Traditional Therapy Group Research Articles

Efficacy of 10-day Sequential Treatment for Helicobacter pylori Eradication

Objective: To assess the effectiveness and tolerability of a ten-day sequential regimen for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medicine, NESCOM Hospital, Islamabad Medical Complex, Pakistan from Aug 2021 to Aug 2022. Methodology: The patients were divided into two groups. The sequential therapy group (Group-A) was administered dual therapy including a proton pump inhibitor (Lansoprazole 30mg) plus Amoxicillin 1 gram given twice daily for first five days, followed by a triple therapy including Lansoprazole 30mg, Levofloxacin 500 mg and Tinidazole 500mg, all twice daily for remaining five days. Whereas traditional therapy group (Group-B) was given Lansoprazole 30 mg, Clarithromycin 500 mg, and Amoxicillin 1000 mg twice daily for total 14 days. Results: A total of 200 Helicobacter pylori positive cases were included. The mean age of all patients was 36.60±12.49 years whereas mean Body Mass Index was 28.19±4.02. A total of 140 patients had successful treatment in both groups out of which 87(87%) were in sequential treatment group and 53(53%) in the traditional treatment group (p-value <0.001). In terms of side effects, there were 18(8%) patients who suffered minor side effects out of which metallic taste was most common, 14(7%), followed by bloating and diarrhea. Both groups had comparable side effects (p =1.00). Conclusion: Even with comparable side effects, the innovative 10-day sequential medication for the treatment of H. pylori is more successful than traditional triple regimen.

Effectiveness of Neural Mobilization Technique in Subjects with Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Radicular low back pain is a disorder involving the dysfunction of the lumbosacral nerve roots. Clinical rehabilitation approaches for Radicular LBA include kinesiotherapy, and physical therapy procedures: rest, heat, ultrasound, TENS, but evidences regarding their effectiveness are lacking. Previous studies found that neural mobilization is more effective in reducing pain. The aim of the study is to determine the effectiveness of Neural Mobilization on pain in subjects with lumbar radiculopathy. METHODS: 30 subjects were selected by simple random sampling and assigned into Experimental group (n=15) & Control group (n=15). The subjects in Experimental group were given Neural Mobilization in addition to traditional therapy and control group were given traditional therapy alone. All the participants were assessed with NPRS. RESULTS: After the analysis, the results were found to be effective in improvement of pain in both groups NPRS score (p<0.0001). But there is a high significance in Experimental group when compared to control group. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that Neural Mobilization along with traditional therapy is more effective in reducing pain in subjects with lumbar radiculopathy. Keywords: Neural Mobilization, Low back ache, Numerical pain rating scale.

Chiropractic rehabilitation in accelerated rehabilitation after total hip arthroplasty for Crowe type IV hip dysplasia.

To investigate the efficacy of chiropractic rehabilitation therapy in Crowe IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) patients after total hip arthroplasty. Seventy-two patients with Crowe IV type DDH hospitalized in the Department of Orthopedics I of Ya'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2021 to June 2023 were selected for the study, and they were divided into 36 cases in the chiropractic rehabilitation therapy group (the treatment group) and 36 cases in the traditional rehabilitation therapy group (the control group) according to the method of randomized grouping. All patients were evaluated at preoperative, 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively for follow-up, and the muscle strength of the affected limb, the patient's walking gait, the shortened length of the affected limb, the visual analog scale score (VAS score), the Oswestry Dysfunction Index Score (ODI score), the Harris Hip Score, and the degree of pelvic tilt were recorded to evaluate the results of the study. A total of 4 subjects withdrew from the study, 2 in the treatment group, and 2 in the control group. The muscle strength of the affected limb, walking gait, shortened length of the affected limb, VAS score, ODI score, Harris score, and pelvic tilt in the treatment and control groups improved significantly compared with the preoperative period. Comparisons between the 2 groups revealed that at the final follow-up visit, the limp gait of the patients in the treatment group was significantly reduced, the shortened length of the affected limb was significantly reduced, the VAS score was significantly reduced, and the ODI score was significantly reduced, in the treatment group relative to that of the control group, Harris Hip Score was significantly improved, and the degree of pelvic tilt was significantly reduced, but the improvement in muscle strength of the affected limb was not statistically significant. In future clinical practice, we recommend that chiropractic rehabilitation be used as a routine adjunctive treatment after TKA in patients with Crowe IV DDH to optimize outcomes and improve patients' quality of life.

