Objective:To explore the effect of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the executive functioning and core symptoms of preschool children on the autism spectrum.Methods:Forty-three preschool children showing signs of autism were randomly divided into an rTMS group of 21 and a control group of 22. In addition to routine rehabilitation and training in basic living skills, the rTMS group was additionally provided with 1Hz rTMS for 8 weeks. Before and after the treatment, both groups were evaluated using the preschool version of the Behavior Rating Inventory for Executive Function (BRIEF-P), the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), the revised version of the Repetitive Behavior Scale (RBS-R) and the Child Autism Rating Scale (CARS).Results:After the 8 weeks of treatment, the average BRIEF-P, SRS, RBS-R and CARS scores of both groups had improved significantly, but the rTMS group′s averages where then significantly better than those of the control group.Conclusions:Low-frequency rTMS in addition to conventional rehabilitation intervention can significantly improve the executive functioning and core symptoms of preschool children on the autism spectrum.

Objective:To observe any short-term effect of combining respiratory muscle training with feedback respiratory electrical stimulation on the pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength of stroke survivors.Methods:Sixty stroke survivors were randomly divided into an observation group ( n=30) and a control group ( n=30). Both groups were given conventional rehabilitation 6 days a week for 3 weeks, but the observation group also received respiratory muscle training with feedback electrical stimulation. Before and after the treatment, both groups′ pulmonary functioning and respiratory muscle strength were measured, and also their trunk control, skill in the activities of daily living and fatigue level. The trunk impairment scale (TIS), modified Barthel index (MBI) and fatigue severity scale (FSS) were used. The incidence of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) was also compared between the two groups. Results:After the treatment, average forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, maximum voluntary ventilation, peak expiratory flow, maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, as well as the average TIS and MBI scores of both groups had improved significantly, and there was a significant decrease in the average FSS scores. After the intervention, all of the average measurements of the experimental group were significantly better than the control group′s averages except their MBI scores. There was no significant difference in the incidence of SAP.Conclusions:Three weeks of respiratory muscle training combined with electrical stimulation feedback can effectively improve the pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and inspiratory muscle endurance of stroke survivors, resulting in better coughing ability, trunk control and reduced fatigue.

Objective:To observe any effect of repetitive low-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on sleep disorders and abnormal behaviors of children on the autism spectrum.Methods:Forty autistic children were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, each of 20. Both groups were given sleep behavior training and individualized conventional rehabilitation training. Those in the observation group also received 30min of rTMS at 1Hz applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortical area once a day, 5 days a week. Before and after 8 weeks of this treatment, both groups were evaluated using the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), the Child Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and the children′s Sleep Habit Questionnaire (CSHQ).Results:The average CARS and CSHQ scores, as well as the total ABC score of both groups increased significantly over the 8 weeks, but the average CARS and CSHQ scores, as well as the total ABC score of the observation group were then significantly better than in the control group. After the treatment, the average ABC scores for sensory ability, communication ability, motor ability, and language ability were significantly lower than before the treatment for both groups, but the observation group′s averages were then significantly better than those of the control group.Conclusions:Supplementing routine intervention with low-frequency rTMS can effectively improve the sleeping and correct the abnormal behavior patterns of autistic children.

Objective:To document any effect of combining respiratory-muscle resistance training with feedback respiratory electrical stimulation in rehabilitating the diaphragm function and lung function of stroke survivors.Methods:Sixty hemiplegic stroke survivors were randomly assigned to an observation group or a control group, each of 30. Both groups were given conventional rehabilitation, including respiratory-muscle resistance training. The observation group additionally received feedback respiratory electrical stimulation twice a day, six days a week for 3 weeks. Before and after the treatment, ultrasound was used to measure the end-inspiratory and end-expiratory thickness of the diaphragm. Diaphragm movement during quiet breathing and deep breathing was also observed, and the diaphragm thickening fraction was calculated. The incidence of diaphragm dysfunction on the affected and healthy sides of the two groups before and after the treatment was also analyzed and compared.Results:Diaphragm dysfunction on either side had decreased significantly more in the observation group than in the control group after the treatment. The observation group also showed significantly greater average improvement in the thickening functions and in diaphragm movement on both the affected and healthy sides during quiet breathing and deep breathing. All of the pulmonary function indicators improved significantly in both groups after the treatment, but those of the observation group were, on average, significantly better than the control group′s averages.Conclusions:Combining 3 weeks of respiratory muscle resistance training with electrical stimulation feedback can effectively increase the bilateral thickness of the diaphragm and diaphragm movement in deep breathing of hemiplegic stroke survivors. That reduces the incidence of diaphragm dysfunction.