Topic Editors

Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
Prof. Dr. Ki-Hun Cho
Department of Physical Therapy, Korea National University of Transportation, Jeungpyeong 27909, Republic of Korea
Graduate School of Integrative Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
Dr. Hye-Rim Suh
Department of Physical Therapy, Baekseok University, Cheonan-si 31065, Republic of Korea

New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy

Abstract submission deadline
10 December 2024
Manuscript submission deadline
10 February 2025
Viewed by
17826

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physical therapy and occupational therapy have seen remarkable growth in recent years due to technological breakthroughs, novel therapeutic approaches, and a deeper understanding of biomechanics. This Topic aims to be a platform for the dissemination of pioneering research, pushing the boundaries of traditional practices and fostering dynamic idea exchange.

Our focus includes diverse therapeutic approaches such as manual therapy, electrotherapy, exercise regimens, soft tissue mobilization, and taping methodologies. Authors are invited to explore these interventions' application methods and effects on patients with various conditions. We aim to provide practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of interventional efficacy in diverse clinical scenarios using empirical evidence and case studies.

We also seek submissions on innovative clinical measurement methods, encouraging insights into assessing patient progress, functional outcomes, and treatment efficacy using advanced technologies or interdisciplinary approaches.

Researchers worldwide are invited to contribute to topics like rehabilitation techniques, technological interventions, evidence-based practices, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Our goal is to showcase the advancements revolutionizing physical therapy and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

Join us on this journey to propel the field forward through collaboration and knowledge exchange. Your contributions will enrich academic discourse and directly impact global patient care. We eagerly await your submissions.

Best Regards,
Dr. Hwi-Young Cho
Prof. Dr. Ki-Hun Cho
Dr. Suk-Chan Hahm
Dr. Hye-Rim Suh
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • manual therapy
  • exoskeleton
  • taping
  • soft tissue mobilization
  • musculoskeletal disorders
  • neurological disorders
  • muscle activity
  • balance
  • gait
  • physical therapy

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Healthcare
healthcare
2.4 3.5 2013 20.5 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Journal of Clinical Medicine
jcm
3.0 5.7 2012 17.3 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Journal of Personalized Medicine
jpm
3.0 4.1 2011 16.7 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Medicina
medicina
2.4 3.3 1920 17.8 Days CHF 2200 Submit

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Published Papers (14 papers)

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14 pages, 801 KiB  
Article
Effects of Integrating Jaw Opening and Closing Movements with Active Neck Exercises in the Management of Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Saeed Akhter, Hamayun Zafar, Ashfaq Ahmad and Waqas Ahmed Farooqui
Medicina 2024, 60(9), 1437; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60091437 - 3 Sep 2024
Viewed by 295
Abstract
Background and Objectives: It has been seen that jaw opening is associated with neck extension and jaw closing is associated with neck flexion. This natural association between the jaw and neck can be used as a novel approach to treat chronic non-specific [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: It has been seen that jaw opening is associated with neck extension and jaw closing is associated with neck flexion. This natural association between the jaw and neck can be used as a novel approach to treat chronic non-specific neck pain, although the effects of this concept have never been previously evaluated as a treatment strategy. This article intends to study the effects of integrating jaw opening and closing movements along with active neck exercises versus active neck exercises alone in the management of chronic non-specific neck pain. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 patients, aged 20 to 50, with chronic non-specific neck pain were included in a double-blind randomized controlled trial, conducted at the Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Karachi, Pakistan from 2018 to 2022. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A patients were assigned jaw movements with active neck exercises, while Group B patients were assigned only active neck exercises. Both groups were assigned isometric strengthening exercises and self-resisted strengthening exercises for cervical spine muscles as a home plan. The study used various outcome measures, including the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), neck disability index (NDI), neck flexion endurance (NFE), neck extension endurance (NEE), the neck proprioception error (NPE): neck flexion proprioception error (NFPE), neck extension proprioception error (NEPE), neck right rotation proprioception error (NRRPE), and neck left rotation proprioception error (NLRPE), with measurements taken at week 1 and week 6, respectively; the mean differences between the groups were measured using a two-way repeated ANOVA. Results: The experimental group showed better improvements compared to the control group, NPRS (73%), NDI (57%), NFE (152%), NEE (83%), NFPE (58%), NEPE (65%), NRRPE (65%), and NLRPE (62%), with a significant difference (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Active neck extension and flexion movements combined with jaw opening and closing are more effective in reducing pain and disability, improving neck muscles endurance and normalizing neck proprioception in patients with chronic neck pain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)
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13 pages, 8214 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Combined Balance Exercise on Knee Range of Motion, Balance, Gait, and Functional Outcomes in Acute Phase Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
by Jungae An, Seong-Jin Cheon and Byoung-Hee Lee
Medicina 2024, 60(9), 1389; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60091389 - 24 Aug 2024
Viewed by 353
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) improves balance performance in patients with osteoarthritis; however, balance deficit and fall incidence after TKA have been reported. This study aimed to determine the effects of combined balance exercises on knee range of motion (ROM), [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) improves balance performance in patients with osteoarthritis; however, balance deficit and fall incidence after TKA have been reported. This study aimed to determine the effects of combined balance exercises on knee range of motion (ROM), balance, gait, and functional outcomes during the acute phase after TKA. Materials and Methods: A total of 42 participants were randomly assigned to either the combined balance group (n = 21) or the general physical therapy (control) group (n = 21). The combined balance exercise group performed exercise programs for 30 min per session, five times a week for 4 weeks (20 sessions), and the control group completed general physical therapy, which included active simple exercise. Measurements were performed before and after the 4 weeks of training to assess changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), knee joint ROM, static balance, timed up-and-go (TUG), and 10 m walk test (10 MWT). Results: The combined balance exercise group demonstrated significant improvements post intervention (p < 0.05) for all outcomes. The time × group interaction effect for the WOMAC scores showed statistically significant interaction effects for pain, stiffness, and physical function; the static and dynamic balance values showed statistically significant interaction effects for CEA, PL, AV, and TUG; and gait ability showed a significant interaction effect for the 10 m walk test (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study confirmed that combined balance training with general physical therapy has a positive effect on ROM, static and dynamic balance, gait, and functional outcomes in the acute phase post TKA and that combined balance exercise can be proposed as a rapid rehabilitation intervention with general physical therapy following TKA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)
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15 pages, 2042 KiB  
Article
Effects of 60 versus 30 Minutes of Pilates Exercise on Cervicothoracic Alignment, Muscle Strength, and Endurance in University Students with Upper Crossed Syndrome
by Woo-Lim Mun and Su-Yeon Roh
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(15), 4376; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13154376 - 26 Jul 2024
Viewed by 537
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study determined the effects of 60 min or 30 min Pilates program on cervicothoracic alignment, muscular strength, and endurance in university students with upper-crossed syndrome (UCS). Methods: Twenty-six university students with UCS were randomly allocated into 60 min Pilates [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study determined the effects of 60 min or 30 min Pilates program on cervicothoracic alignment, muscular strength, and endurance in university students with upper-crossed syndrome (UCS). Methods: Twenty-six university students with UCS were randomly allocated into 60 min Pilates (60 PG, n = 9), 30 min Pilates (30 PG, n = 9), and control (CG, n = 8) groups. The 60 and 30 PG students participated in the Pilates program, focusing on relaxation, stability, mobility, and strengthening of the cervical, thoracic, and scapular muscles for 60 or 30 min per session, twice a week, for 12 weeks. Cervicothoracic alignment was measured using BodyStyle to determine craniovertebral angle (CVA), forward shoulder angle (FSA), head position angle (HPA), head tilt angle (HTA), and kyphosis angle (KA). We measured the muscular strength and endurance of the shoulder on the dominant side. Results: After the intervention, CVA, HPA, HTA, and KA significantly improved in the 60 and 30 PG (all p < 0.01) but not in the CG (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences between the 60 and 30 PG at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Shoulder strength differed between shoulder flexion and horizontal abduction (p < 0.01). Shoulder endurance differed between extension, flexion, and horizontal abduction (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: This study confirmed the effectiveness of the Pilates program in improving cervicothoracic sagittal alignment and shoulder muscular function in university students with UCS. Additionally, the effects of participating in 60 and 30 min Pilates programs were found to be equivalent. Therefore, encouraging busy university students to participate in at least 30 min of the Pilates program is important. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)
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11 pages, 273 KiB  
Article
Effects of Wrist Stability Training Combined with Grip Strength Exercise on Pain and Function in Patients with Nonspecific Chronic Wrist Pain
by Seung-Ji Hong, Mi-Young Lee and Byoung-Hee Lee
Medicina 2024, 60(7), 1144; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60071144 - 16 Jul 2024
Viewed by 716
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Non-specific chronic wrist pain is wrist pain that occurs without a specific cause, such as trauma, and may limit the range of motion of the joints of the wrist and hand, affecting muscle strength, grip strength, and function. This study [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Non-specific chronic wrist pain is wrist pain that occurs without a specific cause, such as trauma, and may limit the range of motion of the joints of the wrist and hand, affecting muscle strength, grip strength, and function. This study aimed to determine the effects of grip-strengthening exercises combined with wrist stability training on pain and function in patients with non-specific chronic wrist pain. Materials and Methods: The subjects of the study were 31 patients with wrist pain. To determine the effect of grip-strengthening exercises combined with wrist stability training, 15 participants participated in grip-strengthening exercises combined with wrist stability training and 16 control subjects participated. The experimental group participated in wrist-stability training. Grip-strengthening exercises combined with wrist stability training were performed for 20 min/day twice a week for 4 weeks, and relaxation massage and conservative physical therapy were performed for 20 min/day twice a week for 4 weeks. The control group received relaxation massage and conservative physical therapy for 40 min/day twice a week for 4 weeks. A visual pain scale was used to evaluate the degree of pain before and after treatment, and a patient-rated wrist evaluation was used to evaluate wrist function. Results: The results showed that the visual score significantly decreased in the time effect before and after the intervention in both groups (p < 0.001), patient-rated wrist evaluation significantly decreased (p < 0.001), and grip strength and muscle strength significantly increased (p < 0.001). The results of this study showed that grip-strengthening exercises combined with wrist stability training were effective in improving pain, function, grip strength, and muscle strength in patients with non-specific chronic wrist pain. Conclusions: Grip-strengthening exercises combined with wrist stability training can be used as an effective intervention method to improve pain, function, grip strength, and muscle strength, emphasizing the need for wrist exercise interventions in patients with non-specific chronic wrist pain in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)
11 pages, 10077 KiB  
Brief Report
Quantum Medicine and Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Associated Chronic Low-Back Pain: A Pilot Observational Study on the Clinical and Bio-Psycho-Social Effects of Bioresonance Therapy
by Giovanni Barassi, Giuseppe Alessandro Pirozzi, Angelo Di Iorio, Raffaello Pellegrino, Piero Galasso, Dietmar Heimes, Barbara Praitano, Pier Enrico Gallenga, Loris Prosperi, Antonio Moccia and Maurizio Panunzio
Medicina 2024, 60(7), 1099; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60071099 - 5 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1139
