The effect of short-term upper thoracic self-mobilization using a Kaltenborn wedge on pain and cervical dysfunction in patients with neck pain.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the effect of short-term self-joint mobilization of the upper spine using a Kaltenborn wedge on the pain and cervical dysfunction of patients with neck pain. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-seven patients with neck pain were divided into two groups; the self-mobilization group (SMG, n=13) and the self-stretching group (SSG, n=14). The SMG performed upper thoracic self-mobilization and the SSG performed self-stretching exercises as a short-term intervention for a week. To assess the degree of neck pain, the visual analog scale (VAS) was utilized, and to measure the joint range of motion at the flexion-extension, it was compared and analyzed by using the goniometer. [Results] Both SMG and SSG show a significant decrease in the visual analog scale and a significant increase in joint range of motion within the group. In the comparison of groups, there was no significant difference, but it indicated effects on improving the range of motion of extension in SMG. [Conclusion] Self-mobilization of the upper spine, using a Kaltenborn wedge, was useful in alleviating pain in and dysfunction of the cervical spine, and in particular, in improving cervical spine extension in this study.

The effects of proprioception exercise with and without visual feedback on the pain and balance in patients after total knee arthroplasty.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the effects of proprioception exercise to decrease pain and increase the ability to balance by implementing visual feedback during early rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty. [Subjects and Methods] In this study, 24 patients who receive a total knee arthroplasty were randomly and equally assigned to a visual feedback training group (VFT group) and a visual disuse group (Control group). They performed visual feedback training using the My Fitness Trainer (MFT, Austria) for 20 minutes, three times per week for eight weeks. The patients' balance ability and pain was measured before and after the exercises. Pain was measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS). To assess balance ability, the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions on unstable ground was measured by using the MFT measurement system. [Results] The VFT group showed a significant decrease in VAS and an increase in balance ability within the group, as well as a significant increase in balance ability between groups when compared with the control group. [Conclusion] Visual feedback training during the rehabilitation of patients who received a total knee arthroplasty will be useful in reducing pain and improving balance.

The effect of the inspiratory muscle training on functional ability in stroke patients.

[Purpose] This study was to find out an inspiratory muscle training (IMT) program therapeutic effects on stroke patients' functional ability. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty stroke patients were assigned to one of two groups: inspiratory muscle training (n=10), and control (n=10), randomization. The inspiratory muscle training participants undertook an exercise program for 30 minute per times, 5 times a week for 6 weeks. The investigator measured the patients' trunk impairment scale (TIS) and 6 minute walking test (6MW) for functional ability before and after IMT. [Results] The TIS appeared some significant differences in both groups before and after the training. The 6MW test showed some significant differences in the inspiratory muscle training group, but didn't show any significant difference in the control group. And the differences in both groups after depending the inspiratory muscle training were significantly found in the tests of TIS and 6MW test [Conclusion] The results showed that the inspiratory muscle training in stroke patients are correlated with the trunk stability and locomotion ability, suggesting that physical therapist must take into consideration the inspiratory muscle training, as well as functional training to improve physical function in stroke patients.

The relationship between non-affected forelimb exercise and recovery after focal cerebral ischemia in acute phase.

[Purpose] In the present study, we hypothesized that exercise of the nonaffected forelimb in the early poststroke phase would stimulate the intact hemisphere, thereby influencing the hemisphere of the infarcted side and improving the performance of the hemiplegic limb. [Subjects and Methods] Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (8-10 weeks of age, weighing 250-300 g, n=12) were used and randomly divided into 3 groups: nonaffected forelimb exercise for 3 days and treadmill exercise 7 days after ischemia (ETF, n=6), resting for 3 days and treadmill exercise 7 days after ischemia (ETN, n=6), and after ischemia 10 days resting group. To validate nerve growth factor (NGF), western blot analysis was performed. The results were analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 18.0. and expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). [Results] Early treadmill exercise increased the expression of NGF protein level in both ETE and ETN groups. Comparing between the nonaffected forelimb exercise and infarct hemisphere in NGF protein expression, the ETE group showed higher increase of NGF protein level in right hemisphere than ETN group, but there was no statistical significance. [Conclusion] The early treadmill exercise increased NGF protein expression levels in both hemispheres and the nonaffected forelimb exercise in the early poststroke recovery phase could enhance neuronal recovery after focal ischemia in rat models.

