The Effect of Cautionary Versus Resiliency Spine Education on Maximum Deadlift Performance and Back Beliefs: A Randomized Control Trial.

ABSTRACT: Scott, KM, Kreisel, BR, Florkiewicz, EM, Crowell, MS, Morris, JB, McHenry, PA, and Benedict, TM. The effect of cautionary versus resiliency spine education on maximum deadlift performance and back beliefs: A randomized control trial. J Strength Cond Res 38(7): e341-e348, 2024-The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of cautionary information about the spine vs. a message of spine resiliency on maximum deadlift (MDL) performance and beliefs regarding the vulnerability of the spine. This cluster randomized control trial involved 903 military new cadets (n = 903) during their mandatory fitness test in cadet basic training (mean age 18.3 years, body mass index 23.8 kg·m-2, 22% female). Subjects were cluster randomized to 3 groups. The cautionary group received a message warning them to protect their backs while deadlifting, the resiliency group received a message encouraging confidence while deadlifting, and the control group received the standardized Army deadlift education only. The outcome measures were MDL weight lifted and perceived spine vulnerability. Significance was set at alpha ≤0.05. There were no between-group differences in weight lifted (p=0.40). Most subjects believed that the spine is vulnerable to injury. Three times as many subjects who received the resiliency education improved their beliefs about the vulnerability of their spines compared with those receiving the cautionary education (p<0.001). This study demonstrated the potential for brief resiliency education to positively influence beliefs about spine vulnerability, whereas cautionary education did not impair performance.

Role of MR Neurography in Groin and Genital Pain: Ilioinguinal, Iliohypogastric, and Genitofemoral Neuralgia.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic neuralgia of the border nerves (ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and genitofemoral) is difficult to diagnose and treat clinically. We examined the role of MR neurography (MRN) in the evaluation of border nerve abnormalities and the results of treatments directed at the MRN-detected nerve abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 106 subjects with groin or genital pain (mean [± SD] age, 50.7 ± 15.4 years) who showed mono- or multifocal neuropathy of the border nerves at 3-T MRN. Subjects who underwent CT-guided perineural injection were assessed for pain response. Injection responses were categorized as positive, possible positive, and negative. Subjects who received hyaluronidase, continuous radiofrequency ablation, or surgery were also evaluated for treatment outcomes. RESULTS: One hundred forty abnormal nerves were positive for neuropathy in 106 studies. Eighty of 106 subjects had single neuropathy, and 26 had multifocal neuropathy. Fifty-eight subjects underwent CT-guided perineural injections, with five receiving bilateral injections (63 injections). Improvement in subjective pain was seen in 53 of 63 cases (84.2%). A statistically significant improvement in pain response was noted in the isolated ilioinguinal nerve block group as compared with the isolated genitofemoral nerve block group (p = 0.0085). Thirteen of 58 subjects received multiple nerve injections at the same sitting. Both groups receiving single or multiple nerve injections had similar improvement in pain scores of 84% and 85%, respectively, although this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our retrospective analysis showed improved pain relief in subjects who underwent CT-guided nerve blocks on the basis of a positive MRN.

Pudendal nerve and branch neuropathy: magnetic resonance neurography evaluation.

Pudendal neuralgia is being increasingly recognized as a cause of chronic pelvic pain, which may be related to nerve injury or entrapment. Due to its complex anatomy and branching patterns, the pudendal nerve abnormalities are challenging to illustrate. High resolution 3 T magnetic resonance neurography is a promising technique for the evaluation of peripheral neuropathies. In this article, the authors discuss the normal pudendal nerve anatomy and its variations, technical considerations of pudendal nerve imaging, and highlight the normal and abnormal appearances of the pudendal nerve and its branches with illustrative case examples.

CT-guided Perineural Injections for Chronic Pelvic Pain.

