Which Scale to Assess Pain Self-efficacy Shows Better Measurement Properties in Chronic Low Back Pain? A Head-To-Head Comparison Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the quality of the measurement properties of Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ)-10, PSEQ-4, PSEQ-2, Chronic Pain Self-Efficacy Scale (CPSS) long-form, and CPSS short-form (CPSS-SF) in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). DESIGN: Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies (measurement properties). SETTING: Outpatient rehabilitation. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N=245) with nonspecific CLBP (18-60y, 63% women) were enrolled in this study. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain self-efficacy questionnaires were administered on 3 occasions: baseline assessment, 1 week after the first assessment (reliability), and after an 8-week exercise program (responsiveness). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach α were used to assess reliability and internal consistency, respectively. Pearson correlation and confirmatory factor analyses were used to assess construct validity. The area under the curve and hypothesis testing were used to assess responsiveness. RESULTS: No difference was observed for all the questionnaires regarding internal consistency (Cronbach α>.7), criterion validity (r>.88), and reliability (ICC>.7). The scales confirmed >75% of the hypotheses for the construct validity, except for CPSS-SF. PSEQ-2 did not meet the criterion for structural validity. PSEQ-10 met all the criteria for good measurement properties according to Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments. CONCLUSIONS: It was not possible to calculate structural validity for PSEQ-2, CPSS-SF did not meet the criterion for suitable hypothesis testing for construct validity, and all the questionnaires did not show suitable measurement error, except for the PSEQ-10. Hence, the PSEQ-10 was the unique scale that met all the criteria for good measurement properties for assessing pain self-efficacy in CLBP.

Cross-cultural adaptation and measurement property analysis of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Three Incontinence Questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The differential diagnosis of urinary symptoms may allow health professionals to establish a therapeutic objective and to choose the appropriate treatment for the patient's complaint. The aim of this study was to cross-culturally adapt the Three Incontinence Questionnaire (3IQ) into Brazilian Portuguese (3IQ-Br) and to analyze test-retest reliability, construct, and criterion validity in women. METHODS: The cross-cultural adaptation of the 3IQ-Br included forward-translation, back-translation, and consensus among an expert committee. Participants with and without urinary incontinence (UI) completed the 3IQ-Br, King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), and Questionnaire for Female Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (QUID-Br). Only women with UI answered 3IQ-Br after 7-10 days. Test-retest reliability and construct validity were analyzed using the Cohen linear kappa (k). The 3IQ-Br accuracy was analyzed using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve, considering the sensitivity and specificity to correctly classify women with and without UI. RESULTS: The reliability of each question from the 3IQ-Br was considered substantial in the test-retest. The agreement among 3IQ-Br, QUID-Br, and KHQ was almost perfect for UI diagnosis (k > 0.8). The 3IQ-Br was considered to have good accuracy in distinguishing women with UI considering the KHQ (AUC 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78 to 0.87, p < 0.001), and fair to the QUID-Br (AUC 0.73, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.78; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that this version of the 3IQ-Br has acceptable measurement properties for identifying and differentiating UI symptoms in Brazilian women.

Usefulness of the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) tool in detecting differences before and after an ergonomics intervention.

BACKGROUND: Most ergonomics studies on office workstations evaluate the effects of an intervention only by subjective measures such as musculoskeletal pain and discomfort. Limited evidence has been provided regarding risk factor reduction in office environments through standardized methods assessments. The Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) tool can provide an estimation of risk factor exposure for office workers as a means by which the outcome of interventions can be quantified. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate if ROSA scores reflect changes in risk factors after an ergonomics intervention among office workers. METHODS: Office workers (n = 60) were divided into two groups. The experimental group received a workstation intervention and the control group received no intervention. Changes in ROSA scores were compared before and after the intervention in both groups. RESULTS: Statistically significant reductions in the ROSA final and section scores occurred after the intervention in the experimental group with (mean reduction of 2.9, 0.8 and 1.6 points for sections A, B and C, respectively). In contrast, no differences were detected in the control group (mean increase of 0.1 point for sections A and C and mean reduction of 0.1 point for Section B). CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that ROSA scores reflect changes in risk factors after an ergonomics intervention in an office environment. Consequently, this tool can be used for identifying and controlling risk factors among computer workers, before and after interventions.

Brazilian Portuguese version of the Headache Disability Inventory: Cross-cultural adaptation, validity, and reliability.

