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Objective: Assessing rehabilitation effectiveness for persistent symptoms post-infection with emerging viral respiratory diseases. Data sources: Systematic review of seven databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PEDro, MedRxiv, CNKI, Wanfang) until 30 December 2023. Review methods: Evaluated 101 studies (9593 participants) on respiratory function, exercise capacity, and quality of life. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for observational studies and non-RCTs, and the NIH Quality Assessment Tools for before-after studies. Results: The most common rehabilitation program combined breathing exercises with aerobic exercise or strength training. Rehabilitation interventions significantly enhanced respiratory function, as evidenced by improvements on the Borg Scale (MD, −1.85; 95% CI, −3.00 to −0.70, low certainty), the mMRC Dyspnea Scale (MD, −0.45; 95% CI, −0.72 to −0.18, low certainty), and the Multidimensional Dyspnoea-12 Scale (MD, −4.64; 95% CI, −6.54 to −2.74, moderate certainty). Exercise capacity also improved, demonstrated by results from the Six-Minute Walk Test (MD, 38.18; 95% CI, 25.33–51.03, moderate certainty) and the Sit-to-Stand Test (MD, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.07–5.01, low certainty). Conclusion: Rehabilitation interventions are promising for survivors of viral respiratory diseases, yet gaps in research remain. Future investigations should focus on personalizing rehabilitation efforts, utilizing remote technology-assisted programs, improving research quality, and identifying specific subgroups for customized rehabilitation strategies to achieve the best outcomes for survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the effects of robotic-assisted gait training on cardiopulmonary fitness and exercise capacity for people with incomplete spinal cord injury. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PEDro, CENTRAL and CINAHL were searched from inception until September 4, 2022. Randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of robotic-assisted gait training on cardiopulmonary fitness and exercise capacity for individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury were selected. Mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. The methodological quality was evaluated by the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to the time since injury. Results: In total 19 studies involving 770 patients were eligible for analysis. Individuals with acute incomplete spinal cord injury in robotic-assisted gait training groups showed significantly greater improvements in 6-minute walking test (MD 53.32; 95% CI 33.49 to 73.15; P < 0.001), lower extremity motor scale (MD 5.22; 95% CI 3.63 to 6.80; P < 0.001) and walking index for spinal cord injury II (MD 3.18; 95% CI 1.34 to 5.02; P < 0.001). Robotic-assisted gait training improved peak oxygen consumption to a greater degree for chronic incomplete spinal cord injury patients (MD 4.90; 95% CI 0.96 to 8.84; P = 0.01). Conclusion: Robot-assisted gait training may be a feasible and effective intervention in terms of cardiopulmonary fitness and exercise capacity for individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on pain and physical function in patients with low back pain. Data sources: A search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science was conducted up to December 2021. Methods: We included randomized controlled trials that investigated the effectiveness of PEMF in patients with low back pain. The primary outcome was pain intensity and the secondary outcome was physical function, both were evaluated by assessment scales. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for the summary statistics analysis. The registration number of this systematic review in PROSPERO is CRD42020213829. Results: Fourteen trials involving 618 participants were included. The PEMF treatment showed more significant pain alleviation than placebo or other therapy alone in patients with low back pain (SMD = −1.01, 95% CI −1.42 to −0.6, P < 0.001, I2 = 31%; SMD = −0.36, 95% CI −0.62 to −0.11, P = 0.005, I2 = 37%, respectively.) In addition, a significant difference in pain alleviation was observed in patients with chronic low back pain (SMD = −0.6, 95%CI − 0.94 to −0.25, p < 0.001, I2 = 67%), whereas no significant difference was observed in patients with acute low back pain (SMD = −0.46, 95%CI − 0.99 to 0.07, p = 0.09, I2 = 0%). PEMF did not improve physical function compared with the control treatment (SMD = −0.45, 95% CI − 0.98 to 0.07, p = 0.09, I2 = 86%). Conclusion: PEMF is beneficial for alleviating pain in patients with chronic low back pain despite having no advantage in improving physical function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of kinesiology tape in treating hemiplegic shoulder pain. METHODS: Web of Science, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, six other English databases