Objective
To evaluate the efficacy of light-emitting diode (LED) and their dual-wavelengths as a treatment strategy for osteoarthritis.
Methods
We induced osteoarthritis in male Sprague-Dawley rats by intra-articular injection of sodium iodoacetate into the right rear knee joint. The animals with lesions were divided into an untreated group and an LED-treated group (n=7 each). In the LED-treated group, the lesioned knee was irradiated with lasers (850 and 940 nm) and dose (3.15 J/cm²) for 20 minutes per session, twice a week for 4 weeks. Knee joint tissues were stained and scanned using an in vivo micro-computed tomography (CT) scanner. Serum interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-18 levels were determined using enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay. Several functional tests (lines crossed, rotational movement, rearing, and latency to remain rotating rod) were performed 24 hours before LED treatment and at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after treatment.
Results
LED-treated rats showed improved locomotor function and suppressed matrix-degrading cytokines. Micro-CT images indicated that LED therapy had a preserving effect on cartilage and cortical bone.
Conclusion
LED treatment using wavelengths of 850 and 940 nm resulted in significant functional, anatomical, and histologic improvements without adverse events in a rat model. Further research is required to determine the optimal wavelength, duration, and combination method, which will maximize treatment effectiveness.

Citations

• Photobiomodulation Literature Watch December 2023
  James D. Carroll
  Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery.2024; 42(10): 660.     CrossRef

Objective
To analyze the changes in muscle mass and quality with time on the paretic and non-paretic sides in subacute stroke patients and identify correlations between the variation of muscle mass and quality and lower limb functions.
Methods
Thirty hemiplegia patients diagnosed with stroke participated in this study. To evaluate poststroke muscle changes, longitudinal measurement of muscle mass and quality was conducted with bilateral lower limbs. The elastic shear modulus was measured using shear wave elastography and muscle thickness (MT) of rectus femoris, vastus intermedius, vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius (GCM) muscles. Functional evaluation was performed using Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST). Follow-up was performed at discharge. The muscle mass and quality were compared according to time. We analyzed whether muscle quantity and quality were related to function.
Results
MT demonstrated no significant change with time. The elastic shear modulus increased significantly in the paretic VL and GCM muscles and did not change significantly in the muscles on the non-paretic side. Correlation analysis detected that elastic shear modulus in the VL has a cross-sectional negative relationship between BBS and positive relationship between FTSST. There were significant correlation between variation of FTSST and the variation of the elastic shear modulus in VL.
Conclusion
Only paretic VL and GCM muscle quality changed in subacute stroke patients and muscle’s property related to lower limb functions. Therefore, the lower extremity requires an approach to muscle quality rather than quantity for subacute stroke patients.

Citations

• Efficacy of robot-assisted gait training on lower extremity function in subacute stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  Miao-miao Hu, Shan Wang, Cai-qin Wu, Kun-peng Li, Zhao-hui Geng, Guo-hui Xu, Lu Dong
  Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation.2024;[Epub]     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 investigate the relationship between low back pain (LBP) and sagittal spino-pelvic parameters along with the relationship between LBP and back muscle mass in Korean male and female fishery workers.
Methods
This retrospective study included a total of 146 subjects who underwent Fishermen’s health survey conducted between June 2018 and August 2020. LBP was evaluated through visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Sagittal spino-pelvic parameters were measured from whole spine standing X-rays. Back muscle cross-sectional areas were identified through lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging and body composition was analyzed through bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Results
The study included 75 males and 71 females, with an average age of 58.33 years for males and 56.45 years for females. Female subjects exhibited higher VAS and ODI scores, larger pelvic tilt (PT) and trunk fat mass and smaller trunk muscle mass compared to males. In female, ODI positively correlated with sagittal vertical axis (SVA) and PT. No significant correlations were found between ODI scores and body composition in either sex. The high ODI group showed greater SVA, PT, and pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis and higher trunk fat/muscle ratio. Psoas muscle mass, total and skeletal muscle mass and trunk muscle mass of that group were smaller than those of low ODI group.
Conclusion
Spino-pelvic parameters and back muscle mass were associated with ODI and there were differences between Korean male and female fishery workers.

Citations

• Interrelationships of cervical spine sagittal alignment and whole spinopelvic alignment under implications of musculoskeletal health among independent elderly women in Taiwan: A cross-sectional study
  Tzai-Chiu Yu, Wen-Tien Wu, Ru-Ping Lee, Ing-Ho Chen, Jen-Hung Wang, Shu-Hui Wen, Kuang-Ting Yeh, Barry Kweh
  PLOS ONE.2024; 19(10): e0312082.     CrossRef

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 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

Objective
To establish the lower limits of normative values of the physical work capacity for Korean farmers in healthy working individual.
Methods
We developed a comprehensive set of physical work capacity evaluation items that encompass common farming tasks. These items include measurements of trunk flexion/extension angles, strength (hand grip, trunk flexion/extension, leg/back lifting, and pushing/pulling), and positional tolerances. We calculated the normative values for the items and defined the normal range in 124 healthy volunteers aged 20–79 years. We calculated the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to validate the test-retest reliability of the measurements protocol.
Results
The normal values for each measurement item were as follows: trunk flexion and extension angle (65.3°±11.6° and 29.6°±6.6°), dominant hand grip strength (32.2±10.5 kgf), trunk flexion and extension strength (288.4±119.0 N and 297.3±129.9 N), leg and back lifting strength (452.9±233.5 N and 349.2±166.7 N), pushing and pulling strength (214.7±75.1 N and 221.7±63.3 N), and positional tolerance time (squat: 76.8±9.0 seconds, front: 73.8±7.7 seconds, twist: 82.2±8.8 seconds, upward: 71.9±11.3 seconds). Regarding test-retest reliability, all strength measurements demonstrated excellent absolute agreement (ICC, 0.91–0.96). However, positional tolerance showed poor-to-moderate absolute agreement (ICC, 0.37–0.58).
Conclusion
We conducted measurements of muscle strength and positional tolerance in healthy participants of various ages, focusing on tasks commonly performed by Korean farmers. The outcomes hold significant value as they offer a pertinent instrument for assessing the appropriateness of workers, thereby carrying implications for rehabilitation objectives, legal evaluations, and work capacity assessments within the agricultural domain.

Objective
To systematically review the efficacy of e-Health interventions on physical performance, activity and quality of life in older adults with sarcopenia or frailty.
Methods
A systematic review was conducted by searching the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINHAL, Web of Science, and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database for experimental studies published in English from 1990 to 2021. E-Health studies investigating physical activity, physical performance, quality of life, and activity of daily living assessment in adults aged ≥65 years with sarcopenia or frailty were selected.
Results
Among the 3,164 identified articles screened, a total of 4 studies complied with the inclusion criteria. The studies were heterogeneous by participant characteristics, type of e-Health intervention, and outcome measurement. Age criteria for participant selection and sex distribution were different between studies. Each study used different criteria for frailty, and no study used sarcopenia as a selection criteria. E-Health interventions were various across studies. Two studies used frailty status as an outcome measure and showed conflicting results. Muscle strength was assessed in 2 studies, and meta-analysis showed statistically significant improvement after intervention (standardized mean difference, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.07–0.94; p=0.80, I²=0%).
Conclusion
This systematic review found insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of e-Health interventions. Nevertheless, the studies included in this review showed positive effects of e-Health interventions on improving muscle strength, physical activity, and quality of life in older adults with frailty.

