Enhancing Neuroplasticity Post Stroke: The Role of Cognitive-Behavioral Training.

: Stroke is a primary cause of adult disability and often causes cognitive impairment. Rehabilitation interventions aim to enhance patients' cognitive abilities, thereby addressing care needs, improving quality of life, and optimizing performance in compromised functions. : To evaluate the impact of incorporating cognitive-behavioral training (CBT) into a selected exercise program on cortical reorganization and cognitive recovery in post-stroke patients.

A Novel Mathematical Approach to Gait Analysis: The Reliability and Validity of the ZAY Angle for Step Length Estimation in Healthy Adults.

(1) Background: The application of a mathematical formula to human gait at certain phases is a considerable method to avoid the issues associated with complicated procedures of gait assessment. The purpose of this study was to identify the validity and reliability of an angle (the ZAY angle) in estimating and predicting the step length in healthy subjects. (2) Methods: Thirty-three college-aged students participated in this study.

Correlation between pressure pain threshold and L4-5 supraspinous ligament biomechanics after cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia.

BackgroundLocalized low back pain is a frequent complaint after spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery (CD).ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the pressure pain threshold (PPT) and biomechanical properties (stiffness, elasticity, relaxation time, and creep) of the L4-5 supraspinous ligament at the spinal anesthesia needle insertion site in women who had CD. These measurements were compared with those from the controls who never had pregnancy or anesthesia, and correlations between the variables were explored.

Effect of Plyometric Exercises of Lower Limb on Strength, Postural Control, and Risk of Falling in Stroke Patients.

Stroke, a major contributor to long-term disability worldwide, often results in significant impairments in motor function. These impairments can include weakness, impaired balance, and decreased coordination, which can have a significant influence on one's quality of life and independence. Finding an effective protocol for rehabilitation to improve these points will decrease the impact of stroke and its coast of rehabilitation.

Do Lumbar Paravertebral Muscle Properties Show Changes in Mothers with Moderate-Severity Low Back Pain Following a Cesarean Birth? A Case-Control Study.

: Cesarean birth (CB) is linked to nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP). Different properties of the muscular tissue, including contractile, biomechanical, and viscous properties, may reflect its physiological or pathological condition. This study aimed to measure these properties of lumbar paravertebral muscles (LPVMs) and their relationship with post-CB mothers with moderate-severity NSLBP and match their measurements to those of the controls.

Influence of Photobiomodulation Therapy Combined with Pelvic Floor Exercises on Postpartum Coccydynia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study was conducted to investigate whether the addition of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) to pelvic floor exercises (PFEs) is more effective in treating postpartum coccydynia compared with either modality alone. Postpartum coccydynia is a widespread condition that significantly affects the quality of life. Inflammation as a response to childbirth trauma and weakening of the muscles and ligaments attached to the coccyx are presumed causes of postpartum coccydynia.

Effect of Foot Insole on Planter Pressure Distribution in Patients with Neuropathic Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Clinical Trial.

Patients with diabetes polyneuropathy are at a heightened risk for developing foot ulcers, often due to dynamic plantar foot pressure patterns that lead to increased pressure and shear forces in specific foot areas. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of foot insoles on peak pressure and the pressure-time integral in patients with polyneuropathy diabetic foot ulcers over a twelve-week period followed by an eight-week follow up. : This was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial involving 60 patients aged between 50 and 65 years of both genders.

Hematological and iron status in aerobic vs. anaerobic female athletes: an observational study.

Introduction: Physical training induces iron status impairment in athletic females in the short term and over prolonged periods. Nevertheless, the existing literature lacks a comprehensive evaluation of the differential impacts of aerobic vs. anaerobic training on hematological indices and iron status among adolescent female athletes.

Efficacy of Laser Acupuncture on Neurophysiological Parameters of Median Nerve and Hand Function in Postpartum Women: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

This study was conducted to ascertain the efficacy of photo acupuncture (PA) on the neurophysiological parameters of the median nerve and hand function in postnatal women. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has been documented in up to 62% of pregnant females. PA, a noninvasive treatment that utilizes photo therapy on acupoints, could aid in the management of CTS.

Effect of adding systematic desensitization to goal-directed paradigm on risk of falling in patients with stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Improvement in rehabilitation outcomes for patients suffering from chronic stroke can be attained through systematic desensitization of their fear of falling, which in turn reduces the risk of falling.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effect of adding systematic desensitization to a goal-directed paradigm on functional performance, balance, risk of falling, and fear of falling among chronic ischemic stroke patients.

Methodology: Two equally sized groups, each comprising 40 stroke patients of both sexes, were randomly divided.

Effects of high-intensity interval training with an eccentric hamstring exercise program in futsal players: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Physiotherapy protocols based on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or eccentric hamstring exercises like Nordic Curl (NC) have been scarcely studied in futsal players. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a HIIT combined with an NC exercise program versus a HIIT-only program in futsal players.

Methods: Twenty-one futsal players were divided into (1) HIIT + NC group (n = 11, mean age = 21.

Effect of compressive therapy on sensorimotor function of the more affected upper extremity in chronic stroke patients: A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Common upper extremity (UE) physical impairments after stroke include paresis, abnormal muscle tone, and somatosensory affection. This study evaluated the effect of passive somatosensory stimulation using compressive therapy on sensorimotor function of the more affected UE in chronic stroke patients.

Methods: Forty chronic stroke patients were enrolled in this study.

Contraception knowledge and practices among students in Lebanese universities.

This study aimed to evaluate the proportion of contraception users among Lebanese youth, and the extent of knowledge and perception on birth control; and to raise awareness and sensitise young adults to sexual health, which remains taboo in Lebanon. The 30-item questionnaire was broadcasted to students in private and public universities in Lebanon, through social media and it collected information on contraception use and student knowledge. Over 30% of responders were medical students, and 41% have ever used contraceptives (mostly women); among which, 52.

A Comparative Study on the Effect of Task Specific Training on Right Versus Left Chronic Stroke Patients.

Functional impairment of the upper limb (UL) after stroke is a great problem. Finding methods that can improve UL function after stroke is a major concern to all medical service providers. This study was intended to compare the effect of upper limb task specific training (TST) on brain excitability of the affected hemisphere and motor function improvements in patients with left and right stroke.

Post lockdown COVID-19 seroprevalence and circulation at the time of delivery, France.

Background: To fight the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown has been decreed in many countries worldwide. The impact of pregnancy as a severity risk factor is still debated, but strict lockdown measures have been recommended for pregnant women.

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on the seroprevalence and circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in a maternity ward in an area that has been significantly affected by the virus.

Effect of backpack shoulder straps length on cervical posture and upper trapezius pressure pain threshold.

[Purpose] This study was performed to investigate the effect of the length of backpack shoulder straps on upper trapezius muscle pain threshold and craniovertebral angle. [Subjects and Methods] There were 25 participants, with ages from 15 to 23 years old. Upper trapezius pain threshold and craniovertebral angle were measured for all subjects without the backpack then re-measured after walking on a treadmill for 15 min under 2 conditions: 1) wearing a backpack with short straps; and 2) wearing a backpack with long straps.