Prevalence and Severity of Central Sensitization in Post-Polio Syndrome: Associations with Clinical Measures and Quality of Life.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the presence and severity of central sensitization (CS) and its associations with clinical measures and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with a history of paralytic poliomyelitis with and without post-polio syndrome (PPS). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we included 98 individuals with a history of poliomyelitis, in whom 82 (83.6%) met the criteria of PPS. We used CS Inventory (CSI) to evaluate the presence and severity of CS. We evaluated the severity of fatigue, pain, polio-related impairments, and QoL using a Numerical Rating Scale in addition to Fatigue Severity Scale, Self-reported Impairments in Persons with late effects of Polio rating scale (SIPP), and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). RESULTS: CS was present in 52.4% of patients with PPS, of which 63% are classified as severe to extreme. Those with CS reported more severe symptoms, more polio-related impairments, and worse QoL than those without CS. Severity of CS showed significant positive correlations with severity of fatigue, pain, SIPP, and NHP scales in those with PPS. CSI did not indicate CS in any of those without PPS. CONCLUSION: CS was present in more than half of the individuals with PPS and correlated with more severe pain, fatigue, and more polio-related impairments, in addition to poorer QoL. These findings suggest that CS may contribute to the clinical picture in a subgroup of individuals with PPS. Thus, identification and appropriate management of CS patients may potentially help alleviate their symptoms and improve their QoL.

Coexistence of fibromyalgia and post-polio syndrome in persons with prior poliomyelitis in Turkey: the relations with symptoms, polio-related impairments, and quality of life.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of fibromyalgia(FM) and to show its relations with symptoms, polio-related impairments (PRI), and quality of life (QoL) in persons with prior paralytic poliomyelitis (PsPP) with and without post-polio syndrome (PPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 74 PsPP under 60 years of age, 60 of whom met the criteria for PPS. Presence and severity of FM were assessed by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1990, 2010, and 2016 criteria, and Fibromyalgia Severity Score. PPS symptoms, PRI, and QoL were evaluated using the Self-Reported Impairments in Persons with Late Effects of Polio Rating Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, and Nottingham Health Profile. Frequency, comparison, and correlation analyses were performed. RESULTS: While 15% of PsPP with PPS met the criteria of ACR 1990, 32% of ACR 2010, and 35% of ACR 2016, none of those without PPS met any of the criteria for FM. Severity of PPS symptoms and PRI were significantly higher, and QoL was significantly lower in those with co-existing FM. FM severity was found to be significantly associated with severity of PPS symptoms, PRI and reduced QoL. CONCLUSIONS: FM frequently coexists in PsPP with PPS and may increase the burden of PPS.Implications for RehabilitationFibromyalgia (FM) is commonly seen in patients with post-polio syndrome (PPS).Co-existing FM may increase the burden of PPS, as it is associated with more severe symptoms, more polio-related impairments, and worse quality of life.Recognition, appropriate referral, and successful management of co-existing FM may allow for reduced symptoms or symptom severity and improved quality of life in persons with PPS.

Relationships of autonomic dysfunction with disease severity and neuropathic pain features in fibromyalgia: is it really a sympathetically maintained neuropathic pain?

Background: The pathophysiology of fibromyalgia (FM) involves many mechanisms including central nervous system sensitization theory, autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction, and recently small fiber neuropathy. While the small fiber neuropathy itself can cause ANS dysfunction and neuropathic pain (NP), it is still unknown whether ANS problems have an association with severity of disease and NP in patients with FM. The aim of this study was to evaluate ANS dysfunction in FM patients and to explore possible associations of ANS dysfunction with disease severity and NP. Methods: Twenty-nine FM patients and 20 healthy controls were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants were tested using sympathetic skin responses (SSR) and R-R interval variation analyses for sympathetic and parasympathetic ANS dysfunction, respectively. Disease severity and somatic symptoms of patients with FM were evaluated using the ACR-2010 scales and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, and NP symptoms were evaluated using the Pain Detect Questionnaire and Douleur Neuropathique questionnaire. Results: FM patients were found to have ANS dysfunction characterized by increased sympathetic response and decreased parasympathetic response. SSR amplitudes were found to be correlated with a more severe disease. Although non-significant, NP severity tended to be associated with a decrease in sympathetic and parasympathetic activities. Conclusions: ANS dysfunction may play a role in the pathophysiology of FM. The trend of decreased ANS functions in FM patients exhibiting NP contradicts the notion that FM is a sympathetically maintained NP and may be explained with small fiber involvement.

