Objective: Electrical stimulation is an assistive technology used to aid the recovery of upper limb use after stroke. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effects of electrical stimulation on upper extremity function in individuals with hemiparetic stroke and to develop an evidence base that supports the use of electrical stimulation for upper limb recovery after stroke. Design: A systematic review based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: Studies published before April 20 2021 were collected for this review by searching PubMed, four other databases, and RCTs that reported the effects of electrical stimulation on upper extremity function in individuals with the characteristic stroke type. Information on the following parameters was extracted from each study: surname of first author, published year, country, participants, intervention, intervention's intensity, comparison, outcomes, additional therapy, and summary of results. This review also evaluated the bias within each study, including any selection bias, performance bias, detection bias, attrition bias, and reporting bias. Results: This review included five RCTs, and 208 stroke patients were included in the analysis. Stroke patients who underwent electrical stimulation showed significantly improved grip and pinch strengths, wrist range of motion, and basic daily living compared to those in the control group; however, there was no improvement in upper extremity function. Of the selected papers, 60% showed a "high risk" of performance bias, and 20% showed a "high risk" of detection bias. Conclusions: The results of this systematic review suggest that electrical stimulation provides some benefits to stroke patients, such as improved hand strength and range of motion. However, future studies are needed to provide clinical evidence of the effects of electrical stimulation on upper extremity function in stroke patients.

Purpose: The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of self-sit-to-stand training on balance ability and sit-to-stand ability in hemiplegic stroke patients using a multisensory feedback device. Methods: A total of 19 stroke patients participated in this study, and they were divided into two groups: 10 underwent self-sit-to-stand training using a multisensory feedback device, and 9 underwent sit-to-stand training with a physical therapist. In both groups, sit-to-stand training was performed for 30 min, 3 times a week, for 6 weeks. The subjects also underwent physical therapy twice a day for 30 min, 10 times a week, for a total of 60 sessions. Balance ability was evaluated using the AFA-50 and Berg Balance Scale. Sit-to-stand ability was evaluated using the five times sit-to-stand test. Results: Sway length, pressure, and total pressure all significantly increased in both groups, and there was no difference between the two groups. The Berg Balance Scale results showed that balance ability significantly increased in both groups, and there was no difference between the two groups. The five times sit-to-stand test results showed that sit-to-stand ability significantly increased in both groups, and there was no difference between the two groups. It was found that the self-sit-to-stand training using a multisensory feedback device had a positive effect on balance control and sit-to-stand ability. When the two groups were compared, no difference in balance ability or sit-to-stand ability was observed. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that self-sit-to-stand training using a multisensory feedback device is as effective as sit-to-stand training with a physical therapist. Hence, self-sit-to-stand training using a multisensory feedback device could be an effective home-based exercise protocol for hemiplegic stroke patients to improve their balance and sit-to-stand abilities.

Purpose: Pes planus is a common foot deformity that involves the loss of the medial longitudinal arch. The medial longitudinal arch deformity is usually asymptomatic; however, it can lead to an increased risk of pain and injury. Low-Dye taping is designed to treat plantar heel pain and pes planus. However, low-Dye taping is relatively complex, and a considerable amount of time is required to apply the tape correctly. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effect of two different types of taping (low-Dye taping and modified Mulligan taping) on arch reformation, plantar pressure, and gait characteristics in participants with asymptomatic flexible pes planus. Methods: Twenty subjects (9 males and 11 females; mean age = 21.95 years) with asymptomatic flexible pes planus voluntarily participated in this study. Arch reformation was evaluated using navicular height measurements. Changes in plantar pressure distribution were measured using BioRecue equipment. Gait parameters were measured using spatiotemporal data collected during consecutive gait cycles using a G-WALK device. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the three different conditions (i.e., bare foot, low-Dye taping, and modified Mulligan taping) for each variable. Results: Navicular height was significantly increased in subjects who underwent the two types of taping compared to those who experienced the bare foot condition. The plantar pressure was significantly shifted to the posterolateral area after modified Mulligan taping compared with the bare foot condition. There were no significant differences in the gait parameters. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that modified Mulligan taping has a similar effect to low-Dye taping, and modified Mulligan taping is a simpler method than low-Dye taping.