and three Chinese databases (CNKI, VIP, Wan Fang) were searched for randomized controlled trials published prior to December 13, 2020 in English or Chinese on the use of kinesiology tape for hemiplegic shoulder pain. RESULTS: Fourteen randomized controlled trials (679 patients) of good PEDro quality (6.43 ± 1.09) were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results for pain (SMD - 0.92, 95% CI - 1.10 to - 0.74, P < 0.001, 10 RCTs, 539 patients), range of motion (SMD 2.27, 95% CI 1.23 to 3.32, P < 0.001, 7 studies, 320 patients), the acromion humeral distance (SMD - 0.62, 95% CI - 0.88 to - 0.37, P < 0.001, 7 RCTs, 246 patients) and the FMA-UE score (SMD 0.66, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.91, P < 0.001, 5 RCTs, 263 patients) suggested that therapeutic kinesiology tape relieved pain, increased ROM, shortened the acromion humeral distance and improved upper extremity motor function to a greater extent than the sham or blank control conditions. The pooled results for individual activity (SMD 0.42, 95% CI - 0.22 to 1.07, P = 0.199, 5 RCTs, 199 patients) and quality of life (SMD 0.308, 95% CI - 0.288 to 0.903, P = 0.311, 1 RCT, 44 patients) showed that the kinesiology tape group was not significantly different from the sham or blank control group. Publication bias was not observed. No adverse events were reported in any of the included studies. CONCLUSION: KT relieved pain and improved the ROM, DAH and FMA-UE score in patients with HSP to a greater extent than did the sham KT or blank control conditions. The effects on independence in activities of daily living and quality of life and whether this method is superior to active treatment in patients with HSP were not verified. More rigorous, reasonably designed RCTs with large sample sizes are still needed in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) for spinal cord injury (SCI) are controversial. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of HBO therapy on motor function, sensory function, and psychology after SCI. METHOD: We searched the following databases: Medline, Embase, PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang, and VIP up to May 2020. We included Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) which investigated patients with SCI received HBO during hospitalization. Motor function, sensory function, and psychology status were measured by commonly used scales including American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor score, Modified Barthel Index (MBI), ASIA sensory score, Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA). We performed a meta-analysis by calculating mean difference (MD) to determine the effect of HBO on three levels of function on patients with SCI. We evaluated heterogeneity by I 2 test, and I 2 > 50% was significant. RESULTS: : A total of 1746 studies were identified initially, and 11 studies were included, involving 875 participants. HBO therapy significantly improved the ASIA motor score (MD 15.84, 95% CI 9.04 to 22.64, I 2 = 87%). Six trails suggested that HBO therapy statistically promoted ASIA sensory score (MD 66.30, 95% CI 53.44 to 79.16, I 2 = 95%). The other four trails suggested that HBO therapy statistically increased the light touch score (MD 9.27, 95% CI 3.89 to 14.65, I 2 = 91%) and needling score (MD 10.01, 95% CI 8.60 to 11.43, I 2 = 95%), respectively. HBO therapy was implicated in the significant improvement of MBI (MD 13.80, 95% CI 10.65 to 16.94, I 2 = 0%). HBO therapy also decreased the HAMA (MD - 2.37, 95% CI - 2.72 to - 2.02, I 2 = 0%) and HAMD (MD - 3.74, 95% CI - 5.82 to - 1.65, I 2 = 90%). CONCLUSIONS: HBO therapy may improve motor function, sensory function and psychology after SCI compared to conventional treatments. More high-quality, large sample size RCTs are needed to support these perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of abdominal binders (ABs) on postoperative pain and functional recovery in patients receiving abdominal surgery. Methods The Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PEDro databases were searched for clinical trials published up to November 30, 2019. Randomized controlled trials that compared the effects of wearing an AB to not wearing an AB in participants after abdominal surgery were included. The primary outcomes were pain, pulmonary function, and physical function, as assessed by the visual analog scale score, a spirometry device, and the 6-minute walk test, respectively. The registration number of this review in PROSPERO is CRD42020165303. Results Fourteen trials involving 1,317 participants were included. Pooled estimates for the visual analog scale score and the 6-minute walk test showed significant differences between the AB group and the control group, especially on the fourth day following surgery (mean difference [MD] = -2.