Traditional Rehabilitation Programs Research Articles

Effectiveness of a Virtual Reality rehabilitation in stroke patients with sensory-motor and proprioception upper limb deficit: A study protocol.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death in Europe. In the case of stroke survival (almost 70%), only 25% of patients recover completely, while the remaining 75% will undergo a rehabilitation phase that varying from months to years. The primary outcomes of a stroke involve motor impairment in the upper limbs, resulting in a partial or complete inability to move the limb on the right or left side, depending on the affected hemisphere. Furthermore, the motor deficit distorts the proprioception of the body and the embodiment ability of the injured limb. This could be rehabilitated through the paradigm of body illusion that modulates the motor rehabilitation. The present protocol aims to investigate the effectiveness of a Virtual Reality system for sensorimotor and proprioception upper limb deficit compared to a traditional upper limb rehabilitation program. This study has a randomized and controlled design with control and experimental groups, and 4 measurement times: pre-intervention, immediately after the intervention, and two follow-ups (at 6 and 12 months). The inclusion criteria are: (a) Being 18 to 85 years old, both males and females; (b) Suffering from ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke; (c) The stroke event must have occurred from two to eighteen months before recruitment; (d) Patients must have moderate to severe upper limb motor deficit, and the alteration of sensorimotor and proprioception abilities of the injury upper limb; (e) Patients must understand and sign the written consent for enrolment. The rehabilitation last four weeks with three sessions per week at Bellaria Hospital of Bologna (Italy). The VR protocol uses two types of technology: immersive and non-immersive, and the control group follow the traditional rehabilitation program.

Optimisation of Remote Monitoring Programmes in Heart Failure: Evaluation of Patient Drop-Out Behaviour and Healthcare Professionals' Perspectives.

Heart failure (HF) is a growing epidemic, affecting millions of people worldwide, and is a major cause of mortality, morbidity, and impaired quality of life. Traditional cardiac rehabilitation is a valuable approach to the physical and quality-of-life recovery of patients with cardiovascular disease. The innovative approach of remote monitoring through telemedicine offers a solution based on modern technologies, enabling continuous collection of health data outside the hospital environment. Remote monitoring devices present challenges that could adversely affect patient adherence, resulting in the risk of dropout. By applying a cognitive-behavioral model, we aim to identify the antecedents of dropout behavior among patients adhering to traditional cardiac rehabilitation programs and remote monitoring in order to improve the latter. Our study was conducted from October 2023 to January 2024. In the first stage, we used data from literature consultation. Subsequently, data were collected from the direct experience of 49 health workers related to both remote monitoring and traditional treatment, recruited from the authors' workplace. Results indicate that patients with cardiovascular disease tend to abandon remote monitoring programs more frequently than traditional cardiac rehabilitation therapies. It is critical to design approaches that take these barriers into account to improve adherence and patient satisfaction. This analysis identified specific antecedents to address, helping to improve current monitoring models. This is crucial to promote care continuity and to achieve self-management by patients in the future.

Resistance exercise training to improve post-operative rehabilitation in knee arthroplasty patients: A narrative review.

Knee osteoarthritis is associated with deficits in muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical functioning. These muscle-related deficits are acutely exacerbated following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and persist long after surgery, despite the application of standardized rehabilitation programs that include physical/functional training. Resistance exercise training (RET) has been shown to be a highly effective strategy to improve muscle-related outcomes in healthy as well as clinical populations. However, the use of RET in traditional rehabilitation programs after TKA is limited. In this narrative review, we provide an updated view on whether adding RET to the standard rehabilitation (SR) in the recovery period (up to 1year) after TKA leads to greater improvements in muscle-related outcomes when compared to SR alone. Overall, research findings clearly indicate that both muscle strength and muscle mass can be improved to a greater extent with RET-based rehabilitation compared to SR. Additionally, measures of physical functioning that rely on quadriceps strength and balance (e.g., stair climbing, chair standing, etc.) also appear to benefit more from a RET-based program compared to SR, especially in patients with low levels of physical functioning. Importantly though, for RET to be optimally effective, it should be performed at 70%-80% of the one-repetition maximum, with 3-4 sets per exercise, with a minimum of 3 times per week for 8weeks. Based upon this narrative review, we recommend that such high-intensity progressive RET should be incorporated into standard programs during rehabilitation after TKA.

