Earticle

The participants in this study consisted of four adults without disabilities and five children with disabilities, including one diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), one with asymmetric developmental delay, and three with cerebral palsy. In adults without disabilities, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), and multifidus (MF) muscles was assessed using a myotonometer and electromyography (EMG) in supine and sitting positions. In children with disabilities, muscle tone was assessed using a myotonometer in both supine and sitting positions before and after Vojta therapy. In the assessment of intra-rater reliability among adults without disabilities, the RA muscle showed low to moderate reliability, with r = .689 during MVIC, r = .268 before therapy in the sitting position, r = .633 after therapy, and very high reliability in the supine position. The MF muscle showed a moderate correlation (r = .593) before treatment during MVIC, and a high correlation (r = .710) in the prone position, while correlations in the remaining conditions ranged from high to very high. The RA muscle in children with disabilities demonstrated moderate reliability, with correlation coefficients of r = .990 before treatment in the supine position, r = .728 before treatment (trial 1), r = .968 before treatment (trial 2), r = .867 after treatment, and r = .842 in the sitting position. The MF muscle demonstrated very high correlation, with r = .979 before treatment and r = .944 after assuming the prone position. Except for the RA muscle, correlations showed high to very high levels before therapy. In the assessment of intra-rater reliability of EMG signals across postures in non-disabled adults, the MVIC values for the three muscles varied by posture, ranging from .594 (moderate) to .941 (very high) in the RA muscle, while values were high in the remaining conditions. However, in the supine post-RA condition, the value was .112 (poor), whereas in the prone pre-condition, the MF muscle showed .372 (low). The intra-rater reliability of the EMG measurements for each muscle in the remaining postures ranged from high to very high. The intra-rater reliability of myotonometer measurements for trunk muscles was found to be high in both disabled and non-disabled participants. In this study, EMG demonstrated appropriate %MVIC values in both supine and sitting positions, indicating high reliability and validity across postures, and confirming its effectiveness as an evaluation tool for comparing pre- and post-Vojta therapy outcomes. To effectively utilize a myotonometer for assessing trunk muscle stability, it is essential to develop a standardized protocol applicable to diverse patient populations.

Pelvic pain is a multifactorial condition commonly associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. This meta-analytic systematic review assessed the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME), with or without ultrasound imaging (USI) and/or biofeedback, in adults experiencing pelvic pain. Comprehensive literature searches of PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases from January 1990 to December 2024 identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting outcomes related to pain and/or pelvic floor structural and functional measures. Methodological quality was evaluated using the PEDro scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Eight RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Random-effects meta-analyses, expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% CI, demonstrated significant reductions in pain (SMD −1.25 to −1.30) and substantial improvements in morphometric indices (SMD 0.95 to 1.50), alongside enhancements in muscle strength, bladder base displacement, and quality of life (QOL). Studies incorporating USI indicated improved motor control and adherence, suggesting a potential additive benefit of image- guided feedback. Overall, PFME represents an effective, non-invasive intervention for pelvic pain, yielding improvements in both structural and functional outcomes. Future research should focus on standardizing treatment protocols, extending follow-up durations, and elucidating underlying mechanisms to optimize dosing and identify patient subgroups most likely to benefit.

Catch-up saccades (CUS) are corrective eye movements indicating vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) impairment. Although video head impulse testing (vHIT)enables objective detection of CUS, data on its prevalence and correlations in the general population are limited. This study analyzed 1,982 Korean adults aged ≥40 years from the 2021 KNHANES. CUS was identified via vHIT. Logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with CUS, including sex-stratified models. The overall prevalence of CUS was 16.2%, increasing with age from 12.8% in the 40s to 40.2% in those aged ≥80. Older age was the strongest correlate of CUS (OR for ≥80 vs 40s: 6.15, 95% CI: 2.62–14.43). Lower educational attainment was inversely associated with CUS prevalence, particularly in women. Among men, former smoking was inversely associated with CUS (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31–0.81). CUS are common in older Korean adults and exhibit distinct sociodemographic patterns by sex. These findings suggest that vHIT-detected CUS may be useful as a practical screening tool for identifying early vestibular decline, particularly in socioeconomically vulnerable groups. Public health efforts aimed at early detection and fall prevention should consider sex- and SES-specific risk factors.

