Targeting neurotrophic factors for low back pain and sciatica: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This meta-analysis aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of medicines that target neurotrophic factors for low back pain (LBP) or sciatica. METHODS: We searched published and trial registry reports of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of medicines that target neurotrophic factors to LBP or sciatica in seven databases from inception to December 2020. Two reviewers independently identified studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias and certainty in the evidence. RESULTS: Nine studies (3370 participants) were included in the meta-analyses. Low certainty evidence showed that anti-nerve growth factor (NGF) may reduce pain at 4 weeks (mean difference [MD] -6.75, 95% CI: -8.61, -4.90) and 12 weeks (MD -6.16, 95% CI: -8.38, -3.94), and may increase adverse effects for chronic LBP (odds ratio [OR] 1.18, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.38). Higher doses of anti-NGF may offer a clinically important reduction in pain at the cost of increased adverse effects for chronic LBP. Very low certainty evidence showed that anti-NGF and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (pro-GDNF) may not reduce pain for sciatica at 4 weeks (MD -1.40, 95% CI: -8.26, 5.46), at 12 weeks (MD -2.91, 95% CI: -13.69, 7.67) and may increase adverse effects for sciatica (OR 3.27, 95% CI: 1.78, 6.00). CONCLUSION: Anti-NGF may offer small reductions in pain intensity for chronic LBP. The effect may depend on the dose and types of medicines. For sciatica, anti-NGF or pro-GDNF may not reduce pain. Medicines that target neurotrophic factors for LBP or sciatica are associated with different adverse effects compared to those observed in commonly prescribed medicines for these conditions.

Treatment recommendations for the management of persistent pelvic pain: a systematic review of international clinical practice guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Females with persistent pelvic pain (PPP) report great variability in the treatments recommended to them despite the availability of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) that aim to standardise care. A clear consensus for the best practice care for PPP is required. OBJECTIVE: To identify and summarise treatment recommendations across CPGs for the management of PPP, and appraise their quality. SEARCH STRATEGY: MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, EmCare, SCOPUS, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science Core Collection and relevant guideline databases were searched from their inception to June 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA: Included CPGs were those for the management of urogynaecological conditions in adult females published in English, of any publication date, and endorsed by a professional organisation or society. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We screened 1379 records and included 20 CPGs. CPG quality was assessed using The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE-II) tool. Descriptive synthesis compiled treatment recommendations across CPGs. MAIN RESULTS: The CPGs for seven conditions provided 270 individual recommendations. On quality appraisal, guidelines on average scored 'excellent' for the domains 'scope and purpose' (80.6%, SD = 13.3) and 'clarity and presentation' (74.4%, SD = 12.0); for other domains, average scores were satisfactory or poor. Four guidelines (for Endometriosis: NICE, RANZCOG and ESHRE; for polycystic ovary syndrome: Teede et al. 2018, International Evidence Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia) were deemed recommended for use. Recommendations were most frequent for pharmaceutical and surgical interventions. Recommendations were variable for psychological, physiotherapy and other conservative interventions. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of CPGs for PPP is generally poor. Several CPGs endorse the consideration of biopsychosocial elements of PPP. Yet most recommend pharmaceutical, surgical and other biomedical interventions.

Barriers and Enablers to Using Intervention Reporting Guidelines in Sports and Exercise Medicine Trials: A Mixed-Methods Study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify barriers and facilitators for using intervention reporting guidelines (CERT and TIDieR) from authors of randomized controlled trials in sports and exercise medicine journals. DESIGN: Mixed-methods cross-sectional online survey. METHODS: We recruited authors of randomized controlled trials published from June 2, 2018, to June 2, 2022, in the 10 leading sports and exercise medicine journals. We invited authors of eligible trials to complete an online survey that included multiple-choice and Likert-scale questions, as well as open-ended free-text questions on the barriers and facilitators to using intervention reporting guidelines. We used descriptive analysis to summarize the quantitative data and a hybrid deductive-inductive thematic analysis to identify barriers and facilitators from the qualitative data. We conducted a subgroup analysis to explore differences in barriers and facilitators between early-mid career researchers and senior researchers. RESULTS: Eighty-four participants from 21 countries completed the survey (44 early-mid-career researchers, 40 senior researchers). We identified 8 themes relating to using intervention reporting guidelines. Themes classified as barriers related to publication constraints (word count limits), low awareness of intervention reporting guidelines, unclear benefits of the guidelines, and the increased burden imposed upon the researcher. Themes classified as facilitators related to journal requirements for guidelines use, the desire to accurately describe interventions, recommendations from other researchers, and reporting guideline use indicating "quality" of work. CONCLUSION: Barriers to using intervention reporting guidelines are largely modifiable and could be addressed by journals mandating their use, and educational initiatives. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2024;54(2):1-11. Epub 16 November 2023. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.12110.

