Effects of McConnell and Kinesio taping on kinematic variables during stair descent in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Studies regarding effects of therapeutic tapings when patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) descend stairs are limited. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of McConnell taping (MT) and Kinesio taping (KT) on kinematic variables when patients with PFPS descend stairs. METHODS: Fifty PFPS patients were randomly assigned to either the MT group or the KT group. Pain and lower extremities joint angles were measured while descending stairs before and after the intervention. All outcomes measured were analyzed using either paired t tests or independent t tests to compare the difference within or between groups, respectively. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in both groups in anterior knee pain scale score (p< 0.05). As a result of analysis of lower extremities joint angles at initial contact, loading response, and terminal stance, there were statistically significant within-group differences in hip, knee flexion, abduction and lateral rotation angles in both groups (p< 0.05). There were statistically significant within-group differences in hip flexion, knee flexion, and dorsiflexion angles in pre-swing (p< 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in the following events: (1) knee lateral rotation angle at initial contact; (2) hip flexion angle at loading response; (3) and hip flexion at terminal stance angle (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: MT and KT were effective in lowering knee pain and improving lower extremities joint angle when patients with PFPS descend stairs. In the comparison between the groups, the MT group showed significantly reduced anterior knee pain and increased range of motion of the lower extremities joint compared to the KT group.

Immediate Effects of Fine-Motor Training on Coordination and Dexterity of the Non-Dominant Hand in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of mirror training; however, only a few studies in Eastern countries have investigated fine-motor exercises using chopsticks, which have numerous advantages. We aimed to compare changes in coordination and dexterity of the non-dominant hand in healthy adults after conducting fine-motor training with the dominant hand using a mirror. We divided 100 healthy adults (age: 20−40 years) into experimental and control groups (each n = 50). The experimental group placed the non-dominant hand in a mirror box and indirectly imitated the fine-motor exercises conducted with the dominant hand using chopsticks. The control group performed the task with the non-dominant hand using chopsticks. We conducted the Chopsticks Manipulation Test and the Purdue Pegboard Test to assess the pre- and post-intervention coordination and dexterity of the non-dominant hand. Both groups showed a significant post-intervention improvement in coordination and dexterity (p < 0.01). There was no significant between-group difference in the functional improvement of coordination and dexterity (p > 0.05). Fine-motor training using mirrors and chopsticks significantly improved coordination and dexterity of the non-dominant hand. This training could be used to improve activity in brain regions associated with the non-dominant hand in healthy adults.

Effects of McConnell and Kinesio Tapings on Pain and Gait Parameters during Stair Ambulation in Patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of McConnell and Kinesio tapings on knee pain and gait parameters during stair ambulation in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Materials and Methods: We selected 52 young adults suffering from anterior knee pain due to PFPS to participate. Then, we randomly assigned 26 patients to either the McConnell or the Kinesio taping groups. We measured their knee pain and gait parameters during stair ambulation before and after the interventions. For the measured data, we performed a paired t-test to evaluate the amount of change before and after the intervention within the groups and an independent t-test to compare the groups. Results: From the comparison within the groups, we found a significant difference in both groups in the anterior knee pain scale score (p < 0.05) and a significant difference between the groups as well (p < 0.05). As a result of the analysis of the gait parameters while ascending stairs in the comparison within the groups, both groups showed significant differences in all gait variables, except for the double-support stance (p < 0.05), and we found significant differences in all gait variables, except for the double-support stance, in the comparison between the groups (p < 0.05). Regarding the gait variables during stair descent in the comparison within the groups (p < 0.05), both groups showed significant differences in all of the gait variables; we noted significant differences in the double-support stance, step length, velocity, and cadence in the comparison between the groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The McConnell and Kinesio tapings were effective in improving knee pain and gait parameters during ambulation in patients with PFPS, but we found that the McConnell taping had a significant impact on pain reduction during stair ambulation, resulting in further improvement in the gait variables.

