Effectiveness and safety of manual therapy when compared with oral pain medications in patients with neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review and meta-analysis seeks to investigate the effectiveness and safety of manual therapy (MT) interventions compared to oral pain medication in the management of neck pain. METHODS: We searched from inception to March 2023, in Cochrane Central Register of Controller Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, Allied and Complementary Medicine (AMED) and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL; EBSCO) for randomized controlled trials that examined the effect of manual therapy interventions for neck pain when compared to medication in adults with self-reported neck pain, irrespective of radicular findings, specific cause, and associated cervicogenic headaches. We used the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool to assess the potential risk of bias in the included studies, and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach to grade the quality of the evidence. RESULTS: Nine trials (779 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. We found low certainty of evidence that MT interventions may be more effective than oral pain medication in pain reduction in the short-term (Standardized Mean Difference: -0.39; 95% CI -0.66 to -0.11; 8 trials, 676 participants), and moderate certainty of evidence that MT interventions may be more effective than oral pain medication in pain reduction in the long-term (Standardized Mean Difference: - 0.36; 95% CI - 0.55 to - 0.17; 6 trials, 567 participants). We found low certainty evidence that the risk of adverse events may be lower for patients that received MT compared to the ones that received oral pain medication (Risk Ratio: 0.59; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.79; 5 trials, 426 participants). CONCLUSIONS: MT may be more effective for people with neck pain in both short and long-term with a better safety profile regarding adverse events when compared to patients receiving oral pain medications. However, we advise caution when interpreting our safety results due to the different level of reporting strategies in place for MT and medication-induced adverse events. Future MT trials should create and adhere to strict reporting strategies with regards to adverse events to help gain a better understanding on the nature of potential MT-induced adverse events and to ensure patient safety. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023421147.

Latent Profile Analysis of Canadian Military Veterans with Chronic Pain Identifies 5 Meaningful Classes through Self-Report Measures.

The purpose of this study was to identify meaningful response patterns in self-report survey data collected from Canadian military veterans with chronic pain and to create an algorithm intended to facilitate triage and prioritization of veterans to the most appropriate interventions. An online survey was presented to former members of the Canadian military who self-identified as having chronic pain. Variables collected were related to pain, physical and mental interference, prior traumatic experiences, and indicators from each of seven potential drivers of the pain experience. Maximum Likelihood-based Latent Profile Analysis (MLE-LPA) was used to identify clinically and statistically meaningful profiles using the seven-axis variables, and Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis was then conducted to identify the most parsimonious set of indicators that could be used to accurately classify respondents into the most relevant profile group. Data from N=322 veterans were available for analysis. The results of MLE-LPA indicated a 5-profile structure was optimal for explaining the patterns of responses within the data. These were: Mood-Dominant (13%), Localized Physical (24%), Neurosensory-Dominant (33%), Central-Dominant with complex mood and neurosensory symptoms (16%), and Trauma- and mood-dominant (14%). From CRT analysis an algorithm requiring only 3 self-report tools (central symptoms, mood screening, bodily coherence) achieved 83% classification accuracy across the 5 profiles. The new classification algorithm requiring 16 total items may be helpful for clinicians and veterans in pain to identify the most dominant drivers of their pain experience that may be useful for prioritizing intervention strategies, targets, and relevant healthcare disciplines. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents the results of latent profile (cluster) analysis of responses to standardized self-report questionnaires by Canadian military veterans with chronic pain. It identified 5 clusters that appear to represent different drivers of the pain experience. The results could be useful for triaging veterans to the most appropriate pain care providers.

Which Remote Rehabilitation Interventions Work Best for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Depression? A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of remote rehabilitation interventions for people living with chronic musculoskeletal pain and depression. DESIGN: A systematic review with network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized control trials. LITERATURE SEARCH: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, EMBASE, LILACS, MEDLINE, PSYNDEX and PsycINFO until May 2023. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of remote rehabilitation interventions in people with chronic musculoskeletal pain and depression. DATA SYNTHESIS: We used Bayesian random-effects models for the NMA. Effect estimates were comparisons between rehabilitation interventions and waitlist. We performed a sensitivity analysis based on bias in the randomisation process, large trials (>100 patient per arm) and musculoskeletal condition. RESULTS: Fifty-eight randomized controlled trials involving 10,278 participants (median sample size: 137 (IQR: 77 to 236) were included. Interactive-voice-response cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) (SMD -0.66, 95%CrI -1.17 to -0.16), CBT in person (SMD -0.50, 95%CrI -0.97 to -0.04) and mobile-app CBT plus exercise (SMD -0.37, 95% CrI -0.69 to -0.02) were superior to waitlist at 12-weeks follow-up for reducing pain (> 98% probability of superiority). For depression outcomes, Internet-delivered CBT & tele-care was superior to waitlist at 12-weeks follow-up (SMD -0.51, 95% CrI -0.87 to -0.13) (> 99% probability of superiority). For pain outcomes, the certainty of evidence ranged from low to moderate. For depression outcomes, the certainty of evidence ranged from very low to moderate. The proportion of dropouts attributed to adverse events was unclear. No intervention was associated with higher odds of dropout. CONCLUSION: Interactive-voice-response CBT, and mobile-app CBT plus exercise showed similar treatment effects with in-person CBT on pain reduction among people living with chronic musculoskeletal pain and had over 98% probability of superiority than waitlist control at 12-weeks follow-up. Internet-delivered CBT & tele-care had over 99% probability of superiority than waitlist control for improving depression outcomes at 12-weeks follow-up.