Role of Virtual Rehabilitation in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Functional Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness

This review article aims to explore the role of virtual rehabilitation in total knee arthroplasty in terms of functional outcomes and cost-effectiveness. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a widely performed surgery for end-stage knee osteoarthritis, requiring supervised rehabilitation for rapid recovery and pain relief. Virtual rehabilitation has been evolving as an alternative to the traditional rehabilitation program in the recent years especially during the predicament of COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual rehabilitation leverages virtual reality (VR) technology to provide innovative, engaging, and measurable rehabilitation services that can complement or replace traditional therapy approaches. Virtual reality and telerehabilitation represent evolving fields in TKA rehabilitation, offering advantages over traditional therapy in terms of cost-effectiveness, improved outcomes, enhanced exercise adherence, and reduced barriers to accessing postoperative therapy. Despite the need for more research and standardized protocols, VR-based rehabilitation holds significant potential for optimizing the recovery process for patients undergoing TKA. The research indicates that VR-based rehabilitation programs for TKA patients have utilized a variety of interactive virtual environments, gaming activities, and feedback mechanisms to supplement traditional physical therapy exercises. Virtual rehabilitation for TKA encourages clinician-patient interaction beyond the hospital setting and offers the advantages of cost savings, convenience, at-home monitoring, and coordination of care, improved functional outcomes, increased exercise adherence, better balance performance, and psychological benefits like reduced stress and anxiety, all of which are geared to improve adherence and overall patient satisfaction. This review article outlines the importance of virtual rehabilitation in TKA, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and improved balance and function while maintaining enhanced adherence and exercise performance. This article also delves into the mode of administration of VR-based rehabilitation and its delivery, safety concerns, advantages and disadvantages, as well as the most common VR-based rehabilitation protocols for TKA. Further, it discusses the implications of virtual rehabilitation in the healthcare system and future directions for virtual rehabilitation in TKA. In conclusion, the evidence indicates that virtual physical therapy (PT) with remote clinical oversight is a safe, effective, and more cost-effective alternative to traditional in-person PT for patients undergoing TKA. Keywords: Virtual rehabilitation, virtual physical therapy, telehealth, telerehabilitation, total knee arthroplasty.

Telerehabilitation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management: Exploring Experiences and Effectiveness

Telerehabilitation has emerged as a promising approach to address the challenges posed by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management. This article provides a comprehensive review of telerehabilitation’s characteristics,components, efficacy, patient experiences, and the implications for COPD patients. Telerehabilitation involves the use of telecommunication technologies to remotely deliver rehabilitation services, including exercise training, education, and monitoring, to individuals with COPD. It addresses barriers such as geographical distance and limited access to specialized facilities, making rehabilitation accessible from home. Telerehabilitation encompasses various approaches, including telemonitoring, teleconsultation, and tele-education. Several studies have indicated positive outcomes in exercise capacity, dyspnea, and quality of life when comparing telerehabilitation interventions to standard care or traditional rehabilitation programs. However, challenges related to technology access, digital literacy, and privacy need to be addressed for equitable implementation. Interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals is essential for the successful delivery of telerehabilitation. Future research should focus on refining the interventions, standardizing the protocols, and evaluating the long-term maintenance effects. By integrating patient-centered approaches and leveraging advancements in digital technologies, telerehabilitation can revolutionize COPD management strategies, enhancing patient outcomes in the modern healthcare landscape.

Effect of traditional rehabilitation programme versus telerehabilitation in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cohort study.

