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Objective:To observe any effect of combining extracorporeal shock wave stimulation with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on the lower limb motor function of stroke survivors with foot drop.Methods:Thirty-six stroke survivors with foot drop were randomly divided into an extracorporeal shock wave group, a PNF group and a combination group, each of 12. The extracorporeal shock wave group and PNF group were given those therapies alone, while the combination group was provided with both. The extracorporeal shock wave therapy protocol was 2000 times on each muscle at an intensity of 2.5 bar and a frequency of 10Hz, twice a week for 4 weeks, while the PNF was provided at least 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Before and after the intervention, all of the participants were evaluated using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), the 10-metre walk test (10 MWT) and the Fugl-Meyer lower limb motor function scale (FMA). Active range of the ankle joint and toe out angle were also observed.Results:After the intervention the lower limb muscle tone had decreased significantly in 8 of the PNF group members and in 9 of those in the extracorporeal shock wave group, but it has decreased significantly in all 12 members of the combination group. And the average magnitude of the improvement was also significantly greater in the combination group than in the other two groups. Moreover, significant differences were observed in the active range of the ankle joint after the treatment in the combination group, but not in the other two groups. After the intervention the average 10 MWT times and FMA scores of the PNF and combination groups had improved significantly, but not those of the extracorporeal shock wave group, but significant improvement in toe out angles was observed in all three groups, though the average improvement in the combination group was significantly greater than in the other 2 groups.Conclusion:Combining extracorporeal shock waves with PNF can effectively improve the lower limb motor function of stroke survivors with foot drop.
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The aim of this article is to assess the outcomes of a low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LiESWT) protocol for the treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD). Patients treated for PD were prospectively recorded, and data were retrospectively reviewed. Age, characteristics of fibrous plaques, concomitant treatments, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), Lue score, and pain score on Likert scale were collected. Patients in acute phase of PD and an angulation of <40° were included. The protocol consisted of 6 weekly sessions of 4000 pulses each, applied from different directions, with a maximal power of 20 W and 8 Hz frequency. We included 39 patients (median age: 56.8 years, interquartile range [IQR]: 35.8-62.2 years). The median number of sessions received per patient was 7.2. After treatment, the median Lue score decreased from 6.8 initially to 3.3 (P = 0.003), the median Likert pain score dropped from 1.8 to 0.7 (P = 0.004), the median plaque size was reduced from 2 cm to 1.2 cm (P = 0.08), and the median penile curvature diminished from 31° to 17° (P = 0.07). On univariate and multivariate analysis, the only predictors of success were younger age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.95, P = 0.03 and OR = 0.91, P = 0.04, respectively) and concomitant use of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i; OR = 0.92, P = 0.02 and OR = 0.93, P = 0.01, respectively). LiESWT had a favorable impact on Lue score and notably penile pain, curvature, plaque size, and erectile function in patients treated for PD during the early inflammatory phase, with no side effects. Younger age and concomitant use of PDE5i were the only success predictors.