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -3.41 to -2.22; P  < 0.00001; MD = 50.97 meters, 95% CI = 39.99–61.95 m; P  < 0.00001). However, no significant differences were found in pulmonary function (forced vital capacity [FVC]: MD = 0.01, 95% CI = -0.29 to -0.32; P  = 0.94; forced expiratory volume during the first second [FEV1]: MD = -0.05, 95% CI = -0.24 to 0.14; P  = 0.63; FEV1/FVC: MD = 3.14, 95% CI = -2.78 to 9.06; P  = 0.30). Conclusion ABs probably improve postoperative pain and physical function, especially on the fourth day or more following abdominal surgery, but they have no effects on pulmonary function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the efficacy of water therapy for disease activity, functional capacity, spinal mobility, and pain in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. PubMed, Ovid, web of science, Cochrane library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, CNKI, VIP, Wan Fang, and Open Grey were searched for randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of water therapy on patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Two researchers independently screened the literature databases and then assessed methodological qualities using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale and extracted data. Outcomes included were disease activity, functional capacity, spinal mobility, and pain. A total of eight studies (n = 383) met the inclusion criteria. Analysis demonstrated that water therapy had a significant effect on disease activity and pain, but not on spinal mobility, or functional capacity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Water therapy can benefit patients with ankylosing spondylitis by reducing disease activity and alleviating pain. More well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the results. Water therapy can reduce disease activity and pain in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, but cannot improve functional capacity or spinal mobility. Due to its analgesic effect both during and after treatment, water therapy remains an alternative for patients with ankylosing spondylitis when land-based therapy is not well tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is a potentially useful treatment for osteoarthritis (OA), but its effectiveness is still controversial. This study aimed to examine the effects of PEMF therapy and PEMF parameters on symptoms and quality of life (QOL) in patients with OA. Methods Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PEDro, clinical trial registers, and reference lists were searched until April 2019. This study examined randomized, placebo-controlled trials, patients with OA, symptom and/or QOL related outcomes, and articles published in English. Two authors extracted data and completed quality assessment. Results Sixteen studies were included in our systematic review, while 15 studies with complete data were included in the meta-analysis. Our primary outcome was the standardized mean difference, which was equal to the treatment effect in the PEMF group minus the treatment effect in the placebo group divided by the pooled standard deviation. For pain, the standardized mean difference was 1.06 (95% CI = 0.61 to 1.51), for stiffness 0.37 (95% CI = 0.07 to 0.67), for function 0.46 (95% CI = 0.14 to 0.78), and for QOL 1.49 (95% CI = −0.06 to 3.04). PEMF parameters did not influence symptoms. Conclusions Compared with placebo, there was a beneficial effect of PEMF therapy on pain, stiffness, and physical function in patients with OA. Duration of treatment may not be a critical factor in pain management. Further studies are required to confirm the effects of PEMF therapy on QOL. Impact Our study suggests that PEMF therapy has clinically significant effects on pain in patients with OA. The current evidence was limited to the short-term effects of PEMF therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of trunk restraint on post-stroke arm motor function and daily function remain controversial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of adding trunk restraint to task-oriented rehabilitation of arm motor function and functional ability after stroke. METHODS: Nine databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials studying the effects of trunk restraint in post-stroke task-oriented training. Researchers assessed methodological qualities using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale, and extracted data related to study participants, intervention, and outcomes. The overall effectiveness was calculated using a meta-analytic method. RESULTS: In total, ten articles met the inclusion criteria and nine trails (n = 255 subjects) were included in quantitative analyses. Meta-analysis revealed that trunk restraint exhibited a significant improvement on the Motor Activity Log-amount of use, 0.39 (95% CI: 0.25– 0.54), the Motor Activity Log-quality of movement, 0.45 (95% CI: 0.27– 0.63), the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (upper extremity), 1.09 (95% CI: 0.67– 1.51), Action Research Arm test, 4.51 (95% CI: 2.49– 6.54) and performance of Activities