A review of evidence on mechanical properties of running specific prostheses and their relationship with running performance.

Background: Although mechanical properties of running specific prostheses (RSPs) can affect running performance, manufacturers do not consistently report them. This study aimed to review existing literature on RSP mechanical and structural properties and their relationship with running performance. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted using keywords related to mechanical properties of RSPs and running performance. Search terms included stiffness and hysteresis, as well as performance outcomes including metabolic cost and running speed. Non-peer-reviewed and non-English publications were excluded. Results: Twenty articles were included in the review. Sixteen studies used a material testing machine to measure RSP material properties, and four articles used other techniques including 2D/3D video capture and force platforms. Both measurement techniques and reporting of outcomes were inconsistent, which limits the ability to draw broad conclusions. Additionally, several studies did not report the numerical data for material properties despite measuring them. Relatively few articles measured both material properties and running performance and assessed correlations. Conclusion: Several articles connected prosthesis properties to running performance. However, inconsistent measurement and reporting of mechanical properties, along with the multifactorial nature of the athlete-prosthesis system, limit the ability to draw broad conclusions regarding the relationship between material and structural properties and athlete performance. Current evidence may be useful for clinicians seeking ways to optimize RSP stiffness in a case-by-case basis; however, clinicians would benefit from more consistent and systematic comparisons of the attributes of different RSPs and their role in performance.

Reliability of muscle stiffness measures in popliteus, medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles by ultrasound shear wave elastography in participants with knee osteoarthritis accompanied by myofascial trigger points.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the consistency of intra-rater and inter-rater assessments utilizing ultrasound elastography to examine the muscle stiffness of the popliteus and gastrocnemius (medial and lateral heads) in patients with knee osteoarthritis accompanied by myofascial trigger points. METHODS: Thirty individuals with knee osteoarthritis accompanied by myofascial trigger points were assessed. Two examiners independently measured the muscle stiffness levels of the popliteus and gastrocnemius (medial and lateral heads) three times using ultrasound elastography in the first session. The second session was conducted one week later. RESULTS: In the initial test session, the mean shear modulus values for the popliteus and gastrocnemius (medial and lateral heads) muscles were measured as follows for tester 1 (12.75, 13.72, 14.13 kPa) and tester 2 (11.66, 12.81, 13.17 kPa). During the retest session, the previously measured variables by tester 1 and tester 2 yielded the following values: (12.61, 13.43, 14.26 kPa) and (11.62, 12.87, 13.30 kPa) respectively." Good to excellent intra-rater reliability (ICC = 0.912-0.986) and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.766-0.956) were reported for the shear moduli of the popliteus, medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of muscle stiffness in the popliteus and gastrocnemius (medial and lateral heads) using ultrasound elastography is a reliable method in patients with knee osteoarthritis accompanied by myofascial trigger points.

Effects of Two Exercise Programs on Neck Proprioception in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain: A Preliminary Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of specific neck muscle training and general neck-shoulder exercises on neck proprioception, pain, and disability in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with chronic non-specific neck pain were recruited into this preliminary single-blinded randomized clinical trial. They were randomly assigned to either a specific neck exercise (n = 13, mean aged 24 years) or a general neck exercise group (n = 12, mean aged 25 years). Specific neck exercises included eye-head coordination and isometric deep neck muscle exercises. General neck exercises included neck and shoulder free range of motion and shoulder shrug. Pain, disability, and neck proprioception, which was determined using the joint repositioning error, were measured at baseline and after eight weeks of training in both groups. RESULTS: Both training groups showed significant improvements in joint repositioning error (p < 0.001, F = 24.144, ES = 0.8), pain (p < 0.001, F = 61.118, ES = 0.31), and disability (p = 0.015, F = 6.937, ES = 0.60). However, the specific neck exercise group showed larger variability in joint repositioning error (p = 0.006, F = 0.20, F critical = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: Either specific neck exercise or a general neck-shoulder range of motion exercise could be effective in improving neck proprioception. Therefore, exercises could be recommended based on patient comfort and patients' specific limitations.

