Effects of dual-task resistance exercise on cognition, mood, depression, functional fitness, and activities of daily living in older adults with cognitive impairment: a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Regular exercise is emphasized for the improvement of functional capacity and independence of older adults. This study aimed to compare the effects of a dual-task resistance exercise program and resistance exercise on cognition, mood, depression, physical function, and activities of daily living (ADL) in older adults with cognitive impairment. METHODS: A total of 44 older adults participated in the study. Participants were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n = 22) performing a dual-task resistance exercise program for cognitive function improvement and a control group (n = 22) performing a resistance exercise program. Both groups performed the exercise for 40 min per session, three times a week, for 6 weeks (18 sessions). Cognition, mood, depression, functional fitness, and ADL were quantified before and after the intervention using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), profile of mood states (POMS), geriatric depression scale (GDS), senior fitness test (SFT), and Korean version of ADL, respectively. RESULTS: There was a significant time and group interaction on the MMSE (p = 0.044). There were no significant time and group interactions in the POMS, GDS, SFT, or ADL. Cognitive function (p < 0.001), mood (p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.001), functional fitness (p < 0.001), and ADL (p < 0.001) significantly improved after dual-task resistance exercise, and cognitive function (p < 0.001), mood (p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.001), functional fitness (p < 0.001), and ADL (p < 0.001) significantly improved after resistance exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Dual-task resistance exercise is more effective than resistance exercise in improving cognitive function in older adults with cognitive impairment. Both dual-task resistance exercise and resistance exercise improves mood, depression, functional fitness, and ADL after the intervention. We propose using dual-task resistance exercises for cognitive and physical health management in the older adults with cognitive impairment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) (Registration ID, KCT0005389; Registration date, 09/09/2020).

Self-stretching exercises with kinesio taping for management of chronic nonspecific neck pain in taxi drivers: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Taxi drivers experience chronic neck pain owing to their posture while driving. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of self-stretching exercises with kinesio taping on pain, stress, pressure pain threshold (PPT), disability, cervical range of motion (CROM) in this population. DESIGN: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial SETTING: Forty-three taxi drivers with nonspecific chronic nonspecific neck pain were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 22) and control (n = 21) groups. METHODS: In the experimental group, self-stretching exercises were performed 3 times a day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks, with kinesio taping applied while driving. In the control group, only kinesio taping was applied while driving for 4 weeks. Pain intensity, stress intensity, PPT, neck disability, and CROM were assessed pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 4 weeks post-intervention. RESULTS: Significant time and group interactions were observed in pain intensity at rest (p = 0.048) and while driving (p = 0.001). In the experimental group, the Pre - Post - Follow-up mean (95% CI) was 4.41 (4.14 to 4.68) - 3.82 (3.57 to 4.07) - 3.78 (3.55 to 3.99). In the control group, the Pre - Post - Follow-up mean (95% CI) was 4.29 (4.01 to 4.56) - 3.86 (3.60 to 4.11) - 4.05 (3.82 to 4.27) for pain at rest. In the experimental group, the Pre - Post - Follow-up mean (95% CI) was 4.91 (4.63 to 5.19) - 4.00 (3.76 to 4.24) - 3.69 (3.69 to 4.22), while in the control group, the Pre - Post - Follow-up mean (95% CI) was 4.81 (4.53 to 5.09) - 4.38 (4.13 to 4.63) - 4.57 (4.30 to 4.85) for pain while driving. PPT on the right (p = 0.029) and left (p < 0.001) sides, and neck disability (p = 0.001) also showed significant time and group interactions. NDI was not clinically significant based on the minimum clinically important difference. All CROM showed significant time and group interactions (flexion, p = 0.008; right lateral flexion, p = 0.009; left lateral flexion, p = 0.004; right rotation, p = 0.001; left rotation, p = 0.001), except for extension. CONCLUSION: This study showed that self-stretching exercises with kinesio taping provided benefits over kinesio taping alone on pain intensity, PPT, disability, and CROM in taxi drivers with nonspecific chronic neck pain. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) on September 22, 2020 (KCT0005406).

