ABSTRACT
Background and purpose The effects of various exercise training programs on balance in older adults are well established. This study aimed to compare the effect of functional-task training with resistance training in improving balance performance in older adults. Methods A total of 100 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and above were randomly allocated into two groups: functional-task training (FTT) group and resistance training (RT) group. The FTT group (n = 50) performed functional task exercises and the RT group (n = 50) performed resistance exercises three times a week for 12 weeks. Balance was evaluated before and after the trial using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Results A total of 87 subjects who completed the study were analyzed. Both the groups showed a significant change in BBS and TUG test (p < 0.05) from baseline to 12 weeks. However, post-intervention analysis between the groups showed a significant difference in both the BBS and TUG test (p < 0.05), i.e. improvement in the FTT group was better than the RE group at the end of training. Conclusion Both the FTT and RT were effective in improving balance. However, the improvement achieved by the FTT group was better than the RT group.
ABSTRACT
Vertigo and dizziness are one of the commonest and least understood symptom. Vestibular vertigo of Meniere's disease and Benign Paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and cervicogenic dizziness are classified as separate entities. Cervicogenic dizziness is not considered the domain of Otolaryngologists, as it is mainly related to neck proprioceptors. Headache and neck pain, have been found to be associated with both Meniere's disease and BPPV, so is cervicogenic dizziness. The present study was undertaken to study the association between cervical signs and symptoms in patients with Vestibular Vertigo of Meniere's disease, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and cervicogenic dizziness. 132 patients complaining of vertigo and diagnosed with Meniere's disease, BPPV or cervicogenic dizziness were examined for symptoms and signs related to neck, shoulder and muscle tightness and asymmetry. Most of the patients of Meniere's Disease (80% for unilateral and 88.23% for bilateral), Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (75%for right sided BPPV, 66.67% for left sided BPPV) and cervicogenic dizziness (90%) had associated symptoms of neck pain or headache, and were found to be positive for neck tightness and/or asymmetry of shoulder. Headache was more common in patients with Meniere's Disease. Vestibular Dizziness of Meniere's Disease, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and Cervicogenic Dizziness may be spectrum of the same disease with underlying myofascial problems. Meniere's Disease of Idiopathic or primary type needs to be revisited as Cervicogenic Hydrops.
ABSTRACT
Background Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) fall under neurodevelopmental disorders and are characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. The current available treatments aim at functional rehabilitation with resultant partial improvement in few and the persistent handicap in rest of them. Manual physical therapy or manual manipulation therapy has the basis in structural rehabilitation of the patient and has been proposed to act by both peripheral and central mechanisms. Case presentation To study improvement in different components of ASD by manual physical therapy, the therapy comprised of soft tissue therapy, in the form of myofascial release (MFR) of deep fascia of leg and foot muscles. The child with ASD, treated by manual physical therapy had global improvement in all the deficits. Conclusions This is probably first case of autism reported to have almost complete symptom resolution, with any single form of treatment and this form of therapy holds promise in integrative and holistic management of the patient.
