Validity and reliability of a finger training tool for assessing metacarpal phalangeal joint ranges of motion in asymptomatic participants.

This pilot study aims to evaluate concurrent validity using the goniometer as a reference tool and test-retest reliability of flexion of metacarpal phalangeal joint (MCP) measurements taken from a finger training device (air-guitar system) in healthy participants. There were ten self -reported asymptomatic participants recruited to test the devices. The measurements of all metacarpophangeal joints of the dominant hands were conducted using a finger goniometer and the air-guitar system.

Effects of combining two techniques of non-invasive brain stimulation in subacute stroke patients: a pilot study.

Background: Strokes have recently become a leading cause of disability among Thai people. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) seems to give promising results in stroke recovery when combined with standard rehabilitation programs.

Objective: To evaluate the combined effect of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the non-lesional primary motor cortex on upper limb motor recovery in patients with subacute stroke.

Effectiveness of Receptive Music Therapy with Imbedded 10 Hz Binaural Beats Compared with Standard Care for Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of music therapy (MT) with imbedded 10 Hz binaural beats in combination with standard treatment in comparison to standard treatment alone in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial enrolling 18 MDD adult patients aged ≥20 years old with mild to moderate levels of acute phase depression. The intervention group received MT along with standard treatment, while the control group received only standard treatment.

Prognostic Factors of Functional Outcome Assessed by Using the Modified Rankin Scale in Subacute Ischemic Stroke.

Background: Most stroke survivors spent their lifetime with disability which not only affects the clients themselves and the family but also brings economic cost to the country. Therefore, this retrospective cohort study aimed to identify independent prognostic determinants associated with functional recovery in ischemic stroke within 6 months after onset.

Methods: Data from all first-onset ischemic stroke patients admitted to the acute stroke unit of the tertiary, university hospital were reviewed for 5 years consecutively.

Preliminary study: comparative effects of lung volume therapy between slow and fast deep-breathing techniques on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, oxidative stress, cytokines, 6-minute walking distance, and quality of life in persons with COPD.

Background: Lung volume therapy with the Voldyne device can improve lung volume and has a nonsignificant benefit on respiratory muscle strength via the slow deep-breathing technique (SDBT); whereas respiratory muscle training with a respiratory muscle trainer via the fast deep-breathing technique (FDBT) has produced a significant improvement in people with COPD. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of lung volume therapy with the Voldyne device with the SDBT and FDBT on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, oxidative stress, cytokines, walking capacity, and quality of life (QoL) in people with COPD.

Methods: A total of 30 COPD patient volunteers with mild (stage I) to moderate (stage II) severity were randomized into two groups: SDBT (n=15) and FDBT (n=15).