Interventions aimed at increasing syphilis screening among non-pregnant individuals in healthcare settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Syphilis remains a pressing public health concern with potential severe morbidity if left untreated. To improve syphilis screening, targeted interventions are crucial, especially in at-risk populations. This systematic review synthesises studies that compare syphilis screening in the presence and absence of an intervention. A systematic search of four databases was conducted (Medline, Embase, Cinahl and Scopus). The primary outcomes evaluated included syphilis screening, re-screening and detection rates. Findings were synthesised narratively. Where multiple studies were clinically heterogenous, a pooled odds ratio was calculated. Twenty-four studies were included. A variety of interventions showed promise including clinician alerts, which increased syphilis screening rate (OR range, 1.25-1.45) and patient SMS reminders that mostly improved re-screening/re-attendance rates (OR range, 0.93-4.4). Coupling syphilis serology with routine HIV monitoring increased the proportion of HIV-positive individuals undergoing both tests. However, pooling three studies with this intervention using the outcome of syphilis detection rate yielded inconclusive results (pooled OR 1.722 [95% CI 0.721-2.723], I 2 =24.8%, P =0.264). The introduction of hospital-based packaged testing for screening high-risk individuals is unique given hospitals are not typical locations for public health initiatives. Nurse-led clinics and clinician incentives were successful strategies. Including syphilis screening with other existing programs has potential to increase screening rates (OR range, 1.06-2.08), but requires further investigation. Technology-driven interventions produced cost-effective, feasible and positive outcomes. Challenges were evident in achieving guideline-recommended screening frequencies for men who have sex with men, indicating the need for multifaceted approaches. Wider application of these interventions may improve syphilis screening and detection rates.

Impact of new diagnostic pathway for gestational diabetes in time of COVID-19.

Background: In April 2020, the diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) changed in Queensland, with the goal of reducing exposure of pregnant women to COVID-19. Methods: A retrospective clinical audit was conducted at a regional hospital to compare the incidence of GDM, and specific maternal and neonatal outcomes four months before and after the change in guidelines was implemented. Results: Less than 50% of diagnostic tests were performed according to new guidelines. There was a non-significant increase in the incidence of GDM (13.3% to 15.3%), and pharmacological treatments. Instrumental deliveries (p = 0.01) and shoulder dystocia (p = 0.04) increased following the change in guidelines. There were no differences in the incidence of elective and emergency caesarean delivery, macrosomia and fetal weight. Maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was higher in the COVID-19 GDM cohort (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Despite the change in guidelines, there was a non-significant increase in the incidence of diagnosis of gestational diabetes.

The effect of COVID-19 on medical student clinical skill practice and self-perceived proficiency.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly impacted medical education. This study aimed to determine how COVID-19 affected students' opportunity to practice core clinical skills across specialty rotations and their self-perceived proficiency at performing these. Methods: Routinely administered surveys of fifth year medical student' experiences and perceptions of medical training from 2016 to 2021 were analysed. Number of times core clinical skills were performed and self-perceived proficiency of each skill were compared pre- (years 2016-2019) and during-COVID (years 2020-2021). Results: Data from 219 surveys showed a reduction in the opportunity to perform "a cervical screen test" (p<0.001), "a mental health assessment" (p=0.006), "assess the risk of suicide" (p=0.004) and "bladder catheterisation" (p=0.007) during-COVID. Self-reported skill proficiency was also less during-COVID for performance of: "a mental health assessment" (p=0.026) and "an ECG" (p=0.035). Conclusions: The impact of COVID-19 on mental health skills was greatest, potentially due to a shift toward telehealth services and consequent reduced ability for students to engage in consultations. In a time of potential long-term change in the healthcare landscape, it is imperative to ensure adequate opportunity to practice all core clinical skills during medical training. Inclusion of telehealth earlier into the curriculum may benefit student confidence.

Genome-wide association analyses of physical activity and sedentary behavior provide insights into underlying mechanisms and roles in disease prevention.