of daily living, 1.70 (95% CI: 0.19– 3.21) in trunk restraint group in patients at subacute stage, compared to the non-trunk restraint group, but no significant difference was found in patients with chronic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Adding trunk restraint to task-oriented training may improve function in patients with subacute stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of rehabilitation exercise on coronary artery of the patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: We searched Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL databases, ISI Web of Science databases, Chinese Biological Medicine Data Base, Chinese knowledge resources, and Wan Fang database. Two researchers independently screened the literature databases, and assessed methodological qualities using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale and extracted data. Results: The coronary restenosis rate in rehabilitation exercise group was 10.8% (23/212), and that in the control group was 21% (48/229). Patients with rehabilitation exercise showed a significant reduction in restenosis rate, compared to the control group ((pooled OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.26–0.82, p < 0.01); heterogeneity: Chi2=3.86, df =5 (p = 0.57); I2=0%). In addition, the late luminal loss per stent in the rehabilitation exercise group was significantly smaller than that in the control group ((pooled MD: –0.33, 95% CI: –0.52 to –0.13, p < 0.01); heterogeneity: Chi2=0.27, df =1 (p = 0.60); I2=0%). Conclusions: Appropriate rehabilitation exercise reduces the incidence of coronary restenosis after PCI in patients with CHD and contributes to a significant reduction in late luminal loss in the stented coronary segment. Appropriate rehabilitation exercise can reduce the incidence of coronary restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with coronary heart disease. Appropriate rehabilitation exercise contributes to a reduction in late luminal loss in the stented coronary segment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To review the research literature on the effectiveness of whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Methods: A systematic review was conducted by two independent reviewers. Mean differences (MDs), standardized mean differences (SMDs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed with the I² test. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the selected studies. Results: Nine randomized controlled trials involving 625 patients met the inclusion criteria. No significant improvement was found in bone mineral density (BMD) (SMD=-0.06, 95%CI=-0.22-0.11, p=0.50); bone turnover markers (MD=-0.25, 95%CI=-0.54-0.03, p=0.08); anthropometric parameters, including muscle mass, fat mass, body mass index (BMI), and weight (SMD=0.02, 95%CI=-0.16-0.21, p=0.81); or maximal isotonic knee extensor strength (SMD=0.16, 95%CI=-0.63-0.95, p=0.69). However, maximal isometric knee extensor strength improved (SMD=0.71, 95%CI¼0.34-1.08, p=0.0002). Conclusions: WBV is beneficial for enhancing maximal isometric knee extensor strength, but it has no overall treatment effect on BMD, bone turnover markers, anthropometric parameters, or maximal isotonic knee extensor strength in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the effects of therapeutic ultrasound with sham or no intervention on pain, physical function and safety outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Data sources: This systematic review was searched on CENTRAL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Open Gray on 4 September 2015. Trials included randomized controlled trials that compared therapeutic ultrasound with a sham or no intervention in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Review methods: Eligible trials and extracted data were identified by two independent investigators. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for pain and physical function outcomes. Heterogeneity was assessed by the I2 test and inverse-variance random-effects analysis was applied to all trials. Results: Ten randomized controlled trials (645 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Therapeutic ultrasound showed a positive effect on pain (SMD = −0.93, 95%, CI = −1.22 to −0.64, p < 0.01, p for heterogeneity = 0.12, I2 = 42%). For physical function, therapeutic ultrasound was advantageous for reducingWestern Ontario and McMaster Universities physical function score (SMD = −0.37, 95% CI = −0.73 to −0.01, p = 0.04, p for heterogeneity = 0.94, I2 = 0%). In terms of safety, no occurrence of adverse events caused by therapeutic ultrasound was reported in any trial. Conclusion: The authors suggested that therapeutic ultrasound is beneficial for reducing knee pain and improving physical functions in patients with knee osteoarthritis and could be a safe treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the effect of whole-body vibration in enhancing pulmonary function, functional