Citations

• Frail Older Adults' Needs and Preferences for Mobile Health Exercise Interventions Guided by Nudge Theory: AQualitative Analysis
  Ruotong Peng, Zeng Cao, Shaolong Hu, Xinzhou Liu, Yongzhen Guo, Xiaoyang Li, Chi Zhang, Hui Feng
  Journal of Clinical Nursing.2025; 34(5): 1830.     CrossRef
• A multidisciplinary telemedicine approach for managing frailty in Parkinson's disease. A longitudinal, case-control study
  Álvaro García-Bustillo, José Miguel Ramírez-Sanz, José Luis Garrido-Labrador, Alicia Olivares-Gil, Florita Valiñas-Sieiro, Marta Allende-Río, Josefa González-Santos, Jerónimo Javier González-Bernal, Maha Jahouh, Sara Calvo-Simal, Lucía Simón-Vicente, Nati
  Parkinsonism & Related Disorders.2025; 130: 107215.     CrossRef
• Global consensus on optimal exercise recommendations for enhancing healthy longevity in older adults (ICFSR)
  Mikel Izquierdo, Philipe de Souto Barreto, Hidenori Arai, Heike A. Bischoff-Ferrari, Eduardo L. Cadore, Matteo Cesari, Liang-Kung Chen, Paul M. Coen, Kerry S. Courneya, Gustavo Duque, Luigi Ferrucci, Roger A. Fielding, Antonio García-Hermoso, Luis Miguel
  The Journal of nutrition, health and aging.2025; 29(1): 100401.     CrossRef
• What are end-users’ needs and preferences for a comprehensive e-health program for type 2 diabetes? – A qualitative user preference study
  Tina Rishaug, Anne-Marie Aas, André Henriksen, Gunnar Hartvigsen, Kåre Inge Birkeland, Eirik Årsand, Ai Theng Cheong,
  PLOS ONE.2025; 20(3): e0318876.     CrossRef
• The Impact of Depression and Leisure Activities on E-Health Literacy Among Older Adults: A Cross-Cultural Study in the EU and Japan
  Kumi Morishita-Suzuki, Toshimi Ogawa, Roberta Bevilacqua, Sebastien Dacunha, Vera Stara, Johanna Möller, Cecilia Palmier, Asako Ohara, Ai Abe, Denilson Brilliant T., Maribel Pino, Rainer Wieching, Elvira Maranesi, Anne-Sophie Rigaud, Shuichiro Watanabe, V
  International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2025; 22(3): 403.     CrossRef
• Evidence on non-pharmacological interventions for preventing or reversing physical frailty in community-dwelling older adults aged over 50 years: overview of systematic reviews
  Annemarie Money, Aylish MacKenzie, Amelia Parchment, Gill Norman, Danielle Harris, Saima Ahmed, Lisa McGarrigle, Helen Hawley-Hague, Chris Todd
  BMC Geriatrics.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Digital health interventions for non-older individuals at risk of frailty: A systematic review and meta-analysis
  Momoko Tohyama, Ryo Momosaki, Yuka Shirai, Kenta Ushida, Yuki Kato, Miho Shimizu, Issei Kameda, Yuya Sakurai, Asuka Hori, Masatsugu Okamura, Takahiro Tsuge, Hiroki Sato, Yuki Nakashima, Kaori Endo, Shota Hayashi, Norio Yamamoto, Daisuke Matsumoto, Kenichi
  DIGITAL HEALTH.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Strategies to Optimize Recovery in Frail Patients With Cardiovascular Disease Through Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation
  Kyuwan Lee
  Journal of Lipid and Atherosclerosis.2025; 14(2): 159.     CrossRef
• Current and Future Challenges for Rehabilitation for Inflammatory Arthritis
  Rikke Helene Moe, Thea P. M. Vliet Vlieland
  Journal of Clinical Medicine.2024; 13(6): 1808.     CrossRef
• A Real-Time Web-Based Intervention with a Multicomponent Group-Based Program for Older Adults: Single-Arm Feasibility Study
  Tsubasa Nakada, Kayo Kurotani, Takako Kozawa, Satoshi Seino, Shinichi Murota, Miki Eto, Junko Shimasawa, Yumiko Shimizu, Shinobu Tsurugano, Fuminori Katsukawa, Kazunori Sakamoto, Hironori Washizaki, Yo Ishigaki, Maki Sakamoto, Keiki Takadama, Keiji Yanai,
  Healthcare.2024; 12(23): 2365.     CrossRef

Objective
To translate and culturally adapt the Information Needs in Cardiac Rehabilitation (INCR) questionnaire into Korean and perform psychometric validation.
Methods
The original English version of the INCR, in which patients are asked to rate the importance of 55 topics, was translated into Korean (INCR-K) and culturally adapted. The INCR-K was tested on 101 cardiac rehabilitation (CR) participants at Kangwon National University Hospital and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital in Korea. Structural validity was assessed using principal component analysis, and Cronbach’s alpha of the areas was computed. Criterion validity was assessed by comparing information needs according to CR duration and knowledge sufficiency according to receipt of education. Half of the participants were randomly selected for 1 month of re-testing to assess their responsiveness.
Results
Following cognitive debriefing, the number of items was reduced to 41 and ratings were added to assess participants’ sufficient knowledge of each item. The INCR-K structure comprised eight areas, each with sufficient internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha>0.7). Criterion validity was supported by significant differences in mean INCR-K scores based on CR duration and knowledge sufficiency ratings according to receipt of education (p<0.05). Information needs and knowledge sufficiency ratings increased after 1 month of CR, thus supporting responsiveness (p<0.05).
Conclusion
The INCR-K demonstrated adequate face, content, cross-cultural, structural, and criterion validities, internal consistency, and responsiveness. Information needs changed with CR, such that multiple assessments of information needs may be warranted as rehabilitation progresses to facilitate patient-centered education.

Objective
To systematically review the effects of protein supplementation in older adults with sarcopenia.
Methods
A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases until May 2023. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) randomized controlled trials with a quantitative study design; (2) studies with a study group of older adults with sarcopenia; (3) studies comparing muscle mass, muscle strength, and performance of older adults with sarcopenia after protein supplementation; and (4) studies published up to May 2023.
Results
Six retrospective comparative studies, including 715 patients, met the inclusion criteria. The nutritional supplementation group exhibited significant improvement in appendicular skeletal muscle mass (standardized mean difference [SMD]=0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24–0.58; p<0.001; I²=1%), while handgrip strength (SMD=0.37; 95% CI, -0.32–1.07; p=0.29; I²=94%) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) (SMD=0.35; 95% CI, -0.47–1.18; p=0.40; I²=94%) showed a tendency for improvement.
Conclusion
Nutritional supplementation with protein increased appendicular muscle mass in older adults with sarcopenia and improved handgrip strength and SPPB scores.

