OBJECTIVES: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common condition among women that severely impairs quality of life. Pelvic floor proprioceptive training (PFPT) has attracted increasing attention for its potential to enhance pelvic floor muscle function and alleviate SUI symptoms. This study aims to observe and compare the clinical efficacy of PFPT combined with electroacupuncture, electrical stimulation, and biofeedback therapy versus conventional therapy consisting of electroacupuncture, electrical stimulation, and biofeedback alone in women with SUI, and to explore the role of PFPT in improving symptom and functional outcomes. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 72 women with mild to moderate SUI were recruited from the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, between December 2021 and October 2023. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=36) or a control group (n=36). Both groups received health education. The control group underwent electroacupuncture combined with electrical stimulation and biofeedback therapy, while the experimental group additionally received PFPT 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF). Secondary outcomes included pelvic floor muscle strength, bladder neck mobility, and balance ability. The ICIQ-SF was reassessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment. RESULTS: Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in all parameters after treatment (all P<0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences between groups in most measures (all P>0.05). The experimental group demonstrated longer single-leg stance duration with eyes closed than the control group (left leg: P=0.026; right leg: P=0.006), with a significant increase from baseline (P<0.001). At 6 months post-treatment, the cure rate in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P=0.037). CONCLUSIONS Conventional therapy effectively improves SUI symptoms, but adding PFPT provides notable additional benefits, including enhanced balance ability and sustained mid-term cure rates. These findings suggest that PFPT is a valuable adjunct to standard SUI management strategies.
Humans ; Female ; Urinary Incontinence, Stress/physiopathology* ; Pelvic Floor/physiopathology* ; Middle Aged ; Biofeedback, Psychology ; Adult ; Exercise Therapy/methods* ; Proprioception ; Electroacupuncture/methods* ; Quality of Life ; Electric Stimulation Therapy/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Combined Modality Therapy

Objective To evaluate the effects of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction timing on the motor performance and proprioception by clinical evaluation as well as proprioception and motor performance tests on the patients more than 2 years after ACL reconstruction. Methods The patients who underwent ACL reconstruction in the National Institute of Sports Medicine,General Administration of Sport of China from January 2015 to January 2021 and met the inclusion criteria were followed up,and the postoperative data were collected retrospectively.Fifty-six patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study and categorized into two groups:early surgery (n=28,who underwent ACL reconstruction ≤3 weeks after injury) and delayed surgery (n=28,who underwent ACL reconstruction >3 weeks after injury).The basic information,clinical evaluation results,proprioception,and motor performance were compared between the two groups. Results The ACL return to sport after injury scale (ACL-RSI) score in the early surgery group was higher than that in the delayed surgery group [(68.68±22.04)scores vs. (55.82±24.87)scores,P=0.045].There was no difference in the range of motion of the knee joint,the positive rate of pivot shift test,or the scores of Tegner,Marx,Lysholm,knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS),and international knee documentation committee (IKDC) between the two groups (all P>0.05).Although there was no significant difference in range of motion of the knee joint between the two groups,the proportion of knee flexion and extension affected in the early surgery group was smaller than that in the delayed surgery group.Neither motor performance (isokinetic strength test,Y-balance test,and single-leg jump test) nor proprioception had difference between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions Early ACL reconstruction outperformed delayed ACL reconstruction in improving the psychological health,emotions,and confidence in returning to sport,accelerating functional recovery of the patients.The timing of ACL reconstruction has no significant effect on the short-term postoperative knee stability,knee function,motor performance,or proprioceptive recovery of the patients.Early ACL reconstruction is recommended for improving the clinical outcomes.
Humans ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction/methods* ; Proprioception/physiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Male ; Female ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries/physiopathology* ; Adult ; Postoperative Period ; Time Factors ; Return to Sport ; Recovery of Function ; Knee Joint/physiopathology* ; Young Adult

Dental primary afferent (DPA) neurons and proprioceptive mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (MTN) neurons, located in the trigeminal ganglion and the brainstem, respectively, are essential for controlling masticatory functions. Despite extensive transcriptomic studies on various somatosensory neurons, there is still a lack of knowledge about the molecular identities of these populations due to technical challenges in their circuit-validated isolation. Here, we employed high-depth single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) in combination with retrograde tracing in mice to identify intrinsic transcriptional features of DPA and MTN neurons. Our transcriptome analysis revealed five major types of DPA neurons with cell type-specific gene enrichment, some of which exhibit unique mechano-nociceptive properties capable of transmitting nociception in response to innocuous mechanical stimuli in the teeth. Furthermore, we discovered cellular heterogeneity within MTN neurons that potentially contribute to their responsiveness to mechanical stretch in the masseter muscle spindles. Additionally, DPA and MTN neurons represented sensory compartments with distinct molecular profiles characterized by various ion channels, receptors, neuropeptides, and mechanoreceptors. Together, our study provides new biological insights regarding the highly specialized mechanosensory functions of DPA and MTN neurons in pain and proprioception.
Animals ; Mice ; Neurons ; Proprioception ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Pain ; Sequence Analysis, RNA