The Sensation and Pain Rating Scale: easy to use, clear to interpret, and responsive to clinical change.

Background: The Sensation and Pain Rating Scale (SPARS) allows rating of non-painful as well as painful percepts. While it performs well in the experimental context, its clinical utility is untested. This prospective, repeated-measures study mixed qualitative and quantitative methods to examine the utility and performance of the SPARS in a clinical context, and to compare it with the widely used 11-point NRS for pain. Methods: People presenting for outpatient physiotherapy (n = 121) provided ratings on the SPARS and NRS at first consultation, before and after sham and active clinical interventions, and at follow-up consultation. Clinicians (n = 9) reported each scale's usability and interpretability using Likert-type scales and free text, and answered additional questions with free text. Each data type was initially analysed separately: quantitative data were visualised and the ES II metric was used to estimate SPARS internal responsiveness; qualitative data were analysed with a reflexive inductive thematic approach. Data types were then integrated for triangulation and complementarity. Results: The SPARS was well received and considered easy to use, after initial familiarisation. Clinicians favoured the SPARS over the NRS for clarity of interpretation and inter-rater reliability. SPARS sensitivity to change was good (ESII=0.9; 95%CI: 0.75-1.10). The greater perceptual range of the SPARS was deemed especially relevant in the later phases of recovery, when pain may recede into discomfort that still warrants clinical attention. Conclusion: The SPARS is a promising tool for assessing patient percept, with strong endorsement from clinicians for its clarity and superior perceptual scope.

Recommendations for patient education in the management of persistent pelvic pain: a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines.

ABSTRACT: Patient education has a critical role in the management of pain. There is considerable heterogeneity in patient education for females with persistent pelvic pain (PPP), and it remains unclear what is considered best clinical practice. Therefore, this systematic review identified and summarised recommendations for patient education in the management of benign gynaecological and urological conditions associated with PPP, as endorsed by international guidelines. Academic and relevant guideline databases were searched from inception to May 2022. Included guidelines were those for the management of benign gynaecological and urological conditions associated with PPP in adult females published in English, of any publication date, and endorsed by a professional organisation or society. Two independent reviewers screened 3097 records; 17 guidelines were included in the review. Guideline quality was assessed using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE-II) tool. Recommendations were pooled using descriptive synthesis. Persistent pelvic pain guideline quality was generally poor. Three guidelines were classified as "excellent" (The NICE, RANZCOG, and ESHRE endometriosis guidelines) and therefore recommended for use. Eleven guidelines (64.7%) recommended patient education for females with PPP. Recommendations for education content were variable, however most frequently covered treatment strategies and pelvic pain diagnoses. For education delivery, the most frequent recommendations were for support groups and written/printed materials. Further research into tailored education interventions is needed for females with PPP.

Codesign and Evaluation of Pain Science Messages on Social Media With Adolescents With a History of Chronic Pain.

Pain science education (PSE) is an important component of pediatric pain care; however, access to services is limited. To disseminate pain science concepts on social media, we partnered with adolescents with chronic pain to codesign content. We engaged 7 adolescent codesigners (aged 13-18 years) with lived experience of chronic pain to take part in 4 codesign workshops. Codesigners actively contributed to the social media campaign by selecting the social media platform, dictating design principles, generating metaphors and language, and recommending changes to mock designs. Codesigners suggested expanding the intended audience of the campaign to include people without a lived experience of chronic pain, such as friends, family, and teachers, alongside targeting adolescents with chronic pain. We published 30 posts and 102 stories over an 18-week period on Instagram, which reached over 40,000 individuals. We evaluated codesigners' experience, where they reported having clear communication and necessary supports and information to participate; were able to share their ideas and felt they were heard; and felt their input was making a difference. The outputs of this campaign could be useful to guide the tailoring of other PSE content delivered by clinicians as part of clinical care. Future testing of the content generated in this codesign process could evaluate if it leads to meaningful changes in the lives of people with chronic pain. PERSPECTIVE: Researchers partnered with adolescents with chronic pain to codesign content for a social media campaign on PSE. Adolescent codesigners actively shaped the campaign direction, broadening its scope to reach diverse audiences. Our Instagram initiative reached over 40,000 individuals, indicating the potential for innovative educational approaches.

