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Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of motor imagery (MI), action observation (AO), and action execution (AE) interventions on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in individuals with chronic stroke. Methods: This was a single-center, randomized, case-control study. Thirty-six patients were randomly assigned to MI (n = 10), AO (n = 15), and the AE group (n = 11). Heart rate (HR)-based measurements (HR, heart rate variability (HRV)) and blood pressure were evaluated before the practice of each group. In the MI group, participants were instructed to imagine themselves walking at their own comfortable pace for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in the AO group, participants were shown a video of a person walking for 5 minutes. Finally, in the AE group, participants were instructed to actually walk for 5 minutes. Then, all measurements were taken again. Results: A statistically significant difference was found in HR and mean RR interval within the AE group (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the Root Mean Square of Successive Differences Between Normal Heartbeats (RMSSD) (ms) within the AO group (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in HR and mean RR intervals (ms) between groups (p < 0.05). According to post-hoc analyses, HR was statistically significantly higher in the AE group compared to the other groups, and the mean RR interval was statistically significantly lower (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, in patients with chronic stroke, AE and AO may affect ANS by increasing sympathetic activation. It is recommended for future studies to evaluate whether patients actually engage in imagery during the MI task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the short- and mid-term effects of pain neuroscience education (PNE) combined with manual therapy (MT) and a home exercise program (HEP) on pain intensity, back performance, disability, and kinesiophobia in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: This study was designed as a prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind study in which 69 participants were randomly assigned to three groups. Participants in Group 1 received PNE, MT, and the HEP, while Group 2 received MT and the HEP. Participants in the control group did the HEP only. All interventions lasted 4 weeks. The participants' pain intensity, disability, low back performance, and kinesiophobia were assessed. All assessments were executed before intervention, at 4 weeks, and at 12 weeks post-intervention by the same blinded physiotherapist. A mixed model for repeated measures was used for each outcome measure. Results: Analysis of pain level (p <.05), back performance (p <.05), disability (p <.05) and kinesiophobia (p <.05) revealed significant time, group, and time-by-group interaction effects. The participants in Group 1 exhibited greater improvement in terms of pain intensity and kinesiophobia compared to the participants in Group 2 and the control group. Level of disability was significantly decreased in both Group 1 and Group 2 compared to the control group. Conclusion: This study suggests that a multimodal treatment program combining PNE, MT, and HEP is an effective method for improving back performance and reducing pain, disability, and kinesiophobia in the short (4 weeks) and midterm (12 weeks). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The authors examined the impacts of whole-body vibration (WBV) applications on balance control in postmenopausal women using clinical balance tests and computerized static posturography. Design: Patients were randomly divided into two groups and treated with WBV and/or home-based balance coordination exercises (BCEs). Patients in the WBVBCE group were asked to stand on the platform in standing, squat, and deep squat positions. During each position, 30-sec vibration (30-35 Hz) and 60-sec rest periods were applied twice (20 sessions in total). The BCE program was performed by subjects twice per day. All subjects were evaluated before and after treatment using the Timed Up and Go test and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). The fall index and the Fourier index were assessed via computerized static posturography. Results: Sixty patients were recruited for the study, but only 42 patients (21 in each group) completed it. Fall index and the total values of the Fourier index 2-4 and Fourier index 5-6 frequencies indicated a significant improvement in the WBV-BCE group (P < 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvements in the Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go test (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The ease of applying WBV furthermore supports its inclusion in daily treatment protocols for age-related decline in balance performance in women and improved balance and mobility measures associated with increased fall risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]