Protection of the Vascular System by Polyethylene Glycol Reduces Secondary Injury Following Spinal Cord Injury in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a hydrophilic polymer, which has been known to have a neuroprotective effect by sealing the ruptured cell membrane, but PEG effects on the vascular systems and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we showed the neuroprotective effect of PEG by preventing damage to the vascular system. METHODS: A spinal contusion was made at the T11 segment in male Sprague-Dawley rats. PEG was injected into the subdural space immediately after SCI. Vascular permeability was assessed for 24 h after SCI using intraperitoneally injected Evans blue dye. Junctional complexes were stained with CD31 and ZO-1. Infarct size was analyzed using triphenyltetrazolium chloride, and blood vessels were counted in the epicenter. Behavioral tests for motor and sensory function were performed for 6 weeks. And then the tissue-sparing area was assessed. RESULTS: Immediately applied PEG significantly reduced the vascular permeability at 6, 12, and 24 h after SCI when it compared to saline, and infarct size was also reduced at 0, 6, and 24 h after SCI. In addition, a great number of blood vessels were observed in PEG group at 6 and 24 h after SCI compared to those of the saline group. The PEG group also showed a significant improvement in motor function. And tissue-sparing areas in the PEG were greater than those of the saline group. CONCLUSION: The present results provide preclinical evidence for the neuroprotective effects of PEG as a promising therapeutic agent for reducing secondary injury following SCI through vascular protection.

Art as relaxation for tic disorders: a pilot randomised control study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the known benefits of art therapy, there are a limited number of studies on art therapy for tic disorders. This pilot randomised controlled study investigated effects of art as a relaxation technique for tic disorders. METHODS: Twenty-two children aged 7-9 years were randomly allocated to art intervention (n= 11) and control (n= 11) groups. Pre- and post-test measurements included the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS), Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and Hassles Scale for Children (HSC). RESULTS: Art as relaxation significantly decreased the YGTSS total score, motor tic frequency, motor tic intensity, motor tic complexity, vocal tic complexity, and total daily stressors compared to the control group. The intervention group showed significantly greater physiological relaxation, as indicated by increases in HRV parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Art appears to be an effective relaxation technique for tic disorders. Extensive research is necessary for rigorous examination of its effectiveness.

Effects of Forest Healing Anti-Aging Program on Psychological, Physiological, and Physical Health of Older People with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

This study aimed to determine the effect of a forest healing anti-aging program on psychological, physiological, and physical health in older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Twenty-two older people with MCI living in the city participated in a forest healing anti-aging program. Psychological indicators included the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Beck depression inventory (BDI), profile of mood states (POMS), World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument (WHOQOL), and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). Physiological indicators included vital signs, body composition, and blood analysis. Physical indicators included the senior fitness test (SFT), muscle strength, spatiotemporal parameter of gait, static balance, and dynamic balance. Psychological, physiological, and physical indicators were evaluated at first and second pre-measurement, post-measurement, and one-month follow-up. MMSE, BDI, POMS, WHOQOL, body composition, blood analysis, SFT, muscle strength, spatiotemporal parameter of gait, and dynamic balance were significantly different between pre- and post-measurement. Beck depression inventory, POMS, WHOQOL, PSQI, SFT, muscle strength (elbow flexor muscle, knee extensor muscle), spatiotemporal parameter of gait significantly improved continually until the one-month follow-up. In conclusion, the forest healing program had a positive effect on the psychological, physiological, and physical health of older people with MCI.

Influence of Electrotherapy with Task-Oriented Training on Spasticity, Hand Function, Upper Limb Function, and Activities of Daily Living in Patients with Subacute Stroke: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

The effects of electrotherapy with task-oriented training on upper limb function in subacute stroke patients are unclear. This study investigated the influence of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) with task-oriented training on spasticity, hand function, upper limb function, and activities of daily living in patients with subacute stroke. Forty-eight patients with subacute stroke were randomly assigned to either the TENS group (n = 22) or the placebo-TENS group (n = 21). High-frequency (100 Hz) TENS with below-motor threshold intensity or placebo-TENS was applied for 30 min/day, five times a week, for 4 weeks. The two groups also received task-oriented training after TENS. The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT), Manual Function Test (MFT), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) were used to assess spasticity, hand function, upper limb function, and activities of daily living, respectively. There was a significant time-group interaction with the MFT (p = 0.003). The TENS group showed significantly improved MAS (p = 0.003), JTHFT (p < 0.001), MFT (p < 0.001), and MBI (p < 0.001) scores after the intervention. The placebo-TENS group showed significantly improved JTHFT (p < 0.001), MFT (p = 0.001), and MBI scores (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between the MFT and MBI scores (p = 0.025). These results suggest that electrotherapy with task-oriented training can be used to improve upper limb function in patients with subacute stroke.

