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Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy on selective motor control, spasticity, gross motor function, and balance in children with unilateral cerebral palsy. Methods: This randomised controlled study recruited 34 children aged 7-9 with spastic unilateral cerebral palsy. They were randomly allocated to either the control or study group. Both groups undertook traditional exercises for 12 weeks. The study group received shock waves (one session/week) on the calf muscle (1500 shocks, frequency of 4 Hz, energy of 0.030 mJ/mm2). All children were evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks using the Modified Ashworth Scale, a Biodex System 4 isokinetic dynamometer, dimensions D (standing) and E (walking) of the Gross Motor Function Measure - 88, the Trost Selective Motor Control test, and the single leg standing test. Results: Mixed analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney results showed significant improvement in eccentric peak torque, torque threshold angles, gross motor function, selective motor control, and balance in the study group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Shock wave therapy may be a valuable instrument for reducing spasticity, improving the ability to isolate and control movement, and consequently, improving balance and gross motor function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy.
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[Purpose] Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is the most common form of joint disease. It is one of the major causes of impaired function that reduces quality of life (QOL) worldwide. The purpose of this study was to compare exercise treatments for hamstring and quadriceps strength in the management of knee osteoarthritis. [Subjects and Methods] Forty patients with OA knee, aged 50-65 years were divided into 2 groups. The first group (57.65±4.78 years) received hot packs and performed strengthening exercises for the quadriceps and hamstring, and stretching exercises for the hamstring. The second group (58.15±5.11 years) received hot packs and performed strengthening exercises for only the quadriceps, and stretching exercise for the hamstring. Outcome measures were the WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA index questionnaire), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) assessment of pain, the Fifty-Foot Walk Test (FWS), and Handheld dynamometry. [Results] There was a significant difference between the groups. The first group showed a more significant result than the second group. [Conclusion] Strengthening of the hamstrings in addition to strengthening of the quadriceps was shown to be beneficial for improving subjective knee pain, range of motion and decreasing the limitation of functional performance of patients with knee osteoarthritis.
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[Purpose] To assess the effect of hamstring and quadriceps strengthening exercises on pain intensity, gait velocity, maximum isometric strength, and activities of daily living of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). [Subjects and Methods] A total of 20 patients with knee OA, 50 to 65â years of age (57.65 ± 4.78â years), received hot packs, strengthening exercises for the quadriceps and the hamstring muscles and stretching exercises for hamstring muscles. Outcome measures included: the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA index questionnaire (WOMAC) scores for assessing health status and health outcomes of knee OA; self-reported pain intensity scores, measured using a visual analogue scale; the 50 ft walk test (a measure of gait velocity and function); and handheld dynamometry (a tool used to measure maximum isometric strength of knee extension and flexion). [Results] There was a significant difference between pre- and post-intervention measures of pain intensity, 50 ft walk times, hamstring strength, and quadriceps strength. Significant differences in WOMAC measures were also observed in the subscales of pain, stiffness and physical function, as well as WOMAC total scores. [Conclusion] Strengthening the hamstring muscles in addition to strengthening the quadriceps muscles proved to be beneficial for perceived knee pain, range of motion, and decreasing the limitation of functional performance of patients with knee OA.