A Cyclical Magneto-Responsive Massage Dressing for Wound Healing.

Tissue development is mediated by a combination of mechanical and biological signals. Currently, there are many reports on biological signals regulating repair. However, insufficient attention is paid to the process of mechanical regulation, especially the active mechanical regulation in vivo, which has not been realized. Herein, a novel dynamically regulated repair system for both in vitro and in vivo applications is developed, which utilizes magnetic nanoparticles as non-contact actuators to activate hydrogels. The magnetic hydrogel can be periodically activated and deformed to different amplitudes by a dynamic magnetic system. An in vitro skin model is used to explore the impact of different dynamic stimuli on cellular mechano-transduction signal activation and cell differentiation. Specifically, the effect of mechanical stimulation on the phenotypic transition of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts is investigated. Furthermore, in vivo results verify that dynamic massage can simulate and enhance the traction effect in skin defects, thereby accelerating the wound healing process by promoting re-epithelialization and mediating dermal contraction.

Comparison of the acute effects of different techniques on the ankle joint range of motion in healthy older adults: a randomized controlled trial.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the acute effects of different methods on ankle joint range of motion (ROM) in older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-eight older adults were randomly divided into three groups. After the warming-up, static stretching, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) contract-relax, and roller massage were applied, at the same period. Before application, immediately after, 10 and 20 min after application, ankle joint dorsiflexion ROM was measured in the weight-bearing position. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference between the groups in demographic characteristics and baseline ankle ROM (p = 0.413). In all groups, post-application measurements revealed increased ankle joint motion (p < 0.0125). Groups were compared, and a statistically significant difference between the three groups was found (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the change of ROM between the Static Stretching and PNF Stretching Groups in the change of ROM group comparisons (p = 0.089). There was a statistically significant difference in ROM changes Roller Massage Group and both Static Stretching and the PNF Stretching Group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The acute effects of roller massage, on ankle ROM, were superior to static and PNF stretching. The application of roller massage, which was shown to be an effective method for increasing ROM, can be safely applied in physiotherapy programs for older adults.

The effectiveness of deep tissue massage on pain, trigger point, disability, range of motion and quality of life in individuals with myofascial pain syndrome.

PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the effect of deep tissue massage (DTM) on the myofascial trigger point (MTrP) number, neck range of motion (ROM), pain, disability and quality of life in patients with Myofacial pain syndrome (MPS). METHODS: The study involved patients with MPS between the ages of 20-57. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (n = 40) and the study group (n = 40). Transcutaneous Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (TENS), hotpack and ultrasound were applied to 40 patients in the control group. The study group was also administered DTM for 12 sessions in addition to TENS, hotpack and ultrasound applications. Neck pain and disability scale (NPDS) for a neck disability, universal goniometer for neck ROM, MTrP count using manual palpation, Short Form 36 (SF-36) for quality of life and severity of neck pain were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). All patients were evaluated before and after treatment. RESULTS: It was found that the DTM group has statistically more improvement than the control group for VAS, NPDS and SF-36. Moreover, although there was a significant improvement in favour of the study group for extension, lateral flexion, right rotation and left rotation in the neck ROM, there was no significant difference in flexion measurements between the study and control group. CONCLUSION: In addition to the traditional rehabilitation program, DTM is effective on neck ROM, pain, disability and quality of life. Therefore, DTM treatment is a safe and inexpensive treatment method that can be applied in patients with MPS.

Effect of Low-Frequency Pulsed Electrotherapy Combined with Acupoint Nursing on Postpartum Urinary Retention in Patients with Vaginal Delivery.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of low-frequency pulsed electrotherapy combined with acupoint massage on postpartum urinary retention (PUR). METHODS: The patients were divided into control group, intervention group 1, and intervention group 2 according to the nursing method. The control group received conventional postpartum care, intervention group 1 received conventional postpartum care and low frequency pulsed electrotherapy, and intervention group 2 received conventional postpartum care, low-frequency pulsed electrotherapy, and Shuidao point massage. The bladder function, comfort score, and quality of life score before and after intervention were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: The bladder function, comfort level, and quality of life of intervention group 1 and intervention group 2 after nursing were significantly better than those of the control group. In addition, intervention group 2 had better bladder function than intervention group 1, with lower residual urine volume and higher bladder compliance. In the Kolcaba score, the mental dimension of intervention group 2 was significantly higher than that of intervention group 1. In terms of QOL scores, the social function, physical function, and state of material life scores of intervention group 2 were significantly higher than those of intervention group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Low-frequency pulsed electrotherapy combined with acupoint massage can significantly improve the bladder function, comfort, and quality of life of patients with PUR.