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Adult , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy , Penile Erection , Penile Induration/therapy , Penis , Retrospective Studies , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES@#Stroke patients may have various sensory-motor disorders, such as spasticity, muscle weakness or sensory damage. Spasticity affects 20% to 40% of stroke patients. Patients with spasticity may have problems such as pain, motor function damage, and the decreased range of motion, which leads to decline of activity and quality of daily life. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a technique that can improve post-stroke spasticity. Whole body vibration (WBV), as a passive neuromuscular muscle stimulation technique, can improve the posture control, muscle strength, and muscle work of different people. At present, there are still few studies using WBV combined with ESWT for the treatment of hemiplegic patients with stroke. This study aims to explore the effects of WBV combined with ESWT on spasticity of the affected lower limb and gait function in stroke patients.@*METHODS@#From March 2020 to March 2021, 50 hemiplegic patients with stroke were treated in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of the First Hospital of Changsha and they were assigned into a control group and a combined group, 25 cases per group. Both groups carried out conventional treatment, while the control group undertook the ESWT and fake WBV based on conventional treatment, and the combined group undertook ESWT after WBV and conventional treatment. Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Lower Extremity portion of the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMA-LE), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and parameters of three-dimensional gait analysis including kinematic parameters (peak value of hip flexion and knee flexion) and spatiotemporal parameters (velocity, cadence and stride length) were assessed before and after 4-week treatment between the 2 groups.@*RESULTS@#After 4 weeks of treatment, MAS scores in 2 groups were lower than before (both P<0.05), and the combined group was lower than the control group (P<0.001); BBS and FMA-LE scores were higher than those before treatment (both P<0.05), and the combined group was higher than the control group (both P<0.001); in the control group, the walking speed, stride frequency, and stride length were higher than those before treatment (all P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the peak value of flexion hip and peak value of flexion knee (both P<0.05); the peak value of hip flexion, peak value of knee flexion, step speed, step frequency, and stride length in the combined group were higher than those before treatment (all P<0.05), and were higher than those in control group (P<0.05 or P<0.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#WBV combined with ESWT can improve the spasticity and motor function of the affected lower extremity, balance, and gait in hemiplegic patients with stroke.
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Humans , Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy , Gait , Hemiplegia/therapy , Muscle Spasticity/therapy , Stroke/complications , Stroke Rehabilitation/methods , Treatment Outcome , Vibration/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Objective:To observe any effect of supplementing continuous static stretching (CSS) with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in treating triceps surae spasm after a stroke.Methods:Sixty-four stroke survivors with triceps surae spasm were randomly divided into a conventional rehabilitation group, a shock wave group and a combined treatment group. In addition to conventional rehabilitation, the shock wave group received extracorporeal shock wave therapy twice a week and the combined treatment group received the shock waves during continuous static stretching. After 6 weeks of treatment all of the subjects were assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Brunnstrom classification of their functional recovery stage.Results:Before treatment there was no significant difference among the three groups. After the 6 weeks of treatment the average triceps surae tension in all three groups had eased significantly. At that point the average MAS and FMA scores of the shock wave group and the combined treatment group were significantly better than those of the conventional group. The combined treatment group then showed significantly better therapeutic effect than the shock wave group.Conclusions:Applying extracorporeal shock waves during continuous static stretching can significantly improve the stretching′s ability to reduce spasticity and improve motor functioning, at least of the triceps surae. Combining shock waves with modern traction methods is recommended for clinical application.
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Objective:To compare the effect of local vibration and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on triceps spasticity and the walking ability of hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods:Sixty-nine stroke survivors with hemiplegia were randomly divided into a control group, a vibration group and an ESWT group. The control group received 60 minutes of conventional Bobath rehabilitation treatment and motor relearning from Monday to Saturday for 4 weeks. For the vibration and ESWT groups, 10 minutes of that traditional therapy were replaced by either local vibration or extracorporeal shock wave treatment every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Before and after the treatment, the three groups were evaluated using the Comprehensive Spasticity Scale (CSS) and in terms of passive joint range of motion (PROM), ankle plantar flexion angle, 10m maximum walking speed, stride frequency, and stride length.Results:After the intervention the average CSS, PROM, and ankle plantar flexion angle were significantly better for all three groups than before the treatment. At that point the ESWT group′s averages were significantly better than those of the vibration group, and the vibration group′s averages were significantly superior to those of the control group. Walking speed, stride frequency and stride length had also improved significantly in all three groups, with those in the vibration and ESWT groups significantly outperforming the control group. There was no significant difference between the vibration and ESWT groups in terms of walking ability.Conclusions:Both local vibration and extracorporeal shock wave therapy improve triceps spasticity and the walking ability of hemiplegic stroke survivors. Shock waves are more effective for improving spasticity, but there is no significant difference between the therapies in terms of improving walking ability.