Intracluster correlation coefficients in osteoarthritis cluster randomized trials: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: The design, analysis, and interpretation of cluster randomized clinical trials (RCTs) require accounting for potential correlation of observations on individuals within the same cluster. Reporting of observed intracluster correlation coefficients (ICCs) in cluster RCTs, as recommended by Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT), facilitates sample size calculation of future cluster RCTs and understanding of the trial statistical power. Our objective was to summarize observed ICCs in osteoarthritis (OA) cluster RCTs. DESIGN: Systematic review of knee/hip OA cluster RCTs. We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for trials published from 2012, when CONSORT cluster RCTs extension was published, to September 2022. We calculated the proportion of cluster RCTs that reported observed ICCs. Of those that did, we extracted observed ICCs. PROSPERO: CRD42022365660. RESULTS: We screened 1121 references and included 20 cluster RCTs. Only 5 trials (25%) reported the observed ICC for at least one outcome variable. ICC values for pain outcomes were: 0, 0.01, 0.18; for physical function outcomes were: 0, 0.06, 0.13 (knee)/0.27 (hip); Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) total: 0.02, 0.02; symptoms of anxiety/depression: 0.22; disability: 0; and global change: 0. One out of four (25%) trials reported an ICC that was larger than the ICC used for sample size calculation and thus was underpowered. CONCLUSIONS: Despite CONSORT statement recommendations for reporting cluster RCTs, few OA trials reported the observed ICC. Given the importance of the ICC to interpretation of trial results and future trial design, this reporting gap warrants attention.

Rehabilitation Interventions for Physical Capacity and Quality of Life in Adults With Post-COVID-19 Condition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Importance: Current rehabilitation guidelines for patients with post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) are primarily based on expert opinions and observational data, and there is an urgent need for evidence-based rehabilitation interventions to support patients with PCC. Objective: To synthesize the findings of existing studies that report on physical capacity (including functional exercise capacity, muscle function, dyspnea, and respiratory function) and quality of life outcomes following rehabilitation interventions in patients with PCC. Data Sources: A systematic electronic search was performed from January 2020 until February 2023, in MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, and the Clinical Trials Registry. Key terms that were used to identify potentially relevant studies included long-covid, post-covid, sequelae, exercise therapy, rehabilitation, physical activity, physical therapy, and randomized controlled trial. Study Selection: This study included randomized clinical trials that compared respiratory training and exercise-based rehabilitation interventions with either placebo, usual care, waiting list, or control in patients with PCC. Data Extraction and Synthesis: This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. A pairwise bayesian random-effects meta-analysis was performed using vague prior distributions. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool version 2, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE system by 2 independent researchers. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was functional exercise capacity, measured at the closest postintervention time point by the 6-minute walking test. Secondary outcomes were fatigue, lower limb muscle function, dyspnea, respiratory function, and quality of life. All outcomes were defined a priori. Continuous outcomes were reported as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% credible intervals (CrIs) and binary outcomes were summarized as odds ratios with 95% CrIs. The between-trial heterogeneity was quantified using the between-study variance, τ2, and 95% CrIs. Results: Of 1834 identified records, 1193 were screened, and 14 trials (1244 patients; 45% female participants; median [IQR] age, 50 [47 to 56] years) were included in the analyses. Rehabilitation interventions were associated with improvements in functional exercise capacity (SMD, -0.56; 95% CrI, -0.87 to -0.22) with moderate certainty in 7 trials (389 participants). These improvements had a 99% posterior probability of superiority when compared with current standard care. The value of τ2 (0.04; 95% CrI, 0.00 to 0.60) indicated low statistical heterogeneity. However, there was significant uncertainty and imprecision regarding the probability of experiencing exercise-induced adverse events (odds ratio, 1.68; 95% CrI, 0.32 to 9.94). Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that rehabilitation interventions are associated with improvements in functional exercise capacity, dyspnea, and quality of life, with a high probability of improvement compared with the current standard care; the certainty of evidence was moderate for functional exercise capacity and quality of life and low for other outcomes. Given the uncertainty surrounding the safety outcomes, additional trials with enhanced monitoring of adverse events are necessary.

