EULAR recommendations for the non-pharmacological core management of hip and knee osteoarthritis: 2023 update.

INTRODUCTION: Hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) are increasingly common with a significant impact on individuals and society. Non-pharmacological treatments are considered essential to reduce pain and improve function and quality of life. EULAR recommendations for the non-pharmacological core management of hip and knee OA were published in 2013. Given the large number of subsequent studies, an update is needed. METHODS: The Standardised Operating Procedures for EULAR recommendations were followed. A multidisciplinary Task Force with 25 members representing 14 European countries was established. The Task Force agreed on an updated search strategy of 11 research questions. The systematic literature review encompassed dates from 1 January 2012 to 27 May 2022. Retrieved evidence was discussed, updated recommendations were formulated, and research and educational agendas were developed. RESULTS: The revised recommendations include two overarching principles and eight evidence-based recommendations including (1) an individualised, multicomponent management plan; (2) information, education and self-management; (3) exercise with adequate tailoring of dosage and progression; (4) mode of exercise delivery; (5) maintenance of healthy weight and weight loss; (6) footwear, walking aids and assistive devices; (7) work-related advice and (8) behaviour change techniques to improve lifestyle. The mean level of agreement on the recommendations ranged between 9.2 and 9.8 (0-10 scale, 10=total agreement). The research agenda highlighted areas related to these interventions including adherence, uptake and impact on work. CONCLUSIONS: The 2023 updated recommendations were formulated based on research evidence and expert opinion to guide the optimal management of hip and knee OA.

A State-of-the-Art of Exoskeletons in Line with the WHO's Vision on Healthy Aging: From Rehabilitation of Intrinsic Capacities to Augmentation of Functional Abilities.

The global aging population faces significant health challenges, including an increasing vulnerability to disability due to natural aging processes. Wearable lower limb exoskeletons (LLEs) have emerged as a promising solution to enhance physical function in older individuals. This systematic review synthesizes the use of LLEs in alignment with the WHO's healthy aging vision, examining their impact on intrinsic capacities and functional abilities. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in six databases, yielding 36 relevant articles covering older adults (65+) with various health conditions, including sarcopenia, stroke, Parkinson's Disease, osteoarthritis, and more. The interventions, spanning one to forty sessions, utilized a range of LLE technologies such as Ekso®, HAL®, Stride Management Assist®, Honda Walking Assist®, Lokomat®, Walkbot®, Healbot®, Keeogo Rehab®, EX1®, overground wearable exoskeletons, Eksoband®, powered ankle-foot orthoses, HAL® lumbar type, Human Body Posturizer®, Gait Enhancing and Motivation System®, soft robotic suits, and active pelvis orthoses. The findings revealed substantial positive outcomes across diverse health conditions. LLE training led to improvements in key performance indicators, such as the 10 Meter Walk Test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand test, Timed Up and Go test, and more. Additionally, enhancements were observed in gait quality, joint mobility, muscle strength, and balance. These improvements were accompanied by reductions in sedentary behavior, pain perception, muscle exertion, and metabolic cost while walking. While longer intervention durations can aid in the rehabilitation of intrinsic capacities, even the instantaneous augmentation of functional abilities can be observed in a single session. In summary, this review demonstrates consistent and significant enhancements in critical parameters across a broad spectrum of health conditions following LLE interventions in older adults. These findings underscore the potential of LLE in promoting healthy aging and enhancing the well-being of older adults.