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an invasive and potentially disabling syndrome characterized by a multitude of symptoms capable of reducing the quality of life of patients. Among the most disabling symptoms of IBS is certainly physical pain, which manifests [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an invasive and potentially disabling syndrome characterized by a multitude of symptoms capable of reducing the quality of life of patients. Among the most disabling symptoms of IBS is certainly physical pain, which manifests itself mainly at the abdominal level but can also appear in other areas of the body, particularly in the form of chronic low-back pain (CLBP). Among the non-invasive methods of treating organ-specific pathologies and organ-related musculoskeletal problems, the use of Bioresonance Therapy (BT)—based on the administration of self-modulating Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, capable of determining a rebalance of bio-electrical and metabolic activity in the presence of various functional alterations—is currently gaining acceptance. Therefore, we decided to monitor results obtained from patients suffering from IBS and CLBP subjected to a cycle of treatments with BT. Materials and Methods: We monitored 20 patients (12 women and 8 men, average age of 51 years) suffering from CLBP and other visceral symptoms related to IBS. Patients were monitored through the use of the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), the Fecal Calprotectin test and the Short-Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36), collected before (T0) and after (T1) the execution of the cycle of treatments. They undertook a treatment protocol consisting of eight sessions of BT carried out over about a month. Results: At the end of the treatments with BT, it was possible to observe a general and significant improvement in all the parameters observed, as well as a close inversely proportional correlation between the Calprotectin values detected and the quality of life experienced by the patients in relation to their perceived IBS symptoms. Conclusions: Overall, our pilot study would seem to suggest a potential beneficial effect of BT in modulating organic and musculoskeletal symptoms derived from IBS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)
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19 pages, 498 KiB  
Article
Experiences of Patients with Breast Cancer Participating in a Prehabilitation Program: A Qualitative Study
by Anabel Casanovas-Álvarez, Raquel Sebio-Garcia, Jaume Masià and Ester Mateo-Aguilar
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(13), 3732; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13133732 - 26 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1087
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer diagnosis among women worldwide. Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have shown the benefits of exercise before, during, and after cancer treatment to manage side effects related to cancer and its therapies. However, [...] Read more.
Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer diagnosis among women worldwide. Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have shown the benefits of exercise before, during, and after cancer treatment to manage side effects related to cancer and its therapies. However, these are poorly implemented across the disease-span, specifically, during the preoperative setting. Methods: Patients diagnosed with BC and participating in a randomized controlled trial on the effects of a prehabilitation program based on Nordic walking, muscle strengthening, and therapeutic education were invited to participate in this qualitative substudy. Two groups of eight patients each were recorded, transcript and analyzed using a specialized software (Atlas-Ti®, version 24). Results: During the axial codification phase, 22 unique codes and 6 main themes were identified related to their experience with the program, namely, (1) information received prior to participating; (2) motivation to participate; (3) barriers; (4) facilitators; (5) perceived degree of support from healthcare workers as well as peers; and (6) satisfaction with the characteristics of the prehabilitation program. Conclusions: Patients interviewed showed great interest in prehabilitation as a way to prepare both physically and mentally for surgery. In order to implement these interventions, healthcare systems need to acknowledge barriers and facilitators as well as the need for these programs to be supervised and monitored to avoid adverse events. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)
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10 pages, 535 KiB  
Article
Polish Cultural Adaptation and Reliability of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Performance and Sensory Assessment Scale in Stroke Patients
by Magdalena Goliwąs, Joanna Małecka, Katarzyna Adamczewska, Marta Flis-Masłowska, Jacek Lewandowski and Piotr Kocur
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(13), 3710; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13133710 - 26 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1035
Abstract
Background and Purpose: The Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Performance and Sensory Assessment Scale (FMA) is the most commonly used and recommended outcome measure for the sensorimotor impairment of the upper and lower limbs in stroke patients. The aim of this study was [...] Read more.
