Rehabilitation Training

Researchers are investigating the relationship between functional measures of balance and gait and objective kinetic and kinematic parameters in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This cross-sectional observational study aims to understand how biomechanical gait and balance data collected through the Vicon motion analysis system relate to clinical assessments of balance, gait, and physical performance. The study seeks to identify which biomechanical factors are most closely linked to functional abilities and mobility challenges in MS. Participants will attend a single laboratory session where they will undergo biomechanical analysis of balance and gait using the Vicon motion capture system. They will also complete standardized functional tests including the Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test, Functional Gait Assessment, Short Physical Performance Battery, and a 2-Minute Walk Test. Additionally, they will fill out questionnaires assessing fear of falling and fatigue and have their lower-limb spasticity evaluated with the modified Ashworth Scale. During the session, which takes about 40 minutes for the primary kinetic and kinematic analysis and additional time for functional assessments, researchers will collect detailed movement data alongside clinical measures. This data will be analyzed to explore correlations between biomechanical parameters and functional outcomes. The study includes assessments of postural control, gait performance, physical endurance, fatigue, and spasticity. The findings aim to improve understanding of movement impairments in MS and support better clinical assessments and rehabilitation approaches.

Researchers are evaluating a digital health intervention called PROMOTE to support lung cancer survivors undergoing treatment aimed at cure. The study focuses on people with stages I-III non-small cell lung cancer receiving chemotherapy with curative intent. It aims to improve physical function, manage breathlessness and sleep problems, increase physical activity, encourage healthy eating, and enhance overall wellbeing. The trial compares PROMOTE to enhanced usual care, including educational materials, to see which better supports survivors' health and quality of life. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receives the PROMOTE app delivered on a tablet, which includes educational modules and behavioral strategies for managing symptoms and improving lifestyle; the other group receives standard oncology care plus health education materials from the American Cancer Society. The intervention lasts about 10 to 12 weeks, during which participants use the app at their own pace alongside usual cancer treatment. Throughout the study, participants complete surveys at enrollment and at 6, 12, and 24 weeks to track changes in physical function, breathing difficulties, sleep disturbance, physical activity, diet, mood, and quality of life. The study also monitors participants' confidence in managing their health and coping skills. After 24 weeks, those in the control group will have the option to access the PROMOTE app. The total participation time spans about 24 weeks from enrollment to final assessment.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of a smartphone-based Healthy Lifestyle (HLS) intervention on the mental and physical health of firefighters in Tainan, Taiwan. This cluster randomized controlled trial aims to determine if the Traditional Chinese version of the HLS mobile app can improve firefighters' health compared to usual care. The study also seeks to find out whether the intervention can promote a healthier lifestyle and reduce the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases among firefighters. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which uses the Traditional Chinese HLS mobile app designed specifically for firefighters, or the control group, which receives usual care. The intervention period lasts from 3 to 6 months, during which firefighters in the intervention group will use the app to support healthier behaviors. The control group will continue with their standard practices without the app. Throughout the study, firefighters will undergo health and fitness assessments at the start and again 3 to 6 months after the intervention begins. Measurements include blood pressure, depressive symptoms, PTSD symptoms, body mass index, smoking habits, diet patterns, physical activity levels, sitting time, sleep duration and napping frequency, glycated hemoglobin, lipid profiles, C-reactive protein, and physical performance. The study will monitor these outcomes to assess changes in mental and physical health. Safety and progress will be observed through these regular evaluations during the study period.

This research investigates how aging affects motor control, focusing on healthy elderly individuals and patients with mild cognitive impairment. Researchers aim to understand differences in upper limb motor adaptation and to develop interventions that improve motor function and cognitive abilities through multisensory rhythmic skill training. The study also uses artificial intelligence to classify grasp patterns among young adults, elderly, and those with mild cognitive impairment. Participants are assigned to one of three groups: virtual reality-based rhythmic skill training using VR headsets and controllers for 35 minutes, rhythmic skill training with visual feedback via a computer interface for 35 minutes, or an upper limb strengthening exercise program supervised by a therapist. These interventions include various exercises and sensory stimulations designed to enhance motor planning, execution, and cognitive processing. Throughout the study, participants undergo assessments at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks to measure changes in grip behavior, sensory perception, manual dexterity, and cognitive function using tests like the Mini-Mental Status Examination and Purdue pegboard test. Researchers monitor motor adaptation and cognitive improvements, with the overall goal of preserving independence and quality of life for the elderly. The study is randomized and double-blind, lasting up to 16 weeks.

Researchers are evaluating a rehabilitation protocol for adults with C-shaped idiopathic scoliosis, focusing on improving spinal curvature, range of motion, and function. The study addresses challenges in current treatments by comparing mechanical traction combined with 3D apical vertebral mobilization to active exercise therapy. This approach aims to provide new insights for managing scoliosis, a condition characterized by skeletal asymmetry and muscle imbalances that can impact physical appearance and psychological well-being. The trial includes two groups: one receiving traction with mobilization three times a week for three months, totaling 36 sessions, followed by a two-month home exercise and postural instruction period; the other group performs active exercises with the same schedule and follow-up. The traction sessions involve infrared therapy, stretching, spinal manipulation, and breathing exercises, while the active exercise group follows programs designed to realign the spine and related structures. Participants undergo assessments before and after the three-month treatment and after the follow-up period. Measurements include spinal curvature using Cobb's angle, trunk and cervical range of motion, body weight, height, body mass index, and fingertip-to-floor distance. The study employs a randomized design with single masking to evaluate changes in these outcomes, tracking the effectiveness of each rehabilitation method over time.