EFFECTIVENESS OF AUTOLOGOUS PLATELET-RICH PLASMA FOR HEALING DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS

Autologous platelet-rich plasma (APRP) is widely used to accelerate the healing of chronic wounds. However, the advisability of its use in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), which develop in various forms of the disease and are associated with complex metabolic conditions, is still being discussed. This study consisted in a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of local use of autologous platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of DFU in patients with neuropathic and neuroischemic forms of the disease. A total of 106 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing hospital treatment were divided into a study group (n=48) and a traditional wound therapy group (n=58), similar in ankle-brachial index values ​​and ulcer size. Systemic therapy in both groups of patients included measures to regulate metabolism and nutrition, and infection control. Treatment results were assessed by the area of foot wounds and duration of healing. The duration of therapy and the mean platelet concentration in autologous plasma did not differ between groups. The wound healing time in patients with the neuropathic form (60.4±23.77 days) and the neuroischemic form of the disease (64.8±29.6 days) during treatment with APRP was significantly shorter than in the subgroups of the comparison group with traditional treatment of DFU (85.11±40.7 and 90.40±47.12 days respectively) (p<0.01), but there was no significant difference between the subgroups receiving treatment with APRP. Although there was no significant difference in the average daily healing area among all subgroups (p>0.05), the rate of wound healing in the subgroups with APRP was higher (14.85±10.66 and 15.33±14.91 mm2/day, respectively) than in the subgroups of the comparison group (8.39±6.02 and 8.79±7.13 mm2/day, respectively), which confirms the effectiveness of local treatment with APRP in combination with traditional systemic therapy.

Oral tranexamic acid treats papulopustular rosacea by improving the skin barrier.

Papulopustular rosacea (PPR) is a chronic inflammatory disease with a significant impact on facial aesthetics. An impaired skin barrier is an important factor in the development and exacerbation of PPR. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has immune regulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, inhibits angiogenesis and endothelial hyperplasia, and promotes skin barrier repair. We investigated the efficacy and safety of oral TXA for PPR treatment. In total, 70 patients were randomly assigned to receive traditional therapy plus oral TXA or traditional therapy alone for 8 weeks, with a 4-week follow-up period. The subjective improvement in rosacea was assessed using the clinical erythema assessment (CEA), investigator's global assessment (IGA), patient self-assessment (PSA) score, rosacea-specific quality of life (RQoL) score, and global aesthetic improvement score (GAIS). An objective improvement in rosacea was assessed using skin hydration, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), clinical photography, and an eight spectrum facial imager. CEA/IGA/PSA, dryness, and RQoL scores were significantly lower and GAIS was higher in the TXA group than in the traditional therapy group. Furthermore, oral TXA significantly improved skin barrier function, increased skin hydration, and decreased TEWL, with no significant side effects. Notably, we observed better outcomes and a greater improvement in skin barrier function with TXA treatment in patients with dry-type rosacea than in patients with oily skin. The addition of oral TXA to traditional therapy can lead to rapid and effective improvements in PPR, which may be attributed to improvements in skin barrier function.