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the asymmetrical difference between the use of leg muscles on the surgical and non-surgical sides during initial lower extremity ergometer exercise after unilateral knee arthroplasty. Methods: Twelve elderly patients diagnosed with degenerative arthritis of the knee and who underwent unilateral arthroplasty were included in this study. The leg length of each subject was taken into account when setting the application distance of the lower extremity ergometer. The same pedal resistance, strength, and speed were used for all the subjects. The total angle of use of the ergometer (360°) was analyzed by dividing it into an extension section and a flexion section. Using a surface electromyography system, the activities of the muscles of the surgical and non-surgical sides were converted into maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and analyzed using the paired t-test. Results: When the activities of the muscles on the surgical and non-surgical sides were compared, it was found that the rectus femoris and biceps femoris had significant differences in the flexion and extension sections (p < .05), and that the tibialis anterior significantly differed in the flexion section (p < .05). There was no significant difference in the extension section of the tibialis anterior muscle, or in the flexion and extension sections of the gastrocnemius (p >.05). Conclusion: The results of this study confirm that the rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, biceps femoris, and gastrocnemius on the surgical side act in an opposite manner to those on the non-surgical side during pedaling in the same section.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of McConnell taping and Kinesio taping on pain and lower extremity joint angles when patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) ascend stairs. Methods: Fifty young adults who were experiencing anterior knee pain due to PFPS were selected as participants. Then, 25 patients were randomly assigned to the McConnell taping group and 25 to the Kinesio taping group. Pain and lower extremity joint angle were measured while ascending stairs before and after the intervention. A paired t-test was performed to evaluate the amount of change in the parameter values after the intervention within the groups, and an independent t-test was used to compare the results of the groups. Results: In the within-group comparisons, a statistically significant difference was found in both groups between the anterior knee pain scale scores recorded before and after the intervention (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was also found between the groups (p < 0.05). Comparison of the lower extremity joint angles at initial contact, loading response, terminal stance, and pre-swing within the groups showed that there were statistically significant differences in the hip, knee flexion, abduction, lateral rotation, and dorsiflexion angles in both the McConnell and Kinesio taping groups (p < 0.05). There was also a statistically significant difference in all angles between the groups during the following events (p < 0.05): (1) at initial contact, (2) at loading response (except hip flexion angle), (3) at terminal stance (except hip flexion and lateral rotation angles), and (4) at pre-swing (except hip, knee abduction, and inversion angles). Conclusion: McConnell taping and Kinesio taping both effectively improved the occurrence of knee pain and the lower extremity joint angles during stair ascent in patients with PFPS. However, McConnell taping had a significant impact on pain reduction and lower extremity joint angles compared to Kinesio taping.

Purpose: We investigated the effects of multimodal vs. stabilization exercises on chronic low back pain. Methods: Study participants were randomly assigned to a multimodal exercise (n = 20) or a stabilization exercise group (n = 20). Participants in the multimodal exercise group performed stabilization, stretching, and endurance exercises, whereas those in the stabilization exercise group performed only stabilization exercises. Participants in both groups performed the exercises for 1 hour thrice a week for 5 weeks. The following outcomes were evaluated: pain intensity (numeric rating scale), disability (the Oswestry Disability Index [ODI] and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire [RMDQ]), pain-induced fear (the Fear of Daily Activities Questionnaire [FDAQ], the Fear-Avoidance Belief Questionnaire [FABQ], and the Tampa scale for kinesiophobia-11 [TSK-11]). Outcome measures were evaluated at baseline and after intervention. Results: Significant post-intervention improvement was observed in pain intensity and the RMDQ and FDAQ scores in both groups (p < 0.01). The post-intervention ODI, FABQ, and TSK-11 scores were improved in the multimodal exercise group (p < 0.01). Additionally, significant differences were observed in pain intensity, as well as in the ODI, FDAQ, and FABQ scores in the multimodal exercise group compared with these findings in the stabilization exercise group (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The multimodal and stabilization exercise programs reduced pain intensity, disability, and pain-induced fear. Compared with stabilization exercises, multimodal exercises more effectively reduced pain intensity, disability, and pain-induced fear. This study highlights that musculoskeletal rehabilitation for people with chronic low back pain should include a multimodal exercise program.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of passive scapular upward rotation and posterior tilt and active scapular posterior tilt on the muscle activity of the upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA). Methods: Fifteen healthy subjects performed general arm elevation, arm elevation with passive scapular upward rotation and posterior tilt, and arm elevation with active scapular posterior tilt. For active scapular posterior tilt, the subjects were trained in this movement using visual biofeedback and a motion sensor. During each arm elevation condition, electromyography was used to measure the muscle activity of the UT, LT, and SA. The measured data were analyzed using a one-way repeated ANOVA. Results: LT muscle activity was significantly increased during arm elevation with active scapular posterior tilt compared to both general arm elevation and arm elevation with passive scapular upward rotation and posterior tilt (p < 0.05). SA muscle activity was greater during arm elevation with passive scapular upward rotation and posterior tilt than during general arm elevation (p < 0.05). There was no significant change in UT muscle activity among the tested arm elevation conditions (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Performing arm elevation with active scapular posterior tilt and performing arm elevation with passive scapular upward rotation and posterior tilt may be useful strategies for increasing muscle activation of the LT and SA, respectively.

