Does the Effect of Mental Fatigue Created by Motor Imagery on Upper Extremity Functions Change with Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises? A Randomized, Controlled, Single-Blinded Trial.

Background and Objectives: This study focused on the impact of mental fatigue induced by motor imagery on upper limb function, an area with limited research compared to lower limb performance. It aimed to explore how diaphragmatic breathing exercises influence these effects. Materials and Methods: This study included 30 participants, and Group 1 participated in 12 sessions of diaphragmatic breathing exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist; Group 2 did not receive any intervention. For all the participants, mental fatigue was induced with motor imagery before and after the intervention, and evaluations were performed before and after mental fatigue. Upper extremity functions were evaluated using isometric elbow flexion strength, hand grip strength, upper extremity reaction time and endurance, finger reaction time, the nine-hole peg test, shoulder position sense, light touch-pressure threshold, and two-point discrimination. Results: The study results showed that after mental fatigue, there was a decrease in isometric elbow flexion strength, nondominant hand grip strength, and nondominant upper extremity endurance, and an increase in nondominant tactile sensation (p < 0.05). No changes were found in two-point discrimination, nine-hole peg test time, and position sense on either side (p > 0.05). The effect of mental fatigue on isometric elbow flexion strength and nondominant grip strength showed significant improvement following diaphragmatic breathing exercises (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study found that mental fatigue from motor imagery can impact elbow flexion, hand grip strength, upper extremity endurance, and tactile sensitivity. Breathing exercises may help improve strength parameters affected by mental fatigue. It is crucial to consider these effects on upper extremity functions in rehabilitation programs.

Chronotype as a predictor of athletic performance in youth with mild intellectual disabilities.

Aim: This study aimed to explore the influence of circadian rhythms on athletic performance in individuals with mild intellectual disabilities (ID), with a specific focus on elucidating the association between chronotype and various performance metrics. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study consisting of 30 male participants aged between 11 and 19 years and diagnosed with mild ID. The chronotypes of all participants were assessed using the Childhood Chronotype Questionnaire (CCQ). Performance assessments were divided into three groups. Group A tests [sit and reach, medicine ball throw (MBT), plank], group B tests [handgrip strength (HGS), standing long jump (SLJ), 20-m sprint (20 ms)] and group C tests [vertical jump (VJ), hanging with bent arm (HBA), Illinois agility test) in order to ensure adequate rest periods between tests and not to affect the results. These group tests were performed 48 h apart, between 09:00-10:00 and 17:00-18:00, after a dynamic warm-up session. Results: Significant variations were observed in the sit-and-reach test (t = -4.154, d = -0.75, p < .001), HGS (t = -2.484, d = -0.45, p = .019), SLJ (t = -2.117, d = -0.38, p = .043), VJ (t = -5.004, d = -0.91, p < .001), and plank duration (t = -4.653, d = -0.84, p < .001). Evening performances showed improvement in MBT, HBA, 20 ms, and the Illinois agility test, although these differences were not statistically significant (p > .05). Notably, positive correlations were identified between participants' chronotypes and their performance in HBA (morning/evening; r = .693, p = .026; r = .656, p = .039, respectively) and the plank (evening; r = .717, p = .020), with negative correlations noted in the 20 ms (morning/evening; r = -.703, p = .023; r = -.710, p = .021, respectively). Conclusion: The findings suggest that individuals with mild ID exhibit enhanced athletic performance during evening hours. These insights underscore the importance of considering chronotype in tailoring exercise interventions for this population to optimize outcomes.

Relationship of anthropometrics and blood pressure to identify people at risk of hypertension and obesity-related conditions in Nigerian rural areas.

