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Objectives: To examine the effects of acupuncture and therapeutic exercise alone and in combination on temporomandibular joint symptoms in tension-type headache and to evaluate the potential interaction of existing temporomandibular dysfunction on the success of headache treatment. Design: Pre-planned secondary analysis of a randomized controlled, non-blinded trial. Setting: Outpatient clinic of a German university hospital. Subjects: Ninety-six Participants with frequent episodic or chronic tension-type headache were randomized to one of four treatment groups. Interventions: Six weeks of acupuncture or therapeutic exercise either as monotherapies or in combination, or usual care. Follow-up at 3 and 6 months. Main measures: Subjective temporomandibular dysfunction symptoms were measured using the Functional Questionnaire Masticatory Organ, and the influence of this sum score and objective initial dental examination on the efficacy of headache treatment interventions was analyzed. Results: Temporomandibular dysfunction score improved in all intervention groups at 3-month follow-up (usual care: 0.05 [SD 1.435]; acupuncture: −5 [SD 1.436]; therapeutic exercise: −4 [SD 1.798]; combination: −3 [SD 1.504]; P = 0.03). After 6 months, only acupuncture (−6 [SD 1.736]) showed a significant improvement compared to the usual care group (P < 0.01). Subjective temporomandibular dysfunction symptoms had no overall influence on headache treatment. Conclusions: Only acupuncture had long-lasting positive effects on the symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction. Significant dental findings seem to inhibit the efficacy of acupuncture for tension-type headache. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigates the influence of aerobic exercise training on inhibitory control of executive functions in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinic. Participants: Children aged 7–11 with left-sided hemiplegic cerebral palsy with emotional and behavioral dysregulation evidenced by scores >28 on Paediatric Symptom Checklist and GMFCS I or II (n = 60). Intervention: Participants were randomly allocated into two equal groups. The control group received standard-of-care physical therapy for 1 h, and the aerobic exercise group received standard-of-care physical therapy for 30 min and moderate-intensity continuous exercise on a bicycle ergometer for 30 min. All groups received treatment three times a week for 12 weeks. Main Measures: The Eriksen Flanker test and Stroop Color–Word test were used to assess inhibitory control of executive function at the baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: Differences between pre- and post-treatment values in the exercise group showed significant improvement in Flanker response accuracy and Stroop response accuracy (p = 0.001) and significant decreases in Flanker congruent reaction time and Stroop congruent reaction time (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences between both groups in Flanker incongruent reaction time and Stroop incongruent reaction time (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Aerobic exercise has a promising effect on inhibitory control of executive function in children with left-sided hemiplegic cerebral palsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effects of multidirectional elastic tape on pain and function in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy. Study Design: Randomised crossover trial. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory. Subjects: 27 participants (11 females, mean (SD) age: 48.6 (11.9) years) with clinically diagnosed lateral elbow tendinopathy of at least six weeks' duration. Interventions: Tensioned multidirectional elastic tape applied over the wrist, compared to control tape (untensioned), and no tape conditions. Main measures: Pain-free grip strength and pressure pain threshold were recorded at three timepoints for each condition: baseline, post-application, and following an exercise circuit. Change scores were calculated as the post-application or post-exercise value minus baseline. Repeated-measure analyses of variance were used to examine differences between conditions. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in pain-free grip strength between conditions (flexed position: F2,52 = 0.02, p = 0.98; extended position: F2,52 = 2.26, p = 0.12) or across timepoints (post-application vs post-exercise) (flexed position: F1,26 = 0.94, p = 0.34; extended position: F1,26 = 0.79, p = 0.38). Seven participants (26%) increased pain-free grip strength above the minimal detectable change following application of multidirectional elastic tape. There were no statistically significant differences in pressure pain threshold between conditions (affected lateral epicondyle: F1.51,39.17 = 0.54, p = 0.54) or across timepoints (affected lateral epicondyle: F1,26 = 0.94, p = 0.34). Conclusion: Tensioned multidirectional elastic tape may not immediately improve pain-free grip strength or pressure pain threshold in our lateral elbow tendinopathy population; however, individual variation may exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of two different exercise-based programs through telerehabilitation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019. Design: Randomized, controlled, parallel, double-blinded, three-arm clinical trial. Setting: Patients' homes through telerehabilitation devices. Subjects: Subjects with coronavirus disease 2019 in the acute phase. Interventions: Subjects were divided into three groups: breathing exercises group, strength exercises group or no treatment/control group. Main measures: We analysed visual analogue scale for fatigue, 6-minute walking test, 30-seconds sit-to-stand test, multidimensional dyspnoea-12 questionnaire and Borg scale at baseline and 14 days later. Results: From 93 subjects recruited, 88 were enrolled, and 77 patients (mean [SD] age 39.40 [11.71]) completed the 14-days intervention and were included in the analysis: 26 in strength exercises group, 29 in breathing exercises group and 22 in control group. The intergroup analysis shows significant differences between the study groups and control group in all variables (p < 0.05); Borg scale, multidimensional dyspnoea-12 questionnaire (pre–post intervention score: strength exercises group: 7.85 [6.82] – 4.54[4.82], breathing exercises group: 11.04 [6.49] – 5.32 [3.63], control group: 10.27 [6.49] – 10.59[6.58]), visual analogue scale for fatigue, 6-minute walking test and 30-seconds sit-to-stand test (pre–post intervention score: strength exercises group: 12.19 [4.42] – 13.58 [5.37], breathing exercises group: 11.18 [3.42] – 12.79 [4.00], control group: 10.45 [2.15] – 9.86[1.88]). The greatest effect sizes were found in the variables Borg Scale (R 2 = 0.548) and multidimensional dyspnoea-12 questionnaire (R 2 = 0.475). Conclusions: Strength exercises group and breathing exercises group obtained significant improvements in fatigue, dyspnoea, perceived effort, and physical state, compared to control group, although the greatest benefits were found for dyspnoea and aerobic capacity in breathing exercises group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess if a higher dose of exercise training in exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation could affect improvements in aerobic capacity and muscle strength. Design: Assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial with 12-months follow-up. Setting: Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. Subjects: A total of 164 cardiac patients referred to exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation were recruited. Interventions: Patients were randomized to 1-hour exercise sessions either three times weekly for 12 weeks (36 sessions, high-dose group) or twice weekly for 8 weeks (16 sessions, low-dose group). The same standardized exercise and intensity protocol including aerobic and muscle strength training was used in all participants. Main measures: Primary outcome was changes in VO2peak. Secondary outcomes were changes in maximal workload, muscle strength and power. Measures were obtained at baseline, after termination of the rehabilitation programme and at follow-up after 6 and 12 months. Results: After the end of intervention, statistically significant between-group differences were seen in favour of the high-dose group in all outcomes: VO2peak 2.6 (mL kg−1 min−1) (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.4–4.8), maximal workload 0.3 W kg−1 (95%CI: 0.02–0.5), isometric muscle strength 0.7 N m kg−1 (95%CI: 0.1–1.2) and muscle power 0.3 W kg−1 (95%CI: 0.04–0.6). After 12 months, a significant between-group difference only persisted in VO2peak and maximal workload. Conclusion: A higher dose of exercise training had a small effect on all outcomes at termination of intervention. A long-term effect persisted in VO2peak and maximal workload. Although the effect was small, it is an important finding because VO2peak is the most important predictor of all-cause mortality in cardiac patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To establish the prevalence of unmet need for spasticity management in care home residents in two counties of the United Kingdom. Design: Cross-sectional observational study with a six-month follow-up arm for participants with identified unmet needs. Setting: 22 care homes in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Subjects: 60 care home residents with upper motor neuron syndrome–related spasticity. Interventions: No intervention. When unmet needs around spasticity management were identified, the participant's general practitioner was advised of these in writing. Main measures: Resistance to Passive Movement Scale to assess spasticity; recording of (a) the presence of factors which may aggravate spasticity, (b) potential complications