Purpose: The study aimed to determine the effect of extra thoracic mobilization exercises on shoulder pain and function in patients who had undergone rotator cuff repair. Methods: Following the recording of baseline measurements, 20 subjects who had undergone rotator cuff repair were randomized into two groups: the experimental group (n = 10), which did thoracic mobilization exercises, and the control group (n = 10), which received traditional physical therapy. Each group participated in the intervention five times per week for two weeks. The pain (using the visual analogue scales [VAS]), the flexion and abduction range of motion (ROM), and the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) scores of both groups were recorded pre- and post-intervention. Paired t-tests were used to determine whether post-intervention scores were significantly different from pre-intervention scores, and independent t-tests were used to analyze differences in the dependent variables between the two groups. Results: After the two-week intervention, both groups experienced significantly decreased VAS and SPADI scores (p < 0.05) and significantly increased flexion and abduction ROM (p < 0.05). The experimental group that undertook the thoracic mobilization exercises showed greater improvements in pain, flexion and abduction ROM, and the SPADI than the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that thoracic mobilization exercises reduce shoulder pain and disability and enhance function in patients who have undergone rotator cuff repair.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of low intensity blood flow restriction training (LBFR) on the central nervous system of healthy adults. Methods: Ten healthy right-handed adults (eight males and two females, mean age of 28.6 ± 2.87 years) were selected as study subjects. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was conducted to measure brain activation (BA) following LBFR and non-LBFR. The primary motor area, premotor area, and supplementary motor area, which are closely related to exercise, were set as the regions of interest. Results: The BA recorded during the LBFR condition was 931.7 ± 302.44 voxel, and the BA recorded during the non-LBFR condition was 1,510.9 ± 353.47 voxel. Conclusion: BA was lower during LBFR than during non-LBFR.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of aquatic and land dual-task training on balance, gait, and depression in chronic stroke patients. Methods: A total of 24 patients diagnosed with chronic stroke were the subjects. They were assigned to either the experimental group (n = 12) or the control group (n = 12). The experimental group performed aquatic dual-task training, while the control group performed land dual-task training. The aquatic and land dual-task training sessions were conducted once a day for 30 min, 5 days per week, for 6 weeks. Balance was measured using the Berg balance scale. Gait was measured using the Timed Up and Go Test. The Beck's Depression Inventory was used to measure depression. Results: Both the experimental and control groups showed significant differences in balance, gait, and depression after the intervention (p < 0.05) in the within-group comparisons. It was found that the experimental group showed more significant differences in balance, gait, and depression than the control group (p < 0.05) when the two groups were compared. Conclusion: It can be concluded that aquatic dual-task training effectively improved the balance ability, gait ability, and chronic stroke patients' depression based on these results.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the effects of performing the half squat exercise with Kinesio taping (HSEKT) on trunk and lower extremity muscle activity and balance ability in general university students. Methods: The 32 participants were randomly assigned to either the HSEKT group (half squats with Kinesio taping) or the control group (half squats with sham Kinesio taping). Both groups performed half squats with either Kinesio taping (HSEKT group) or sham Kinesio taping (control group) for 30 min/day, 3 times/week for 6 weeks. The Noraxon mini direct transmission system (DTS) electromyography (EMG) system was used to evaluate trunk and lower extremity muscle activity. BioRescue equipment was used to measure the movement area of the center of pressure with eyes open and eyes closed. The muscle activity of the trunk and lower extremities and the balance ability of all participants were measured before and after the intervention. An independent t-test was used to statistically analyze the pre- and post-intervention EMG and balance ability results. Results: The trunk and lower extremity muscle activity was found to have significantly improved in the HSEKT group and the control group after the intervention (p < 0.05). Also, the balance ability of the HSEKT group differed significantly after 6 weeks of training compared to that of the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study show that performing half squats with Kinesio taping had a positive effect on trunk and lower extremity muscle activity and balance ability in general university students.

Purpose: Translation and adaptation involve cross-cultural and conceptual aspects; they are not simply based on linguistic equivalence. This study aimed to produce a conceptually equivalent Korean version of the motor activity log (K-MAL) for the upper extremities that can be applied across the Korean population and its cultures. Methods: Following the procedures used in the translation of other cross-cultural evaluation tools, and the five steps of the translation process, the motor activity log (MAL) was translated into Korean (K-MAL). We then examined the content validity of the K-MAL. Twenty-two rehabilitation professionals (11 males and 11 females, mean length of clinical career = 101.54 months) assessed the content validity of the K-MAL. The content validity ratio and content validity index were used to verify the content validity. Results: There were inconsistencies found in three sub-items in the MAL during the forward translation process. These inconsistencies were corrected, and the complete K-MAL was produced. The exact critical values of the content validity ratio and the content validity index of the K-MAL were 0.45-0.95 and 0.77-1.00, respectively. Conclusion: The K-MAL was successfully developed using a systematic methodology, which included translation, adaptation, and evaluation of the content validity. We expect that stroke rehabilitation professionals working in both clinical and research settings will apply the K-MAL when evaluating the amount and quality of use of the upper extremities in post-stroke patients in Korea.

Purpose: This study focused on reviewing articles published in Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and Movement to identify the current research trends featured in the journal. Methods: First, the most frequently used keywords in the 193 studies published in 2018 volume 16, issue 1, to 2021 volume 19, issue 3, were identified to determine the popularity of different topics. Information on the following parameters was collected for each study: research type, level of the study, research topic, diagnosis, application of PNF, and techniques applied. Results: Over the four-year period reviewed, "stroke" was the most frequently used keyword, followed by "balance" and "PNF." In terms of research type, observational analytical studies were the most frequently reported (52.85%), and experimental studies were the second-most common (37.82%). Regarding the research level, it was found that level 5 studies were the most frequent, at 49.74%, and level 2 studies accounted for 28.5% of the publications. Most of the studies stated "stroke patient" (26.42%) as the study diagnosis, except for the studies that recruited healthy people (36.79%). The majority of studies did not implement PNF treatments (15.54%), but a combination of isotonic techniques was most commonly used when PNF was applied. Conclusion: A broad range of topics and types of studies have recently been featured in the journal, including neurological impairments and musculoskeletal disorders. The findings of this review provide insight into future research trends and the direction of the journal PNF and Movement.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to confirm that the activation of the contralateral muscles changes according to posture after applying the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation leg pattern. Methods: Ten healthy adults (four males and six females) with no history of current musculoskeletal/neurological injuries were recruited for this study. Abdominal muscle (transverse abdominis) and hip joint muscle (gluteus maximus and gluteus medius) activation was assessed using surface electromyography (Ultium EMG, Noraxon Inc., USA). We evaluated muscle activation during the application of the PNF leg pattern. The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 21.0 program. Results: The results were found to be statistically significantly different in the 90/90 supine posture and sitting posture for the gluteus maximus (p < 0.05). The results were found to be not statistically significantly different for the transverse abdominis according to posture (p > 0.05). The results were found to be not statistically significantly different for the gluteus medius according to posture (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Application of the PNF leg pattern resulted in a significant change in the muscle activation of the contralateral segment according to posture, and the 90/90 supine posture induced high muscle activation of the gluteus maximus. In addition, the activation of the transverse abdominis was high in all three postures.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of robot-assisted gait training on the active ranges of motion, gait abilities, and biomechanical characteristics of gait in patients who underwent lower extremity surgery, and to verify the effectiveness and clinical usefulness of robot-assisted gait training. Methods: This study was conducted on 14 subjects who underwent lower extremity surgery. The subjects participated in robot-assisted gait training for 2 weeks. The active ranges of motion of the lower extremities were evaluated, and gait abilities were assessed using 10-m and 2-min walk tests. An STT Systems Inertial Measurement Unit was used to collect data on biomechanical characteristics during gait. Spatiotemporal parameters were used to measure cadence, step length, and velocity, and kinematic parameters were used to measure hip and knee joint movement during gait. Results: Significant improvements in the active ranges of motion of the hip and knee joints (flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction) and in the 10-m and 2-min walk test results were observed after robot-assisted gait training (p < 0.05). In addition, biomechanical characteristics of gait, spatiotemporal factors (cadence, step length, and velocity), and kinematic factors (gait hip flexion-extension, internal rotation-external rotation angle, and knee joint flexion-extension) were also significantly improved (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study are of clinical importance as they demonstrate that robot-assisted gait training can be used as an effective intervention method for patients who have undergone lower extremity surgery. Furthermore, the findings of this study are clinically meaningful as they expand the scope of robot-assisted gait training, which is currently mainly applied to patients with central nervous system conditions.