regarding the impact of early nutritionist-led dietary guidance on the prognosis of AMI patients. Aim: This study aimed to elucidate whether nutritional guidance by nutritionists who have national qualifications would improve the mortality and the primary composite endpoint (including acute decompensated heart failure, stroke, and acute coronary syndrome) of patients following an acute myocardial infarction. Methods/Approach: A retrospective cohort study enrolling 409 AMI patients who underwent emergency percutaneous coronary interventions between September 1, 2015, and October 31, 2023. Nutritionists guided 223 patients (54.5%) during hospitalization in this study. The nutritional guidance used in our study was also based on the definition of adequate caloric intake of 25–30 kcal per ideal body weight (kg). Under an appropriate total energy intake, a fat energy ratio of 20–25% and a carbohydrate energy ratio of 50–60% are recommended, with protein and lipid restrictions depending on the disease state. Results/Data: During a median follow-up of 39 months, 24 cases of all-cause mortality (5.9%) and 6 cases of cardiovascular mortality (1.5%) were recorded. Kaplan–Meier curves demonstrated significantly higher incidence rates of death and primary composite endpoints among patients without nutritional guidance during hospitalization. The multivariate Cox regression model revealed early nutritional guidance as a significant predictor for long-term mortality but not for primary composite endpoints. Furthermore, undernourished patients, defined as those with a geriatric nutritional risk index of 98 or less, showed a similar prognosis to those with good nutritional status after receiving nutritional guidance, indicating that nutritional guidance improves prognosis. Conclusion: Nutritionist-led dietary guidance for patients with AMI can potentially improve total mortality and is expected to be more effective in undernourished patients. Further research is warranted to explore the physiological impacts of improved diets resulting from such guidance and their effects on enhancing prognosis.

Effect of Combination of Blue and Red Light with Terbinafine on Cell Viability and Reactive Oxygen Species in Human Keratinocytes: Potential Implications for Cutaneous Mycosis

Cutaneous mycoses are common infections whose treatment has become more complex due to increasing antifungal resistance and the need for prolonged therapies, hindering patient adherence and increasing the incidence of adverse effects. Consequently, the use of physical therapies, especially photodynamic therapy (PDT), has increased for the treatment of onychomycosis due to its antimicrobial capacity being mediated by the production of reactive oxygen species. This study investigates the in vitro effect of applying blue light (448 nm) or red light (645 nm), alone or together with terbinafine, on the viability of human keratinocytes and the production of reactive oxygen species. The combination of terbinafine and blue light significantly increases ROS production and caspase-3 expression, while red light together with terbinafine increases catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and PPARγ expression, which reduces the amount of ROS in the cultures. The effect of both treatments could be useful in clinical practice to improve the response of cutaneous mycoses to pharmacological treatment, reduce their toxicity and shorten their duration.

Impact of an Asian Community-Based Cancer Rehabilitation Program on Health-Related Quality of Life

Background/Objectives: Inpatient exercise-based rehabilitation has been shown to improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in cancer survivors. However, there is a lack of studies on the impact of community-based cancer rehabilitation programs on health-related quality of life, especially in Asian countries. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study involving patients with cancer at an outpatient community-based rehabilitation center. There were 197 patients who were recruited and enrolled in a physician-led rehabilitation program which included physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists and exercise physiologists. Results: Most of the patients had a diagnosis of breast cancer (61.4%), while 76 (38.6%) had a diagnosis of other cancers. On initial assessment, we found a mean Distress Thermometer (DT) level of 3.37 (SD = 2.41) and a mean Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General-7 Item Version (FACT-G7) score of 11.83 (SD = 4.01). On follow-up assessment after 3–6 months of rehabilitation, there was a significant reduction in mean DT level to 2.42 (SD = 2.25) and an improvement in mean FACT-G7 score to 13.09 (SD = 4.77). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that significant factors for improvement in FACT-G7 scores were age (p = 0.046) and number of exercise therapy sessions (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the positive impact of a community-based cancer rehabilitation program on HRQOL among cancer patients.

