Physiotherapy Research International最新文献

{"title":"Effect of aerobic and resistive exercise on lipid profile and quality of life in overweight breastfeeding women: A randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Marwa G Anany, Soheir M El-Kosery, Hazem S El Ashmawy, Doaa A Osman","doi":"10.1002/pri.2121","DOIUrl":"10.1002/pri.2121","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Breastfeeding provides benefits for both mothers and babies. However, many women experience postpartum weight gain, unfavorable lipid profiles, and other postpartum problems that can adversely impact their overall quality of life (QoL).</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To examine the effect of adding aerobic and resistive exercise to faradic stimulation and nutritional counseling on lipid profile and QoL in overweight breastfeeding women.</p><p><strong>Subjects and methods: </strong>Fifty-four breastfeeding women were randomly allocated into two equally sized groups. Group A underwent abdominal faradic stimulation along with nutritional counseling for 12 weeks, whereas Group B received identical faradic stimulation and nutritional counseling and engaged in a combined aerobic and resistive exercise program for the same duration. Before and after treatment, the following anthropometric measurements were evaluated: body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (W/H); lipid profile analysis, such as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TG); and the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All outcome measures demonstrated significant improvements within the two groups (p < 0.05). Group B showed more significant reductions in BMI, W/H ratio, and LDL, along with greater significant increases in the SF-36 domain scores for physical functioning, physical health problems, bodily pain, general health, energy/fatigue, social activity, mental health, and the total SF-36 score (p < 0.05) compared to group A post-treatment. However, there were no significant differences in HDL, TG, and the score of the emotional wellbeing domain of the SF-36 between the groups after treatment (p > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>12-week aerobic and resistive exercise is effective in reducing the BMI, W/H ratio, and LDL levels and enhancing the QoL in overweight breastfeeding women.</p>","PeriodicalId":47243,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Research International","volume":"29 4","pages":"e2121"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142009693","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Artists' satisfaction with telerehabilitation in physiotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Coco Jiang, Sesinam de Youngster, Vicki Hawkins, Shelly-Anne Li","doi":"10.1002/pri.70002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/pri.70002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>To our knowledge, there is currently no research on telerehabilitation concerning artists. This study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of utilizing video-based telerehabilitation in physiotherapy among artists during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Fifty-one artists who accessed virtual physiotherapy between November 2020 and February 2022 at a healthcare center that provides specialized healthcare services to artists of all disciplines who reside or work in Ontario, Canada were asked to complete a 26-item online questionnaire about their experience with virtual physiotherapy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The 51 respondents were from a range of artistic disciplines, with the largest portion being musicians (n = 22; 43%). Of the respondents, 86% (n = 44) felt the virtual physiotherapy met their expectations in therapeutic benefits, 78% (n = 40) were confident in performing all the exercises that the physiotherapist demonstrated on the virtual platform, 80% (n = 41) did not run into many technological challenges when booking or attending virtual sessions, and 54% (n = 20) reported similar treatment outcomes between virtual and in-person sessions. Although artists liked the convenience of accessing physiotherapy from home, 53% (n = 17) of respondents rated the lack of physical contact as a major limitation in telerehabilitation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Telerehabilitation for artists during the COVID-19 pandemic has shown potential to be an effective and viable alternative to in-person physiotherapy, as demonstrated by high satisfaction levels and comparable treatment outcomes, especially when public health restrictions were in place. Future research can explore hybrid models (mix of in-person and virtual sessions) in physiotherapy to meet the needs for physical contact during sessions.</p>","PeriodicalId":47243,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Research International","volume":"29 4","pages":"e70002"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142510288","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multifactorial inspiratory muscle training and its impact on respiratory and functional parameters of patients with diabetic polyneuropathy-A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Suman Sheraz, Arshad Nawaz Malik, Francesco Vincenzo Ferraro, Furqan Ahmed Siddiqi","doi":"10.1002/pri.2127","DOIUrl":"10.1002/pri.2127","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>Diabetic polyneuropathy is a long-standing microvascular complication of diabetes that affects the postural control and functional mobility of patients. There are other microvascular complications, including pulmonary complications that reduce lung function. Multifactorial Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) can act as a home-based technique targeted to affect both these complications. This study aims to determine the effects of IMT on respiratory and functional parameters in diabetic polyneuropathy patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a Pre-Test Post-Test Randomized Controlled Trial (NCT#04947163) with 62 diabetic polyneuropathy patients. Each was randomly assigned to the IMT or sham-IMT group. Both the groups performed OTAGO exercises , with the sham-IMT group performing IMT at 15% of baseline maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), whereas IMT were trained at 50% of baseline MIP as an initial intensity, which was increased as per the tolerance of patients. Both groups performed training for 12 weeks. The study investigated diaphragmatic strength, pulmonary function, functional capacity through 6MWT, 30s sit to stand test and anterior trunk muscle endurance tested through sit up test as outcome variables. Data was analysed on SPSS v26 at the significance level of 0.0.5.