The effects of vibration on efficiency in off-road cyclists.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate whether vibration significantly affected the efficiency of off-road cyclists. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight male mountain cyclists (mean age 21.1±1 years; range, 19 to 22 years) between August 2017 and November 2017 were included. The experimental protocol included four testing sessions with a one-day interval between testing sessions: a familiarization session; performance of submaximal tests; performance of maximal graded exercise test; and a 30-min mountain bike trial performed with vibration or without vibration. Physiological measures including volume of oxygen uptake (VO2), volume of 2), VO2, VCO2, heart rate, respiratory exchange ratio, rating of perceived exertion, and gross efficiency (GE) were compared between the trials performed with vibration or without vibration. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the GE with the addition of intermittent vibration, particularly over the last 15 min of the cycling trial (p<0.05). There were no significant effects of vibration on other parameters. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that addition of intermittent vibration may provide positive benefits in improving GE during a 30-min submaximal cycling trial.

Comment on Ultrasound Guidance for Botulinum Neurotoxin Chemodenervation Procedures. Toxins 2017, 10, 18-Quintessential Use of Ultrasound Guidance for Botulinum Toxin Injections-Muscle Innervation Zone Targeting Revisited.

Recently, the importance of targeting structures during botulinum neurotoxin applications has been discussed in a variety of disorders, including spasticity and dystonia. In this respect, the advantages of ultrasound imaging to traditional techniques have been emphasized. We would like underscore the importance of ultrasound guidance, with targeting innervation zone(s) of the over-active muscles to achieve effective clinical outcomes. Additionally, we also clarify the difference between the terms-innervation zone (motor end plate) and motor point-which have been used by the authors as if they were the same. Further, we disagree with the authors about the intramuscular botulinum neurotoxin application techniques i.e., in-plane vs. out-of-plane whereby the former is, for sure, superior.

Innervation zone targeted botulinum toxin injections.

Muscle overactivity (spasticity, dystonia or spasm) seen in certain neuromuscular disorders has been effectively treated with intramuscular injection of botulinum neurotoxins (BTXs). Since they act in the nerve terminals, toxins must be transported to the neuromuscular junctions which are generally clustered in one or more restricted areas (innervations zone(s) (IZs)) in a skeletal muscle. Likewise, IZ targeted BTX injections using guidance is highly recommended to achieve an optimal therapeutic goal with lower doses and fewer side effects. Hence, detection of the injection sites should be based on the knowledge about the localization of the IZs and also the transport mechanism of BTX in skeletal muscle is crucial for intramuscolar application of BTX. In this paper, IZ(s) of the skeletal muscles, distribution of BTX, proper sites and guidance for the injections are discussed taking into account the muscle structure and architecture.

Sonographic guide for botulinum toxin injections of the upper limb: EUROMUSCULUS/USPRM spasticity approach.

The pertinent literature lacks overt technical data for optimal upper limb muscle botulinum toxin injections using ultrasound (US) imaging. Therefore, this guide is prepared for the commonly injected muscles of the upper limb and the shoulder girdle mainly in spasticity. It includes clinical information, anatomical description and explanation regarding the US imaging of several muscles. The figures have been organized to orient the readers on the innervation, injection sites, probe positioning and the US images simultaneously.

Sonographic guide for botulinum toxin injections of the lower limb: EUROMUSCULUS/USPRM spasticity approach.

The pertinent literature lacks overt technical data for optimal lower limb muscle botulinum toxin injections using ultrasound (US) imaging. Therefore, this guide is prepared for the commonly injected muscles of the lower limb and the pelvic girdle mainly in spasticity. It includes clinical information, anatomical description and explanation regarding the US imaging of several muscles. The figures have been organized to orient the readers on the innervation zones, injection sites, probe positionings and the US images simultaneously.

The psychometric properties of the Turkish Stroke and Aphasia Quality Of Life Scale-39.

