The effects of lower extremity cross-training on gait and balance in stroke patients: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial - European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine 2021 February;57(1):4-12 - Minerva Medica - Journals

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in muscle activation of the trunk and lower extremities and plantar foot pressure due to backpack loads of 0, 10, 15, and 20% of body weight during level walking in individuals with flatfoot. [Methods] Fourteen young flatfoot subjects and 12 normal foot subjects participated in this study. In each session, the subjects were assigned to carry a backpack load, and there were four level walking modes: (1) unloaded walking (0%), (2) 10% body weight (BW) load, (3) 15% BW load, and (4) 20% BW load. Trunk and lower extremity muscle activities were recorded by surface EMG, and contact area and plantar foot pressure were determined using a RS scan system. [Results] The erector spinae, vastus medialis, tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscle activities, but not the rectus femoris and rectus abdominis muscle activities of flatfoot subjects significantly and progressively increased as load increased in flatfoot subjects. Contact area and pressure of the lateral and medial heel zones were significantly increased too. [Conclusion] Based on this data, the weight of a backpack could influence muscle activation and plantar foot pressure in flatfoot.

Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of mirror training; however, only a few studies in Eastern countries have investigated fine-motor exercises using chopsticks, which have numerous advantages. We aimed to compare changes in coordination and dexterity of the non-dominant hand in healthy adults after conducting fine-motor training with the dominant hand using a mirror. We divided 100 healthy adults (age: 20–40 years) into experimental and control groups (each n = 50). The experimental group placed the non-dominant hand in a mirror box and indirectly imitated the fine-motor exercises conducted with the dominant hand using chopsticks. The control group performed the task with the non-dominant hand using chopsticks. We conducted the Chopsticks Manipulation Test and the Purdue Pegboard Test to assess the pre- and post-intervention coordination and dexterity of the non-dominant hand. Both groups showed a significant post-intervention improvement in coordination and dexterity (p < 0.01). There was no significant between-group difference in the functional improvement of coordination and dexterity (p > 0.05). Fine-motor training using mirrors and chopsticks significantly improved coordination and dexterity of the non-dominant hand. This training could be used to improve activity in brain regions associated with the non-dominant hand in healthy adults.

Ho-Hee Son, PT, PhD. KSPM 2020;15:10-21. https://doi.org/10.13066/kspm.2020.15.2.11

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of diaphragmatic breathing training with visual biofeedback on respiratory function in patients with multiple rib fractures. Patients and methods: Between June 2021 and October 2021, a total of 16 patients (15 males, 1 female; mean age: 49.50±11.85 years; range, 25 to 66 years) who were diagnosed with multiple rib fractures were randomly assigned into two groups as the control group (CG, n=8) and the visual biofeedback group (VBG, n=8). The effect of each diaphragmatic breathing training on respiratory function was evaluated before and after eight interventions. For respiratory function, pulmonary function test was used to measure pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength, and the Pain, Inspiratory capacity, Cough (PIC) score was used to evaluated pain, inspiratory capacity, and cough ability. Results: In both groups, the pulmonary function representing the ratio of measurements to predicted values of both forced vital capacity (CG mean difference=25.37±4.58, p=0.002, VBG mean difference=24.25±3.96, p=0.007) and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (CG mean difference=32.38±5.7, p=0.002, VBG mean difference=26.15±5.73, p< 0.001) increased significantly. The maximal inspiratory (CG mean difference=14.00±0.35, p=0.002, VBG mean difference=20.5±6.26, p=0.009) and expiratory pressure (CG mean difference=43.72±29.44, p=0.034, VBG mean difference=25.76±6.78, p=0.015), the indicators of respiratory muscle strength, increased significantly in both groups. The PIC score, which evaluated pain, inspiratory capacity, and cough ability, also increased significantly in both groups (CG mean difference=1.63±0.26, p≤0.001, VBG mean difference=3.13±0.19, p< 0.001). The change of PIC score after intervention did not significantly differ between the groups (F=1.439, p=0.250); however, there was a significant difference over time (F=38.476, p< 0.001). The change of PIC scores differed over time between the groups (F=2.806 p=0.011). Conclusion: Diaphragmatic breathing training and diaphragmatic breathing training with visual biofeedback can improve pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, pain, inspiratory capacity, and cough ability in patients with multiple rib fractures.

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of McConnell and Kinesio tapings on knee pain and gait parameters during stair ambulation in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Materials and Methods: We selected 52 young adults suffering from anterior knee pain due to PFPS to participate. Then, we randomly assigned 26 patients to either the McConnell or the Kinesio taping groups. We measured their knee pain and gait parameters during stair ambulation before and after the interventions. For the measured data, we performed a paired t-test to evaluate the amount of change before and after the intervention within the groups and an independent t-test to compare the groups. Results: From the comparison within the groups, we found a significant difference in both groups in the anterior knee pain scale score (p < 0.05) and a significant difference between the groups as well (p < 0.05). As a result of the analysis of the gait parameters while ascending stairs in the comparison within the groups, both groups showed significant differences in all gait variables, except for the double-support stance (p < 0.05), and we found significant differences in all gait variables, except for the double-support stance, in the comparison between the groups (p < 0.05). Regarding the gait variables during stair descent in the comparison within the groups (p < 0.05), both groups showed significant differences in all of the gait variables; we noted significant differences in the double-support stance, step length, velocity, and cadence in the comparison between the groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The McConnell and Kinesio tapings were effective in improving knee pain and gait parameters during ambulation in patients with PFPS, but we found that the McConnell taping had a significant impact on pain reduction during stair ambulation, resulting in further improvement in the gait variables.