Physiotherapy Research International最新文献

Background and purpose: To examine the respiratory and functional benefits of manual diaphragmatic release for Cleaning-Laborers Exposed to Occupational Hazards.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial of 36 participants aged 35-45 years was randomly allocated into two groups. The experimental group (n = 18); received manual diaphragm release along with respiratory training exercises, and the control group (n = 18); received respiratory training exercises only. Three times/week for 12 consecutive weeks. The serum immunoglobulin E level, pulmonary functions [forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV₁/FVC, and peak expiratory flow (PEF) rate (PEF)], chest wall mobility, and 6 min walk-test performance were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Results: There was a greater decline in serum immunoglobulin levels (p = 0.003; Partial η² = 0.23) and enhancement in pulmonary functions [FEV₁ (p = 0.025, Partial η2 = 0.14), FVC (p = 0.017, Partial η² = 0.16), FEV₁/FVC (p = 0.028, Partial η² = 0.13), and PEF (p = 0.012, Partial η2 = 0.17) in the experimental group. Further, there was a greater increase in chest mobility at the xiphoid level (p = 0.002, Partial η² = 0.25) in the experimental group, but this was not the case at the axillary level (p = 0.29, Partial η² = 0.03). Still, the 6 min walk-test performance improved more significantly in the experimental group (p = 0.002, Partial η² = 0.24).

Conclusion: The diaphragmatic release technique may offer a promising approach for mitigating distressing respiratory symptoms, enhancing immune function, and improving 6 min walk-test performance among cleaning laborers with work-related respiratory hazards.

Trial registration: The study was retrospectively registered at XXX (ID: NCT05802355).

Introduction: Center-based rehabilitation is limited by COVID-19 infectivity and social distancing policy. We hypothesized that discharged patients benefit from 8-week home-based tele-rehabilitation (tele-PR) using mobile phones and low-cost instruments.

Methods: The TERCOV (Tele-rehabilitation in COVID-19 survivors) is an investigator-initiated, prospective, multi-center, real-world study. After proper assessment, 186 discharge patients received tele-PR by smartphone, including breathing exercise, respiratory muscle training, aerobic exercise, and resistance training. Physicians, physiotherapists, and nurses provided guidance through smartphone applications. The primary outcome was six-minute walk distance (6MWD). The secondary outcomes included hand grip, short physical performance battery, maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure, self-rating anxiety/depression scale (SAS/SDS), 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) and international physical activity questionnaire.

Results: Dyspnea subgroups were more functionally impaired. After tele-PR, improvements were observed in exercise capacity(∆6MWD: 16.80 m, 95% CI 1.18-32.42, p < 0.0001), limb muscle function (∆SPPB 0.25 points, 95% CI 0.05-0.46), respiratory muscle strength (∆MIP 16.50 cm H2O, 95% CI 9.22-23.78, p < 0.0001; ∆MEP: 12.09 cm H2O, 95% CI 3.48-20.70, p = 0.0002), health-related quality of life (∆SF-36 49.85, 95% CI: 21.01-78.69, p < 0.0001), physical activity(∆HEPA 13.01%, p = 0.0029). Anxiety reduced in patients with mMRC ≥ 2 (∆SAS = -4.19 points, CI -8.16 to -0.22, p = 0.03). Greater change was seen in dyspnea patients.

Implications on physiotherapy practice: Supervised/semi-supervised tele-PR is a promising option during the pandemic. Patients with Dyspnea benefit more.

Background: Stress Urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common condition among women of all ages. The point prevalence of SUI among young adult Jordanian women is less explored.

Objectives: To examine the point prevalence of SUI among this sample based on activity level, and whether the affected women have shared their complaints with healthcare providers and/or received education related to UI.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey-based study. Participants with diseases that affect the control of micturition were excluded. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-UI Short-Form was used to calculate the point prevalence of UI. The Tegner activity scale was used to classify participants based on their physical activity levels. The participants reported whether they shared their complaints with a healthcare provider or received education about this health problem.

Results: Five hundred women (median age = 20 years, BMI = 22) participated (118 competitive athletes, 192 recreational, and 190 sedentary). The overall point prevalence of SUI was 14% (n = 61). A chi-square test of independence showed a significant difference in the point prevalence of SUI between women with different activity levels, χ2 (12) = 12.07, p < 0.01. The point prevalence of SUI among competitive athletes, recreational women, and sedentary women was 21%, 8%, and 11%, respectively. None of those with SUI have shared their complaints with healthcare providers or received education related to SUI.

Conclusion: SUI is prevalent among young adult Jordanian women, with the highest prevalence observed in those engaged in competitive athletic activities. The affected women refrain from disclosing their SUI-related concerns to healthcare practitioners and lack sufficient knowledge about this health issue.

Background and purpose: Enhancing physical function and quality of life in older adults at higher risk of falls is challenging because of the lack of established interventions. This study examines the impact of a 6-week balance training program using the shuttle balance device on gait speed, postural control, and quality of life in older men.

