Does the intensity of pain and disability affect health-related quality of life of older adults with back pain? Multilevel analysis between Brazil and Netherlands: a cross-sectional study of the BACE consortium.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of back pain (BP) in the older adults is less favorable than in younger adults and progress to adverse outcomes and consequent worsening of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The present study aimed to verify the association between BP intensity, disability and HRQoL in older adults residents in Brazil and Netherlands, and to evaluate whether the country of residence influences the associations. METHODS: Data were collected from 602 Brazilian and 675 Dutch participants with a new episode of BP from the Back Complaints in Elders (BACE) consortium. For the present study, a cross section was used. Pain intensity and disability were assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), respectively. HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) quality of life questionnaire. Age, sex, and education were descriptive variables. Pain intensity (NPS score) and country were the independent variables and quality of life assessed by each SF domain - 36 was the dependent variable. Analysis of models at the individual level was performed to verify the association between pain and disability, also HRQoL in Netherlands and Brazil in the total sample. The multilevel model was used to verify whether the older adults person's country of residence influenced this relationship. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 67.00 (7.33) years. In the total sample, linear regression analysis adjusted for sex and age showed a significant association between BP intensity scores and HRQoL, for all domains. There was no association between disability and HRQoL. In the multilevel analysis, there was an association between BP intensity and HRQoL in all domains and an association between the country of residence and HRQoL, influencing the effect of pain, in all domains, except for the physical functioning. CONCLUSION: Socioeconomic and cultural aspects of different countries can affect the perception of the elderly about their HRQoL in the presence of BP. Pain and disability in Brazilian and Dutch older adults ones are experienced differently in relation to their HRQoL.

Nasal dilator and physiological parameters associated to running performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Nasal dilators were created to expand the nasal valve area. The aim of this systematic review was to verify physiological parameters associated to running performance with the use of nasal dilators. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021225795). According to the PICOS framework studies were included: Population: healthy subjects; Intervention: nasal dilators; Comparison: control group, placebo, minimal intervention, health education or other intervention; Outcomes: cardiorespiratory parameters and subjective perceptions; Study: randomized controlled trials, repeated measures or within-subjects design. The databases searched were MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, PEDro and Scopus. The descriptors "Running", "Nasal Dilator", "Randomized Controlled Trial", and synonyms were used. The risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro scale. Random effects Der Simonian and Laird model were used. The assessment of the certainty of the evidence was carried out using the GRADE approach. Eleven articles were included. There was a difference in favour of the nasal dilator when compared to placebo for maximal oxygen uptake and rating of perceived exertion. The certainty of the evidence was very low. Future studies will probably have an impact on estimation of the effect.

Risk factors for non-specific low back pain in older people: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To conduct a systematic review about risk factors associated with non-specific low back pain (LBP) in older people. METHODS: The study protocol was prospectively registered with Prospero (CRD42020191619). This systematic review with meta-analysis included cohort studies that investigated risk factors for LBP in older people. The following databases were searched up to 12 December 2020: MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, CINAHL, SCOPUS and Web of Science. Two independent reviewers appraised methodological quality using the Critical Appraisal Checklist for Cohort Studies instrument. RESULTS: We identified 3939 potentially relevant publications. After removing duplicates, screening title, and abstracts, we assessed 86 publications in full text. We included the remaining 11 publications for analysis. There is strong evidence that depressive symptoms are a risk of reporting future back pain onset (I2 = 52,7%, Odds ratio 1.4, CI 1.28-1.53). CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms are a risk factor for LBP in older people. Due to the limitations of the literature, the role of some risk factors remains unclear. An additional high-quality prospective cohort is needed to better elucidate these relationships.

Inflammatory mediators and the risk of falls among older women with acute low back pain: data from Back Complaints in the Elders (BACE)-Brazil.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1-ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, and the soluble TNF receptor 1 [sTNF-R1]), disability, and risk of falls in older women with acute low back pain (LBP). METHODS: This cross-sectional study comprised a subsample of older women from the Back Complaints in the Elders international cohort study. Plasma levels of IL-1-ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and sTNF-R1 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Pain was assessed using the Numerical Pain Scale and McGill Pain Questionnaire, while disability was measured using the Roland Morris Questionnaire and gait speed. Risk of falls was estimated using the Physiological Profile Assessment. Linear regression model was used to verify the association between independent variables and fall risk. RESULTS: One hundred and ten women (aged 69.97 ± 5.5 years) with acute LBP were included. The regression model showed an association between the risk of falls and IL-6 levels, pain, gait speed, and years of education. It also explained 21.2% of risk of falls variance. The model equation was: fall risk = 1.28 + (0.19 IL-6) + (0.02 quality of pain) + (- 0.71 gait speed) + (-0 .17 educational level). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed an association between risk of falls and IL-6, pain, gait speed, and educational level in older women with LBP. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Trajectories of pain and disability in older adults with acute low back pain: Longitudinal data of the BACE-Brazil cohort.