Exercise-induced effects on inflammatory markers and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with knee osteoarthritis. A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Background: In the pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), inflammatory mediators play an important role. However, the precise underlying mechanism by which regular exercise therapy (ET) exert effects on the immune system in KOA patients is unknown. Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the basal and acute effects of ET on inflammatory biomarkers and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in KOA patients. Methods: PubMed, Web Of Science and PEDro were systematically searched for appropriate studies. If possible, a meta-analysis was performed or an approximation of the effect size (ES) was calculated. Risk of bias was scored using the Cochrane ROB 2.0 or ROBINS-tools. Results: Twenty-one studies involving 1374 participants were included. Fifteen articles focused on basal exercise effects, four on acute effects, and two on both. Biomarker analysis (n=18) was performed in synovial fluid (n=4) or serum/plasma (n=17). A meta-analysis demonstrated that basal CRP was reduced in KOA patients 6-18 weeks weeks after ET (MD: -0.17;95%CI[-0.31;-0.03]), while IL-6 (MD: 0.21;95%CI[-0.44;0.85]), and TNF-α (MD: -0.57;95%CI[-1.47;0.32]), levels did not significantly change. Also, sTNFR1/2 did not change significantly after ET. For other biomarkers, insufficient data were available to perform a meta-analysis. Nevertheless, a low degree of evidence was found for a decrease in IL-6 (ES:-0.596 & -0.259 & -0.513), an increase in sTNFR1 (ES:2.325), a decrease in sTNFR2 (ES:-0.997) and an increase in BDNF (ES:1.412). Locally, intra-articular IL-10 (ES:9.163) increased, and IL1ß (ES:-6.199) and TNF-α decreased (ES:-2.322) after ET. An acute exercise session elicited a myokine response (ES IL-6:0.314), and an increase in BDNF (no ES-data). No inflammatory effect (ES CRP:0.052; ES TNF-α:-0.019 & 0.081) following an acute bout of training was found. However, a single bout of exercise elicited a decrease in intra-articular IL-10 (no ES-data). Conclusion: ET can induce circulatory and intra-articular anti-inflammatory effects in patients with KOA. The antiinflammatory properties have important implications for informing these patients and clinicians about the underlying effects of ET.

Measurement properties of instruments to measure the fatigue domain of vitality capacity in community-dwelling older people: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Vitality capacity (VC) is a key domain of intrinsic capacity (IC) and is the underlying biophysiological aspect of IC. Energy and metabolism (E&M) is one of the domains of VC. Fatigue is one of the main characteristics of E&M. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this umbrella review are (i) to identify the available instruments suitable for measuring fatigue in community-dwelling older adults and (ii) to critically review the measurement properties of the identified instruments. DESIGN: Umbrella review. SETTING: Healthcare. SUBJECTS: Community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: PubMed and Web of Knowledge were systematically screened for systematic reviews and meta-analysis reporting on fatigue instruments resulting in 2,263 articles (last search 5 December 2022). The COSMIN checklist was used to appraise psychometric properties and the AMSTAR for assessing methodological quality. Data on fatigue instruments, construct, reference period, assessment method, validated population, reliability, validity, responsiveness and predictive validity on negative health outcomes were extracted. RESULTS: 10 systematic reviews and 1 meta-analysis were included in this study. 70 fatigue instruments were identified in the literature and 21 were originally designed for fatigue. The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (PFS) and Visual Analogue scale (VAS-F), Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS) and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue (FACIT-F) presented good psychometric properties. CONCLUSIONS: The FSS, FIS, FACIT-F, PFS and the VAS-F presented good psychometric properties in various conditions. Therefore, these instruments could be used to quantify trajectories in the domain E&M in the context of VC in community-dwelling older adults.

Comparison between Two Different Handgrip Systems and Protocols on Force Reduction in Handgrip Assessment.

