Benefits of physical activity self-monitoring in patients with haemophilia: a prospective study with one-year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Activity wristbands have been shown to be effective in relation to self-monitoring activity levels and increasing exercise adherence. However, previous reports have been based on short-term follow-ups in people with haemophilia (PWH). AIM: (1) To evaluate compliance with physical activity (PA) recommendations in PWH during a 1-year follow-up period using activity wristbands to record daily steps and intensity; (2) To determine the effect of PA self-monitoring on clinical outcomes. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in 27 adults with severe haemophilia undergoing prophylactic treatment. The Fitbit Charge HR was used to track daily PA for an entire year. The participants were encouraged to try to reach a goal of 10,000 steps/day and to track their progress. The pre- and post-evaluation included quality of life (A36 Hemophilia-QoL Questionnaire), joint health (Haemophilia Joint Health Score), functionality (Timed Up and Go test), and muscle strength. RESULTS: A total of 323.63 (95%CI: 194-364) valid days (i.e., > 2000 steps) were recorded. The annual average number of steps per day taken by participants was 10,379. Sixteen (59%) PWH reached 10,000 steps/day at baseline and 17 (63%) at 1 year follow-up, with no significant differences (x2 = .33; p = .56). A statistically significant improvement was observed in daily moderate activity time (p = .012) and in the 'physical health' quality of life subscale (mean difference: 2.15 points; 95%CI: .64-3.65; p = .007). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that patients with severe haemophilia who self-managed their PA can improve their long-term quality of life in the domain of physical health and also the daily time spent in moderate-intensity PA.

Effects of resistance training on muscle strength in adults with haemophilia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Although resistance training is frequently prescribed for people with haemophilia (PWH), no previous meta-analyses have quantified the effect of this intervention on muscle strength, nor the implications of the intervention's modality and duration. AIM: (1) To determine the effects of resistance training on muscle strength in adults with haemophilia; (2) To determine the most effective duration and modality among the exercise protocols. METHODS: A systematic search from inception until 28 November 2023 was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL and CINAHL databases. We included randomised controlled trials or before-after studies that involved resistance training without other physiotherapy co-interventions. Study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were independently performed by two reviewers. Disagreements were resolved in consultation with a third author. The level of evidence was determined according to the GRADE methodology. RESULTS: Seven studies were included. Measurements of knee extensor strength and elbow extensor strength were included in the meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis showed significant effects for both elastic resistance protocols (SMD: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.02-1.07) and conventional training (isometric and weight-based equipment) (SMD: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.50-1.25), demonstrating small and moderate effect sizes respectively. Additionally, both protocols of duration 5-7 weeks (SMD: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.63-1.69) as well as those of duration ≥8 weeks (SMD: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.20-0.94) showed a significant difference. CONCLUSION: Resistance training is effective in improving muscle strength of the knee and elbow extensors in PWH. Both elastic resistance and conventional training show benefits.

Association Between Pain Coping and Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression, and Work Absenteeism in People With Upper Limb Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prospective association of pain coping strategies and symptoms of anxiety and depression with work absenteeism in people with upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases was conducted from inception to September 23, 2022. STUDY SELECTION: Prospective observational studies of adults with upper limb musculoskeletal disorders were included. Included studies had to provide data on the association of pain coping strategies (catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, self-efficacy or fear avoidance) or symptoms of anxiety and depression with work absenteeism. DATA EXTRACTION: Study selection, data extraction, and assessment of methodological quality (Newcastle Ottawa Scale) were performed by 2 independent authors. Random-effects models were used for quantitative synthesis. DATA SYNTHESIS: Eighteen studies (n=12,393 participants) were included. Most studies (77.8%) reported at least 1 significant association between 1 or more exposure factors (pain coping strategies or symptoms of anxiety and depression) and work absenteeism. Meta-analyses showed a statistically significant correlation between the exposure factors of catastrophizing (r=0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15 to 0.40; P<.0001) and symptoms of anxiety and depression (r=0.23, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.34; P=.0003) with work absenteeism. The correlation between self-efficacy and work absenteeism was non-significant (r=0.24, 95% CI: -0.02 to 0.47; P=.0747). CONCLUSIONS: Rehabilitation teams should consider assessing catastrophizing and symptoms of anxiety and depression to identify patients at risk for work absenteeism. Addressing these variables may also be considered in return-to-work programs for individuals with upper limb disorders.

