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.

Citations

• Can exercise reduce fatigue in people living with kidney disease?
  Thomas J. Wilkinson, Lisa Ancliffe, Jamie H. Macdonald
  Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care.2025; 28(3): 200.     CrossRef

The impact of disease-modifying therapy ranges from cure to no impact with a wide range of intermediates. In cases where the intermediate group reaches a plateau after the acquisition of some muscle strength, it is necessary to set a functional level appropriate for increased motor power and establish a long-term exercise plan to maintain it. As the disease status stabilizes and the life span increases, early nonsurgical interventions are required, such as using a standing frame to prevent joint contracture, applying a spinal brace at the early stage of scoliosis, and maintaining sitting postures that exaggerate lumbar lordosis. In cases where scoliosis and hip displacement occur and progress even after conservative managements are implemented, early referral to surgery should be considered. Oromotor activity and swallowing function are influenced not only by the effects of disease-modifying drugs, but also by post-birth experience and training. Therefore, although the feeding tube cannot be removed, it is necessary to make efforts to simulate the infant feeding development while maintaining partial oral feeding. Since the application period of non-invasive ventilators has increased, it has become more important to prevent long-term complications such as facial abrasion, skin allergy, orthodontic deformities, and maxillary flattening caused by the interface. Dual ventilator mode or interface can also be utilized.

Objective
To construct a prognostic model for unsuccessful removal of nasogastric tube (NGT) was the aim of our study.
Methods
This study examined patients with swallowing disorders receiving NGT feeding due to stroke or traumatic brain injury in a regional hospital. Clinical data was collected, such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), level of activities of daily living (ADLs) dependence. Additionally, gather information regarding the enhancement in Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) levels and the increase in food types according to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) after one month of swallowing training. A stepwise logistic regression analysis model was employed to predict NGT removal failure using these parameters.
Results
Out of 203 patients, 53 patients (26.1%) had experienced a failed removal of NGT after six months of follow-up. The strongest predictors for failed removal were age over 60 years, underweight BMI, total dependence in ADLs, and ischemic stroke. The admission prediction model categorized patients into high, moderate, and low-risk groups for removal failure. The failure rate of NGT removal was high not only in the high-risk group but also in the moderate-risk groups when there was no improvement in FOIS levels and IDDSI food types.
Conclusion
Our predictive model categorizes patients with brain insults into risk groups for swallowing disorders, enabling advanced interventions such as percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for high-risk patients struggling with NGT removal, while follow-up assessments using FOIS and IDDSI aid in guiding rehabilitation decisions for those at moderate risk.

Objective
The purpose of this study was to examine how rehabilitation and patient education for knee osteoarthritis improves health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and to identify factors influencing HRQOL.
Methods
Between May 2020 and March 2022, 30 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee were treated conservatively and rehabilitated with a patient education program. The patient education program was based on the health belief model by Sedlak et al., and patient education using pamphlets was provided during the rehabilitation intervention. The survey items were patient basic information, instrumental activities of daily living (ADL) (FAI), fear of falling (FES), degree of depression (GDS), HRQOL (SF-8), knee function assessment (JOA score), and X-ray classification (K-L classification), and the survey method was a self-administered questionnaire at the start of rehabilitation, 1 month after the intervention, and at the end of the rehabilitation intervention. We examined factors affecting the physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) of HRQOL scores.
Results
JOA score, FES, FAI, GDS, and SF-8 improved significantly (p<0.01). MCS was also negatively correlated with FES and age (r=-0.486, -0.368). Sex was extracted as a factor for PCS as a factor affecting HRQOL (p<0.01). MCS was extracted with FES as a factor (p=0.046).
Conclusion
A rehabilitation intervention incorporating patient education in osteoarthritis of the knee showed improvement in HRQOL and may be useful for improving depression, fear of falling, and instrumental ADL.

Citations

• Effectiveness of 6 weeks individual rehabilitation on the functionality and quality of life in patients with bilateral gonarthrosis
  Amanda Maria Kostro, Anna Kuryliszyn-Moskal, Anna Hryniewicz, Artur Augustynik, Janusz Dzięcioł, Zofia Dzięcioł-Anikiej
  Acta Balneologica.2025; 67(1): 15.     CrossRef

