Physiotherapy Commons^™

Clinical Application Of Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring During Detethering Surgery Of A Newborn: A Case Report, Mu-Yun Lin, Hsin-Hung Chen, Tsui-Fen Yang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Background:

Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is a rare congenital condition that causes abnormal tension on the spinal cord and often requires early surgical intervention to prevent progressive neurological and orthopedic deficits. However, performing detethering surgery in neonates presents unique challenges due to their immature neural pathways, which complicate intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM).

Case Description:

We report the case of a 13-day-old neonate with TCS who underwent successful detethering surgery under advanced IONM. Double-train stimulation with a linked quadripolar montage was employed to elicit motor evoked potentials (MEPs), overcoming the challenge of monitoring immature corticospinal tracts. Additionally, subdural strip electrodes were used …

Late-Onset Sciatic Nerve Compression Due To Distal Femoral Osteochondroma, I-Fan Hsieh, Tian-Shin Yeh

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Osteochondroma is one of the most common benign bone tumors, typically asymptomatic, and rarely causes nerve compression. Previous case reports documented nerve compression by osteochondroma arising from the proximal fibula, pelvic bone, and spine. We report a rare case of osteochondroma at the distal femur causing sciatic nerve compression with symptom onset at 42 years old. This case highlights that osteochondroma can develop at any skeletal location, and even though these lesions typically cease to grow after skeletal maturity. Individuals with a history of osteochondroma should consider it as a differential diagnosis for new symptoms even in older age to …

Dysphagia In Becker Muscular Dystrophy: A Case Report And Literature Review, Chien-Ping Chen, Hung-Jui Chuang, Yi-Chi Li, Ming-Yen Hsiao, Tyng-Guey Wang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Dysphagia is a recognized complication in patients with muscular dystrophies, but its characteristics in Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) remain underexplored. This case report describes a man with BMD who developed dysphagia, initially presenting with mild symptoms but later experiencing aspiration pneumonia with respiratory failure. He regained safe oral intake after swallowing training. Three years later, he suffered worsening dysphagia following a severe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection, ultimately losing the ability to resume oral feeding despite months of rehabilitation. Literature on swallowing disorder in BMD reported poor mastication, reduced laryngeal elevation, and increased pharyngeal residue; however, silent aspiration, as observed in …

Effectiveness Of Fu's Subcutaneous Needling In Pain Management And Rehabilitation: A Narrative Review, Po-En Chiu, Chun-Chang Wu, De-Jian Lu, Zhonghua Fu, Li-Wei Chou

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Fu’s Subcutaneous Needling (FSN) is a modern needling technique distinct from traditional acupuncture, primarily used for musculoskeletal pain, neuropathic conditions, and emerging applications in rehabilitation. FSN is also designated as a kind of dry needling focusing on deactivating myofascial trigger points. This review categorizes FSN-related studies into case reports, clinical trials, and animal studies, evaluating its therapeutic efficacy, safety, and mechanisms. Case reports suggest that FSN provides rapid pain relief and functional improvement, while clinical trials, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), support its role in reducing pain and enhancing neuromuscular function despite limitations in sample size and protocol consistency. Animal …

Immersive Computer-Assisted And Traditional Balance Training Methods On Balance Performance In Young Athletes: A Randomized Comparative Study, Hsien-I Lai, Yun-Hsin Huang, Chen-Yu Chien, Chung-Lan Kao

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Introduction: Balance is essential for athletic performance. This study compared immersive computer-assisted balance training using the Bertec Balance Advantage CDP/IVR system with traditional soft mat training in young athletes.

Methods: Twenty-two young athletes were randomly assigned to a soft mat group (n = 10) or a Bertec group (n = 12). Both groups completed four training sessions over two weeks. Balance was assessed pre- and post-training using the Sensory Organization Test (SOT), Limits of Stability (LOS) test, and Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA) test. Two-way mixed ANOVA and Bonferroni-corrected post-hoc analyses were performed.