INTRODUCTION: Fatigue resistance (FR) can be assessed as the time during which grip strength (GS) drops to 50% of its maximum during a sustained maximal voluntary contraction. For the first time, we compared force-time characteristics during FR test between two different handgrip systems and investigated age- and clinical-related differences in order to verify if a briefer test protocol (i.e., until 75%) could be sufficiently informative. METHODS: A cohort of young healthy controls (Y, <30 y, 24 ± 3 y, 54% women), middle-aged (MA, 30-65 y, 47 ± 11 y, 54% women), and older (OLD, >65 y, 77 ± 7 y, 50% women) community-dwelling persons, and hospitalized geriatric patients (HOSP, 84 ± 5 y, 50% women) performed the FR test. For this purpose, an adapted vigorimeter (original rubber bulb of the Martin Vigorimeter connected to a Unik 5000 pressure gauge) here defined as "pneumatic handgrip system" (Pneu) and Dynamometer G200 system (original Jamar Dynamometer handle with an in-build strength gauge) here defined as "hydraulic handgrip system" (Hydr) were used. Force-time curves were analysed from 100% to 75% and from 75% to 50% of the initial maximal GS during the FR test. The area under the curve (GW) was calculated by integrating the actual GS at each time interval (i.e., 1/5,000 s) and corrected for body weight (GW/body weight). RESULTS: For both systems, we found fair associations between FR100-50 and FR100-75 (Pneu mean difference = 50.1 s [95% CI: 47.9-52.4], r2 = 0.48; Hydr mean difference = 28.4 s [95% CI: 27.0-29.7], r2 = 0.52, all p < 0.001) and also moderate associations between GW(100-50)/body weight and GW(100-75)/body weight (Pneu mean difference = 32.1 kPa*s/kg [95% CI: 30.6-33.6], r2 = 0.72; Hydr mean difference = 8.1 kg*s/kg [95% CI: 7.7-8.6], r2 = 0.68, all p < 0.001). Between MA and OLD, we found a significant age-related difference in the GW results in the first 25% strength decay for Pneu (10.2 ± 0.6 kPa*s/kg against 7.1 ± 1.2 kPa*s/kg, respectively). CONCLUSION: The brief test protocol is valid. Differences within the first 25% strength decay in GW between OLD and HOSP were identified when using Pneu but not when using Hydr. Therefore, a brief FR test protocol using a continuous registration of the strength decay seems to be sufficiently informative in a clinical setting to appraise muscle fatigability, however, only when using a Pneu system.

On-Device Execution of Deep Learning Models on HoloLens2 for Real-Time Augmented Reality Medical Applications.

The integration of Deep Learning (DL) models with the HoloLens2 Augmented Reality (AR) headset has enormous potential for real-time AR medical applications. Currently, most applications execute the models on an external server that communicates with the headset via Wi-Fi. This client-server architecture introduces undesirable delays and lacks reliability for real-time applications. However, due to HoloLens2's limited computation capabilities, running the DL model directly on the device and achieving real-time performances is not trivial. Therefore, this study has two primary objectives: (i) to systematically evaluate two popular frameworks to execute DL models on HoloLens2-Unity Barracuda and Windows Machine Learning (WinML)-using the inference time as the primary evaluation metric; (ii) to provide benchmark values for state-of-the-art DL models that can be integrated in different medical applications (e.g., Yolo and Unet models). In this study, we executed DL models with various complexities and analyzed inference times ranging from a few milliseconds to seconds. Our results show that Unity Barracuda is significantly faster than WinML (p-value < 0.005). With our findings, we sought to provide practical guidance and reference values for future studies aiming to develop single, portable AR systems for real-time medical assistance.

Most amateur football teams do not implement essential components of neuromuscular training to prevent anterior cruciate ligament injuries and lateral ankle sprains.

PURPOSE: Neuromuscular training (NMT) is effective at reducing football injuries. The purpose of this study was to document the use of NMT to prevent anterior cruciate ligament injuries and lateral ankle sprains in adult amateur football and to identify barriers for using NMT. METHODS: A preseason and in-season online survey was completed by players and coaches of 164 football teams. The survey contained questions concerning injury history, type and frequency of NMT, and barriers when NMT was not used. RESULTS: A total of 2013 players (40% female) and 180 coaches (10% female) completed the preseason survey, whereas 1253 players and 140 coaches completed the in-season survey. Thirty-four percent (preseason) to 21% (in-season) of players used NMT, but only 8% (preseason) to 5% (in-season) performed adequate NMT (i.e. both balance and plyometric exercises, at least twice per week). In the subpopulation of players with an injury history, 12% (preseason) and 7% (in-season) performed adequate NMT. With respect to the coaches, only 5% (preseason) and 2% (in-season) implemented adequate NMT. Most important barriers for using NMT for both players and coaches were a lack of belief in its effectiveness, a lack of knowledge, the belief that stretching is sufficient, and not feeling the need for it. CONCLUSION: Most amateur football teams do not implement essential components of NMT. The results highlight the urgent need for developing strategies to enhance the adequate use of NMT in amateur football. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

