The mouth-opening muscular performance in adults and elderlies with and without dysphagia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize mouth-opening muscular performance (MOMP) in adults and elderly individuals with dysphagia and healthy controls. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from inception to Jan. 26, 2023. Two independent researchers considered the titles, abstracts, and full texts of potentially eligible papers from 1451 search results. Twenty-five studies that evaluated mouth-opening maximal strength (MOMS) in healthy adults, elderly individuals, and patients with dysphagia met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: We found comparable, reliable values with significant sex differences in maximal mouth opening strength (MMOS) in the meta-analysis for healthy elderly patients (females 5.31 ± 0.47 kg vs. males 7.04 ± 0.70 kg; mean difference of 0.84 kg). Age has also emerged as an essential factor in reducing strength. There was a significant reduction in the MMOS score in the only study that compared dysphagic individuals to healthy elderly individuals. In another study, the MMOS score was comparable to the meta-analysis of healthy elderly individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Both sex and age play significant roles in the MMOS. There is no reliable data on the normal mouth-opening strength and endurance of healthy adults, patients with dysphagia, or individuals with other relevant clinical problems.

Physical and psychosocial work demands associated with pain and disability among skilled male Arab waiters.

BACKGROUND: Physical and psychosocial demands (e.g., serving, cleaning, fulfilling orders) can lead to work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMSP). OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of WRMSP in the upper quadrant and lower back among skilled male Arab waiters; to evaluate the disability related to WRMSP; to evaluate the association between work demands and WRMSP with related disability. METHODS: 100 skilled male Arab waiters working full-time, aged 18-60, participated in the cross-sectional study. Participants completed basic demographics and working conditions; the NDI; QuickDASH; the OswestryQ; workload, burnout, and job satisfaction at work; the adjusted NordicQ; and the TaskQ, compiled especially for this study. RESULTS: A 12-month pain prevalence, pain frequency, and work avoidance were high: neck- 42%, 60.5%, 89.5% ; shoulders -53%, 78.2%, 94.4% ; elbows- 46%, 78.6%, 83.3% ; lower back- 45%, 44%, 78.7%, respectively. Pain prevalence in at least one site was 83% . The OswestryQ, QuickDASH, and NDI revealed mild-moderate pain and disability (14.85/50, 25.54/75, 13.74/50, respectively). Burnout score was positively associated with OswestryQ, QuickDASH, and NDI. Job satisfaction was negatively associated with 12 months of pain in the lower back, hands, arms, shoulders, and hands (NordicQ). TaskQ was positively associated with OswestryQ. CONCLUSION: Male Arab waiters who work in physically and psychologically challenging conditions report high levels of WRMSP with a high frequency and related work avoidance. Many of them must keep their jobs as they are their families' primary or sole providers. It is possible that they are trying to prevent more severe disabilities in the future by ensuring temporary rest and pain prevention.

The Effects of Brief Guided Imagery on Patients Suffering From Chronic Back Pain: An A-B Design Study.

BACKGROUND: Guided imagery (GI) is a non-pharmacological method used to reduce pain, stress, and anxiety. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of brief GI on symptoms of chronic back pain in adults treated in the Rheumatology clinic. DESIGN: A-B design study. SETTINGS & PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 35 women with chronic back pain were recruited at the Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic of Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon, Israel. METHODS: All subjects completed questionnaires at recruitment (T1), and after 8-10 weeks, they completed questionnaires again before the first intervention (T2). The intervention included five brief GI group meetings every 2-3 weeks, one hour each (3-5 subjects per group). Participants learned 6 GI exercises and were asked to practice brief guided imagery exercises at least once daily. Then, questionnaires were completed the third time (T3). OUTCOME MEASURES: MOQ - Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, STAI - State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, FABQ - Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, NPRS - Numerical Pain Rating Scale (average pain over the last week). RESULTS: Compared with the period without intervention, NPRS (Δ = 2.53, standard error [SE] = 0.43, p < .001), STAI (Δ = 8.41, SE = 1.95, p < .001), and MOQ (Δ = 0.06, SE = 0.02, p = .019) reported significantly lower levels after brief guided imagery training. However, no statistically significant change was found in FABQ. CONCLUSIONS: The brief guided imagery intervention may help alleviate chronic back pain, help decrease anxiety, and improve daily activity in women who suffer from chronic low back pain.

Physical Rehabilitation of Motor Functional Neurological Disorders: A Narrative Review.