Tirzepatide – a new hope for type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity management. A literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE. While obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are defined (according to WHO) as civilization diseases we are still searching for the ideal tool to fight them. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved tirzepatide subcutaneous injections as monotherapy or combination therapy, with diet and physical exercise, to achieve better glycemic blood levels in patients with diabetes and weight reduction among obese and overweighted patients. This review evaluates the efficacy and safety of using tirzepatide based on GIP/GLP-1 agonists clinical trials. MATERAILS AND METHODS. Literature available in the PubMeb Database and Google Scholar Databases was reviewed using keywords. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS. Tirzepatide is a novel medicine which stands against type 2 diabetes and obesity pandemic. Combining two agonists of GIP and GLP-1 receptors helps decrease glycemic blood levels, HbA1c levels and reducing body weight in more efficient way than the GLP-1 receptor agonists. All these effects have also resulted in minimizing cardiovascular risk which is observed as an improvement in heart failure, hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Beyond that, the recent data present possible positive long-term effect of tirzepatide in such diseases as MAFLD (metabolic associated fatty liver disease) and OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). However, triagonists, achieving a concurrent activation of GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors, normalize body weight in a manner superior to that of monoagonists and dual agonists. Therefore, the triple agonism or other than GIP/GLP-1 combinations could soon represent a new standard for pharmaceutical interventions. KEYWORDS: tirzepatide; obesity; type 2 diabetes; weight reduction; GIP; GLP-1.

Focusing on Sedentary Behavior in Comprehensive Cardiac Rehabilitation.

In recent years, the adverse effects of prolonged sedentary behavior in daily life, so-called 'sitting too much', on health have been pointed out. Sedentary behavior is defined as 'all waking behavior in which the energy expenditure in a sitting, semi-recumbent, or recumbent position is 1.5 metabolic equivalents or less'. Even if a person engages in the level of physical activity recommended in the guidelines, sitting for too long at other times may increase the risk of developing various diseases and death. For patients with cardiovascular disease, a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program that systematically includes not only medical treatment but also exercise therapy, patient education, and disease management is extremely important. Also, differences in sedentary behavior during the acute and recovery phases are known to affect physical function and activities of daily living at the time of hospital discharge. Here, we discuss cardiac rehabilitation that addresses sedentary behavior and review the previous related research.

The effect of home exercises with kinesiotaping on pain, functionality, and work performance in bus drivers with non-specific neck pain.

Clinical research on the management and rehabilitation of work-related upper spinal pain in bus drivers is sparse, indicating a gap in knowledge and treatment strategies. This highlights the growing need for innovative approaches to rehabilitation programs in this area. To examine the effects of kinesio taping (KT) on pain, functionality, and work performance in bus drivers experiencing neck pain. The study involved 44 participants who were randomised into two different groups: the exercise group (n= 22) and the kinesio tape group (n= 22), with participants in both groups undertaking exercise interventions. Evaluations were made before and after 6 weeks of treatment. At the end of the 6-week, the participants' ROM, pain evaluations and functional scales were evaluated with disability, and work functionality. Neck pain severity decreased in both groups (p< 0.001 for each value), but there was no difference between the groups (p: 0.071). When disability scores were evaluated, improvement was noted in both groups (p: 0.001 for each value), but no statistically significant difference was found (p: 0.754). When the improvements in ROM values before and after the treatment were examined, the difference between the groups was recorded only in the neck extension ROM value (p: 0.011). Significant improvement was noted in all sub-steps of job performance in both groups (p< 0.05). KT added to ergonomic training and home exercise programmes is effective in controlling work-related musculoskeletal pain in drivers with neck pain. However, the addition of KT to exercise therapy was found to be no more effective than exercise therapy alone in improving pain control, functionality and work performance.

