Vitamin D deficiency, functional status, and balance in older adults with osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Low vitamin D levels are associated with a more severe case of knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, there are few published reports concerning an association between vitamin D deficiency and functional status of individuals with OA and no reports about postural balance in this population. AIM: To analyze the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and severity, functional status, and balance in elderly patients with OA. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 105 elderly patients with hip and knee OA were included. The severity was assessed by the Kellgren-Lawrence criteria. The functional status was assessed with the Lequesne index. Postural balance was assessed using a force platform, and center-of-pressure parameters (velocity at anteroposterior and mediolateral axis) were used as the balance outcomes. Serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels were measured using a chemiluminescence method. RESULTS: Most of the patients (mean age: 70.6 ± 6.5 years) were female (n = 78, 74.3%). In the group with vitamin D deficiency, 43 patients (56.6%) had severe OA, while 33 patients (43.4%) had mild or moderate OA (χ 2 test, P = 0.04). Patients with vitamin D deficiency showed a higher Lequesne index score (Mann-Whitney test, P = 0.04), indicating a worse functional impairment when compared to individuals with normal vitamin D levels. Additionally, patients with vitamin D deficiency had worse postural balance according to the Mann-Whitney test (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with worse severity, functional status, and postural balance in patients with OA.

Reliability of pressure pain threshold to discriminate individuals with neck and low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Pressure pain threshold (PPT) is decreased in several musculoskeletal disorders, giving indirect evidence regarding pain status. Despite the fact that PPT has been already proven to be reliable in patients with acute conditions, there is great variability of methods and results observed within studies, and only a few evidences confirming its reliability in chronic conditions. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of PPT in the neck and low back regions to discriminate individuals with neck or low back pain from healthy individuals. Additionally, one secondary aim was to establish the minimum detectable change (MDC) and the standard error of measurement for future clinical studies and interventions. METHODS: In this reliability study, 74 individuals (15 individuals from the neck pain and 17 from the neck control group; 21 individuals from the low back pain and 21 from the low back control group). PPT was measured in the neck region (suboccipital, trapezius and supraspinal muscles) and in the lower back region (paraspinal muscles in the levels of L1, L3 and L5). Intrarater reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coeficient and Bland-Altman. RESULTS: Excellent intra-rater reliability was observed for both (ICC of 0.874 for the neck pain versus ICC of 0.895 in neck control group; ICC of 0.932 for the low back pain group versus ICC of 0.839 for the control group). A small bias was observed for all groups (-0.08 for the neck pain group versus 0.10 in the control group; and 0.32 in low back pain group versus 0.44 in the control group). Minimum detectable change of 0.63 kgf of neck pain and 1.21 kgf of low back pain was calculated. It was found difference in PPT between pain and control groups (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: It may be suggested that the protocol with PPT is reliable and able to discriminate individuals with and without neck and low back pain with a minor measurement error. Therefore, this method may be used to detect possible progress after interventions in patients with neck or low back pain.

tDCS Task-Oriented Approach Improves Function in Individuals With Fibromyalgia Pain. A Pilot Study.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex pain syndrome accompanied by physical disability and loss of daily life activities. Evidences suggest that modulation of the primary motor cortex (M1) by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) improves functional physical capacity in chronic pain conditions. However, the gain on physical function in people living with FM receiving tDCS is still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate whether the tDCS task-oriented approach improves function and reduces pain in a single cohort of 10 FM. A total of 10 women with FM (60.4 ± 15.37 years old) were enrolled in an intervention including anodal tDCS delivered on M1 (2 mA from a constant stimulator for 20 min); simultaneously they performed a functional task. The anode was placed on the contralateral hemisphere of the dominant hand. Outcome assessments were done before the stimulation, immediately after stimulation and 30 min after the end of tDCS. The same protocol was applied in subsequent sessions. A total of five consecutive days of tDCS were completed. The main outcomes were the number of repetitions achieved and time in active practice to evaluate functional physical task performance such as intensity of the pain (visual analog scale) and level of fatigue (Borg scale). After 5 days of tDCS, the number of repetitions achieved significantly increased by 49% (p = 0.012). No change was observed in active practice time. No increase in pain was observed despite the mobility of the painful parts of the body. These results are encouraging since an increase in pain due to the mobilization of painful body parts could have been observed at the end of the 5th day of the experiment. These results support the use of tDCS in task-based rehabilitation.