Citations

• Age-related and cancer-related sarcopenia: is there a difference?
  Federico Bozzetti
  Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care.2024; 27(5): 410.     CrossRef
• Protein‐enriched soup and weekly exercise improve muscle health: A randomized trial in mid‐to‐old age with inadequate protein intake
  Li‐Ning Peng, Ming‐Hsien Lin, Sung‐Hua Tseng, Ko‐Han Yen, Huei‐Fang Lee, Fei‐Yuan Hsiao, Liang‐Kung Chen
  Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle.2024; 15(4): 1348.     CrossRef
• SuperAgers and centenarians, dynamics of healthy ageing with cognitive resilience
  Md Ariful Islam, Ujala Sehar, Omme Fatema Sultana, Upasana Mukherjee, Malcolm Brownell, Sudhir Kshirsagar, P. Hemachandra Reddy
  Mechanisms of Ageing and Development.2024; 219: 111936.     CrossRef
• Consumption of protein supplements/protein-fortified foods among young adults in Jeju
  Hyoju Lee, Youjeong Jang, Sumin Kim, Kyungho Ha
  Journal of Nutrition and Health.2024; 57(2): 261.     CrossRef
• Impact of increased protein intake in older adults: a 12-week double-blind randomised controlled trial
  Janine Wirth, Annalisa Segat, Katy Horner, Domenico Crognale, Thomas Smith, Maurice O’Sullivan, Lorraine Brennan
  Age and Ageing.2024; 53(Supplement): ii13.     CrossRef
• Nutrition resilience for healthy ageing
  Claire T McEvoy, Colin D McClure
  Age and Ageing.2024; 53(Supplement): ii1.     CrossRef
• Study of whey protein on muscle mass and functional rehabilitation in postoperative total knee arthroplasty patients
  Mengshi Li, Qiongfang Shi, Xinle Che, Xingyan Du, Dongming Wang, Yufeng Song
  Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation.2024; 37(5): 1381.     CrossRef
• Functional status of the cardiovascular system in elderly patients with sarcopenia
  Iu. Samoilova, M. Matveeva, D. Podchinenova, Ya. Yakimova, L. Shuliko, V. Avkhimenko, D. Kudlay, E. Samoylov, E. Khoroshunova, A. Ragimov
  Vrach.2024; : 48.     CrossRef

Objective
To assess the effectiveness of combining physiotherapy techniques with conservative medical treatment in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients.
Methods
Sixty-eight volunteers with CRS were randomly assigned. Group A received only traditional medical treatment, whereas group B received a physiotherapy program that included pulsed ultrasound therapy, sinus manual drainage techniques, and self-sinus massage technique in addition to traditional medical treatment. Interventions were applied 3 sessions a week for 4 weeks. The rhinosinusitis disability index (RSDI) served as the main outcome indicator for assessing the quality of life, and the secondary outcome measure was the pressure pain threshold (PPT) using a pressure algometer.
Results
Wilcoxon signed rank test revealed a significant reduction (p<0.001) in total RSDI values from 71.08±1.13 pretest to 47.14±1.15 posttest for group A, while it decreased from 70.64±1.20 pretreatment to 31.76±1.04 posttreatment for group B; furthermore, Mann–Whitney U-test revealed a significant difference (p<0.001) in total RSDI values between both groups when comparing the change of the pre-post data values, it was 23.94±0.95 for group A and 38.88±0.67 for group B. The independent t-test revealed a highly statistically significant increase (p<0.001) in the PPT values in the experimental group compared to the control group.
Conclusion
The physiotherapy program which included pulsed ultrasound therapy, sinus manual drainage technique, and self-sinus massage technique in conjunction with conventional medical treatment was more beneficial for enhancing the quality of life and PPT than traditional medical treatment alone in CRS patients.

Objective
To analyze the epidemiological information of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) and concomitant traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to suggest points to be aware of during the initial physical examination of patients with SCI.
Methods
This study was a retrospective, observational study conducted in a regional trauma center. All the records of patients diagnosed with traumatic SCI between 2016 and 2020 were reviewed. A total of 627 patients with confirmed traumatic SCI were hospitalized. A retrospective study was conducted on 363 individuals.
Results
The epidemiological data of 363 individuals were investigated. Changes in American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) scores in patients with SCI were evaluated. The initial evaluation was performed on average 11 days after the injury, and a follow-up examination was performed 43 days after. Fourteen of the 24 patients identified as having AIS A and SCI with concomitant TBI in the initial evaluation showed neurologic level of injury (NLI) recovery with AIS B or more. The conversion rate in patients with SCI and concomitant TBI exceeded that reported in previous studies in individuals with SCI.
Conclusions
Physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments caused by TBI present significant challenges in rehabilitating patients with SCI. In this study, the influence of concomitant TBI lesions could have caused the initial AIS assessment to be incorrect.

Citations

• Neurologic Decline After Spinal Cord Injury
  Zakari R. Dymock, Sara Shahid Salles
  Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America.2025; 36(1): 47.     CrossRef
• Screening and outcomes of co-occurring traumatic brain injury among people with spinal cord injury: a scoping review
  Deborah L. Snell, Phoebe Wynands, Jennifer Dunn, Joanne Nunnerley, Alice Theadom
  Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine.2025; 57: jrm41897.     CrossRef
• The Critical Management of Spinal Cord Injury: A Narrative Review
  Emilio Moreno-González, Antonio Ibarra
  Clinics and Practice.2024; 15(1): 2.     CrossRef

Objective
To examine activities of daily living (ADL) and physical activity in older adults with heart failure admitted to a rehabilitation ward for subacute musculoskeletal disease.
Methods
This study included patients with musculoskeletal disease (aged ≥75 years) who were admitted to the rehabilitation ward. Data on age, ADL, and time for physical activity (metabolic equivalents [METs]) were collected. Patients were divided into groups with or without heart failure, and the differences were compared using Mann–Whitney U-test.
Results
This study included 84 musculoskeletal patients, including 25 with heart failure. The heart-failure group had similar levels of ADL independence compared to the without-heart-failure group (p=0.28) but had shorter duration of continuous and sustained physical activities and less total time (p<0.01) of light-intensity physical activity or higher.
Conclusion
Older adults with subacute musculoskeletal disease with heart failure do not necessarily require a large amount of physical activity to maintain ADL at the time of discharge. But very low physical activity may increase the risk for developing hospitalization-associated disability. Physical activity in older adults with subacute musculoskeletal disease with heart failure should be monitored separately from ADL.

Citations

• Relationship between independence in activities of daily living at discharge and physical activity at admission of older postoperative hip fracture rehabilitation inpatients: A retrospective case‐control study
  Tomoko Shimizu, Chiaki Kanai, Yasuyoshi Asakawa
  Physiotherapy Research International.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Exploring the Causal Effects of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Diet on Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure: A Multivariable Mendelian Randomisation Analysis
  Yunong Zhang, Ye Tao, Hyunsoo Choi, Haonan Qian
  Nutrients.2024; 16(23): 4055.     CrossRef

Objective
To demonstrate the association between the physical and functional characteristics of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and suicidality, an area of research that is less understood than the association with demographic, social, and psychological characteristics.
Methods
A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 259 patients with SCI admitted for rehabilitation at the National Rehabilitation Center, Seoul, between January 2019 and December 2021. Demographic, SCI-related, physical, and functional data were collected from their medical records. Suicide risk was assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview.
Results
The 259 participants had an average age of 49.1 years, and 75.7% were male. The analysis revealed a statistically significant negative correlation between age and suicidality. No significant differences were found for sex, education, occupation, or SCI-related factors. Lower upper extremity motor score (UEMS) was significantly associated with higher suicide risk. Regarding functional factors, the inability to perform independent rolling, come to sit, wheelchair propelling, and self-driving were associated with increased suicidality. In the multiple linear regression analysis, lower UEMS, limited shoulder joint motion, upper extremity spasticity, and dependent wheelchair propulsion were predictors of higher suicide risk.
Conclusion
This study highlights the associations among physical status, functional dependency, and suicide risk in individuals with SCI. These findings emphasize the need to address psychological aspects and physical and functional factors in the management of individuals with SCI who are at a high risk of suicide.