Telerehabilitation has become increasingly popular since the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) outbreak. However, studies are needed to understand the effects of remote delivery of spine treatment approaches. To verify and compare the effects of traditional rehabilitation programmes (in-person) and telerehabilitation (online) on the progression of scoliotic curvature in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to verify the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility among patients and physiotherapists regarding both treatments. This is a cohort study (prospective analysis of 2 intervention groups: telerehabilitation (online) and traditional rehabilitation (in-person). A total of 66 adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis were included. Recruitment was conducted through the Clinical Center in Scoliosis Care (January-December 2020). Participants were divided into 2 intervention groups: telerehabilitation (online) (n=33) and traditional rehabilitation programme (in-person) (n=33). Both groups also were supplied with a spinal orthopaedic brace. Scoliosis was confirmed by a spine X-ray examination (Cobb angle). Radiographic parameters measured were: Cobb angles (thoracic and lumbar). The method of Nash and Moe (thoracic and lumbar) was also evaluated based on the relationship between the vertebral pedicles and the centre of the vertebral body in the X-rays. Assessments were performed at baseline (T0) and after 6 months of the intervention protocol (T6). Patient and physiotherapist reports were evaluated on the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the interventions. Adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis showed a significant decrease in the Cobb angle (main scoliotic curvature), with a 4.9° for the traditional rehabilitation programme and 2.4° for the telerehabilitation. Thoracic and lumbar Cobb angles did not show significant changes after the intervention in both groups or between groups. Thoracic and lumbar Nash and Moe scores scores also did not show significant differences after 6 months of in-person or telerehabilitation intervention, or between groups. The intervention by telerehabilitation was acceptable, appropriate, and feasible for patients and physiotherapists. Use of the rehabilitation programme for adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis, delivered via telerehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic, was encouraging for future applications due to the improved effect on reducing the Cobb angle, preventing progression of scoliosis. In addition, telerehabilitation showed good acceptability among patients and physiotherapists. Traditional rehabilitation programmes (in-person) in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis also showed a reduction in the Cobb angle.

Impact of Exergames on the Rehabilitation of Cancer Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Exergames can be an appealing strategy that is integrated into post-abdominal surgery rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of exergame rehabilitation in improving independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) and patient balance after abdominal cancer surgery. A randomized control-group study was carried out in an oncological hospital in Portugal. Seventy postoperative patients were included, and data collection took place between January 2023 and May 2023. The patients were randomly assigned to either an exergame rehabilitation program (n = 35) or a traditional rehabilitation program (n = 35). The assessed outcomes were the Barthel and Berg scales, and data collection occurred at 3 different time points: admission, 48 hours postoperatively, and on the seventh day after surgery. At the third assessment, a statistically significant difference was observed between the 2 groups for both indicators, ADLs and balance. There was an improvement in ADLs and balance in the exergames group. By the seventh day after surgery, the intervention group showed improvement in balance and ADLs compared with the control group. The use of exergames can be a solution to the challenges of traditional rehabilitation methods after abdominal surgery for cancer for postoperative patients. This is the first study carried out in this specific population.

Effect of Adding Virtual Reality Training to Traditional Exercise Program on Pain, Mental Status and Psychological Status in Unilateral Traumatic Lower Limb Amputees: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Lower limb amputation is an emotionally devastating condition that causes a complete change in the quality of life, may lead to phantom limb pain in most of the cases, and puts the individual in a high risk of developing psychological disorders. The objective of this study is to evaluate the consequence of adding virtual reality (VR) to a traditional exercise program on pain, mental status, and psychological status in traumatic unilateral lower limb amputees (LLAs). Methods: Thirty-two traumatic LLAs were randomly assigned into two equal groups in this randomized control trial. Participants did accomplish a postfitting exercise program at least 6 months before enrolment; the control group (CG) underwent a traditional rehabilitation program, and experimental group (EG) had the same program, in addition to VR training. Data were collected before and after 6 weeks of intervention using visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Beck's depression inventory (BDI) for depression, and 12-item short form survey for mental health summary (MHS) and physical health summary (PHS). Results: Thirty-two amputees (29 males and 3 females) were included with mean age in CGs and EG (27.6 ± 4) and (27.6 ± 7.6) years, respectively. Postintervention, the VAS score was significantly reduced only in EG (P = 0.003). Both groups showed significant improvement in BDI, MHS, and PHS (P < 0.05). However, the EG showed a superior significance in BDI and MHS scores (P < 0.05). There was no significance between groups in PHS score. Conclusion: Adding VR to conventional training is beneficial in decreasing pain and in improving depression and MHS of traumatic unilateral LLAs.

