A randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of mirror therapy in improving strength, range of movement and muscle activity, in people with carpal tunnel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: There is little information on the potential effects of mirror therapy (MT) on motor recovery in individuals with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of a MT protocol versus a therapeutic exercise (TE) protocol, in improving strength, range of motion (ROM), muscle activity, pain, and functionality in patients with CTS. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. METHODS: Thirty-nine participants with unilateral CTS were divided into two groups: (i) MT group (n = 20) that followed an exercise protocol applied to the unaffected hand reflected in a mirror, and (ii) TE group (n = 19) that followed the same exercise protocol using the unaffected hand but without a mirror. Strength, wrist ROM, muscle activity, pain and functionality, were assessed at baseline (T0), after treatment (T1) and one month after treatment (T2). RESULTS: At T1, the MT group showed significantly higher wrist flexion-extension ROM compared to TE (p = 0.04, d = 0.8), maintained at T2 (p = 0.02, d = 0.8). No significant changes were observed in ulnar-radius deviation, pronosupination, or fatigue following either MT or TE (p > 0.05). MT exhibited enhanced handgrip strength at T1 (p = 0.001, d = 0.7), as well as an increase in the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and flexor carpi radialis (FCR) maximum muscle activity (p = 0.04, d = 1.0; p = 0.03, d = 0.4). At T1, both groups decreased pain (p = 0.002, d = 1.1; p = 0.02, d = 0.7), and improved functionality (p < 0.001, d = 0.8; p = 0.01, d = 0.5) (MT and TE respectively). DISCUSSION: MT led to enhancements in wrist flexion-extension movement, handgrip strength and functionality unlike TE. MT notably increased muscle activity, particularly in the ECR and FCR muscles. CONCLUSIONS: MT is a favorable strategy to improve wrist flexion-extension ROM, handgrip strength, ECR and FCR muscle activity, and functionality in people with unilateral CTS.

Effects of mirror neuron activation therapies on functionality in older adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To identify the effects of mirror neuron activation (MNAT) combined or not with physical exercise (PE) in healthy older adults, on functionality, balance, gait velocity and risk of falls. METHODS: A systematic electronic search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Embase databases. RESULTS: Thirteen randomized controlled trials were included in the qualitative analysis, and eleven in the quantitative analysis. All studies showed fair to high quality and the most frequent high-risk bias was "Blinding of participants and personnel". Compared to the control condition, higher improvement was shown in older people who received MNAT, on functionality (1.57 [0.57, 2.62], balance (1.95 [1.32, 2.572]), and gait velocity (1.20 [0.30, 2.11]). Compared to PE, MNAT combined with PE does not improve functionality. More studies are needed to assess MNAT effectiveness in the rest of the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Neuron system activation through MNAT improves relevant abilities in older adults, with better results when including functional activities. However, the beneficial effects on these variables of adding MNAT to a PE program are controversial.

Effects of an Oral Stimulation Program on Feeding Outcomes in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

AIMS: To review the literature on the effects of unimodal sensorimotor stimulation protocols on feeding outcomes in very preterm and moderate to late preterm infants (PIs). METHODS: Five databases were searched up to April 2022. Studies comparing unimodal sensorimotor stimulation protocols based on the combination of manual oral stimulation with NNS against usual care in PIs, on-time transition to full oral feeding (FOF), feeding efficacy, length of hospital stay, and/or body weight gain. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included. Compared to usual care, unimodal sensorimotor stimulation protocols based on manual oral stimulation combined with NNS demonstrated to be more effective in decreasing time transition to FOF (standardized mean difference [95%CI] - 1.08 [-1.74, -0.41]), improving feeding efficacy (2.15 [1.18, 3.13]) and shortening length of hospital stay (-0.35 [-0.68, -0.03]). However, the proposed intervention was not effective in improving weight gain (0.27 [-0.40, 0.95]). There were no significant differences according to gestational age (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on fair-to-high quality evidence, unimodal sensorimotor stimulation protocols combined with NNS reduce time transition to FOF, improve feeding efficacy, and shorten the length of hospital stay; yet the proposed intervention yielded no significant effects on body weight gain when compared to usual care in PIs.

