An exploration of available methods and tools to improve the efficiency of systematic review production: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Systematic reviews (SRs) are time-consuming and labor-intensive to perform. With the growing number of scientific publications, the SR development process becomes even more laborious. This is problematic because timely SR evidence is essential for decision-making in evidence-based healthcare and policymaking. Numerous methods and tools that accelerate SR development have recently emerged. To date, no scoping review has been conducted to provide a comprehensive summary of methods and ready-to-use tools to improve efficiency in SR production. OBJECTIVE: To present an overview of primary studies that evaluated the use of ready-to-use applications of tools or review methods to improve efficiency in the review process. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review. An information specialist performed a systematic literature search in four databases, supplemented with citation-based and grey literature searching. We included studies reporting the performance of methods and ready-to-use tools for improving efficiency when producing or updating a SR in the health field. We performed dual, independent title and abstract screening, full-text selection, and data extraction. The results were analyzed descriptively and presented narratively. RESULTS: We included 103 studies: 51 studies reported on methods, 54 studies on tools, and 2 studies reported on both methods and tools to make SR production more efficient. A total of 72 studies evaluated the validity (n = 69) or usability (n = 3) of one method (n = 33) or tool (n = 39), and 31 studies performed comparative analyses of different methods (n = 15) or tools (n = 16). 20 studies conducted prospective evaluations in real-time workflows. Most studies evaluated methods or tools that aimed at screening titles and abstracts (n = 42) and literature searching (n = 24), while for other steps of the SR process, only a few studies were found. Regarding the outcomes included, most studies reported on validity outcomes (n = 84), while outcomes such as impact on results (n = 23), time-saving (n = 24), usability (n = 13), and cost-saving (n = 3) were less often evaluated. CONCLUSION: For title and abstract screening and literature searching, various evaluated methods and tools are available that aim at improving the efficiency of SR production. However, only few studies have addressed the influence of these methods and tools in real-world workflows. Few studies exist that evaluate methods or tools supporting the remaining tasks. Additionally, while validity outcomes are frequently reported, there is a lack of evaluation regarding other outcomes.

Impact of different CRPS phenotypes and diagnostic criteria on quantitative sensory testing outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of diagnostic criteria and clinical phenotypes on quantitative sensory testing (QST) outcomes in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). METHODS: Eight databases were searched based on a previously published protocol. Forty studies comparing QST outcomes between CRPS-I vs II, warm vs cold CRPS, upper vs lower limb CRPS, males vs females, or using Budapest vs older IASP criteria were included. RESULTS: Studies investigating QST differences between CRPS-I vs II (n = 4), between males vs females (n = 2), and between upper and lower limb CRPS (n = 2) showed no significant differences. Four studies compared QST outcomes in warm vs cold CRPS, showing heat hyperalgesia in warm CRPS, with thermal and mechanical sensory loss in cold CRPS. Although CRPS diagnosed using the Budapest criteria (24 studies) vs 1994 IASP criteria (13 studies) showed similar sensory profiles, there was significant heterogeneity and low quality of evidence in the latter. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of this review, classifying CRPS according to presence or absence of nerve lesion into CRPS-I and II, location (upper or lower limb) or according to sex might not be clinically relevant as all appear to have comparable sensory profiles that might suggest similar underlying mechanisms. In contrast, warm vs cold phenotypes exhibited clear differences in their associated QST sensory profiles. To the extent that differences in underlying mechanisms might lead to differential treatment responsiveness, it appears unlikely that CRPS-I vs II, CRPS location, or patient sex would prove useful in guiding clinical management.

