The 5-Year Course of Neck Pain Among Natural Disaster Survivors: The Association of Prior Neck Pain with New Episodes of Neck Pain.

OBJECTIVE: Neck pain is a common health problem among both the general population and natural disaster survivors. However, the long-term course of neck pain has rarely been reported. The aim of this study was to elucidate the 5-year course of neck pain among survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) by assessing the association of neck pain 2 and 4 years after the disaster with that at 7 years. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal study. METHODS: A panel study was conducted on GEJE survivors (n = 1,821) through the administration of a self-reported questionnaire at 2 (first time point), 4 (second time point), and 7 years (third time point) after the disaster. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between prior neck pain and subsequent neck pain. RESULTS: The rates of neck pain at the first, second, and third time points were 20.7%, 21.1%, and 20.1%, respectively. Neck pain at the first time point was significantly associated with neck pain at the third time point (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 5.96 [4.53-7.83]). Furthermore, neck pain at the first and second time points was significantly associated with neck pain at the third time point (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 5.71 [4.19-7.78] for neck pain at either time point; 15.94 [10.99-23.12] for neck pain at both time points; P for trend <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Prior neck pain was significantly associated with neck pain 5 years later, and the effect was stronger with an increase of prior neck pain episodes. Clinicians should base their selection of treatment method on an individual's history of neck pain.

Patterns of social relationships among community-dwelling older adults in Japan: latent class analysis.

BACKGROUND: Social relationships may be the key to successful aging among older adults. However, little is known about the variability of social relationships among community-dwelling older people. This study aimed to describe the patterns of social relationships and examine the differences in sociodemographic characteristics and mental and physical health status among these patterns. METHODS: We obtained the data from a questionnaire survey in 2017 for older adults aged 65 and above who lived in a suburban area in Japan. The Index of Social Interaction (ISI) was used to evaluate social relationships. The final sample comprised 964 people who were independently mobile and answered at least one item of the ISI. To clarify the patterns of social relationships, latent class analysis was performed with five subscales of ISI treated as indicator variables. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to examine the factors associated with the patterns of social relationships. RESULTS: The patterns of social relationships were classified into three classes: "Active" (73.6%), "Socially isolated" (14.7%), and "Less motivated" (11.7%). Persons who had depressive symptoms were more likely to be allocated to the "Socially isolated" (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.80, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.13-2.86) or the "Less motivated" groups (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.00-2.85) compared to the "Active" group. In addition, men (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.07-2.76) and those living alone (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.43-6.61) were more likely to be allocated to the "Socially isolated" group. Moreover, those who were dependent, according to the instrumental activities and daily living functions, were more likely to be assigned to the "Socially isolated" (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.21-3.97) or "Less motivated" (OR 6.29, 95% CI 3.47-11.39) groups. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the patterns of social relationships in older adults and suggested that there may be variations of social relationships among community dwellers. The results also indicated the necessity of assessing individual patterns of social relationships and devising strategies for each pattern in public health practice.

Sleep disturbance is associated with neck pain: a 3-year longitudinal study after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

BACKGROUND: Neck pain is a common health problem in the general population as well as in people after natural disasters. Sleep disturbances are gaining attention as risk factors for musculoskeletal pain; however, the association between sleep disturbance and neck pain has not been clarified. The present study aimed to clarify the association between sleep disturbance and neck pain, especially focusing on the effect of the duration of sleep disturbance, after the Great East Japan Earthquake. METHODS: This study used 3-year longitudinal data obtained from individuals (n = 2,059) living in disaster-affected areas after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Sleep disturbance and neck pain were investigated at 4, 5, 6, and 7 years after the disaster. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used for the assessment. RESULTS: Sleep disturbance was significantly associated with neck pain, and the association was stronger as the duration of sleep disturbance increased (adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence intervals]: 1.84 [1.23-2.75] for " < 1 year"; 2.41 [1.53-3.81] for " ≥ 1 year and < 2 years"; 2.80 [2.09-3.76] for " ≥ 2 years"). Furthermore, preceding sleep disturbance was significantly associated with the onset of neck pain, and the association was stronger as the duration of sleep disturbance increased (adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence intervals]: 1.86 [1.08-3.20] for " < 1 year"; 2.39 [1.22-4.70] for " ≥ 1 year and < 2 years"; 3.00 [1.94-4.65] for " ≥ 2 years"). CONCLUSIONS: Sleep disturbance is associated with neck pain, and long-lasting sleep disturbance strengthens the association. Clinicians should consider this association to effectively treat patients with neck pain, especially those affected by natural disasters.

Association between Prior and Later Occurrence of Shoulder Pain Episodes: A 5-Year Longitudinal Study after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Shoulder pain is more common among survivors of natural disasters than the general population. This study aimed to examine the occurrence of shoulder pain, especially the association between prior and later shoulder pain episodes, in survivors living in coastal areas severely damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) (n = 1,821) over a period of 5 years. The presence of shoulder pain was assessed at 2 (first period), 4 (second period), and 7 (third period) years after the disaster. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between shoulder pain during the first and second periods and shoulder pain during the third period. Shoulder pain in the first period was significantly associated with shoulder pain in the third period [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 5.93; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.06-8.66]. Furthermore, shoulder pain in the first and second periods was significantly associated with shoulder pain in the third period. With the absence of shoulder pain in both the first and second periods used as the reference, adjusted ORs for the presence of shoulder pain during each period and both periods were 4.58 (95% CI 3.17-6.62) and 15.54 (95% CI 8.38-28.84), respectively (P for trend < 0.001). Thus, prior shoulder pain was significantly associated with shoulder pain after 5 years among GEJE survivors, and the association was stronger as the number of prior shoulder pain episodes increased. This expertise should be shared with other expert teams to address the affected people and prepare for future disasters.

Characteristics of Parents Who Feel a Lack of Communication with Coaches of Youth Sports.

Communication between parents and their children's coaches is important for children's sports activities, but the relationship between parents and coaches is not well understood. It is possible that parents feel a lack of communication with coaches, which could be due to parents' experience with sports activities or the social environment of the team. This study aimed to elucidate the characteristics of parents who feel a lack of communication with their children's coaches of youth sports. A cross-sectional study was conducted on parents of young athletes (n = 6,641) and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess factors related to parents' feeling of a lack of communication with their children's coaches. Among the respondents, 29.4% of parents felt a lack of communication with their children's coaches. The factors related to the parents' feeling were a shorter duration of their children playing the present sport, an absence of experience playing the same sport as their children or playing in a team with high competition level, dissatisfaction with their children's attitude towards sports activities, and an awareness of verbal and/or physical abuse by the coaches and bullying by the teammates in their children's team. Parents' previous sports experience and awareness of interpersonal violence in their children's team were associated with their feeling of a lack of communication with coaches. Educating parents on the sport and their roles in youth sport is necessary to make appropriate mutual communication between parents and coaches, which could lead to better circumstances for young athletes.

Contracted joint capsule affects labral and chondral lesions in patients with frozen shoulder.

PURPOSE: Intra-articular pathologies, such as labral and chondral lesions, are common in patients with frozen shoulder. This study evaluated the correlations between the range of motion and labral and chondral lesions in patients with frozen shoulder and investigated their pathophysiologies. METHODS: In total, 125 individuals (53 men and 72 women) who underwent arthroscopic pan-capsular release between 2014 and 2020 were included in the study. The range of motion was measured using scapular fixation and true glenohumeral motion under general anaesthesia. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder score and the Shoulder Rating Scale score of the University of California, Los Angeles were used to compare intra-articular pathologies. RESULTS: More than 80% of patients with frozen shoulder had labral pathologies, and nearly half of them had chondral pathologies. Labral lesions extending to the anterior rim of the glenoid had a greater range of motion and the greatest total American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder score. More severe chondral lesions had a lesser range of motion, but presented the greatest function scores and the lowest strength scores according to the Shoulder Rating Scale of the University of California, Los Angeles. The pain scores of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder score and the Shoulder Rating Scale of the University of California, Los Angeles were not correlated with the degree of these pathologies. The traction force affected the labrum during true range of motion, and the compression force occurred on the articular cartilage during internal rotation at 90° of forward flexion during diagnostic arthroscopy. CONCLUSION: Labral and chondral lesions are common in patients with frozen shoulder. Adherence to the capsulolabral complex induced a limited range of motion and labral and chondral pathologies. Diagnostic arthroscopy with motion is an important method of reproducing the pathogenesis of intra-articular structures for patients with frozen shoulder. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Validation and reliability of a Japanese version of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) is a simple disease specific questionnaire that is used to evaluate the impact of shoulder disorders. The purpose of this study was to translate the SPADI into Japanese (SPADI-Jp) and evaluate its reliability and validity in Japanese patients with shoulder disorders. METHODS: Cross-cultural adaptation of the SPADI was performed according to international guidelines. A total of 100 patients with shoulder disorders participated in this study. Each participant was asked to finish the SPADI-Jp, Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), and the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) at the initial visit. Thirty-four patients repeated the SPADI-Jp to assess the test-retest reliability. The test-retest reliability was quantified using the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), while Cronbach's alpha was calculated to assess the internal consistency. The construct validity was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Internal consistency in the SPADI-Jp was very high (0.969), as measured by the Cronbach's alpha. The ICC of the SPADI-Jp was 0.930. There was a strong, positive correlation between the DASH and the SPADI-Jp (r = 0.837, p < 0.001). The SPADI-Jp was significantly correlated with most of the SF-36 subscales. The correlations of the SPADI-Jp with physical subscales of the SF-36 were stronger than those with the other subscales. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that the SPADI-Jp is a reliable and valid self-assessment tool. Because cross-cultural adaptation, validation, and reliability of the disease-specific questionnaire for shoulder pain and disability have not been evaluated in Japan, the SPADI-Jp can be useful for evaluating such patients in the Japanese population.

Joint hemorrhage accelerates cartilage degeneration in a rat immobilized knee model.

BACKGROUND: Joint hemorrhage is caused by trauma, ligament reconstruction surgery, and bleeding disorders such as hemophilia. Recurrence of hemorrhage in the joint space induces hemosiderotic synovitis and oxidative stress, resulting in both articular cartilage degeneration and arthropathy. Joint immobilization is a common treatment option for articular fractures accompanied by joint hemorrhage. Although joint hemorrhage has negative effects on the articular cartilage, there is no consensus on whether a reduction in joint hemorrhage would effectively prevent articular cartilage degeneration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of joint hemorrhage combined with joint immobilization on articular cartilage degeneration in a rat immobilized knee model. METHODS: The knee joints of adult male rats were immobilized at the flexion using an internal fixator from 3 days to 8 weeks. The rats were randomly divided into the following groups: immobilized blood injection (Im-B) and immobilized-normal saline injection (Im-NS) groups. The cartilage was evaluated in two areas (contact and non-contact areas). The cartilage was used to assess chondrocyte count, Modified Mankin score, and cartilage thickness. The total RNA was extracted from the cartilage in both areas, and the expression of metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, MMP-13, interleukin (IL)-1ß, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The number of chondrocytes in the Im-B group significantly decreased in both areas, compared with that in the Im-NS group. Modified Mankin score from 4 to 8 weeks of the Im-B group was significantly higher than that of the Im-NS group only in the contact area. The expression of MMP-8 and MMP-13 from 2 to 4 weeks and TNF-α from 2 to 8 weeks significantly increased in the Im-B group compared with those in the Im-NS group, but there was no significant difference in IL-1ß expression. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that joint hemorrhage exacerbated immobilization-induced articular cartilage degeneration. Drainage of a joint hemorrhage or avoidance of loading may help prevent cartilage degeneration during joint immobilization with a hemorrhage.

Musculoskeletal pain in other body sites is associated with new-onset low back pain: a longitudinal study among survivors of the great East Japan earthquake.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a common health problem experienced after natural disasters. LBP is often concurrent with other musculoskeletal pain; however, the effects of preexisting musculoskeletal pain on the development of LBP are not clear. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the association of musculoskeletal pain in other body sites with new-onset LBP among survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE). METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted with survivors of the GEJE. The survivors who did not have LBP at the 3 year time period after the GEJE were followed up 1 year later (n = 1782). Musculoskeletal pain, such as low back, hand and/or foot, knee, shoulder, and neck pain, were assessed with self-reported questionnaires. The outcome of interest was new-onset LBP, which was defined as LBP absent at 3 years but present at 4 years after the disaster. The main predictor was musculoskeletal pain in other body sites 3 years after the GEJE, which was categorized according to the number of pain sites (0, 1, ≥ 2). Multiple regression analyses were performed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for new-onset LBP due to musculoskeletal pain in other body sites. RESULTS: The incidence of new-onset LBP was 14.1% (251/1782). Musculoskeletal pain in other body sites was significantly associated with new-onset LBP. Including people without other musculoskeletal pain as a reference, the adjusted OR and 95% CI for new-onset LBP were 1.73 (1.16-2.57) for people with one musculoskeletal pain site and 3.20 (2.01-5.09) for people with ≥ 2 sites (p <  0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Preexisting musculoskeletal pain in other body sites was associated with new-onset LBP among survivors in the recovery period after the GEJE.

Low Back Pain in School-Aged Martial Arts Athletes in Japan: A Comparison among Judo, Kendo, and Karate.

Martial arts, such as judo, kendo, and karate, are popular worldwide, not only among adults but also among children and adolescents. Although low back pain (LBP) is considered to be a common problem in these sports, it has been scarcely studied, especially in young athletes. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the point prevalence of and factors related to LBP among school-aged athletes in judo, kendo, and karate. A cross-sectional study was conducted in school-aged athletes (age, 6-15 years; n = 896) using a self-reported questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the factors related to LBP along with the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Variables included in the analysis were sex, age, body mass index, team level, number of days and hours of training, frequency of participation in games, practice intensity, and lower extremity pain. The prevalence of LBP was 6.9% in judo, 4.7% in kendo, and 2.9% in karate. Older age was significantly associated with LBP in judo (adjusted OR, 2.12 [95% CI, 1.24-3.61]), kendo (1.77 [1.27-2.47]), and karate (2.22 [1.14-4.33]). Lower extremity pain was significantly associated with LBP in judo (6.56 [1.57-27.34]) and kendo (21.66 [6.96-67.41]). Coaches should understand the characteristics of LBP in each martial art to develop strategies to prevent LBP among school-aged martial arts athletes.

Upper Extremity Pain Is Associated with Lower Back Pain among Young Basketball Players: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Basketball is a major sport worldwide among different age groups that leads to a high frequency of injuries at multiple body sites. Upper and lower extremities and lower back are common pain sites in basketball players; however, there is little information about the relationship between upper or lower extremity pain and lower back pain. This study elucidated the associations between upper extremity (shoulder and elbow) pain and lower back pain (LBP) among young basketball players. We conducted a cross-sectional study using self-reported questionnaires mailed to 25,669 young athletes; the final study population comprised 590 basketball players, and their median age was 13 years (range: 6-15 years). The point prevalence rates of lower back, shoulder, elbow, and upper extremity pain among young basketball players were 12.9% (76/590), 4.6% (27/590), 2.7% (16/590), and 7.1% (42/590), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that upper extremity pain was significantly associated with LBP (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 7.86; 95% confidential interval [CI], 3.93-15.72). Shoulder pain was significantly associated with training per week (> 4 days) (adjusted OR: 4.15; 95% CI: 1.29-13.40) and LBP (adjusted OR: 13.77; 95% CI: 5.70-33.24). This study indicates that upper extremity and shoulder pain is associated with LBP among young basketball players. Assessing for lower back pain, as well as elbow and/or shoulder pain, may help prevent severe injuries in young basketball players. In conclusion, parents and coaches should be properly re-educated to help improve lower back, upper extremity, and shoulder pain among young basketball players.

Preceding Poor Physical Function Is Associated with New-Onset Musculoskeletal Pain among Older Natural Disaster Survivors: A Longitudinal Study after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Musculoskeletal pain is a major problem among survivors of natural disasters. Functional disabilities in older adults increase after disasters and can lead to musculoskeletal pain. However, the effects of poor physical function on musculoskeletal pain after natural disasters remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the association of poor physical function with new-onset musculoskeletal pain among older survivors after the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE). Survivors aged ≥ 65 years, 3 years after the GEJE, were assessed longitudinally for 1 year (n = 646). Musculoskeletal pain was assessed using a self-reported questionnaire, and new-onset musculoskeletal pain was defined as absence and presence of pain at 3 years and 4 years, respectively, after the disaster. Physical function at 3 years after the disaster was assessed using the Kihon Checklist physical function score, which consists of 5 yes/no questions, and poor physical function was defined as a score of ≥ 3/5. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association of poor physical function with new-onset musculoskeletal pain. The incidence of new-onset musculoskeletal pain was 22.4%. Participants with poor physical function had a significantly higher rate of new-onset musculoskeletal pain. Compared with high physical function, the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for new-onset musculoskeletal pain was 2.25 (1.37-3.69) in poor physical function (P = 0.001). Preceding poor physical function was associated with new-onset musculoskeletal pain among older survivors after the GEJE. There is need to focus on the maintenance of physical function to prevent musculoskeletal pain after natural disasters.

Effects of joint capsular release on range of motion in patients with frozen shoulder.

BACKGROUND: A thickened joint capsule is believed to be one of the most specific manifestations of and the primary restraint against range of motion (ROM) in frozen shoulders. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship among ROMs under general anesthesia before surgery and the effects of each joint capsular release on ROM. METHODS: ROM was measured using a goniometer with scapular fixation. Arthroscopic pan-capsular release was performed with the patient in the beach-chair position in the following order: (1) rotator interval, (2) coracohumeral ligament, (3) superior capsule, (4) middle glenohumeral ligament, (5) anterior inferior glenohumeral ligament, and (6) posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament. ROMs in forward flexion (FF), lateral elevation (LE), external rotation with the arm at the side (ER1), external rotation at 90° of LE (ER2), internal rotation at 90° of LE (IR2), horizontal flexion, external rotation at 90° of FF (ER3), and internal rotation at 90° of FF (IR3) were evaluated before and after each release. RESULTS: A total of 32 consecutive shoulders were included. After each capsular release, the ROM recovered; the final ROM was significantly greater on the affected side than on the unaffected side. Significant correlations were found between FF and LE, FF and ER1, ER1 and ER2, ER1 and ER3, ER2 and ER3, and IR2 and IR3 on both sides, regardless of surgery. CONCLUSION: Each segment of the joint capsule affected ROM in all directions, supporting the need for whole-joint capsular release; ROM was significantly greater on the affected side than on the unaffected side after surgery.

Restriction in the hip internal rotation of the stride leg is associated with elbow and shoulder pain in elite young baseball players.

BACKGROUND: Evidence is scarce concerning the relationship of physical dysfunction of the trunk and lower extremities with elbow and shoulder pain in young baseball players. This study aimed to examine the association of joint flexibility of the trunk and lower extremities and dynamic postural control with elbow and shoulder pain among elite young baseball players. METHODS: We analyzed baseball players (aged 9-12 years) who participated in the National Junior Sports Clubs Baseball Festival. Range of motion in external rotation and internal rotation (IR) of the hip, as well as the finger-to-floor distance and heel-to-buttock distance, was measured. The straight-leg-raise test was also conducted. Dynamic postural control was evaluated using the Star Excursion Balance Test. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association of physical function with the elbow or shoulder pain incidence. RESULTS: Of 210 players surveyed, 177 without elbow or shoulder pain were included in the analysis. Of the participants, 16 (9.0%) reported having elbow or shoulder pain during the tournament. Participants with the incidence of elbow or shoulder pain had a significant restriction in hip IR of the stride leg compared with those without pain (35.8° vs. 43.7°, P = .022). There were no significant associations of other joint flexibilities and the Star Excursion Balance Test with elbow or shoulder pain. CONCLUSION: Decreased hip IR range of motion of the stride leg was significantly associated with the elbow or shoulder pain incidence. Players, coaches, and clinicians should consider the physical function of the trunk and lower extremities for the prevention of elbow and shoulder pain.

RAGE-dependent NF-kB inflammation processes in the capsule of frozen shoulders.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of frozen shoulder (FS) remains uncertain. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) cause the cross-linking and stabilization of collagen and are increased in FS. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the pathogenesis of FS by evaluating the receptor of AGE (RAGE)-dependent pathways. METHODS: Tissue samples of the coracohumeral ligament (CHL) and anterior inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) were collected from 33 patients with FS, with severe stiffness, and 25 with rotator cuff tears (RCTs) as controls. Gene expression levels of RAGE, high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), TLR4, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), and cytokines were evaluated using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The immunoreactivities of carboxymethyllysine (CML), pentosidine, and RAGE were also evaluated. CML and pentosidine were further evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Gene expression levels of RAGE, HMGB1, TLR2, TLR4, and NF-kB were significantly greater in the CHLs and IGHLs from the FS group than in those from the RCT group. Immunoreactivities of RAGE and CML were stronger in the CHLs and IGHLs from the FS group than in those from the RCT group. Pentosidine was weakly immunostained in the CHLs and IGHLs from the FS group. CML using high-performance liquid chromatography was significantly greater in the CHLs and IGHLs from the FS group than in those from the RCT group. CONCLUSIONS: AGEs and HMGB1 might play important roles in the pathogenesis of FS by binding to RAGE and activating NF-kB signaling pathways. Suppression of these pathways could be a treatment option for FS.

Correlations Between Range of Motion and Elasticity of the Coracohumeral Ligament Evaluated With Shear-Wave Elastography.

CONTEXT: Range of motion (ROM) in the glenohumeral joint decreases with age in healthy subjects; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The process of aging of the joint capsule, including the coracohumeral ligament (CHL), could affect ROM limitation. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated correlations between elasticity of the CHL, evaluated by means of shear-wave elastography, and age, side dominance, and ROM in healthy individuals. DESIGN: Experimental study. SETTING: Laboratory. SUBJECTS: Eighty-four healthy volunteers (39 men and 45 women, mean age: 42.6 y) were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjects were divided into 3 age groups: younger (20-39 y), middle (40-59 y), and older (≥60 y) age groups. With participants in the supine position, CHL elasticity in both shoulders was evaluated in both neutral and 30° external rotation, with arms at the sides. ROM, including forward flexion, lateral elevation, external rotation, 90° abduction with external rotation, and hand behind the back were measured with participants in the standing position. RESULTS: The CHL elastic modulus was higher in the older group than in the younger group in the neutral (78.4 kPa [SD: 37.1] and 56.6 kPa [SD: 31.7], respectively) and 30° external rotation positions (135.5 kPa [SD: 63.5] and 71.4 kPa [SD: 32.2], respectively). Negative correlations were found between the CHL elastic modulus and ROM in terms of 30° external rotation and both external rotation (R = -.59, P = .02) and 90° abduction with external rotation (R = -.71, P = .003) in the older group, with correlation coefficients increasing with age. CONCLUSIONS: Significant correlations were identified between CHL elasticity and ROM in both external rotation and 90° abduction with external rotation with increasing age. Decreased CHL elasticity was strongly associated with decreased shoulder ROM in middle-aged and older individuals.

Musculoskeletal pain and new-onset poor physical function in elderly survivors of a natural disaster: a longitudinal study after the great East Japan earthquake.

BACKGROUND: Functional disability is a significant problem after natural disasters. Musculoskeletal pain is reported to increase after disasters, which can cause functional disability among survivors. However, the effects of musculoskeletal pain on functional decline after natural disasters are unclear. The present study aimed to examine the association between musculoskeletal pain and new-onset poor physical function among elderly survivors after the Great East Japan Earthquake. METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted on survivors aged ≥65 years at three and 4 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake. A total of 747 persons were included in this study. Physical function was assessed using the Kihon Checklist. New-onset poor physical function was defined as low physical function not present at 3 years but present at 4 years after the disaster. Knee, hand or foot, low back, shoulder, and neck pain was assessed using a self-reported questionnaire and was defined as musculoskeletal pain. Musculoskeletal pain at 3 years after the disaster was categorized according to the number of pain regions (0, 1, ≥ 2). Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for new-onset poor physical function due to musculoskeletal pain. RESULTS: The incidence of new-onset poor physical function was 14.9%. New-onset poor physical function was significantly associated with musculoskeletal pain. Compared with "0" musculoskeletal pain region, the adjusted ORs (95% CI) were 1.39 (0.75-2.58) and 2.69 (1.52-4.77) in "1" and "≥ 2" musculoskeletal pain regions, respectively (p for trend = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal pain is associated with new-onset poor physical function among elderly survivors after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Monitoring musculoskeletal pain is important to prevent physical function decline after natural disasters.

