A systematic review and network meta-analysis on the optimal wavelength of low-level light therapy (LLLT) in treating knee osteoarthritis symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of the various wavelengths of low-level light therapy (LLLT) in alleviating knee pain, dysfunction, and stiffness in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and to compare the effectiveness of LLLT versus sham treatment in reducing knee pain, dysfunction, and stiffness. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 12 December 2023. Randomized controlled trials that assessed the effects of different wavelengths of LLLT on alleviating pain of patients with KOA were included. A conventional meta-analysis and network meta-analysis were preformed, and standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: Thirteen studies involving 673 participants with KOA met inclusion criteria. Overall, LLLT was superior to sham LLLT for relieving pain (SMD = 0.96, 95% CI 0.31-1.61) but not for improving function (SMD = 0.21, 95% CI - 0.11 to 0.53) or stiffness (SMD = 0.07, 95% CI - 0.25 to 0.39). Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) value ranking showed the most effective wavelength of LLLT in reducing KOA pain was 904-905 nm (SUCRA, 86.90%), followed by multi-wavelengths (MWL) (SUCRA, 56.43%) and 785-850 nm (SUCRA, 54.97%). Compared to sham LLLT, L2 (SMD = 1.42, 95% CI = 0.31-2.53) and L1 (SMD = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.11-1.50) showed a significant reduction in KOA pain. However, MWL (SMD = 0.83; 95% CI = - 0.06 to 1.72) showed similar KOA pain reduction compared to sham LLLT. The certainty of evidence showed that the quality of evidence regarding the effectiveness of overall LLLT versus sham, and 904-905 nm versus sham were low, while the quality of evidence for MWL versus sham, and 785-850 nm versus sham was very low. CONCLUSION: While the 904-905 nm wavelength showed potential benefits in reducing KOA pain, the overall quality of the evidence was low. LLLT with 904-905 nm or 785-850 nm wavelengths yielded significantly better reduction in KOA pain compared to sham LLLT, but further high-quality research is warranted to validate these findings.

Non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments for bone health after stroke: Systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hemi-osteoporosis is a common secondary complication of stroke. No systematic reviews of pharmacological and non-pharmacological agents for post-stroke bone health have estimated the magnitude and precision of effect sizes to guide better clinical practice. OBJECTIVES: To examine the benefits and harms of pharmacological and non-pharmacological agents on bone health in post-stroke individuals. METHODS: Eight databases were searched (PubMed, Cochrane library, Scopus, CINAHL Complete, Embase, PEDro, Clinicaltrils.gov and ICTRP) up to June 2023. Any controlled studies that applied physical exercise, supplements, or medications and measured bone-related outcomes in people with stroke were included. PEDro and the GRADE approach were used to examine the methodological quality of included articles and quality of evidence for outcomes. Effect sizes were calculated as standardized mean differences (SMD) and risk ratio (RR). Review Manager 5.4 was used for data synthetization. RESULTS: Twenty-four articles from 21 trials involving 22,500 participants (3,827 in 11 non-pharmacological and 18,673 in 10 pharmacological trials) were included. Eight trials were included in the meta-analysis. The methodological quality of half of the included non-pharmacological studies was either poor or fair, whereas it was good to excellent in 8 of 10 pharmacological studies. Meta-analysis revealed a beneficial effect of exercise on the bone mineral density (BMD) of the paretic hip (SMD: 0.50, 95 % CI: 0.16; 0.85; low-quality evidence). The effects of anti-resorptive medications on the BMD of the paretic hip were mixed and thus inconclusive (low-quality evidence). High-quality evidence showed that the administration of antidepressants increased the risk of fracture (RR: 2.36, 95 % CI 1.64-3.39). CONCLUSION: Exercise under supervision may be beneficial for hip bone health in post-stroke individuals. The effect of anti-resorptive medications on hip BMD is uncertain. The adverse effects of antidepressants on fracture risk among post-stroke individuals warrant further attention. Further high-quality studies are required to better understand this issue. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022359186.

Correction: He et al. Impacts of Cigarette Smoke (CS) on Muscle Derangement in Rodents-A Systematic Review. Toxics 2022, 10, 262.

In the original publication [...].

The effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy in individuals with neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this meta-analysis was to determine whether high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) was effective in improving pain intensity, cervical range of motion (ROM), functional activity, and quality of life (QOL) in individuals with neck pain. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, PEDro, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to March 26, 2022. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving HILT for neck pain were selected. DATA EXTRACTION AND DATA SYNTHESIS: Two raters were independent in data extraction. The methodological quality was evaluated using the PEDro scale, and the level of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system. RevMan5.4 was used for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Eight RCTs were included and their PEDro scores were moderate to high. Compared with placebo, HILT was effective in improving pain intensity (SMD 2.12, 95%CI 1.24 to 3.00; moderate quality evidence), cervical flexion (SMD 1.31, 95%CI 0.27 to 2.35; moderate quality evidence), extension (SMD 1.43, 95%CI 0.24 to 2.63; moderate quality evidence), right lateral flexion (SMD 1.36, 95%CI 0.15 to 2.56; low-quality evidence). There was a trend of better outcome in functional activity after HILT (SMD 1.73, 95%CI -0.05 to 3.54; low quality evidence). LIMITATIONS: There was limited information available on QOL. CONCLUSION: HILT may be considered as an adjunctive treatment modality for neck pain. There was moderate quality evidence that HILT may improve pain intensity and cervical ROM in individuals with neck pain, but there was low quality evidence that HILT was not effective in improving functional activity. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42021254078 CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.

Predictive factors for home discharge after femoral fracture surgery: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Femoral fractures require protracted hospitalization and often preclude return to pre-fracture levels of mobility, function and prior residential status following hospital discharge. Early prediction of rehabilitation and discharge potential in patients with femoral fracture would optimize discharge planning. AIM: To identify predictive factors of discharge destination during the early phase of femoral fracture rehabilitation. DESIGN: Prospective cohort design. SETTING: Acute and postoperative rehabilitation hospital settings. POPULATION: Data from 109 participants (65 women [59.6%]) admitted for unilateral femoral fracture were included. METHODS: Sociodemographic information, hip pain severity during gait (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), mobility (Elderly Mobility Scale), activities of daily living (Modified Barthel Index), cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE]), exercise self-efficacy (Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale), amount of physiotherapy received, and caregiver availability were assessed pre- and/or postoperatively. Discharge destination was assessed via telephone interviews 6 weeks after discharge from acute care. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine optimal cut-off scores for all outcomes based on discharge destination. Outcomes demonstrating a significant area under the curve were entered as dichotomous independent variables (i.e., above or below ROC-derived cut-off values) in subsequent logistic regression analyses to determine predictors of discharge destination. RESULTS: SEE Score ≥53 (odds ratio [OR]=5.975, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.674-21.333, P=0.006), female sex (OR=3.421, 95% CI=1.187-9.861, P=0.023), ≥8 physiotherapy sessions (OR=4.633, 95% CI=1.559-13.771, P=0.006), MMSE Score ≥17 (OR=3.374, 95% CI=1.047-10.873, P=0.042), and caregiver availability (OR=3.766, 95% CI=1.133-12.520, P=0.030) were identified as significant predictors of home discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise self-efficacy, female sex, more physiotherapy rehabilitation training, better pre-operative cognitive function, and caregiver availability emerged as important predictors of home discharge following femoral fracture. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: These findings are highly translational and may be useful for informing clinical guidelines and policy decisions regarding rehabilitation potential and discharge pathway selection during early hospitalization following femoral fracture surgery.

Using ultrasound elastography to assess non-invasive, non-pharmacological interventions for musculoskeletal stiffness: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the current evidence regarding the use of ultrasound elastography for assessing non-invasive, non-pharmacological interventions for eliciting changes in musculoskeletal stiffness. METHODS: A systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Information on measurement and intervention procedures was extracted. Bias was assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias or Risk of Bias In Non-randomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tools for studies with true or quasi-experimental designs, respectively. Analyses were conducted for adequately powered subgroups based on intervention type, measurement site, and population assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were included in the review. Overall risk of bias was low for true experimental studies and moderate for quasi-experimental studies. Subgroup analyses indicated a large overall effect for interventions involving manual physiotherapy and taping/splinting for reducing masseter muscle stiffness in patients with masticatory muscle disorders (g = 1.488, 95% CI = 0.320-2.655, p = 0.013). Analyses for other intervention types and patient groups were underpowered. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound elastography demonstrates clinical applicability for assessing non-invasive, non-pharmacological interventions for musculoskeletal stiffness. However, the comparative efficacy of these interventions for modulating tissue stiffness remains inconclusive.