A shear-wave sonoelastography investigation of calf muscle pump biomechanics in patients with chronic venous disease and healthy controls.

BACKGROUND: chronic venous disease (CVD) is a common progressive disorder with incompetence of calf muscle pump due to weakness and ankle mobility abnormality is an important etiological factor in CVD, but the biomechanical properties of calf muscle pump are remain unknown. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate group differences between the biomechanical properties changes of the medial gastrocnemius muscle (GM) and its fascias in participants with CVD and healthy controls. METHODS: In this case-control study, thirty patients with CVD in three equal groups (mild: C1 - C2, moderate: C3 - C4, severe: C5 - C6) and 20 healthy subjects in a control group participated. The medial GM and its fascias shear modulus (stiffness) were measured using a shear-wave sonoelastography in rest and active dorsiflexion positions of ankle joint. RESULTS: The results of variance (ANOVA) analysis showed a significant difference in shear wave elastography (SWE) value between the groups for medial GM and its fascias at rest and active dorsiflexion of the ankle joint (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant increase in SWE value of the medial GM and its fascias in moderate (c3-c4) and severe CVD groups (C5-C6) compared to the control and mild (C1-C2) CVD groups. A positive correlation was discovered between disease grades and the medial GM and its fascias SWE in patients with CVD ranging between r = 0.846 to 0.891; P < 0.001. CONCLUSION: An alteration stiffness in calf myofascial pump as compared to control group indicated an impaired myofascial biomechanics. Calf myofascial SWE may be valuable information in the diagnosis and follow-up processes of patients with CVD.

Rehabilitative ultrasound imaging of the levator scapula muscle at rest and during contraction: Technical description and reliability.

BACKGROUND: Altered scapular muscle activity is associated with abnormal scapular motions and shoulder pain. Hence, quantification of these activities is a challenging issue. OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to establish the reliability of measuring levator scapula muscle thickness and to examine how thickness of this muscle changes with contraction. METHODS: Twenty-one asymptomatic individuals (mean age 22.29 ± 2.17 years) participated in this study. Three separate ultrasound images of the levator scapula muscle were captured at the neck-shoulder junction at rest and during a loaded isometric contraction. The procedures were repeated twice, four to seven days apart to establish intra-rater test-retest reliability. Interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were used to determine the reliability, and a paired t-test was performed to examine the difference in muscle thickness between two conditions. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that intra-examiner reliability was good at rest (ICC = 0.88, SEM = 1.16 mm) and excellent during loaded isometric contraction (ICC = 0.95, SEM = 0.91 mm). Furthermore, the thickness of levator scapula muscle significantly increased from rest to the loaded isometric contraction (Effect size = 1.99, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the thickness of the levator scapula muscle can be measured reliably at the neck-shoulder junction. Furthermore, ultrasound measures can reliably detect changes in muscle thickness from rest to a contracted state. Therefore, if the need exists to evaluate muscle morphology before and after any treatment strategy, thickness measurement of levator scapula can be determined reliably using ultrasound.

Influence of non-immersive avatar-based gamification on the Hawthorne Effect in pediatric gait.

BACKGROUND: The Hawthorne Effect occurs when participants alter their behavior when they are aware that they are being examined. The effect has been reported in many experiments, including gait analysis, and is considered an important source of bias that might impact both clinical and research results. Cognitive distraction is one potential solution to reducing the Hawthorne effect during gait analysis, but it is challenging in children, and can, in itself, alter gait. This study investigated the carryover effect of an alternative low-immersion avatar-based intervention on gait and subjective feelings in typically developing children. RESEARCH QUESTION: Will a low-immersion avatar-based intervention change feelings and indicators of temporospatial and kinematic outcomes in children in a laboratory setting, potentially reducing the Hawthorne Effect? METHODS: Typically developing children aged 5-13 participated in a standard laboratory gait analysis before experiencing a game in which they viewed their motion on monitors around the lab as that of a cartoon avatar in a 3D virtual environment. Following this intervention, standard walking trials were repeated. In addition, participants completed a survey of their feelings about the study both before onset and after completion. RESULTS: Thirty-one children participated in the study, 16 females and 15 males, mean aged 9.1 years. Arm swing, proposed as a measure of how relaxed and natural gait was, increased significantly following the intervention, while temporospatial parameters did not. The effect was more pronounced in females and younger children. Participants felt significantly happier, more excited, less scared, and less sad after the intervention. Changes in feelings were not closely associated with changes in gait. SIGNIFICANCE: This study suggests that gamification may reduce the Hawthorne effect and potentially produce more natural gait in children. The game intervention had a carryover effect, producing changes in gait even after the intervention was removed.

