Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation therapy versus manual therapy in patients with neck pain: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation therapy with manual therapy in improving the range of motion, decreasing pain, and improving activity of daily living in patients with neck pain. DESIGN: Double-blinded, randomized, experimental study. PATIENTS: Women aged 45-65 with cervical pain due to osteoarthritis of the vertebral body and intervertebral disc. METHODS: A total of 93 randomly selected females were included in the study. They were randomly divided into 2 groups. One received proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation treatment and the other received manual therapy. To evaluate functional capabilities, the Oswestry Disability Index and range of motion measure were used. To evaluate changes in subjective experience of pain the Visual Analogue Scale was used. RESULTS: In terms of the activities of daily living, pain, and range of motion of flexion, extension, lateral flexion to the right and left, and rotation to the right and left improvement in group I compared with group II was statistically significant (p < 0.05) at 2 weeks and 3 months' follow-up. CONCLUSION: Treatment according to proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation is a better method in comparison with manual therapy regarding improvement of pain, range of motion, and daily functioning in patients with cervical pain.

Efficacy of arch contouring foot orthoses for midfoot osteoarthritis: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Midfoot osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful and disabling condition. Arch contouring foot orthoses have been recommended for midfoot OA, yet there is no high-quality evidence from randomised controlled trials to support their use. This clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of arch contouring foot orthoses for midfoot OA. METHODS: This will be a parallel-group randomised controlled superiority trial. One-hundred and forty community-dwelling people with painful midfoot OA will be randomised to receive either arch contouring foot orthoses or flat sham inserts. Outcome measures will be obtained at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks; the primary endpoint for assessing efficacy being 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure will be average midfoot pain whilst walking over the last 7 days on an 11-point numerical rating scale. Secondary outcome measures include function (walking/standing subscale of the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire), participants' perception of overall treatment effect (self-reported global rating of change on a 15-point Likert scale), physical activity (Incidental and Planned Exercise Questionnaire), general health-related quality of life (Short Form-12 Version® 2.0), use of co-interventions and adverse events. DISCUSSION: This trial will evaluate the efficacy of arch contouring foot orthoses for relieving pain and improving function, physical activity and health-related quality of life in people with midfoot OA. The findings will provide high-quality evidence as to whether arch contouring foot orthoses are efficacious and will help to inform clinical guidelines about the use of foot orthoses for midfoot OA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12623000953639).

Online Disease Management Training for Older Adults With Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Using online methods in health education is an effective method that provides individual services to older adults with limited access to health services and allows for low-cost and continuous communication. METHODS: The study was completed with 52 older adults diagnosed with osteoarthritis, including 26 intervention and 26 control participants. For data collection, a Patient Information Form, Visual Analogue Scale, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Self-Efficacy Scale in Arthritis, World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module and a Telephone Counselling Follow-up Form were used. Individuals in the intervention group were provided with online training for the first 4 weeks and telephone counselling for the following 4 weeks. Scales were applied to both groups. RESULTS: The scales were applied to both groups at the first, second and last measurements. It was determined that there was a significant difference between the total pain and functional status scores of the individuals in the intervention and control groups at the second and last measurement (p < 0.05), while the average scores of the intervention group were lower control group. The total self-efficacy score and quality of life total score of the intervention group were statistically significantly higher than the total score of the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As a result of the research, it was found that online education and telephone counselling given to elderly individuals with osteoarthritis were effective in reducing pain severity and improving functional status, self-efficacy and quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT04816474/2021-08-10/https://register. CLINICALTRIALS: gov/).