Understanding How Post-COVID-19 Condition Affects Adults and Health Care Systems.

Importance: Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC), also known as long COVID, encompasses the range of symptoms and sequelae that affect many people with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Understanding the functional, health, and economic effects of PCC is important in determining how health care systems may optimally deliver care to individuals with PCC. Observations: A rapid review of the literature showed that PCC and the effects of hospitalization for severe and critical illness may limit a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities and employment, increase their risk of incident health conditions and use of primary and short-term health care services, and have a negative association with household financial stability. Care pathways that integrate primary care, rehabilitation services, and specialized assessment clinics are being developed to support the health care needs of people with PCC. However, comparative studies to determine optimal care models based on their effectiveness and costs remain limited. The effects of PCC are likely to have large-scale associations with health systems and economies and will require substantial investment in research, clinical care, and health policy to mitigate these effects. Conclusions and Relevance: An accurate understanding of additional health care and economic needs at the individual and health system levels is critical to informing health care resource and policy planning, including identification of optimal care pathways to support people affected by PCC.

Rehabilitation Interventions for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.

OBJECTIVES: An increasing number of systematic reviews have been conducted on various conservative management of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) targeting different rehabilitation interventions and objectives. The intent of this article was to summarize and critically appraise the body of evidence on conservative management of the CRPS and to provide an overall picture of the current state of the literature. METHODS: This study was an overview of systematic reviews on conservative treatments for CRPS. We conducted a literature search from inception to January 2023 in the following databases: Embase, Medline, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). Two independent reviewers conducted study screening, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment (using AMSTAR-2). Qualitative synthesis was the preferred method for reporting the findings of our review. We calculated the corrected covered area index to account for the proportion of overlapping primary studies that were included in multiple reviews. RESULT: We identified 214 articles, and a total of 9 systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion. Pain and disability were the most common outcomes evaluated in the reviews. There were 6 (6/9; 66%) high-quality, 2 (2/9; 22%) moderate-quality, and 1 critically low-quality systematic review (1/9;11%), with the quality of the included trials ranging from very low to high. There was a large overlap across primary studies that were included in the systematic reviews (corrected covered area=23%). The findings of high-quality reviews support the effectiveness of mirror therapy (MT) and graded motor imagery (GMI) programs on pain and disability improvement in CRPS patients. The large effect size was reported for the effectiveness of MT on pain and disability (SMD:1.88 (95% CI: 0.73-3.02) and 1.30 (95% CI: 0.11-2.49), respectively) and the effectiveness of GMI program (GMIP) on pain and disability improvement (SMD: 1.36 (95% CI: 0.75-1.96) and 1.64 (95% CI: 0.53-2.74), respectively). DISCUSSION: The evidence is in favor of adopting movement representation techniques, such as MT and GMI programs, for the treatment of pain and disability in patients with CRPS. However, this is based on a small body of primary evidence, and more research is required to generate conclusions. Overall, the evidence is not comprehensive or of sufficient quality to make definitive recommendations about the effectiveness of other rehabilitation interventions in improving pain and disability.

Patient-reported outcome measures used for hand and wrist disorders: An overview of systematic reviews.

BACKGROUND: Multiple options for patient reported outcome measures are available to assess patients with hand, wrist and elbow impairments. This review of systematic reviews (overview) evaluated the evidence on these outcome measures. METHODS: An electronic search of six databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, ILC, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and LILACS) was performed in September 2019, and updated in August 2022. The search strategy was designed to locate systematic reviews that addressed at least one clinical measurement property of PROMs used for patients with hand and wrist impairment. Two independent reviewers screened the articles and extracted the data. The AMSTAR tool was used to assess the risk of bias in the included articles. RESULTS: Eleven systematic reviews were included in this overview. A total of 27 outcome assessments were assessed, with DASH, PRWE and MHQ assessed by five, four, and three reviews, respectively. We found high-quality evidence of good to excellent internal consistency (ICC = 0.88-0.97), poor content validity but high construct validity (r > 0.70), moderate- to high-quality evidence for the DASH. The reliability of the PRWE was excellent (ICC >0.80), the convergent validity was excellent (r > 0.75), but poor criterion validity compared to the SF-12. The MHQ also reported excellent reliability (ICC = 0.88-0.96), and good criterion validity (r > 0.70), but poor construct validity (r > 0.38). CONCLUSION: Clinical decisions around which tool will depend on which psychometric property is most important for the assessment and whether global or specific condition assessment is needed. All of the tools demonstrated at least good reliability; therefore, the clinical decisions will rely on the type of validity for clinical application. The DASH has good construct validity, while the PRWE has good convergent validity, and the MHQ has good criterion validity.