The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Mandala Coloring, Made in Nature, on Chronic Widespread Musculoskeletal Pain: Randomized Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of mindfulness-based mandala coloring made within nature on individuals with chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain (CWP). Thirty-six participants were randomly allocated. In the experimental group, identical interventions and procedures were administered for each experiment. The control group members were untreated and remained in an urban environment. Overall, the experiment showed significant improvements in tender points (f = 8.791, p = 0.006), total stress level (f = 14.570, p = 0.001), depressive symptoms (f = 15.205, p = 0.001), anger symptoms (f = 7.263, p = 0.011) and salivary cortisol (f = 10.619, p = 0.003) in the experimental group. The results reflect that MBMC within nature is effective in reducing pain, psychological stress responses, and cortisol levels in individuals with CWP. The positive results could be a product of the experimental design rather than the treatment itself. A rigorous experimental design provides better understanding of MBMC within nature.

Effects of the Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition Technique on the Range of Motion of the Ankle Joint and Balance According to Its Application Duration: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of suboccipital muscle inhibition technique (SMIT) on active range of motion (AROM) of the ankle joint, lunge angle (LA), and balance in healthy adults, according to the duration of its application. A total of 80 participants were randomly allocated to the 4-min suboccipital muscle inhibition (SMI) group (SMI_4M, n = 20), 8-min SMI group (n = 20), 4-min sham-SMI (SSMI) group (n = 20), and 8-min SSMI group (n = 20). Accordingly, the SMIT and sham SMIT were applied for 4 min or 8 min in the respective groups. AROM of dorsiflexion and LA were assessed, and a single leg balance test (SLBT) was performed before and after the intervention. AROM (4 min, p < 0.001; 8 min, p < 0.001), LA (4 min, p < 0.001; 8 min, p < 0.001), and SLBT (4 min, p < 0.001; 8 min, p < 0.001) significantly improved after SMI application. Compared with the SSMI group, the SMI group showed a significant increase in AROM (p < 0.001), LA (p < 0.001), and SLBT (p < 0.001). Except for SLBT (p = 0.016), there were no significant interactions between intervention and application duration. The results suggest that the SMIT, at durations of both 4 and 8 min, could be effective tools for improving AROM, LA, and balance.

Analgesic Tolerance Development during Repetitive Electric Stimulations Is Associated with Changes in the Expression of Activated Microglia in Rats with Osteoarthritis.

Electric stimulation is used for managing osteoarthritic (OA) pain; however, little is known about the development of analgesic tolerance during repeated stimulations and the relation of spinal microglia with OA pain. We investigated the changes in the analgesic effects of repeated electric stimulations and the relation between the development of analgesic tolerance and spinal microglial expression in rats with OA. To induce OA, monosodium iodoacetate was injected into the synovial space of the right knee joint of the rats (n = 185). Repeated high frequency, low frequency, or sham transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) was performed to the ipsilateral knee joint for 20 min in rats with OA (n = 45). Minocycline or minocycline plus TENS (HF, LF, or sham) was treated in OA rats with repeated TENS-induced tolerance (n = 135). Immunohistochemistry of the microglia in the L3-L5 spinal segments was performed. Knee joint pain during passive movement of the knee joint were quantified using the knee-bend score and the proportion of activated microglia was calculated as primary variables. Paw withdrawal threshold (hypersensitivity to mechanical stimuli) was assessed and the resting and activated microglia were counted as secondary variables. Repeated applications decreased the analgesic effect of TENS on OA pain and failed to reduce the expression of activated microglia in the spinal cord. However, spinal microglial inhibition by minocycline restored the analgesic effect of TENS on OA pain in TENS-tolerant OA rats. TENS combined with minocycline treatment improved knee joint pain and mechanical hypersensitivity in TENS-tolerant OA rats, and inhibited the expression of activated microglia in the spinal cord. These results suggest a possible relationship between repetitive electric stimulation-induced analgesic tolerance for OA pain control and changes in microglia activation.

A Comparison of the Transient Effect of Complex and Core Stability Exercises on Static Balance Ability and Muscle Activation during Static Standing in Healthy Male Adults.