Uphill treadmill walking plus physical therapy versus physical therapy alone in the management of individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of uphill walking and physical therapy versus physical therapy alone on knee pain, excursion ranges, stride length, and walking speed in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 30 patients with knee osteoarthritis participated. Both control and intervention groups received 10-session physical therapy. Moreover, the intervention group received an 8-degree treadmill walking at a speed of 1.1 m/s for 30 min in each session. Outcome measures, including pain, excursion ranges, stride length, and walking speed, were measured at baseline, post-treatment, and a 20-day follow-up. RESULTS: Significant improvements in stride length and walking speed were observed just in the intervention group from baseline to post-treatment (p ≤ 0.001) and from baseline to follow-up (p ≤ 0.001). Furthermore, significant improvement in excursion ranges was observed just in the intervention group from baseline to follow-up (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that the addition of uphill walking to physical therapy results in stride length and walking speed improvements and that it also has persistent effects on knee ranges, stride length, and walking speed as compared with physical therapy alone. This clinical trial was registered at irct.ir (study ID: IRCT20171115034920N1).Implications for RehabilitationStretching exercises are recommended to correct knee flexion contracture and uphill treadmill walking is a form of functional stretching.This study shows 10 sessions of combined uphill treadmill walking and physical therapy provided superior improvements in stride length and walking speed at 10-session or 20-day follow-up, and active and passive excursion ranges at 20-day follow-up compared with physical therapy alone.Physical therapist may consider uphill treadmill walking when designing a physical therapy for patients with knee osteoarthritis to promote the results of the rehabilitation programs.

Substantial clinical benefit, responsiveness, and sensitivity to change of three common outcome measures following shoulder arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVES: It is important for clinicians involved in the care of patients with advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis to determine clinically significant change when using outcome measures. There is little information on the amount of substantial clinical benefit in shoulder outcomes after shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to quantify substantial clinical benefit for the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgery score, the Constant Murley Score, and the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder index and (2) to provide estimates of responsiveness and sensitivity to change for these measures following shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: The study involved a secondary analysis of previously collected data. The substantial clinical benefit and responsiveness of the measures were calculated based on external anchors related to change in pain, range of motion, and ability to carry out activities of daily living. The areas under curve and standardized response mean represented responsiveness and sensitivity to change. RESULTS: The data of 159 and 131 patients with complete follow-up at 6 months and 2 years were reviewed. The amount of substantial clinical benefit was dependent on the outcome measure and the external anchor and increased for all measures from 6 months to 2 years. Responsiveness was high (areas under curve > 0.80) at 6 months and further improved at 2 years (areas under curve > 0.88). The standardized response mean values of both time points were over 2.00, indicating high effect sizes. The standardized response means of the Constant Murley Score were statistically significantly higher than the standardized response means of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgery and Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder. CONCLUSION: Amount of substantial clinical improvement in pain, range of motion, and activities of daily living following shoulder arthroplasty depends on the type of outcome measure used. All three measures, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, absolute and relative Constant Murley Score, and Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder, demonstrated good to excellent accuracy and optimal standardized response means. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Retrospective Cohort study.

