Effects of an elastic band resistance exercise program on lower extremity muscle strength and gait ability in patients with Alzheimer’s disease

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of a resistance exercise programs aiming to improve muscular function in order to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease in elderly people. [Subjects and Methods] Elderly patients with mild dementia were randomly assigned to an elastic band resistance exercise group (74.21±6.09 years). The experimental group (n=23) performed upper and lower extremity exercises three times per week for five months. Physical fitness was measured according to chair leg squat, one-leg stance, timed up-and-go test, 2-minute walking test, and gait ability before and after exercise. [Results] Static balance ability in which the participant stood on one foot with eyes open (left and right) increased significantly, but the dynamic balancing ability in the timed up-and-go test did not improve significantly. Cardiorespiratory function and gait speed improved significantly. [Conclusion] The five-month elastic band resistance exercise program improved muscle strength and endurance, cardiovascular function, and gait speed. Therefore, it may be an effective rehabilitation program for elderly patients with Alzheimer’s disease.Key words: Alzheimer’s disease, Exercise, Muscular strength     

Effects of auditory feedback during gait training on hemiplegic patients’ weight bearing and dynamic balance ability

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of auditory feedback during gait on the weight bearing of patients with hemiplegia resulting from a stroke. [Subjects] Thirty hemiplegic patients participated in this experiment and they were randomly allocated to an experimental group and a control group. [Methods] Both groups received neuro-developmental treatment for four weeks and the experimental group additionally received auditory feedback during gait training. In order to examine auditory feedback effects on weight bearing during gait, a motion analysis system GAITRite was used to measure the duration of the stance phase and single limb stance phase of the subjects. [Results] The experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in the duration of the stance phase and single limb stance phase of the paretic side and the results of the Timed Up and Go Test after the training. [Conclusion] Auditory feedback during gait training significantly improved the duration of the stance phase and single limb stance phase of hemiplegic stroke patients.Key words: Auditory feedback, Gait, Hemiplegic patients     

Effects of mental practice on stroke patients’ upper extremity function and daily activity performance

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of mental practice on stroke patients’ upper extremity function and activities of daily living (ADL). [Subjects and Methods] In this study, 29 stroke patients were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (n=14) and a control group (n=15). The experimental group performed 10 minutes of mental practice once a day, 5 days a week for 2 weeks in combination with conventional rehabilitation therapy. For the control group, general rehabilitation therapy was provided during the same sessions as the experimental group. The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and the Fugl-Myer assessment (FMA) were used to measure upper extremity function, and the Modified Bathel Index (MBI) was used to measure daily activity performance. [Results] After the intervention, the mental practice group showed significant improvements in upper extremity function on the affected side and ADL scores compared to the control group. [Conclusion] The results of this study demonstrate mental practice intervention is effective at improving stroke patients’ upper extremity function and daily activity performance. In follow-up studies, securing a greater number of experimental subjects, and evaluation of the intervention’s therapeutic durability are required.Key words: Mental practice, Upper function, Stroke     

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.Key words: Parkinson’s disease, External cue, Arm swing     

The effects of ramp gait exercise with PNF on stroke patients’ dynamic balance

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of ramp gait training using lower extremity patterns of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on chronic stroke patients’ dynamic balance ability. [Subjects and Methods] In total, 30 stroke patients participated in this study, and they were assigned randomly and equally to an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received exercise treatment for 30 min and ramp gait training with PNF for 30 min. The control group received exercise treatment for 30 min and ground gait training for 30 min. The interventions were conducted in 30 min sessions, three times per week for four week. The subjects were assessed with the Berg balance scale test, timed up and go test, and functional reach test before and after the experiment and the results were compared. [Results] After the intervention, the BBS and FRT values had significantly increased and the TUG value had significantly decreased in the experimental group; however, the BBS, FRT, and TUG values showed no significant differences in the control group. In addition, differences between the two groups before the intervention and after the intervention were not significant. [Conclusion] In conclusion, ramp gait training with PNF improved stroke patients’ dynamic balance ability, and a good outcome of ramp gait training with PNF is also expected for other neurological system disease patients.Key words: Stroke, Proprioception, Ramp gait     

Effects of singing on voice,respiratory control and quality of life in persons with Parkinson’s disease

