Research Output
Articles
Publication Date: 2025
Journal Of Rehabilitation Sciences And Research (23456159)12(4)pp. 113-119
Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in reduced core region function and shoulder pain among wheelchair users. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of modified dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) exercises on core region function and shoulder pain in patients with incomplete paraplegic SCI. Methods: In this semi-experimental study, ten male patients with SCI were purposefully selected based on inclusion criteria and participated as an experimental group. Core region function and shoulder pain were measured before intervention using the modified plank test, an abdominal pressure cuff device, and the Wheelchair Users' Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI) questionnaire. Participants first completed an eight-week non-exercise period, followed by an intermediate assessment. They then engaged in eight weeks of modified DNS exercises, after which measurements were repeated. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with repeated measures ANOVA applied (P≤0.05). Results: Significant improvements were observed in core function, transverse abdominal muscle strength, and shoulder pain (measured by WUSPI scores) after the exercise period compared to the non-exercise phase. These improvements were statistically significant (P≤0.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that modified DNS exercises can be an effective and low-cost addition to the physical rehabilitation of patients with incomplete paraplegic SCI. © 2025 Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2024
Journal Of Rehabilitation Sciences And Research (23456159)11(2)pp. 109-116
Background: The present study focuses on elucidating the effects of an eight-week combined turning exercise program on the physical performance of female students with Down syndrome (DS), a genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability and often associated with weaker muscle strength. Individuals with DS typically exhibit reduced muscle strength due to a lower percentage of slow-twitch muscle fibers and a diminished overall number of muscle fibers. Methods: In this semi-experimental clinical trial, the authors used purposive sampling to enroll 26 female students diagnosed with DS. Participants were randomly divided into an experimental group (n=13; mean age: 12.15±1.62 years, mean height: 139.23±8.94 cm, mean weight: 42.62±13.44 kg, mean IQ: 63.02±5.54) and a control group (n=13; mean age: 12.23±1.53 years, mean height: 141.15±10.31 cm, mean weight: 45.46±15.94 kg, mean IQ: 63.05±5.49). The authors evaluated muscle strength using a hand-held digital dynamometer, push-up test, long jump, and sit-up before and after the eight-week training period. The experimental group underwent a combined turning training program lasting 45-60 minutes daily, thrice a week, for eight weeks. We analyzed the data using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a significance level set at P≤0.05. Results: The findings revealed a significant enhancement in physical performance among participants in the experimental group compared to those in the control group (P≤0.05). Specifically, the combined turning exercise program positively influenced upper body, middle body, and lower body muscle strength in female students diagnosed with DS. Conclusion: The results of this investigation imply that incorporating combined turning exercises could serve as an effective strategy for enhancing muscle strength among female students diagnosed with DS. Integrating these exercises into rehabilitation programs tailored for individuals with DS may improve their physical performance and enhance their overall quality of life. 2024 © The Authors. Published by JRSR. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2024
Biological Research for Nursing (10998004)26(4)pp. 537-546
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week yoga intervention on muscle strength, proprioception, pain, concerns about falling, and quality of life in individuals diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy. Methods: A quasi-experimental design incorporating a pretest-posttest methodology and a control group was implemented in the present study. A total of 30 patients who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and neuropathy were recruited and randomly assigned to intervention (n = 15) or non-exercise control (n = 15). Yoga sessions were conducted for a duration of 60 min on three occasions per week, with participants requested to practice at home on other days. Results: The results showed significant main effects of time on the muscle strength (both flexor and extensor muscles, p <.001, ηp2 = 0.652 and p <.001, ηp2 = 0.539, respectively), proprioception error (p <.001, ηp2 = 0.807), pain intensity (p <.001, ηp2 = 0.538), concerns about falling (p <.001, ηp2 = 0.700), and overall score of quality of life (p <.001, ηp2 = 0.475). Moreover, there were significant group-by-time interactions for all variables (p <.001 for all). Conclusion: The study reveals that yoga intervention can be an effective alternative therapeutic approach to medication for individuals with diabetic neuropathy. Yet, future studies are needed on a larger sample size to strengthen the present understanding of the advantageous impact of yoga intervention in this population. © The Author(s) 2024.