Can Action Observation Therapy be an Alternative to Robotic Rehabilitation to Improve Upper Extremity Functions in Stroke Patients?: A Protocol of Randomized Controlled Study

Aim: Approximately two-thirds of stroke patients have upper extremity involvement after the disease. Traditional and innovative rehabilitation programs are needed to restore of the upper extremity motor movements. This clinical trial aims to investigate and compare treatment effects robotic rehabilitation (RR) and action observation therapy (AOT) on upper-limb motor function, independence and quality of life in subacute stroke. Method: The estimated sample of the study is 30 subacute stroke patients. Participants will be randomized into two groups (RR and AOT). All participants will receive conventional treatment for 60x3x8 minutes/day/week. In addition to conventional methods, robotic rehabilitation will be applied to the RR group, and the AOT protocol will be applied to the other group for the same duration. Assessments will be repeated at the baseline, end of the 4th and 8th weeks. Conclusion: This paper will be the first study that compares the effects of AOT and RR on upper extremity motor functions on stroke. In addition, this study will be a reference source for systematic review or meta-analysis studies that investigate the effectiveness of AOT.

Sensory re-education after free neurovascular toe pulp flap for digital pulp reconstruction

PurposeTo evaluate the effectiveness of a sensory re-education (SR) program after free neurovascular toe pulp flap for finger or thumb pulp defect reconstruction. MethodsFrom January 2015 to January 2020, 49 patients with finger or thumb pulp defects treated with free fibular side flaps of the great toe or tibial side flaps of the second toe were recruited. The patients were randomly divided into two groups one month after surgery. The training group received the SR program and the control group underwent the traditional rehabilitation program. Clinical evaluation included Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament (SWM) tests, static two-point discrimination (2-PD), and sensibility grading, measured at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months postoperatively. ResultsA total of 42 patients completed the follow-up, including 22 (16 males) patients in the training group and 20 patients (12 males) in the control group. Compared with 1 month after the operation, significant improvements in sensory recovery were observed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively in both groups. In addition, earlier sensory recovery was seen in the SR group compared to the control group, showing significant differences at 3 and 6 months but not at 9 and 12 months postoperatively. ConclusionAlthough SR seemed to accelerate preliminary sensory recovery after free neurovascular toe pulp flaps for digital defect reconstruction, the program should be reconsidered as it offers no significant improvement over the control group at later follow-up stages.

Enhancing the Quality of Life of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Promising Results on the Role of Cognitive Tele-Rehabilitation Plus Virtual Reality.

(1) Background: Patients with multiple sclerosis often face obstacles accessing traditional rehabilitation programs, primarily due to mobility limitations. Tele-rehabilitation (TR) is seen as a promising solution to overcome these barriers, though its precise influence on patients' quality of life (QoL) has not been thoroughly investigated. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the feasibility of a cognitive TR in a sample of Italian patients with MS. (2) Methods: Thirty-six patients diagnosed with MS, attending the Robotic and Behavioral Neurorehabilitation Unit of the IRCCS "Bonino-Pulejo" Neurolesi Center in Messina, Italy, between October 2019 and March 2020 were enrolled in the study. All patients were randomly assigned, using block randomization with a block size of 2 × 2, to two groups: the control group (CG), composed of 16 patients who received traditional cognitive training, and the experimental group (EG), composed of 20 patients who underwent TR training with a VRRS (virtual reality rehabilitation system). Each patient underwent an assessment before (T0) and immediately after (T1) the rehabilitation treatment, using the Quality of Life-54 Multiple Sclerosis (MSQoL-54). (3) Results: Only in the EG, we observed a statistically significant improvement in the QoL related to mental well-being following the paired T-test (MSQoL p-value < 0.001). Notably, no significant differences were found in the CG (MSQoL p-value of 0.67). (4) Conclusions: Our data suggest that TR training combined with VR has the potential to improve the well-being of individuals with MS.