Functional Neurological Disorders (FNDs) are one of the most common and disabling neurological disorders, affecting approximately 10-30% of patients in neurology clinics. FNDs manifest as a range of motor, sensory, and cognitive symptoms that are not explained by organic disease. This narrative review aims to assess the current state of knowledge in physical-based rehabilitation for motor/movement FNDs in the adult population, with the goal of improving research and medical care for this patient population. To ensure optimal outcomes for patients, it is critical to consider several domains pertaining to FNDs, including which field of discipline they should belong to, how to investigate and test, methods for rating outcome measures, and optimal courses of treatment. In the past, FNDs were primarily treated with psychiatric and psychological interventions. However, recent literature supports the inclusion of physical rehabilitation in the treatment of FNDs. Specifically, physical-based approaches tailored to FNDs have shown promising results. This review utilized a comprehensive search of multiple databases and inclusion criteria to identify relevant studies.

Hospital-Based Rehabilitation of Patients Who Had Undergone an Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of the Ribs Due to a Flail Chest: Case Series.

Flail chest, a severe chest injury, is caused by multiple rib fractures. The open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of rib fractures is an effective treatment; however, the patients' subsequent condition remains unsatisfactory in terms of the activities of daily living (ADL) and pain. No research study has, as yet, reported on hospital-based rehabilitation of patients who had undergone an ORIF. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of hospital-based rehabilitation of flail chest post-ORIF patients. Physical therapists assessed the pain, functional independence measure (FIM), and the Berg balance test. A total of three females and four males (mean age 59.43 ± 18.88) were hospitalized. A significant reduction in pain was observed (7.00 ± 1.83 upon admission to 4.10 ± 2.05 pre-discharge (Z = -2.07, p = 0.027). A significant improvement in FIM (69.43 ± 14.86 upon admission to 113.57 ± 6.40 pre-discharge, Z = -2.37, p = 0.018), and the Berg balance test (35.23 ± 5.87 upon admission to 49.50 ± 3.40 pre-discharge, Z = -2.37, p = 0.018), was observed. Upon admission, all the patients required moderate to complete ADL assistance. Upon discharge, all were independent for all ADL functions. Patients after flail chest post-ORIF can benefit from hospital-based rehabilitation.

A Combination of Long-Duration Electrical Stimulation with External Shoulder Support during Routine Daily Activities in Patients with Post-Hemiplegic Shoulder Subluxation: A Randomized Controlled Study.

The study objective was to determine the effect of long-duration neuromuscular electric stimulation (NMES) on shoulder subluxation and upper-extremity function during the acute post-stroke stage. Twenty-eight subjects (mean age ± standard deviation -70.0 ± 14.0 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental or to a control group receiving NMES to the supraspinatus and posterior deltoid muscles or sham treatment for 6 weeks. All the subjects continued standard rehabilitation and external shoulder support (EST). Assessments were conducted pre- and post-intervention and at a 2 week follow-up session by an assessor blind to group allocation. Outcome measures included the degree of shoulder subluxation, Fugl-Meyer assessment-upper extremity (FMA-UE) test, FMA-hand and finger subscales, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and shoulder pain (using the Numeric Pain Rate Scale). Shoulder subluxation was significantly lower, while the FMA-UE and FMA-hand and finger subscales were significantly improved in the experimental group post-intervention and at follow-up compared to the control group. FIM at follow-up improved more in the experimental group. No change was observed in pain level in both groups. Supplementing NMES to standard rehabilitation and EST is beneficial in reducing shoulder subluxation and improving upper-extremity function. Further research is necessary to determine effect of longer treatment duration and longer follow-up periods.

Optimal bed height for passive manual tasks.

PURPOSE: To determine bed height adjustment for maintaining neutral lumbar position as a function of anthropometric dimensions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 80 physical therapy students performed passive shoulder flexion and straight leg raising tasks on standard versus the adjustable bed. The lumbar angle was measured at the start and finish of tasks. The rate of perceived exertion was measured immediately after each task. The most comfortable bed height in relation to some anatomical landmarks was measured. RESULTS: Mean bed height for shoulder flexion tasks was significantly higher than for straight leg raising. The mean adjusted bed heights for both tasks were significantly higher and with less exertion felt by the participants, compared to the standard bed height (0.715 m). The third knuckle of the hand and the radial styloid process of the wrist were established as the most valuable anthropometric landmarks for bed height adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: The above landmarks are recommended to maintain a neutral lumbar position while adjusting bed heights for manual tasks. Each manual task requires adjustment of the bed height. Further studies are needed to confirm our results.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and injuries among emergency medical technicians and paramedics: A comprehensive narrative review.

