Effect of shoulder girdle strengthening on trunk alignment in patients with stroke

[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of shoulder girdle strengthening, particularly the scapular muscles, on poststroke trunk alignment. [Subjects and Methods] The study involved 30 patients with residual hemiparesis following cerebrovascular stroke. Patient assessment included measuring shoulder muscle peak torque, scapular muscles peak force, spinal lateral deviation angle, and motor functional performance. Patients were randomly allocated either to the control group or the study group and received an 18-session strengthening program including active resisted exercises for shoulder abductors and external rotators in addition to trunk control exercises. The study group received additional strengthening exercises for the scapular muscles. [Results] The two groups showed significant improvement in strength of all shoulder and scapular muscles, with higher improvement in the study group. Similarly, the lateral spinal deviation angles significantly improved in both groups, with significantly higher improvement in the study group. Transfer activity, sitting balance, upper limb functions, and hand movements significantly improved in the two groups, with higher improvement in the latter two functions in the study group. [Conclusion] Strengthening of shoulder girdle muscles, particularly scapular muscles, can significantly contribute to improving the postural alignment of the trunk in patients with poststroke hemiparesis.Key words: Stroke, Scapular muscles strengthening, Lateral trunk alignment     

Effect of a virtual reality exercise program accompanied by cognitive tasks on the balance and gait of stroke patients

[Purpose] This study aimed to assess the effect of a virtual reality exercise program accompanied by cognitive tasks on the balance and gait of stroke patients. [Subjects] Twenty stroke patients were randomly assigned to two groups 10 to an experimental group that performed a virtual reality exercise program accompanied by cognitive tasks and 10 to a control group. The control group performed a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise program. Balance was measured with the Berg Balance Scale. Gait was assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test. The paired t-test was used to compare groups before and after the experiment. The independent t-test was conducted to assess differences in the degree of change between the two groups before and after the experiment. [Results] Within-group comparison in the experimental group showed significant differences in the Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go Test. In a comparison between groups, the differences in the Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go Test in the experimental group appeared significant compared with the control group. [Conclusion] The results of the experiment indicate that a virtual reality exercise program accompanied by cognitive tasks has a positive effect on the balance and gait of stroke patients.Key words: Virtual reality exercise program accompanied by cognitive tasks, Balance, Gait     

The effects of gluteus muscle strengthening exercise and lumbar stabilization exercise on lumbar muscle strength and balance in chronic low back pain patients

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of exercise to strengthen themuscles of the hip together with lumbar segmental stabilization exercise on the lumbardisability index, lumbar muscle strength, and balance. [Subjects and Methods] This studyrandomly and equally assigned 40 participants who provided written consent to participatein this study to a lumbar segmental stabilization exercise plus exercise to strengthen themuscles of the gluteus group (SMG + LES group) and a lumbar segmental stabilizationexercise group. [Results] Each evaluation item showed a statistically significant effect.[Conclusion] Clinical application of exercise in this study showed that lumbar segmentalstabilization exercise plus exercise to strengthen the muscles of the gluteus resulted ina greater decrease in low back pain disability index and increase in lumbar musclestrength and balance ability than lumbar segmental stabilization exercise in chronic lowback pain patients receiving the exercise treatments during the same period.     

Effects of a virtual reality-based exercise program on functional recovery in stroke patients: part 1

This study aimed to determine the effects of a virtual reality exercise program using the Interactive Rehabilitation and Exercise System (IREX) on the recovery of motor and cognitive function and the performance of activities of daily living in stroke patients. [Subjects] The study enrolled 10 patients diagnosed with stroke who received occupational therapy at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Hospital A between January and March 2014. [Methods] The patients took part in the virtual reality exercise program for 30 minutes each day, three times per week, for 4 weeks. Then, the patients were re-evaluated to determine changes in upper extremity function, cognitive function, and performance of activities of daily living 4 weeks after the baseline assessment. [Results] In the experimental group, there were significant differences in the Korea-Mini Mental Status Evaluation, Korean version of the modified Barthel index, and Fugl-Meyer assessment scores between the baseline and endpoint. [Conclusion] The virtual reality exercise program was effective for restoring function in stroke patients. Further studies should develop systematic protocols for rehabilitation training with a virtual reality exercise program.Key words: Stroke, Virtual reality-based exercise program, Functional recovery     