Exercise therapy may affect scapular position and motion in individuals with scapular dyskinesis: a systematic review of clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic exercise for scapular muscles is suggested to be effective in reducing shoulder pain in patients with rotator cuff disorders, whereas its effectiveness on scapular position and motion has remained unclear. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to investigate whether exercise therapy improves scapular position and motion in individuals with scapular dyskinesis. METHODS: This study is a wide systematic review including any type of clinical trial in which the effect of any type of therapeutic exercise, including scapular muscle strengthening, stretching, and scapular stabilization exercise, is investigated in adult participants. RESULTS: Twenty studies were included in this systematic review. Studies were categorized on the basis of the techniques they used to measure scapular position and motion and the included participants. Methodologic quality of the studies was assessed by the Cochrane tool of assessing the risk of bias. Eight studies used 3-dimensional techniques for measuring scapular motions. Among them, 5 studies showed significant effects of exercise on scapular motion, of which 3 studies investigated individuals with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). The other 12 studies used 2-dimensional measurement techniques, of which 8 studies reported significant effects of exercise on scapular position and motion both in SIS patients and in asymptomatic individuals. However, their methodologic quality was debatable. Therefore, there was conflicting evidence for the effect of exercise on scapular dyskinesis. CONCLUSION: There is a lack of evidence for beneficial effects of exercise in improving scapular position and motion in individuals with scapular dyskinesis. However, exercise is beneficial in reducing pain and disability in individuals with SIS.

Shoulder pain prevalence and risk factors in middle-aged women: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of shoulder pain and to explore the possible associated risk factors in middle-aged women. METHODS: A total of 500 middle-aged women, aged 45-65 years, participated in this cross-sectional study. The point and lifetime prevalence of shoulder pain were calculated. Linear and logistic regressions were used to determine the possible associations between the risk factors and present shoulder pain. RESULTS: The point and lifetime prevalence of shoulder pain were 18.6% and 27.6%, respectively. The logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between present shoulder pain and history of shoulder pain and trauma, osteoporosis, trapezius muscle pain, and cervical radiculopathy (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant association between present shoulder pain and diabetes mellitus or postural deviation (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results indicated that shoulder pain has considerable prevalence in middle-aged women. In addition, a history of shoulder pain and trauma, osteoporosis, trapezius muscle pain, and cervical radiculopathy were found to be associated with present shoulder pain. Future research should concentrate on longitudinal designs that explore preventive strategies and risk factors for shoulder pain.

The effects of deep neck muscle-specific training versus general exercises on deep neck muscle thickness, pain and disability in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain: protocol for a randomized clinical trial (RCT).

BACKGROUND: Altered thickness, cross-sectional area and activity of deep neck muscles have frequently been reported in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain (CNNP). It is claimed that these muscles do not recover spontaneously. These muscles provide a considerable amount of cervical stability. Therefore, various therapeutic exercises have been recommended to recover from resulting complications. However, most exercise protocols do not target deep neck muscles directly. Thus, this might be a reason for long-lasting complications. Accordingly, the purpose of the present study is to discuss a randomized controlled trial (RCT) protocol in which we aim to investigate and compare the effects of neck-specific exercise programmes versus general exercise programmes in patients with CNNP. METHODS: A 2*2 factorial RCT with before-after design. Sixty-four participants with CNNP will be recruited into the study. They will be randomly divided into two groups, including specific neck exercise and general exercise. Each exercise programme will be carried out three times a week and will last for 8 weeks. Primarily, dorsal and ventral neck muscle thickness, pain and disability and secondarily, muscle strength, quality of life, sleep quality, fear avoidance and neck range of motion will be assessed at the baseline and immediately at the end of the exercise protocol. DISCUSSION: The results of this study will inform clinicians on which type of exercise is more beneficial for patients with CNNP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT2017091620787N2, Sep 16 2017.

Scapular Upward Rotator Morphologic Characteristics in Individuals With and Without Forward Head Posture: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVES: There are several reports suggesting that forward head posture contributes to alterations in scapular kinematics and muscle activity, leading to the development of shoulder problems. Currently, it is unknown whether forward head posture alters the thickness of the scapular muscles. The aim of this study was to compare the thickness of the serratus anterior and upper and lower trapezius muscles at rest and during loaded isometric contractions in individuals with and without forward head posture. METHODS: Twenty individuals with forward head posture and 20 individuals with normal head posture participated in this case-control study. Three separate ultrasound images of the serratus anterior and upper and lower trapezius muscles were captured under 2 randomized conditions: at rest and during a loaded isometric contraction. RESULTS: The thickness of each muscle significantly increased from rest to the loaded isometric contraction (P < .001). The only difference between the groups was that the thickness of the serratus anterior muscle at rest in the normal-posture group was larger than that in the forward-posture group (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Forward head posture appears to be related to atrophy of the serratus anterior muscle, which may contribute to the development of shoulder problems. Further research is required to identify more about the association of forward head posture with the imbalance of shoulder girdle muscles and the impact of head posture on upper quadrant pain.

