This page has only limited features, please log in for full access.
Background: Adult flatfoot leads to injury and decreased quality of life. The most widely applied noninvasive approaches are wearing foot orthoses or exercising. Both interventions raise controversy about reducing pain and neutralizing foot posture. This study investigated the impact of foot orthoses and exercise on pain and navicular drop (present for foot posture). Methods: Four databases were used: MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane, from the earliest records to November 2020. Randomized controlled studies focused on adult flatfoot that evaluated the effect of exercise and foot orthoses on pain and navicular drop were extracted. We used data analysis to estimate the relative effect of heterogeneity using I2 and publication bias using funnel plots. Results: Ten studies were identified through to November 2020. Active interventions (AIs) were exercise and exercise combined with foot orthoses; passive interventions (PIs) were foot orthoses and added stretching. Both AIs and PIs decreased pain significantly (SMD −0.94, 95% CI −1.35, −0.54 and SMD −1.4, 95% CI −1.87, −0.92). The AIs reduced pain level better than PIs. Controversially, no treatment was found to affect navicular drop. Conclusion: Both exercise and foot orthoses can reduce pain but not realign foot posture. Exercise alone or combined with foot orthoses showed a better effect on adult flatfoot than only wearing foot orthoses. Active intervention was shown to have better efficacy in reducing pain than passive intervention.
Ngoc-Tuyet-Trinh Hoang; Shuya Chen; Li-Wei Chou. The Impact of Foot Orthoses and Exercises on Pain and Navicular Drop for Adult Flatfoot: A Network Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 8063 .
AMA StyleNgoc-Tuyet-Trinh Hoang, Shuya Chen, Li-Wei Chou. The Impact of Foot Orthoses and Exercises on Pain and Navicular Drop for Adult Flatfoot: A Network Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (15):8063.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNgoc-Tuyet-Trinh Hoang; Shuya Chen; Li-Wei Chou. 2021. "The Impact of Foot Orthoses and Exercises on Pain and Navicular Drop for Adult Flatfoot: A Network Meta-Analysis." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 15: 8063.
Post-stroke spasticity impedes patients’ rehabilitation progress. Contradictory evidence has been reported in using Botulinum Neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) to manage post-stroke lower extremity spasticity (PLES); furthermore, an optimum dose of BoNT-A for PLES has not yet been established. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to identify the efficacy and optimal dose of BoNT-A on PLES. "Meta" and "Metafor" packages in R were used to analyze the data. Hedges’ g statistic and random effect model were used to calculate and pool effect sizes. Twelve RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Muscle tone significantly improved in week four, week eight, and maintained to week twelve after BoNT-A injection. Improvements in functional outcomes were found, some inconsistencies among included studies were noticed. Dosage analysis from eight studies using Botox® and three studies using Dysport® indicated that the optimum dose for the commonest pattern of PLES (spastic plantar flexors) is medium-dose (approximately 300U Botox® or 1000 U Dysport®). BoNT-A should be regarded as part of a rehabilitation program for PLES. Furthermore, an optimal rehabilitation program combined with BoNT-A management needs to be established. Further studies should also focus on functional improvement by BoNT-A management in the early stage of stroke.
Thanh-Nhan Doan; Mei-Ying Kuo; Li-Wei Chou. Efficacy and Optimal Dose of Botulinum Toxin A in Post-Stroke Lower Extremity Spasticity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Toxins 2021, 13, 428 .
AMA StyleThanh-Nhan Doan, Mei-Ying Kuo, Li-Wei Chou. Efficacy and Optimal Dose of Botulinum Toxin A in Post-Stroke Lower Extremity Spasticity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Toxins. 2021; 13 (6):428.
Chicago/Turabian StyleThanh-Nhan Doan; Mei-Ying Kuo; Li-Wei Chou. 2021. "Efficacy and Optimal Dose of Botulinum Toxin A in Post-Stroke Lower Extremity Spasticity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Toxins 13, no. 6: 428.
Fall risk prediction is an important issue for the elderly. A center of pressure signal, derived from a force plate, is useful for the estimation of body calibration. However, it is still difficult to distinguish elderly people’s fall history by using a force plate signal. In this study, older adults with and without a history of falls were recruited to stand still for 60 s on a force plate. Forces in the x, y and z directions (Fx, Fy, and Fz) and center of pressure in the anteroposterior (COPx) and mediolateral directions (COPy) were derived. There were 49 subjects in the non-fall group, with an average age of 71.67 (standard derivation: 6.56). There were also 27 subjects in the fall group, with an average age of 70.66 (standard derivation: 6.38). Five signal series—forces in x, y, z (Fx, Fy, Fz), COPX, and COPy directions—were used. These five signals were further decomposed with empirical mode decomposition (EMD) with seven intrinsic mode functions. Time domain features (mean, standard derivation and coefficient of variations) and entropy features (approximate entropy and sample entropy) of the original signals and EMD-derived signals were extracted. Results showed that features extracted from the raw COP data did not differ significantly between the fall and non-fall groups. There were 10 features extracted using EMD, with significant differences observed among fall and non-fall groups. These included four features from COPx and two features from COPy, Fx and Fz.