The mediating effect of pain catastrophizing and perceived injustice in the relationship of pain on health-related quality of life in breast cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: The importance of cognitive appraisals in the effectiveness of pain coping is well established. Two key variables in these appraisal processes are pain catastrophizing (PC) and perceived injustice (PI), which are known to increase the risk of long-term disability and aggravate the pain-related distress through maladaptive behavioral responses. However, to date, the mediating effects of these appraisals have not been examined concurrently in the breast cancer survivor (BCS) population, nor have they been related to health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS: Using cross-sectional data from 110 BCS, structural path analyses were used to examine the mediating effects of PC and PI in the relationship of pain on the HRQoL in BCS. RESULTS: Results demonstrated a significant direct effect of pain and PI on HRQoL combined with a significant indirect effect through PI, but not through PC. An increase in pain is suggested to result in a decrease in quality of life. On the other hand, an increase in pain also is suggested to increase the PI. A similar relation with PC was not retained as significant. CONCLUSION: The relative salience of PI as a mediator of HRQoL underscores the fact that PI is not only understudied but also underappreciated and undertreated in the BCS population. The results of our study warrant replication across longitudinal studies but continue to expand upon the evidence of the multifactorial nature of pain coping in BCS.

Reduced knee extensor torque production at low to moderate velocities in postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis.

This study aimed to determine deficits in knee extensor muscle function through the torque-time and torque-velocity relationships and whether these deficits are associated with reduced functional performance in postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). A clinical sample of postmenopausal women with established KOA (n = 18, ≥55 years) was compared to an age-matched healthy control sample (CON) (n = 26). The deficits in different parameters of the knee extensor torque-time (maximal isometric torque and rate of torque development) and torque-velocity relationship (maximum muscle power, maximal velocity and torque at 0-500°·s-1 ) were assessed through a protocol consisting of isometric, isotonic and isokinetic tests. Functional performance was evaluated with sit-to-stand and stair-climbing tasks using a sensor-based technology (ie, time- and power-based outcomes). Postmenopausal women with KOA showed reduced maximal isometric torque (Hedge's g effect size (g) = 1.05, p = 0.001) and rate of torque development (g = 0.77-1.17, all p ≤ 0.02), combined with impaired torque production at slow to moderate velocities (g = 0.92-1.70, p ≤ 0.004), but not at high or maximal velocities (g = 0.16, p > 0.05). KOA were slower (g = 0.81-0.92, p ≤ 0.011) and less powerful (g = 1.11-1.29, p ≤ 0.001) during functional tasks. Additionally, knee extensor deficits were moderately associated with power deficits in stair climbing (r = 0.492-0.659). To conclude, knee extensor muscle weakness was presented in postmenopausal women with KOA, not only as limited maximal and rapid torque development during isometric contractions, but also dynamically at low to moderate velocities. These deficits were related to impaired functional performance. The assessment of knee extensor muscle weakness through the torque-time and torque-velocity relationships might enable individual targets for tailored exercise interventions in KOA.

The predictive value of the multiple hop test for first-time noncontact lateral ankle sprains.