Although physical activity and sedentary behavior are moderately heritable, little is known about the mechanisms that influence these traits. Combining data for up to 703,901 individuals from 51 studies in a multi-ancestry meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies yields 99 loci that associate with self-reported moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity during leisure time (MVPA), leisure screen time (LST) and/or sedentary behavior at work. Loci associated with LST are enriched for genes whose expression in skeletal muscle is altered by resistance training. A missense variant in ACTN3 makes the alpha-actinin-3 filaments more flexible, resulting in lower maximal force in isolated type IIA muscle fibers, and possibly protection from exercise-induced muscle damage. Finally, Mendelian randomization analyses show that beneficial effects of lower LST and higher MVPA on several risk factors and diseases are mediated or confounded by body mass index (BMI). Our results provide insights into physical activity mechanisms and its role in disease prevention.

Validation of shear wave elastography as a noninvasive measure of pelvic floor muscle stiffness.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the validity of shear wave elastography (SWE) as a measure of stiffness of the puborectalis muscle by examining: (1) the relationship between puborectalis muscle stiffness and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) activation at different intensities; and (2) the relationship between puborectalis stiffness and pelvic floor morphometry during contractions at different intensities. METHODS: Fifteen healthy asymptomatic women performed 6-s isometric PFM contractions at different intensities (0, 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of maximal voluntary contraction) guided by intravaginal electromyography (EMG). Stiffness of the puborectalis muscle was measured using SWE by calculating the average shear modulus in regions of interest that contained puborectalis muscle fibers parallel to the transducer. Pelvic floor morphometry was assessed in the mid-sagittal plane using transperineal B-mode ultrasound imaging. Shear modulus, EMG (root mean square amplitude) and pelvic floor morphometry parameters were normalized to the value recorded during maximal voluntary contraction. To assess the relationship between stiffness and pelvic floor activation/morphometry, coefficient of determination (r2 ) was calculated for each participant and a group average was computed. RESULTS: Shear modulus and EMG were highly correlated (average r2 ; left 0.90 ± 0.08, right 0.87 ± 0.15). Shear modulus also strongly correlated with bladder neck position (x-axis horizontal coordinates relative to the pubic symphysis), anorectal rectal angle and position, levator plate angle, and antero-posterior diameter of the levator hiatus (average r2 : range 0.62-0.78). CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the validity of SWE to assess puborectalis muscle stiffness in females. Stiffness measures were strongly associated with PFM EMG and pelvic floor morphometry and may be used to indirectly assess the level of activation of the puborectalis muscle without the use of more invasive techniques. By overcoming limitations of current assessment tools, this promising noninvasive and real-time technique could enable important breakthrough in the pathophysiology and management of pelvic floor disorders.

Muscle spindles of the multifidus muscle undergo structural change after intervertebral disc degeneration.

PURPOSE: Proprioceptive deficits are common in low back pain. The multifidus muscle undergoes substantial structural change after back injury, but whether muscle spindles are affected is unclear. This study investigated whether muscle spindles of the multifidus muscle are changed by intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration in a large animal model. METHODS: IVD degeneration was induced by partial thickness annulus fibrosus lesion to the L3-4 IVD in nine sheep. Multifidus muscle tissue at L4 was harvested at six months after lesion, and from six age-/sex-matched naïve control animals. Muscle spindles were identified in Van Gieson's-stained sections by morphology. The number, location and cross-sectional area (CSA) of spindles, the number, type and CSA of intrafusal fibers, and thickness of the spindle capsule were measured. Immunofluorescence assays examined Collagen I and III expression. RESULTS: Multifidus muscle spindles were located centrally in the muscle and generally near connective tissue. There were no differences in the number or location of muscle spindles after IVD degeneration and only changes in the CSA of nuclear chain fibers. The thickness of connective tissue surrounding the muscle spindle was increased as was the expression of Collagen I and III. CONCLUSION: Changes to the connective tissue and collagen expression of the muscle spindle capsule are likely to impact their mechanical properties. Changes in capsule stiffness may impact the transmission of length change to muscle spindles and thus transduction of sensory information. This change in muscle spindle structure may explain some of the proprioceptive deficits identified with low back pain.

A study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of ice to reduce the pain of immunisation: The ICE trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Vaccine injections commonly cause iatrogenic pain. Ice may reduce pain. This is a study protocol for a prospective randomised controlled trial aiming to investigate the efficacy of ice packs to decrease vaccine-related pain in adults. METHOD: The intervention group (n = 45) will receive ice packs (0 °C) and the control group (n = 45) receive placebo cold packs (10 °C) on the injection site for 30 seconds prior to vaccination. RESULTS: The primary outcomes will test the hypothesis that applying an ice pack will significantly reduce pain of vaccination when compared with a cold pack. The primary dependent variable will be pain score recorded on a visual analogue scale. Secondary outcomes aim to assess potential adverse reactions. The main analysis of data will follow the intention-to-treat principle. The primary dependent variable will be compared using an independent t-test or a Mann-Whitney U test. Multivariable logistic regression analysis may be used. DISCUSSION: The trial may guide general practitioners in the use of ice packs to reduce injection-related pain in adults.