Chronic pelvic pain is a disabling condition that affects a large number of men and women. It may occur after a known inciting event, or it could be idiopathic. A common cause of pelvic pain syndrome is neuropathy of the pelvic nerves, including the femoral and genitofemoral nerves, ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves, pudendal nerve, obturator nerve, lateral and posterior femoral cutaneous nerves, inferior cluneal nerves, inferior rectal nerve, sciatic nerve, superior gluteal nerve, and the spinal nerve roots. Pelvic neuropathy may result from entrapment, trauma, inflammation, or compression or may be iatrogenic, secondary to surgical procedures. Imaging-guided nerve blocks can be used for diagnostic and therapeutic management of pelvic neuropathies. Ultrasonography (US)-guided injections are useful for superficial locations; however, there can be limitations with US, such as its operator dependence, the required skill, and the difficulty in depicting various superficial and deep pelvic nerves. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-guided injections are radiation free and lead to easy depiction of the nerve because of the superior soft-tissue contrast; although the expense, the required skill, and the limited availability of MR imaging are major hindrances to its widespread use for this purpose. Computed tomography (CT)-guided injections are becoming popular because of the wide availability of CT scanners, the lower cost, and the shorter amount of time required to perform these injections. This article outlines the technique of perineural injection of major pelvic nerves, illustrates the different target sites with representative case examples, and discusses the pitfalls. (©)RSNA, 2016.

SHINKEI--a novel 3D isotropic MR neurography technique: technical advantages over 3DIRTSE-based imaging.

OBJECTIVES: Technical assessment of SHINKEI pulse sequence and conventional 3DIRTSE for LS plexus MR neurography. METHODS: Twenty-one MR neurography examinations of the LS plexus were performed at 3 T, using 1.5-mm isotropic 3DIRTSE and SHINKEI sequences. Images were evaluated for motion and pulsation artefacts, nerve signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, nerve-to-fat ratio, muscle-to-fat ratio, fat suppression homogeneity and depiction of LS plexus branches. Paired Student t test was used to assess differences in nerve conspicuity (p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant). ICC correlation was obtained for intraobserver performance. RESULTS: Four examinations were excluded due to prior spine surgery. Bowel motion artefacts, pulsation artefacts, heterogeneous fat saturation and patient motion were seen in 16/17, 0/17, 17/17, 2/17 on 3DIRTSE and 0/17, 0/17, 0/17, 1/17 on SHINKEI. SHINKEI performed better (p < 0.01) for nerve signal-to-noise, contrast-to-noise, nerve-to-fat and muscle-to-fat ratios. 3DIRTSE and SHINKEI showed all LS plexus nerve roots, sciatic and femoral nerves. Smaller branches including obturator, lateral femoral cutaneous and iliohypogastric nerves were seen in 10/17, 5/17, 1/17 on 3DIRTSE and 17/17, 16/17, 7/17 on SHINKEI. Intraobserver reliability was excellent. CONCLUSION: SHINKEI MRN demonstrates homogeneous and superior fat suppression with increased nerve signal- and contrast-to-noise ratios resulting in better conspicuity of smaller LS plexus branches. KEY POINTS: • SHINKEI provides homogeneous and superior fat suppression, shown by higher nerve and muscle-to-fat ratios. • SHINKEI shows better nerve signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios than 3DIRTSE. • SHINKEI enables nerve-selective images with increased conspicuity of smaller LS plexus branches. • SHINKEI should be considered in routine MR neurography of the LS plexus.

Pelvic floor rehabilitation in the treatment of fecal incontinence.

Fecal incontinence (FI) is a prevalent problem that can drastically affect quality of life. Pelvic floor rehabilitation is an important first-line treatment for patients with FI, and many published case reports and a small number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide limited evidence for its efficacy. Pelvic floor rehabilitation approaches to the treatment of FI include pelvic floor muscle training, biofeedback, and volumetric training with rectal balloon catheters. Various forms of external electrical stimulation have also been described and may be of added benefit. Behavioral bowel retraining is an important part of a good rehabilitative approach as well. Pelvic floor rehabilitation treatment for FI is thought to be effective and safe, with reported success rates in a majority of studies at 50 to 80%. Many more high-quality RCTs are needed to define optimal treatment protocols.