The predictive value of the multiple hop test for first-time noncontact lateral ankle sprains. BACKGROUND: Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are very common sports injuries, cause high health care costs and are associated with postural control deficits. From a preventive point of view, clinicians should dispose valid field tests to identify athletes at risk for a LAS. The aim of this study is to evaluate the predictive value of the multiple hop test (MHT) for first-time noncontact LAS. METHODS: Non-elite athletes (n = 232) performed the MHT at baseline. During a 12-month follow-up period, all noncontact LAS related to health care costs were recorded. Outcomes of the MHT (completion time, balance errors and perceived difficulty) between the injured and uninjured group were compared and odds ratios (OR) and relative risks (RR) were calculated using a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Ten first-time noncontact LAS were recorded (4.3%). Injured athletes made significantly more change-in-support strategy (CSS) errors when compared to uninjured athletes (p = .04). The OR of the number of CSS errors was 1.14 (p = .03), the RR 4.1 (p = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Athletes scoring > 12 CSS errors, have a four times increased risk for a first-time noncontact LAS. The MHT is a valid field test to identify athletes at risk for a first-time noncontact LAS.

Validation, Reliability, and Responsiveness Outcomes Of Kinematic Assessment With An RGB-D Camera To Analyze Movement In Subacute And Chronic Low Back Pain.

BACKGROUND: The RGB-D camera is an alternative to asses kinematics in order to obtain objective measurements of functional limitations. The aim of this study is to analyze the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the motion capture depth camera in sub-acute and chronic low back pain patients. METHODS: Thirty subjects (18-65 years) with non-specific lumbar pain were screened 6 weeks following an episode. RGB-D camera measurements were compared with an inertial measurement unit. Functional tests included climbing stairs, bending, reaching sock, lie-to-sit, sit-to-stand, and timed up-and-go. Subjects performed the maximum number of repetitions during 30 s. Validity was analyzed using Spearman's correlation, reliability of repetitions was calculated by the intraclass correlation coefficient and the standard error of measurement, and receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated to assess the responsiveness. RESULTS: The kinematic analysis obtained variable results according to the test. The time variable had good values in the validity and reliability of all tests (r = 0.93-1.00, (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.62-0.93). Regarding kinematics, the best results were obtained in bending test, sock test, and sit-to-stand test (r = 0.53-0.80, ICC = 0.64-0.83, area under the curve (AUC) = 0.55-84). CONCLUSION: Functional tasks, such as bending, sit-to-stand, reaching, and putting on sock, assessed with the RGB-D camera, revealed acceptable validity, reliability, and responsiveness in the assessment of patients with low back pain (LBP). TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03293095 "Functional Task Kinematic in Musculoskeletal Pathology" September 26, 2017.

Prevalence and risk factors of sleep disturbances in breast cancersurvivors: systematic review and meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among women worldwide, with rising incidence numbers. In Belgium, one out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, 80% of those breast cancer patients will still be alive 10 years after diagnosis due to improvements in screening and treatment strategies. However, an important portion of the breast cancer survivors (BCS) will face side effects, such as sleep disturbances, long after treatment ends. It has been demonstrated that untreated insomnia in BCS negatively impacts mood, physical symptoms, pain sensitivity, fatigue, and quality of life. Furthermore, insomnia is increasingly considered an independent risk factor for future depression in BCS. The importance of understanding sleep disturbances in cancer populations has been highlighted and recognized as warranting further research. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to determine the prevalence and the risk factors for the development of sleep disturbances in BCS. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, and PEDro were systematically screened for studies encompassing data regarding the prevalence or risk factors of sleep disturbances in BCS. If possible, meta-analyses were performed. Subgroup analyses were undertaken based on the methodological quality, study design, type of sleep disturbance, and the use of a measurement tool with strong psychometric properties to investigate significant heterogeneity (I2 > 50%) across studies. RESULTS: A total of 27 studies were found eligible. The pooled estimate for sleep disturbances prevalence is 0.40 (95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.29-0.52], I2 = 100%, p < 0.00001) and ranged from 0.14 (95% CI = [0.04-0.24]) to 0.93 (95% CI = [0.91-0.95]). Subgroup analyses did not reduce the heterogeneity among studies. Meta-analyses were performed for seven risk factors. Significant differences for the odds of developing sleep disturbances were found for hot flashes (pooled OR (ORp) 2.25, 95% CI = [1.64-3.08], I2 = 0%, p = 0.90), race (ORp 2.31, 95% CI = [1.56-3.42], I2 = 0%, p = 0.47), and menopause (ORp 1.84, 95% CI = [1.11-3.06], I2 = 0%, p = 0.70). After withdrawing the studies that did not rely on the use of a measurement tool with strong psychometric properties, pain (ORp 2.31, 95% CI = [1.36-3.92], I2 = 27%, p = 0.25), depressive symptoms (ORp 3.20, 95% CI [2.32-4.42], I2 = 0%, p = 0.63), and fatigue (ORp 2.82, 95% CI = [1.98-4.02], I2 = 0%, p = 0.60) became significant as well, with a substantial decrease of heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: Prevalence for sleep disturbances ranged from 0.14 to 0.93 with the vast majority of the studies investigating insomnia and sleep-wake disturbances. High heterogeneity makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions. Pain, depressive symptoms, hot flashes, fatigue, non-Caucasian race, and menopausal status were significantly associated with increased odds for developing sleep disturbances.

