Exercise strategies for reversing cardiopulmonary deconditioning in obese children with bronchial asthma: A randomized comparative effectiveness study of constant-load and graded aerobic training.

Background: This study evaluates the differential effects of constant-load (CL-AE) and graded (G-AE) aerobic exercise training approaches on cardiopulmonary fitness and functional capacity in obese children with bronchial asthma (BA).

Methods: Seventy-eight obese children with moderate BA (age: 14.14 ± 2.

A cross-sectional analysis of preterm birth incidence and survival in Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia.

Objectives: To understand the prevalence and survival rates of preterm birth (PTB) is of utmost importance in informing healthcare planning, improving neonatal care, enhancing maternal and infant health, monitoring long-term outcomes, and guiding policy and advocacy efforts.

Methods: The medical records of preterm infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with a diagnosis of prematurity at the Maternity and Children's Hospital (MCH), Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia, were reviewed between January 2018 and December 2022. Data were collected on birth weight (BW), gender, number of live births, gestational age, mortality, nationality, APGAR score, length of stay in the NICU, and maternal details.

Effects of Therapies Involving Plyometric-Jump Training on Physical Fitness of Youth with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of plyometric-jump training (PJT) on the physical fitness of youth with cerebral palsy (CP) compared with controls (i.e., standard therapy).

Inspiratory muscle training impact on respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, and quality of life in children with chest burn: A randomized controlled trial.

Purpose: Respiratory muscle function is compromised in children recovering from chest wall burns, which potentially leads to more impact on exercise capacity and quality of life. This study investigates the effects of an inspiratory muscle training intervention accompanied with a pulmonary rehabilitation program on respiratory muscle strength, lung function, functional capacity, and quality of life in chest burned children.

Methods: Forty children with burns, aged from 10 to 18 years old and total body surface area of 30% to 50%, were randomly allocated to the inspiratory muscle training group (IMT- G: n = 20) or control group (CG: n = 20).

From injury to rehabilitation: How kinesiology taping helps patients with first metatarsophalangeal joint sprain (turf toe) in pain reduction, gait parameters and functional ability improvement. A randomized clinical trial.

Objective: Turf toe is a common sports injury that may affect mobility and functional ability. For complete recovery, rehabilitation modalities are required to overcome these issues. This study investigated whether kinesio taping (KT) would reduce pain, improve gait performance, and enhance the functional capacity of turf toe patients undergoing physical therapy.

Adolescents with hemophilic knee arthropathy can improve their gait characteristics, functional ability, and physical activity level through kinect-based virtual reality: A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Hemophilic arthropathy is caused by recurrent intra-articular bleeding, most commonly in the knee joints. In terms of physical impact, this arthropathy causes significant disability and hampers the physical activity and functionality of he affected individuals.

Objective: This study intended to examine the effect of a physical rehabilitation program incorporating Kinect-based virtual reality (KBVR) on gait characteristics, functional ability, and physical activity level in adolescents diagnosed with hemophilic knee arthropathy (HKA).

The key determinants of low back pain among lifestyle behaviors in adolescents: A cross-sectional study from Saudi Arabia.

Establishing preventive measures and treatment strategies for adolescents with low back pain (LBP) may be greatly enhanced by fully grasping the complex interaction between LBP and lifestyle behaviors. The key objective of this study was to explore the possible associations between lifestyle behaviors and LBP among adolescents in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among high school students from 5 major regions in Saudi Arabia.

Efficacy of accommodating variable-resistance training on muscle architecture, peak torque, and functional performance in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

Purpose: This study sought to find out if a 6-week accommodating variable-resistance (AcVR) training might enhance muscle architecture, peak torque, and functional performance in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (Juv-IA).

Methods: Fifty-eight patients with polyarticular Juv-IA (aged 12-18 years) were involved in a randomized controlled trial. They were allocated into two groups: the AcVR group ( = 29; underwent AcVR training, and the control group ( = 29; received the usual exercise regimen).