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of the new region-generic version of Fremantle Body Awareness-General Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: As the field of pain evaluation grows, newer and more targeted tools are being published for patient-centric evaluation of specific aspects of the pain experience. The Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire (FreBAQ) is intended to capture alterations in bodily awareness or perception. To date only region-specific (back, neck, shoulder, knee) versions have been published. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of our study was to report on the properties of a new region-generic version of the FreBAQ, the FreBAQ-general. Structural validity, internal consistency, and convergent validity against external criteria were evaluated in a sample of Canadian military veterans with chronic pain, with results compared against those published for the region-specific FreBAQ versions. METHODS: Eligible participants were those that had prior military service, were at least 18 years of age and self-identified as having chronic pain. We used a split-sample approach to Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) on independent random samples. Factor structure, internal consistency, and associations with external criteria were used to compare against prior versions. RESULTS: 328 respondents (74% of consented) completed at least 7 of the 9 FreBAQ-general questions. EFA and CFA on two independent samples offered support for both 6- and 7-item versions. Comparisons against the external criteria (pain severity, interference, catastrophizing) indicated no statistical superiority of one over the other, so in the interest of parsimony the 6-item FreBAQ-general was endorsed. CONCLUSIONS: The Fremantle Body Awareness Questionnaire (FreBAQ-general) showed psychometric properties very much in alignment with those previously reported for the region-specific versions, and sound factorial validity accomplished with fewer items (6 vs. 9). We believe this version can be implemented in practice for those seeking a shorter scale without the need to have multiple region-specific versions on hand, though suggest that those seeking direct comparability with previously published work will still wish to use the original versions.

Effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization for the management of upper body, lower body, and spinal conditions. An updated systematic review with meta-analyses.

PURPOSE: To critically appraise randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM) and quantify the effects of IASTM compared with other treatment in individuals with or without pathologies on function, pain, and range of motion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We search four electronic databases from January 1999 to January 2022 and included RCTs of healthy participants/athletes and people with upper, lower, or spinal conditions, who received IASTM versus other active treatment for clinical outcomes (function, pain, and range of motion). RESULTS: Forty-six RCTs were considered eligible for data analysis. Effects of IASTM plus other treatment versus other treatment on function and pain intensity were not statistically significant or clinically meaningful (very low quality, SMD -0.28, 95% CI -0.66 to 0.09) and (very low quality, SMD -0.05, 95% CI -0.53 to 0.43) at up to one-year follow-up respectively. No clinically meaningful improvements were found on range of motion outcomes. Out of the 46 included RCTs, only 10 assessed and reported IASTM-related adverse events. CONCLUSION: Evidence of very low-quality certainty does not support the efficacy of IASTM in individuals with or without various pathologies on function, pain, and range of motion in the management of upper body, lower body, or spinal conditions. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe included RCTs had a high risk of bias and were assessed as very-low quality evidence for all the included outcomes.IASTM does not lead to clinically meaningful improvements in function, pain, or range of motion in individuals with upper body, lower body, and spinal conditions.The publication of IASTM trials in suspected predatory journals is increasing.The available evidence on IASTM does not support its use to improve function, pain, or range of motion in individuals with upper body, lower body, and spinal conditions.Health care practitioners should consider other evidence-based management strategies (physical activity and exercise) to improve function, pain, or range of motion in individuals with musculoskeletal injuries and disorders.Given the rise of publications on IASTM in suspected predatory journals, health care practitioners should be judicious to examine the legitimacy of a journal when searching for evidence on IASTM treatment technique.