Effectiveness of Neural Mobilisation on Pain Intensity, Functional Status, and Physical Performance in Adults with Musculoskeletal Pain - A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate up-to-date evidence of the effectiveness of neural mobilisation techniques compared with any type of comparator in improving pain, function, and physical performance in people with musculoskeletal pain. DATA SOURCES: The following sources were consulted: PubMed, Web of Science, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Scopus, and PEDro databases; scientific repositories; and clinical trial registers. The last search was performed on 01/06/2023. METHODS: Two reviewers independently assessed the studies for inclusion. We included randomised, quasi-randomised, and crossover trials on musculoskeletal pain in which at least one group received neural mobilisation (alone or as part of multimodal interventions). Meta-analyses were performed where possible. The RoB 2 and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation tools were used to assess risk of bias and to rate the certainty of evidence, respectively. RESULTS: Thirty-nine trials were identified. There was a significant effect favouring neural mobilisation for pain and function in people with low back pain, but not for flexibility. For neck pain, there was a significant effect favouring neural mobilisation as part of multimodal interventions for pain, but not for function and range of motion. Regarding other musculoskeletal conditions, it was not possible to conclude whether neural mobilisation is effective in improving pain and function. There was very low confidence for all effect estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Neural mobilisation as part of multimodal interventions appears to have a positive effect on pain for patients with low back pain and neck pain and on function in people with low back pain. For the other musculoskeletal conditions, results are inconclusive.

A Practice Guide for Physical Therapists Prescribing Physical Exercise for Older Adults.

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity and exercise are protective factors for physical and cognitive decline in older adults, but recent studies reveal that a large percentage of this population do not practice exercise at the levels recommended by international guidelines. The frequency, intensity, type, time, volume, and progression (FITT-VP) principles are a widely used method for prescribing physical exercise, allowing the development of a personalized exercise program that meets the needs of each individual. OBJECTIVES: This masterclass is intended to serve as a professional application tool for physical therapists who prescribe physical exercise for older adults. We present a section for each FITT-VP principle to facilitate handling these principles individually when prescribing exercise for this population. METHODS: Review of the scientific literature and international guidelines on the prescription of physical exercises for older adults. RESULTS: Aerobic, mobility, resistance, balance, and flexibility exercises, as well as functional training, should be included in an exercise program for older adults, which should be progressed using different methods for each of the exercise modalities. CONCLUSIONS: An exercise program for older adults should integrate different exercise modalities. Exercise progression should be performed following the FITT-VP principles and some specific progression factors recommended for each exercise modality. SIGNIFICANCE: Considering the challenge faced by clinicians in designing a viable exercise program for older adults that responds to international recommendations, with this masterclass we hope to help physical therapists to plan an exercise program that is feasible and at the same time, responds to the expected needs of this population.

A single session of action observation therapy versus observing a natural landscape in adults with chronic neck pain - a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Action observation (AO) has emerged as a potential neurorehabilitation therapy for patients with neck pain (NP), but evidence of its effectiveness is scarce. This study aims to assess the effect of a single session of AO when compared to observing a natural landscape on NP intensity, fear of movement, fear-avoidance beliefs, neck muscles' strength, pressure pain threshold, and tactile acuity. METHODS: Sixty participants with NP were randomly allocated to the AO group (n = 30) or control group (n = 30). Both groups watched an 11-minute video: the AO group watched a video of a person matched for age and sex performing neck exercises, while the control group watched a video of natural landscapes. Neck pain intensity, fear of movement, fear-avoidance beliefs, tactile acuity, pressure pain thresholds, and neck muscle strength were assessed both at baseline and post-intervention. General linear models of repeated measures (ANCOVA of two factors) were used to explore between-group differences at post-intervention. RESULTS: There was a significant main effect of time for pain intensity (p = 0.02; η2p = 0.09; within-group mean change and 95% CI: AO=-1.44 (-2.28, -0.59); control=-1.90 (-2.74, -1.06), but no time versus group interaction (p = 0.46). A time versus group significant interaction was found for one out of the six measurement sites of two-point discrimination and the neck flexors strength (p < 0.05) favoring the control group. No other statistically significant differences were found for the remaining variables). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest a similar acute benefit for both a single session of AO and observing natural landscapes for promoting hypoalgesia, but no impact on kinesiophobia, fear-avoidance beliefs, or pressure pain thresholds. Also, AO had no positive effect on two-point discrimination and muscle strength. Further research is needed, with longer interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinialtrials.gov (NCT05078489).

Consensus on the Terms and Procedures for Planning and Reporting a Usability Evaluation of Health-Related Digital Solutions: Delphi Study and a Resulting Checklist.