Li-Wei Chou; Kang-Ming Chang; Yi-Chun Wei; Mei-Kuei Lu. Empirical Mode Decomposition-Derived Entropy Features Are Beneficial to Distinguish Elderly People with a Falling History on a Force Plate Signal. Entropy 2021, 23, 472 .
AMA StyleLi-Wei Chou, Kang-Ming Chang, Yi-Chun Wei, Mei-Kuei Lu. Empirical Mode Decomposition-Derived Entropy Features Are Beneficial to Distinguish Elderly People with a Falling History on a Force Plate Signal. Entropy. 2021; 23 (4):472.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLi-Wei Chou; Kang-Ming Chang; Yi-Chun Wei; Mei-Kuei Lu. 2021. "Empirical Mode Decomposition-Derived Entropy Features Are Beneficial to Distinguish Elderly People with a Falling History on a Force Plate Signal." Entropy 23, no. 4: 472.
The past decade has seen the emergence of numerous new wearable devices, including many that have been widely adopted by both physicians and consumers. In this paper, we discuss the design and application of smart insoles to measure gait and plantar pressure. Herein, we investigate the potential applications of insoles with fewer sensing spots and the consequent reduction in the amount of data acquired from both feet. The main purpose is to discuss the influence of the layout of these pressure sensing points of the insole design on the center of pressure (COP) calculation. The insole used in this study has 89 pressure sensing spots, and we used data from 36, 29, 20, and 11 sensing points in simplified calculation types. Among these four simplified calculation types, Type 1 exhibited the best accuracy of the COP calculation, and Type 4 obtained the worst results. Type 2 and Type 3 exhibited inferior accuracy of the COP calculation, but they still sufficed for applications that did not require high accuracy. Aside from the factor of the number of sensing spots used in the calculation, we also demonstrated that the location of selected sensors could influence the accuracy of COP calculation in the analyses by using the different combinations of metatarsal areas and other areas (heel, central, lateral toes, and hallux). The results of this research could be a reference for making a simplified form of pressure sensing Internet-of-Health Things (IoHT) insole with a reduced product cost.
Li-Wei Chou; Jun-Hong Shen; Hui-Ting Lin; Yi-Tung Yang; Wen-Pin Hu. A Study on the Influence of Number/Distribution of Sensing Points of the Smart Insoles on the Center of Pressure Estimation for the Internet of Things Applications. Sustainability 2021, 13, 2934 .
AMA StyleLi-Wei Chou, Jun-Hong Shen, Hui-Ting Lin, Yi-Tung Yang, Wen-Pin Hu. A Study on the Influence of Number/Distribution of Sensing Points of the Smart Insoles on the Center of Pressure Estimation for the Internet of Things Applications. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (5):2934.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLi-Wei Chou; Jun-Hong Shen; Hui-Ting Lin; Yi-Tung Yang; Wen-Pin Hu. 2021. "A Study on the Influence of Number/Distribution of Sensing Points of the Smart Insoles on the Center of Pressure Estimation for the Internet of Things Applications." Sustainability 13, no. 5: 2934.
Introduction: Taiwan’s firefighters use a shift rotation system with 2 days of work and 1 day of rest. Numerous papers have already explored the risks of shift work to the body. However, little data concern the impact of shift work on health as reflected in medical visits. This study used individuals’ medical visit record in Taiwan’s health insurance system. The locally called “health bank” contains individuals’ medical visit record, health insurance payment points and the medicine used. Methods: Consent was obtained from 150 firefighters who were serving under the shift rotation system to obtain their 2015 individual “My Health Bank” medical data. Comparisons were made between national health insurance data norm. Results: Firefighters make significantly more visits for Western medicine than the annual average (firefighters 6.27 vs norm 5.24, P = 0.04142), more total number of medical visits (9.57 vs 7.75, P = 0.0102), more annual average payment points for Western medicine (4079 vs 2741, P = 0.003151), and a greater average number of total annual medical visit points (7003 vs 4940, p = 0.0003157). Firefighters had significantly higher incidents of respiratory diseases, urogenital diseases, skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases, musculoskeletal system and connective tissue diseases, injuries, and illness from poisoning than did the norm (P< 0.05). Conclusion: A persuasive health-survey-based method for workers in high occupational hazard industries was proposed in this study, and the result was highly correlated with risk factors of fireworkers. The proposed study method is potential to investigate risk factors of other working.
Wei-Ching Hsu; Chun-Hsiang Wang; Kang-Ming Chang; Li-Wei Chou. Shifted Firefighter Health Investigation by Personal Health Insurance Record in Taiwan. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy 2021, ume 14, 665 -673.
AMA StyleWei-Ching Hsu, Chun-Hsiang Wang, Kang-Ming Chang, Li-Wei Chou. Shifted Firefighter Health Investigation by Personal Health Insurance Record in Taiwan. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy. 2021; ume 14 ():665-673.
Chicago/Turabian StyleWei-Ching Hsu; Chun-Hsiang Wang; Kang-Ming Chang; Li-Wei Chou. 2021. "Shifted Firefighter Health Investigation by Personal Health Insurance Record in Taiwan." Risk Management and Healthcare Policy ume 14, no. : 665-673.