Chronic Pain in Breast Cancer Survivors: Nociceptive, Neuropathic, or Central Sensitization Pain?

INTRODUCTION: The differentiation between acute and chronic pain can be insufficient for appropriate pain management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the predominant pain type (nociceptive, neuropathic, or central sensitization [CS] pain) in breast cancer survivors (BCS) with chronic pain. The secondary aims were to examine (1) differences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between the different pain groups; and (2) the associations between patient-, disease-, and treatment-related factors and the different pain types. METHODS: To determine the prevalence of the predominant type of pain, a recently proposed classification system was used. BCS were asked to complete the VAS for pain, Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questionnaire, Margolis Pain Diagram, Central Sensitization Inventory, and Short Form 36 (SF-36). RESULTS: Ninety-one BCS participated, among whom 25.3% presented neuropathic pain, 18.7% nociceptive pain, and 15.4% CS pain. Mixed pain was found in 40.6%. A significant intergroup difference in HRQoL was found for SF-36 "general health" (P = 0.04). The odds for the presence of CS rather than nociceptive pain are 26 times higher in patients exposed to hormone therapy in comparison to the nonexposed (odds ratio 25.95, 95% confidence interval 1.33 to 504.37, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Neuropathic pain is most frequent in BCS. Strong associations were found between CS pain and hormone therapy.

Prevalence of aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although aromatase inhibitors have proven to be an effective treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women, aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia (AIA) is an adverse event associated with low compliance with treatment. The aim of this literature study is to assess the prevalence of AIA and to provide an overview of significant predictors for the development of AIA. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. A meta-analysis was performed and heterogeneity has been investigated by moderator analyses. The meta-analysis was repeated with studies that were considered as best evidence, i.e. studies with an above-average score on the STROBE checklist. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies (13,177 participants) were included. Prevalence rates ranged from 0.200 to 0.737. Meta-analysis resulted in a pooled estimate of 0.459 (95% CI = [0.397-0.520) with a high heterogeneity (I 2 = 98%). Moderator analysis showed no differences regarding heterogeneity. Predictors for the development of AIA included a body mass index of 25-30 kg/m2 (OR = 0.33), taxane-based chemotherapy (OR = 4.08), stage III cancer (OR = 0.32) and a duration of menopause of 5-10 years (OR = 1.10) or >10 years (OR = 0.44-3.29) (An OR <1 indicates a predictor of lower risk of AIA). DISCUSSION: Despite the established benefits of AI, an important portion of the patients experiences AIA. More research is needed to investigate the efficacy of treatments such as exercise therapy for AIA.

