Conservative management of hand impairment in children and adolescents with heritable disorders of connective tissue: A scoping review.

AIMS: To synthesize and critically appraise available interventions in the conservative management of hand impairment for children and adolescents with heritable disorders of connective tissue (HDCT). METHODS: A search of peer-reviewed literature and online platforms were included with data regarding hand impairment and function, conservative management and outcome measures extracted and appraised. Levels of evidence were applied to published literature. RESULTS: Ten peer-reviewed papers, eleven webpages and YouTube videos met the inclusion criteria. Reported interventions included: strengthening, orthoses, assistive equipment, education and pacing. Evidence of intervention effectiveness and evidence-based guidance on dosage were absent, with no consistency of outcome measures monitoring intervention effectiveness. Online platforms posted by health professionals predominantly provided advice for families without clinical detail of interventions. CONCLUSIONS: There is a consistent suite of interventions identified in both peer-reviewed literature and online platforms used by clinicians and families to manage hand impairment for children and adolescents with HDCT. Clear dosage parameters and outcome measures are needed in future intervention studies to determine the effectiveness of interventions and guide clinicians in how best to treat hand impairment. Increasing accountability and quality of online resources posted by health professionals for families is warranted to ensure dosage details and precautions are provided.

Reference values of four measures of craniocervical stability using upright dynamic magnetic resonance imaging.

PURPOSE: To establish reference ranges for four most commonly used diagnostic measures of craniocervical instability (CCI) in three cervical sagittal positions. This necessitated development of a reliable measurement protocol using upright, dynamic MRI (udMRI), to determine differences in the extent of motion between positions, and whether age and sex correlate with these measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Deidentified udMRIs of 50 adults, referred for reasons other than CCI, were captured at three positions (maximal flexion, maximal extension and neutral). Images were analyzed, providing measures of basion-axial interval, basion-axial angle, basion-dens interval (BDI) and the Grabb-Oakes line (GOL) for all three positions (12 measures per participant). All measures were independently recorded by a radiologist and neurosurgeon to determine their reliability. Descriptive statistics, correlations, paired and independent t-tests were used. Mean (± 2 SD) identified the reference range for all four measures at each craniocervical position. RESULTS: The revised measurement protocol produced inter-rater reliability indices of 0.69-0.97 (moderate-excellent). Fifty adults' (50% male; mean age 41.2 years (± 9.7)) reference ranges for all twelve measures were reported. Except for the BDI and GOL when moving between neutral and full flexion, significant extents of movement were identified between the three craniocervical positions for all four measures (p ≤ 0.005). Only a minor effect of age was found. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to provide a rigorous standardized protocol for four diagnostic measures of CCI. Reference ranges are established at mid and ends of sagittal cervical range corresponding to where exacerbations of signs and symptoms are commonly reported.

Online pain management programs for chronic, widespread musculoskeletal conditions: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Face-to-face pain management programs demonstrate positive clinical outcomes in the chronic pain population by improving pain intensity and attitudes, depression, and functional disability scores. The effects of this modality carried out online is less known, particularly in subgroups of chronic pain. This systematic review assessed the effects of online pain management programs in chronic, widespread musculoskeletal conditions on pain measurements (intensity, interference, coping, and catastrophizing), health-related quality of life, depression, and anxiety scores immediately post-intervention. Five electronic databases (Embase, Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, and PEDro) were searched with 3546 studies identified. Eighteen randomized controlled trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Included studies had moderate methodological quality (using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) quality assessment tool) but high risk of bias (using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2)). There were significant improvements in pain intensity (11 studies, 1397 participants, SMD -0.30, 95% CI -0.50 to -0.10, p = 0.004), health-related quality of life (eight studies, 1054 participants, SMD 0.41, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.75, p = 0.02), and depression (nine studies, 1283 participants, SMD -0.32, 95% CI -0.55 to -0.08, p = 0.008). However, effect sizes were small and did not meet their respective measure's minimal clinically important change score. Guided interventions (regular interaction with an instructor) appeared to be superior to self-completed interventions. Future research should standardize outcome measures for assessing pain, use active control groups, and analyze other outcome measures such as cost and long-term effects. This study was registered with Prospero on August 15, 2021 (CRD42021267565).

Hand Impairment and Function in Children and Adolescents With Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue.