Objective
To investigate the factors that induce strong contractions during repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) and compare the muscle torque induced by two stimulators (Stim A and Stim B) with different coil properties.
Methods
rPMS was applied to the right vastus lateralis of 30 healthy young adults. Stim A contained a 10.1 cm² rectangular iron core coil, while Stim B contained a 191 cm² round coil. The knee extensor torque (KET) induced by rPMS at 30 Hz was measured isometrically and divided by the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) to obtain a relative value of MVC (%MVC). KET at 100% intensity of Stim A (A100%, 1.08 T) was compared to those at 100% or 70% intensity of Stim B (B100%, 1.47 T vs. B70%, 1.07 T). Additionally, we conducted a comprehensive literature search for studies that measured the KET during rPMS.
Results
Both the mean values of %MVC using B100% and B70% were significantly greater than that using A100%. Furthermore, the KET induced by Stim B was found to be larger than that described in previous reports, unless booster units were used to directly stimulate the main trunk of the femoral nerve.
Conclusion
Stim B induced a stronger muscle contraction force than Stim A did. This may be because the larger the coil area, the wider the area that can be stimulated. Additionally, a circular coil allows for deeper stimulation.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the protective effects of botulinum toxin-A (Botox-A) on spasticity and nociceptive pain in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to July 2023. The primary outcome of interest was spasticity and nociceptive pain. We pooled the available data using the generic inverse variance method, and we used a fixed-effect/random-effects model. We then calculated standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) to estimate the effect size. A total of fourteen studies meeting the inclusion criteria comprised two randomized controlled trials, five pre-post studies, and seven case reports. Across the various study designs, the majority of trials were assessed to have fair to high quality. The meta-analysis shows that Botox-A significantly decreased spasticity (SMD, -1.73; 95% CI, -2.51 to -0.95; p<0.0001, I2=48%) and nociceptive pain (SMD, -1.79; 95% CI, -2.67 to -0.91; p<0.0001, I2=0%) in SCI patients. Furthermore, Botox-A intervention improved motor function, activities of daily living (ADL), and quality of life. Our study suggests that Botox-A may alleviate spasticity and nociceptive pain in SCI patients. Moreover, the observed improvements in motor function, ADL, and overall quality of life following Botox-A intervention underscore its pivotal role in enhancing patient outcomes.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation emphasizes locomotion. Robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) is widely used in clinical settings because of its benefits; however, its efficacy remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of RAGT in patients with SCI. We searched international and domestic databases for articles published until April 18, 2024. The meta-analysis employed a random effects model to determine the effect size as either mean difference (MD) or standardized MD (SMD). Evidence quality was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Twenty-three studies with a total of 690 participants were included in the final analysis. The overall pooled effect size for improvement in activities of daily living was 0.24, with SMD (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.04–0.43; GRADE: high) favoring RAGT over conventional rehabilitation. Muscular strength (MD, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.02–0.44; GRADE: high), walking index for SCI (MD, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.07–0.55; GRADE: moderate) and 6 min walk test distance (MD, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.14–0.63; GRADE: moderate) showed significant improvement in the robot group. Subgroup analysis revealed that subacute patients and intervention periods >2 months were more effective. This meta-analysis revealed that RAGT significantly improved activities of daily living, muscular strength, and walking abilities. Additional studies are needed to identify the optimal treatment protocol and specific patient groups for which the protocol is most effective.

Citations

• Effects of Unpredictable Perturbation Training on a Split-Belt Treadmill on Physical Performance in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
  Kap-Soo Han, Myoung-Hwan Ko
  Geriatrics.2025; 10(1): 23.     CrossRef
• Advances and New Therapies in Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
  Antonio Montoto-Marqués, Jesús Benito-Penalva, María Elena Ferreiro-Velasco, Mark Andrew Wright, Sebastian Salvador-De la Barrera, Hatice Kumru, Nelson Gaitán-Pérez, Agustin Hernández-Navarro, Antonio Rodríguez-Sotillo, Fernando Martins Braga, Angela Pale
  Journal of Clinical Medicine.2025; 14(7): 2203.     CrossRef
• Factors influencing on functional independence outcomes after hospitalization and rehabilitation in children with spinal cord injury
  Hong-Bo Zhao, Xiang-Jiang Rong, Qi Zhang, Ting-Ting Ma, He Yan, Tian-Tian Zhou, Yan-Qing Zhang
  BMC Pediatrics.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef

Objective
To investigate the sex-related differences in single-task performance through motor torque, cognitive tasks and walking speed, and the combined dual-task costs (DTCs) considering both motor and cognitive performance in young adults.
Methods
Sixty-seven non-athletic subjects 37 females and 30 males were enrolled. The study measured their knee extension muscle torque using an isokinetic strength dynamometer and their walking speed using the one step app. these assessments were performed both with and without a cognitive task, and the DTCs were calculated.
Results
The females exhibited significantly larger motor performance dual task effect through (torque-DTC, speed-DTC) compared with males while exhibiting smaller cognitive dual task effect with muscle torque and speed.
Conclusion
Deterioration in motor performance during muscle force production and speed during dual tasks was large in females compared to males, whereas males experience a decline in cognitive ability when performing dual tasks compared with females.

Citations

• The effect of single-task versus dual-task assessment on muscle strength and performance in individuals with knee osteoarthritis
  Hazal Genç, Gamze Demircioğlu
  Physiotherapy Theory and Practice.2024; : 1.     CrossRef
• Exploring task completion times and text performance in pedestrians in single and dual-tasking: Comparative analysis of laboratory and outdoor environments
  Nuray Girgin, Begum Okudan, Sadık Emre Çelebi, Selim Dündar
  WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef

Objective
To explore the relationship between pulmonary function, physical activity, and health-related quality of life (QoL) in resected lung cancer patients based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework developed by the World Health Organization to describe health and health-related states.
Methods
A quantitative study was designed with postoperative lung cancer survivors to assess personal characteristics. We also assessed functional impairment related to the lung using forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV₁), activity limitations using maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2max), anaerobic threshold (AT) and 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), and participation restriction using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey V1 (SF-36). Data analyses were conducted using the multivariate method and Smart- PLS to examine path coefficient among the measures.
Results
Forty-one patients were enrolled in this study. FVC and FEV₁ were poorly correlated with QoL, and 6MWD, AT, or VO_2max were positively associated with QoL. AT or VO_2max showed a significant (p<0.01) direct path with SF-36 in the ICF model. Although age and body mass index were not strongly correlated with QoL, these personal factors had a medium to large effect on perceived QoL.
Conclusion
Disability is a complex in patients with lung resection, and physical activity plays an important role in enabling participation. Improving VO_2max and AT is needed to improve the QoL of resected lung cancer patients. We should also pay more attention to contextual factors that have a significant impact on social participation.