The Effect of Unihemispheric Concurrent Dual-Site Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of Primary Motor and Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortices on Motor Function in Patients With Sub-Acute Stroke.

It is believed that unihemispheric concurrent dual-site transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCSUHCDS) of the primary motor cortex (M1) and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) causes an increase in motor cortex excitability. However, the clinical effect of this type of stimulation on patients with neurological conditions is not yet known. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of anodal-tDCSUHCDS (a-tDCSUHCDS) on upper limb motor function in subacute stroke patients. Fifteen patients participated in this sham-controlled crossover study. The main outcome measures were the reaction time (RT) to visual stimuli, completion time of a nine-pin pegboard (9-PPB), and the scores from the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) for the upper limb of the involved side before and after three brain stimulation conditions. For a-tDCSUHCDS, the anodal electrodes were placed on the M1 and the DLPFC, while for a-tDCS, the anodal electrode was placed on the M1. For the sham stimulation, the tDCS was turned off after 30 s. For brain stimulation, the selected current was 1 mA for 20 min. After a-tDCSUHCDS, there was a significant reduction in the RT and completion time of the 9-PPB compared with the times after a-tDCS and the sham stimulation: p = 0.013 and p = 0.022, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in the FMA scores after the three types of stimulations (p = 0.085). Compared with a-tDCS, a-tDCSUHCDS temporarily improved the RT and dexterity of the involved hand in subacute stroke patients. Clinical Trial Registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT), identifier IRCT2015012520787N1.

An ultrasonographic investigation of deep neck flexor muscles cross-sectional area in forward and normal head posture.

BACKGROUND: As one of the most common work-related musculoskeletal disorders and postural deviations, forward head posture (FHP), is considered to lead to muscle imbalance. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the bilateral cross-sectional area (CSA) of the deep neck flexor muscles at rest and during five stages of the craniocervical flexion (CCF) test in individuals with FHP and the controls with normal head posture. METHODS: Eighteen students with FHP and 18 controls with normal head posture, all females aged 18-35 years, participated in this study. Participants were categorized into two groups based on their craniovertebral angle. The CSA of the deep neck flexors was measured using ultrasonography while participants lay supine on the table with a pressure biofeedback unit placed under their necks in order to let the examiner measure the CSA of the muscles during rest and five stages of the CCF test including 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 mmHg of the pressure biofeedback unit. RESULTS: A significant effect of contraction level was observed in both groups, indicating significant increases of the CSA of the deep neck flexors during contraction (F = 64.37, P < 0.001). No significant difference was evident for the CSA of the deep neck flexors between the groups, although the increase in the CSA of the deep neck flexors was up to 28 mmHg in the normal head posture group compared to 26 mmHg in the FHP group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study showed no significant difference between the performance of the deep neck flexors during the CCF test in FHP and normal head posture individuals, which challenge the common belief of the deep neck flexors weakness in individuals sustaining FHP.

The Effects of Forward Head Posture on Neck Extensor Muscle Thickness: An Ultrasonographic Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare neck extensor muscle thickness, thickness changes, and strength between participants with forward head posture (FHP) and controls with normal head posture (NHP). METHODS: Twenty college students with FHP (mean age 21.30 ± 2.36 years) and 20 students with NHP (mean age 21.85 ± 2.78 years) participated in this case-control study. The thickness of neck extensor muscles was measured at rest and at maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). In addition, the craniovertebral angle (CVA) was calculated. To compare thickness changes between the 2 groups and among 5 muscles, a 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance was applied. In addition, Pearson's correlation test was performed to investigate the relationship between neck extensor MVIC and CVA. RESULTS: The FHP group demonstrated lower MVIC compared with the NHP group (P = .03). Semispinalis capitis showed the smallest thickness changes during neck extensor MVIC in FHP compared with the controls (P < .001). However, no significant difference in terms of muscle thickness was observed between the 2 groups at the state of rest (P = .16-.99). A positive association was also found between the MVIC and CVA (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Semispinalis capitis had less thickness changes during MVIC of neck extensors in individuals with FHP compared with those with NHP. This indirectly implies lower activity of this muscle in FHP condition. This study finding may help researchers develop therapeutic exercise protocols to manage FHP.