Purpose Robot-assisted gait rehabilitation has been proposed as a plausible supplementary rehabilitation strategy in stroke rehabilitation in the last decade. However, its exact benefit over traditional rehabilitation remain sparse and unclear. It is therefore the purpose of the current study to comparatively investigate the clinical benefits of the additional robot-assisted training in acute stroke patients compared to standard hospital rehabilitation alone. Methods Ninety acute stroke patients (< 3 month) were recruited. All participants received the standard hospital neurorehabilitation comprises 45–60 min sessions daily for 3 weeks. Sixty patients also received an additional 30 min of robot-assisted gait training with the HIWIN MRG-P100 gait training system after each of the standard neurorehabilitation session. Outcome measures included: 1. Berg Balance Scale (BBS); 2. Brunnstrom Stage; 3. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and 4. Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire (TDQ) which were assessed pre-treatment and then after every five training sessions. Results Both groups demonstrated significant improvement pre- and post-treatment for the BBS (robotic group p = 0.023; control group p = 0.033) but no significant difference (p > 0.1) between the groups were found. However, the robotic training group had more participants demonstrating larger BBS points of improvement as well as greater Brunnstrom stage of improvement, when compared to the control group. No significant within and between group statistical differences (p > 0.3) were found for Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire. Conclusion The addition of robotic gait training on top of standard hospital neurorehabilitation for acute stroke patients appear to produce a slightly greater improvement in clinical functional outcomes, which is not transferred to psychological status.
Andy Chien; Fei-Chun Chang; Nai-Hsin Meng; Pei-Yu Yang; Ching Huang; Li-Wei Chou. Clinical Efficacy of a New Robot-assisted Gait Training System for Acute Stroke Patients. Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering 2021, 41, 99 -107.
AMA StyleAndy Chien, Fei-Chun Chang, Nai-Hsin Meng, Pei-Yu Yang, Ching Huang, Li-Wei Chou. Clinical Efficacy of a New Robot-assisted Gait Training System for Acute Stroke Patients. Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering. 2021; 41 (1):99-107.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndy Chien; Fei-Chun Chang; Nai-Hsin Meng; Pei-Yu Yang; Ching Huang; Li-Wei Chou. 2021. "Clinical Efficacy of a New Robot-assisted Gait Training System for Acute Stroke Patients." Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering 41, no. 1: 99-107.
Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) systems offer the advantages of standard rehabilitation and provide precise and quantifiable control of therapy. We examined the clinical outcome of RAGT and analyzed the correlations between gait analysis data and event-related desynchronization (ERD) and event-related synchronization (ERS) in patients with chronic stroke. We applied the Berg balance scale (BBS) and analyzed gait parameters and the ERD and ERS of self-paced voluntary leg movements performed by patients with chronic stroke before and after undergoing RAGT. A significant change was observed in BBS (p = 0.011). We also showed preliminary outcomes of changes in gait cycle duration (p = 0.015) and in ipsilesional ERS in the low-beta (p = 0.033) and high-beta (p = 0.034) frequency bands before and after RAGT. In addition, correlations were observed between BBS and ipsilesional ERS in the alpha and low-beta bands (r = −0.52, p = 0.039; r = −0.52, p = 0.040). The study demonstrated that RAGT can improve balance and provided an idea of the possible role of brain oscillation and clinical outcomes in affecting stroke rehabilitation.
Hoon-Ming Heng; Ming-Kuei Lu; Li-Wei Chou; Nai-Hsin Meng; Hui-Chun Huang; Masashi Hamada; Chon-Haw Tsai; Jui-Cheng Chen. Changes in Balance, Gait and Electroencephalography Oscillations after Robot-Assisted Gait Training: An Exploratory Study in People with Chronic Stroke. Brain Sciences 2020, 10, 821 .
AMA StyleHoon-Ming Heng, Ming-Kuei Lu, Li-Wei Chou, Nai-Hsin Meng, Hui-Chun Huang, Masashi Hamada, Chon-Haw Tsai, Jui-Cheng Chen. Changes in Balance, Gait and Electroencephalography Oscillations after Robot-Assisted Gait Training: An Exploratory Study in People with Chronic Stroke. Brain Sciences. 2020; 10 (11):821.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHoon-Ming Heng; Ming-Kuei Lu; Li-Wei Chou; Nai-Hsin Meng; Hui-Chun Huang; Masashi Hamada; Chon-Haw Tsai; Jui-Cheng Chen. 2020. "Changes in Balance, Gait and Electroencephalography Oscillations after Robot-Assisted Gait Training: An Exploratory Study in People with Chronic Stroke." Brain Sciences 10, no. 11: 821.