BACKGROUND: The Headache Disability Inventory assesses the dimensions of headache disability, but it is not available in Brazilian Portuguese yet. We aimed to translate the Headache Disability Inventory into Brazilian Portuguese and analyze its measurement properties. METHODS: Consecutive patients with headaches diagnosed by expert neurologists as per the International Classification of Headache Disorders were included. For the cross-cultural adaptation, 30 individuals answered the translated Headache Disability Inventory version. The internal consistency was evaluated, and the structural validity was assessed through exploratory factor analysis. For the construct validity assessment, 132 individuals answered the Headache Disability Inventory-Brazil, 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12), and Headache Impact Test (HIT-6). After 1-3 weeks, 67 individuals again answered the Headache Disability Inventory-Brazil for the reliability assessment. The Pearson's correlation test, the intraclass correlation coefficient and the standard error of measurement were analyzed. RESULTS: The pre-stage version of the questionnaire was considered as the final version. The Headache Disability Inventory-Brazil had an internal consistency of 0.84 and consisted of a functional, emotional and social participation domain (factor loads > 0.3). The internal consistency ranged from 0.81 to 0.93 for each of the three domains. For the construct validity, the Headache Disability Inventory-Brazil presented moderate correlation with the SF-12 (r = -0.70, p < 0.05) and with the HIT-6 (r = 0.67, p ≤ 0.05). Its test-retest reliability was considered to be excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.95) and the standard error of measurement was 2.26 points. CONCLUSION: The Headache Disability Inventory-Brazil was successfully translated and culturally adapted to the Brazilian population. It can be used for the impact assessment of primary and secondary headaches with validity and reliability equivalent to its original version.

Star-Shape Kinesio Taping Is Not Better Than a Minimal Intervention or Sham Kinesio Taping for Pain Intensity and Postural Control in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of star-shape Kinesio taping (KT) compared with both sham KT and minimal intervention (MI) on pain intensity and postural control. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Outpatient physical therapy. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 120 people with chronic low back pain (CLBP) aged 18-60 years (N=120). INTERVENTIONS: Star-shape KT, sham KT (no tension), and MI (educational booklet for self-management counseling). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measures were pain intensity and center of pressure (COP) mean sway speed, and disability score (Oswestry Disability Index) was a secondary outcome. The outcomes were obtained immediately after initial KT application, on the seventh day of intervention and at the 1-month follow-up. Linear mixed-model analyses using Bonferroni post hoc analyses were applied to investigate between-group differences. The model included treatment, time, and treatment×time interaction as fixed effects. RESULTS: Pain intensity was significantly lower for the star-shape KT group than for the MI group (mean difference [MD], -1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.63 to -0.07) immediately after the intervention and on the seventh day of intervention (MD, -1.32; 95% CI, -2.56 to -0.07). No difference in pain intensity between star-shape KT vs sham-KT groups was observed. In addition, no significant between-group differences were observed for the COP mean sway speed and disability score at any of the follow-up times. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed no meaningful effect of star-shape KT intervention on pain intensity and postural control in people with CLBP compared with MI or sham KT. The observed reduction of 1.3 units between star-shape KT and MI groups was statistically different, but it could not be considered clinically relevant. The results of this trial suggest that benefits from KT are more likely attributable to contextual factors rather than specific taping parameters.

The Brazilian Portuguese version of the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS-Br) showed acceptable reliability, validity and responsiveness in chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to adapt the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS) into Brazilian Portuguese and evaluate its measurement properties, given as reliability, validity, and responsiveness in patients with non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP). METHODS: A total of 108 patients with a mean age of 46.62 years (SD = 9.98) and CLBP participated in this longitudinal study. Participants were oriented on undertaking the prescribed exercises in the first session, and adherence behavior was assessed after 1 week, and finally reassessed after 2 weeks (test-retest reliability). Three weeks after the first assessment, they were invited again to full fill the EARS (responsiveness). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1) and Cronbach's α were used to assess test-retest reliability and internal consistency, respectively. Spearman's correlation and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to assess construct validity, and the Receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to analyze responsiveness. RESULTS: The one-factor EARS-Br (adherence behavior) structure with 6 items showed acceptable fit indexes (comparative fit index and goodness of fit index> 0.90 and root-mean-square error of approximation< 0.08). The EARS-Br scale showed acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.88) and excellent reliability (ICC = 0.91 [95% CI 0.86-0.94]). Mild to moderate correlations were observed between EARS-Br total score vs. disability, pain catastrophizing, depression/anxiety, fear-avoidance and pain intensity. A Minimally Important Change (MIC) of 5.5 in the EARS-Br total score was considered as a meaningful change in the adherence behavior (AUC = 0.82). Moderate accuracy (AUC = 0.89) was obtained for a 17/24 total EARS cutoff score after home exercise was prescribed. The sensitivity and specificity were also acceptable (greater than 80%). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated acceptable EARS-Br reliability, validity, and responsiveness for patients with CLBP. A final score of 17/24 on EARS after the prescription of home-exercise could be used as a cut-off for an acceptable adherence behavior associated with improvement in patient outcomes.