Objective
To develop a computerized visuomotor integration system for assessment and training of visual perception impairments and evaluate its safety and feasibility in patients with a stroke. Visual field defects and spatial neglect lead to substantial poststroke impairment. Most diagnostic assessments are anchored in traditional methods, and clinical effects of rehabilitation treatments are limited.
Methods
The CoTras Vision system included two evaluations and four training modules. The evaluation modules were based on the Albert’s test and Star cancellation test, and training modules were based on visual tracking, central-peripheral integration, and visuomotor perception techniques. Bland–Altman plots for agreement with the traditional paper-and-pencil test were performed, and the modified Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire, and Simulator Sickness Questionnaire were conducted.
Results
Ten patients with acute stroke completed the study. Bland–Altman plots revealed good agreements for Albert’s test (mean difference, -0.3±4.5) and Star cancellation test (mean difference, 0.3±0.7). The mean±standard deviation scores of the modified Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, Patient Satisfaction Survey, and Simulator Sickness Questionnaire were 84.7±30.6, 40.5±7.9, and 34.0±34.5 respectively.
Conclusion
The CoTras Vision system is feasible and safe in patients with stroke. Most patients had a high degree of motivation to use the system and did not experience severe adverse events. Further studies are needed to confirm its usefulness in stroke patients with visual field defects and hemineglect symptoms. Furthermore, a large, well-designed, randomized controlled trial will be needed to confirm the treatment effect of the CoTras Vision system.

Citations

• Tablet computer-based cognitive training for visuomotor integration in children with developmental delay: a pilot study
  Jee Hyun Suh, Soo Jeong Han, Sun Ah Choi, Hyesung Yang, Sihyun Park
  BMC Pediatrics.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef

Objective
To establish reference values for the computerized cognitive test and evaluate cognitive function improvements across different age groups, we introduce the computerized Cognitive Function Test program (eCFT), specifically designed for children. We aimed to establish eCFT reference values and assess cognitive function improvements across different age groups.
Methods
We included children aged 3–6 years with confirmed normal cognition based on the Korean Developmental Screening Test for Infants and Children and Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children-II. The eCFT consists of 8 subtests for visual perception, attention, memory, and executive function.
Results
A total of 66 participants (36 males and 30 females) with an average age of 4.4 years participated. The age 6 group consistently outperformed both age group 3 and 4 in terms of correct responses. With regard to the completed stage, the “selective auditory stimulus” test findings were 2.0 and 3.9 for the age 3 and age 6 groups, respectively (p<0.05). The “trail-making” test findings were 1.7, 2.1, 2.6, and 2.8, respectively (between ages 3 and 6, p<0.01; between ages 4 and 6, p<0.05); moreover, the age 5 group surpassed the age 3 group (2.6 and 1.7, respectively, p<0.05).
Conclusion
The eCFT is an easily accessible tool to evaluate cognitive function in young children. We introduce reference values with a cutoff range for preschool-aged children, enabling early intervention for those with cognitive impairment. Given its accessibility and relatively short evaluation time, the eCFT has potential for clinical use.

Objective
To estimate the prevalence of chronic neck pain (CNP) among the adult population in Peru during the post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) restriction period compared with that during the pre-pandemic period and evaluate its association with prolonged digital devices connected to the internet (DDCI) screen viewing.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study using a representative sample of adults living in Peru in November 2022. A structured survey was employed to identify CNP, and the exposure variable was set as the duration of DDCI screen viewing. The McNemar test was used to compare CNP prevalence pre- and post-COVID-19 restrictions, and ordinal logistic regression was used to evaluate its association with prolonged screen viewing.
Results
A total of 1,202 individuals participated, with 52.8% females and 79.9% residing in urban areas. Following the restrictions, the prevalence of CNP occurring daily or almost daily and at least once a week was 14.8% and 27.8%, respectively (95% confidence Interval [95% CI], 12.6–17.3 and 24.9–30.9), representing a significant increase (p<0.001) compared with pre-pandemic estimates. Notably, among those viewing DDCI screens for ≥8 hours, the odds ratio for CNP frequency escalation compared with those who did not or rarely view screens was 1.61 (95% CI, 1.04–2.50; p=0.033).
Conclusion
Approximately 4 of 10 adults in Peru experienced CNP following the lifting of COVID-19 social restrictions, more than double the pre-pandemic prevalence. Furthermore, prolonged viewing of DDCI screens increased the risk of having this condition.

Objective
To investigate the association of nutritional risk with gait function and activities of daily living (ADLs) in older adult patients with hip fractures.
Methods
The retrospective data of older adult patients diagnosed with hip fractures who visited the recovery-phase rehabilitation ward between January 2019 and December 2022 were reviewed. Nutritional risk was evaluated using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index; gait function and ADLs were assessed using the modified Harris Hip Score subitem and Functional Independence Measure, respectively. Multivariate linear regression and path analysis with structural equation modeling were used to examine the factors associated with ADLs and the associations among the study variables.
Results
This study included 206 participants (172 females and 34 males; mean age, 85.0±7.3 years). In the multivariate analysis, gait function (β=0.488, p<0.001), cognitive function (β=0.430, p<0.001), and surgery (β=-0.143, p<0.001) were identified as independent factors. Pathway analysis revealed that nutritional risk was not directly correlated with ADLs but was directly associated with gait and cognitive functions. Gait and cognitive functions, in turn, were directly related to ADLs.
Conclusion
Nutritional risk was found to be associated with ADLs through an intermediary of gait and cognitive functions.

