Is Pilates more effective and cost-effective than aerobic exercise in the treatment of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome? A randomized controlled trial with economic evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Pilates versus aerobic exercises in the treatment of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome from a societal perspective. METHODS: This two-arm randomized controlled trial with blinded assessor and economic evaluation included 98 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome using the American College of Rheumatology 2010 criteria, aged between 20 and 75 years, and pain intensity ≥3 points in the Pain Numerical Rating Scale. Patients were randomly allocated into the aerobic or Pilates group. Treatment was performed twice a week for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the impact of fibromyalgia measured 8 weeks after randomization. Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses were conducted for the impact of fibromyalgia and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), respectively, with a 12-month time horizon. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups for the impact of fibromyalgia (MD: 6.5 points; 95% CI: -1.8 to 14.9). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio showed that 1-point increase in the impact of fibromyalgia was on average associated with a societal cost of £56 for the Pilates group compared to the aerobic group. The cost-utility analysis showed that the Pilates group had a 0.71 probability of being cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay of £30,000 per QALY gained. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference between groups for the impact of fibromyalgia. Pilates was not cost-effective compared to aerobic exercises for the impact of fibromyalgia. However, Pilates seemed to be the preferred option of treatment considering QALYs, although it depends on the willingness-to-pay threshold. SIGNIFICANCE: Pilates showed to be a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Pilates presented similar results for the impact of fibromyalgia and superior results for pain relief compared to aerobic exercises, a highly recommended intervention for the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome. Pilates was not cost-effective compared to aerobic exercises for the impact of fibromyalgia. However, Pilates seemed to be a cost-effective intervention for QALYs, depending on the decision-maker's willingness-to-pay threshold.

Hip Tendinopathies: An Update of Concepts and Approaches.

The present update was based on new scientific evidence of major hip-related tendinopathies. Themes were addressed that involve the principles of the onset of tendinopathies through, mainly, the principle of capacity versus demand and the biomechanical aspects involved in its onset, its main characteristics, and clinical presentations. Associated with this, treatment-related updates were presented, with exercise therapy being the focus of conservative treatment and surgical approaches necessary for the control or resolution of these cases.

Hip Tendinopathies: An Update of Concepts and Approaches / Tendinopatias do quadril: Uma atualização de conceitos e abordagens

Abstract The present update was based on new scientific evidence of major hip-related tendinopathies. Themes were addressed that involve the principles of the onset of tendinopathies through, mainly, the principle of capacity versus demand and the biomechanical aspects involved in its onset, its main characteristics, and clinical presentations. Associated with this, treatment-related updates were presented, with exercise therapy being the focus of conservative treatment and surgical approaches necessary for the control or resolution of these cases.

Resumo A presente atualização foi embasada nas novas evidências científicas das principais tendinopatias relacionadas ao quadril. Foram abordadas temáticas que envolvem os princípios do aparecimento das tendinopatias através, principalmente, do princípio da capacidade versus demanda e os aspectos biomecânicos envolvidos no seu aparecimento, suas principais características e apresentações clínicas. Associadas a isso, foram expostas as atualizações voltadas ao tratamento, coma terapia por exercício sendo o foco do tratamento conservador e as abordagens cirúrgicas necessárias para o controle ou resolução desses casos.

Analysis of the measurement properties of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 in patients with fibromyalgia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the measurement properties of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 in patients with fibromyalgia. METHODS: Assessment was made at three time points: baseline (n=130) and 15 days (n=54) and eight weeks after baseline (n=51). Data collected at baseline were used to assess internal consistency, criterion and construct validity, and ceiling and floor effects. Data collected at baseline and 15 days after baseline were used to assess reliability and measurement error, and data collected before and after an eight-week exercise-based physical therapy intervention were used to assess interpretability of change scores. RESULTS: The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.77; alpha if item deleted: 0.74-0.77), substantial reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient2,1=0.85; 95% confidence interval: 0.75, 0.90), good measurement error (standard error of measurement: 2.65 points), and a minimal detectable change (90% confidence) of 6.16 points. For validity, the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 showed a positive and good correlation with the original Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (r=0.84, p<0.01), positive and moderate correlation with the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (r=0.55, p<0.01), positive and weak correlation with the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (r=0.25, p<0.01), positive and moderate correlation with the Beck Depression Inventory (r=0.39, p<0.01), and no correlation with the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (r=0.11, p=0.23). Kinesiophobia, pain, function, catastrophizing, and depression statistically improved after the eight-week intervention (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 is consistent, reliable, and appropriate to assess fear of movement in patients with fibromyalgia in the clinical context. Responsiveness of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 should be tested in future studies.