Effects of Parkinson's disease on molar bite force, electromyographic activity and muscle thickness of the masseter, temporal and sternocleidomastoid muscles: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that promotes motor changes in the body. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the impairment of the stomatognathic function regarding molar bite force, electromyographic activity and thickness of the craniocervical muscles in patients with Parkinson's disease in comparison with those in asymptomatic controls. METHODS: Twenty-four subjects were divided into two groups, a Parkinson's disease group (n = 12) and a control group (n = 12). The subjects were evaluated on the basis of molar bite force, electromyographic activity (rest, right and left laterality, protrusion, maximum voluntary contraction) and thickness (rest and maximum voluntary contraction) of the right and left temporal (anterior portion), masseter and sternocleidomastoid muscles. The results were submitted to a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to compare the means of the two independent groups, considering diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and craniocervical muscles as independent variables. For the post hoc comparisons, Bonferroni correction was used (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Parkinson's disease group presented lower mean values both sides for maximal molar bite force, significant increases in the electromyographic activities during mandibular tasks, lower mean thickness values of the masseter and sternocleidomastoid muscles, and higher mean thickness values of the temporalis muscles (anterior portion). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that patients with Parkinson's disease may present functional changes of the stomatognathic system, related to bite force, electromyographic activity and thickness of the craniocervical muscles. The greater temporal muscle thickness in Parkinson's disease patients may compromise their daily life activities, especially with respect to chewing and nutrition.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Profile Fitness Mapping Neck Questionnaire to Brazilian Portuguese: Internal Consistency, Reliability, and Construct and Structural Validity.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of the ProFitMap-neck to Brazilian Portuguese. METHODS: The cross-cultural adaptation consisted of 5 stages, and 180 female patients with chronic neck pain participated in the study. A subsample (n = 30) answered the pretest, and another subsample (n = 100) answered the questionnaire a second time. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity (hypothesis testing and structural validity) were estimated. For construct validity, the scores of the questionnaire were correlated with the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), and the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). RESULTS: Internal consistency was determined by adequate Cronbach's α values (α > 0.70). Strong reliability was identified by high intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC > 0.75). Construct validity was identified by moderate and strong correlations of the Br-ProFitMap-neck with total NDI score (-0.56 50%, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin index > 0.50, eigenvalue > 1, and factor loadings > 0.2. CONCLUSION: Br-ProFitMap-neck had adequate psychometric properties and can be used in clinical settings, as well as research, in patients with chronic neck pain.

Stomatognathic function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a case-control study.

AIM: This study aimed to analyse electromyographic activity, masticatory efficiency, muscle thickness, and bite force of individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). METHOD: Forty males aged 4-15 years, 20 with DMD and 20 healthy age-, height-, and weight-matched controls, underwent electromyography and ultrasonography of temporalis, masseter, and sternocleidomastoid muscles during postural control of the jaw, mastication, and maximal molar bite force. RESULTS: The normalized electromyography signals showed higher activity in masseter and temporal muscles at rest, during protrusion, left and right laterality, and fatigue condition in the group with DMD than in the comparison group (p≤0.05). For masticatory efficiency of cycles, in analysis of non-habitual chewing of flavourless gum, and habitual chewing of peanuts and raisins, the group with DMD presented lower averages (p≤0.05). For the muscle thickness, the results showed that there was a lower muscle thickness in the group with DMD for all muscles during the rest and maximal voluntary contraction, except for masseter and sternocleidomastoid in the maximal voluntary contraction. In the maximal molar bite force, the group with DMD presented higher values for both sides than the comparison group (p≤0.05). INTERPRETATION: Patients with DMD show muscle changes related to the stomatognathic system, in their activity, bite force, and muscle thickness.