The prevalence of obesity and hypertension is increasing, particularly in the urban areas. However, there is limited research on the relationship between obesity and hypertension in the rural areas of southeastern Nigeria. The present study aimed to investigate the association between anthropometric parameters and adiposity indicators and the risk of hypertension with obesity-related conditions, based on a descriptive study of people living in the southeastern rural areas of Nigeria. The cluster sampling procedure randomly recruited study participants. Finally, 200 participants (100 male and 100 female) aged 18 to 25 years were included in the study. A simplified correlation analysis was used to derive the adjusted indicators in relation to age and sex. This study found that females generally had a higher body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and Z-score, whereas systolic blood pressure (SBP) was higher in men. A high correlation was found between the body shape index (ABSI) and BMI (r = -.529, P < .001), WC (r = .399, P < .001) and Z-score (r = .982, P < .001) in male participants. In females, there was a high correlation between ABSI and BMI, blood pressure (BP), and Z score in female participants (r = -.481, P < .000; r = -.267, P = .007; r = .941, P < .000). In male participants, BMI was correlated with diastolic blood pressure (DBP; r = .236, P = .018), SBP (r = .282, P = .005), Z score (r = -.539, P < .000), and WC (r = .541, P < .001). This study highlights the importance of considering a range of anthropometric measurements and health parameters when assessing health risks and identifying potential interventions. In addition, the body shape index may be a particularly useful tool for predicting health risks in both men and women. In contrast, correlations between various health parameters can provide insights into the underlying mechanisms and risk factors.

Pes planus level affects counter movement jump performance: A study on amateur male and female volleyball players.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pes planus level on counter movement jump (CMJ) performance parameters in amateur female and male volleyball players. In this context, amateur volleyball players aged between 18 and 23 years actively playing in the university school volleyball team were included in the study. Pes planus levels of the participants were analyzed using the navicular drop test (NDT). My Jump Lab application was used for CMJ measurement. Within the scope of CMJ, the participants' jump height, force, relative force, power, relative power, average speed, take-off speed, impulse, and flying time were analyzed. According to the linear regression results between NDT and CMJ parameters, force in males (t = 12.93, P = .049) and average speed in females (t = -3.52, P = .017) were significantly associated with NDT. NDT was similar in men and women (P > .05). However, all CMJ parameters were highly different between genders (P < .001). In the correlation analysis between sport age and physical characteristics and CMJ parameters; height (r = .386, P = .046), weight (r = .569, P = .002), leg length (r = .389, P = .045), foot length (r =. 558, P = .005), foot width (r = .478, P = .018), force (r = .407, P = .039), impulse (r = .460, P = .018) parameters, and sport age. The results suggest that the average speed in females and force in males both significantly influenced NDT, highlighting the significance of both factors in predicting NDT scores. Moreover, all CMJ measures showed significant variations between genders, although the NDT scores did not. Furthermore, the correlation analysis demonstrated a strong correlation between a number of physical attributes and CMJ parameters, highlighting the multifaceted nature of athletic performance and indicating the possible impact of these attributes on CMJ results.

Effects of combined aerobic and resistance training on glycemic control, blood pressure, inflammation, cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes and overweight/obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Structured aerobic or resistance training alone seems to be a beneficial tool for improving glucose homeostasis, chronic systemic inflammation, resting cardiovascular function, and mental health in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of the present study was to synthesize the available data on the effectiveness of combined aerobic and resistance training (CART) on glycemic control, blood pressure, inflammation, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and quality of life (QoL) in overweight and obese individuals with T2DM. Methods: A database search was carried out in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar from inception up to May 2023. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess eligible studies, and the GRADE method to evaluate the reliability of evidence. A random-effects model was used, and data were analyzed using standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. The study protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (ID: CRD42022355612). Results: A total of 21,612 studies were retrieved; 20 studies were included, and data were extracted from 1,192 participants (mean age: 57 ± 7 years) who met the eligibility criteria. CART demonstrated significant improvements in body mass index, glycated hemoglobin, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, CRF, and QoL compared to ST. These findings highlight the significance of exercise interventions such as CART as essential elements within comprehensive diabetes management strategies, ultimately enhancing overall health outcomes in individuals with T2DM and overweight/obesity.No differences were found in resting heart rate between CART and ST. An uncertain risk of bias and poor quality of evidence were found among the eligible studies. Conclusion: These outcomes show clear evidence considering the positive role of CART in inducing beneficial changes in various cardiometabolic and mental health-related indicators in patients with T2DM and concurrent overweight/obesity. More studies with robust methodological design are warranted to examine the dose-response relationship, training parameters configuration, and mechanisms behind these positive adaptations.