BACKGROUND: Usability evaluation both by experts and target users is an integral part of the process of developing and assessing digital solutions. Usability evaluation improves the probability of having digital solutions that are easier, safer, more efficient, and more pleasant to use. However, despite the widespread recognition of the importance of usability evaluation, there is a lack of research and consensus on related concepts and reporting standards. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to generate consensus on terms and procedures that should be considered when planning and reporting a study on a usability evaluation of health-related digital solutions both by users and experts and provide a checklist that can easily be used by researchers when conducting their usability studies. METHODS: A Delphi study with 2 rounds was conducted with a panel of international participants experienced in usability evaluation. In the first round, they were asked to comment on definitions, rate the importance of preidentified methodological procedures using a 9-item Likert scale, and suggest additional procedures. In the second round, experienced participants were asked to reappraise the relevance of each procedure informed by round 1 results. Consensus on the relevance of each item was defined a priori when at least 70% or more experienced participants scored an item 7 to 9 and less than 15% of participants scored the same item 1 to 3. RESULTS: A total of 30 participants (n=20 females) from 11 different countries entered the Delphi study with a mean age of 37.2 (SD 7.7) years. Agreement was achieved on the definitions for all usability evaluation-related terms proposed (usability assessment moderator, participant, usability evaluation method, usability evaluation technique, tasks, usability evaluation environment, usability evaluator, and domain evaluator). A total of 38 procedures related to usability evaluation planning and reporting were identified across rounds (28 were related to usability evaluation involving users and 10 related to usability evaluation involving experts). Consensus on the relevance was achieved for 23 (82%) of the procedures related to usability evaluation involving users and for 7 (70%) of the usability evaluation procedures involving experts. A checklist was proposed that can guide authors when designing and reporting usability studies. CONCLUSIONS: This study proposes a set of terms and respective definitions as well as a checklist to guide the planning and reporting of usability evaluation studies, constituting an important step toward a more standardized approach in the field of usability evaluation that may contribute to enhancing the quality of planning and reporting usability studies. Future studies can contribute to further validating this study work by refining the definitions, assessing the practical applicability of the checklist, or assessing whether using this checklist results in higher-quality digital solutions.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between chronic low back pain and cognitive function.

This study aimed to identify and assess the evidence on the association between idiopathic chronic low back pain (LBP) and cognitive function in individuals with LBP. A secondary aim was to explore whether changes in cognitive function are associated with pain characteristics and psychological factors (eg, catastrophizing and fear of movement). Eleven studies were included in this systematic review, and four meta-analyses were conducted. Low to very low-quality evidence suggests impaired cognitive function in individuals with LBP compared to asymptomatic controls for problem solving (k = 5; d = 0.33; CI = 0.16-0.50; z = 3.85 p = 0.0001), speed of information processing (k = 5; d = 0.44; CI = 0.22-0.65; z = 4.02 p < 0.0001), working memory (k = 6; d = 0.50; CI = 0.34-0.66; z = 6.09 p < 0.0001), and delayed memory (k = 3; d = 0.34; CI = 0.07-0.6, z = 2.49 p = 0.02). The association between LBP intensity and psychological factors and cognitive function was inconclusive. More studies are needed to explore these associations and improve evidence in this field. The results of this study suggest that cognitive aspects should be considered during the rehabilitation process of patients with LBP and raise further questions, including whether individuals with LBP are at a greater risk of developing dementia or whether targeting cognitive function will increase the probability of success of LBP treatment. These questions should, also, be considered in future studies.

Predictors of pain persistence and disability in high-school students with chronic neck pain at 6-month follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Neck pain tends to persist for periods of 1 to 4 years of follow-up in adolescents, and a high percentage of them report disability. However, studies assessing the factors associated with persistent neck pain and disability in this age group are scarce. This study aimed to explore the association between psychosocial factors, sleep, and symptoms of central sensitization at baseline and the persistence of neck pain and disability at 6-month follow-up. METHODS: A total of 710 adolescents with chronic neck pain were assessed at baseline with an online questionnaire that collected information on sociodemographic data, presence of musculoskeletal pain, pain intensity, physical activity, functional disability, depression, anxiety, stress, quality of sleep, catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, self-efficacy, and symptoms of central sensitization. At 6-month follow-up, adolescents were reassessed for disability and pain intensity and categorized as recovered or reporting persistent neck pain. RESULTS: Of the 710 participants with neck pain at baseline, 334 were classified as having persistent neck pain and 375 adolescents as being recovered at 6-month follow-up. Multivariable analysis showed that female gender (OR 1.47; p = 0.04) and symptoms of central sensitization (OR 1.02; p = 0.001) at baseline were positively associated with the persistence of neck pain at 6-month follow-up. Similarly, higher levels of disability (ß = 0.41; p < 0.001) and symptoms of central sensitization (ß = 0.28; p < 0.001) at the baseline were positively associated with disability. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms of central sensitization and disability at baseline should be considered in the assessment and design of interventions for adolescents with chronic neck pain as an attempt to minimize its future impact on pain persistence and disability.

Impact of Sex, Sleep, Symptoms of Central Sensitization, and Psychosocial Factors in Adolescents with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: An Exploratory Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore and compare the associations of psychosocial factors, sleep, and central sensitization with chronic neck, back, limb, and multiregional pain and disability. METHODS: One thousand seven hundred thirty (n = 1,730) adolescents responded to an online questionnaire containing questions about sociodemographic data, as well as the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire; the International Physical Activity Questionnaire; the Functional Disability Inventory; the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale; the Basic Scale on Insomnia Complaints and Quality of Sleep; the Pain Catastrophizing Scale; the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia; the Child Self-Efficacy Scale; and the Central Sensitization Inventory. Univariable and multivariable regression analysis were used to assess the associations between these variables and pain and disability. RESULTS: Groups were categorized into those with neck (n = 54), back (n = 80), upper limb (n = 52), lower limb (n = 109), or multiregional (n = 1,140) pain. Multivariable analysis showed that symptoms of central sensitization increased the odds of neck, back, and multiregional pain; depression, anxiety and stress, and physical activity increased the odds of multiregional pain; and fear of movement increased the odds of lower limb pain. Female gender increased the odds of pain in all groups, except in the lower limb group. Depression, anxiety, and stress also remained associated with disability in neck, back, upper limb, and multiregional pain; poorer sleep remained associated with disability in neck, upper limb, and multiregional pain; catastrophizing remained associated with back and multiregional pain; and fear of movement and symptoms of central sensitization were associated with disability only in multiregional pain. CONCLUSIONS: There are similar but also different variables associated with the presence of pain and disability in the neck, back, limbs, and multiregional pain.

Neural Mobilization Short-Term Dose Effect on the Lower-Limb Flexibility and Performance in Basketball Athletes: A Randomized, Parallel, and Single-Blinded Study.

CONTEXT: Neural mobilization is commonly used in sports, and previous studies have suggested that it has a positive impact on lower-limb flexibility and performance. However, studies exploring the effect of neural mobilization dosage are almost nonexistent. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess whether 2 distinct dosages of neural gliding mobilization (4 and 8 sets of 10 repetitions) impact the flexibility and performance of both the mobilized and nonmobilized lower limb in basketball athletes differently. DESIGN: Randomized, parallel, and single-blinded study. SETTING: Amateur and professional basketball clubs. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-two basketball athletes (40 men and 12 women), who were distributed into 2 groups; one received 40 (n = 28) and the other 80 repetitions (n = 24) of neural gliding mobilization. INTERVENTION: Neural gliding mobilization applied to a single limb (the dominant limb). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Knee extension angle for hamstring flexibility; hop tests and single-leg vertical jump for performance. RESULTS: There was a significant main effect of time (P < .001), a significant interaction between time and limb for flexibility (P = .003), and a significant interaction between time and limb for the single-leg hop test (P = .032). No other significant main effect for any of the remaining variables was found (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The application of both 40 repetitions and 80 of neural gliding significantly improved lower-limb flexibility, and one was not superior to the other. Neither one dosage nor the other positively or negatively impacted the lower-limb performance of basketball athletes.

Test-Retest Reliability of Pain Measures in Institutionalized Older Adults: Number of Painful Body Sites, Pain Intensity, and Pain Extent.

OBJECTIVE: The reliability of pain assessment in frail and older adults has seldom been assessed. This study aims to assess the test-retest reliability of (1) the number of painful body sites, (2) pain intensity, and (3) pain extent in institutionalized older adults. METHODS: Seventy-four older adults who were institutionalized were assessed in 2 separate sessions, 2 days to 1 week apart, for pain intensity, number of painful body sites, and pain extent (in pixels) using a vertical pain numeric scale (0 to 10), a body chart divided into 50 body regions, and ImageJ, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable differences (MDDs) were calculated. RESULTS: In session 1, the mean values (± standard deviation) were 5.54 ± 2.12 points for pain intensity, 4.47 ± 3.27 for number of painful body sites, and 2,726.00 ± 2,322.09 for pain extent. ICCs were 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.72 to 0.89) for pain intensity, 0.89 (95% CI = 0.83 to 0.93) for number of painful body sites, and 0.74 (95% CI = -0.07 to 0.91) for pain area. The MDDs were 2.46 for pain intensity, 3.14 for number of painful body sites, and 4,997.60 for pain extent. CONCLUSIONS: The vertical pain rating scale and the body chart seem reliable to assess pain intensity and number of pain sites, respectively. The wide CI for the ICC found for pain area and the high measurement error compromise its potential clinical relevance.

Mobile Apps to Quantify Aspects of Physical Activity: a Systematic Review on its Reliability and Validity.

The purpose of this study was to systematically review and evaluate the evidence on the accuracy (validity) and consistency (reliability) of mobile apps used to quantify physical activity. Systematic literature searches were conducted in Pubmed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Academic Search Complete and IEEE Xplore. Studies were included if they reported on the validity and/or reliability of a mobile application aiming primarily at measuring physical activity in humans with or without pathology. The reference lists of included articles were also screened for reports not identified through electronic searches. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed by 2 independent reviewers and data extracted by one reviewer and checked for accuracy by a second reviewer. A total of 25 articles were included in this review, of which 18 refer to validity and 7 to both validity and reliability. Mean percentage difference was used as an indicator of validity and varied between 0.1% and 79.3%. Intraclass Correlation Coefficients varied between 0.02 and 0.99 indicating poor to excellent reliability. There is conflicting and insufficient evidence on the validity and reliability, respectively, of apps for measuring physical activity. Nevertheless, velocity and the place where the smartphone is carried seem to have an impact on validity.

Psychosocial Variables and Sleep Associated With Neck Pain in Adolescents: A Systematic Review.

Purpose: To identify and critically assess the evidence on the association between psychosocial variables and neck pain (NP) in adolescents.Methods: Searches were conducted using seven electronic databases. Two reviewers screened studies for inclusion and assessed the quality of included studies. A meta-analysis was performed for studies that measured depression and sleep.Results: Fourteen studies were included in a total of 21 comparisons. Statistically significant differences were found for depression (OR = 2.36; CI95% = 1.26-4.42 and OR = 2.26; CI95% = 1.06-4.84 for girls and boys), anxiety (OR = 1.43; CI95% = 1.20-1.70), catastrophizing (WMD = 6.6; 95%CI = 3.1;10.1 points), stress (OR = 2.00; CI95% = 1.50-2.70), and sleep (OR = 1.63; CI95% = 1.23-2.18). Two studies on self-efficacy reported contradictory results.Conclusions: There is very limited to limited evidence that adolescents with NP have higher levels of depression, anxiety, catastrophizing, stress and report lower sleep quality, and self-efficacy than adolescents without NP. There is also conflicting evidence on whether self-efficacy differs between adolescents with and without NP.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the European Portuguese Version of the Central Sensitization Inventory in Adolescents With Musculoskeletal Chronic Pain.

BACKGROUND: Central sensitization (CS) is an important feature in musculoskeletal chronic pain, and associated symptoms can be assessed using the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI). OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the CSI to the European Portuguese language and to assess its validity and reliability in adolescents with musculoskeletal chronic pain. METHODS: The European Portuguese version of the CSI was established following the translation and testing processes recommended by international guidelines. Then, this version of the CSI was completed by 1,730 adolescents, who also completed the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire; the Pain Catastrophizing Scale; the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale; the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia; and the Basic Scale on Insomnia Complaints and Quality of Sleep. Test-retest reliability and measurement error, internal consistency, hypothesis testing, and factor analysis were assessed for the translated version of the CSI. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha was 0.91, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.94 (95% confidence interval: 0.90, 0.96), and the standard error of measurement and smallest detectable change were 4.15 and 11.50, respectively. Fair correlations were found between CSI and fear of movement (Spearman's correlation [rs ] = 0.46), sleep (rs  = 0.46), and catastrophizing (rs  = 0.49). Moderate to good correlations were found between CSI and depression (rs  = 0.60), anxiety (rs  = 0.59), and stress (rs  = 0.65). CONCLUSION: The European Portuguese version of the CSI was considered easy to understand and showed very good internal consistency, excellent test-retest reliability, and excellent construct validity in a community sample of adolescents with musculoskeletal chronic pain.

A Scale to Assess the Methodological Quality of Studies Assessing Usability of Electronic Health Products and Services: Delphi Study Followed by Validity and Reliability Testing.

BACKGROUND: The usability of electronic health (eHealth) and mobile health apps is of paramount importance as it impacts the quality of care. Methodological quality assessment is a common practice in the field of health for different designs and types of studies. However, we were unable to find a scale to assess the methodological quality of studies on the usability of eHealth products or services. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a scale to assess the methodological quality of studies assessing usability of mobile apps and to perform a preliminary analysis of of the scale's feasibility, reliability, and construct validity on studies assessing usability of mobile apps, measuring aspects of physical activity. METHODS: A 3-round Delphi panel was used to generate a pool of items considered important when assessing the quality of studies on the usability of mobile apps. These items were used to write the scale and the guide to assist its use. The scale was then used to assess the quality of studies on usability of mobile apps for physical activity, and it assessed in terms of feasibility, interrater reliability, and construct validity. RESULTS: A total of 25 experts participated in the Delphi panel, and a 15-item scale was developed. This scale was shown to be feasible (time of application mean 13.10 [SD 2.59] min), reliable (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.81; 95% CI 0.55-0.93), and able to discriminate between low- and high-quality studies (high quality: mean 9.22 [SD 0.36]; low quality: mean 6.86 [SD 0.80]; P=.01). CONCLUSIONS: The scale that was developed can be used both to assess the methodological quality of usability studies and to inform its planning.

Comparative Effects of Tensioning and Sliding Neural Mobilization on Static Postural Control and Lower Limb Hop Testing in Football Players.

CONTEXT: Sliding and tensioning neural mobilization are used to restore normal function of the nervous system, but they impose different stresses on it. Particularly, sliding induces greater nerve excursion than tensioning. Conceivably, they might impact nervous system function differently. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of tensioning neural mobilization versus sliding neural mobilization of the dominant lower limb on static postural control and hop testing. DESIGN: Randomized, parallel and double blinded trial. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-seven football players. INTERVENTION(S): Participants were randomized into 2 groups: sliding neural mobilization (n = 18) or tensioning neural mobilization (n = 19) targeting the tibial nerve. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Static postural sway was assessed with a force plate and functional performance with hop tests. Measurements were taken at baseline, after the intervention, and at 30-minute follow-up. RESULTS: There was a significant effect of time for the center of pressure total displacement and velocity (P < .05), for the single-leg hop test (P < .05), the 6-m timed hop test (P < .05), and the cross-over hop test (P < .05), but no significant effect of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Sliding and tensioning neural mobilization improved postural control and hop testing in football players, and improvements remained 30 minutes after the intervention. Additional research examining the influence of neural mobilization on sensory motor impairments, postural control, and functional performance is needed.

Forward head posture is associated with pressure pain threshold and neck pain duration in university students with subclinical neck pain.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study are to investigate the association between: (i) forward head posture (FHP) and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs); (ii) FHP and maladaptive cognitive processes; and (iii) FHP and neck pain characteristics in university students with subclinical neck pain. MATERIALS/METHODS: A total of 140 university students, 90 asymptomatic and 50 with subclinical neck pain, entered the study. Demographic data, anthropometric data, FHP, and PPTs were collected for both groups. In addition, pain characteristics, pain catastrophizing, and fear of movement were assessed for participants with neck pain. FHP was characterized by the angle between C7, the tragus of the ear, and the horizontal line. Correlation analysis and multivariate regression analysis were conducted. RESULTS: Participants with subclinical neck pain showed significantly lower PPTs than participants without neck pain (p < .05), but similar FHP (p > .05). No significant association was found between FHP and PPTs in the asymptomatic group. In the group of participants with subclinical neck pain, PPTs at the right trapezius and neck pain duration explained 19% of the variance of FHP (R2 = 0.23; adjusted R2 = 0.19; p < .05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that FHP is not associated with PPTs in asymptomatic university students. In university students with subclinical neck pain, increased FHP was associated with right trapezius hypoalgesia and with neck pain of shorter duration. These findings are in contrast with current assumptions on the association between neck pain and FHP.

Pain Neuroscience Education and Exercise for Neck Pain: A Focus Group Study on Adolescents' Views.

PURPOSE: To explore the views of adolescents with chronic idiopathic neck pain toward an intervention consisting of pain neuroscience education and exercise administered in the school setting. METHODS: Four focus group interviews were conducted with 21 adolescents with chronic idiopathic neck pain who participated in a 4-week intervention consisting of pain neuroscience education and exercise. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS: Two main themes emerged: the perceived relevance of acquired knowledge and the perceived adequacy of the intervention. CONCLUSION: An intervention consisting of pain neuroscience education and exercise administered in the school setting is well accepted and considered relevant and appropriate by adolescents with chronic idiopathic neck pain.

Pain, pain intensity and pain disability in high school students are differently associated with physical activity, screening hours and sleep.

BACKGROUND: Studies exploring the association between physical activity, screen time and sleep and pain usually focus on a limited number of painful body sites. Nevertheless, pain at different body sites is likely to be of different nature. Therefore, this study aims to explore and compare the association between time spent in self-reported physical activity, in screen based activities and sleeping and i) pain presence in the last 7-days for 9 different body sites; ii) pain intensity at 9 different body sites and iii) global disability. METHODS: Nine hundred sixty nine students completed a questionnaire on pain, time spent in moderate and vigorous physical activity, screen based time watching TV/DVD, playing, using mobile phones and computers and sleeping hours. Univariate and multivariate associations between pain presence, pain intensity and disability and physical activity, screen based time and sleeping hours were investigated. RESULTS: Pain presence: sleeping remained in the multivariable model for the neck, mid back, wrists, knees and ankles/feet (OR 1.17 to 2.11); moderate physical activity remained in the multivariate model for the neck, shoulders, wrists, hips and ankles/feet (OR 1.06 to 1.08); vigorous physical activity remained in the multivariate model for mid back, knees and ankles/feet (OR 1.05 to 1.09) and screen time remained in the multivariate model for the low back (OR = 2.34. Pain intensity: screen time and moderate physical activity remained in the multivariable model for pain intensity at the neck, mid back, low back, shoulder, knees and ankles/feet (Rp2 0.02 to 0.04) and at the wrists (Rp2 = 0.04), respectively. Disability showed no association with sleeping, screen time or physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests both similarities and differences in the patterns of association between time spent in physical activity, sleeping and in screen based activities and pain presence at 8 different body sites. In addition, they also suggest that the factors associated with the presence of pain, pain intensity and pain associated disability are different.

Neck Flexor and Extensor Muscle Endurance in Subclinical Neck Pain: Intrarater Reliability, Standard Error of Measurement, Minimal Detectable Change, and Comparison With Asymptomatic Participants in a University Student Population.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to assess intrarater reliability and to calculate the standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) for deep neck flexor and neck extensor muscle endurance tests, and compare the results between individuals with and without subclinical neck pain. METHODS: Participants were students of the University of Aveiro reporting subclinical neck pain and asymptomatic participants matched for sex and age to the neck pain group. Data on endurance capacity of the deep neck flexors and neck extensors were collected by a blinded assessor using the deep neck flexor endurance test and the extensor endurance test, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), SEM, and MDC were calculated for measurements taken within a session by the same assessor. Differences between groups for endurance capacity were investigated using a Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The deep neck flexor endurance test (ICC = 0.71; SEM = 6.91 seconds; MDC = 19.15 seconds) and neck extensor endurance test (ICC = 0.73; SEM = 9.84 minutes; MDC = 2.34 minutes) are reliable. No significant differences were found between participants with and without neck pain for both tests of muscle endurance (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The endurance capacity of the deep neck flexors and neck extensors can be reliably measured in participants with subclinical neck pain. However, the wide SEM and MDC might limit the sensitivity of these tests.