The Stroke and Aphasia Quality Of Life Scale (SAQOL-39) is a widely used instrument in assessing the quality of life in aphasic patients. Our purpose was to translate the SAQOL-39 into the Turkish language (SAQOL-39/TR) and assess its reliability and validity in patients who had aphasia. SAQOL-39/TR was obtained using the 'translation-backward translation' method and administered to 40 patients with aphasia. The reliability studies were performed by means of internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The validation studies were carried out by means of construct validity using within-scale analyses and analyses against the external criteria. Correlation analysis was performed between scales and the Ege Aphasia Test, the Barthel index, the 12-item General Health Questionnaire and the Brunnstrom recovery stages (BRS) of the arm, hand, and lower extremity. In the results, the scores of the SAQOL-39 were not different between groups. Cronbach's α variables were good for all domains (0.80, 0.88, 0.89, 0.82, and 0.83). Test-retest reliability was also high (0.96, 0.97, 0.91, 0.70, and 0.96). There were significant correlations with coefficients ranging from 0.36 to 0.60 among the domains of scale and other measures. Moderate-high correlations were also seen with BRS-arm, BRS-hand, and BRS-lower extremity (r, 0.27-0.58). It was found that all domains were highly related with all domains of Ege aphasia test, except praxia (P<0.001). This study showed that the SAQOL-39/TR has acceptable validity and reliability in assessing the quality of life. However, similar results of the scale in patients with dysarthria suggest that the SAQOL-39 may not be specific to only aphasic patients.

Patients with post-polio syndrome are more likely to have subclinical involvement as compared to polio survivors without new symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a condition that affects polio survivors decades after recovery from an initial acute attack. It is a well-known entity that limbs thought to be nonaffected by polio survivors commonly demonstrate electromyography (EMG) evidence of prior polio. Although the diagnosis of PPS requires a remote history of acute paralytic polio, clinically unapparent damage caused by poliovirus can be associated with PPS later in life. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate EMG abnormalities and late progressive symptoms in limbs thought to be nonaffected by polio survivors, in order to determine the prevalence of subclinical motor neuron involvement in those fulfilling criteria for PPS comparing to those without such symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical and EMG findings of 464 limbs in 116 polio survivors who had been admitted to our clinic were analyzed. Affection of the limbs by polio was classified based on the patient's self-report on remote weakness during the acute phase of poliomyelitis, muscle strength measured by manual muscle testing, and four-limb needle EMG. RESULTS: Seventy-six of the patients (65.5%) met the criteria of PPS. Needle EMG studies revealed subclinical involvement in 122 out of 293 (42%) limbs with no history of remote weakness during the acute phase of poliomyelitis. Prevalence of subclinical involvement was found 47% in polio survivors who met the criteria of PPS compared to 33% in those without PPS (P = 0.013). Among the limbs that had developed new weakness in PPS patients, 33.5% had subclinical involvement. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Subclinical involvement is common in limbs thought to be nonaffected by polio survivors, and this is especially present in those fulfilling criteria for PPS. New muscle weakness may develop in apparently nonaffected, subclinically involved muscles. Thus we believe that four-limb EMG studies should be performed in all polio survivors, especially in those with the symptoms of PPS.

Is it necessary to strictly diagnose fibromyalgia syndrome in patients with chronic widespread pain?

The applicability of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1990 and 2010 criteria for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) was determined in 284 patients with chronic widespread pain (CWP) including those with regional and systemic painful disorders. On the basis of initial evaluation, patients were classified into three groups. Group 1, those without any comorbid disease (N = 105), group 2, those having regional non-inflammatory painful disorders (N = 104), and group 3, those with a diagnosis of an inflammatory rheumatic disease (N = 75). Overall, 65 % of the patients fulfilled the 1990 criteria, while 94 % of them fulfilled the 2010 criteria. Almost all of the patients (97 %) with CWP did meet at least one of the criteria set, regardless of whether they have accompanying painful disorders. Widespread pain index (WPI), symptom severity scale (SS), and fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) scores were found to be significantly higher in the patients who satisfied the 1990 criteria than those who did not (P < 0.001). Tender point counts were found to be significantly correlated with WPI, SS, FIQ, and Beck depression inventory (BDI) scores (P < 0.001). The findings of the study support the suggestion that FMS is just a continuum of CWP, rather than a distinct diagnostic entity. As treatment of FMS is usually identical with that of CWP, strict diagnosis of FMS will provide little or no significance from the viewpoint of clinical practice. We suggest that future research should be directed toward classification of CWP to provide guidance to clinicians in selecting effective therapies.

Psychometric properties of fatigue severity and fatigue impact scales in postpolio patients.

We evaluate the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS) and to determine whether these scales are potentially applicable for measuring fatigue in postpolio patients (PPS). After the Turkish adaptation of FSS and FIS using a forward-backward procedure, the scales were administered to 48 PPS patients without additional health problems that may induce fatigue. Reliability studies were carried out by determination of intraclass correlation coefficient and internal consistency by the Cronbach-α coefficient. Validity was tested by within-scale analyses and analyses against the external criteria including convergent validity and discriminant validity. Correlations with the Notthingham Health Profile (NHP), fatigue, pain and cramp severity (visual analog scale), and manual muscle testing were performed. Sensitivity to changes was determined by standardized response mean values. All patients completed scales, suggesting their satisfactory acceptance. Reliability studies were satisfactory, with higher Cronbach-α values and intraclass correlation coefficients than 0.80. The FSS score was correlated moderately with visual analog scale-fatigue (r=0.41) and the NHP-energy dimension (r=0.29). All FIS scores except cognitive scores were moderately related to the NHP-social isolation score (r=0.40, 0.37, and 0.43 for FIS-physical, social, and total scores, respectively). There was also a significant correlation between the FIS-physical score and the NHP-energy score (r=0.31). On the basis of the standardized response mean values, response to treatment for these two questionnaires was satisfactory (P=0.00). The Turkish versions of FSS and FIS were reliable, sensitive to clinical changes, and also well accepted by patients with PPS. Although they had somewhat satisfactory convergent validity, the absence of strong correlations did not support the validity entirely.

Intrafusal effects of botulinum toxin injections for spasticity: revisiting a previous paper.

Botulinum toxin, frequently used to manage focal limb spasticity, has been reported to affect both extrafusal and intrafusal fibers of the injected muscle. Since most studies have used spinal reflexes, it is difficult to isolate the intrafusal effects from extrafusal and central effects. In a paper by On et al. [7], both stretch and H-reflexes were used to examine the intrafusal effects of botulinum toxin injections. Revisiting the data from On et al. [7] presented a unique opportunity to describe a novel method of measuring the effect of botulinum toxin-A on muscle spindle activity in patients with spasticity. H-reflex, maximum M-wave, and Achilles tendon reflex were serially assessed in ten patients with stroke pre-, 2, 4, and 12 weeks post-botulinum. In order to assess the intrafusal effects, we subtracted the %change in H-reflex amplitude from baseline (representing extrafusal and central effects) from the %change in Achilles tendon reflex amplitude from baseline (representing intrafusal, extrafusal and central effects). Using this formula, our results suggest that botulinum induces significant chemodenervation of the intrafusal muscle fibers (33% decreases). Intrafusal effects were greatest at 2 weeks, but tapered off by 12 weeks post-botulinum (p<0.017). We found a significant positive correlation between the intrafusal effects of botulinum toxin and changes in modified Ashworth scale. Our method of assessing the effects of botulinum toxin shows significant effect on intrafusal fibers, which correlates with clinical manifestation of spasticity. Future studies need to investigate ways to maximize intrafusal effects and minimize extrafusal effects of botulinum therapy.

Validity and reliability of a new test for Turkish-speaking aphasic patients: Ege Aphasia Test.

Due to the fact that the phonetic, morphological and syntactic structures of the Turkish language differ significantly from other European languages, the translated forms of the currently available aphasia assessment batteries are not adequate for Turkish-speaking aphasic patients. The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Ege Aphasia Test that we have developed. The test, which includes the 8 subtests of praxia, spontaneous language, auditory and verbal comprehension, repetition, naming, reading, writing and calculating, was applied into 100 aphasic patients, 40 dysarthric patients and 40 healthy subjects. All test-retest intra-class correlation coefficients were found to be excellent (ICC = 0.99). The Cronbach's coefficients ranged from 0.71 to 0.91. All the subtests showed significantly greater scores in aphasic patients (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were found between the subtests and corrected total score (p < 0.05). Finally, the Ege Aphasia Test has an acceptable validity and reliability. It seems to be a promising battery for evaluation of aphasia in the Turkish language, which is spoken mainly in Turkey and in the surrounding regions. We believe that this study will pioneer the development of aphasia rehabilitation in these countries and contribute to future studies.

Reference data for ulnar nerve short segment conduction studies at the elbow.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to generate reference data for ulnar nerve short segment conduction studies (SSCSs) at 2-cm intervals. METHODS: Ulnar nerve SSCS data were collected from dominant and non-dominant arms of 200 healthy volunteers. The effects of age, gender, weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) on SSCSs were also investigated. RESULTS: High percentile values for short segment latency changes varied from 0.4 to 0.7 ms. Ulnar nerve conductions were slower in the segments 2 cm below and above the elbow compared with the other segments. The amplitude was found not to decrease by >15% in subsequent short segments. There were no significant effects of age and gender on the SSCS parameters. Conductions over the short segments tended to be faster as BMI increased. CONCLUSIONS: Reference values should be determined separately over each 2-cm segment, and the effect of BMI should be considered when interpreting SSCSs.

The effect of a mandibular advancement splint on electromyographic activity of the submental and masseter muscles in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

PURPOSE: The effectiveness of an appliance for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) shows inordinate interindividual differences. Also, its therapeutic effects still remain unresolved. This study examined and compared the effects of a mandibular advancement splint (MAS) on the masseter and submental muscles of patients with mild and moderate OSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty OSA patients (10 mild and 10 moderate) who refused or did not tolerate nasal continuous positive airway pressure were randomly selected among individuals whose apnea-hypopnea indices (AHIs) were determined at the sleep laboratory of the Department of Chest Diseases, Ege University, before the study. Two polysomnography (PSG) sessions were performed and evaluated: the first without an MAS for the first half of the night to determine baseline muscle activity and the second with an MAS for the other half of the night to follow the condition of muscle activity. Electromyograms (EMGs) of the sum of the submental musculature and masseter muscle were measured with PSGs. The highest EMG amplitudes of the muscles and their AHIs were recorded before and after use of the appliance. Data were analyzed statistically using a t test. RESULTS: After insertion of the MAS device, EMG amplitudes increased significantly in the submental (P < .05) and masseter muscles (P < .05) of both mild and moderate OSA patients. However, the increase in muscle activity in the mild OSA group was significantly different from the moderate OSA group (P < .05). Accordingly, the mean EMG amplitude during moderate apnea episodes was lower than mild both with and without the appliance. After insertion of the MAS, the mean AHI in both mild and moderate OSA patients decreased significantly from baseline recordings (P < .05). Patients reported a favorable sleeping pattern and no dislodgement of the appliance during sleep. CONCLUSION: The MAS activated the masseter and submental muscles during sleep and prevented the upper airway from collapsing. The prosthetic appliance was useful in the treatment of both mild and moderate OSA syndrome.

Analysis of heart rate variability with electromyography in heart transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate vagal parasympathetic functions by electromyographic R-R interval variation analyses in heart transplant recipients. DESIGN: Cross-sectional and longitudinal study. SETTING: Department of physical medicine and rehabilitation, university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Early (n=8; <3 mo) and late (n=17; >1 y) heart transplant recipients and healthy volunteers (n=20) were included. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The R-R interval variations at rest and in response to deep breathing, Valsalva, and tilt/standup maneuvers were analyzed in all patient and control groups. Further, 8 early heart transplant recipients were followed up at the sixth and twelfth months after transplantation. RESULTS: Compared with controls, both early and late transplant recipients had significantly lower R-R interval variation ratios (P<.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the early and late groups (P>.05). R-R interval variation ratios showed no significant changes from baseline (P>.025) in the early heart transplant recipients. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study suggest that parasympathetic activities are suppressed in the early stage after heart transplantation and do not significantly recover with time. The electromyographic analysis of R-R interval variation is a simple test that may offer an attractive alternative for routine evaluation of autonomic dysfunction in heart transplant recipients.