Balance ability is a necessary exercise factor required for the activities of daily living. This study investigated the effects of short-term complex exercise (CE) and core stability exercise (CSE) on balance ability and trunk and lower-extremity muscle activation on healthy male adults. Twenty-nine healthy male adults were included. All performed CE and CSE for 1 min each; the exercise order was randomized. The primary and secondary outcomes were balance ability and muscle activation, respectively. In balance ability, CE showed a significant difference in all variables in both eye-opened and eye-closed conditions compared with the baseline (p < 0.05). In comparisons among exercises, the path length and average velocity variables showed a significant decrease in the eye-opened condition, and the path length variable showed a significant decrease in the eye-closed condition (p < 0.05). In muscle activation, CE showed a significant increase in the gluteus medius (Gmed) and decrease in the rectus femoris (RF), tibialis anterior (TA), and RF/biceps femoris (BF) ratio in the eye-opened condition compared to the baseline and a significant decrease in RF and RF/BF ratio in the eye-closed condition (p < 0.05). Both CE and CSE improved the static balance ability. Furthermore, muscle activation significantly increases in Gmed and decreases in the RF, TA, and RF/BF ratio. Therefore, we recommend including CE in an exercise program that has the purpose of improving static balance ability.

The impact of smartphone use on gait in young adults: Cognitive load vs posture of texting.

Many researches have reported that the use of smartphones has a negative impact on gait variability and speed of pedestrians by dispersion of cognition, but the influence of factors other than cognitive function on gait is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of smartphone use on spatiotemporal gait parameters in healthy young people while walking. 42 healthy young adults were recruited and instructed to walk in four conditions (walking without using a smartphone, typing on a smartphone with both hands, typing on a smartphone with one hand, and texting posture with non-task). All spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured using the GAITRite walkway. Compared to walking without using a smartphone, the subjects walked with a slower cadence and velocity and changed stride length and gait cycle and spent more time in contact with the ground when using a smartphone (p < 0.05). In addition, even if a texting posture was taken without performing a task, a similar change was observed when using a smartphone (p < 0.05). This study found that a cautious gait pattern occurred due to smartphone use, and that a change in gait appeared just by taking a posture without using smartphone.

Thermotherapy Plus Neck Stabilization Exercise for Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain in Elderly: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

Neck pain is a serious problem for public health. This study aimed to compare the effects of thermotherapy plus neck stabilization exercise versus neck stabilization exercise alone on pain, neck disability, muscle properties, and alignment of the neck and shoulder in the elderly with chronic nonspecific neck pain. This study is a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Thirty-five individuals with chronic nonspecific neck pain were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 18) or control (n = 17) groups. The intervention group received thermotherapy with a salt-pack for 30 min and performed a neck stabilization exercise for 40 min twice a day for 5 days (10 sessions). The control group performed a neck stabilization exercise at the same time points. Pain intensity, pain pressure threshold (PPT), neck disability index, muscle properties, and alignment of the neck and shoulder were evaluated before and after the intervention. Significant time and group interactions were observed for pain at rest (p < 0.001) and during movement (p < 0.001), and for PPT at the upper-trapezius (p < 0.001), levator-scapula (p = 0.003), and splenius-capitis (p = 0.001). The disability caused by neck pain also significantly changed between groups over time (p = 0.005). In comparison with the control group, the intervention group showed significant improvements in muscle properties for the upper-trapezius (tone, p = 0.021; stiffness, p = 0.017), levator-scapula (stiffness, p = 0.025; elasticity, p = 0.035), and splenius-capitis (stiffness, p = 0.012), and alignment of the neck (p = 0.016) and shoulder (p < 0.001) over time. These results recommend the clinical use of salt pack thermotherapy in addition to neck stabilization exercise as a complementary intervention for chronic nonspecific neck pain control.