IMPORTANCE: Heritable disorders of connective tissue (HDCTs) affect hand function and participation in daily activities for children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE: To describe hand impairment and function and determine the extent to which hand impairment and function explain the variation in self-reported functional performance. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. SETTING: Specialist tertiary hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Children and adolescents ages 8-18 yr with HDCTs (N = 73). INTERVENTION: None. OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Hand function outcomes included grip strength (digital dynamometer), manipulation and dexterity (Functional Dexterity Test, Nine-Hole Peg Test), and fine motor skills (Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency). Upper limb hypermobility was assessed using the Upper Limb Hypermobility Assessment Tool. Hand pain and fatigue were recorded for a timed button test and 3- and 9-min handwriting tasks. Functional performance was measured using the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire. RESULTS: Scores on all hand function measures were below expected norms. Pain and fatigue were significantly worse after the writing tasks (p < .001) but not the button test (p > .40). Secondary students had significantly lower handwriting scores than primary students (p = .03) but similar grip strength z scores (p = .95). Variation in self-reported functional performance was explained by grip strength (6%) and upper limb hypermobility and dexterity (16%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Young people with HDCTs have poor hand function attributable to poor grip strength and hand pain and fatigue. Comprehensive upper limb evaluation and ongoing monitoring throughout the school years are warranted to inform timely intervention. What This Article Adds: Children and adolescents with heritable disorders of connective tissue have difficulty with hand function that affect their participation in daily activities. The results of this study can help clinicians identify, assess, and monitor daily activities, performance skills, and symptoms of children and adolescents with HDCTs to promote their participation in all aspects of daily life.

International Perspectives on Joint Hypermobility: A Synthesis of Current Science to Guide Clinical and Research Directions.

ABSTRACT: There is exponential clinical and research interest in joint hypermobility due to recognition of the complexity of identification, assessment, and its appropriate referral pathways, ultimately impacting management. This state-of-the-science review provides an international, multidisciplinary perspective on the presentation, etiology, and assessment of joint hypermobility, as it presents in those with and without a systemic condition. We synthesize the literature, propose standardizing the use of terminology and outcome measures, and suggest potential management directions. The major topics covered are (i) historical perspectives; (ii) current definitions of hypermobility, laxity, and instability; (iii) inheritance and acquisition of hypermobility; (iv) traditional and novel assessments; (v) strengths and limitations of current assessment tools; (vi) age, sex, and racial considerations; (vii) phenotypic presentations; (viii) generalized hypermobility spectrum disorder and hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos syndrome; and (ix) clinical implications and research directions. A thorough understanding of these topics will equip the reader seeking to manage individuals presenting with joint hypermobility, while mindful of its etiology. Management of generalized joint hypermobility in the context of a complex, multisystem condition will differ from that of acquired hypermobility commonly seen in performing artists, specific athletic populations, posttrauma, and so on. In addition, people with symptomatic hypermobility present predominantly with musculoskeletal symptoms and sometimes systemic symptoms including fatigue, orthostatic intolerance, and gastrointestinal or genitourinary issues. Some also display skeletal deformities, tissue and skin fragility, and structural vascular or cardiac differences, and these warrant further medical follow-up. This comprehensive review on the full spectrum of joint hypermobility will assist clinicians, coaches/sports trainers, educators, and/or researchers in this area.

Beighton scores and cut-offs across the lifespan: cross-sectional study of an Australian population.

Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) according to the Beighton scoring system in an Australian population. Secondary aims were to identify whether the commonly used Beighton score cut-off of ⩾4 is appropriate, and to suggest age- and sex-specific Beighton score cut-offs across the lifespan. Methods: A thousand individuals aged 3-101 years were assessed for GJH with the Beighton scoring system. Differences between age, sex and ethnicity were investigated. The appropriateness of the ⩾4 cut-off was investigated with use of a binary logistic regression. Each Beighton score cut-off was established as the nearest Beighton score that delineated the uppermost 5% of the population. Results: Overall, females and non-Caucasians had higher Beighton scores across the lifespan (P < 0.001). Based on a binary logistic regression model, if a cut-off of ⩾4 was utilized, the Beighton scoring system demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.8% and a specificity of 99.3% (P < 0.001). A cut-off of ⩾4 was only found to be appropriate for females aged 40-59 years and males aged 8-39 years. Conclusion: Beighton scores varied across the lifespan and were significantly influenced by age, sex and ethnicity. Assessing GJH using the Beighton scoring system required age- and sex-specific cut-off scores based on the uppermost 5% values. This was confirmed by the low sensitivity, high specificity and 60% false-positive rate if a cut-off of ⩾4 was used for both sexes across the lifespan. To lower the risk of a false-positive diagnosis of GJH, further tests of hypermobility need to be utilized.