Additional Effects of a Physical Therapy Protocol on Headache Frequency, Pressure Pain Threshold, and Improvement Perception in Patients With Migraine and Associated Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the additional effect provided by physical therapy in migraine treatment. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Tertiary university-based hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Among the 300 patients approached, 50 women (age range, 18-55y) diagnosed with migraine were randomized into 2 groups: a control group (n=25) and a physiotherapy plus medication group (n=25) (N=50). INTERVENTIONS: Both groups received medication for migraine treatment. Additionally, physiotherapy plus medication patients received 8 sessions of physical therapy over 4 weeks, comprised mainly of manual therapy and stretching maneuvers lasting 50 minutes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A blinded examiner assessed the clinical outcomes of headache frequency, intensity, and self-perception of global change and physical outcomes of pressure pain threshold and cervical range of motion. Data were recorded at baseline, posttreatment, and 1-month follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients experienced side effects from the medication. Both groups reported a significantly reduced frequency of headaches; however, no differences were observed between groups (physiotherapy plus medication patients showed an additional 18% improvement at posttreatment and 12% improvement at follow-up compared with control patients, P>.05). The reduction observed in the physiotherapy plus medication patients was clinically relevant at posttreatment, whereas clinical relevance for control patients was demonstrated only at follow-up. For pain intensity, physiotherapy plus medication patients showed statistical evidence and clinical relevance with reduction posttreatment (P<.05). In addition, they showed better self-perception of global change than control patients (P<.05). The cervical muscle pressure pain threshold increased significantly in the physiotherapy plus medication patients and decreased in the control patients, but statistical differences between groups were observed only in the temporal area (P<.05). No differences were observed between groups regarding cervical range of motion. CONCLUSIONS: We cannot assume that physical therapy promotes additional improvement in migraine treatment; however, it can increase the cervical pressure pain threshold, anticipate clinically relevant changes, and enhance patient satisfaction.

The Brazilian Portuguese version of the revised Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ-Br revised): translation, cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and structural validation.

BACKGROUND: Complaints of the arm, neck, and shoulders (CANS) have a multifactorial etiology, and, therefore, their assessment should consider both work-related ergonomic and psychosocial aspects. The Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ) is one of a few specific tools available to evaluate the nature and occurrence of CANS in computer-office workers and the impact of psychosocial and ergonomic aspects on work conditions. The purpose of the present study was to perform a translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the MUEQ to Brazilian Portuguese and verify the reliability, internal consistency, and structural validity of the MUEQ in Brazilian computer-office workers. METHODS: The cross-cultural adaptation consisted of five stages (forward translation of the MUEQ to Brazilian Portuguese, synthesis of the translation, back-translation, expert committee meeting, and the pre-final-version test). In the pre-final-version test, 55 computer-office workers participated. For reproducibility, a sample of 50 workers completed the questionnaire twice within a one-week interval. A sample of 386 workers from the University of São Paulo (mean age = 37.44 years; 95% confidence interval: 36.50-38.38; 216 women and 170 men) participated on the structural validation and internal consistency analysis. Intraclass correlation coefficient was used for the statistical analysis of reproducibility, Cronbach's alpha was used for internal consistency, and confirmatory factor analysis was used for structural validity. RESULTS: The calculation of internal consistency, reproducibility, and cross validation provided evidence of reliability and lack of redundancy. The psychometric properties of the modified MUEQ-Br revised were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis, which revealed 6 factors and 41 questions. For this model, the comparative fit index (CFI), goodness-of-fit index (GFI), and non-normed fit index (NNFI) each achieved 0.90, and the consistent Akaike information criterion (CAIC), chi-square, expected cross-validation index (ECIV), and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) demonstrated better values. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide a basis for using the 41-item MUEQ-Br revised for the assessment of computer-office workers' perceptions of the psychosocial and ergonomic aspects of CANS and musculoskeletal-complaint characterization.

Pain intensity scales: A cross-sectional study on the preferences and knowledge of physiotherapists and participants with musculoskeletal pain.

