Whole-body vibration training (WBVT) is emerging as an alternative exercise method that be easily performed by older adults. This clinical trial investigates the efficacy of WBVT in improving muscle strength and physical performance before resistance exercise, in comparison to conventional resistance exercise after stretching exercise in older adults. The WBVT group (n = 20) performed WBVT using a vibrating platform (SW-VC15™), followed by strengthening exercises. The control group (n = 20) performed stretching instead of WBVT. Both groups underwent a total of 12 sessions (50 min per session). The primary outcome was isokinetic dynamometer. The secondary outcomes were grip strength, short physical performance battery (SPPB), a 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), and body composition analysis. In all results, only the time effect was significant, and the group effect or time x group effect was not. Both groups showed a significant increase in isokinetic dynamometer. Although there was no significant group effect, the increase in mean peak torque was greater in the WBVT group. The only WBVT group showed significant improvement in SPPB. In SF-36, only the control group showed significant improvements. WBVT can be safely performed by older adults and may be an alternative exercise method to boost the effect of strengthening exercise.

Dysphagia is the most common complication of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Several studies have reported dysphagia’s incidence, severity, and prognosis after ACDF; however, few have investigated the objective effects of dysphagia management. We aimed to elucidate the efficacy of laryngeal rehabilitation therapy for dysphagia following ACDF. This prospective randomized control trial included 20 patients who underwent more than two-level ACDF. Laryngeal rehabilitation therapy was performed on 10 patients for 7 days, whereas the remaining 10 comprised the control group. Pharyngeal transit time (PTT) by videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) was performed to evaluate the objective state of swallowing. We analyzed Bazaz scale and total variance of prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PSTS) from C2 to C7 on lateral cervical radiographs during hospitalization and at 4 and 8 weeks post-surgery. The PTT of the rehabilitation group was shorter than that of the control group at 7 days and 4 weeks post-surgery (p-value; POD 7D = 0.003, POD 4W = 0.042, POD 8W = 0.097). Perioperative laryngeal rehabilitation therapy effectively reduces postoperative dysphagia after ACDF.

Core muscle Strengthening Effect During Spine Stabilization Exercise Core muscle strengthening;Spine stabilization exercise device;Whole body tilt;Musculoskeletal model; Core spinal muscles are related to trunk stability and assume the main role of stabilizing the spine during daily activities; strengthening of core muscles around the spine can therefore reduce the chance of back pain. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of core muscle strengthening in the spine during spine stabilization exercise using a whole body tilt device. To achieve this, a validated musculoskeletal (MS) model of the whole body was used to replicate the input motion from the whole body tilting exercise. An inverse dynamics analysis was executed to estimate spine loads and muscle forces depending on the tilting angles of the exercise device. The activation of long and superficial back muscles such as the erector spinae (iliocostalis and longissimus) were mainly affected by the forward direction (-40°) of the tilt, while the front muscles (psoas major, quadratus lumborum, and external and internal obliques) were mainly affected by the backward tilting direction (40°). Deep muscles such as the multifidi and short muscles were activated in most directions of the rotation and tilt. The backward directions of the tilt using this device could be carefully applied for the elderly and for rehabilitation patients who are expected to have less muscle strength. In this study, it was shown that the spine stabilization exercise device can provide considerable muscle exercise effect.

Background/Objectives: This clinical trial aimed to determine whether perturbation-based gait training (PBGT) on a split-belt treadmill enhances balance and muscle strength in older adults, comparing its effectiveness with walking-only training on a treadmill. Methods: This single-center, prospective, single-blind (assessor), randomized controlled trial included 24 older adults from the Rehabilitation Center of Jeonbuk National University Hospital. Participants were equally divided into the PBGT and control groups. Both groups underwent 12 training sessions, three times a week for 4 weeks, for a total of 43 min per session. The outcomes, including the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), Falls Efficacy Scale International, timed up-and-go (TUG) test, functional reach test, and lower-extremity manual muscle test scores, were measured at three time points: pre-training, post-training, and four weeks after training. Results: While there were no significant differences between the two groups, the PBGT group demonstrated significant improvements in its FTSST and TUG values. Conclusions: Unpredictable perturbation training on a split-belt treadmill can be safely performed by older adults and may serve as an alternative exercise method to enhance physical performance and balance ability for fall prevention.

This clinical pilot study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of a newly developed device, Smart Naso^TM, for resonance disorders and compare its performance with that of the Nasometer II 6450. A group of 18 total participants (nine each in normal and hypernasality groups) were examined using the VIP inspection and K SNAP Test while wearing Nasometer II 6450 or Smart Naso^TM, and the reliability of the new device and similarity of both devices were evaluated. When the newly developed Smart Naso™ and Nasometer II 6450 were applied to the hypernasality group, similarity was observed (Smart Naso^TM: 0.776–0.989, Nasometer II: 0.922–0.996). In the test–retest reliability evaluation, both devices were found to be highly effective and reliable in the hypernasality group (Smart Naso^TM: 0.948, Nasometer II: 0.953); the Smart Naso^TM was found to be similarly effective and reliable for clinical applications. Smart Naso™ exhibited comparable effectiveness to that of Nasometer II 6450 and exhibits clinical utility for patients with hypernasality and those diagnosed with cleft lip and palate, cleft palate, and submucosal cleft palate.