of spasticity, (c) spasticity-related needs and (d) current interventions to manage spasticity. Two assessors judged the presence or absence of needs for spasticity management and whether these needs were met by current care. Results: Out of 60 participants, 14 had no spasticity-related needs; 46 had spasticity-related needs; 11 had needs which were being met by current care and 35 participants had spasticity-related needs at baseline which were not being met by their current care. These were most frequently related to the risk of contracture development or problems with skin hygiene or integrity in the upper limb. In total, 6 participants had one or more pressure sores and 35 participants had one or more established joint contractures. A total of 31 participants were available for follow-up. Informing general practitioners of unmet needs resulted in no change to spasticity management in 23/31 cases. Conclusion: Care home residents in this study had high levels of unmet need for spasticity management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to validate a novel pictorial-based Longshi Scale for evaluating a patient's disability by healthcare professionals and non-professionals. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Rehabilitation departments from a grade A, class 3 public hospital, a grade B, class 2 public hospital, and a private hospital and seven community rehabilitation centers. Subjects: A total of 618 patients and 251 patients with functional disabilities were recruited in a two-phase study, respectively. Main measures: Outcome measure : pictorial scale of activities of daily living (ADLs, Longshi Scale). Reference measure : Barthel Index. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to analyze the validity of Longshi Scale against Barthel Index. Results: In phase 1 study, from March 2016 to August 2016, the results demonstrated that the Longshi Scale was both reliable and valid (intraclass correlation coefficient based on two-way random effect (ICC2,1) = 0.877–0.974 for intra-rater reliability; ICC2,1 = 0.928–0.979; κ = 0.679–1.000 for inter-rater reliability; intraclass correlation coefficient based on one-way random effect (ICC1,1) = 0.921–0.984 for test–retest reliability and Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.836–0.899). In the second phase, in March 2018, results further demonstrated that the Longshi Scale had good inter-rater and intra-rater reliability among healthcare professionals and non-professionals including therapists, interns, and personal care aids (ICC1,1 = 0.822–0.882 on Day 1; ICC1,1 = 0.842–0.899 on Day 7 for inter-rater reliability). In addition, the Longshi Scale decreased assessment time significantly, compared with the Barthel Index assessment (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The Longshi Scale could potentially provide an efficient way for healthcare professionals and non-professionals who may have minimal training to assess the ADLs of functionally disabled patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of intra-articular injection (IAI) with Botulinum toxin type A (BTA), triamcinolone hexacetonide (TH), and saline in primary knee osteoarthritis. Design: A randomized controlled trial, with blinded patients and assessor. Setting: Outpatient rheumatology service. Subjects: Patients with knee osteoarthritis grades II and III. Interventions: Patients received IAI with 100 IU BTA, 40 mg TH, or isotonic saline solution (SS) 0.9%. Main measures: Patients were assessed at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks with the following instruments: visual analog scale for pain during movement (VASm; primary outcome) and visual analog scale for pain at rest (VASr), Western Ontario & McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire, 6-minute walk test, Timed Up and Go test, Short Form (SF)-36 questionnaire, range of motion of knee, and ultrasound (US) measurement of synovial hypertrophy. Results: In total, 105 patients were randomized, with 35 in each group; 96 were female (91.4%) and 9 were male (8.6%), with a mean age of 64.2 years (±6.9). At 12 weeks, the TH group showed better results only for VASm. At four weeks, the TH group showed better results than the BTA and SS groups for VASm (–68.9% (37.8) vs. –35.3% (40.3) vs. –35.9% (51.4)), WOMAC pain (–56.0% (30.7) vs. –30.8% (34.3) vs. –30.0% (39.9)), WOMAC stiffness (–53.4% (38.4) vs. –17.2% (59.3) vs. –17.3% (78.1)), WOMAC function (–48.2% (34.6) vs. 30.8% (33.6) vs. –13.6% (64.9)), WOMAC total score (–51.2% (31.0) vs. –30.9% (30.0) vs. –18.8% (54.8)), and US measurement of synovial hypertrophy (–11.6% (44.9) vs. –1.5% (47.9) vs. +28.6% (81.3)). Conclusion: IAI with TH had a higher effectiveness than that with TBA or SS in the short-term assessment (four weeks) for pain in movement, WOMAC, and US measurement of synovial hypertrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the long-term effectiveness of Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) combined with Physical therapy (PT) as compared to PT alone for improving arm functions in patients with acute stroke. Design: Single blind randomized controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient clinics and inpatient wards at tertiary care neurology center. Subjects: Adult patients with acute middle cerebral artery territory ischemic stroke. Interventions: 60 patients were randomized into three groups of 20 each: TBS+PT; FES+PT; and PT alone. TBS group received intermittent TBS of ipsilesional hemisphere and continuous TBS of contralesional hemisphere while FES group received FES of paretic limb, both for four weeks. All groups received supervised physical therapy for four weeks followed by home physiotherapy for one year. Outcome measures: Fugl Meyer Assessment upper limb score (FMA-UL) was primary outcome measure. Patients were evaluated at baseline and subsequently at one, three and six months and one year. Results: Compared to PT group, mean FMA-UL scores were higher in TBS and FES groups at all follow-ups (P < 0.001). From baseline to one year, mean (SD) FMA-UL scores increased from 14.9(2.1) to 55.55(2.46) in TBS group, 15.5(1.99) to 55.85(2.46) in FES group, and 14.3(2.2) to 43.3(4.22) in PT group indicating an increase of 273%, 260%, and 203% respectively. There was no difference between FES and TBS groups. Conclusion: A four-week intervention with TBS or FES combined with PT produces better long-term arm functions as compared to PT alone in patients with acute stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the effect of prolonged slow expiration respiratory physiotherapy treatment on the acute bronchiolitis severity scale and O2 saturation at short-time and at medical discharge in infants and the hospital stay. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Infants' unit of university hospital. Participants: Infants with acute bronchiolitis (N = 80). Intervention: Infants were randomized into respiratory treatment (RT) with prolonged slow expiration or treatment as usual (control) for one-week period. Main outcome measures: The primary outcomes were Acute Bronchiolitis Severity Scale score and O2 saturation, recorded shortly after each intervention during the stay and at medical discharge, and the hospital stay. Results: The RT had a significantly lower Acute Bronchiolitis Severity Scale 10-minute after the first intervention (mean difference −1.7 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) −3.0 to −0.38), 2 hours after (–2.0 points, 95% CI −3.2 to −0.86) and the last day before medical discharge (−1.3 points, 95% CI −2.1 to 0.51). No changes were detected in O2 saturation. The survival analysis of time at medical discharge showed decrease in the average number of days to achieve an Acute Bronchiolitis Severity Scale of less than 2 points (RT: 2.6 days, 95% CI 2.1–3.1; Control: 4.4 days, 95% CI 3.6–5.1). Conclusion: A prolonged slow expiration physiotherapy reduces Acute Bronchiolitis Severity Scale scores and does not change O2 saturation. Infants in RT group stay less days in hospital than infants in control group and no adverse events were detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the long-term effects of adding virtual reality–based home exercises to vestibular rehabilitation in people with unilateral vestibular hypofunction. Design: Follow-up otoneurological examination in two randomized groups following a previous one-month trial. Setting: Tertiary rehabilitation center. Subjects: A total of 47 patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction, one group (n = 24) undergoing conventional vestibular rehabilitation and the other one (n = 23) implementing, in addition, head-mounted gaming home exercises, 20 minutes per day for one month. Interventions: One year after completing rehabilitation, patients underwent testing with static posturography, video head impulse test, self-report questionnaires, and a performance measure. Main measures: Vestibulo-ocular reflex gain, posturographic parameters such as length, surface, and fast Fourier transform power spectra, self-report, and gait performance measure scores. Results: Vestibulo-ocular reflex gain was significantly better with respect to pretreatment in both groups. The mixed-method group showed significantly higher gain scores: mean (standard deviation (SD)) at 12 months was 0.71 (0.04), versus 0.64 (0.03) for the vestibular rehabilitation–only group (P < 0.001). Accordingly, some classical posturography scores such as surface with eyes open and length with eyes closed and low-frequency power spectra were significantly different between groups, with the virtual reality group showing improvement (P < 0.001). Self-report measures were significantly better in both groups compared to pretreatment, with significant improvement in the mixed-method group as compared to conventional rehabilitation alone: Dizziness Handicap Inventory mean total