Elastography demonstrates clinical applicability for assessing non-invasive, non-pharmacological interventions for musculoskeletal stiffnessInterventions involving manual physiotherapy and taping/bracing showed a large overall effect for reducing masseter muscle stiffnessThe comparative efficacy of other interventions remains inconclusive.

Design of a Sensor-Technology-Augmented Gait and Balance Monitoring System for Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Hong Kong: A Pilot Feasibility Study.

Routine assessments of gait and balance have been recognized as an effective approach for preventing falls by issuing early warnings and implementing appropriate interventions. However, current limited public healthcare resources cannot meet the demand for continuous monitoring of deteriorations in gait and balance. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the feasibility of a prototype surrogate system driven by sensor technology and multi-sourced heterogeneous data analytics, for gait and balance assessment and monitoring. The system was designed to analyze users' multi-mode data streams collected via inertial sensors and a depth camera while performing a 3-m timed up and go test, a five-times-sit-to-stand test, and a Romberg test, for predicting scores on clinical measurements by physiotherapists. Generalized regression of sensor data was conducted to build prediction models for gait and balance estimations. Demographic correlations with user acceptance behaviors were analyzed using ordinal logistic regression. Forty-four older adults (38 females) were recruited in this pilot study (mean age = 78.5 years, standard deviation [SD] = 6.2 years). The participants perceived that using the system for their gait and balance monitoring was a good idea (mean = 5.45, SD = 0.76) and easy (mean = 4.95, SD = 1.09), and that the system is useful in improving their health (mean = 5.32, SD = 0.83), is trustworthy (mean = 5.04, SD = 0.88), and has a good fit between task and technology (mean = 4.97, SD = 0.84). In general, the participants showed a positive intention to use the proposed system in their gait and balance management (mean = 5.22, SD = 1.10). Demographic correlations with user acceptance are discussed. This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility of using a sensor-technology-augmented system to manage the gait and balance of community-dwelling older adults. The intervention is validated as being acceptable, viable, and valuable.

Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Techniques for the Improvement of Upper Limb Motor Function and Performance in Activities of Daily Living After Stroke: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of non-invasive brain stimulation (NiBS) such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), theta-burst stimulation (TBS), and transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) in upper limb stroke rehabilitation. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched from January 2010 to June 2022. DATA SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of "tDCS", "rTMS", "TBS", or "taVNS" on upper limb motor function and performance in activities of daily livings (ADLs) after stroke. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted by 2 independent reviewers. Risk of bias was evaluated with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. DATA SYNTHESIS: 87 RCTs with 3750 participants were included. Pairwise meta-analysis showed that all NiBS except continuous TBS (cTBS) and cathodal tDCS were significantly more efficacious than sham stimulation for motor function (standardized mean difference [SMD] range 0.42-1.20), whereas taVNS, anodal tDCS, and both low and high frequency rTMS were significantly more efficacious than sham stimulation for ADLs (SMD range 0.54-0.99). NMA showed that taVNS was more effective than cTBS (SMD:1.00; 95% CI (0.02-2.02)), cathodal tDCS (SMD:1.07; 95% CI (0.21-1.92)), and Physical rehabilitation alone (SMD:1.46; 95% CI (0.59-2.33)) for improving motor function. P-score found that taVNS is best ranked treatment in improving motor function (SMD: 1.20; 95% CI (0.46-1.95)) and ADLs (SMD:1.20; 95% CI (0.45-1.94)) after stroke. After taVNS, excitatory stimulation protocols (intermittent TBS, anodal tDCS, and HF-rTMS) are most effective in improving motor function and ADLs after acute/sub-acute (SMD range 0.53-1.63) and chronic stroke (SMD range 0.39-1.16). CONCLUSIONS: Evidence suggests that excitatory stimulation protocols are the most promising intervention in improving upper limb motor function and performance in ADLs. taVNS appeared to be a promising intervention for stroke patients, but further large RCTs are required to confirm its relative superiority.