Citations

• A Case Report of a Patient with Suicidal Trauma, Abdominal Surgery, and Short Bowel Syndrome
  Ghasem Zarei, Iman Nariman, Hosein Ghaderi-Zefrhi, Mohamad Sadegh Aboutalebi
  Journal of Surgery and Trauma.2024; 12(4): 160.     CrossRef

Objective
To evaluate the relationship between respiratory muscle strength, diaphragm thickness (DT), and indices of sarcopenia.
Methods
This study included 45 healthy elderly volunteers (21 male and 24 female) aged 65 years or older. Sarcopenia indices, including hand grip strength (HGS) and body mass index-adjusted appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM/BMI), were measured using a hand grip dynamometer and bioimpedance analysis, respectively. Calf circumference (CC) and gait speed were also measured. Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) were obtained using a spirometer, as a measure of respiratory muscle strength. DT was evaluated through ultrasonography. The association between indices of sarcopenia, respiratory muscle strength, and DT was evaluated using Spearman’s rank correlation test, and univariate and multiple regression analysis.
Results
ASM/BMI (r=0.609, p<0.01), CC (r=0.499, p<0.01), HGS (r=0.759, p<0.01), and gait speed (r=0.319, p<0.05) were significantly correlated with DT. In the univariate linear regression analysis, MIP was significantly associated with age (p=0.003), DT (p<0.001), HGS (p=0.002), CC (p=0.013), and gait speed (p=0.026). MEP was significantly associated with sex (p=0.001), BMI (p=0.033), ASM/BMI (p=0.003), DT (p<0.001), HGS (p<0.001), CC (p=0.001) and gait speed (p=0.004). In the multiple linear regression analysis, age (p=0.001), DT (p<0.001), and ASM/BMI (p=0.008) showed significant association with MIP. DT (p<0.001) and gait speed (p=0.050) were associated with MEP.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that respiratory muscle strength is associated with DT and indices of sarcopenia. Further prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings.

Citations

• The Role of Diaphragmatic Ultrasound in Identifying Sarcopenia in COPD Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
  Nur Aleyna Yetkin, Sibel Akın, Derya Kocaslan, Burcu Baran, Bilal Rabahoglu, Fatma Sema Oymak, Nuri Tutar, İnci Gulmez
  International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.2025; Volume 20: 1.     CrossRef
• Relationship Between Diaphragm Function and Sarcopenia Assessed by Ultrasound: A Cross-Sectional Study
  Takahiro Shinohara, Toru Yamada, Shuji Ouchi, Suguru Mabuchi, Ryoichi Hanazawa, Kazuharu Nakagawa, Kanako Yoshimi, Tatsuya Mayama, Ayane Horike, Kenji Toyoshima, Yoshiaki Tamura, Atsushi Araki, Haruka Tohara, Akihiro Hirakawa, Takuma Kimura, Takeshi Ishid
  Diagnostics.2025; 15(1): 90.     CrossRef
• Descriptive Epidemiology and Prognostic Significance of Diaphragm Thickness in the General Population: The Nagahama Study
  Yasuharu Tabara, Takeshi Matsumoto, Kimihiko Murase, Takahisa Kawaguchi, Kazuya Setoh, Tomoko Wakamura, Toyohiro Hirai, Kazuo Chin, Fumihiko Matsuda
  Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Diaphragm thickness and ICU admission risk in elderly COVID-19 patients: a CT-based analysis
  Mercan Tastemur, Cagla Ozdemir, Esin Olcucuoğlu, Gunes Arik, Ihsan Ates, Kamile Silay
  BMC Pulmonary Medicine.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Relationship Between Handgrip Strength and Lung Function in Adults: The Role of Sex and Age
  Shiqi Deng, Urme Binte Sayeed, Yukiko Wagatsuma
  Cureus.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Definition, diagnosis, and treatment of respiratory sarcopenia
  Shinjiro Miyazaki, Akira Tamaki, Hidetaka Wakabayashi, Hidenori Arai
  Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care.2024; 27(3): 210.     CrossRef
• Diaphragm Ultrasound in Different Clinical Scenarios: A Review with a Focus on Older Patients
  Carmine Siniscalchi, Antonio Nouvenne, Nicoletta Cerundolo, Tiziana Meschi, Andrea Ticinesi
  Geriatrics.2024; 9(3): 70.     CrossRef
• Appropriate body position and site for diaphragm ultrasound: Comparison with inspiratory mouth pressure
  Kazunori Okada, Akiko Kamiya, Yusuke Yanagi, Masahiro Nakabachi, Yasuhiro Hayashi, Michito Murayama, Sanae Kaga
  WFUMB Ultrasound Open.2024; 2(2): 100052.     CrossRef
• Evaluation of the Functional Reserve and Exercise Tolerance in Patients with CHF in Clinical Trials (Consent Document of the Editorial board of the Journal of Cardiology, the Board of the Society of Specialists in Heart Failure (SSHF) and Working Group “N
  Yu. L. Begrambekova, G. P. Arutynov, M. G. Glezer, N. A. Karanadze, E. A. Kolesnikova, T. A. Lelyavina, A. S. Lishuta, Ya. A. Orlova, Yu. N. Belenkov
  Kardiologiia.2024; 64(7): 4.     CrossRef
• Validating respiratory sarcopenia diagnostic criteria by mortality based on a position paper by four professional organizations: Insights from the Otassha study
  Takeshi Kera, Hisashi Kawai, Manami Ejiri, Keigo Imamura, Hirohiko Hirano, Yoshinori Fujiwara, Kazushige Ihara, Shuichi Obuchi
  Geriatrics & Gerontology International.2024; 24(9): 948.     CrossRef
• Evaluating Respiratory Muscle Strength in Sarcopenia Screening among Older Men in South Korea: A Retrospective Analysis
  Tae Sung Park, Sa-Eun Park, Ki-Hun Kim, Sang Hun Kim, Myung Hun Jang, Myung-Jun Shin, Yun Kyung Jeon
  The World Journal of Men's Health.2024; 42(4): 890.     CrossRef
• Tongue pressure, respiratory muscle and limb strength and functional exercise capacity in oesophageal cancer
  Takuya Fukushima, Makoto Yamasaki, Nobuyuki Yamamoto, Yasuaki Arima, Takashi Harino, Soshi Hori, Yuki Hashimoto, Masaya Kotsuka, Kentaro Inoue, Kimitaka Hase, Jiro Nakano
  BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care.2024; 14(4): 434.     CrossRef

Objective
To investigate the relationship between the torque onset angle (TOA) of the isokinetic test for knee extensors in the paretic side and walking related balance in subacute stroke patients.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed patients with first-ever strokes who have had at least two isokinetic tests within 6 months of onset. 102 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. The characteristics of walking related balance were measured with the Berg Balance Scale sub-score (sBBS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), 10-m Walk Test (10MWT) and Functional Independence Measure sub-score (sFIM). The second isokinetic test values of the knee extensor such as peak torque, peak torque to weight ratio, hamstring/quadriceps ratio, TOA, torque stop angle, torque at 30 degrees, and peak torque asymmetry ratio between paretic and non-paretic limb were also taken into account. Pearson’s correlation, simple regression and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the correlation between TOA and walking related balance.
Results
TOA of the knee extensor of the paretic limb showed significant correlations with BBS, sBBS, TUG, 10MWT, and sFIM according to Pearson’s correlation analysis. TOA also had moderate to good correlations with walking related balance parameters in partial correlation analysis. In multiple regression analysis, TOA of the paretic knee extensor was significantly associated with walking related balance parameters.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated that TOA of the paretic knee extensor is a predictable parameter of walking related balance. Moreover, we suggest that the ability to recruit muscle quickly is important in walking related balance.

