Implementing the 27 PRISMA 2020 Statement items for systematic reviews in the sport and exercise medicine, musculoskeletal rehabilitation and sports science fields: the PERSiST (implementing Prisma in Exercise, Rehabilitation, Sport medicine and SporTs science) guidance.

Poor reporting of medical and healthcare systematic reviews is a problem from which the sports and exercise medicine, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, and sports science fields are not immune. Transparent, accurate and comprehensive systematic review reporting helps researchers replicate methods, readers understand what was done and why, and clinicians and policy-makers implement results in practice. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement and its accompanying Explanation and Elaboration document provide general reporting examples for systematic reviews of healthcare interventions. However, implementation guidance for sport and exercise medicine, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, and sports science does not exist. The Prisma in Exercise, Rehabilitation, Sport medicine and SporTs science (PERSiST) guidance attempts to address this problem. Nineteen content experts collaborated with three methods experts to identify examples of exemplary reporting in systematic reviews in sport and exercise medicine (including physical activity), musculoskeletal rehabilitation (including physiotherapy), and sports science, for each of the PRISMA 2020 Statement items. PERSiST aims to help: (1) systematic reviewers improve the transparency and reporting of systematic reviews and (2) journal editors and peer reviewers make informed decisions about systematic review reporting quality.

Autologous stem cell therapy in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Stem cell therapy is increasingly used for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). We aimed to review the evidence of autologous mesenchymal stem cell therapy on pain, function and severity on imaging in KOA. DESIGN: Systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: RCTs evaluating autologous mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy on patient-reported outcome measures and disease severity. DATA SOURCES: Seven databases were searched until 31 December 2020. RISK OF BIAS AND DATA SYNTHESIS: Risk of bias was assessed using the ROB V.2. We used Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation to appraise the certainty of the evidence. Data were synthesised descriptively. RESULTS: Fourteen RCTs were included. A total of 408 patients with KOA received MSC therapy derived from bone marrow, adipose tissue or activated peripheral blood. After 1 year, 19 of 26 (73%) clinical outcome measures improved with MSCs compared with control. In the MSC group, patients improved by 1.8-4.4 points on the Visual Analogue Scale (0-10) and 18-32 points of the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (0-100). Four studies showed better disease severity on imaging after MSC compared with control at 1 year. Ten of 14 (71%) RCTs were at high risk of bias on all outcomes. No serious adverse events were reported after MSC therapy during a maximum of 4 years follow-up. CONCLUSION: We found a positive effect of autologous MSC therapy compared with control treatments on patient-reported outcome measures, and disease severity. The certainty of this evidence was low to very low. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42019120506.

Which treatment is most effective for patients with Achilles tendinopathy? A living systematic review with network meta-analysis of 29 randomised controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a consistently updated overview of the comparative effectiveness of treatments for Achilles tendinopathy. DESIGN: Living systematic review and network meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Multiple databases including grey literature sources were searched up to February 2019. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials examining the effectiveness of any treatment in patients with both insertional and/or midportion Achilles tendinopathy. We excluded trials with 10 or fewer participants per treatment arm or trials investigating tendon ruptures. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation to appraise the certainty of evidence. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: The validated patient-reported Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire. RESULTS: 29 trials investigating 42 different treatments were included. 22 trials (76%) were at high risk of bias and 7 (24%) had some concerns. Most trials included patients with midportion tendinopathy (86%). Any treatment class seemed superior to wait-and-see for midportion Achilles tendinopathy at 3 months (very low to low certainty of evidence). At 12 months, exercise therapy, exercise+injection therapy and exercise+night splint therapy were all comparable with injection therapy for midportion tendinopathy (very low to low certainty). No network meta-analysis could be performed for insertional Achilles tendinopathy. SUMMARY/CONCLUSION: In our living network meta-analysis no trials were at low risk of bias and there was large uncertainty in the comparative estimates. For midportion Achilles tendinopathy, wait-and-see is not recommended as all active treatments seemed superior at 3-month follow-up. There seems to be no clinically relevant difference in effectiveness between different active treatments at either 3-month or 12-month follow-up. As exercise therapy is easy to prescribe, can be of low cost and has few harms, clinicians could consider starting treatment with a calf-muscle exercise programme. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42018086467.

