Rehabilitation training using a single-joint type hybrid assistive limb for the knee after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: an initial case report indicating safety and feasibility

[Purpose] The aim of this report was to describe the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of rehabilitation by knee extension and flexion training using the knee single-joint hybrid assistive limb in a patient after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. [Participant and Methods] A 33 year-old male underwent an arthroscopic procedure for anatomic single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a semitendinosus tendon autograft. Rehabilitation training using the knee single-joint hybrid assistive limb was initiated at postoperative week 18 and repeated weekly for 3 weeks. The patient performed five sets of the knee single-joint hybrid assistive limb-assisted knee-extension-flexion exercises per session at a frequency of 10 exercises/set. [Results] The peak extension torque at all velocities with the limb symmetry index was higher after the hybrid assistive limb intervention (post-intervention) than before using it (pre-intervention). Peak flexion torques at 60°/s and 300°/s of limb symmetry index were higher post-intervention than pre-intervention. The range of motion in extension and flexion improved from −2° (pre-intervention) to −1° (post-intervention) and from 124° to 133°, respectively. The Lysholm score increased from 58 (pre-intervention) to 94 (post-intervention). [Conclusion] The knee single-joint hybrid assistive limb can be used safely for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction training, without any adverse events. Our results indicate that the knee single-joint hybrid assistive limb training may improve muscle function, effectively overcoming dysfunction.Key words: The single-joint type hybrid assistive limb for the knee joint (knee HAL-SJ), Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, Muscle dysfunction     

Effects of Resistance Exercise Using Thera-band on Balance of Elderly Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of resistance exercise using Thera-band on balance of elderly adults. [Methods] Subjects (age range, 60–70 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental (n=12) or control group (n=12). The experimental group performed stretching and resistance exercises, and the control group performed stretching exercises only. Before and after the 5-week intervention, the participants’ static and dynamic balance were evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale, the Timed Up & Go Test, and the Tetrax Portable Multiple System (Tetrax Ltd., Ramat Gan, Israel) after 5 weeks. [Results] After the intervention, the values of the Tetrax in the weight distribution index with eyes open and that with eyes closed and the stability test index with eyes open were significantly lower in the resistance exercise group than in the control group, and the pre-test values were was significantly higher than the post-test values. However, there were no significant differences between groups in the values of the Berg Balance Scale, the Timed Up & Go Test, and the Tetrax stability test index with the eyes closed. [Conclusion] The findings of this study indicate that resistance exercise using the Thera-band is possible to improve the static and dynamic balance of elderly adults.Key words: Stretching, Resistance exercise, Balance     

Effects of acceleration training 24 weeks after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction on proprioceptive and dynamic balancing functions

[Purpose] The present study aimed to investigate whether the effects of rehabilitation exercise performed after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction on proprioceptive sensory and dynamic balancing functions differ between males and females. [Subjects and Methods] Eighteen subjects aged between 20–30 years enrolled in this study. The ages did not significantly differ between the males and females. The rehabilitation exercise program was performed three times per week for 12 weeks (3 months), and was initiated immediately after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Thereafter, the patients visited the hospital once per week to perform rehabilitation exercise during weeks 12–24 (3–6 months), and education on self-exercise and assessments were conducted during the visits. Self-exercise was performed two times per week according to the determined program. [Results] The extension active joint position sense, extension passive joint position sense, and flexion passive joint position sense of the affected and unaffected knees did not show any interaction effects between the measurement periods or between the groups. In the case of the affected knee, the results of two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance showed no significant difference between the measurement periods or between the groups; moreover, no, interaction effects were observed between the measurement periods or between the groups. In the case of the unaffected knee, although no significant difference was observed between the measurement periods, significant differences were observed between the groups. [Conclusion] In conclusion, this study revealed that most knee rehabilitation exercise training programs can be applied to both genders during the recovery period after ACL reconstruction, except for the knee rotational feedback/feedforward function exercise that may exhibit different effects based on the gender.Key words: Anterior cruciate ligament, Reconstruction, Proprioceptive     

Acute Effects of 5 Min of Plantar Flexor Static Stretching on Balance and Gait in the Elderly