Fatigue and Sleep-related Impairment as Predictors of the Effect of Nonpharmacological Therapies for Active duty Service Members With Chronic Pain: A Secondary Analysis of a Pragmatic Randomized Clinical Trial.

First-line treatments for chronic pain include selected complementary and integrative health therapies, including spinal manipulation, acupuncture, yoga, and massage; and standard rehabilitative care, including physical and occupational therapies. This study aimed to uncover critical factors that contribute to pain impact and the effectiveness of complementary and integrative health therapies and standard rehabilitative care among people with chronic pain, with a focus on the role of sleep-related impairment. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a pragmatic randomized clinical trial of 280 U.S. active duty service members with chronic pain. Our study's multiple mediation analysis examined the indirect effect of complementary and integrative health therapies on pain impact through fatigue (β = - 0.43; 95% CI, -0.99 to -0.07). When stratified by sleep-related impairment, participants with T scores above the median of 62 demonstrated a significant negative indirect effect of complementary and integrative health therapies through fatigue (β = - 0.80; 95% CI, -2.31 to -0.14). This negative indirect effect was not significant for participants with sleep-related impairment T scores below the median (β = - 0.64; 95% CI, -1.48 to 0.07). These findings suggest that complementary and integrative health therapies are particularly effective in reducing pain impact for individuals with higher levels of sleep-related impairment, and that the effect of complementary and integrative health therapies is supported primarily by reducing fatigue.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of combined cognitive-behavioral therapy and physical activity and exercise interventions for pediatric chronic disease.

Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) interventions combined with either a physical activity (CBT+PA) or exercise intervention (CBT+Ex) are becoming more common in pediatric populations. Considering the independent effects of PA and exercise on health and psychological outcomes, it is unclear whether CBT alone differs from CBT+PA or CBT+Ex in efficacy. The main objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was to assess the efficacy of CBT+PA and CBT+Ex interventions in pediatric chronic disease. This review included RCTs in children (≤18 years) with a chronic condition, a CBT+Ex or CBT+PA intervention, and an objective measure of PA&Ex. Seven databases were searched using MeSH terms and key terms and included studies published before July 1, 2023. Abstracts were reviewed for inclusion by two independent reviewers, data was extracted by three independent reviewers. Risk of bias (RoB 2) and study quality were coded. Random effect meta-analyses of differences in between-group change in PA&Ex were conducted. Eligible studies (k = 5) reported outcomes for a combined 446 children. A small, nonsignificant overall effect was found (d = 0.10, 95% CI -0.16, 0.35) indicating intervention groups (CBT+PA or CBT+Ex) increased engagement in PA&Ex more than comparator groups (CBT). Additional analyses were inconclusive due to the small number of eligible studies. Additional RCTs are needed with integrated PA&Ex interventions targeting pediatric chronic disease. Future trials should report more detailed PA&Ex data. The full protocol for this analysis was prospectively registered in Open Science Framework (project ID: osf.io/m4wtc).

Physical therapy approach and non-invasive modalities in treatment of vaginal laxity: a literature review.

Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) and noninvasive modalities can be more safe and available treatments for vaginal laxity (VL) with less risk of postsurgical complications. The purpose of this review is to define the concepts of PFPT and noninvasive modalities, examine the evidence supporting those modalities as a treatment for VL, and evaluate their effectiveness. Between 2002 and 2023, clinical studies including women diagnosed with VL were examined in the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and PubMed databases. Exclusion criteria included studies with no outcomes or inadequate data, procedures, suggestions, editorials, book chapters, letters to editors, reviews, meta-analyses, animal research, and articles in languages other than English. Only seventeen studies have been identified. Four studies have demonstrated the impact of PFPT (low- and medium-energy radiofrequency (RF), ultrasound, low-energy laser treatment, par sacral stimulation, the knack method, and pelvic floor exercises), and thirteen studies have discussed the impact of noninvasive modalities (RF, combined multipolar RF with pulsed electromagnetic, combined RF and pulsed electromagnetic field, high-intensity focused ultrasound, CO2 laser, combining multipolar RF and hybrid fractional laser, microfocused ultrasound, and the VIVEVE surface-cooled RF) on vaginal laxity. This review indicates many knowledge areas that must be attempted in order to understand the influence of nonstrengthening physical therapy and noninvasive methods on vaginal laxity. In addition to the mechanisms behind their impacts. In addition, we strongly recommend that more clinical trials of high methodological and interventional quality are required to investigate the efficacy of various physical therapy approaches, including electrical stimulation, biofeedback exertion, acupressure, manual therapy, neuromodulation, core exercise therapy, hydrotherapy, well-designed ultrasound therapy protocols, and vaginal weight training.