BACKGROUND: Subjective pain intensity can be measured using instruments like the Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R), Verbal Rating Scale (VRS), Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). However, information on physiotherapists' and patients' knowledge and preference for these tools is scarce. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the knowledge and preference of physiotherapists and participants with musculoskeletal pain (MP) regarding the pain intensity measurement scales. METHODS: This cross-sectional study consisted of physiotherapists and participants with MP. Physiotherapists were recruited via social media for an online open survey, gathering sociodemographic, professional data, and their knowledge and preferences for pain intensity scales. Participants over 18 with MP, participated in interviews focusing on their familiarity and preferences for pain intensity scales. Data was analyzed descriptively, and Chi-squared test evaluated scale preferences. RESULTS: We included 352 physiotherapists (mean experience = 10.5 years) and 94 participants with MP. Of the physiotherapists, 94.3% were familiar with pain scales, but 30.4% struggled to differentiate them. The NPRS was the most used (56.3%) and preferred scale (52.4%). Among participants with MP, unfamiliarity was noted with all scales. After instruction, 46% preferred FPS-R, with preference varying by income and education levels (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We found a knowledge gap among physiotherapists in identifying pain intensity scales, with a preference for the NPRS among those familiar with the scales. Participants with MP had limited familiarity with these scales. After instructions, these participants preferred the FPS-R, particularly those with lower income and education levels.

Measurement Properties of Two Questionnaires Assessing Fear-Avoidance in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain.

The Fear-Avoidance Components Scale (FACS) and the Fear of Daily Activities Questionnaire (FDAQ) assess fear-avoidance model components. However, the questionnaires are not available in Brazilian Portuguese. This study aimed to translate the original English FACS and FDAQ into Brazilian (Br) Portuguese and assess their measurement properties in patients with Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP). One hundred thirty volunteers with CLBP participated in this study. Structural validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and hypothesis testing for construct validity were analyzed. Results indicated a 2-factor solution for the FACS-Br, while the FDAQ-Br had a one-factor solution. Internal consistency showed acceptable Cronbach's alpha (alpha >.8). Suitable reliability was found for the FDAQ-Br (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC] = .98). For both FACS-Br factors, suitable reliability was found as well (ICC = .95 and .94). Hypothesis testing for construct validity confirmed more than 75% of the hypotheses proposed a priori for the FACS maladaptive pain/movement-related beliefs domain and the FDAQ-Br. In conclusion, the FACS-Br and FDAQ-Br demonstrated acceptable reliability, internal consistency, and structural validity measurement properties and their correlation (r < .50) suggests that the tools are not interchangeable measures.

Brazilian Version of the Vestibular Activities and Participation Measure: Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Validity, and Reliability.

BACKGROUND: Vestibular Activities and Participation Measure (VAP) subscales assess the effect of vestibular disorders on activity and participation. This study aimed to perform the cross-cultural adaptation and assess the validity, internal consistency, reliability, and measurement error of the Brazilian version of VAP subscales. METHODS: The cross-cultural adaptation followed the translation, synthesis, back-translation, review by a committee of experts, and pretesting phases. Structural validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), while Spearman's correlation between VAP subscales and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) was used to assess construct validity. Cronbach's alpha measured internal consistency. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) assessed intra- and inter-rater reliability, and measurement error was calculated by using the standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC). RESULTS: Additional information was included in the Brazilian version of the Vestibular Activities and Participation measure (VAP-BR) after approval by one of the developers of the instrument to improve the understanding among individuals. One factor was found in the EFA for each subscale with 50% explained variance. Regarding CFA, the subscales 1 (S1) and 2 (S2) presented, respectively, adequate model fit indices (ie, comparative fit index of 0.99 and 0.97, and standardized root mean square residual of 0.04 for both subscales), but a very low factor load in item 6 of S1 (0.08). Chronbach's alpha was 0.80 (S1) and 0.82 (S2). For intra-rater assessment, the S1 and S2 presented an ICC of 0.87 and 0.90, SEM of 0.01 and 1.16, and MDC of 0.39 and 0.46, respectively. When assessed by 2 different raters, SEM values were 1.03 and 1.53, and MDC values were 2.85 and 4.23 for S1 and S2, respectively; both subscales showed an ICC of 0.92. Correlations between DHI and VAP subscales presented coefficients above 0.57. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of VAP subscales presents good measurement properties and may assist health professionals in identifying activity limitations and participation restrictions in individuals with vestibular disorders.