Shoulder osteoarthritis: A survey of current (2024) UK physiotherapy practice.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder osteoarthritis can cause significant pain and disability. It is thought that the wider principles of osteoarthritis management can be applied in the management of people with shoulder osteoarthritis, but most prior research has been conducted with people experiencing osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. There is a paucity of evidence to guide the non-surgical management of shoulder osteoarthritis and limited understanding of current physiotherapy practice. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the current treatment recommendations by physiotherapists in the UK for people with shoulder OA. METHODS: An online survey using a clinical vignette was designed and distributed to UK registered physiotherapists with experience of managing people with shoulder osteoarthritis, via social media and professional networks. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse demographic and multiple-choice questions, and free text responses were summarised narratively. RESULTS: 114 respondents accessed the survey with 110 valid responses; 105 (95%) respondents would offer face-to-face consultations, with 89 (81%) respondents expecting to offer 2-4 appointments. 108 (98%) respondents would offer advice/education; 79 (72%) would offer weight management; 82 (75%) prescribed exercises to improve movement; and 101 (92%) offered exercises to increase strength. If a person lived with obesity or had a treatment preference, the majority of respondents would change their recommendations. CONCLUSION: This is the first survey of NHS physiotherapy practice for people with shoulder osteoarthritis. The responses largely align with NICE guidelines; despite this alignment, it is not known whether such guideline-based care is acceptable to people with shoulder osteoarthritis or clinically effective.

Key characteristics of effective yoga interventions for managing osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review aimed to synthesise the content, structure, and delivery characteristics of effective yoga interventions for managing osteoarthritis symptoms, including joint pain and joint function. JBI guidelines were followed. 17 databases were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing yoga's effectiveness on osteoarthritis symptoms. Meta-analyses and a narrative synthesis were conducted to address the objective. The systematic review and meta-analysis included 18 and 16 articles (representing 16 and 14 RCTs), respectively. Overall, the included studies had low methodological quality scores. 10 of 14 yoga interventions effectively reduced pain (standardised mean difference (SMD) - 0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI) - 1.08, - 0.32) and/or improved function (- 0.40; - 0.75, - 0.04). Notably, 8 effective interventions had centre-based (supervised, group) sessions, and 6 included additional home-based (unsupervised, individual) sessions. Effective interventions included 34 yogic poses (12 sitting, 10 standing, 8 supine, 4 prone), 8 breathing practices, and 3 meditation and relaxation practices. 8 interventions included yogic poses, and 7 also incorporated breathing practices and/or meditation and relaxation practices. 4 interventions included yogic pose modifications for osteoarthritis. The median duration of centre-based sessions was 8 weeks and each session was around 53 min, mostly delivered once a week. The median duration of home-based sessions was 10 weeks and each session was 30 min, usually instructed to practice 4 times a week. Given previous studies' limitations, a high-quality long-term RCT should be conducted using synthesised findings of previous effective yoga interventions.

Work-related interventions are not commonly included in physiotherapy management of lower limb osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional survey of Australian Physiotherapists.

BACKGROUND: Lower limb osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability and can affect an individual's ability to work. OBJECTIVES: To explore Australian physiotherapists' use of work-related interventions in managing patients with lower limb OA, and identify current management practices. METHODS: Physiotherapists with at least two years of experience treating patients with lower limb OA were invited to complete an online survey to understand how physiotherapists manage patients with lower limb OA, specifically regarding interventions related to work. RESULTS: A total of 132 physiotherapists completed the survey. In free text responses, only 1.5% and 2.3% of physiotherapists nominated work-related items in their key components of treatment or educational topics discussed with patients with lower limb OA, respectively. From a range of work-related activities presented, over half of physiotherapists indicated they regularly/always provided education about the benefits of remaining in work (63.5%) and advice on managing symptoms at work (57.4%). Less than 10% of physiotherapists regularly/always used a validated scale to identify barriers for work (9.6%), discussed absences from work (9.6%), conducted a workplace assessment (4.4%), and discussed submitting workers' compensation claims (2.6%). Exercise and patient education were the most frequently nominated physiotherapy treatments in free text (96.2% and 86.3%, respectively) and fixed response (99.2% and 93.9%, respectively) questions. CONCLUSION: Many physiotherapists do not address work-related activities in their management of patients with lower limb OA. In light of work-related challenges commonly experienced by individuals with lower limb OA, this is an important aspect of management of this condition.