Results: Both groups improved in postural stability and …

Ultrasound-Guided Injection In Meralgia Paresthetica: A Narrative Review, Jia-Chi Ko, Tyng-Guey Wang, Shaw-Gang Shyu

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is a neuropathic pain syndrome resulting from compression or irritation of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). Traditional diagnostic approaches rely on clinical assessments and electrodiagnostic testing. Ultrasound has emerged as a non-invasive, cost-effective modality for detailed visualization of the LFCN and guiding treatment interventions.

This review explores the anatomical considerations of the LFCN, its common etiological factors, clinical presentation, current management strategies, and ultrasound-guided injection techniques. While LFCN exhibits notable anatomical variability, and it is susceptible to external compression near the inguinal ligament. Some potential causes reveal as obesity, diabetes mellitus, or surgical interventions. Patients typically …

Safety In Dry Needling: The Role And Contributions Of The International Dry Needling Education & Training Advisory Group (Idnetag), W Mahmoud, J. Dommerholt

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Dry needling is an intervention that physical therapists use to address various neuromusculoskeletal pain syndromes, primarily through targeting myofascial trigger points (TrPs) in muscle tissue. This technique involves inserting thin filiform needles into specific areas to relieve pain and improve movement. Despite its therapeutic potential, concerns regarding adverse events (AEs) necessitate stringent safety protocols and guidelines. In response, the International Dry Needling Education & Training Advisory Group (IDNETAG) was established in 2023 with members from diverse professions across eight countries. IDNETAG's mission is to enhance global standards of practice, focusing on safety, education, and consistency in treatment protocols. Research indicates …

Guideline Of Pulmonary Rehabilitation In Patients With Interstitial Lung Disease, Chia-Ho Lin, Seong-Woong Kang, Ming-Lung Chuang, Pin-Kuei Fu, Chin-Ming Chen, Ko-Long Lin, Ssu-Yuan Chen, Li-Wei Chou, Kuan-Cheng Chen, Yuan-Yang Cheng

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) includes a group of chronic respiratory disorders characterized by pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis, often resulting in dyspnea, exercise intolerance, and reduced quality of life. Although pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is effective in managing these symptoms, no guideline has comprehensively summarized its principles, components, and supporting evidence in ILD. This guideline provides an evidence-based framework for designing and implementing PR tailored to ILD patients. Core recommendations include individualized exercise prescription following the FITT principle, aerobic and resistance training, breathing exercises, supplemental oxygen use, and disease-specific self-management strategies. The guideline also presents validated assessment tools to aid clinical application …

Assessing How Patients With Spinal Cord Injury Are Affected By Climate Change And Extreme Weather: A Scoping Review, Lien-Chieh Lin, Hung-Chou Chen, Tsan-Hon Liou

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Climate change and the rising frequency of extreme weather events (EWEs) pose significant challenges to vulnerable populations, particularly individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). These patients are at greater risk due to impaired thermoregulation, limited mobility, poor sensation, and dependence on caregivers or adaptive equipment, increasing their exposure to climate-related hazards and disrupting healthcare access during disasters. Although climate change impacts on the general population are well-documented, research on specific disability groups like SCI patients remains limited. This scoping review investigates how SCI patients perceive and experience health risks from climate change and EWEs, as well as factors influencing their …

A Rare Case Of Bilateral Supraspinatus Tendon Tears With Unilateral Musculotendinous Junction Involvement In An Elderly Patient, Kanyamas Poompreecha, Patsaree Pattanasuwanna, Ya-Chu Hsu

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Rotator cuff (RC) tears are a common cause of shoulder pain in the elderly, though tears at the musculotendinous junction (MTJ) are uncommonly observed. We present a rare case of bilateral supraspinatus tendon tears in a 68-year-old male, with unilateral involvement of the MTJ. Symptoms developed three months after resuming resistance training following left acromioclavicular dislocation surgery. Ultrasound revealed a full-thickness insertional tear on the left and a partial MTJ tear on the right. Conservative treatment led to symptom resolution without surgery. This case highlights the diagnostic value of dynamic ultrasound for subtle rotator cuff and MTJ lesions in elderly …

The Effects Of 10-Ml Versus 40-Ml Capsular Dilatation Under Ultrasound Guidance In Patients With Adhesive Capsulitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Kollatee Buranarach, Rawipa Khunnarong, Chanasak Hathaiareerug

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Background: Adhesive capsulitis causes pain and limited mobility. Hydrodilatation is an effective, minimally invasive treatment, but the optimal volume is unclear. This study compares the pain and function improvement from large-volume (40 mL) versus small-volume (10 mL) ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation in patients with adhesive capsulitis.

