ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the effect of six-week aquatic exercise on the static and semi-dynamic balance of male patients with chronic ischemic stroke (CIS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial (RCT) included a total of 36 male CIS patients (mean age 60.2±6.7 years; range, 40 to 70 years) between January 2015 and January 2017. The patients were randomly divided into three groups consisting of 12 patients in each group: (i) exercising in shallow water, (ii) exercising in deep water, and (iii) control group. Training sessions were held three days a week for six weeks, and the control group did not participate in these sessions. The balance of the patients was checked using the Biodex balance system in two stages. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two intervention groups (shallow and deep) in terms of the balance assessment post-test (p>0.05), yet there was a statistically significant difference between the two intervention groups (shallow and deep) with the control group in terms of the semi-dynamic balance (total) score, (p<0.05); the semi-dynamic balance (total) of the two intervention groups (shallow and deep) was higher than that of the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study results indicate that exercise in both depths is a suitable solution to improve balance, particularly semi-dynamic balance (total) in male CIS patients. Accordingly, aquatic training has a positive effect on balance in male stroke patients and we can prescribe this protocol as a useful remedy for these patients.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) are always faced with functional limitations in daily activities due to knee pain. They are also at risk of falling because of compensatory kinetics and kinematics changes in walking, which is why they are seeking complementary therapies to deal with their problems. OBJECTIVE: The present research aimed to evaluate whether Swedish massage is effective in relieving the symptoms of knee OA and improving the gait spatiotemporal parameters of patients with knee OA. METHODS: Thirty adult women with knee OA participated in this study voluntarily. The intervention group (n = 15) received Swedish massage on their quadriceps for 20-30 min per session (12 sessions). During this period, the control group (n = 15) received their regular treatment. Osteoarthritis symptoms were evaluated by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. The spatiotemporal parameters of gait were also captured by the motion analysis system during barefoot walking. RESULTS: The intervention group demonstrated significantly more pain relief and improved function compared to the control group. A significant increase was observed in the gait speed, total support time, and single support time (P < 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant decrease in the step width and initial double support time of the patients after receiving Swedish massage (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that Swedish massage may positively affect pain relief and function improvement in patients with knee OA. Also, Swedish massage was found to improve the spatiotemporal parameters in the patients. This may have important clinical implications regarding the rehabilitation of patients with knee OA.
Subject(s)
Osteoarthritis, Knee , Adult , Female , Gait , Humans , Knee Joint , Massage , Osteoarthritis, Knee/therapy , Sweden , WalkingABSTRACT
Objective: This study aimed to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and ergonomic risks for Kerman University of Medical Sciences' office workers. Methods: The study sample comprised all office workers in the University and the sample included 129 women and 121 men. Data on MSDs were derived from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, while ergonomic data were collected through two direct observations via the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) and the rapid office strain assessment (ROSA) method. Results: The results showed that the highest prevalence rates of MSDs were in the lower back (72.4%) and neck (55.2). Results of the postural assessment revealed that 68.8% of the participants' require "further investigation in order to modify their posture" and 27.6% need to "modify their posture soon." From the workstation analysis, the majority of the office workers were at a medium (55.2%) and high-risk level (27.6%). Results also revealed a significant association between some of MSDs in the lower back and neck with the RULA and ROSA score. Conclusions: Based on the results, for the prevention of MSDs, there should be ergonomics workshops for workers to be aware of ergonomics factors in the office. The ergonomics training must also be used in offices; the design of workstations should be improved.