Changes in cardiopulmonary function according to posture during recovery after maximal exercise.

[Purpose] This study was undertaken to measure cardiopulmonary function according to body position during the recovery period after maximal exercise and to identify an effective position after high-intensity exercise. [Subjects and Methods] Fifteen male university students in their twenties participated in the study. The subjects were randomly assigned to the supine position, the sitting position, or the trunk forward leaning position during the recovery period following maximal exercise. Oxygen uptake, minute ventilation volume, respiration rate, and heart rate according to posture were measured in a stable state, at maximal exercise loading, and at 1, 3, and 5 minutes after maximal exercise. [Results] Changes of cardiopulmonary function according to posture during the recovery period after maximal exercise showed that minute ventilation volume was smaller in the trunk forward leaning position than in the sitting or supine positions, and oxygen uptake also declined. [Conclusion] The trunk forward leaning position has a more positive effect on pulmonary ventilation after high-intensity exercise.

The effect of horse-riding simulator exercise on the gait, muscle strength and muscle activation in elderly people with knee osteoarthritis.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of horse-riding simulator exercise on gait ability and muscle strength, muscle activation in elderly with knee osteoarthritis. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis were recruited, a horse-riding simulator group consisted of fifteen subjects and they performed exercise three times a week for eight weeks. And each exercise was performed, horse riding simulator exercise for 15 minutes and knee strengthening exercise for 15 minutes. Knee strengthening exercise group consisted of fifteen subjects and performed knee strengthening exercise for 30 minutes. [Results] The horse-riding simulator group showed significant differences after the intervention in timed 10-meter walk test (10MWT), muscle strength, muscle activation. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicate that horse-riding simulator exercise is effective on knee osteoarthritis. Therefore, horse-riding simulator exercise can be used for gait training for knee osteoarthritis.

The effects of horse-riding simulator exercise on balance in elderly with knee osteoarthritis.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of horse-riding simulator exercise on balance in elderly with knee osteoarthritis. [Subjects and Methods] Fifty elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis were recruited, a horse-riding simulator group performed exercise three times a week for eight weeks. And each exercise was performed for 30 minutes. [Results] The horse-riding simulator group showed significant differences after the intervention in Short Form Berg Balance Scale, Functional reaching test. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicate that horse-riding simulator exercise is effective on knee osteoarthritis. Therefore, horse-riding simulator exercise can be used balance training for knee osteoarthritis.

Relationship between position sense and reposition errors according to the degree of upper crossed syndrome.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare reposition errors in subjects with upper crossed syndrome to examine the effects of upper crossed syndrome on position senses. [Subjects and Methods] A sample population of 60 subjects was randomly divided into three groups of 20: a normal group, a mild group, a moderate group. A cervical range of motion device was attached to the head of each subject using straps and the reposition errors of cervical flexion, extension, right lateral flexion, left lateral flexion, right rotation and left rotation were measured. [Results] The normal group showed smaller reposition errors than the mild group and the mild group showed smaller reposition errors than the moderate group but none of the differences among the three groups was significant. [Conclusion] Reposition errors increased in the order of the normal, mild, moderate group but the differences were not significant. In addition, the degree of the subjects' postural misalignment was higher in the moderate than in the mild group. These results demonstrate that cervical spine position sense declines as postural misalignment becomes more severe.