The aim of this article was to review the current knowledge relating to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) and non-fatal injuries in emergency medical technicians and paramedics (EMTs-Ps). A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Clinical Key. The annual prevalence of back pain ranged from 30% to 66%, and back injuries and contusions from 4% to 43%. Falls, slips, trips, and overexertion while lifting or carrying patients or instruments ranged from 10% to 56%, with overexertion being the most common injury. Risk factors were predominantly lifting, working in awkward postures, loading patients into the ambulance, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures. Lack of job satisfaction and social support was associated with WRMDs and injuries. EMTs-Ps had the highest rate of worker compensation claim rates compared to other healthcare professionals. Positive ergonomic intervention results included electrically powered stretchers, backboard wheeler, descent control system, and the transfer sling.

The effect of vitamin D deficiency and supplementation on urinary incontinence: scoping review.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Vitamin D receptors are found in skeletal and smooth muscle cells throughout the body, specifically in the bladder detrusor muscle. We reviewed the current literature on the association between vitamin D deficiency and urinary incontinence (UI), and whether vitamin D supplementation plays a role in the treatment of UI symptoms. METHODS: We performed a scoping review of all available studies. PubMed, Google Scholar, and PEDro databases were searched from inception until August 2020 with the keywords "urinary incontinence," "pelvic floor disorders," "lower urinary tract symptoms," "overactive bladder," and various terms for vitamin D. No language restrictions were imposed. The reference lists of all retrieved articles were also searched. RESULTS: The search revealed 12 studies of different research methodologies after elimination. In 6 out of the 7 cross-sectional studies reviewed, a significant association between vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency and the onset and severity of UI was found. In 2 out of the 3 prospective studies included, no association between vitamin D intake and UI was found; however, both randomized controlled trials that were reviewed found that vitamin D supplementation is effective for the treatment of UI. CONCLUSIONS: The existing literature supports an association between low levels of serum vitamin D and UI. Initial evidence regarding the effect of vitamin D supplementation on UI is accumulating, yet additional, comprehensive research is warranted to establish these findings.

Upper Quadrant Pain and Disability Associated with a Cross-Sectional Area of Deep and Superficial Neck Muscles: A Computed Tomography Study.

STUDY DESIGN: An analytical cross-sectional computed tomography (CT) study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of the cross-sectional area (CSA) and density of neck muscles (sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius, levator scapulae, anterior scalene, longus coli, longus capitis) with upper quadrant pain and disability. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Neck pain, a common condition, causes substantial disability to individuals. The deep cervical flexor muscles are impaired in persons with neck pain. These muscles play a greater role in maintaining stable head postures, whereas, superficial muscles are responsible for peak exertions and reinforcing spinal stability at terminal head postures. METHODS: Two hundred thirty consecutive individuals suffering from neck pain were referred to CT scans; 124/230 complied with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects were interviewed and the measurements of the CSA and muscle density were extracted from the scans. RESULTS: Muscles associated with quick disability of the arms, shoulders, and hand questionnaire (QDASH) were the lateral posterior group (LPG) CSA C3-C4 on the right side (beta = -0.31, P = 0.029); the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) CSA C3-C4 on the left side (beta = 0.29, P = 0.031); the LPG CSA C3-C4 on the left side (beta = -0.49, P = 0.000); the LCM CSA C5-C6 on the right side (beta = -0.19, P = 0.049); the LPG CSA C5-C6 on the right side (beta = -0.36, P = 0.012); and the LPG CSA C5-C6 on the left side (beta = -0.42, P = 0.002). Further analyses with radiculopathy acting as an augmenting/enhancing variable (moderator), showed an increase in the model strength (r2 = 0.25) with a stronger prediction of pain and disability. Muscle measurements did not predict neck disability index (NDI) scores. CONCLUSION: By using an accurate measuring tool, we found an association of the deep and superficial neck muscles' CSA with upper extremities' pain and disability. When performing manual work, a special load is placed on the shoulders and neck muscles. Future research should focus on examining the effectiveness of exercise-type intervention programs to strengthen the deep neck and upper extremities' muscles in order to prevent muscle fatigue.Level of Evidence: 2.