Viscosupplementation for knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of viscosupplementation for pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials. DATA SOURCES: Searches were conducted of Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases from inception to 11 September 2021. Unpublished trials were identified from the grey literature and trial registries. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR STUDY SELECTION: Randomised trials comparing viscosupplementation with placebo or no intervention for knee osteoarthritis treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prespecified primary outcome was pain intensity. Secondary outcomes were function and serious adverse events. Pain and function were analysed as standardised mean differences (SMDs). The prespecified minimal clinically important between group difference was -0.37 SMD. Serious adverse events were analysed as relative risks. METHODS: Two reviewers independently extracted relevant data and assessed the risk of bias of trials using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The predefined main analysis was based only on large, placebo controlled trials with ≥100 participants per group. Summary results were obtained through a random effects meta-analysis model. Cumulative meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis under a random effects model were also performed. RESULTS: 169 trials provided data on 21 163 randomised participants. Evidence of small study effects and publication biases was observed for pain and function (Egger's tests with P<0.001 and asymmetric funnel plots). Twenty four large, placebo controlled trials (8997 randomised participants) included in the main analysis of pain indicated that viscosupplementation was associated with a small reduction in pain intensity compared with placebo (SMD -0.08, 95% confidence interval -0.15 to -0.02), with the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval excluding the minimal clinically important between group difference. This effect corresponds to a difference in pain scores of -2.0 mm (95% confidence interval -3.8 to -0.5 mm) on a 100 mm visual analogue scale. Trial sequential analysis for pain indicated that since 2009 there has been conclusive evidence of clinical equivalence between viscosupplementation and placebo. Similar conclusions were obtained for function. Based on 15 large, placebo controlled trials on 6462 randomised participants, viscosupplementation was associated with a statistically significant higher risk of serious adverse events than placebo (relative risk 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.12 to 1.98). CONCLUSION: Strong conclusive evidence indicates that viscosupplementation leads to a small reduction in knee osteoarthritis pain compared with placebo, but the difference is less than the minimal clinically important between group difference. Strong conclusive evidence indicates that viscosupplementation is also associated with an increased risk of serious adverse events compared with placebo. The findings do not support broad use of viscosupplementation for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42021236894.

The efficacy and safety of exercise and physical activity on psychosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Treatment of psychosis typically focuses on medication, but some of these medications can have unintended side effects, exercise has global health benefits, with minimal side effects. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the effectiveness and safety of exercise and physical activity on psychotic symptoms, in people with psychosis when compared to usual care, in a hospital setting. Methods: A systematic electronic search of the literature was performed in June 2022, in PubMed, Scopus, and PsychINFO with no date restrictions. We included randomized trials (RCTs) with patients with psychosis that received an exercise intervention within a hospital setting. The primary outcome of interest was Positive and Negative Symptom Severity Scale (PANSS) overall score. Secondary outcomes were adverse or serious adverse events. Results: A total of 24 trials were included in this systematic review, with 9 included in the meta-analysis, including 1,426 participants. Aerobic had more pronounced effects when compared to usual care in PANSS positive (-0.23, 95% CI -0.53 to 0.07), negative (-0.38, 95% CI -0.65 to -0.10), general (-0.42, 95% CI -0.71 to -0.13) and overall scores (-0.25, 95% CI -0.52 to 0.03). Yoga when compared to usual care had no difference in PANSS subscale and overall scores. We found no difference on relapsing of psychiatric symptoms or somatic hospitalization when we compared aerobic or yoga to usual care (Risk Ratio, 1.12 95% CI 0.44-2.81). Conclusion: Aerobic activity as an exercise modality in a hospital setting can be effective in decreasing negative and general psychosis symptom severity scores compared to usual care, however, it was uncertain if the effects were clinically important. More trials are needed to confirm the clinically benefit of aerobic exercise. Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42021224997].

Implementation of falls risk evaluation at one-year after total hip arthroplasty: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Research has demonstrated an increased risk of falls after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Yet, people's knowledge on falls risk factors and how falls prevention strategies are being used after THA have not been examined. If a person's knowledge of falls and self-efficacy about falls prevention strategies is low this would indicate a pressing need for interventions to lessen risk. The study objectives were: 1) to determine the falls knowledge and what fall prevention strategies people used after (THA) and 2) to determine the outcomes of a falls risk assessment at 12-months after unilateral THA. METHODS: Overall, 108 people completed the Falls Risk for Older People - Community Setting (FROP-Com) scale, a falls questionnaire (covered occurrence of falls, knowledge on falls risk factors, falls prevention strategies implemented after THA surgery), 6-m Walk Test (6mWT), 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30CST), Timed-up and Go (TUG) Test, and Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC). RESULTS: Twenty-five (23.2%) people fell at least once in the 12 months after THA. Scores on the FROP-Com ranged from 2-20 with an average of 8.2 ± 3.6 indicating a mild falls risk. The importance of falling compared to other health concerns was rated as moderate to high (6.8 ± 2.9) and the majority of participants (n = 98, 90.7%) believed falls can be prevented after THA. Total scores on the ABC scale ranged from 30.6% to 100.0% with an average score of 84.4 ± 15.5%, indicating high function. Only 47 people (43.5%) reported receiving falls prevention education. A total of 101 falls prevention strategies were completed by 67 people (62%), the most common strategy was environmental modifications (e.g., installation of grab bars) at 37.4%, while exercise was mentioned by only 2%. The majority of people had functional deficits in 30CST (62%) and TUG (76.9%) at 12-months after unilateral THA. CONCLUSIONS: Almost a quarter of the sample had experienced a fall in the 12-months after THA and functional deficits were common. The majority of the sample had proactively implemented falls prevention strategies after the surgery. Yet importantly, people after THA had limited exposure to falls prevention education and implemented a limited range of prevention strategies.