With the increasing frequency of disasters and the significant upsurge of survivors with severe impairments and long-term disabling conditions, there is a greater focus on the importance of rehabilitation in disaster management. During disasters, rehabilitation services confront a greater load due to the influx of victims, management of persons with pre-existing disabilities and chronic conditions, and longer-term care continuum. Despite robust consensus amongst the international disaster response and management community for the rehabilitation-inclusive disaster management process, rehabilitation is still less prioritised. Evidence supports the early involvement of rehabilitation professionals in disaster response and management for minimising mortality and disability, and improving clinical outcomes and participation in disaster survivors. In the last two decades, there have been substantial developments in disaster response/management processes including the World Health Organization Emergency Medical Team (EMT) initiative, which provides a standardized structured plan to provide effective and coordinated care during disasters. However, rehabilitation-inclusive disaster management plans are yet to be developed and/or implemented in many disaster-prone countries. Strong leadership and effective action from national and international bodies are required to strengthen national rehabilitation capacity (services and skilled workforce) and empower international and local EMTs and health services for comprehensive disaster management in future calamities. This narrative review highlights the role of rehabilitation and current developments in disaster rehabilitation; challenges and key future perspectives in this area.

Citations

• Rehabilitation under fire: insights from SUMC
  Alan Friedman, Cheryl Benjamin, Iuly Treger
  The Lancet.2025; 405(10487): 1338.     CrossRef
• Interleaved Practice in Remediating Basic Arithmetic Proficiency in Grade One
  Junessa Bonite
  Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Afet Sonrası Tıbbi Rehabilitasyon Süreci ve Küresel Gelişmeler
  Cem Zafer Yıldır
  Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi.2024; 19(1): 134.     CrossRef
• Development and implementation of a rehabilitation triage algorithm for disasters in the subacute phase: an experience from the 2024 Noto peninsula earthquake
  Shigehito Shiota, Naoya Orita, Yuma Tsubakita, Masaya Ichimoto, Noboru Shimada, Naoya Goto, Tomohiro Hirota, Shunsuke Taito, Kazuhiko Hirata, Yukio Mikami
  Frontiers in Disaster and Emergency Medicine.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Prosthesis applications and challenges in children with earthquake-related amputations
  Sibel Basaran, Aylin Sariyildiz, Sila Olmez, Bugra Kundakci, Omer Sunkar Bicer
  Injury.2024; 55(11): 111920.     CrossRef
• Efficacy of a Novel Recording Method in Facilitating Rapid Documentation of Disaster Rehabilitation Support Activities
  Akira Morikawa, Masao Tomioka, Ryuichi Saura
  The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine.2024; 61(8): 757.     CrossRef
• Challenges in accessing health care services for women and girls with disabilities using a humanitarian physical rehabilitation program in Lebanon: a mixed method study
  Linda Abou-Abbas, Diana Sabbagh, Rodolfo Rossi, Lavanya Vijayasingham, Maria Rita Lteif, Haya Rawi, Rouba Mitri, Hala Al Sultan, Aicha Benyaich, Ahmad AL-MOSA, Claudia Truppa
  International Journal for Equity in Health.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef

Objective
To compare the efficacy of home-based cardiac rehabilitation (HBCR) and center-based cardiac rehabilitation (CBCR) in cardiovascular risk factor management.
Methods
We performed retrospective review of the electronic medical records of 72 patients who were hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome and participated in a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program for the first time. The participants were stratified into the HBCR group, receiving educational programs and performing self-exercise at home, and the CBCR group, participating in electrocardiogram monitoring monitoring exercise training in hospital settings. The results of the Lifestyle Questionnaire survey were investigated at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.
Results
Both groups showed significant improvements in serum low-density lipoprotein levels, frequency of alcohol consumption, eating habits and psychological status. Moderate-intensity exercise duration and the maximal metabolic equivalents values improved significantly in both groups but slightly more in the CBCR group. However, the number of current smokers increased in both groups, and no significant changes were found in body mass index, serum glycated hemoglobin levels, serum high-density lipoprotein levels, or high-intensity exercise duration.
Conclusion
Regardless of the CR program type, a patient’s lifestyle can be modified. Therefore, patients should continue participating in any type of CR program.

Citations

• Actualización en rehabilitación cardiaca en el paciente crítico cardiovascular: una revisión de tema
  Juan Santiago Serna-Trejos, Carlos Andrés Castro-Galvis, Stefanya Geraldine Bermúdez-Moyano, Laura Catalina Rodríguez-Fonseca, Álvaro Andrés Montenegro-Apraez, Jorge Fernando Miño-Bernal, Lina María Salazar-Rodríguez, Valentina Bravo-Echeverry
  Acta Colombiana de Cuidado Intensivo.2025; 25(2): 350.     CrossRef
• The cytoplasmic sensor, the AIM2 inflammasome: A precise therapeutic target in vascular and metabolic diseases
  Jiuguo Lin, Jiaojiao Wang, Jian Fang, Meihang Li, Suowen Xu, Peter J. Little, Dongmei Zhang, Zhiping Liu
  British Journal of Pharmacology.2024; 181(12): 1695.     CrossRef
• Cardiac rehabilitation centers in Romania: Where are we now?
  Mihaela Mandu, Gabriel Olteanu, Andreea Elena Lăcraru, Gelu Onose, Narcisa Lazăr, Liviu Șerbănoiu, Maria-Alexandra Ciucă-Pană, Ioana Andone, Aura Spinu, Andreea Ancuta Vataman, Gabriela Dogaru, Ștefan Busnatu
  Balneo and PRM Research Journal.2024; 15(Vol.15, no): 707.     CrossRef
• Optimizing Cardiac Rehabilitation in Heart Failure: Comprehensive Insights, Barriers, and Future Strategies
  Francisco Epelde
  Medicina.2024; 60(10): 1583.     CrossRef

Objective
To evaluate the reliability and validity of this new measure, called the caregivers’ fear of falling index (CFFI).
Methods
The study surveyed home-based rehabilitation patients with fall-related fracture, and their primary caregivers. The characteristics of these patients were evaluated, and the caregivers were surveyed using the CFFI and Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). The reliability of the CFFI was assessed using item-total correlation, while the validity of the CFFI was evaluated through correlation coefficients calculated between the CFFI and the FES-I.
Results
The participants were 51 patient-caregiver pairs. The internal consistency of the CFFI showed an alpha coefficient of 0.904. No items were excluded in the corrected item-total correlations. The CFFI showed a moderate correlation with FES-I (r=0.432, p=0.002).
Conclusion
This study found the CFFI to be a reliable and valid tool for measuring the primary caregivers’ fear. The CFFI may be a useful tool for healthcare professionals to identify and supporting these primary caregivers.

Citations

• Assessment tools of the fear of falling: A scoping review
  Xing Xie, Jingjing Fu, Le Chen, Zhe Gao, Ruiying Zhang, Guifei Li
  Geriatric Nursing.2024; 60: 643.     CrossRef
• Association between Caregivers’ Fear of Post-fracture Patients Falling and a Decline in Patients’ Activities
  Tomohiro Kakehi, Masashi Zenta, Takuya Ishimori, Naoki Tamura, Hiromu Wada, Masahiko Bessho, Wataru Kakuda
  Progress in Rehabilitation Medicine.2023; 8: n/a.     CrossRef

Objective
To determine the effects of lower limb muscle fatigue on spatiotemporal gait parameters and turning difficulty characteristics during the extended Timed Up and Go (extended TUG) test in individuals with different severity stages of Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Methods
Forty individuals with PD, classified as Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stages 2 and 3 participated in this pre- and post-experimental study design. The participants performed a continuous sit-to-stand task from a chair based on 30 cycles/min set-up to induce lower limb muscle fatigue. They performed extended TUG test immediately before and after completing the fatigue protocol. Spatiotemporal gait parameters and turning difficulty characteristics were recorded using two GoPro® Hero 4 Silver cameras. Data were subjected to a repeated-measure ANOVA.
Results
Individuals with PD experience significant changes in spatiotemporal gait parameters, specifically stride velocity and length, under conditions of lower limb muscle fatigue (p=0.001). These changes were more pronounced in individuals with PD in the H&Y stage 3 group. Additionally, both PD groups exhibited difficulty with turning, requiring more than five steps to complete a 180° turn and taking more than 3 seconds to accomplish it.
Conclusion
These findings highlight the impact of muscle fatigue on gait performance in PD and suggest that individuals in later stages of the disease may be particularly affected. Further research is needed to explore interventions that can mitigate these gait impairments and improve mobility in individuals with PD.

Citations

• Comparison of stimulation sites enhancing dual-task performance using transcranial direct current stimulation in Parkinson’s disease
  Seo Jung Yun, Sung Eun Hyun, Woo Hyung Lee, Byung-Mo Oh, Han Gil Seo
  npj Parkinson's Disease.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Better Understanding Rehabilitation of Motor Symptoms: Insights from the Use of Wearables
  Yunus Celik, Conor Wall, Jason Moore, Alan Godfrey
  Pragmatic and Observational Research.2025; Volume 16: 67.     CrossRef

Objective
To assess the accuracy of recently commercialized wearable devices in heart rate (HR) measurement during cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) under gradual increase in exercise intensity, while wearable devices with HR monitors are reported to be less accurate in different exercise intensities.
Methods
CPX was performed for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Twelve lead electrocardiograph (ECG) was the gold standard and Apple watch 7 (AW7), Galaxy watch 4 (GW4) and Bio Patch Mobicare 200 (MC200) were applied for comparison. Paired absolute difference (PAD), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were evaluated for each device.
Results
Forty-four participants with CAD were included. All the devices showed MAPE under 2% and ICC above 0.9 in rest, exercise and recovery phases (MC200=0.999, GW4=0.997, AW7=0.998). When comparing exercise and recovery phase, PAD of MC200 and AW7 in recovery phase were significantly bigger than PAD of exercise phase (p<0.05). Although not significant, PAD of GW4 tended to be bigger in recovery phase, too. Also, when stratified by HR 20, ICC of all the devices were highest under HR of 100, and ICC decreased as HR increased. However, except for ICC of GW4 at HR above 160 (=0.867), all ICCs exceeded 0.9 indicating excellent accuracy.
Conclusion
The HR measurement of the devices validated in this study shows a high concordance with the ECG device, so CAD patients may benefit from the devices during high-intensity exercise under conditions where HR is measured reliably.

Citations

• Prognostic Factors for Responders of Home-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation—Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
  Chul Kim, Hee-Eun Choi, Chin Kook Rhee, Jae Ha Lee, Ju Hyun Oh, Jun Hyeong Song
  Healthcare.2025; 13(3): 308.     CrossRef
• Wearable Devices for Exercise Prescription and Physical Activity Monitoring in Patients with Various Cardiovascular Conditions
  Tasuku Terada, Matheus Hausen, Kimberley L. Way, Carley D. O’Neill, Isabela Roque Marçal, Paul Dorian, Jennifer L. Reed
  CJC Open.2025; 7(5): 695.     CrossRef
• Apple watch accuracy in monitoring health metrics: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  Ju-Pil Choe, Minsoo Kang
  Physiological Measurement.2025; 46(4): 04TR01.     CrossRef
• Assessment of Samsung Galaxy Watch4 PPG-Based Heart Rate During Light-to-Vigorous Physical Activities
  Caíque Santos Lima, Felipe Capiteli Bertocco, José Igor Vasconcelos de Oliveira, Thiago Mattos Frota de Souza, Emely Pujólli da Silva, Fernando J. Von Zuben
  IEEE Sensors Letters.2024; 8(7): 1.     CrossRef
• The Accessibility and Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation in COVID-19 Pandemic Era
  Chul Kim, Jun Hyeong Song, Seung Hyoun Kim
  Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine.2024; 48(4): 249.     CrossRef
• The eTRIMP method for bodybuilding training load assessment: A review with a case study
  Fernandes Haniel
  Annals of Musculoskeletal Medicine.2023; 7(2): 016.     CrossRef
• Recommendations for Measurement of Bodybuilding Internal Training Load by eTRIMP Method
  Fernandes Haniel
  Journal of Sports Medicine and Therapy.2023; 8(4): 051.     CrossRef

Objective
To investigate long-term changes in femoral anteversion angle (FAA) in children with intoeing gait and to identify factors that affect FAA changes.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed three-dimensional computed tomography data from 2006 to 2022 of children with intoeing gait with ≥3 years of follow-up without active treatment. The study examined the mean changes in FAA, the effects of sex, age, and initial FAA on FAA change, and mean FAAs by age. Changes in FAA severity up to eight years of age were also observed and analyzed by sex.
Results
A total of 126 lower limbs of 63 children (30 males, 33 females) with intoeing gait were included, with a mean age of 5.11±1.05 years and a mean follow-up period of 43.59±7.74 months. The initial FAA was 41.42°±8.29° and the follow-up FAA was 33.25°±9.19°, indicating a significant decrease (p<0.001). Significant correlations were observed between age and changes in FAA, as well as between initial FAA and changes in FAA (r=0.248, p=0.005; r=-0.333, p<0.001). At age 8 years, only 22 limbs were classified as having mild FAA severity.
Conclusion
During the follow-up period, children with intoeing gait had a significant decreased in FAA. No significant difference in FAA change was found between sex, but younger children and those with greater initial FAA were more likely to have decreased FAA. However, most children retained moderate to severe severity of increased FAA. Further studies are required to validate these findings.

Citations

• Exertional Compartment Syndrome in a Volleyball Player with Structural Abnormalities: A Case Report
  Katherine Wilson, Michael Oca, Leo L.T. Meller, Matthew R. Allen, Michael B. Strauss
  Current Sports Medicine Reports.2024; 23(8): 280.     CrossRef

Objective
To investigate the effect on early mobilization in patients undergoing extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and acute blood purification therapy in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Methods
We conducted this multicenter retrospective cohort study by collecting data from six ICUs in Japan. Consecutive patients who were admitted to the ICU, aged ≥18 years, and received mechanical ventilation for >48 hours were eligible. The analyzed were divided into two groups: ECMO/blood purification or control group. Clinical outcomes; time to first mobilization, number of total ICU rehabilitations, mean and highest ICU mobility scale (IMS); and daily barrier changes were also investigated.
Results
A total of 204 patients were included in the analysis, 43 in the ECMO/blood purification group and 161 in the control group. In comparison of clinical outcome, the ECMO/blood purification group had a significantly longer time to first mobilization: ECMO/blood purification group 6 vs. control group 4 (p=0.003), higher number of total ICU rehabilitations: 6 vs. 5 (p=0.042), lower mean: 0 vs. 1 (p=0.043) and highest IMS: 2 vs. 3 (p=0.039) during ICU stay. Circulatory factor were most frequently described as barriers to early mobilization on days 1 (51%), 2 (47%), and 3 (26%). On days 4 to 7, the most frequently described barrier was consciousness factors (21%, 16%, 19%, and 21%, respectively)
Conclusion
The results of this study comparing the ECMO/blood purification group and the untreated group in the ICU showed that the ECMO/blood purification group had significantly longer days to mobilization and significantly lower mean and highest IMS.

