This study aims to investigate the effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy on selective motor control, spasticity, gross motor function, and balance in children with unilateral cerebral palsy. This randomised controlled study recruited 34 children aged 7–9 with spastic unilateral cerebral palsy. They were randomly allocated to either the control or study group. Both groups undertook traditional exercises for 12 weeks. The study group received shock waves (one session/week) on the calf muscle (1500 shocks, frequency of 4 Hz, energy of 0.030 mJ/mm²). All children were evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks using the Modified Ashworth Scale, a Biodex System 4 isokinetic dynamometer, dimensions D (standing) and E (walking) of the Gross Motor Function Measure – 88, the Trost Selective Motor Control test, and the single leg standing test. Mixed analysis of variance and Mann–Whitney results showed significant improvement in eccentric peak torque, torque threshold angles, gross motor function, selective motor control, and balance in the study group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Shock wave therapy may be a valuable instrument for reducing spasticity, improving the ability to isolate and control movement, and consequently, improving balance and gross motor function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy.

Mechanical low back pain (MLBP) is a major cause of illness and disability, especially in people of working age. People with chronic low back pain often experience anger, fear, anxiety, decrease in physical ability, and inadequacy of role fulfillment. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of extension exercise program versus muscle energy technique in treating patients with chronic mechanical low back pain. Forty patients complaining of chronic mechanical low back pain participated in the study. Patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups: group A which received spinal extension exercise program and group B which received muscle energy technique. Treatment sessions were given three times per week for four successive weeks. Patients were assessed before and after treatment using visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and digital goniometer to assess pain intensity, functional disability, and range of motion (ROM) of lumbar spine respectively. There was significant decrease in the scores of pain and functional disability in both groups post-treatment especially in group B. There was significant increase in lumbar range of motion in both groups post-treatment, especially in group A. Extension exercise program had better effect on improving lumbar range of motion, whereas muscle energy technique was better in decreasing pain and functional disability in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain.

Inability to use the affected upper extremity (UE) in daily activities is a common complaint in stroke patients. The somatosensory system (central and peripheral) is essential for brain reorganization and plasticity. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is considered an effective modality for improving UE function in stroke patients. The aim of the current study was to determine the therapeutic effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) acupoints on cortical activity and the motor function of the affected UE in chronic stroke patients. Forty male and female patients diagnosed with stroke agreed to join the study. They were randomly assigned to group 1 (G1) and group 2 (G2). G1 received task-specific training (TST) and sham electrical stimulation while G2 received TST in addition to TENS acupoints. Session duration was 80 min. Both groups received 18 sessions for 6 successive weeks, 3 sessions per week. Evaluation was carried out before and after completion of the treatment program. Outcome measures used were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the upper extremity (FMA-UE) and the box and block test (BBT) as measures of the motor function of the affected UE. Brain activity of the motor area (C3) in the ipsilesional hemisphere was measured using a quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG). The measured parameter was peak frequency. It was noted that the motor function of the affected UE improved significantly post-treatment in both groups, while no significant change was reported in the FMA-UE and BBT scores post-treatment in either G1 or G2. On the other hand, the activity of the motor area C3 improved significantly in G2 only, post-treatment, while G1 showed no significant improvement. There was also significant improvement in the activity of the motor area (C3) in G2 compared to G1 post-treatment. The results of the current study indicate that TST only or combined with TENS acupoints can be considered an effective method for improving motor function of the affected UE in chronic stroke patients, both being equally effective. However, TST combined with TENS acupoints proved better in improving brain plasticity in chronic stroke patients.

Recovery of lower extremity (LE) function in chronic stroke patients is considered a barrier to community reintegration. An adequate training program is required to improve neural and functional performance of the affected LE in chronic stroke patients. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of somatosensory rehabilitation on neural and functional recovery of LE in stroke patients. Thirty male and female patients were recruited and randomized to equal groups: control group (GI) and intervention group (GII). All patients were matched for age, duration of stroke, and degree of motor impairment of the affected LE. Both groups received standard program of physical therapy in addition to somatosensory rehabilitation for GII. The duration of treatment for both groups was eight consecutive weeks. Outcome measures used were Functional Independent Measure (FIM) and Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG), obtained pre- and post-treatment. A significant improvement was found in the FIM scores of the intervention group (GII), as compared to the control group (GI) (p < 0.001). Additionally, QEEG scores improved within the intervention group post-treatment. QEEG scores did not improve within the control group post-treatment, except for “Cz-AR”, compared to pretreatment, with no significant difference between groups. Adding somatosensory training to standard physical therapy program results in better improvement of neuromuscular control of LE function in chronic stroke patients.

Background and Objective: Stroke, a major contributor to long-term disability worldwide, often results in significant impairments in motor function. These impairments can include weakness, impaired balance, and decreased coordination, which can have a significant influence on one’s quality of life and independence. Finding an effective protocol for rehabilitation to improve these points will decrease the impact of stroke and its coast of rehabilitation. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted to assess the effect of lower limb plyometric exercises on strength, postural control, and risk of falling in stroke patients. Materials and Methods: This study involved 40 chronic left stroke patients randomly divided into two equal groups. The experimental group participated in a 12-week supervised plyometric training program, while the control group received conventional physical therapy program. Lower limb muscle strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer, and balance and fall risk were assessed via the Biodex Balance System (BBS). These measurements were conducted before and after the intervention period to evaluate treatment effects. Results: The results of this study demonstrated significant improvements in muscle strength and balance parameters among stroke patients who underwent plyometric exercise compared to those receiving a conventional program. The plyometric group exhibited significantly greater increases in knee extension strength (p < 0.05), hip abduction strength (p < 0.05), ankle dorsiflexion strength (p < 0.05), and ankle eversion strength (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the plyometric group showed significant improvements in overall stability (p < 0.05), mediolateral stability (p < 0.05), and anteroposterior stability (p < 0.05), as measured by the Biodex Balance System (BBS). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that plyometric exercise may be an effective intervention for decreased risk of falling and enhancing muscle strength and balance during recovery from stroke.

This study examines the effect of behavioural therapy (biofeedback) and interferential current on bladder dysfunction in multiple sclerosis patients. Fifty patients with secondary progressive type multiple sclerosis (SPMS) suffering from bladder dysfunction were divided equally into two groups randomly. Group A (GA) received behavioural therapy (biofeedback training), while Group B (GB) received interferential current training. Both groups were assessed by urodynamics for detrusor pressure and maximum flow rate before and after eight weeks of behavioural therapy and interferential training. Both groups, GA and GB, showed significant increase in the detrusor pressure and maximum flow rate after eight weeks of training. There was no significant difference between both methods. However, GA showed more improvement by close observation. Both behavioural therapy and interferential current training effectively managed bladder dysfunction in patients with SPMS, with more evident effects in behavioural therapy patients by close observation.