Individualized pelvic physical therapy for the treatment of post-prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence and pelvic pain.

BACKGROUND: The rehabilitation of post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence has traditionally focused on pelvic floor strengthening exercise. The goal of this study was to determine whether an individualized pelvic physical therapy (PT) program aimed at normalizing both underactive and overactive pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) can result in improvement in post-prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic pain. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 136 patients with post-prostatectomy SUI and treated with pelvic PT. Patients were identified as having either underactive, overactive, or mixed-type PFD and treated accordingly with a tailored program to normalize pelvic floor function. Outcomes including decrease in SUI as measured in pad usage per day and pain rated on the numeric pain rating scale. RESULTS: Twenty five patients were found to have underactive PFD and were treated with strengthening. Thirteen patients had overactive PFD and were treated with relaxation training. Ninety eight patients had mixed-type PFD and were treated with a combination of relaxation training followed by strengthening. Patients demonstrated statistically significant decrease in pad usage per day (p < 0.001), decreased pelvic pain (p < 0.001), and increased pelvic floor strength (p = 0.049), even in patients who received predominantly pelvic floor relaxation training to normalize pelvic floor overactivity. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of post-prostatectomy men with SUI have pelvic floor overactivity in addition to pelvic floor underactivity. An individualized pelvic PT program aimed at normalizing pelvic floor function (as opposed to a pure Kegel strengthening program) can be helpful in reducing SUI and pelvic pain.

A randomized controlled trial of gravity-supported, computer-enhanced arm exercise for individuals with severe hemiparesis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The authors previously developed a passive instrumented arm orthosis (Therapy Wilmington Robotic Exoskeleton [T-WREX]) that enables individuals with hemiparesis to exercise the arm by playing computer games in a gravity-supported environment. The purpose of this study was to compare semiautonomous training with T-WREX and conventional semiautonomous exercises that used a tabletop for gravity support. METHODS: Twenty-eight chronic stroke survivors with moderate/severe hemiparesis were randomly assigned to experimental (T-WREX) or control (tabletop exercise) treatment. A blinded rater assessed arm movement before and after twenty-four 1-hour treatment sessions and at 6-month follow-up. Subjects also rated subjective treatment preferences after a single-session crossover treatment. RESULTS: All subjects significantly improved ( P < or = .05) upper extremity motor control (Fugl-Meyer), active reaching range of motion (ROM), and self-reported quality and amount of arm use (Motor Activity Log). Improvements were sustained at 6 months. The T-WREX group maintained gains on the Fugl-Meyer significantly better than controls at 6 months (improvement of 3.6 +/- 3.9 vs 1.5 +/- 2.7 points, mean +/- SD; P = .04). Subjects also reported a preference for T-WREX training. CONCLUSION: Gravity-supported arm exercise, using the T-WREX or tabletop support, can improve arm movement ability after chronic severe hemiparesis with brief one-on-one assistance from a therapist (approximately 4 minutes per session). The 3-dimensional weight support, instant visual movement feedback, and simple virtual reality software provided by T-WREX were associated with modest sustained gains at 6-month follow-up when compared with the conventional approach.