Alterations in the Mechanical Response of Deep Dorsal Neck Muscles in Individuals Experiencing Whiplash-Associated Disorders Compared to Healthy Controls: An Ultrasound Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the mechanical responses of dorsal neck muscles in individuals with whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) versus healthy individuals. DESIGN: This study included 36 individuals with WAD (26 women and 10 men) and 36 healthy controls (26 women and 10 men). Ultrasound imaging with speckle tracking was used to measure deformation and deformation rate in five dorsal neck muscles during a neck extension task. RESULTS: Compared with controls, individuals with WAD showed higher deformations of the semispinalis cervicis (P = 0.02) and multifidus (P = 0.002) muscles and higher deformation rates (P = 0.03 and 0.0001, respectively). Among individuals with WAD, multifidus deformation and deformation rate were significantly associated with pain, disability, and fatigue (r = 0.31-0.46, P = 0.0001-0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that the mechanical responses of the deep dorsal neck muscles differ between individuals with WAD and healthy controls, possibly reflecting that these muscles use altered strategies while performing a neck extension task. This finding provides new insight into neck muscles pathology in patients with chronic WAD and may help improve rehabilitation programs. TO CLAIM CME CREDITS: Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME CME OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Summarize the mechanical responses of dorsal neck muscles during loading of the neck muscles via an extension task in individuals with chronic whiplash associated disorders and healthy volunteers; (2) Differentiate mechanical responses between five dorsal neck muscles while loading the neck via an extension task; and (3) Describe the relationships between the mechanical responses of the dorsal neck muscles with the patients' perception of neck pain, disability, and fatigue. LEVEL: Advanced ACCREDITATION: The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Effects of segmental traction therapy on lumbar disc herniation in patients with acute low back pain measured by magnetic resonance imaging: A single arm clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Low Back Pain (LBP) is considered as one of the most frequent disorders, which about 80% of adults experience in their lives. Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a cause for acute LBP. Among conservative treatments, traction is frequently used by clinicians to manage LBP resulting from LDH. However, there is still a lack of consensus about its efficacy. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of segmental traction therapy on lumbar discs herniation, pain, lumbar range of motion (ROM), and back extensor muscles endurance in patients with acute LBP induced by LDH. METHODS: Fifteen patients with acute LBP diagnosed by LDH participated in the present study. Participants undertook 15 sessions of segmental traction therapy along with conventional physiotherapy, 5 times a week for 3 weeks. Lumbar herniated mass size was measured before and after the treatment protocol using magnetic resonance imaging. Furthermore, pain, lumbar ROM and back muscle endurance were evaluated before and after the procedure using clinical outcome measures. RESULTS: Following the treatment protocol, herniated mass size and patients' pain were reduced significantly. In addition, lumbar flexion ROM showed a significant improvement. However, no significant change was observed for back extensor muscle endurance after the treatment procedure. CONCLUSION: The result of the present study showed segmental traction therapy might play an important role in the treatment of acute LBP stimulated by LDH.

Differential Activation of the Dorsal Neck Muscles During a Light Arm-Elevation Task in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain and Asymptomatic Controls: An Ultrasonographic Study.