Background. Frozen shoulder (FS) is associated with pain, reduced range of motion (ROM), and shoulder function. The condition occurs in 2–5% of the population, and it is especially common around the age of 50 years. FS symptoms will recover after 1–4 years. Many patients turn to acupuncture in order to alleviate the FS symptoms. Objective. In this review, we will investigate the efficiency of acupuncture as a FS treatment. Methods. A literature search of acupuncture and FS-related keywords was performed in the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science. Thirteen publications were included for a systematic review, and a meta-analysis was done using the following measurements: visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Constant-Murley Shoulder Outcome Score (CMS) for shoulder function, and active shoulder ROM including flexion, abduction, and external rotation. The Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool and quality of evidence GRADE recommendations and STRICTA 2010 were used to grade the included publications. Results. A meta-analysis on VAS pain score showed significant pain reduction, restoring CMS shoulder function, and flexion ROM in favor of acupuncture versus the control. In external rotation and abduction ROM, a meta-analysis was not significant. The most used acupoints are Jian Yu (LI15) and Jian Liao (TB14). Conclusions. The results indicate that acupuncture could be safe and effective for pain reduction, restoring shoulder function, and restoring flexion ROM for FS patients in the short term and midterm. However, the level of evidence was very low. More high-quality and longer studies are needed in order to robust the evidence.
Eyal Ben-Arie; Pei-Yu Kao; Yu-Chen Lee; Wen-Chao Ho; Li-Wei Chou; Hsin-Ping Liu. The Effectiveness of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2020, 2020, 1 -14.
AMA StyleEyal Ben-Arie, Pei-Yu Kao, Yu-Chen Lee, Wen-Chao Ho, Li-Wei Chou, Hsin-Ping Liu. The Effectiveness of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2020; 2020 ():1-14.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEyal Ben-Arie; Pei-Yu Kao; Yu-Chen Lee; Wen-Chao Ho; Li-Wei Chou; Hsin-Ping Liu. 2020. "The Effectiveness of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2020, no. : 1-14.
Background. Knee osteoarthritis (OA) presented with knee pain and limitation of mobility is common, and it may become a chronic problem resulting in major loss of function, with related impaired activity of daily living. Current traditional therapy for knee OA includes pharmacological treatment and physiotherapy, but the efficacies are limited. An alternative noninvasive treatment low-level laser therapy (LLLT) applied to acupoints is still contradictory and the efficacy needs to be assessed. Methods and Materials. We conduct the randomized double-blind control study to investigate the efficacy of a dual-frequency LLLT (combines red light (780 nm) and near-infrared light (830 nm)) in patients suffering knee OA. Participates were randomly assigned into active laser therapy (ALT) and placebo laser therapy (PLT) groups. Subjects in the ALT group were separately treated by laser apparatus at the three acupoints (SP9, SP10, and EX-LE2) on their knee joints under continuous radiation for 15 min at the maximum intensity, three times per week for four weeks. The PLT group used laser apparatus of the same model according to similar procedures without laser light emission. Outcome Measurements including visual analog scale (VAS), pain pressure threshold (PPT), and Lequesne index were used. Results. A total of 30 subjects with two-sided knee OA in both groups completed the experiment. Statistically significant decreases were observed in the Lequesne index (5.27 ± 3.26 vs. 10.83 ± 3.83), conscious VAS 4 weeks after treatment (moving: 2.87 ± 1.13 vs. 5.67 ± 1.72; resting: 0.33 ± 0.62 vs. 2.67 ± 1.29), and the increase was noted in PPT (21.23 ± 1.82 kg vs. 13.02 ± 1.46 kg) in the ALT group compared with the PLT group. Conclusion. It appears that the knee OA pain and disability can be decreased after a dual-frequency LLLT applied to acupoints (SP9, SP10, and EX-LE2). The clinical efficacy of LLLT is highly related to the therapeutic settings of the laser apparatus; hence, more clinical trials with diffident parameter settings are needed to be further clarified.
Fang-Yin Liao; Chien-Lin Lin; Sui-Foon Lo; Chun-Ching Chang; Wen-Yen Liao; Li-Wei Chou. Efficacy of Acupoints Dual-Frequency Low-Level Laser Therapy on Knee Osteoarthritis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2020, 2020, 1 -7.
AMA StyleFang-Yin Liao, Chien-Lin Lin, Sui-Foon Lo, Chun-Ching Chang, Wen-Yen Liao, Li-Wei Chou. Efficacy of Acupoints Dual-Frequency Low-Level Laser Therapy on Knee Osteoarthritis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2020; 2020 ():1-7.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFang-Yin Liao; Chien-Lin Lin; Sui-Foon Lo; Chun-Ching Chang; Wen-Yen Liao; Li-Wei Chou. 2020. "Efficacy of Acupoints Dual-Frequency Low-Level Laser Therapy on Knee Osteoarthritis." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2020, no. : 1-7.