Long-Term Exercise Improves Memory Deficits via Restoration of Myelin and Microvessel Damage, and Enhancement of Neurogenesis in the Aged Gerbil Hippocampus After Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: The positive correlation between therapeutic exercise and memory recovery in cases of ischemia has been extensively studied; however, long-term exercise begun after ischemic neuronal death as a chronic neurorestorative strategy has not yet been thoroughly examined. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate possible mechanisms by which exercise ameliorates ischemia-induced memory impairment in the aged gerbil hippocampus after transient cerebral ischemia. METHODS: Treadmill exercise was begun 5 days after ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) and lasted for 1 or 4 weeks. The animals were sacrificed 31 days after the induction of ischemia. Changes in short-term memory, as well as the hippocampal expression of markers of cell proliferation, neuroblast differentiation, neurogenesis, myelin and microvessel repair, and growth factors were examined by immunohistochemistry and/or western blots. RESULTS: Four weeks of exercise facilitated memory recovery despite neuronal damage in the stratum pyramidale (SP) of the hippocampal CA1 region and in the polymorphic layer (PoL) of the dentate gyrus (DG) after I-R. Long-term exercise enhanced cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in a time-dependent manner, and newly generated mature cells were found in the granule cell layer of the DG, but not in the SP of the CA1 region or in the PoL of the DG. In addition, long-term exercise ameliorated ischemia-induced damage of myelin and microvessels, which was correlated with increased BDNF expression in the CA1 region and the DG. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that long-term treadmill exercise after I-R can restore memory function through replacement of multiple damaged structures in the ischemic aged hippocampus.

The effects of the application of low-dye taping on paretic side plantar pressure among patients with plantar fasciitis.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the effects of low-dye taping on paretic side plantar pressure in patients with plantar fasciitis. [Subjects] The 30 patients in this study were randomly allocated to a low-dye taping group (n = 15) or a conservative treatment group (n =15). [Methods] Both groups received treatment thrice a week for six weeks. BioRescue was used to measure the weight distribution of the patients' paretic side. [Results] Within-group comparison showed that the posterior weight distribution significantly increased among patients in both groups. However, comparison between the two groups showed that the low-dye taping group's posterior weight distribution was significantly higher than that of the conservative treatment group. [Conclusion] These findings show that the application of low-dye taping is an effective intervention for paretic-side plantar pressure among patients with plantar fasciitis.

Effects of conventional neurological treatment and a virtual reality training program on eye-hand coordination in children with cerebral palsy.

[Purpose] The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of conventional neurological treatment and a virtual reality training program on eye-hand coordination in children with cerebral palsy. [Subjects] Sixteen children (9 males, 7 females) with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy were recruited and randomly assigned to the conventional neurological physical therapy group (CG) and virtual reality training group (VRG). [Methods] Eight children in the control group performed 45 minutes of therapeutic exercise twice a week for eight weeks. In the experimental group, the other eight children performed 30 minutes of therapeutic exercise and 15 minutes of a training program using virtual reality twice a week during the experimental period. [Results] After eight weeks of the training program, there were significant differences in eye-hand coordination and visual motor speed in the comparison of the virtual reality training group with the conventional neurological physical therapy group. [Conclusion] We conclude that a well-designed training program using virtual reality can improve eye-hand coordination in children with cerebral palsy.

Effects of lumbar stabilization exercise on functional disability and lumbar lordosis angle in patients with chronic low back pain.

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of lumbar stabilization exercises on the functional disability and lumbar lordosis angles in patients with chronic low back pain. [Subjects] The subjects were 30 patients with chronic low back pain divided into a lumbar stabilization exercise group (n = 15) and a conservative treatment group (n = 15). [Methods] The lumbar stabilization exercise and conservative treatment groups performed an exercise program and conservative physical treatment, respectively. Both programs were performed 3 times a week for 6 weeks. The degree of functional disability was assessed by the Oswestry disability index, and lumbar lordosis angles were measured by plain radiography. [Results] The Oswestry disability index decreased significantly in the both groups; however, it was significantly lower in the lumbar stabilization exercise group. The lumbar lordosis angle increased significantly in the lumbar stabilization exercise group after treatment and was also significantly greater than that in the conservative treatment group. [Conclusion] Lumbar stabilization exercise is more effective than conservative treatment for improving functional disability and lumbar lordosis angles.