Citations

• Impact of ICU-Based Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Blood Purification Therapy on the Time Required for Early Rehabilitation
  Shinichi Watanabe, Tomohiro Yoshikawa, Yoshie Hirota, Yuji Naito, Daisetsu Yasumura, Kota Yamauchi, Keisuke Suzuki, Takayasu Koike, Yasunari Morita
  Cureus.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Survival outcomes and mobilization during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a retrospective cohort study
  Felix A. Rottmann, Christian Noe, Xavier Bemtgen, Sven Maier, Alexander Supady, Tobias Wengenmayer, Dawid L. Staudacher
  Frontiers in Medicine.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef

Objective
To determine correlations of alternation motor rate (AMR), sequential motor rate (SMR), and maximum phonation time (MPT) with the severity of dysphagia in subacute stroke patients.
Methods
This was a retrospective chart review study. Data of 171 subacute stroke patients were analyzed. Patient’s AMR, SMR, and MPT data were collected from their language evaluations. Video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) was done. Data of dysphagia scales including penetration-aspiration scale (PAS), American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Outcomes Measurement System (ASHA-NOMS) scale, clinical dysphagia scale (CDS), and videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale (VDS) were obtained. AMR, SMR, and MPT were compared between a non-aspirator group and an aspirator group. Correlations of AMR, SMR, and MPT with dysphagia scales were analyzed.
Results
AMR ("ka"), SMR, and modified Rankin Scale were significant associated factors between non-aspirator group and aspirator group, while AMR ("pa"), AMR ("ta"), and MPT were not. AMR, SMR, and MPT showed significant correlations with PAS score, ASHA-NOMS scale, CDS, VDS oral, and VDS pharyngeal scores. The cut-off value for distinguishing non-aspirator group and aspiration group was 18.5 for AMR ("ka") (sensitivity of 74.4%, specificity of 70.8%) and 7.5 for SMR (sensitivity of 89.9%, specificity of 61.0%). AMR and SMR were significantly lower in before-swallow aspiration group.
Conclusion
Articulatory diadochokinetic tasks that can be easily performed at the bedside would be particularly helpful in determining the oral feeding possibility of subacute stroke patients who cannot undergo VFSS, which is the gold standard for dysphagia assessment.

Citations

• Application of B+M-Mode Ultrasound in Evaluating Dysphagia in Elderly Stroke Patients
  Jiaying Shuai, Linping Pian, Li Tian, Linying Wang, Miaomiao Deng, Chen Cheng
  Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology.2025; 51(2): 273.     CrossRef
• Laryngeal and swallowing characteristics in elderly after stroke: a preliminary study
  Jonan Emi Valencia Cardenas, Cris Magna dos Santos Oliveira, Raquel Rodrigues Rosa, Gabriele Ramos de Luccas, Claudia Tiemi Mituuti, Kelly Cristina Alves Silverio, Alcione Ghedini Brasolotto, Giédre Berretin-Felix
  Audiology - Communication Research.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Características laríngeas e de deglutição em idosos pós-acidente vascular encefálico: um estudo preliminar
  Jonan Emi Valencia Cardenas, Cris Magna dos Santos Oliveira, Raquel Rodrigues Rosa, Gabriele Ramos de Luccas, Claudia Tiemi Mituuti, Kelly Cristina Alves Silverio, Alcione Ghedini Brasolotto, Giédre Berretin-Felix
  Audiology - Communication Research.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Comparative analysis of speech assessment tools for individuals with dysarthria in Chile and worldwide
  Marcela Sanhueza-Garrido, Virginia García-Flores, Carlos Rojas-Zepeda, Jaime Crisosto-Alarcón
  Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología.2024; 4: 626.     CrossRef
• Rehabilitation of Patients with Post-Stroke Dysarthria in the Russia and Abroad: a Literature Review
  Olga V. Loginova, Daria I. Bovtyuk
  Bulletin of Rehabilitation Medicine.2023; 22(6): 100.     CrossRef

Objective
To measure muscle activity before and after robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) in patients with stroke and examine the differences in muscle activity changes compared with conventional gait training (CGT).
Methods
Thirty patients with stroke (RAGT group, n=17; CGT group, n=13) participated in the study. All patients underwent RAGT using a footpad locomotion interface or CGT for 20 minutes for a total of 20 sessions. Outcome measures were lower-limb muscle activity and gait speed. Measurements were performed before the start of the intervention and after the end of the 4-week intervention.
Results
The RAGT group showed increased muscle activity in the gastrocnemius, whereas the CGT group showed high muscle activity in the rectus femoris. In the terminal stance of the gait cycle, the gastrocnemius, the increase in muscle activity was significantly higher in the RAGT group than in the CGT group.
Conclusion
The results suggest that RAGT with end-effector type is more effective than CGT to increase the gastrocnemius muscle activity.

Citations

• Effect and optimal exercise prescription of robot-assisted gait training on lower extremity motor function in stroke patients: a network meta-analysis
  Haiping Huang, Xinyi Su, Beisi Zheng, Manting Cao, Yuqian Zhang, Jianer Chen
  Neurological Sciences.2025; 46(3): 1151.     CrossRef
• Efficacy of robot-assisted gait training on lower extremity function in subacute stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  Miao-miao Hu, Shan Wang, Cai-qin Wu, Kun-peng Li, Zhao-hui Geng, Guo-hui Xu, Lu Dong
  Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef

Objective
To examine (1) the location of brain lesion that would predict post-traumatic delirium and (2) the association between volume of brain lesion and occurrence of delirium in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing medical records of 68 TBI patients, categorized into two groups: the delirious group (n=38) and non-delirious group (n=30). The location and volume of TBI were investigated with the 3D Slicer software.
Results
The TBI region in the delirious group mainly involved the frontal or temporal lobe (p=0.038). All 36 delirious patients had brain injury on the right side (p=0.046). The volume of hemorrhage in the delirious group was larger by about 95 mL compared to the non-delirious group, but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.382).
Conclusion
Patients with delirium after TBI had significantly different injury site and side, but not lesion size compared to patients without delirium.

