1.Transcranial direct current stimulation enhances the effect of task-oriented training in the rehabilitation of upper limb dysfunction after stroke
Congzhi TANG ; Qian CAI ; Xi YANG ; Liang XU ; Ming MA ; Wudong SUN ; Yue SUN
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2019;41(8):570-574
Objective To investigate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) before or during task-oriented training on the upper limb dysfunction of stroke survivors.Methods Ninety stroke survivors were randomly divided into groups A,B and C,each of 30.Those in all the three groups received the same task-oriented training,but those in groups A and B received 20 minutes of tDCS of the M1 area of the cerebrum before and during the task-oriented training respectively.Group C was given placebo stimulation during the task-oriented training.The Fugl-Meyer functional upper limb assessment (FMA-UE),a Hong Kong hemiplegia upper limb function test (FTHUE-HK) and the modified Barthel index (MBI) were used to evaluate the outcomes before and after 4 weeks of treatment.Results After 4 weeks of treatment the average FMA-UE,FTHUE-HK and MBI scores of all three groups were significantly better than those before the treatment.Group B's average scores were significantly better than those of groups A and C.Conclusion tDCS significantly enhances the benefits of task-oriented training after stroke.
2.Effects of Multi-point Multi-axis Suspension Training on Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Surface Electromyography Study
Yue SUN ; Weichao PAN ; Wudong SUN ; Liang XU ; Congzhi TANG ; Xianghu ZHAO ; Qian CAI ; Ming MA
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2018;24(9):1058-1061
Objective To study the effect of multi-point multi-axis suspension training on nonspecific low back pain (NLBP) through surface electromyography (sEMG). Methods From October, 2016 to November, 2017, 24 patients with unilateral NLBP (NLBP group) were randomly divided into dynamic group (n=12) and static group (n=12); other 12 healthy volunteers were selected as control group. NLBP group was trained on multi-point multi-axis suspension training system, the dynamic group accepted pelvic-up training in the supine position, while the static group accepted lumbar neutral keep training, for ten days. NLBP group was measured with average electromyographic values (AEMG) of affected musculi multifidi before and after treatment, and assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain; while the control group was measured AEMG of unilateral musculi multifidi. Results The AEMG in static and pelvic-up positions was more in NLBP group than in the control group before treatment (t>3.209, P<0.01), and it was less when keeping neutral position (t=-2.364, P<0.05). The AEMG improved in NLBP groups after treatment (t>2.982, P<0.01). The AEMG in static position and in keeping neutral position was not significantly different among the three groups after treatment (F<2.921, P>0.05), and it was the most in the dynamic group as pelvic-up (P<0.001). The score of VAS decreased in both NLBP groups after treatment (t>10.416, P<0.001), and it was less in the static group than in the dynamic group (t=-4.389, P<0.001).Conclusion sEMG changes take place in patients with NLBP. Multi-point multi-axis suspension training is effective through improving the core muscle group, and it is more effective in static maintenance training.
3. The clinical efficacy of the Mulligan technique for treating cervical vertigo in an environment containing hyperbaric oxygen
Ming MA ; Youqiang FAN ; Li MA ; Wudong SUN ; Congzhi TANG ; Qian CAI ; Liang XU ; Xianghu ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2019;41(10):760-763
Objective:
To observe the clinical efficacy of the Mulligan technique in treating cervical vertigo (CV) in a hyperbaric oxygen (HPO) environment.
Methods:
Sixty-eight CV patients were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, each of 34. Both groups were given routine treatment with ultrashortwave irradiation, but the observation group was additionally provided with 15 minutes of treatment based on the Mulligan technique in an environment with oxygen at 0.2 MPa, five days a week for two weeks. Both groups were assessed using the cervical vertigo symptoms and functional assessment scale (ESCV) and the daily frequency of vertigo was recorded before the treatment and 2, 4, 7, 14 and 60 days after treatment began. Moreover, the mean blood flow velocity in the patients′ vertebral (VA) and basilar arteries (BA) was detected using transcranial Doppler sonography before the treatment and after two weeks and two months.
Results:
There were no significant differences between the two groups in any of the measurements before the intervention. Afterward, however, significant improvement in all of the measurements was observed compared with before the treatment. After two weeks and two months the average ESCV score, daily occurrence of CV and mean VA and BA blood flows in the observation group were all significantly superior to those of the control group at the same time points.
Conclusion
Treatment based on the Mulligan technique in an environment with 0.2 MPa partial pressure of oxygen is a more effective way to relieve the symptoms of cervical vertigo and reduce the frequency of its occurrence. Such treatment is worthy of application in the clinic.