Comparative effectiveness of treatments for patellofemoral pain: a living systematic review with network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the comparative effectiveness of all treatments for patellofemoral pain (PFP). DESIGN: Living systematic review with network meta-analysis (NMA). DATA SOURCES: Sensitive search in seven databases, three grey literature resources and four trial registers. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials evaluating any treatment for PFP with outcomes 'any improvement', and pain intensity. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias with Risk of Bias Tool V.2. We used Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation to appraise the strength of the evidence. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: 'Any improvement' measured with a Global Rating of Change Scale. RESULTS: Twenty-two trials (with forty-eight treatment arms) were included, of which approximately 10 (45%) were at high risk of bias for the primary outcome. Most comparisons had a low to very low strength of the evidence. All treatments were better than wait and see for any improvement at 3 months (education (OR 9.6, 95% credible interval (CrI): 2.2 to 48.8); exercise (OR 13.0, 95% CrI: 2.4 to 83.5); education+orthosis (OR 16.5, 95% CrI: 4.9 to 65.8); education+exercise+patellar taping/mobilisations (OR 25.2, 95% CrI: 5.7 to 130.3) and education+exercise+patellar taping/mobilisations+orthosis (OR 38.8, 95% CrI: 7.3 to 236.9)). Education+exercise+patellar taping/mobilisations, with (OR 4.0, 95% CrI: 1.5 to 11.8) or without orthosis (OR 2.6, 95% CrI: 1.7 to 4.2), were superior to education alone. At 12 months, education or education+any combination yielded similar improvement rates. SUMMARY/CONCLUSION: Education combined with a physical treatment (exercise, orthoses or patellar taping/mobilisation) is most likely to be effective at 3 months. At 12 months, education appears comparable to education with a physical treatment. There was insufficient evidence to recommend a specific type of physical treatment over another. All treatments in our NMA were superior to wait and see at 3 months, and we recommend avoiding a wait-and-see approach. PROSPERO REGISTERATION NUMBER: PROSPERO registration CRD42018079502.

Subacromial decompression surgery for adults with shoulder pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the benefits and harms of subacromial decompression surgery in adult patients with subacromial pain syndrome lasting for more than 3 months. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain, physical function and health-related quality of life. DATA SOURCES: Systematic searches for benefits and harms were conducted to 23 July 2018 in MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, and Health Technology Assessment. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Randomised controlled trials comparing subacromial decompression surgery for subacromial pain syndrome with any other treatment(s). For harms, we included prospective cohort studies. REVIEW METHODS: Two reviewers independently determined eligibility, extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias of eligible studies. Thirty patients seeking primary or outpatient care for subacromial pain syndrome and a parallel guideline committee (BMJ Rapid Recommendations) provided input regarding systematic review design and interpretation. RESULTS: There was high certainty evidence of no additional benefit of subacromial decompression surgery over placebo surgery in reducing pain at 1 year following surgery (mean difference [MD] -0.26, 95% CI -0.84 to 0.33, minimally important difference [MID] 1.5) or improving physical function at 1-2 years (MD 2.8, 95% CI -1.4 to 6.9, MID 8.3). There was moderate certainty evidence for no additional benefit of subacromial decompression surgery on health-related quality of life at 1 year (MD -0.03 points, 95% CI -0.11 to 0.06, MID 0.07). There was moderate certainty evidence for six serious harms per 1000 (95% CI 5 to 7) patients undergoing subacromial decompression. CONCLUSION: Subacromial decompression surgery provided no important benefit compared with placebo surgery or exercise therapy, and probably carries a small risk of serious harms. SYSTEMATIC REVIEWREGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42018086862.

The diagnosis and management of medial tibial stress syndrome : An evidence update.

Medial tibial stress syndrome is a common overuse injury in jumping and running athletes. It is defined as exercise-induced pain along the distal posteromedial border of the tibia and the presence of recognisable pain on palpation over a length of 5 or more centimetres. This overview article provides an evidence update on the diagnosis and management of athletes with medial tibial stress syndrome.

Microcrack-associated bone remodeling is rarely observed in biopsies from athletes with medial tibial stress syndrome.

The pathology of medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is unknown. Studies suggest that MTSS is a bony overload injury, but histological evidence is sparse. The presence of microdamage, and its potential association with targeted remodeling, could provide evidence for the pathogenesis of MTSS. Understanding the pathology underlying MTSS could contribute to effective preventative and therapeutic interventions for MTSS. Our aim was to retrospectively evaluate biopsies, previously taken from the painful area in athletes with MTSS, for the presence of linear microcracks, diffuse microdamage and remodeling. Biopsies, previously taken from athletes with MTSS, were evaluated at the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Indiana University. After preparing the specimens by en bloc staining, one investigator evaluated the presence of linear microcracks, diffuse microdamage and remodeling in the specimens. A total of six biopsies were evaluated for the presence of microdamage and remodeling. Linear microcracks were found in 4 out of 6 biopsies. Cracking in one of these specimens was artefactual due to the biopsy procedure. No diffuse microdamage was seen in any of the specimens, and only one potential remodeling front in association with the microcracks. We found only linear microcracks in vivo in biopsies taken from the painful area in 50% of the athletes with MTSS, consistent with the relationship between linear cracks and fatigue-associated overloading of bone. The nearly universal absence of a repair reaction was notable. This suggests that unrepaired microdamage accumulation may underlie the pathophysiological basis for MTSS in athletes.