Magnetic Resonance Neurography in Chronic Lumbosacral and Pelvic Pain: Diagnostic and Management Impact-Institutional Audit.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Low back and pelvic pain are among the most prevalent conditions worldwide, with major social and economic costs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) of lumbosacral plexus in the management and outcomes of these patients with chronic pain. METHODS: Consecutive patients with chronic lumbosacral and pelvic pain referred for MRN over a year were included. Preimaging and postimaging clinical diagnosis and treatment, pain levels, and location were recorded. Pain-free survival was compared between treatments using a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: A total of 202 patients with mean age 53.7 ± 14.8 years and a male/female ratio of 1:1.53 were included. Of these patients, 115 presented with radiculopathy (57%), 56 with pelvic pain (28%), and 31 with groin pain (15%). Mean initial pain level was 6.9 ± 1.9. Mean symptom duration was 4.21 ± 5.86 years. Of these patients, 143 (71%) had a change in management because of MRN. After MRN, reduction in pain levels was observed in 21 of 32 patients receiving conservative treatment (66%), 42 of 67 receiving injections (63%), and 27 of 33 receiving surgery (82%). Follow-ups were available in 131 patients. Median pain-free survival was 12 months. Patients treated with surgery had significantly lower pain recurrence than patients receiving other treatments in the same time frame (hazard ratio, 3.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-9.2; P = 0.0061). CONCLUSIONS: MRN use in chronic lumbosacral and pelvic pain led to a meaningful change in diagnosis and treatment. After MRN, conservative treatment and injections provided pain relief; however, patients benefited more from surgery than from any other treatment.

Neurogenic Pelvic Pain.

Pelvic neuralgias frequently cause severe pain and may have associated bladder, bowel, or sexual dysfunctions which also impact quality of life. This article explores the etiology, epidemiology, presentation and treatment of common causes of neurogenic pelvic pain, including neuralgia of the border nerves (ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and genitofemoral), pudendal neuralgia, clunealgia, sacral radiculopathies caused by Tarlov cysts, and cauda equina syndrome. Treatment of pelvic neuralgia includes conservative measures such as pelvic physical therapy, lifestyle modification, and medications with escalation to more invasive and novel treatments such as nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, neuromodulation and neurectomy/neurolysis if conservative treatments are ineffective.

The Treatment of Chronic Coccydynia and Postcoccygectomy Pain With Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Coccydynia is a challenging disorder that often is refractory to treatments such as medications and injections. Physical therapy for coccydynia rarely has been studied. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of pelvic floor physical therapy for reducing pain levels in patients with coccydynia. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: The pelvic floor rehabilitation clinic of a major university hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 124 consecutive patients over age 18 with a chief complaint of coccydynia between 2009 and 2012. A subgroup of 17 of the 124 patients had previously undergone coccygectomy with continued pain postoperatively. METHODS OR INTERVENTIONS: The primary treatment intervention was pelvic floor physical therapy aimed at pelvic floor muscle relaxation. Secondary treatment interventions included the prescription of baclofen for muscle relaxation (19% of patients), ganglion impar blocks (8%), or coccygeus trigger point injections (17%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measures included final minimum, average, and maximum pain numeric rating scales. A secondary outcome measure was the patient's subjective percent global improvement assessment. Baseline demographics were used to determine which pretreatment characteristics were correlated with treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 124 patients, 93 participated in pelvic floor physical therapy and were included in statistical analysis. For the 79 patients who completed treatment (with a mean of 9 physical therapy sessions), the mean average pain ratings decreased from 5.08 to 1.91 (P < .001) and mean highest pain ratings decreased from 8.81 to 4.75 (P < .001). The mean percent global improvement was 71.9%. Mean average pain ratings in postcoccygectomy patients improved from 6.64 to 3.27 (P < .001). Greater initial pain scores and a history of previous injections were correlated with P < .001 pain scores on completion of physical therapy. Pain duration and history of trauma did not affect treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic floor physical therapy is a safe and effective method of treating coccydynia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Clunealgia: CT-guided therapeutic posterior femoral cutaneous nerve block.

Clunealgia is caused by neuropathy of inferior cluneal branches of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve resulting in pain in the inferior gluteal region. Image-guided anesthetic nerve injections are a viable and safe therapeutic option in sensory peripheral neuropathies that provides significant pain relief when conservative therapy fails and surgery is not desired or contemplated. The authors describe two cases of clunealgia, where computed-tomography-guided technique for nerve blocks of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve and its branches was used as a cheaper, more convenient, and faster alternative with similar face validity as the previously described magnetic-resonance-guided injection.