The effects of Nordic and general walking on depression disorder patients' depression, sleep, and body composition.

[Purpose] This study examined Nordic walking as an exercise intervention for the elderly with depression. [Subjects] Twenty-four patients who were diagnosed with depression were randomly selected and divided into two groups, an experimental group which performed Nordic walking, and a control group, which performed normal walking. [Methods] Both groups practiced their respective walking exercise for 50 minutes per day, three times a week for eight weeks. To compare the effects of the intervention, psychological factors using the Beck depression inventory and sleep quality was assessed using the Korean version Pittsburgh sleep quality index. Skeletal muscle mass, fat free mass, body mass index, body fat percentage, and basal metabolism were estimated three times by a body composition analyzer, before the intervention, four weeks after the intervention, and eight weeks after the intervention. [Results] There was a significant difference in depression with a main effect of time in both groups. There was also a significant difference in sleep in over time and interaction. The differences over time between the two groups were significant for depression, sleep, and skeletal muscle mass. [Conclusion] The results suggests that Nordic walking has a positive effect on depression and sleeping disorders of the elderly, suggesting that Nordic walking based exercise programs should be developed for the elderly who suffer from depression or a sleeping disorder.

The effects of a neck musculoskeletal intervention on neck pain levels and depression in post-traumatic stress disorder patients.

[Purpose] To identify the effects of a neck intervention on neck pain and depression in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). [Subjects] Thirty-one patients with neck pain and a diagnosis of PTSD were enrolled. [Methods] Neck exercise training was performed with the experimental group and neck self-exercise (using a modification of the McKenzie exercise) was used with the control group. Both groups performed their exercises for 30 minutes at a time, three times per week. To compare the effects of the interventions, the threshold of neck tenderness and depression levels were measured at each period. [Results] The pain threshold of both sides of the trapezius showed a significant difference between the two groups at the three measurement periods. In the experimental group, the threshold increased by 19.7% on the left and 18.3% on the right after the intervention compared to before. Depression levels significantly differed in the experimental group between the three measurements. [Conclusion] This study has important implications for therapeutic strategies, as it provides strong evidence for a method of improving symptoms of neck pain; furthermore, it is effective for subjects with psychological problems such as PTSD.

Clinical feasibility of cervical exercise to improve neck pain, body function, and psychosocial factors in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled trial.

[Purpose] To investigate the effect of cervical exercise on neck pain, disability, and psychosocial factors in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. [Subjects] Thirty patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, who also complained of neck pain. [Methods] The cervical exercise group (n = 15) participated in cervical exercises for 30 min, 3 times/week for 6 weeks, and the control group (n = 16) underwent conventional physical therapy alone, without exercise. The exercises were performed in the following order: cervical relaxation, local muscle stabilization, and global muscle stabilization using a sling system. [Results] Compared to the control group, the cervical exercise group demonstrated significant decreases as follows: Visual analogue scale score, 4.2 vs. 1.0; Neck disability index, 3.9 vs. 1.9; and depression on the Symptom checklist-90-revised, 9.4 vs. 4.3 and on the Hopkins symptom checklist-25, 6.3 vs. 2.8. However, anxiety on the Symptom checklist-90-revised (3.1 vs. 1.3) was not significantly different. Effect sizes were as follows: Visual analogue scale score, 1.8; Neck disability index, 0.9; depression, 1.0; and anxiety on Symptom checklist-90-revised and Hopkins symptom checklist-25, 0.6 and 0.8, respectively. [Conclusion] Cervical exercise is effective in improving neck pain, disability, and efficacy of psychological treatment for depression in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Effect of application of transcranial direct current stimulation during task-related training on gait ability of patients with stroke.

[Purpose] The objective of this study was to determine the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) during task-related training (TRT) on the gait ability of patients with chronic stroke. [Subjects and Methods] The participants were 24 patients who were diagnosed with hemiplegia due to stroke. Three groups were created: subjects who performed TRT for general exercise therapy (TRT), subjects who received sham tDCS during TRT for general exercise therapy (TST), and subjects who received tDCS during TRT for general exercise therapy (TT). [Results] The stance phase symmetry profile, the swing phase symmetry profile, and gait velocity all decreased significantly in the TT group compared with the TRT group. However, there was no significant difference in the step length symmetry profile among the groups. [Conclusion] A application of tDCS, that affects the excitatory regulation in the cortical motor area, is an effective rehabilitation method for gait improvement.

The effect of class-based task-oriented circuit training on the self-satisfaction of patients with chronic stroke.