This study aims to synthesize randomized evidence regarding the effects of virtual reality (VR)–based rehabilitation following stroke on UL performance, gait and mobility, and functional independence, while also examining potential moderators such as immersion level, timing post-stroke, dosage, and comparator intensity. A comprehensive search was conducted across MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, PEDro, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO ICTRP (January 2000–August 2025) without language restrictions. Eligible studies included randomized or quasi-randomized trials comparing VR interventions (non-, semi-, or fully immersive), either as standalone treatments or adjuncts, against usual care or active controls in adult stroke populations. Two independent reviewers performed study screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment using the RoB 2 tool; the certainty of evidence was evaluated with GRADE. When outcome measures were sufficiently homogeneous, random-effects meta-analyses were conducted employing Hedges’ g (standardized mean difference) or mean difference for common scales, with heterogeneity assessed via I² and τ² statistics; sensitivity and subgroup analyses were prespecified. Ten trials met inclusion criteria, encompassing inpatient, outpatient, and home/telerehabilitation settings and diverse VR platforms (including screen-based exergames, treadmill/robot-assisted VR, real-instrument VR, and immersive systems). The overall risk of bias was low in 3 trials, high in 2, and some concerns in 5. Where data pooling or consistent directional effects were feasible, results generally favored VR interventions, demonstrating small-to-moderate improvements in UL motor performance (e.g., FMA-UE, dexterity tests) and gait/mobility (e.g., TUG, 10-/6-Minute Walk Test, balance scales). Between-group differences in functional independence and participation measures (e.g., FIM, Barthel, USER-P) were smaller and more variable, particularly when control groups received active, dose-matched rehabilitation. Adverse events were infrequent and mild, including transient dizziness and headache; adherence and acceptability were generally high. VR represents a safe and practical adjunctive tool that can increase practice dosage and engagement, potentially leading to improved functional outcomes following stroke (most notably in UL function and gait/mobility) when combined with conventional, goal-directed therapy. Recommended pragmatic dosing (≥3 sessions/week for ≥4–6 weeks, 30–60 minutes/session), task-oriented content and careful patient selection. Future adequately powered, preregistered trials employing core outcome sets, dose-matched active comparators, and extended follow-up periods are warranted to elucidate effects on functional independence, participation, and cost-effectiveness.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of mat-based Pilates exercise on balance and walking ability in a patient with chronic stroke. A single-subject experimental study with an A-B-A′ design was used, in which phase A was the baseline phase, phase B was the intervention phase, and phase A′ was the follow-up phase. A total of 20 sessions were conducted (4 baseline, 8 intervention, and 8 follow-up sessions), five times per week. During the intervention phase, mat-based Pilates exercise was performed for 60 minutes per day to improve spinal mobility, trunk stability, and lower extremity strength. The timed up-and-go test (TUGT) and 10-meter walk test (10MWT) were measured at every session, whereas the Berg balance scale (BBS) and dynamic gait index (DGI) were assessed only before and after the intervention period as supplementary pre-post outcomes. Compared with the baseline phase, the TUGT decreased by 6.13 seconds during the intervention phase (from 47.97 to 41.84 seconds) and by 13.12 seconds during the follow-up phase (to 34.85 seconds). The 10MWT decreased by 5.89 seconds during the intervention phase (from 53.13 to 47.24 seconds) and by 10.25 seconds during the follow-up phase (to 42.88 seconds). BBS and DGI scores improved by 14 points (from 30 to 44) and 7 points (from 10 to 17), respectively. These findings suggest that mat-based Pilates exercise may be a feasible intervention for improving balance and walking ability in patients with chronic stroke. However, because this study involved a single participant and concurrent conventional rehabilitation was provided, the findings should be interpreted with caution. Further randomized controlled studies with larger samples are needed.