The Response of the Amputee Athlete Heart to Chronic Core Exercise: A Study on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters, and N-Terminal Pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide.

Background and Objectives: mortality and morbidity due to cardiovascular causes are frequently experienced in amputees. Research on the effects of chronic exercise on biomarkers and cardiac damage indicators in these individuals is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a core training program on brain natriuretic-related peptide, as well as hematological and biochemical parameters in amputee soccer players. Materials and Methods: The participants were randomly allocated to the following two groups: a core exercise group (CEG) and a control group (CG). While the CG continued routine soccer training, the CEG group was included in a core exercise program different from this group. During the study, routine hemogram parameters of the participants, various biochemical markers, and the concentration of brain natriuretic-related peptide (NT-pro-BNP) were analyzed. Results: after the training period, notable improvements in various hematological parameters were observed in both groups. In the CEG, there were significant enhancements in red blood cell count (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) values. Similarly, the CG also showed substantial improvements in RBC, HCT, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), MCHC, MCH, red cell distribution width-standard deviation (RDW-SD), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLCR), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW). Moreover, in the CEG, serum triglycerides (TG) and maximal oxygen uptake (MaxVO2) exhibited significant increases. Conversely, TG levels decreased in the CG, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and MaxVO2 levels demonstrated substantial elevations. Notably, the N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels did not undergo significant changes in either the CEG or the CG following the core exercise program (p > 0.05). However, in the CEG, a meaningful positive correlation was observed between NT-pro-BNP and creatine kinase (CK) levels before and after the core exercise program. Conclusions: the findings emphasized the potential benefits of core training in enhancing specific physiological aspects, such as erythrocyte-related parameters and lipid metabolism, as well as aerobic capacity. Furthermore, the observed correlation between NT-pro-BNP and CK levels in the CEG provides intriguing insights into the unique physiological adaptations of amputee athletes.

A Combined Experimental and Computational Study of Novel Benzotriazinone Carboxamides as Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors.

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder of the endocrine system characterized by persistent hyperglycemia appears due to the deficiency or ineffective use of insulin. The glucose level of diabetic patients increases after every meal and medically recommended drugs are used to control hyperglycemia. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are used as antidiabetic medicine to delay the hydrolysis of complex carbohydrates. Acarbose, miglitol, and voglibose are commercial drugs but patients suffer side effects of flatulence, bloating, diarrhea, and loss of hunger. To explore a new antidiabetic drug, a series of benzotriazinone carboxamides was synthesized and their alpha-glucosidase inhibition potentials were measured using in vitro experiments. The compounds 14k and 14l were found to be strong inhibitors compared to the standard drug acarbose with IC50 values of 27.13 ± 0.12 and 32.14 ± 0.11 µM, respectively. In silico study of 14k and 14l was carried out using molecular docking to identify the type of interactions developed between these compounds and enzyme sites. Both potent compounds 14k and 14l exhibited effective docking scores by making their interactions with selected amino acid residues. Chemical hardness and orbital energy gap values were investigated using DFT studies and results depicted affinity of 14k and 14l towards biological molecules. All computational findings were found to be in good agreement with in vitro results.

Exploring the Influence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on the Accessibility of Rehabilitation Services Provided to Children with Disabilities: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: Children with disabilities (such as cerebral palsy, autistic spectrum disorder, and Down syndrome) are the most vulnerable and marginalized subset of the population, representing 2.7% of the total population of Saudi Arabia. The COVID-19 outbreak might have disproportionately affected children with disabilities, augmented their isolation, and induced severe disruptions to the services on which these children rely. Limited research has been conducted in Saudi Arabia to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rehabilitation services provided to children with disabilities and barriers. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the lockdown implemented as a result of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the accessibility of rehabilitation services, including communication, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a survey was conducted between June and September 2020 during the lockdown in Saudi Arabia. A total of 316 caregivers of children with disabilities from Riyadh participated in the study. The accessibility of rehabilitation services provided to children with disabilities was assessed by designing a valid questionnaire. Results: A total of 280 children with disabilities received rehabilitation services before the COVID-19 pandemic and showed improvement following therapeutic sessions. However, during the pandemic, most children stopped receiving therapeutic sessions because of lockdown, which deteriorated their condition. This shows a significant reduction in the accessibility of the rehabilitation services provided during the pandemic. Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed a drastic decline in services provided to children with disabilities. This caused a notable deterioration in the abilities of these children.