For a basketball player who had scapholunate interosseous ligament injury related to sport, it is crucial to secure the active range of motion (ROM) and regain proprioception of the wrist. The player was involved in a 21-week rehabilitation procedure based on controlling pain with inactive treatments, restoring the wrist ROM with active treatments. We measured the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, upper extremity functional outcome measurement (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand [DASH]) for the functionality, and active ROMs of the wrist. The VAS was decreased (after surgical treatment, 8.7; 1 week, 2.5; 12 week, 3–5; 21 week, 0). The DASH score was decreased when he returned to play (after surgical treatment, 78; end of the rehabilitation, 23). Wrist flexion and extension ROM were increased to 55° and 67°, respectively. To restore the function of the wrist for basketball performance, improvement of active ROM and proprioception is the primary goal to return to play.
Arm ; Basketball ; Hand ; Ligaments ; Proprioception ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Rehabilitation ; Return to Sport ; Shoulder ; Sports ; Upper Extremity ; Visual Analog Scale ; Wrist

OBJECTIVE: To compare balance performance and lower limb muscle strength between older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), with and without sensory impairments and non-DM groups. Influence of a number of sensory impairments, and muscle strength on balance performance were explored. METHODS: Ninety-two older adults with and without type 2 DM, were examined relative to visual function with the Snellen chart, Melbourne Edge test, and Howard-Dolman test, vestibular function with the modified Romberg test, proprioception of the big toe, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy with the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. Balance performances were evaluated with the Romberg test, Functional Reach Test (FRT), and Timed Up and Go test (TUG). Strength of knee and ankle muscles was measured. RESULTS: FRT of type 2 DM groups with at least two sensory impairments, was lower than the non-DM group (p<0.05). TUG of all DM groups, was worse than the non-DM group (p<0.01). Lower limb muscle strength of type 2 DM groups with two and three sensory impairments, was weaker than non-DM group (p<0.05). Regression analysis showed that type 2 DM with three sensory impairments, ankle dorsiflexors strength, and age were influential predictors of TUG. CONCLUSION: There were significant differences, of muscle strength and balance performance among groups. Poorer balance and reduced lower limb strength were marked in older adults with type 2 DM, even ones without sensory impairment. Muscle weakness seemed to progress, from the distal part of lower limbs. A greater number of sensory impairments, weaker dorsiflexors, and advanced age influenced balance performance.
Adult ; Aged ; Ankle ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Hallux ; Humans ; Knee ; Lower Extremity ; Mass Screening ; Michigan ; Muscle Strength ; Muscle Weakness ; Muscles ; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases ; Proprioception ; Vestibular Function Tests

PURPOSE: This examined the effect of Kinesio taping pre-intervention on the pain, tenderness, proprioceptive sensation, and muscle strength associated with delayed onset muscle soreness. METHODS: Thirty subjects were divided into a Kinesio taping application group of 15 subjects and a control non-taped group of 15 subjects, and the changes in individual variables were analyzed before taping and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after taping using two-way repeated ANOVA. Post-hoc t-tests were conducted in the cases with intergroup interactions, and the significance level α was set to α=0.01. RESULTS: The changes in pain during rest were significantly different only for the times, while the changes in pain during exercise were significantly different for the times, interactions between the times and groups, and intergroup changes (p<0.05). The changes in tenderness were significantly different for the times and for interactions between the times and groups (p<0.05). The changes in proprioceptive sensation were significantly different for the times, interactions between times and groups, and intergroup changes (p<0.05). The changes in muscle strength were significantly different only for the times (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The application of Kinesio taping had positive effects on the pain, tenderness, and proprioceptive sensation of delayed onset muscle soreness. These results suggest that Kinesio taping can be a useful therapeutic factor in future studies and in clinical settings.
Muscle Strength ; Myalgia ; Proprioception ; Sensation

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to provide basic data for injury prevention and rehabilitation program development of Taekwondo demonstration team by comparing lower extremity muscles function and proprioceptive senses of Taekwondo demonstration team with or without anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The subjects were ACL injured Taekwondo demonstration player group (ATD, n=13) who underwent ACL reconstruction and Kukkiwon Taekwondo demonstration player group (KTD, n=13) without injury history.METHODS: To evaluate the lower extremity muscles function, we measured the flexor-extensor muscle strength ratio and isokinetic muscle strength of the knee joint using a isokinetic muscle strength measuring device. In order to investigate the proprioceptive sensory function, position sense, and threshold to detection of passive motion was using a isokinetic muscle strength measuring device. The experiment was conducted on average 26 months after surgery.RESULTS: The results of this study are as follows. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the knee joint flexor-extensor ratio. But there was a significant difference in Knee joint flexion and extension strength between two groups at an angular velocity of 60°/sec, 180°/sec, and 300°/sec. and KTD group was higher than ATD groups (p=0.014, p=0.001, p=0.029, p=0.005, p=0.043, p=0.041, respectively). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the proprioceptive sensory test.CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the normal flexor to extensor ratio (50%–70%), But it was close to the injury risk level. Therefore, the training program for the improvement of the muscle strength and the imbalance of the strength of the lower extremity muscle function should be performed in both groups.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament ; Education ; Knee Joint ; Lower Extremity ; Muscle Strength ; Muscles ; Program Development ; Proprioception ; Rehabilitation ; Sensation

