New trends in treatment of muscle fatigue throughout rehabilitation of elderlies with motor neuron diseases

Development of air therapy as a novel therapeutic branch in the field of rehabilitation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Developing technology in the field of rehabilitation is vital to accelerate recovery and decrease the side effects of current modalities. Rehabilitation is a challenging science in which the main challenge is not just treating the patient but also to shorten the rehabilitation time and avoid harmful effects. Thus, this review demonstrates the possible design and effects of air therapy as a novel treatment branch besides hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, and manual therapy in the field of rehabilitation.

METHODS

The search was conducted over clinical trials, literature reviews, and systematic reviews on the possible effects of treatments that may have similar effects to the newly developed air therapy. This search was conducted in the Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO, and Medline databases.

RESULTS

Air therapy could be used to improve the function of mechanoreceptors, improve circulation and microcirculation, decrease pain, the release of trigger points, regain the elasticity of soft tissues, treat acute and chronic inflammations, decrease muscle cramps and spasticity, strengthen muscle, and decrease muscle fatigue and Decreasing muscle fatigue and delayed muscle soreness.

CONCLUSION

Air therapy is a novel treatment modality that can be used effectively in the field of rehabilitation. Air therapy could be a valuable and safe treatment in rehabilitation.

Effect of Adding Vertical Correction to Dynamic Scapular Recognition on Scapular Dyskinesis and Shoulder Disability in Patients With Adhesive Capsulitis: A Randomized Clinical Study

Objective

The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of adding vertical downward correction to dynamic scapular recognition exercise on scapular dyskinesis and shoulder pain and disability in people with adhesive capsulitis.

Methods

Sixty-seven participants with adhesive capsulitis were randomized into 2 groups. The taping intervention group performed a dynamic scapular recognition exercise using a wireless biofeedback system and a continual vertical downward correction using rigid taping with 50% to 75% tension. The comparison group performed a similar dynamic scapular recognition exercise but with sham taping. The primary outcome measures were scapular dyskinesis, scapular upward rotation, and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, and the secondary outcome measures were shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation.

Results

After 2 weeks, there were significant differences between the taping intervention group and the comparison group in scapular dyskinesis, scapular upward rotation, shoulder flexion, abduction, and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (P < .05), and nonsignificant differences in shoulder external rotation (P > .05). After 2 and 6 months, there were significant differences between groups in all dependent outcome measures (P < .05).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that from adding taping with a vertical downward correction to dynamic scapular recognition exercises, significant short-term and long-term improvements in scapular dyskinesis and shoulder pain and disability in people with adhesive capsulitis were observed. These improvements persisted for 6 months after intervention.