Risk factors for low back pain outcome: Does it matter when they are measured?

BACKGROUND: The early identification of factors that increase risk of poor recovery from acute low back pain (LBP) is critical to prevent the transition to chronicity. Although most studies of risk factors for poor outcome in LBP tend to investigate the condition once it is already persistent, there is evidence to suggest that this differs from risk factors measured during the early-acute stage. This study aimed to identify early risk factors for poor outcome in the short- and long-term in individuals with acute LBP, and to compare this with factors identified at 3 months in the same cohort. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-three individuals were recruited within 2 weeks of an acute LBP episode and completed questionnaires related to their sociodemographic, psychological, clinical and history/treatment status at baseline and 3 months later, and their pain-level fortnightly for 12 months. RESULTS: Of the 133 participants recruited, follow-up data were provided by 120 at 3 months, 97 at 6 months, 85 at 9 months and 94 at 12 months. Linear regression identified various factors at baseline (acute phase) and 3 months later that predicted short- and long-term outcome (pain level, change in pain). Key findings were that: (1) depressive symptoms at baseline most consistently predicted worse outcome; (2) psychological factors in general at 3 months were more predictive of outcome than when measured at baseline; (3) early health care utilization predicted better outcome, whereas use of pain medication later (3 months) predicted worse outcome; and (4) sex and BMI predicted outcome inconsistently over 12-months. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the multidimensional nature of risk factors for poor outcome in LBP and the need to consider time variation in these factors. Significance This study attempts to consider the impact of time variation of candidate risk factors on long-term outcome from the very early onset of acute low back pain. Risk factors across domains (sociodemographic, psychological, clinical, history/treatment) were identified, but their relationship with outcome often depended on when (acute phase vs. 3 months later) they were measured after back pain onset. Findings highlight the need to consider both a diverse range of factors and their potential time variance when assessing risk of poor outcome.

International comparison of guidelines for management of impetigo: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Impetigo is a common superficial skin infection that affects people worldwide and is usually treated with antibiotics; therefore, its management has implications for global antibiotic stewardship. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and narrative synthesis compares and contrasts international impetigo management guidelines. METHODS: Guidelines for treatment of impetigo that were produced by a national authority; available to primary care physicians; and published since 2008 were included. Following a comprehensive search strategy, data extraction from eligible studies was performed independently in duplicate. Details of antiseptic and antibiotic treatment; methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus treatment; and conservative management and preventative measures were tabulated and analysed descriptively. RESULTS: Fifty-one guidelines were included from 42 different countries. All guidelines recommended systemic antibiotics, 78% of these only for widespread lesions or failure of topical antibiotic treatment. The first-line systemic antibiotic treatment was restricted to narrow-spectrum options in 21 (41%) whilst 7 (14%) recommended only broad-spectrum antibiotics first-line. Thirty-four (67%) guidelines included recommendations for topical antibiotic use. Twenty guidelines (39%) did not mention antiseptic treatment for impetigo. Guidelines did not always provide clear indications for different treatment options. CONCLUSIONS: Despite potentially equal efficacy to systemic antibiotics, only two-thirds of guidelines include topical antibiotic options. Many fail to include recommendations for non-antibiotic treatments such as antiseptics, preventative measures and conservative management, despite potential for antibiotic-sparing. Provision of clear definitions of disease severity and indications for treatment would enhance the ability of clinicians to adhere to recommendations. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42018117770.

Characterisation of motor cortex organisation in patients with different presentations of persistent low back pain.

