Background: Although various conventional approaches have been employed to reduce spasticity in neurological rehabilitation, only a few studies have shown scientific evidence for its effectiveness. Thus, we introduced a different concept (Ueda method) of rehabilitation therapy that can complement the limitations of conventional therapy. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of the application of the Ueda method on patients with spasticity after stroke via an electrophysiological study. Methods: We conducted a randomized double-blind pilot study in two rehabilitation hospitals involving 30 stroke patients who were randomly allocated to the Ueda (n = 15) and convention (n = 15) groups. Electromyographic data of six examined muscles in both upper extremities of all patients were recorded. The A-ApA index and activation ratios of upper extremity muscles were evaluated and compared between the groups to confirm post-intervention changes in upper-extremity flexor spasticity and flexion synergies. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted to confirm the therapeutic effect (2 × 2) as a function of group (Ueda vs. convention) and time (pre-/post-intervention) on all outcome measures (p < 0.05). Results: In the Ueda group, the mean A-ApA index values differed significantly before and after the intervention (p = 0.041), indicating a weak evidence level; however, the effect size was medium (d = –0.503). The interaction effects of the A-ApA index between the Ueda and convention groups and between pre-intervention and post-intervention stages were significant (p = 0.012). The effect size was large (np 2 = 0.220). In the Ueda group, the activation ratios of the anterior deltoid fiber significantly decreased after the intervention in all reaching tasks. Conclusion: The Ueda method reduces upper-extremity flexor spasticity and changes its synergy in stroke patients and should be considered a rehabilitation therapy for spastic stroke patients.

The aim of the study was to set up assessment indicators for early elimination of horses that are not trainable or low efficient for training by comparing difference of behavioral response and heart rate on stimulation of desensitization training in horses. The animals used in this study were 8 untrained cross-bred horses (Thoroughbred and Jeju-horse) in Jeju island. Changes of heart rates and behavioral response of each horses were compared before and after desensitization training using a plastic bag on its tip. The result showed that the horses with their severe behavioral response were also high in heart rate during early stage of desensitization training, and the increased heart rates were recovered back to the base level according to the process of the training. The horses that quickly recovered in heart rate also showed same tendency in behavioral response. The horses that their recovery in heart rate and behavioral response in early stage of the desensitization training were late, showed insufficient results of the additional desensitization training. We conclude that assessment of heart rate and behavioral response in the early stage of desensitization training could be used as indicators to predict the effectiveness of desensitization or other kinds of training in horses.