BACKGROUND: Although the literature describes a favorable course of low back pain (LBP) in adults, little information is available for older adults. LBP is prevalent and complex in older adults, and the analysis of its trajectories may contribute to the improvement of therapeutic approaches. OBJECTIVE: To describe pain and disability trajectories in older adults with a new episode of LBP. METHODS: Older adults (n = 542), aged >55 years with a new episode of nonspecific LBP, were followed for 12 months in a prospective cohort. Pain intensity (Numeric Rating Scale) and disability (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire) were assessed at baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Latent class growth analysis (LCGA) was used to model pain and disability scores over time. Baseline biopsychosocial characteristics were compared using one-way analysis of variance or Chi-square test (α=0.05). RESULTS: The LCGA identified three and four trajectories in the pain and disability courses, respectively. Trajectories with low, intermediate, or high scores over time were defined. Worse biopsychosocial status at baseline was associated with worst prognosis over 12 months. Low educational level, physical inactivity, poor mobility, recent falls, worse fall self-efficacy, presence of depressive symptoms, more kinesiophobia, greater number of comorbidities, and the presence of other LBP-associated complaints were found in older adults with severe and persistent symptoms. CONCLUSION: The trajectories allow the identification of clusters with similar clinical prognoses in older adults with a new episode of LPB. In practice, excessive treatments and unnecessary tests can be avoided, while more accurate and targeted interventions can be implemented.

Perceived exertion, postural control, and muscle recruitment in three different quadruped exercises performed by healthy women.

Although quadruped exercises (QE) have been a part of rehabilitation and sports programs, there is no clarity on how these exercises challenge the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, this cross-sectional study investigated the perceived exertion, postural demands, and muscle recruitment profiles imposed by three QE postures. Surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals were recorded from transverse abdominis, longissimus dorsi, multifidus, and iliocostalis lumborum from 30 sedentary healthy women, bilaterally. They performed the classic quadruped exercise (CQ), a variation with shoulder flexion (FQ), and the homolateral quadruped (HQ). Borg scores (BS) and the center of pressure (CoP) from the palmar statokinesiogram were also recorded. Surface EMG signals were normalized using the myoelectric activity recorded from two other postures while performing isometric voluntary contractions (IVC). Results were analyzed using one- (CoP) and three-way (sEMG data) ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests (α = 0.05). The Borg scale was analyzed using the Friedman test. The CQ provided lower BS and CoP than HQ (p < 0.05), followed by a higher sEMG activity (∼51% of IVC) than FQ (∼47% of IVC; p = 0.53) and HQ (∼44% of IVC; p = 0.01). In turn, HQ provided greater BS (p > 0.05) than CQ and FQ. The results suggested that the HQ was the most challenging exercise regarding CoP and BS, although CQ presented a higher symmetrical sEMG activity. Since QE are often prescribed in exercise programs, specific knowledge of the characteristics of each QE makes prescribing safer and more efficient.

Behavior change interventions in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review of the effects on self-management and A1c.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the characteristics of interventions employed to promote behavior change in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and their impact on disease self-management and glycated hemoglobin (A1c). METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to guide the protocol development for this systematic review. Randomized controlled clinical trials which compared behavior change interventions to controls in adults with T2DM and investigated disease self-management and glycated hemoglobin (A1c) measured by validated methods were eligible for this study. The risk of bias and quality of evidence was assessed respectively by Cochrane's tool and grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE). RESULTS: A total of 27 studies were included involving 4464 participants. Behavior change was mainly promoted by education sessions on diabetes care delivered face-to-face, monthly, or every other month, lasting more than 60 min, involving blood glucose monitoring, healthy eating, exercise, and medication. Four studies showed significant improvement in both disease self-management and A1c. The risk of bias was classified as high in most studies. A meta-analysis could not be performed for A1c and self-management due to the high differences in intervention parameters (delivery mode, number, duration, and frequency) and self-management assessments. CONCLUSION: Low evidence of improvement in disease self-management and A1c considering only validated assessment methods were found for behavior change interventions, mainly promoted by education sessions on diabetes care. The quality of studies and probably the differences in intervention protocols contributed to this finding. PROSPERO NUMBER: CRD42020161162.