Manipulative Therapy Plus Ankle Therapeutic Exercises for Adolescent Baseball Players with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

Manipulative therapies and exercises are commonly used for the management of chronic ankle instability (CAI), but there is no evidence regarding the efficacy of high-velocity low-amplitude manipulation (HVLA) in addition to ankle therapeutic exercise to improve CAI in adolescent baseball players (ABP). To compare the effects of HVLA plus ankle therapeutic exercise and ankle therapeutic exercise alone on ankle status, pain intensity, pain pressure threshold (PPT), range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint, and balance ability in ABP with CAI, a single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 31 ABP with CAI were randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 16) or control (n = 15) groups. The intervention group received HVLA plus resistance exercise twice a week for 4 weeks, while the control group received resistance exercise alone. Ankle status, pain intensity, PPT, ROM, and balance ability were assessed before and after the intervention. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scores showed significant group and time interactions (total, p = 0.002; pain, p < 0.001; alignment, p = 0.001). There were significant group and time interactions in pain intensity (resting pain, p = 0.008; movement pain, p < 0.001). For ROM, there were significant group and time interactions on dorsiflexion (p = 0.006) and eversion (p = 0.026). The unipedal stance of the balance ability showed significant group and time interactions in path length (p = 0.006) and velocity (p = 0.006). Adding HVLA to resistance exercises may be synergistically effective in improving the ankle status, pain intensity, ROM, and balance ability in ABP with CAI.

Mud Therapy Combined with Core Exercise for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Pilot, Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is common in the elderly and an appropriate intervention for LBP management should be investigated. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of mud-heat intervention combined with core exercise as an alternative intervention for relieving pain and improving motor function in individuals with nonspecific chronic LBP. METHODS: Thirty-one individuals with chronic nonspecific LBP were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (n = 16) or the control group (n = 15). The intervention group used a mud pack for 30 min and performed a core-exercise program for 50 min twice a day for 4 days (8 sessions). The control group performed the core-exercise program only, at the same time point as the intervention group. Pain intensity was assessed using a 100 mm visual analog scale and a pain pressure threshold (PPT) as the primary outcomes. The secondary outcome measures included functional disability by LBP (Oswestry Disability Index), muscle properties, and static/dynamic balance. RESULTS: There was a significant group difference in pain intensity at rest (p=0.048) and in the PPT at the two sites assessed (2 cm lateral to L3 spinous process, p=0.045; 2 cm lateral to L5 spinous process, p=0.015). No group differences were found in terms of muscle properties. Compared to core exercise only, moor-heat therapy and core exercise showed a significant improvement in static balance (p=0.026) and dynamic balance (p=0.019). CONCLUSION: Mud therapy combined with core exercise is effective in relieving pain and improving motor function in patients with chronic nonspecific LBP. Further research is needed to underpin these preliminary results.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Reduces Knee Osteoarthritic Pain by Inhibiting Spinal Glial Cells in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is commonly used for pain control. However, the effects of TENS on osteoarthritis (OA) pain and potential underlying mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of TENS on OA pain treatment and underlying mechanisms related to glial cell inhibition. DESIGN: This was an experimental study. METHODS: OA was induced by injection of monosodium iodoacetate into the synovial space of the right knee joint of rats. High-frequency (HF) TENS (100 Hz), low-frequency (LF) TENS (4 Hz), or sham TENS was applied to the ipsilateral knee joint for 20 minutes. Paw withdrawal threshold (PWT), weight bearing, and knee bend score (KBS) were measured. Immunohistochemistry for microglia and astrocytes was performed with L3 to L5 spinal segment samples. To investigate the effects of glial inhibition on OA pain, minocycline, l-α-aminoadipate, or artificial cerebrospinal fluid was injected intrathecally, and PWT and KBS were measured. RESULTS: Compared with sham TENS, both HF TENS and LF TENS significantly increased PWT, decreased KBS, and inhibited activated microglia in the L3 to L5 segments but did not decrease the total number of microglia, except in the L4 segment (HF TENS). Astrocyte expression was significantly decreased in the L3 to L5 segments following LF TENS and in the L3 segment following HF TENS. Compared with artificial cerebrospinal fluid, both minocycline and l-α-aminoadipate increased PWT and decreased KBS. LIMITATIONS: These results cannot be generalized to humans. CONCLUSIONS: TENS alleviates OA pain in rats by inhibiting activated microglia and reducing astrocyte expression in the spinal cord. Although these results may not be generalizable to chronic pain in patients with OA, within the limitation of the experimental animal model used in the present study, they suggest a possible mechanism and preclinical evidence supporting further experimentation or clinical use of TENS in humans.

