The Effect of Motor Imaginary Combined with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Balance in Middle-Aged Women with High Fall Risk: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction. The risk of falling and its subsequent injuries increases with aging. Impaired balance and gait are important contributing factors to the increased risk of falling. A wide range of methods was examined to improve balance, but these interventions might produce small effects or be inapplicable for this population. The current study aimed at investigating the effect of motor imaginary (MI) training combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the cerebellum on balance in middle-aged women with high fall risk. Methods. Thirty subjects aged 40-65 years old were divided into two groups including intervention ( $n=15$ ) and sham control ( $n=15$ ). The participants completed a 4-week program 3 times per week. The intervention group performed MI training combined with tDCS over the cerebellum, and the control group performed MI training combined with sham tDCS over the cerebellum. Static and dynamic balance were measured at baseline and after completing the 4-week program using balance error scoring system (BESS) and Y balance testing, respectively. Result. A one-way analysis of covariance and paired $t$ -tests were used to analyze the data. Significant improvement was observed in both balance tests in the intervention group after the implementation of the 4-week intervention program compared to the control group. The within-group analysis showed that both static and dynamic balance improved significantly from the baseline values only in the intervention group ( $p<0.05$ ) and not in the control group ( $p>0.05$ ). Conclusion. The results of the study indicate that MI training combined with tDCS over the cerebellum can lead to balance improvement in middle-aged women with high fall risk.

The Effect of Corrective Feedback Exercise on Knee Kinematics and EMG of Lower Limbs of Female Wushu Players

Introduction: Recent studies have examined the risk factors associated with lower limb injuries. This study aimed to explore the effect of 12 sessions of feedback corrective exercises on the kinematic indicators of the knee and the Electromyography Activity (EMG) of the muscles of the lower limbs of female wushu players. The present study has a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test/post-test design and a control group. Materials and Methods: In this study, 16 female wushu players were selected by the available sampling method and placed in two groups of exercise and control. The exercise group performed feedback correction exercises for 12 sessions. Before and after the knee varus exercises, we measured, pelvic drop, and EMG of the lower limb muscles of both groups     in the SLS movement. The independent two-sample t-test was used to examine intergroup differences and the two-group correlated t-test was used to compare intra group sizes. To analyze the statistical data, SPSS V. 23 was used (P≤0.05) Results: The results showed a significant difference in knee varus between the experiment group and the control group in the pre-test and there was a significant difference between the pelvic drop in the pre-test and post-test of the experiment group compared with the control. The angle of the knee varus in the exercise group showed a significant difference with the control group. The EMG results of the muscles in the pre-test and post-test were significantly different. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, the feedback correction exercise may improve motion control in wushu players. It also improved neuromuscular weakness in the subjects. According to the results and based on less muscle activity during movements, this exercise will reduce fatigue and the risk of injury.