Effectiveness of dry needle therapy in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain

Background: Low back pain is a prevalent symptom worldwide, with various underlying causes, making differential diagnosis essential. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of dry needling treatment added to exercise in patients with chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain (NLBP). The McKenzie exercise program was applied to all participants.Materials and Method: The study comprised sixty participants, randomly allocated into two groups: the dry needling (DNG) and the exercise group (EG). The participants in DNG received a total of six sessions of dry needling treatment, two days a week, to the gluteus medius and quadratus lumborum and multifidus muscles. All participants were given a McKenzie exercise program two sets per day for three weeks.Results: A significant difference was noted in the VAS-night values of the patients within the DNG before treatment (p: 0.004), and the EG also exhibited a significant difference in the VAS-activity (p: 0.017) and VAS-resting (p: 0.024) values following the treatment. A statistically significant decrease was observed in favor of DNG in VAS-rest, VAS-night, VAS-activity values (p&gt;0.001) in the comparions of the groups.Conclusions: Dry needling treatment added to exercise therapy in chronic NLBP patients is effective on activity and rest pain severity in the shortterm results. However, no additive efficacy of dry needling treatment was found on the number of trigger points, disability, and depression.

Relief and improvement of traditional Chinese medicine combined with exercise therapy in sports dance sports injury disorder from a biomechanical perspective

Among all kinds of sports, competitive sports with graceful movements as the main content are deeply loved by athletes. However, in the practice of sports dance, due to insufficient skills, incorrect movements, inattention and other factors, it is easy to cause sports injuries, which affects the effect of sports dance teaching. Therefore, the research and application of the alleviation and improvement of sports injury disorders are becoming more and more important. Although there are many researches and applied studies on the mitigation and improvement of sports injury disorders in sports dance, the existing research still needs to be supplemented. In this paper, a combination of traditional Chinese medicine and exercise therapy has been discussed. First, the relevant theoretical overview and related work were organized, and the sports dance movement was introduced. Then, based on the modeling of sports injury disorder, related algorithms were written, and the elements of mitigation and improvement of sports injury disorder, sports injury elements of sports dance, and elements of traditional Chinese medicine combined with exercise therapy were introduced. In the fourth part, a study on the improvement of alleviation and improvement of sports injury disorder in sports dance was carried out. In this paper, various algorithms were used to study the topic of Chinese medicine combined with exercise therapy in the mitigation and improvement of sports dance injury disorders, and the experiments were summarized and discussed. The results of the study showed that the mitigation improvement and application study of sports injury impairment in sports dance constructed in this paper can reduce the incidence of sports injury by 4.62%.