Identifying lower limb specific and generalised joint hypermobility in adults: validation of the Lower Limb Assessment Score.

BACKGROUND: The Lower Limb Assessment Score (LLAS) has only been validated in a paediatric population. The aim of this study was to validate the use of the LLAS in an adult population by: i) evaluating its ability to discriminate between different extents of lower limb hypermobility, ii) establishing a cut-off score to identify lower limb hypermobility, and iii) determining if the LLAS is able to identify Generalised Joint Hypermobility (GJH). METHODS: Participants were recruited across three groups representing varying degrees of hypermobility. They were assessed using the LLAS, Beighton score and clinical opinion. Pearson's correlation coefficient and MANOVA were used to assess between-group differences in the LLAS. The cut-off score was determined using median and inter-quartile ranges and the Receiver Operator Characteristic Curve. The ability of the LLAS to identify GJH was assessed using percent agreement with clinical opinion. RESULTS: One hundred twelve participants aged 18-40 years were recruited. The LLAS distinguished the control from the likely hypermobile and known hypermobile cohorts (both p < 0.001), as well as the likely hypermobile from the known hypermobile cohort (p = 0.003). The LLAS cut-off score for identifying lower limb hypermobility was ≥7/12 with a specificity of 86% and sensitivity of 68%. The LLAS accurately identified those with GJH with high percentage agreement compared to clinical opinion across all cohorts (69-98%). CONCLUSIONS: The LLAS is a valid tool for identifying lower limb specific hypermobility and GJH in adults at a cut-off score of ≥7/12. It demonstrates excellent specificity and moderate sensitivity, and discriminates well between extents of hypermobility.

Torso and Bowing Arm Three-Dimensional Joint Kinematics of Elite Cellists: Clinical and Pedagogical Implications for Practice.

BACKGROUND: Elite cello playing requires complex and refined motor control. Cellists are prone to right shoulder and thoracolumbar injuries. Research informing injury management of cellists and cello pedagogy is limited. The aims of this study were to quantify the torso, right shoulder, and elbow joint movement used by elite cellists while performing a fundamental playing task, a C major scale, under two volume conditions. METHODS: An eight degrees of freedom upper limb biomechanical model was applied to 3D motion capture data of the torso, upper arm, and forearm for 31 cellists with a mean experience of 19.4 yrs (SD 9.1). Two-factor ANOVA compared the joint positions between the four cello strings and two volume conditions. FINDINGS: Significant (p<0.05) effects were found for either the string and/or volume conditions across all torso, shoulder, and elbow joint degrees of freedom. The torso was consistently positioned in left rotation from 5.0° (SD 5.6) at the beginning of the scale, increasing to 16.3° (5.5) at its apogee. The greatest mean shoulder flexion, internal rotation, and abduction joint angles were observed when playing at the tip of the bow on the top string (A): 107.2° (11.6), 59.1° (7.1), and -76.9° (15.7), respectively, during loud playing. INTERPRETATION: Elite cellists use specific movement patterns to achieve string crossings and volume regulation during fundamental playing tasks. Implications of the static left-rotated torso posture and high degrees of combined shoulder flexion and internal rotation can be used to inform clinical and pedagogical practices.

