Objective:To explore the effect of exercise on glycemic control and physical indicators among community-dwelling persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods:A total of 42 T2DM patients undergoing regular follow-up at a community health center were divided into a control group and an exercise group. To minimize confounding factors, 1∶1 propensity score matching was performed, resulting in 21 patients in each group. Both groups received standardized diabetes management, including medication, dietary guidance and diabetes health education. The exercise group additionally performed exercises which integrated sports and medical care models. The experiment lasted 8 weeks. Before and after the intervention, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, body weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, visceral fat area (VFA), fat mass index (FMI) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) were recorded and compared between the two groups. Moreover, the actual exercise compliance of the exercise group was observed, along with any adverse events such as hypoglycemia or exercise-related injuries, as well as changes in antidiabetic medication dosage.Results:After the intervention, significant improvement was observed in both groups in all of the measurements, but with the average HbA1c, BMI, fat mass, VFA and FMI values of the exercise group then significantly better than the control group′s averages. The average compliance rate in the exercise group was 60%. No cases of hypoglycemia or exercise-related injuries were reported during the intervention, and there were no changes in the use of anti-diabetes medications.Conclusions:Exercise effectively improves glycemic control and physical indicators among community-dwelling T2DM patients. However, exercise compliance needs improving.

Objective:To observe any effect of oscillating positive expiratory pressure training on the airway clearing ability of postoperative esophageal cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Methods:Forty postoperative esophageal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy were enrolled and randomized into a control group and an experimental group, each of 20. Both groups received conventional postoperative rehabilitation starting on the first postoperative day, while the experimental group additionally underwent oscillating positive expiratory pressure training (3 sets/day, 30 breaths/set) for five consecutive days. Peak cough flow was measured using a peak flow meter before and 1, 3 and 5 days after the operation. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were also measured on the 5th day after the operation using spirometry. Any postoperative pulmonary complications were recorded.Results:On the 1st day after the operation, peak cough flow had decreased significantly in both groups compared to preoperative levels. However, it had increased significantly on days 3 and 5 in both groups, with the average increase in the experimental group significantly greater than in the control group. On day 5 the average FEV1, forced vital capacity and PEF in both groups were significantly lower than the preoperative values, while the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher average FEV1s (2.22±0.51L) and PEFs (5.09±1.26L/s) compared to the control group.Conclusions:Early postoperative oscillating positive expiratory pressure training can improve the peak cough flow and airway clearing ability of esophageal cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, promoting the recovery of their lung function.

Objective:To observe effectiveness of combining diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in evaluating the upper limb motor functioning of stroke survivors.Methods:Thirty-seven stroke survivors with upper limb motor dysfunction were selected. At the 4th, 12th and 24th week after their onset, each was were assessed using Fugl-Meyer Upper Limb (FMA-UE) scoring, the National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), the Barthel Index (BI) and hemiplegic hand function classification. DTI was also applied and MEPs were measured. The patients were divided into an MEP positive group and an MEP negative group according to the existence of the MEP waveform. The DTI and MEP parameters were correlated with the FMA-UE scores, linear regressions were evaluated and a receiver operating characteristics curve was prepared to estimate the utility of DTI in predicting hand function. The sensitivity and specificity of MEPs in predicting hand function recovery were evaluated.Results:The asymmetry index (FAa) of the average anisotropy score of the posterior limb of the internal capsule and the FAa of the cerebral peduncle were both significantly correlated with the FMA-UE scores at the 12th and 24th weeks. The best cut-off points for predicting functional recovery of a patient′s hand were 0.155 for the FAa of the posterior limb of the internal capsule and 0.145 for the cerebral peduncle. Among the 37 patients, the MEPs of 8 (the MEP positive group) could be extracted, and their hand functions recovered completely. The sensitivity of the MEPs in predicting the complete recovery of hand function was 80% with 100% specificity. The linear regression analysis showed 77% prediction accuracy for the FAa and MEPs of the cerebral peduncle for upper limb motor function at the 24th week after onset. In the MEP negative group, two patients completely recovered their hand function, with one′s FAa less than 0.145, and the other′s more than 0.145. When the MEP was negative, the sensitivity of DTI in predicting the recovery of hand function was 50% with 81.5% specificity.Conclusions:DTI combined with MEPs can be used as an index to evaluate the prognosis of upper limb motor function in stroke patients.