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the difference in self-satisfaction in patients by comparing class-based task-oriented circuit training (CTCT) and individual-based task-oriented circuit training (ITCT). [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 30 patients who had been diagnosed with hemiplegia due to stroke more than six month previously. They were divided into Group I (n=9) for conventional therapy, Group II (n=10) for conventional therapy and ITCT, and Group III (n=11) for conventional therapy and CTCT. In order to determine self-satisfaction as a psychological factor in patients, we used a self-esteem scale (SES), motivation of rehabilitation scale (MR), and relationship change (RCS) scale. [Results] SES, MR, and RCS, which were measured to determine self satisfaction as a psychological factor were significantly different between groups. The Bonferroni post hoc test revealed a significant difference between Group I and Group III in SES, a significant difference between Group I and Group III and Group II and Group III in MR, and a significant difference between Group I and Group III were found. [Conclusion] Based on the above results, task-oriented circuit training was more effective when performed in a class than when performed individually in terms of self-satisfaction. Based on this result, we determined that CTCT has as positive an effect on the mental aspects of stroke patients compared with ITCT.

Effect of the class and individual applications of task-oriented circuit training on gait ability in patients with chronic stroke.

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine differences in gait abilities by comparing class-based task-oriented circuit training (CTCT) and individual-based task-oriented circuit training (ITCT). [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 30 patients who were diagnosed with hemiplegia due to stroke more than six months previously. They were divided into Group I (n=10), which received conventional physiotherapy, Group II (n=10), which received conventional physiotherapy and ITCT, and Group III (n=10), which received conventional physiotherapy and CTCT. To determine the qualitative aspect of gait ability, a GAITRite (CIR Systems Inc., Sparta NJ, USA) was employed, while a two-minute walking test (2MWT) was conducted to determine the quantitative aspect. [Results] The gait ability showed significant differences in velocity, cadence, and 2MWT between groups in the significance test. As a result, the Bonferroni post test showed that gait velocity was significantly different between Groups I and II and between Groups I and III, while cadence showed a significant difference between Groups I and III. In the 2MWT, Groups I and II and Groups I and III also showed significant differences. [Conclusion] Both the individual and class applications task-oriented circuit training were effective for improving gait ability. This result indicates that CTCT can improve the physical ability of stroke patients as much as ITCT.

The effects of a complex exercise program with the visual block on the walking and balance abilities of elderly people.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a complex exercise program for elderly people who had experienced a fall on their balance, gait, vestibular senses, and proprioceptive senses when their visual sense was blocked. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 30 healthy elderly people aged 65 or older. They were equally and randomly divided into a visual block (VB) group (those whose eyes were covered) and a visual permission (VP) group. The subjects performed the complex exercise program for 30 minutes, twice a day, five day a week for 4 weeks a total of 20 times. Outcome measures were the10 meter walking test (10MWT), stair up/down test (SUDT), Berg balance scale (BBS), vestibular stepping test (VST), proprioception test (PT). [Results] After the intervention, the VB group showed improvements in 10MWT, VST, and PT. The VP group showed improvements in 10MWT and PT. The significant improvement in VST observed in the VB group was significantly greater than that in the VP group. [Conclusion] The complex exercise program for elderly people helped enhance their balance ability and gait, and improved their vestibular sense.

Change in onset times of the abdominal muscles following functional task in lumbar spinal stenosis.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in the onset times of the abdominal muscle following a rapid arm task in lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). In total, 32 patients with LSS were recruited from W oriental hospital. Muscle activity onset of the internal oblique (IO) and external oblique (EO) muscles was measured by electromyography (EMG) activity with a rapid arm movement and during the performance of a walking task. The LSS group demonstrated a significantly later onset of the IO, EO, and rectus abdominal (RA) muscles than the normal group. The deltoid reaction time of the normal group demonstrated significantly earlier activations of IO and EO, while the deltoid reaction time of the LSS group demonstrated significantly delayed activations of IO and RA. The EMG measurements of the IO, EO, and RA muscles while standing and walking were reliable and they offer empirical information about the trunk muscle activation of LSS patients.

The effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation integration pattern exercise program on the fall efficacy and gait ability of the elders with experienced fall.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of exercising program utilizing proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation integration pattern (PIP), which is effective in improvement of the physical function, on the fall efficacy and gait ability of the elders who experienced injuries from falls. Also, this study aims to investigate he applicability of exercise program as methods for fall reoccurrence prevention and physical functions enhancement. The subjects of the study were 30 elders in the local community with experience of injuries from falls. The period of the study was 4 weeks with 12 exercise sessions. The subjects were randomly allocated to 2 groups where 15 elders were allocated to PIP and the rest 15 elders were allocated to general exercise (GE) group. Fall efficacy scale (FES) and GAITRite were used for the measurements in this study. Paired t-test was used to analyze the differences within the group while independent t-test was used to analyze the difference between two groups. In the comparison of measurements before and after exercise program, FES, velocity, cadence, and stride length were shown to be significantly increased in both PIP group and GE group. Also, in the comparison between two groups after the exercise program, the measurements of FES, cadence, stride length, and step length in PIP group were shown to be significantly increased compared to the GE group. Therefore, the PNF combined pattern is judged to be applicable to as methods for fall reoccurrence prevention and physical functions enhancement of the elders with experience of being fallen.

The effect of action observation training on knee joint function and gait ability in total knee replacement patients.

