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Fong SSM, Chung LMY, Yam TTT, Chung JWY, Bae YH, Gao Y, Chan JSM, Wang HK. Effects of Ving Tsun sticking-hand training on lower limb sensorimotor performance among community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults: a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2023; 24:143. [PMID: 36841770 PMCID: PMC9960190 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07133-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the effects of Ving Tsun (VT) sticking-hand training on knee joint proprioception and leg muscular performance among community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults. METHODS Thirty-three middle-aged and older adults were randomly assigned to either the VT or control group. The VT group received sticking-hand training twice/week for 3 months. Data were collected before and after the intervention period. The primary outcome was knee joint repositioning error, which was measured using knee joint active repositioning tests. The secondary outcomes included the maximum muscle strength and time to maximum muscle strength of the major leg muscles. RESULTS No significant group, time, or group-by-time interaction effects were found for the knee joint repositioning error (p > 0.05). The maximum muscle strength of the knee flexors increased over time in the VT group only (p = 0.038). In addition, the time to maximum muscle strength in the hip extensors and flexors increased over time in both groups (p < 0.05). For the knee extensors and flexors, the time to maximum muscle strength increased in the control (p = 0.027) and VT (p = 0.019) groups, respectively, over time. CONCLUSIONS VT sticking-hand training could improve the maximum muscle strength of the knee flexors but could not attenuate the age-related deterioration in leg muscle contraction speed nor improve knee joint proprioception among community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03318289. Registered on 23 October 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley S. M. Fong
- grid.419993.f0000 0004 1799 6254Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong ,Hong Kong Martial Arts Institute, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Louisa M. Y. Chung
- grid.419993.f0000 0004 1799 6254Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Timothy T. T. Yam
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Nursing and Health Studies, The Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Joanne W. Y. Chung
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, The Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Young-Hyeon Bae
- grid.419707.c0000 0004 0642 3290Department of Healthcare and Public Health, Korea National Rehabilitation Center, Rehabilitation Research Institute, Seoul, 01022 South Korea
| | - Yang Gao
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, The Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Jessie S. M. Chan
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Hsing-Kuo Wang
- grid.19188.390000 0004 0546 0241School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan
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Chung JWY, Fong SSM, Gao Y, Yam TTT, Chak YTC, Leung JCY, Wong TKS. Effects of Ving Tsun sticking-hand training on upper-limb sensorimotor performance in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults: A randomized controlled trial. Int J Nurs Sci 2020; 7:29-34. [PMID: 32099856 PMCID: PMC7031135 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the effects of Ving Tsun (VT) sticking-hand training on upper-limb joint position sense and muscular performance in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults. Methods Thirty-three adults were randomly allocated to either a VT group or a control group. The VT group received VT sticking-hand training twice per week for 3 months. Measurements were taken before and after the intervention period. The primary outcome was elbow-joint repositioning error, which was measured by an elbow-joint passive positioning and active repositioning test using a universal goniometer. Secondary outcomes were upper-limb muscles’ peak force and time taken to reach peak force as measured by a hand-held dynamometer. Results No significant time, group or time-by-group interaction effects were found for elbow-joint repositioning error or upper-limb muscle peak force outcomes. Shoulder flexor time to peak force decreased by 33.8% from pre-test to post-test in the VT group (P = 0.007). Shoulder abductor, internal and external rotator, and elbow extensor times to peak force decreased by 30.0%–35.9% in the VT group (P < 0.05) and by 30.4%–37.1% in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions VT sticking-hand training does not improve elbow-joint position sense or the maximum strength of upper-limb muscles in middle-aged and older adults. However, VT can improve shoulder flexor muscles’ time to reach peak force in these populations. VT had no obvious effect on the time required to reach peak force in other shoulder muscles and elbow extensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne W Y Chung
- Department of Health and Physical Education, Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shirley S M Fong
- School of Nursing and Healthcare, Hong Kong Nang Yan College of Higher Education, Hong Kong, China.,Hong Kong Martial Arts Institute, Hong Kong, China.,School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Sport and Physical Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Timothy T T Yam
- School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Joyce C Y Leung
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, Open University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Thomas K S Wong
- School of Nursing and Healthcare, Hong Kong Nang Yan College of Higher Education, Hong Kong, China