Background and Purpose: The Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Performance and Sensory Assessment Scale (FMA) is the most commonly used and recommended outcome measure for the sensorimotor impairment of the upper and lower limbs in stroke patients. The aim of this study was to perform cross-cultural translation and adaptation of the scale into Polish and to evaluate the FMA’s reliability of motor performance and sensation of the upper and lower limb sections among ischemic stroke patients. Methods: The Polish version of the FMA (FMA-PL) was developed using a forward–backward translation performed by a group of experts and then evaluated by a panel of judges according to international guidelines. The study involved 86 patients (F = 30, M = 56, i.e., 35%; the average age of patients was 64 ± 12 years, 36 with right-sided stroke and 50 with left-sided stroke). The FMA-PL was carried out twice by two experienced neurological physiotherapists with a 2 h gap between assessments (test–retest and inter-rater). The reliability of the outcome measure was defined by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The standard error of measurement (SEM) and the minimum detectable change (MDC) were also calculated. The internal consistency of the test was determined by the Cronbach’s alpha indicator. Results: Three domains were evaluated on the FMA-PL scale. From the whole test, results were obtained in the range of 12–124 points: 64 points for FMA-UE-PL 2, 34 points for FMA-LE-PL 4, and 24 points for FMA-S-PL 0. The ICC values were in the range of 0.99–1.00 for the total FMA-PL score and the results of each domain. The SEM and MDC for the entire FMA-PL calculated for test–retest measurements were 0.22 and 1.60, respectively. The SEM and MDC for the total FMA-PL score obtained during repeated measurements of the same investigator were 1.3 and 3.5 points, respectively. The Cronbach’s alpha values calculated for the total FMA-PL, FMA-UE-PL, FMA-LE-PL, and FMA-S-PL items amounted to 0.938–0.939, 0.932–0.934, and 0.634–0.722, respectively. Conclusions: The Polish version of the FMA is a consistent and reliable outcome measure for the motor and sensory evaluation of the upper and lower limbs for patients in subacute and chronic stroke stages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)
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15 pages, 2353 KiB  
Systematic Review
Low-Medium and High-Intensity Inspiratory Muscle Training in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Irini Patsaki, Alexandros Kouvarakos, Ioannis Vasileiadis, Georgios A. Koumantakis, Eleni Ischaki, Eirini Grammatopoulou, Anastasia Kotanidou and Eleni E. Magira
Medicina 2024, 60(6), 869; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60060869 - 26 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 942
Abstract
Background and objectives: Mechanical ventilation is often used in intensive care units to assist patients’ breathing. This often leads to respiratory muscle weakness and diaphragmatic dysfunction, causing weaning difficulties. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been found to be beneficial in increasing inspiratory [...] Read more.
Background and objectives: Mechanical ventilation is often used in intensive care units to assist patients’ breathing. This often leads to respiratory muscle weakness and diaphragmatic dysfunction, causing weaning difficulties. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been found to be beneficial in increasing inspiratory muscle strength and facilitating weaning. Over the years, different protocols and devices have been used. Materials and Methods: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effectiveness of low-medium (LM-IMT) and high-intensity (H-IMT) threshold inspiratory muscle training in critically ill patients. A systematic literature search was performed for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the electronic databases Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct. The search involved screening for studies examining the effectiveness of two different intensities of threshold IMT in critically ill patients published the last 10 years. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale was chosen as the tool to assess the quality of studies. A meta-analysis was performed where possible. Results: Fourteen studies were included in the systematic review, with five of them having high methodological quality. Conclusions: When examining LM-IMT and H-IMT though, neither was able to reach statistically significant improvement in their maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), while LM-IMT reached it in terms of weaning duration. Additionally, no statistical difference was noticed in the duration of mechanical ventilation. The application of IMT is recommended to ICU patients in order to prevent diaphragmatic dysfunction and facilitate weaning from mechanical ventilation. Therefore, further research as well as additional RCTs regarding different protocols are needed to enhance its effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)
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13 pages, 4120 KiB  
Article
Effects of Gluteal Muscle Strengthening Exercise-Based Core Stabilization Training on Pain and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain
by Seung-Eon Ahn, Mi-Young Lee and Byoung-Hee Lee
Medicina 2024, 60(6), 849; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60060849 - 23 May 2024
Viewed by 1175
Abstract
Background: The World Health Organization reports that back pain is a major cause of disorder worldwide. It is the most common musculoskeletal disorder with limited pain, muscle tension, and stiffness, and 70–80% of all individuals experience it once in their lifetime, with [...] Read more.