Effects of Plyometric-Based Hydro-Kinesiotherapy on Pain, Muscle Strength, Postural Stability, and Functional Performance in Children with Hemophilic Knee Arthropathy: A Randomized Trial.

Aim: To explore how plyometric-based hydro-kinesiotherapy (Plyo-HKT) would affect pain, muscle strength, postural stability, and functional performance in a convenience sample of children with hemophilic knee arthropathy (HKA).

Methods: Forty-eight children with HKA (age: 8-16 years) were randomly allocated to the Plyo-HKT group ( = 24; underwent the Plyo-HKT for 45 min, twice/week over 12 wk in succession) or the comparison group ( = 24; performed the standard exercise rehabilitation at an equivalent frequency and duration). Pain, peak concentric torque of quadriceps and hamstring (produced at two angular velocities: 120 and 180 /sec), dynamic limits of postural stability (DLPS), and functional performance [Functional Independence Score in Hemophilia (FISH) and 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT)] were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Optimization of Postural Control, Balance, and Mobility in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Comparative Analysis of Independent and Integrated Effects of Pilates and Plyometrics.

The paradigm of comprehensive treatment approaches for children with cerebral palsy has gained traction, prompting clinicians to deliberate between independent and integrated treatment delivery. However, this decision-making process is often hindered by the dearth of empirical evidence available to inform optimal therapeutic strategies. This study, therefore, sought to compare the effects of Pilates-based core strengthening (PsCS), plyometric-based muscle loading (PlyoML), and their combination on postural control, balance, and mobility in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (ULCP).

Effectiveness of a dose-graded aerobic exercise regimen on cardiopulmonary fitness and physical performance in pediatric survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a randomized clinical trial.

Purpose: To determine whether a 12-week supervised dose-graded aerobic exercise (D-GAE) training, when implemented in conjunction with traditional rehabilitation, could help pediatric survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) enhance their cardiopulmonary capacity and improve their physical performance.

Methods: Fifty-eight pediatric survivors of ALL (age 13.78 ± 2.

Chronotropic Response and Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at a high risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). A reduced chronotropic response (CR), which produces exercise intolerance, is known to be a contributing factor to CVD and mortality. Studies have shown that patients with RA have a reduced CR.

Demographic and clinical characteristics of children with limb loss in Saudi Arabia: A retrospective study.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of children with limb loss in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This is a retrospective study on children attending a limb loss clinic in a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between July 2012 and June 2020. Descriptive statistics were computed to describe the sample characteristics.

Exploring Temporospatial Gait Asymmetry, Dynamic Balance, and Locomotor Capacity After a 12-Week Split-Belt Treadmill Training in Adolescents with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Clinical Study.

Aim: To investigate the effects of a 12-week split-belt treadmill walking (Sb-TW) practice using an error augmentation strategy on temporospatial gait asymmetries, dynamic balance, and locomotor capacity in adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy (ULCP).

Methods: Fifty-two adolescents with ULCP (age: 10-16 years) were randomized into either the Sb-TW group ( = 26; underwent repeated Sb-TW practice, with exaggeration of the initial step-length asymmetry, three times/week, for 12 sequential weeks) or control group ( = 26; received equivalent dosages of traditional single-belt treadmill training). Step-length and swing-time asymmetries, directional (LoS) and overall (LoS) limits of stability, and locomotor capacity [6-minute walk test (6-MWT), Timed Up and Down Stair test (TUDS), and 10-m Shuttle Run Test (10mSRT)] were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Normative values for hand grip and pinch strength for 6 to 18 year-olds in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Normative values for hand grip and pinch strength among children in Saudi Arabia has not been well established. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to establish normative values for hand grip and pinch strength in children aged 6 to 18 years in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from different 5 regions in Saudi Arabia.