This case report examined the effects of stomatognathic alignment exercise (SAE) on the swallowing function of a hydrocephalus patient with dysphagia, presenting its findings. An 81-year-old man with hydrocephalus and aspiration signs during oral intake received a 3-month SAE intervention. Outcome measures included the Gugging swallowing screen (GUSS), maximum mouth opening range (MMOR), and craniovertebral angle (CVA) assessed at baseline, immediately after the 3-month intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. The GUSS score improved by 16.7% (from 6 to 7 points), with significant enhancement in saliva swallowing, indicating an improved swallowing reflex and reduced aspiration risk. Additionally, MMOR increased by 60.0% (from 2.5 cm to 4.0 cm), and CVA improved by 6.8% (from 44.0° to 47.0°). Notably, all improvements were sustained at the 3-month follow- up. These findings suggest that SAE may be beneficial for enhancing swallowing function in hydrocephalus patients, providing preliminary evidence for a non-invasive treatment approach. However, further studies with more robust designs are needed to validate these results.

The study aimed to determine the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern Kinesio taping on arm swing, balance, and gait speed in chronic stroke patients. This is a pre-post comparison study conducted on 14 chronic stroke patients as a one group pre-test post-test design. The experiment involved gait training using Kinesio taping with a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern with a duration of 30 minutes, 5 times a week, for a total of 20 sessions over 4 weeks. Image J program for arm swing angle, functional reach test (FRT) for dynamic balance and GAITRite for gait speed were evaluated before and after the intervention. The study results showed significant improvements in arm swing angle, FRT and gait speed after the intervention compared to before. These results suggest that the application of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern Kinesio taping may be considered to mitigate arm swing during gait among chronic stroke patients. Furthermore, it is anticipated that this intervention may contribute to improvements in balance and gait speed within this patient population.

This study aimed to compare the effects of Low-Dye taping and arch-support insoles on dynamic balance in adults with flexible flatfoot. A repeated-measures experimental design was used. Twenty-eight students enrolled at B University with flexible flatfoot, defined as a navicular drop of ≥1 cm, voluntarily participated in this study. All participants provided written informed consent after receiving an explanation of the study purpose and procedures. Participants were assessed under three conditions: barefoot, Low-Dye taping, and arch-support insoles. The dominant leg was determined as the leg preferred for kicking a ball, and leg length was measured to normalize reach distance. The Y-balance test was performed in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions under each condition. The order of conditions was randomized, and the greatest reach distance from three trials in each direction was recorded. No significant difference was found among the three conditions in the anterior direction (p>.05). However, significant differences were observed in the posteromedial and posterolateral directions (p<.05). Bonferroni post-hoc analysis showed that both Low-Dye taping and arch-support insoles significantly improved dynamic balance in the posteromedial and posterolateral directions compared with the barefoot condition (p<.05). These findings indicate that both Low-Dye taping and arch-support insoles are effective in improving dynamic balance in adults with flexible flatfoot and may be useful strategies for enhancing postural stability in this population.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a golf-inspired training program influences balance ability, gait ability, depressive symptoms, and quality of life in individuals who have experienced a stroke. A total of 26 stroke survivors, all at least six months post-onset, were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n=13), which received golf-based training, or a control group (n=13), which received conventional physical therapy. Both interventions were administered for 30 minutes per session, five times per week, over four weeks. Outcome measures included the Berg balance scale (BBS), timed up and go test (TUG), 10-meter walking test (10MWT), Beck depression inventory (BDI), and Stroke-specific quality of life (SS-QoL). The experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in BBS and BDI compared with the control group(p<.05). Within-group analysis revealed positive changes in TUG and SS-QoL among the experimental group, though between-group differences were not significant. These findings suggest that incorporating golf-based movements into rehabilitation can enhance balance and emotional well-being, providing motivational and engaging training that supports both physical and psychological recovery in stroke patients.