"I wish I knew then what I know now" - pain science education concepts important for female persistent pelvic pain: a reflexive thematic analysis.

ABSTRACT: Pain science education (PSE) provides people with an understanding of "how pain works" grounded in the biopsychosocial model of pain; it has been demonstrated to improve outcomes in musculoskeletal pain conditions. Preliminary evidence suggests PSE may be effective for female individuals with persistent pelvic pain, but how the content of PSE needs to be modified for this group remains to be determined. A reflexive thematic analysis of qualitative data was performed to identify PSE concepts that female individuals with persistent pelvic pain consider important and why. Twenty individual, semistructured interviews were conducted with adult females who had engaged with PSE and had self-identified as having "improved" pelvic pain. Most participants had been diagnosed with endometriosis (n = 16). Four themes were generated capturing PSE concepts considered important by female individuals with "improved" pelvic pain: (1) "A sensitised nervous system leads to overprotective pain" validated their pelvic pain as being real; (2) "Pain does not have to mean the body is damaged (although sometimes it does)" provided reassurance that pelvic pain does not mean their condition is worsening; (3) "How I think, feel, and 'see' my pain can make it worse" enabled participants to find optimal ways to manage their pain; and (4) "I can change my pain… slowly" provided hope that pelvic pain can improve and empowered them to pursue pain improvement as a viable goal. This study generated 4 PSE learning concepts that were important to female individuals with improved pelvic pain and may be incorporated into PSE curricula for female individuals with pelvic pain.

The Efficacy of Self-Management Strategies for Females with Endometriosis: a Systematic Review.

Self-management is critical for the care of endometriosis. Females with endometriosis frequently use self-management strategies to manage associated symptoms; however, the efficacy of such strategies is unknown. The aim of this review was to systematically appraise the evidence concerning efficacy of self-management strategies for endometriosis symptoms. Electronic databases, including Medline, Embase, Emcare, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were searched from inception to March 2021. We included peer-reviewed experimental studies published in English evaluating the efficacy of self-management strategies in human females laparoscopically diagnosed with endometriosis. Studies underwent screening, data extraction, and risk of bias appraisal (randomised studies: Risk of Bias 2 tool; non-randomised studies: Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions tool). Of the fifteen studies included, 10 evaluated dietary supplements, three evaluated dietary modifications, one evaluated over-the-counter medication, and one evaluated exercise. Most studies had a high-critical risk of bias. Many self-management strategies were not more effective at reducing endometriosis symptoms compared to placebo or hormonal therapies. Where studies suggest efficacy for self-management strategies, no recommendations can be made due to the poor quality and heterogeneity of evidence. High-quality empirical evidence is required to investigate the efficacy of self-management strategies for females with endometriosis.

How does pain work? A qualitative analysis of how young adults with chronic pain conceptualize the biology of pain.

BACKGROUND: Pain science education (PSE) is commonly integrated into treatments for childhood-onset chronic pain. A core component of PSE is learning about, and often reconceptualizing, the biology of chronic pain. Yet, few interventions have been developed specifically for young adults and little is known about how young adults conceptualize the biology of pain. This study used a qualitative methodology to examine how young adults with childhood-onset chronic pain understand the biology of pain, and the language they use in this meaning-making process, which may inform future interventions tailored to this age group. METHODS: We identified a cohort of young adults with childhood onset chronic pain, and a subset of 17 young adults with continuing chronic pain completed individual, semi-structured interviews. Telephone interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: We generated four themes that capture participants' conceptualizations of the biology of pain: (1) Something is wrong with the body, (2) An injury has not healed, (3) Nerves fire when they should not, (4) An overactive stress system. CONCLUSION: These conceptualizations, and the language used by young adults with childhood-onset chronic pain to describe them are discussed. Recommendations are provided for how PSE interventions can be tailored for young adults. SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides new qualitative insights reflecting a variety of ways that young adults with childhood-onset chronic pain conceptualize pain. Some conceptualizations of pain align with modern pain science principles (altered function of nervous and endocrine systems) while others conflict (unhealed injury). Health professionals can use these findings to tailor their pain education interventions by leveraging concepts that 'stick' for youth, being aware of, and interrogating, common misconceptions, and offering language and metaphors familiar to youth.

