Clinical Research Directory

Supplementary Neuromuscular Rehabilitation During Acute Concussion Recovery

Approximately 1.6 to 3.8 million mild traumatic brain injuries, or concussions, occur yearly in the United States. Although most individuals progress through return-to-activity (RTA) using symptom-guided aerobic and functional activity, current protocols do not directly target neuromuscular deficits linked to persistent movement alterations after concussion. These deficits include altered gait, reduced movement efficiency, and biomechanical changes that persist beyond symptom resolution and increase subsequent risk of musculoskeletal injury. This creates a critical clinical gap: patients are cleared using symptom-tolerance protocols, while concussion-related neuromuscular impairments remain untreated during the period when recovery behaviors are established. The proposed project addresses this gap by testing a low-cost, equipment-free neuromuscular rehabilitation strategy added to standard RTA during acute concussion recovery. The intervention applies the six principles of clinical Pilates, concentration, control, centering, precision, flow, and breathing, through ten therapeutic movements designed to improve posture, flexibility, balance, strength, muscle control, body awareness, and movement confidence.

Effects of External Upper Limb Loading on Gait and Trunk Muscle Activity in Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients

This study examines how external loading applied to the upper limbs affects gait parameters and the activity of selected trunk- and pelvis-stabilizing muscles (erector spinae, gluteus medius, tensor fasciae latae, external oblique) in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation. Participants are medically stable adults (18-80 years) referred to cardiac rehabilitation following a cardiac event or procedure, meeting NYHA class I-II criteria, with no unstable coronary disease, uncontrolled hypertension, neurological disease, or other exclusion criteria. Participants will walk on a treadmill at 1 km/h, 3 km/h and 5 km/h under three conditions: without load, with unilateral upper-limb loading, and with bilateral upper-limb loading. Muscle activity will be recorded using surface electromyography (sEMG), and plantar pressure/gait parameters will be recorded simultaneously using baropodometry integrated into the treadmill. The procedure is non-invasive, does not breach the skin, and does not involve any additional intervention beyond standard rehabilitation. To contextualize functional outcomes, previously collected exercise stress test results (performed independently by the treating physician before and after cardiac rehabilitation, as part of routine clinical care) will be retrieved from participants' medical records for comparison; this is a retrospective data comparison, not an additional study intervention. No financial compensation is provided. Each participant will receive an individual report of their sEMG and gait findings with professional interpretation. Risks are minimal and limited to transient skin irritation from electrodes and mild, temporary muscle fatigue or soreness typical of moderate exercise. Participants may withdraw at any time.

Effect of Treadmill Gait Training Combined With Conventional Physiotherapy on Gait Performance and Functional Mobility in Children With Bilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects movement, muscle control, and walking ability in children. Children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy often experience increased muscle stiffness, difficulty with walking, reduced balance, and limited functional mobility. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate whether treadmill gait training combined with conventional physiotherapy can improve walking ability, gross motor function, balance, and mobility compared with conventional physiotherapy alone. Children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy will receive a 12-week rehabilitation program, and changes in motor function, gait performance, spasticity, and walking endurance will be assessed before and after treatment.