Aqua-Plyometric Exercises-Induced Changes in Muscle Strength, Bone Mineral Properties, and Physical Fitness in Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A 12-Week, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose: To determine whether a 12-week, lower body-targeted aqua-plyometric (AquaPlyo) exercise program could improve muscle strength, bone mineral properties, and physical fitness in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was adopted and included 48 patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (age: 12-18 y). Patients were assigned to undergo either AquaPlyo exercises (AquaPlyo group, n = 24) or standard exercises (control group, n = 24).

Evidence-Based Physiotherapy Practice in Paediatric Subdiscipline: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia.

This cross-sectional study explored the behaviour, knowledge, skills and resources, opinion, and perceived barriers of paediatric physiotherapists practising in Saudi Arabia regarding evidence-based practice (EBP). Sixty-eight paediatric physiotherapists from Saudi Arabia participated. Data were collected by electronic questionnaire and the Likert scale was used to score knowledge, skills and resources, opinion, and barriers to EBP implementation.

Mechanical and Morphological Changes of the Plantar Flexor Musculotendinous Unit in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy Following 12 Weeks of Plyometric Exercise: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To investigate how plyometric exercise (PLYO-Ex) affects mechanics and morphometrics of the plantar flexor musculotendinous unit in children with unilateral cerebral palsy, 38 participants (aged 10-16 years) were allocated at random to either the PLYO-Ex group ( = 19; received 24 sessions of plyometric muscle loading, conducted 2 times a week for 3 months in succession) or the control group ( = 19; underwent traditional physical therapy for the same frequency and duration). Measurements were taken pre- and post-intervention. Standard ultrasound imaging was applied to evaluate morphometrics of the gastrocnemius muscle and Achilles tendon unit and an isokinetic dynamometer was used to evaluate maximum voluntary isometric plantar flexors contraction (IVC).

Paretic-Limb-Only Plyometric Training Outperforms Volume-Matched Double-Limb Training for Ameliorating Balance Capability and Gait Symmetry in Adolescents with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy: A Comparative Study.

Adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy (U-CP) experience an asymmetrical posture because the less-affected lower limb is preferred for bodyweight support as a strategy of compensating for the paretic side’s muscular weakness. This study was designed to compare the effect of 12 weeks of paretic-limb-only plyometric training (PLPT) and volume-matched double-limb training (DLPT) on balance capability and gait symmetry in adolescents with U-CP. Sixty-nine adolescents with U-CP were randomly assigned to PLPT, DLPT, or a control group (n = 23 each).

The rationale of applying inspiratory/expiratory muscle training within the same respiratory cycle in children with bronchial asthma: a placebo-controlled randomized clinical investigation.

Objective: Even though positive implications of inspiratory muscle training (In-MT) have been established in children and adolescents with bronchial asthma (C/AwBA), the role of combined inspiratory and expiratory muscle training (Ex-MT) within the same respiratory cycle (In/Ex-SC) is still unknown. This study was, therefore, set out to explore the effect of In/Ex-SC on respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary functions, and control of asthma symptoms in C/AwBA.

Methods: This was a placebo-controlled randomized clinical investigation that included 51 C/AwBA (12-18 years).

Impact of Clinical Pilates Exercise on Pain, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Functional Ability, and Quality of Life in Children with Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

Objective: This study intended to examine the effects of Pilates exercise on pain, cardiorespiratory fitness, functional ability, and quality of life in children with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Methods: Forty children with polyarticular JIA aged 10−14 years old were randomly allocated into two groups: the control group (n = 20) received conventional physical therapy (CPT), and the experimental group (n = 20) received clinical Pilates exercises combined with CPT. Patients in both groups received their program three times/week for 3 months.

Effects of a core stability exercise program on balance and coordination in children with cerebellar ataxic cerebral palsy.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a core stability exercise program on balance, coordination, and severity of ataxia in children with cerebellar ataxic cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: Forty children with cerebellar ataxic CP (mean age: 6.75±1.