Purpose Interventions focused on singing may provide additional benefits to established voice and respiratory therapies, due to their greater emphasis on the respiratory muscle control system in those with Parkinson’s disease (PD) progresses. The purpose of this study was to examine if singing can improve voice, respiratory pressure and quality of life (QOL) in persons with PD. Methods This pilot study measured the effects of a singing intervention in 27 participants with PD. Participants were assigned to a high (met twice weekly) or low (met once weekly) dosage group. Voice, respiratory and QOL measures were recorded before and after an 8-week singing intervention. Sessions were led by board-certified music therapists and included a series of vocal and articulation exercises and group singing. Results Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure, as well as phonation time. While other voice measures improved, they did not reach statistical significance. Voice QOL and whole health QOL also significantly improved. Conclusion These results suggest singing may be a beneficial and engaging treatment choice for improving and maintaining vocal function and respiratory pressure in persons with PD.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• In a small sample, group singing proved beneficial for improving voice and respiratory impairment in persons with Parkinson’s disease.

• Completing group singing one time per week for 8 weeks was as effective as completing group singing two times per week for 8 weeks in persons with Parkinson’s disease.

• Group singing is an effective means of improving overall quality of life in persons with Parkinson’s disease.

     

The influence of rotational movement exercise on the abdominal muscle thickness and trunk mobility – Randomized control trial

BackgroundTrunk rotations are important functional movements which form the foundations of human motion pattern, especially in the functions of walking and running. They prevent the functional impairments and structural lesions resulting from axial overloading in static positions such as sitting.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the influence of rotational movement training exercises on the abdominal muscle thickness and spinal mobility range. Study design: Randomized controlled trial.MethodsThe study involved 73 individuals aged 18–45. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups. The study group (TG) comprised 40 people who performed rotational movement exercises over the period of 4 weeks (16 training sessions). In the control group (CG) the training was not applied. Changes in the thickness of selected abdominal muscles on ultrasound imaging were evaluated, as well as trunk mobility, based on the trunk lateral flexion test.ResultsThe analysis of the obtained data has demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the thickness of the abdominal internal (IO) (p < 0.05) and external oblique muscles (EO) (p < 0.001) in the study group (TG) between measurements I and II, and measurements I and III. A similar increase in the thickness was found in the summation measurement of TrA + IO + EO. Bilateral increase in the trunk lateral flexion range in the frontal plane has also been noted.ConclusionsRotational movement training of the trunk leads to an increase in the thickness of the abdominal oblique muscles. Rotational movement exercise training increases trunk mobility in the frontal plane.     

The effect of community rehabilitation on motor function and ability of daily life of patients with stroke

BACKGROUND：Therecoveryofneuralfunctionisthoughtoftenwithinonemonthanddifficultafterthreemonths．Butrecentdatashowslargepotencyexistsinfunctionalrecoveryofcentralneuralsystem，whichmeansthefunctioncanbeimprovedthroughreasonablerehabilitationtrainingdespiteoftimeofcourseofdisease．OBJECTIVE：Toinvestigatetheeffectofcommunityrehabili－tationonmotorfunctionandabilityofdailylifeofpatientswithstroke．UNIT：DepartmentofNeurology，LongquanshanHospitalofLi－uzhouSUBJECTS：８６patientsrec…     

Effects of square-stepping exercise on motor and cognitive function in older adults — A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesTo document the effects of square-stepping exercise (SSE) on motor and cognitive function in older adults.MethodsFive online databases were searched in May 2021. Controlled studies published from 2006 to May 2021 were included. The experimental group received SSE alone or SSE combined with other exercise(s), whereas the control group received no training or other exercise(s). Motor and cognitive outcomes included balance, fall risk, agility, endurance, gait speed, flexibility, muscle strength, reaction time, global cognitive function, memory, and executive function.ResultsTen articles with a total of 920 participants were included. Static balance (p=0.0009), dynamic balance (p=0.0008), fall risk (p<0.00001), and agility (p=0.02) improved more in the intervention group than in the control group. However, SSE did not seem to exert beneficial effects on cognitive function.ConclusionIn older adults, SSE provided beneficial effects on motor function, including static and dynamic balance, risk of falls, and agility. However, positive effects on cognitive function were not observed and require further investigation.     