One-legged stance sway of older adults with and without falls.

Postural instability is a common problem among older people, and it is associated with mobility impairments, activity limitation and fear of falling. The evaluation of postural control can contribute to the early detection of balance deficits and help health professionals to manage this problem to prevent falls in older adults. The aim of this study was to identify center of pressure cut-offs to differentiate between older adults with and without falls in the past 12 months. The participants were 170 older adults (mean age 67 years, 50 fallers and 120 non-fallers). Center of pressure area and sway velocity in the anterior-posterior and medio-lateral directions were assessed using a force platform during three 30s one-legged stance trials with eyes open. The mean across trials was used for analysis. The time-limit (how long the participant was able to stay in one-legged stance, up to 30s) was also assessed. Fallers had poorer postural control than non-fallers (effect size ≥ 0.52, P <0.05). The cut-offs identified were 10.3 cm2 for Center of pressure area, 2.9 cm/s for velocity in the anterior-posterior, and 3.4 cm/s for medio-lateral velocity. The force platform parameters obtained an area under the curve of 0.72, with sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 68%. There were no significant differences between non-fallers and fallers for time-limit variable (17 seconds vs. 18 seconds). Force platform parameters during one-legged stance were associated with history of falls in older adults. The cut-offs obtained acceptable area under curve, sensitivity and specificity, with center of pressure area presenting the best performance to differentiate between fallers and non-fallers.

People with chronic low back pain have poorer balance than controls in challenging tasks.

PURPOSE: To compare the balance of individuals with and without chronic low back pain during five tasks. METHOD: The participants were 20 volunteers, 10 with and 10 without nonspecific chronic low back pain, mean age 34 years, 50% females. The participants completed the following balance tasks on a force platform in random order: (1) two-legged stance with eyes open, (2) two-legged stance with eyes closed, (3) semi-tandem with eyes open, (4) semi-tandem with eyes closed and (5) one-legged stance with eyes open. The participants completed three 60-s trials of tasks 1-4, and three 30-s trials of task 5 with 30-s rests between trials. The center of pressure area, velocity and frequency in the antero-posterior and medio-lateral directions were computed during each task, and compared between groups and tasks. RESULTS: Participants with chronic low back pain presented significantly larger center of pressure area and higher velocity than the healthy controls (p < 0.001). There were significant differences among tasks for all center of pressure variables (p < 0.001). Semi-tandem (tasks 3 and 4) and one-leg stance (task 5) were more sensitive to identify balance impairments in the chronic low back pain group than two-legged stance tasks 1 and 2 (effect size >1.37 vs. effect size <0.64). There were no significant interactions between groups and tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with chronic low back pain presented poorer postural control using center of pressure measurements than the healthy controls, mainly during more challenging balance tasks such as semi-tandem and one-legged stance conditions. Implications for Rehabilitation People with chronic low back had poorer balance than those without it. Balance tasks need to be sensitive to capture impairments. Balance assessments during semi-tandem and one-legged stance were the most sensitive tasks to determine postural control deficit in people with chronic low back. Balance assessment should be included during rehabilitation programs for individuals with chronic low back pain for better clinical decision making related to balance re-training as necessary.

Angiotensin-II blockage, muscle strength, and exercise capacity in physically independent older adults.