Persistence of low back pain is thought to be associated with different underlying pain mechanisms, including ongoing nociceptive input and central sensitisation. We hypothesised that primary motor cortex (M1) representations of back muscles (a measure of motor system adaptation) would differ between pain mechanisms, with more consistent observations in individuals presumed to have an ongoing contribution of nociceptive input consistently related to movement/posture. We tested 28 participants with low back pain sub-grouped by the presumed underlying pain mechanisms: nociceptive pain, nociplastic pain and a mixed group with features consistent with both. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to study M1 organisation of back muscles. M1 maps of multifidus (deep and superficial) and longissimus erector spinae were recorded with fine-wire electromyography and thoracic erector spinae with surface electromyography. The nociplastic pain group had greater variability in M1 map location (centre of gravity) than other groups (p < .01), which may suggest less consistency, and perhaps relevance, of motor cortex adaptation for that group. The mixed group had greater overlap of M1 representations between deep/superficial muscles than nociceptive pain (deep multifidus/longissimus: p = .001, deep multifidus/thoracic erector spinae: p = .008) and nociplastic pain (deep multifidus/longissimus: p = .02, deep multifidus/thoracic erector spinae: p = .02) groups. This study provides preliminary evidence of differences in M1 organisation in subgroups of low back pain classified by likely underlying pain mechanisms. Despite the sample size, differences in cortical re-organisation between subgroups were detected. Differences in M1 organisation in subgroups of low back pain supports tailoring of treatment based on pain mechanism and motor adaptation.

Feasibility Study for a Randomised Controlled Trial for the Topical Treatment of Impetigo in Australian General Practice.

Impetigo affects millions of children worldwide. Most guidelines recommend antibiotics as first-line treatment; however, topical antiseptics present a potentially valuable, understudied, antibiotic-sparing treatment for mild impetigo. We aimed to determine the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing efficacy of soft white paraffin (SWP), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and mupirocin for mild impetigo. Participants were recruited from general practices and randomly assigned one of three treatments. Size and number of lesions were measured at the initial consultation and day six. Post-recruitment, interviews with general practitioners were transcribed and themes identified to determine protocol acceptability, recruitment barriers and avenues to improve delivery. Two participants received SWP (n = 1) and mupirocin (n = 1). Both commenced oral antibiotics following failure of assigned topical treatment in which lesions increased in size or number. Recruitment barriers included reduced presentation of impetigo due to COVID-19, pre-treatment with existing at-home medications and moderate/severe infection. Childcare centers and pharmacies were identified as alternative venues to improve the recruitment rate. Valuable insight was gained into the practicality of conducting a RCT of impetigo treatments in general practice. Future trials should consider recruiting outside of general practice clinics to capture patients at earlier, more mild stages of infection. Further investigation into the prevalence and impact of use of at-home expired antibiotics may be beneficial.

A Randomised Controlled Trial of Ice to Reduce the Pain of Immunisation-The ICE Trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: vaccine injections are a common cause of iatrogenic pain and anxiety, contributing to non-compliance with scheduled vaccinations. With injection-related pain being recognised as a barrier to vaccination uptake in both adults and children, it is important to investigate strategies to effectively reduce immunisation pain. This prospective randomised controlled trial investigated the effects of applying an ice pack on vaccine-related pain in adults. METHODS: medical students receiving the flu vaccination were randomised to receive an ice pack (intervention) or placebo cold pack (control) at the injection site for 30 s prior to needle insertion. Immediate post-vaccination pain (VAS) and adverse reactions in the proceeding 24 h were recorded. RESULTS: pain scores between the intervention (n = 19) and control groups (n = 16) were not statistically significant (intervention: median pain VAS = 7.00, IQR = 18; control: median pain VAS = 11, IQR = 14 (p = 0.26). There were no significant differences in the number of adverse events between the two groups (site pain p = 0.18; localised swelling (p = 0.67); bruising p = 0.09; erythema p = 0.46). DISCUSSION: ice did not reduce vaccination-related pain compared to cold packs. COVID-19 related restrictions impacted participant recruitment, rendering the study insufficiently powered to draw conclusions about the results.