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy and correlation of electroacupuncture combined with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on proprioception and motor function of lower limbs in stroke patients. METHODS: A total of 96 stroke patients were randomized into an electroacupuncture (EA) group, a PNF group and a combination group, 32 cases in each one. In the EA group, acupuncture was applied at cephalic motor and sensory areas, Huantiao (GB 30), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Xuanzhong (GB 39), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) on affected side, and electroacupuncture was adopted at Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Xuanzhong (GB 39), continuous wave and 2 Hz in frequency for 20 min, once every day. In the PNF group, PNF was performed for 20 min, once a day. In the combination group, electroacupuncture was given before PNF, once a day. 4 weeks as one course and totally 3 courses were required, the effect was followed up after half a year. Before treatment, after 4, 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the average trace error (ATE) and Time, the scores of Fugl-Meyer scale (FMA) and modified Barthel index (MBI) were observed in the 3 groups. Correlation analysis between ATE, Time and FMA was performed. RESULTS: ① The total effective rate in the combination group was 90.3% (28/31), which was superior to 64.5% (20/31) in the EA group and 62.5% (20/32) in the PNF group (<0.05). ②After 4, 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the ATE and Time in the 3 groups were reduced compared with before treatment (<0.05, <0.01). After 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the ATE in the combination group were lower than the EA group and the PNF group (<0.05, <0.01). After 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the Time in the combination group were lower than the EA group and the PNF group (<0.05, <0.01). ③After 4, 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the FMA scores in the EA group and the combination group were increased compared with before treatment (<0.01). After 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the FMA scores in the PNF group were increased compared with before treatment (<0.01). After 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the FMA scores in the combination group were higher than the EA group and the PNF group (<0.05, <0.01). ④After 4, 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the MBI scores in the 3 groups were increased compared with before treatment (<0.01). After 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the MBI scores in the combination group were higher than the EA group (<0.01). After 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the MBI scores in the combination group were higher than the PNF group (<0.01). ⑤ The correlation coefficients of ATE, Time and FMA were from 0.4 to 0.75 (<0.05), suggesting a moderate intensity correlation. CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture, PNF and combination therapy can improve proprioception and motor function of lower limbs and activities of daily living, and combination therapy has a better effect. Proprioception and motor function have a strong correlation in the recovery of stroke patients.
Activities of Daily Living ; Electroacupuncture ; methods ; Hemiplegia ; therapy ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; Proprioception ; Stroke ; complications ; Stroke Rehabilitation ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment on pain and balance in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy.METHOD: This study included twenty-five patients who were diagnosed with chronic lumbosacral radiculopathy. They underwent PRF treatment in prone position under the fluoroscopic guidance. The effect of PRF was measured by the visual analog score (VAS). Patient ability to balance was evaluated by using the Tetra-ataxiometric posturography (Tetrax).RESULTS: After PRF all patients showed improvement in pain as measured by VAS (p < 0.001) and none of the patients reported any side effects. The posturographic balance, which was evaluated by Tetrax showed no significant decline after PRF treatment. The weight distribution index (WDI) with eyes open before treatment was 5.43 ± 2.88 and after treatment was 5.37 ± 2.65 (p=0.917). The mean stability index (SI) with eyes open before treatment was 16.52 ± 6.05 and after treatment was 16.61 ± 4.85 (p=0.906). The mean WDI with eyes closed before treatment was 5.66 ± 2.81 and after treatment was 5.16 ± 2.70 (p=0.470). Finally, the mean SI with eyes closed before was 25.88 ± 9.88 and after treatment was 25.99 ± 12.30 (p=0.962).CONCLUSION: The results suggest that PRF has an effect on pain in patients with chronic lumbosacral radiculopathy. The patients did not experience adverse effects, such as hypoesthesia, dysesthesia and decreased proprioception after PRF, and there were no significant declines in balance.
Humans ; Hypesthesia ; Methods ; Paresthesia ; Postural Balance ; Prone Position ; Proprioception ; Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment ; Radiculopathy

A 77-year-old female with a history of osteoarthritis visited our clinic complaining of lower back pain, paresthesia in both legs, and voiding difficulty. Her pain and temperature sensations were diminished below the L1 dermatome, and proprioception was decreased in both feet. The findings of a routine laboratory workup, echocardiogram, and cerebrospinal fluid studies were normal. Spine magnetic resonance imaging revealed high T2-weighted signal intensities and diffusion restriction in the posterior conus medullaris. The patient was diagnosed and treated for posterior spinal artery infarction.
Aged ; Arteries ; Cerebrospinal Fluid ; Conus Snail ; Diffusion ; Female ; Foot ; Humans ; Infarction ; Leg ; Low Back Pain ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Osteoarthritis ; Paresthesia ; Proprioception ; Sensation ; Spinal Cord Compression ; Spinal Cord Ischemia ; Spinal Cord Vascular Diseases ; Spinal Cord ; Spine