This study investigated the effects of an EMG-based feedback core stabilization exercise on the thickness and activation of the transversus abdominis (TrA) in collegiate track-and-field athletes. Twenty elite sprinters were randomly assigned to either an Muscle activation monitoring core exercise group (MMCEG) or a General core exercise group (GCEG). Both groups performed a structured core stabilization program for eight weeks(three sessions per week, 60 minutes per session). Each training session consisted of warm-up, main exercise, and cool-down phases. The main exercise included common tasks such as curl-up, side bridge, and bird dog. The MMCEG received real-time muscle activation feedback using the Blueback Physio EMG system to regulate contraction intensity and timing, whereas the GCEG performed identical exercises guided only by verbal instruction and demonstration. The thickness of the TrA was assessed using rehabilitative ultrasound imaging, and muscle activation was measured with surface electromyography under identical conditions before and after training. A two-way mixed ANOVA revealed significant main effects of time and time×group interactions( p<.05). Both groups showed post-intervention improvements in TrA thickness and activation, whereas the MMCEG demonstrated significantly greater gains compared with the GCEG(p<.05). These findings suggest that EMG-based feedback enhances the precision of muscle contraction and neuromuscular control, thereby promoting more efficient motor learning within the same training dose. In conclusion, EMG-based feedback core stabilization exercise appears to be an effective and practical strategy not only for improving selective TrA activation and trunk stability but also for contributing to injury prevention and performance enhancement in athletes.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the dynamic taping (DT) technique on gastrocnemius (GCM) activation and thickness by particularly focusing on identifying potential side effects such as muscle activation inhibition. Twenty individuals in whom the DT technique was applied randomly to one leg (DT side) were included. The opposite leg served as the non-taped side, and bilateral heel-rise exercises were performed. Muscle activation and thickness were measured using electromyography and ultrasonography, respectively, before and after exercise. The statistical significance ( ) level was set at .05. GCM activation and thickness significantly increased on both sides after the intervention (p<.05). No significant differences existed in GCM activation or thickness between the taped and non-taped sides before the intervention (p>.05). However, after the intervention, GCM thickness on the non-taped side was significantly greater than that on the taped side (p<.05), while no significant difference was noted in muscle activation. This study demonstrated that DT can be useful to provide support during exercise or rehabilitation; however, caution is needed as frequent and prolonged DT use may limit muscle thickness growth. When using the benefits of taping in clinical and sports settings, the potential side effects of long-term taping on muscle hypertrophy or strength training should be considered.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of relative angular velocity conditions (10%, 40%, 70%, and 100% of each participant's maximal angular velocity) on isokinetic period characteristics and quadriceps muscle activation during knee extension in healthy young adults. Specifically, mean angular velocity, the proportions of acceleration, maintained, and deceleration periods, and the activation of , vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) were measured and compared across velocity conditions, and correlations among these variables were analyzed. Thirty-eight healthy young adults participated in this study. Isokinetic knee extension was performed under relative velocity conditions set at 10%, 40%, 70%, and 100% of each participant's maximal angular velocity. The proportions of acceleration, maintained, and deceleration periods were analyzed, and electromyography was used to assess the activation of the VM, VL and RF. As velocity increased, the proportion of the maintained period decreased, whereas the acceleration and deceleration periods increased. The maintained period was relatively preserved at 10–40% but markedly reduced at higher velocity conditions. Among the quadriceps muscles, only RF showed a significant decrease in activation with increasing velocity, while VM and VL showed no significant changes. Mean angular velocity showed positive correlations with the acceleration and deceleration periods, and a negative correlation with the maintained period. Among the muscles, only RF showed a significant negative correlation with mean angular velocity. These findings indicate that isokinetic contractions are not uniformly maintained across velocity conditions and that relative velocity influences both period structure and muscle activation patterns. In particular, the 10–40% range of maximal velocity may represent a condition in which isokinetic characteristics are more effectively achieved, suggesting its potential relevance for isokinetic assessment and application.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of smartphone usage levels on visual display terminal (VDT) syndrome, learning flow, and sleep deprivation among university students. Prior to participation, the purpose and procedures of the study were explained to all participants, and informed consent was obtained. Data were collected via Google Forms distributed through a social media platform. The survey consisted of sections assessing general characteristics (4 items), a smartphone self-diagnosis scale (15 items), subjective VDT syndrome symptoms (32 items), learning flow (29 items), and sleep deprivation (15 items). The data were analyzed using PASW Statistics (version 18). This results indicated statistically significant differences in smartphone dependence and VDT syndrome according to participants’ sex (p<.05). Additionally, both average daily smartphone usage time and the duration of smartphone use before bedtime were significantly associated with smartphone dependence, VDT syndrome, learning flow, and sleep quality (p<.001). Higher levels of smartphone dependence were significantly related to increased symptoms of VDT syndrome, decreased learning flow, and greater sleep deprivation (p<.001). Specifically, participants in the high-risk smartphone dependence group reported significantly higher sleep deprivation scores. These findings underscore the importance of fostering self-regulation in smartphone use. They also highlight the need to develop and implement effective intervention programs to mitigate the adverse effects of excessive smartphone use among university students.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of immersion level on balance ability in patients with stroke undergoing a virtual reality (VR)-based balance training program. A total of 30 participants were randomly assigned to either a full-immersion VR group (FVR, n=15) or a semi-immersion VR group (SVR, n=15). Each group performed the intervention for approximately 30 minutes, and balance ability was assessed before and after the intervention using a force plate (Balancia program), the Berg balance dcale (BBS), the Tinetti performance oriented mobility assessment (POMA), and the functional reach test (FRT). Paired t-tests were used for within-group comparisons, and independent samples t-tests were used for between-group comparisons. The results showed that the FVR group demonstrated significant improvements in all balance measures (p<.05), whereas the SVR group showed significant improvements only in functional balance assessments (BBS, POMA, FRT) (p<.05). Between-group comparisons revealed a significant difference only in average displacement (p<.05). These findings suggest that VR-based balance training may improve balance ability in patients with stroke, and that a higher level of immersion may contribute to additional improvements in certain balance parameters.

