This study aimed to investigate the effects of semi-immersive virtual reality-based cognitive training (VRCT) combined with locomotor activity on cognitive function, balance, and gait ability in older adults. Eighteen community-dwelling older adults participated in this study. Subjects who met the selection criteria were assigned to an experimental group (n = 9) and a control group (n = 9). The experimental group received VRCT combined with locomotor activity for 30 min a day, three times a week, for 6 weeks. The control group received tabletop activity-based cognitive training for the same amount of time. Before and after the training, the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), Trail Making Test (TMT; A and B), and Digit Span Test (DST; forward and backward) were used to evaluate cognitive function; and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and 10-m Walking Test (10MWT) were used to evaluate the improvement in the balance and gait ability parameters. After the intervention, the experimental group showed a significantly greater improvement in the TMT-A (p = 0.045) and DST-backward (p = 0.012) scores compared with the control group. Regarding the gait ability variable, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in the 10MWT test (p = 0.001). This study confirmed that semi-immersive VRCT combined with locomotor activity is useful for improving cognitive function and gait ability in older adults. Therefore, VRCT combined with locomotor activity can be used as a simultaneous intervention for cognitive rehabilitation and functional capacity improvement in older adults.

Background: Recently, swallowing resistive exercise using kinesiology taping (KT) has been reported as a novel method for dysphagia rehabilitation However, clinical evidence is still unclear, and effects in the elderly have not been confirmed. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of suprahyoid muscle strengthening exercise using KT on muscle activation and thickness in community-dwelling elderly. Methods: A total of 24 healthy older people were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned to an experimental group and a placebo group. In the experimental group, KT was attached to the front of the neck with a tension of about 70% to 80%, and a resistive swallowing exercise was performed. In the placebo group, the tape was applied similarly but without tension. Both groups performed resistive swallowing exercises 10 times a day (50 swallows per day) for 6 weeks. The activation and thickness of the suprahyoid muscles were measured using portable ultrasound equipment and an surface electromyelograph device. Results: The experimental group showed a significant increase in suprahyoid muscle activation (mean and peak) and muscle thickness (digastric and mylohyoid) than the placebo group (all, P < .05). Conclusion: This study confirmed that suprahyoid muscle strengthening exercise using KT had a positive effect on the suprahyoid muscles in healthy older adults, thus suggesting the possibility of a therapeutic exercise method for dysphagia rehabilitation.

Background: Kinesiology taping (KT) has recently been reported as a novel therapeutic method for improving swallowing function. However, the clinical evidence supporting use of KT in dysphagia rehabilitation remains unclear. This study aimed to systematically review the clinical studies on applying KT in dysphagia rehabilitation and application guidelines. Methods: This systematic review conducted a literature search across 4 databases to identify relevant studies published on using KT in swallowing rehabilitation between 2010 and 2023. A total of 14 studies were selected based on the type of KT intervention, outcome measures, and critical findings. These studies were then organized according to patient, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO), and methodological quality was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. Results: This review included 14 articles, comprising 8 randomized controlled trials, 5 one-group pre–post, and 1 case study. KT was applied to the orbicularis oris and masseter muscles in the oral phase, as well as the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles in the pharyngeal phase, to improve swallowing function. Findings indicated increased activation of the suprahyoid muscle, improved sucking and lip-closure function, decreased drooling, increased movement of the larynx during swallowing, decreased airway aspiration, and improved quality of life related to swallowing. Conclusion: Dysphagia rehabilitation utilizing KT presents a promising novel therapeutic approach expected to positively impact the recovery of larynx movement, muscle activity, muscle hypertrophy, and swallowing function.