Investigating the impact of physical activity on mitochondrial function in Parkinson's disease (PARKEX): Study protocol for A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the progressive dopaminergic neuron degeneration, resulting in striatal dopamine deficiency. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are associated with PD pathogenesis. Physical activity (PA) has been shown to ameliorate neurological impairments and to impede age-related neuronal loss. In addition, skin fibroblasts have been identified as surrogate indicators of pathogenic processes correlating with clinical measures. The PARKEX study aims to compare the effects of two different PA programs, analyzing the impact on mitochondrial function in patients' skin fibroblasts as biomarkers for disease status and metabolic improvement. Early-stage PD patients (n = 24, H&Y stage I to III) will be randomized into three age- and sex-matched groups. Group 1 (n = 8) will undergo basic physical training (BPT) emphasizing strength and resistance. Group 2 (n = 8) will undergo BPT combined with functional exercises (BPTFE), targeting the sensorimotor pathways that are most affected in PD (proprioception-balance-coordination) together with cognitive and motor training (Dual task training). Group 3 (n = 8) will serve as control (sedentary group; Sed). Participants will perform three sessions per week for 12 weeks. Assessment of motor function, quality of life, sleep quality, cognitive aspects and humor will be conducted pre- and post-intervention. Patient skin fibroblasts will be collected before and after the intervention and characterized in terms of metabolic remodeling and mitochondrial bioenergetics. Ethical approval has been given to commence this study. This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05963425). Trial registration. https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/history/NCT05963425.

International Spinal Cord Injury Community Survey: Socioeconomic and Healthcare Satisfaction in Spain.

STUDY DESIGN: Survey study. OBJECTIVES: People living with spinal cord injury (SCI) are major healthcare and rehabilitation services consumers and have unmet healthcare needs. This study aimed to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of people living with SCI in Spain and to determine the level of use and satisfaction with the public healthcare system. METHODS: We conducted a survey (the Spanish version of the International Spinal Cord Injury Community Survey) consisting of 134 questions. We analyzed the age, sex, neurological classification of the injury on the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale, time of injury, socio-occupational and socioeconomic status, and level of use and satisfaction with the public health system. RESULTS: 472 people responded to the survey [68.9% male; mean age 51.2 years (standard deviation: 13.9 years); 61.7% with paraplegia and 38.3% with tetraplegia]. 89.2% of those surveyed were unemployed and 77.1% received a disability pension. The number of medical visits was 2.3/year, and 19.8% of the patients required at least 1 hospital admission during the previous year. 94.7% of the people with SCI considered the health care received as good or very good. CONCLUSIONS: Respondents with SCI in Spain considered they had good access to primary and specialized care and were satisfied with the healthcare system. Notably, we observed a high average of annual visits to medical professionals but a low rate of hospitalizations. Technical aids and state services related to disability should be the most important elements to be improved.

Stromal vascular fraction therapy for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review.

Background: Regenerative cell therapies, such as adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF), have been postulated as potential treatments for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of SVF treatment against placebo and other standard therapies for treating KOA in adult patients. Design: A systematic review. Data sources and methods: We searched the following databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, Epistemonikos, PEDro, DynaMed, TripDatabase, Elsevier via Clinicalkey and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. We included prospective interventional studies where treatment with SVF in adults with KOA was compared against placebo or other standard therapies, and results were objectively measured with at least one widely recognised osteoarthritis scale. Results: Among 266 studies published until May 2021, nine met our inclusion criteria. A total of 239 patients (274 knees) were included in our study. The follow-up ranged from 6 to 24 months. Six studies had a control group (only one being placebo). All studies showed that SVF improved pain and functionality measured, in most cases, with the visual analogue scale and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. In addition, five studies reported an improvement in anatomical structures, as detected in MR images. However, the number of cells contained in SVF varied substantially between different studies, which could induce a comparison bias. Conclusion: Although based on a small number of dissimilar studies, SVF was considered a safe treatment for KOA and could be promising in terms of pain, functionality and anatomical structure improvement. However, SVF products need to be standardised, the number of cells homogenised and the use of concomitant treatments reduced to establish proper comparisons. Registration: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021284187.

A Comparative Study of a Novel Postural Garment Versus Exercise for Women with Nonspecific Cervical Pain: A Randomized Cross-over Trial.

STUDY DESIGN: Randomized cross-over study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare exercise, the criterion standard, to the postural garment PosturePlusForce in the management of nonspecific cervical pain in women. We also analyzed both interventions with regards to baseline posture, use of pharmacological pain relievers, compliance, and comfort. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The prevalence of neck pain has increased during the last decade, preferentially affecting women. Those suffering from this condition may manifest a decrease in quality of life and inability to work. Consistent recommendations highlight the importance of exercise and posture for neck pain improvement. METHODS: A total of 32 female health care professionals with cervical pain (≥3 on the visual analogue scale) entered the trial. Participants were allocated to either performing exercises or wearing the postural garment. The cross-over between interventions was separated by a 3-month washout period. Primary outcomes included pain intensity and posture. Secondary outcomes comprised cervical pain-related disability, psychological factors, physical activity, global perceived effect of treatment, and garment comfort. Treatment compliance, medication use, and adverse events were also recorded. RESULTS: Both interventions showed a significant improvement in pain in subjects with an adherence >60%. However, in participants with dorsal hyperkyphosis (>45°), the garment demonstrated a greater reduction in pain than exercise (P = 0.019). Additionally, those wearing the garment needed fewer pain relievers than those performing exercises (P = 0.007). Compliance was >50% for both interventions and comfort was contingent on season. CONCLUSION: In our study, PosturePlusForce showed, at least, a similar effect on pain to exercise, although those with dorsal hyperkyphosis exhibited a greater reduction in pain and related variables with the garment. Pain relievers were less required by those wearing PosturePlusForce than by those performing the exercises.Level of Evidence: 1.

Spanish validation of the Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction score -NBD score- in patients with central neurological injury. / Validación al español de la versión en inglés del Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction score (NBD score) en pacientes con lesión neurológica de origen central.

OBJECTIVE: to validate into Spanish the Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction score (NBD score) that quantifies intestinal dysfunction severity in patients with disabilities due to central neurological injury and satisfaction with bowel management. MATERIAL: 59 patients, 30 patients affected by intestinal disability due to spinal cord injury and 29 patients with intestinal disability due to stroke. RESULTS: The result of the reliability of the construction of the Spanish translation of the NBD score for the whole group of patients shows a Cronbach's α for all the variables of 0.970 and the result of the reliability of the NBD score for the whole group in test-retest, using the interclass correlation coefficient, was 0.970 (95% CI 0.954-0.980). CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the NBD score is a valid tool for use in our environment; it will allow a more real approach to the disability situation of each patient in relation to neurogenic intestinal dysfunction and knowledge of the degree and the involvement and effectiveness of management through different therapeutic proposals.

Employment Among People With Spinal Cord Injury in 22 Countries Across the World: Results From the International Spinal Cord Injury Community Survey.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the employment situation of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in 22 countries participating in the International Spinal Cord Injury community survey, to compare observed and predicted employment rates, to estimate gaps in employment rates among people with SCI compared with the general population, and to study differences in employment between men and women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: People of employable age (N=9875; 18-64 y) with traumatic or non-traumatic SCI (including cauda equina syndrome) who were at least 18 years of age at the time of the survey, living in the community, and able to respond to one of the available language versions of the questionnaire. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The observed employment rate was defined as performing paid work for at least 1 hour a week, and predicted employment rate was adjusted for sample composition from mixed logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 9875 participants were included (165-1174 per country). Considerable differences in sample composition were found. The observed worldwide employment rate was 38%. A wide variation was found across countries, ranging from 10.3% to 61.4%. Some countries showed substantially higher or lower employment rates than predicted based on the composition of their sample. Gaps between the observed employment rates among participants with SCI and the general population ranged from 14.8% to 54.8%. On average, employment rates were slightly higher among men compared with women, but with large variation across countries. Employment gaps, however, were smaller among women for most countries. CONCLUSIONS: This first worldwide survey among people with SCI shows an average employment rate of 38%. Differences between observed and predicted employment rates across countries point at country-specific factors that warrant further investigation. Gaps with employment rates in the general population were considerable and call for actions for more inclusive labor market policies in most of the countries investigated.

Comparative Study of Postural Garment Versus Exercises for Patients With Nonspecific Cervical Pain: Protocol for a Randomized Crossover Trial.

BACKGROUND: There is a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among health care professionals. Posture is an essential point to be addressed for health care professionals with musculoskeletal disorders. Cervical pain can result from several conditions. Treatment should include posture modification and home exercise. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare a new postural garment (Posture Plus Force; Medi, Bayreuth, Germany) with exercises for women with nonspecific cervical pain. The investigators focus on nurses and allied health professionals due to the importance of posture in work-related musculoskeletal disorders. METHODS: This randomized crossover clinical trial has a 3-month treatment sequence and a 3-month washout period. Participants will include nurses and allied health professionals 21 to 55 years of age with cervical pain. Participants are allocated at random to two intervention groups: a postural garment (Posture Plus Force) to be worn for 2 to 4 hours per day for 90 days (P+ group) and five physiotherapy sessions (20 minutes each) to learn stretching and strengthening exercises with instructions to continue at home on a daily basis for 90 days (Ex group). The participants in each group will crossover interventions after a 3-month washout period. The primary outcomes are postural control and pain intensity. A static posturography will be performed with a scan (SpinalMouse; Idiag AG, Fehraltorf, Switzerland). The visual analogue scale is a psychometric measuring instrument designed to document cervical pain severity in individual participants. The secondary outcomes are cervical pain-related disability, catastrophizing, the global perceived effect of treatment, and the evaluation of garment comfort. Physical activity is assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Assessment of primary and secondary outcomes is performed at T0 (pre-intervention), T1 (immediately after garment fitting for P+ group), T30, T60, and T90. The same measurements are recorded after the washout period and during the second intervention following the same sequence. All patients are provided with a logbook for compliance recording, over the counter drug use, pain evaluation, and sick leave. Statistical analysis is conducted following intention-to-treat principles and the treatment effects calculated using linear mixed models. RESULTS: The study design has been approved by the Ethics Commission of Hospital N Sra de Meritxell, Andorra in March 2017. A total of 32 participants are already enrolled in the study. An extension of the study is planned in a Spanish university hospital to achieve a larger sample. Study results are expected to be published during 2020. CONCLUSIONS: The Postural garment is expected to improve cervical pain by enhancing posture. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03560492; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03560492. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/14807.

Permanent upper trunk plexopathy after interscalene brachial plexus block.

Interscalene brachial plexus block (IBPB) has been widely used in shoulder surgical procedures. The incidence of postoperative neural injury has been estimated to be as high as 3 %. We report a long-term neurologic deficit after a nerve stimulator assisted brachial plexus block. A 55 year-old male, with right shoulder impingement syndrome was scheduled for elective surgery. The patient was given an oral dose of 10 mg of diazepam prior to the nerve stimulator assisted brachial plexus block. The patient immediately complained, as soon as the needle was placed in the interscalene area, of a sharp pain in his right arm and he was sedated further. Twenty-four hours later, the patient complained of severe shoulder and arm pain that required an increased dose of analgesics. Severe peri-scapular atrophy developed over the following days. Electromyography studies revealed an upper trunk plexus injury with severe denervation of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus and deltoid muscles together with a moderate denervation of the biceps brachii muscle. Chest X-rays showed a diaphragmatic palsy which was not present post operatively. Pulmonary function tests were also affected. Phrenic nerve paralysis was still present 18 months after the block as was dysfunction of the brachial plexus resulting in an inability to perform flexion, abduction and external rotation of the right shoulder. Severe brachial plexopathy was probably due to a local anesthetic having been administrated through the perineurium and into the nerve fascicles. Severe brachial plexopathy is an uncommon but catastrophic complication of IBPB. We propose a clinical algorithm using ultrasound guidance during nerve blocks as a safer technique of regional anesthesia.

Use of botulinum toxin type A on orthopedics: a case report.

Botulinum toxin type A is effective in treating neurologic entities with increased muscle tone. Few reports show the benefits of this treatment for orthopedic conditions. We present the case of a 54-year-old man who manifested bilateral pectoralis major stiffness and bilateral shoulder pain; he had a score of 6 on a visual analog scale (VAS). Complex regional pain syndrome (type I) after cardiac surgery, which had already been resolved, was significant in the patient's clinical background. On examination, neither increases in muscle tone nor signs of tendinous or joint pathology was found. However, the patient experienced significant pain when both pectorals were stretched. The patient's Constant score, a validated scale of shoulder function, was 45/100 on the right shoulder and 41/100 on the left. The patient's shoulder stiffness and pain neither responded to rehabilitation (stretching exercises, passive mobilization, electrostimulation) nor to oral medication (alprazolam, gabapentin). Despite the lack of increased muscle tone, we decided to administer botulinum toxin type A to control pain. Subsequently, pain intensity was reduced to 4 on a VAS on both sides, and functionality improved (Constant scale score, 62 on the right side; 60 on the left). This improvement enabled the patient to resume his job as a building supervisor, which required active involvement in physical construction work.

Prevalence of urinary incontinence in Andorra: impact on women's health.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a frequent public health problem with negative social consequences, particularly for women. Female susceptibility is the result of anatomical, social, economic and cultural factors. The main objectives of this study are to evaluate the prevalence of UI in the female population of Andorra over the age of 15 and, specifically, to determine the influence of socio-demographic factors. A secondary aim of the study is to measure the degree of concern associated with UI and whether the involved subjects have asked for medical assistance, or not. METHODS: Women aged 15 and over, answered a self-administered questionnaire while attending professional health units in Andorra during the period November 1998 to January 2000. A preliminary study was carried out to ensure that the questionnaire was both understandable and simple. RESULTS: 863 completed questionnaires were obtained during a one year period. The breakdown of the places where the questionnaires were obtained and filled out is as follows: 32.4% - medical specialists' offices; 31.5% - outpatient centres served exclusively by nurses; 24% - primary care doctors' offices; 12% from other sources. Of the women who answered the questionnaire, 37% manifested urine losses. Of those,45.3% presented regular urinary incontinence (RUI) and 55.7% presented sporadic urinary incontinence (SporadicUI). In those women aged between 45 and 64, UI was present in 56% of the subjects. UI was more frequent among parous than non-parous women. UI was perceived as a far more bothersome and disabling condition by working, middle-class women than in other socio-economic groups. Women in this particular group are more limited by UI, less likely to seek medical advice but more likely to follow a course of treatment. From a general point of view, however, less than 50% of women suffering from UI sought medical advice. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of UI in the female population of Andorra stands at about 37%, a statistic which should encourage both health professionals and women to a far greater awareness of this condition.