Knee extension strength and handgrip strength are important predictors of Timed Up and Go test performance among community-dwelling elderly women: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Handgrip and knee extension strengths have each been used to characterize disability. However, it has been reported that the association between handgrip and knee extension strengths is weak. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of knee extensor and handgrip muscle strength on Timed Up and Go (TUG) test results among elderly women with worse (≥ 10 seconds) and better (< 10 seconds) performance, after controlling for confounders. DATA AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study on a sample selected according to convenience, carried out in a federal public institution of higher education. METHODS: Assessment of handgrip was carried out using the Jamar dynamometer (Lafayette Instrument Company, Inc., Lafayette, United States). Knee extensor muscle performance was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 3 Pro; Biodex Medical Systems, Inc., United States), The confounding factors were education, age, comorbidities, body mass index and Geriatric Depression Scale and Human Activity Profile scores. Functional performance was assessed through the TUG test. A backward linear regression model was used. RESULTS: 127 elderly women performed the TUG test in more than 10 seconds and 93 in less than 10 seconds. However, regardless of test performance, handgrip strength and knee extension strength comprised the reduced final model. CONCLUSIONS: Knee extension strength and handgrip strength might be particularly useful indicators for measuring disability.

Effects of whole-body electromyostimulation on function, muscle mass, strength, social participation, and falls-efficacy in older people: A randomized trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Resistance training has a positive impact on functional capacity and muscle mass in the elderly. However, due to physical limitations or a simple aversion against regular exercise, a majority of the elderly do not reach the recommended exercise doses. This led us to evaluate the effect of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS), a novel, time-efficient, and smooth training technology on physical function, fat-free mass, strength, falls-efficacy, and social participation of the elderly. METHODS: The present study is a randomized, parallel group clinical trial approved by the Ethics Committee of our Institution. Sixty-six volunteers (age ≥ 60 years) will be recruited from the geriatric outpatient department in a tertiary hospital and primary care units and randomized into two groups: WB-EMS group or active control group (aCG). The WB-EMS or aCG protocol will consist of 16 sessions for 8 consecutive weeks, twice per week. The primary outcomes will be maximal isometric knee extension (IKE), functional lower extremity strength, fat-free mass, gait speed, and risk of falls measured before and after intervention. The secondary outcomes will be social participation and falls-efficacy assessed before and after the intervention and at three and six months of follow-up. Participant's satisfaction with and awareness of electrical stimulation therapy will also be assessed immediately after the 8-week intervention. DISCUSSION: Patients receiving WB-EMS exercises are believed to have better outcomes than those receiving conventional, more time-consuming resistance exercises. Hence, innovative, time-efficient, joint-friendly, and highly individualized exercise technologies (such as WB-EMS) may be a good choice for the elderly with time constraints, physical limitations, or little enthusiasm, who are exercising less than the recommended amounts for impact on muscle mass, strength, and function.

The effect of kinesiophobia in older people with acute low back pain: longitudinal data from Back Complaints in the Elders (BACE).

This study aimed to investigate the course of low back pain (LBP) intensity over a period of 12 months in older people with and without kinesiophobia.This was an international multicenter study. LBP intensity was examined by using the Numerical Pain Scale at baseline and over five follow-up periods. The Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire was used to measure patients' beliefs and fears. The study included 532 older adults (non kinesiophobic = 227; kinesiophobic = 305). The individuals had moderate pain at baseline, with a significant difference observed between the groups. Participants showed a rapid improvement in the first 6 weeks, followed by minor improvements in the succeeding months. However, a significant difference between groups remained during the follow-up period. Independently, kinesiophobia is a significant prognostic factor. These findings suggest the importance of screening for psychosocial factors in the management of older patients with LBP. Practice implications: patients need to be warned that pain can be perpetuated by inappropriate avoidance behaviors that may later lead to disability.