BACKGROUND: Disturbance in neck muscle function is a well-known complication of chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNNP). It is, however, unclear which muscles are more susceptible to functional impairment in patients with CNNP during upper limb tasks. OBJECTIVES: To compare ultrasonographic changes in dorsal neck muscles thickness in patients with CNNP and asymptomatic controls while they performed a light load upper-limb movement. DESIGN: Case control. SETTING: University research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty individuals with CNNP with a mean age of 23.35 ± 2.94 and 20 asymptomatic controls with a mean age of 22.30 ± 2.86, without any history of cervical diskopathy, fracture, trauma, inflammation, and spinal deformity were recruited for this study. METHODS: Ultrasonographic measurement of dorsal neck muscles thickness was performed during a light load 3-second arm-elevation task (shoulder scaption to 120°) in the 2 groups. Associations between pain intensity and patients' perceived disability and between pain intensity and muscle thickness also were evaluated at the state of rest. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The thickness changes of the dorsal neck muscles throughout the arm elevation were calculated. The pain intensity and the patient's perceived disability also were measured. RESULTS: A significant main effect of muscle activity status was revealed for the multifidus and semispinalis cervicis and the splenius capitis, indicating an increase in their thickness throughout the arm elevation (P < .001). The only muscle that showed a difference between groups was the multifidus (P = .007). Direct associations between pain and disability (r = .48, P = .03) and between pain and multifidus thickness (r = -.49, P = .03) also were observed. CONCLUSION: The deteriorating effect of CNNP on the neck muscles targets the deep layer of the dorsal neck muscles (ie, the multifidus) more than the superficial muscles during light upper-limb tasks. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Ultrasonographic analysis of dorsal neck muscles thickness changes induced by isometric contraction of shoulder muscles: A comparison between patients with chronic neck pain and healthy controls.

BACKGROUND: Altered pattern of muscle activity is commonly seen with chronic neck pain (CNP). However, limited investigations have been done on dorsal neck muscles' activity pattern while performing upper limb tasks in patients with CNP. OBJECTIVES: To investigate dorsal neck muscles' thickness changes during isometric contraction of shoulder muscles. DESIGN: Case-control study. METHODS: This study investigated dorsal neck muscles' thickness changes during isometric contraction of shoulder muscles in 20 healthy participants (mean age 27 ± 4.37) and 17 patients with CNP (mean age 29 ± 5.50). Effects of isometric force of shoulder muscles on dorsal neck muscles' thickness changes were also evaluated. RESULTS: Significant muscle × group interaction was observed for the dorsal neck muscles thickness changes (p = 0.008) indicating different pattern of muscle activity in terms of changes in muscle thickness of two groups. Significant main effects of direction was observed (P = 0.003), with the abduction had the greatest impact on changing the dorsal neck muscles thickness. CONCLUSIONS: patients with CNP showed altered pattern of muscle thickness changes in comparison to healthy participants. Isometric abduction of shoulder muscles induced the greatest changes of dorsal neck muscles thickness among other force directions.

Reliability of new software in measuring cervical multifidus diameters and shoulder muscle strength in a synchronized way; an ultrasonographic study.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted with the purpose of evaluating the inter-session reliability of new software to measure the diameters of the cervical multifidus muscle (CMM), both at rest and during isometric contractions of the shoulder abductors in subjects with neck pain and in healthy individuals. METHOD: In the present study, the reliability of measuring the diameters of the CMM with the Sonosynch software was evaluated by using 24 participants, including 12 subjects with chronic neck pain and 12 healthy individuals. The anterior-posterior diameter (APD) and the lateral diameter (LD) of the CMM were measured in a resting state and then repeated during isometric contraction of the shoulder abductors. Measurements were taken on separate occasions 3 to 7 days apart in order to determine inter-session reliability. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable difference (SDD) were used to evaluate the relative and absolute reliability, respectively. RESULTS: The Sonosynch software has shown to be highly reliable in measuring the diameters of the CMM both in healthy subjects and in those with neck pain. The ICCs 95% CI for APD ranged from 0.84 to 0.94 in subjects with neck pain and from 0.86 to 0.94 in healthy subjects. For LD, the ICC 95% CI ranged from 0.64 to 0.95 in subjects with neck pain and from 0.82 to 0.92 in healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonographic measurement of the diameters of the CMM using Sonosynch has proved to be reliable especially for APD in healthy subjects as well as subjects with neck pain.