Effects of mirror therapy on pain, sensitivity and functionality in patients with unilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. Randomised control trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of mirror therapy (MT) and therapeutic exercise (TE) with the unaffected hand, on pain, sensitivity and functionality in individuals with unilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was carried out. Thirty-nine adults with unilateral CTS were included and randomly allocated to a six-week training programme based on MT (n = 20) or TE (n = 19). Visual Analogue Scale, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, Two-point discrimination (2PD), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) were assessed before (T0) and after the intervention (T1), and at one-month follow-up (T2). RESULTS: At T1, MT and TE showed significant improvements in pain (p = 0.001 and p = 0.03, respectively), however, only MT maintained the achieved effects at T2 (p = 0.01). In addition, 2PD significantly improved in MT in the first (p = 0.04) and fourth fingers (p = 0.02) at T1. The DASH score decreased at T1 in MT (p < 0.001) and TE (p = 0.01). Additionally, the BCTQ score improved in MT (p < 0.001), and TE (p < 0.001) at T1. The effects were maintained at T2 for DASH and BCTQ scores. CONCLUSIONS: Training of the unaffected hand resulted in a significant improvement of the affected hand in both groups; nevertheless, MT achieved a longer duration of the effects.

Training of the unaffected hand may improve pain, sensitivity and functionality in people with unilateral tunnel carpal syndrome.Mirror therapy achieved longer duration of the effects on pain and hand functionality.Our research may inform clinical decision-making and guide the development of therapeutic interventions for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Fibromyalgia syndrome is associated with sexual dysfunction regardless of physical activity status: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a rheumatic disorder that has been observed to affect self-perception of sexuality. AIM: The study aims to assess sexual dysfunction (SD), establish possible associations with SD levels, and evaluate the impact of physical activity (PA) levels on SD in Spanish women with FMS as compared with healthy control women. METHODS: The study was cross-sectional. A total of 170 women voluntarily agreed to participate between September 2019 and February 2020: 88 in the FMS group and 82 in the control group. OUTCOMES: The main outcome measures were SD, as assessed through the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and PA levels, as assessed with a structured interview. RESULTS: There were significant differences in every domain and total SD score between the FMS and control groups (P < .05). In addition, we obtained a moderate significant direct association (χ2[1] = 37.071, P < .05, phi = 0.467) when exploring the associations between FMS and risk of SD. Results showed statistically significant differences between the FMS group and the control group when PA levels were not reached in the desire, pain, and total scores of the FSFI (P < .05). When the PA levels were reached, between-group differences were found in all domains, as well as in the total score of the FSFI (P < .05). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Sexual function should be evaluated in women with FMS, while future treatments should address this clinical area with the aim of managing SD in this population. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: The main limitation is that the outcome measures were self-reported. CONCLUSION: We found a high prevalence of SD in Spanish women with FMS, with an impact on aspects such as desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain during sexual intercourse. In addition, there is a moderate direct association between FMS and SD. Ultimately, the results showed that, irrespective of PA, women with FMS reported increased SD.

Effects of therapeutic exercise in primary dysmenorrhea: an umbrella and mapping review.

