Background: Trigger finger causes pain and impaired hand function. Ultrasound and paraffin wax are commonly used but have cost and accessibility limitations; cassava wax may be a low-cost alternative, though its effectiveness remains unclear. Objective: To evaluate the immediate, short-term, and post-intervention effects of cassava wax immersion combined with ultrasound therapy on pain, pressure pain threshold, and upper extremity function in patients with trigger finger. Methods: In this single-blind, randomised controlled trial, 38 participants were randomly assigned to two groups ([ ] each). The experimental group received ultrasound therapy and cassava wax immersion. The control group received only ultrasound therapy. Both groups were treated three times per week for four weeks. Outcome measures included pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale), pressure pain threshold, frequency of finger locking, and upper extremity function (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire). Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in all outcomes ([ ]). Significant between-group differences in pain intensity were observed at all post-treatment time points, with lower pain intensity in the experimental group. The experimental group demonstrated greater increases in pressure pain threshold at immediate and short-term follow-ups and better upper extremity function at short-term and post-intervention follow-ups ([ ]). Conclusion: Ultrasound therapy combined with cassava wax immersion is more effective than ultrasound therapy alone for managing trigger finger, providing greater pain reduction and improved upper extremity function. Cassava wax may be a valuable, natural, and cost-effective option.

Background: Prolonged obesity in children can lead to a gradual decline in postural stability due to changes in biomechanics, musculoskeletal function, and neuromuscular control. Early interventions may help address these issues. This exploratory study examined the potential influence of Thai massage on postural stability in children with overweight and obesity. Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental, comparative design and was conducted at the Pa Tueng Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, Chiang Rai, Thailand. A total of 58 children meeting the criteria for overweight or obesity were systematically assigned to either the Thai massage group or the control group based on the order in which they were recruited. The Thai massage group received 45 min full-body Thai massage sessions combined with stretching exercises twice a week for six weeks (a total of 12 sessions), while the control group was advised to perform daily stretching exercises at home. Postural stability was assessed by measuring sway path length and sway velocity during double-leg and single-leg stances with eyes closed, both before and after the intervention. Results: While no statistically significant differences were found between the groups, the Thai massage group exhibited a non-significant trend toward reduced sway path length and sway velocity, whereas the control group showed a significant increase in both measures (p < 0.05), indicating a decline in postural stability over time. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Thai massage showed a potential trend toward stabilizing postural stability in children with overweight and obesity; however, the between-group differences were not statistically significant. As an exploratory study, further research with longer intervention durations and follow-up assessments is needed to determine whether clinically meaningful effects can be established.

Objective: To investigate the effects of modified stepping exercises over six weeks on functional mobility and individual lower extremity muscle strength in community-dwelling older individuals.Methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial design was conducted in thirty-two older adults who completed a modified stepping exercises program (n=16 for soft-surface stepping exercise; n=16 for firm-surface stepping exercise). These exercises were practiced for 50 minutes/day, three days/week, over six weeks. They were assessed for their functional mobility relating to levels of independence at baseline, after 4 weeks, after 6 weeks of intervention, and at 1 month after the last intervention sessions. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in functional mobility, lower extremity muscle strength, and walking speed after 4 and 6 weeks of intervention, as well as at the one-month follow-up. However, the soft-surface stepping exercise group exhibited significantly greater improvements in dynamic balance (p=0.035) and lower extremity muscle strength (p=0.015) compared to the firm-surface stepping exercise group after 6 weeks of intervention. Additionally, the soft-surface group demonstrated superior gains in hip flexor (p=0.041), hip extensor (p=0.047), hip adductor (p=0.026), and hip abductor strength (p=0.046), with these enhancements maintained at the one-month follow-up. Conclusion: Soft-surface stepping exercise that involves whole-body movements offers a promising alternative to promote independence and safety among community-dwelling older adults. This study underscores the need for future research to evaluate the sustained impact of these benefits post-intervention, particularly during a retention period following the intervention.