A comparative study between transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in the management of post-herpetic neuralgia of the sciatic nerve.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMFT) versus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia of the sciatic nerve. METHODS: A double-blinded randomized clinical study has included 56 patients (18 males and 38 females). Participants were randomly and equally assigned into 2 groups. Both groups received conventional physical therapy treatment. Moreover, group (A) has an additional TENS, and group (B) had PEMFT. Both modalities were applied once daily, 3 times a week for 20 minutes for 8 successive weeks. Visual analog scale (VAS) and carbamazepine intake (CMI) dose have been assessed before and after interventions. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in VAS and CMI post-treatment in group A and B compared with that pretreatment (P > .001). The percent decrease in VAS and CMI in group A were 72.44% and 69.47% respectively and that for group B was 68.95% and 67.94% respectively. The findings revealed a non-significant difference in VAS and CMI (P > .05) between groups. The Means of VAS and CMI were (2.4 ±â€…0.78, 204.5 ±â€…16.76 and 2.67 ±â€…0.9, 210.57 ±â€…16.5) in group A and group B respectively. The mean difference for VAS and CMI was (-0.27 and -6.07) between groups post-treatment respectively. CONCLUSION: Both TENS and PEMFT were effective and nearly equivalent in improving the post-herpetic neuralgia of the sciatic nerve as measured by in VAS and CMI. Clinical recommendations should be highlighted to instigate the using of TENS and PEMFT in the management of post-herpetic neuralgia of the sciatic nerve.

Effect of adding a supervised physical therapy exercise program to photobiomodulation therapy in the treatment of cervicogenic somatosensory tinnitus: A randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of adding a supervised physical therapy exercise program to photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in the treatment of cervicogenic somatosensory tinnitus (CST). METHODS: Forty patients suffering from CST with age 45-55 years were included in the study. They were assigned randomly into 2 groups, 20 per each. (Study group) Group (A) received a supervised physical therapy exercise program in addition to 20 minutes PBMT with a 650-nanometer wavelength and a 5 milliWatt power output, spot size of 1 cm2, and energy density of 6 Joules, 3 sessions per week for 8 consecutive weeks, plus traditional medical treatment. While (control group), group (B) received the same PBMT protocol, 3 sessions per week for 8 consecutive weeks in addition to the traditional medical treatment. Tinnitus visual analog scaling (VAS), tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), and cervical range of motion (ROM) were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks. RESULTS: Mixed MANOVA showed a statistically significant reduction in tinnitus VAS, THI, and a significant improvement in cervical ROM (flexion, extension, right bending, left bending, right rotation, and left rotation) in favor of Group A (P < .05). There was a significant decrease in posttreatment VAS treatment (P > .001) MD [-2.05(-2.68:-1.41)], and THI relative to pretreatment mean difference [-5.35(-8.51: -2.19)] and a significant increase in posttreatment neck ROM in Groups A and B relative to pretreatment neck ROM (P > .001). Flexion range posttreatment MD[3.65(1.64:5.65)], Extension MD [6.55(1.35:11.75)], right bending MD[3.8(2.51:5.08)], left bending MD[1.75(0.19:3.3)], right rotation MD [3.5(1.28:5.71)] and left rotation [2.75(0.67:4.82)]. CONCLUSIONS: Adding a supervised physical therapy exercise program to PBMT showed positive and beneficial effects in the treatment of CST using VAS, THI, and Cervical ROM assessment tools.

Development a novel robust method to enhance the solubility of Oxaprozin as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug based on machine-learning.