Citations

• Clinical Utility and Performance of the Traditional Chinese Version of the 4-As Test for Delirium due to Traumatic Brain Injury
  Yun-Hsuan Lai, Chia-Jou Lin, I-Chang Su, Sheng-Wen Huang, Chia-Chi Hsiao, Ying-Ling Jao, Pin-Yuan Chen, Victoria Traynor, Chuan-Ya Lee, Ting-Jhen Chen, Mu-Hsing Ho, Hsiao-Yean Chiu
  Journal of the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry.2025; 66(2): 130.     CrossRef
• Post–Intensive Care Syndrome in Neurocritical Care Patients
  Neha S. Dangayach, Natalie Kreitzer, Brandon Foreman, Jenna Tosto-Mancuso
  Seminars in Neurology.2024; 44(03): 398.     CrossRef
• Risk factors for delirium occurring after deep brain stimulation surgery in patients with Parkinson’s disease
  Enes Ozluk, Gulsah Ozturk
  Acta Neurochirurgica.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef

Objective
To determine the diagnostic accuracy and reliability of the Harris imprint index (HII), Chippaux-Smirak index (CSI), and Staheli index (SI) compared with the talar-first metatarsal angle.
Methods
Data was collected at the orthotic and prosthetic clinic, Thammasat University Hospital from January 1, 2016 to August 31, 2020. The three footprints were measured by the rehabilitation physician and the orthotist. The talar-first metatarsal angle was measured by the foot and ankle orthopaedist.
Results
The data from 198 patients with 274 feet was analyzed. The diagnostic accuracy of the footprint triad showed that CSI was the most accurate in pes planus prediction, followed by HII and SI (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC]=0.73, 0.68, 0.68, respectively). In pes cavus, HII was the most accurate, followed by SI and CSI (AUROC=0.71, 0.61, 0.60, respectively). For pes planus, the intra-observer reliability by Cohen’s Kappa was 0.92 for HII, 0.97 for CSI, and 0.93 for SI, the inter-observer reliability 0.82, 0.85, and 0.70, respectively. For pes cavus, the intra-observer reliability was 0.89 for HII, 0.95 for CSI, and 0.79 for SI, inter-observer reliability of 0.76, 0.77, and 0.66, respectively.
Conclusion
The accuracy of HII, CSI, and SI was fair in screening of pes planus and pes cavus. The intra- and inter-observer reliability were in the moderate to almost perfect range by Cohen’s Kappa.

Citations

• Efficacy of Comprehensive Foot Strengthening Program on Foot Biomechanics and Plantar Pressure to Reduce Lower Limb Injury Risk in Male Bhangra Dancers: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol
  Sakshi Sadhu, Ramesh Chandra Patra
  Journal of Dance Medicine & Science.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Change in Plantar Pressure and Plain Radiography in Pediatric Flexible Flatfoot: A Retrospective Cohort Study
  Sungjoon Kim, Yong Gyun Kim, Jun Yup Kim, Si-Bog Park, Kyu Hoon Lee
  Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine.2024; 48(5): 352.     CrossRef

Objective
To evaluate the feasibility and usability of cost-effective complex upper and lower limb robot-assisted gait training in patients with stroke using the GTR-A, a foot-plate based end-effector type robotic device.
Methods
Patients with subacute stroke (n=9) were included in this study. The enrolled patients received 30-minute robot-assisted gait training thrice a week for 2 weeks (6 sessions). The hand grip strength, functional ambulation categories, modified Barthel index, muscle strength test sum score, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, and Short Physical Performance Battery were used as functional assessments. The heart rate was measured to evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness. A structured questionnaire was used to evaluate the usability of robot-assisted gait training. All the parameters were evaluated before and after the robot-assisted gait training program.
Results
Eight patients completed robot-assisted gait training, and all parameters of functional assessment significantly improved between baseline and posttraining, except for hand grip strength and muscle strength test score. The mean scores for each domain of the questionnaire were as follows: safety, 4.40±0.35; effects, 4.23±0.31; efficiency, 4.22±0.77; and satisfaction, 4.41±0.25.
Conclusion
Thus, the GTR-A is a feasible and safe robotic device for patients with gait impairment after stroke, resulting in improvement of ambulatory function and performance of activities of daily living with endurance training. Further research including various diseases and larger sample groups is necessary to verify the utility of this device.

Citations

• Changes in body composition, physical fitness and quality of life on robotic gait assisted training in patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome: a case report
  Moon Jin Lee, Sung Jin Yoon
  Physical Activity and Nutrition.2024; 28(4): 009.     CrossRef
• Smart Devices for Health and Wellness Applied to Tele-Exercise: An Overview of New Trends and Technologies Such as IoT and AI
  Antonio Fabbrizio, Alberto Fucarino, Manuela Cantoia, Andrea De Giorgio, Nuno D. Garrido, Enzo Iuliano, Victor Machado Reis, Martina Sausa, José Vilaça-Alves, Giovanna Zimatore, Carlo Baldari, Filippo Macaluso
  Healthcare.2023; 11(12): 1805.     CrossRef

Objective
To investigate the clinical and swallowing characteristics related to respiratory infection in patients with parkinsonism.
Methods
One hundred and forty-two patients with parkinsonism who underwent videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) were enrolled in this study. The initial clinical and VFSS characteristics were compared between patients with and without a history of respiratory infection in the past year. A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to identify clinical and swallowing characteristics related to respiratory infections.
Results
Patients with respiratory infections were older (74.75±10.20 years vs. 70.70±8.83 years, p=0.037), had a higher Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage (stage IV–V, 67.9% vs. 49.1%; p=0.047), and were more likely to have a diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD) (67.9% vs. 41.2%, p=0.011) than those without respiratory infections. Among VFSS findings, bolus formation, premature bolus loss, oral transit time, pyriform sinus residues, pharyngeal wall coatings, and penetration/aspiration were significantly worse in patients with respiratory infections (p<0.05). Regarding clinical characteristics, higher H&Y stage (odds ratio [OR], 3.174; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.226–8.216; p=0.017) and diagnosis of IPD (OR, 0.280, 95% CI, 0.111–0.706; p=0.007) were significantly related to respiratory infections in the multivariate analysis. Among VFSS findings, pyriform sinus residue (OR, 14.615; 95% CI, 2.257–94.623; p=0.005) and premature bolus loss (OR, 5.151; 95% CI, 1.047–25.338; p=0.044) were also significantly associated with respiratory infection.
Conclusion
This study suggests that disease severity, diagnosis, pyriform sinus residue, and premature bolus loss observed in VFSS are associated with respiratory infection in patients with parkinsonism.

Objective
To systematically translate the Duchenne muscular dystrophy Functional Ability Self-Assessment Tool (DMDSAT) into Korean and verify the reliability and validity of the Korean version (K-DMDSAT).
Methods
The original DMDSAT was translated into Korean by two translators and two pediatric physiatrists. A total of 88 patients with genetically confirmed Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) participated in the study. They were evaluated using the K-DMDSAT once as a self-assessment and once by an interviewer. The interviewer evaluated the K-DMDSAT again 1 week later using a test-retest approach. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to verify the interrater and test-retest reliabilities. Pearson correlation analysis between the K-DMDSAT and the Brooke or Vignos scales were used to assess validity.
Results
The total score and all domains of the K-DMDSAT showed excellent interrater and test-retest reliability, with an ICC for total scores of 0.985 and 0.987, respectively. All domains had an ICC >0.90. From the Pearson correlation analysis, the total K-DMDSAT score was significantly correlated with the Vignos and Brooke scales (r=0.918 and 0.825, respectively; p<0.001), and each domain of K-DMDSAT showed significant correlation with either the Vignos or Brooke scales.
Conclusion
DMDSAT was systematically translated into Korean, and K-DMDSAT was verified to have excellent reliability and validity. K-DMDSAT can help clinicians easily describe and categorize various functional aspects of patients with DMD through the entire disease progression.

Citations

• Muscle Pathology Associated With Cardiac Function in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
  Jin A Yoon, Heirim Lee, In Sook Lee, You Seon Song, Byeong-Ju Lee, Soo-Yeon Kim, Yong Beom Shin
  Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine.2024; 48(6): 405.     CrossRef