Patient-reported outcome measures used for shoulder disorders: An overview of systematic reviews.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to synthesize the psychometric evidence on different patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) for shoulder disorders. METHODS: This overview conducted a search of six databases. Included systematic reviews must address at least one psychometric property from a PROM for shoulder disorders. Risk of bias was assessed by A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR). RESULTS: Thirteen systematic reviews were identified that assessed measurement properties of 15 different PROMs. Based on AMSTAR, 1 review had a high risk of bias and 7 reviews had a moderate risk of bias. Excellent test-reliability scores of intraclass correlation coefficients (0.85-0.99) were reported by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Shoulder Pain and Dsiability Index, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index. Construct validity was supported (r = 0.5-0.8) for the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Shoulder Pain and Dsiability Index, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index. Limited evidence of responsiveness was reported across various PROMs. CONCLUSION: Strong reliability and convergent validity properties have been reported across multiple reviews for the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Shoulder Pain and Dsiability Index, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score, Simple Shoulder Test and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index, which could be considered for a core clinical outcome set.

Efficacy of topical progesterone versus topical clobetasol propionate in patients with vulvar Lichen sclerosus - A double-blind randomized phase II pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that mostly affects the anogenital region of women and lowers patients' quality of life. Current standard treatment of LS is topical steroids. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of topical progesterone 8% ointment and compare to standard therapy with topical clobetasol propionate 0.05% in premenopausal women presenting with previously untreated early onset LS. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, 2-arm, single center superiority trial in premenopausal women with histologically confirmed vulvar LS who were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment or progesterone 8% ointment. The primary outcome was the clinical severity LS score after 12 weeks, which consists of six clinical features assessed by the physician. Secondary outcomes were the symptom severity LS score, which consists of three symptoms rated by the patient, the Short Form SF-12 physical and mental health scores, and adverse events. Response to medication was assessed by biopsy at the end of the treatment to evaluate inflammatory parameters. RESULTS: Overall, 105 women were screened, 102 underwent vulvar biopsy and 37 received a histologically confirmed diagnosis of LS and were randomized: 17 to progesterone and 20 to clobetasol propionate. At 12 weeks, the mean clinical LS scores improved from 4.6 (SD 2.0) to 4.5 (SD 1.7) in the progesterone arm, and from 4.6 (SD 2.8) to 2.9 (SD 2.2) in the clobetasol propionate arm (difference in favor of clobetasol 1.61; 95% CI 0.44 to 2.77, p = 0.009), and the mean symptom severity LS scores improved from 4.5 (SD 3.8) to 3.1 (SD 3.0) in the progesterone arm, and from 4.7 (SD 2.8) to 1.9 (SD 1.8) in the clobetasol propionate arm (difference in favor of clobetasol 1.32; 95% CI -0.25 to 2.89, p = 0.095). LS was in complete remission in 6 out of 10 patients (60%) with available biopsy in the progesterone arm, and in 13 out of 16 patients (81.3%) in the clobetasol propionate arm (odds ratio in favor of clobetasol 0.35; 95% CI 0.06 to 2.06, p = 0.234). No drug-related serious adverse event occurred during the trial. CONCLUSIONS: Topical progesterone 8% ointment is inferior to standard therapy with topical clobetasol propionate 0.05% in previously untreated premenopausal women with vulvar LS after 12 weeks treatment.

Psychometric Properties of the Patient-Specific Functional Scale in Patients with Low Back Pathology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis identifies, critically appraises, synthesizes, and meta-analyses the reported psychometric properties of the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) in patients with low back pain or pathology. Method: The MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases were searched from their inception to September 2019. We included prospective measurement studies that reported on the psychometric properties (reliability, validity, responsiveness) of the PSFS in people with low back pain or pathology. We followed the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments 2018 guideline for systematic reviews. We performed both quantitative and qualitative syntheses in which the results were summarized on the basis of the reported measurement properties and study quality. Results: Ten eligible studies were included. The pooled PSFS reliability measure was excellent (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.75, 0.95). Validity measures displayed correlations that ranged from -0.47 to 0.69 when compared with other patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) or other tests. Eight studies had assessed the responsiveness of the PSFS. Effect sizes reported were large (≥ 0.91). Conclusions: The PSFS is a reliable, valid, and responsive PROM for patients with low back pain or pathology.

