Immediate Effects of Distinct Intensities of Transcutaneous Spinal Direct Current Stimulation on Chronic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to assess the immediate effects of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) on pain outcomes, measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) and pressure pain thresholds in a cohort of 55 participants experiencing chronic pain using a controlled, randomized trial with 55 participants allocated into 2 groups: 2 mA and 0.5 mA of tsDCS for 20 min. Anodal stimulation was applied on the 12th thoracic vertebra, with the cathode positioned on the 7th cervical vertebra.

Do Progressive Intensities of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation with and Without 40 Hz Binaural Beats Change Pre-Frontal Cortex Hemodynamics? A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is often reported to have positive effects on brain hemodynamics as well as cognitive performance. Binaural beats (BBs) have also shown the potential to improve cognitive performance. However, we could not find any studies assessing prefrontal hemodynamics using a combination of these techniques or assessing the effects on hemodynamic response at different intensity levels of tDCS (two and three mA).

Does 8-Week Resistance Training with Slow Movement Cadenced by Pilates Breathing Affect Muscle Strength and Balance of Older Adults? An Age-Matched Controlled Trial.

This study investigated the balance and dorsiflexion strength of older adults after eight weeks of resistance training, with the exercise velocity cadenced by the Pilates breathing technique and the volume modulated by the session duration. Forty-four older adults were divided into two groups: resistance training (TR; n = 22) and resistance training with the Pilates breathing technique cadencing all exercises (TR + P; n = 22), both during eight weeks. The total exercising volume was controlled by time of execution (50 min/session).

Increased Activation Amplitude Levels of Gluteus Medius in Women During Isometric and Dynamic Conditions Following a 4-week Protocol of Low-load Eccentric Exercises.

Background: The dysfunction of gluteus medius (GMed) has been implicated in other musculoskeletal disorders including low back pain and lower limb injuries. The purpose of this study was to use a protocol involving low-load eccentric exercises to observe the effects on the three subdivisions of GMed activation through surface electromyography (sEMG) and digital dynamometry.

Methods: Eleven female subjects having femoral instability participated in a 4-week protocol (three sessions per week/non-consecutive days).

Immediate electromyographic changes of the biceps brachii and upper rectus abdominis muscles due to the Pilates centring technique.

Objective: To evaluate the electrical behaviour of the biceps brachii (BB) and upper rectus abdominis (URA) by surface electromyography (sEMG) during a forearm flexion with and without the Pilates centring technique.

Methods: Ten female subjects (with a minimum of one week of experience with the Pilates method) were recruited. The long head of the BB and URA were evaluated while an isotonic contraction of the BB was performed using the Pilates breathing technique and powerhouse contraction, followed by another contraction without these techniques.

Manipulation and selective exercises decrease pelvic anteversion and low-back pain: a pilot study.

Objectives: To study the effect of a protocol involving joint manipulation and specific exercises for pelvic stability to influence proprioceptive input to the spinal tissues and to observe the effects on sensorimotor function.

Methods: Seven patients with pelvic anteversion and low back pain participated in an eight-week protocol (three sessions per week/nonconsecutive days). At each session, a high-velocity, low-amplitude manipulative thrust was applied to the sacroiliac joint, followed by quadriceps eccentric and hamstring concentric contractions.