Objective To observe the effects of lower limb motion control training using virtual games combined with core stability training (CST) on the lower limb motor function of hemiplegic patients after stroke.Methods Sixty hemiplegic stroke patients were divided into an observation group and a control group (n =30 in each) using a random number table.The control group was given conventional treatment and CST,while the observation group received lower limb motion control training using virtual games in addition to conventional treatment and CST.All of the patients were assessed using the Fugl-Meyer lower limb assessment (FMA),the Berg balance scale (BBS),the modified Barthel index (MBI),10 metre maximum walking speed (MWS) and functional ambulation categorization (FAC)before and after 8 weeks of treatment.Results Before the intervention there was no significant difference between the two groups in any of the measurements.After the treatment,however,the average FMA,BBS,MBI,MWS and FAC in the observation group were significantly better than those before treatment and those in the control group.Conclusions Lower limb motion control training using virtual games combined with core stability training can improve effectively the lower limb motor function of hemiplegic patients after stroke.Such a combination is worth applying in clinical practice.

Objective To observe any effect of low-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the sleep and mood of elderly insomniacs.Methods Thirty-four elderly insomniacs were divided randomly into an experiment group (n =18) and a control group (n =16).The experiment group received rTMS of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex,while the control group was given alternating magnetic field stimulation at the same site.Before and after 4 weeks of the treatments,all of the subjects were assessed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI),the Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and the Hamilton depression scale (HAMD).They were also assessed with those instruments omitting the sleep items in order to reduce the possible impact of any sleep changes on the HAMA and HAMD scores.Results Before the treatment there were no significant differences in the groups' average PSQI,HAMA and HAMD scores.After 4 weeks all the measurements in both groups had decreased significantly,with the experimental group's averages significantly lower than those of the control group.Conclusions rTMS treatment is more effective than alternating magnetic field treatment for the elderly with insomnia,significantly improving their sleep and mood.