Objective:To observe any effect of combining interactive scalp acupuncture with constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) in treating the upper extremity motor function of children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy.Methods:Fifty-seven children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy were randomly divided into a control group of 28 and an observation group of 29. The control group was given conventional rehabilitation and routine CIMT, while the observation group was additionally provided with interactive scalp acupuncture. In the observation group the CIMT lasted for 30 minutes while the needles were retained. Then, after the needles were removed, the family administered simple rehabilitation training for 2.5 hours guided by a rehabilitation therapist. The treatments were administered 5 days per week for 3 weeks as a session, and the whole treatment consisted of 3 sessions. Before, as well as 1 month and 3 months after the treatment, upper extremity motor function in both groups was evaluated using the Melbourne assessment scale 2 (MA2) and the fine motor Peabody developmental motor scales. Muscle tone in the children′s elbow flexors was assessed using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS).Results:After both 1 and 3 months of treatment, the average MA2 scores of both groups were significantly better than those before treatment, with those of the observation group significantly superior to the control group′s averages. After both 1 and 3 months, both groups′ visual-motor integration scores, grasping ability scores and total scores had improved significantly, with those of the observation group significantly better than in the control group, on average. The MAS scores of both groups were also significantly better than before the treatment, but with no significant differences between the two groups at either time point.Conclusions:Interactive scalp acupuncture combined with constraint-induced movement therapy can significantly improve the upper extremity motor functioning and fine motor ability of children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy of a fixed exoskeleton robot with that of an exoskeleton walker in training the balance of stroke survivors in the subacute stage.Methods:Thirty persons with subacute stroke were divided at random into a fixed robot group (15 cases) and a walking robot group (15 cases). In addition to conventional rehabilitation treatment, the fixed robot group underwent daily 20-minute treadmill-based fixed exoskeleton robot training, 5 days a week for 2 weeks. The walking group was trained with an exoskeleton walking robot on the same schedule. Before and after the treatment, the Berg balance scale, the sitting modified functional stretch test (SMFRT), an isokinetic muscle strength test and the modified Barthel index (MBI) were used to evaluate the subjects′ global balance, self-dynamic balance, knee proprioception and ability in the activities of daily living (ADL).Results:After the treatment, both groups′ average Berg score, SMFRT extension difference, proprioceptive absolute error angle in the affected knee and MBI had improved significantly. The average SMFRT extension difference after treatment in the walker group was then significantly better than the fixed robot group′s average. However, the fixed robot group′s proprioception in the affected knee joint was then significantly better, on average, than among the walking robot group.Conclusions:Both fixed exoskeleton robot training and exoskeleton walker training can improve the balance, proprioception and ADL ability after a stroke. The former better improves dynamic balance; the latter better improves proprioception in the affected knee joint.

Objective:To observe any effect of supplementing rehabilitation training with low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the abnormal spine posture of Parkinson′s disease (PD) patients.Methods:A total 40 PD patients with Pisa syndrome (PS) were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, each of 20. Both groups received conventional drug therapy and rehabilitation training (including myodynamia training and balance function training), while the observation group was additionally provided with low-frequency rTMS of the primary motor cortical area (M1) on the convex side of the scoliosis. Before the treatment and after 2 and 3 weeks, the scoliosis angle was measured, and motor functioning and balance were evaluated using the timed up and go test (TUGT) and the Berg balance scale (BBS). The subjects′ mental state was quantified using the exercise self-efficacy (ESE) scale, and the modified Barthel Index (MBI) was used to quantify their ability in the activities of daily life.Results:After the treatment, significant improvement was observed in the average scoliosis angles, TUGT, BBS, ESE and MBI scores of both groups compared to the pre-treatment levels. In the control group, all of the indicators had returned to their pre-treatment levels 3 weeks after treatment, but in the observation group they remained significantly improved.Conclusions:Low-frequency rTMS combined with rehabilitation training can significantly reduce the scoliosis angle of PD patients, improve their motor functioning and balance, increase their exercise confidence and improve their ability in the activities of daily living over the long term. The combination is worth applying and promoting in clinical practice.

Objective:To observe any effect of combining transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with aerobic exercise on the cognitive functioning of early stage Parkinson′s disease (PD) patients.Methods:A total of 120 PD patients in the early stage were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, each of 60. Both groups received conventional drug treatment and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise training, while the observation group was additionally provided with high-frequency rTMS treatment. Before and after 3 months of the treatments, everyone′s cognitive and motor functioning was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) and the third part of the Unified Parkinson′s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-Ⅲ), respectively. Negative emotions were evaluated using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Auditory event-related potentials were also detected, and the latency and amplitude of P300 were analyzed.Results:The average MoCA, UPDRS-Ⅲ, HAMA and HAMD scores, as well as the amplitude and latency of P300 had improved significantly in both groups after the treatment. At that point the observation group′s performance was significantly better than that of the control group in terms of the MoCA′s visuospatial and executive function, attention and delayed recall indicators, and also total score. The observation group′s average HAMA score (10.55±3.11), HAMD score (9.78±4.10), the P300 amplitude [(11.29±2.21)μV] and latency [(384.75±48.26)ms] were also significantly better. The UPDRS-Ⅲ scores were negatively correlated with the visuospatial and executive function scores of the MoCA scale in the observation group before and after treatment, while the average HAMA score was negatively correlated with the attention and delayed recall scores.Conclusions:Supplementing aerobic exercise with rTMS can significantly improve the cognition and motor functioning of early stage PD patients. The combination is more effective than aerobic exercise alone. Such combined therapy is worthy of popularization and clinical application.