Background: The World Health Organization reports that back pain is a major cause of disorder worldwide. It is the most common musculoskeletal disorder with limited pain, muscle tension, and stiffness, and 70–80% of all individuals experience it once in their lifetime, with higher prevalence in women than in men. This study aimed to investigate the effects of gluteal muscle strengthening exercise- based core stabilization training (GSE-based CST) on pain, function, fear-avoidance patterns, and quality of life in patients with chronic back pain. Methods: This study included 34 patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. Seventeen individuals each were included in GSE-based CST and control groups. The GSE-based CST group performed GSE and CST for 15 min, three times a week for four weeks, and the control group performed CST for 30 min a day, three times a week for four weeks. The numeric pain rating scale was used to evaluate pain before and after treatment, Roland–Morris disability questionnaire was used to evaluate function, fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire was used to evaluate fear-avoidance patterns, and quality of life was measured using the short form-36. Results: In this study, pain, function, and fear-avoidance pattern decreased significantly in both groups (All p < 0.05). During the evaluation of quality of life, both groups showed significant increase in physical and mental factors (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in pain and quality of life (p < 0.05) between the GSE-based CST and control groups. Conclusions: Therefore, GSE-based CST can be used as a basis for effective intervention to enhance pain, function, fear-avoidance patterns, and quality of life, emphasizing the need for gluteal muscle strengthening exercises in patients with non-specific chronic back pain in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)
16 pages, 1189 KiB  
Article
Effects of Rehabilitation Robot Training on Physical Function, Functional Recovery, and Daily Living Activities in Patients with Sub-Acute Stroke
by Se-Young Kim, Mi-Young Lee and Byoung-Hee Lee
Medicina 2024, 60(5), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60050811 - 15 May 2024
Viewed by 856
Abstract
Stroke often results in sensory deficits, muscular weakness, and diminished postural control, thereby restricting mobility and functional capabilities. It is important to promote neuroplasticity by implementing task-oriented exercises that induce changes in patients. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of rehabilitation [...] Read more.
Stroke often results in sensory deficits, muscular weakness, and diminished postural control, thereby restricting mobility and functional capabilities. It is important to promote neuroplasticity by implementing task-oriented exercises that induce changes in patients. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of rehabilitation robot training on physical function, functional recovery, and activities of daily living (ADLs) in patients with subacute stroke. The study participants were patients with subacute stroke receiving treatment at Hospitals A and B. They were selected as research subjects based on selection and exclusion criteria. The experimental group received rehabilitation robot training in sessions of 30 min, five times weekly, for a total of 20 sessions over four weeks. Conversely, the control group underwent standard rehabilitation equipment training with an identical frequency, duration, and number of sessions. Measurements were taken before and after the training period to assess changes in physical function, functional recovery, and activities of daily living using tools such as the MMT, BBS, FBG, FAC, FIM, and MBI. The results were as follows: in the within-group comparison, the rehabilitation robot training group showed significant differences in MMT, BBS, FBG, FAC, FIM, and MBI (p < 0.05), while the control group showed significant differences in FIM (p < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were observed in the time, group, and time × group interaction effects among the MMT, static seated FBG, dynamic seated FBG, FIM, and MBI (p < 0.05). Based on these results, rehabilitation robotic training resulted in significant improvements in physical function, functional recovery, and activities of daily living in patients with subacute stroke. Based on these findings, providing a basic protocol for a rehabilitation program that applies rehabilitation robot training to patients with subacute stroke may offer more effective treatment and outcomes in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)
12 pages, 272 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Physiotherapy on Dyspnea, Muscle Strength and Functional Status in Patients with Long COVID Syndrome
by Michail Michalas, Stefanos Katsaras, Stavroula Spetsioti, Dimitrios Spaggoulakis, Archontoula Antonoglou, Andreas Asimakos, Paraskevi Katsaounou and Anna Christakou
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(5), 515; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14050515 - 12 May 2024
Viewed by 1280
Abstract
Background: Patients who were infected with COVID-19 may experience Long COVID syndrome. We examined the effectiveness of physiotherapy on dyspnea, muscle strength, and functional status in Long COVID syndrome. Methods: The exercise group underwent an 8-week supervised physiotherapeutic program consisting of interval aerobic [...] Read more.