Methods: This study was conducted at Phramongkutklao Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, with Thai adults aged 20 and older who had adhesive capsulitis. Participants had a pain score of 4 or higher on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and limited movement in at least two directions. They were divided into two groups. One group received ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation …

Bridging Clinical Capacity And Real-World Performance: Upper And Lower Limb Accelerometry In Pediatric Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation, Youngsub Hwang, Jeong-Yi Kwon

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

The rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy (CP) has progressively evolved from therapist-centered, impairment-focused models to child- and family-centered approaches that emphasize real-world participation. This narrative review summarizes conceptual and practical shifts in CP rehabilitation, highlighting the distinction between motor capacity and real-world performance. Accelerometry is a critical objective tool for assessing lower and upper limb physical activity. Devices such as StepWatch and ActiGraph provide ecologically valid data on lower limb activity levels, step counts, and energy expenditure. Studies have shown reduced physical activity in children with CP compared to their typically developing peers, with variations in age and GMFCS …

Novel Sarcopenia Screening Using 1dcnn And Lidar-Enhanced Timed Up And Go Test, Yu-Ming Zhang, Cheng-Yu Tsai, Jiunn Horng Kang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Introduction

Sarcopenia is a systemic condition characterized by the loss of muscle mass, decreased strength and physical performance, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. To address this issue, we developed a rapid, cost-effective, and accurate screening model that integrated basic patient characteristics with a one-dimensional Convolutional Neural Network (1DCNN) analyzing Timed Up and Go (TUG) test data, captured using a simple light detection and ranging (LiDAR) device.

Methods

This study included 145 participants (38 diagnosed with sarcopenia and 107 without). During the TUG test, a LiDAR sensor semi-automatically recorded distance-time data, which was processed using a 1DCNN and combined with …

Developing A Gpt-Based Virtual Training System For Medical Undergraduates' History Taking In Stroke Rehabilitation, Chao-Yu Hsu, Ching-Lin Hsieh, Jeng-Cheng Wu, Wen-Hsuan Hou

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Background: Effective history taking in stroke rehabilitation requires comprehensive assessment skills, yet opportunities for medical undergraduates to practice such skills remain limited. Virtual patients (VPs), especially those powered by large language models (LLMs), offer a promising solution. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a GPT-based virtual training system for functional assessments in stroke rehabilitation history taking.

Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed in which VPs were modeled on a clinical stroke case and 10 core domains of functional assessments in stroke rehabilitation were integrated. A virtual examiner (VE) module provided automated scoring and feedback. Phase 1 evaluated the reliability …

Influence Of Local Application Of Lidocaine Patch On Peripheral Nerve Conduction – A Pilot Study, Thanh-Nhan Doan, Fang-Yin Liao, Yueh-Ling Hsieh, Li-Wei Chou

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a lidocaine patch on peripheral nerve conduction.

Methods: Fifteen healthy volunteers with no symptoms or signs of neuropathy in either upper limb were recruited for this double-blind, placebo-controlled study over a 10-month period. A lidocaine patch or a placebo patch was applied to the volar aspect of the wrist during sleep. The treatment procedure was repeated for 14 consecutive nights. Nerve conduction studies were performed and analyzed at each assessment point. All participants were re-evaluated, with electrophysiological studies of the median and ulnar nerves repeated at 1 week and 2 weeks …

Long-Term Benefits Of An Integrative Scoliosis-Specific Rehabilitation Program For High-Risk Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Yu-Shan Fu, Lin-Fen Hsieh, Julian Wang, Wei-Chen Chang, Ya-Fang Liu, Hsuan-Han Lin

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Background/Purpose: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common spinal deformity in adolescents, but the optimal combination therapy remains to be established. Therefore, our purpose is to investigate the long-term benefits of a scoliosis-specific rehabilitation program integrating pattern-specific manual therapy, Schroth Best Practice exercises, and Gensingen brace application for patients with AIS.

Methods: The retrospective cohort study was conducted in an outpatient clinic, including 54 patients with AIS at a high risk of progression who participated in the aforementioned program. The primary outcomes were the angle of trunk rotation (ATR) and Cobb angle, whereas the secondary outcome was the lateral …

Persistent Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Caused By Systemic Light Chain Amyloidosis Despite Hematologic Response: A Case Report, Haw-Wen Jeng, Tyng-Guey Wang, Kuo-Chang Wei

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

We report a case of a 44-year-old woman who developed progressive dysphagia and shoulder stiffness, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM) with systemic light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. Despite intensive systemic therapy for MM with good serological response and nine months of comprehensive swallowing rehabilitation, her tongue mobility remained severely restricted, with only minimal improvement in laryngeal elevation. Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) confirmed poor tongue control, reduced laryngeal elevation, and penetration of thin liquids. She ultimately passed away despite hematologic control. This case underscores the profound impact of amyloid deposition on swallowing function, even in the context of medically …

Comparison Of Baumgaertner Reduction Quality Criteria , Chang Criteria And Ap3×Ml3 Classification And Their Ability To Predict Mechanical Complications Of Trochanteric Fractures Fixed With Proximal Femoral Nail, Amr Elhadidy Elhadidy, Ahmed Abdelbadie Ibrahim, Sallam Ibrahim Fawzy, Ehab Youssef Hassanin

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background Trochanteric fractures are common injuries among the elderly. Despite advances in fixation with proximal femoral nails (PFN), Mechanical complication remain significant. Several reduction quality systems have been proposed, but their predictive value and reproducibility remain debated. Aim To evaluate and compare the predictive value and reproducibility of Baumgaertner Reduction Quality Criteria (BRQC), Chang Reduction Quality Criteria (CRQC), and AP3×ML3 classification in patients with AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) 31-A1 and 31-A2 trochanteric fractures fixed with PFN. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted on 146 patients with 31-A1 and A2 trochanteric fractures treated by PFN. Postoperative radiographs were assessed …

Occupational Therapy Using Cbt To Improve Work Productivity In Schizophrenia: A Case Study, Artha Nisa Thohiroh Triyantari, Reza Nur Arsyi, Muhammad Luthfi, Ayleen Alicia K, Hermito Gideon, Zulfa Khoirunisah, Putri Dirgantara, Purnama Betty R. Sitorus

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that often impairs an individual's social and occupational functioning, including productivity-related activities. Patients with schizophrenia frequently face challenges in maintaining employment or running an independent business due to cognitive and emotional disturbances affecting their adaptive skills. This single-case study integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into occupational therapy to enhance productivity in a schizophrenia patient through an entrepreneurial activity—independently opening a coffee shop. The study subject is a 50-year-old male diagnosed with schizophrenia undergoing psychosocial rehabilitation at RSJ Dr. Soeharto Heerdjan. The CBT-based intervention was designed to develop adaptive thinking patterns and occupational skills through …

Enhancement Of Functional Ability In Supraspinatus Tendinitis Using Ultrasound And Isotonic Exercise: Case Study, Tu Lidya Ike Putri, Christabelle Aurelia

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Supraspinatus tendinitis is an inflammation of the supraspinatus tendon caused by the supraspinatus muscle tendon overlapping with the caput longus bicep tendon so that friction and repetitive pressure occur over a long period of time and result in damage to the supraspinatus muscle tendon and supraspinatus tendinitis occurs. Characterized by complaints of pain around the shoulder followed by limitation of motion in the shoulder joint. The clinical question arises "can the application of ultrasound and isotonic exercise reduce pain and functional ability improvement?". To be able to answer this question, an evidence search was conducted on 3 data bases, namely …