Introduction: Sensory ataxia is a dysfunction of dynamic balance due to impairment of sensory input into the control of movement. The sequelae of stroke, such as hemiplegia, somatosensory impairment, and impaired balance may cause significant disability and may affect patients’ quality of life. In addition to rehabilitation programs, acupuncture therapy has been applied to stroke patients and is recommended as a complementary therapy in stroke rehabilitation. Patient concerns: A 70-year-old male had a sudden onset of conscious loss. The brain computed tomography showed intracerebral hemorrhage with subdural hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Diagnosis: Intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke was diagnosed. Interventions: He received craniotomy with hematoma evacuation immediately and waked up 3 weeks with bilateral hemiparesis (right side weaker than left), impaired position sensation and tactile perception in the right lower limb. He then began to receive rehabilitation therapy and had significant improvement in muscle strength and static balance, but no improvement in tactile perception of position sense in the right lower limbs and reached plateau. Then he received acupuncture therapies to Yongquan (KI1), Tongtien (BL7) and Houxi (SI3). Outcomes: The patient's walking ability recovered after receiving rehabilitation programs for 3 years, but the impairment in proprioception and dynamic balance persisted. The perception and dynamic balance had significantly improved after patient received acupuncture therapy, especially the acupuncture point of Yongquan (KI1). Conclusion: The clinical effect of acupuncture in combination with conventional rehabilitation therapy for neurological impairment recovery, improving activity of daily living performance and improving post-stroke imbalance was explored. We hope that this report can facilitate further well controlled quantitative objective studies on a big size of samples.
Kuan-Yu Lu; Ka-Fai Yuen; Jia-Yuan Luo; Chang-Zern Hong; Li-Wei Chou. Therapeutic effects of acupuncture on sensory ataxia after a cerebral hemorrhage. Medicine 2020, 99, e21124 .
AMA StyleKuan-Yu Lu, Ka-Fai Yuen, Jia-Yuan Luo, Chang-Zern Hong, Li-Wei Chou. Therapeutic effects of acupuncture on sensory ataxia after a cerebral hemorrhage. Medicine. 2020; 99 (29):e21124.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKuan-Yu Lu; Ka-Fai Yuen; Jia-Yuan Luo; Chang-Zern Hong; Li-Wei Chou. 2020. "Therapeutic effects of acupuncture on sensory ataxia after a cerebral hemorrhage." Medicine 99, no. 29: e21124.
Rationale: Lymphadenectomy for tongue cancer in the neck region is often accompanied by local impaired mobility, gland damage, difficult in swallowing, and postoperative complication and seriously affects patients life quality. We reported a case of subcutaneous adhesions and scar hyperplasia in the neck region after lymphadenectomy for tongue lesions accompanied by impaired neck mobility and difficult in swallowing was treated using Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN) treatment. Patient concerns: A 55-year-old male with tongue cancer received surgical intervention with lymphadenectomy 8 years ago was revealed a 15 cm-long curved surgical incision in the neck region and surrounded by numerous scar tissues. Diagnosis: Post-operation subcutaneous adhesions and scar hyperplasia in the neck region after lymphadenectomy was diagnosed. Interventions: FSN treatment was performed 2 to 3 times per week for 1 month to sway the affected tightened muscle and dissociate the superficial fascia beneath the scar resulted in a considerable improvement in neck movement. Outcomes: The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) was as follows: color (M) - 1; vascular distribution (V) - 0, thickness (H) - 2, and flexibility (P) - 4, with a total of 7 points before FSN treatment. The VSS after 1 month of FSN treatment was as follows: M1, V0, H2, and P2, with a total of 5 points. Neck mobility in different directions, i.e., stretching to the back of the neck and laterally bending the neck to the left and/or right side, was improved (P < .05). Lessons: At present, treatment of chronic scar hyperplasia has certain side effects and limitations. FSN is safe and convenient, with minimal destruction of the superficial fascia, having evident effects of dissociating tissue adhesion under scars and compensating for deficiencies in scar hyperplasia treatment. It can provide new ideas for future treatments.
Huixia Huang; Jin Liu; Mingquan Fu; I-Wen Lin; Li-Wei Chou. Fu's subcutaneous needling for subcutaneous adhesions and scar hyperplasia in the neck region. Medicine 2020, 99, e21103 .
AMA StyleHuixia Huang, Jin Liu, Mingquan Fu, I-Wen Lin, Li-Wei Chou. Fu's subcutaneous needling for subcutaneous adhesions and scar hyperplasia in the neck region. Medicine. 2020; 99 (29):e21103.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHuixia Huang; Jin Liu; Mingquan Fu; I-Wen Lin; Li-Wei Chou. 2020. "Fu's subcutaneous needling for subcutaneous adhesions and scar hyperplasia in the neck region." Medicine 99, no. 29: e21103.
We are sad to report that following this issue, Dr. Li-Wei Chou will no longer be able to contribute to this quarterly literature overview. Unfortunately, his work responsibilities have increased to such an extent that they need to take priority. On behalf of the team, we would like to thank Dr. Chou for his thoughtful and balanced reviews during the past few years. Not only were we able to include an occasional Chinese-language study, he also was able to assist us in interpreting more complex medical studies. Li-Wei, we wish you all the best professionally and personally, and of course, we cannot wait until our paths will cross again sometime in the future! You may have noted that this overview article was missing from the January 2020 issue of the journal due to an administrative mix up. With the current issue we aimed to catch up and therefore, you will find a greater number of reviewed articles than usual. It becomes increasingly challenging to cover the wide range of the published myofascial pain and trigger point (TrP) literature just due to its volume. In this edition, we included 10 basic research articles, 4 reviews, 14 articles on dry needling (DN), acupuncture, and injections, 3 on manual therapies, and 4 on other clinical approaches.