Effect of a Consumer-Focused Website for Low Back Pain on Health Literacy, Treatment Choices, and Clinical Outcomes: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The internet is used for information related to health conditions, including low back pain (LBP), but most LBP websites provide inaccurate information. Few studies have investigated the effectiveness of internet resources in changing health literacy or treatment choices. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the MyBackPain website compared with unguided internet use on health literacy, choice of treatments, and clinical outcomes in people with LBP. METHODS: This was a pragmatic, web-based, participant- and assessor-blinded randomized trial of individuals with LBP stratified by duration. Participants were randomly allocated to have access to the evidence-based MyBackPain website, which was designed with input from consumers and expert consensus or unguided internet use. The coprimary outcomes were two dimensions of the Health Literacy Questionnaire (dimension 2: "having sufficient information to manage my health;" dimension 3: "actively managing my health;" converted to scores 1-100) at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included additional Health Literacy Questionnaire dimensions, quality of treatment choices, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 453 participants were recruited, and 321 (70.9%) completed the primary outcomes. Access to MyBackPain was not superior to unguided internet use on primary outcomes (dimension 2: mean difference -0.87 units, 95% CI -3.56 to 1.82; dimension 3: mean difference -0.41 units, 95% CI -2.78 to 1.96). Between-group differences in other secondary outcomes had inconsistent directions and were unlikely to be clinically important, although a small improvement of unclear importance in the quality of stated treatment choices at 1 month was found (mean difference 0.93 units, 95% CI 0.03 to 1.84). CONCLUSIONS: MyBackPain was not superior to unguided internet use for health literacy, but data suggest some short-term improvement in treatment choices. Future research should investigate if greater interactivity and engagement with the website may enhance its impact. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12617001292369; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=372926. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027516.

Rheumatic heart disease in pregnancy and neonatal outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Associations between rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in pregnancy and fetal outcomes are relatively unknown. This study aimed to review rates and predictors of major adverse fetal outcomes of RHD in pregnancy. METHODS: Medline (Ovid), Pubmed, EMcare, Scopus, CINAHL, Informit, and WHOICTRP databases were searched for studies that reported rates of adverse perinatal events in women with RHD during pregnancy. Outcomes included preterm birth, intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR), low-birth weight (LBW), perinatal death and percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty intervention. Meta-analysis of fetal events by the New-York Heart Association (NYHA) heart failure classification, and the Mitral-valve Area (MVA) severity score was performed with unadjusted random effects models and heterogeneity of risk ratios (RR) was assessed with the I2 statistic. Quality of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020161529). FINDINGS: The search identified 5949 non-duplicate records of which 136 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility and 22 studies included, 11 studies were eligible for meta-analyses. In 3928 pregnancies, high rates of preterm birth (9.35%-42.97%), LBW (12.98%-39.70%), IUGR (6.76%-22.40%) and perinatal death (0.00%-9.41%) were reported. NYHA III/IV pre-pregnancy was associated with higher rates of preterm birth (5 studies, RR 2.86, 95%CI 1.54-5.33), and perinatal death (6 studies, RR 3.23, 1.92-5.44). Moderate /severe mitral stenosis (MS) was associated with higher rates of preterm birth (3 studies, RR 2.05, 95%CI 1.02-4.11) and IUGR (3 studies, RR 2.46, 95%CI 1.02-5.95). INTERPRETATION: RHD during pregnancy is associated with adverse fetal outcomes. Maternal NYHA III/IV and moderate/severe MS in particular may predict poor prognosis.

Depression, anxiety and stress among patients with inflammatory bowel disease during the COVID-19 pandemic: Australian national survey.

BACKGROUND: The global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on the mental health of individuals, particularly those with chronic illnesses. We aimed to quantify stress, anxiety and depression among individuals with Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Australia during the pandemic. METHODS: An electronic survey was made available to IBD patients Australia-wide from 17 June to 12 July 2020. Respondents with an underlying diagnosis of IBD and over 18 years of age were included. A validated questionnaire (Depression, Anxiety, Stress Score-21, DASS21) was used to assess depression, anxiety and stress. Data on potential predictors of depression, anxiety and stress were collected. RESULTS: 352 participated in the survey across Australia. 60.5% of respondents fulfilled DASS criteria for at least moderate depression, anxiety or stress. 45% reported a pre-existing diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety. Over 2/3 of these respondents reported worsening of their pre-existing depression/anxiety due to the current pandemic. Of those without a pre-existing diagnosis of anxiety or depression, high rates of at least moderate to severe depression (34.9%), anxiety (32.0%) and stress (29.7%) were noted. Younger age (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94 to 0.98, p<0.001), lack of access to an IBD nurse (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.03 to 3.19, p=0.04) and lack of education on reducing infection risk (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.50, p=0.017) were associated with significant stress, anxiety and/or depression. CONCLUSION: High prevalence of undiagnosed depression, anxiety and stress was identified among respondents. Improved access to IBD nurse support and greater attention to education are modifiable factors that may reduce depression, anxiety and/or stress among patients with IBD during the pandemic.