Patient Preferences and Their Effects on Rehabilitation Outcomes: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of aligning patients' preferences with specific rehabilitation delivery modes on rehabilitation outcomes. DESIGN: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: The study cohort comprised 208 patients referred for physiotherapy rehabilitation after nonsurgical or surgical interventions for rotator cuff injury, shoulder impingement, or acromioclavicular osteoarthritis. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 rehabilitation modalities: (1) group-based exercise, (2) individual exercise, or (3) home exercise. In this study, participants were categorized into 2 groups: "matched preference" and "unmatched preference." The primary outcome measure was change in function, measured with the shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH). Secondary outcome measures were change in pain, assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), mental well-being measured with the World Health Organization Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), health-related quality of life assessed using the EuroQol-5 Domain questionnaire (EQ-5D), fear avoidance assessed using the Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire (ÖMPQ), and overall treatment satisfaction. Outcomes were assessed at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: The primary outcome measure, QuickDASH, showed no significant differences between groups at either 3 months (-3.0 [-8.2 to 2.3]) or 6 months (0.5 [-5.7 to 6.7]). Additionally, no significant differences were observed in the secondary outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Matching patients' preferences for specific rehabilitation delivery modes did not seem to effect rehabilitation outcomes. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2024;54(6):1-9. Epub 26 March 2024. doi:10.2519/jospt.2024.12314.

The Effectiveness of Exercise-Based Rehabilitation in People With Hand Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of exercise-based rehabilitation programs compared with nonexercise intervention or no intervention for people with hand osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: Intervention systematic review with meta-analysis. LITERATURE SEARCH: We searched 5 databases on July 23, 2023. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials that compared the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs that included an exercise component, with nonexercise intervention or no intervention for people with hand OA. DATA SYNTHESIS: Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were pooled using a random-effects model. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: Fourteen trials were included in the meta-analysis (n = 1341 participants). In the immediate term (<24 weeks), there was low-certainty evidence of an effect of exercise-based rehabilitation on improving pain (13 trials; SMD = -0.65; 95% CI: -1.06, -0.25), function (11 trials; SMD = -0.35; 95% CI: -0.54, -0.15), and grip strength (14 trials; SMD = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.38). There was moderate-certainty evidence of an effect on reducing stiffness (7 trials; SMD = -0.33; 95% CI: -0.51, -0.16). There was low-certainty evidence of no effect on improving pinch strength and quality of life. For the long term (≥24 weeks), there was low-certainty evidence that exercise-based rehabilitation had no additional effect on improving pain, function, and stiffness. CONCLUSION: Exercise-based rehabilitation improved pain, function, stiffness, and grip strength in people with hand OA in the immediate term; the benefits were not maintained in the long term. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2024;54(7):1-11. Epub 20 March 2024. doi:10.2519/jospt.2024.12241.

Fisioterapia y osteoartritis: una revisión histórica de las técnicas utilizadas en el pasado y su relevancia actual / Physiotherapy and osteoarthritis: a historical review of techniques used in the past and their current relevance

Objetivo principal: El propósito de esta revisión ha sido proveer una visión histórica de las técnicas de fisioterapia empleadas en el pasado y su relevancia actual en el tratamiento de la Osteoartritis (OA). Metodología: Se realizó una búsqueda exhaustiva en bases de datos y análisis de la literatura. Se incluyeron artículos que abordaran el tratamiento de la OA en fisioterapia desde la Historia Antigua hasta la actualidad. Resultados principales: Se seleccionaron 34 publicaciones que abordaron el tratamiento de la OA en diferentes períodos históricos. Las técnicas identificadas fueron desde tratamientos a base de ungüentos hasta enfoques actuales como la hidroterapia y la electroterapia. Conclusión principal: El abordaje fisioterapéutico de la OA ha evolucionado a lo largo de la historia con el empleo de diversas técnicas y agentes físicos. Desde el siglo XIX las técnicas empleadas lograron un avance científico y terapéutico valioso para esta afección (AU)

Objective: The purpose of this review has been to provide a historical perspective on the physiotherapy techniques used in the past and their current relevance in the treatment of Osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: A comprehensive search of databases and literature analysis was conducted. Articles addressing the treatment of OA in physiotherapy from Ancient History to the present were included. Results: 34 publications addressing the treatment of OA in different historical periods were selected. The identified techniques ranged from ointment-based treatments to current approaches such as hydrotherapy and electrotherapy. Conclusions: The physiotherapeutic approach to OA has evolved throughout history, utilizing various techniques and physical agents. Since the 19th century, the employed techniques have achieved valuable scientific and therapeutic advancements for this condition (AU)

Osteoarthritis year in review 2022: rehabilitation.