Massage for neck pain.

BACKGROUND: Massage is widely used for neck pain, but its effectiveness remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and harms of massage compared to placebo or sham, no treatment or exercise as an adjuvant to the same co-intervention for acute to chronic persisting neck pain in adults with or without radiculopathy, including whiplash-associated disorders and cervicogenic headache. SEARCH METHODS: We searched multiple databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Index to Chiropractic Literature, trial registries) to 1 October 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any type of massage with sham or placebo, no treatment or wait-list, or massage as an adjuvant treatment, in adults with acute, subacute or chronic neck pain. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. We transformed outcomes to standardise the direction of the effect (a smaller score is better). We used a partially contextualised approach relative to identified thresholds to report the effect size as slight-small, moderate or large-substantive. MAIN RESULTS: We included 33 studies (1994 participants analysed). Selection (82%) and detection bias (94%) were common; multiple trials had unclear allocation concealment, utilised a placebo that may not be credible and did not test whether blinding to the placebo was effective. Massage was compared with placebo (n = 10) or no treatment (n = 8), or assessed as an adjuvant to the same co-treatment (n = 15). The trials studied adults aged 18 to 70 years, 70% female, with mean pain severity of 51.8 (standard deviation (SD) 14.1) on a visual analogue scale (0 to 100). Neck pain was subacute-chronic and classified as non-specific neck pain (85%, including n = 1 whiplash), radiculopathy (6%) or cervicogenic headache (9%). Trials were conducted in outpatient settings in Asia (n = 11), America (n = 5), Africa (n = 1), Europe (n = 12) and the Middle East (n = 4). Trials received research funding (15%) from research institutes. We report the main results for the comparison of massage versus placebo. Low-certainty evidence indicates that massage probably results in little to no difference in pain, function-disability and health-related quality of life when compared against a placebo for subacute-chronic neck pain at up to 12 weeks follow-up. It may slightly improve participant-reported treatment success. Subgroup analysis by dose showed a clinically important difference favouring a high dose (≥ 8 sessions over four weeks for ≥ 30 minutes duration). There is very low-certainty evidence for total adverse events. Data on patient satisfaction and serious adverse events were not available. Pain was a mean of 20.55 points with placebo and improved by 3.43 points with massage (95% confidence interval (CI) 8.16 better to 1.29 worse) on a 0 to 100 scale, where a lower score indicates less pain (8 studies, 403 participants; I2 = 39%). We downgraded the evidence to low-certainty due to indirectness; most trials in the placebo comparison used suboptimal massage doses (only single sessions). Selection, performance and detection bias were evident as multiple trials had unclear allocation concealment, utilised a placebo that may not be credible and did not test whether blinding was effective, respectively. Function-disability was a mean of 30.90 points with placebo and improved by 9.69 points with massage (95% CI 17.57 better to 1.81 better) on the Neck Disability Index 0 to 100, where a lower score indicates better function (2 studies, 68 participants; I2 = 0%). We downgraded the evidence to low-certainty due to imprecision (the wide CI represents slight to moderate benefit that does not rule in or rule out a clinically important change) and risk of selection, performance and detection biases. Participant-reported treatment success was a mean of 3.1 points with placebo and improved by 0.80 points with massage (95% CI 1.39 better to 0.21 better) on a Global Improvement 1 to 7 scale, where a lower score indicates very much improved (1 study, 54 participants). We downgraded the evidence to low-certainty due to imprecision (single study with a wide CI that does not rule in or rule out a clinically important change) and risk of performance as well as detection bias. Health-related quality of life was a mean of 43.2 points with placebo and improved by 5.30 points with massage (95% CI 8.24 better to 2.36 better) on the SF-12 (physical) 0 to 100 scale, where 0 indicates the lowest level of health (1 study, 54 participants). We downgraded the evidence once for imprecision (a single small study) and risk of performance and detection bias. We are uncertain whether massage results in increased total adverse events, such as treatment soreness, sweating or low blood pressure (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.08 to 11.55; 2 studies, 175 participants; I2 = 77%). We downgraded the evidence to very low-certainty due to unexplained inconsistency, risk of performance and detection bias, and imprecision (the CI was extremely wide and the total number of events was very small, i.e < 200 events). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The contribution of massage to the management of neck pain remains uncertain given the predominance of low-certainty evidence in this field. For subacute and chronic neck pain (closest to 12 weeks follow-up), massage may result in a little or no difference in improving pain, function-disability, health-related quality of life and participant-reported treatment success when compared to a placebo. Inadequate reporting on adverse events precluded analysis. Focused planning for larger, adequately dosed, well-designed trials is needed.