Prevalence of falls and associated factors in community-dwelling older Brazilians: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Falls determine huge epidemiological, clinical, and economic burden in the older population worldwide, presenting high odds of severe disability. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of falls and associated factors in older Brazilians using a systematic review with meta-analysis. Searches were performed in SciELO, PubMed, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus and PsycINFO databases with no date or language restrictions. Studies on community-dwelling older persons aged ≥ 60 years from both sexes and with a sample size of ≥ 300 participants included. Exclusion criteria were studies conducted specifically for older adults diagnosed with chronic disabling diseases that predispose them to falls. Risk of bias of included studies was assessed using a critical appraisal tool focusing on prevalence designs. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the prevalence of falls across studies. Exploratory analysis was conducted examining subgroup estimates, prevalence ratios and meta-regression. Thirty-seven studies involving 58,597 participants were included. Twelve-month prevalence of falls was 27% (95%CI: 24.3-30.0), with significantly higher estimates in female than male (PR = 1.57; 95%CI: 1.32-1.86), in age group ≥ 80 years than age group 60-69 years (PR = 1.46; 95%CI: 1.15-1.84), and in participants from the Central region than participants from the South region (PR = 1.36; 95%CI: 1.10-1.69) of Brazil. Risk of bias scores did not impact heterogeneity in the 12-month meta-analysis. These estimates strongly support evidence-based public interventions to prevent falls in older Brazilians, especially in women and the oldest-old population.

Biopsychosocial factors associated with disability in older adults with acute low back pain: BACE-Brasil study. / Fatores biopsicossociais associados com a incapacidade em idosos com dor lombar aguda: estudo BACE-Brasil.

This cross-sectional study evaluated the association of biopsychosocial factors with disability in older adults with a new episode of acute low back pain. Older patients with a new episode of acute low back pain were included and those with cognitive alterations and severe motor impairment were excluded. Disability was assessed using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire. The biopsychosocial factors (clinical, functional, health status, psychological and social variables) were evaluated by a structured multidimensional questionnaire and physical examination. A multivariate linear regression was used to analyze data with a statistical significance of 0.05. A total of 386 older individuals with a mean age of 71.6 (± 4.2) years and disability of 13.7 (± 5.7) points were enrolled. Our regression analyses identified that worse physical and mental health (assessed through SF-36), low falls self-efficacy, trouble sleeping due to pain, worse kinesiophobia levels, higher body mass indexes, lumbar morning stiffness, increased pain intensity, female gender and worse functional mobility were significantly associated with baseline disability (p < 0.05). Low back pain-related disability is significantly associated with worse biopsychosocial health conditions in older adults.

Este estudo transversal avaliou a associação de fatores biopsicossociais com a incapacidade em idosos com um novo episódio de dor lombar aguda. Foram incluídos idosos com um novo episódio de dor lombar aguda e excluídos aqueles com alterações cognitivas e deficiências motoras graves. A incapacidade foi avaliada pelo Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire. Os fatores biopsicossociais (variáveis clínicas, funcionais, estado de saúde, psicológicas e sociais) foram avaliados por um questionário estruturado multidimensional e exame físico. Regressão linear multivariada foi utilizada para análise dos dados com significância estatística de 0,05. Participaram 386 idosos com média de idade de 71,6 (±4,2) anos e incapacidade de 13,7 (±5,7) pontos. A análise de regressão linear multivariada identificou que pior saúde física e mental (avaliados através do SF-36), baixa autoeficácia em quedas, dificuldade para dormir por causa da dor, piores níveis de cinesiofobia, maiores índices de massa corporal, presença de rigidez matinal na coluna lombar, maior intensidade de dor, sexo feminino e pior mobilidade funcional foram significativamente associados com incapacidade (p < 0,05). Incapacidade relacionada à dor lombar está significativamente associada com piores condições biopsicossociais de saúde em idosos.

