Immediate effects of Kinesio taping in carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled double-blind ultrasonographic study.

BACKGROUND: The effects of Kinesio taping (KT) in carpal tunnel syndrome are controversial. PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine whether KT has any effect on the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and median nerve measurements and to compare the effects of two different KT applications. STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective, double-blinded, randomized trial. This study was prospectively registered on the clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05475197). A total of 34 wrists (21 patients) who were clinically and electrophysiologically diagnosed with mild/moderate carpal tunnel syndrome were randomly divided into two KT intervention groups (group 1: neural technique and area correction technique and group 2: area correction technique). METHODS: At baseline and immediately after the removal of KT (48 hours), pain was assessed with visual analog scale, hand grip strength with a hand-held dynamometer, and pinch strength using a pinch meter. Likewise, using ultrasound, skin and subcutaneous tissue thicknesses, median nerve cross-sectional area and flattening ratio, as well as median nerve depth were measured at the carpal tunnel inlet and outlet levels. RESULTS: While there was significant improvement in the pain scores (compared to the baseline) immediately after the KT in both groups (group 1: p = 0.03, ηp2 = 0.44; group 2: p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.71), there was no difference in between (p = 0.07, ηp2 = 0.10). Grip strength significantly increased only in group 2 (p = 0.01, ηp2 = 0.35). None of the sonographic measurements displayed significant difference either within or between groups at baseline and after KT (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: While pain scores improved after KT, they were not coupled with any morphologic changes assessed by ultrasound.

EURO-MUSCULUS/USPRM Dynamic Ultrasound Protocols for Ankle/Foot.

ABSTRACT: In this dynamic scanning protocol, ultrasound examination of the ankle is described using various maneuvers to assess different conditions. Real-time patient examination and scanning videos are used for better simulation of daily clinical practice. The protocol is prepared by several/international experts in the field of musculoskeletal ultrasound and within the umbrella of European Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Study Group in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine/Ultrasound Study Group of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine.

Mnemonics and Metaphorical Videos for Detecting/Diagnosing Musculoskeletal Sonopathologies.

ABSTRACT: Musculoskeletal ultrasound identifies a broad range of pathologies. Typical sonographic images of certain pathological/abnormal conditions can be rendered and "highlighted" for the daily practice/language of musculoskeletal sonographers. The following text and accompanying figures/videos represent a collection of findings pertaining to commonplace pathological conditions. This article is the second part of a series-after the characteristic/metaphoric descriptions of normal musculoskeletal structures.

Ultrasound Imaging and Guidance for Cervical Myofascial Pain: A Narrative Review.

Cervical myofascial pain is a very common clinical condition in the daily practice of musculoskeletal physicians. Physical examination is currently the cornerstone for evaluating the cervical muscles and identifying the eventual presence of myofascial trigger points. Herein, the role of ultrasound assessment in precisely localizing them is progressively mounting in the pertinent literature. Moreover, using ultrasound, not only the muscle tissue but also the fascial and neural elements can be accurately located/evaluated. Indeed, several potential pain generators, in addition to paraspinal muscles, can be involved in the clinical scenario of cervical myofascial pain syndrome. In this article, the authors extensively reviewed the sonographic approach for cervical myofascial pain in order to better diagnose or guide different procedures that can be performed in the clinical practice of musculoskeletal physicians.

EURO-MUSCULUS/USPRM Dynamic Ultrasound Protocols for Knee.

ABSTRACT: In this dynamic scanning protocol, ultrasound examination of the knee is described using various maneuvers to assess different conditions. Real-time patient examination and scanning videos are used for better simulation of the daily clinical practice. The protocol is prepared by several/international experts in the field of musculoskeletal ultrasound and within the umbrella of European Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Study Group in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine/Ultrasound Study Group of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine.

SARcopenia Assessment in Hypertension: The SARAH Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to investigate the relationship between sarcopenia and renin-angiotensin system-related disorders and to explore the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers on muscle mass/function and physical performance. DESIGN: This multicenter, cross-sectional study was performed using ISarcoPRM algorithm for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. RESULTS: Of the 2613 participants (mean age = 61.0 ± 9.5 yrs), 1775 (67.9%) were hypertensive. All sarcopenia-related parameters (except chair stand test in males) were worse in hypertensive group than in normotensive group (all P < 0.05). When clinical/potential confounders were adjusted, hypertension was found to be an independent predictor of sarcopenia in males (odds ratio = 2.403 [95% confidence interval = 1.514-3.813]) and females (odds ratio = 1.906 [95% confidence interval = 1.328-2.734], both P < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, we found that all sarcopenia-related parameters (except grip strength and chair stand test in males) were independently/negatively related to hypertension (all P < 0.05). In females, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors users had higher grip strength and chair stand test performance values but had lower anterior thigh muscle thickness and gait speed values, as compared with those using angiotensin II receptor blockers (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension was associated with increased risk of sarcopenia at least 2 times. Among antihypertensives, while angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors had higher muscle function values, angiotensin II receptor blockers had higher muscle mass and physical performance values only in females.

Ultrasound assessment of distal femoral cartilage thickness measurements after walking/jogging in subjects with pes planus.

BACKGROUND: Because there is a closed kinematic chain between the lower extremity joints during weight-bearing activities, pes planus can affect knee biomechanics. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to measure distal femoral cartilage thickness with ultrasound after 3 different conditions (at rest, during walking and jogging) in subjects with pes planus and compare these conditions with each other and also with controls. METHOD: Sixteen participants with pes planus(5-men, 11-women; aged 18-30 years) and 16 controls(3-men, 13-women; aged 18-30 years) were enrolled. Distal femoral cartilage thickness was evaluated with ultrasound before and after three separate 30-min conditions. Preferred walking speed (PWS) was determined on the ground. Subjects walked on a treadmill for 30-min at their PWS and jogged 30-min at 30% above their PWS. The Foot Function Index and the Foot-Ankle Outcome Survey were used to evaluate the clinical and functional status of the subjects. RESULTS: Neither PWSs nor jogging speeds were statistically different between groups (p > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between groups for absolute and percent change of cartilage thickness for all three conditions (p > 0.05). There were also no statistically significant differences between conditions for each intragroup (p > 0.05). The median Foot Function Index score of the subjects with pes planus was 9.78(0-44.35) for the right foot and 9.52(0-40.87) for the left foot. The median the Foot-Ankle Outcome Survey score of the subjects with pes planus was 88(65-100). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in knee joint cartilage deformations under different loading conditions, neither in subjects with pes planus nor in controls.

Mnemonics and Metaphorical Videos for Teaching/Learning Musculoskeletal Sonoanatomy.

ABSTRACT: Musculoskeletal ultrasonography, despite various advantages, is a user-dependent modality. There are several approaches to facilitate the learning process of novice sonographers, for example, on-site courses, textbooks, and online lectures. However, the need for specific (sono)anatomy knowledge can be an obstacle, particularly in the beginning. With the aim of helping novice sonographers understand and retain topographic (sono)anatomy, we have prepared this article that follows a modern approach to teaching known as "entertainment education." It consists of images, schematic drawings, and multimedia videos that provide a simple, visual explanation accompanied by auditory content.

EURO-MUSCULUS/USPRM Dynamic Ultrasound Protocols for (Adult) Hip.

ABSTRACT: In this dynamic scanning protocol, ultrasound assessment of the adult hip is described using different maneuvers for various conditions. Real-time patient examination and ultrasound scanning videos are coupled for convenience as well as for better insight. The text covers the common conditions around the hip where especially dynamic ultrasound scanning provides valuable information in addition to static imaging. The protocol is prepared by an international consensus of several experts in the field of musculoskeletal ultrasound.

EURO-MUSCULUS/USPRM Dynamic Ultrasound Protocols for Wrist and Hand.

ABSTRACT: In this dynamic protocol, ultrasound evaluation of the wrist and hand is described using various maneuvers for relevant conditions. Scanning videos are coupled with real-time patient examination videos. The authors believe that this practical guide-prepared by the international consensus of several experts-will help musculoskeletal physicians perform a better and uniform/standard examination approach.

EURO-MUSCULUS/USPRM Dynamic Ultrasound Protocols for Elbow.

ABSTRACT: In this dynamic protocol, ultrasound examination of the elbow using different maneuvers is described for several/relevant elbow problems. Scanning videos are coupled with real-time patient examination videos for better understanding. The authors believe that this practical guide-prepared by an international consensus of several experts (EURO-MUSCULUS: European Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Study Group and USPRM: Ultrasound Study Group of ISPRM [International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine])-will help musculoskeletal physicians perform a better and uniform/standard approach.

EURO-MUSCULUS/USPRM Dynamic Ultrasound Protocols for Shoulder.

ABSTRACT: In this dynamic protocol, ultrasound examination of the shoulder using different maneuvers is described for several/relevant shoulder problems. Scanning videos are coupled with real-time patient examination videos for better understanding. The authors believe that this practical guide prepared by an international consensus of several experts (EURO-MUSCULUS: European Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Study Group and USPRM: Ultrasound Study Group of ISPRM [International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine]) will help musculoskeletal physicians perform a better and uniform/standard approach.

Are COL4A1 and COL4A2 gene polymorphisms associated with cerebral palsy?

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the association of COL4A1 and COL4A2 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to risk of developing cerebral palsy (CP) and severity of CP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 2016 and June 2017, a total of 176 patients with CP (101 males, 75 females; mean age 71.8±37.9 months; range, 24 to 184 months) and age-, sex-, and ethnically-matched 178 (90 males, 88 females; mean age 69.3±55.2 months; range, 24 to 214 months) controls were included. Two polymorphisms of COL4A1 (rs1961495) and COL4A2 (rs9521733) genes were typed from genomic deoxyribonucleic acid. Genotype distributions and allelic frequencies were compared between the patient and control groups. Gross Motor Function Classification System, the use of medical drugs, type of involvement, number of affected limbs, accompanying conditions, birth weight, gestational age, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were used to evaluate the disease severity and their relationships with the COL4A1 and COL4A2 gene polymorphisms. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of genotype distribution and allele frequency of COL4A1 and COL4A2 gene polymorphisms (p>0.05). In addition, there was no relationship between severity of CP and two gene polymorphisms (p>0.05). A significant association was detected between the COL4A2 polymorphism and growth retardation in CP. The TT genotype (57.1%) and T allele (76.2%) were higher, compared to CC (4.8%) and CT genotypes (38.1%) and C allele (23.8%) in patients with CP with growth retardation (p=0.03 for genotype and p=0.01 for allele frequency). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that COL4A1 and COL4A2 gene polymorphisms are not associated with susceptibility to CP in a group of Turkish populations, although COL4A2 gene polymorphism may be associated with growth retardation in patients with CP.

The plasma microRNA levels and their relationship with the general health and functional status in female patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the plasma level of micro-ribonucleic acid (microRNA) expressions and the relationship between plasma microRNA levels with the general health and functional status in female patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Patients and methods: Thirty-five female patients (mean age: 42.0±11.8 years; range, 21 to 62 years) diagnosed as FMS and 35 sex-and age-matched healthy controls (mean age: 43.7±8.8 years; range, 21 to 56 years) were enrolled in the study. MicroRNA measurements of the participants in plasma were carried out by using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). A total of 11 plasma levels of microRNA expressions were examined in both groups. The general health and functional status of the patients and controls were assessed by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) scale. Results: No significant difference was observed between the plasma levels of microRNA expressions in patients with FMS and healthy controls. The plasma level of miR-320a expression was found to be negatively correlated with the total FIQ score in female patients with FMS (p=0.05, r=-0.34). Negative correlations were also detected between the plasma level of miR-320a and miR-320b expressions and the subscale score of SF-36 physical function in female patients with FMS (p=0.01, r=-0.43 and p=0.01, r=-0.43, respectively). A strong positive correlation was found between miR-142-3p and the subscale score of SF-36 mental symptom score in female patients with FMS (p<0.001, r=1.00). Conclusion: The expression levels of microRNAs in plasma between female patients with FMS and controls were not significantly different. Only plasma levels of miR-320a, miR-320b, and miR-142-3p expressions were associated with the general health, functional status, and mental symptom score in female patients with FMS.