Validity of an android device for assessing mobility in people with chronic stroke and hemiparesis: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Incorporating instrument measurements into clinical assessments can improve the accuracy of results when assessing mobility related to activities of daily living. This can assist clinicians in making evidence-based decisions. In this context, kinematic measures are considered essential for the assessment of sensorimotor recovery after stroke. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of using an Android device to evaluate kinematic data during the performance of a standardized mobility test in people with chronic stroke and hemiparesis. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study including 36 individuals with chronic stroke and hemiparesis and 33 age-matched healthy subjects. A simple smartphone attached to the lumbar spine with an elastic band was used to measure participants' kinematics during a standardized mobility test by using the inertial sensor embedded in it. This test includes postural control, walking, turning and sitting down, and standing up. Differences between stroke and non-stroke participants in the kinematic parameters obtained after data sensor processing were studied, as well as in the total execution and reaction times. Also, the relationship between the kinematic parameters and the community ambulation ability, degree of disability and functional mobility of individuals with stroke was studied. RESULTS: Compared to controls, participants with chronic stroke showed a larger medial-lateral displacement (p = 0.022) in bipedal stance, a higher medial-lateral range (p < 0.001) and a lower cranio-caudal range (p = 0.024) when walking, and lower turn-to-sit power (p = 0.001), turn-to-sit jerk (p = 0.026) and sit-to-stand jerk (p = 0.001) when assessing turn-to-sit-to-stand. Medial-lateral range and total execution time significantly correlated with all the clinical tests (p < 0.005), and resulted significantly different between independent and limited community ambulation patients (p = 0.042 and p = 0.006, respectively) as well as stroke participants with significant disability or slight/moderate disability (p = 0.024 and p = 0.041, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study reports a valid, single, quick and easy-to-use test for assessing kinematic parameters in chronic stroke survivors by using a standardized mobility test with a smartphone. This measurement could provide valid clinical information on reaction time and kinematic parameters of postural control and gait, which can help in planning better intervention approaches.

Risk and Preventive Factors for Depressive Symptoms Among Older Chilean Adults During the SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak: A Longitudinal Study.

OBJECTIVE: To specifically examine the multiple factors related to the increase in depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 outbreak in older adults in Chile. METHOD: A longitudinal study was conducted using a dataset from a nationally representative survey cohort of Chilean older adults followed at three time points during the COVID-19 outbreak. The main outcome was depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire scale). The independent variables included: age, sex, educational level, geographic area, living alone, self-perceived health, self-reported resilience, loneliness, and social isolation. RESULTS: A total of 424 older adults were included. Female sex (ß = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.22 to 1.68) and loneliness (ß = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.37) were the main risk factors for an increase in depressive symptoms in older adults. In contrast, living outside the metropolitan region (ß=-0.70, 95% CI: -1.39 to -0.02), living in company (ß=-0.34, 95% CI:-1.24 to 0.56), having better self-perceived health (ß=-5.04, 95% CI:-6.33 to -3.75) and greater resilience (ß=-0.30, 95% CI: -0.38 to -0.23) were preventive factors. CONCLUSION: These results provide useful evidence to develop mental health prevention or control strategies for older adults. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings highlight the importance of a holistic approach to health care for older adults that integrates strategies to address loneliness, foster resilience, and promote an active social life.

Exercise variables and pain threshold reporting for strength training protocols in people with haemophilia: A systematic review of clinical trials.

INTRODUCTION: Although strength exercise is often prescribed for people with haemophilia (PWH), it remains unknown how exercise variables and pain thresholds are used to prescribe strength training in PWH. AIM: To analyse how strength exercise variables and pain thresholds have been used to prescribe strength training in PWH. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL and CINAHL databases from inception to 7 September 2022. Studies whose intervention included strengthening training in adults with haemophilia were included. Two independent reviewers were involved in study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment. RESULTS: Eighteen studies were included. The least reported variables among the studies were: prophylactic factor coverage (11.1%), pain threshold/tolerability (5.6%), intensity (50%), total or partial range of motion (27.8%), time under tension (27.8%), attentional focus modality (0%), therapist experience in haemophilia (33.3%) and adherence assessment (50%). In contrast, weekly frequency (94.4%), duration (weeks) (100%), number of sets/repetitions (88.9%), repetitions to failure/not to failure (77.8%), types of contraction (77.8%), rest duration (55.6%), progression (55.6%), supervision (77.8%), exercise equipment (72.2%) and adverse event record (77.8%) had a higher percentage of reported (>50% of studies). CONCLUSION: Future research on strength training for PWH should improve information on pain threshold and other important variables such as prophylactic factor coverage, intensity, range of motion, time under tension, attentional focus modality, therapist experience in haemophilia and adherence assessment. This could improve clinical practice and comparison of different protocols.