Effects of perineal massage at different stages on perineal and postpartum pelvic floor function in primiparous women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Perineal massage, as a preventive intervention, has been shown to reduce the risk of perineal injuries and may have a positive impact on pelvic floor function in the early postpartum period. However, there is still debate concerning the best period to apply perineal massage, which is either antenatal or in the second stage of labor, as well as its safety and effectiveness. Meta-analysis was used to evaluate the effect of implementing perineal massage in antenatal versus the second stage of labor on the prevention of perineal injuries during labor and early postpartum pelvic floor function in primiparous women. METHODS: We searched nine different electronic databases from inception to April 16, 2024. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) we included assessed the effects of antenatal and second-stage labor perineal massage in primiparous women. All data were analyzed with Revman 5.3, Stata Statistical Software, and Risk of Bias 2 was used to assess the risk of bias. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the different periods of perineal massage. The primary outcomes were the incidence of perineal integrity and perineal injury. Secondary outcomes were perineal pain, duration of the second stage of labor, postpartum hemorrhage, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and flatus incontinence. RESULTS: This review comprised a total of 10 studies that covered 1057 primigravid women. The results of the analysis showed that perineal massage during the second stage of labor reduced the perineal pain of primigravid women in the immediate postpartum period compared to the antenatal period, with a statistical value of (MD = -2.29, 95% CI [-2.53, -2.05], P < 0.001). Additionally, only the antenatal stage reported that perineal massage reduced fecal incontinence (P = 0.04) and flatus incontinence (P = 0.01) in primiparous women at three months postpartum, but had no significant effect on urinary incontinence in primiparous women at three months postpartum (P = 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: Reducing perineal injuries in primiparous women can be achieved by providing perineal massage both antenatally and during the second stage of labor. Pelvic floor function is improved in the postnatal phase by perineal massage during the antenatal stage. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CRD42023415996 (PROSPERO).

Description of massage interventions in randomised clinical trials for neck pain; a review using the TIDieR checklist.

OBJECTIVE: How interventions are reported can impact the ability to implement these intervention in clinical practice. Therefore, our aim is to assess the reporting of massage interventions in randomised controlled trials for patients with neck pain. DATA SOURCES: This manuscript concerns a secondary analysis of trials evaluating massage for neck pain selected for a scoping review. An updated literature search was completed using four databases to 31 July 2023. REVIEW METHODS: Trials were selected that evaluate massage interventions. Two independent assessors extracted descriptive information, methodological quality (PEDro-scale) and assessed completeness of reporting of the intervention using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDier-checklist). We present frequencies of the extracted data. RESULTS: We included 35 trials (2840 patients) with neck pain. Most trials (n = 23) included patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. We found a wide variety of massage interventions from Chinese massage, Swedish massage to myofascial release. In addition, the dose, number of sessions and the duration of the intervention varied widely. The methodological quality overall was fair to good (varied between 4-8/10), and we found a moderate completeness of reporting. All trials provided the name of the intervention, 30 (86%) provided a rationale and 26 (74%) trials described details of the massage intervention. CONCLUSION: The massage interventions were moderately described in trials in patients with neck pain, but provided enough information to guide the decision making for designing future Network Meta-analysis as to what trials need to be considered when grouping massage interventions in a clinically relevant way.

Acute self-myofascial release modulates cardiac autonomic function and hemodynamic parameters at rest and reduces cardiovascular stress reaction.