Background: Patients who were infected with COVID-19 may experience Long COVID syndrome. We examined the effectiveness of physiotherapy on dyspnea, muscle strength, and functional status in Long COVID syndrome. Methods: The exercise group underwent an 8-week supervised physiotherapeutic program consisting of interval aerobic exercise and strengthening exercises, each lasting 30 min. The control group did not engage in any exercise. Dyspnea, muscle strength, and functional status were assessed at the beginning and end of the intervention in both groups. Results: No significant baseline differences were found between the two groups. The exercise group demonstrated improvements compared to baseline in dyspnea, quadriceps muscle strength, and functional status. Specifically, there was a significant increase of 3.7 lifts in the 60-s sit-to-stand test (p = 0.01), an increase of 5.86 kg in right quadriceps muscle strength (p = 0.03), an increase of 8.26 kg in left quadriceps muscle strength (p = 0.01), and a decrease in dyspnea score by 0.95 points (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Similar studies have reported improvements in dyspnea, muscle strength, and functional status in the exercise group. However, further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)
10 pages, 2968 KiB  
Article
Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation with Taping on Wrist Spasticity, Strength, and Upper Extremity Function in Patients with Stroke: A Randomized Control Trial
by Kyoung-sim Jung, Jin-hwa Jung, Hwi-young Cho and Tae-sung In
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(8), 2229; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13082229 - 12 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1308
Abstract
Objective: Six months after the onset of stroke, over 60% of patients experience upper limb dysfunction, with spasticity being a major contributor alongside muscle weakness. This study investigated the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) with taping on wrist spasticity, strength, and [...] Read more.
Objective: Six months after the onset of stroke, over 60% of patients experience upper limb dysfunction, with spasticity being a major contributor alongside muscle weakness. This study investigated the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) with taping on wrist spasticity, strength, and upper extremity function in patients with stroke. Methods: In total, 40 patients with stroke were included and randomly divided into two groups: the TENS + taping (n = 20, age 52.4 ± 9.3 (range: 39 to 70)) and TENS (n = 20, age 53.5 ± 10.8 (range: 39 to 74)) groups. All subjects performed 30 sessions of task-related training, which included 10 min of postural control training and 20 min of task performance. Additionally, all subjects received TENS on the spastic muscle belly for 30 min before task-related training. In the TENS + taping group, taping was additionally applied to the forearm and wrist but not in the TENS group. The Modified Ashworth Scale was used to measure spasticity, and a handheld dynamometer was used to measure muscle strength. The Fugl–Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity was used to evaluate the functional ability of the upper extremity. Results: In the TENS + taping group, spasticity and upper extremity function were significantly improved as compared to those in the TENS group (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference in muscle strength was observed between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the combination of TENS and taping for spasticity and function of the upper extremity was more effective in relieving the spasticity than TENS alone. Therefore, we suggest this combination as an additional treatment for spasticity and function of the upper extremity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)
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13 pages, 1807 KiB  
Article
Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation with Gastrocnemius Strengthening on Foot Morphology in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Yusik Choi, Sooyong Lee, Minhyuk Kim and Woonam Chang
Healthcare 2024, 12(7), 777; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12070777 - 3 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1098