Are the effects of internal focus instructions different from external focus instructions given during balance training in stroke patients? A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE:: This study aimed to assess if external focus instructions result in greater improvements in motor skill and automaticity compared to internal focus instructions in stroke patients. DESIGN:: Double-blind randomized controlled trial. SETTING:: Inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit. SUBJECTS:: A total of 63 stroke patients (Meanage = 59.6 ± 10.7 years; Meandays since stroke = 28.5 ± 16.6; MedianFunctional Ambulation Categories = 4). INTERVENTIONS:: Patients were randomly assigned to an internal ( N = 31) or external ( N = 32) focus instruction group. Both groups practiced a balance board stabilization task, three times per week, for three weeks. Balance performance was assessed at baseline, and after one and three weeks of practice. MAIN MEASURES:: Primary outcome was the threshold stiffness (Nm/rad) at which patients could stay balanced. Secondary outcomes were patients' sway (root-mean-square error in degrees) at the baseline threshold stiffness under single- and dual-task conditions, and their performance on the Timed Up and Go Test and Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation. RESULTS:: Both groups achieved similar improvements in threshold stiffness (∆= 27.1 ± 21.1 Nm/rad), and single- (∆= 1.8 ± 2.3° root-mean-square error) and dual-task sway (∆= 1.7 ± 2.1° root-mean-square error) after three weeks of practice. No differences were found in improvements in clinical tests of balance and mobility. Patients with comparatively good balance and sensory function, and low attention capacity showed greatest improvements with external focus instructions. CONCLUSION:: External focus instructions did not result in greater improvement in balance skill in stroke patients compared to internal focus instructions. Results suggest that tailoring instructions to the individual stroke patient may result in optimal improvements in motor skill.

[The diagnosis and management of medial tibial stress syndrome : An evidence update-German version]. / Diagnostik und Therapie des Schienbeinkantensyndroms : Update zur Studienlage.

Medial tibial stress syndrome is a common overuse injury in jumping and running athletes. It is defined as exercise-induced pain along the distal posteromedial border of the tibia and the presence of recognisable pain on palpation over a length of 5 or more centimetres. This overview article provides an evidence update on the diagnosis and management of athletes with medial tibial stress syndrome.

No evidence for the use of stem cell therapy for tendon disorders: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Stem cells have emerged as a new treatment option for tendon disorders. We systematically reviewed the current evidence for stem cell therapy in tendon disorders. METHODS: Randomised and non-randomised controlled trials, cohort studies and case series with a minimum of 5 cases were searched in MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro and SPORTDiscus. In addition, we searched grey literature databases and trial registers. Only human studies were included and no time or language restrictions were applied to our search. All references of included trials were checked for possibly eligible trials. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for controlled trials and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for case series. Levels of evidence were assigned according to the Oxford levels of evidence. RESULTS: 4 published and three unpublished/pending trials were found with a total of 79 patients. No unpublished data were available. Two trials evaluated bone marrow-derived stem cells in rotator cuff repair surgery and found lower retear rates compared with historical controls or the literature. One trial used allogenic adipose-derived stem cells to treat lateral epicondylar tendinopathy. Improved Mayo Elbow Performance Index, Visual Analogue Pain scale and ultrasound findings after 1-year follow-up compared with baseline were found. Bone marrow-derived stem cell-treated patellar tendinopathy showed improved International Knee Documentation Committee, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales and Tegner scores after 5-year follow-up. One trial reported adverse events and found them to be mild (eg, swelling, effusion). All trials were at high risk of bias and only level 4 evidence was available. CONCLUSIONS: No evidence (level 4) was found for the therapeutic use of stem cells for tendon disorders. The use of stem cell therapy for tendon disorders in clinical practice is currently not advised.