This year in review presents key highlights from research relating to osteoarthritis (OA) rehabilitation published from the 1st April 2021 to the 18th March 2022. To identify studies for inclusion in the review, an electronic database search was carried out in Medline, Embase and CINAHLplus. Following screening, included studies were grouped according to their predominant topic area, including core OA rehabilitation treatments (education, exercise, weight loss), adjunctive treatments, novel and emerging treatments or research methods, and translation of rehabilitation evidence into practice. Studies of perceived high clinical importance, quality, or controversy in the field were selected for inclusion in the review. Headline findings include: the positive role of technology to support remote delivery of core OA rehabilitation treatments, the importance of delivering educational interventions alongside exercise, the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a stepped approach to exercise, controversy around the potential mechanisms of action of exercise, mixed findings regarding the use of splinting for thumb base OA, increasing research on blood flow restriction training as a potential new intervention for OA, and evidence that the beneficial effects from core OA treatments seen in randomised controlled trials can be seen when implemented in clinical practice. A consistent finding across several recently published systematic reviews is that randomised controlled trials testing OA rehabilitation interventions are often small, with some risk of bias. Whilst future research is warranted, it needs to be large scale and robust, to enable definitive answers to important remaining questions in the field of OA rehabilitation.

Shoulder structure and function: The impact of osteoarthritis and rehabilitation strategies.

STUDY DESIGN: Invited review. BACKGROUND: Shoulder osteoarthritis can result in significant functional deficits. To improve diagnosis and treatment, we must better understand the impact of osteoarthritis on shoulder biomechanics and the known mechanical benefits of currently available treatments. PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to present up-to-date data on the effects of osteoarthritis and rehabilitation on the biomechanical parameters contributing to shoulder function. With this goal, we also reviewed the anatomy and the ranges of motion of the shoulder. METHODS: A search of electronic databases was conducted. All study designs were included to inform this qualitative, narrative literature review. RESULTS: This review describes the biomechanics of the shoulder, the impact of osteoarthritis on shoulder function, and the treatment of shoulder osteoarthritis with an emphasis on rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: The shoulder is important for the completion of activities of daily living, and osteoarthritis of the shoulder can significantly reduce shoulder motion and arm function. Although shoulder rehabilitation is an integral treatment modality to improve pain and function in shoulder osteoarthritis, few high-quality studies have investigated the effects and benefits of shoulder physical and occupational therapies. To advance the fields of therapy and rehabilitation, future studies investigating the effects of therapy intensity, therapy duration, and the relative benefits of therapy subtypes on shoulder biomechanics and function are necessary.

Practice patterns following carpometacarpal (CMC) arthroplasty.

STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive Survey. INTRODUCTION: Therapy following thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthroplasty is a complex issue as there are multiple surgical procedures and postoperative rehabilitative programs. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To gather information from therapy practitioners on practice patterns following thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthroplasty. METHODS: A web-based survey was sent to 3221 occupational and physical therapists in a single stage via online technology. RESULTS: Six-hundred and one (601) therapists responded to the survey. Key findings included: Most therapists (45.5%) indicated that the therapy program they use was developed in collaboration with the referring surgeon. In addition, most patients received a plaster splint or long thumb spica orthosis following surgery, but time frames for use varied widely. Fifty-five percent of respondents waited until after 22 days postsurgery to initiate active flexion/extension of the wrist, while 19.5% initiated wrist flexion/extension between eight and 14 days postsurgery. Ten percent of respondents initiated active thumb flexion/extension within the first postoperative week, while 55% of respondents did not initiate thumb motion until 22 or more days following surgery. Few respondents (5.7%) indicated that they used a published evidence-based treatment program to guide therapy following thumb CMC arthroplasty surgery. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that multiple therapy programs exist and rehabilitation following thumb CMC arthroplasty predominantly utilizes clinical expertise.

Qualitative Exploration of Dyadic Influence on Physical Activity Between Latina Patients With Osteoarthritis and a Supporter of Their Physical Activity.