Effect of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) on Upper Extremity Function in Stroke Patients

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with upper extremity impairments presenting significant rehabilitation challenges. Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) has emerged as a potential intervention for enhancing upper limb functionality, but its efficacy compared to traditional therapy methods requires further exploration. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of CIMT versus traditional therapy in improving upper extremity function among stroke survivors. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 58 stroke patients from Aziz Fatima and Allied Hospital in Faisalabad were recruited and allocated to either the CIMT group (n=29) or the traditional therapy group (n=29). Eligible participants were those aged 30-50 years with ischemic or infarctive stroke and impaired use of their hemiparetic arm. The CIMT group received standard treatment plus CIMT, while the traditional group received only standard treatment, including manual therapy and TENS, for 8 weeks. Pre- and post-treatment assessments utilized the Upper Extremity Motor Activity Log (UEMAL) scales. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, employing independent t-tests. Results: The CIMT group showed a significant improvement in the UEMAL Amount Scale (pre-treatment: 1.64 ± 0.51, post-treatment: 3.04 ± 0.75; p=0.000) and the UEMAL How Well Scale (pre-treatment: 2.28 ± 0.57, post-treatment: 3.81 ± 0.55; p=0.000). The traditional therapy group also demonstrated gains but to a lesser extent (UEMAL Amount Scale pre-treatment: 1.08 ± 0.24, post-treatment: 1.69 ± 0.33; UEMAL How Well Scale pre-treatment: 1.47 ± 0.30, post-treatment: 2.11 ± 0.40; p=0.000 for both). Conclusion: CIMT provided significant functional improvements in upper extremity motor activity compared to traditional therapy, suggesting that CIMT may be a more effective approach for post-stroke rehabilitation of the upper limb.

Enhancing Nutritional Status and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients: The Impact of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This study examined the effects of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy on the nutritional status and scores from the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice questionnaire in maintenance hemodialysis patients. Patients in the traditional therapy group received standard health education, whereas those in the experimental group participated in three months of this therapy. Clinical and nutritional indicators, including blood biomarkers and Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice questionnaire scores, were recorded for both groups before and after the treatment. Post-treatment, the group receiving internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy exhibited higher blood calcium levels, increased upper arm circumference, and reduced levels of potassium and phosphorus. They also showed comparatively lower scores in Nutritional Risk Screening 2000 and Malnutrition Inflammation, along with higher Visual Analog Scale scores (P < 0.05). The internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy group exhibited higher albumin and prealbumin levels, reduced transferrin, total cholesterol, creatinine, and urea levels, and modified quantitative subjective global assessment scores than the traditional therapy group (P < 0.05). They also scored higher on the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice questionnaire (P < 0.05). These results indicate that internetbased cognitive behavioral therapy can improve the nutritional status, Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice questionnaire scores, and overall quality of life in maintenance hemodialysis patients, highlighting its potential benefit in patient outcomes.

Efficacy of modified active physical therapy program on pain, muscle strength, and function in adolescent football players with osteitis pubis

BackgroundIn athletes, osteitis pubis (OP) is considered a major cause of chronic groin pain. In addition to the difficulties with diagnosis, controversy exists regarding the most appropriate treatment approach. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of a modified active physical therapy program (MAPT) on pain, hip and trunk muscle strengths, and lower extremity function in adolescent football players with OP.MethodsFifty football players aged from 12 to 18 years with OP were included and allocated into two groups: the MAPT group (n = 24) and the traditional physical therapy (TPT) group (n = 26). Each group received a different treatment protocol for 60 min applied 3 times/week for 12 weeks. A visual analog scale, digital hand-held dynamometer (HHD), and lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) were used to measure pain, hip and trunk muscle strengths, and lower limb function, respectively, at baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention.ResultsThere was a highly significant difference in the TPT group’s pain score (p < 0.001) compared with the MAPT group. Also, the strength of hip flexors, abductors, adductors, internal rotators, external rotators, and trunk flexors and extensors improved significantly (p < 0.05) than the TPT group. However, the between-group analysis revealed that the strength of hip extensors and LEFS in the MAPT group achieved a highly significant difference (p < 0.001) compared with the TPT group.ConclusionMAPT could be recommended strongly in the rehabilitation of OP in adolescent football players in which the functional abilities of OP patients improved because of reduced pain levels and increased hip and trunk muscle strength. (IRCT20210909052421N3, Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, https://www.irct.ir/trial/68946/pdf, 9-April-2023).

Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with music therapy in non-fluent aphasia after stroke: A randomised controlled study.

Although existing studies have shown that both repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and music therapy have advantages in the treatment of non-fluent aphasia, the efficacy of the combination of these two methods remains to be investigated. To investigate the clinical efficacy of low-frequency rTMS combined with music therapy on language function and depression in patients with non-fluent aphasia after stroke. A single-blind parallel randomised controlled trial was conducted. Sixty patients (mean duration = 93.78 days) with non-fluent aphasia after stroke were randomly divided into a traditional therapy group (n = 20), a music therapy group (n = 20) and a combined therapy group (n = 20, 1Hz). The language function and depression were evaluated before and 3 weeks after treatment with the Chinese version of the Western Aphasia Battery scale, Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination scale and Stroke Aphasic Depression Questionnaire Hospital Version scale. The combined therapy group was significantly better in all outcomes than the traditional therapy group and was significantly better in depression than the music therapy group. The music therapy group was significantly better in repetition and depression than the traditional therapy group. Language improvement was positively correlated with depression improvement. For adverse events, only two patients in the combined therapy group showed slight dizziness during rTMS treatment and their symptoms improved after rest. Our preliminary randomised controlled study indicates that low-frequency rTMS combined with music therapy is feasible and safe in improving language function and depression in non-fluent aphasia patients after stroke. What is already known on this subject Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and music therapy respectively have advantages in the treatment of non-fluent aphasia after stroke, but whether the combination of the two methods is more effective is still unknown. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge This is one of the first randomised control trials to investigate whether the clinical efficacy of low-frequency rTMS combined music therapy for non-fluent aphasia is better. The findings show that low-frequency rTMS combined music therapy is superior to traditional therapy in spontaneous speech, auditory comprehension, repetition, naming, aphasia quotient, functional language level and depression, and superior to music therapy in depression, while music therapy is superior to traditional therapy in repetition and depression. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Low-frequency rTMS combined music therapy may be a better method for treatment of non-fluent aphasia.

Effects of virtual reality for psychological health of ICU patients: a study protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionVirtual reality (VR) has been shown to have a certain influence on the psychological health of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. However, its specific effects—particularly on psychological health problems, such...

153 Comparison of cortisol concentrations between traditional group therapy and equine assisted psychotherapy for substance use disorder residential treatment patients

Equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is emerging as an effective supplemental substance use disorder (SUD) treatment due to documented improvements in treatment retention, patient-therapist alliances, and patient communication skills within the therapeutic environment. Benefits are attributed to decreased cortisol concentrations associated with horse interaction during the therapy process, however, there is limited research on stress parameters related to EAP during SUD recovery. Due to the prolific nature of this disorder, there is an urgency in exploring effective treatment options for SUD. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate concentrations of cortisol in SUD patients within a residential treatment program participating in EAP compared with those participating in traditional group therapy. Salivary cortisol samples were collected from 2 sample populations of young adults: A) residential SUD patients (n = 18) before and after 2 successive weeks of EAP-supplemented therapy sessions and B) residential population of SUD patients (n = 5) before and after 2 successive weeks of traditional group therapy sessions. The impacts of treatment, week of sampling, and treatment by week interactions were analyzedusing a mixed linear model in SAS. Significance level was set at 0.05. No significant impacts of therapy type (P = 0.74), week of sampling (P = 0.69), or any week by treatment interactions (P = 0.86) on patient cortisol concentrations were observed over the 2 week period. Results indicate that despite the therapeutic environment moving to an outdoor setting and the inclusion of exercise in the form of horseback riding within the EAP sessions that EAP did not introduce additional stress responses reflected in the cortisol measures than that seen within the traditional therapeutic setting. As such, EAP presents an opportunity to offer an alternative therapeutic experience where traditional approaches may have faltered, however, further research is needed looking at a larger sample population and additional physiological measures to determine the complete physiological impact this therapy has on SUD patients in comparison to other forms of therapeutic interventions.