"My Back is Fit for Movement": A Qualitative Study Alongside a Randomized Controlled Trial for Chronic Low Back Pain.

A new wave of treatments has emerged to target nervous system alterations and maladaptive conceptualizations about pain for chronic low back pain. The acceptability of these treatments is still uncertain. We conducted a qualitative study alongside a randomized controlled trial to identify perceptions of facilitators or barriers to participation in a non-pharmacological intervention that resulted in clinically meaningful reductions across 12 months for disability compared to a sham intervention. We conducted semi-structured interviews with participants from the trial's active arm after they completed the 12-week program. We included a purposeful sample (baseline and clinical characteristics) (n = 20). We used reflexive thematic analysis informed by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability for health care interventions. We identified positive and negative emotional/cognitive responses associated with treatment acceptability and potential efficacy, including emotional support, cognitive empowerment, readiness for self-management, and acceptance of face-to-face and online components designed to target the brain. These findings suggest the importance of psychoeducation and behavior change techniques to create a positive attitude towards movement and increase the perception of pain control; systematic approaches to monitor and target misconceptions about the interventions during treatment; and psychoeducation and behavior change techniques to maintain the improvements after the cessation of formal care. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents the experiences of people with chronic low back pain participating in a new non-pharmacological brain-targeted treatment that includes face-to-face and self-directed approaches. The facilitators and barriers of the interventions could potentially inform adaptations and optimization of treatments designed to target the brain to treat chronic low back pain.

Development of a booster intervention for graded sensorimotor retraining (RESOLVE) in people with persistent low back pain: A nested, randomised, feasibility trial.

INTRODUCTION: Low back pain contributes to an increasing global health burden exacerbated by unsustained improvements from current treatments. There is a need to develop, and test interventions to maintain initial improvements from low back pain treatments. One option is to implement a booster intervention. This study aimed to develop and test the feasibility of implementing a booster intervention delivered remotely to supplement the benefits from a complex intervention for chronic low back pain. METHOD: This study was nested in the RESOLVE trial. The booster intervention was developed by an expert group, including a clinical psychologist, exercise physiologist and physiotherapists, and based on a motivational interviewing framework. We developed a conversational flow chart to support the clinician to guide participants towards achieving their pre-specified personal goals and future low back pain self-management. Participants with chronic low back pain who were aged over 18 years and fluent in English were recruited. The booster intervention was delivered in one session, remotely, by telephone. The intervention was considered feasible if: participants were able to be contacted or <3 contacts were necessary to arrange the booster session; there were sufficient willing participants (<15% of sample unwilling to participate); and participants and research clinicians reported a perceived benefit of >7/10. RESULTS: Fifty participants with chronic non-specific low back pain were recruited to test the feasibility of implementing the booster intervention. Less than three contact attempts were necessary to arrange the booster session, only one participant declined to participate. Participants perceived the session to be beneficial; on a 0 to 10 scale of perceived benefit, the average score recorded was 8.3 (SD 2.0). Clinicians also reported a moderate perceived benefit to the participant; the average score recorded by clinicians was 6.3 (SD 1.6). CONCLUSION: We developed a step by step, simple booster intervention that was perceived to be beneficial to participants with chronic low back pain. The booster can feasibly be delivered remotely following a complex intervention.

Teaching Patients About Pain: The Emergence of Pain Science Education, its Learning Frameworks and Delivery Strategies.

Since it emerged in the early 2000's, intensive education about 'how pain works', widely known as pain neuroscience education or explaining pain, has evolved into a new educational approach, with new content and new strategies. The substantial differences from the original have led the PETAL collaboration to call the current iteration 'Pain Science Education'. This review presents a brief historical context for Pain Science Education, the clinical trials, consumer perspective, and real-world clinical data that have pushed the field to update both content and method. We describe the key role of educational psychology in driving this change, the central role of constructivism, and the constructivist learning frameworks around which Pain Science Education is now planned and delivered. We integrate terminology and concepts from the learning frameworks currently being used across the PETAL collaboration in both research and practice-the Interactive, Constructive, Active, Passive framework, transformative learning theory, and dynamic model of conceptual change. We then discuss strategies that are being used to enhance learning within clinical encounters, which focus on the skill, will, and thrill of learning. Finally, we provide practical examples of these strategies so as to assist the reader to drive their own patient pain education offerings towards more effective learning. PERSPECTIVE: Rapid progress in several fields and research groups has led to the emergence 'Pain Science Education'. This PETAL review describes challenges that have spurred the field forward, the learning frameworks and educational strategies that are addressing those challenges, and some easy wins to implement and mistakes to avoid.