OBJECTIVE: Research indicates that social support may promote physical activity; however, most Latina individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) are not sufficiently active. The purpose of this qualitative dyadic study was to explore how Latina patients with OA and a self-selected physical activity "supporter" motivate each other to be more active. Furthermore, perceptions of how OA symptoms impact support and physical activity were examined. METHODS: Semistructured dyadic interviews were conducted with Latina patients with OA and a member of their social network age ≥16 years who supports their physical activity (n = 14 dyads). We used framework analysis to reduce qualitative data to themes and subthemes. RESULTS: Daughters (n = 5), spouses (n = 4), sons (n = 2), a granddaughter (n = 1), a nephew (n = 1), and a friend (n = 1) provided support for the target behavior. In many cases, members of dyads said the motivation to engage in physical activity was reciprocated rather than focused solely on Latina patients with OA. Support was often reciprocated by engaging in physical activity together, using pressure, talking about being active, modeling physical activity, and helping with household responsibilities. Although participants agreed that physical activity was beneficial and Latina patients desired additional support when experiencing OA symptoms, there was concern about the safety of activity in the presence of symptoms. Several adult daughters indicated that their mothers' OA symptoms motivated their own physical activity. CONCLUSION: Dyadic strategies for promoting physical activity among Latina patients with OA and how support may be reciprocated were identified.

Prevalence, Impact, and Treatment of Co-Occurring Osteoarthritis in Patients With Stroke Undergoing Rehabilitation: A Review.

Background and Purpose: Early, frequent rehabilitation is an important factor for optimizing stroke recovery outcomes. Medical comorbidities, such as osteoarthritis, that affect the ability to participate in rehabilitation could therefore have a detrimental impact on such outcomes. Both stroke and osteoarthritis are becoming more common in developed nations as the population ages. First-line osteoarthritis treatments, such as oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are often avoided poststroke due to interaction with secondary prevention stroke risk-factor management. Our objective was to summarize the current literature concerning co-occurring osteoarthritis and stroke prevalence, its functional impact, and treatment options. Methods: Narrative review using a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, osteoarthritis, and stroke guidelines. Outcomes related to co-occurrence prevalence, osteoarthritis as a stroke risk-factor, osteoarthritis-related imaging and treatment were extracted and summarized descriptively. Overall quality of the evidence was summarized using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Results: We identified 23 studies and guidelines related to our objective. Overall quality of the evidence was very low. Conclusions: Few trials have investigated the relationship between osteoarthritis and stroke, nor osteoarthritis-specific pain and function management for stroke survivors. High-quality research evaluating the impact of osteoarthritis on stroke rehabilitation is needed.

Shoe-stiffening inserts for first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis: a randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of carbon-fibre shoe-stiffening inserts in individuals with first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis. DESIGN: This was a randomised, sham-controlled, participant- and assessor-blinded trial. One hundred participants with first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis received rehabilitation therapy and were randomised to receive either carbon fibre shoe-stiffening inserts (n = 49) or sham inserts (n = 51). The primary outcome measure was the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) pain domain assessed at 12 weeks. RESULTS: All 100 randomised participants (mean age 57.5 (SD 10.3) years; 55 (55%) women) were included in the analysis of the primary outcome. At the 12 week primary endpoint, there were 13 drop-outs (7 in the sham insert group and 6 in the shoe-stiffening insert group), giving completion rates of 86 and 88%, respectively. Both groups demonstrated improvements in the FHSQ pain domain score at each follow-up period, and there was a significant between-group difference in favour of the shoe-stiffening insert group (adjusted mean difference of 6.66 points, 95% CI 0.65 to 12.67, P = 0.030). There were no between-group differences for the secondary outcomes, although global improvement was more common in the shoe-stiffening insert group compared to the sham insert group (61 vs 34%, RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.88, P = 0.033; number needed to treat 4, 95% CI 2 to 16). CONCLUSION: Carbon-fibre shoe-stiffening inserts were more effective at reducing foot pain than sham inserts at 12 weeks. These results support the use of shoe-stiffening inserts for the management of this condition, although due to the uncertainty around the effect on the primary outcome, some individuals may not experience a clinically worthwhile improvement.