score was 24.34 (2.8) versus 35.73 (5.88) with a P-value <0.001. Conclusion: Results suggest that head-mounted gaming home exercises are a viable, effective, additional measure to improve long-term vestibular rehabilitation outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the feasibility of a rehabilitation program and its effect on the performance-related musculoskeletal symptoms and functional limitations of orchestral musicians. Design: Single-blind pilot randomized controlled trial with exercise group and control group. Setting: Workplace of professional symphony orchestra and tertiary-level conservatory orchestral musicians. Participants: Professional and student orchestral musicians with or without performance-related musculoskeletal disorders. Interventions: A rehabilitation program including an educational presentation, an 11-week home exercise program and three supervised exercise sessions, versus no intervention. Measures: Feasibility measures included adherence and drop-out rate. The Musculoskeletal Pain Intensity and Interference Questionnaire for professional orchestra Musicians (MPIIQM) measured symptom intensity and functional limitations, while the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) measured symptom prevalence and frequency. Results: A total of 30 participants were recruited (n = 15 per group). Exercise group adherence was 97.7% for the supervised sessions and 89% for the home exercise program. There were no drop-outs. Significant group-time interactions were obtained for both the pain intensity (partial η2 = 0.166; P = 0.025) and pain interference (partial η2 = 0.186; P = 0.017) sections of the MPIIQM. Mean (standard deviation) pain intensity score changes from baseline to 11 weeks were control group: 0.40 (5.04); P = 0.763; partial η2 = 0.007; and exercise group: –4.07 (5.31); P = 0.010; partial η2 = 0.386. For pain interference, mean score changes were control group: 0.20 (9.10); P = 0.933; partial η2 = 0.001; and exercise group: –9.00 (10.73); P = 0.006; partial η2 = 0.430. NMQ analyses revealed no significant interaction (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Results suggest that the studied program is feasible and effective in decreasing the intensity and functional impact of musicians' symptoms. However, no significant medium-term effect on the prevalence and frequency of symptoms was shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the effect of Tai Chi training with conventional exercise on dual-tasking performance among stroke survivors. Design: An assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Subjects: Community-dwelling stroke survivors. Setting: Community centers and university. Interventions: Subjects in the Tai Chi group and the conventional exercise group were trained with the corresponding exercises for 12 weeks (1 hour/session, 2/week). No training was given to the controls. Main measures: An auditory Stroop test, a turning-while-walking test, and a dual-tasking condition that combined the two tests were conducted at baseline, after the intervention, and one month later. Results: Forty-seven subjects were randomized into Tai Chi group (n = 15), conventional exercise group (n = 17), or control group (n = 15). There was no significant difference in the outcome measures among the three groups after the intervention and at the one month follow-up assessment. Within-group comparisons showed improvements in dual-tasking performance after Tai Chi training and further improvement during the follow-up period (composite score on the auditory Stroop test: pre-assessment: 73.1 ± 27.6, post-assessment: 89.9 ± 23.4, follow-up assessment: 91.7 ± 26.9; completion time of the turning-while-walking test: preassessment: 17.7 ± 6.9 seconds, post-assessment: 15.6 ± 5.2 seconds, follow-up assessment: 14.9 ± 4.9 seconds). Conclusion: Tai Chi training does not have superior effect on dual-tasking performance compared with conventional exercise among stroke survivors. Further studies with larger sample size, longer training, and follow-up periods are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate prospective surveillance and targeted physiotherapy (PSTP) compared to education (EDU) on the prevalence of arm morbidity and describe the associated program cost. Design: Pilot randomized single-blinded controlled trial. Setting: Urban with assessments and treatment delivered in hospitals. Participants: Women scheduled for breast cancer surgery. Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to PSTP (n = 21) or EDU (n = 20) and assessed presurgery and 12 months postsurgery. All participants received usual care, namely, preoperative education and provision of an education booklet with postsurgical exercises. The PSTP group was monitored for arm morbidity every three months and referred for physiotherapy if arm morbidity was identified. The EDU group received three education sessions on nutrition, stress and fatigue management. Main outcome measures: Arm morbidity was based on changes in the surgical arm(s) from presurgery in four domains: (1) shoulder range of motion, (2) strength, (3) volume, and (4) upper body function. Complex arm morbidity indicated ≥2 domains impaired. Second, the cost of the PSTP program was described. Results: At 12 months, 18 (49%) participants (10 PSTP and 8 EDU) had arm morbidity, with EDU participants presenting more complex arm morbidity compared to PSTP participants. PSTP participants attended 4.4 of 5 assessments with 90% retention. The PSTP program cost was $150 covered by the Health Care Provider and the Patient Out-of-Pocket Travel cost was CAN$40. Conclusion: Our results suggest that PSTP is feasible among women with breast cancer for early identification of arm morbidity. A larger study is needed to determine the cost and effectiveness benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the effects of rTMS combined with sensory cueing, rTMS alone, and conventional rehabilitation on unilateral neglect, hemiplegic arm functions and performance of activities of daily living. Design: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Setting: A convalescent hospital. Subjects: Sixty inpatients with left unilateral neglect after stroke. Interventions: Patients were randomly assigned to three groups: rTMS combined with sensory cueing, rTMS, and conventional rehabilitation alone. rTMS at 1 Hz was applied over P5 of the contralesional hemisphere while vibration cueing was emitted using a wristwatch device on the hemiplegic arm, five days per week for two weeks. The first two groups received the same dosage of conventional rehabilitation on top of their experimental interventions. Blinded assessments were administered at baseline, 2 weeks postintervention, and 6 weeks follow-up. Main measures: Neglect and arm motor performance. Results: Both rTMS combined with sensory cueing (99.6±33.0) and rTMS alone (88.2±28.7) significantly reduced unilateral neglect than conventional rehabilitation (72.7±33.1) when measured using the conventional subtests of the Behavioural Inattention Test, but the combination was better than rTMS alone. Hemiplegic arm functions and activities of daily living improved in all patients across the three groups but no significant differences were found between the groups.Conclusion: The combination of inhibitory P5-rTMS with sensory cueing was better than either rTMS or conventional rehabilitation alone in producing a stronger and long-lasting improvement in unilateral neglect, but the improvement was not associated with improved arm function or independence in activities of daily living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the efficacy of two physiotherapy protocols (water-based vs. non-water-based) on postural deformities of patients with Parkinson’s disease. Design: A single blind, randomized controlled pilot study. Setting: Inpatient (Rehabilitative Department). Participants: A total of 30 patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned to one of two eight-week treatment groups: Water-based (n = 15) or non-water-based physiotherapy exercises (n = 15). Outcome measures: Changes in the degree of cervical and dorsal flexion and in the angle of lateral inclination of the trunk (evaluated by means of a posturographic system) were used as primary outcomes. Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale section III, Time Up and Go Test, Berg Balance Scale, Activities-specific Balance Confidence, Falls Efficacy Scale and the Parkinson’s disease quality of life questionnaire (39 items) were the secondary outcomes. All outcomes were assessed at baseline, at the end of training and eight weeks after treatment. Patients were always tested at the time of their optimal antiparkinsonian medication (‘on’ phase). Results: After the treatment, only Parkinson’s disease subjects randomized to water-based treatment showed a significant improvement of trunk posture with a significant reduction of cervical flexion (water-based group: −65.2°; non-water-based group: +1.7°) and dorsal flexion (water-based group: −22.5°; non-water-based group: −6.5°) and lateral inclination of the trunk (water-based group: −2.3°; non-water-based group: +0.3°). Both groups presented significant improvements in the secondary clinical outcomes without between-group differences. Conclusion: Our results show that water-based physiotherapy was effective for improving postural deformities in patients with Parkinson’s disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents a study which determines the usability and clinical effectiveness of a virtual reality-based intervention when compared to conventional physical therapy of 20 patients with chronic stroke. The study used randomized controlled trial in an outpatient neurorehabilitation unit. Results show that virtual reality intervention is an effective method to balance rehabilitation and improvement of chronic stroke patients.

The article presents a study which examines the effect of progressive resistance exercise (PRE) program among women with knee osteoarthritis. The study uses a randomized controlled trial to the experimental group (EG) and control group (CG). The study shows the effectiveness of PRE program in reducing pain and quality of life (QoL) of women.

The article discusses the controlled clinical trial on home-based and supervised training rehabilitation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis who are receiving tumor necrosis factor-inhibitor therapy. It details how the study was conducted which involved 69 patients who were enrolled to a rehabilitation programme or an educational-behavioural programme, and to neither programme. The results reportedly found that supervised training and home-based exercise improved the long-term outcome.

The article discusses a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial on the effect of electrical acupoint stimulation on the affected arm in acute stroke. It provides an overview on the treatment of paretic arm which includes exercising weak muscles with resistive loads, practising functional tasks and restraining the less affected arm. It also mentions that plastic reorganization of neural networks involving neuroplasticity process is viewed as key mechanism to overcome post-stroke.

The article presents information on a study conducted on the effect of whole-body vibration exercises on the mobility function, body balance and general health status in frail elderly patients. In the study, frail older persons received a whole-body vibration exercise alone, along with a control group, who received usual care and exercises. The study concluded that whole-body vibration exercise can improve the mobility, knee extensor strength, and body balance in the frail elderly.

The article discusses a study that assess the impact of individual or group mirror therapy on sensorimotor function, activities of daily living, quality of life and visuospatial neglect in patients with a serious arm paresis after stroke. It mentions that it was possible to structure mirror therapy as a group intervention even for stroke patients with severe motor impairment with no relevant differences in drop-out rate and compliance compared to the other groups.

The article discusses a study investigating the feasibility of peripheral sensory nerve stimulation combined with taskoriented training in patients with stroke during inpatient rehabilitation. Subjects underwent 2 weeks of training along with conventional inpatient rehabilitation. Patients were assessed at baseline, 1 and 2 weeks, the level of fatigue and Wolf Motor Function Test were measured. The findings suggested that peripheral sensory nerve stimulation is feasible in clinical settings.

Objective: To investigate whether a four-week walking exercise programme in patients with knee osteoarthritis improves the ability of dual-task performance in older adults with knee osteoarthritis.Design: A randomized controlled trial with two groups: a walking group and a control group.Subjects: Forty older adults with knee osteoarthritis, 20 participants in each group.Intervention: The walking intervention was designed to increase the number of steps walked daily. The walking group was instructed to increase their number of steps to 3000 steps more than before the intervention.Main outcome measures: Dual-task performance was computed by an automaticity index: the walking velocity under single-task condition/under dual-task conditions × 100 (%), defined as automaticity. The nearer to 100% automaticity, the better the dual-task performance. Decrease of the Trail Making Test (TMT) performance was defined as ΔTMT. ΔTMT was calculated as the difference between times (part B–part A) as a measure of executive function. In addition, functional ability was measured by the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure.Results: The walking group improved significantly in automaticity (P < 0.001, from 75.2 (7.6) to 86.9 (10.4), ΔTMT (P < 0.001, from 63.4 (43.1) to 48.3 (29.6)) and Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure score (P < 0.001, from 54.4 to 51.9) compared with before the intervention, while the control group displayed no significant differences.Conclusions: We found that walking exercise improves executive function and dual-task performance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]