Relationships among lateral medicine ball throw test performance, HIP and trunk muscle strength, and lower limb kinematics: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The lateral medicine ball throw (LMBT) test is used to evaluate the throwing action, involving the entire kinetic chain and the principle of force transfer, with association between the strength of the lower limb and trunk muscles and the lower limb kinematics. The LMBT to investigate the association between lower limb kinematics and hip and trunk muscle strength. EXPERIMENTAL: This was a cross-sectional study with 84 healthy and physically active young people. Determinations were made of the maximum isometric strengths of the hip abductor, lateral rotator, extensor, and flexor muscles, and the trunk lateral flexors and extensors. Kinematic analyses (2D) of the hip, knee, and ankle in the sagittal and frontal planes were performed during the countermovement phase of the LMBT, together with quantification of LMBT. Statistical analysis of the associations employed multiple linear regression, with α = 5%. RESULTS: There were significant associations between the LMBT and the independent variables hip extensors strength, trunk flexors strength, valgus angle, and knee flexion angle and gender. The regression model presented adjusted R2 = 0.622. CONCLUSIONS: LMBT was influenced by the trunk flexor and hip extensor muscle strengths, knee flexion kinematics, lower limb valgus in the countermovement phase, and gender.

Evaluation of maladaptive beliefs in patients with migraine: measurement properties for three versions (TSK-11, TSK-13, and TSK-17) of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia.

BACKGROUND: The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) is one of the most frequently employed instruments for assessing maladaptive beliefs about pain, injury, and movement in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. However, the measurement properties of this tool have so far not been tested for individuals with migraine. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the structural, construct, and criterion validity, and the internal consistency for three versions (TSK-11, TSK-13, and TSK-17) of the TSK for patients with migraine. METHODS: A total of 113 individuals aged between 18 and 55 years old with migraine diagnosis were included. All participants completed the TSK with 17 items, the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, the Headache Impact Test, and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale questionnaires. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the structural validity of the TSK, and Cronbach's α was used to assess internal consistency. For construct and criterion validity, the Spearman's correlation was calculated. RESULTS: The TSK structure with one factor and the 17, 13, or 11 items versions were suitable, with suitable values in all fit indices related to structural validity. The three versions showed acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.75). All TSK versions showed moderate positive correlation with the other questionnaires (rho range= 0.31-0.63), confirming most of the predefined hypothesis for the construct validity. Also, the criterion validity of the 13-item and 11-item versions was confirmed (rho=0.95 and rho=0.94, respectively). CONCLUSION: All versions of the TSK demonstrated good measurement properties in the assessment of maladaptive beliefs about pain, injury, and movement in individuals with migraine.

Intrarater and interrater agreement of a 6-item movement control test battery and the resulting diagnosis in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the intrarater and interrater agreement of a 6-item test battery in nonspecific chronic low back pain (LBP) and investigate the agreement between raters to assign the resulting movement control (MC) diagnoses. METHODS: Thirty patients with chronic LBP (18-30 years) were included in this study. Six raters were trained and rated the videos of the patients during the execution of the tests. After one week, the raters re-watched the videos and repeated the examination. A diagnosis of MC was assigned for each patient. Agreement was analyzed using weighted kappa and prevalence-adjusted and bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK) coefficients. RESULTS: We showed an acceptable intrarater agreement for the 6-item test battery for four out of six raters, except for one test: prone knee flexion. The results of the interrater agreement between the three pairs of raters showed acceptable agreement levels (k > 0.4), except for two tests, "rocking on all four backward" and "prone knee flexion test." For the diagnosis of MC impairment, acceptable agreement levels (k > 0.4) were observed for five out of six raters for intrarater agreement. For interrater assessment, we found an acceptable agreement between pairs of raters. CONCLUSION: We showed acceptable levels of agreement between the intrarater and interrater for a 6-item test battery to identify MC impairment, except for two tests. Agreement in the MC diagnoses achieved acceptable levels for five of the six raters (intrarater) and all three pairs of raters (interrater). Such results support the use of the 6-item test battery to detect MC impairment.

Self-administered stretching exercises are as effective as motor control exercises for people with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomised trial.