Objective:To observe the effect of combining low-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with melodic intonation therapy (MIT) in the treatment of aphasia soon after a stroke.Methods:Sixty survivors of a recent stroke with aphasia were randomly divided into a control group, an MIT group and an observation group, each of 20. All received conventional rehabilitation therapy, but for 4 weeks the MIT group was additionally given MIT while the observation group received MIT plus 1Hz rTMS applied over the right inferior frontal gyrus and the posterior superior temporal gyrus. The intensity was 80% of the resting motor threshold. Before and after the treatment, language function and communication ability were evaluated using the Chinese version of the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) and Communicative Activities of Daily Living (CADL) scale.Results:Significant improvements in the WAB and CADL scores and aphasia quotient (AQ) were observed in both the MIT group and the observation group after the treatment compared to their pre-treatment levels, but the observation group demonstrated significantly higher scores than the other two groups on all three assessments. The MIT group′s average scores were superior to those of the control group.Conclusions:Applying rTMS and MIT in combination significantly improves the speech and the daily communication abilities of aphasics early post-stroke, reducing the severity of their aphasia. The therapy exhibits considerable promise for clinical implementation.

Objective:To observe any differences in the brain′s functional responses during swallowing with healthy young, middle-aged and elderly individuals.Methods:Fifteen healthy young people formed the youth group, while 15 healthy middle-aged or elderly subjects were the middle-aged and elderly group. Both groups performed repeated swallowing tasks while being observed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. The data were processed using NirSpark software, and brain activation was compared between the two groups.Results:Swallowing-related brain regions were all significantly activated in the youth group, while in the middle-aged and elderly group only the primary motor cortex (M1), primary somatosensory cortex (PSC), premotor and supplementary motor cortex (pSMC), and inferior central region on the left side showed significantly increased activation. Compared to the youth group, the middle-aged and elderly group exhibited significantly reduced activation in seven channels, including the right M1 and pSMC, the left M1, the pSMC, the PSC, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and frontal pole area.Conclusions:The middle-aged and elderly show significantly less activation in certain brain regions during swallowing compared with younger persons. That may be related to aging and its associated cognitive decline, as well as reduced motor and sensory abilities related to swallowing.

Objective:To observe the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on diabetic rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and to explore the role of miR-122 in it.Methods:Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into a healthy control group, a sedentary group, a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) group and a moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) group using a random number table. All except the healthy control group had type 2 diabetes with NAFLD induced using a high-fat and high-fructose diet. The healthy control and sedentary groups were kept quiet in their cages, while the HIIT and MICT groups performed treadmill exercise of the corresponding intensity for 8 consecutive weeks. At 48h after the last training, plasma was collected to measure biochemical markers, and the livers were resected for histological observation using hematoxylin and eosin staining. miR-122 expression was measured using real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reactions, while the protein expressions of fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP1c) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) were detected using western blotting.Results:Compared with the healthy control group, the average fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), insulin and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) had increased significantly in the sedentary group. Compared with the sedentary group, the average FBG, TG, TC, insulin and HOMA-IR had decreased significantly in both the HIIT and MICT groups, and the average ALT and AST in the HIIT group had also decreased significantly. The average TG, TC, ALT and AST levels in the HIIT group were then significantly lower than in the MICT group. Compared with the sedentary group, the average liver steatosis score had decreased significantly in both the HIIT and MICT groups, with that of the HIIT group significantly lower than in the MICT group, on average. Compared with the healthy control group, the expression of miR-122 had decreased significantly, but that of SREBP1c, PPARγ, FAS and ACC had increased significantly in the sedentary group. And compared with the sedentary group, the expression of miR-122 had increased significantly in both the HIIT and MICT groups, on average, but that of SREBP1c, PPARγ, FAS and ACC had decreased significantly. Average miR-122 levels in the HIIT group were then significantly higher, and those of SREBP1c, PPARγ, FAS and ACC were significantly lower than in the MICT group.Conclusions:Either MICT or HIIT training can relieve NAFLD in rats modeling diabetes, but HIIT has a better therapeutic effect. Its therapeutic mechanism may be related to the upregulation of miR-122 in the liver.