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) with gastrocnemius (GCM) strength exercise on foot morphology in patients with stroke. Herein, 31 patients with chronic stroke meeting the study criteria were enrolled and divided into two groups; 16 patients [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) with gastrocnemius (GCM) strength exercise on foot morphology in patients with stroke. Herein, 31 patients with chronic stroke meeting the study criteria were enrolled and divided into two groups; 16 patients were randomized to the gastrocnemius neuromuscular electrical stimulation (GCMNMES) group, and 15 patients to the conventional neuromuscular electrical stimulation (CNMES) group. The GCMNMES group conducted GCM-strengthening exercise with NMES. CNMES group conducted NMES at paretic tibialis anterior muscle with ankle dorsiflexion movement. These patients underwent therapeutic interventions lasting 30 min/session, five times a week for 4 weeks. To analyze changes in foot morphology, 3D foot scanning was used, while a foot-pressure measurement device was used to evaluate foot pressure and weight-bearing area. In an intra-group comparison of 3D-foot-scanning results, the experimental group showed significant changes in longitudinal arch angle (p < 0.05), medial longitudinal arch angle (MLAA) (p < 0.01), transverse arch angle (TAA) (p < 0.01), rearfoot angle (RA) (p < 0.05), foot length (FL) (p < 0.05), foot width (FW) (p < 0.05), and arch height index (AHI) (p < 0.01) of the paretic side and in TAA (p < 0.05) and AHI (p < 0.05) of the non-paretic side. The CNMES group showed significant changes in TAA (p < 0.05) and FW (p < 0.05) of the paretic side and TAA (p < 0.05) and AHI (p < 0.05) of the non-paretic side. An inter-group comparison showed significant differences in MLAA (p < 0.05) and RA (p < 0.05) of the paretic side. In an intra-group comparison of foot pressure assessment, the experimental group showed significant differences in footprint area (FPA) (p < 0.05) of the paretic side and FPA symmetry (p < 0.05). The CNMES group showed a significant difference in only FPA symmetry (p < 0.05). An inter-group comparison showed no significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.05). Thus, NMES with GCM-strengthening exercises yielded positive effects on foot morphology in patients with stroke. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)
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12 pages, 748 KiB  
Article
The Approach of Physiotherapists in the Management of Patients with Persistent Pain and Comorbid Anxiety/Depression: Are There Any Differences between Male and Female Professionals?
by Michele Chiesa, Gregorio Nicolini and Massimiliano Buoli
Medicina 2024, 60(2), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60020292 - 8 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1425
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Chronic pain is a prevalent condition that is frequently complicated by mood and anxiety disorders. The purpose of the present article is to identify differences in the management of patients with chronic pain and anxiety/mood disorders depending on the [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Chronic pain is a prevalent condition that is frequently complicated by mood and anxiety disorders. The purpose of the present article is to identify differences in the management of patients with chronic pain and anxiety/mood disorders depending on the physiotherapists’ gender. Materials and Methods: An ad hoc questionnaire was developed and sent to 327 physiotherapists by e-mail. The two groups identified by gender were compared by unpaired-sample t tests for continuous variables and χ2 tests for qualitative ones. A binary logistic regression was then performed with factors resulting as statistically significant in univariate analyses as independent variables and gender as a dependent one. Results: Female physiotherapists exhibited a higher level of confidence than male physiotherapists in administering continued physiotherapy for patients affected by Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) (p = 0.01), as well as for individuals who had previously engaged with a mental health professional (p = 0.01). Furthermore, female physiotherapists believed that pharmacotherapy was less associated with motor side effects (p < 0.01) and more frequently recognized the importance of training to identify affective disorders (p = 0.01) and the need for more education in mental health (p = 0.01). The binary logistic regression model confirmed that female professionals were less likely to work = freelance (p = 0.015) and were more confident in the receival of physiotherapy by patients with GAD (p = 0.05). Conclusions: Female physiotherapists compared to male ones seem to be more comfortable with patients affected by mental conditions and to be more aware of the need for training on mental health. Further studies are needed to confirm the results of the present study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy)
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