The effect of thermal mineral waters on pain relief, physical function and quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of thermal mineral waters therapy for pain relief, and functional improvement, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Cochrane Library, Web of science, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials. Study inclusion criteria included assessment of the visual analog scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities scores and the lequesne index to evaluate the effects of thermal mineral waters on pain relief and functional improvement. Also, studies that used the European quality of life 5-dimension scale and health assessment questionnaire to assess the impact of thermal mineral waters therapy on improving QoL were included. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included. A meta-analysis showed that thermal mineral waters therapy could significantly reduce pain as measured visual analog scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities assessments (P < .001). Thermal mineral waters significantly reduced the lequesne index (P < .001) and improved joint function. Finally, compared with a control group, European quality of life 5-dimension scale and health assessment questionnaire improved significantly in patients with OA receiving thermal mineral waters therapy (P  < .05). There is no evidence that thermal mineral waters is unsafe for treating OA. CONCLUSION: Thermal mineral waters therapy is a safe way to relieve pain, improve physical functions, and QoL in patients with OA.

Physical function after dietary weight loss in overweight and obese adults with osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with functional limitations that can impair mobility and reduce quality of life in affected individuals. Excess body weight in OA can exacerbate impaired physical function, highlighting the importance of weight management in this population. The aim of this systematic review was to compare the effects of different dietary interventions for weight loss on physical function in overweight and obese individuals with OA. DESIGN: A comprehensive search of five databases was conducted to identify relevant articles for inclusion. Studies were included that examined the effect of dietary weight loss interventions, with or without exercise, on physical function in adults with OA who were overweight or obese. Quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Quality Criteria Checklist for primary research. Primary and secondary outcomes were extracted, including change in weight and physical function which included performance-based and self-report measures. RESULTS: Nineteen relevant studies were included, which incorporated lifestyle interventions (n 8), diet in combination with meal replacements (DMR; n 5) and very low-energy diets (VLED; n 6) using meal replacements only. Pooled data for eight RCT indicated a mean difference in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) physical function of 12·4 and 12·5 % following DMR or VLED interventions, respectively; however, no statistically significant change was detected for lifestyle interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that partial use of meal replacements is as effective as their sole use in the more restrictive VLED. Both dietary interventions are more effective than lifestyle programmes to induce significant weight loss and improvements in physical function.

Osteoarthritis year in review 2020: rehabilitation and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Systematically review and synthesize guidelines, systematic reviews, or randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between April 1, 2019 and April 30, 2020 which evaluated or made recommendations for rehabilitation of persons with osteoarthritis. DESIGN: Five electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINHAL, Web of Science) were searched with a comprehensive search strategy. Guidelines for rehabilitation of persons with osteoarthritis, and systematic reviews and RCTs evaluating osteoarthritis rehabilitation that included at least one patient-reported outcome measure and/or clinical test of function were included. Two authors independently screened records and assessed methodological quality using the AGREE-II (guidelines), AMSTAR-2 (systematic reviews) or PEDro scale (RCTs). Data were extracted to summarize included records and a narrative synthesis of findings related to core recommended osteoarthritis rehabilitation treatments performed. RESULTS: Of 2,479 potential records, 253 records were reviewed. Two guidelines, 18 systematic reviews and 38 RCTs were included. 84% (n = 49) of included records related to knee osteoarthritis, 13% (n = 8) to hip, 10% (n = 6) to hand, 3% (n = 2) to mixed, and 1% (n = 1) to foot osteoarthritis. Exercise-therapy, methods to deliver exercise-therapy remotely, and approaches to facilitate exercise-therapy behaviour change were the most commonly evaluated interventions (n = 27). 94% of systematic reviews and 63% of RCTs rated high-quality. CONCLUSIONS: Osteoarthritis rehabilitation research continues to focus on knee osteoarthritis and exercise-based interventions. Emerging topics include rehabilitation of comorbid populations, exercise behaviour change and technology supports. A better understanding of rehabilitation of osteoarthritis in joints other than the knee, and methods to determine and promote ideal exercise-therapy prescription are needed.