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of five minutes of plantar flexor static stretching (PSS) on the balance and gait of the elderly. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-five subjects aged 65 years and above performed 5 min of PSS in the form of wedge board standing. The sway length of each subject’s center of mass was measured to examine the subject’s static balance. It was measured by one minute of quiet standing with the eyes closed. Functional reach tests (FRTs), timed up and go tests (TUGs), and 10-meter walk tests (10MWTs) were performed to examine dynamic balance and gait before and after PSS. [Results] The outcome showed significant increases in sway distances (6.55 ± 5.03 cm) after stretching. However, in the FRTs, TUGs, and 10MWTs, the reach distance and time did not show any significant changes. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the elderly subjects temporarily experienced difficulties in maintaining balance immediately after the PSS but that their dynamic balance and gait were not adversely affected after a short period of time. Therefore, to prevent falls and perform exercises in a safe way, it is recommended to allow patients to rest after performing PSS.Key words: Elderly, Static stretching, Postural balance     

Relationship between Postural Sway and Dynamic Balance in Stroke Patients

[Purpose] The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship between postural sway and dynamic balance in post stroke patients. [Subjects] Thirty-one stroke patients (20 men and 11 women; age 64.25 years; stroke duration 12.70 months; MMSE-K score 26.35) participated in this study. [Methods] This study applied a cross-sectional design. A Good Balance system was used for measurement of the postural sway velocity (anteroposterior and mediolateral) and velocity moment of subjects under the eyes open and eyes closed conditions in a standing posture. The postural sway of subjects was measured under two surface conditions (stable and unstable surfaces). [Results] On the unstable surface (foam), no significant correlation was observed between postural sway and dynamic balance except for the berg balance scale (BBS) score and anteroposterior postural sway velocity under the eyes open condition, anteroposterior postural sway velocity under the eyes closed condition, and postural sway velocity moment. In addition, in the stable condition, no significant correlation was observed between postural sway and dynamic balance. [Conclusion] Our results indicate that a decrease in postural sway does not necessarily reflect improvement of dynamic balance ability. We believe that this finding may be useful in balance rehabilitation for prevention of falls after a stroke.Key words: Dynamic balance, Postural sway, Stroke     

Sex differences in knee strength deficit 1?year after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

[Purpose] Little is known about the outcome differences between men and women after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare knee muscle strength between men and women 1 year after ACL reconstruction. [Subjects and Methods] Retrospective and outcome study. Between 2012 and 2015, 35 males (mean age, 29.7 ± 010.7 years) and 35 females (mean age, 28.2 ± 11.3 years) who had undergone primary ACL reconstruction were recruited from Samsung medical centers. We assessed the strength deficit in the quadriceps (extensor) and hamstrings (flexor) at 60°/sec and 180°/sec with isokinetic testing equipment. Statistical analysis was conducted with a t-test to determine if sex differences existed in knee strength deficit. [Results] Significant differences were noted between men and women with respect to extensor muscle strength deficit. Women reported less extensor muscle strength than men did, at the angular velocities 60°/sec and 180°/sec. However, no significant sex differences were found at either velocity with respect to the strength deficit of the knee flexor muscles. [Conclusion] Compared to male patients, female patients reported significantly less extensor muscle strength and less improvement 1 year after reconstruction.Key words: Anterior cruciate ligament, Sex, Female     

Effects of spiral taping applied to the neck and ankle on the body balance index

[Purpose] This study was performed to investigate the changes in the body balance index when spiral taping is applied to the neck and ankle. The findings are expected to serve as evidence of the usefulness of taping the neck instead of the ankle when ankle taping is not feasible in clinical practice. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty healthy male students at A university were enrolled in this study. Balance measurements were made under three conditions: no intervention, ankle intervention and neck intervention. Static balance was measured with subjects’ eyes open and closed, and dynamic balance was measured with subjects’ eyes closed. [Results] There were significant differences in dynamic balance assessed by the Overall Balance Index (OBI), and the Anteroposterior Balance Index (ABI) with subjects’ eyes open when ankle or neck taping was applied compared to no intervention. The static balance (OBI) of subjects with eyes open showed significant differences from the no intervention condition in both the ankle and neck intervention. The static balance (OBI) with subjects’ eyes closed also showed significant differences in both the ankle and neck interventions compared to the no intervention condition. [Conclusion] Our results indicate that neck taping stimulates the somatic senses around the neck and increase proprioception, resulting in balance improvement similar to that elicited by ankle taping. Further studies with larger sample sizes various experimental conditions should be performed to more systematically and objectively elucidate the effects of neck taping.Key words: Spiral taping, Balance, Balance index     