To evaluate the efficacy of physical therapy (PT) to alleviate symptomatic thoracic radiculopathy (TR) without the use of invasive procedures. Database search was conducted by an experienced medical librarian from inception until January 27, 2023, in EBSCO CINAHL with Full Text, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection. Inclusion criteria included studies that involved adult patients (age≥18) who had a magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed TR and underwent a structured, supervised PT program of any length. All types of studies were included. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Study Quality of Assessment Tool. Certainty in evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. A meta-analysis was not performed. A total of 1,491 studies were screened and 7 studies met inclusion criteria, 5 case studies and 2 cohort studies. All studies showed improvement or resolution of the TR with PT. Quantitative improvements were not noted in most studies and PT regimens were sparsely described. Overall quality assessment demonstrated 3 studies had “good,” 1 “fair,” and 3 “poor” quality evidence. Certainty of evidence was “low” due to risk of bias. A dedicated PT program may help to alleviate symptomatic TR; however due to limited evidence, risk of bias, and low certainty in evidence, the data is too weak to support a definite conclusion.

Citations

• Exploring Nintendo Wii Balance Board as a tool to assess lower limb muscle strength for fall risk screening in elderly women
  Weerasak Tapanya, Noppharath Sangkarit, Patchareeya Amput
  Translational Medicine of Aging.2025; 9: 1.     CrossRef

Objective
To assess, analyse, and infer the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on people living with locomotor disability in North India.
Methods
Patients with locomotor disabilities who met the inclusion criteria received a questionnaire that had already undergone testing and validation. It covered topics highlighting the effect of the pandemic on general health, financial burden, psychological and mental health, social life and behaviour, disability and comorbidity management, transportation, and healthcare accessibility during the pandemic. In order to gauge the pandemic’s effects on the population of people with locomotor disabilities, the answers to the questions were collected and analyzed.
Results
The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected people living with locomotor disability, ranging from loss of wages and financial crisis to anxiety, depression and lack of sleep. People with disabilities had limited reach to health and community services that were vital for them, including basic life and functional needs, besides risks of mistreatment and other psychological consequences.
Conclusion
This analysis suggests that the root cause of pandemic disparities is the lack of disability-inclusive planning and, more significantly, the pre-existing socioeconomic disparities and challenges that disabled people have been experiencing for a long time. We suggest that unambiguous public health and policy responses should be incorporated, and health, social participation, and socioeconomic disparity causes for disabled people should be addressed in tandem.

Objective
To compile epidemiological characteristics of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) in the Northern Indian Himalayan regions and Sub-Himalayan planes.
Methods
The present study is a retrospective, cross-sectional descriptive analysis based on hospital data conducted at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Spine Unit of Trauma Centre in a tertiary care hospital in Uttarakhand, India. People hospitalized at the tertiary care center between August 2018 and November 2021 are included in the study sample. A prestructured proforma was employed for the evaluation, including demographic and epidemiological characteristics.
Results
TSCI was found in 167 out of 3,120 trauma patients. The mean age of people with TSCI was 33.5±13.3, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.4:1. Eighty-three participants (49.7%) were from the plains, while the hilly region accounts for 50.3%. People from the plains had a 2.9:1 rural-to-urban ratio, whereas the hilly region had a 6:1 ratio. The overall most prevalent cause was Falls (59.3%), followed by road traffic accidents (RTAs) (35.9%). RTAs (57.2%) were the most common cause of TSCI in the plains’ urban regions, while Falls (58.1%) were more common in rural plains. In both urban (66.6%) and rural (65.3%) parts of the hilly region, falls were the most common cause.
Conclusion
TSCI is more common in young males, especially in rural hilly areas. Falls rather than RTAs are the major cause.

Objective
To investigate the feasibility and effects of a mobile app-based home cycling exercise program compared to home cycling exercise without additional monitoring system. Compared with fitness facilities or outdoor exercise, home-based exercise programs effectively improve physical performance in an indwelling community. However, a flexible, informal environment may decrease motivation and impair adherence to physical exercise. Mobile devices for aerobic exercise and mobile applications provide real-time monitoring, immediate feedback, and encouragement to increase motivation and promote physical performance. We investigated the feasibility and effects of a mobile app-based home exercise program on body composition, muscular strength, and cardiopulmonary function.
Methods
Between February and May 2023, 20 participants were randomly allocated to the intervention (mobile application with a tablet) and control groups, and they performed aerobic exercise using a stationary bicycle for ≥150 minutes per week for 6 weeks (≤30-minute exercise session, with 3-minute warm-up and 3-minute cool-down). Karvonen formula-based heartrate defined the weekly increase in exercise intensity. Outcome measures included body-composition parameters, isokinetic knee flexor and extensor strength tests, cardiopulmonary exercise test results, and rate of target heart rate (HR) achievement. Participants were assessed at baseline and after the intervention.
Results
Unrelated personal events led two participants to drop out. The intervention and control groups had similar baseline characteristics. Compared with the control group, in the post-intervention isokinetic strength test, bilateral knee flexor and extensor power, and time to target HR achievement significantly increased each week in the intervention group.
Conclusion
Home-based exercise to achieve long-term cardiovascular fitness with portable electronic/mobile devices facilitates individualized exercise using real-time feedback to improve motivation and adherence.

