Functional assessment and influencing factors after staged functional training in patients with ankle fractures

BACKGROUND The recovery of limb function after ankle fracture surgery is a gradual process.The main purpose of implementing early functional exercise,joint mobility,muscle contraction function,passive ankle flexion and extension exercises,or physical factor therapy techniques is to achieve the rapid recovery of normal physiological limb function.However,currently the most effective rehabilitation training method is staged limb functional exercise,which promotes rapid recovery of limb function while preventing adverse consequences caused by overwork or insufficient training.Staged limb functional exercise divides the rehabilitation process into multiple stages,each of which has specific training objectives and contents.This method helps patients gradually restore limb function.Nevertheless,some patients still exhibit poor limb function after standardized exercise.Therefore,a functional evaluation should be performed to analyze the impact of staged functional training after ankle fracture surgery.AIM To perform a functional evaluation and determine the influencing factors of staged functional training in patients with ankle fracture.METHODS A retrospective study enrolled 150 patients who underwent surgical treatment for ankle fracture from May 2020 to May 2022 at our hospital.Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed on general data,functional exercise compliance scale for orthopedic patients,Social Support Rating Scale(SSRS),American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score(AOFAS)Ankle-Hindfoot Score,and pain factors[serum bradykinin(BK),prostaglandin E2(PGE2),5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)].RESULTS Based on the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale,the cases were divided into the excellent function(n=111)and ordinary function(n=39)groups.Univariate analysis revealed that monthly family income,education level,diabetes mellitus,functional exercise compliance scale of orthopedic patients score,SSRS,BK,PGE2,and 5-HT significantly influenced limb function after ankle fracture(P<0.05);Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the functional exercise compliance scale score,SSRS,BK,PGE2,and 5-HT were independent risk factors affecting functional performance after staged functional exercise(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Exercise compliance,SSRS,and pain level are the independent risk factors affecting functional performance after staged functional training following ankle surgery.Clinical nursing care after ankle surgery should include analgesic and health education measures to ensure optimal recovery of limb function.

Influences of Horticultural Therapy and Functional Recovery Training at a Day-Care Center for the Elderly and Text Mining of Care Records by AI

Background: In Japan, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, various behavioral restrictions were implemented from March 2020, resulting in an increased number of elderly people with reduced participation in care and rehabilitation. As a result, the decline in motor and cognitive functions became more pronounced. Purpose: The study examined how activities combining passive horticultural therapy, which is always introduced, with active functional recovery training, which is used in the functional recovery training of patients with hemiplegia, influence the behavior of elder people using the facility. Methods: 36 elder people with care need 1 or 2 who regularly used the day-care facilities after the pandemic ended and who agreed to participate in the study was included. The assessment data were every three months from December 2021 to December 2023 after the COVID-19 pandemic, the MMSE and Moca-J, TMIG-Index, and GDS15. AI-based text mining was used to compare changes in visit reports before and after the introduction of the Posture Chart and Red Code, and the relationship between the language used. Results: The results of MMSE and Moca-J were both significantly higher in Group B and C than in Group A. TIMG assessment, was significantly higher in Group B and C than in Group A, and Group C was significantly higher than Group B. The GDS, an assessment of depression in old age, tended to be significantly higher in Group A than in Groups B and C. In the “Co-Occurrence Network Analysis” shown after the introduction of the latest functional recovery training equipment such as the Red Cord, its results showed a high association between the words Bathing and CARE and words such as POSTURE, Red-Code, and AI, App, which are used in functional training and rehabilitation, and their analysis. Conclusion: At day-care facilities specializing in functional recovery training and rehabilitation, a combination of horticultural therapy and the latest functional training equipment found to help maintain the physical and mental health of elderly people certified as requiring nursing care. Since this is a short-term study following behavioral restrictions, long-term research should continue to study the effects of adding functional training, handled by rehabilitation professionals, to horticultural therapy.

Analyzing the Combination Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Motor Control Training on Balance Function and Gait in Patients with Stroke-Induced Hemiplegia

Objective:To analyze the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with motor control training on the treatment of stroke-induced hemiplegia,specifically focusing on the impact on patients’balance function and gait.Methods:Fifty-two cases of hemiplegic stroke patients were randomly divided into two groups,26 in the control group and 26 in the observation group,using computer-generated random grouping.All participants underwent conventional treatment and rehabilitation training.In addition to these,the control group received repetitive transcranial magnetic pseudo-stimulation therapy+motor control training,while the observation group received repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy+motor control training.The balance function and gait parameters of both groups were compared before and after the interventions and assessed the satisfaction of the interventions in both groups.Results:Before the invention,there were no significant differences in balance function scores and each gait parameter between the two groups(P>0.05).However,after the intervention,the observation group showed higher balance function scores compared to the control group(P<0.05).The observation group also exhibited higher step speed and step frequency,longer step length,and a higher overall satisfaction level with the intervention compared to the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The combination of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and motor control training in the treatment of stroke-induced hemiplegia has demonstrated positive effects.It not only improves the patient’s balance function and gait but also contributes to overall physical rehabilitation.

Analysis of Winter Physical Training and Functional Reserve in College Physical Education Teaching

Physical training and functional reserve in winter physical education teaching can optimize the energy consumption of the body,regulate cardiopulmonary function,and stabilize emotions.It is essential to clarify the strategies of winter physical training and functional reserve as well as the existing issues in college physical education teaching,which subsequently improves students’physical functions and achieves comprehensive development goals.

Application value research of swallowing treatment device combined with swallowing rehabilitation training in the treatment of swallowing disorders after stroke

BACKGROUND Stroke is a common disabling disease,whether it is ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke,both can result in neuronal damage,leading to various manifestations of neurological dysfunction.AIM To explore of the application value of swallowing treatment device combined with swallowing rehabilitation training in the treatment of swallowing disorders after stroke.METHODS This study selected 86 patients with swallowing disorders after stroke admitted to our rehabilitation department from February 2022 to December 2023 as research subjects.They were divided into a control group(n=43)and an observation group(n=43)according to the treatment.The control group received swallowing rehabilitation training,while the observation group received swallowing treatment device in addition to the training.Both groups underwent continuous intervention for two courses of treatment.RESULTS The total effective rate in the observation group(93.02%)was higher than that in the control group(76.74%)(P=0.035).After intervention,the oral transit time,swallowing response time,pharyngeal transit time,and laryngeal closure time decreased in both groups compared to before intervention.In the observation group,the oral transit time,swallowing response time,and pharyngeal transit time were shorter than those in the control group after intervention.However,the laryngeal closure time after intervention in the observation group was compared with that in the control group(P=0.142).After intervention,average amplitude value and duration of the genioglossus muscle group during empty swallowing and swallowing 5 mL of water are reduced compared to before intervention in both groups.After intervention,the scores of the chin-tuck swallowing exercise and the Standardized Swallowing Assessment are both reduced compared to pre-intervention levels in both groups.However,the observation group scores lower than the control group after intervention.Additionally,the Functional Oral Intake Scale scores of both groups are increased after intervention compared to pre-intervention levels,with the observation group scoring higher than the control group after intervention(P<0.001).The cumulative incidence of complications in the observation group is 9.30%,which is lower than the 27.91%in the control group(P=0.027).CONCLUSION The combination of swallowing therapy equipment with swallowing rehabilitation training can improve the muscle movement level of the genioglossus muscle group,enhance swallowing function,and prevent the occurrence of swallowing-related complications after stroke.

Effect of cognitive training on brain dynamics

The human brain is highly plastic.Cognitive training is usually used to modify functional connectivity of brain networks.Moreover,the structures of brain networks may determine its dynamic behavior which is related to human cognitive abilities.To study the effect of functional connectivity on the brain dynamics,the dynamic model based on functional connections of the brain and the Hindmarsh–Rose model is utilized in this work.The resting-state fMRI data from the experimental group undergoing abacus-based mental calculation(AMC)training and from the control group are used to construct the functional brain networks.The dynamic behavior of brain at the resting and task states for the AMC group and the control group are simulated with the above-mentioned dynamic model.In the resting state,there are the differences of brain activation between the AMC group and the control group,and more brain regions are inspired in the AMC group.A stimulus with sinusoidal signals to brain networks is introduced to simulate the brain dynamics in the task states.The dynamic characteristics are extracted by the excitation rates,the response intensities and the state distributions.The change in the functional connectivity of brain networks with the AMC training would in turn improve the brain response to external stimulus,and make the brain more efficient in processing tasks.

Research and Practice of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Training Programs

In today’s society, the incidence of cardiopulmonary diseases is increasing annually, seriously affecting patients’ quality of life. Therefore, developing a scientific and effective rehabilitation training program is of great significance. This study first analyzes the theoretical basis of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation training, including the effects of aerobic exercise, interval training, and strength training on cardiopulmonary function. Based on this, a comprehensive rehabilitation training program is designed, which includes personalized training plans, comprehensive interventions, multidisciplinary collaboration, patient education, and regular follow-up visits. The cardiopulmonary rehabilitation training plan developed in this study has certain scientific practicability, which provides a theoretical basis for cardiopulmonary rehabilitation training, and also provides a reference for medical institutions, rehabilitation centers and communities, which is helpful for promotion and application to a wider range of patients with cardiopulmonary diseases.

Effects of respiratory muscle training on post-stroke rehabilitation:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Stroke often results in significant respiratory dysfunction in patients.Respiratory muscle training(RMT)has been proposed as a rehabilitative intervention to address these challenges,but its effectiveness compared to routine training remains debated.This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effects of RMT on exercise tolerance,muscle strength,and pulmonary function in post-stroke patients.AIM To systematically assess the efficacy of RMT in improving exercise tolerance,respiratory muscle strength,and pulmonary function in patients recovering from a stroke,and to evaluate whether RMT offers a significant advantage over routine training modalities in enhancing these critical health outcomes in the post-stroke population.METHODS Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines,a comprehensive search across PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and the Cochrane Library was conducted on October 19,2023,without temporal restrictions.Studies were selected based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria focusing on various forms of RMT,control groups,and outcome measures[including forced expiratory volume in the first second(FEV1),forced vital capacity(FVC),maximal voluntary ventilation(MVV),peak expiratory flow(PEF),maximal inspiratory pressure(MIP),maximal expiratory pressure(MEP),and 6-min walking test(6MWT)].Only randomized controlled trials(RCTs)were included.Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool.Statistical analyses,including those using the fixed-effect and random-effects models,sensitivity analysis,and publication bias assessment,were performed using Review Manager software.RESULTS A total of 15 RCTs were included.Results indicated significant improvements in MIP(12.51 cmH2O increase),MEP(6.24 cmH2O increase),and various pulmonary function parameters(including FEV1,FVC,MVV,and PEF).A substantial increase in 6MWT distance(22.26 meters)was also noted.However,the heterogeneity among studies was variable,and no significant publication bias was detected.CONCLUSION RMT significantly enhances walking ability,respiratory muscle strength(MIP and MEP),and key pulmonary function parameters(FEV1,FVC,MVV,and PEF)in post-stroke patients.These findings support the incorporation of RMT into post-stroke rehabilitative protocols.

Cortical activity in patients with high-functioning ischemic stroke during the Purdue Pegboard Test:insights into bimanual coordinated fine motor skills with functional near-infrared spectroscopy

After stroke,even high-functioning individuals may experience compromised bimanual coordination and fine motor dexterity,leading to reduced functional independence.Bilateral arm training has been proposed as a promising intervention to address these deficits.However,the neural basis of the impairment of functional fine motor skills and their relationship to bimanual coordination performance in stroke patients remains unclear,limiting the development of more targeted interventions.To address this gap,our study employed functional near-infrared spectroscopy to investigate cortical responses in patients after stroke as they perform functional tasks that engage fine motor control and coordination.Twenty-four high-functioning patients with ischemic stroke(7 women,17 men;mean age 64.75±10.84 years)participated in this cross-sectional observational study and completed four subtasks from the Purdue Pegboard Test,which measures unimanual and bimanual finger and hand dexterity.We found significant bilateral activation of the sensorimotor cortices during all Purdue Pegboard Test subtasks,with bimanual tasks inducing higher cortical activation than the assembly subtask.Importantly,patients with better bimanual coordination exhibited lower cortical activation during the other three Purdue Pegboard Test subtasks.Notably,the observed neural response patterns varied depending on the specific subtask.In the unaffected hand task,the differences were primarily observed in the ipsilesional hemisphere.In contrast,the bilateral sensorimotor cortices and the contralesional hemisphere played a more prominent role in the bimanual task and assembly task,respectively.While significant correlations were found between cortical activation and unimanual tasks,no significant correlations were observed with bimanual tasks.This study provides insights into the neural basis of bimanual coordination and fine motor skills in high-functioning patients after stroke,highlighting task-dependent neural responses.The findings also suggest that patients who exhibit better bimanual performance demonstrate more efficient cortical activation.Therefore,incorporating bilateral arm training in post-stroke rehabilitation is important for better outcomes.The combination of functional near-infrared spectroscopy with functional motor paradigms is valuable for assessing skills and developing targeted interventions in stroke rehabilitation.

Application of sensory and motor training in AIDET communication mode in patients after knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Patients with knee arthroplasty often have problems such as slow recovery of knee function,which may cause negative emotions and affect their postoperative rehabilitation.The application of sensory and motor training in the Acknowledge,Introduce,Duration,Evaluation,Thank You(AIDET)communication mode in patients after knee arthroplasty can provide reference for the selection of postoperative rehabilitation training measures.AIM To explore the sensory and motor training effects in AIDET communication mode on knee function recovery and resilience of patients after knee arthroplasty.METHODS One hundred patients who underwent knee arthroplasty at our hospital between January 2022 and January 2024 were randomly divided into two groups.The control group(n=50)received routine rehabilitation training.In the observation group(n=50),the AIDET communication mode was used to perform sensory and motor training,in addition to routine rehabilitation training.The rehabilitation training was administered for 8 weeks.After surgery,knee function,balance ability,walking ability,proprioception,and resilience were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The New York Hospital for Special Surgery knee scores of the observation group at the time of discharge and 8 weeks after intervention were(65.23±6.84,84.53±5.27),which was higher than those of the control group(61.03±7.15,74.92±6.52)(P<0.05).The balance ability of the observation group at the time of discharge and 8 weeks after the intervention was higher than that of the control group,the time of time up to go test was shorter than that of the control group,and proprioceptive function was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).The resilience level in the observation group after the intervention was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Sensory and motor training in AIDET communication mode promotes knee function recovery of patients after knee arthroplasty,improves their limb walking ability and balance function,and increases their resilience level.

Effects of systematic cardiac rehabilitation training in elderly patients with unstable angina following cardiac stent implantation

BACKGROUND Coronary stent implantation is usually used to treat unstable angina to alleviate stenosis or occlusion,promoting blood flow restoration and alleviating symptoms such as myocardial ischemia.And postoperative cardiac rehabilitation is essential for enhancing recovery and prognosis.Nevertheless,conventional rehabilitation lacks specificity,particularly for elderly patients with multiple comorbidities and poor compliance,rendering it less effective.AIM To investigate the effects of systematic cardiac rehabilitation training in elderly patients with unstable angina following coronary stenting intervention.METHODS A retrospective enrollment was conducted comprising fifty-four elderly patients with unstable angina pectoris who underwent systematic cardiac rehabilitation training after receiving coronary intervention as the rehabilitation group,while fifty-three elderly patients who received basic nursing and rehabilitation guidance measures after coronary intervention were assigned to the control group.Differences in Seattle Angina Questionnaire scores,survival quality(SF-36)scores,cardiopulmonary exercise function assessment index,echocardiographic cardiac function index,and adverse cardiovascular events were compared between the two groups.RESULTS After intervention,the rehabilitation group observed greater VO2 Max,maximum metabolic equivalent,eft ventricular ejection fraction,left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and smaller left ventricular end-systolic diameter.And the rehabilitation group observed greater scores of physical activity limitation,stable angina pectoris,treatment satisfaction,and SF-36 score.The incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in the two groups,showed no significant difference.CONCLUSION Systematic cardiac rehabilitation following coronary stenting in elderly patients with unstable angina pectoris can enhance cardiac function recovery,consequently enhancing both quality of life and cardiopulmonary exercise tolerance.

Effects of combined aerobic,resistance and inspiratory training in patients with pulmonary hypertension:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypertension(PH)is a serious progressive disorder of the modern world,characterized by endothelial dysfunction and impaired vasoreactivity.Patients with PH usually present exercise intolerance from the very early stages and reduced exercise capacity.Exercise training has been shown to have beneficial effects in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities.However,data regarding the effects of combined exercise training programs in patients with PH still remains limited.AIM To investigate the effects of combined exercise training programs on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with PH.METHODS Our search included all available randomized controlled trials(RCTs)regarding combined aerobic,resistance and inspiratory training programs in patients with PH in 4 databases(Pubmed,PEDro,Embase,CINAHL)from 2012 to 2022.Five RCTs were included in the final analysis.Functional capacity,assessed by peak VO_(2)or 6-min walking test(6MWT),as well as quality of life,assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire,were set as the primary outcomes in our study.RESULTS Peak VO_(2)was measured in 4 out of the 5 RCTs while 6MWT was measured in all RCTs.Both indices of functional capacity were significantly increased in patients with PH who underwent combined exercise training compared to the controls in all of the included RCTs(P<0.05).Quality of life was measured in 4 out of 5 RCTs.Although patients improved their quality of life in each group,however,only 2 RCTs demonstrated further improvement in patients performing combined training compared to controls.CONCLUSION By this systematic review,we have demonstrated that combined aerobic,resistance and inspiratory exercise training is safe and has beneficial effects on aerobic capacity and quality of life in patients with PH.Such exercise training regimen may be part of the therapeutic strategy of the syndrome.

Exercise as a modality to improve heart transplantation-related functional impairments: An article review

Heart transplantation(HT),the treatment choice of advanced heart failure pa-tients,is proven effective in increasing the survival and functional status of the recipients.However,compared to normal controls,functional status is lower in HT recipients.Exercise given in cardiac rehabilitation has been shown to improve exercise capacity as measured with peak oxygen uptake(VO2 peak)and muscle strength after completion of the program and cessation of exercise results in loss of exercise benefits.Several factors related to cardiac denervation and the use of immunosuppressive agents in HT recipients result in functional impairments including cardiovascular,pulmonary,exercise capacity,psychological,and qua-lity of life(QoL)problems.High-intensity interval training(HIIT)is the most common type of exercise used in HT recipients and given as a hospital-based program.Improvement of functional impairments was found to have occurred due to primarily musculoskeletal adaptations through improvement of muscle structure and aerobic capacity and cardiovascular adaptations.In general,exercise given after transplantation improved VO2 peak significantly and improvement was better in the HIIT group compared to moderate intensity continuous training or no-exercise groups.Improvement of QoL was ascribed to improve-ment of exercise capacity,symptoms,pulmonary function,physical capacity improve-ment,anxiety,and depression.

Analysis of Strength Training in the Training of Shot-Putters

The shot put is a sport that requires very high explosive power and precise technique.Strength training occupies the core position in the training of shot-putters,which can not only improve the throwing distance of athletes but also enhance their competitive state and prevent sports injuries.The purpose of this paper is to analyze the principles,classification,methods,and specific exercises of strength training in the training of shot-putters,in order to provide scientific training guidance for shot-putters.

Effect of visual perception training on binocular visual function reconstruction in patients after strabismus surgery

AIM:To explore the effect of visual perception learning software training(VPT)on binocular visual function reconstruction in children with intermittent exotropia after strabismus surgery.METHODS:Ninety children with intermittent exotropia admitted to our hospital from June 2018 to December 2018 were included,and randomly divided into VPT and control groups.Children in the control group received basic binocular vision training,while those in the VPT group received VPT after strabismus surgery.Tertiary visual function,visual perception function,Newcastle Control Score(NCS),and ocular position retraction rate were compared at 3 and 12mo after the surgery.RESULTS:At 3 and 12mo after the surgery,the proportion of simultaneous perception,binocular fusion version and binocular stereo vision in the VPT group was conspicuously higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).After the vision training,the binocular visual perception functions of children in both groups were significantly improved compared with that before training(P<0.05).Interestingly,the grating sharpness,texture perception and texture motion perception in the VPT group were dramatically better than control group(P<0.01).The NCS in the VPT group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).The ocular position retraction rate in the VPT group was significantly lower than that in the control group at 12mo(8.89%vs 26.67%,P=0.03).CONCLUSION:VPT effectively promotes binocular visual function reconstruction in intermittent exotropia children after strabismus surgery and reduces the strabismus severity and ocular position retraction rate.

Analysis of the impact of ERAS-based respiratory function training on older patients’ability to prevent pulmonary complications after abdominal surgery

BACKGROUND In China,as the population grows older,the number of elderly people who have died from respiratory problems has increased.AIM To investigate whether enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)-based respiratory function training may help older patients who had abdominal surgery suffer fewer pulmonary problems,shorter hospital stays,and improved lung function.METHODS The data of 231 elderly individuals having abdominal surgery was retrospectively analyzed.Based on whether ERAS-based respiratory function training was provided,patients were divided into ERAS group(n=112)and control group(n=119).Deep vein thrombosis(DVT),pulmonary embolism(PE),and respiratory tract infection(RTI)were the primary outcome variables.Secondary outcome variables included the Borg score Scale,FEV1/FVC and postoperative hospital stay.RESULTS The percentage of 18.75%of ERAS group participants and 34.45%of control group participants,respectively,had respiratory infections(P=0.007).None of the individuals experienced PE or DVT.The ERAS group’s median postoperative hospital stay was 9.5 d(3-21 d)whereas the control groups was 11 d(4-18 d)(P=0.028).The Borg score decreased on the 4th d following surgery in the ERAS group compared to the 2nd d prior(P=0.003).The incidence of RTIs was greater in the control group than in the ERAS group among patients who spent more than 2 d in the hospital before surgery(P=0.029).CONCLUSION ERAS-based respiratory function training may reduce the risk of pulmonary complications in older individuals undergoing abdominal surgery.

Effectiveness of high intensity interval training on cardiorespiratory fitness and endothelial function in type 2 diabetes:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a chronic metabolic syndrome characterized by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia that may lead to endothelial dysfunction,reduced functional capacity and exercise intolerance.Regular aerobic exercise has been promoted as the most beneficial non-pharmacological treatment of cardiovascular diseases.High intensity interval training(HIIT)seems to be superior than moderate-intensity continuous training(MICT)in cardiovascular diseases by improving brachial artery flow-mediated dilation(FMD)and cardiorespiratory fitness to a greater extent.However,the beneficial effects of HIIT in patients with T2DM still remain under investigation and number of studies is limited.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of high intensity interval training on cardiorespiratory fitness and endothelial function in patients with T2DM.METHODS We performed a search on PubMed,PEDro and CINAHL databases,selecting papers published between December 2012 and December 2022 and identified published randomized controlled trials(RCTs)in the English language that included community or outpatient exercise training programs in patients with T2DM.RCTs were assessed for methodological rigor and risk of bias via the Physiotherapy Evidence Database(PEDro).The primary outcome was peak VO_(2 ) and the secondary outcome was endothelial function assessed either by FMD or other indices of microcirculation.RESULTS Twelve studies were included in our systematic review.The 12 RCTs resulted in 661 participants in total.HIIT was performed in 310 patients(46.8%),MICT to 271 and the rest 80 belonged to the control group.Peak VO_(2 ) increased in 10 out of 12 studies after HIIT.Ten studies compared HIIT with other exercise regimens(MICT or strength endurance)and 4 of them demonstrated additional beneficial effects of HIIT over MICT or other exercise regimens.Moreover,4 studies explored the effects of HIIT on endothelial function and FMD in T2DM patients.In 2 of them,HIIT further improved endothelial function compared to MICT and/or the control group while in the rest 2 studies no differences between HIIT and MICT were observed.CONCLUSION Regular aerobic exercise training has beneficial effects on cardiorespiratory fitness and endothelial function in T2DM patients.HIIT may be superior by improving these parameters to a greater extent than MICT.

Mechanism of Kinect-based virtual reality training for motor functional recovery of upper limbs after subacute stroke

The Kinect-based virtual reality system for the Xbox 360 enables users to control and interact with the game console without the need to touch a game controller, and provides rehabilitation training for stroke patients with lower limb dysfunctions. However, the underlying mechanism remains un- clear. In this study, 18 healthy subjects and five patients after subacute stroke were included. The five patients were scanned using functional MRI prior to training, 3 weeks after training and at a 12-week follow-up, and then compared with healthy subjects. The FugI-Meyer Assessment and Wolf Motor Function Test scores of the hemiplegic upper limbs of stroke patients were significantly increased 3 weeks after training and at the 12-week follow-up. Functional MRI results showed that contralateral primary sensorimotor cortex was activated after Kinect-based virtual reality training in the stroke patients compared with the healthy subjects. Contralateral primary sensorimotor cortex, the bilateral supplementary motor area and the ipsilateral cerebellum were also activated during hand-clenching in all 18 healthy subjects. Our findings indicate that Kinect-based virtual reality training could promote the recovery of upper limb motor function in subacute stroke patients, and brain reorganization by Kinect-based virtual reality training may be linked to the contralateral sen- sorimotor cortex.

Fine motor skill training enhances functional plasticity of the corticospinal tract after spinal cord injury

Following central nervous system injury, axonal sprouts form distal to the injury site and extend into the denervated area, reconstructing neural circuits through neural plasticity. How to facilitate this plasticity has become the key to the success of central nervous system repair. It remains controversial whether fine motor skill training contributes to the recovery of neurological function after spinal cord injury. Therefore, we established a rat model of unilateral corticospinal tract injury using a pyramidal tract cutting method. Horizontal ladder crawling and food ball grasping training procedures were conducted 2 weeks before injury and 3 days after injury. The neurological function of rat forelimbs was assessed at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks after injury. Axon growth was observed with biotinylated dextran amine anterograde tracing in the healthy corticospinal tract of the denervated area at different time periods. Our results demonstrate that compared with untrained rats, functional recovery was better in the forelimbs and forepaws of trained rats. The number of axons and the expression of growth associated protein 43 were increased at the injury site 3 weeks after corticospinal tract injury. These findings confirm that fine motor skill training promotes central nervous system plasticity in spinal cord injury rats.

The Effects of Functional Training on Pain, Function, and Performance in Taekwondo Players with Mechanical Low Back Pain

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of functional training (FT) on pain, function, and performance in elite male taekwondo players with CMLBP. Method: 27 elite male taekwondo players (mean ± standard deviation: age 24.4 ± 4.9 years, body mass 75.7 ± 15.1 kg, height 181.4 ± 7.8 cm) were allocated to two experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 12) groups. The eight-week FT was divided into four distinct phases for the subjects of the experimental group. Variables of pain and function were assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), respectively. The movement time of Ap Douliou Chagi kick (MTAK) and speed of Ap Douliou Chagi kick (SAK) was used for the variable of performance. Results: Considering the results of pretest before the implementation of the scores protocol, after FT intervention, VAS (p = 0.004), ODI (p = 0.005), MTAK on the right leg (p = 0.029) and the left leg (p = 0.013) decreased and SAK on both legs (p = 0.000) increased significantly in comparison with the control group. Conclusion: It is assumed that FT can reduce the pain intensity and improve the function and performance in taekwondo players.