Effects of mechanical stimulation on mastectomy scars within 2 months of surgery: A single-center, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: One common complication after mastectomy is thickened scars at the surgical site that impair shoulder function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of mechanical stimulation on scar appearance, arm function, and quality of life of breast cancer survivors after mastectomy. METHODS: This was a single-center, single-blinded (assessor), randomized controlled trial with a 3-month follow-up. Women who had undergone mastectomy in the preceding 6 weeks for breast cancer were randomly allocated to an experimental group and a control group by permuted block randomization (block size=6). The experimental group received conventional treatment (mobilization and strengthening exercises) and mechanical stimulation applied to the mastectomy scar twice a week for 6 weeks (12 sessions). The control group received 12 sessions of conventional treatment only. Primary outcome measures included the Vancouver Scar scale (VSS) to assess scar quality. The secondary outcomes were spectrophotometry, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire; shoulder range of motion; the Numeric Pain Rating scale; hand grip strength; and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Breast Cancer (FACT-B). RESULTS: One hundred and eight participants were equally randomized to 2 groups. All follow-up assessments were completed in September 2018. Intention-to-treat analysis revealed a significant group × time interaction on the VSS (η² = 0.161, p < 0.001), DASH (η² = 0.060, p = 0.003), and FACT-B functional well-being scores (η² = 0.033, p = 0.034), indicating that the experimental group (n=54) showed greater improvement in these outcomes than the control group (n=54). Post-hoc analysis showed that the improvements in the VSS and DASH scores remained apparent at the 3-month follow-up. Other outcomes did not yield significant group × time interaction. No adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSION: The addition of mechanical stimulation to a conventional intervention program improved scar appearance, arm function, and functional well-being compared with conventional intervention alone.

Effectiveness and cost of integrated cognitive and balance training for balance and falls in cerebellar ataxia: a blinded two-arm parallel group RCT.

Background: In patients with cerebellar ataxia (CA), dual-tasking deteriorates the performance of one or both tasks. Objective: Evaluate the effects of 4 weeks of cognitive-coupled intensive balance training (CIBT) on dual-task cost, dynamic balance, disease severity, number of falls, quality of life, cognition and cost among patients with CA. Methods: This RCT compared CIBT (Group 1) to single-task training (Group 2) among 32 patients with CA. The intervention included either dual-task (CIBT) or single-task training for 4 weeks followed by 6 months of unsupervised home exercises. Dual-task timed up-and-go test (D-TUG) assessed dual-task cost of the physical and cognitive tasks. Assessment time points included baseline 1 (Week 0:T1), baseline 2 (Week 6:T2), post-intervention (Week 10:T3), and follow-up (Week 34:T4). Results: Compared to single-task training CIBT improved the dual-task cost of physical task [MD -8.36 95% CI (-14.47 to -2.36, p < 0.01), dual-tasking ability [-6.93 (-13.16 to -0.70); p = 0.03] assessed using D-TUG, balance assessed using the scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARAbal) [-2.03 (-4.04 to -0.19); p = 0.04], visual scores of the SOT (SOT-VIS) [-18.53 (-25.81 to -11.24, p ≤ 0.01] and maximal excursion [13.84 (4.65 to 23.03; p ≤ 0.01] of the Limits of Stability (LOS) in the forward direction and reaction time in both forward [-1.11 (-1.42 to -0.78); p < 0.01] and right [-0.18 (0.05 to 0.31); p < 0.01] directions following 4 weeks of training. CIBT did not have any additional benefits in reducing the number of falls, or improving disease severity, quality of life and cognition. The mean cost of intervention and healthcare costs for 7 months was HKD 33,380 for CIBT group and HKD 38,571 for single-task training group. Conclusion: We found some evidence to support the use of CIBT for improving the dual-tasking ability, dual-task cost of physical task and dynamic balance in CA. Future large fully-powered studies are needed to confirm this claim. Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04648501, identifier [Ref: NCT04648501].