The effects of cognitive exercise therapy on chronic stroke patients’ upper limb functions,activities of daily living and quality of life

This study aimed to examine the effects of task-oriented exercise therapy and cognitive exercise therapy on the recovery of hand function and the quality of life in chronic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 16 patients with chronic stroke were selected and divided into two groups. Group I (n = 8) received task-oriented exercise therapy and Group II (n = 8) received cognitive exercise therapy. This study was conducted for eight weeks. Upper limb function was assessed using the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) and manual function test (MFT); activities of daily living were assessed using the motor activity log (MAL); and the quality of life was assessed using the stroke impact scale (SIS). The pre- and post-intervention results of these tests were analyzed. [Results] There were significant differences in all areas of upper limb function, activities of daily living, and quality of life between the two groups. There were significant differences between the two groups in the post-intervention upper limb function and quality of life. [Conclusion] Application of cognitive exercise therapy was found to effect functional recovery in stroke patients. Future research should focus on application of cognitive exercise therapy in diverse populations, and assess its clinical utilization.Key words: Stroke, Cognitive exercise therapy, Quality of life     

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     

What is the effect of peripheral muscle fatigue,pulmonary function,and body composition on functional exercise capacity in acromegalic patients?

[Purpose] The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is increasingly being used as an important tool for analyzing functional capacity in patients with multisystem disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of body composition, peripheral muscle function, and pulmonary function on the six-minute walk distance (6MWD) in acromegalic patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-two patients with active acromegaly, with a mean age of 48.6 ± 12.1 years, underwent an evaluation of body composition using electrical bioimpedance, isometric dynamometry with surface electromyography, tests of pulmonary function, and the 6MWT. [Results] The mean ± SD values for the 6MWD, fat-free mass (FFM), and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) were 65.5 ± 11.7% predicted, 55.1 ± 10.6 kg, and 55.2 ± 16.8% predicted, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the 6MWD and the following parameters: the angle of the linear regression line obtained using the values of the median frequency electromyography signal over time during the fatigability test for the vastus medialis muscle (MDF, r=0.65), FFM (r=0.62), MEP (r=0.60), height⁽²⁾/resistance index (r=0.52), resistance (r=−0.50), and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (r=0.50). Multivariate analysis showed that MDF, FFM, and MEP were independent predictors of the 6MWD (R²=0.52). [Conclusion] The fatigability of the peripheral muscles, FFM, and MEP are the primary determinants of the 6MWD in acromegalics.Key words: Acromegaly, Muscle strength, Exercise     

Effects of treadmill exercise on hippocampal neurogenesis in an MPTP /probenecid-induced Parkinson’s disease mouse model

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effect of treadmill exercise on non-motor function, specifically long-term memory, in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine/probenecid-induced Parkinson’s disease mouse model. [Methods] A mouse model of Parkinson’s disease was developed by injecting 20 mg/kg of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine and 250 mg/kg of probenecid (P). We divided in into four groups: probenecid group, probenecid-exercise group, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine/probenecid group, and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine/probenecid-exercise group. Mice in the exercise groups ran on treadmill for 30 min/day, five times per week for 4 weeks. [Results] Latency in the passive avoidance test increased in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine/probenecid-exercise group compared with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine/probenecid group. In addition, the number of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine/NeuN-positive cells and 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine/doublecortin-positive cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus was higher in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine/probenecid-exercise group than that in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine/probenecid group. These changes were associated with the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the hippocampus. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that treadmill exercise may improve long-term memory in Parkinson’s disease mice by facilitating neurogenesis via increased expression of neurotrophic factors.Key words: Parkinson’s disease, Neurogenesis, Long-term memory     

Effects of endurance and endurance–strength exercise on biochemical parameters of liver function in women with abdominal obesity