Osteoartrosis de ATM: recuperar la función / TMJ Osteoarthrosis: recover function

Objetivo: evaluar la rehabilitación funcional de la ATM en pacientes con osteoartrosis, con abordaje neuromuscular. La osteoartrosis se caracteriza por la degeneración del cartílago articular y la cortical ósea, que conduce a dolor e inmovilidad. Se incluyó a 8 mujeres entre 20 y 42 años de edad con dolor en la región orofacial, signos de oclusión disfuncional e imágenes compatibles con trastornos degenerativos en ATM. Clínicamente se evaluó el dolor y la oclusión y, mediante tecnología electrónica, se obtuvieron datos objetivos de los movimientos de apertura-cierre y lateralidades, la velocidad de apertura-cierre mandibulares y de los ruidos articulares. Las mediciones fueron realizadas al inicio y al finalizar el tratamiento de estabilización mandibular con una ortosis neuromuscular. Para determinar la significación estadística se utilizaron el Student`s test de comparaciones múltiples y el análisis de varianza, ANOVA, de un factor. Las diferencias entre medias se consideraron significativas con p <0.05. Los resultados demostraron ausencia de dolor en el 100% de los casos al primer mes de tratamiento. Se incrementaron la apertura bucal (6,73 mm promedio), ambas lateralidades (P=0.0023), velocidad en apertura y en cierre (no estadísticamente significativo). Después de estabilizar la mandíbula se redujo la frecuencia de los ruidos. En conclusión, la oclusión dental disfuncional es el principal factor etiológico de la artrosis de la ATM. El establecimiento de una oclusión fisiológica produce la descompresión de la ATM, aumenta el rango de los movimientos mandibulares y disminuye significativamente el dolor (AU)

Objective: to evaluate the functional rehabilitation of the TMJ in patients with osteoarthritis, with a neuromuscular approach. Osteoarthrosis is characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage and bone cortex, which leads to pain and immobility. Eight women between 20 and 42 years of age with pain in the orofacial region, signs of dysfunctional occlusion, and images consistent with degenerative TMJ disorders were included. Clinically, pain and occlusion were evaluated and, using electronic technology, objective data were obtained on the opening-closing movements and lateralities, the opening-closing speed of the jaws and joint noises. Measurements were made before and at the end of the mandibular stabilization treatment with a neuromuscular orthosis. To determine the statistical significance, the Student`s multiple comparisons test and the analysis of variance, ANOVA, of one factor were used. The differences between means were considered significant with p <0.05. The results showed absence of pain pain in 100% of cases in the first month of treatment. Mouth opening (6.73 mm average), both lateralities (P = 0.0023), opening and closing speed (not statistically significant) were increased. After stabilizing the jaw the noise frequency value was reduced. In conclusion, dysfunctional dental occlusion is the main etiologic factor of TMJ osteoarthritis. Establishing a physiological occlusion causes TMJ decompression, increases the range of mandibular movements, and significantly decreases pain (AU)

Clinical outcomes of a combined arthroscopic and mini-open Outerbridge-Kashiwagi procedure for elbow osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes of a modified Outerbridge-Kashiwagi (O-K) procedure in the treatment of elbow osteoarthritis. METHODS: Between January 2012 and December 2016, 27 patients with elbow osteoarthritis were treated with a modified O-K procedure combining mini-open and arthroscopic technique in our institution. All patients with primary osteoarthritis and post-traumatic degenerative osteoarthritis of the elbow were included in the study if they had undergone the modified O-K procedure. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), degree of flexion, extension loss, arc of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and radiographs. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients with a mean age of 47.2 years (range, 21-69 years) at surgery were followed up for a mean of 54.5 months (range, 27-86 months). The VAS improved from 8.0 ± 1.4 (range, 6-10) preoperatively to 1.3 ± 1.1 (range, 0-3) at the final follow-up (P < .001), degree of flexion from 115.2° ± 12.0° (range, 90°-135°) to 130.6° ± 6.3° (range, 120°-140°) (P < .001), extension loss from 31.2° ± 15.0° (range, 10°-60°) to 10.2° ± 7.7° (range, 0°-30°) (P < .001), arc of motion from 84.0° ± 18.8° (range, 55°-120°) to 120.4° ± 9.3° (range, 105°-135°) (P < .001), and MEPS from 55.8 ± 8.1 (range, 40-70) to 88.4 ± 7.2 (range, 70-100) (P < .001). Radiographs at the final follow-up showed that 9 patients (36%) had significant recurrence of bone formation within the fenestration of the olecranon fossa. One patient developed delayed-onset ulnar neuropathy, with only slight numbness in the ulnar nerve distribution 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The modified O-K procedure is safe and effective in pain relief and function restoration in patients with elbow osteoarthritis.