Effect of a cervical support pillow on sternocleidomastoid activity and satisfaction in asymptomatic participants.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the changes in sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) activity when using a cervical support pillow (CSP) and to determine the pillow's effect on satisfaction in asymptomatic participants. [Subjects and Methods] This study followed a cross-over design and the order of the measurements was counterbalanced. Twenty asymptomatic participants were positioned supine for 5 minutes by using either a CSP or a general pillow (GP) while the activity of the SCM was measured using surface electromyography. [Results] The CSP significantly decreased the activity of the SCM compared with the GP, and satisfaction after use of the CSP was significantly greater than that after use of the GP. [Conclusion] This study suggests that the CSP may be effective in preventing unnecessary neck muscle activation during sleep in asymptomatic people.

The effects of tongue pressure strength and accuracy training on tongue pressure strength, swallowing function, and quality of life in subacute stroke patients with dysphagia: a preliminary randomized clinical trial.

Tongue pressure strength and accuracy training (TPSAT) has been proposed as an intervention to improve dysphagia. However, the effects of TPSAT on dysphagia in subacute stroke patients remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of TPSAT on tongue pressure strength, swallowing function, and quality of life in subacute stroke patients with dysphagia. Sixteen subacute stroke patients were assigned randomly to two groups: the TPSAT group (n=8) or the control group (n=8). In the former, both TPSAT and traditional dysphagia therapies were performed for 30 min each per day; in the latter, only traditional dysphagia therapy was performed for 30 min twice a day. Both groups performed each daily intervention five times per week for 8 weeks. To assess the tongue pressure strength, maximum isometric tongue pressures (MIPs) of the anterior and posterior tongue using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument were measured before and after the intervention. Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability (MASA) and Swallowing-Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL) were also used to assess the swallowing function and quality of life, respectively. TPSAT with traditional dysphagia therapy significantly improved MASA, SWAL-QOL, and MIPs both anteriorly and posteriorly, and traditional dysphagia therapy significantly increased MASA, SWAL-QOL, and MIPs anteriorly (P<0.05). The TPSAT group showed a significant improvement in anterior and posterior MIPs and tongue movement score in MASA compared with the control group (P<0.05). Our findings suggest that TPSAT may significantly improve dysphagia management in subacute stroke patients.

Effects of chin tuck exercise using neckline slimmer device on suprahyoid and sternocleidomastoid muscle activation in healthy adults.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of chin tuck exercise (CTE) using a neckline slimmer device on suprahyoid (SH) and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle activation in healthy adults. [Subjects and Methods] We measured activation of the SH and SCM muscles using surface electromyography in 20 healthy adults during head lift exercise (HLE) and CTE using a neckline slimmer device. The order of exercises was randomized and the mean and peak values of each muscle's activation were assessed. [Results] During the CTE using a neckline slimmer device, SH activation was significantly greater and SCM activation was significantly lower than during the HLE. [Conclusion] This study suggest that chin-tuck exercise using a neckline slimmer device may be more helpful than HLE for swallowing training.

Effects of lumbar lordosis assistive support on craniovertebral angle and mechanical properties of the upper trapezius muscle in subjects with forward head posture.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lumbar lordosis assistive support (LLAS) on craniovertebral angle (CVA) and mechanical properties of the upper trapezius (UT) muscle in subjects with forward head posture (FHP). [Subjects and Methods] This study recruited 20 subjects with FHP. CVA and muscle tone, viscoelasticity, and stiffness of the UT were measured using Myoton in all subjects in a sitting position with LLAS and in a neutral sitting position. The order of measurements was randomized and the mean values were calculated twice. [Results] The sitting position with LLAS showed a significantly greater improvement than the neutral sitting position with regard to CVA and muscle tone, viscoelasticity, and stiffness of the UT. [Conclusion] We suggest that the sitting position using LLAS induces the maintenance of normal neck posture and a reduction in the muscle tone of the UT in the subjects with FHP.

The effects of task-oriented training on hand dexterity and strength in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy: a preliminary study.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of task-oriented training (TOT) on hand dexterity and strength in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. [Subjects and Methods] Twelve children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy were randomly assigned to either the TOT group (n=6) or the control group (n=6). In both groups, conventional occupational therapy was performed 40-min/day, 2 times a week, for 4 weeks. In the TOT group, TOT was additionally performed for 20 min, and the control group received usual care. The box and block test (BBT) was performed to assess hand dexterity. Hand strength was also assessed using hand dynamometer. [Results] After intervention, the TOT group showed a significant improvement of hand dexterity. In the control group, BBT and grip strength were not significantly improved after intervention. [Conclusion] In clinical settings, we suggest that TOT may be used as an intervention to improve hand dexterity in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy.