Modification of Pronated Foot Posture after a Program of Therapeutic Exercises

Working on the intrinsic musculature of the foot has been shown to be effective in controlling pronation. However, the potential coadjuvant effect that involving other muscle groups might have on foot posture remains unknown. The aim was, therefore, to assess whether a 9-week intrinsic and extrinsic foot and core muscle strength program influenced foot posture in pronated subjects. The participants were 36 healthy adults with pronated feet that were randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group (n = 18) performed a strengthening exercise protocol for 9 weeks (two sessions of 40 min per week), while the control group (n = 18) did not do these exercises. After 9 weeks, the foot posture index (FPI) scores of the two groups were analyzed to detect possible changes. The FPI at the baseline was 8.0 ± 1.5. After the 9 weeks, the experimental group showed significantly reduced FPI from 8.1 ± 1.7 to 6.4 ± 2.1 (p = 0.001), while the control group had the same score as pre-intervention (FPI 8 ± 1.2, p = 1.0). The FPI scores showed no significant differences by sex. Strengthening of the intrinsic and extrinsic foot and core muscles contributed to improving foot posture in adults, reducing their FPI by 1.66 points.

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Lower Extremity Rehabilitation in Patients with Post-Stroke Sequelae through Virtual Reality Associated with Mirror Therapy

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18052654 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (5) ◽

pp. 2654

Author(s):

Roxana Steliana Miclaus ◽

Nadinne Roman ◽

Ramona Henter ◽

Silviu Caloian

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Lower Extremity ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Control Group ◽

Mirror Therapy ◽

Cohen’S D ◽

Cohen's D ◽

Experimental Group ◽

Post Therapy

More innovative technologies are used worldwide in patient’s rehabilitation after stroke, as it represents a significant cause of disability. The majority of the studies use a single type of therapy in therapeutic protocols. We aimed to identify if the association of virtual reality (VR) therapy and mirror therapy (MT) exercises have better outcomes in lower extremity rehabilitation in post-stroke patients compared to standard physiotherapy. Fifty-nine inpatients from 76 initially identified were included in the research. One experimental group (n = 31) received VR therapy and MT, while the control group (n = 28) received standard physiotherapy. Each group performed seventy minutes of therapy per day for ten days. Statistical analysis was performed with nonparametric tests. Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test showed that both groups registered significant differences between pre-and post-therapy clinical status for the range of motion and muscle strength (p < 0.001 and Cohen’s d between 0.324 and 0.645). Motor Fugl Meyer Lower Extremity Assessment also suggested significant differences pre-and post-therapy for both groups (p < 0.05 and Cohen’s d 0.254 for the control group and 0.685 for the experimental group). Mann-Whitney results suggested that VR and MT as a therapeutic intervention have better outcomes than standard physiotherapy in range of motion (p < 0.05, Cohen’s d 0.693), muscle strength (p < 0.05, Cohen’s d 0.924), lower extremity functionality (p < 0.05, Cohen’s d 0.984) and postural balance (p < 0.05, Cohen’s d 0.936). Our research suggests that VR therapy associated with MT may successfully substitute classic physiotherapy in lower extremity rehabilitation after stroke.

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Elastic Resistance Training Produces Benefits Similar to Conventional Resistance Training in People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Physical Therapy ◽

10.1093/ptj/pzaa149 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 100 (11) ◽

pp. 1891-1905 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Fabiano F de Lima ◽

Vinicius Cavalheri ◽

Bruna S A Silva ◽

Isis Grigoletto ◽

Juliana S Uzeloto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Resistance Training ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Exercise Capacity ◽

Low Cost ◽

Control Group ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Elastic Resistance ◽

Functional Exercise ◽

Functional Exercise Capacity ◽

Experimental Group

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of elastic resistance training on improving muscle strength, functional exercise capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and dyspnea in people with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods For this systematic review, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase (OVID), PEDro, SciELO, and CINAHL were searched from inception to November 2019. Included studies were randomized clinical trials in which people with stable COPD were allocated to (1) an experimental group that received lower-limb resistance training, upper-limb resistance training, or both using elastic resistance; or (2) a control group that received no or sham resistance training or conventional resistance training using weight machines. Data extraction was performed by 3 review authors. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. Eight studies on 332 participants were included. Results Knee extensor strength was higher in the experimental group (standardized mean difference = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.09–0.95) compared with the non-exercise control group. Compared with the conventional exercise control, the experimental group presented similar effects for muscle strength, functional exercise capacity, HRQoL, and dyspnea (95% CI overlapped the line of no effect for all). Conclusions Elastic resistance training improves muscle strength in people with COPD. The current review suggests elastic resistance as a potential alternative to conventional resistance training using weight machines, as they show similar effects on muscle strength, functional exercise capacity, HRQoL, and dyspnea. Impact Due to its beneficial effects, including reduced risk of exacerbation-related hospitalizations, exercise training is viewed as the cornerstone of pulmonary rehabilitation in people with COPD. This study shows that elastic resistance training can be an effective, portable, practical, and low-cost alternative to conventional weight resistance training. Lay Summary Training with elastic resistance tubes or bands—which are easy to carry, easy to use, and relatively low cost—can be an effective way to improve strength for people with COPD and promote similar benefits to those achieved with weight machines.

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A Positive Association Between Foot Posture Index and Medial Compartment Knee Osteoarthritis in Moroccan People

The Open Rheumatology Journal ◽

10.2174/1874312901408010096 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 96-99 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Abourazzak F.E ◽

Kadi N ◽

Azzouzi H ◽

Lazrak F ◽

Najdi A ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Medial Compartment ◽

Control Group ◽

Flat Foot ◽

Pes Cavus ◽

Foot Posture Index ◽

Posture Index ◽

Knee Oa ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Foot Posture

Objectives : To compare foot posture in people with and without medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA), and to assess association between its abnormalities and medial compartment knee OA. Methods : We compared the foot posture of patients with clinically and radiographically-confirmed medial compartment knee OA and asymptomatic healthy controls using the foot posture index (FPI), navicular height, and the medial arch. Results : We included 100 patients and 80 asymptomatic controls. The mean age of patients was 59 ± 7 (44-76) years and 48 ± 9 (28-60) years in the control (p=0.06). Patients group have more pronated foot for FPI (1.50 ± 2.68 vs 0.72 ± 2.63; p=0.05), more flat foot (42% vs 22%; p=0.03), and less pes cavus than the control group (58% vs 77%; p=0.004). However, there was no significant difference between the groups in the navicular height (3.90 ± 0.85 cm vs 4.00 ± 0.76 cm; p=0.41). In multivariate statistical analysis, after adjusting for age and body mass index, pronated foot in FPI (OR=1.22, 95%IC= [1.06-1.40], p=0.005), and pes cavus (OR=0.32, 95%IC= [0.11-0.93], p=0.03) had a significant correlation with the knee osteoarthritis. Conclusion : Pronated foot posture and flat foot are significantly associated with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.

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The Influence of 24-Hour Sleep Deprivation on the Strength of Lower Limb Muscles in Young and Physically Fit Women and Men

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12072762 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (7) ◽

pp. 2762

Author(s):

Karolina Kujawa ◽

Marta Ołpińska-Lischka ◽

Janusz Maciaszek

Keyword(s):

Muscle Strength ◽

Sleep Deprivation ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Control Group ◽

Education Students ◽

Lower Limb Muscles ◽

Physical Education Students ◽

Flexor Muscles ◽

And Control ◽

Experimental Group

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of 24-h sleep deprivation on the muscle strength of young, healthy and physically fit people. The research material consisted of physical education students. In total, 67 people participated in the study, including 38 women and 29 men. Respondents were divided into an experimental group “E” of 44 persons subjected to 24-h sleep deprivation and a control group “C” of 23 persons. Students completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) measuring daytime sleepiness. Students performed measurements of the maximum strength of knee joint extensor and flexor muscles. Measurements of muscle strength of flexors and extensors of the knee were taken on a UPR-02 A/S chair with Moment II by Sumer software. ANOVA (analysis of variance) was used to determine the significance of differences between experimental “E” and control “C” group. Statistical significance was defined at the level of p ≤ 0.05. Statistically significant differences were observed in the change of strength levels between groups at the strength moments of right (p < 0.05, η2p = 0.16) and left (p < 0.05, η2p = 0.08) knee muscles extensor. Changes in extensor muscle strength are significant for students with left dominant legs.

