Journal of Modern Rehabilitation

OpenSim-Based Coupled Lower Limb Rehabilitation Robots

2025-12-14T13:14:13+0330

This study introduces a human-machine model utilizing OpenSim. It examines the impact of a passive (unactuated) lower-limb rehabilitation exoskeleton on biomechanics during ambulation. The model assesses how well the joints are aligned, how the muscles are used, and how well the design performs. The exoskeleton is made of T6061 aluminum alloy, which makes it light and easy to move. Each leg has three active joints and two passive joints that work in the sagittal plane. Musculoskeletal and exoskeleton models are simulated together in MATLAB and OpenSim. MATLAB scripts set their dynamic properties. A six-degree-of-freedom bushing models the interaction between the human and the exoskeleton at contact points. Joint angles come from experimental gait measurements. A residual-reduction algorithm reduces dynamic errors while keeping the resulting residual forces and moments within acceptable limits. Muscle activations and forces are estimated using computed muscle control, which follows joint paths. Simulations show that even in passive mode, the exoskeleton increases overall lower-limb muscle activation by more than 50% compared to walking without assistance. Significant increases occur in the rectus femoris, gluteus maximus, semimembranosus, and vastus lateralis. Joint torques also change: swing-leg hip and knee torques decrease by about 50%, support-leg torques increase because of the load, and ankle torque adjusts for compensation. These non-invasive simulations show reduced torque variability and support better design updates. This leads to improved exoskeleton alignment and evaluation before physical prototyping.

Plyometric Training on Balance and Foot Function among Collegiate Football Players with Lateral Ankle Sprains: A Quasi-Experimental Study

2025-12-09T13:59:05+0330

Background: Ankle sprains are common in competitive sports, especially football, accounting for about 15–17% of collegiate athletic injuries. Lateral ankle sprains occur frequently due to rapid directional changes, jumping, and intense landings. Plyometric training, involving explosive and dynamic movements, is gaining attention for its role in rehabilitation and injury prevention. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of plyometric training on balance and foot function among collegiate football players with lateral ankle sprains.
Material and Methods: Collegiate football players with lateral ankle sprain (LAS) completed a four-week plyometric training program consisting of three thirty-minute sessions per week that included Pogo Hops, Lateral Jumps, Forward Jumps and Single Leg Split Squats. The values of Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and Foot Function Index (FFI) scores pre- and post-intervention were compared with paired-sample t-test with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The study showed significant improvements in SEBT scores increased in the right limb (anterior: 80.400 ± 1.265 to 80.800 ± 1.206 cm, p<0.05) and left limb (anterior: 80.400 ± 1.265 to 80.850 ± 1.132 cm, p<0.05), with similar gains in posteromedial and posterolateral directions. FFI scores also improved for both limbs (right: 80.450 ± 1.165 to 80.850 ± 1.132; left: 80.550 ± 1.235 to 81.000 ± 1.179, p<0.05), indicating better balance and foot function.
Conclusions: Plyometric Training would typically emphasize its effectiveness in enhancing balance and foot function in collegiate football players recovering from lateral ankle sprains.

Gait Differences between Adults with and without Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

2025-12-07T09:28:18+0330

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a musculoskeletal disorder commonly associated with altered gait patterns, but little information exists on comparative specific spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with LBP. This gap is addressed in the present study by comparing the mean values of stride length, step length, and stride time, as well as corresponding measures of hip extension and peak knee flexion angle, using Kinovea software.
Material and Methods: This observational study was done on 200 subjects, 100 healthy (group I) and 100 LBP individuals (group II). The inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select the study subjects. All participants underwent a gait analysis using Kinovea software, and gait parameters, including stride length, step time, and hip extension, were also measured. Statistical associations with gait parameters and the presence of LBP were analyzed.
Results: Subjects with low back pain showed significant gait alteration with decreased stride length (mean difference (MD) 32.93 cm, p=0.001), decreased step length (18.52 cm, p=0.001), and reduced hip extension (1.88°, p=0.001) with weak to moderate correlation (r=0.214-0.282). These gait impairments were independent of the body composition.
Conclusions: The research results in the identification of significant changes in the gait patterns of patients with and without low back pain, as revealed by Kinovea software, characterized by low step length, high temporal duration, and low magnitude of hip extension. These results provide quantitatively measurable differences in gait dynamics due to inter-individual differences that are observed clinically.

Integrative Physical Therapy Versus Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Post-Prostatectomy Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2025-12-06T10:43:10+0330

Background: Post-prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence (PPSUI) is a common complication following radical prostatectomy. This study compared the efficacy of integrative physical therapy (IPT) and supervised pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in managing PPSUI.
Methods: Sixty-six men aged 50–80 years with PPSUI were randomly assigned to IPT, PFMT, or control groups. The IPT program included electrotherapy, manual therapy, diaphragmatic breathing, and PFMT. The PFMT group received supervised PFMT. The control group received sham electrotherapy. All interventions were delivered in 12 sessions over four weeks. Outcome measures included voided volume, fluid intake, micturition frequency, incontinence frequency, and health-related quality of life assessed using the SF-12 questionnaire.
Results: Both IPT and PFMT significantly reduced micturition and incontinence frequency and improved SF-12 scores compared with the control group (p<0.001). The control group showed no significant improvements across any outcome measures. IPT demonstrated superior improvements relative to PFMT in micturition frequency, incontinence frequency, and SF-12 scores (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Both IPT and PFMT are effective for PPSUI, with IPT showing greater overall efficacy.

The Effect of Blue Light Blocking Filters on Human Visual System Performance and Individual Characteristics: A Narrative Review

2025-11-22T11:18:44+0330

Blue light blocking filters are recognized as important tools for reducing the harmful effects of light emitted from digital screens. This narrative review, based on a comprehensive search of databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, examines studies published between 2010 and 2024 and evaluates the effects of these filters on eye health, sleep quality, and related functions. Findings indicate that the use of these filters can help reduce visual discomfort and improve individual factors such as circadian rhythm and sleep quality. Moreover, the relationship between blue light blocking filters and the reduction of sleep disorders such as insomnia, anxiety, migraines, photophobia, mania, computer vision syndrome, and accommodative problems has been investigated. The effects of these filters on retinal structure and function, their potential to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), and their influence on contrast sensitivity, color perception, and motion detection have also been discussed. Some studies suggest that these filters may affect contrast sensitivity; however, further research is needed to clarify these effects. The use of these filters is recommended for individuals who are continuously exposed to digital devices. Although these lenses do not significantly impact overall color perception, they may cause difficulties in distinguishing colors, particularly within the blue spectrum. This study, as a narrative review, provides a comprehensive overview of the effects of blue light blocking filters and emphasizes the need for further research in this area.