The Correlation between Dynamic Balance Measures and Stance Sub-phase COP Displacement Time in Older Adults during Obstacle Crossing

[Purpose] This study examined the relationship between the center of pressure (COP) displacement time during the stance subphases and dynamic balance ability when elderly cross obstacles 0, 10, and 40 cm in height. [Subjects] Fifteen older adults were enrolled in this study (≥65 years of age). [Methods] An F-Scan System was used to measure the COP displacement time when subjects crossed obstacles 0, 10, and 40 cm in height, and the Dynamic Gait Index, Berg Balance Scale, and Four Square Step Test were used to measure dynamic balance ability. [Results] The Dynamic Gait Index, Berg Balance Scale, and Four Square Step Test were correlated with each other. Dynamic balance tests were correlated with the COP displacement time during the stance phase. At obstacle heights of 10 and 40 cm during loading response and at all heights during pre-swing, there were correlations with dynamic balance ability. However, dynamic balance ability did not affect the COP displacement time during mid-stance and terminal stance. [Conclusion] People with a lower dynamic balance ability show a larger COP displacement time during loading response and pre-swing. Therefore, dynamic balance ability can be predicted by measuring the COP displacement time.Key words: Dynamic balance, Obstacle crossing, Center of pressure     

Effects of Local Muscle Vibration on the Displacement of Center of Pressure during Quiet Standing

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of local vibration stimuli on body balance (trace area, trace length, and velocity) in healthy adults during double-leg standing. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-nine subjects (10 male, 29 female) participated in this study. They were asked to keep their balance while holding four positions: standing with their eyes open, with and without vibration stimuli, and standing with their eyes closed, with and without vibration stimuli. The vibration stimuli, which had a duration of 30 sec, and a frequency of 60–80 Hz, were applied to the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscle belly during double-leg standing. Balance measurement was performed using the Balance Trainer 4 (HUR Labs Oy, Tampere, Finland). All subjects provided informed consent prior to participation in this study. [Results] In the open-eyes position, there were no significant differences in trace area, trace length, and velocity of the center of pressure (COP) either with or without vibration stimuli. However, in the closed-eyes position, the vibration stimuli significantly decreased trace area, trace length, and velocity of the COP compared with when no vibration stimuli were applied. [Conclusion] These results suggest that vibration stimuli applied to the lower leg improve balance when a person’s eyes are closed during double-leg quiet standing.Key words: Vibration, Center of pressure, Quiet standing     

The Effect of Muscle Facilitation Using Kinesio Taping on Walking and Balance of Stroke Patients

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in function and balance after Kinesio Taping application in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group and control group. The experimental group was applied taping before therapeutic exercise, and the control group received only therapeutic exercise. Functional gait was measured using the straight line walking test, and dynamic balance ability was measured using the Berg Balance Scale. Walking velocity was measured with the 10 m walking test. [Results] There were statistically significant differences between the results of the straight line walking and 10 m walking tests in the pre-post analysis for the experimental group. There were a statistically significant difference in the Berg Balance Scale and 10 m walking test between the two groups. [Conclusion] Application of taping to the paralyzed parts of a stroke patient has a positive effect on improvement of typical asymmetric gait and walking speed.Key words: Kinesio taping, Stroke, Gait     

Evaluation of Open and Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises in Rehabilitation Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

[Purpose] To compare outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction after open kinetic chain (OKC) exercises and closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects comprised 11 female and 47 male patients who are randomly divided into two groups: which performed a CKC exercise program Group I and Group II which performed an OKC exercise program. Pain intensity was evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS). Knee flexion was evaluated using a universal goniometer, and thigh circumference measurements were taken with a tape measure at baseline and at 3 months and 6 months after the treatment. Lysholm scores were used to assess knee function. [Results] There were no significant differences between the two groups at baseline. Within each group, VAS values and knee flexion were improved after the surgery. These improvements were significantly higher in the CKC group than in the OKC group. There were increases in thigh circumference difference at the 3 and 6 month assessments post-surgery. A greater improvement in the Lysholm score was observed in the CKC group at 6 months. [Conclusion] The CKC exercise program was more effective than OKC in improving the knee functions of patients with ACL reconstruction.Key words: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, Closed kinetic chain exercises, Open kinetic chain exercises     