Vonoprazan on the Eradication of Helicobacter pylori Infection.

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). A total of 120 cases of H. pylori-infected outpatients were selected and randomly divided into the traditional quadruple therapy, vonoprazan triple therapy, and vonoprazan quadruple therapy groups. The traditional quadruple therapy group patients were orally treated with esomeprazole (20 mg) 30 minutes before breakfast and supper, amoxicillin (1000 mg orally) 30 minutes after breakfast and supper, furazolidone (100 mg orally) 30 minutes after breakfast and supper, and bismuth potassium citrate (0.6 g orally) 30 minutes before breakfast and supper. The vonoprazan triple therapy group patients were treated with vonoprazan (20 mg orally) 30 minutes following breakfast and supper, amoxicillin (1000 mg orally) 30 minutes following breakfast and supper, and bismuth potassium citrate (0.6 g orally) 30 minutes before breakfast and supper. The vonoprazan quadruple therapy group patients were treated with vonoprazan (20 mg orally) 30 minutes following breakfast and supper, amoxicillin (1000 mg orally) 30 minutes after breakfast and supper, furazolidone (100 mg orally) 30 minutes after breakfast and supper, and bismuth potassium citrate (0.6 g orally) 30 minutes before breakfast and supper. The 3 groups were treated for 14 days, and adverse reactions, such as vomiting and abdominal distension, were recorded during the treatment period. The 14C urea breath test was used to detect whether H. pylori was successfully eradicated in the patients. The eradication rates of the vonoprazan triple therapy, vonoprazan quadruple therapy, and the traditional quadruple therapy groups were 80%, 95%, and 97.5%, respectively. The eradication rate was higher in the vonoprazan triple therapy and in the vonoprazan quadruple therapy groups compared with that noted in the control group. The adverse reactions were mild in these groups, and the main adverse reactions were nausea, abdominal distension, diarrhea, and constipation. The adverse reaction rate was 25%, 7.5%, and 15%, respectively. This rate was lower in the vonoprazan triple therapy and vonoprazan quadruple therapy groups than that noted in the control group. Both vonoprazan triple therapy and vonoprazan quadruple therapy regimens could increase the eradication rate of H. pylori. Vonoprazan triple therapy exhibited reduced side effects and could be applied in the eradication of H. pylori in the clinic.

679. Traditional vs. Alternative Agents in Patients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Caused by Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Susceptible to Traditional Agents

Abstract Background Comparative effectiveness studies to guide treatment decisions for infections caused by carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (CRPA) susceptible to traditional agents (non-carbapenem β-lactams and fluoroquinolones) are unavailable. This study aims to compare clinical outcomes between patients treated with traditional and alternative treatment regimens for lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) caused by CRPA that remain susceptible to traditional agents. Methods Multi-center, retrospective cohort from January 2016 to December 2019. We included adults with CRPA (resistant to ≥ 1 carbapenem; meropenem or imipenem) that were susceptible to ≥1 traditional agent (piperacillin-tazobactam, cefepime, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, or aztreonam) by CLSI breakpoints isolated from an LRTI sample. All other antibiotics were considered alternative agents. We excluded patients with known colonization, cystic fibrosis, or who expired ≤24 hours after antibiotic receipt. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality and secondary outcomes included 30-day readmission and 30-day recurrence. Results In total, 87 patients, ‘traditional’ treatment (n=53) and ‘alternative’ treatment (n=34), were included from 2 institutions in Detroit, MI, USA: median(IQR) age 59(20) years, 64.4% male, and 59.8% African American. Median(IQR) APACHE II and Charlson Comorbidity index scores were 24(10) and 4(5), respectively. Most patients received traditional therapy (n=53), most commonly with cefepime (60.4%) or piperacillin-tazobactam (41.5%). While 34(39.0%) were treated with alternative agents, most commonly ceftolozane-tazobactam (64.7%) or an aminoglycoside (29.4%) alone or in combination. Thirty-day mortality was not significantly different between traditional and alternative therapy groups (22.6% and 11.8%), respectively. There was no significant difference between 30-day recurrence (17.0% and 20.6%) or 30-day readmission (22.6% and 17.6%) between groups. Conclusion Clinical outcomes did not differ significantly between patients receiving traditional vs. alternative agents for LRTI caused by CRPA susceptible to traditional agents. Traditional agents may be considered for these infections. Further comparative studies are needed to guide treatment decisions for CRPA. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Simplified regimen of combined low-dose rituximab for autoimmune encephalitis with neuronal surface antibodies