PURPOSE: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is 1 of the most prevalent gynecologic conditions. The main aim of this umbrella review was to assess the effects of therapeutic exercise (TE) on PD. METHODS: A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and PEDro (December 10, 2022). The outcome measures assessed were menstrual pain intensity, menstrual pain duration, and quality of life. Methodological quality was analyzed using the AMSTAR and ROBIS scales, and the strength of evidence was established according to the advisory committee grading criteria guidelines. RESULTS: Nine systematic reviews were included. The results showed that TE, regardless of the exercise model and intensity, has a clinical effect in improving menstrual pain intensity in women with PD with moderate quality of evidence. In addition, the results showed that TE has a clinical effect in improving the duration of menstrual pain in women with PD with a limited quality of evidence. However, the results are controversial on the improvement of quality of life in women with PD with a limited quality of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: TE seems an effective option to implement in women with PD to improve the intensity and duration of menstrual pain. We cannot draw robust results for quality of life due to the low number of primary studies. More research in this field can help us establish more robust conclusions, as well as to assess whether there is one exercise model or intensity of training that is more effective than others.PROSPERO number: This review was previously registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022371428).

Exploration of the clinical course of frozen shoulder: A longitudinal multicenter prospective study of functional impairments.

BACKGROUND: Contradictory evidence exists regarding the clinical course of frozen shoulder (FS). OBJECTIVES: To explore the clinical course of FS regarding disabilities, pain, range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, scapular upward rotation, and proprioception and to establish longitudinal correlations between these variables. METHODS: Patients with FS were prospectively followed for 9 months at 3-month intervals. Assessment included the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire; visual analogue scale for pain; an inclinometer for shoulder external rotation (ER), internal rotation (IR), flexion, and abduction ROM, and scapular upward rotation and proprioception, as well as handheld dynamometry for muscle strength in shoulder abduction, ER, and IR. RESULTS: Initially, 149 patients (98 females; mean (SD) age 53 (9) years) were included, with 88 completing all follow-up assessments. Most variables showed early improvement in the clinical course of FS, particularly ER and IR at 90° abduction, which continued to improve from 6 to 9 months of follow-up. Associations were observed between disabilities and pain (r = 0.61), disabilities/pain and ROM (r=-0.62 to -0.59 and r=-0.47 to -0.39, respectively), disabilities/pain and muscle strength (r=-0.24 to -0.35 and r=-0.36 to -0.17, respectively), and between disabilities/pain and scapular upward rotation below shoulder level (r = 0.23 to 0.38 and r = 0.24 to 0.30, respectively). ROM correlated with muscle strength (r = 0.14 to 0.44), while both ROM and ER muscle strength correlated with scapular upward rotation below shoulder level (r=-0.37 to -0.23 and r=-0.17 to -0.12, respectively). Muscle strength correlated with scapular upward rotation above shoulder level (r = 0.28 to 0.38) and lift-off muscle strength correlated with joint repositioning (r=-0.17 to -0.15). CONCLUSION: Almost all factors improved in the early phase (3-6 months) after baseline assessment, while ER and IR ROM at shoulder level continued to improve long term.

Immediate Effects of a Single Session of Cervical Spine Manipulation on Cervical Movement Patterns in People With Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess the immediate effects of a single session of cervical spine manipulation on cervical movement patterns, disability, and the patient's perceived improvement in people with nonspecific neck pain. METHODS: A single-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial was carried out at a biomechanics institute. Fifty participants diagnosed with acute and chronic nonspecific neck pain (minimum duration of the symptoms being 1 month) were randomized to an experimental group (EG, n = 25) or a sham-control group (CG, n = 25, 23 of whom completed the study). EG received a single cervical spine manipulation session; CG received a single placebo intervention. Both groups received manipulation or sham from the same physiotherapist. Main outcome measures were neck kinematics (ie, range of motion and movement harmony) during cyclic movements, self-reported neck disability, and impression of change assessed before and 5 minutes after treatment. RESULTS: The EG showed no significant improvements (P > .05) in any of the studied biomechanical variables, except for right-side bending and left rotation, in which we found a range of motion significant mean difference of 1.97° and 1.95°, respectively (P < .05). The CG showed enhanced harmonic motion during flexion (P < .05). Both groups showed a significant decrease in self-reported neck disability after treatment (P < .05), and EG participants perceived a significantly larger improvement after manipulation compared with the CG (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: A single session of cervical manipulation provided by a physiotherapist had no impact on cervical motion during cyclic movements, but rather induced self-reported perceived improvement in neck disability and impression of change after treatment in people with nonspecific neck pain.