The effects of lower extremity cross-training on gait and balance in stroke patients: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cross-training is an indirect intervention to promote muscle activity on the affected side by applying resistance exercise to stronger parts of the body. Indirect interventions are useful for treating patients who have difficulty with direct interventions. Previous studies have focused on measuring increased muscle strength and muscle activity in healthy individuals. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effects of cross-training on gait and balance in hemiplegic patients when applied to the affected and unaffected lower extremities. DESIGN: Double-blinded randomised controlled trial. SETTING: In-patients attending the rehabilitation treatment room of a single center. POPULATION: Fifty-two stroke patients were randomly allocated to a control group (N.=19), affected side cross-training group (N.=15), and unaffected side cross-training group (N.=18). METHODS: Patients were administered general neurological physiotherapy for 30 mins, twice daily, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. The two intervention groups underwent 30 mins of cross-training instead of general neurological physiotherapy once daily, 3 days/week for 4 weeks (postintervention). For data analysis, one-way ANOVA for between-group comparisons and paired t-tests were performed for within-group comparisons between pre- and postintervention groups (significance level of 0.05). RESULTS: In the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), comparing pre- and postintervention, the control group showed no significant change (P>0.05), while the affected side and unaffected side cross-training groups showed significant improvements in function (P<0.05). In the 10-meter Walk Test, the control group showed no significant change (P>0.05), while the affected side and unaffected side cross-training groups showed significant increases in speed (P<0.05). In balance testing, the limits of stability showed a significantly increase in all three groups (P<0.05). There were no pre- or postintervention differences in gait or balance between the groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Gait and balance improved in hemiplegic stroke patients who participated in cross-training, regardless of the intervention applied to the affected or unaffected side. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: In clinical settings, for patients who experience difficulties with direct interventions on the affected side, we propose indirect interventions to improve gait and balance.

Effect of turning direction on Timed Up and Go test results in stroke patients.

BACKGROUND: The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is an assessment tool for measuring mobility in stroke patients. In stroke patients, the turning direction of the affected and unaffected sides may influence turning time. AIM: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the turning direction according to the affected and unaffected sides of stroke patients during their Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and to define clinically salient outcomes during TUG tests performed in the clinic. DESIGN: Observational design. SETTING: Department of Physical Therapy in a rehabilitation center. POPULATION: One hundred thirteen hemiparetic stroke patients. METHODS: Stroke patients were asked to perform the TUG test by turning toward their affected and unaffected sides. Patients were divided according to gait speed, with their gait speed from the 10mWT being used. Those with a gait speed <48 m/min were assigned to the severe ambulatory dysfunction (SAD) group, whereas those with a gait speed ≥48 m/min were assigned to the moderate ambulatory dysfunction (MAD) group. RESULTS: The TUG test results showed a longer turning time when turning with the unaffected side as the turning axis (17.10±5.69 s) than with the affected side as the turning axis (17.52±5.90 s). When the patients were divided into the MAD and SAD groups based on the 10mWT results, patients in the SAD group exhibited slightly longer times (0.55±1.11 s) than those in the MAD group (0.29±1.03 s); however, this difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The present study found that stroke patients showed differences in the TUG test results based on their turning direction, and less time was required when turning in the direction of the affected side than when turning in the direction of the unaffected side. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Turning direction can affect the results of the TUG test; it should be controlled in the execution of the TUG test in clinical settings.

Kinematic analysis of arm and trunk movements in the gait of Parkinson's disease patients based on external signals.

[Purpose] To investigate the role of external cues on arm swing amplitude and trunk rotation in Parkinson's disease. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 13 elderly patients with Parkinson's disease. Subjects walked under four different conditions in a random order: no cue, visual cue, auditory cue, and combined cue. The auditory cue velocity consisted of a metronome beat 20% greater than the subject's general gait speed. For the visual cue condition, bright yellow colored strips of tape placed on the floor at intervals equal to 40% of each subject's height. A motion analysis system was used to measure arm swing amplitude and trunk rotation during walking. [Results] There was a significant difference in the kinematic variables (arm swing amplitude) between different cues, but there was not a significant difference in the kinematic variables with respect to the trunk rotation. [Conclusion] The findings of this study indicate that patients with Parkinson's disease are likely to focus attention on auditory cues. The measurement of arm and trunk kinematics during gait by auditory cues can increase the available methods for the analysis of complex motor programs in movement disorders.

The effect of backpack load on muscle activities of the trunk and lower extremities and plantar foot pressure in flatfoot.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in muscle activation of the trunk and lower extremities and plantar foot pressure due to backpack loads of 0, 10, 15, and 20% of body weight during level walking in individuals with flatfoot. [Methods] Fourteen young flatfoot subjects and 12 normal foot subjects participated in this study. In each session, the subjects were assigned to carry a backpack load, and there were four level walking modes: (1) unloaded walking (0%), (2) 10% body weight (BW) load, (3) 15% BW load, and (4) 20% BW load. Trunk and lower extremity muscle activities were recorded by surface EMG, and contact area and plantar foot pressure were determined using a RS scan system. [Results] The erector spinae, vastus medialis, tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscle activities, but not the rectus femoris and rectus abdominis muscle activities of flatfoot subjects significantly and progressively increased as load increased in flatfoot subjects. Contact area and pressure of the lateral and medial heel zones were significantly increased too. [Conclusion] Based on this data, the weight of a backpack could influence muscle activation and plantar foot pressure in flatfoot.