Researchers are evaluating two approaches to rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in young patients aged 15 to 21 years. The study compares Rehabilitation with Exercise and Psychological Support (REPS), which integrates exercise with psychological guidance, to standard rehabilitation without specialized psychological support. This pilot randomized controlled trial aims to see if REPS improves psychological readiness and knee function more than standard care during recovery. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups will follow standard exercise protocols for ACL reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone or quadriceps tendon autografts, with optional additional therapies like electrical stimulation or manual therapy. The REPS group will receive extra psychological support through trained physical therapists and patient training videos focusing on mental skills and recovery mindset. All participants will watch group-specific videos and receive exercise guidance via an online platform. Participants will attend four study visits over six months: one before surgery and three during follow-up after surgery. Assessments include psychological readiness for sport, fear of movement, knee function, pain, range of motion, and strength tests at various time points before and after surgery. Researchers will also monitor the feasibility and acceptance of REPS, collecting questionnaires about empathy and therapeutic alliance. The study follows participants for six months post-surgery to evaluate outcomes.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of Action Observation Therapy (AOT) on balance and mobility in children with spastic cerebral palsy aged 5 to 12 years. This randomized controlled trial compares functional performance outcomes between children receiving training with AOT and those receiving similar training without action observation, aiming to determine the therapy's impact on physical function. The study uses established assessment tools like the Modified Ashworth Scale, GMFCS, Pediatric Balance Scale, and GMFM-88 to measure progress. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives AOT-based mobility and balance exercises combined with conventional therapy including lower limb stretching and strengthening. These exercises involve various stances such as sitting, standing, and turning with fun activities like reaching for objects, tower building, and taking turns. The other group receives the same balance and mobility exercises and conventional therapy but without the action observation component. Both groups undergo training designed to improve functional mobility and balance. Children's functional performance will be assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention to measure static balance, dynamic balance, and mobility. Researchers will monitor changes using the specified scales to evaluate outcomes. The study involves multiple assessments to track progress and compare the effectiveness of training with and without action observation, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the therapy's effects on cerebral palsy management.

Fatigue is a common side effect for women undergoing pelvic radiation therapy for endometrial cancer, often making daily activities more difficult. While exercise has been recommended to help with fatigue in cancer patients, there is limited research on its role during pelvic radiation therapy. This trial aims to evaluate whether an activity coaching program can improve treatment-related fatigue in women receiving this therapy. Participants will take part in an exercise coaching program involving ten weekly check-ins with a certified exercise coach. They will set weekly activity goals based on what is easy and enjoyable for them, with check-ins available in person or virtually. Participants will be randomly assigned to start the program either immediately during radiation therapy or after radiation therapy has ended, with the study lasting about six months. All participants will receive a Fitbit to monitor activity, heart rate, and steps. Throughout the study, participants will complete four surveys and perform a 6-minute walk test four times to assess heart and lung response to exercise. At the end of the trial, an interview will be conducted to gather feedback on the program. Researchers will monitor adherence to coaching sessions as the primary outcome, along with changes in fatigue, bowel and urinary symptoms, quality of life, cognitive function, sexual function, self-efficacy, and walking distance. The study aims to follow participants for up to 24 months.

Researchers are studying the immediate effects of fibular repositioning taping on balance, jumping, and sprint performance in healthy young women aged 18 to 30. This randomized controlled trial aims to find out if this taping method changes physical performance compared to sham taping or no taping. The study focuses on short-term changes in selected performance measures among healthy participants to understand the taping's impact. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: fibular repositioning taping applied to the dominant ankle, sham taping that looks similar but lacks therapeutic repositioning, or a control group with no taping. Baseline assessments are done before the intervention, and outcome measurements are repeated 30 minutes after the taping or waiting period. The intervention uses a rigid taping technique intended to support fibular positioning. During the study, participants undergo tests including the Y Balance Test, horizontal and vertical jump tests, and a 10-meter sprint test at baseline and 30 minutes after intervention or waiting. Researchers measure these functional outcomes to assess any changes in physical performance. The study is conducted under controlled conditions with single masking and random group allocation, and participation lasts only for the duration of the testing session.

Researchers are studying patients with subacute stroke to evaluate the additional effects of kinesio taping combined with conventional physical therapy on upper limb function, range of motion, and spasticity. This randomized control trial aims to determine whether adding kinesio taping provides significant improvements compared to physical therapy alone. The study is conducted in rehabilitation settings and includes adults aged 40 to 65 years with a history of diagnosed stroke and moderate spasticity. Participants are divided into two groups. The experimental group receives kinesio taping three times per week along with physical therapy exercises including passive and active range of motion (ROM), PNF stretching, D1 flexion and extension movements, and resistance training with a medium resistance band from weeks 3 to 6. The control group receives the same physical therapy regimen but without kinesio taping. Treatments last 30 minutes on alternate days over six weeks. During the study, participants' upper limb spasticity and function are assessed at baseline, week 3, and week 6 using the Modified Ashworth Scale and the Wolf Motor Function Test. Range of motion is measured with a goniometer for shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints. Data collection includes demographic information and questionnaires. The study monitors outcomes throughout the six-week treatment period to analyze differences between groups.