BackgroundAutoimmune encephalitis (AE) with neuronal surface antibodies (NSAbs) presents pathogenesis mediated by B cell-secreting antibodies. Rituximab is a second-line choice for the treatment for AE with NSAbs, which can cause B cell depletion via targeting CD20. However, the optimal protocol and dosage of rituximab combined with first-line therapy for NSAbs-associated AE remains unclear so far. In this study, we explored the efficacy and safety of low-dose rituximab combined with first-line treatment for NSAbs-associated AE.MethodsFifty-nine AE patients with NSAbs were enrolled, and retrospectively divided into common first-line therapy (41 patients) and combined low-dose rituximab (100 mg induction weekly with 3 circles, followed by 100 mg reinfusion every 6 months) with first-line therapy (18 patients). Outcome measures included changes in the Clinical Assessment Scale for Autoimmune Encephalitis (CASE) score (primary endpoint), changes in the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE), the patient and caregiver Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) score at each visit (baseline, discharge, 6 months, 12 months and last follow-up) between two groups (secondary endpoint), as well as oral prednisone dosage, relapse and adverse effects during follow-up.ResultsCompared with traditional first-line therapy group, for primary outcome, CASE scores at last follow-up were significantly improved in combined rituximab group, as well as markedly improving changes of CASE scores between baseline and each visit. While changes of mRS, MMSE and NPI scores, as secondary endpoint, were all markedly accelerating improvement between baseline and each visit, as well as both oral prednisone dosage and relapse were also greatly reduced during follow-up. Meanwhile, longitudinal analysis in combination of rituximab cohort also revealed persistently marked amelioration in a series of scales from baseline even more than 1 year. Moreover, analysis in rituximab subgroup showed no difference in any clinical outcomes between combination with single first-line and with repeated first-line treatment (≥ 2 times), while compared to delayed combination with rituximab (> 3 months), early initiation of combination (≤ 3 months) might achieve better improvements in CASE and MMSE assessment even 1 year later. No rituximab-correlated serious adverse events have been reported in our patients.ConclusionsOur simplified regimen of combined low-dose rituximab firstly showed significantly accelerating short-term recovery and long-term improvement for AE with NSAbs, in parallel with markedly reduced prednisone dosage and clinical relapses. Moreover, opportunity of protocol showed earlier initiation (≤ 3 months) with better long-term improvement.

Effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique on the treatment of frozen shoulder: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Background and objectivesFrozen shoulder is a common painful disease of the shoulder joint characterized by structural changes in the shoulder joint, restricting both active and passive shoulder joint activities. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) effectively improved and maintained the range of motion; however, it is not clear whether it can improve the shoulder joint structure in patients with frozen shoulder. This pilot study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) observation to assess the improvement of the local structure of the shoulder joint upon PNF treatment to elucidate a target based on structure for the treatment of frozen shoulder.Materials and methodsForty-eight patients with frozen shoulder were randomly divided into the traditional manual therapy group and the PNF technique group. Changes in the thicknesses of the coracohumeral ligament (CHL) and capsule in axillary recess (CAR) of the shoulder joint were observed via MRI upon admission and at 4 weeks after treatment. A visual analog scale (VAS) and passive shoulder range of motion (ROM) at abduction, anteflexion and external rotation position were used to evaluate the improvement of shoulder joint pain and function in the initial, mid-term, and discharge of the two groups of patients.ResultsThe primary outcome results shown that the PNF joint mobilization significantly reduced the thickness of the CHL (p = 0.0217) and CAR (p = 0.0133). Compared with simple joint mobilization, The mid-term and discharge rehabilitation assessment results showed that PNF has a better effect on shoulder pain. At the mid-term evaluation, the ROM of the PNF group was significantly better than that of the Control group in the three directions (p < 0.05).ConclusionAs an adjunctive therapy, PNF can improve the shoulder joint structure of patients with frozen shoulder and is an effective treatment strategy for frozen shoulder.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Intervention Programs for Child Abuse Victims in Korea: Focused on Depression, Anxiety, Self-esteem, Problem Behavior, and Sociability

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of intervention studies for child abuse victims in Korea focused on depression, anxiety, self-esteem, problem behavior, and sociability.Methods: Published articles on intervention programs for abused children were investigated using the systematic review method. A total of 24 studies up to August 2021 were included in the final analysis using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) 2.2 program.Results: The differences in effects depending upon the year of publication, total sessions, group size, and time per session were statistically meaningful. The effect size of art therapy was found to be larger than that of traditional group therapy. The effect size of the overall interventions was 1.75, which was a high level in terms of Cohen’s criteria. Intervention programs showed significantly large effect sizes in sociability, problem behavior, and self-esteem. The effect of programs on anxiety and depression was not statistically meaningful.Conclusion: The results of this study are meaningful because they can be used as basic data for the development of intervention programs for abused children. Intervention programs for child abuse victims should continue to be developed and applied.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of neostigmine for urinary retention after surgeries.

BackgroundThe aim of this research is to analyze the efficacy of neostigmine in the treatment of postoperative urinary retention (POUR).MethodsIn this research, we screened multiple databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). After a systematic search process, data extraction was conducted. Review Manager 5.2 was adopted for meta-analysis, sensitivity analysis, and bias analysis.ResultsAfter searching for articles, 20 eligible trials including 1,850 patients after surgery were extracted. Our results suggested that the neostigmine group had a higher effective rate for urinary retention than the Chinese traditional and physical therapy group (OR =7.47, 95% CI: 4.10–13.59, overall effect P<0.001). Further subgroup analysis showed that neostigmine acupoint injection was better than neostigmine intramuscular injection. Time to first voiding in the neostigmine acupoint injection group was shorter than that in the neostigmine intramuscular injection group (MD =–81.92, 95% CI: –130.13 to –33.70, overall P<0.001, I2=99% with random effects model). Furthermore, neostigmine acupoint injection improved urine excretion (MD =243.40, 95% CI: 201.62–285.18, overall P<0.0001) and reduced the residual urine volume (MD =–41.31, 95% CI: –58.05 to –24.58, overall P<0.001, I2=75% with random effects model). The results of the sensitivity analysis and publication bias showed that this research was robust and had little publication bias.DiscussionOur meta-analysis results suggest that neostigmine can effectively improve the symptoms of POUR and neostigmine acupoint injection may achieve a better therapeutic effect.

Effects of traction therapy on atlantoaxial joint dislocation-induced cervical vertigo.