IntroductionObesity is a risk factor of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Although the standard therapy for obesity involves physical exercise, well-planned studies of the changes in liver function in response to different exercise intensities in obese subjects are scarce. The aim of the present study was to examine a question of how does exercise mode affect the liver function.Material and methods44 women with abdominal obesity were randomized into two exercise groups: endurance (group A) and endurance-strength (group B). Women in each group exercised for 60 min 3 times/week for a 3-month period. Markers of liver function: serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, and bilirubin levels were quantified.ResultsWe found significant differences in ALT (p < 0.01) and AST (p < 0.05) activities between group A and B after training exercise. Blood ALT and AST tended to decrease in group B, increase in group A. Significant reduction in serum GGT level after exercise in both groups was observed (p < 0.001, group A; p < 0.01, group B). Neither endurance nor endurance-strength exercise led to changes in serum ALP activity and total or direct bilirubin level. However, endurance-strength training resulted in significant decreases in serum indirect bilirubin (p < 0.05). Strong positive correlations between serum indirect bilirubin and body mass (r = 0.615; p = 0.0085) and BMI (r = 0.576; p = 0.0154) were found after endurance-strength exercise (group B).ConclusionThe mode of exercise does matter: endurance-strength exercise led to a greater improvement, compared to endurance exercise, in the liver function in women with abdominal obesity.     

Effects of Pelvic Adjustment on Female University Students’ Gait Variables

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of pelvic adjustment using Gonstead techniques on posture in female university students. [Subjects] In this study, 30 female university students were selected and divided into a pelvic adjustment group of 15 subjects as an experimental group and a stretching group of 15 subjects as a control group. [Methods] Step length difference (SLD), stance phase difference (STPD), swing phase difference (SWPD), single support difference (SSD), and step time difference (STD) were evaluated in the subjects using an OptoGait. [Results] Whereas the adjustment group showed statistically significant differences in SLD, STPD, SWPD, SSD, and STD, the stretching group did not show any statistically significant differences in any of the items. [Conclusion] Pelvic adjustment can be applied using Gonstead techniques as a method of reducing differences in normal gait variables between the left and right sides in adults.Key words: Pelvic adjustment, Optogait, Gait analysis     

Effect of virtual reality dance exercise on the balance,activities of daily living,and depressive disorder status of Parkinson’s disease patients

[Purpose] In this study, we examined the effects of virtual reality dance exercise on the balance, activities of daily living and depressive disorder status of Parkinson’s disease patients. [Subjects] Twenty patients were assigned either the experimental group (n = 10) or the control group (n = 10). All participants received 30 minutes of neurodevelopment treatment and 15 minutes of functional electrical stimulation 5 times per week for 6 weeks. The experimental group additionally performed 30 minutes of dance exercise. Balance, activities of daily living, and depressive disorder status were assessed before and after the 6-week treatment period using the Berg balance scale, the Modified Barthel Index, and the Beck Depression Inventory. The paired t-test was used to detect differences before and after treatment, and the independent t-test was used to detect differences between the treatment groups. [Results] The values for balance, activities of daily living, and depressive disorder status significantly differed between before and after treatment in the experimental group, and significantly differed between the experimental group and control group. [Conclusion] Virtual reality dance exercise has a positive effect on balance, activities of daily living, and depressive disorder status of Parkinson’s disease patients.Key words: Virtual reality, Parkinson''s disease, Balance     

The Effects of Hippotherapy on Elderly Persons’ Static Balance and Gait

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of hippotherapy on elderly persons’ static balance and gait. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-two elderly persons residing in the community were randomly divided into a hippotherapy group and a treadmill group and they conducted exercise for eight weeks. [Results] Step lengths increased significantly, and step time and sway path lengths significantly decreased in both groups. A comparison of sway path lengths after the intervention between the two groups revealed that the hippotherapy group showed larger decreases than the treadmill group. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicate that hippotherapy may improve the static balance and gait of elderly persons residing in the community.Key words: Elderly, Balance, Hippotherapy     

The Effects of Running in Place on Healthy Adults’ Lumbar Stability

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of running in place while using the abdominal drawing-in method on healthy adults’ lumbar stability. [Subjects] A total of 30 subjects were divided into a training group of 15 subjects and a control group of 15 subjects. [Methods] The training group ran in place using the abdominal drawing-in method for 30 minutes per session, three sessions per week, for a total of six weeks. For both the training group and the control group, static lumbar stability (SLS) and dynamic lumbar stability (DLS) were measured before and after the experiment using a pressure biofeedback unit. [Results] Pre- and post-intervention measurements were compared within the training group and the control group. According to the results, the training group showed statistically significant differences in DLS. [Conclusion] Running in place, which can be performed easily regardless of time and location, can be recommended as an exercise that will improve the dynamic lumbar stability of students or office workers.Key words: Running in place, Lumbar stability, Pressure biofeedback unit