Effect of virtual running with exercise on functionality in pre-frail and frail elderly people: randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Virtual mirror therapies could increase the results of exercise, since the mirror neuron system produces an activation of motor execution cortical areas by observing actions performed by others. In this way, pre-frail and frail people could use this system to reach an exercise capacity threshold and obtain health benefits. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a virtual running (VR) treatment combined with specific physical gait exercise (PE) compared to placebo VR treatment combined with PE on functionality, pain, and muscular tone in pre-frail and frail older persons. METHODS: A single blinded, two-arm, randomised controlled trial design was employed. Thirty-eight participants were divided into two intervention arms: Experimental Intervention (EI) group, in which VR and gait-specific physical exercises were administered and Control Intervention (CI) group, in which a placebo virtual gait and the same exercise programme was administered. Functionality, pain, and tone were assessed. RESULTS: EI group improved in aerobic capacity, functional lower-limb strength, reaction time, and pain, while CI group remained the same. Regarding static balance and muscle tone, no differences were found for either group. Further analysis is needed to asses VR effectiveness for improving gait, stand-up and sit-down performance and velocity. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual running therapy appears to enhance capacities related with voluntary movements (i.e., aerobic capacity, functional lower-limb strength, and reaction time) and reduce pain.

Impact of physical activity levels on the ability to maintain static trunk posture in older adults.

PROPOSE: to assess the impact of physical activity (PA) levels on sitting posture in the older adults. METHODS: One hundred and twenty individuals were divided into three groups according their PA levels: vigorous group (VG); moderate group (MG); low group (LG). The ability to maintain static trunk posture in sitting position as assessed based on the cervical angle (CA) and thoracic angle (TA) was measured. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between measurements in CA for the VG. However, LG and MG participants exhibited a significant decrease in CA from minute 1 to 10 and from minute 2 to 10, respectively. In the thoracic region, only the MG exhibited significant differences in TA from minute 2 to 10 compared to minute 1 (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in TA between measurements for either VG or LG. CONCLUSIONS: PA has a high impact on the ability to maintain static trunk posture in the older adults.

Sex-related differences in migraine clinical features by frequency of occurrence: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The sex-related differences of migraine hold clinical relevance to achieve a better diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate sex-related differences in migraine features, the impact, and health care resources for people who suffer from episodic migraine (EM) and chronic migraine (CM). METHODS: 184 patients (72 % women; 61.4 % with EM; mean (SD) age of 38.7 (10.4) years) were assessed through the Migraine Disability Assessment, the Short Form 36 Health Survey, the Beck Depression Inventory II and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Additionally, medication intake and medical assistance were recorded. Multivariate analyses were performed, stratifying by frequency of occurrence (EM and CM) and sex (men and women). RESULTS: The results showed that women presented a greater number of symptoms (p=0.03), pain intensity (p<0.01), pain duration (p=0.03), disability (p=0.01), amount of symptomatic medication (p=0.04) and medical visits (p=0.001), as well as a worse physical role (p=0.004) than men with EM. However, no significant differences between them were found for CM (p>0.05). Moreover, it was identified that there was a significant increase in medication intake among people with CM compared to EM (p<0.001). It is worth noting that there were no significant differences by diagnosis and sex in emotional status (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Migraine features, impact and health care resources were greater in women than men with EM; yet no significant differences between them were found for CM. The findings of the present study may contribute to a better diagnosis and treatment response in people with migraines.