Cooling to reduce the pain associated with vaccination: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Vaccine injections are the most common cause of iatrogenic pain in childhood and a cause of anxiety in adulthood. Skin cooling techniques, including icepacks and vapocoolants, may provide pain relief during intramuscular injections. OBJECTIVE: To identify the effects of skin cooling techniques on pain associated with immunisation. METHODS: MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL, EMCARE, INFORMIT and Scopus were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of skin cooling techniques on pain associated with vaccination. Study and intervention details, outcomes measures and results were extracted and risk of bias assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Due to heterogeneity of studies, a narrative synthesis was performed. RESULTS: Thirteen trials were included, involving 689 paediatric and 829 adult participants. All studies used vapocoolant or ice as one of the interventions. Comparator groups included topical EMLA cream, breastfeeding, distraction techniques and tactile stimulation. Vapocoolant reduced vaccination-related pain in all adult studies and six paediatric studies however the use of ice packs in paediatric patients was not effective. CONCLUSION: The use of cooling techniques reduces pain associated with vaccinations in adults. Paediatric studies show mixed results for vapocoolants and an inability for ice to decrease vaccine-injection pain. Larger RCTs are required to determine the most effective administration techniques and optimise the analgesic effects of skin cooling.

Cohort profile: why do people keep hurting their back?

OBJECTIVE: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most disabling and costly conditions worldwide. It remains unclear why many individuals experience persistent and recurrent symptoms after an acute episode whereas others do not. A longitudinal cohort study was established to address this problem. We aimed to; (1) evaluate whether promising and potentially modifiable biological, psychological, social and behavioural factors, along with their possible interactions, predict LBP outcome after an acute episode; (2) compare these factors between individuals with and without acute LBP; and (3) evaluate the time-course of changes in these factors from LBP onset. This paper outlines the methodology and compares baseline characteristics between acute LBP and control, and LBP participants with and without follow-up. RESULTS: 133 individuals with acute LBP and 74 pain-free individuals participated. Bio-psycho-social and behavioural measures were collected at baseline and 3-monthly for 12 months (LBP) or 3 months (control). Pain and disability were recorded fortnightly. Baseline characteristics were mostly similar between those who did and did not return for follow-up. Initial analyses of this cohort have revealed important insights into the pathways involved in acute-to-chronic LBP. These and future findings will provide new targets for treatment and prevention of persistent and recurrent LBP.

Systematic Review and Synthesis of Mechanism-based Classification Systems for Pain Experienced in the Musculoskeletal System.

OBJECTIVES: Improvements in pain management might be achieved by matching treatment to underlying mechanisms for pain persistence. Many authors argue for a mechanism-based classification of pain, but the field is challenged by the wide variation in the proposed terminology, definitions, and typical characteristics. This study aimed to (1) systematically review mechanism-based classifications of pain experienced in the musculoskeletal system; (2) synthesize and thematically analyze classifications, using the International Association for the Study of Pain categories of nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic as an initial foundation; and (3) identify convergence and divergence between categories, terminology, and descriptions of each mechanism-based pain classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Databases were searched for papers that discussed a mechanism-based classification of pain experienced in the musculoskeletal system. Terminology, definitions, underlying neurobiology/pathophysiology, aggravating/easing factors/response to treatment, and pain characteristics were extracted and synthesized on the basis of thematic analysis. RESULTS: From 224 papers, 174 terms referred to pain mechanisms categories. Data synthesis agreed with the broad classification on the basis of ongoing nociceptive input, neuropathic mechanisms, and nociplastic mechanisms (eg, central sensitization). "Mixed," "other," and the disputed categories of "sympathetic" and "psychogenic" pain were also identified. Thematic analysis revealed convergence and divergence of opinion on the definitions, underlying neurobiology, and characteristics. DISCUSSION: Some pain categories were defined consistently, and despite the extensive efforts to develop global consensus on pain definitions, disagreement still exists on how each could be defined, subdivided, and their characteristic features that could aid differentiation. These data form a foundation for reaching consensus on classification.