This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of kinesio and non-elastic ankle taping on static balance ability and gait speed in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. This is a pre-post comparison study conducted on 10 children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy using a one-group pretest-posttest design. The experiment involved walking training for 15 minutes with kinesio and non-elastic ankle taping applied. Static balance and gait speed were evaluated before and after the intervention. The study results showed significant improvements in static balance and gait speed after the intervention compared to before(p<.05). Based on these research findings, it is believed that walking training using the kinesio and non-elastic ankle taping has a positive effect on static balance ability and gait speed in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

This study aimed to examine the effects of a balance exercise program combined with visual-perceptual training on balance ability in older adults. Three community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or older participated in the study. All were able to walk independently, scored 24 or higher on the Korean-version of the mini-mental state examination, had no visual or ocular motor impairments, and voluntarily consented to participate. The program was conducted thrice a week for 4 weeks, totaling 12 sessions. The visual-perceptual training included saccadic eye movements in week 1, smooth pursuit eye movements in week 2, vestibulo- ocular movements in week 3, and vergence eye movements in week 4. The balance exercises progressed weekly from static, dynamic, and reactive balance to complex balance tasks. The outcome measures were motor-free visual perception test-3, fullerton advanced balance scale, Korean falls efficacy scale-international, five times sit-to-stand test, and functional reach test. All assessments were performed before and after the intervention by the same examiner, who was blinded to the pre-test scores to minimize bias. All outcome measures improved after the intervention. These results suggest that combining visual-perceptual training with balance exercise enhances visual processing, attention, and postural control, making it an effective approach for improving balance and preventing falls in older adults.

Stroke patients often experience reduced respiratory muscle function, which leads to decreased cardiopulmonary capacity and negatively affects gait and trunk stability. This single- subject study aimed to examine the effects of respiratory muscle strengthening exercises using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on respiratory function, trunk stability, gait speed, and endurance in a patient with right-sided hemiplegia. Based on the international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF), a PNF-based respiratory muscle strengthening program was implemented three times per week for four weeks, with each session lasting 50 minutes. Respiratory function was assessed using forced vital capacity (FVC), maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP). Gait function was evaluated using the 10 meter walking test (10MWT) and 6-minute walking test (6MWT), and trunk function was measured using the trunk impairment scale (TIS) and a pressure biofeedback device. After the intervention, respiratory function, gait performance, and trunk stability improved, suggesting that PNF-based respiratory muscle strengthening may enhance recovery in individuals with stroke.