Objective
To formulate an equation estimating months to independent walking in moderate to late preterm infants based on neonatal characteristics and gross motor development from 7 months to independent walking.
Methods
Sixty infants born between 32 to 36 weeks were assessed using Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) for gross motor development. Neonatal characteristics were recorded at 7 months, and caregiver-reported independent walking onset. Pearson correlation analyzed age, AIMS scores, and neonatal factors. Multiple regression developed the prediction equation.
Results
The equation for independent walking onset, which included gestational age (GA) at birth, total AIMS score at 10 months of age (10th AIMS), and birth head circumference (BHC), exhibited a strong correlation (r=0.707) and had a predictive power of 50.0%. The equation is as follows: age onset of independent walking (months)=33.157, -0.296 (GA), -0.132 (10th AIMS), -0.196 (BHC), with an estimation error of 0.631 months.
Conclusion
Neonatal characteristics, such as GA, 10th AIMS, and BHC, are key determinants in estimating the onset of independent walking in moderate to late preterm infants.

Objective
To determine the association between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and neck pain, kinesiophobia, and modalities of physical activity in individuals with postoperative degenerative cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy (DCM/R) because postoperative pain after cervical spine surgery is likely to persist, causing kinesiophobia and avoidance of physical activity.
Methods
A questionnaire was distributed to 280 individuals with DCM/R. The questionnaire comprised the following four items: HRQOL (EuroQol 5-dimensions 5-level), neck pain (numerical rating scale [NRS]), kinesiophobia (11-item Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia [TSK-11]), and physical activity (paid work, light exercise, walking, strength training, and gardening). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed using the NRS, TSK-11, and physical activity as independent variables.
Results
In total, 126 individuals provided analyzable responses (45.0%). After including the NRS score as an independent variable to the multiple regression equation for participants’ background, the independent rate of the regression equation significantly improved by only 4.1% (R²=0.153). The addition of the TSK-11 score significantly improved this effect by 11.1% (R2=0.264). Finally, the addition of physical activity also significantly improved the explanatory rate by 9.9% (R2=0.363).
Conclusion
Neck pain, kinesiophobia, and physical activity (specifically paid work and walking) were independently associated with HRQOL in individuals with postoperative DCM/R.

Objective
To assess the safety and effectiveness of high-density light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation therapy in patients with hand osteoarthritis (OA) and compare the pre- and post-intervention symptoms.
Methods
Twenty-three patients with hand OA underwent eight sessions of high-density LED irradiation therapy directed at the five most painful areas in the finger joints. Each session lasted for 18 minutes; and the sessions were conducted twice a week, for 4 weeks. We evaluated the degree of pain using the visual analogue scale, ring size, and passive range of motion (flexion+extension) for two most painful joints from the baseline to post-therapy (weeks 4 and 6).
Results
High-density LED irradiation therapy significantly reduced the pain posttreatment compared with that observed at the baseline (p<0.001). Although improvements were observed in ring size and joint range of motion at 4 and 6 weeks, they were not statistically significant (p>0.05). No adverse events were observed.
Conclusion
We examined the safety and effectiveness of high-density LED irradiation therapy in reducing pain and hand swelling and improving joint mobility in patients with hand OA. These results suggest that high-density LED irradiation therapy has the potential to be an important strategy for managing hand OA.

Citations

• Letter to the Editor: Efficacy and Safety of High Density LED Irradiation Therapy for Patients With Hand Osteoarthritis: A Single-Center Clinical Study
  Vanshika Agarwal, Jeyanthi. S, Adarsh Sharma
  Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine.2025; 49(1): 1.     CrossRef
• Response: Efficacy and Safety of High Density LED Irradiation Therapy for Patients With Hand Osteoarthritis: A Single-Center Clinical Study (Ann Rehabil Med 2024;48:50-6)
  Jiseon Hong
  Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine.2025; 49(1): 3.     CrossRef
• Photobiomodulation Literature Watch December 2023
  James D. Carroll
  Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery.2024; 42(10): 660.     CrossRef

Objective
To confirm that the simplified insole does not affect the gait speed and to identify objective sensor-based gait parameters that correlate strongly with existing clinical gait assessment scales.
Methods
Ten participants with gait impairment due to hemiplegic stroke were enrolled in this study. Pairs of insoles with four pressure sensors on each side were manufactured and placed in each shoe. Data were extracted during the 10-Meter Walk Test. Several sensor-derived parameters (for example stance time, heel_on-to-toe_peak time, and toe_peak pressure) were calculated and correlated with gait speed and lower extremity Fugl-Meyer (F-M) score.
Results
The insole pressure sensor did not affect gait, as indicated by a strong correlation (ρ=0.988) and high agreement (ICC=0.924) between the gait speeds with and without the insole. The parameters that correlated most strongly with highest β coefficients against the clinical measures were stance time of the non-hemiplegic leg (β=-0.87 with F-M and β=-0.95 with gait speed) and heel_on-to-toe_peak time of the non-hemiplegic leg (β=-0.86 with F-M and -0.94 with gait speed).
Conclusion
Stance time of the non-hemiparetic leg correlates most strongly with clinical measures and can be assessed using a non-obtrusive insole pressure sensor that does not affect gait function. These results suggest that an insole pressure sensor, which is applicable in a home environment, may be useful as a clinical endpoint in post-stroke gait therapy trials.