QUESTION: In people with chronic non-specific low back pain, what is the effect of self-administered stretching exercises relative to motor control exercises on pain intensity, disability, fear avoidance, global perceived effect and flexibility? DESIGN: Randomised trial with concealed allocation, intention-to-treat analysis and blinding of assessors. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred people with chronic non-specific low back pain. INTERVENTIONS: The self-stretching exercise group performed 6 stretches in 40-minute sessions. The motor control exercise group performed trunk stabilising exercises in 40-minute sessions. Both groups performed weekly supervised sessions for 8 weeks with one or more home sessions/week. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes were pain intensity (0 to 10 scale) and disability (Oswestry Disability Index). The secondary outcomes were the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, global perceived effect, and the fingertip-to-floor test. Measures were taken at baseline and at 8, 13 and 26 weeks. RESULTS: On the 0 to 10 scale, the between-group difference in pain intensity was negligible, with a mean difference of roughly 0 (95% CI -1 to 1) at each time point. Similarly, the between-group difference on the 100-point disability scale was negligible: MD -1 (95% CI -3 to 1) at week 8, MD 1 (95% CI -1 to 3) at week 13 and MD 0 (95% CI -1 to 2) at week 26. The two interventions also had similar effects on the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: In people with chronic non-specific low back pain, self-stretching exercises had very similar effects to motor control exercises on pain intensity, disability, fear avoidance, global perceived effect and flexibility up to 18 weeks beyond the end of an 8-week program. Given the established effectiveness of motor control exercises, either intervention could be recommended to people with chronic low back pain. The choice of intervention might be directed by patient preference. REGISTRATION: NCT03128801.

Additional effect of pain neuroscience education to spinal manipulative therapy on pain and disability for patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) demonstrates small effects on pain intensity in low back pain. Combining SMT with a psychosocial intervention like pain neuroscience education (PNE) could promote additional effect. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the additional effect of PNE when combined to SMT on pain intensity and low back pain-related disability in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). METHOD: One hundred and four patients with CLBP of both sexes aged between 18 and 55 years were treated with PNE + SMT compared to SMT alone. The primary outcome measures were pain intensity and disability post-treatment (4 weeks). Secondary outcomes were fear-avoidance beliefs, global perceived effect of improvement, and pain self-efficacy. Results were obtained immediately post-treatment and at three follow-ups (30-days, 90-days, and 180-days). RESULTS: No significant between-group difference was observed for pain intensity and disability post-treatment. In contrast, our results showed a significantly longer additional effect for the group treated with SMT + PNE for the following outcomes: pain intensity (change baseline to 90 day follow-up = -0.90 [95% CI= -1.76, -0.4] and change baseline to 180 day follow-up = -1.19 [95% CI= -2.06, -0.32]) and low back pain-related disability, global perceived effect of improvement and pain self-efficacy (180th day follow-up). CONCLUSION: The results of this trial suggest the addition of PNE to SMT did not bring any additional effect on pain intensity and disability in the short term, but SMT + PNE can result in longer-lasting effects in patients with CLBP and that such an effect could be related to a possible mediator effect of pain self-efficacy.

Investigating the hypoalgesic effects of spinal manipulative therapy using hidden pain conditioning and positive expectation in patients with chronic low back pain: protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Placebo effects are responses capable of modulating pain and influencing treatment response. Two mechanisms are commonly related to placebo effects: expectations and conditioning. However, the research in this field is focused on laboratory studies with healthy participants. This study aims to identify whether a conditioning procedure with positive induced expectations about spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) will result in greater hypoalgesic effects in adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP) in a clinical trial design. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This trial will enrol 264 patients with non-specific CLBP, aged 18-60 years. Patients will undergo a calibration test to determine the thermal pain threshold for the hidden pain conditioning procedure. Afterward, they will be randomised to one of the three groups: hidden pain conditioning with positive induced expectations-group one (G1); positive expectations-group two (G2) and neutral expectations-group three (G3). Patients will receive instructions to manipulate the expectations. The pretreatment heat pain test will be performed before the SMT and after the intervention patients will undergo again the heat pain intensity test. However, only patients in G1 will receive hidden pain conditioning to reinforce the association between SMT and pain intensity reduction. All patients will undergo five sessions of SMT. The outcomes will be assessed immediately after the last session and at the 6 weeks and 3-month follow-ups. All statistical analyses will be conducted following intention-to-treat principles, and the treatment effects will be determined with linear mixed models. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Federal University of São Carlos approved this research (Process n° 52359521.1.0000.5504). All participants will give written informed consent. Dissemination of the results will include publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences. If positive expectations and classical conditioning improve outcomes, it may support the administration of such intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05202704.