Cervical vertigo is a common complication of atlantoaxial joint dislocation. However, there is no consensus on the effects of different therapies on the recovery of the patients suffering cervical vertigo. The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effect of traction therapy on reducing cervical vertigo induced by atlantoaxial joint dislocation. A total of 96 patients were randomized to receive traction therapy or traditional therapy for two weeks. The overall clinical efficacy was measured based on the 30-point cervical vertigo symptom and function evaluation form. The therapeutic effects were also evaluated based on lateral atlantodental space (LADS), vertigo scale, neck and shoulder pain scale, headache scale, daily life and work scale, psychosocial adaptation scale, and quality of life. Compared with the traditional therapy group, the traction group demonstrated markedly higher overall clinical efficacy (P=0.038). Both the traction therapy group and the traditional therapy group showed significant decrease in LADS (P<0.001), but the traction therapy group had a greater reduction of LAD compared with the traditional group (P<0.01). Traction therapy consistently led to significantly greater relief of cervical vertigo symptoms, including dizziness, neck and shoulder pain, headache, inconvenience in daily living and work activities, impaired psychosocial adaptation, while improving quality of life. The efficacy of traction therapy for cervical vertigo surpasses that of traditional therapy, suggesting that traction therapy is potentially more clinically useful in treating these patients.

Investigation of the Effectiveness of Traditional Breathing Therapy on Pulmonary Function in College Students with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a problem that involves many body systems, but its impact on the respiratory system deserves special attention. While there are many studies investigating the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to treat lung function in patients with sleep apnea, the lack of studies in the literature on the effects of traditional breathing therapy on lung function in patients with OSA prompted us to conduct such a study. Objective The present randomized trial aims to assess the effect of traditional breathing therapy on daytime sleepiness and pulmonary function in college students with OSA. Methods Forty college students (male) with OSA were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (CG) and the traditional breathing therapy group (TG). Daytime sleepiness symptoms in OSA are measured primarily by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Pulmonary function measurements included FVC, FEV1, PEE, and MEF50%. The changes in morning blood pressure (BP), including diastolic BP and systolic BP, were also recorded. Data were recorded before and after the experiment. Results A decrease in ESS at 12 weeks after intervention had statistical significance compared with values recorded before intervention (P < 0.05). A decrease in systolic and diastolic BP at 12 weeks after intervention had statistical significance compared with values recorded before intervention (P < 0.05). Comparisons made in terms of pulmonary functions demonstrated a statistically significant increase in 12-week postintervention values of FVC, FEV1, PEF, and MEF50% (P < 0.05). Conclusion Our study shows the positive effects of traditional breathing therapy on pulmonary function parameters. This suggests that traditional breathing therapy treatment in OSA patients is as effective as CPAP on pulmonary function, while there is an improvement in daytime sleepiness and a modest decline in the mean daytime systolic and diastolic BP.

Search for the clinical effectiveness of Korean Tae-Geuk acupuncture therapy in chronic tension-type headache

BackgroundKorean acupuncture comes from the far-eastern tradition and has unique approaches to acupuncture point selection. ObjectivesThere are several types of acupuncture methods. Among these, Tae-Geuk acupuncture and Saam acupuncture adopt five phase characteristics, using five vital points. Cho-sun acupuncture regulates Qi using acupunctures and meridians according to the flow of Qi. In this project, the effects of Korean Tae-Geuk acupuncture on chronic tension-type headache (TTH) were examined. MethodsThis study is a randomized controlled study involving sham acupuncture (placebo acupuncture), and everything is clear except for the data processing phase. The purpose of the study; was to measure the safety and efficacy of Korean Tae-Geuk acupuncture in patients with chronic TTH. Groups used; acupunture + traditional pharmacological therapy, traditional pharmacological therapy only and placebo korean acupuncture + traditional pharmacological therapy groups. Seven treatment sessions were applied over a four-week period. Changes in pain and quality of life and side effects were examined during treatment and within 3 months after the completion of treatment. Results were evaluated by using the visual analog scale for pain and pain log records. ResultsKorean Tae-Geuk acupuncture is a more effective treatment than placebo and traditional pharmacological treatment in chronic TTH. Korea Tae-Geuk acupuncture showed significant improvement in clinically chronic TTH during treatment and in 3 months follow-up after treatment. ConclusionTae-Geuk acupuncture is a treatment branch of Sasang Constitution Medicine. Acupuncture points do not change according to acupuncture practitioner or disease.