Relationship of anteversion of the femoral neck with patellofemoral pain syndrome in young women not practicing regular physical activity / Relação entre a anteversão de colo do fêmur e a síndrome da dor patelofemoral em mulheres jovens não praticantes de atividade física regular

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patellofemoral pain syndrome is an anterior knee pain (or retropatellar), associated to knee joint stress. The risk factors include musculoskeletal disorders that affect the distribution of forces acting on the knee joint, as in the femoral anteversion. The objective of this study was to verify the relationship between the femoral anteversion angle and the patellofemoral pain syndrome in young women who do not practice regular physical activity. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, case-control study. The sample includes 100 women (G1, n=50 - anterior knee pain; G2, n=50 - control group). The instruments applied were the Anterior Knee Pain Score, numerical pain scale, and Craig's test. The groups were compared using the Student's t-test, p<0.05 for significant results (GraphPad Prism 8). RESULTS: The mean age was 21.5±3.45 and 20.9±2.85 years old for G1 and G2, respectively. Mean pain intensity was 4.6±1.97 for G1, with no pain recorded in G2 (p=0.0001). The mean anteversion angle of the femoral neck was 16.2±4.85 degrees in G1 and 15.6±4.87 degrees in G2 (p= 0.566). The average score obtained with the Anterior Knee Pain Score was 81.4±10.46 and 94.8±5.41 points for groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: No relationship was found between angulation of the femoral neck and the presence of anterior knee pain, however, a greater functional loss in the group with pain was observed.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A síndrome da dor patelofemoral se manifesta com dor anterior no joelho ou retropatelar, relacionada ao aumento do "stress" articular. Os fatores de risco incluem disfunções musculoesqueléticas que afetem a distribuição de forças na articulação do joelho, como ocorre na anteversão femoral. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a relação do ângulo de anteversão femoral com a dor anterior no joelho de mulheres jovens não praticantes de atividade física regular. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, caso-controle. A amostra foi composta por 100 mulheres divididas nos grupos dor anterior no joelho (G1) e controle (G2) cada um com 50 indivíduos. Os instrumentos aplicados foram: o Anterior Knee Pain Score, a escala numérica da dor, e teste de Craig. Os grupos foram comparados entre si pelo teste t de Student, adotando-se p<0,05 para resultados significativos (GraphPad Prism 8). RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi de 21,5±3,45 e 20,9±2,85 anos para G1 e G2, respectivamente. A intensidade média da dor foi 4,6±1,97 para o G1, não havendo registro de dor no G2 (p=0,0001). A angulação média de anteversão do colo femoral foi de 16,2±4,85 graus no G1 e 15,6±4,87 graus no G2 (p=0,566). Por fim, o escore médio obtido com o Anterior Knee Pain Score foi de 81,4±10,46 e 94,8±5,41 pontos para os grupos 1 e 2, respectivamente (p=0,0001). CONCLUSÃO: Não foi encontrada relação entre angulação do colo femoral com a presença de dor anterior do joelho, no entanto, observou-se no grupo com dor havia maior perda funcional.

