Is it possible to stabilize the trunk using rhythmic stabilization in the upper limb? A cross-sectional study of asymptomatic individuals

Comparing the effect of rhythmic stabilization and combination of isotonic technique on grip strength, pinch strength and dexterity of hand among middle aged healthy individuals - a randomized clinical trial

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the effects of Rhythmic Stabilization and a combination of isotonic technique on grip  strength, pinch strength, and dexterity of hand among middle aged healthy individuals. Methods Forty middle aged healthy individuals were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups, with 20 in group A (Rhythmic Stabilization) and 20 in group B (Combination of Isotonic Technique). Treatment was given for 4 weeks, thrice a week. Outcome measures: grip strength, pinch strength, and dexterity were assessed by the Jamar hand dynamometer, the Pinch gauge, and the Perdue peg board, respectively. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. Results Notably, Group A participants showed a significant improvement in all outcome measures compared to Group B (p<0.05) when compared. Both the interventions were effective for dexterity outcome in both groups (p<0.05).  Conclusion: This study provides evidence that application of Rhythmic Stabilization improves grip strength and pinch strength.  This suggests that static Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) exercises performed on the fingers can improve dexterity, grip strength, and pinch strength in the middle-aged population. Highlights As age increases, there is decrease in grip strength and dexterity of a person. The grip strength, finger strength and dexterity are inter-related. The Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation increases strength of muscles. The static PNF exercises are more effective than the dynamic PNF exercises to improve strength of grip strength, finger strength and dexterity.

A three-week intervention emphasized diagonal eccentric contraction on balance and joint position sense and ankle strength in subjects with ankle instability: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Problems related to ankle instability, decreased proprioceptive sensation, altered static and dynamic balance abilities are suggested as major representative factors that contribute to the recurrence of ankle sprains.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of a three-week intervention (intervention emphasizing diagonal eccentric contraction (IEDEC) and intervention of general exercise (IGE)) on static and dynamic balance abilities, ankle strength and joint position sense at pre- and post-intervention, and at two- and three-week post-intervention.

METHODS

Twenty-five participants with ankle instability, including a history of ankle sprain and recurrent episodes of giving way, were enrolled in the study. They were randomly classified into the IEDEC group (n= 12) and the IGE group (n= 13). Dynamic balance was examined using the Y Balance Test, four-way ankle strength was measured, and the static balance was evaluated using the total displacement of the center of pressure (COP). To identify the joint position error, eversion and inversion of the ankle angle were measured.

RESULTS

The results revealed significant increases in ankle dynamic stability and strength at two and three weeks post-intervention (p< 0.05). Similarly, the total displacement of the COP differed significantly over time, with a higher COP during the initial measurement than at two and three weeks intervention (p< 0.05) General balance training with IEDEC can improve position sense during ankle inversion (p< 0.05).

CONCLUSION

General balance training with IEDEC improved the position sense of the inversion. Combined therapeutic intervention, such as with the manual technique, could be a beneficial approach to maximize the treatment effects.

Impact of structured physical therapy intervention on functional recovery in a patient with CAPOS syndrome: a case report

Background

CAPOS syndrome (cerebellar ataxia, areflexia, pescavus, optic atrophy, and sensorineural hearing loss) is a rare congenital autosomal dominant disorder. The resulting neurological sequelae of impairments are progressive in nature and may interfere with functional independence, performing activities of daily living (ADL’s), and subsequently, affecting the quality of life (QOL). Since it is an extremely rare disorder, there is a severe dearth in the literature about how specific physiotherapy interventions may affect their functional status. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and Frenkel’s coordination exercises on functional recovery in a patient with CAPOS syndrome.

Case presentation

We herein present a case of a 25-year-old Indian male with complaints of generalized body weakness, difficulty visualizing distant objects, nystagmus, progressive sensorineural deafness, and ataxia. He was rehabilitated with a structured/customized physiotherapy protocol consisting of PNF approach and coordination exercises for 4 weeks, 6 days/week, 60 min daily. An improvement in overall functional performance of patient as per post-intervention scores of manual muscle testing, trunk control measurement scale, functional independence measure (components of self-care, transfers, and locomotion), and decline in severity of ataxia on scale for assessment and rating of ataxia scale was observed.

Conclusion

PNF and Frenkel’s exercises resulted in an improvement in overall functional performance of the patient. Improvement was observed in post-test scores of Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS), and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) for the components of self-care, transfers, and locomotion. Additionally, results also showed a decline in severity of ataxia on post-test scores of scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA) scale (i.e., from severe to moderate).