PURPOSE: Self-myofascial release (SMR) is a form of self-massage aiming to release tension, improve blood flow, and alleviate muscle soreness. This study aimed to determine whether a single session of SMR could impact cardiovascular parameters at rest and during a cold pressor test (CPT). METHODS: Twenty male participants (aged 26 ± 2 years) underwent a 20-min SMR and a 20-min seated control condition (CON) on two separate test days in a randomized order. Peripheral and central blood pressure (BP), total peripheral resistance (TPR), pulse wave velocity (PWV), heart rate (HR), root mean square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD), and the quotient of low-frequency power and high-frequency power (LF/HF) were measured both at rest and during a CPT before (t0), 2 min (t1), and 20 min (t2) after the SMR and CON. RESULTS: Time × condition interactions could be detected for peripheral and central diastolic BP, TPR, HR, and RMSSD. Following the SMR, peripheral diastolic BP, central diastolic BP, TPR, and RMSSD were reduced, while HR was increased compared to the CON. Regarding the CPT time × condition interactions could be detected for peripheral, and central diastolic BP, with lower values after SMR. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that a single bout of SMR confers favorable cardiovascular benefits in healthy normotensive individuals. Furthermore, SMR can attenuate the hemodynamic reactivity to a stress test. Future research should address whether regular SMR leads to chronic adaptations similar to regular, moderate aerobic exercise, massage therapy, and static stretching.

The investigation of effect on foot plantar massage on functional recovery in older adults with general surgery, randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Foot massage is known to be effective on the emotional state (anxiety, depression, etc.) in the postoperative period. However, studies on its effect on functional level are insufficient. AIM: The study aimed to investigate the impact of foot plantar massage on functional recovery in older adults undergoing general surgery, employing a randomized clinical trial design. METHODS: A total of 70 older adults aged 65 years and above who underwent abdominal surgery were included. Various assessments were conducted, including pain levels (Visual Analogue Scale), fear of mobility (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia), functional independence (Functional Independence Measure), balance (Berg Balance Scale), basic mobility (Rivermead Mobility Index), mental function status (Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination), and delirium (Nu-DESC). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed in some assessment parameters within the groups during the 2nd and 3rd measurement times, with the intervention group demonstrating significant mean differences. DISCUSSIONS: The literature underscores the increase in kinesiophobia scores post-general/abdominal surgery in older adults, emphasizing the importance of evaluating functional level and kinesiophobia to expedite discharge processes and potentially plan early post-discharge rehabilitation to mitigate readmissions for functional reasons. CONCLUSIONS: Ultimately, foot massage was found to be effective in reducing kinesiophobia, improving balance, mobility, daily living skills, and mental status in older adults post-abdominal surgery, thereby advocating for the facilitation of post-discharge rehabilitation programs or the reduction of readmission rates. THE CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER: NCT05534490.

The Efficacy of Acupuncture and Acupoint Massage in Enhancing Lumbar Mobility and Alleviating Pain in Individuals with Lumbar Disc Herniation.

Background: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a prevalent condition in spinal surgery, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture has gained clinical attention as a potential treatment for LDH in recent years. Objective: This study aimed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture combined with acupoint massage in LDH patients. Methods: We enrolled a total of 135 LDH patients treated at our hospital from May 2021 to February 2023. Among them, 63 patients received acupuncture treatment (control group), while the remaining 72 received acupuncture combined with acupoint massage (observation group). We compared treatment efficacy and the time it took for lumbar stiffness, lower back and leg pain, bending and flexing difficulties, and other symptoms to disappear between the two groups. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopedic Association Scoring System (JOA) were used to evaluate patients' pain levels and lumbar vertebral function before and after treatment. Additionally, we assessed patients using the Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 (GQOL-74) and recorded their treatment satisfaction. Results: The observation group exhibited a slightly higher total effective rate compared to the control group, with a shorter time for the resolution of lumbar stiffness, lower back pain, leg pain, and other symptoms (P < .05). Furthermore, the observation group had lower VAS scores and higher JOA scores (P < .05). They also achieved higher GQOL-74 scores and reported greater treatment satisfaction (P < .05). Conclusions: Acupuncture combined with acupoint massage effectively alleviated clinical symptoms and pain in LDH patients, demonstrating significant clinical utility.