[Purpose] This study aimed to assess the exercise capacity and muscle strength in elderly people using drugs for angiotensin-II blockage. [Subjects and Methods] Four hundred and seven older adults were recruited for this study. Data about comorbidities and medication use were recorded and the individuals were divided into three groups: control group- elderly people with normal exercise capacity (n=235); angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor group - individuals using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (n=140); and angiotensin-II receptor blocker group- patients using angiotensin-II receptor blockers (n= 32). Exercise capacity was evaluated by a 6-minute walking test and muscle strength was measured using a handgrip dynamometer. [Results] Patients from the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor group (mean: 99 ± 12%) and the angiotensin-II receptor blocker group (mean: 101 ± 14%) showed higher predicted values in the 6-minute walking test than the control group patients (mean: 96 ± 10%). Patients from the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor group (mean: 105 ± 19%) and the angiotensin-II receptor blocker group (mean: 105.1 ± 18.73%) showed higher predicted values of muscle strength than control group patients (mean: 98.15 ± 18.77%). [Conclusion] Older adults using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin-II receptor blockers have better functional exercise capacity and muscle strength.

Association of interleukin-6 gene polymorphism (rs1800796) with severity and functional status of osteoarthritis in elderly individuals.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent disease of the musculoskeletal system and it has an important genetic component. Despite several reports have shown the involvement of pro-inflammatory cytokine such as interleukin-1ß and TNF-α, the role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in osteoarthritis is still unclear. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between the single nucleotide polymorphism in the portion -572 of the promoter region of the IL6 gene (SNP -572G/C) with hip and knee OA in the elderly. In this case-control study, 257 physically independent elderly were recruited (case group: 92 individuals with osteoarthritis and control group: 165 individuals with no osteoarthritis). Blood samples were collected from patients for the DNA fragments extraction and amplification by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by TaqMan system for subsequent genotyping of IL6 gene. The degree of joint damage was assessed by radiographic classification based on the criteria of Kellgren and Lawrence. The functional status was evaluated by Lequesne and WOMAC questionnaires. It was observed that individuals carrying the C allele have lower susceptibility to osteoarthritis (OR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.32-0.80, p=0.004) and less radiological impairment for both hip (Fisher-Freeman-Halton test=4.2 and p=0.04) and knee joints (Fisher-Freeman-Halton test=4.7 and p=0.03). Regarding functional status, individuals carrying the C allele has a lower degree of functional impairment assessed by WOMAC (Mann-Whitney test, p=0.04), although no difference was observed in the Lequesne questionnaire (p>0.05). Additionally, it was observed a marked reduction in IL-6 serum levels in individuals with GC and CC genotypes when compared to individuals harboring GG genotype. In conclusion, the polymorphism -572G/C IL6 is a protective factor for the presence and severity of hip and knee osteoarthritis in the elderly. Further prospective studies with large sample size and methods (e.g. effect of this polymorphism on gene expression, haplotype analysis for IL-6 promoter polymorphism) are needed to validate this study findings.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of low-level laser therapy on the postoperative healing process.

[Purpose] This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of intraoral application of low-level laser therapy (660 nm) to control pain, swelling and interincisal opening following the extraction of mandibular third molars. [Subjects and Methods] Ten patients underwent removal of lower third molars using the same surgical protocol and pharmacological approach. In the postoperative period, all patients received four consecutive daily sessions of low-level laser therapy, beginning 24 hours after the surgery. Intraoral applications using the diode laser with 660 nm wavelength in the continuous scan mode were performed covering the entire surgical area, which was divided into four quadrants, each of 1 cm(2) area at a distance of 1 cm. The energy applied at each point was 5 J/cm(2) during 8 seconds. [Results] The swelling and interincisal opening returned to normal 24 hours after the first low-level laser therapy application (Friedman test). Moreover, the pain intensity was reduced on the third postoperative day, according to the Friedman test. [Conclusion] Low-level laser therapy (660 nm), at the dosimetry used in this study, was effective in reducing postoperative pain and swelling following oral surgery.