An interactive, multi-modal Anatomy workshop improves academic performance in the health sciences: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Students often strategically adopt surface approaches to learning anatomy in order to pass this necessarily content-heavy subject. The consequence of this approach, without understanding and contextualisation, limits transfer of anatomical knowledge to clinical applications. Encouraging deep approaches to learning is challenging in the current environment of lectures and laboratory-based practica. A novel interactive anatomy workshop was proposed in an attempt to address this issue. METHODS: This workshop comprised of body painting, clay modelling, white-boarding and quizzes, and was undertaken by 66 health science students utilising their preferred learning styles. Performance was measured prior to the workshop at the mid-semester examination and after the workshop at the end-semester examination. Differences between mid- and end-semester performances were calculated and compared between workshop attendees and non-attendees. Baseline, post-workshop and follow-up surveys were administered to identify learning styles, goals for attendance, useful aspects of the workshop and self-confidence ratings. RESULTS: Workshop attendees significantly improved their performance compared to non-attendees (p = 0.001) despite a difference at baseline (p = 0.05). Increased self-confidence was reported by the attendees (p < 0.001). To optimise their learning, 97% of attendees reported utilising multi-modal learning styles. Five main goals for participating in the workshop included: understanding, strategic engagement, examination preparation, memorisation and increasing self-confidence. All attendees reported achieving these goals. The most useful components of the workshop were body painting and clay modelling. CONCLUSIONS: This interactive workshop improved attendees' examination performance and promoted engaged-enquiry and deeper learning. This tool accommodates varied learning styles and improves self-confidence, which may be a valuable supplement to traditional anatomy teaching.

Effect of a musicians' exercise intervention on performance-related musculoskeletal disorders.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a purpose-designed exercise program on performance-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) and associated risk factors in a sample of professional orchestral musicians. METHODS: A 10-week exercise program was made available to full-time musicians employed by the eight premier symphony orchestras of Australia. Questionnaires were administered before, immediately after (T1), and 6 months after interventions (T2) containing questions relating to change in frequency and severity of PRMDs, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during rehearsal, private practice, and performance, as well as nine performance-related factors. Participants were also asked to rate whether these performance-related factors affected their overall playing capacity during different playing situations. A comparative control group of musicians had no intervention and completed a modified questionnaire at the same time points. RESULTS: Exercise participants (n=30) reported a reduction in frequency (p<0.05) and severity (p<0.05) of PRMDs at T1 but not at T2 compared to controls (n=23). The exercise group reported a significant improvement in RPE during private practice at T1 (p<0.01) and T2 (p<0.01), but not during rehearsal and performance. At T1, the intervention was rated to be moderately to highly effective for three performance-related factors: strengthening muscles that support playing, learning techniques that support playing, and posture. Further, participants reported an intervention effect on overall playing capacity during rehearsal at T1 and T2. CONCLUSIONS: A tailored exercise program for musicians was effective at managing PRMDs, especially in reducing the frequency and severity of PRMDs. Physical therapy exercises should be considered in modifying performance-related factors that have been reported to be predictors of PRMDs.

Physiotherapy students' attitudes toward the use of telehealth in clinical practice: A cross-sectional survey.

Background and Aims: Provision of physiotherapy services using telehealth has drastically increased since the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be utilized in clinical practice suggesting telehealth in physiotherapy will become common practice. Prior research has explored the attitudes of physiotherapists with many years of in-person clinical experience toward telehealth. However, little is known about the emerging workforce's attitudes. This study aims to explore physiotherapy students' attitudes toward the use of telehealth in clinical practice. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of physiotherapy students enrolled in the Doctor of Physiotherapy program at Macquarie University between November 2022 and February 2023. Participants rated their level of agreement across 11 statements regarding telehealth use in physiotherapy clinical practice using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree." Participants answered two open-ended questions regarding when they might use telehealth in clinical practice as a physiotherapist and why they believe physiotherapists might be reluctant to use telehealth in clinical practice. Results: A total of 118 participants completed the survey (response rate 53%). Overall, most participants believed telehealth would continue being offered post-Covid-19 (86%, n = 101), participants would use some form of telehealth in clinical practice (82%, n 96), believe a blended approach would be beneficial for patients (84%, n = 99), and were interested in further training in telehealth (90%, n = 107). We identified six broad themes, including accessibility, subsequent consultations, inability to provide manual therapies, limited training/education, perceived ineffectiveness, and digital literacy of the patient. Conclusion: Overall physiotherapy students believe telehealth will continue being offered in clinical practice, form part of contemporary physiotherapy practice, and are interested in further training to upskill in the delivery of care via telehealth. Given the continued use and students' demand for future training, it may be time to reimagine the inclusion of telehealth education and training in the entry-level physiotherapy curriculum.