Exploring the Impact of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Functional Measures and Quality of Life in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent disabling condition characterized by pain, stiffness, and functional limitations, significantly impacting quality of life, particularly among older adults. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a technique that has shown promise in reducing pain and increasing the range of motion. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of IASTM on functional measures and quality of life in KOA patients. Methods: Thirty participants with unilateral KOA were randomized into IASTM and sham groups. The intervention consisted of four sessions over two weeks, combining IASTM with exercise therapy. Functional performance was assessed using the 6-minute walking test (6MWT) and the timed up and go test (TUG). Quality of life was evaluated using the 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) and the Lequesne Algofunctional Index (LAI) Questionnaires. Results: A mixed ANOVA revealed significant improvements in functional performance in both groups after treatment in the 6MWT (P &lt; 0.001) and TUG (P = 0.003) tests. Significant improvements were observed in the SF-36 subgroups for physical functioning (P = 0.002), role limitations due to physical problems (P &lt; 0.001), energy/vitality (P &lt; 0.001), pain (P &lt; 0.001), and total score (P &lt; 0.001). There was also a significant time*group interaction effect for role limitations due to emotional problems (P = 0.005), with the IASTM group showing improvement after treatment while the sham group experienced a decline. The LAI questionnaire also indicated significant improvements in both groups (P &lt; 0.001) after treatment. Conclusions: Both IASTM and sham interventions, combined with exercise therapy, led to improvements in functional measures and quality of life. However, the IASTM group exhibited a more pronounced positive trend in the 6MWT and TUG tests, as well as a significant interaction effect for emotional role limitations. These findings suggest that while exercise alone can improve function and quality of life, the addition of IASTM may further enhance these outcomes, supporting its integration into KOA management strategies to improve activities of daily living and overall quality of life.

Combined effects of high-intensity focused electromagnetic therapy and pelvic floor exercises on pelvic floor muscles and sexual function in postmenopausal women. A randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to explore the impact of high-intensity focused electromagnetic therapy (HIFEMT) on the pelvic floor muscles (PFM), sexual function, and quality of life (QoL) among postmenopausal women. Fifty postmenopausal women with PFM weakness and sexual dysfunction were randomly allocated into two equal groups. The HIFEMT group participated in the PFM training program in addition to HIFEMT, whereas the control group performed PFM training only. For 12 weeks, HIFEMT was scheduled two times a week, while PFM training was performed daily. At baseline and after 12 weeks, PFM strength and endurance were assessed using a perineometer and sexual function was examined using the female sexual function index (FSFI) and menopause-specific quality of life questionnaire (MENQOL). The HIFEMT and control groups showed significant increases in PFM strength and endurance and FSFI scores, and significant declines in MENQOL compared with baseline measures (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the HIFEMT group showed substantial improvements in all measured variables after 12 weeks (P<0.05). Addition of HIFEMT to PFM training improved the PFM strength, endurance, sexual function, and QoL in postmenopausal women with PFM weakness and sexual dysfunction.

Non-Pharmacological Spine Pain Management in Clinical Practice Guidelines: A Systematic Review Using AGREE II and AGREE-REX Tools

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the content and critically appraise the quality and applicability of recent clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for non-pharmacological, non-surgical management of spine pain. DESIGN: Systematic review of CPGs. LITERATURE SEARCH: Six databases and seven guideline clearinghouses. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: Included de novo CPGs for non-pharmacological, non-surgical management of spine pain designed for any primary healthcare providers, published in English, Arabic, French, or traditional Chinese within the past 12 years. DATA SYNTHESIS: Five reviewers independently appraised the guidelines using AGREE II and AGREE REX. Inter-rater agreements were calculated for each domain and the total score of these tools using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC [2,1]) with absolute agreement. RESULTS: We included 30 CPGs, primarily (90%) developed in Western countries, which contained 404 recommendations. High-quality CPGs consistently recommended exercise therapy and multimodal care, encompassing a combination of exercises, mobilization/manipulation, education, alternative medicine, and cognitive-behavioral treatments. Generally, CPGs did not recommend assistive (e.g., coresets and orthosis) devices or electro/thermotherapies (e.g., therapeutic ultrasound, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). Approximately half of the CPGs demonstrated good methodological quality according to AGREE II, while the rest were of poor quality. On the AGREE-REX assessment, one-third of the recommendations were of excellent quality. CONCLUSION: Although recent guidelines frequently recommended exercise therapy and multimodal care for the management of spine pain, their recommendations often overlooked demographics and comorbidities. Despite methodological improvements, most CPGs lacked simple clinical applicability and considerations of knowledge users’ values.