Análise da funcionalidade de idosos com osteoartrite / Análisis de la funcionalidad de ancianos con osteoartritis / Analysis of functional status of elderly with osteoarthritis

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a influência do gênero, idade e farmacoterapia da osteoartrite (OA) sobre a funcionalidade de idosos. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com 105 idosos de ambos os gêneros (Idade: 70,73±6,0 anos) e portadores de OA de quadril e/ou joelho, confirmado por análise radiográfica. A funcionalidade foi avaliada por dois instrumentos: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) e Índice Algofuncional de Lequesne. As análises dos dados apresentaram pior funcionalidade tanto no questionário Lequesne (p=0,007) como no WOMAC (p=0,013) e em seus domínios Intensidade da Dor (p=0,013), Rigidez (p=0,032) e Funcionalidade (p=0,018). Contudo, não foram verificadas diferenças nos instrumentos avaliados quanto a diferentes faixas etárias ou comprometimento da articulação segundo alterações radiográficas (p>0,05). Foi observado que os medicados apresentavam pior funcionalidade em comparação aos que não utilizavam medicamentos para OA (Lequesne: p=0,005; WOMAC: p=0,008 e domínios: Intensidade da Dor: p=0,004; Rigidez: p=0,007 e Funcionalidade: p=0,023). No modelo multivariado, foi observado que o gênero e o tratamento farmacológico influenciam a funcionalidade de idosos portadores de OA (p<0,05), sendo as mulheres e os indivíduos medicados os que apresentam pior funcionalidade tanto no índice Lequesne quanto WOMAC. Observou-se pior funcionalidade em idosas portadoras de OA e que o uso de medicamentos para osteoartrite não promoveu melhora na condição funcional desses indivíduos.

En este estudio se analiza la influencia del género, de la edad y del tratamiento farmacológico para la osteoartritis (OA) en la funcionalidad de las personas mayores. Se trata de un estudio transversal, lo cual 105 personas mayores han participado de ambos géneros (Edad: 70,73±6,0 años) con OA de cadera y/o rodilla confirmado por el análisis radiográfico. Se valoró la funcionalidad bajo dos instrumentos: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) e Índice Algofuncional de Lequesne. En el análisis de datos se mostró peor funcionalidad tanto en el cuestionario Lequesne (p=0,007) como en el WOMAC (p=0,013) y en sus dominios intensidad de dolor (p=0,013), rigidez (p=0,032) y funcionalidad (p=0,018). No obstante, no se comprobaron diferencias en estos instrumentos en relación a las distintas franjas etarias o a la alteración de la articulación, de acuerdo a los indicios en la radiografía (p>0,05). Se observó que los que fueron tratados con medicamentos para la OA presentaban funcionalidad peor que los que no lo utilizaban (Lequesne, p=0,005; WOMAC, p=0,008; y dominios: intensidad de dolor, p=0,004; rigidez, p=0,007 y funcionalidad p=0,023). En el modelo multivariante, se observó que el género y el tratamiento farmacológico influyeron en la funcionalidad de las personas mayores con OA (p<0,05), siendo las mujeres y los sujetos tratados con medicamentos los que más presentaron peor funcionalidad tanto en el índice Lequesne como en el WOMAC, lo que muestra que el uso de medicamentos no mejoraron la condición funcional de estos.

The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of gender, age and pharmacological treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) on the functional status of physically independent elderly. This cross-sectional study involved 105 elder individuals from both genders (age: 68.80±6.3 years) with OA of the hip and / or knee, which was confirmed by radiographic analysis. Two specific instruments assessed functional status: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Lequesne Index. It was observed worse condition in females in Lequesne (p=0.007), global WOMAC (p=0.013), as well as in its fields: pain intensity (p=0.023), stiffness (p=0.032) and functional status (p=0.018). However, considering age and radiological status, no differences were observed between groups in all variables (p>0.05). It was observed that the individuals with pharmacological treatment for OA have poor functional status in all functional questionnaires (Lequesne, p=0.005; global WOMAC, p=0.008 as well as in specific WOMAC fields, such as Pain intensity, p=0.004; Stifness, p=0.007; and Functional status p=0.023). At multivariate modelo (multiple linear regression), it was observed that gender and pharmacological treatment may influence the functional status of elderly with OA, whereas women and medicated individuals are those showing the worse condition both in Lequesne and WOMAC indexes. It was observed worse functional status in women with osteoarthritis and pharmacological treatment evoked no improvement in functional status of these individuals.