Parents' Own Experience of Verbal Abuse Is Associated with their Acceptance of Abuse towards Children from Youth Sports Coaches.

Verbal or physical abuse from coaches has negative effects on young athletes, and the parents of athletes also have an influence on the sports environment. It is therefore important to understand parents' attitudes towards abuse against their children from the coaches. This study aimed to elucidate the characteristics of parents who accept the infliction of verbal or physical abuse on their children from coaches of youth sports teams. A cross-sectional study using self-report questionnaires was conducted with parents of young athletes (n = 6,493). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the factors associated with parents' acceptability of verbal or physical abuse against their children. The proportion of parents who were accepting of verbal or physical abuse was 21.5%. Acceptability of verbal or physical abuse was significantly associated with male (odds ratio: 1.67, 95% confidence interval: 1.43-1.95), younger age (1.24, 1.09-1.41), lower educational attainment (1.32, 1.17-1.50), smoking habits (1.42, 1.23-1.63), experience of playing on a team with high levels of competition during their junior or high school days (1.31, 1.15-1.50), and experience of verbal and physical abuse by their own former coaches (3.59, 3.03-4.26 and 1.17, 1.02-1.35). About 58% and 28% of parents had experienced verbal and physical abuse from their own former coaches, and parents who had experienced verbal abuse themselves were most likely to be accepting of verbal or physical abuse towards their children. Educating parents is considered to be important for preventing and eradicating abuse against young athletes.

Verbal Abuse from Coaches Is Associated with Loss of Motivation for the Present Sport in Young Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study in Miyagi Prefecture.

Verbal and physical abuse from coaches has negative effects on young athletes. Although the abuse can lead to the athletes' dropping out, no studies have reported on this topic. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the association between experience of verbal or physical abuse from coaches and loss of motivation for the present sport in young athletes. School-aged athletes (age range, 6-15 years, n = 6,791) were assessed using a self-reported questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association between experience of verbal or physical abuse and loss of motivation for the present sport. Variables considered in the models were sex, age, body mass index, presence of bodily pain, team levels, number of training days per week, number of training hours per day on weekdays and weekends, and frequency of participation in games. The prevalence of loss of motivation for the present sport was 8.1%. Experience of verbal or physical abuse was significantly associated with loss of motivation for the present sport and the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.93 (1.54-2.42, p < 0.001) for verbal abuse and 1.76 (1.27-2.42, p = 0.001) for physical abuse. Findings of this study suggest that experience of verbal or physical abuse from coaches is associated with loss of motivation for the present sport. Eradication of verbal and physical abuse from coaches is important for young athletes to continue sport participation.

Knee pain is associated with lower back pain in young baseball players: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Considerable research has focused on shoulder and elbow injuries among baseball players; however, although lumbar spine and knee injuries are commonly experienced, they are less frequently studied. During common motions in baseball, such as throwing, hitting, and running, energy is transferred from the lower extremities through the lower back to the upper body. Lower extremity pain, as well as lower back pain (LBP), can disrupt the kinematic chain, and it is important to understand the association between lower extremity complaints and LBP. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the association between knee pain and LBP among young baseball players. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with young baseball players (aged 6-15 years, n = 1,609) using a self-reported questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression models were used for analyses. Variables considered in the models were sex, age, body mass index, team levels, number of days of training per week, number of hours in practice per day on weekdays and weekend, frequency of participation in games, practice intensity, and player position. RESULTS: The point prevalence of LBP and knee pain was 8.4% and 13.1%, respectively. Knee pain was significantly associated with LBP. Using the absence of knee pain as a reference, the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for LBP was 5.83 (3.93-8.65) (p < 0.001) in the presence of knee pain. CONCLUSIONS: Knee pain was associated with LBP among young baseball players. Clinicians should pay attention to knee complaints to prevent and treat LBP among young baseball players. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.