Different weekly frequencies of Pilates did not accelerate pain improvement in patients with chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence recommends Pilates for the treatment of chronic low back pain. However, it is still unknown if different weekly frequencies of Pilates can accelerate the improvement of symptoms in patients with chronic low back pain verified by a daily pain assessment. OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether different weekly frequencies of Pilates can accelerate pain reduction by 30%, 50%, and 100% in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain and the necessary number of weeks to reach these improvements. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-two patients were randomized into three groups: Pilates group 1 received treatment once a week, Pilates group 2 received treatment twice a week, and Pilates group 3 received treatment three times a week. All groups received Pilates for six weeks. Pain intensity was measured daily before and after each intervention session using the Pain Numerical Rating Scale. The assessor was not blind. RESULTS: The survival analysis showed that all Pilates groups had a pain reduction of 30%, 50%, and 100% at the same speed during treatment. There was no difference between the different weekly frequencies of Pilates for any of the comparisons (p>0.05). After the first week of treatment, 44.6% of the patients in Pilates group 3 showed complete pain improvement, followed by 37.8% of the patients in Pilates group 2 and 29.7% in Pilates group 1. After the last week, 71.6% (Pilates group 1), 77% (Pilates group 2), and 78.4% (Pilates group 3) of the patients reported complete improvement of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Different weekly frequencies of Pilates did not accelerate pain improvement in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. Registered in Clinical Trials Registry: NCT02241538 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02241538).

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the modified Pilates method versus aerobic exercise in the treatment of patients with fibromyalgia: protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic generalized pain, fatigue, sleep disorders and other symptoms. Physical exercise is recommended as the first choice of non-pharmacological therapy. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of modified Pilates exercises compared to aerobic exercises in the treatment of patients with fibromyalgia. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial with blinded assessor, 98 patients who meet the fibromyalgia classification criteria of the American College of Rheumatology 2010, aged between 20 and 75 years, and with pain intensity greater than or equal to 3 points in the Pain Numerical Rating Scale, will be randomly divided into Aerobic Group (aerobic exercises on treadmills or stationary bikes) and Pilates Group (modified Pilates exercises), and treated twice a week for eight weeks on the Center for Excellence in Clinical Research in Physical Therapy at Universidade Cidade de São Paulo, Brazil. The following outcomes will be evaluated by a blinded assessor at baseline, eight weeks, six months, and 12 months after randomization: impact of fibromyalgia assessed by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, pain intensity by the Pain Numerical Rating Scale, kinesiophobia by the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, specific disability by the Patient-Specific Functional Scale, functional capacity by the 6-min Walk Test, quality of sleep by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and health-related quality of life by EQ-5D-3L and SF-6D questionnaires. DISCUSSION: It is expected that the Pilates exercises will be more effective than aerobic exercises in improving clinical outcomes and that this improvement will be maintained over the medium to long term. This study aims to clarify whether the Pilates method can be incorporated into the clinical practice of physical therapists treating patients with fibromyalgia. The study will also provide information on which exercise will be most cost-effective, information that can be used by insurers and public health systems. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was prospectively registered at the Clinical Trials Registry (NCT03050606) in February 2017.

