A double-blind randomized controlled trial for the effects of dry needling on upper limb dysfunction in patients with stroke

Spasticity is one of the main complications of a stroke. This double-blind, randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the result of three sessions of dry needling (DN) versus sham DN on the affected upper limbs in post-stroke survivors. We recruited 24 patients (age 57.0 ± 9.6 years; male 71%). Patients were randomly allocated to two groups: a DN group and a sham DN group. The primary outcome measures were the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) and the Box and Block Test (BBT). Secondary outcome measures included active and passive wrist range of motion (AROM and PROM). All assessments were measured at baseline, immediately after the last session of the intervention, and one month later. Patients in the DN group had improved upper limb spasticity and passive wrist range of motion compared to control group (P0.05). Dry needling is a useful method for improving muscle spasticity in the upper limbs of patients with stroke

The Effect of Dry Needling on Lower Limb Dysfunction in Poststroke Survivors

Background: Spasticity is one of the main complications in poststroke survivors leading to difficulties in walking and standing resulting in high levels of disability. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of deep dry needling on lower limb dysfunction in poststroke spastic patients. Methods: A randomized clinical trial conducted in poststroke survivors who were assigned to one of 2 groups: Deep dry needling (intervention group) and sham dry needling (control group). The primary outcome measures were Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) and functional tests (timed up and go test, 10-meter walk test). Secondary outcome measures were active ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (AROM), passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (PROM), single leg stance test, and Barthel index. All measurements were assessed at baseline (T0), immediately after the third session 1 week later (T1), and 1 month after the end of the intervention (T2). Results: We recruited 24 patients (71% male; mean age 57 ± 10 years; 26.4 ± 1.8 kg•m−2; time since event: 25.2 ± 12.5 months). There were significant improvements in MMAS, timed up and go test, 10-meter walk test, Barthel scale, and PROM (P . 05). Conclusions: Deep dry needling decreases muscle spasticity and improves lower limb function and gait speed in poststroke survivors

Concurrent impact of bilateral multiple joint functional electrical stimulation and treadmill walking on gait and spasticity in post-stroke survivors: a pilot study

Background: Stroke causes multi-joint gait deficits, so a major objective of post-stroke rehabilitation is to regain normal gait function. Design and Setting: A case series completed at a neuroscience institute. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the concurrent impact of functional electrical stimulation (FES) during treadmill walking on gait speed, knee extensors spasticity and ankle plantar flexors spasticity in post-stroke survivors. Participants: Six post-stroke survivors with altered gait patterns and ankle plantar flexors spasticity (4=male; age 56.8 ± 4.8 years; Body Mass Index (BMI) 26.2 ±4.3; since onset of stroke: 30.8 ±10.4 months; side of hemiplegia [L/R]: 3:3) were recruited. Intervention: Nine treatment sessions using FES bilaterally while walking on a treadmill. Main Outcome Measures: Primary outcome measures included the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), 10-m walking test, gait speed, and Functional ambulation category (FAC). Secondary outcome measures included the Step Length Test (SLT), and active range of motion (ROM) of the affected ankle and the knee. Measurements were taken at baseline (T0), at the end of last treatment (T1), and one month after the final treatment session (T2). Results: The TUG, 10-m walking test, gait speed, FAC, active ROM, and SLT all significantly improved following treatment (

Effect of intensive neuromuscular electrical stimulation on chronic neck pain: A case report

© Nova Science Publishers, Inc. Chronic neck pain is a relatively common problem that can interfere with daily activities, and it is often experienced following musculoskeletal injuries. To identify the impact of intensive neuromuscular electrical stimulation (INES) for reducing chronic neck pain in a 21-year-old female athlete, following a traumatic sports injury, which occurred two years earlier. A treatment package including three separate sessions of intensive neuromuscular electrical stimulation and exercise therapy were prescribed. Outcomes measurements were short form McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ), visual analogue scale (VAS), and the neck disability index (NDI). Measurements were performed at baseline, following the intervention, and three months later. Following our intervention; VAS score decreased from 6/10 to 3/10, and 1/10 after three months; and NDI decreased from 54/100 to 18/100, and 10/100 after three months. A combination of INES and resistance training significantly reduced neck pain after three months in a female gymnast. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness of this combination of treatments in larger cohorts with more diffuse musculoskeletal conditions

Lipoma as Potential Delayed Side Effect of Anabolic Steroids Abuse in an Athlete

Androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) are a subset of testosterone. They are widely used by athletes and, specifically, bodybuilders to improve strength and performance. They are classified based on their chemical structures and have a variety of side effects that impact different organs, especially the cardiovascular system, liver, and kidney. Skin changes, such as acne, striae, hirsutism, and alopecia, are common side effects of AAS abuse. They can even lead to other complications, such as shrinking testicles, breast enlargement, hair loss, and a decrease in the number of sperm and infertility in males. Studies have shown that AAS can be a risk factor in human cancers, such as prostate cancer, and this might be the result of the effect on cellular changes associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and positive effects on muscle lean mass and strength. Undeniable connections between steroid abuse among bodybuilders and their side effects necessitate the need for further investigations

Evaluating the Effect of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Self-Management in Type 2 Diabetic Patients on Dialysis

Background. Type 2 diabetes is an increasingly common condition with several preventable microvascular complications such as kidney damage. Nephropathy is expensive to manage, especially as hospital dialysis treatment. Improving patients’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward their condition can achieve better control, delay complications, and improve their quality of life. This study evaluated the KAP and self-care behaviors of diabetic patients on dialysis and variables that affect it. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Shahid Beheshti academic hospitals of Tehran, Iran. Face-to-face interviews were held to fill five validated questionnaires: three evaluating KAP, one evaluating self-management, and one evaluating quality of life. Result. 117 diabetic patients on hemodialysis (42 females) with mean (SD) age of 68.70±9.26 years were enrolled in the survey. The scores for patient’s KAP, self-care, and quality of life were 59.90±11.23, 44.27±8.35, 45.06±12.87, 46.21±10.23, and 26.85±13.23, respectively. There was significant negative correlation between patients’ knowledge and attitude with their glycosylated hemoglobin level and their fasting blood sugar. There was significant correlation between patients’ knowledge and practice with their self-care activities. Conclusion. The present study suggests that patients’ KAP scores have a practical effect upon self-care behavior. This highlights the needs for effective diabetes education programs in developing countries like Iran

Effects of aquatic therapy on balance in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose: Balance is a key component of movement for daily activities, especially in older adults. Previous studies examining aquatic therapy as an effective way for improving balance have yielded inconsistent findings. The current systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of aquatic therapy on balance among older adults. Methods: Sources include Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, ISI Web of Science, EBSCO, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Scopus. Randomized controlled or cross-over trials published by Feb 2020 were included following pre-determined search and selection criteria. Data extraction was performed by two researchers independently using a pre-determined data extraction form. Methodological quality was assessed by two reviewers using the PEDro scale which was used to rate trials according to criteria such as concealed allocation, blinding, and intention-to-treat analysis. Furthermore, meta-analysis was conducted where possible. This review was registered at PROSPERO CRD42018118382. Results: Fifteen trials with 385 healthy participants aged 50 or over were included. Results showed that aquatic therapy had a significant effect on dynamic balance (SMD, − 1.13; 95% CI, [− 1.45 to (− 0.82)]; I 2 = 77%). The analysis indicated that aquatic therapy improved balance ability compared to controls. Conclusions: Aquatic therapy has a positive impact on dynamic balance in older adults. However, further high-quality and appropriately powered studies are required to confirm this assertion