Early- and Late-Stage Benefits of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Knee Strength in Adolescents After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is rising in popularity because of its benefits in reducing muscle atrophy and mitigating knee strength deficits. To investigate the impact BFRT has on adolescent knee strength after ACLR at 2 postoperative time points: at 3 months and the time of return to sport (RTS). Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. A prospective intervention (BFRT) group was compared to an age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched retrospective control group. Patients aged 12 to 18 years who underwent primary ACLR with a quadriceps tendon autograft were included. Along with a traditional rehabilitation protocol, the BFRT group completed a standardized BFRT protocol (3 BFRT exercises performed twice weekly for the initial 12 weeks postoperatively). Peak torque values for isometric knee extension and flexion strength (at 3 months and RTS) and isokinetic strength at 180 deg/s (at RTS) as well as Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi-IKDC) scores were collected. Differences between the BFRT and control groups were compared with 2-way mixed analysis of variance and 1-way analysis of variance. The BFRT group consisted of 16 patients (10 female; mean age, 14.84 ± 1.6 years) who were matched to 16 patients in the control group (10 female; mean age, 15.35 ± 1.3 years). Regardless of the time point, the BFRT group demonstrated significantly higher isometric knee extension torque compared to the control group (2.15 ± 0.12 N·m/kg [95% CI, 1.90-2.39] vs 1.74 ± 0.12 N·m/kg [95% CI, 1.49-1.98], respectively; mean difference, 0.403 N·m/kg; P = .024). The BFRT group also reported significantly better Pedi-IKDC scores compared to the control group at both 3 months (68.91 ± 9.68 vs 66.39 ± 12.18, respectively) and RTS (89.42 ± 7.94 vs 72.79 ± 22.81, respectively) (P = .047). In adolescents, the addition of a standardized BFRT protocol to a traditional rehabilitation protocol after ACLR significantly improved knee strength and patient-reported function compared to a traditional rehabilitation program alone.

Treatment of balance with Computerised Dynamic Posturography therapy in chronic hemiplegic patients.

As patients with hemiplegia have a high risk of falling, it is important to develop a fall rehabilitation plan and/or apply personalised treatment when necessary. We aimed to evaluate the effects of individualised treatment with Computerised Dynamic Posturography (CDP) on balance in patients with and without a history of chronic hemiplegic falls. Forty patients with hemiplegia (time post-stroke: 8-18 months) between 40 and 70 years of age in the Istanbul Yeniyüzyıl University, Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital participated in our study. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1, falling history (n = 20) and Group 2, no falling history (n = 20). The patients in both groups were included in a traditional rehabilitation programme for 5 weeks, 5 days a week, for 1 h. The group with a history of falls also received individualised CDP treatment for 20 min, 3 days a week, for 5 weeks. Patients were evaluated with a Sensory Organisation Test (SOT) and a Berg Balance Scale (BBS). In Group 1, a significant improvement was determined in the after-treatment SOT 5 values compared with the before treatment SOT 5 values (p = 0.022). Significant improvement was found in BBS (p = 0.003) and SOT 6 (p = 0.022) values in Group 2. There was no statistically significant difference in improvement between the two groups (p ≥ 0.05). Larger samples and longer duration of individualised CDP therapy studies may be required to improve balance with chronic hemiplegia and a history of falls. In addition to traditional therapy, individualised CDP treatment may be beneficial for patients with a history of post-stroke falls.