低负荷小强度抗阻运动对卧床老年患者肌力和心肺功能的影响

目的制订适合高龄老年卧床患者的低负荷小强度抗阻运动方案,评价其对患者肌力和心肺功能的影响。方法便利选取北京市某三级甲等医院老年病房2020年3月—4月收治的80岁及以上疾病稳定期患者64例,随机分为试验组和对照组。试验组在常规治疗和护理的基础上,给予6个月的低负荷小强度抗阻训练,对照组给予常规治疗和护理,比较两组的肌力和心肺功能。结果共有59例患者完成研究,试验组29例,对照组30例。试验组握力在3个月和6个月时高于对照组(P<0.05),仰卧举腿和30 s反复坐起次数在6个月时多于对照组(P<0.05)。肺活量在6个月时高于对照组(P<0.05),两组血压、心率、左心室射血分数等比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论低负荷小强度抗阻运动不仅能提高高龄卧床老年患者的肌力,还能有效改善患者的肺功能,但对改善心功能的效果不明显。     

The effect of external cues with vibratory stimulation on spatiotemporal gait parameters in chronic stroke patients

[Purpose] The aim of current study was to investigate the effect of external cues using vibratory stimulation on spatiotemporal gait parameters in patients with chronic stroke. [Subjects] Thirty patients, who had suffered a stroke, were selected from general hospitals in Seoul, Republic of Korea. [Methods] Each participant was subjected to six walking trials: three trials with vibratory stimulation of the tibialis anterior muscle and three trials without any stimulation. The spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured with a GAITRite system. [Results] The global gait parameters—velocity and cadence—were significantly more increased, and the temporal parameters—step time, stride time, and double limb support—were significantly more decreased with vibratory stimulation of the tibialis anterior muscle than with no stimulation. While single limb support was increased under vibratory stimulation, the difference was not significant between the two groups. The spatial gait parameter—stride length—showed a significant improvement; however, there was no significant enhancement in gait symmetry with regard to step length and step time [Conclusion] These results indicate that the application of external cues using vibratory stimulation during gait may control gait parameters and improve gait performance. Thus, this intervention could be used for gait rehabilitation in chronic stroke patients.Key words: Vibratory stimulation, Gait, Stroke     

Effects of a novel forced intensive strengthening technique on muscle size and upper extremity function in a patient with chronic stroke

[Purpose] This research demonstrated a forced intensive strength technique as a novel treatment for muscle power and function in the affected upper extremity muscle to determine the clinical feasibility with respect to upper extremity performance in a stroke hemiparesis. [Subject and Methods] The subject was a patient with chronic stroke who was dependent on others for performing the functional activities of his affected upper extremity. The technique incorporates a comprehensive approach of forced, intensive, and strength-inducing activities to enhance morphological changes associated with motor learning of the upper extremity. The forced intensive strength technique consisted of a 6-week course of sessions lasting 60 minutes per day, five times a week. [Results] After the 6-week intervention, the difference between relaxation and contraction of the affected extensor carpi radialis muscle increased from 0.28 to 0.63 cm², and that of the affected triceps brachii muscle increased from 0.30 to 0.90 cm². The results of clinical tests including the modified Ashworth scale (MAS; from 1+ to 1), muscle strength (from 15 to 32 kg), the manual function test (MFT; scores of 16/32 to 27/32 score), the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA; scores of 29/66 to 49/66 score), and the Jebsen-Taylor hand function test (JTHFT; from 38/60 to 19/60 sec) were improved. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that the forced intensive strength technique may have a beneficial effect on the muscle size of the upper extremity and motor function in patients with chronic stroke.Key words: Upper extremity, Strength, Stroke     

The effects of respiratory muscle strengthening exercise using a sling on the amount of respiration

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to present aerobic exercise that can be performed together with respiratory muscle strength training and examine whether the vital capacity of individuals can be enhanced when respiratory muscle strength training is conducted together with aerobic exercise. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 10 male students and 8 female students. The sling exercise method was used to conduct three types of training to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joints. A maximal respiratory quotient measurement device was used to measure the vital capacity of the subjects five times. [Results] There was a significant difference in each respiratory training time point compared with before the performance of respiratory training. [Conclusion] This study presented respiratory muscle strength training using a sling as a training method for respiratory training.Key words: Sling, Aerobic exercise, Respiratory     

Effect of an exercise program for posture correction on musculoskeletal pain

[Purpose] The present study investigated the effect of an exercise program for posture correction on musculoskeletal pain. [Subjects] Between September 2, 2013 and November 3, 2013, an exercise program was performed in 88 students from S University in K city (male students, n = 34; female students, n = 54). [Methods] The exercise program for posture correction was performed for 20 minutes per session, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Pain levels were measured using a pain scale, and pain levels before and after the exercise program were compared. [Results] Overall, pain levels of the participants were lower after the exercise program than before the program, and significant differences in pain levels were noted in the shoulders, middle back, and lower back. [Conclusion] In conclusion, shoulder pain, mid back pain, and low back pain were relieved with the exercise program for posture correction. Therefore, the findings of this study can be used to improve the work efficiency of students as well as people engaged in sedentary work.Key words: Posture correction exercise, Posture, Pain     