Anterior Trunk Mobility Does Not Predict Disability in Elderly Women With Acute Low Back Pain: Brazilian Back Complaints in the Elders (BACE-Brazil) Study Results.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, ancillary study of an international multicenter epidemiological study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship of the anterior trunk mobility with self-report and physical performance measures in elderly women with acute low back pain (LBP). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: LBP is one of the most prevalent pain complaints in the elderly population. It is postulated that the increased range of motion of limited joints of the trunk may improve LBP and functionality of patients. Recent studies have, however, questioned the association between trunk range of motion and the functional status. METHODS: The present study included a convenience sample of elderly women from the community aged 60 years and older who presented with a new (acute) episode of LBP. Volunteers with severe diseases and visual, hearing and mobility losses, or cognitive impairment were excluded. Trunk mobility was assessed by the fingertip-to-floor test. Functionality was assessed by the Roland-Morris Questionnaire (RMQ) and gait speed test. Statistical analysis was performed by using hierarchical linear regression model. RESULTS: Data from 459 elderly women, mean age of 69.0 (6.1) years old, were used to describe this report. The additional predictive value for the inclusion of independent variable trunk mobility was only 4.4% in the RMQ score and 1.5% in the gait speed test, respectively. A reduced hierarchical linear regression model showed that the significant predictors for RMQ and gait speed test were body mass index, pain intensity, and trunk mobility. CONCLUSION: This was the first study to investigate the relationship between trunk mobility and functionality in elderly women with acute LBP. The results suggest that these clinical parameters are independent from each other. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

Handgrip strength is associated with, but poorly predicts, disability in older women with acute low back pain: A 12-month follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Older women with low back pain (LBP) constitute a special subpopulation at risk of severe and permanent disability. It is important to identify factors limiting functionality in this population in order to reduce costs and improve both prevention and intervention. Handgrip strength (HGS) is a biomarker of aging associated with several adverse health outcomes, but long-term associations with disability in older patients with LBP are not known. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether HGS predicts disability in older women with acute low back pain (LBP). METHODS: Longitudinal analyses were conducted with a sample of 135 older women from the international multicenter study Back Complaints in the Elders (BACE-Brazil). Women aged 60 years and over with a new episode of acute LBP were included. HGS was assessed with Jamar® dynamometer, and disability was assessed using the Roland Morris questionnaire and gait speed test. Variables were assessed at baseline and at 12-month follow-up. Linear regression models explored associations between HGS and disability measures. RESULTS: Significant association was found between HGS at baseline and gait speed at 12-month follow-up (r=-0.24; p=0.004). A multivariable-adjusted model showed that this association was independent of age, body mass index, and pain intensity (adjusted R2=0.13; p<0.001). A final prediction model showed an incremental difference of only 2.1% in gait speed after inclusion of HGS as an independent variable. No association was found between HGS and score on the Roland Morris questionnaire. CONCLUSION: Caution is needed regarding the use of HGS as a predictive measure of disability in older women with acute LBP. Changes in gait speed were very small and unlikely to be of clinical relevance.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor plasma levels are increased in older women after an acute episode of low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a growing public health problem in old age, and it is associated with disabling pain and depressive disorders. We compared brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plasma levels, a key neurotrophin in pain modulation, between older women after an acute episode of LBP and age-matched pain-free controls, and investigated potential differences in BDNF levels between controls and LBP subgroups based on pain severity, presence of depressive symptoms and use of analgesic and antidepressant drugs. METHODS: A total of 221 participants (154 with LBP and 67 pain-free) were studied. A comprehensive assessment of sociodemographic and clinical variables was conducted including pain severity (11-point NRS), depressive symptoms (GDS-15), age, body mass index, physical activity and total number of comorbidities and medications in use. RESULTS: BDNF levels in LBP group were significantly higher than controls (7515.9±3021.2; Md=7116.0 vs 6331.8±3364.0; Md=5897.5pg/mL, P=0.005). LBP subgroups exhibited higher BDNF levels than controls, regardless of pain severity, presence of depressive symptoms and use of analgesic drugs. BDNF levels were significantly higher in LBP subgroup without use of antidepressant drugs compared to both controls and LBP subgroup with use of antidepressant drugs. DISCUSSION: This study provides evidence that older women with acute low back pain exhibit higher BDNF plasma levels compared to pain-free controls. Subgroup comparisons suggest that use of pain-relief drugs may influence BDNF levels. The study results offer a novel target for research on mechanisms of back pain in older adults.