[Analysis of the influence of pharmacotherapy on the quality of life of seniors with osteoarthritis]. / Análise da influência da farmacoterapia sobre a qualidade de vida em idosos com osteoartrite.

AIMS: This study aimed to assess the influence of pharmacotherapy on health-related quality of life of elderly with ostheoartritis. METHODS: Longitudinal study involving 91 older adults from both genders (Age: 70.36±5.57 years) from EELO project with self-reported knee or hip ostheoartritis, confirmed by radiographic analysis. Data regarding pharmacotherapy was assessed by a structured questionnaire and the quality of life was analyzed by SF-36 questionnaire at the initial moment and two years thereafter. All domains from quality of life were grouped in physical and mental components for further data analysis. RESULTS: A statistically significant decline in health-related quality of life was observed (Wilcoxon test, p<0.05). However, it was observed a slighted decline in physical components in group treated with chondroitin/glucosamine when compared to other groups, according to Kruskal-Wallis test (p=0.007). On the other hand, it was not observed any influence of pharmacological treatment on mental components of health-related quality of life (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with condroitin/glucosamin contributes to a lower decline in physical component while it had no influence on mental component of health-related quality of life in older adults with ostheoartritis.

Postural balance and physical activity in daily life (PADL) in physically independent older adults with different levels of aerobic exercise capacity.

Balance impairs with aging and may cause mobility limitations and functional decline. We aimed to evaluate postural balance and PADL in physically independent older adults with different levels of exercise capacity. One hundred fifty seven physically independent individuals, aged 60 years or older were evaluated. Postural balance assessment was performed during one-legged stance test using a force-platform and maximum exercise capacity with the incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT). PADL was assessed subjectively by the modified Baecke questionnaire and objectively using a pedometer. Based on the performance achieved in the ISWT, according to the percentage of the predicted value, the older adults were separated into 3 groups: low performance group (LP group, ISWT < 80% predicted, n = 32, 19 women), normal performance group (NP group, 80 ≤ ISWT ≤ 100% predicted, n = 30, 22 women) and high performance group (HP group, ISWT > 100% predicted, n = 95, 67 women). The HP group showed better postural balance when compared to LP groups (p < 0.001) and also higher levels of PADL measured with pedometer (p < 0.001). There was a modest correlation (r = 0.45) between exercise capacity and PADL in the LP group and a weak correlation between exercise capacity and balance (r = -28) in the HP group. Physically independent older adults with more preserved exercise capacity have better postural balance and higher levels of PADL in comparison to those older adults who show a poorer condition in terms of exercise capacity.

Neural connections between prosencephalic structures involved in vasopressin release.

1. The diagonal band (DB) and the lateral septal area (LSA) are two prosencephalic structures, which were implicated in vasopressin release. 2. The present experiment was designed to investigate neural connections between the DB and the LSA and from these nuclei to the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei, which could be related to vasopressin release. 3. For the above purpose the bidirectional neuronal tracer biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) was injected into the DB or the LSA of male Wistar rats. Five days later the animals were sacrificed and brain slices were processed and analyzed to determine neuronal projections efferent from as well as afferent to these structures. 4. Neuronal staining was more prominent in regions ipsilateral to the BDA injection site. 5. After BDA injections into the DB, efferent projections from the DB were observed at the LSA, the PVN, the prefrontal cortex, the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus, and throughout the anterior hypothalamus, but not at the SON. At the PVN, labeled varicose fibers were observed at the magnocellular portion. The DB was found to receive a massive input from the LSA. More discrete projections to the DB were originated at the prefrontal cortex and from hypothalamic neurons outside the PVN and the SON. 6. After BDA injections into the ventral portion of the LSA, efferent projections from the LSA were intense at the DB and throughout the hypothalamus. Labeled fibers were observed at the structures surrounding the SON or the PVN but not within those nuclei. 7. The results indicate a massive neural output from the LSA to the DB and the existence of a direct neural connection from the DB to the PVN. No direct connections were observed between the LSA and the magnocellular nuclei (PVN and SON) or between the DB and the SON.