Risk factors of pain in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer remains the number 1 lethal malignancy in women. With rising incidence and decreased mortality, the number of breast cancer survivors has increased. Consequently, sequelae, such as pain, are becoming more important. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for the development of pain in breast cancer survivors. METHODS: PubMed and Web of Science were systematically screened for studies encompassing risk factors for the development of pain in breast cancer survivors. Meta-analyses were carried out for risk factors described in more than one article. Moderator analysis was performed in case of high heterogeneity (I 2 > 50%) across studies. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were found eligible. Meta-analyses were performed for 17 factors. Significant differences for the odds of developing chronic pain were found for BMI (overall OR: 1.34, 95%CI 1.08-1.67, p = 0.008), education (overall OR: 1.23, 95%CI 1.07-1.42, p = 0.005), lymphedema (overall OR: 2.58, 95%CI 1.93-3.46, p < 0.00001), smoking status (overall OR: 0.75, 95%CI 0.62-0.92, p = 0.005), axillary lymph node dissection (overall OR: 1.25, 95%CI 1.04-1.52, p = 0.02), chemotherapy (overall OR: 1.44, 95%CI 1.24-1.68, p < 0.00001), and radiotherapy (overall OR: 1.32, 95%CI 1.17-1.48, p < 0.00001). After performing moderator analyses for age, comorbidities, hormone therapy, and breast surgery, hormone therapy became a significant risk factor as well (overall OR: 1.33, 95%CI 1.15-1.54, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: BMI > 30, education < 12-13 years, lymphedema, not smoking, axillary lymph node dissection, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiotherapy were significantly associated with higher odds for the development of chronic pain, with lymphedema being the biggest risk factor. Lack of uniformity across the studies in defining pain, follow-up, measurement tools, and cut-off values for the diagnosis of pain was noted, resulting in greater inter-study variability.

Does robot-assisted gait rehabilitation improve balance in stroke patients? A systematic review.

The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the improvements in balance after robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) in stroke patients. Two databases were searched: PubMed and Web of Knowledge. The most important key words are "stroke," "RAGT," "balance," "Lokomat," and "gait trainer." Studies were included if stroke patients were involved in RAGT protocols, and balance was determined as an outcome measurement. The articles were checked for methodological quality by 2 reviewers (Cohen's κ = 0.72). Nine studies were included (7 true experimental and 2 pre-experimental studies; methodological quality score, 56%-81%). In total, 229 subacute or chronic stroke patients (70.5% male) were involved in RAGT (3 to 5 times per week, 3 to 10 weeks, 12 to 25 sessions). In 5 studies, the gait trainer was used; in 2, the Lokomat was used; in 1 study, a single-joint wearable knee orthosis was used; and in 1 study, the AutoAmbulator was used. Eight studies compared RAGT with other gait rehabilitation methods. Significant improvements (no to large effect sizes, Cohen's d = 0.01 to 3.01) in balance scores measured with the Berg Balance Scale, the Tinetti test, postural sway tests, and the Timed Up and Go test were found after RAGT. No significant differences in balance between the intervention and control groups were reported. RAGT can lead to improvements in balance in stroke patients; however, it is not clear whether the improvements are greater compared with those associated with other gait rehabilitation methods. Because a limited number of studies are available, more specific research (eg, randomized controlled trials with larger, specific populations) is necessary to draw stronger conclusions.

Healthcare professionals' perspectives on development of assistive technology using the comprehensive assistive technology model.

The implementation of technology in healthcare shows promising results and provides new opportunities in rehabilitation. However, the adoption of technology into daily care is largely dependent on the acceptance rate of end-users. This study aims to gather information from healthcare professionals on the development of new assistive technology that match users' needs using the Comprehensive Assistive Technology model. In total 27 healthcare professionals (12 occupational therapists, 8 physiotherapists, 3 nurses, 2 allied health directors, a physician and a speech therapist) attended one of four online focus group discussions. These focus group discussions were structured using a question guide based on three predefined scenarios. Recordings were transcribed and data was analyzed using a thematic analysis (NVivo). Major themes identified in this study were safety, price and usability. Healthcare professionals focused on both functional capabilities of the user, as well as behavioral aspects of usability and attitude toward technology. Furthermore, the need for assistive technology that were catered toward the limitations in activity and user experience, was highlighted extensively. Based on information gathered from healthcare professionals a user-centered approach in development of safe, low-cost devices that maximize both functional outcomes and user acceptance, could potentially increase the adoption of new technology in rehabilitation.

