Rehabilitation Training

Researchers are investigating how balance and walking abilities relate to detailed movement measurements in people with Multiple Sclerosis MS. This observational study focuses on understanding the connection between clinical tests of function and objective biomechanical data. The goal is to identify which movement characteristics best reflect balance, gait, and physical performance challenges faced by individuals with MS. Participants will attend a single laboratory session where they undergo biomechanical analysis using the Vicon motion capture system. They will complete functional assessments of balance, gait, and physical performance, as well as questionnaires about fear of falling and fatigue. Spasticity in the lower limbs will also be assessed during this visit. During the session, participants will perform tests such as the mini-BESTest for balance, Functional Gait Assessment, Short Physical Performance Battery, and a 2-minute walk test. Questionnaires like the Fall Efficacy Scale and Fatigue Severity Scale will be completed. Researchers will analyze these collected data to explore how biomechanical and functional measures relate, aiming to improve assessment tools for MS rehabilitation.

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 Cobbs 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 therapys 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. Childrens 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 therapys effects on cerebral palsy management.

Research shows that women undergoing pelvic radiation therapy for endometrial cancer often experience fatigue that affects daily activities. Although exercise is known to help reduce fatigue in cancer patients and survivors, no studies have specifically focused on exercise for women receiving pelvic radiation therapy. This research aims to evaluate whether an activity coaching program can improve treatment-related fatigue in this group of women. Participants will join an exercise coaching program with ten weekly check-ins led by a certified exercise coach. They will set weekly activity goals and choose enjoyable, easy activities to increase their movement. Check-ins can be scheduled in person or virtually. All participants will receive a Fitbit to monitor their activity, heart rate, and steps. Two groups will be formed one starting the coaching during radiation therapy and continuing after, and another starting 6 to 8 weeks post-radiation and continuing for 16 to 19 weeks. The study will last about six months. During the study, participants will complete four surveys and undergo a 6-minute walking test four times to assess heart and lung response to exercise. An interview will be conducted at the end to gather feedback. Researchers will monitor adherence to coaching sessions as the main outcome and also assess changes in fatigue, bowel and urinary symptoms, quality of life, cognitive function, sexual satisfaction, self-efficacy, and walking distance. The study is sponsored by Inova Health Care Services and plans to enroll 16 patients.

The trial investigates the immediate effects of inspiratory muscle training with and without visual feedback using a mobile application in patients undergoing lobectomy via video-assisted thoracic surgery for lung cancer. It aims to assess how visual feedback influences exercise motivation, patient adherence, perception of breathlessness, usability, and patient satisfaction during postoperative recovery. The study focuses on clinically stable lung cancer patients aged 18 to 75 years scheduled for lobectomy. Participants perform two sessions of inspiratory muscle training on postoperative day 1. One session involves conventional training without visual feedback, and the other uses a smart adaptor connected to a mobile app to provide visual feedback. Both sessions use a threshold-loading device set at 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure, with three sets of ten breaths each. The order of these sessions is randomized, and a rest period of at least two hours separates them. Before surgery, participants undergo assessments including respiratory muscle strength measurement and clinical data collection. On the day of training, exercise motivation, dyspnea perception, patient satisfaction, and usability of the mobile app are evaluated immediately after each session. Data from the mobile application, such as successful breaths and training duration, are also recorded. The study measures immediate impacts to guide future integration of technology-supported pulmonary rehabilitation after lobectomy.

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.