The Effect of Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation on Males with Sexual Dysfunction: A Narrative Review.

INTRODUCTION: Increasing evidence has suggested that pelvic floor exercises and manual physical therapy may improve premature ejaculation (PE) and erectile dysfunction (ED) in males. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of pelvic floor physical therapy treatment in men suffering from PE and ED. METHODS: We searched Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, PEDro databases from inception till January 2020 applying the following keywords: pelvic floor, erectile dysfunction, impotence, physiotherapy, exercises, rehabilitation, and pelvic floor muscle exercises. RESULTS: The review included 37 papers reporting on PE and ED, of which 5 were randomized controlled trials, 2 meta-analyses, and 4 observational studies. Pelvic floor physical therapy treatment included education and rehabilitation. The rehabilitation part encompassed manual therapy techniques that contribute to the normalization of muscle tone and improvement of muscle relaxation. Moreover, exercises, according to the patients' clinical assessment were presented. Most of the studies reported that by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs), ED and PE can be improved if manual physical therapy treatments are combined with PFM training. CONCLUSIONS: A multifaceted approach should be chosen by physical therapists when evaluating and treating ED and PE and contending with both musculoskeletal dysfunction and behavioral contributions. It is recommended that exercises be monitored and situations involving, that is, hyperactivity/increased tone of the PFMs should be avoided. PFM training is simple, safe, and noninvasive; therefore, it should be a preferred approach in the management of ED and PE. This paper presents narrative reviews with a potential bias that systematic reviews or meta-analyses do not have, however, we strove to be all-encompassing and unbiased. There is a demand for high-quality scientific reviews examining the effectiveness of PFM training, manual therapy, and the rationale of pelvic floor physical therapy, in general, in treating individuals with PE and ED. Yaacov D, Nelinger G, Kalichman L. The Effect of Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation on Males with Sexual Dysfunction: A Narrative Review. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:162-167.

Developing a grading scale for the evaluation of degenerative changes in uncovertebral (Luschka) joints.

The study aimed to develop a grading scale for evaluating degenerative changes in uncovertebral joints (UVJs) found on computed tomography (CT) scans, and assess the intra- and inter-rater reliability of this scale. The study included 50 subjects (average age 55.12 ± 13.76 years) referred for CT examinations due to cervical complaints. Three researchers developed a reading protocol using a semiquantitative grading scale of UVJ degenerative changes. CTs were read and reread several times to refine the protocol. Subsequently, the reader read and reread 20 CTs (C3-C7 bilateral, altogether 200 UVJs) 2 weeks apart in order to assess the intra-rater reliability. The second reader, after the training, read the same 20 CTs (yet, C4-C6 bilateral, altogether 120 UVJs) in order to assess the inter-rater reliability. The additional 30 CTs were evaluated to analyze the prevalence and associations between the studied parameters. The final grading scale included joint space narrowing, osteophyte, subchondral sclerosis, subchondral cyst, hypertrophy, cortical erosion, and vacuum phenomenon. The intra-rater agreement ranged from very good in joint space narrowing (k = 0.757), osteophyte grade (k = 0.748), subchondral cyst (k = 0.716), hypertrophy (k = 0.728), vacuum phenomenon (k = 0.712) to good (k = 0.544) in subchondral sclerosis, and fair in cortical erosion (k = 0.36). For the overall UVJ degeneration grade, the intra-rater agreement was very good (k = 0.616) and the inter-rater reliability was good (k = 0.468). 77.6% of the evaluated UVJs exhibited some degenerative changes. Our grading scale is the first to evaluate UVJs presenting good-very good intra-rater and inter-rater reliability which can be utilized in further clinical studies and assess degenerative changes in UVJs.

Effect of Guided Imagery on Pain and Health-Related Quality of Life in Musculoskeletal Medicine: a Comprehensive Narrative Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Guided imagery (GI) is a non-pharmacological method used to reduce pain, stress, and anxiety. No comprehensive review has yet investigated the application of GI in musculoskeletal medicine, its various types, and potential mechanisms. The aim of this comprehensive narrative review was to examine the types of GI used in musculoskeletal medicine and GI effect on pain and health-related quality of life. RECENT FINDINGS: A comprehensive narrative review of the English language scientific literature. PubMed, Google Scholar, ProQuest, and PEDro databases were searched from inception until August 2020 using keywords related to GI, musculoskeletal disorders, pain, and health-related quality of life. The search results generated 133 articles. After a critical analysis, 12 publications were included in this review. GI characteristics and protocols varied significantly between studies. Based on the reviewed studies, we advocate GI as a safe, non-invasive technique that can assist in managing pain, depression, stress, fatigue, anxiety, reducing medication use, improving general well-being, wellness, and quality of life in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. We recommend further investigations of GI mechanisms.