Objectif : procéder à la détermination, à l'évaluation critique, à la synthétisation et à la méta-analyse des propriétés psychométriques déclarées de l'échelle fonctionnelle propre aux patients (PSFS) ayant des douleurs ou une pathologie dorsales. Méthodologie : les chercheurs ont consulté les bases de données MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed et Google Scholar depuis leur création jusqu'en septembre 2019. Ils ont inclus les études de mesures prospectives sur les propriétés psychométriques (fiabilité, viabilité, réactivité) du PSFS chez les personnes souffrant de douleurs ou d'une pathologie dorsales. Ils ont respecté les directives COSMIN 2018 sur les normes consensuelles pour la sélection d'instruments de mesure de la santé en vue d'analyses systématiques. Ils ont effectué à la fois une synthèse quantitative et une synthèse qualitative dans lesquelles ils ont résumé les résultats en fonction des propriétés métriques déclarées et de la qualité des études. Résultats : dix études admissibles ont été retenues. La mesure de fiabilité regroupée de la PSFS était excellente, avec un coefficient de corrélation intraclasse de 0,89 (IC à 95 % : 0,75, 0,95). Les mesures de validité ont révélé des corrélations entre −0,47 et 0,69 par rapport à d'autres mesures de résultats déclarées par les patients (PROM) ou d'autres tests. Huit études ont évalué les mesures de réactivité du PSFS. Les ampleurs de l'effet déclarées étaient importantes, à 0,91 ou plus. Conclusion : la PSFS est une PROM fiable, valide et réactive chez les patients ayant des douleurs ou des pathologies lombaires.

Reliability of conditioned pain modulation in healthy individuals and chronic pain patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) is a psychophysical parameter that is used to reflect the efficacy of endogenous pain inhibition. CPM reliability is important for research and potential clinical applications. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the reliability of CPM tests in healthy individuals and chronic pain patients. METHODS: We searched three databases for peer-reviewed studies published from inception to October 2020: EMBASE, Web of Science and NCBI. Risk of bias and the quality of the included studies were assessed. A meta-analysis with a random effects model was conducted to estimate intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). RESULTS: Meta-analysis was performed on 25 papers that examined healthy participants (k=21) or chronic pain patients (k=4). The highest CPM intra-session reliability was with pressure as test stimulus (TS) and ischemic pressure (IP) or cold pressor test (CPT) as conditioning stimulus (CS) in healthy individuals (ICC 0.64, 95% CI 0.45-0.77), and pressure as TS with CPT as CS in patients (ICC 0.77, 95% CI 0.70-0.82). The highest inter-session ICC was with IP as TS and IP or CPT as CS (ICC 0.51, 95% CI 0.42-0.59) in healthy subjects. The only data available in patients for inter-session reliability were with pressure as TS and CPT as CS (ICC 0.44, 95% CI 0.11-0.69). Quality ranged from very good to excellent using the QACMRR checklist. The majority of the studies (24 out of 25) scored inadequate in Kappa coefficient reporting item of the COSMIN-ROB checklist. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure and CPT were the TS and CS most consistently associated with good to excellent intra-session reliability in healthy volunteers and chronic pain patients. The inter-session reliability was fair or less for all modalities, both in healthy volunteers and chronic pain patients.

Performance-based outcome measures of dexterity and hand function in person with hands and wrist injuries: A scoping review of measured constructs.

BACKGROUND: Dexterity impairments are common and disabling. Currently, there is no consensus on an operational definition to measure dexterity. PURPOSE: This review aims to provide an overview of constructs measured by performance-based outcome measures of dexterity and hand function (PBOMD) validated for use in persons with musculoskeletal hand and wrist conditions. STUDY DESIGN: Scoping review, with qualitative content analysis. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO were searched from inception until November 2019. Three reviewers identified studies investigating the psychometric properties of PBOMD in persons with hand and wrist conditions. Original articles and manuals of validated PBOMD were obtained. Reviewers independently extracted and performed a content analysis of constructs comparing the theoretical concepts of dexterity and function. RESULTS: Twenty PBOMD were identified. PBOMD featured 1-57 tasks and 1-8 potential grasps patterns per tool. Description of the constructs measured indicated overlap between dexterity and hand function. In newer tools, there was a greater representation of daily activities to include domains like self-care and domestic life; and measurement of qualitative aspects of performance. Concurrently, there was less focus on mobility. The majority of identified tools (70%) used speed as the criterion evaluation of performance. None of the PBOMD evaluated dexterity associated with leisure activities or modern technologies like smartphones, nor measured the ability to adapt to changing demands when completing tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Hand function and dexterity are imprecisely defined and operationalized in PBOMD. Dexterity is a complex construct that current PBOMD incompletely captures. PBOMD often quantified as the speed of movement, ignoring other important aspects like accommodating environmental changes during task performance. Clinicians should consider tasks included in PBOMD, the quantification method, and each PBOMD's limitations when choosing PBOMD.