Inflammatory Mediators and Pain in the First Year After Acute Episode of Low-Back Pain in Elderly Women: Longitudinal Data from Back Complaints in the Elders-Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to determine the course of plasma levels of inflammatory mediators (interleukin 6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α], soluble TNF receptor 1 [sTNF-R1]) and the severity of low-back pain (LBP) over 6 to 12 months after an acute episode of LBP in elderly women and to establish an association between inflammatory mediators and LBP recovery. DESIGN: This was a longitudinal study of a subsample (155 elderly women with acute LBP, aged ≥65 years) of the international Back Complaints in the Elders cohort study. Plasma levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and sTNF-R1 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and pain severity using the numerical pain scale. RESULTS: There was a decrease in the severity of LBP (P = 0.033) and in the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α (P < 0.001) and an increase in sTNF-R1 (P < 0.001) in the first year after an acute episode of LBP. The probability of occurrence of pain relief at the 12-month follow-up was 2.22 times higher in elderly women who had low levels of IL-6 (<1.58 pg/mL) at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed a relationship between inflammation and LBP by establishing that low IL-6 plasma levels preceded outcome (LBP recovery), supporting the concept that proinflammatory cytokines promote pain.

The effect of kinesiophobia in older people with acute low back pain: longitudinal data from Back Complaints in the Elders (BACE) / O efeito da cinesiofobia em idosos com dor lombar aguda: dados longitudinais do estudo Back Complaints in the Elders (BACE) / El efecto de la quinesofobia en personas mayores con dolor lumbar agudo: datos longitudinales de Back Complaints in the Elders (BACE)

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the course of low back pain (LBP) intensity over a period of 12 months in older people with and without kinesiophobia.This was an international multicenter study. LBP intensity was examined by using the Numerical Pain Scale at baseline and over five follow-up periods. The Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire was used to measure patients' beliefs and fears. The study included 532 older adults (non kinesiophobic = 227; kinesiophobic = 305). The individuals had moderate pain at baseline, with a significant difference observed between the groups. Participants showed a rapid improvement in the first 6 weeks, followed by minor improvements in the succeeding months. However, a significant difference between groups remained during the follow-up period. Independently, kinesiophobia is a significant prognostic factor. These findings suggest the importance of screening for psychosocial factors in the management of older patients with LBP. Practice implications: patients need to be warned that pain can be perpetuated by inappropriate avoidance behaviors that may later lead to disability.

Resumo: O estudo teve como objetivo investigar a evolução da intensidade da dor lombar (DL) ao longo de 12 meses em idosos com e sem cinesiofobia. Este foi um estudo multicêntrico internacional. A intensidade da DL foi avaliada com a Numerical Pain Scale na linha de base e ao longo de 5 períodos de seguimento. As crenças e os medos dos pacientes foram medidos com o Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire. O estudo incluiu 532 idosos (sem cinesiofobia = 227; com cinesiofobia = 305). Os idosos apresentavam dor moderada na linha de base, com uma diferença significativa entre os grupos. Os participantes mostraram melhora rápida nas primeiras seis semanas, seguida por melhoras menores nos meses seguintes. Entretanto, persistiu uma diferença significativa entre os grupos durante o período de seguimento. A cinesiofobia é um fator prognóstico importante e independente. Os achados sugerem a importância da triagem de fatores psicossociais no manejo de pacientes idosos com DL. Implicações práticas: os pacientes devem ser advertidos que a dor pode ser perpetuada por comportamentos inadequados de evitação, podendo à incapacidade no longo prazo.

Resumen: El objetivo fue investigar el curso de la intensidad del dolor lumbar (LBP), durante un período de 12 meses, en personas ancianas con y sin quinesofobia. Se trata de un estudio multicéntrico internacional. La intensidad del LBP se evaluó usando la Escala Numérica de Dolor en una base de referencia y sobre 5 períodos de seguimiento. Con el fin de medir las creencias y temores de los pacientes, usamos el Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire. El estudio incluyó a 532 ancianos (no quinesofóbicos = 227; quinesofóbicos = 305). Los ancianos sufrieron un dolor moderado en la base de referencia, con una significativa diferencia observada entre grupos. Los participantes mostraron una rápida mejora durante las 6 primeras semanas, seguidas por mejoras menores en los meses siguientes. No obstante, se mantuvo una diferencia significativa entre grupos durante el período de seguimiento. Independientemente, la quinesofobia es un factor pronóstico importante. Estos resultados sugieren la importancia de monitorear factores psicosociales en la gestión de pacientes ancianos con LBP. Implicaciones clínicas: los pacientes necesitan ser avisados de que el dolor puede perpetuarse por comportamientos inapropiados de prevención que quizás más tarde conduzcan a la discapacidad.

Association Between the Plasma Levels of Mediators of Inflammation With Pain and Disability in the Elderly With Acute Low Back Pain: Data From the Back Complaints in the Elders (BACE)-Brazil Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study with subsample of elderly women with acute low back pain (LBP), from Back Complaints in the Elders-Brazil (BACE-Brazil) OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between plasma levels of mediators of inflammation (interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and soluble TNF receptor 1 (sTNF-R1)) with pain and disability experienced by elderly women with acute LBP. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Among the elderly, LBP is a complaint of great importance and can lead to disability. Inflammatory cytokines are elevated in painful conditions, and may promote pain. METHODS: We included 155 community-dwelling elderly women (age ≥ 65 yr), who presented with a new (acute) episode of LBP. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure TNF-α, sTNF-R1, IL-1ß, and IL-6. Disability was assessed using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire; pain was assessed using the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Linear regression models were fit with each pain and disability outcome as dependent variables: Present Pain Intensity; Qualities of pain; Severity of pain in the last week; LBP frequency and disability. RESULTS: Depressive symptoms and IL-6 were associated and explained 20.9% of "qualities of pain" variability. TNF-α, sTNFR1, education, body mass index, and depressive symptoms explained 8.4% of "Severity of pain in the past week" variability. TNF-α, education, BMI, depressive symptoms, present pain intensity, qualities of pain, and LBP frequency explained 48.6% of "disability." No associations between inflammatory cytokines and "present pain intensity" and "LBP frequency" were found. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate associations between inflammatory markers (TNF-α and sTNFR1) and pain severity, IL-6 was associated with the qualities of pain, and TNF-α was also associated with disability. These inflammatory mediators represent new markers to be considered in the assessment and treatment of elderly patients with LBP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.

Knee extension strength and handgrip strength are important predictors of Timed Up and Go test performance among community-dwelling elderly women: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Handgrip and knee extension strengths have each been used to characterize disability. However, it has been reported that the association between handgrip and knee extension strengths is weak. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of knee extensor and handgrip muscle strength on Timed Up and Go (TUG) test results among elderly women with worse (≥ 10 seconds) and better (< 10 seconds) performance, after controlling for confounders. DATA AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study on a sample selected according to convenience, carried out in a federal public institution of higher education. METHODS: Assessment of handgrip was carried out using the Jamar dynamometer (Lafayette Instrument Company, Inc., Lafayette, United States). Knee extensor muscle performance was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 3 Pro; Biodex Medical Systems, Inc., United States), The confounding factors were education, age, comorbidities, body mass index and Geriatric Depression Scale and Human Activity Profile scores. Functional performance was assessed through the TUG test. A backward linear regression model was used. RESULTS: 127 elderly women performed the TUG test in more than 10 seconds and 93 in less than 10 seconds. However, regardless of test performance, handgrip strength and knee extension strength comprised the reduced final model. CONCLUSIONS: Knee extension strength and handgrip strength might be particularly useful indicators for measuring disability.

Functional performance and plasma cytokine levels in elderly women with and without low back pain.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Low back pain (LBP) is a complaint of great importance among the elderly due to its significant impact on function. LBP could contribute to changes in the regulatory process of inflammatory mediators observed in elders. The aim of this study was to compare plasma levels of interleukin(IL)-6, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1(sTNF-R1), and functionality among 3 groups of elderly women: GI, with LBP; GII, without LBP but reports of other pain; and GIII, without any reported pain. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This was an observational study of a subsample of the international Back Complaints in the Elders cohort study. IL-6 and sTNF-R1 were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Functionality was assessed using the Timed Up and Go, gait speed and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire; and pain, using the numerical pain scale. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirteen women aged 71.35 ± 4.76 years were included. GI presented the highest sTNF-R1 levels (p=0.016), worst TUG performance (p< 0.001) and slowest gait speed (p< 0.01) compared to GII and GIII, which were similar (p > 0.05). No difference was found between the IL-6 plasma levels in any of the groups. CONCLUSION: Elderly women with LBP had the highest sTNF-R1 plasma levels and the worst functional performance compared to elderly women with reports of other pain (not LBP) or no pain.