Design, Delivery, Maintenance, and Outcomes of Peer-to-Peer Online Support Groups for People With Chronic Musculoskeletal Disorders: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Online support groups (OSGs) are one way for people with chronic diseases, their family or friends, and health professionals to communicate, gain information, and provide social support. As the number of peer-to-peer OSGs for chronic musculoskeletal conditions grows, it is important to gain insight into the different designs of groups available, who is accessing them, if and how they may be effective, and what strategies are being used to implement or increase consumer engagement. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this systematic review of people with musculoskeletal conditions were to (1) describe the design features (functions, usage options, moderation, and expert input) of peer-to-peer OSGs, (2) describe the characteristics of the individuals using peer-to-peer OSGs, (3) synthesize the evidence on outcomes of participation, and (4) identify strategies used in the delivery and maintenance of OSGs. METHODS: A search comprising terms related to the population (people with musculoskeletal disorders) and the intervention (peer-to-peer OSGs) was conducted in 6 databases. Results were filtered from 1990 (internet inception) to February 2019. Studies identified in the search were screened according to predefined eligibility criteria using a 2-step process. Quantitative studies were appraised by 2 reviewers using the Risk Of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions tool. Qualitative studies were appraised by 2 different reviewers using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Extracted data were synthesized narratively. RESULTS: We examined 21 studies with low to moderate risk of bias. Of these studies, 13 studies included OSGs hosted on public platforms, 11 studies examined OSGs that were conducted in English, and 6 studies used moderators or peer leaders to facilitate engagement. Studies either reported the number of OSG members (n=1985 across all studies) or the number of posts (range: 223-200,000). The majority of OSG members were females who were not full-time employees and with varied levels of education. There were no randomized controlled trials measuring the efficacy of OSGs. Qualitative and quantitative studies identified empowerment, social support, self-management behavior, and health literacy as primary constructs to measure OSG efficacy. Neutral or marginal improvement was reported in these constructs. Sharing experiences and a greater level of engagement appeared to have an important influence on OSGs efficacy. The extent to which members posted on the website influenced engagement. CONCLUSIONS: Across a diverse range of designs, languages, included features, and delivery platforms, peer-to-peer OSGs for chronic musculoskeletal conditions attract predominantly female participants of all ages and education levels. The level of participation of a member appears to be related to their perceived benefit, health literacy, and empowerment. Future studies are needed to identify which design and maintenance strategies have superior efficacy and whether there are concomitant improvements in health outcomes for people with chronic musculoskeletal conditions resulting from participation in OSGs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42018090326; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42018090326.

Do features of randomized controlled trials of pelvic floor muscle training for postprostatectomy urinary incontinence differentiate successful from unsuccessful patient outcomes? A systematic review with a series of meta-analyses.

AIMS: Efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for postprostatectomy incontinence (PPI) differs between randomized clinical trials (RCT). This might be explained by variation in content/delivery of PFMT (eg, biofeedback, muscles targeted, and time of commencement of training). This review investigated whether outcome of meta-analysis differs based on presence or not of specific RCT features. METHODS: PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and Cochrane were searched for RCTs that investigated efficacy of PFMT on PPI. PFMT details and outcomes were extracted. Methodological quality and comprehensiveness of PFMT reporting was assessed using the PEDro scale and Consensus on Reporting Template, respectively. Effect size and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for incontinence rate at 3 months. To identify features that influenced efficacy, separate meta-analyses were performed for studies with and without specific features. RESULTS: Twenty-two trials were included, and 15 were used for meta-analysis of 3-month outcomes. Overall, meta-analysis showed reduced incontinence with PFMT (risk ratio [RR] = 0.85; I2 = 55%; P = .005). Meta-analyses showed better outcomes for PFMT than control groups when the study included preoperative PFMT (RR = 0.76; I2 = 30%; P = .006), biofeedback (RR = 0.73; I2 = 58%; P = .006), instruction to contract around the urethra (RR = 0.9; I2 = 43%; P = .009), a control group without PFMT instruction (RR = 0.85; I2 = 69%; P = .05), inclusion of all men irrespective of continence status (RR = 0.84; I2 = 30%; P = .003) and continence defined as no leakage (RR = 0.85; I2 = 48%; P = .05). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative PFMT, biofeedback, urethral instructions, no PFMT instruction for controls, inclusion of all men, and continence defined as no leakage are features associated with successful patient outcomes. Future studies should consider these features in design of interventions and pooling data for meta-analysis.