Comparative effectiveness and safety of analgesic medicines for adults with acute non-specific low back pain: systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the comparative effectiveness and safety of analgesic medicines for acute non-specific low back pain. DESIGN: Systematic review and network meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Medline, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, clinicialtrialsregister.eu, and World Health Organization's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform from database inception to 20 February 2022. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR STUDY SELECTION: Randomised controlled trials of analgesic medicines (eg, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, paracetamol, opioids, anti-convulsant drugs, skeletal muscle relaxants, or corticosteroids) compared with another analgesic medicine, placebo, or no treatment. Adults (≥18 years) who reported acute non-specific low back pain (for less than six weeks). DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Primary outcomes were low back pain intensity (0-100 scale) at end of treatment and safety (number of participants who reported any adverse event during treatment). Secondary outcomes were low back specific function, serious adverse events, and discontinuation from treatment. Two reviewers independently identified studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. A random effects network meta-analysis was done and confidence was evaluated by the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis method. RESULTS: 98 randomised controlled trials (15 134 participants, 49% women) included 69 different medicines or combinations. Low or very low confidence was noted in evidence for reduced pain intensity after treatment with tolperisone (mean difference -26.1 (95% confidence intervals -34.0 to -18.2)), aceclofenac plus tizanidine (-26.1 (-38.5 to -13.6)), pregabalin (-24.7 (-34.6 to -14.7)), and 14 other medicines compared with placebo. Low or very low confidence was noted for no difference between the effects of several of these medicines. Increased adverse events had moderate to very low confidence with tramadol (risk ratio 2.6 (95% confidence interval 1.5 to 4.5)), paracetamol plus sustained release tramadol (2.4 (1.5 to 3.8)), baclofen (2.3 (1.5 to 3.4)), and paracetamol plus tramadol (2.1 (1.3 to 3.4)) compared with placebo. These medicines could increase the risk of adverse events compared with other medicines with moderate to low confidence. Moderate to low confidence was also noted for secondary outcomes and secondary analysis of medicine classes. CONCLUSIONS: The comparative effectiveness and safety of analgesic medicines for acute non-specific low back pain are uncertain. Until higher quality randomised controlled trials of head-to-head comparisons are published, clinicians and patients are recommended to take a cautious approach to manage acute non-specific low back pain with analgesic medicines. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42019145257.

The Effect of Resistance Training in Healthy Adults on Body Fat Percentage, Fat Mass and Visceral Fat: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Resistance training is the gold standard exercise mode for accrual of lean muscle mass, but the isolated effect of resistance training on body fat is unknown. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated resistance training for body composition outcomes in healthy adults. Our primary outcome was body fat percentage; secondary outcomes were body fat mass and visceral fat. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: We searched five electronic databases up to January 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included randomised trials that compared full-body resistance training for at least 4 weeks to no-exercise control in healthy adults. ANALYSIS: We assessed study quality with the TESTEX tool and conducted a random-effects meta-analysis, with a subgroup analysis based on measurement type (scan or non-scan) and sex (male or female), and a meta-regression for volume of resistance training and training components. RESULTS: From 11,981 records, we included 58 studies in the review, with 54 providing data for a meta-analysis. Mean study quality was 9/15 (range 6-15). Compared to the control, resistance training reduced body fat percentage by - 1.46% (95% confidence interval - 1.78 to - 1.14, p < 0.0001), body fat mass by - 0.55 kg (95% confidence interval - 0.75 to - 0.34, p < 0.0001) and visceral fat by a standardised mean difference of - 0.49 (95% confidence interval - 0.87 to - 0.11, p = 0.0114). Measurement type was a significant moderator in body fat percentage and body fat mass, but sex was not. Training volume and training components were not associated with effect size. Resistance training reduces body fat percentage, body fat mass and visceral fat in healthy adults. STUDY REGISTRATION: osf.io/hsk32.

Key Learning Statements for Persistent Pain Education: An Iterative Analysis of Consumer, Clinician and Researcher Perspectives and Development of Public Messaging.