Accurate specification of the drugs' solubility is known as an important activity to appropriately manage the supercritical impregnation process. Over the last decades, the application of supercritical fluids (SCFs), mainly CO2, has found great interest as a promising solution to dominate the limitations of traditional methods including high toxicity, difficulty of control, high expense and low stability. Oxaprozin is an efficient off-patent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which is being extensively used for the pain management of patients suffering from chronic musculoskeletal disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. In this paper, the prominent purpose of the authors is to predict and consequently optimize the solubility of Oxaprozin inside the CO2SCF. To do this, the authors employed two basic models and improved them with the Adaboost ensemble method. The base models include Gaussian process regression (GPR) and decision tree (DT). We optimized and evaluated the hyper-parameters of them using standard metrics. Boosted DT has an MAE error rate, an R2-score, and an MAPE of 6.806E-05, 0.980, and 4.511E-01, respectively. Also, boosted GPR has an R2-score of 0.998 and its MAPE error is 3.929E-02, and with MAE it has an error rate of 5.024E-06. So, boosted GPR was chosen as the best model, and the best values were: (T = 3.38E + 02, P = 4.0E + 02, Solubility = 0.001241).

The effect of magnetic therapy and moderate aerobic exercise on osteoporotic patients: A randomized clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a frequent musculoskeletal condition with significant complications that would be a global health problem and one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to ascertain the impact of pulsed magnetic therapy, aerobic exercise, and a combination of both modalities on osteoporotic female patients postthyroidectomy. METHODS: Between May 2018 and September 2019, 45 female patients with osteoporosis were included in the randomized clinical study, their age ranged from 40 to 50 years, had thyroidectomy for at least 6 months ago, and had an inactive lifestyle for at least the previous 6 months. Patients were assigned randomly into 3 equal groups. Group A (magnetic therapy group): received routine medical treatment (bisphosphonates, calcium, and vitamin D) in addition to pulsed magnetic therapy on the hip region for 12 weeks (3 sessions/week). Group B (exercise group): received routine medical treatment plus moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for 12 weeks (3 sessions/week). Group C (combined magnetic therapy and exercise therapy group): received routine medical treatment plus pulsed magnetic therapy and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for 12 weeks (3 sessions/week). The 3 groups were assessed for bone mineral density (BMD) at baseline by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and after 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: The results showed that within-group analysis a statistically significant increase was reveled (P < .05) for BMD in the 3 studied groups. Comparing the results among the 3 tested groups revealed a significant increase (P < .05) in posttesting mean values of BMD in group (C) compared to group (A) and group (B). No significant statistical difference in BMD means values between the 2 groups (A) and (B) after testing was detected. CONCLUSION: Combination of both pulsed magnetic therapy and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise showed significant improvement in BMD at the hip region than using any of the 2 modalities alone.

Comparison of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy versus Manual Lymphatic Drainage on Cellulite after Liposuction: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Cellulite is associated with variations in the skin appearance with cottage cheese, mattress-like, or orange peel. The most common areas for these lesions are the posterior or upper thighs and buttocks and mainly affect females after puberty. The objective of the study was to determine whether extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) or manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is more effective for the reduction of the grade of cellulite after liposuction. METHODS: This study is a single-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial. Thirty females with grade 3 cellulite were randomly distributed into two groups equal in number (n = 15), group A was equipped to ESWT and group B was equipped to MLD. The cellulite grading scale was used to assess cellulite grade, and the skinfold caliper was used to assess the thickness of subcutaneous fat. The assessment was carried out before and four weeks after starting the treatment. Both groups received topical retinol twice daily for four weeks; in addition, group A received ESWT, while group B received MLD, two times/week for 4 weeks. RESULTS: The mean values of the skinfold caliper in group A decreased by 24.4% and in group B by 15.38% with a significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.001). Also, the mean values of the cellulite grading scale decreased significantly after treatment in group A compared with the mean values of group B (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There was more reduction in the grade of cellulite and thickness of subcutaneous fat in the ESWT group than the MLD group after liposuction.