The purpose of this study is to investigate that effect of action observation training (AOT) on knee joint function and balance in total knee replacement (TKR) patients. The subjects consisted of eighteen post-TKR patients. All participants underwent conventional physical therapy. In addition, patients in the AOT group (n= 9) were asked to observe video clips showing daily actions and to imitate them afterward. Patients in the control group (n= 9) were asked to execute the same actions as patients in the AOT group. Outcome measures Western Ontario and Mc-Master Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) included pain, stiffness, function and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. After intervention, patients in the AOT group score better than patients in the control group. After TUG test, patients in the AOT group and control group were no significant difference between two groups. In addition to conventional physical therapy, AOT is effective in the rehabilitation of post-TKR patients. Action observation training is considered conducive to improving knee functions and ameliorating pain and stiffness, of patients who underwent TKR.

The Effect of tDCS on Cognition and Neurologic Recovery of Rats with Alzheimer's Disease.

[Purpose] This study examined the effect of the application of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on neurologic recovery and cognitive function of rats with Alzheimer-like dementia induced by scopolamine injections. [Subjects] To create a cognition dysfunction model, intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine was given to Sprague-Dawley rats that subsequently received tDCS for 4 weeks. [Methods] Changes in motor behavior were evaluated by conducting an open field test. Acetylcholine content in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus was examined for a biochemical assessment. [Results] With respect to changes in motor behavior, group II showed the most meaningful difference after scopolamine injection, followed by group III. In the biochemical assessment, the results of the examination of acetylcholine content in the tissue of the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus on the 14th and 28th days, respectively, showed the most significant increase in group II, followed by group III. [Conclusion] The above findings confirm that tDCS application after the onset of cognitive dysfunction caused by Alzheimer's disease leads to a positive effect on motor behavior and biochemical changes, and this effect is maintained over a specific period of time.

The effects of abdominal draw-in maneuver and core exercise on abdominal muscle thickness and Oswestry disability index in subjects with chronic low back pain.

The purpose of this study was to effects of abdominal draw-in maneuver and core exercise with 4 weeks using the musculoskeletal ultrasonography on muscle thickness and disability in subjects with low back pain. Twenty patients with nonspecific back pain (abdominal draw-in maneuver group: n= 10, core exercise group: n= 10) were recruited in the study. Both group received exercise intervention 3 times a week for 4weeks. The test were based on muscle thickness (transversus abdominis; Tra, internal oblique; IO and external oblique; EO), disability (Oswestry disability index; ODI) measured immediately before and after intervention. The data was measured by SPSS program 12.0 version and analyzed by Paired t-test and Independent t-test. The following results were obtained. The thickness of IO, EO for both group significantly improved except for muscle thickness of Tra. The ODI were significant difference for both groups. As the results of this study, we suggest that it may be effective method to apply to increase for the thickness of Tra, EO using abdominal draw-in maneuver and thickness of IO using core exercise.

The effects of ankle mobilization and active stretching on the difference of weight-bearing distribution, low back pain and flexibility in pronated-foots subjects.

The purpose of this study was designed to analyze the effects mobilization and active stretching on the difference of weight-bearing distribution, low back pain, and flexibility in pronated-foot subjects. The subjects of this study were 16 chronic low back pain patients. They were randomly divided into the control and experimental group. The experimental group had used the model of ankle mobilization and calf muscle active stretching three times per week, for 4 weeks. The control group did same method without an ankle mobilization. The range of flexion and extension motion of the lumbar vertebrae and low back pain degree and difference of weight-bearing were measured before and after the experiment. The model of ankle mobilization and calf muscle stretching of pronated-foot significantly improved the range of flexion and extension motion of the vertebrae. And the visual analogue scale and distribution of weight-bearing were decreased in both of two groups. In other word, the exercise of this study showed that the model of ankle mobilization and calf muscle stretching of pronated-foot had positive effects on improving the range of flexion and extension motion of the vertebrae. The calf muscle stretching was easy and it is effective in therapy that patients by themselves and helped to recover the balance of the vertebrae to combine ankle mobilization and muscle stretching.

The effects of core stability strength exercise on muscle activity and trunk impairment scale in stroke patients.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of core stability-enhancing exercises on the lower trunk and muscle activity of stroke patients. The control group (n = 10) underwent standard exercise therapy, while the experiment group (n =10) underwent both the core stability-enhancing exercise and standard exercise therapy simultaneously. The standard exercise therapy applied to the two groups included weight bearing and weight shifts and joint movements to improve flexibility and the range of motion. The core stability-enhancing exercise was performed 5 times a week for 30 min over a period of 4 weeks in the room where the patients were treated. For all 20 subject, the items measured before the exercise were measured after the therapeutic intervention, and changes in muscle activity of the lower trunk were evaluated. The activity and stability of the core muscles were measured using surface electromyography and the trunk impairment scale (TIS). The mean TIS score and muscle activity of the lower trunk increased in the experiment group significantly after performing the core stability-enhancing exercise (P<0.05). The results of this study show that the core stability-enhancing exercise is effective in improving muscle activity of the lower trunk, which is affected by hemiplegia.