Comparing the effect of the Model of Therapeutic Engagement in cardiac rehabilitation on the sense of coherence and adherence to treatment: a randomized clinical trial

Purpose The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a traditional cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program with an enhanced program incorporating the model of therapeutic engagement (MTE) and extended remote support for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients. Materials and Methods In a randomized controlled trial, 88 CABG patients were assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received integrated MTE cardiac rehabilitation, and assessments were conducted at three time points: pre-CR, one month later, and three months post-CR. The study measured medication adherence (MARS-5) and sense of coherence (SoC-13) scales. Results The study found no significant differences in demographic factors between the experimental and control groups. However, significant differences were observed in MARS and individuals’ SoC scores over time in the experimental group, with notable improvements (p < 0.001). The control group showed significant changes only up to one month. Group effects were evident, with consistent increases in the experimental group’s outcomes at each assessment point. Conclusion Integrating the MTE into CR programs offers benefits in terms of medication adherence and individuals’ sense of coherence, which warrants further investigation and clinical implementation.

Опыт реализации индивидуально ориентированных восстановительных программ работы с несовершеннолетними правонарушителями с учётом специфики переживания ими вины

Introduction. The development of restorative justice continues to be a topical activity area of the subjects of the juvenile delinquency prevention system over the past decades. The need for its development stems from the high need of state and public institutions to increase the humanistic orientation and scientific validity of traditional measures of criminal law impact on juvenile offenders. The existing rehabilitation programs first of all focus on the application of educational measures to a juvenile offender. At the same time, law enforcement practice largely continues to follow the principles of «adult», mainly punitive justice, and when conducting traditional rehabilitation programs with juvenile offenders, the specifics of their guilt experience are not taken into account.&#x0D; Methods. In the course of experimental work carried out at the Temporary Detention Center for Juvenile Offenders of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in the Perm Region (hereinafter referred to as the Center), not only the psychological characteristics of juvenile offenders that led to the formation of delinquent behavior, but also the specifics of their experience of guilt for the offense committed were studied.&#x0D; Results. The reliable data obtained in the course of empirical research served as the basis for sound theoretical generalizations and the development of individually oriented rehabilitation programs, which creation experience is analyzed in this article.

Meditation as a stress management strategy in cardiac rehabilitation for coronary artery disease patients: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background There is a growing body of empirical research that shows that psychological risk factors such as stress, type D personality, anger and hostility can lead to depression, anxiety, social isolation, and low socio-economics status. Psychological risk factors increase the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and contribute to a poorer quality of life (QoL) and worst cardiovascular prognosis. Stress, anxiety, and depression deteriorate the cardiovascular (CV) system through psycho-neuro-immunoendocrinology system and behavioural pathways. Meditation, as a form of body–mind interaction for primary and secondary prevention in CV disease has been discussed critically in the past and has been growing as a therapeutic practice. However, in CV rehabilitation programmes, more studies are needed to demonstrate meditation as a complementary therapy for CV patients. Purpose To evaluate the benefits of meditation as a stress management strategy, in a traditional CV rehabilitation programme, in terms of stress, anxiety, depression and QoL for people with CAD. Methods Eighty CAD patients were invited to join the meditation programme, 48 (60%) accepted and attended the initial assessment and 32 (40%) declined participation. The patients who accepted were attending for at least 6 months a 3x week exercise-based CV rehabilitation programme (usual care) and were randomized (1:1) into two distinct groups: the intervention group (IG) with meditation practice for 4 months and the control group (CG), usual care. In the IG, for one month, participants had a weekly session of 90 minutes consisting of Conscient breathing and Compassion Meditation (Karuna). During the next 3 months, all participants at the IG were asked to practice daily for 20 minutes alone or with the support material (video), with a weekly follow-up call. At the end of the 4th month, it was offered to the CG the same meditation programme. Outcome measures were assessed at the beginning (M0) and 4 months after (M1) including stress (Perceived Stress Scale), anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory), depression (Beck Depression Inventory) and QoL (HeartQoL questionnaire). Results Forty patients (65 ± 8 years, 80% male) completed all study requirements and were included in analyses. The IG reduced 44% of the depression levels when compared to the CG (-44.0 ± 32.0% vs -2.9 ± 5.0%; p&amp;lt;0.001). There were 30% (p=0.04) and 31% (p=0.05) reductions in anxiety and stress levels in the IG, respectively. The emotional dimension of QoL increased 60% in the IG, p&amp;lt;0.001. In contrast, physical QoL did not change between groups. Conclusion Meditation has proved to be an additional practice with effective reduction on stress, anxiety, and depression levels, as well as increasing QoL for patients with CAD who are attending a long-term CV rehabilitation programme.