Effects of massage therapy alone or together with passive mobilisations on weight gain and length of hospitalisation in preterm infants: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The effect of massage therapy alone or together with passive mobilisations on weight gain and length of hospitalisation in very preterm and moderate-to-late preterm infants remains to be elucidated. AIM: To compare massage therapy alone or combined with passive mobilisations with a control group in preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement was conducted. Randomised controlled trials comparing massage therapy alone or combined with passive mobilisations with a control group in preterm infants were included. MEDLINE, EMBASE, ENFISPO, PEDro and Cochrane databases were searched up to March 2022. SUBJECTS: Preterm infants. OUTCOME MEASURES: Weight gain and time of hospitalisation. RESULTS: Compared to usual care, massage therapy combined with passive mobilisations was demonstrated to be more effective in improving weight gain (standardized mean difference [95%CI] 0.67 [0.31, 1.02]) and reducing length of hospitalisation (0.53 [0.10, 0.97]) outcomes. However, massage therapy alone was not effective in improving weight gain (1.14 [-0.22, 2.49]). No differences in the effectiveness of these therapies between groups according to gestational age were found (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on fair-to-high quality evidence, massage therapy combined with passive mobilisations significantly improves weight gain and reduces length of hospitalisation in premature infants. However, massage therapy alone does not achieve these improvements.

Effectiveness of a Manual Therapy Protocol in Women with Pelvic Pain Due to Endometriosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

A randomized controlled trial was carried out to assess the effectiveness of a manual therapy protocol in terms of the clinical characteristics, quality of life, and emotional condition of the women with endometriosis-related pelvic pain. Forty-one women (mean age of 36.10 (6.97) years) with pelvic pain due to endometriosis were randomly divided into (i) a manual therapy group (MTG) (n = 21) and (ii) a placebo group (PG) (n = 20). Both groups received an 8-week intervention. Pain, lumbar mobility, endometriosis health profile, quality of life, depression and anxiety levels, and the patient's perception of change were assessed before (T0) and after (T1) the intervention, as well as at a one-month follow-up (T2) and a six-month follow-up (T3). The MTG significantly improved pain intensity, powerlessness, lumbar mobility, and physical quality of life at T1 (p < 0.05). The results were maintained for pain intensity at T2 and T3. In addition, both the MTG and PG improved emotional wellbeing at T1 (p < 0.05). Neither group improved in terms of social support, self-image, and depression and anxiety levels after the intervention (p > 0.05). In conclusion, manual therapy may be an excellent complement to the gynecological treatment of endometriosis-related pelvic pain by alleviating pain and improving women's endometriosis health profile and physical quality of life.

Effects of mirror therapy on spasticity and sensory impairment after stroke: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To review and synthesize existing evidence on the effectiveness of mirror therapy (MT) compared to active exercise-based interventions (ie, cross-training and conventional exercise) for reducing spasticity and sensory impairment in stroke survivors. TYPE: Systematic Review and Metanalysis. LITERATURE SURVEY: Pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), were searched. METHODOLOGY: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated MT effectiveness in improving spasticity and sensory impairment in stroke survivors compared to a control group. SYNTHESIS: Fifteen RCTs (653 volunteers) were included. Spasticity improvements achieved with MT were similar to those obtained with cross-training (standard mean difference [SMD]: 0.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.43 to 0.68). In addition, when further combined with conventional exercise, spasticity improved similarly in both groups (SMD: 0.10, 95% CI: -0.16, 0.36). Lastly, when MT plus exercise was compared to exercise alone, spasticity decreased in both groups (SMD: 0.16, 95% CI: -0.16 to 0.48). Nevertheless, none of the Interventions seem effective on sensory impairment (SMD: 0.27, 95% CI: -0.28 to 0.81). CONCLUSIONS: MT is equally effective as other exercise therapies, such as cross-training and conventional exercise, for improving spasticity in stroke survivors, whereas none of the explored interventions yielded beneficial effects on sensory impairment. Further well-designed RCTs are needed to confirm the results.

Potential Benefits of a Single Session of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning and Walking in Sedentary Older Adults: A Pilot Study.