The Effect of Underwater Gait Training on Balance Ability of Stroke Patients

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of underwater treadmill gait training on the balance ability of stroke patients. [Subjects] Twenty-two patients with stroke were randomly assigned to an underwater treadmill group (n =11) or a control group (n =11). [Methods] Both groups received general rehabilitation for 30 min per session, 5 times per week, over a 4-week period. The underwater treadmill group received additional underwater gait training for 30 min per session, 5 times per week, over the same 4-week period. Static and dynamic balances were evaluated before and after the intervention. [Results] The means of static and dynamic balance ability increased significantly in both groups, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. [Conclusion] Compared to the general rehabilitation program, underwater treadmill gait training was not more effective at improving the balance ability of stroke patients than land-based training.Key words: Stroke, Gait, Stability     

Effects of orthosis on balance and gait in healthy adults

[Purpose] This study evaluated the effects of an oral orthosis that can change body alignment on the balance ability and gait of healthy adults. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this study were 21 University students. A gait analyzer was used to analyze the subjects’ balance ability and gait quality. Two walking speeds were used: 2 km/h, a comfortable speed, and 4 km/h, a slightly faster walking speed. [Results] The step length, and base of gait at 2 km/h differed significantly after the intervention. The total step time and step length increased significantly after the intervention. Furthermore, the total base of gait decreased significantly after the intervention. The step times of the left lower limb at 4 km/h differed significantly after the intervention. [Conclusion] The oral orthosis tested positively affects the balance ability and gait of healthy adults.Key words: Orthosis, Balance, Gait     

康复训练在关节镜下前交叉韧带重建术后患者中的应用

目的：探讨康复训练程序在关节镜下前交叉韧带重建术后患者中的应用效果。方法：参考国内外前交叉韧带损伤重建的康复训练经验,制定了相应的康复程序,对我院运动创伤科46例在关节镜下行前交叉韧带重建术后患者进行康复训练。结果：46例患者均获得随访,术后6个月,Lysholm评分（93.6±2.8）分,与术前（78.2±2.3）分比较,有明显提高。关节活动度：1例患者有5°的伸膝受限,2例患者有5°的屈膝受限。髌上10 cm处双侧大腿周径差值无明显差异。45例患者术后无并发症。结论：应用康复程序对关节镜下膝前交叉韧带重建术后的患者进行康复护理,可较快地恢复关节功能,有利于膝关节的本位感觉良好恢复。     

Effects of neuromuscular training on knee joint stability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of neuromuscular training on knee joint stability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 16 adults who underwent arthroscopic anterior cruciate reconstruction and neuromuscular training. The Lysholm scale was used to assess functional disorders on the affected knee joint. A KT-2000 arthrometer was used to measure anterior displacement of the tibia against the femur. Surface electromyography was used to detect the muscle activation of the vastus medialis oblique, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and semitendinosus before and after neuromuscular training. [Results] There was significant relaxation in tibial anterior displacement of the affected and sound sides in the supine position before neuromuscular training. Furthermore, the difference in the tibial anterior displacement of the affected knee joints in the standing position was reduced after neuromuscular training. Moreover, the variation of the muscle activation evoked higher muscle activation of the vastus medialis oblique, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and semitendinosus. [Conclusion] Neuromuscular training may improve functional joint stability in patients with orthopedic musculoskeletal injuries in the postoperative period.Key words: Arthrometer, Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, Neuromuscular training     

The effects of stair gait training using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on stroke patients’ dynamic balance ability