Predictive factors for progression through the difficulty levels of Pilates exercises in patients with low back pain: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The progression through the difficulty levels of Pilates exercises is a subjective criterion, that depends on the therapist's experience and ability to identify the best moment to progress to the next level. OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors that interfere in the progression through the difficulty levels of the Pilates exercises in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. METHODS: Data from 139 patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain from a randomized controlled trial were used for statistical analysis using binary logistic regression. The dependent variable was the progression through the difficulty levels, and the independent variables were age, gender, educational level, low back pain duration, pain intensity, general disability, kinesiophobia, previous physical activity, and number of absences. RESULTS: The factors that interfered in the progression through the difficulty levels were previous physical inactivity (odds ratio [OR]=5.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53-17.31), low educational level (OR=2.62, 95% CI: 1.12-6.10), more advanced age (OR=0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and more absences (OR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.50-0.79). These variables explain 41% of the non-progression through the difficulty level of the exercises. CONCLUSION: Physical inactivity, low educational level, more advanced age and greater number of absences can be interfering factors in the progression through the difficulty levels of the Pilates exercises in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Different doses of Pilates-based exercise therapy for chronic low back pain: a randomised controlled trial with economic evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness and cost-utility of the addition of different doses of Pilates to an advice for non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) from a societal perspective. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial with economic evaluation. SETTING: Physiotherapy clinic in São Paulo, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: 296 patients with NSCLBP. INTERVENTIONS: All patients received advice and were randomly allocated to four groups (n=74 per group): booklet group (BG), Pilates once a week (Pilates group 1, PG1), Pilates twice a week (Pilates group 2, PG2) and Pilates three times a week (Pilates group 3, PG3). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were pain and disability at 6-week follow-up. RESULTS: Compared with the BG, all Pilates groups showed significant improvements in pain (PG1, mean difference (MD)=-1.2, 95% CI -2.2 to -0.3; PG2, MD=-2.3, 95% CI -3.2 to -1.4; PG3, MD=-2.1, 95% CI -3.0 to -1.1) and disability (PG1, MD=-1.9, 95% CI -3.6 to -0.1; PG2, MD=-4.7, 95% CI -6.4 to -3.0; PG3, MD=-3.3, 95% CI -5.0 to -1.6). Among the different doses, PG2 showed significant improvements in comparison with PG1 for pain (MD=-1.1, 95% CI -2.0 to -0.1) and disability (MD=-2.8, 95% CI -4.5 to -1.1). The cost-utility analysis showed that PG3 had a 0.78 probability of being cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay of £20 000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained. CONCLUSIONS: Adding two sessions of Pilates exercises to advice provided better outcomes in pain and disability than advice alone for patients with NSCLBP; non-specific elements such as greater attention or expectation might be part of this effect. The cost-utility analysis showed that Pilates three times a week was the preferred option. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02241538, Completed.

THE EFFECTS OF VARIED TENSIONS OF KINESIOLOGY TAPING ON QUADRICEPS STRENGTH AND LOWER LIMB FUNCTION.

BACKGROUND: Kinesiology Taping (KT) may promote changes in muscle strength and motor performance, topics of great interest in the sports-medicine sciences. These characteristics are purported to be associated with the tension generated by the KT on the skin. However, the most suitable tension for the attainment of these strength and performance effects has not yet been confirmed. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to analyze the effects of different tensions of KT on the isometric contraction of the quadriceps and lower limb function of healthy individuals over a period of seven days. STUDY DESIGN: Blind, randomized, clinical trial. METHODS: One hundred and thirty healthy individuals were distributed into the following five groups: control (without KT); KT0 (KT without tension); KT50; KT75 and KT100 (approximately 50%, 75% and 100% tension applied to the tape, respectively). Assessments of isometric quadriceps strength were conducted using a hand held dynamometer. Lower limb function was assessed through Single Hop Test for Distance, with five measurement periods: baseline; immediately after KT application; three days after KT; five days after KT; and 72h after KT removal (follow-up). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) at any of the studied periods on participants' quadriceps strength nor in the function of the lower dominant limb, based on comparisons between the control group and the experimental groups. CONCLUSION: KT applied with different tensions did not produce modulations, in short or long-term, on quadriceps' strength or lower limb function of healthy individuals. Therefore, this type of KT application, when seeking these objectives, should be reconsidered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1b.

Aplicação do método Pilates na Fisioterapia: uma revisão sistemática na base de dados PEDro / Pilates method application in Physical Therapy: a systematic review in the PEDro database

Introdução: Atualmente o método Pilates vem sendo utilizado no tratamento de diversas doenças e se baseia em seis princípios básicos. Assim, evidências começaram a ser publicadas, para embasar e comprovar a eficácia do método nas diversas áreas da Fisioterapia. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão sistemática na base de dados PEDro sobre a aplicação do método Pilates na Fisioterapia para verificar em quais áreas o método está sendo mais utilizado e realizar uma avaliação da qualidade metodológica dos estudos. Métodos: Realizou- se uma busca avançada na base de dados PEDro com o descritor "Pilates". A extração de dados foi realizada considerando o nome dos autores, ano de publicação, característica da amostra, intervenção, realização de seguimentos, desfechos avaliados, instrumentos utilizados, resultados e escore da escala PEDro. Resultados: Vinte e nove estudos foram pré- selecionados pelo conteúdo do título, resumo e palavras-chave, e posteriormente analisados. Os estudos incluídos são principalmente das áreas musculoesquelética, gerontológica, cardiorrespiratória, neurológica e da saúde da mulher, sendo destaque a área musculoesquelética. Conclusão: Foi possível observar que os estudos publicados têm uma qualidade metodológica intermediária e a área musculoesquelética é que recebe destaque pela maior quantidade de estudos publicados. (AU)