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Ma AWW, Wang HK, Chen DR, Chen YM, Chak YTC, Chan JWY, Yam TTT, Cheng YTY, Ganesan B, Fong SSM. Chinese Martial Art Training Failed to Improve Balance or Inhibit Falls in Older Adults. Percept Mot Skills 2019; 126:389-409. [PMID: 30803309 DOI: 10.1177/0031512518824945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This randomized controlled trial explored the effects of a Ving Tsun (VT) Chinese martial art training program on reactive standing balance performance, postural muscle reflex contraction latency, leg muscle performance, balance confidence and falls in community-dwelling older adults. We randomly assigned 33 healthy older adults to either a VT group (mean age = 67.5 years) or a control group (mean age = 72.1 years). The VT group received two 1-hour VT training sessions per week for three months (24 sessions). Primary outcome measures collected before and after the intervention period were electromyographic muscle activation onset latencies of the hamstring and gastrocnemius and the center of pressure path, length and movement velocity in standing (reactive balance performance). Secondary outcome measures included isometric peak force and time to isometric peak force of the knee extensors and flexors, the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale score, and fall history. Results revealed that the mean gastrocnemius muscle activation onset latency was significantly longer (22.53 ms) in the VT group after the intervention. The peak force of the knee flexors significantly increased (by 1.58 kg) in the control group over time but not in the VT group. The time to reach peak force in the knee flexors was significantly longer (by 0.51 s) in the control group (but not the VT group) at posttest compared with the pretest value. No other significant group, time, or group-by-time interaction effects were noted. We discussed possible reasons for the failure of three months of martial art training to benefit fall risks among these older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada W W Ma
- 1 Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hsing-Kuo Wang
- 2 School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,3 Center of Physical Therapy, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Duan-Rung Chen
- 4 Institute of Health Behaviors and Community Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Mei Chen
- 5 Institute of Health Policy and Management, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yvonne T C Chak
- 6 Hong Kong Christian Service, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Joan W Y Chan
- 7 Hong Kong Christian Service, Un Chau Neighborhood Elderly Centre, Shum Shui Po, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Timothy T T Yam
- 8 School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yoyo T Y Cheng
- 8 School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Balasankar Ganesan
- 8 School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,9 Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Shirley S M Fong
- 1 Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,8 School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,10 Ving Tsun Athletic Association, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
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Yam TTT, Or PPL, Ma AWW, Fong SSM, Wong MS. Effect of Kinesio taping on Y-balance test performance and the associated leg muscle activation patterns in children with developmental coordination disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Gait Posture 2019; 68:388-396. [PMID: 30590353 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) have leg muscular deficits which negatively affects their dynamic postural stability. Kinesio tape (KT) could enhance muscle activation, postural control and functional activities in healthy individuals. Therefore, we hypothesized that the usage of KT may address the postural instability problem of children with DCD. RESEARCH QUESTION To investigate the immediate effect of KT on dynamic postural stability and the associated lower limb muscle activity in children with DCD. METHODS Forty-nine children with DCD were recruited where twenty-five children were randomly assigned to the KT group (mean age = 8.18 ± 1.16 years) and twenty-four to the control group (mean age = 8.06 ± 0.93 years). KT group received KT application to the rectus femoris and gastrocnemius muscles whereas the control group received no intervention. Measurements were taken before and after the application of KT. Dynamic balance performance was measured using a lower quartile Y-balance test (YBT-LQ). Leg muscle peak activation and time-to-peak muscle activation of the dominant lower limb during YBT-LQ were measured by surface electromyography. RESULTS YBT-LQ composite score increased by 6.3% in the KT group at posttest (95% CI: -7.308, -2.480). In addition, a higher rectus femoris peak activation was illustrated for YBT-LQ anterior (32.5%; 95% CI: -48.619, -16.395) and posteromedial (24.6%; 95% CI: -42.631, -6.591) reach directions from pretest values in the KT group. Moreover, KT group exhibited a 38% (95% CI: 0.015, 2.983) longer gastrocnemius medialis time-to-peak duration for YBT-LQ posteromedial reach direction when compared to the control group. SIGNIFICANCE KT revealed an immediate beneficial effect on YBT-LQ performance. Application of KT also increased rectus femoris peak activation and lengthened the muscle time-to-peak duration for specific reach directions. Incorporating KT as an adjunct with dynamic balance training programme could be beneficial for children with DCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy T T Yam
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Peggy P L Or
- Department of Health and Physical Education, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ada W W Ma
- Department of Health and Physical Education, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Shirley S M Fong
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Health and Physical Education, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Man Sang Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