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Objective:To determine whether or not shock wave therapy promotes the repair of muscle injury by regulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and/or the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (p-Akt).Methods:Sixty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group and a treatment group. A custom-made striker was used to induce blunt contusion in the gastrocnemius muscles of the rats of the model and treatment groups. The normal and model groups were then not given any therapeutic intervention. Twenty-four hours later, the treatment group underwent 500-impulse shockwave treatment at 0.14mJ/mm 2 and 10Hz. That was repeated 4 days later. The injured muscle was sampled on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th day after modeling. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was applied to observe the arrangement of muscle fibers, and the expressions of myostatin, myogenic differentiation antigen 1 (MYOD1), IGF-1 and p-AKTs473 were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Results:(1) The staining showed that in the model group the space between the muscle cells was larger than in the normal group. In the treatment group there were more newly-formed mononuclear or multinucleated muscle tubes. The regeneration of skeletal muscle in the treatment group was superior to that in the model group at the same time points. (2) The average myostatin expression of the model group increased significantly compared with the normal group at all the time points, while that of the treatment group had decreased significantly compared with the model group. Moreover, no significant differences were found on the 7th day between the treatment and normal groups. (3) Western blotting showed that the expression of MyoD1 in the model group was significantly higher than that in the normal group on days 1 and 3, and the expression of MyoD1 in the treatment group was significantly higher than in the model group. The expression levels of IGF-1 and P-AKTS473 in the model group were higher than those in the normal group at the same time point, and the expression levels in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the model group.Conclusion:Extracorporeal shock wave therapy can promote the regeneration and repair of skeletal muscle by regulating IGF-1 and p-AKT levels.
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Objective:To seek any effect of extracorporeal shockwave treatment on the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the cartilage tissue of rabbits with knee osteoarthritis (OA), and its therapeutic mechanism.Methods:Fifty female New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into a normal control group, a model group, and three shockwave groups A, B and C, each of 10. Except for the normal control group, an OA model was established in the other groups using Hulth′s method. The shockwave groups were given 2000 shocks in each weekly session over 4 weeks. The energy flow density in group A was 0.05mJ/mm 2; in B it was 0.11mJ/mm 2 and in C 0.22mJ/mm 2. The normal control and model groups were not shocked. All the rabbits were then sacrificed and their right knee cartilage tissue was sampled to observe any pathological changes and assign improved Mankin scores. Immunohistochemistry was used to count the number of TGF-β1 and IL-1β-positive cells in the cartilage. Western blotting and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reactions were employed to determine the protein and mRNA expression of IL-1β and TGF-β1. Results:Compared with the normal group, degeneration of articular cartilage was observed in the model group. The average Mankin′s score of the model group was significantly higher than that of the normal control group. The average expression of TGF-β1 and IL-1β protein and mRNA in the model group had increased significantly compared with the normal control group. The average Mankin′s scores of the shock wave groups were all significantly lower than the model group′s average. Group C′s average expression levels of TGF-β1 and IL-1β protein and mRNA were significantly lower than the model group′s averages.Conclusions:Extracorporeal shockwave therapy can reduce the expression of TGF-β1 and IL-1β in the cartilage of an arthritic knee, at least in rabbits. Its therapeutic effect is positively correlated with the density of the energy flow, suggesting that shock waves may reduce the expression of inflammatory factor IL-1β by regulating the expression of TGF-β1. They should be applied in the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis.
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Objective:To observe the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on tendon adhesion in late period after hand tendon repair. Methods:From July, 2017 to December, 2018, 40 patients with tendon adhesion after hand tendon repair more than three months were collected. They were randomly divided into control group (n = 20) and experimental group (n = 20). Two groups received routine therapy, and the experimental group added extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Before and two months after treatment, the total active movement (TAM) of the fingers and the grip strength were messured. Results:There was no significant difference in TAM of the fingers and the grip strength before treatment (P > 0.05). After treatment, TAM of the fingers and the grip strength significantly increased (|t| > 10.284,P < 0.001), and were higher in the experimental group than in the control group (t > 0.386,P < 0.001). Conclusion:Extracorporeal shock wave therapy could facilitate to improve the tendon slippage and hand function in patients with tendon adhesion after hand tendon repair.
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PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the electromagnetic-type low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED).MATERIALS AND METHODS: The randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind prospective study was performed at two referral hospitals. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive sham or Li-ESWT for 6 weeks. ED was evaluated at screening and at 4 and 7 weeks after treatment. Participants were asked to complete the international index of erectile function-erectile function (IIEF-EF) domain questionnaire, erection hardness scale (EHS), and sexual encounter profile questionnaire (SEPQ 2 and 3). The development of complications was investigated.RESULTS: Eighty-one of 96 patients completed the study. The median change in the IIEF-EF score in the Li-ESWT and sham groups was 5.1 and −2.2 (p<0.001), respectively, at the 7-week follow-up; 47.4% (18/38) patients had EHS <3, of which 77.8% (14/18) showed significant improvement in virtue of Li-ESWT treatment (p=0.001). A significant improvement was observed in the percentage of “Yes” responses to SEPQ 2 and 3 in the Li-ESWT group vs. sham group from baseline to 7-week follow-up (91.3% vs. 69.4%; p=0.008 and 50.0% vs. 14.3%; p=0.002, respectively). No patients reported pain or other adverse events during treatment or follow-up.CONCLUSIONS: Thus, Li-ESWT could have a role in improving erectile function. Furthermore, it is safe. We believe that Li-ESWT is an attractive new treatment modality for patients with ED.
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Background: Neural mobilization (NM) constitutes the most effective, common method for assessing and treating several neuromuscular disorders. The study at hand aims to determine the effectiveness of the NM technique compared to lumbar stabilization exercise (LSE) and Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (rESWT) in the physical therapy management of chronic low back pain (CLBP) with radiculopathy. Methods: Two groups comprising 30 participants and randomly chosen formed the basis of this investigation: Group A (NM, LSE, and rESWT) and Group B (LSE and rESWT). The period of three to six weeks constituted the time it took to measure the results herein reached baseline. The results of the observations focused on pain assessed by numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), Lumbar flexion range of motion (Lumbar FROM) by Schober’s method, and disability level as measured by the Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (MODQ). Results: In the control group, the mean scores of pain, lumbar FROM, and MODQ at baselines showed a high level of similarity (6.47, 2.87, and 43.71 respectively in the intervention group, and 6.20, 2.93 and 44.66. Both groups showed improvement in their pain scores at three weeks (P<0.05). However, only lumbar FROM and MODQ showed statistically significant improvement in favor of the intervention group at three weeks (P<0.05). By week 6, both groups achieved a statistically significant difference in the values of all variables. Conclusion: NM with LSE and rESWT is more effective than LSE and rESWT in the third week, and was similarly effective in the sixth week of the treatment. NM with LSE and rESWT may be an alternative treatment option in the treatment of CLBP.
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RESUMEN Introducción: La terapia con ondas de choque extracorpórea de baja intensidad ha demostrado ser útil en el tratamiento de los pacientes con angina de pecho refractaria. Objetivo: Valorar los resultados de este tipo de terapia en pacientes con angina refractaria al tratamiento farmacológico. Método: Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental en 30 pacientes con angina de pecho refractaria a tratamiento, seleccionados de forma no probabilística a partir de los criterios de inclusión. A todos los pacientes se les aplicó terapia con ondas de choque extracorpórea de baja intensidad en el Cardiocentro Ernesto Guevara de Santa Clara, en el período comprendido de enero a diciembre de 2017. Se analizaron variables epidemiológicas, clínicas y ecocardiográficas al inicio del tratamiento y 6 meses después de concluido este. Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos demostraron una mejoría de la clase funcional (CF) de la Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS). Previo al tratamiento el 76,7% de los pacientes tenían una CF III y un 23,3% una CF IV, y a los 6 meses de concluida la terapia el 73,3% mejoró a la CF II y solo un 26,7% quedó en CF III. También se evidenció mejoría con respecto a parámetros ecocardiográficos como la motilidad regional y la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo, la cual, en los hombres, de una media al inicio de la terapia de un 37,81% alcanzó 44,14% a los 6 meses de concluida; y en las mujeres, de una media de 37,11% inicial llegó a 47,22% a los 6 meses después. Conclusiones: El tratamiento con ondas de choque constituye una alterativa terapéutica para los pacientes con angina refractaria.
ABSTRACT Introduction: Low intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy has proven useful in the treatment of patients with refractory angina pectoris. Objective: To assess the results of this type of therapy in patients with refractory angina to drug treatment. Method: A quasi-experimental study was carried out in 30 patients with refractory angina pectoris to treatment, selected in a non-probabilistic way, taking into account the following inclusion criteria. All patients were applied low intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the Cardiocentro Ernesto Guevara of Santa Clara, in the period from January to December 2017. Epidemiological, clinical and echocardiographic variables were analyzed at the beginning of the treatment and six months after it was completed. Results: The results obtained demonstrated an improvement of the functional class (FC) of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS). Previous to treatment, 76.7% of patients had a FC III and 23.3% a FC IV, and after six months of completed therapy, 73.3% improved to FC II and only 26.7 % remained in FC III. There was also an improvement with respect to echocardiographic parameters such as regional motility and left ventricular ejection fraction, which, in men, of an average at the start of therapy of 37.81% it reached 44.14% at six months of completed; and in women, of an average of 37.11% initially, it reached 47.22 % six months later. Conclusions: The treatment with shock waves represents a therapeutic alternative for patients with refractory angina.
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Angina Pectoris , Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy , Neovascularization, PathologicABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate the effects of different output pressures of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on triceps surae spasticity after stroke, and to explore the electrophysiologic mechanism involved. Methods:From January, 2015 to December, 2017, 90 hemiplegic stroke patients with triceps surae spasticity were randomly assigned into control group (n = 30), treatment group 1 (n = 30) and treatment group 2 (n = 30). All the patients accepted routine medicine and rehabilitation, while the treatment groups 1 and 2 received ESWT of 1.5 bar and 2.0 bar in addition, respectively, for four weeks. They were assessed with Composite Spasticity Scale (CSS), passive range of motion (PROM), 10-meter walk test (10MWT), and H reflex latency and the Hmax/Mmax ratio before and after treatment, and the two treatment groups were assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) immediately after ESWT. Results:All the groups improved in scores of CSS, PROM and 10MWT after treatment (t > 7.261, P < 0.001), and improved more in scores of CSS and 10MWT in the two treatment groups than in the control group (P < 0.05), and the 10MWT was less in the treatment group 2 than in the treatment group 1 (P < 0.05). H reflex latency lengthened (t > 15.025, P < 0.001) and Hmax/Mmax ratio decreased (t > 14.850, P < 0.001) after treatment in the two treatment groups, and the H reflex latency was longer in the two treatment groups than in the control group (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in VAS between the two treatment groups (t = 0.735, P > 0.05). Conclusion:ESWT of both 2.0 bar and 1.5 bar can improve triceps surae spasticity after stroke, and ESWT of 2.0 bar may more benefit the ability of walking. Further study is needed to explore the involved electrophysiologic mechanism.
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Objective:To evaluate the effects of different output pressures of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on triceps surae spasticity after stroke, and to explore the electrophysiologic mechanism involved. Methods:From January, 2015 to December, 2017, 90 hemiplegic stroke patients with triceps surae spasticity were randomly assigned into control group (n = 30), treatment group 1 (n = 30) and treatment group 2 (n = 30). All the patients accepted routine medicine and rehabilitation, while the treatment groups 1 and 2 received ESWT of 1.5 bar and 2.0 bar in addition, respectively, for four weeks. They were assessed with Composite Spasticity Scale (CSS), passive range of motion (PROM), 10-meter walk test (10MWT), and H reflex latency and the Hmax/Mmax ratio before and after treatment, and the two treatment groups were assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) immediately after ESWT. Results:All the groups improved in scores of CSS, PROM and 10MWT after treatment (t > 7.261, P < 0.001), and improved more in scores of CSS and 10MWT in the two treatment groups than in the control group (P < 0.05), and the 10MWT was less in the treatment group 2 than in the treatment group 1 (P < 0.05). H reflex latency lengthened (t > 15.025, P < 0.001) and Hmax/Mmax ratio decreased (t > 14.850, P < 0.001) after treatment in the two treatment groups, and the H reflex latency was longer in the two treatment groups than in the control group (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in VAS between the two treatment groups (t = 0.735, P > 0.05). Conclusion:ESWT of both 2.0 bar and 1.5 bar can improve triceps surae spasticity after stroke, and ESWT of 2.0 bar may more benefit the ability of walking. Further study is needed to explore the involved electrophysiologic mechanism.
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Objective@#To investigate the role of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in ischemic rats underwent cardiac shock therapy.@*Methods@#Adult male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats weighing 220-250 g were used to establish a heart failure model by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Rat models were defined by echocardiographic assessment at 4 weeks post operation and heart failure rats were randomly divided into 4 groups,namely heart failure group (HF group, 9 cases),heart failure+cardiac shock waves therapy group (HF+CSWT group, 9 cases),heart failure+inhibitor(HF+LY294002 group, 9 cases),heart failure+cardiac shock waves therapy group+inhibitor (HF+CSWT+LY294002 group, 9 cases),and another 9 sham-operated SD rats served as control group (sham group, 9 cases). At 8 weeks postoperation, echocardiography was used to evaluate cardiac function in each group,myocardial infarct size was measured by TTC staining,the apoptotic index of rats cardiomyocytes were detected by TUNEL method,the myocardial mRNA expression of apoptosis-related factor was detected by real-time quantitative PCR, the protein expression levels of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and apoptosis-related pathways were detected by Western blot.@*Results@#(1) Eight weeks after operation, left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVESD) were significantly lower in HF+CSWT group than in HF group (all P<0.05), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular shortening rate (LVFS) were significantly higher in HF+CSWT group than in HF group (all P<0.05),LVEF was significantly lower in the HF+ CSWT+ LY294002 group than in HF+ CSWT group (P<0.05). (2) Myocardial infarct size was significantly lower in the HF+ CSWT group than in HF group ((5.57 ± 0.51)% vs. (25.56 ± 0.56)%, P<0.05), which was significantly higher in the HF+CSWT+LY294002 group than in HF+CSWT group ((12.90±2.34)% vs. (5.57±0.51)%,P<0.05). (3) The cardiomyocyte apoptotic index was significantly lower in the HF+CSWT group than in the HF group ((30.25±6.12)% vs. (53.85±9.89)%,P<0.05), which was significantly higher in the HF+CSWT+LY294002 group than in the HF+CSWT group ((46.12±3.42)% vs.(30.25±6.12)%,P<0.05). (4) The myocardial mRNA expression of Bcl-2 was significantly higher, while myocardial mRNA Bax and Caspase-3 expression were significantly lower in HF+CSWT group than in HF group and HF+CSWT+LY294002 group (all P<0.05). (5) The expression levels of p-Akt, Bcl-2 and pro-Caspase-3 in myocardial tissue were significantly higher in the HF+CSWT group than in the HF group and HF+CSWT+LY294002 group (all P<0.05), which were significantly lower in the HF+LY294002 group than in the HF and HF+CSWT+LY294002 groups (all P<0.05). Myocardial Bax protein expression was significantly lower in the HF+CSWT group than in the HF group and the HF+CSWT+LY294002 group (all P<0.05), which was significantly higher in the HF+LY294002 group than in the HF group (P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#CSWT improves cardiac function and inhibits cardiomyocyte apoptosis through PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in this rat HF model.
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Objective@#To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LI-ESWT) in the treatment of ED based on the available clinical evidence.@*METHODS@#We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, CBM and Wanfang Database up to June 2018 for published randomized controlled trials on the treatment of ED by LI-ESWT. We performed literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and conducted a meta-analysis of the data obtained using the RevMan 5.3 software.@*RESULTS@#A total of 595 ED cases in 8 double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCT) were included in this study, 362 in the LI-ESWT and 233 in the control group. Compared with the controls, the patients treated by LI-ESWT showed significantly improved IIEF (WMD = 1.70, 95% CI: 0.44－2.96, P = 0.008) and erection hardness score (EHS) (RR = 11.72, 95% CI: 5.13－26.80, P < 0.01). The IIEF scores of the patients were markedly increased at 4 and 24 weeks after LI-ESWT (WMD = 1.43, 95% CI: 0.10－2.75, P = 0.03; WMD = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.49－4.68, P = 0.0002), as well as after the 10th to 12th treatment (WMD = 1.81, 95% CI: 0.31－3.31, P = 0.02) though not after the 5th to 6th (WMD = 1.88, 95% CI: －2.10 to 5.86, P = 0.35). LI-ESWT also significantly increased the IIEF scores in the patients with the baseline IIEF ≥12 (WMD = 2.13, 95% CI: 0.51－3.75, P = 0.01) but not in those with the baseline IIEF ≤11 (WMD = 1.04, 95% CI: －0.96 to 3.03, P = 0.31). No significant adverse events were reported in the 8 RCTs.@*CONCLUSIONS@#As a non-invasive treatment, LI-ESWT is safe and effective and can significantly improve IIEF and EHS in ED patients.
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Objective To evaluate the effect and safety of extracorporeal shock wave therapy ( ESWT) for knee osteoarthritis ( KOA) and its effect on the articular cartilage. Methods Sixty-three persons with KOA were randomly divided into an ESWT group ( n=32) and a control group ( n=31) . Both groups received routine knee mus-cle strength training, but the ESWT group was also given ESWT ( a total of 2000 pulses at 8 Hz and 2.5 bar pressure) once a week for four consecutive weeks. The control group was given sham therapy at 0.2 bar with the rest of the pa-rameters the same as in the ESWT group. All of the subjects were assessed using a visual analogue scale ( VAS) , the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Score ( WOMAC) , the Lequesne Index and knee cartilage T2 values before as well as one and 8 weeks after the intervention. Results The average VAS score, WOMAC in-dex, and Lequesne index of the ESWT group at 8 weeks after the treatment were significantly better than those before the intervention, and significantly better than the control group' s averages. The T2 values of the ESWT group at 8 weeks after the treatment were significantly better than before the intervention, though not significantly different from those of the control group at that point. No serious adverse reactions occurred in either group, and all of the minor ad-verse reactions had disappeared before the end of the assessment period. Conclusion ESWT can significantly im-prove the lower limb functioning of KOA patients, and its influence on knee cartilage is within the safe range.
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Objective To explore the long-term effectiveness of using extracorporeal shock waves in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Methods Extracorporeal shock wave therapy was applied to 23 plantar fasciitis suffer-ers once a week for three weeks. MRI examinations were performed before and 4 hours after the first treatment. Before the treatment and one month after it was complete, all of the patients rated their pain using a visual analogue scale ( VAS) , and their infirmity was quantified using a heel tenderness index ( HTI) and the ankle-hind foot scale of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ( AOFAS) . The longest walking time was also recorded. Paired t-tests compared the T2 values of the fascia, muscles and fat pads, the longest walking time and the VAS scores before and after the treatment. Pearson correlation coefficients were evaluated to test the significance of any correlation between the T2 changes and the changes in the VAS scores. Results After the shock wave therapy, the average VAS, HIT and AOFAS scores had significantly decreased, while the longest walking time had increased significantly. The mag-netic resonance imaging showed increased edema in the fascia and their surrounding soft tissues. And the extent and degree of the T2 weighted high signal increased four hours after the treatment. The changes in the T2 values correlated positively and significantly with the changes in the VAS scores. Conclusion Extracorporeal shock waves have an excellent therapeutic effect on plantar fasciitis. They can significantly relieve heel pain and improve foot movement.
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Post-stroke spasticity is a common complication that causes limitations of function, pain and decrement of the quality of life. Although botulinum toxin injection and anti-spastic medications are effective and widely used for the management of post-stroke spasticity, clinical applications are often limited in stroke patients because of their invasiveness and systemic side effects. Alternatively, we performed upper limb muscle-belly extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) to resolve problematic spasticity in two subacute stroke patients. Serial quantitative ultrasonographic measurements of spastic muscle were conducted to investigate the rheological changes in chronological order by echogenicity comparison. After 4 sessions of weekly ESWT, gradual decrements of clinical spasticity parameters and muscle echogenicity were observed and lasted for 1 week after the cessation of the therapy. ESWT may be a useful alternative management for treating post-stroke spasticity.
Subject(s)
Humans , Botulinum Toxins , Muscle Spasticity , Quality of Life , Shock , Stroke , Ultrasonography , Upper ExtremityABSTRACT
<p><b>Objective</b>To make a preliminary investigation on the safety and efficacy of focused low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LI-ESWT) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We treated 32 ED patients by focused LI-ESWT with the device of Medispec's ED1000. Before and at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment, we evaluated the erectile function of the patients using the International Index of Erectile Function-erectile function domain (IIEF-EF), Erection Hardness Score (EHS), Sexual Encounter Profile questions 2 and 3 (SEP2 and SEP3), and Global Assessment Questionnaire questions 1 and 2 (GAQ1 and GAQ2), and recorded the incidence rate of adverse events.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The patients averaged 30.69 years of age. Compared with the baseline, the mean IIEF-EF score of the patients was significantly increased at 4 and 12 weeks after LI-ESWT (14.94 vs 20.97 and 21.47, P <0.01), and so were the EHS (1.75 vs 2.66 and 2.56, P <0.01) and the "Yes" answers to SEP2 (21.88% vs 68.75% and 71.88%), SEP3 (0 vs 43.75% and 56.25%), GAQ1 (NA vs 81.25% and 71.88%) and GAQ2 (NA vs 65.63% and 68.75%). The total effectiveness rates at 4 weeks and 12 weeks were 75% and 71.88% respectively. One of the patients felt penile shaft pain with mild ecchymosis after LI-ESWT but was recovered without special treatment a week later.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>LI-ESWT can significantly improve the erectile function of ED patients with no obvious adverse effects within 12 weeks after treatment.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Male , Double-Blind Method , Ecchymosis , Erectile Dysfunction , Therapeutics , Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy , Methods , Pain, Procedural , Penile Erection , Physiology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effectiveness and mechanism of extracorporeal cardiac shock wave therapy(CSWT)in the patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease(CAD) complicating heart failure.Methods One hundred and eighty cases of CAD complicating heart failure in this hospital From June 2015 to June 2016 were selected and divided into the observation group and control group,90 cases in each group.The two groups were given the roune medication therapy for at least 2 months.On this basis the observation group conducted extracorporeal CSWT therapy(9 times within 3 months);the control group was given the sham shockwave treatment without giving shockwave energy.before and after treatment were observed The left ventricular end diastolic diameter(LVEDD),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular perfusion and metabolic score,NYHA heart function grade,CCS angina grade,nitroglycerin dosage,SAQ score and plasma cTn-Ⅰ,BNP and VEGF level changes in the two groups were observed before and after treatment.Results LVEDD,LVEF,left ventricular perfusion and metabolic score,NYHA heart function grade and CCS angina grade,nitroglycerin dosage,SAQ scores and plasma cTn-Ⅰ,BNP and VEGF levels before treatment had no statistical differences between the two groups(P＞0.05);among the above indicators in the two groups,except the cTn-Ⅰ had no obvious change,the other indicators after treatment were significantly improved,the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05),moreover the improvement degree of the observation group was obviously superior to that of the control group,the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion CSWT has significantly clinical effect in treating CAD complicating heart failure,its mechanism may be related with promoting vascular regeneration and improving myocardial perfusion and metabolism.