Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Poststroke Hemineglect: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BackgroundAlthough various repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and theta burst stimulation (TBS) protocols are used, their comparative effectiveness for treating poststroke hemineglect remains unassessed.ObjectiveTo investigate rTMS and TBS effects on clinical outcomes in poststroke hemineglect through a systematic review and network meta-analysis.MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases up to March 7, 2024, for trials on rTMS or TBS in poststroke hemineglect.

Upper extremity function and disability recovery with vibration therapy after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of vibration therapy for improving upper extremity motor impairment, function, and disability recovery in people with stroke.

Design: We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library Database, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to May 31, 2024.

Determinants of moderate-to-high physical activity levels in hemodialysis patients: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

Moderate physical activity is related to reduced mortality in hemodialysis patients. However, most hemodialysis patients have low physical activity levels for complex reasons. This study investigated the determinants of moderate-to-high physical activity levels and whether psychosocial correlates are associated with engagement in moderate-to-high physical activity among hemodialysis patients.

Effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Sham-Controlled Trials.

Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation in knee osteoarthritis.

Methods: The study searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus databases until August 3, 2023, and identified randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation in knee osteoarthritis whose outcomes using pain scores or functional scales. The selected randomized controlled trials were subjected to meta-analysis and risk of bias assessment.

Physical activity patterns, sleep quality, and stress levels among rotating-shift nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aim: To examine the associations between physical activity patterns, sleep quality, and stress levels among rotating-shift nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Stress adversely impacts hospital nurses, particularly those on rotating shifts. The effects of physical activity patterns and sleep quality on the stress levels of these nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic warrant investigation.

Effectiveness of a 12-week telerehabilitation training in people with long COVID: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Telerehabilitation has been developed and applied for years for cardiac and pulmonary diseases with good clinical outcomes. However, its application to participants with long COVID remains limited.

Objectives: To investigate the effectiveness of a 12-week telerehabilitation training program in participants with long COVID.

Association Between Physical Activity Amount and Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Sleep Quality, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Long COVID: A Cross-sectional Study.

Objective: To investigate the association between physical activity (PA) amount and gender differences on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), sleep quality, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in individuals with long COVID.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: An integrated outpatient clinic for post-COVID-19 at a medical center.

Virtual reality exercise programs ameliorate frailty and fall risks in older adults: A meta-analysis.

Background: Virtual reality (VR) technology constitutes a promising rehabilitation strategy, but its effect on frailty in older adults remains inconclusive. This study examined the effects of interactive VR training programs on lower-limb muscle strength, walking speed, balance, and fall risks in older adults with frailty.

Methods: Various electronic databases comprising PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Cochrane Library, Embase, the Chinese Electronic Periodical Service, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and gray literature were searched from their inception through December 31, 2022 for relevant studies.

Effectiveness of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Visual Feedback Training in Improving Neuroplasticity and Lower Limb Function after Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Study.

After a stroke, sustained gait impairment can restrict participation in the activities listed in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health model and cause poor quality of life. The present study investigated the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and visual feedback training (VF) training in improving lower limb motor performance, gait, and corticospinal excitability in patients with chronic stroke. Thirty patients were randomized into three groups that received either rTMS or sham stimulation over the contralesional leg region accompanied by VF training groups in addition to the conventional rehabilitation group.

Validating stroke-induced bilateral ankle coordination deficits using bilateral ankle measure relationship with motor functions in lower limbs.

Background: Coordinated control between the bilateral ankle joints plays an important role in performing daily life functions, such as walking and running. However, few studies have explored the impact of stroke on movement disorders that decrease the coordination control of the bilateral extremities and may decrease daily activities that require coordination control of the bilateral ankles. This study aimed to investigate the coordination control of the bilateral ankles using a novel bilateral ankle measurement system and evaluate the relationship of bilateral movement coordination control deficits with motor and functional performances of the lower extremities in patients with stroke.

Analysis of Vibration Frequency and Direction for Facilitating Upper-Limb Muscle Activity.

We aimed to determine the effect of vibration frequency and direction on upper-limb muscle activation using a handheld vibrator. We recruited 19 healthy participants who were instructed to hold a handheld vibrator in their dominant hand and maintain the elbow at 90° flexion, while vertical and horizontal vibrations were applied with frequencies of 15, 30, 45, and 60 Hz for 60 s each. Surface electromyography (EMG) measured the activities of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS), flexor carpi radialis (FCR), extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU), extensor carpi radialis (ECR), biceps, triceps, and deltoid anterior muscles.

Validation of Vibration Exercises on Enhancing Muscle Strength and Upper Limb Functionality among Pre-Frail Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Pre-frail older adults require appropriate exercise to enhance muscle strength as well as upper limb functionality. We developed a handheld vibrator and evaluated its effectiveness in enhancing muscle strength compared to conventional exercises among pre-frail community-dwelling older adults. Thirty-one pre-frail older adults (aged 75.

Effects of computer-aided rowing exercise systems on improving muscle strength and function in older adults with mild knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is common in aged adults and can result in muscle weakness and function limitations in lower limbs. Knee OA affects the quality of life in the elderly. Technology-supported feedback to achieve lower impact on knee joints and individualized exercise could benefit elderly patients with knee OA.

Impact of Rotating Shifts on Lifestyle Patterns and Perceived Stress among Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Although rotating shifts have a negative health impact, their association with hospital nurses’ health risks remains controversial due to incomplete adjustment in lifestyle patterns and heterogeneity of work schedules. However, whether work schedule characteristics are associated with lifestyle patterns and perceived stress remains undetermined. We assessed the correlations of work schedule characteristics, lifestyle patterns, and perceived stress among hospital nurses.

The impact of aging and reaching movements on grip stability control during manual precision tasks.

Background: Operating an object by generating stable hand-grip force during static or dynamic posture control of the upper extremities simultaneously is an important daily activity. Older adults require different attentional resources during grip strength control and arm movements. However, the impact of aging and reaching movements on precise grip strength and stability control among older adults is not well understood.

Effects of Intradialytic Exercise on Dialytic Parameters, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Depression Status in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Exercise is fundamentally important in managing chronic diseases and improving health-related quality of life (HRQL). However, whether intradialytic exercise is safe through assessment of changes in dialytic parameters and has a positive impact on HRQL and depression status of hemodialysis patients requires further research with diverse racial and cultural populations to identify. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intradialytic exercise on dialytic parameters, HRQL, and depression status in hemodialysis patients.

Impacts of Stroke on Muscle Perceptions and Relationships with the Motor and Functional Performance of the Lower Extremities.

Stroke results in paretic limb disabilities, but few studies have investigated the impacts of stroke on muscle perception deficits in multiaxis movements and related functional changes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate stroke-related changes in muscle perceptions using a multiaxis ankle haptic interface and analyze their relationships with various functions. Sixteen stroke patients and 22 healthy participants performed active reproduction tests in multiaxis movements involving the tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), peroneus longus, and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) of the ankle joint.

Acromioplasty reduces critical shoulder angle in patients with rotator cuff tear.

Critical shoulder angle (CSA) is the angle between the superior and inferior bone margins of the glenoid and the most lateral border of the acromion and is potentially affected during a rotator cuff tear (RCT). Acromioplasty is generally performed to rectify the anatomy of the acromion during RCT repair surgery. However, limited information is available regarding the changes in the CSA after anterolateral acromioplasty.

Feasibility and effect of interactive telerehabilitation on balance in individuals with chronic stroke: a pilot study.

Background: Stroke survivors need continuing exercise intervention to maintain functional status. This study assessed the feasibility and efficacy of an interactive telerehabilitation exergaming system to improve balance in individuals with chronic stroke, compared to conventional one-on-one rehabilitation.

Methods: In this prospective case-control pilot study, 30 Taiwanese individuals with chronic stroke were enrolled and randomly allocated to an experimental group and a control group.

Machine-Based Hand Massage Ameliorates Preoperative Anxiety in Patients Awaiting Ambulatory Surgery.

Background: Hand massage therapies have been used to relieve anxiety and pain in various clinical situations. The effects of machine-based hand massage on preoperative anxiety in ambulatory surgery settings have not been evaluated.

Purpose: This prospective study was designed to investigate the effect of machine-based hand massage on preoperative anxiety and vital signs in ambulatory surgery patients.

Effects of Arch Support Insoles on Single- and Dual-Task Gait Performance Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Purpose: To explore the immediate and prolonged effects of arch support insoles on single- and dual-task gait performance among community-dwelling older adults.

Methods: Twenty women performed single- and dual-task walking for 10 m at self-selected comfortable and fast paces while performing serial subtractions (cognitive interference) or carrying a tray (motor interference). Spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured and compared with measurements without arch support immediately after the insertion of the insoles and at 1-week follow-up.

Effectiveness of a Home-Based Telehealth Exercise Training Program for Patients With Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Exercise training has positive effects on the management of cardiometabolic conditions. Little is known about the effectiveness of home-based telehealth exercise training programs among patients with cardiometabolic multimorbidity, which is associated with functional decline and decreased health-related quality of life.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a 12-week home-based telehealth exercise training program designed to increase physical activity and exercise capacity and improve health-related quality of life in patients with cardiometabolic multimorbidity.