The effect of the KNEE program for Netball players on the modified Star Excursion Balance Test - a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to investigate the effect of the KNEE program on postural control as measured by the modified Star Excursion Balance test (mSEBT) in Australian club level netball players. METHODS: Two netball teams from Netball NSW Premier-League were recruited and randomized to complete either the KNEE program or a traditional warm-up. Cumulative, anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions of the mSEBT were measured for both limbs at baseline, 8-weeks, and 5-months. Linear mixed models were used to assess the effect of the intervention on mSEBT outcomes. RESULTS: When compared to a traditional warm-up, the KNEE program led to improvements in postural control in the PM direction of the mSEBT at 8 weeks (R: p = 0.005; L = 0.016) and 5 months (R: p = 0.006 and L: p = 0.026). For the cumulative score, there was a main effect of time with significant improvements between baseline and subsequent time points (p < 0.03), but there was no effect of group or interaction. No significant changes were found in ANT and PL directions. CONCLUSION: The KNEE program when implemented as a warm-up prior to training and match-play can improve postural control in the PM direction which is integral to Netball.

An online pain management program for people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or hypermobility spectrum disorder: a three-staged development process.

PURPOSE: Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) are painful, chronic and multi-systemic conditions. No online pain management programs for hEDS/HSD currently exist. We aimed to develop one by exploring what people with hEDS/HSD want in such programs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Delphi was conducted via online surveys of stakeholders: participants with hEDS/HSD and healthcare professionals (HCP). In survey 1, participants were asked if a hEDS/HSD-specific online pain management program was important, listing up to 20 topics important to know about pain. In survey 2, participants rated the importance of those topics. Consensus was set as ≥75% rating of at least "important". Using topics that reached consensus, the online program was developed. Usability testing was performed using the Systems Usability Scale (SUS). RESULTS: 396 hEDS/HSD and 29 HCP completed survey 1; 151 hEDS/HSD and 12 HCP completed survey 2. 81% of hEDS/HSD and 69% of HCP rated a hEDS/HSD-specific program as at least "important". Thirty-five topics reached consensus to guide content for the HOPE program (Hypermobile Online Pain managemEnt). SUS score was 82.5, corresponding to "high acceptability". CONCLUSIONS: A hEDS/HSD-specific online pain management program is important to stakeholders. Utilising a Delphi approach to incorporate stakeholder input, an evidence-informed and user appropriate program was developed.

Pain is one of the most common and impactful symptom affecting those with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD).Online pain management programs are effective in other chronic conditions such as Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis, but there are no programs specific for hEDS/HSD.People with hEDS or HSD and healthcare professionals with experience in these conditions feel that an online pain management program specific to their condition is important; consensus revealed thirty-five key topics important to these stakeholders.The first hEDS/HSD-specific online pain management program, called HOPE, was developed with stakeholder input and usability tested, ready for clinical trial testing.

Don't Just Stand There. Rethinking the Ideal Body Posture for Otorhinolaryngologists.

Surgeons have a high rate of work-related musculoskeletal injuries; an area that has received little attention. These injuries result in surgeons performing less efficiently, needing to take time off work, suffering higher rates of burnout, and may ultimately lead surgeons to retire earlier than planned. Otorhinolaryngologists are at particular risk for work-related musculoskeletal injuries. Beyond the clinician, sustaining such injuries can negatively impact patient safety. Ergonomic interventions have been used effectively to reduce work-related musculoskeletal injuries in other professions, yet not in surgery. With traditional teachings of ideal body postures to avoid injury and manual handling training being re-evaluated, it is important to explore evidence based interventions for reducing work-related musculoskeletal injuries in otorhinolaryngologists. New research encourages us to shift the focus away from the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to ergonomics and toward postural recommendations and education that promote a dynamic, individualized approach to avoiding sustained, static and awkward postures.

The Effectiveness of Dance Interventions on Psychological and Cognitive Health Outcomes Compared with Other Forms of Physical Activity: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is known to improve psychological and cognitive outcomes. Learning dance sequences may challenge cognition, partnered or group dance may benefit social interactions, and the artistic aspect may improve psychological wellbeing. Dance is an equally effective form of physical activity compared with other structured physical activities to improve physical health, but it is unclear how effective dance could be for psychological and cognitive outcome measures. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature on the effectiveness of structured dance interventions, compared with structured exercise programmes, on psychological and cognitive outcomes across the lifespan. METHODS: Eight databases were searched from earliest records to July 2022. Studies investigating a dance intervention lasting ≥ 4 weeks, including psychological and/or cognitive health outcomes, and having a structured exercise comparison group were included. Screening and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers at all stages. All reviewer disagreements were resolved by the primary author. Where appropriate, meta-analysis was performed, or an effect size estimate generated. RESULTS: Of 21,737 records identified, 27 studies met the inclusion criteria. Total sample size of included studies was 1392 (944 females, 418 males, 30 unreported). Dance was equally as effective as other physical activity interventions in improving quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease [mean difference 3.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) - 2.13 to 8.30; p = 0.25], reducing anxiety (standardised mean difference 2.26; 95% CI - 2.37 to 6.90; p = 0.34), and improving depressive symptoms (standardised mean difference 0.78; 95% CI - 0.92 to 2.48; p = 0.37). Preliminary evidence found dance to be superior to other physical activity interventions to improve motivation, aspects of memory, and social cognition and to reduce distress. Preliminary evidence found dance to be inferior to other physical activity interventions to improve stress, self-efficacy and language fluency. CONCLUSION: Undertaking structured dance of any genre is generally equally and occasionally more effective than other types of structured exercise for improving a range of psychological and cognitive outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: CRD42018099637.

Development of a specific exercise programme for professional orchestral musicians.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal problems are common in professional orchestral musicians, and little is known about effective prevention strategies. Exercise is suggested to help in reducing work-related upper limb disorders and accordingly a trial of a specific exercise programme for this population was planned. Formative and process evaluation procedures were undertaken during the development of the programme to ensure high methodological credibility. METHODS: Literature reviews on exercise interventions for musicians as well as for neck, shoulder, abdominal, lower back and hip/pelvic body regions were undertaken. Current preventative and rehabilitation models were reviewed including undergraduate curriculums, postgraduate training programmes, and opinion from academic and clinical physiotherapists. Five series of progressive exercises were developed as a result. These were reviewed by expert physiotherapists who were blinded to the proposed progression difficulty of the exercises. A revised draft was produced for further review. This final programme was pilot trialed and feedback from the participants and physiotherapist instructors were obtained. RESULTS: No evidence-based literature regarding an exercise programme for professional orchestral musicians was found. An exercise programme was subsequently developed with progressive stages that followed an adapted exercise prevention and rehabilitation model. The blinded ranking of each exercise series produced varied results particularly in the abdominal and shoulder series. Feedback from the participants and instructors in the pilot study resulted in changes to the exercise difficulty, and the class format and structure. CONCLUSIONS: Using available evidence on exercise prescription in collaboration with clinical consensus and current best practice, a specific exercise programme was developed to prevent and/or reduce occupational injuries in professional orchestral musicians.

The usefulness of on-site physical therapy-led triage services for professional orchestral musicians -- a national cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Australian professional orchestral musicians reported a lifetime prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries that had interfered with playing at 84%. Physical therapy-led triage clinics may be a practical method to manage the impact of high performance-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) in professional orchestral musicians. This study aimed to: a) collect information on presenting injuries, b) determine the participant's provisional diagnosis, c) evaluate uptake of an on-site triage service, d) measure participant satisfaction, and e) identify factors influencing attendance. METHODS: Eight triage sessions were run on a fortnightly basis during a designated lunch break between rehearsal calls in seven premier symphony orchestras in Australia; a total population of 483 musicians. The participants received one or a combination of: a) education and advice relating to their provisional diagnosis, b) basic acute management and/or c) a referral to a suitable medical practitioner or allied health professional for further consultation or treatment. A three-month follow-up questionnaire was completed and a qualitative narrative themes-based analysis was undertaken to summarise participant and physical therapist feedback. Uptake, participant satisfaction and factors influencing attendance were measured. RESULTS: 99 initial consultations (83 individuals) were conducted with more females (61%) utilizing the service than males (49%). The most common injury complaints were in the shoulder (22%), neck (18%), upper back (18%), and hand (8%). 66% of these were diagnosed as PRMDs. Of these injuries, 94% were considered preventable, 93% continued to affect playing, 68% were severe requiring a referral for further management, and 46% were recurrent. The advice at the triage service was rated as helpful or very helpful by 79% of the musicians, whilst 68% responded they were likely or very likely to continue to use the service if it was offered in the future. Of the participants that followed through with the referral advice, 67% reported that the referral advice was helpful or very helpful. Musicians' and physical therapists' written feedback indicated their acknowledgement for the need of this service. The main suggestions for improving attendance were increasing the music-specific physical therapy knowledge of therapists and overcoming competing time demands. CONCLUSION: On-site health services for musicians may facilitate better injury management by providing immediate and specific health advice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12612000220864.

Prevalence of dance-related injuries and associated risk factors among children and young Chinese dance practitioners.

While Chinese dance is a popular dance genre among Chinese teenagers and adults, little is known regarding the prevalence of dance-related injuries or factors associated with such injuries among Chinese dance practitioners. The current cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of dance-related injuries and their associated risk factors among young Chinese dance practitioners in Hong Kong. Online surveys were distributed to dancers through local dance associations, while paper-based surveys were distributed to young Chinese dance performers during the 54th School Dance Festival in Hong Kong. Self-reported hours of dancing, injuries in the last 12 months, injury sites, and related factors were collected. The injury rate, 12-month prevalence of dance-related injuries were determined. Risk factors for common dance injuries were analyzed using separate multivariate regression models. A total of 175 children (aged 10-14 years) and 118 young (aged 15-24 years) Chinese dance practitioners provided their dance injury information. Young dancers had a significantly higher injury rate (6.5 injuries vs 4.6 injuries/1000 dance hours) and 12-month prevalence (52.5% vs 19.4%) than their child counterparts. The most commonly injured sites were the knee (children:7.4%; young:15.3%), lower back (children: 4.6%; young: 9.5%), and ankles (children: 5.1%; young: 16.9%). Age was a significant independent risk factor for dance-related injuries to the upper back, lower back, and pelvis/buttock (odds ratios ranging from 1.2 to 1.3/additional years). Additionally, height was a significant independent risk factor for lower limb injury (odds ratios ranging from 1.0-1.1/additional centimeter). Collectively, young Chinese dance practitioners are more vulnerable to dance-related injuries than are child dancers. Older age increases the risk of trunk injuries, whereas taller dancers are more likely to sustain lower-limb injuries. Future research should determine the mechanisms underlying dance-related injuries among these dancers.

Hypermobility syndromes in children and adolescents: Assessment, diagnosis and multidisciplinary management.

BACKGROUND: Managing children and adolescents with syndromic hypermobility and their parents is challenging in the context of a standard consultation. The multi-organ involvement of the syndromes, the evolving classification criteria and their highly heterogeneous presentation complicate both diagnosis and management. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the diagnosis, management and support of children with hypermobility syndromes, including the role of the multidisciplinary team and common associated features. DISCUSSION: Optimising the quality of life of people with syndromic hypermobility begins with the early identification of their signs and symptoms. Diagnosis, ideally by adolescence, provides affected children and their parents with validation and directs their focus to management aimed at mitigating the socioeconomic, educational and health-related quality of life impact of these conditions.

Is Scoliosis Associated with Dance Injury in Young Recreational Dancers? A Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Study.

Some studies suggested that adolescent scoliotic dancers were more likely to sustain dance injuries than non-scoliotic dancers. This study aimed to investigate the association between scoliosis and dance injury among children and adolescent recreational dancers. Identical web-based and paper-based questionnaires were distributed to children and adolescent recreational dancers to collect demographic information, dance experiences, history and location of dance injuries, as well as the frequency of dance injury in the last 12 months. The prevalence rates of the top three dance injury sites (lower back, knee, and ankles) were estimated. Associations between the presence of scoliosis and various dance injuries in the last 12 months were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression. Data from 704 respondents (644 females, 13.3 ± 2.4 years) was analyzed. Ninety-one respondents (12.9%) reported scoliosis and 11 respondents (1.6%) were wearing scoliosis braces. The 12-month prevalence rates of lumbar, knee, and ankle injuries in scoliotic dancers (24.2%, 22.2%, and 28.5%, respectively) were significantly higher than those of non-scoliotic dancers (10.4%, 14.9%, and 14.8%, respectively). Scoliosis was an independent risk factor for lumbar spine injury (Odds ratio, OR = 2.7), knee injury (OR = 2.6), and multi-site dance-related injury (OR = 1.9). Given the observed strong associations between scoliosis and lumbar or knee dance injuries in the current study, future studies are warranted to investigate the underlying causes.