[Purpose] This study aims to examine stroke patients’ changes in dynamic balance ability through stair gait training where in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) was applied. [Subjects and Methods] In total 30 stroke patients participated in this experiment and were randomly and equally allocated to an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received exercise treatment for 30 min and stair gait training where in PNF was applied for 30 min and the control group received exercise treatment for 30 min and ground gait training where in PNF was applied for 30 min. For the four weeks of the experiment, each group received training three times per week, for 30 min each time. Berg Balance Scale (BBS) values were measured and a time up and go (TUG) test and a functional reach test (FRT) were performed for a comparison before and after the experiment. [Results] According to the result of the stroke patients’ balance performance through stair gait training, the BBS and FRT results significantly increased and the TUG test result significantly decreased in the experimental group. On the contrary, BBS and FRT results did not significantly increase and the TUG test result did not significantly decrease in the control group. According to the result of comparing differences between before and after training in each group, there was a significant change in the BBS result of the experimental group only. [Conclusions] In conclusion, the gait training group to which PNF was applied saw improvements in their balance ability, and a good result is expected when neurological disease patients receive stair gait training applying PNF.Key words: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, Stroke, Balance ability     

自体与同种异体肌腱重建前交叉韧带

背景：前交叉韧带损伤修复采用自体腘绳肌腱还是同种异体肌腱目前在临床上的应用存在争议。目的：分析关节镜下自体肌腱与同种异体肌腱重建前交叉韧带的临床疗效。方法：前交叉韧带断裂重建患者123例,根据移植物的不同将患者分为自体肌腱组63例和异体肌腱组60例。治疗后随访进行Lachman试验、Lysholm评分评估疗效。结果与结论：患者均经过8个月以上随访。两组患者术后膝关节稳定性均较治疗前得到明显好转,两组患者治疗后Lysholm评分、Lachman试验结果均显著好于治疗前,末次随访组间比较差异无显著性意义（P 〉0.05）。结果说明自体肌腱与同种异体肌腱重建前交叉韧带的疗效相近,医师应根据自身经验和患者情况灵活使用。     

前交叉韧带重建后本体感觉训练前后步行参数变化的计算机辅助三维步态分析系统比较

背景:目前关于前交叉韧带重建后训练对患者静态本体感觉或平衡的影响研究较多,对动态步行稳定性的研究较少。目的:利用三维步态分析系统对前交叉韧带重建后患者本体感觉训练后步行的稳定性进行分析。方法:单侧前交叉韧带重建患者32例,重建后3～6个月,可独立步行,膝关节无明显肿胀疼痛。所有患者本体感觉训练前及训练2个月后进行步态分析。结果与结论:本体感觉训练后患者步频(P<0.01)、步长(P<0.01)、步速(P<0.05)、患足廓清地面最大距离(P<0.001)均较训练前明显改善。行走时,骨盆摆动、上身摆动三维扑捉图像与训练前相比更对称,更协调。提示利用三维步态分析系统比较本体感觉训练的效果,对评估步行过程中不自觉的关节稳定和姿势、平衡的调整和维持具有重要意义。     

单骨道单、双束前交叉韧带重建治疗前交叉韧带断裂患者的疗效比较

目的比较单骨道单、双束前交叉韧带重建治疗前交叉韧带断裂患者的疗效。方法选取前交叉韧带断裂患者64例,随机分为双束组32例和单束组32例。双束组进行单骨道双束手术,单束组进行单骨道单束手术。术前及术后12个月评价2组患者的IKDC、Tegner、Lysholm和KT-2000评分。结果 2组患者性别、年龄和受伤侧别及时间的差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。2组患者的术后IKDC、Tegner和Lysholm评分均高于术前,KT-2000评分均低于术前,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。2组术前、术后的IKDC、Tegner、Lysholm和KT-2000评分的差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论单骨道单、双束前交叉韧带重建的主观功能评分与客观稳定性评分无显著差异,但单骨道双束前交叉韧带重建术手术方法简单,固定牢固,可以有效恢复膝关节前向稳定性。     

关节镜下修复重建前交叉韧带合并半月板损伤的临床效果分析

目的探讨关节镜下修复重建前交叉韧带(ACL)合并半月板损伤的临床效果。方法选取ACL合并半月板损伤患者40例,分为实验组(同时修复ACL以及半月板),对照组(修复半月板),分别观察两组患者各自的术前术后的Lysholm评分,以及两组患者术后的Lysholm评分。观察两组患者术后半月板愈合率以及2年后半月板再手术率的比较。结果两组患者术后Lysholm评分均高于术前,但实验组患者术后Lysholm评分高于对照组。实验组术后愈合率高于对照组,2年后半月板再手术率低于对照组。结论关节镜下同时修复重建ACL和半月板损伤,可以提高治愈率,有利于术后患者康复,并且远期效果明显,值得推广。