exercise capacity and quality of life in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and examine its safety. Method: Randomized controlled trials examining the effects of whole body vibration among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were identified by two independent researchers. Articles were excluded if they were studies on people with other primary diagnosis, abstracts published in the conferences or books. PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the selected studies. We evaluated the level of evidence by using the GRADE approach. The results were extracted by two researchers and confirmed by the third researcher if disagreement existed. Data source: Sources included Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PEDro, AMED, PsycINFO, ClinicalTrials.gov, Current Controlled Trials and reference lists of all relevant articles. Result: Four studies involving 206 participants were included in this systematic review. Methodological quality was rated as good for two studies. No great benefits on pulmonary function were found in whole body vibration treatment group. Two studies showed that quality of life was improved in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Whole body vibration led to significant improvements in functional exercise capacity measured with six minutes walking test. Nearly no adverse events were observed. Conclusion: Whole body vibration may improve functional exercise capacity and quality of life in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There was insufficient evidence to prove the effects of whole body vibration on pulmonary function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the effects of whole body vibration for pain, stiffness and physical functions in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Data sources: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and EMBASE (up to October 2014) to identify relevant randomized controlled trials. The outcome measures were pain, stiffness and physical functions. Review methods: Two investigators identified eligible studies and extracted data independently. The PEDro score was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the selected studies. Standard mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. Results: A total of five randomized controlled trials involving 170 patients with knee osteoarthritis met the inclusion criteria. Only four studies involving 144 patients were deemed to be good quality trials (PEDro score = 6–7). Meta-analysis revealed that whole body vibration has a significant treatment effect in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities index physical function score (SMD = −0.72 points, 95% CI = −1.14 to −0.30, P = 0.0008), 12 weeks whole body vibration improved the 6-minute walk test (SMD 1.15 m, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.80, P = 0.0006) and balance (SMD = −0.78 points, 95% CI −1.40 to −0.16, P = 0.01). Whole body vibration was not associated with a significant reduction in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities index pain and stiffness score. Conclusion: Eight-week and 12-week whole body vibration is beneficial for improving physical functions in patients with knee osteoarthritis and could be included in rehabilitation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the effects of elastic taping on pain, physical function, range of motion, and muscle strength in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Design: We searched the PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Scopus, EMBASE, OVID, CNKI, and WANFANG to identify relevant randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome measures were pain and physical function. The secondary outcome measures were range of motion and muscle strength. Results: Eleven randomized controlled trials involving 490 patients with knee osteoarthritis were included. A statistically significant difference was detected in pain (standardized mean difference = −0.78, 95% confidence interval = 1.07 to −0.50, P < 0.00001), physical function (standardized mean difference = 0.73, 95% confidence interval = −1.03 to −0.43, P < 0.00001), range of motion (mean difference = 2.04, 95% confidence interval = 0.14 to 3.94, P = 0.04), and quadriceps muscle strength (mean difference = 2.42, 95% confidence interval = 1.09 to 3.74, P = 0.0004). No significant differences were found for the hamstring muscle strength. Conclusions: Elastic taping has significant effects on pain, physical function, range of motion, and quadriceps muscle strength in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The current evidence is insufficient to draw conclusions on the effects of elastic taping combined with other physiotherapy for knee osteoarthritis. Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of elastic taping combined with other physiotherapy compared with elastic taping alone for knee osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]