Objective
To show the effectiveness of goal-oriented proprioceptive training in subacute stroke for balance, autonomy, and fall risk.
Methods
Out a total of 35 patients, consistent in age (75.31±8.65 years), type of stroke (ischemic, 3 to 11 weeks before), and motor impairment, 18 patients underwent solely proprioceptive rehabilitation, the other 17 dual task exercises. The study assessed autonomy using Barthel Index, fall risk with Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), balance through Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Tinetti test.
Results
After two months, significant improvements were recorded in Barthel Index, BBS (p<0.0001), Tinetti test (p<0.0001 in dual task group, p=0.0029 in single task group), and TUG (p=0.0052 in dual task group, p=0.0020 in single task group) in both groups. Comparing the two groups, dual task group showed a significant difference in Tinetti balance assessment (p=0.0052), between the total score of Tinetti test and TUG in single (p=0.0271), and dual task (p=0.0235). Likewise, Tinetti gait test was significantly related to TUG in single (p=0.0536), and dual task (p=0.0466), while Tinetti balance test to Barthel Index (p=0.0394), BBS (p<0.0001), and TUG in single (p=0.0219), and dual task (p=0.0196). Lastly, there is a positive correlation of the use of aids with BBS (p=0.0074), and total score of Tinetti test (p=0.0160).
Conclusion
In subacute stroke, goal-oriented proprioceptive training improved balance, but only partially autonomy. Furthermore, the use of aids after dual-task exercises improved recovery of balance, but did not reduced falls.

Citations

• A scoping review on the body awareness rehabilitation after stroke: are we aware of what we are unaware?
  Davide Cardile, Viviana Lo Buono, Francesco Corallo, Angelo Quartarone, Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
  Frontiers in Neurology.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Dual tasking as a predictor of falls in post-stroke: A cross-sectional analysis comparing Walking While Talking versus Stops Walking While Talking
  Disha Lamba, Abraham M. Joshua, Vijaya kumar K, Akshatha Nayak, Prasanna Mithra, Rohit Pai, Shivananda Pai, Shyam Krishnan K., Vijayakumar Palaniswamy
  F1000Research.2025; 13: 1395.     CrossRef
• Effects of Unpredictable Perturbation Training on a Split-Belt Treadmill on Physical Performance in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
  Kap-Soo Han, Myoung-Hwan Ko
  Geriatrics.2025; 10(1): 23.     CrossRef
• Influence of taping on joint proprioception: a systematic review with between and within group meta-analysis
  Shashank Ghai, Ishan Ghai, Susanne Narciss
  BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Application of an Auditory-Based Feedback Distortion to Modify Gait Symmetry in Healthy Individuals
  Le Yu Liu, Samir Sangani, Kara K. Patterson, Joyce Fung, Anouk Lamontagne
  Brain Sciences.2024; 14(8): 798.     CrossRef
• Validez convergente de la escala Tinetti en pacientes con ictus en fase subaguda
  Adrián Arranz–Escudero, Patricia Martín–Casas, Ester Carpio–Calatayud, Ibai López–de–Uralde–Villanueva
  Revista Científica de la Sociedad Española de Enfermería Neurológica.2024; : 500168.     CrossRef
• Time-course for acquiring transfer independence in patients with subacute stroke: a prospective cohort study
  Shin Kitamura, Yohei Otaka, Shintaro Uehara, Yudai Murayama, Kazuki Ushizawa, Yuya Narita, Naho Nakatsukasa, Daisuke Matsuura, Rieko Osu, Kunitsugu Kondo, Sachiko Sakata
  Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine.2024; 56: jrm40055.     CrossRef
• Efficacy and safety of very early rehabilitation for acute ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  Ying Lou, Zhongshuo Liu, Yingxiao Ji, Jinming Cheng, Congying Zhao, Litao Li
  Frontiers in Neurology.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Challenges in Accessing Community-Based Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care for Older Adult Stroke Survivors and Their Caregivers: A Qualitative Study
  Sining Zeng, Min Wu, Ling Xu, Zining Guo, Shufan Chen, Keyu Ling, Haihan Li, Xiaoli Yu, Xiaoping Zhu
  Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare.2024; Volume 17: 4829.     CrossRef
• The Impact of Virtual Reality as a Rehabilitation Method Using TRAVEE System on Functional Outcomes and Disability in Stroke Patients: A Pilot Study
  Claudia-Gabriela Potcovaru, Delia Cinteză, Miruna Ioana Săndulescu, Daniela Poenaru, Ovidiu Chiriac, Cristian Lambru, Alin Moldoveanu, Ana Magdalena Anghel, Mihai Berteanu
  Biomedicines.2024; 12(11): 2450.     CrossRef
• Synergistic effects of combined motor and language interventions on stroke rehabilitation: a holistic approach
  Reihaneh Saber-Moghadam, Afsaneh Zeinalzadeh, Jamshid Jamali, Mohammad Taghi Farzadfard, Davood Sobhani-Rad
  Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• The importance of recovering body awareness in post-stroke rehabilitation: insights from clinical case reports
  Davide Cardile, Viviana Lo Buono, Francesco Corallo, Simona Cammaroto, Caterina Formica, Angelo Quartarone, Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
  Frontiers in Neurology.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef

Objective
To generate a Korean version of the Oxford Cognitive Screen (K-OCS) and obtain cutoff scores that determine the impairment of each subdomain. Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) negatively impacts the rehabilitation process and independence in daily life. Its obscure manifestations require effective screening for appropriate rehabilitation. However, in most rehabilitation clinics, psychological evaluation tools for Alzheimer’s dementia have been used without such considerations. The OCS is a screening assessment tool for PSCI and vascular dementia that can evaluate the cognitive domains most often affected by stroke, including language, attention, memory, praxis, and numerical cognition. It comprises 10 subtasks and enables quick and effective cognitive evaluation.
Methods
The K-OCS, which considers Korea’s unique cultural and linguistic characteristics, was developed with the approval and cooperation of the original author. Enrollment of participants without disabilities was announced at Duksung Women’s University, Yongin Sevrance Hospital, CHA Bundang Medical Center. The study was conducted between September 2020 and March 2022 on 97 male and female participants aged ≥30 years.
Results
All the 97 participants completed the task. In this study, the 5th percentile score was presumed to be the cutoff value for each score, and the values are provided here. The cutoff score for each OCS subtask was similar to that of the original British version.
Conclusion
We suggest the usability of the K-OCS as a screening tool for PSCI by providing the cutoff value of each subtask.

Citations

• Quality of Assessment Tools for Aphasia: A Systematic Review
  Francescaroberta Panuccio, Giulia Rossi, Anita Di Nuzzo, Ilaria Ruotolo, Giada Cianfriglia, Rachele Simeon, Giovanni Sellitto, Anna Berardi, Giovanni Galeoto
  Brain Sciences.2025; 15(3): 271.     CrossRef
• Validation of Korean Version of the Oxford Cognitive Screen (K-OCS), a Post Stroke-Specific Cognitive Screening Tool
  Eunyoung Cho, Sungwon Choi, Nele Demeyere, Rina Kim, Ikhyun Lim, MinYoung Kim
  Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine.2025; 49(1): 5.     CrossRef

To synthesise the best available evidence for the effectiveness of interventions delivered in community-based rehabilitation (CBR) centers on physical fitness, for community-dwelling older adults living in Asian countries. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis. Seven English and two Chinese electronic databases were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies that were conducted by centers providing CBR. Independent reviewers screened, quality-appraised and extracted data. The primary outcome was physical fitness measured by validated assessment tools, including the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), gait speed, hand grip strength, Functional Reach Test (FRT), and one-leg standing test. Assessments of activity of daily living and quality of life using tools including the Barthel Index, Short Form (SF)-12, and SF-36 were secondary outcomes. After screening 5,272 studies, 29 studies were included (16 RCTs, 13 quasi-experimental studies) from four countries. Meta-analyses found that CBR programs significantly decreased TUG time (mean difference [MD], -1.89 seconds; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], -2.84 to -0.94; I²=0%; Z=3.90, p<0.0001), improved gait speed (MD, 0.10 m/s; 95% CI, 0.01–0.18; I²=0%; Z=2.26, p=0.02), and increased one-leg standing time (MD, 2.81 seconds; 95% CI, 0.41–5.22; I²=0%; Z=2.29, p=0.02). Handgrip strength and FRT showed no statistically significant improvement in the meta-analyses. CBR may improve aspects of physical fitness for older adults in Asian countries. However, variability in intervention components and measurement tools reduced the ability to pool individual studies. Further trials are required with robust designs including standardised measures of physical fitness.

Objective
To examine the association between the mobilization level during intensive care unit (ICU) admission and independence in activity of daily living (ADL), defined as Barthel Index (BI)≥70.
Methods
This was a post-hoc analysis of the EMPICS study involving nine hospitals. Consecutive patients who spend >48 hours in the ICU were eligible for inclusion. Mobilization was performed at each hospital according to the shared protocol and the highest ICU mobility score (IMS) during the ICU stay, baseline characteristics, and BI at hospital discharge. Multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusted for baseline characteristics, was used to deter-mine the association between the highest IMS (using the receiver operating characteristic [ROC]) and ADL.
Results
Of the 203 patients, 143 were assigned to the ADL independence group and 60 to the ADL dependence group. The highest IMS score was significantly higher in the ADL independence group than in the dependence group and was a predictor of ADL independence at hospital discharge (odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.38; adjusted p=0.002). The ROC cutoff value for the highest IMS was 6 (specificity, 0.67; sensitivity, 0.70; area under the curve, 0.69).
Conclusion
These results indicate that, in patients who were in the ICU for more than 48 hours, that patients with good function in the ICU also exhibit good function upon discharge. However, prospective, multicenter trials are needed to confirm this conclusion.