Effect of perceived injustice-targeted pain neuroscience education compared with biomedically focused education in breast cancer survivors: a study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial (BCS-PI trial).

INTRODUCTION: Current treatments for pain in breast cancer survivors (BCSs) are mostly biomedically focused rather than biopsychosocially driven. However, 22% of BCSs with pain are experiencing perceived injustice, which is a known predictor for adverse pain outcomes and opioid prescription due to increased maladaptive pain behaviour. Educational interventions such as pain neuroscience education (PNE) are suggested to target perceived injustice. In addition, motivational interviewing can be an effective behavioural change technique. This trial aims to examine whether perceived injustice-targeted PNE with the integration of motivational interviewing is superior to biomedically focused pain education in reducing pain after 12 months in BCS with perceived injustice and pain. In addition, improvements in quality of life, perceived injustice and opioid use are evaluated, and a cost-effectiveness analysis will finally result in a recommendation concerning the use of perceived injustice-targeted PNE in BCSs with perceived injustice and pain. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This two-arm multicentre randomised controlled trial will recruit female BCS (n=156) with pain and perceived injustice. Participants will be randomly assigned to perceived injustice-targeted PNE or biomedically focused pain education in each centre. Both interventions include an online session, an information leaflet and three one-to-one sessions. The primary outcome (pain), secondary outcomes (quality of life, perceived injustice and outcomes for cost-effectiveness analysis) and explanatory outcomes (pain phenotyping, sleep, fatigue and cognitive-emotional factors) will be assessed at baseline and at 0, 6, 12 and 24 months postintervention using self-reported questionnaires online. Treatment effects over time will be evaluated using linear mixed model analyses. Additionally, a cost-utility analysis will be done from a healthcare payer and societal perspective. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The ethical agreement was obtained from the Main Ethics Committee (B.U.N.1432020000068) at the University Hospital Brussels and all other participating hospitals. Study results will be disseminated through presentations, conferences, social media, press and journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04730154.

Electrotherapy in stroke rehabilitation can improve lower limb muscle characteristics: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This review assesses the effect of electrotherapy (e.g. functional electrical stimulation (FES), motor and sensor therapeutic electrical stimulation (TES)) on muscle strength and skeletal muscle characteristics in individuals post-stroke compared to conventional or sham therapy. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science, focusing on randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of electrotherapy. Data of interest was extracted from eligible studies, and risk of bias was assessed. RESULTS: In total, 23 studies (933 people post-stroke) were included, of which 17, which mainly focus on patients in a chronic stage of stroke recovery and the implementation of FES, were incorporated in the meta-analysis. A significant increase in muscle strength was found favoring electrotherapy over conventional therapy (SMD 0.63, 95% CI 0.34-0.91, I2 = 37%, p = 0.07) and over sham therapy (SMD 0.44, 95% CI 0.20-0.68, I2 = 38%, p = 0.08). Three studies investigated the effect on muscle thickness and found a significant increase in favor of electrostimulation when compared to conventional therapy (MD 0.11 cm, 95% CI 0.06-0.16, I2 = 0%, p = 0.50). CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests electrotherapy in combination with physiotherapy has positive effects on lower limb muscle strength and skeletal muscle characteristics in patients recovering from stroke.

As stroke is known to cause long term disability, the implementation of strengthening interventions in rehabilitation becomes an indispensable part to optimize recovery.Peripheral electrical stimulation might be a useful intervention since it has the potential to repetitively activate the sensory-motor system via electrical pulses to nerves and muscles of the paretic limb.Results of the meta-analysis indicate a beneficial effect of electrotherapy on muscle strength when compared to conventional and sham therapy, and muscle thickness when compared to conventional therapy.