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Fong SSM, Vackova D, Choi AWM, Cheng YTY, Yam TTT, Guo X. Diversity of activity participation determines bone mineral content in the lower limbs of pre-pubertal children with developmental coordination disorder. Osteoporos Int 2018; 29:917-925. [PMID: 29285628 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-017-4361-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study examined the relationships between activity participation and bone mineralization in children with developmental coordination disorder. Limited participation in physical, recreational, social, and skill-based and self-improvement activities contributed to lower bone mineral content. For improved bone health, these children should participate in a variety of activities, not only physical activities. INTRODUCTION Limited activity participation in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) may have a negative impact on bone mineral accrual. The objectives of this study were to compare bone mineralization and activity participation patterns of pre-pubertal children with DCD and those with typical development, and to determine the association between activity participation patterns and bone mineralization in children with DCD. METHODS Fifty-two children with DCD (mean age = 7.51 years) and 61 children with typical development (mean age = 7.22 years) participated in the study. Appendicular and total body (less head) bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) were evaluated by a whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. Activity participation patterns were assessed using the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) questionnaire. RESULTS Children with DCD had lower appendicular and total body BMCs and BMDs than children with typical development overall (p < 0.05). They also had lower CAPE total activity and physical activity diversity scores (p < 0.05). After accounting for the effects of age, sex, height, lean mass, and fat mass, the total activity diversity score remained independently associated with leg BMC in children with DCD, explaining 5.1% of the variance (p = 0.030). However, the physical activity diversity score was no longer associated with leg BMC (p = 0.090). CONCLUSIONS Diversity of activity participation and bone mineralization were lower in pre-pubertal children with DCD. Decreased total activity participation diversity was a contributing factor to lower BMC in the legs of children with DCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S M Fong
- School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
| | - D Vackova
- School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - A W M Choi
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Y T Y Cheng
- School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - T T T Yam
- School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - X Guo
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
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Yam TTT, Fong SSM. Leg muscle activation patterns during walking and leg lean mass are different in children with and without developmental coordination disorder. Res Dev Disabil 2018; 73:87-95. [PMID: 29275080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2017.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) have a higher body fat and greater gait variability. Little research has investigated the gait muscle activity and lean mass measures in children with DCD. AIMS To compare the leg muscle activation patterns of the gait cycle and leg lean mass between children with and without DCD. METHODS Fifty-one children were in the DCD group (38 males and 13 females; 7.95 ± 1.04 years) and fifty-two in the control group (34 males and 18 females; 8.02 ± 1.00 years). Peak muscle activation patterns of treadmill walking in the right leg for the eight-gait phases were measured by means of surface electromyography, an electrogoniometer, and foot contact switches. Leg lean mass measures were evaluated using a whole-body dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. RESULTS Children with DCD had a lower leg lean mass and appendicular lean mass index compared to the control group. Furthermore, they exhibited a less-pronounced peak muscle activation during the heel strike (gastrocnemius medialis), early swing (biceps femoris) and late swing phases (gastrocnemius medialis) of gait. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Although lower limb total mass was similar between groups, the DCD group displayed lower lean mass measures than controls. Furthermore, children with DCD illustrated a lower leg peak muscle activation during the heel strike, early swing and late swing phases of gait when walking on a treadmill. Our results emphasize the need to incorporate lower limb phasic muscle strengthening components into gait rehabilitation programs for children with DCD.
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Fong SSM, Choi AWM, Luk WS, Yam TTT, Leung JCY, Chung JWY. Bone Mineral Density, Balance Performance, Balance Self-Efficacy, and Falls in Breast Cancer Survivors With and Without Qigong Training: An Observational Study. Integr Cancer Ther 2017; 17:124-130. [PMID: 28050925 PMCID: PMC5950950 DOI: 10.1177/1534735416686687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: A deterioration in bone strength and balance performance
after breast cancer treatment can result in injurious falls. Therefore,
interventions need to be developed to improve the bone strength and balance
ability of breast cancer survivors. This cross-sectional exploratory study aimed
to compare the bone mineral density (BMD), balance performance, balance
self-efficacy, and number of falls between breast cancer survivors who practiced
qigong, breast cancer survivors who did not practice qigong, and healthy
individuals. Methods: The study included 40 breast cancer survivors
with more than 3 months of qigong experience, 17 breast cancer survivors with no
qigong experience, and 36 healthy controls. All the participants underwent
dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans to measure their lumbar spine, total hip,
femoral neck, and total radius BMDs. The participants also underwent a timed
one-leg stand test to measure their single-leg standing balance. The
participants’ balance self-efficacy was assessed using the activities-specific
balance confidence scale, and the number of falls experienced by each
participant was assessed in a face-to-face interview. Results: The
lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, and total radius BMDs were similar
between the 3 groups (P > .05). The breast cancer-qigong
group outperformed the breast cancer-control group by 27.3% when they performed
the one-leg stand test on a foam surface (P = .025), and they
also had a higher balance self-efficacy score (P = .006).