Effectiveness of therapeutic exercise and cognitive-behavioural therapy combined protocol on functionality, pain and joint health in people with haemophilia: Secondary analysis of a controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Haemophilic arthropathy is one of the main causes of morbidity in people with haemophilia (PWH), inducing pain and reduced functionality. Therefore, PWH are complex patients and must be approached from a multidisciplinary perspective. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of a therapeutic exercise and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) combined protocol on functionality, pain, and joint health of PWH, arthropathy and chronic pain. Treatment satisfaction was also evaluated. METHODS: A single-blinded clinical trial with 21 PWH in prophylactic regimen was carried out. Participants were divided into an experimental group (EG, n = 11) and a control group (CG, n = 10). The EG underwent a 4-month programme of home-based therapeutic exercise plus CBT, whilst CG performed their daily activities. Patients were evaluated at baseline, post-intervention and after 12 additional weeks. Measures of functionality (Haemophilia Activities List, Timed Up and Go Test, 2-Minutes-Walking-Test and Sit-to-Stand Test), pain (PainDETECT and Visual Analogue Scale) and joint health (Haemophilia Joint Health Score) were taken. Related dimensions of the A36 Haemophilia Quality of Life Questionnaire were calculated. Effects were calculated using a two-factor ANOVA. RESULTS: The EG showed significant improvements in function (p < .001), pain (p < .001), joint damage (p = .006), and satisfaction with the treatment (p = .006) dimensions of the A36 Haemophilia Quality of Life Questionnaire, as well as in pain measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (p = .008) and PainDETECT (p = .035). CONCLUSIONS: The combined physiotherapy and CBT protocol showed a partial improvement in functionality, pain and joint health of PWH, arthropathy and chronic pain. In addition, participants were satisfied with the treatment.

Barriers and facilitators of physical activity in adults with severe haemophilia: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: People with haemophilia (PWH) tend to be less physically active than the general population, but there is a lack of research on the specific barriers and facilitators affecting their participation in physical activities. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore perceived barriers and facilitators to physical activity in severe PWH. DESIGN: An explorative qualitative study based on focus groups. METHODS: Four focus groups including 16 participants (severe haemophilia A patients) were conducted to examine the factors perceived as facilitators or barriers to haemophiliacs engaging in physical activity. One researcher conducted a thematic analysis of all data. RESULTS: Three themes were identified: body function, personal factors, and environmental factors. Key facilitators identified were access to prophylaxis treatment to reduce the risk of bleeding(s), the enjoyability of physical activity, fitness and health motives, social interaction, support, and low cost. PWH faced additional barriers to being physically active including hurtful joints, mobility issues, haemophilic arthropathy, dislike or disinterest, lack of motivation, fear of injury, tiredness, lack of time, lack of guidance, negative social influence, restriction, and lack of coordination of prophylaxis treatment. CONCLUSION: This exploratory study demonstrated that participation in physical activity in PWH is influenced not only by their own abilities and attitudes, but also by external variables, including family, friends, healthcare professionals, structures, and communities. The results of this study may be used to assist caregivers and health professionals, inform programs, interventions, and policies to promote physical activity and health in severe PWH.

Identifying performance-based outcome measures of physical function in people with haemophilia (IPOP).

INTRODUCTION: Recent recommendations of core outcome sets for haemophilia highlight the need for including measures of performance-based physical health and physical function sustainability. To date, there is no consensus on what outcomes might be of value to clinicians and patients. AIM: To identify instruments of performance-based physical function to monitor musculoskeletal health in people with haemophilia that are practical in the clinical setting. METHODS: Utilising components from the Activities and Participation Category of the WHO International Classification of Functioning (WHO-ICF), a consensus-based, decision analysis approach was used to: identify activities people with haemophilia have most difficulty performing; identify quantitative performance-based measures of identified activities via a scoping review; and obtain views on acceptability of the tests utilising a DELPHI approach. RESULTS: Eleven activities were identified: maintaining a standing position, walking long distances, walking up and down stairs, walking on different surfaces, running, hopping, jumping, squatting, kneeling, undertaking a complex lower limb task, undertaking a complex upper limb task. Following a 2-round DELPHI survey of international physiotherapists, the 6-min walk test, timed up and down stairs, 30-s sit to stand, single leg stance, tandem stance, single hop for distance (children only) and timed up and go (adults only) reached consensus. CONCLUSION: This study is the first step in defining a core set of performance-based instruments to monitor physical health and sustainability of physical function outcomes in people with haemophilia. Establishing the psychometric properties of the instruments and whether they are meaningful to people with haemophilia is essential.

Effectiveness of progressive moderate-vigorous intensity elastic resistance training on quality of life and perceived functional abilities in people with hemophilia: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Strength exercise training is advised for people with hemophilia (PWH); however, few studies have been published and have methodological limitations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of progressive elastic resistance training on quality of life and perceived functional abilities in PWH. METHODS: Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 10) or control (n = 10) group. The intervention group performed progressive moderate-vigorous elastic resistance training (2 days/week, a total of 8 weeks), focusing on the muscles of the knee, elbow, and ankle joints. The control group continued its usual daily activities for 8 weeks. Quality of life (A36 Hemofilia-QoL®) and perceived functional abilities (Haemophilia Activities List) were assessed at baseline and an 8-week follow-up. RESULTS: The intervention group improved the quality-of-life dimension of joint damage perception in comparison to the control group (p = .015, large effect size). Regarding perceived functional abilities, the intervention group improved lying, sitting, kneeling, and standing (p = .006, small effect size), and complex lower extremities activities (i.e., walking short and long-distance, and up-down stairs) (p = .006, small effect size) compared to the control group. No other significant differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Eight weeks of progressive moderate-vigorous elastic resistance training in PWH improve the quality-of-life dimension of joint damage perception and perceived functional abilities (lying/sitting/kneeling/standing, and complex lower extremities activities). Our results suggest a limited effect of the program on the other items of quality of life measured by the questionnaire as emotional functioning, mental health, and social relationships. Importantly, no serious adverse effects occurred.

Safety, feasibility, and neuromuscular activity of acute low-load resistance exercise with or without blood flow restriction in patients with severe hemophilia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety, feasibility, and neuromuscular activity of acute low-load resistance exercise with/without blood flow restriction (BFR) in people with severe hemophilia (PwH). METHODS: Eight PwH under prophylaxis (5 with resistance training experience) performed 6 randomly ordered conditions of 3 intensity-matched knee extensions: no external load and no BFR, no external load and light BFR (20% of arterial occlusion pressure [AOP]), no external load and moderate BFR (40% AOP), external low load and no BFR, external low load with light BFR, and external low load with moderate BFR. Rated perceived exertion, pain, exercise tolerability, and adverse effects were assessed. Normalized root-mean-square (nRMS), nRMS spatial distribution, and muscle fiber-conduction velocity (MFCV) were determined using high-density surface electromyography for the vastus medialis and lateralis. RESULTS: Exercises were tolerated, without pain increases or adverse events. Externally resisted conditions with/without BFR provided greater nRMS than nonexternally resisted conditions (p < 0.05). Spatial distribution and MFCV did not vary between conditions. CONCLUSIONS: In these patients, knee extensions with low external resistance and BFR at 20% or 40% AOP appear safe, feasible and do not cause acute/delayed pain. However, BFR during three consecutive repetitions does not increase nRMS nor changes nRMS spatial distribution or MFCV.

Altered neural control of gait and its association with pain and joint impairment in adults with haemophilic arthropathy: Clinical and methodological implications.

INTRODUCTION: It is unknown whether altered neural control is associated with clinical outcomes in people with haemophilic arthropathy (PWHA). The dynamic motor control index during walking (Walk-DMC) is a summary metric of neural control. AIMS: The primary aim of this study was to apply the Walk-DMC to assess if people diagnosed with haemophilic arthropathy have impaired neural control of gait and investigate the association of Walk-DMC with pain and joint impairment. METHOD: The Walk-DMC was assessed using surface electromyography in 11 leg muscles. Twenty-two PWHA and 15 healthy subjects walked on a 30-m walkway at 1 m/s. In addition, pain (visual analogue scale), knee flexion contracture (degrees) and joint impairment (Haemophilia Joint Health Score, HJHS) were assessed. The clinical outcomes were correlated with the Walk-DMC. Multiple regression analysis was performed to predict the Walk-DMC using the clinical outcomes. RESULTS: In 13 PWHA the Walk-DMC was beyond the normal range (80-120 pts). PWHA with an altered Walk-DMC showed more years with arthropathy, more pain, higher knee flexion contracture and a higher HJHS score (P < .05, effect size > .8). Significant negative moderate associations between Walk-DMC and pain, knee flexion contracture and HJHS were found (P < .05). The model that best predicted the Walk-DMC was the pain with knee flexion contracture (R2  = .44; P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: PWHA with abnormal neural control of gait also has more years with arthropathy, more pain, and more impaired joints. Our results indicate an association between the Walk-DMC index and joint damage, specifically with pain in combination with knee flexion contracture.

Exercise capacity in people with haemophilia: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Exercise capacity has been established as a protective factor against joint impairment in people with haemophilia (PWH). However, little is known about how exercise capacity is affected in PWH. AIM: To analyse exercise capacity, as assessed by standardised laboratory or field tests in PWH. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to identify manuscripts investigating physical capacity in PWH. An electronic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL and CINAHL was conducted from inception to 13 April, 2022. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction and assessed study quality using the critical appraisal tools of the Joanna Briggs Institute. RESULTS: Nineteen studies with 825 patients were included. Most studies used the six-min walk test (6MWT) or peak/maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max). In children, the distance walked ranged from 274 ± 36.02 to 680 ± 100 m. In adults, the distance walked ranged from 457.5 ± 96.9 to 650.9 ± 180.3 m. VO2 max ranged from 37 ± 8 to 47.42 ± 8.29 ml kg-1  min-1 . Most studies reported lower values of exercise capacity compared to standardised values. Overall, the quality of the studies was moderate. CONCLUSION: Most of the studies showed that PWH have lower exercise capacity compared to reference values of 6MWT or VO2 max. Based on these results, it is necessary to emphasise in both the promotion and the prescription of physical exercise in PWH.

Effectiveness of physical exercise on postural balance in patients with haemophilia: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Balance training is important to improve balance and to decrease the risk of falls in patients with haemophilia (PWH). AIM: To analyse the current knowledge about the effectiveness of physical exercise on postural balance in PWH. METHODS: A systematic search for clinical trials, published before November 2021, was conducted using the following electronic databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Wiley Online Library and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias. The certainty of the evidence was analyzed using GRADE. RESULTS: A total of ten studies involving 304 patients were included. The studies performed strength and balance exercises, and some included flexibility, mobilization, and/or aerobic exercises in their training programs. Postural balance was evaluated using a force platform and the one leg stand test was the most frequently used. Only five exercise programs achieved a significant increase in balance (pre-post) with a strength, postural balance, flexibility, and aerobic intervention. In general, the quality rate of the risk of bias was fair but the overall quality of the evidence across the studies was very low. CONCLUSION: Five studies showed that there is a positive change in balance after the intervention. However, there is currently an unclear demonstration of evidence for the use of physical exercises to improve postural balance in people with haemophilia. Further studies with a higher methodological quality are needed.

Effects of Cognitive and Mental Health Factors on the Outcomes Following Carpal Tunnel Release: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of the cognitive and mental health factors on the outcomes after carpal tunnel release (CTR). DATA SOURCES: Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from inception to August 14, 2021. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials and observational studies of patients with CTR were included. The included studies aimed to determine the effect of the cognitive (catastrophic thinking, kinesiophobia, self-efficacy) or mental health factors (symptoms of anxiety and depression) on the outcomes at least 3 months post CTR. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent reviewers performed data extraction and assessed the risk of bias. Data were extracted using a standardized protocol and reporting forms. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies risk-of-bias tool. Random-effects models were used for meta-analysis. DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 15 studies involving 2599 patients were included in this systematic review. The majority of studies indicate a significant association between the cognitive or mental health factors and outcomes after CTR. Quantitative analysis showed a moderate association of symptoms of depression on symptom severity (n=531; r=0.347; 95% CI, 0.205-0.475; P≤.0001), function (n=386; r=0.307; 95% CI, 0.132-0.464; P=.0008), and pain (n=344; r=0.431; 95% CI, 0.286-0.558; P≤.0001). In general, the risk of bias in the included studies was low. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that symptoms of depression have a moderate association with symptom severity, function, and pain after CTR. Symptoms of anxiety, catastrophic thinking, and self-efficacy are also important indicators of poor postsurgery outcomes. Physicians, physical therapists, and occupational therapists should consider evaluating these variables in patients undergoing CTR.

Effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation therapy and strength training among post-menopausal women with thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. A randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis (CMC OA) greatly affects post-menopausal women. It is characterized by pain and functional deficits that limit the performance of activities of daily life and affect quality of life. PURPOSE: Analyze the effects of 4/weeks strength training, with and without proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on the disability among post-menopausal women with thumb CMC OA. Secondly, analyze the effects on pain, mobility, and strength. STUDY DESIGN: Superiority randomized clinical trial. METHODS: 42 women were randomly allocated to strength training program (SEG, n = 21) and to a strength training plus PNF therapy program (PNFG, n = 21). The Disability (disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire), pain (visual analogue scale), mobility (Kapandji Test), and hand strength were evaluated pre, post intervention (at 4 weeks) and follow-up (at 8 weeks). RESULTS: Disability was significantly reduced in both groups after intervention, but reduction was statistically superior in PNFG (between-group mean difference [MD] = -16.69 points; CI = -21.56:-11.82; P<.001; d = 2.14). Similar results were observed for secondary outcomes: pain (MD = -2.03; CI = -2.83:-1.22; P<.001; d = 1.58), mobility (MD = 0.96; CI = 0.52:1.38; P<.001; d = 1.40) and strength (grip: MD = 3.47kg; CI = 1.25:5.69; P = .003; d = 0.97, palmar: MD = 0.97kg; CI = 0.14:1.80; P = .024; d = 0.72, tip: MD = 1.12kg; CI = 0.41:1.83; P = .003; d = 0.99 and key pinch: MD = 0.85kg; CI = 0.001:1.70; P = .049; d = 0.62). These improvements were maintained at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of PNF exercises and strength training is more effective for reducing disability pain and improve mobility and strength in post-menopausal women with CMC OA than a programme based solely on strength.

30 s sit-to-stand power is positively associated with chest muscle thickness in COVID-19 survivors.

INTRODUCTION: After hospitalization, early detection of musculoskeletal sequelae might help healthcare professionals to improve and individualize treatment, accelerating recovery after COVID-19. The objective was to determine the association between the 30s sit-to-stand muscle power (30s-STS) and cross-sectional area of the chest muscles (pectoralis) in COVID-19 survivors. METHOD: This cross-sectional study collected routine data from COVID-19 survivors one month after hospitalization: 1) a chest computed tomography (CT) scan and 2) a functional capacity test (30s-STS). The pectoralis muscle area (PMA) was measured from axial CT images. For each gender, patients were categorized into tertiles based on PMA. The 30s-STS was performed to determine the leg extension power. The allometric and relative STS power were calculated as absolute 30s-STS power normalized to height squared and body mass. The two-way ANOVA was used to compare the gender-stratified tertiles of 30s-STS power variants. RESULTS: Fifty-eight COVID-19 survivors were included (mean age 61.2 ± 12.9 years, 30/28 (51.7%/48.3%) men/women). The two-way ANOVA showed significant differences between the PMA tertiles in absolute STS power (p = .002) and allometric STS power (p = .001). There were no significant gender x PMA tertile interactions (all variables p > .05). The high tertile of PMA showed a higher allometric STS power compared to the low and middle tertile, p = .002 and p = .004, respectively. Absolute STS power and allometric STS power had a moderate correlation with the PMA, r = 0.519 (p < .001) and r = 0.458 (p < .001) respectively. CONCLUSION: The 30s-STS power is associated with pectoralis muscle thickness in both male and female COVID-19 survivors. Thus, this test may indicate global muscle-wasting and may be used as a screening tool for lower extremity functional capacity in the early stages of rehabilitation planning in COVID-19 survivors.

Modular reorganization of gait in chronic but not in artificial knee joint constraint.

It is currently unknown if modular reorganization does occur if not the central nervous system, but the musculoskeletal system is affected. The aims of this study were to investigate 1) the effects of an artificial knee joint constraint on the modular organization of gait in healthy subjects; and 2) the differences in modular organization between healthy subjects with an artificial knee joint constraint and people with a similar but chronic knee joint constraint. Eleven healthy subjects and eight people with a chronic knee joint constraint walked overground at 1 m/s. The healthy subjects also walked with a constraint limiting knee joint movement to 20°. The total variance accounted (tVAF) for one to four synergies and modular organization were assessed using surface electromyography from 11 leg muscles. The distribution of number of synergies were not significantly different between groups. The tVAF and the motor modules were not significantly affected by the artificial knee constraint. A higher tVAF for one and two synergies, as well as merging of motor modules were observed in the chronic knee constraint group. We conclude that in the short-term a knee constraint does not affect the modular organization of gait, but in the long-term a knee constraint results in modular reorganization. These results indicate that merging of motor modules may also occur when changes in the mechanics of the musculoskeletal system is the primary cause of the motor impairment.NEW & NOTEWORTHY It is currently unknown if modular reorganization does occur if not the central nervous system, but the musculoskeletal system is affected. This study showed that in the short-term a knee constraint does not affect the modular organization of gait, but in the long-term a knee constraint results in modular reorganization. These results indicate that modular reorganization may also occur when changes in the mechanics of the musculoskeletal system is the primary cause of the motor impairment.

Feasibility, safety and muscle activity during flywheel vs traditional strength training in adult patients with severe haemophilia.

INTRODUCTION: Eccentric training has been associated with several specific physiological adaptations. The flywheel machine is one of the easiest ways of performing eccentric overload training. However, no studies evaluated its feasibility, safety and muscle activity in patients with haemophilia (PWH). AIM: To evaluate feasibility and safety and compare muscle activity during flywheel vs weight machine knee extension exercise in severe PWH. METHODS: Eleven severe PWH [mean age of 33.5 (8.1) years] participated in this cross-sectional study after receiving prophylactic treatment. Surface electromyography (EMG) signals were recorded for the rectus femoris during the knee extension exercise performed with 2 different conditions (flywheel and weight machine) with matched intensity (6 on the Borg CR10 scale). Kinesiophobia was assessed before and after the experimental session. Participants were asked to rate tolerability of each condition. Adverse effects were evaluated 24 and 48 hours after the session. RESULTS: Kinesophobia did not increase after the experimental session, and no adverse effects were reported. At 60%-70% of the contraction cycle, the flywheel exercise showed higher (P = .024) eccentric rectus femoris muscle activity than the weight machine. In contrast, during the last 90%-100% of the contraction cycle, the traditional weight machine showed higher (P = .004) rectus femoris activity than the flywheel. CONCLUSION: The knee extension exercise performed with the flywheel at moderate intensity is safe and well tolerated among severe PWH under adequate factor coverage. Importantly, the flywheel variation provides higher eccentric rectus femoris activity at the breaking force moment, while it provides lower eccentric muscle activity at the end of the cycle.

Effects of a non-pharmacological approach for chronic pain management in patients with haemophilia: efficacy of cognitive-behavioural therapy associated with physiotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: More than half of adult patients with severe haemophilia (PWH) suffer pain daily, with chronic pain (CP) in more than 15% of cases, thereby reducing their quality of life (QoL). However, there are no evidence-based therapeutic guidelines for pain management. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of a combined protocol based on psychology and physiotherapy in the improvement of CP self-efficacy in PWH with CP. Secondary outcomes are changes in QoL, emotional status, pain and kinesiophobia. METHODS: In this prospective controlled trial study, recruited patients were allocated either to an experimental group (EG, n = 10) or to a control group (CG, n = 9). EG received interventions over four months: one cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) session per month and three home exercise sessions per week. Self-efficacy (Chronic Pain Self-Efficacy Scale), QoL (A36 Hemophilia-QoL), emotional status (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Rosenberg's Self-esteem Scale), pain (Visual Analogue Scale) and kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia) were assessed at three time points (Week 0, Month 4 and Month 7). The intervention effects were determined with mixed 2-factor ANOVAs. RESULTS: The EG showed a significant improvement (p < .05) in the control of symptoms and pain management scores on the Self-Efficacy Scale, QoL, self-esteem emotional status, pain and kinesiophobia. The intervention effects remained significant (p < .05) over time for pain management, QoL, pain and kinesiophobia. CONCLUSION: The non-pharmacological treatment applied based on CBT and physiotherapy showed to be effective in improving CP self-efficacy, QoL and emotional status, while reducing pain and kinesiophobia in PWH with CP.