Methods: This single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted in a research laboratory. Thirty-two participants aged ≥60 years were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (EG; n = 16) or a control group (CG; n = 14). The EG participated in a 6-week shuttle balance exercise program, while the CG maintained regular physical activity routines. The main outcome measures included gait speed (assessed via the timed up and go test), postural control (assessed via center of pressure data on a force plate), and quality of life (evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire).

Results: Post-intervention, the EG showed significant improvements compared with the CG (p < 0.05). The 95% confidence intervals for the differences between groups were as follows: closed eyes (CE) mean velocity (-39.07, -0.13), CE sway area (-48.86, -0.18), SF-36 total score (9.01, 16.81), SF-36 physical functioning (7.00, 24.81), SF-36 physical role functioning (1.80, 27.57), SF-36 pain (15.01, 36.82), SF-36 general health state (7.48, 26.08), SF-36 vitality (5.60, 28.35), and SF-36 mental health (0.21, 21.12).

Discussion: A 6-week shuttle balance training program significantly improves postural control and quality of life in older males. These findings suggest the potential effectiveness of shuttle balance exercises in enhancing physical function and well-being in this population. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the long-term effects with larger sample sizes.

Background: COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus that causes pneumonia, which quickly progresses to acute respiratory distress. In the case of COVID-19, physiotherapy is critical in non-invasive support management, postural changes, chest physiotherapy (CPT), and bed mobility. This study aims to look into the effects of physiotherapy intervention on functional outcome levels in COVID-19 patients in the acute stage.

Methods: A total of 60 severe COVID-19 patients (54 males and 6 females) with a mean age of 50 years were studied. The intervention group (n = 30) had two daily physiotherapy sessions that included positioning, CPT, cardio exercises, breathing exercises, and early mobility, whereas the control group (n = 30) received only standard medical care. Patients were tested twice at the baseline and discharge using peripheral oxygen saturation, respiratory rate (RR) test, dyspnea rate, two-min walk test, and spirometer scores, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1).

Results: The two groups improved significantly between the baseline and discharge ratings. The intervention group, on the other hand, significantly improved all outcome indicators at discharge (p-value = 0.00). This study found that physiotherapy management improved oxygen saturation, RR, dyspnea, and lung function tests in COVID-19 patients except in FVC (p-value = 0.402) and FEV1(p-value = 0.114).

Conclusion: Physiotherapist interventions with COVID-19 patients increase respiratory function and treatment time.

Background and purpose: Aquatic therapy (AT), though potentially effective, lacks studies on clinical efficacy in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). A recent study analyzing interviews with rehabilitation professionals on its clinical application reported that the scarce evidence of AT benefits was one of the actual barriers to its successful integration into clinical practice. We seek to provide evidence by comparing independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) and functional ambulation capacity in patients following rehabilitation which included AT and matched controls who followed rehabilitation without AT (non-AT).

Methods: Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM-III), Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI-II) and its minimal clinically important difference (WISCI-II/MCID) were assessed. The AT group followed the Halliwick concept. We performed nonparametric nearest-neighbor k:1 matching for age, time since injury to admission, FIM at admission, level of injury (paraplegia/tetraplegia), completeness and cause of injury (traumatic, non-traumatic). The rehabilitation program comprised four daily hours of intensive treatment from the multidisciplinary team. Both groups received the same total number of rehabilitation hours at the same specialized clinical center and were admitted to follow inpatient rehabilitation within 2 months after injury.

Results: A total of 29 patients with SCI who followed AT (admitted between 2017 and 2023) were compared to historical matches selected from 551 inpatients with SCI (admitted between 2014 and 2023). For k = 1, the groups showed no significant differences in gains, efficiency, or effectiveness in FIM and SCIM-III; significant differences were observed in WISCI-II gain (p = 0.018) and WISCI-II efficiency (p = 0.046) in favor of the AT group; the proportion of patients achieving WISCI-II/MCID was significantly higher for the AT group (75.9% vs. 48.3%) (p = 0.030). These results were confirmed for k = 2.

Conclusion: The AT group performed similarly in independence for performing ADLs and significantly better in ambulation than the matched historical controls.

Background and purpose: Warm-up (WU) is a commonly practiced technique aimed at preparing athletes for physical activity. Although coaches and athletes consider WU essential, there is still an ongoing debate about its effectiveness. This might be due to the fact that WU procedures often rely on experiences rather than scientific research. During WU, athletes may pursue intermediate goals such as ensuring proper ranges of motion in joints, which seem crucial particularly for runners' ankle joints. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate influence of whole-body vibration (WBV), drop jump (DJ), and a combination of both (WBV + DJ) in terms of ankle dorsiflexion and running parameters among recreational runners.

