The Effect of Body Weight Support on Energy Expenditure in an Individual With High-Level Lower Extremity Amputation.

Background: High-level lower extremity amputation (HLLEA) has significant impact on an individual's ability to ambulate and maintain cardiovascular fitness for extended periods of time.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether body weight support (BWS) would improve energy efficiency in an individual with HLLEA to achieve appropriate target cardiovascular intensity for aerobic training.

Design: This was an exploratory single-subject study.

Quantification of dry needling and posture effects on myofascial trigger points using ultrasound shear-wave elastography.

Objectives: To determine (1) whether the shear modulus in upper trapezius muscle myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) reduces acutely after dry needling (DN), and (2) whether a change in posture from sitting to prone affects the shear modulus.

Design: Ultrasound images were acquired in B mode with a linear transducer oriented in the transverse plane, followed by performance of shear-wave elastography (SWE) before and after DN and while sitting and prone.

Setting: University.

Using the Nintendo Wii Fit and body weight support to improve aerobic capacity, balance, gait ability, and fear of falling: two case reports.

Background & Purpose: Lower limb amputation in older adults has a significant impact on balance, gait, and cardiovascular fitness, resulting in diminished community participation. The purpose of this case study was to describe the effects of a balance training program utilizing the Nintendo Wii™ Fit (Nintendo of America, Inc, Redmond, Washington) balance board and body-weight supported gait training on aerobic capacity, balance, gait, and fear of falling in two persons with transfemoral amputation.

Case Descriptions: Participant A, a 62 year-old male 32 months post traumatic transfemoral amputation, reported fear of falling and restrictions in community activity.