Effects of trunk stabilization exercises using laser pointer visual feedback in patients with chronic stroke: A randomized controlled study.

Many previous studies have cited the importance of trunk stabilization exercises in patients with stroke. However, the evidence for optimal trunk stabilization exercises for patients with stroke is still lacking. To investigate the effects of laser pointer visual feedback in trunk stabilization exercises that are important for improving trunk dysfunction in patients with stroke. In total, 30 patients with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent a traditional stroke rehabilitation program and trunk stabilization exercises using laser pointer visual feedback. The control group underwent a traditional stroke rehabilitation program and trunk stabilization exercises without visual feedback. Pre- and postintervention results after 6weeks were evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale, static and dynamic plantar pressure, 10-m walk test, and the Korean version of the Fall Efficacy Scale. The results were analyzed using a general linear repeated measurement model. Both groups showed significant improvements in BBS scores, static plantar pressure, dynamic plantar pressure, 10 MWT, and K-FES scores after 6weeks of intervention (P< 0.05). Compared to the control group, significant improvements were observed in the experimental group in the Berg Balance Scale scores, dynamic paretic posterior plantar pressure, 10-m walk test, and Korean version of the Fall Efficacy Scale scores (P< 0.025). Our results demonstrated the effectiveness of visual feedback during trunk stabilization exercises for resolving trunk dysfunction in patients with stroke. Trunk stabilization exercises using laser pointer visual feedback have been found to be more effective in balance, walking, and fall efficacy in patients with stroke.

Effect of Implementing Telerehabilitation versus Traditional Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program on Clinical Outcomes of Patients Post Covid-19

Background: Post COVID-19 syndrome is a persistent signs and symptoms that emerge duringor after COVID-19 infection. Telerehabilitation is a method to overcome the limitations oftraditional based pulmonary rehabilitation through the use of communication technologies toprovide rehabilitation services from a distance Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect ofimplementing telerehabilitation versus traditional pulmonary rehabilitation program on theclinical outcomes of patients post covid-19. Subjects and Method: a purposive sample of 60patients post covid-19 infection, who admitted Contiguous disease control center at Tanta MainUniversity Hospitals and Isolation department in Qutor Central Hospital affiliated to Ministry ofHealth and Population during the period of data collection. Tools: four tools were used. FirstTool: A Structure Interview Questionnaire, which composed of three parts: Part (1): patients'socio-demographic data. Part (2): Clinical patients' data, as past medical history. Part (3): Labinvestigations which Include: PCR and PT. Second Tool: Chronic Respiratory DiseaseQuestionnaire (CRQ). Third Tool: Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS).fourth Tool: Modified BorgScale (MBS).Results: the main results revealed that there was a high significant improvement inthe total health related quality of life, fatigue and dyspnea in telerehablitation group since p valuewas ≤ 0.05 one month post implementing the program. Conclusion& Recommendations: Theimplementation of pulmonary telerehablitation program had a good impact on post covid- 19patients’ HRQOL, fatigue and dyspnea. It was recommended that nurses should follow pulmonaryrehabilitative program as a routine care for patients.