Over the last decade, the content, delivery and media of pain education have been adjusted in line with scientific discovery in pain and educational sciences, and in line with consumer perspectives. This paper describes a decade-long process of exploring consumer perspectives on pain science education concepts to inform clinician-derived educational updates (undertaken by the authors). Data were collected as part of a quality audit via a series of online surveys in which consent (non-specific) was obtained from consumers for their data to be used in published research. Consumers who presented for care for a persistent pain condition and were treated with a pain science education informed approach were invited to provide anonymous feedback about their current health status and pain journey experience 6, 12 or 18 months after initial assessment. Two-hundred eighteen consumers reported improvement in health status at follow-up. Results of the surveys from 3 cohorts of consumers that reported improvement were used to generate iterative versions of 'Key Learning Statements'. Early iteration of these Key Learning Statements was used to inform the development of Target Concepts and associated community-targeted pain education resources for use in public health and health professional workforce capacity building initiatives. PERSPECTIVE: This paper reflects an explicit interest in the insights of people who have been challenged by persistent pain and then recovered, to improve pain care. Identifying pain science concepts that consumers valued learning provided valuable information to inform resources for clinical interactions and community-targeted pain education campaigns.

Interrogating cortical representations in elite athletes with persistent posterior thigh pain - New targets for intervention?

OBJECTIVES: Hamstring injuries in athletes can lead to significant time away from competition as a result of persistent posterior thigh pain. These cases are often difficult to treat as the state of the tissues alone cannot explain symptoms. In non-athletic populations with persistent pain, disruptions to tactile, proprioceptive, and spatial cortical representations exist, which has led to promising brain-based treatments. Here, we explored whether athletes with persistent posterior thigh pain also display impairments in these cortical representations. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Fourteen male professional athletes with persistent posterior thigh pain ('Patients') and 14 pain-free age, sport, body mass index and level-matched controls ('Controls') participated. The tactile cortical representation was assessed using two-point discrimination (TPD) threshold and accuracy of tactile localisation; the proprioceptive cortical representation was assessed using a left/right judgement task; spatial processing was assessed using an auditory detection task. RESULTS: TPD thresholds were similar for Patients and Controls (p=0.70). Patients were less accurate at localising tactile stimuli delivered to their affected leg, slower to make left/right judgements when the lower limb image corresponded to the side of their affected leg, and less accurate at detecting auditory stimuli delivered near their affected leg, when compared to their healthy leg or to the leg of Controls (p<0.01 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Leg-specific tactile, proprioceptive, and spatial processing deficits exist in athletes with persistent posterior thigh pain. That these processing deficits exist despite rehabilitation and normal tissue healing time suggests they may play a role in the persistence of posterior thigh pain.

The Therapeutic Alliance May Yet Prove Effective.

Letter to the Editor-in-Chief in response to JOSPT article "Education With Therapeutic Alliance Did Not Improve Symptoms in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain and Low Risk of Poor Prognosis Compared to Education Without Therapeutic Alliance: A Randomized Controlled Trial" by Miyamoto et al.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021;51(10):526-527. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.0203.

The Effect of Resistance Training on Body Composition During and After Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Changes in body composition during cancer treatments have been linked with poorer outcomes, and increased morbidity and mortality. The effect of resistance training (RT) on body composition in cancer cohorts is debated. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of RT on body composition during and after treatment. METHODS: We searched five electronic databases for articles up to 1 February 2021 and included randomized controlled trials that compared RT with a non-exercise control in adults with cancer. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2 tool. Pairwise, random-effects meta-analysis was used to synthesize the available data. RESULTS: Overall, we included 15 studies (n = 1368). After treatment (11 studies), RT increased lean mass with moderate heterogeneity {0.41 kg [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05, 0.76], p = 0.029; I2 = 47.1%, p = 0.02} and decreased fat mass with substantial heterogeneity (- 0.59 kg [95% CI - 1.05, - 0.12], p = 0.019; I2 = 69.1%, p < 0.001). During treatment (4 studies), RT did not increase lean mass (0.71 kg [95% CI - 0.04, 1.45], p = 0.05; I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.75) or reduce fat mass (0.00 kg [95% CI - 5.31, 5.30], p = 0.99; I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.62), both with no heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: Modest improvements in body composition were observed following RT after cancer treatment; however, no changes were observed during treatment. These adaptations are markedly lower than those observed in healthy cohorts but may be clinically meaningful for the cancer survivorship population. At present it is unclear if these diminished adaptations are due to ineffective exercise prescriptions in cancer cohorts or due to an innate anabolic resistance as a result of cancer and its treatments. STUDY REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework (osf.io/x6z72).