The Effect of Abdominal Massage on Bilirubin Levels in Term Infants Receiving Phototherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in Europe and the United States is estimated to be 3.2 and 4.4 per 10,000 live births, respectively. Abdominal massage for hyperbilirubinemia is considered a safe complementary treatment for infants that may increase number of defecations and decrease bilirubin levels. PURPOSE: This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of abdominal massage on bilirubin levels in term infants receiving phototherapy. METHODS: The sample consisted of 43 term newborns (intervention group: 23; control group: 20) who received phototherapy in a university hospital between June 2019 and February 2021. Information and observation forms were used for data collection. The intervention group received 6 abdominal massages over 2 days, performed 3 times a day, 6 hours apart, and lasting 5 minutes each. RESULTS: Transcutaneous bilirubin levels and heart rate were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group at 48 hours (P = .015 and P = .033, respectively). Number of defecations was higher in the intervention group at 24 hours (P = .007) but there was no significant difference at 48 hours. The decrease in serum bilirubin between 24 and 48 hours was significantly greater in the intervention group (P = .005). IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: Abdominal massage was effective in reducing bilirubin levels and may increase the number of defecations. Providing massage training to the parents of infants who are discharged early could be a protective approach to prevent the rise in bilirubin levels.

Clinical Effectiveness of Craniosacral Therapy in Patients with Headache Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effectiveness of craniosacral therapy in improving pain and disability among patients with headache disorders. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Osteopathic Medicine Digital Library databases were searched in March 2023. REVIEW METHODS: Two independent reviewers searched the databases and extracted data from randomized controlled trials comparing craniosacral therapy with control or sham interventions. The same reviewers assessed the methodological quality and the risk of bias using the PEDro scale and the Cochrane Collaboration tool, respectively. Grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluations was used to rate the certainty of the evidence. Meta-analyses were conducted using random effects models using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS: The searches retrieved 735 studies, and four studies were finally included. The craniosacral therapy provided statistically significant but clinically unimportant change on pain intensity (Mean difference = -1.10; 95% CI: -1.85, -0.35; I2: 44%), and no change on disability or headache effect (Standardized Mean Difference = -0.34; 95% CI -0.70, 0.01; I2: 26%). The certainty of the evidence was downgraded to very low. CONCLUSION: Very low certainty of evidence suggests that craniosacral therapy produces clinically unimportant effects on pain intensity, whereas no significant effects were observed in disability or headache effect.

Corneal Epithelial Hyperplasia Related to Chronic Eye Rubbing Mimicking Keratoconus.

ABSTRACT: We report a case of corneal epithelial hyperplasia associated with chronic eye rubbing mimicking keratoconus. A 32-year-old man was presented with a 3-year history of suboptimal vision and astigmatism in his left eye. His history was significant for chronic left eye rubbing. The anterior corneal curvature map showed inferior steepening in the left eye; however, other features of ectasia were absent. Corneal epithelium thickness mapping with optical coherence tomography was significant for corresponding epithelial thickening. His corneal imaging remained stable at a 6-month follow-up examination. At month 15-and after cessation of eye rubbing behavior-the vision symptoms, refraction, and corneal imaging had normalized. In conclusion, chronic eye rubbing may cause reversible corneal epithelial hypertrophy. Eye rubbing should be considered in the evaluation of patients presenting with unexplained vision symptoms and changes in astigmatism that are not consistent with ectasia on corneal imaging.

The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Stress, Fatigue, and Low Back Pain in Intensive Care Unit Nurses: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study, which uses a randomized controlled design, aimed to determine the effect of foot reflexology on stress, fatigue, and low back pain (LBP) in intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. METHODS: The study was conducted with intensive care unit nurses at two hospitals in a city between September 2022 and April 2023. The study sample consisted of 42 nurses, 21 of whom had low back pain for at least 3 months and 21 of whom were controls. In the study, foot reflexology was applied to the intervention group for 20 minutes (10 minutes on each foot) once a week for 4 weeks. There was no intervention applied to the control group. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). FINDINGS: Based on the change in the mean scores of the scale in the intervention and control groups over time, a statistically significant decrease was found between the pre-test (before foot reflexology) and post-test mean scores of the LBP-VAS (from 6.33 to 2.24, respectively) and the Fatigue Severity Scale (from 4.81 to 3.60, respectively) in the intervention group. Although there was no statistically significant difference between the perceived stress scale pre-test and post-test scores, it was found that there was a decrease in favor of the intervention group. CONCLUSION: Foot reflexology appears to offer promise as an effective method for ICU nurses to reduce lower back pain and fatigue.

Abdominal massage to prevent ileus after colorectal surgery. A single-center, prospective, randomized clinical trial: the MATRAC Trial.