Stem cell injections in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Stem cell injection for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is an emerging new therapy, and we aimed to review its evidence of efficacy. DESIGN: Systematic review. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Criteria for eligibility were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCT on the efficacy of stem cell injections in KOA. All references were checked for missed articles. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PEDro and SPORTDiscus were searched. A grey literature search was performed. No restrictions were imposed to our search strategy. RISK OF BIAS AND DATA SYNTHESIS: Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Descriptive synthesis was performed using the levels of evidence according to the Oxford Levels of Evidence. RESULTS: Five RCTs and one non-RCT were found. Bone-marrow-derived stem cells, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and peripheral blood stem cells were used. All trials were at high risk of bias, resulting in level-3 evidence. All five RCTs reported superior efficacy for patient-reported outcomes (Visual Analogue Scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, Tegner, Lysolm, International Knee Documentation Committee, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Lequesne) compared with controls at final follow-up (range 24-48 months). Superior radiological outcomes were found favouring stem cell injection. Superior histological outcomes and/or improved arthroscopically scored healing rates were reported in two trials. No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Six trials with high risk of bias showed level-3 or level-4 evidence in favour of stem cell injections in KOA. In the absence of high-level evidence, we do not recommend stem cell therapy for KOA.

The medial tibial stress syndrome score: a new patient-reported outcome measure.

BACKGROUND: At present, there is no validated patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for patients with medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). AIM: Our aim was to select and validate previously generated items and create a valid, reliable and responsive PROM for patients with MTSS: the MTSS score. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed in multiple sports medicine, physiotherapy and military facilities in the Netherlands. Participants with MTSS filled out the previously generated items for the MTSS score on 3 occasions. From previously generated items, we selected the best items. We assessed the MTSS score for its validity, reliability and responsiveness. RESULTS: The MTSS score was filled out by 133 participants with MTSS. Factor analysis showed the MTSS score to exhibit a single-factor structure with acceptable internal consistency (α=0.58) and good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.81). The MTSS score ranges from 0 to 10 points. The smallest detectable change in our sample was 0.69 at the group level and 4.80 at the individual level. Construct validity analysis showed significant moderate-to-large correlations (r=0.34-0.52, p<0.01). Responsiveness of the MTSS score was confirmed by a significant relation with the global perceived effect scale (ß=-0.288, R(2)=0.21, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The MTSS score is a valid, reliable and responsive PROM to measure the severity of MTSS. It is designed to evaluate treatment outcomes in clinical studies.

Atrophy and Depigmentation After Pretibial Corticosteroid Injection for Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome: Two Case Reports.

INTRODUCTION: No reports have been published on the results of corticosteroid injections for medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). CASE PRESENTATION: The authors present 2 cases of women with MTSS who showed atrophy and depigmentation of the skin after pretibial corticosteroid injections. Case 1 is an 18-y-old woman presenting with pain in her lower leg for 12 mo. No improvement was noticed after conservative treatment, so she received local injections with corticosteroids. Five months later physical examination showed tissue atrophy and depigmentation around the injection sites. Case 2 is a 22-y-old woman who presented with pain in both lower legs for 24 mo. Several conservative treatment options failed, so she received local injections with corticosteroids. Physical examination revealed tissue atrophy and depigmentation around the injection sites. CONCLUSION: No positive effect of injections with corticosteroids was found in 2 cases of MTSS. Furthermore, considerable tissue atrophy and hypopigmentation of the skin was observed.

Efficacy of rehabilitation (lengthening) exercises, platelet-rich plasma injections, and other conservative interventions in acute hamstring injuries: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Our 2012 review on therapeutic interventions for acute hamstring injuries found a lack of high-quality studies. The publication of new studies warranted an update. OBJECTIVES: To update and reanalyse the efficacy of conservative treatments for hamstring injury. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane library, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus were searched till mid-February 2015. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of conservative interventions versus a control group or other intervention for hamstring injuries (HI) were included. DATA ANALYSIS: The search results were screened independently by two authors. Risk of bias assessment was performed using a modified Downs and Black scale with a maximum score of 28. Meta-analysis was performed, where possible. MAIN RESULTS: 10 RCTs (526 participants), including 6 new RCTs, were identified. Two RCTs were of good/excellent quality, the rest were fair or poor (median Downs and Black score 16 (IQR 9)). Meta-analysis of two studies on rehabilitation (lengthening) exercises showed a significantly reduced time to return to play (HR 3.22 (95% CI 2.17 to 4.77), p<0.0001) but no difference in risk of re-injury. Meta-analysis of three studies investigating platelet-rich plasma (PRP) showed no effect when compared to control (HR 1.03 (95% CI 0.87 to 1.22), p=0.73). Limited evidence was found that progressive agility and trunk stability training may reduce re-injury rates. CONCLUSIONS: Meta-analysis showed superior efficacy for rehabilitation exercises. PRP injection had no effect on acute hamstring injury. Limited evidence was found that agility and trunk stabilisation may reduce re-injury rates. The limitations identified in the majority of RCTs should improve the design of new hamstring RCTs.