Psychometric properties of Patient-Specific Functional Scale in patients with upper extremity disorders. A systematic review.

PURPOSE: To identify, critically appraise, and synthesise the measurement properties of Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) in patients with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. METHODS: Medline, Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases from January 1999 to November 2020 were searched. Prospective measurement studies that included patients with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders, that reported on the psychometric properties of PSFS were included. We used the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) 2018 guideline for systematic reviews to appraise the studies. RESULTS: Fourteen eligible studies were included. Three studies with adequate-very good quality and sufficient properties indicated excellent intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) (≥0.75) in patients with shoulder pain (mean age 48 ± 11 years), multiple shoulder disorders (mean age 55 ± 16 years), and hand osteoarthritis (mean age 64 ± 9 years). The construct validity estimates of PSFS were moderate, when compared with Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI) (r = 0.50) and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) (r = 0.51) in patients with combined upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (shoulder/upper arm, wrist/hand and elbow/forearm). CONCLUSIONS: The patient-specific functional scale can be considered as a reliable, valid, and responsive tool in assessing functional change in patients with shoulder disorders/pain.Implications for rehabilitationThe Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) can be considered as: • a reliable outcome measure in assessing functional change in patients with shoulder pain and hand osteoarthritis; • a valid measure in assessing functional limitation in patients with upper extremity disorders; • a measure that is sensitive to change (displays longitudinal validity) in assessing functional change in patients with upper extremity disorders and in patients with shoulder pain; and • a responsive outcome measure in assessing functional change in patients with upper extremity disorders.

Barriers to Physiotherapists' Use of Professional Development Tools for Chronic Pain: A Knowledge Translation Study.

Purpose: The Pain Science Division (PSD) is a special interest group of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association that serves physiotherapists who have an interest in better understanding and managing patients' pain. The PSD developed evidence-based resources for its members with the goal of improving patient care by supporting professional development. However, online metrics tracking access to these resources indicated that access was low. The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers PSD members encountered to the use of PSD resources and to recommend interventions to address these barriers guided by the Theory and Techniques Tool (TTT). Method: We distributed an online survey to PSD members across Canada. We used the TTT, a knowledge translation tool, to guide the design of the questionnaire and identify actionable findings. Results: Response rates from 621 non-student members and 1,470 student members were 26.9% and 1.4%, respectively. Based on the frequency of practising physiotherapists' (n = 167) agreement with items in the TTT, the primary barriers to use of the PSD resources were forgetting that the resources were available and forgetting to use them. Conclusions: The TTT can be used to identify barriers to use of professional development tools.

Objectif : la division science de la douleur (DSD) est un groupe d'intérêt de l'Association canadienne de physiothérapie destiné aux physiothérapeutes qui souhaitent mieux comprendre et gérer la douleur des patients. La DSD a préparé des ressources fondées sur des données probantes pour ses membres afin d'améliorer les soins aux patients grâce au perfectionnement professionnel. Cependant, les mesures virtuelles qui surveillent l'accès à ces ressources ont révélé que cet accès était limité. La présente étude visait à établir les obstacles auxquels se sont heurtés les membres de la DSD pour utiliser les ressources de la DSD et à recommander des interventions afin d'écarter ces obstacles en fonction de l'outil Theory and Techniques (TTT). Méthodologie : les chercheurs ont distribué un sondage en ligne aux membres de la DSD du Canada. Ils ont utilisé le TTT, un outil d'application des connaissances, pour orienter la conception du questionnaire et déterminer les résultats réalisables. Résultats : le taux de réponse des 621 membres non étudiants et des 1 470 membres étudiants s'établissait à 26,9 % et à 1,4 %, respectivement. D'après la fréquence d'accord des physiothérapeutes en exercice (n = 167) avec les points du TTT, l'oubli de l'existence des ressources ou l'oubli de les utiliser étaient les principaux obstacles à l'utilisation des ressources de la DSD. Conclusions : le TTT peut être utilisé pour déterminer les obstacles à l'utilisation d'outils de perfectionnement professionnel.