BACKGROUND: There is scarce literature on the effect of mechanical abdominal massage on the duration of ileus after colectomy, particularly in the era of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). The aim of this study was to determine whether abdominal massage after colorectal surgery with anastomosis and no stoma helps toward a faster return of intestinal transit. METHODS: This study was a superiority trial and designed as a prospective open-label, single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial with two parallel groups. Patients scheduled to undergo intestinal resection and follow an ERAS protocol were randomly assigned to either the standard ERAS group or the ERAS plus massage group. The primary endpoint was the return of intestinal transit, defined as the first passage of flatus following the operation. Secondary endpoints included time of the first bowel motion, maximal pain, 30 day complications, complications due to massage, anxiety score given by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) questionnaire, and quality of life assessed by the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire. RESULTS: Between July 2020 and June 2021, 36 patients were randomly assigned to the ERAS group or the ERAS plus massage group (n = 19). Patients characteristics were comparable. There was no significant difference in time to passage of the first flatus between the ERAS group and the ERAS plus abdominal massage group (1065 versus 1389 min, p = 0.274). No statistically significant intergroup difference was noted for the secondary endpoints. CONCLUSION: Our study, despite its limitations, failed to demonstrate any advantage of abdominal massage to prevent or even reduce symptoms of postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: 38RC20.021.

Comparing easywrap with six other adjustable wraps for compression therapy in venous and lymphatic disease by variation in pressure, stiffness and elasticity.

BACKGROUND: There is no clear guidance or comprehensive comparative evidence to help clinicians select between adjustable wraps for compression therapy. However, adjustable wraps could be compared with three metrics used for compression bandages: variation in pressure, stiffness and elasticity. AIMS: To determine whether easywrap (Haddenham Healthcare) had lower standard deviation (SD) in lying pressure, greater static stiffness index (SSI) and/or a greater mean elongation ratio than six other adjustable wraps. METHODS: In this preliminary exploratory study, seven adjustable wraps were tested in vivo 20 times each (140 tests in total), on 20 people (with a variable number of readings per participant), to give the SD in lying pressure and mean SSI. The same wraps were tested in vitro five times each to give the mean elongation ratio. FINDINGS: Of all seven adjustable wraps, easywrap had the second lowest SD in lying pressure at 5.9 mmHg, compared with 8.9 mmHg overall; the highest mean SSI at 13.2 mmHg, compared with 9.5 mmHg overall; and the highest mean elongation ratio at 137.0%, compared with 107.1% overall. CONCLUSIONS: These metrics suggest that easywrap has clinical advantages over other adjustable wraps. A lower variation in lying pressure suggests more consistent application of pressures within intended therapeutic levels. Higher SSI indicates greater resistance to stretching, which is linked to improved venous function and oedema reduction. Higher elongation ratio demonstrates greater tensile strength, which should maintain therapeutic pressure for longer without readjustment.

Comparing easywrap with six other adjustable wraps for compression therapy in venous and lymphatic disease by variation in pressure, stiffness and elasticity.

BACKGROUND: There is no clear guidance or comprehensive comparative evidence to help clinicians select between adjustable wraps for compression therapy. However, adjustable wraps could be compared with three metrics used for compression bandages: variation in pressure, stiffness and elasticity. AIMS: To determine whether easywrap (Haddenham Healthcare) had lower standard deviation (SD) in lying pressure, greater static stiffness index (SSI) and/or a greater mean elongation ratio than six other adjustable wraps. METHODS: In this preliminary exploratory study, seven adjustable wraps were tested in vivo 20 times each (140 tests in total), on 20 people (with a variable number of readings per participant), to give the SD in lying pressure and mean SSI. The same wraps were tested in vitro five times each to give the mean elongation ratio. FINDINGS: Of all seven adjustable wraps, easywrap had the second lowest SD in lying pressure at 5.9 mmHg, compared with 8.9 mmHg overall; the highest mean SSI at 13.2 mmHg, compared with 9.5 mmHg overall; and the highest mean elongation ratio at 137.0%, compared with 107.1% overall. CONCLUSIONS: These metrics suggest that easywrap has clinical advantages over other adjustable wraps. A lower variation in lying pressure suggests more consistent application of pressures within intended therapeutic levels. Higher SSI indicates greater resistance to stretching, which is linked to improved venous function and oedema reduction. Higher elongation ratio demonstrates greater tensile strength, which should maintain therapeutic pressure for longer without readjustment.