Jan Dommerholt; Todd Hooks; Jacob N. Thorp; Li-Wei Chou. A critical overview of the current myofascial pain literature – July 2020. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 2020, 24, 307 -320.
AMA StyleJan Dommerholt, Todd Hooks, Jacob N. Thorp, Li-Wei Chou. A critical overview of the current myofascial pain literature – July 2020. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2020; 24 (3):307-320.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJan Dommerholt; Todd Hooks; Jacob N. Thorp; Li-Wei Chou. 2020. "A critical overview of the current myofascial pain literature – July 2020." Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 24, no. 3: 307-320.
We are starting 2020 with 6 basic research studies, 9 review articles, 14 dry needling/injection studies, and one manual therapy paper for a total of 30 new papers. Topics range from studies on mechanisms, inflammatory mediators in myofascial pain, fascia, screening, Platelet-rich plasma intramuscular injections, and temporal summation to clinical studies on patients with tension-type headache, chronic pelvic pain, knee osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, generalized musculoskeletal pain, neck pain, breast cancer, tendinopathies, thoracic outlet syndrome, and canine dry needling, among others.
Jan Dommerholt; Jacob N. Thorp; Li-Wei Chou; Todd Hooks. A critical overview of the current myofascial pain literature – January 2020. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 2020, 24, 213 -224.
AMA StyleJan Dommerholt, Jacob N. Thorp, Li-Wei Chou, Todd Hooks. A critical overview of the current myofascial pain literature – January 2020. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2020; 24 (2):213-224.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJan Dommerholt; Jacob N. Thorp; Li-Wei Chou; Todd Hooks. 2020. "A critical overview of the current myofascial pain literature – January 2020." Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 24, no. 2: 213-224.
The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between functional movement screen (FMS), star excursion balance test (SEBT), agility T test, and vertical jump test scores and sports injury risk in junior athletes. We compared these assessments and the differences between groups with high and low risks of sports injury. Subjects and Methods. Eleven volleyball, 12 basketball, and 9 handball athletes were recruited. All participants followed the routine training in school sports teams. Weekly training schedules followed a similar pattern. The 32 junior athletes (age = 16.06 ± 0.21 years; height = 167.28 ± 6.32 cm; and body mass = 68.45 ± 9.67 kg) were assessed using the FMS, SEBT, agility T test, and vertical jump test in random order. The correlations of composite and individual item scores of these assessments were analyzed, and the differences between groups with high and low risks of sports injury were compared. All participants completed the study protocol. No significant differences were observed between FMS, SEBT, agility T test, and vertical jump test scores in groups with high and low risks of sports injuries. Fair and moderate-to-good correlations were observed for anterior reach maximum of SEBT and deep squat (r = 0.47, P = 0.02) as well as inline lunge (r = 0.53, P = 0.01) of FMS. The hurdle step of FMS also exhibited moderate-to-good (r = 0.52, P = 0.01) and fair (r = 0.42, P = 0.04) correlations with posterior medial and posterior lateral reach maximum of SEBT, respectively. A fair correlation was observed between posterior lateral reach maximum of SEBT and rotary stability of FMS (r = -0.23, P = 0.03). Fair and moderate-to-good correlations were identified for agility T test and maximum anterior reach in the SEBT (r = -0.42, P = 0.04) and trunk stability push-up in the FMS, respectively (r = -0.57 and P = 0.006). Junior athletes with a high risk of sports injury did not exhibit differences in terms of FMS, SEBT, and physical fitness test scores. Deep squat, hurdle step, inline lunge, and rotary stability scores in the FMS were correlated with the item scores in the SEBT, which may be due to the use of similar movement patterns. Scores for anterior reach maximum in the SEBT and trunk stability push-up in the FMS were correlated with agility T test scores, suggesting a similar task requirement of trunk stability and dynamic weight shifting ability.
Wen-Dien Chang; Li-Wei Chou; Nai-Jen Chang; Shuya Chen. Comparison of Functional Movement Screen, Star Excursion Balance Test, and Physical Fitness in Junior Athletes with Different Sports Injury Risk. BioMed Research International 2020, 2020, 8690540 -8.
AMA StyleWen-Dien Chang, Li-Wei Chou, Nai-Jen Chang, Shuya Chen. Comparison of Functional Movement Screen, Star Excursion Balance Test, and Physical Fitness in Junior Athletes with Different Sports Injury Risk. BioMed Research International. 2020; 2020 ():8690540-8.
Chicago/Turabian StyleWen-Dien Chang; Li-Wei Chou; Nai-Jen Chang; Shuya Chen. 2020. "Comparison of Functional Movement Screen, Star Excursion Balance Test, and Physical Fitness in Junior Athletes with Different Sports Injury Risk." BioMed Research International 2020, no. : 8690540-8.