Impact of the smell loss on the quality of life and adopted coping strategies in COVID-19 patients.

PURPOSE: To study the impact of smell loss on quality of life in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), and assess the importance of olfaction before and after the loss of smell. In addition, to assess the impact of smell loss on psychological well-being and distress, and to assess coping strategies used by COVID-19 patients with smell loss. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 487 COVID-19 positive patients with anosmia were recruited. All participants filled in the validated Multi-Clinic Smell and Taste Questionnaire, and the validated General Well-being Schedule. RESULTS: Negative impacts of smell loss, associated risks, interference with daily activities, and deterioration in well-being were common. The importance of the sense of smell was evaluated (In relation to other senses) as higher in the period after the loss than before the loss (p < 0.001). All aspects of health-related QOL are statistically significant (p < 0.001), with the exception of financial security and friendship, which are not statistically significant (p = 0.129, p = 0.334), respectively. Psychological well-being was negatively affected, and the use of both problem- and emotion-focused strategies was common. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 Patients with loss of smell have significant reductions in health-related QOL. Their loss of smell directly affects daily activities related to the olfactory function. Therefore, priority should be given to diagnose and treat the loss of smell. Patients who have recently developed smell loss may be offered a combination of the problem- and emotion-focused strategies to cope with their condition.

Physical activity and mental well-being during COVID-19 pandemic.

The corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in most nations deciding upon self-isolation and social distancing policies for their citizens to control the pandemic and reduce hospital admission. This review aimed at evaluating the effect of physical activity on mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to augmented levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 that led to cardiovascular and neurological disorders associated with highly inflammatory effects of viral infection affecting the brain tissues leading to damage of the nervous system and resulting in cognition dysfunction, insulin sensitivity reduction, and behavioral impairments. Anxiety and depression may lead to negative effects on various quality of life domains, such as being physically inactive. Regular physical activities may reduce inflammatory responses, improve ACE-2 responses, and improve mental well-being during self-isolation and social distancing policies related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further studies should be conducted to assess the different intensities of physical activities on cardiovascular function, and mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effects of auditovisual feedback on eye-hand coordination in children with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy have deficits in eye-hand coordination. This limits manual actions performed with the affected hand, especially fine motor skills such as grasping and manipulation. Visual-motor integration, grasping skills, and visual perception are collectively involved in eye-hand coordination. AIMS: We investigated the effects of augmented biofeedback training on eye-hand coordination in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Forty-five spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy children (5-8 years old) were included. Children were assigned randomly into three equal groups. One group received traditional physical therapy to facilitate visual-motor integration and grasping skills for 3 months. The second group received augmented biofeedback training. The third group received a combination of augmented biofeedback training and traditional physical therapy. Children were evaluated with the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale (2nd edition) (PDMS-2). Treatment sessions were conducted for 60 min, three times a week, for 3 consecutive months. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Children that received augmented biofeedback training alongside traditional physical therapy had significantly improved scores in the Visual-Motor Integration and grasping subtests compared to children that received only one intervention. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Augmented biofeedback training alongside physical therapy improved eye-hand coordination in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Augmented Biofeedback Training with Physical Therapy Improves Visual-Motor Integration, Visual Perception, and Motor Coordination in Children with Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomised Control Trial.

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of combining augmented biofeedback training and standard therapy for improving visual-motor integration (VMI), visual perception (VP), and motor coordination (MC) in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).Methods: Participants were 45 children, 5-8 years of age, with spastic hemiplegic CP. They were randomized into three groups: group A followed a 3-month specially designed program physical therapy intervention to facilitate VMI and VP. Group B received augmented biofeedback training. Group C received augmented biofeedback training and the physical therapy program provided to group A. The treatment sessions lasted 60 min, three times a week for three months. The Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of VMI and its supplemental tests were used to evaluate the children before and after the program.Results: After a 3-month treatment, standard scores and age equivalent scores for VMI, VP, and MC were significantly higher in group C compared with group A.Conclusion: The combination of augmented biofeedback and physical therapy could be used to improve VMI, VP, and MC in children with spastic hemiplegic CP.