Citations

• Association between changes in disease severity and physical function after surviving a critical illness: A multicentre retrospective observational study
  Keibun Liu, Tomohiro Hamagami, Naoki Sugiyasu, Kenji Fujizuka, Akira Kawauchi, Sou Yamada, Takayuki Ogura, Naoko Hirata, Takafumi Tani, Shunsuke Taito, Kohei Ota, David McWilliams, Hajime Katsukawa, Toru Kotani
  Australian Critical Care.2024; 37(6): 889.     CrossRef

Objective
To examine the prognostic value of electroneuronography (ENoG) in predicting functional recovery in severe cases of acute facial palsy.
Methods
Patients with severe degrees of facial palsy (initial House–Brackmann [HB] grades IV to VI) with available electrodiagnostic studies conducted 2–4 weeks after symptom onset were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were categorized into “good recovery” and “poor recovery” groups, with the former showing mild to no dysfunction (HB I to III) and the latter exhibiting moderate to severe dysfunction (HB IV to VI) on follow-up evaluation, 2 months after onset. ENoG amplitudes in four facial muscles (frontalis, nasalis, orbicularis oculi, and orbicularis oris), as well as age, sex, affected side, disease etiology, comorbidities, and laboratory findings, were compared between the two groups.
Results
Thirty-seven patients were included. Twenty-nine of the patients showed “good recovery,” and eight showed “poor recovery” at 2 months after symptom onset. Univariate analysis yielded no significant difference in age, sex, affected side, disease etiology, comorbidities, and laboratory findings between the two groups. Preserved ENoG amplitudes (individual, average, and trimmed means) were significantly higher in the good recovery group than in the poor recovery group (p<0.005). Sex (p=0.038) and the ENoG of the nasalis muscle, acquired 2–4 weeks from symptom onset (p=0.004), showed significant differences in multivariate regression analysis.
Conclusion
This study suggests that the female sex and lower ENoG of the nasalis muscle, acquired 2–4 weeks from symptom onset, have negative prognostic value for the 2-month functional outcome of severe facial palsy cases.

Citations

• Management of facial nerve trauma
  Rachel C. Greiner, Gavriel D. Kohlberg, G. Nina Lu
  Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head & Neck Surgery.2024; 32(4): 234.     CrossRef
• Predictive Value of the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and C-Reactive Protein in Patients with Idiopathic Facial Nerve Palsy
  Longdong Xu, Tingting Guo, Xihua Sheng, Huaping Du, Ying Tang
  International Journal of General Medicine.2024; Volume 17: 2635.     CrossRef
• Study protocol for a randomized trial comparing two electroacupuncture waveforms for different severity groups of Bell palsy
  Zhiyuan Bian, Jiawei Wang, Fei Fang, Binyan Yu, Yan Shi, Yijia Wan, Mei Hong, Conghua Ji, Xiaomei Shao, Yi Liang, Jianqiao Fang, Jing Sun
  Frontiers in Neurology.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef

Objective
To examine the impact of telerehabilitation training on exercise capacity, lung function, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in comparison to no rehabilitation for post-COVID-19 symptoms in adult females.
Methods
A randomized controlled trial of 48 females after mild to moderate COVID-19 survival were equally and randomly assigned to one of two groups: intervention group or control group. Three sessions per week for 6 weeks of a telerehabilitation program provided via a smartphone to the intervention group. Spirometry was used to quantify lung function, a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) measured in meters to measure exercise capacity, and the Short Form Health Survey-36 was used to assess HRQOL.
Results
After treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in forced vital capacity (FVC) or forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) between groups (p>0.05), but the 6MWT of the intervention group increased significantly more than that of the control group (p=0.001). The percent of change in 6MWT for the intervention group and control group was 14.22% and 4.21%, respectively. After therapy, the intervention group’s HRQOL significantly improved when compared to the control group’s (p=0.001).
Conclusion
This study showed that a telerehabilitation programs improved exercise capacity and HRQOL in young females post-COVID-19 compared to no rehabilitation.

Citations

• Physical Therapy Outcome Measures Used in Persons With Long Covid: A Systematic Review of Interventional Studies Up to 1-Year Postglobal Health Emergency
  Andrea Lopes Sauers, Liana Johnson, Marissa Mortensen, Laura Bianca Dorásio da Silva, Luciana Angélica da Silva de Jesus, Jaime González, Cristino Oliveira
  Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal.2025; 36(2): 105.     CrossRef
• Efficacy of Telerehabilitation Protocols for Improving Functionality in Post-COVID-19 Patients
  Jose Luis Estela-Zape, Valeria Sanclemente-Cardoza, Leidy Tatiana Ordoñez-Mora
  Life.2025; 15(1): 44.     CrossRef
• Practical Recommendations for Exercise Training in Patients with Long COVID with or without Post-exertional Malaise: A Best Practice Proposal
  Rainer Gloeckl, Ralf H. Zwick, Ulrich Fürlinger, Tessa Schneeberger, Daniela Leitl, Inga Jarosch, Uta Behrends, Carmen Scheibenbogen, Andreas Rembert Koczulla
  Sports Medicine - Open.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Effectiveness of telerehabilitation in patients with post-COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
  Jiang Yang, Huiru Li, Hulei Zhao, Yang Xie, Jiansheng Li, Minghang Wang
  BMJ Open.2024; 14(7): e074325.     CrossRef
• Effectiveness of telerehabilitation versus face-to-face pulmonary rehabilitation on physical function and quality of life in people with post COVID-19 condition: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
  Oliver MARTÍNEZ-POZAS, Camilo CORBELLINI, Juan N. CUENCA-ZALDÍVAR, Érika MELÉNDEZ-OLIVA, Pierluigi SINATTI, Eleuterio A. SÁNCHEZ ROMERO
  European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef