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Objective: To assess whether performing exercises during hemodialysis reduces the risk of developing intradialytic hypotension and enhances exercise capacity in patients with chronic kidney disease. Methods: This study included patients aged ≥18 years undergoing hemodialysis. Participants performed exercises using a portable lower extremity ergometer during hemodialysis sessions for 3 weeks. Data regarding walking distance, knee strength, quality of life, fat-free mass, arterial pressure, blood pressure, heart rate, frequency of intradialytic hypotension, fatigue, and duration of hemodialysis were collected and analyzed. Results: Significant improvements in walking distance and knee strength were observed following the implementation of exercise training during hemodialysis. Although there was no significant reduction in the frequency of intradialytic hypotension, a decreasing trend was noted. Other parameters such as quality of life and fatigue did not show significant changes. Conclusion: Using a portable ergometer during hemodialysis improved exercise capacity and knee strength in patients with chronic kidney disease. There was a trend toward reduced intradialytic hypotension, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to confirm the effect of small, portable low-level laser therapy (light sources in square configuration: 830 nm GaAs diode 3.2 mW at the center, 4 × 650 nm InGaAIP diodes over the corners) treatment in reducing and enhancing hand function in patients with wrist pain. This study was a prospective, randomized, sham-controlled, and home-based self-therapy trial. A total of thirty subjects with wrist pain were enrolled. All participants received low-level laser therapy on painful area at the wrist. The experimental group (n = 15) received laser stimulation, while the control group (n = 15) received sham stimulation using identical equipment that generated only a red light without the laser output. Both groups self-treated for 30 min a day, 5 days per week for 3 weeks, total of 15 sessions. The primary outcome was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) for wrist pain from 0 (painless) to 10 (extreme pain). The secondary outcomes were measured with patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE), grip strength, lateral, palmar, and tip pinch strength. Measures were taken before and after treatment. A total of thirty participants provided outcome data. After the intervention, both groups showed a significant decrease in VAS score, from 4.93 to 3.67 in experimental group, from 5.53 to 4.00 in control group (the experiment group: p = 0.020, the control group: p = 0.003). The experimental group showed a significant improvement in function scale score (p = 0.012), the control group did not. Lateral and pinch strength was significantly improved in the experimental group (p = 0.017) and in the control group (p = 0.034) respectively. There were no side effects in the patients. Medical laser irradiation is a portable and easy-to-use laser irradiator without side effects. Clinical Trial Registration number: KCT0006604. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury may result in rhabdomyolysis and compartment syndrome when blood supply returns after thrombectomy for patients with acute limb ischemia. OBJECTIVE: We highlight the value of early diagnosis and treatment in post-thrombectomy patients with IR injuries in their lower legs. CASE DESCRIPTION: Two patients received thrombectomy due to left superficial femoral artery occlusion. Both patients complained of left calf pain during ambulation at the 1- and 3-day follow up post-thrombectomy, as well as a heating sensation, swelling, weakness, and sensory changes in the affected leg. For early diagnosis musculoskeletal ultrasounds were performed and in both cases revealed swelling and change of echogenicity in the left calf. To further diagnosis, magnetic resonance imaging of the left leg revealed limb IR-induced muscular injury and rhabdomyolysis, respectively. In both cases, an electrodiagnostic study revealed peripheral nerve injury in the left leg. Medications were provided for neuropathic pain control and early rehabilitation was performed to improve function. In both cases, patients reported during their follow-up that their pain and muscle weakness had improved. CONCLUSION: When post-thrombectomy calf pain occurs early evaluation and treatment should be performed to identify any potential IR injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic stroke can impair cardiopulmonary function, mobility, and daily activities. This study assessed the impact of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) on such impairments. To investigate the effects of robot-assisted gait training on cardiopulmonary function, walking ability, lower extremity function and strength, activities of daily living (ADLs), and blood test results among individuals with chronic stroke. A multicenter, prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with 22 chronic stroke participants compared RAGT against a control exercise regimen. RAGT involved three days weekly sessions of high-intensity interval training for 8 weeks (24 sessions) with a Morning Walk® device. The control group also performed home exercises. (24 sessions) Measures included VO2max, Functional Ambulatory Category, 2-minute walk test, 10-meter walk test, Motricity Index-Lower, Korean version of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale, Modified Barthel Index, Berg Balance Scale, muscle strength, InBody body composition, and blood tests (cholesterol, lipid, glucose). RAGT significantly improved VO2max, gait, balance, and lower limb strength compared with controls, with significant improvements in 2-minute walk test, 10-meter walk test, Motricity Index-Lower, and Fugl-Meyer Assessment outcomes. No changes were seen in muscle mass or blood markers. RAGT enhances cardiopulmonary function and ambulatory capacity in chronic stroke patients, underscoring its potential in stroke rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]