Effects of special sports training on autonomic nervous regulation

BackgroundSports is one of the most traditional health rehabilitation programs in China. With wide applicability and low side effects, it plays a very good role in strengthening the body. In sports theory and practice, professional physical fitness training content can effectively inhibit the occurrence of corresponding diseases and has a good preventive effect on some diseases. Therefore, the regulating effect of physical training on human autonomic nervous function is evaluated through special sports training. The relationship between physical training and the human body and mind is verified through the sports professional training test, which provides effective support for the promotion and application of sports health therapy in the medical field.Subjects and Method160 students majoring in physical education in a sports college were selected as the research objects of this experiment. The physical functions of the experimental subjects were healthy, and the purpose and method of the experiment were clarified. The students were divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 80 students each. The autonomic nervous function of the experimental subjects was tested by the Japanese postural blood pressure reflex method, and the test was evaluated by the Japanese physiologist pig feeder’s neuromodulation method. The students in the experimental group had more than 8 hours of physical training every week, while the students in the control group were not allowed to do any physical training during the test time. The experimental period is half a year, and the parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, lying-sitting blood pressure, heart rate, and other parameters of the experimental subjects are tested and recorded. All data in the experiment were statistically analyzed by Excel2016, and the data chi-square test value was calculated.ResultsThe data in Table 1 are the detection results of the autonomic nerve function characteristics of the two groups of people during exercise. The autonomic nervous system is the basic motor nerve unit of the human viscera. Its function is to regulate the secretion of internal organs and effectively maintain the blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration of the human body. The experimental group participating in the special sports training was significantly shorter than the control group in the recovery time of exercise center rate, respiration stabilization time, and blood pressure stabilization time (P &lt; 0.05).Table 1.Shows the detection results of autonomic nerve function characteristics during exercise in the two groupsGroup typeExercise heart rate recovery timeExercise breathing recovery timeExercise blood pressure recovery timeExperimental group (80)4.56 ± 1.255.23 ± 1.355.56 ± 1.12Control group (80)6.25 ± 1.358.26 ± 1.757.25 ± 1.48t8.21512.2618.144P&lt;0.05&lt;0.05&lt;0.05ConclusionsPhysical exercise is of great significance to the healthy development of people’s physical and mental health. Long-term professional sports training can effectively improve people’s various physical functions and ensure that people have a strong mental state. In the experimental test, the autonomic nerves of the students in the professionally trained experimental group were effectively regulated, and the recovery time of each functional test was shorter than that of the control group.

The effectiveness of deep tissue massage on pain, trigger point, disability, range of motion and quality of life in individuals with myofascial pain syndrome

Purpose This study aims to examine the effect of deep tissue massage (DTM) on the myofascial trigger point (MTrP) number, neck range of motion (ROM), pain, disability and quality of life in patients with Myofacial pain syndrome (MPS). Methods The study involved patients with MPS between the ages of 20-57. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (n = 40) and the study group (n = 40). Transcutaneous Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (TENS), hotpack and ultrasound were applied to 40 patients in the control group. The study group was also administered DTM for 12 sessions in addition to TENS, hotpack and ultrasound applications. Neck pain and disability scale (NPDS) for a neck disability, universal goniometer for neck ROM, MTrP count using manual palpation, Short Form 36 (SF-36) for quality of life and severity of neck pain were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). All patients were evaluated before and after treatment. Results It was found that the DTM group has statistically more improvement than the control group for VAS, NPDS and SF-36. Moreover, although there was a significant improvement in favour of the study group for extension, lateral flexion, right rotation and left rotation in the neck ROM, there was no significant difference in flexion measurements between the study and control group. Conclusion In addition to the traditional rehabilitation program, DTM is effective on neck ROM, pain, disability and quality of life. Therefore, DTM treatment is a safe and inexpensive treatment method that can be applied in patients with MPS.