Which type of mind-body exercise is most effective in improving functional performance and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease? A systematic review with network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have investigated the effect of mind-body exercise (MBE) on functional performance and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Parkinson's disease (PD), but it is still very difficult for clinicians to make informed decision on the best mind-body exercise for PD. PURPOSE: We analyzed the relative efficacy of MBE (yoga, Tai-Chi, Pilates, Qigong, and dance) in improving functional performance and HRQoL in patients with PD. METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed using network meta-analysis (NMA), searching the following databases: Cochrane, Web of Science, and PubMed using specific keywords until December 28, 2021, assessing the effects of MBE on functional performance and HRQoL in patients with PD. RESULTS: This review included 60 RCTs with 2037 participants. A ranking of MBE for modifying various aspects of functional performance and HRQoL was achieved. Pairwise NMA showed Pilates to be the most effective in improving functional mobility (MD: - 3.81; 95% CI (- 1.55, - 6.07) and balance performance (SMD: 2.83; 95% CI (1.87, 3.78). Yoga (MD: - 5.95; 95% CI (- 8.73, - 3.16) and dance (MD: - 5.87; 95% CI (- 8.73, - 3.01) to be the most effective in improving motor function, whereas Qigong (MD: 0.32; 95% CI (0.00, 0.64) was most effective in improving gait speed. Considering HRQoL, dance was found to be the most effective (SMD: - 0.36; 95% CI (- 0.70, -0.01). CONCLUSION: MBE should be considered an effective strategy for improving functional performance and HRQoL in patients with PD. The most effective MBE intervention varied with the functional performance domain. Dance was an effective exercise for improving HRQoL among people with PD. PROSPERO REGISTRATION ID: CRD42022301030.

Effectiveness of exergaming-based interventions for mobility and balance performance in older adults with Parkinson's disease: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: exergaming-based interventions (EbIs) have been proposed to improve older adults' mobility and balance performance. However, the effectiveness of such interventions for older adults with Parkinson's disease (OAPD) remains unclear. METHODS: seven databases (Web of Science, Medline, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO, PsychARTICLE and PubMed) were searched up to 7 April 2022. We assessed mobility and balance performance between EbIs groups and control groups or traditional physical training interventions (TPTIs) groups by comparing the outcomes of the Timed Up and Go (TUG), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), gait velocity, stride length and Functional Gait Assessment (FGA). RESULTS: we scanned 1,190 articles and meta-analysed 19 trials (sample size = 781). In general, the results revealed statistical differences between EbIs groups and TPTIs groups in the TUG [mean difference (MD) = -1.030 s; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -2.029 to -0.031; P = 0.043; high quality of evidence], 6MWT (MD = 63.483 m; 95% CI = 9.542 to 117.425; P = 0.021; moderate quality of evidence), BBS (MD = 2.129; 95% CI = -1.293 to 2.965; P < 0.001; high quality of evidence) and FGA (MD = 2.099 95% CI = -0.306 to 3.893; P = 0.022; moderate quality of evidence). No significant difference was discovered between EbIs groups and TPTIs groups in enhancing gait velocity and stride length. CONCLUSIONS: EbIs are statistically better than TPTIs in improving OAPD's performance in TUG, 6MWT, BBS and FGA, whereas only the change between EbIs and TPTIs in 6MWT can reach the value of minimal clinically important difference. Further studies are needed to better assess the effectiveness of exergaming-based interventions.

Impacts of Cigarette Smoke (CS) on Muscle Derangement in Rodents-A Systematic Review.

Cigarette smoke (CS) is the major risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and can induce systemic manifestations, such as skeletal muscle derangement. However, inconsistent findings of muscle derangement were reported in previous studies. The aim of the present study was to consolidate the available evidence and assess the impact of CS on muscle derangement in rodents. A comprehensive literature search of five electronic databases identified ten articles for final analysis. Results showed that the diaphragm, rectus femoris, soleus, and gastrocnemius exhibited significant oxidative to glycolytic fiber conversions upon CS exposure. In contrast, the extensor digitorum longus (EDL), plantaris, and tibialis did not exhibit a similar fiber-type conversion after CS exposure. Hindlimb muscles, including the quadriceps, soleus, gastrocnemius, and EDL, showed significant reductions in the CSA of the muscle fibers in the CS group when compared to the control group. Changes in inflammatory cytokines, exercise capacity, and functional outcomes induced by CS have also been evaluated. CS could induce a shift from oxidative fibers to glycolytic fibers in high-oxidative muscles such as the diaphragm, rectus femoris, and soleus, and cause muscle atrophy, as reflected by a reduction in the CSA of hindlimb muscles such as the quadriceps, soleus, gastrocnemius, and EDL.

Structural and passive mechanical properties of the medial gastrocnemius muscle in ambulatory individuals with chronic stroke.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the structural, morphological and passive mechanical properties of the medial gastrocnemius muscle among ambulating chronic stroke survivors using a computational model previously established in healthy individuals without stroke. METHODS: Individuals with chronic stroke (n = 14, age = 63.4 ± 6.0 years) and healthy controls (n = 15, age = 59.6 ± 8.4 years) participated in the study. The mechanical properties of the medial gastrocnemius were measured during continuous passive ankle motion using ultrasound elastography and a corresponding muscle mechanical property-angle curve was estimated where slack angle and elasticity were determined. Muscle thickness, fascicle length, pennation angle, and echo intensity were also assessed using B-mode ultrasound. FINDINGS: No significant differences in slack angle (paretic: -16.2° ± 6.13°, non-paretic: -16.93° ± 6.80°, p = 0.82), or slack elasticity (paretic: 4.36 ± 1.94 kPa, non-paretic: 4.54 ± 1.24 kPa, p = 0.64) were found between sides or groups. Lower muscle pennation angle (paretic: 13.6 ± 2.9°, non-paretic: 15.9 ± 2.0°, p = 0.019) and higher echo intensity (paretic: 80.5 ± 13.6, non-paretic: 63.4 ± 17.1, p = 0.003) were observed for paretic muscles. No significant between-sides differences were found for muscle thickness (paretic: 1.5 ± 0.3 cm, non-paretic: 1.6 ± 0.2 cm, p = 0.255) or fascicle length (paretic: 6.6 ± 1.9 cm, non-paretic: 7.1 ± 2.2 cm, p = 0.216). Significant between-groups difference was also observed for fascicle length [non-dominant side (control): 6.2 ± 0.8 cm, paretic side (stroke): 6.6 ± 1.9 cm, p = 0.017]. INTERPRETATION: Although muscle mechanical properties increased exponentially over the slack ankle, measures between paretic and non-paretic sides were similar in ambulating participants with chronic stroke. Side-to-side differences in structural and morphological measures suggest the impact of stroke was relatively more pronounced for these muscle parameters than for passive mechanical properties.

Are Morphometric and Biomechanical Characteristics of Lumbar Multifidus Related to Pain Intensity or Disability in People With Chronic Low Back Pain After Considering Psychological Factors or Insomnia?

Introduction: Lumbar multifidus muscle (LMM) dysfunction is thought to be related to pain and/or disability in people with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Although psychosocial factors play a major role in pain/disability, they are seldom considered as confounders in analyzing the association between LMM and CLBP. Objectives: This study aimed to determine: (1) differences in psychological factors, insomnia, and LMM characteristics between people with and without CLBP; (2) associations between psychological factors, insomnia, or LMM characteristics and low back pain (LBP) intensity or LBP-related disability in people with CLBP; and (3) whether LMM characteristics are related to LBP symptoms in people with CLBP after considering confounders. Methods: Seventy-eight volunteers with CLBP and 73 without CLBP provided sociodemographic information, filled the 11-point numeric pain rating scale and Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ). They completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaire (FAB), and Insomnia Severity Index Scale (ISI). Resting and contracted thickness of LMM at L4-S1 levels were measured from brightness-mode ultrasound images. Percent thickness changes of LMM at L4-S1 levels during contraction were calculated. Resting LMM stiffness at L4-S1 was measured by shear wave elastography. Associations among LMM, psychosocial or insomnia parameters and clinical outcomes were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: People with CLBP demonstrated significantly higher LBP-intensity, RMDQ, HADS, FAB, PCS, and ISI scores than asymptomatic controls (p < 0.05). The former also had significantly smaller percent thickness changes of LMM at L4/L5 during contraction. LBP-intensity was positively related to scores of PCS-total, PCS-helplessness, FAB-total, FAB-work, and ISI in people with CLBP (p < 0.05). RMDQ scores were positively associated with the scores of HADS-total, HADS-depression, PCS-total, FAB-total, FAB-physical activity, PCS-helplessness, and ISI in people with CLBP (p < 0.05). FAB-work and ISI scores together explained 24% of LBP-intensity. FAB-total scores alone explained 34% of variance of LBP-related disability in people with CLBP. Conclusion: More fear-avoidance belief or insomnia is related to greater LBP-intensity and/or LBP-related disability in people with CLBP. Although people with CLBP were thought to have aberrant LMM morphometry/function, no LMM characteristics were related to LBP-intensity or LBP-related disability after considering other confounders.

Association between fall risk and assessments of single-task and dual-task walking among community-dwelling individuals with chronic stroke: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Falling and fall-related injuries are common among community-dwelling individuals with chronic stroke. Falls often occur during dual-task walking scenarios. Accurate fall prediction is critical for formulating effective fall prevention strategies. RESEARCH QUESTIONS: Can dual-task walking tests and corresponding single-task tests predict falls among individuals with chronic stroke? Are dual-task walking tests involving visuospatial cognition more effective in predicting falls than those involving other cognitive domains? METHODS: Ninety-three individuals with stroke (age: 62.4 ±â€¯6.7 years; stroke duration: 5.6 ±â€¯4.5 years) participated in this prospective cohort study. Two mobility tasks (level-ground walking and obstacle-crossing) were performed with and without two cognitive tasks (auditory clock test and auditory Stroop test). Demographic information and clinical measures of depression, motor function, walking speed and balance were collected. Monthly telephone interviews were conducted to collect data on fall incidence, related circumstances and injuries incurred during a 12-month follow-up period. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictive factors associated with future risk of falls. RESULTS: Thirty-six participants (39%) reported one or more falls during the follow-up period. The regression model including reaction time during the auditory clock task performance while negotiating obstacles correctly classified the fall status of 80% of the participants (72% future fallers and 84% non-fallers). Performance did not differ between fallers and non-fallers on any other measures tested. SIGNIFICANCE: Dual-task assessment combining an auditory clock task with an obstacle-crossing task has potential clinical utility for identifying future fall risk among people with chronic stroke.

Gait speed and spasticity are independently associated with estimated failure load in the distal tibia after stroke: an HR-pQCT study.

This HR-pQCT study was conducted to examine bone properties of the distal tibia post-stroke and to identify clinical outcomes that were associated with these properties at this site. It was found that spasticity and gait speed were independently associated with estimated failure load in individuals with chronic stroke. PURPOSE: (1) To examine the influence of stroke on distal tibia bone properties and (2) the association between these properties and clinical outcomes in people with chronic stroke. METHODS: Sixty-four people with stroke (age, 60.8 ± 7.7 years; time since stroke, 5.7 ± 3.9 years) and 64 controls (age: 59.4 ± 7.8 years) participated in this study. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) was used to scan the bilateral distal tibia, and estimated failure load was calculated by automated finite element analysis. Echo intensity of the medial gastrocnemius muscle and blood flow of the popliteal artery were assessed with ultrasound. The 10-m walk test (10MWT), Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMA), and Composite Spasticity Scale (CSS) were also administered. RESULTS: The percent side-to-side difference (%SSD) in estimated failure load, cortical area, thickness, and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), and trabecular and total vBMD were significantly greater in the stroke group than their control counterparts (Cohen's d = 0.48-1.51). Isometric peak torque and echo intensity also showed significant within- and between-groups differences (p ≤ 0.01). Among HR-pQCT variables, the %SSD in estimated failure load was empirically chosen as one example of the strong discriminators between the stroke group and control group, after accounting for other relevant factors. The 10MWT and CSS subscale for ankle clonus remained significantly associated with the %SSD in estimated failure load after adjusting for other relevant factors (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: The paretic distal tibia showed more compromised vBMD, cortical area, cortical thickness, and estimated failure load than the non-paretic tibia. Gait speed and spasticity were independently associated with estimated failure load. As treatment programs focusing on these potentially modifiable stroke-related impairments are feasible to administer, future studies are needed to determine the efficacy of such intervention strategies for improving bone strength in individuals with chronic stroke.

Convergent Validity and Test-Retest Reliability of Multimodal Ultrasonography and Related Clinical Measures in People With Chronic Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the test-retest reliability of diagnostic ultrasonography measurements of the bilateral biceps brachii (BB), brachial artery, medial gastrocnemius (MG), and popliteal artery in survivors of stroke and their convergent validity with related clinical comparators. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: All procedures were conducted in a university laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-five community dwelling adults (N=65; 26 women, 39 men) with an average age of 60.9±7.7 years and stroke duration of 5.7±3.9 years participated in this study. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measures of muscle structure (ie, thickness, cross-sectional area, fascicle length, pennation angle), stiffness, and intramuscular blood perfusion were conducted using B-mode, elastography and color flow Doppler ultrasonography modes, respectively. Convergent validity was assessed by examining correlations between ultrasonography measures and assessments of related constructs (ie, dynamic stiffness, isometric peak torque, spasticity, and systemic vascular function using myotonometry, dynamometry, the Composite Spasticity Scale, and the Ankle-Brachial Index, respectively). A 2-way random-effects intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) model (ICC2,3) was used to determine agreement between intersession measures among a smaller cohort of participants with stroke (n=20). RESULTS: ICC estimates ranged from moderate to excellent for muscle stiffness (paretic: ICC=0.74-0.89; nonparetic: ICC=0.66-0.88), structure (paretic: ICC=0.87-0.99; nonparetic: ICC=0.81-0.98), and blood perfusion measures (paretic: ICC=0.74-0.84; nonparetic: ICC=0.73-0.88). Weak to moderate associations were found between myotonometry and elastography measures of the bilateral BB (r=0.29-0.52, P≤.05) and MG muscles (r=0.31-0.69, P≤.05). The correlations between elastography measures and spasticity scores for the paretic upper (r=0.35-0.63, P≤.05) and lower limbs (r=0.25-0.37, P≤.05) were also weak to moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Elastography demonstrated mostly weak to moderate correlation with measures of stiffness using myotonometry as well as scores of paretic upper and lower limb spasticity. The results also indicate acceptable intersession reliability for muscle and vascular measures using several ultrasonography modalities among individuals with chronic stroke.

Does Motor Control Exercise Restore Normal Morphology of Lumbar Multifidus Muscle in People with Low Back Pain? - A Systematic Review.

Aberrant morphological changes in lumbar multifidus muscle (LMM) are prevalent among patients with low back pain (LBP). Motor control exercise (MCE) aims to improve the activation and coordination of deep trunk muscles (eg, LMM), which may restore normal LMM morphology and reduce LBP. However, its effects on LMM morphology have not been summarized. This review aimed to summarize evidence regarding the (1) effectiveness of MCE in altering LMM morphometry and decreasing LBP; and (2) relations between post-MCE changes in LMM morphometry and LBP/LBP-related disability. Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, EMBASE and SPORTDiscus were searched from inception to 30 September 2020 to identify relevant randomized controlled trials. Two reviewers independently screened articles, extracted data, and evaluated risk of bias and quality of evidence. Four hundred and fifty-one participants across 9 trials were included in the review. Very low-quality evidence supported that 36 sessions of MCE were better than general physiotherapy in causing minimal detectable increases in LMM cross-sectional areas of patients with chronic LBP. Very low- to low-quality evidence suggested that MCE was similar to other interventions in increasing resting LMM thickness in patients with chronic LBP. Low-quality evidence substantiated that MCE was significantly better than McKenzie exercise or analgesics in increasing contracted LMM thickness in patients with chronic LBP. Low-quality evidence corroborated that MCE was not significantly better than other exercises in treating people with acute/chronic LBP. Low-quality evidence suggested no relation between post-MCE changes in LMM morphometry and LBP/LBP-related disability. Collectively, while MCE may increase LMM dimensions in patients with chronic LBP, such changes may be unrelated to clinical outcomes. This raises the question regarding the role of LMM in LBP development/progression.