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Background: Individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) exhibit altered brain function and trunk muscle activation. Aim: This study examined the effects of sling exercises on pain, function, and corticomuscular coherence (CMC) in healthy adults and individuals with CLBP. Methods: Eight individuals with CLBP and 15 healthy adults received sling exercise training for 6 weeks. Before and after training, participants performed two motor tasks: rapid arm lifts and repeated trunk flexion–extension tasks, and electromyography of the trunk muscles and electroencephalography of the sensorimotor cortex were recorded. Chi-squared test and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for between group comparison, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for pre- and post-training comparison. Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient (Rs) was used to identify for the relationship between motor performance and Corticomuscular coherence. Results: Sling exercises significantly improved pain (median from 3 to 1, p =.01) and Oswestry Disability Index scores (median from 2.5 to 2, p =.03) in the CLBP group. During rapid arm lifts, individuals with CLBP showed lower beta CMC of the transverse abdominis and internal oblique (Tra/IO) (0.8 vs. 0.49, p =.01) and lumbar erector spinae (0.70 vs. 0.38, p =.04) than the control group at baseline. During trunk flexion–extension, the CLBP group showed higher gamma CMC of the left Tra/IO than the control group at baseline (0.28 vs. 0.16 , p =.001). After training, all CMC became statistically non-significant between groups. The training induced improvement in anticipatory activation of the Tra/IO was positively correlated with the beta CMC (rs = 0.7851, p =.02). Conclusion: A 6-week sling exercises diminished pain and disability in patients with CLBP and improved the anticipatory activation and CMC in some trunk muscles. These improvements were associated with training induced changes in corticomuscular connectivity in individuals with CLBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Peripheral vestibular hypofunction is a major cause of dizziness. When complicated with postural imbalance, this condition can lead to an increased incidence of falls. In traditional clinical practice, gaze stabilization exercise is commonly used to rehabilitate patients. In this study, we established a computer-aided vestibular rehabilitation system by coupling infrared LEDs to an infrared receiver. This system enabled the subjects’ head-turning actions to be quantified, and the training was performed using vestibular exercise combined with computer games and interactive video games that simulate daily life activities. Methods Three unilateral and one bilateral vestibular hypofunction patients volunteered to participate in this study. The participants received 30 minutes of computer-aided vestibular rehabilitation training 2 days per week for 6 weeks. Pre-training and post-training assessments were completed, and a follow-up assessment was completed 1 month after the end of the training period. Results After 6 weeks of training, significant improvements in balance and dynamic visual acuity (DVA) were observed in the four participants. Self-reports of dizziness, anxiety and depressed mood all decreased significantly. Significant improvements in self-confidence and physical performance were also observed. The effectiveness of this training was maintained for at least 1 month after the end of the training period. Conclusion Real-time monitoring of training performance can be achieved using this rehabilitation platform. Patients demonstrated a reduction in dizziness symptoms after 6 weeks of training with this short-term interactive game approach. This treatment paradigm also improved the patients’ balance function. This system could provide a convenient, safe and affordable treatment option for clinical practitioners.

BACKGROUND: Traditional Tai Chi is too complex for most elderly individuals. There have been few reports regarding the development of simplified Tai Chi programs to suit the physical needs of elderly adults. However, these programs were not individualized according to the participants' balance control abilities. OBJECTIVE: Purpose of this study is to develop an individualized Tai Chi program and report the feasibility of the program. METHODS: Phase 1: Five Tai Chi masters performed the Tai Chi movements on a force platform. Based on the results of center of pressure displacement and the individual's balance abilities, an individualized program was developed. Phase 2: Ten community-dwelling older adults received 24 half-hour-sessions, using the individualized Tai Chi exercise program. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score. Timed Up & Go (TUG) test, forward reach, and strength of the knee extensor were determined before and alter intervention. RESULTS: Participants achieved improved performance on balance control as measured with BBS ( p ≤ 0.001), TUG (p = 0.004) and forward reach (p = 0.035) as well as knee extensor strength {p = 0.002) after the program. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary result suggests that the individualized Tai Chi program is potentially effective to improve balance function and knee extensor strength of the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]