Drug abuse poses great physical and psychological harm to humans, thereby attracting scholarly attention. It often requires experience and time for a researcher, just entering this field, to find an appropriate method to study drug abuse issue. It is crucial for researchers to rapidly understand the existing research on a particular topic and be able to propose an effective new research method. Text mining analysis has been widely applied in recent years, and this study integrated the text mining method into a review of drug abuse research. Through searches for keywords related to the drug abuse, all related publications were identified and downloaded from PubMed. After removing the duplicate and incomplete literature, the retained data were imported for analysis through text mining. A total of 19,843 papers were analyzed, and the text mining technique was used to search for keyword and questionnaire types. The results showed the associations between these questionnaires, with the top five being the Addiction Severity Index (16.44%), the Quality of Life survey (5.01%), the Beck Depression Inventory (3.24%), the Addiction Research Center Inventory (2.81%), and the Profile of Mood States (1.10%). Specifically, the Addiction Severity Index was most commonly used in combination with Quality of Life scales. In conclusion, association analysis is useful to extract core knowledge. Researchers can learn and visualize the latest research trend.
Li-Wei Chou; Kang-Ming Chang; Ira Puspitasari. Drug Abuse Research Trend Investigation with Text Mining. Computational and Mathematical Methods in Medicine 2020, 2020, 1 -8.
AMA StyleLi-Wei Chou, Kang-Ming Chang, Ira Puspitasari. Drug Abuse Research Trend Investigation with Text Mining. Computational and Mathematical Methods in Medicine. 2020; 2020 ():1-8.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLi-Wei Chou; Kang-Ming Chang; Ira Puspitasari. 2020. "Drug Abuse Research Trend Investigation with Text Mining." Computational and Mathematical Methods in Medicine 2020, no. : 1-8.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common musculoskeletal disorder and an occupational disease caused by repeated exercise or overuse of the hand. We investigated the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) use by practitioners in CTS patients, including demographic variables, socioeconomic status, previous medical conditions, health care use, and hospital characteristics for TCM health care. This cross-sectional study identified 25,965 patients newly diagnosed with CTS based on the first medical diagnosis recorded between 1999 and 2013 in the nationwide representative insurance database of Taiwan. The date of initial CTS diagnosis in outpatient data was defined as the index date, and four patients were excluded because of missing gender-related information. Patients who used TCM care as the first option at their diagnosis were classified as TCM users (n = 677; 2.61%), and all others were TCM non-users (n = 25,288; 97.4%). In the all variables-adjusted model, female patients had an adjusted odds ratio (OR; 95% CI) of TCM use of 1.35 (1.11–1.66). National Health Insurance (NHI) registration was associated with higher odds ratios of TCM use in central, southern, and eastern Taiwan than in northern Taiwan (ORs = 1.43, 1.86, and 1.82, respectively). NHI registration was associated with higher odds ratios of TCM use in rural cities than in urban cities (OR (95% CI) = 1.33 (1.02–1.72)). The TCM group had a 20% less likelihood of exhibiting symptoms, signs, and ill-defined conditions and injury and poisoning. The TCM group had a 56% lower likelihood of having diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue. Multi-level model outcomes were similar to the results of the all variables-adjusted model, except for the NHI registration outcome in rural and urban cities (OR [95% CI] = 1.33 [0.98–1.81]). Significant associations between the number of TCM visits and TCM use were observed in all logistic regression models. The study presented key demographic characteristics, health care use, and medical conditions associated with TCM use for CTS. Previous experience of TCM use may affect the use of TCM for CTS treatment. This information provides a reference for the allocations of relevant medical resources and health care providers.
Meng-Chuan Tsai; Yu-Hsien Kuo; Chih-Hsin Muo; Li-Wei Chou; Chung-Yen Lu. Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine Use for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2019, 16, 4086 .
AMA StyleMeng-Chuan Tsai, Yu-Hsien Kuo, Chih-Hsin Muo, Li-Wei Chou, Chung-Yen Lu. Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine Use for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16 (21):4086.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMeng-Chuan Tsai; Yu-Hsien Kuo; Chih-Hsin Muo; Li-Wei Chou; Chung-Yen Lu. 2019. "Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine Use for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 21: 4086.
This quarter's overview of the myofascial pain literature includes quite a few basic research papers in addition to the usual high quantity of dry needling (DN) papers. Of particular interest are a study by Fischer and colleagues studying the role of mitochondrial functions in chronic trigger points (TrPs) (Fischer et al 2018), a study by Li and associates who conducted a quantitative proteomics analysis to identify biomarkers of chronic myofascial pain and therapeutic targets of dry needling in a rat model of TrPs (Li et al 2019), and a sonography study by Mitchell et al. looking into the distances from the skin to the pleura in the context of DN (Mitchell et al 2019). A total of 33 papers are included in this overview article. We welcome Dr. Jacob Thorp to our team of authors. Dr. Thorp is a US-based physical therapist. He is Professor and Founding Director of the Physical Therapy Program at Charleston Southern University in North Charleston, SC.
Jan Dommerholt; Li-Wei Chou; Todd Hooks; Jacob N. Thorp. Myofascial pain and treatment: Editorial a critical overview of the current myofascial pain literature – August 2019. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 2019, 23, 773 -784.
AMA StyleJan Dommerholt, Li-Wei Chou, Todd Hooks, Jacob N. Thorp. Myofascial pain and treatment: Editorial a critical overview of the current myofascial pain literature – August 2019. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2019; 23 (4):773-784.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJan Dommerholt; Li-Wei Chou; Todd Hooks; Jacob N. Thorp. 2019. "Myofascial pain and treatment: Editorial a critical overview of the current myofascial pain literature – August 2019." Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 23, no. 4: 773-784.