Effects of combined application of progressive resistance training and Russian electrical stimulation on quadriceps femoris muscle strength in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of combined application of progressive resistance training and Russian electrical stimulation on quadriceps femoris muscle strength in elderly women with osteoarthritis of the knee. [Subjects] Thirty women over 65 years of age diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis participated in the present study. The subjects were randomly assigned to a control group (n=10), a progressive resistance training group (n=10), or a Russian electrical stimulation group (n=10). [Methods] Each group was treated 3 times weekly for 8 weeks, and each session lasted 45 minutes. Muscle strength was assessed by measuring the peak torque of the quadriceps femoris muscle. Outcome measurements were performed at baseline and at the fourth and eighth weeks of the treatment period. [Results] All groups showed significant intragroup differences in the quadriceps femoris muscle peak torque after the treatment intervention. There were significant intergroup differences between the Russian electrical stimulation group and the other groups. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that combined application of progressive resistance training and Russian electrical stimulation can be effective in strengthening the quadriceps femoris muscle in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis.

Effect of ankle-foot orthosis on weight bearing of chronic stroke patients performing various functional standing tasks.

[Purpose] This study examined how an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) influences the weight-bearing of chronic stroke patients during the performance of five functional standing tasks. [Subjects and Methods] Sixteen patients with stroke participated in this experiment. The subjects performed functional standing tasks with or without the AFO and weight bearing was measured during the tasks. [Results] Patients showed increased weight-bearing ability on the affected side during wearing the AFO in all tasks, and there were significant differences among Tasks 1, 2, and 3. Patients showed a small amount of increased weight bearing on the unaffected side while wearing the AFO in all tasks except for Task 2. [Conclusion] ADL-related functional standing tasks with AFO increased the weight bearing.

The effects of horse-riding simulator exercise and Kendall exercise on the forward head posture.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of horse-riding simulator exercise and Kendall exercise on forward head posture. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty elderly college students with a forward head posture were randomly divided into two groups for 15 persons each, a horse-riding simulator group and Kendall exercise group, and performed exercise for eight weeks. [Results] The horse-riding simulator group and Kendall exercise group showed significant differences after the intervention in New York state posture rating, craniovertebral angle, and cranial rotation angle. The horse-riding simulator group showed a significantly smaller value than the Kendall exercise group for New York state posture rating evaluation after the intervention. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicate that horse-riding simulator exercise is more effective on forward head posture than Kendall exercise. Therefore, horse-riding simulator exercise can be used as a new simple treatment method for the ever-growing forward head posture.

The effects of trunk stability exercise and a combined exercise program on pain, flexibility, and static balance in chronic low back pain patients.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effect of trunk stability exercise and combined exercise program on pain, flexibility, and static balance in chronic low back pain patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty persons diagnosed with chronic low back pain were divided into a trunk stability exercise group and a combined exercise group and then conducted exercise for six weeks. [Results] VAS and sway lengths decreased significantly in both groups. A comparison of sway lengths after the intervention between the two groups revealed that the trunk stability exercise group had a bigger decrease than the combined exercise group. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicated that trunk stability exercise would have bigger effect than combined exercise on the daily activities of chronic low back pain patients as it strengthens deep abdominal muscles and improves flexibility and balancing ability.

