Comparison of the efficacy of low intensity laser and peloid therapy in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.

The objective of this study was to compare the impact of peloid and low-level laser (LLLT) treatment in conjunction with a home exercise programme on short-term symptomatic pain, functional status and quality of life in individuals diagnosed with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). A total of 168 patients diagnosed with SIS were included in the study, with 56 receiving LLLT + exercise, 56 receiving peloidotherapy + exercise, and 56 receiving exercise only. Patients underwent clinical evaluations prior to treatment (first measurement), after treatment completion (second measurement), and one month post-treatment (third measurement). Pain was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Functional status was evaluated using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and quality of life was evaluated using the Short Form 36 (SF-36). Active range of motion of the shoulder was measured by the same investigator using a goniometer. Statistically significant improvements in VAS, SPADI, SF-36, and ROM parameters were achieved after treatment and at 1 month follow-up compared to pretreatment in both active treatment groups (p < .05). The third group showed significant improvements in ROM and SF-36 physical components after treatment and 1 month later (p < .05). Low-level laser therapy or peloid therapy given in addition to home exercise therapy for SIS were found to have similar short-term effects on pain, functional status, quality of life and ROM.

Comparison of the short-term efficacy of peloid and paraffin treatments on pain and quality of life in the treatment of plantar fasciitis: a randomized controlled study.

Although peloid, paraffin, and exercise treatments are effective in patients with plantar fasciitis, there had been no comprehensive and comparative studies of these treatments for plantar fasciitis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of peloid, paraffin, and exercise treatments on pain, functional status, and quality of life in patients with plantar fasciitis. A total of 104 patients, aged 18 years and over, who applied to our clinic with heel pain and were diagnosed with plantar fasciitis according to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Clinical Consensus Statement: Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult Acquired Infracalcaneal Heel Pain guideline, with pain at the level of 3 and more severe according to the visual analog scale were randomly divided into three groups: the peloid group (peloid therapy and home exercise), the paraffin group (paraffin therapy and home exercise), and the control group (home exercise). Peloid and paraffin applications were applied 5 days a week, a total of 15 sessions in 3 weeks. Participants were evaluated with the visual analog scale, heel tenderness index, and the foot and ankle outcome score before treatment, after treatment, and at the first month after treatment. Compared to pre-treatment evaluation, significant improvements were observed in all parameters after treatment and at the first month controls in all 3 groups (p < 0.05). In the peloidotherapy and paraffin therapy added groups, pain reduction and quality of life increase were higher than the exercise group (p < 0.05). Adding peloidotherapy or paraffin therapy to the home exercise program in the treatment of plantar fasciitis can further reduce pain and improve quality of life.

Comparison of the efficacies of peloid therapy and paraffin treatment given as an adjuncts to exercise therapy in patients with hallux rigidus: a randomized, uncontrolled, prospective study.

Although it is thought that peloid and paraffin treatments may have positive effect on pain, functional status, and quality of life in patients with hallux rigidus (HR), there are no comprehensive and comparative studies with a high level of evidence. We aimed to compare peloid and paraffin treatments in symptomatic hallux rigidus patients. A total of 113 patients diagnosed with HR between May 2019 and June 2021 were included in the study. After exclusion criteria, the remaining 90 patients were randomly divided into two groups: the peloid therapy group (peloid therapy + home exercise) and the paraffin therapy group (paraffin therapy + home exercise). Peloid and paraffin treatments were applied for 2 weeks (5 days a week for a total of 10 sessions). Patients were evaluated before treatment, at the end of treatment, and one month after treatment. The groups were compared in terms of pain, functional status, quality of life, and joint range of motion. In the final analysis, 40 patients in each treatment group were compared. Statistically significant improvements were achieved for all parameters at the end of treatment and at follow-up, and the treatments were found to be highly effective. As a result of the comparison, the methods were not found to be superior to each other. The present study is the first randomized study comparing peloid therapy and paraffin therapy given as an adjuncts to exercise therapy. Exercise therapy plus peloid and exercise therapy plus paraffin treatments seem to have similar effects on HR; however, controlled trials are necessary for confirmation of our results.

Effectiveness of peloid therapy in patients with chronic low back pain: a single-blind controlled study.

The aim of this study was to compare peloid therapy in addition to home exercise with home exercise alone in terms of pain, function, quality of life, and depression in patients with chronic low back pain (cLBP). A total of 106 cLBP patients were divided into two equal groups as treatment and control. The peloid therapy group had peloid therapy (with a total of 15 sessions on 5 days per week for 3 weeks duration with 45 °C temperature lasting 30 min/day) + home exercise program. The control group was only given a home exercise program. Patients completed the visual analog scale-pain (VAS-pain), patient and physician global assessments (VAS-PGA and VAS-PhGA), revised Oswestry disability index (rODI) for functional status, the short form-36 (SF-36) for quality of life, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for depression three times as before treatment, after treatment (3rd week), and 1 month after the end of treatment. Assessments in the 3rd week at the end of treatment revealed statistically significant improvements for rODI (p = 0.013), VAS-pain (p = 0.039), and VAS-PhGA (p = 0.002) parameters in the peloid therapy group compared to the control group. Assessments in the 1st month after the end of treatment revealed statistically significant improvements in rODI (p < 0.001), VAS-pain (p < 0.001), VAS-PGA (p = 0.002), VAS-PhGA (p < 0.001), and SF-36VE (p = 0.022) parameters in the peloid therapy group compared to the control group. Peloid therapy + home exercise was statistically significantly superior to home exercise alone in improving pain and function in patients with cLBP. Peloid therapy may be recommended as a non-pharmacological treatment for cLBP patients. There is a need for randomized studies with longer follow-up including biochemical parameters to verify the beneficial effects observed in this study and elaborate the mechanisms of action.

Impaired Left Ventricular Diastolic Functions and Thickened Epicardial Adipose Tissue in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients is Correlated with DAS-28 Score.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that is known to be associated with high cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate whether RA disease activity reflected with disease activity score-28 (DAS-28) had an impact on left ventricular diastolic functions and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness in RA patients with no traditional CV risk factors. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 41 patients newly diagnosed with RA were included. In addition to medical history, detailed physical examination findings and laboratory tests, left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions, chamber dimensions, and EAT thickness were evaluated with transthoracic echocardiography in the study population. RESULTS: This study included 41 subjects with a median age of 45 years (38.00-55.50), of which 29.27% were male. In the binomial logistic regression analysis, DAS-28 score was found to be an independent associate of diastolic dysfunction, Additionally, DAS-28 was found to be independently associated with EAT thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with high DAS-28 score should be evaluated thoroughly for CV disease, and patients should undergo advanced diagnostic studies as required and receive appropriate treatment.

Comparison of the efficacy of mud-pack and hot-pack treatments in chronic non-specific neck pain: A single-blind, randomized-controlled study.

Objectives: This study aims to compare the short-term efficacy of mud-pack (MP) and hot-pack (HP) treatments with the same temperature and duration on sleep, function, depression, and quality of life for chronic non-specific neck pain (CNNP) patients. Patients and methods: Between December 2018 and September 2019, a total of 70 patients with CNNP diagnosis (12 males, 58 females; mean age: 50.2±9.4 years; range, 24 to 65 years) were included. The patients were divided into two groups. The MP group (n=35) had a total of 15 sessions of MP for 20 min + transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for 20 min + home exercise (HE) on five days per week for three weeks. The HP group (n=35) had 15 similar sessions of HP for 20 min + TENS for 20 min + HE. The patients were assessed with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS-pain), VAS physician's and patient's global assessments, modified Neck Disability Index (mNDI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) measures before treatment, at the end of post-treatment third week and one month later. Results: In the MP group, there were statistically significant improvements in all parameters at the end of treatment three-week and one-month follow-up (p<0.05), apart from SF-36 Vitality/Energy (SF-36V/E) at the end of treatment and SF-36 General Health (SF-36GH) at one month. In the HP group, there were statistically significant improvements observed for all parameters (p<0.05), apart from the SF-36 Physical Role and SF-36GH at the end of treatment third week and SF-36V/E at the first-month assessment. The VAS-pain(p<0.001), mNDI (p=0.019), BDI (p=0.002), SF-36GH (p<0.001), SF-36V/E (p<0.001) and SF-36 mental health (p<0.001) showed statistically significantly superior improvements in the MP group (p<0.05). Conclusion: In CNNP patients, both MP and HP treatments are effective. However, MP therapy has more positive effects on pain, function, depression, and quality of life parameters. The MP treatment may be used in addition to TENS treatment for CNNP patients.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at estimating the extent to which a combination therapy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) with usual care (exercise and orthotic support) improve functional ability in the patient with plantar fasciitis when compared to usual care alone. METHODS: Participants with plantar fasciitis were randomly allocated into two groups: ESWT (n=23), and control (n=21). All participants received home exercise program with orthotic support. In addition, ESWT group received 2000 shock waves with 0.02 mJ/mm2 for three sessions. Functional outcomes were measured by function subscale of American orthopedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS-F) score and 12 minutes walking test including walking speed, cadence. The scores were recorded at baseline, third week and third month after the treatment. Analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA, and an intention to treat approach using multiple imputations. RESULTS: Results showed that there was a significant improvement in AOFAS-F total score and walking speed over three months in both groups (p<0.001, p=0.04 respectively); improvements in AOFAS-F were particularly in activity limitation (p=0.001), walking distance (p=0.02) and walking surface (p=0.02). Groups were comparable with each other for both walking speed and AOFAS-F in any assessment time (p>0.05). However, groups performed differently in cadence where there was an increase in cadence in ESWT group whereas a decline in control at the third month (p=0.07). CONCLUSION: The results revealed that ESWT did not have an additive benefit over usual care to improve foot function and walking performance in patient with plantar fasciitis over three months post-treatment.

The effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on rib fracture: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of lowintensity pulsed ultrasound on rib fracture healing in a rat model. METHODS: A total of 72 male Wistar-Albino rats were randomly divided into three equal groups. To induce a rib fracture, right thoracotomy was performed under general anesthesia and a 0.5-cm segment was removed from the fourth and fifth ribs. After 24 h of surgery, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound was implemented according to the groups. Group 1 served as the control group for the observation of normal bone healing. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound was applied at a dose of 20% (2 msn pulse-8 msn pause) 100 mW/cm2 and 50% (5 msn pulse-5 msn pause) 200 mW/cm2 for six min, respectively in Group 2 and Group 3. All subjects were followed for six weeks. Eight animals from each group were sacrificed at two, four, and six weeks for further assessment. Histological alterations in the bone were examined. RESULTS: Although there was no statistically significant difference in osteoblasts, osteoclasts, new bone formation, and lymphocyte count among the groups, histological consolidation was significantly increased by low-intensity pulsed ultrasound. While low-intensity pulsed ultrasound induced osteoblastic, osteoclastic, and new bone formation, it inhibited lymphocyte infiltration. CONCLUSION: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, either at low or high doses, induced the histological consolidation of rib fractures and inhibited lymphocyte infiltration. This effect was more prominent in the long-term and at higher dose with increased daily and total administration time. We, therefore, believe that accelerating the natural healing process in patients with rib fractures would enable to treat more effectively in short-term.

The Assessment of Sexual Dysfunction in Male Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) on male sexuality. METHODS: While 61 men with MS were included into the study group, 60 healthy men constituted the control group in the study. In MS patients, such parameters as functional status and depression levels were assessed with the Expanded Disability Status Scala (EDSS) and the Beck Depression Scale (BDS), other parameters such as pain levels, sexual function and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated with the Visual Analog Scala (VAS), the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the short form-36 (SF-36), respectively. RESULTS: Patients with MS were classified as 45 with EDSS <5.5 and 19 with EDSS >5.5. Mean VAS and BDI scores patients with MS were found statistically significantly higher, compared with those of the controls (p<0.05). Mean IIEF and all sub-group scores of SF-36 of patients with MS were found to be statistically significantly lower, compared with those of the control group (p<0.05). Mean EDSS in patients with MS was 2.75±2.42. While there was a positive correlation between IIEF scores of patients with MS, and mean mental and physical components of SF-36, a negative correlation was found between IIEF scores in MS patients, and age, disease duration, number of attacks, number of marital years and scores of EDSS, VAS and BDI (p<0.00). When BDI ≥17 was accepted as the threshold for depression, the depression was detected in 62.5% of patients with MS and 11.7% of the controls (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Sexual functions are affected negatively in male patients with MS and seem to be associated with increased disability, pain and accompanying depression. Therefore, male patients with MS should also be evaluated with regard to sexual function, as well as disability during their follow-ups.

Comparison of an epicondylitis bandage with a wrist orthosis in patients with lateral epicondylitis.

BACKGROUND:: Lateral epicondylitis is one of the most common causes of elbow pain. It is generally observed in people between the ages of 40 and 50 years, and the dominant extremity is more frequently affected. Various noninvasive methods are frequently used; however, studies investigating the effectiveness of the orthoses are limited and with controversial outcomes. OBJECTIVE:: To investigate the effectiveness of a hand-wrist resting orthosis and an epicondylitis bandage in lateral epicondylitis. STUDY DESIGN:: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS:: In total, 82 patients diagnosed with unilateral lateral epicondylitis were enrolled into the study. Hand-wrist resting orthosis was applied to 45 patients and epicondylitis bandage was applied to 41 patients. Patients were evaluated before treatment and at 6 weeks after treatment with a Visual Analogue Scale; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire; the Short Form 36; and a determination of hand grasping force. RESULTS:: Both groups were similar in terms of age, body mass index, gender, frequency of lateral epicondylitis on the dominant side, dominant extremity, and duration of complaints ( p > 0.05). A statistically significant recovery was detected in both groups between the pre-therapy values and the values at the sixth week in terms of Visual Analogue Scale scores; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnarie scores; hand grasping forces; and the Short Form 36 mental and physical component scores ( p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences detected between the two therapy methods before the therapy and at the sixth week of treatment in all parameter values ( p > 0.05). CONCLUSION:: Our results suggest that both epicondylitis bandage and hand-wrist resting orthosis are effective treatment options for lateral epicondylitis-induced pain, functional status, muscle strength, and quality of life. Furthermore, neither treatment option was superior to the other. Large, randomized studies are necessary for more clear statements. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Epicondylitis bandage and hand-wrist resting orthosis are equally effective treatment options for lateral epicondylitis-induced pain, functional status, muscle strength, and quality of life.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Versus Kinesiology Taping in the Management of Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and kinesiology taping in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 80 patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. The patients were randomized into two groups as ESWT (9 males, 28 females; mean age 47.8±12.4 years; range 40 to 55 years) and kinesiology taping (KT, 7 males, 26 females; mean age 47.7±9.8 years; range 40 to 55 years) groups. Groups were similar regarding age, sex, and body mass index (all p>0.05). Three patients in ESWT group and seven patients in KT group were lost to follow-up. ESWT was applied once a week for five weeks, while KT was applied every five days for five weeks. Patients' pain and functional status were evaluated with visual analog scale, heel tenderness index, and foot and ankle outcome score before and after treatment. RESULTS: At the study onset, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in their visual analog scale, heel tenderness index, and foot and ankle outcome scores. Five weeks later, both groups showed significant improvement in all parameters (p<0.05), but no significant differences were observed between the groups in the visual analog scale, heel tenderness index, and foot and ankle outcome score scores. CONCLUSION: Both ESWT and KT treatments improved pain levels and function and quality of life in individuals with plantar fasciitis. Neither method was superior in treating plantar fasciitis.

Evaluation of Sexual Dysfunction in Females With Ankylosing Spondylitis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate sexual function in females with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), compare them with healthy controls, and demonstrate the effects of AS on female sexual functions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-four AS patients (mean age 39.33±8.57 years; range 20 to 55 years) and 56 similar aged healthy controls were included in the study. Depression levels and sexual functions of all participants were evaluated by the Beck Depression Inventory and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), respectively. Other assessment methods included the visual analog scale for pain, fatigue, and importance of sexual life; Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index for disease activity, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index for functionality, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index for spinal mobility, and Short Form-36 (SF-36) for quality of life. RESULTS: Total FSFI and all FSFI subscale scores and number of weekly sexual intercourse were significantly lower while Beck Depression Inventory score was significantly higher in females with AS when compared to controls. In AS patients with depression, total FSFI score and FSFI subscales scores of desire and arousal were significantly lower than those without depression. In females with AS, there were negative correlations between total FSFI score and duration of complaint, Beck Depression Inventory score, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index score, visual analog scale score, age, and duration of marriage while positive correlations existed between total FSFI score and visual analog scale importance of sexual life score and number of weekly sexual intercourse, SF-36 fatigue, SF-36 social function, SF-36 pain, and SF-36 mental component scores. CONCLUSION: Sexual dysfunction was more common in female AS patients without marked impairment in body image and hip involvement when compared to normal population. Sexual problems which are generally neglected should be handled regardless of disease activity when evaluating patients with AS and establishing a treatment plan.

Is pain the only symptom in patients with benign joint hypermobility syndrome?

The aims of this study were to evaluate pain, depression level, fatigue, sleep, and quality of life (QoL) among patients with benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS) and to compare their results with those of healthy controls. The study involved 115 patients and 114 healthy volunteers. Pain level was rated using visual analogue scale (VAS) for all patients. Depression level, fatigue, sleep quality, and QoL of all the participants were evaluated by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Short Form-36 (SF-36), respectively. VAS value was 6.29 ± 0.94 in the patient group. Comparison of two groups showed that there were statistically significant differences between the patient group and the control group with respect to BDI, total CIS, PSQI scores, SF-36 subscales (physical function, role physical, bodily pain, general health, role emotional, and mental health), and mental component summary (p < 0.001). While pain is the predominant symptom among BJHS patients, depression, fatigue, impaired sleep, and QoL also commonly occur. Thus, all of these components should be taken into account when assessing patients with BJHS.

Gabapentin Treatment for Neuropathic Pain in a Child with Sciatic Nerve Injury.

There are a restricted number of studies about usage of gabapentin for neuropathic pain treatment of pediatric patients. We shared a 12-year-old male case with severe neuropathic pain that hindered the rehabilitation programme for the loss of muscle power and movement limitation. Neuropathic pain developed after peripheral sciatic damage due to firearm traumatisation did not respond to other medical treatments but healed nearly completely after gabapentin usage.