The first article featured in this quarter's overview deserves special attention. Margalef and colleagues developed the first viable animal model of trigger points (TrPs). They also provided evidence of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) near TrPs, which is a new finding that deserves further scientific inquiry (Margalef et al 2019). In 2011, Stecco et al. already mentioned a possible role of hyaluronan, which constitutes a subgroup of GAGs, in the etiology of myofascial pain (Stecco et al 2011). Mayoral Del Moral and colleagues published an excellent study that showed very good inter-examiner reliability for identifying subjects with MPS for identifying specific muscles (Mayoral Del Moral et al 2018). Sollmann and colleagues described a new and objective method to identify TrPs, using T2 mapping with quantitative MRI-based techniques (Sollmann et al 2016). As usual, many new dry needling (DN) studies, reviews, manual TrP papers and case reports are included. Finally, we would like to thank Dr. Michelle Finnegan for her contributions to this overview paper during the past 5 years. Dr. Finnegan will be focusing on other professional endeavors and she will not return as a contributing author.
Jan Dommerholt; Todd Hooks; Li-Wei Chou; Michelle Finnegan. Myofascial pain and treatment: Editorial. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 2019, 23, 521 -531.
AMA StyleJan Dommerholt, Todd Hooks, Li-Wei Chou, Michelle Finnegan. Myofascial pain and treatment: Editorial. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2019; 23 (3):521-531.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJan Dommerholt; Todd Hooks; Li-Wei Chou; Michelle Finnegan. 2019. "Myofascial pain and treatment: Editorial." Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 23, no. 3: 521-531.
Summary This edition of the overview of current myofascial pain literature features several interesting and important publications. From Australia, Braithwaite and colleagues completed an outstanding systematic review of blinding procedures used in dry needling (DN) studies. Other papers tackled the interrater reliability of the identification of trigger points (TrP), the presence of muscle hardness related to latent TrPs, pelvic floor examination techniques, and the links between TrPs, headaches and shoulder pain. Israeli researchers developed a theoretical model challenging the contributions of the Cinderella Hypothesis to the development of TrPs. As in almost all issues, we included many DN, injection and acupuncture studies, which continue to be the focus of researchers all over the world.
Jan Dommerholt; Li-Wei Chou; Michelle Finnegan; Todd Hooks. A critical overview of the current myofascial pain literature – February 2019. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 2019, 23, 295 -305.
AMA StyleJan Dommerholt, Li-Wei Chou, Michelle Finnegan, Todd Hooks. A critical overview of the current myofascial pain literature – February 2019. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2019; 23 (2):295-305.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJan Dommerholt; Li-Wei Chou; Michelle Finnegan; Todd Hooks. 2019. "A critical overview of the current myofascial pain literature – February 2019." Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 23, no. 2: 295-305.
This is the first issue of this review column since the passing of Dr. Leon Chaitow. We would like to take a brief moment to acknowledge how much his mentorship, friendship, and confidence have meant to us. Leon was a force in osteopathic and naturopathic medicine and his influence reaches to all corners of the musculoskeletal realm crossing over many disciplines through his lectures, workshops, and of course, his many books, editorials, and articles. In the foreword to one of his books, Jan Dommerholt wrote that "Leon Chaitow […] continued the work of Travell and Simons, but also of many others, whose contributions he has skillfully woven into an intricate tapestry of clinical pearls, practical tips, and solid evidence-informed research." Dr. Chaitow was a synthesizer, who always considered what different clinicians and researchers could possibly contribute to a better understanding of pain and dysfunction and provide real solutions to real problems. Even when he would not necessarily agree with all suggested remedies, he maintained an open mind and was able to take a step back and consider the bigger picture. For example, Leon was not a big fan of dry needling, yet, he valued the importance of this approach and encouraged the inclusion of dry needling papers in this review article and in his journal. The Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies became his baby and, considering the growth of the journal, there is no question that Leon's intense focus and efforts are appreciated by many around the globe. We wish to extend our condolences to Leon's wife Alkmini and daughter Sasha. He will surely be missed, but we can find peace in knowing that his legacy will stay with us forever. In this issue, we have included several basic myofascial pain research articles. As usual, dry needling (DN) studies and case reports are the most commonly referenced papers, but we also included neuroscience and electromyography studies, sleep studies, interrater reliability studies, and case reports of adverse events.
Jan Dommerholt; Todd Hooks; Li-Wei Chou; Michelle Finnegan. A critical overview of the current myofascial pain literature – November 2018. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 2019, 23, 65 -73.
AMA StyleJan Dommerholt, Todd Hooks, Li-Wei Chou, Michelle Finnegan. A critical overview of the current myofascial pain literature – November 2018. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2019; 23 (1):65-73.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJan Dommerholt; Todd Hooks; Li-Wei Chou; Michelle Finnegan. 2019. "A critical overview of the current myofascial pain literature – November 2018." Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 23, no. 1: 65-73.