Nevertheless, the numbers of falls were comparable between the 3 groups
(P > .05). Conclusion: Qigong may be a
suitable exercise for improving the balance performance and balance
self-efficacy of breast cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna W M Choi
- 2 Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - W S Luk
- 3 Association of Licentiates of the Medical Council of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Timothy T T Yam
- 1 School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Joyce C Y Leung
- 1 School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,4 Division of Nursing and Health Studies, Open University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Joanne W Y Chung
- 5 Department of Health and Physical Education, Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Fong SSM, Guo X, Cheng YTY, Liu KPY, Tsang WWN, Yam TTT, Chung LMY, Macfarlane DJ. A Novel Balance Training Program for Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e3492. [PMID: 27100457 PMCID: PMC4845861 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000003492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a specific functional movement-power training (FMPT) program, a functional movement training (FMT) program and no training in the improvement of balance strategies, and neuromuscular performance in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). It was a randomized, single-blinded, parallel group controlled trial. METHODS 161 children with DCD (age: 6-10 years) were randomly assigned to the FMPT, FMT, or control groups. The 2 intervention groups received FMPT or FMT twice a week for 3 months. Measurements were taken before, after, and 3 months after the end of the intervention period. The primary outcomes were the composite score and strategy scores on the sensory organization test as measured by a computerized dynamic posturography machine. Secondary outcomes included the knee muscle peak force and the time taken to reach the peak force. The balance strategies adopted in sensory challenging environments of the FMPT participants showed greater improvement from baseline to posttest than those of the FMT participants (7.10 points; 95% confidence interval, 1.51-12.69; P = 0.008) and the control participants (7.59 points; 95% confidence interval, 1.81-13.38; P = 0.005). The FMPT participants also exhibited greater improvement from baseline to the posttest in the knee extensor peak force and time to peak force in the knee flexors. The FMPT program was more effective than the conventional FMT program in the enhancement of balance strategies and neuromuscular performance in children with DCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley S M Fong
- From the Institute of Human Performance, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong (SF, YC, TY, DM); Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong (XG, WT); School of Science and Health (Occupational Therapy), University of Western Sydney, NSW, Australia (KL); and Department of Health and Physical Education, The Hong Kong Institute of Education, Tai Po, Hong Kong (LC)
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Fong SSM, Wong JYH, Chung LMY, Yam TTT, Chung JWY, Lee YM, Chow LPY, Luk WS, Ng SSM. Changes in heart-rate variability of survivors of nasopharyngeal cancer during Tai Chi Qigong practice. J Phys Ther Sci 2015; 27:1577-9. [PMID: 26157266 PMCID: PMC4483444 DOI: 10.1589/jpts.27.1577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
[Purpose] To explore the changes in heart-rate variability (HRV) of survivors of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) before, during, and after a Tai Chi (TC) Qigong exercise. [Subjects and Methods] Eleven survivors of NPC participated voluntarily in the study. The heart rate of each participant was measured continuously for 1 minute before the TC Qigong intervention, during the 5-minute TC Qigong intervention, and for 1 minute after the intervention, using a Polar heart-rate monitor. Spectral HRV was expressed in terms of normalised low frequency (LF) power, normalised high frequency (HF) power, and the low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) power ratio. [Results] Both the LF-power and the HF-power components had significant time effects. However, the time effect of the LF/HF power ratio was not significant. Post hoc contrast analysis revealed a significant decrease in LF power and a concomitant increase in HF power during the 4th minute and 5th minute of the TC Qigong exercise. [Conclusion] Five minutes of TC Qigong exercise was found to improve HRV by increasing HF power and decreasing LF power, but these effects were transient. TC Qigong might be an appropriate exercise for improving the ANS function and psychological and cardiac health of survivors of NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley S M Fong
- Institute of Human Performance, The University of Hong Kong: Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Janet Y H Wong
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Louisa M Y Chung
- Department of Health and Physical Education, Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong
| | - Timothy T T Yam
- Department of Physiotherapy, David Trench Rehabilitation Centre, Hong Kong
| | - Joanne W Y Chung
- Department of Health and Physical Education, Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong
| | | | - Lina P Y Chow
- Department of Health and Physical Education, Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong
| | - W S Luk
- The Association of Licentiates of the Medical Council of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Shamay S M Ng
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
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