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Effects of Short-Foot Exercises on Foot Posture, Pain, Disability, and Plantar Pressure in Pes Planus

Journal of Sport Rehabilitation ◽

10.1123/jsr.2018-0363 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (4) ◽

pp. 436-440 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Banu Unver ◽

Emin Ulas Erdem ◽

Eda Akbas

Keyword(s):

Control Group ◽

Drop Foot ◽

Foot Pain ◽

Pes Planus ◽

Foot Posture Index ◽

Plantar Pressures ◽

Pain Disability ◽

Navicular Drop ◽

Foot Posture ◽

Plantar Force

Context: Pes planus is a prevalent chronic condition that causes foot pain, disability, and impaired plantar load distribution. Short-foot exercises are often recommended to strengthen intrinsic foot muscles and to prevent excessive decrease of medial longitudinal arch height. Objective: To investigate the effects of short-foot exercises on navicular drop, foot posture, pain, disability, and plantar pressures in pes planus. Design: Quasi-experimental study. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory. Participants: A total of 41 participants with pes planus were assigned to the short-foot exercises group (n = 21) or the control group (n = 20). Intervention: Both groups were informed about pes planus, usual foot care, and appropriate footwear. Short-foot exercises group performed the exercises daily for 6 weeks. Main Outcome Measures: Navicular drop, Foot Posture Index, foot pain, disability, and plantar pressures were assessed at the baseline and at the end of 6 weeks. Results: Navicular drop, Foot Posture Index, pain, and disability scores were significantly decreased; maximum plantar force of midfoot was significantly increased in short-foot exercises group over 6 weeks (P < .05). No significant differences were determined between the baseline and the sixth week outcomes in control group (P > .05). Conclusions: Six-week short-foot exercises provided a reduction in navicular drop, foot pronation, foot pain, and disability and increment in plantar force of medial midfoot in pes planus.

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Effectiveness of Hold Relax Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Bioscience Biotechnology Research Communications ◽

10.21786/bbrc/14.4.80 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 1919-1923

Author(s):

Mohammad Miraj

Keyword(s):

Muscle Strength ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Knee Replacement ◽

Conventional Treatment ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Control Group ◽

Bilateral Knee ◽

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation ◽

Total Knee ◽

Experimental Group

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is a popular flexibility training, which involves stretching and contraction of the target muscle group. PNF stretching is effective among athletes for improving passive range of motion, flexibility, and performance. Patients who undergo total knee replacement surgeries exhibit pain, swelling, decreased range of motion, muscle weakness, and stiffness. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the hold relax PNF technique to improve the balance and muscle strength in subjects with a bilateral knee replacement. Sixty four patients were selected based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. The patients were allocated into two groups by random allocation. The experimental group A (n=32) received the Hold Relax PNF technique with conventional treatment whereas, the control group B (n=32) received only conventional treatment as a part of the Home Exercise Program (HEP). Outcome measures used for evaluation included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) Score for measuring pain, muscle strength, and balance respectively. Students t-test showed significant differences between variables mean scores from two groups after three weeks of intervention. There was a statistical significant (t(32) = 2.38, p = 0.02) change in the mean scores of VAS in the experimental group (mean difference pre-post=3.19) as compared to control group ( mean difference pre -post=3.19) with Cohen’s d = 2.744588. Similarly for MMT(t(32) = 0.415, p = 0.005) and BBS scores (t(32) = 2.628, p = 0.035). The result of the study suggests that the Hold Relax PNF technique is more effective than conventional treatment alone in decreasing pain as well as increasing balance and muscle strength in bilateral knee replacement patients.

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The Impact of Strengthening Exercise on Dynamic Balance in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

10.53350/pjmhs2115103429 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (10) ◽

pp. 3429-3431

Author(s):

Shenbaga Subramanian Sundaram ◽

Makesh Babu Subramanian ◽

Riziq Allah Mustafa Gaowgeh ◽

Mikhled Falah Maayah ◽

Ziyad Neamatallah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Dynamic Balance ◽

Mean Value ◽

Control Group ◽

P Value ◽

Strengthening Exercise ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean ◽

The Impact ◽

Experimental Group

Background: Knee osteoarthritis is characterised clinically by usage-related pain and/or functional limitation. OA that is associated with physical dysfunction and decline in health-related quality of life caused the main disability worldwide and is expected to increase due to aging and obesity rates and further load on the population and health system. The strengthening exercises that normally used is knee flexion and extensions, isometric quadriceps exercise, isometric hamstring exercise, and sit to stand to improve the balance. Objectives: is to find out the impact of Strengthening exercise on Balance in patients with knee Osteoarthritis Study Design: Quasi experimental study Methods: Fifty-six (n=56) of knee OA patients were involved in this study by judgemental sampling design. Researcher will first demonstrate and explain the Y-balance tools testing procedure based on Plisky and colleagues study. Participants are given to practice six trials before the formal testing, stated that SEBT have a significant learning effect and found that the reaching distances reached the longest distance after six trials and then will be constant. Results: Independent t-test shows significant difference in only anterior direction. In the experimental group the mean value is 69.83 with a SD of 11.62 while in the control group the mean value is 63.51 with a SD of 11.36; p-value of .045 and t-value of 2.056. In postero-lateral directions result shows there is no significant difference, experimental group the mean value is 91.10 with a SD of 9.74 while in control group mean value is 90.88 with SD value of 12.68; p-value of .947 and t-value of .067. Result of postero-medial shows no significant difference too, in experimental group the mean value of 95.16 with SD of 10.92 while in control group the mean value is 93.40 with SD of 8.20; p=value of .501 and t-value of .678. Conclusion: This study has proven strengthening exercise using YBT improved only anterior direction of YBT but no significant difference in postero-lateral and postero-medial direction. Key Words: Knee Osteoarthritis, Strengthening exercise, Dynamic Balance, Star excursion test

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Method for the development of physical qualities of tennis players 12-13 years old using react balls and stretching

Health, sport, rehabilitation ◽

10.34142/hsr.2019.05.02.10 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 88

Author(s):

I.M. Sobko ◽

O.V. Koliesov ◽

L.O. Ulaeva

Keyword(s):

Shoulder Joint ◽

Control Group ◽

Sitting Position ◽

Training Process ◽

Tennis Players ◽

Before And After ◽

Long Jump ◽

Muscle Groups ◽

Tennis Balls ◽

Experimental Group

The purpose – to develop and experimentally substantiate the method of developing the physical qualities of tennis players aged 12–13 years old, using React Balls and stretching.Material and methods. The experiment was attended by 28 tennis players 12-13 years old sport school № 3, Severodonetsk, who were divided into control and experimental group of 14 people. The study was conducted within 8 months from August 2018 to March 2019. Before and after the experiment, tennis players' physical fitness was tested (shuttle run 6x8 m, push-ups 30 s, jumps with skipping-rope, running 6 m, running 30 m, long jump from the spot, throwing ball 1 kg, torso inclination forward from a sitting position, circular rotations in the shoulder joint with a gymnastic stick).Results. Complexes of exercises with React Balls and stretch exercises for all muscle groups were developed and introduced into the training process of young tennis players. A significant (p<0.05) increase in the flexibility indicators of athletes from the experimental group, as a result of the use of stretch exercises, was determined. It was revealed that doing exercises with React Balls and tennis balls significantly (p <0.05) increased the level of speed and coordination capabilities in the control and experimental groups. According to the test results «running 30 m», «circular rotations in the shoulder joint with a gymnastic stick», «torso inclination forward from a sitting position» in the experimental group, these figures are significantly higher compared with the athletes of the control group.Conclusions. It was shown that the use of stretching exercises contributes to the development of greater amplitude of movements, and also forms motor freedom, which affects the development of coordination and speed of movement of a tennis player. It is recommended to use the method of development of physical qualities using React Balls and stretching balls in the training process of young tennis players 12-13 years old.

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The Effects of 12-Weeks of Sensorimotor Exercise on Pain, Strength, Pelvic Drop, and Dynamic Knee Valgus in Males With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Physical Treatments - Specific Physical Therapy ◽

10.32598/ptj.10.3.442.1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 159-168

Author(s):

Ali Yalfani ◽

◽

Mohamadreza Ahmadi ◽

Farzaneh Gandomi ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Muscle Strength ◽

Pain Syndrome ◽

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome ◽

Quadriceps Muscle ◽

Patellofemoral Pain ◽

Control Group ◽

Knee Valgus ◽

Quadriceps Muscle Strength ◽

Hip Abductor ◽

Experimental Group

Purpose: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is among the most prevalent complaints observed in healthcare clinics. This group of patients encounters Pelvic Drop (PD) and Dynamic Knee Valgus (DNV); its’ causes have been reported as pain and decreased muscle strength. The current study aimed to explore the effects of a 12-week Sensorimotor Exercise (SME) on pain, strength, PD, and DNV in males with PFPS. Methods: This randomized double-blind clinical trial involved 32 patients with PFPS. The study samples were randomly divided into the experimental (n=16) and control (n=16) groups. To assess pain, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used. Moreover, quadriceps muscle strength was measured by the hip abductor hand dynamometer. To analyze PD and DNV, camera and Kinova software were used during stairs descent. The experimental group performed 12 weeks of SME for 3 one-hour weekly sessions. However, the control group received no therapeutic intervention during this time. The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Results: The data analysis results suggested that pain significantly reduced in the experimental group, compared to the control group, after twelve weeks of SME (P<0.001). Besides, quadriceps muscle strength (P<0.002) and hip abductor muscle strength (P<0.001) improved, and PD angle (P<0.002) and DNV (P<0.003) were reduced. Conclusion: SME reduced pain and facilitated the frequency and time of muscle activation. It also increased the strength of the gluteus medius muscle as the main stabilizer of the pelvis chain and led to a reduction in PD and DNV. Thus, SME could be used as a comprehensive protocol treatment to improve various disorders in patients with PFPS.

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Does Oxygen Uptake Before Physical Exercise Affect Tear Osmolarity?

Journal of Human Kinetics ◽

10.2478/hukin-2019-0118 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 73 (1) ◽

pp. 297-304

Author(s):

Adam Wylęgała ◽

Jan Pilch ◽

Bartłomiej Bolek ◽

Bogumiła Sędziak-Marcinek ◽

Edward Wylęgała

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Heart Rate ◽

Exhaustive Exercise ◽

Control Group ◽

Study Group ◽

Plasma Osmolarity ◽

Exercise Protocol ◽

Before And After ◽

Rate Of Recovery ◽

Experimental Group

AbstractRecently, it has been reported that tear osmolarity (Tosm) is correlated with plasma osmolarity and will increase during exertion. We aimed to assess whether inhaling oxygen-enriched air between exercises could significantly change the Tosm value. Thirty men aged 24.9 years were included in the study. A cycloergometer was used to perform the exercise protocol. We recorded the participants’ Tosm (mOsm/L), heart rate (HR, beats/minute), oxygen saturation, and blood pressure values. After the first exhaustive exercise (T1), participants inhaled oxygen in the experimental group and a placebo in the control group. After the second exercise (T2), another set of measurements was obtained. The Tosm value before exercise was 297.4 ± 1.21 and 296.53 ± 1.11 mOsm/L (p = 0.61718) and the HR was 72.6 ± 2.59 and 73 ± 2.59 beats/minute (p = 0.39949) in the study and the control group, respectively. At T1, Tosm was 303.67 ± 1.25 and 302.2 ± 1.25 mOsm/L (p = 0.41286) and the HR reached 178.04 ± 2.60 and 176.4 ± 2.60 beats/minute (p = 0.65832), respectively. At T2, Tosm in the study group reached 305.73 ± 0.86 mOsm/L (correlation with the use of oxygen: r = −0.3818), and in the control group, it was 308.4 ± 0.86 mOsm/L (p = 0.0373), while the HR reached 172.20 ± 2.53 beats/minute in the study group and 178.2 ± 2.53 beats/minute in the control group (p = 0.057). It was concluded that inhaling oxygen before and after exercise could increase the rate of recovery after exhaustive exercise.

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