Methods: Sixteen runners performed as a WU: five sets of 30 s calf raises without WBV (CTRL), five sets of 30 s calf raises during WBV, five sets of six DJ, five sets of 30 s calf raises during WBV followed by 6 DJ. Range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint was measured in a prone position using an inclinometer for the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles, separately. Measurements were conducted before and after WU, and after a 3000 m run.

Results: There was no interaction for time and WU for left (p = 0.926) and right (p = 0.738) soleus muscle as well as for left (p = 0.748) and right (p = 0.197) gastrocnemius muscles. No difference (p = 0.914) for the running time was found.

Discussion: WBV, drop jumps, or a combination of both did not affect ankle dorsiflexion and running time.

Background: Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are prone to musculoskeletal complications, particularly in the upper extremities (UE), which can significantly impair their grip strength and UE muscle strength. This review will provide valuable insights for developing optimized exercise interventions aimed at enhancing upper limb functionality and improving patient outcomes.

Aim: To determine the effect of different exercise training on grip strength & UE muscle strength in patients suffering from T2DM.

Methodology: A comprehensive search from electronic databases was performed based on the selection criteria and 13 randomized controlled trials (RCT's) were included in the study. Mean changes in grip strength and UE muscle strength were the primary outcome measures. Included studies ranked high on the PEDro rating scale and eta-analysis was performed by Rev Man 5.4 software.

Results: Meta-analysis results indicated that there was a statistically significant improvement in UE muscle strength of experimental group when compared to control group (mean differences [MD] = 2.91, 95% confidence interval = 0.12, 5.71; p = 0.04) with moderate heterogeneity (I² = 49%, p < 0.07). Grip strength improved significantly in the experimental group when compared to the control group with (MD = 2.93, 95% CL = -0.00, 5.86; p = 0.05) and moderate heterogeneity (I² = 66%, p < 0.08).

Conclusion: This review indicated a positive role of supervised resistance & aerobic exercises on UE muscle strength in patients with T2DM. Due to lack of RCT's, grip strength needs to be explored by further investigations in these patients.

Background & objective: Successful execution of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programs, an important branch of physiotherapy in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD), depends on adequate cognitive abilities. It has been identified that coronary microvascular dysfunction, marked by reduced coronary flow reserve, is associated with impaired cerebral blood flow, affecting haemodynamic and cognitive performance. This study aimed to investigate how cognitive function influences functional capacity and differences in fatigue perception in CAD patients.

Methods: Fifty CAD patients, with an average age of 59.40 ± 6.58 years, were evaluated for comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity index), number of CAD risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, smoking, and physical inactivity), cognitive performance (Montreal cognitive assessment scale [MoCA]), functional capacity (incremental shuttle walk test [ISWT]), exercise-induced fatigue (Modified Bourg Scale), and physical activity (PA) levels (international physical activity questionnaire-short form).

Results: Analyses focused on the links between MoCA scores and CRF, ISWT outcomes, and differences in fatigue perception. Findings revealed a strong positive link between MoCA scores and ISWT performance (r = 0.83, p < 0.001), and a strong inverse relationship between CRF and MoCA scores (r = -0.95, p < 0.001). In addition, MoCA score was positively correlated with differences in fatigue perception (r = 0.88, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: These results highlight the critical role of cognitive function in determining functional capacity and managing fatigue in CAD patients. They also suggest that cognitive interventions may be a potential adjunctive approach in physiotherapy programmes.

Introduction: Frailty is significantly correlated with a higher incidence of medical complications during hospitalization after esophagectomy. As frailty is thought to be a reversible condition, improving the reserve capacity through preoperative physical therapy is expected to reduce the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). Herein, we report our experience with preoperative physical therapy in a patient with esophageal cancer who was considered to have inadequate fitness for surgery owing to poor physical performance.

Case presentation: A 72-year-old man (height: 169.5 cm, weight: 54.7 kg, body mass index: 18.9 kg/m²) with esophagogastric junction tumors (cStage IIIA) was hospitalized and scheduled to undergo surgery based on preoperative screening. He was categorized as frail according to the revised Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria and the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form indicated severe malnutrition. We focused on physical therapy to improve exercise tolerance and prevent PPCs and devised a short-term intensive physical therapy program comprising minimal exercises that the patient could perform efficiently. The program consisted of only inspiratory muscle training and aerobic exercises. His maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and 6-min walking distance improved by 30 cm H₂O and 145 m, respectively, on the day before surgery compared with those on day 8. The percentage predicted value of the MIP improved from 56.6% at the start of physical therapy to 102.9% on the day before surgery. On day 43, the patient underwent subtotal esophagectomy and was able to ambulate on postoperative day 5 without respiratory complications.

Conclusion: We conducted a short-term, intensive, and minimal preoperative physical therapy program for a patient with esophageal cancer who had physical frailty. Preoperative physical therapy to increase the reserve capacity may result in a favorable postoperative course even in patients with physical frailty.