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) has shown positive effects in endurance-type sports among healthy young individuals; however, its effects in endurance-type exercises in older adults have not been explored. We aimed to examine the acute effects of a single session of IPC prior to an endurance-type exercise on cardiovascular- and physical-function-related parameters in sedentary older adults. A pilot study with a time-series design was carried out. Nine participants were enrolled consecutively in the following intervention groups: (i) SHAM (sham IPC + walking) and (ii) IPC (IPC + walking) groups. The main outcomes were resting systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, heart rate (HR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), maximum isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC), endurance performance, and perceived fatigue. After the intervention, the IPC group showed a significant reduction in SBP, whereas SpO2 decreased in the SHAM group. The IPC group maintained quadriceps MIVC levels, whereas these levels dropped in the SHAM group. No changes in DBP, resting HR, endurance, or fatigue in any group were observed. These findings are of interest for the promotion of cardiovascular and physical health in older people.

Effectiveness of therapeutic exercise and cognitive-behavioural therapy combined protocol on functionality, pain and joint health in people with haemophilia: Secondary analysis of a controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Haemophilic arthropathy is one of the main causes of morbidity in people with haemophilia (PWH), inducing pain and reduced functionality. Therefore, PWH are complex patients and must be approached from a multidisciplinary perspective. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of a therapeutic exercise and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) combined protocol on functionality, pain, and joint health of PWH, arthropathy and chronic pain. Treatment satisfaction was also evaluated. METHODS: A single-blinded clinical trial with 21 PWH in prophylactic regimen was carried out. Participants were divided into an experimental group (EG, n = 11) and a control group (CG, n = 10). The EG underwent a 4-month programme of home-based therapeutic exercise plus CBT, whilst CG performed their daily activities. Patients were evaluated at baseline, post-intervention and after 12 additional weeks. Measures of functionality (Haemophilia Activities List, Timed Up and Go Test, 2-Minutes-Walking-Test and Sit-to-Stand Test), pain (PainDETECT and Visual Analogue Scale) and joint health (Haemophilia Joint Health Score) were taken. Related dimensions of the A36 Haemophilia Quality of Life Questionnaire were calculated. Effects were calculated using a two-factor ANOVA. RESULTS: The EG showed significant improvements in function (p < .001), pain (p < .001), joint damage (p = .006), and satisfaction with the treatment (p = .006) dimensions of the A36 Haemophilia Quality of Life Questionnaire, as well as in pain measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (p = .008) and PainDETECT (p = .035). CONCLUSIONS: The combined physiotherapy and CBT protocol showed a partial improvement in functionality, pain and joint health of PWH, arthropathy and chronic pain. In addition, participants were satisfied with the treatment.

Understanding the clinical profile of patients with frozen shoulder: a longitudinal multicentre observational study.

INTRODUCTION: There is a large diversity in the clinical presentation of frozen shoulder (FS) and the clinical outcome is not always satisfactory. The aim of the current study was to examine to what extent range of motion (ROM) limitation, metabolic factors (diabetes mellitus and thyroid disorders), autonomic symptoms and pain sensitivity may contribute to the prognosis in terms of shoulder pain and disability and quality of life in patients with FS. METHODS: Patients with stage 1 or 2 FS were longitudinally followed-up during 9 months after baseline assessment. They completed six questionnaires and underwent quantitative sensory testing (pressure pain thresholds, temporal summation and conditioned pain modulation) and ROM assessment. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-nine patients with FS were initially recruited and 121 completed at least one follow-up measurement. Shoulder pain and disability improved over time and diabetes mellitus was found to be a prognostic factor for final outcome. Several domains of quality of life also improved over time and external rotation ROM, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorder and autonomic symptoms were found to be prognostic factors for final outcome. These prognostic factors explained 2.5%-6.3% of the final outcome of shoulder pain and disability and quality of life. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In patients with FS, prognostic variables were able to predict different outcomes, indicating that outcomes in this population can be variable-dependent. Other variables not explored in this study might contribute to the prognosis of patients with FS, which should be investigated in future research. In clinical practice, baseline assessment of prognostic factors and focusing on a more holistic approach might be useful to inform healthcare practitioners about progression of patients with FS during a 9-month period.

Potential Add-On Effects of Manual Therapy Techniques in Migraine Patients: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Objective: To ascertain whether the combination of soft tissue and articulatory manual techniques is more effective than either one of these techniques alone for reducing migraine impact; Methods: Seventy-five participants with migraine were randomly divided into three groups (n = 25 per group): (i) soft tissue (STG), (ii) articulatory (AG), and (iii) combined treatment (STAG). Pain, frequency of occurrence, duration, disability and impact, depression and anxiety levels, and perception of change were analysed at baseline, post intervention (T2) and at four-week follow-up (T3); Results: STAG showed a significantly greater reduction in pain versus STG and AG at T2 (p < 0.001; p = 0.014) and at T3 (p < 0.001; p = 0.01). Furthermore, STAG achieved a significantly greater reduction in pain duration versus STG at T2 (p = 0.020) and T3 (p = 0.026) and a greater impression of change versus STG (p = 0.004) and AG (p = 0.037) at T3. Similar effects were observed in all groups for frequency of occurrence, migraine disability, impact, and depression and anxiety levels; Conclusions: A combined manual therapy protocol including soft tissue and articulatory techniques yields larger improvements on pain and perception of change than either technique alone, yet the three therapeutic approaches show similar benefits for reducing pain, disability and impact caused by the migraine, depression or anxiety levels.

Impact of Parkinson's Disease on Functional Mobility at Different Stages.

Introduction: Specific functional assessments to determine the progression of Parkinson's Disease (PD) are important to slow down such progression and better plan rehabilitation. This study aimed to explore possible differences in the performance of different functional tasks included in a mobility test using sensors embedded in an Android device, in people at different PD stages. Materials and Methods: Eighty-seven participants with PD agreed to participate in this cross-sectional study. They were assessed once using an inertial sensor and variables related to functional status were recorded (i.e., MLDisp, APDisp, DispA, Vrange, MLRange, PTurnSit, PStand, TTime, and RTime). Results: There was significant impairment of the vertical range during gait between stages I and II. Further, when stages II and III were compared, the sit-to-stand power was significantly impaired, and the total time required to complete the test increased significantly (p < 0.05). Even more significant differences were obtained when stages I and III were compared, in particular, dysfunction in postural control, vertical range, sit to stand power and total time. Finally, there were no significant differences between stages in the medial-lateral displacements and reaction time (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Functional mobility becomes more significantly impaired in the PD population as the PD stages progress. This implies impaired postural control, decreased ability to sit down or stand up from a chair, increased metabolic cost during walking, and overall slowing-down of motor function.

Effectiveness of physical exercise on postural balance in patients with haemophilia: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Balance training is important to improve balance and to decrease the risk of falls in patients with haemophilia (PWH). AIM: To analyse the current knowledge about the effectiveness of physical exercise on postural balance in PWH. METHODS: A systematic search for clinical trials, published before November 2021, was conducted using the following electronic databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Wiley Online Library and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias. The certainty of the evidence was analyzed using GRADE. RESULTS: A total of ten studies involving 304 patients were included. The studies performed strength and balance exercises, and some included flexibility, mobilization, and/or aerobic exercises in their training programs. Postural balance was evaluated using a force platform and the one leg stand test was the most frequently used. Only five exercise programs achieved a significant increase in balance (pre-post) with a strength, postural balance, flexibility, and aerobic intervention. In general, the quality rate of the risk of bias was fair but the overall quality of the evidence across the studies was very low. CONCLUSION: Five studies showed that there is a positive change in balance after the intervention. However, there is currently an unclear demonstration of evidence for the use of physical exercises to improve postural balance in people with haemophilia. Further studies with a higher methodological quality are needed.