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The IMT group significantly improved diaphragmatic strength, pulmonary function, 6MWT and anterior trunk muscle endurance when compared to the sham-IMT group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study concluded that home-based IMT can improve pulmonary parameters including diaphragmatic strength and lung function as well as functional parameters including functional capacity in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT#04947163.</p>","PeriodicalId":47243,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Research International","volume":"29 4","pages":"e2127"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142134177","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prefabricated contoured foot orthoses to reduce pain and increase physical activity in people with hip osteoarthritis: A randomised feasibility trial.","authors":"Matthew G King, Ryan Hon, Eliza Roughead, Joanne L Kemp, Tania Pizzari, Justin Wong, Hylton B Menz, Nicholas F Taylor, Anton Harms, Jodie A McClelland, Adam I Semciw","doi":"10.1002/pri.2118","DOIUrl":"10.1002/pri.2118","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and burdensome condition that leads to impaired quality of life and a substantial economic burden. Encouraging physical activity, particularly walking, is crucial for OA management, but many individuals with hip OA fail to meet recommended activity levels. Prefabricated contoured foot orthoses have shown promise in improving hip muscle efficiency during walking in laboratory settings, but their real-world feasibility and efficacy remain uncertain.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of conducting a fully powered randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of prefabricated contoured foot orthoses, prescribed via telehealth, in people with hip OA.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This feasibility trial randomised 27 participants with hip OA into two groups: prefabricated contoured foot orthoses or flat shoe inserts. Feasibility outcomes were assessed, including recruitment rate, adherence, logbook completion, and dropout rate. Patient-reported outcomes and accelerometer-measured physical activity were collected as secondary outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>While the recruitment rate was low (0.88 people/week), adherence to the intervention (59%), logbook completion (93%), and dropout rates (7%) met or exceeded our predefined feasibility parameters. Participants found the intervention acceptable, and practicality was demonstrated with minor adverse events. Preliminary efficacy testing indicated that prefabricated contoured foot orthoses positively affected physical activity (adjusted mean difference = 2590 [260 to 4920] steps/day), with comparable outcomes for hip-related quality of life and pain.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This trial supports proceeding to a fully powered RCT to assess the effect of teleheath prescribed prefabricated contoured foot orthoses on physical activity in people with hip OA.</p><p><strong>Study registration number: </strong>National Institutes of Health Trial Registry (NCT05138380).</p>","PeriodicalId":47243,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Research International","volume":"29 4","pages":"e2118"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141917732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of trunk exercises with hip strategy training to maximize independence level and balance for patient with stroke: Randomized controlled study.","authors":"Alanoud O Almasoudi, Mohamed K Seyam, Froiland Sanchez","doi":"10.1002/pri.2142","DOIUrl":"10.1002/pri.2142","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Balance while seated and the capacity to conduct selective trunk movements are significant predictors of functional outcomes following stroke. Patients with inappropriate muscle activation and inadequate movement control in the trunk muscles cause mobility and daily function difficulties. Stroke patients have weak leg muscles and decreased balance, resulting in compensatory changes. Functional postural strategy training is necessary to restore balance in these patients. Few studies have examined the effect of physical therapy trunk exercises with hip strategy training on improving balance and increasing independence after stroke.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to explore the effect of selective trunk exercises (STE) with hip strategy training in improving balance in patients with stroke as well as independence levels.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A multicenter inpatient stroke treatment randomized pre- and post-test control trial. Forty-six stroke survivors were randomly allocated to experimental or control groups (n = 23 each). The experimental group received hip strategy training and trunk exercises. All groups received Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT)-based physical therapy four times a week for 6 weeks. Trunk impairment scale, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and functional independence measure (FIM) measured static and dynamic seated balance, functional balance, and trunk movement coordination pre- and post-therapy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The experimental group's post-therapeutic measures were substantially higher than the control group. The experimental group's TIS score, and subscale improved more than the control group. The experimental group considerably increased the BBS score. The experimental group also showed greater FIM gains.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study demonstrated that adding STE in conjunction with hip strategy training to patients after has a positive impact on trunk control while maintaining static and dynamic sitting balance, functional balance, and independence levels which are effective in stroke rehabilitation.