Effects of soft tissue mobilisation on subacute adherent linear scars: a single-group intervention study.

OBJECTIVE: Scar adherence due to a pathological healing process can cause physical and psychological disturbance. Soft tissue mobilisation (STM) techniques are widely used to treat and prevent scar adherence, but little is known on their effects. We aimed to analyse the effect of STM in patients with subacute post-surgical scar adhesions affecting the extremities. METHOD: A single-group quasi-experimental study was conducted on consecutive patients undergoing post-surgery limb rehabilitation. Patients with a baseline Adhesion Severity (AS) index of <0.5 at the worst scar point, as measured by the Adheremeter, were eligible. All patients who completed a minimum of five manual treatment sessions were included. The primary outcome was the AS index and the secondary outcome was the Italian version of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scales (POSAS-I). RESULTS: A cohort of 19 patients underwent an average of eight STM sessions over a period of one month. The AS index value increased from a median of 0.12 at baseline (interquartile range (IQR): 0.05-0.25) to 0.41 post-treatment (IQR: 0.26-0.63; median change: 0.24; IQR: 0.16-0.40; p<0.001). A large effect size was observed for both AS and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (OSAS-I) (Cohen r=0.6), with a large probability of superiority (PS) (87% and 86%, respectively). A moderate effect was observed for the Patient Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS-I) (Cohen=0.4; PS=71%). Pre-post treatment changes exceeded the minimal detectable changes for the AS and OSAS-I in 68% of subjects, and for PSAS-I in 21% of subjects. CONCLUSION: STM manual techniques may produce a large effect on the mobility of adherent subacute post-surgical scars.

Effects of Vibroacoustic Stimulation on Psychological, Physiological, and Cognitive Stress.

Global stress is widespread in today's post-pandemic world of political and economic uncertainty. Vibroacoustic technology is a vibrotactile intervention with multiple uses, but its impact on stress lacks interpretation. This research assessed if the vibroacoustic technology of a Vibroacoustic Sound Massage (VSM) can reduce psychological, physiological, and cognitive stress. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and electrocardiogram (ECG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) biosignals were used to quantify results. Participants were divided into Low-Stress and High-Stress groups. The ECG results show VSM increased parasympathetic activity for all participants, with the Low-Stress group being more affected. The EEG results indicate increased concentration, reduced arousal, and increased relaxation, with participant well-being non-significantly affected, though variability in this metric was homogenised after VSM. Together, these results validate VSM as an effective support tool for stress management; however, further research is required.

The effect of underwater massage during hot water immersion on acute cardiovascular and mood responses.

PURPOSE: There is emerging evidence that demonstrates the health benefits of hot water immersion including improvements to cardiovascular health and reductions in stress and anxiety. Many commercially available hot tubs offer underwater massage systems which purport to enhance many benefits of hot water immersion, however, these claims have yet to be studied. METHODS: Twenty participants (4 females) completed three, 30-min sessions of hot-water immersion (beginning at 39 °C) in a crossover randomized design: with air massage (Air Jet), water massage (Hydro Jet) or no massage (Control). Cardiovascular responses comprising; heart rate, blood pressure and superficial femoral artery blood flow and shear rate were measured. State trait anxiety, basic affect, and salivary cortisol were recorded before and after each trial. Data were analysed using a mixed effects model. RESULTS: Post immersion, heart rate increased (Δ31bpm, P < 0.001, d = 1.38), mean arterial blood pressure decreased (Δ16 mmHg, P < 0.001, d = -0.66), with no difference between conditions. Blood flow and mean shear rate increased following immersion (P < 0.001, Δ362 ml/min, d = 1.20 and Δ108 s-1, d = 1.00), but these increases were blunted in the Air Jet condition (P < 0.001,Δ171 ml/min, d = 0.43 and Δ52 s-1, d = 0.52). Anxiety and salivary cortisol were reduced (P = 0.003, d = -0.20, P = 0.014, d = -0.11), but did not vary between conditions. Enjoyment did not vary between conditions. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate positive acute responses to hot water immersion on markers of cardiovascular function, anxiety, and stress. There was no additional benefit of water-based massage, while air-based massage blunted some positive vascular responses due to lower heat conservation of the water.