Introduction: Currently the Pilates method has been used in several diseases and is based on six basic principles. Scientific evidences are being published, in order to contextualize and prove the effectiveness of this method in various areas of Physical therapy. Objectives: To systematically review PEDro database about the application of the Pilates method in Physical therapy to check the areas in which the method is being more used and conduct an assessment of the methodological quality of the published studies. Methods: An advanced search was held on PEDro database, and the descriptor used for the search was "Pilates". Data extraction was performed considering: authors name, publication year, sample characteristics, intervention, follow-up, outcomes assessed, instruments used, results and score on the PEDro scale. Results: Twenty nine studies were pre-selected by the contents of the title, abstract and keywords, and analyzed. The included studies are from the areas: musculoskeletal, gerontology, cardiorespiratory, neurology and women's health, being highlighted the musculoskeletal area. Conclusion: The published studies have an intermediate methodological quality, with emphasis on the musculoskeletal area, where the method is more studied. (AU)

Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Different Weekly Frequencies of Pilates for Chronic Low Back Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The Pilates method has been recommended to patients with low back pain, but the evidence on effectiveness is inconclusive. In addition, there is still no evidence for the cost-effectiveness of this method or for the ideal number of sessions to achieve the highest effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study will be to investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Pilates method with different weekly frequencies in the treatment of patients with nonspecific low back pain. DESIGN: This is a randomized controlled trial with blinded assessor. SETTING: This study will be conducted at a physical therapy clinic in São Paulo, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred ninety-six patients with nonspecific low back pain between the ages of 18 and 80 years will be assessed and randomly allocated to 4 groups (n=74 patients per group). INTERVENTION: All groups will receive an educational booklet. The booklet group will not receive additional exercises. Pilates group 1 will follow a Pilates-based program once a week, Pilates group 2 will follow the same program twice a week, and Pilates group 3 will follow the same program 3 times a week. The intervention will last 6 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: A blinded assessor will evaluate pain, quality-adjusted life-years, general and specific disability, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, and global perceived effect 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after randomization. LIMITATIONS: Therapists and patients will not be blinded. CONCLUSIONS: This will be the first study to investigate different weekly frequencies of treatment sessions for nonspecific low back pain. The results of this study will contribute to a better definition of treatment programs for this population.

Efficacy of the addition of interferential current to Pilates method in patients with low back pain: a protocol of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic low back pain is one of the four most common diseases in the world with great socioeconomic impact. Supervised exercise therapy is one of the treatments suggested for this condition; however, the recommendation on the best type of exercise is still unclear. The Pilates method of exercise is effective in reducing pain and disability in these patients, as well as the analgesia promoted by interferential current. Currently, the literature lacks information on the efficacy of the association of these two techniques in the short- and medium-term than performing one of the techniques isolated. The objective of this study will be to evaluate the efficacy of adding interferential current to the Pilates method exercises for the treatment of patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain in the short- and medium-term. METHODS/DESIGN: This study will be a randomized controlled trial with two arms and blinded evaluator, conducted at an outpatient Physical Therapy Department in Brazil. Patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain and pain equal to or greater than 3 in the Pain Numerical Rating Scale (0/10) will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group with active interferential current + Pilates (n = 74) will be submitted to the active interferential current associated to the modified Pilates exercises, and Group with sham interferential current + Pilates (n = 74) will be submitted to the sham interferential current associated with the modified Pilates exercises during 18 sessions. The outcomes pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, general and specific disability, global perceived effect and kinesiophobia will be evaluated by a blinded assessor at baseline, six weeks and six months after randomization. DISCUSSION: Because of the study design, blinding of the participants and the therapists involved in the study will not be possible. The results of this study could contribute to the process of clinical decision- making for the improvement of pain and disability in participants with nonspecific chronic low back pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01919268.