</p>","PeriodicalId":47243,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Research International","volume":"29 4","pages":"e2142"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142477525","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of biopsychosocial approach on cognition among Parkinson's population.","authors":"Jayadharshini Elango, Kumaresan Abathsagayam, Surya Vishnuram, Prathap Suganthirababu, Senthilkumar Natarajan","doi":"10.1002/pri.2140","DOIUrl":"10.1002/pri.2140","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cognitive decline is a debilitating symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD). Cognitive impairment in PD has a significant impact on many aspects of an individual's life, social interactions, and overall quality of life (QOL). It is also associated with a faster disease progression and an increased risk of developing dementia. A biopsychosocial approach is likely to address not only the underlying biological mechanisms of cognitive impairment in PD but also the psychological and social factors that can contribute to cognitive decline and influence treatment outcomes.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This experimental study was conducted on 60 older adults with PD at Saveetha medical college and hospital. Participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into two groups of Biopsychosocial (n = 30) and conventional (n = 30). Participants in the intervention group received the multiple interventions based on the biopsychosocial approach with a duration of 60 min per session. Pre and post-test evaluation conducted using Scales for Outcomes in PD-cognition (SCOPA-cog) and Parkinson disease QOL Questionnaire (PDQ-8).</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>The results of the study showed that there is a statistically significant difference in the median scores within the Groups for the outcome measures SCOPA-cog and PDQ-8 (p < 0.001). For SCOPA-cog, the BPS group median score increased from 30 to 36, while the Conventional group median score increased from 31 to 33. For PDQ-8, the BPS group median reduced from 27 to 14, compared to the Conventional group's reduced from 30 to 24. On comparison between the post-test values, the biopsychosocial approach group showed more improvement in cognition and QOL with (p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings of this study concluded that the biopsychosocial approach is effective in improving cognition and QOL among the Parkinson population.</p>","PeriodicalId":47243,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Research International","volume":"29 4","pages":"e2140"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142362264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of aquatic exercise versus aerobic exercise on primary dysmenorrhea and quality of life in adolescent females: A randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Asmaa Y Abdelrahman, Soheir M El-Kosery, Amr H Abbassy, Afaf M Botla","doi":"10.1002/pri.2095","DOIUrl":"10.1002/pri.2095","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Primary dysmenorrhea leads to significant gynecological consultations, school absenteeism, disrupted daily activities, and adversely affects overall quality of life (QOL).</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study compared the effects of aquatic exercise versus aerobic exercise on primary dysmenorrhea and QOL in adolescent females.</p><p><strong>Subjects and methods: </strong>Sixty adolescent females suffering from primary dysmenorrhea with moderate to severe intensity were distributed randomly and equally into two groups was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06129708) the Registration Date, November 13, 2023; group A was treated by aquatic exercise for 12 weeks, while group B was treated by aerobic exercise for 12 weeks. Assessment of both groups before and after treatment involved evaluating dysmenorrhea severity using the WaLIDD Score, measuring pain intensity with the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), determining pressure pain threshold (PPT) with an algometry, and evaluating the QOL using EuroQol-5 Dimension-3 Level (EQ-5D-3L) and EuroQol-visual analog scale (EQ-VAS).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both groups, A and B, experienced significant reductions in the WaLIDD score, NPRS, and all domains of EQ-5D-3L (p < 0.05), coupled with significant increases in PPT and EQ-VAS (p < 0.05). Posttreatment comparisons between the groups showed insignificant differences in WaLIDD score, NPRS, and PPT (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant decrease in EQ-5D-3L and a significant increase in EQ-VAS, favoring group A (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Both aquatic and aerobic exercises are effective methods in primary dysmenorrhea management and QOL improvement in adolescent females, with a better effect of aquatic exercise in enhancing QOL.</p>","PeriodicalId":47243,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Research International","volume":"29 3","pages":"e2095"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141066188","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation combined with inspiratory muscle training for treating respiratory sequelae of long COVID: A case series.","authors":"Iara Tainá C de Souza, Ewerton Graziane G Dos Santos, Roberto Vinicius A da Costa, Wanessa do N Ferreira, Kelly de J Santana, João Victor Dos S Felix, Celso B F Brandão, Aline A Candeia, Laura Morgana Dos S Nascimento, Ana Catarine T da Silva, Carlos André S Ferreira, Maria Heloísa B S Queiroz, Jackeline S Silva, José Heriston de M Lima, Rafaela Pedrosa, Tatiana Onofre, Eduardo E T de França","doi":"10.1002/pri.2109","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/pri.2109","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Long COVID occurs when numerous symptoms begin 3 weeks after acute infection and last for 12 months or more. High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) has been tested in patients with COVID-19; however, previous studies did not investigate the HD-tDCS use combined with inspiratory muscle training (IMT) for respiratory sequelae of long COVID.