The effect of weight-bearing exercise and non-weight-bearing exercise on gait in rats with sciatic nerve crush injury.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to access the effect of weight bearing exercise (treadmill exercise) and non-weight-bearing exercise (swimming exercise) on gait in the recovery process after a sciatic nerve crush injury. [Subjects and Methods] Rats were randomly divided into a swimming group (n=3) with non-weight-bearing exercise after a sciatic nerve crush and a treadmill group (n=3) with weight bearing exercise after a sciatic nerve crush. Dartfish is a program that can analyze and interpret motion through video images. The knee lateral epicondyle, lateral malleolus, and metatarsophalangeal joint of the fifth toe were marked by black dots before recording. [Results] There were significant differences in TOK (knee angle toe off) and ICK (knee angle at initial contact) in the swimming group and in TOK, ICA (ankle angle at initial contact), and ICK in the treadmill group. In comparison between groups, there were significant differences in TOA (ankle angle in toe off) and ICA at the 7th day. [Conclusion] There was no difference between weight bearing and non-weight-bearing exercise in sciatic nerve damage, and both exercises accelerated the recovery process in this study.

The effects of action observation gait training on the static balance and walking ability of stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of action observation training on the static balance and walking ability of patients who had suffered a stroke. [Subjects] Forty patients with hemiplegia resulting from a stroke were divided into an action observation gait training group (AOGT group, n=20) and a general gait training group (GGT group, n=20). [Methods] The AOGT group watched a training video on flatland gait, slope gait, and stair gait. The GGT group watched a video on nature. Both groups watched their respective video for 10 minutes and then had gait training for 20 minutes per day, five times per week, for eight weeks. [Results] The static balance and gait ability of both groups significantly improved. Although there were significant differences between the groups, the AOTG group showed greater improvements in sway speed, limit of stability, and gait ability. [Conclusion] We recommend action observation training over general gait training for patients with hemiplegia. Action observational training had a positive effect on static balance and gait ability in stroke patients' static balance and gait ability. Further research is needed to generalize the results of this study.

Influences of spinal decompression therapy and general traction therapy on the pain, disability, and straight leg raising of patients with intervertebral disc herniation.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify how spinal decompression therapy and general traction therapy influence the pain, disability, and straight leg raise (SLR) ability of patients with intervertebral disc herniation. [Subjects] The subjects were 30 patients with chronic lumbar pain who were divided into a spinal decompression therapy group (SDTG, n=15), and a general traction therapy group (GTTG, n=15). [Methods] The SDTG used a spinal decompression device, and the GTTG used a lumbar traction device. Both groups received conservative physical therapy three times a week for four weeks. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure the degree of pain the patients with chronic lumbar pain. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to measure the degree of functional disability. A goniometer was used to measure the patients' SLR ability. [Results] Both SDTG and GTTG showed statistically significant decreases in VAS and ODI scores and a statistically significant increase in SLR angle. A comparison of the two groups found no statistically significant differences. [Conclusion] Spinal decompression therapy and general traction therapy are effective at improving the pain, disability, and SLR of patients with intervertebral disc herniation. Thus, selective treatment may be required.

The effect of obstacle gait training on the plantar pressure and contact time of elderly women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of gait training using obstacle on the plantar pressure and contact time in elderly women. METHODS: A total of 24 elderly women who were residing in communities in D city, South Korea aged 79.9 ± 2.2, 154.5 ± 7.6 cm in height, and 56.2 ± 5.2 kg in weight participated in this study. The participants conducted obstacle gait training for 8 weeks and foot contact time and foot pressure right before and after crossing the obstacle were measured for 3 times: before the intervention, at the 4 weeks, and 8 weeks using F-scan (Tekscan, USA). RESULTS: The results show that foot contact time did not decrease right before crossing the obstacle but decreased right after crossing the obstacle (p<0.05). Foot pressure moved from the end of the frontal foot to the midfoot (MF) and heel (HL) right before crossing the obstacle (p<0.05). Foot pressure increased in lesser toe (LT) right after crossing the obstacle (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: These results indicate proper weight distribution in feet, increased foot stability due to increased muscle power and flexibility, and improved strategy to cope with the obstacle. The obstacle gait training may be helpful to the elderly who would either fear for or limit outdoor activities due to the risk of falls based on the result of this study.