Combining extracorporeal shock wave treatment with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation can improve the lower limb motor function of stroke survivors with foot drop / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

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.

Clinical application study of multiple small-diameter drilling combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) under C-arm positioning in the treatment of early femoral head necrosis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the therapeutic effect of multiple small diameter drilling combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) under C-arm X-raylocalization in patients with early osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).@*METHODS@#A total of 106 cases of early ONFH patients admitted from May 2015 to May 2017 were retrospectively selected as the study subjects. According to different treatment methods, the patients were divided into observation group and control group, 53 cases in each group. The observation group was treated with multiple small-diameter drilling combined with ESWT under C-arm positioning in the observation group, including 41 males and 12 females with an age of (45.85±6.01) years old (22 to 70 years old);and the control group was treated with ESWT, including 34 males and 19 females with an age of (45.12±5.83) years old(20 to 68 years old) in the control group. The modified Harris hip scores(mHHS), visual analog scale(VAS), hip flexion range, hip abduction and adduction range, ONFH area ratio and clinical efficacy were compared between twe groups before and after treatment. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw a survival curve to compare the femoral head survival rate between two groups during the 3-year follow-up period after treatment.@*RESULTS@#There were no complications such as poor wound healing and infection. All of 106 patients were followed up for 28 to 36 months with an average of (31.06±4.28) months. MHHS score, hip flexion range and hip abduction and adduction range in the observation group were increased from (63.85±5.42) scores, (23.79±2.21) °, (32.40±4.19) ° before treatment to (85.51±5.69) scores, (34.65±2.73)°, (43.32±5.71)° at 2 years after treatment, respectively(P<0.05). The above indicators in the control group increased from (64.73±5.64)°, (23.82±2.18)°, (32.45±4.13)° before treatment to (81.65±5.48) scores, (32.79±2.87)°, (39.75±5.68)°at two years after treatment, respectively(P<0.05). VAS score and ONFH area ratio in the observation group decreased from (5.76±1.41) scores and (35.07±4.96)% before treatment to (3.39±1.02) scores and (22.04±3.23)% at 2 years after treatment, respectively(P<0.05). The above indicatiors in control group decreased from (5.73±1.45) scores and (35.24±5.18)% before treatment to (4.43±1.21) scores and (28.32±3.76)% at 2 years after treatment, respectively(P<0.05), and the improvement in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05). At 3 years after treatment, the femoral head survival rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Multiple small diameter drilling combined with ESWT under C-arm positioning can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of patients with early ONFH, relieve pain and improve clinical efficacy.

The effect of combining extracorporeal shock waves with continuous static stretching in treating triceps spasticity after a stroke / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

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.

Effects of local vibration and extracorporeal shock wave therapy on triceps spasticity and the walking ability of hemiplegic stroke survivors / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

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.

Extracorporeal shock waves promote the repair of injured muscle tissue by regulating insulin-like growth factor-1 and phosphorylated protein kinase B levels / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

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.

Effects of whole body vibration combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy on spasticity and balance gait parameters in hemiplegic patients with stroke / 中南大学学报(医学版)

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.

Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy for Peyronie's disease: a single-center experience / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

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.

Electromagnetic Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction: A Sham-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized Prospective Study

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.

Effectiveness Of Neural Mobilization In The Management Of Chronic Low Back Pain With Radiculopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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.

Resultados de la terapia con ondas de choque extracorpórea de baja intensidad en pacientes con angina refractaria / Results of low intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy in patients with refractory angina

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.

Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Different Output Pressures on Triceps Surae Spasticity after Stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

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.

Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Different Output Pressures on Triceps Surae Spasticity after Stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

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.

Efficacy and safety of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of ED: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials / 中华男科学杂志

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.

The effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on the lower limb function and articular cartilage of pa-tients with knee osteoarthritis / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

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.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy has an excellent therapeutic effect on plantar fasciitis / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

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.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in cubital tunnel syndrome: A pilot study

@# To investigate the clinical therapeutic effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. Methods: Seven patients (10 elbows) with moderate cubital tunnel syndrome participated in this study. Three sessions of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (2,000 shots, 4 Bar, 5 Hz) (once a week) were administered to the ulnar nerve at the proximal cubital tunnel region. The primary and secondary outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (Quick DASH), respectively, at the 4th, 8th, and 12th week, following the 3rd session of shock wave therapy. Results: The VAS and Quick DASH scores demonstrated improvements at all follow-up time points, in all treated elbows. The mean VAS and Quick DASH score improved from 4.7±0.3(mean±SE) to2.2±0.2 and 16.6±2.1to 6.8±1.6 respectively during 12 weeks follow up (all p <0.01). Conclusion: This pilot study revealed the safety and efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in patients with moderate cubital tunnel syndrome.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Quantitative Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Rheologic Effect in the Patients with Post-stroke Upper Limb Spasticity: A Case Report

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.

Terapia de ondas de choque frente a infiltración corticosteroidea en el tratamiento de la fascitis plantar crónica / Extracorporeal shockwave therapy versus corticosteroid injection in chronic plantar fasciitis

Introducción La fascitis plantar crónica (FPC) es una afección dolorosa, en la cual el objetivo principal del tratamiento es aliviar el dolor y restaurar la función. La terapia de ondas de choque (TOCH) ha demostrado eficacia en el tratamiento de la fascitis plantar con pocos efectos secundarios en comparación con otros métodos conservadores. El objetivo del estudio es comparar la respuesta al tratamiento de TOCH frente a la infiltración con corticosteroides en el tratamiento de la fascitis plantar crónica. Materiales y métodos Sesenta pacientes con FPC fueron distribuidos de forma aleatoria para recibir TOCH (grupo A, n=36) o infiltración con corticosteroides (grupo B, n=24) a través de un programa de generación aleatorizada. Fueron evaluados con EVA y AOFAS para el retropié antes del tratamiento, inmediatamente después del tratamiento, a los 3, 6 y 12 meses posteriores al tratamiento. Resultados Los dos grupos fueron similares en características demográficas. Ambos grupos mejoraron durante el tratamiento y el período de seguimiento. La media de EVA disminuyó de 8 a 1,68 (p <0,001) en el grupo A y de 6,75 a 1,31 (p <0,001) en el grupo B. En el AOFAS presentó un incremento medio de 50,3 a 67,8 (p <0,001) en el grupo A y de 51,3 a 66 (p <0,001) en el grupo B a los 12 meses de seguimiento. A los 3 meses, el grupo B presentó una puntuación media de EVA más baja que en el grupo A (1,12 frente a 1,96; p=0,035), pero al final del seguimiento se observó mejoría en ambos grupos. Discusión Las infiltraciones con corticosteroideas y TOCH son efectivas en la reducción de síntomas y el incremento de la funcionalidad de los pacientes diagnosticados de FPC. Nivel de evidencia clínica Nivel II.

Background Chronic plantar fasciitis (CPF) is a painful condition where the primary goal of treatment is relieve the pain and restore function. Extracorporeal shockwaves therapy (ESWT) has shown efficacy in the treatment of plantar fasciitis with reported few side effects compared to other conservative methods. The purpose of the study is to compare the response to treatment of ESWT against corticosteroid infiltration for PF using VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) and AOFAS (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society's) hind foot scales. Materials & methods Sixty patients with PF were randomized to receive ESWT (group A, n=36) or corticosteroid infiltration (group B, n=24) through a program of random number generation. They were evaluated with VAS and AOFAS hind foot scales before treatment, immediately after treatment and at 3, 6 and 12 months post treatment. Results The two groups were similar in demographic characteristics. Both groups improved during treatment and follow-up period. The mean VAS decreased from 8 to 1.68 (p <0.001) in group A and 6.75 to 1.31 (p <0.001) in group B and presented a mean increase in AOFAS scale from 50.3 to 67.8 (p <0.001) in group A and 51.3 to 66 (p <0.001) in group B at 12 months follow up. At 3 months, the B group presented a lower average score in VAS when compared with patients in group A (1.12 vs 1.96; p=0.035). Finally, follow-up improvement was seen in both groups with no significant differences. Discussion ESWT and corticosteroid injections are both effective in reducing symptoms and increased functionality when applied to patients diagnosed with CPF. Evidence level II.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy alleviates spasticity in the triceps surae after stroke / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of applying extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) to alleviate triceps surae spasticity after a stroke and to explore the electrophysiological mechanisms involved.Methods Sixty hemiplegic stroke patients with triceps surae spasticity were recruited and randomly assigned to either an ESWT group or a control group,each of 30.Both groups were given routine medication and rehabilitation training.The ESWT group additionally received 3000 shots of ESWT at 0.089 mJ/mm2,1.5 bars and 8 Hz applied once a week for 4 weeks.Before the treatment,immediately afterward,and then 1 and 4 weeks later the subjects were assessed using the composite spasticity scale (CSS),passive range of motion (PROM) measurements,the 10-meter walk test (10MWT),H reflex latency and the Hmax/Mmax ratio.Results The ESWT group showed significant improvement in their average CSS,PROM and 10MWT results at t1,t2 and t3 compared with t0,while the control group had significant improvement in their average CSS and 10MWT scores,but their average PROM score improved significantly only at t1 and t2.The ESWT group showed significantly better progress in terms of their average CSS score at t1 and t2.The groups' average PROM scores were not significantly different,but the ESWT group had faster 10MWT times at t1,t2 and t3.In the ESWT group H reflex latency had lengthened significantly by t1 and the Hmax/Mmax ratio had decreased significantly,but the only significant difference from the controls was in the average H reflex latency at t1.The ESWT was well tolerated and did not cause any severe adverse effects.Conclusions ESWT improves triceps surae spasticity effectively after stroke quite safely.

Focused low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy for erectile dysfunction: Preliminary observation of 32 cases / 中华男科学杂志

<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>