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>Six individuals (four women and two men) aged between 29 and 71 years and presenting with respiratory sequelae of long COVID were included. They were submitted to an intervention that comprised HD-tDCS combined with IMT twice a week for 5 weeks. Lung function and respiratory muscle assessments were performed at baseline and after 5 weeks of intervention.</p><p><strong>Implications on physiotherapy practice: </strong>HD-tDCS may enhance the IMT effects by increasing respiratory muscle strength, efficiency, and lung function of individuals with long COVID.</p>","PeriodicalId":47243,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Research International","volume":"29 3","pages":"e2109"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141499274","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of physical therapy intervention of dysphagia on preventing pneumonia in acute stroke patients: A randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Moshera Darwish, Mohammed S El-Tamawy, Aya Mahmoud, Ahmed S Ali, Heba A Khalifa","doi":"10.1002/pri.2108","DOIUrl":"10.1002/pri.2108","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Dysphagia is a common complication following stroke. It corresponds to the development of pneumonia, which is always associated with bad prognosis, longer hospital stays and increased mortality. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of physical therapy intervention of dysphagia on preventing pneumonia in acute stroke patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A single-blind randomized controlled trial was carried out on 70 ischemic stroke patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia, age ranged from 49 to 65 years. They were randomly assigned to two groups (control and study) of equal number. Patients in the control group received oral care and nasogastric tube feeding, while patients in the study group received the same program in addition to the designed physical therapy program (exercises and neuromuscular electrical stimulation). The intervention program was applied for 40 min/session, 1 session/day, and 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Gugging swallowing screen (GUSS), and stroke associated pneumonia (SAP) control and prevention criteria were used to assess dysphagia and incidence of pneumonia at baseline, after two and 4 weeks of intervention for both groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Before treatment, all patients were susceptible to pneumonia after two and 4 weeks of intervention; there were a significant increase in GUSS score in both groups with more improvement in favor of the study group (p < 0.05) and a statistically significant increase in incidence of SAP after 2 weeks of intervention only in the control group (p < 0.05). The results also showed a significant negative correlation between GUSS score and SAP (r = - 0.3662, p = 0.0018) IMPLICATIONS FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE: adding physical therapy (exercise therapy and neuromuscular electrical stimulation) to oral care and nasogastric tube feeding is effective in improving oropharyngeal dysphagia and decreasing the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in acute ischemic stroke patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":47243,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Research International","volume":"29 3","pages":"e2108"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141545394","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of combined anodal transcranial direct current stimulation and motor control exercise on cortical topography and muscle activation in individuals with chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled study.","authors":"Kanphajee Sornkaew, Khin Win Thu, Sheri P Silfies, Wanalee Klomjai, Peemongkon Wattananon","doi":"10.1002/pri.2111","DOIUrl":"10.1002/pri.2111","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Aberrant movement in chronic low back pain (CLBP) is associated with a deficit in the lumbar multifidus (LM) and changes in cortical topography. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) can be used to enhance cortical excitability by priming the neuromuscular system for motor control exercise (MCE), thereby enhancing LM activation and movement control. This study aimed to determine the effects of a 6-week MCE program combined with a-tDCS on cortical topography, LM activation, movement patterns, and clinical outcomes in individuals with CLBP.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty-two individuals with CLBP were randomly allocated to the a-tDCS group (a-tDCS; n = 12) or sham-tDCS group (s-tDCS; n = 10). Both groups received 20 min of tDCS followed by 30 min of MCE. The LM and erector spinae (ES) cortical topography, LM activation, movement control battery tests, and clinical outcomes (disability and quality of life) were measured pre- and post-intervention.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant interaction (group × time; p < 0.01) was found in the distance between LM and ES cortical locations. The a-tDCS group demonstrated significantly fewer discrete peaks (p < 0.05) in both ES and LM and significant improvements (p < 0.05) in clinical outcomes post-intervention. The s-tDCS group demonstrated a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the number of discrete peaks in the LM cortical topography. No significant changes (p > 0.05) in LM activation were observed in either group; however, both groups demonstrated improved movement patterns.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Our findings suggest that combined a-tDCS with MCE can separate LM and ES locations over time while s-tDCS (MCE alone) reduces the distance. Our study did not find superior benefits of adding a-tDCS before MCE for LM activation, movement patterns, or clinical outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":47243,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Research International","volume":"29 3","pages":"e2111"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141628094","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}