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.Key words: Sciatic nerve crush injury, Weight-bearing exercise, Gait     

肌力训练对人工宽髋置换术患者髋关节的生物力学影响

目的采用等速肌力测试和Harris功能评价人工全髋关节置换术后患者髋关节屈伸肌力与其功能之间的关系,证明肌力训练对促进髋关节功能改善的重要性.方法患者16例,10例右髋、6例左髋接受全髋关节置换术.术后2个月内进行日常活动能力训练;术后平均2个月开始进行患髋屈伸肌的肌力训练;均以手术侧髋与健侧髋进行对照;观察患者术后2个月、14个月的髋关节肌力及功能变化.评定指标手术前、后Harris髋关节评分;术后Cybex-6000型等速肌力测试仪评定.结果①髋关节置换术后患髋屈伸肌的峰力矩(PT)比健侧明显减低(P<0.01),患髋的屈髋PT/伸髋PT比值明显高于健侧(P<0.01);②肌力训练后双侧髋关节屈伸肌PT均有显著性提高(P<0.01),尤以患侧改善更为明显.③患者Harris总分较术前明显提高,但术后2-12个月期间Harris总分变化不大;结论单纯Harris评分不能很好地反映全髋关节置换术后髋周肌群的生物力学改变,需配合等速肌力检测作为评价全髋关节置换术后髋关节功能变化的重要指标;术后除进行日常的功能活动为主的训练外,应加强髋关节周围肌群的力量训练.     

盆底肌锻炼联合生物反馈电刺激对全子宫切除术后病人的影响

[目的]研究盆底肌锻炼联合生物反馈电刺激对全子宫切除术后病人盆底肌功能及心理与幸福感的影响。[方法]采用前瞻性试验性研究方法,纳入我院2015年6月-2018年4月收治的全子宫切除术病人共90例为研究对象,按照随机数字表法分为试验组与对照组,每组各45例。其中对照组采取盆底肌锻炼法,试验组在对照组基础上给予生物反馈电刺激法护理,比较两组病人盆底肌力分级、盆底功能、困扰程度、尿失禁量、焦虑及抑郁程度与幸福感差异。[结果]干预后两组各项指标均得到改善,但试验组盆底肌肌力、盆底功能恢复状况、心理状态及幸福感均明显优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。[结论]对全子宫切除术病人实施盆底肌锻炼联合生物反馈电刺激干预,能够有效改善病人的盆底肌功能状态、心理状态,提升病人生活幸福感。     

悬吊运动联合姿势控制训练对亚急性期脑卒中患者运动功能的影响

目的:观察悬吊系列运动联合姿势控制训练对脑卒中偏瘫患者运动功能的影响。方法:将100例脑卒中偏瘫患者随机分成观察组和对照组各50例,2组均接受常规康复训练,包括肌力训练、神经发育疗法、本体神经肌肉促进技术、平衡训练等,观察组在此基础上增加悬吊系列运动以及姿势控制训练。分别于治疗前和治疗后,采用Sheikh评定量表、Holden步行功能分级(FAC)、改良Barthel指数(MBI)、简式Fugl-Meyer运动功能评定量表(FMA)、Berg平衡量表(BBS)进行评估。结果:治疗6周后,2组Sheikh、MBI、BBS、FAC和FMA评分均较治疗前明显提高(均P0.05),且观察组高于对照组(均P0.05)。结论:以悬吊系列运动和姿势控制训练为基础的核心肌群控制训练可促进亚急性期脑卒中偏瘫患者的运动功能的恢复。     

群组管理对前列腺癌根治术后尿失禁患者盆底肌功能锻炼依从性及临床效果的影响

目的观察群组管理对前列腺癌根治术后尿失禁患者盆底肌功能锻炼依从性及临床效果的影响。方法按随机数字表将91例患者分为观察组46例和对照组45例。对照组采用门诊一对一健康宣教和随访,观察组在门诊一对一健康宣教基础上增加群组管理。干预3个月后评价患者盆底肌功能锻炼依从性,并对患者进行1 h尿垫试验和盆底肌肌力测定评价临床效果。结果干预3个月后两组患者盆底肌功锻炼依从性比较,观察组依从性良好率为76.1%、对照组依从性良好率为22.2%,经比较,χ^2=26.403,P<0.01;观察组尿失禁程度轻于对照组,经比较,Z=5.481,P<0.05;观察组盆底纤维肌力治愈率Ⅰ类肌93.5%、Ⅱ类肌91.3%,对照组Ⅰ类肌68.9%、Ⅱ类肌66.7%,比较差异有统计学意义(P均<0.01)。结论群组管理能提高前列腺癌根治术后尿失禁患者盆底肌功能锻炼的依从性,并改善患者的盆底肌肌力情况和尿失禁程度。     

The effects of a Korean computer-based cognitive rehabilitation program on cognitive function and visual perception ability of patients with acute stroke

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a Korean computer-based cognitive rehabilitation program (CBCR) on the cognitive function and visual perception ability of patients with acute stroke. [Subjects] The subjects were 30 patients with acute stroke. [Methods] The subjects were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (EG) or the control group (CG). The EG subjects received CBCR with the CoTras program. The CG subjects received conventional cognitive rehabilitation. All subjects participated in a standard rehabilitation program according to a daily inpatient treatment schedule. In addition to standard rehabilitation, the subjects received 20 sessions (5 days a week for 4 weeks) of CBCR or conventional cognitive rehabilitation for 30 min. To compare the two groups, the Lowenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA) and Motor-free Visual Perception Test-3 (MVPT-3) were performed. [Results] Both groups showed significant improvement in LOTCA and MVPT-3. Furthermore, there were significant differences in LOTCA and MVPT-3 between the two groups. [Conclusion] CBCR with CoTras may contribute toward the recovery of cognitive function and visual perception in patients with acute stroke.Key words: Cognitive function, Korean computer-based cognitive rehabilitation program, Visual perception     

盆底肌功能锻炼对广泛子官切除术后患者膀胱功能恢复的影响

目的 研究盆底肌功能锻炼对广泛子宫切除术后膀胱功能恢复的影响.方法 将54例广泛子宫切除术的患者随机分为观察组29例和对照组24例,对照组:使用常规方法进行护理.观察组在常规护理方法的基础上,于手术前2 d到拔除尿管后南责任护士指导患者进行盆底肌功能锻炼,观察2组膀胱残余尿量.结果 观察组有25例自主排尿膀胱残余尿量≤100ml,对照组有14例自主排尿膀胱残余尿量≤100 ml,二者比较差异有统计学意义,P＜0.05.结论 通过指导患者进行盆底肌功能锻炼,能够促进患者恢复膀胱功能.     

Effect of pelvic floor muscle exercises on pulmonary function

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the correlation between pelvic floor muscle strength and pulmonary function. In particular, we examined whether pelvic floor muscle exercises can improve pulmonary function. [Subjects] Thirty female college students aged 19–21 with no history of nervous or musculoskeletal system injury were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. [Methods] For the pulmonary function test, spirometry items included forced vital capacity and maximal voluntary ventilation. Pelvic floor muscle exercises consisted of Kegel exercises performed three times daily for 4 weeks. [Results] Kegel exercises performed in the experimental group significantly improved forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, PER, FEF 25–75%, IC, and maximum voluntary ventilation compared to no improvement in the control group. [Conclusion] Kegel exercises significantly improved pulmonary function. When abdominal pressure increased, pelvic floor muscles performed contraction at the same time. Therefore, we recommend that the use of pelvic floor muscle exercises be considered for improving pulmonary function.Key words: Kegel exercise, Forced vital capacity, Maximal voluntary ventilation     

Effect of computerized cognitive rehabilitation program on cognitive function and activities of living in stroke patients

[Purpose] The objective of this study was to examine the effect of cognitive rehabilitation using a computer on cognitive function and activities of daily living in stroke patients presenting impairment of cognitive function. [Subjects] Forty-six stroke patients were divided into two groups (a training group and control group) through random assignment. [Methods] The training group received rehabilitation therapy and an additional computerized cognitive rehabilitation program using The RehaCom software 30 minutes/day, 5 times/week for 5 weeks. The control group received only rehabilitation therapy including physical and occupational therapy. A comparative analysis on all subjects was conducted before and after the experiment using a cognitive test and activities of daily living test. [Results] After 5 weeks of therapy, the training group presented statistically significant improvement in cognitive function assessment items of digit span, visual span, visual learning, auditory continuous performance, visual continuous performance, and others compared with the control group but did not present statistically significant improvement in activities of daily living. [Conclusion] It was revealed through this study that computerized cognitive rehabilitation with the RehaCom program results in improvement in cognitive function and can be used as a treatment tool beneficial to stroke patients presenting cognitive impairment.Key words: Computerized cognitive rehabilitation, Cognitive function, Activities of daily living