This study investigates the effectiveness and experiential usefulness of a tailored tele-physical therapy program for a patient with golf-related shoulder pain following arthroscopic shoulder surgery. A single-subject ABAB follow-up design was implemented over a total of seven weeks, combined with in-depth interviews, in a mixed-methods approach. The research design consisted of a baseline phase (A), intervention phase (B), baseline reassessment phase (A2), intervention reapplication phase (B2), and a maintenance phase (M) was added to evaluate the durability of the intervention effects. Quantitative analysis showed a significant increase in external rotation strength, with improvements of up to 14.6% during the intervention phases (Tau-U=.65, p=.012) In addition, the SPADI scores demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements, with pain scores decreasing by up to 42% (Tau-U=.88, p<.001) and disability scores by up to 54% (Tau-U=.94, p<.001). These improved effects were consistently maintained through the maintenance phase. Qualitative findings revealed that the participant highly valued the time and cost efficiency of tele-rehabilitation. Continuous video- based feedback from the therapist played a key role in enhancing movement accuracy, maintaining exercise adherence, and improving self-efficacy throughout the program. In conclusion, the tailored tele-physical therapy program demonstrated positive effects on pain reduction, functional recovery, exercise persistence, and psychological adaptation in a postoperative shoulder patient. Therefore, the recommended method of rehabilitation delivery for reducing pain and restoring function after shoulder surgery is tailored tele-physical therapy.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a lower limb neural facilitation device applied during standing on postural stability, limits of stability, and gait in a patient with stroke. A single-case study was conducted in a patient who was able to ambulate. The intervention was performed using a lower limb neural facilitation device designed to provide repeated flexion–extension movements of the hip and knee joints, as well as reciprocal lower limb movements during standing. The intervention was applied for 4 weeks, three times per week, with each session lasting 30 minutes. Postural stability and limits of stability were assessed using the ProKin system (Tecnobody, Italy), and gait ability was evaluated using the timed up and go (TUG) test. Measurements were obtained before and after the intervention. Postural stability showed minimal change under the open-eyes condition but improved under the closed-eyes condition, as indicated by a reduction in sway area. The limits of stability increased from 14.9% to 39.71%, indicating an improvement in dynamic balance. In addition, TUG performance improved, with the completion time decreasing from 23.25 seconds to 14.23 seconds. These findings suggest that the lower limb neural facilitation device applied during standing may improve postural stability, dynamic balance, and gait performance in patients with stroke. This device may be a useful intervention for enhancing proprioceptive input and functional mobility during standing training, although further studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm these results.

This study explored the clinical effects and feasibility of an abdominopelvic rehabilitation program for functional constipation in patients with stroke. Three inpatients in the rehabilitation phase who met the Modified Rome IV and Constipation Assessment Scale criteria for functional constipation and had Mini-Mental State Examination scores ≥24 received a six-week program consisting of education, abdominal massage, diaphragmatic breathing, and abdominopelvic coordination exercises (30 min, twice weekly) delivered under a standardized protocol in addition to usual rehabilitation. Outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention by the same examiner using the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), the Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory-8 (CRADI-8), and the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) questionnaire, selected to capture stool form, pelvic floor–related defecatory difficulty, and constipation-related quality of life, respectively. After the program, all participants showed a shift in BSFS from constipation-type stools to the normal range (types 3 and 4), marked reductions in CRADI-8 scores, and significant improvements in PAC-QOL total scores, satisfying the predefined MCID thresholds for all three measures. The participants also reported relief from evacuation delays and incomplete emptying, with a tendency toward shorter defecation times. These findings suggest that a conservative abdominopelvic rehabilitation program integrating education, abdominal stimulation, breathing, and neuromuscular coordination can improve stool form, pelvic floor–related defecatory difficulty, and constipation-related quality of life in stroke patients and can be implemented feasibly within routine inpatient rehabilitation.

This study examined the effectiveness of combining remote physical therapy with task-oriented training to improve hand grip strength, and respiratory function in a patient with duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). An 18-year-old male with DMD participated in a 4-week program consisting of weekly clinic-based task-oriented respiratory therapy (balloon-blowing and inspiratory muscle training) and home-based exercises (diaphragmatic pursed-lip breathing, and upper extremity stretching) performed under parental supervision, with daily monitoring of exercise adherence. After the intervention, hand grip strength increased from 1 kg to 2 kg bilaterally, peak cough flow rose from 90 L/min to 96 L/min, and chest circumference showed slight increases at the axilla, xiphoid process, and the midpoint between the xiphoid and navel during both maximal expiration and inspiration, while forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) remained at similar, markedly reduced predicted levels without evidence of obstructive ventilatory impairment. Forearm supinator and pronator strength improved from trace to poor on manual muscle testing, and the visual analog scale score for dyspnea decreased from 5 to 2, with high exercise adherence and no adverse events reported. These findings suggest that combined remote physical therapy and task-oriented training is a feasible, safe, and practical home-based rehabilitation approach for a DMD patient, with potential benefits for maintaining functional status and quality of life.