A comprehensive approach to risk factors for upper arm morbidities following breast cancer treatment: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer surgery frequently causes deficiencies in shoulder functioning. The study pourpode is to identify risk factors for prolonged pain, reduction in function, and decrease in range of motion (ROM) in BC patients. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was designed in a private hospital; between October 2018 and April 2019 with a follow-up of 6 months. Patients following BC surgery, were divided by arm morbidities, and the different risk facrors were evaluated using univariate analysis and logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 157 patients were included in the study. Risk factors for functional disabilities included; pain levels during hospitalization NPRS 1.2 (±0.8) compared to patients with no disabilities 0.5 ± 0.7 (p = .006), the size of tumors more than 1.4 ± 0.8 cm. compared with no morbidities 0.8 ± 0.9 cm. (p = .046), and breast reconstructions (p = .030). Risk factors for prolonged pain includes mastectomy (p = .006), breast reconstruction (p = .011), more than three dissected lymph nodes (p = .002), the presence of preoperative pain (p < .001), in-hospital pain (p < .001), axillary web syndrome (p < .001) and lymphedema (p < .001). Risk factors for decreased ROM were more than three dissected lymph nodes (p = .027), radiation (p = .018), and the size of dissected tissue (p = .035). Postoperative physical therapy appears to reduce the incidence of prolonged pain (p = .013) and regular physical activity may reduce long term functional disabilities (p = .021). CONCLUSIONS: Upper arm morbidity following BC treatments affect up to 70% of the patients. Identifying the different risk and beneficial factors may improve awareness among physicians to refer patients to early rehabilitation programs and thus avoid chronic morbidity and improve the course of recovery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered in Clinical trial with the ID number: NCT03389204 .

Deep fascia as a potential source of pain: A narrative review.

BACKGROUND: The fascial component of the myofascial pain syndrome and the contribution of the deep fascia to various painful conditions has not been well-described and is still less understood. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to evaluate the possible role of the deep fascia on musculoskeletal pain, focusing on findings from histological and experimental studies; and to assess the nociceptive and associated responses of the deep fascia to experimentally-induced irritation. METHODS: Narrative review of the English scientific literature. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Different components of the deep fascia, both in humans and animals are richly innervated, with some differences between body segments. These fascial components usually exhibit dense innervation, encompassing amongst others, nociceptive afferents. The application of different types of stimuli, i.e., electrical, mechanical, and chemical to these fascial components produces long-lasting pain responses. In some cases, the intensity and severity of pain produced by the stimulation of fascia were higher than ones produced by the stimulation of the related muscular tissue. These observations may denote that the deep fascia and its various components could be a source of pain in different pathologies and various pain syndromes.

A pilot study evaluating the effect of early physical therapy on pain and disabilities after breast cancer surgery: Prospective randomized control trail.

BACKGROUND: Morbidity of the shoulders after breast cancer (BC) surgery is a common side effect that includes; persistent pain, function limitation, and decreased range of motion (ROM). This study examines the effect of early physical therapy (PT) and patient's education on these morbidities. METHODS: A prospective, randomized clinical trial was conducted at a single medical center from October 2018 until April 2019. Women scheduled for breast cancer surgery were divided into intervention or control as standard care. The intervention included a PT treatment that included exercise instructions from the first postoperative day. Pain levels, upper limb function, ROM, and complications were measured. RESULTS: The study includes 157 women (mean age, 52.2 ± 12.9). Early PT reduced pain levels at the first month (NPRS 1.5 ± 1.2) and six months (NPRS 0.5 ± 0.8), compared with control (NPRS 2.1 ± 1.4, 1.0 ± 1.2), p = 0.019 and p = 0.011, respectively. Subdivision of the sample into small and extensive surgeries revealed additional positive effect for the intervention six months postoperatively on functional disabilities, p = 0.004 and p = 0.032 respectively. No complications attributable to the intervention were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Early PT and patient education reduces pain levels, and may improve function disabilities, without causing postoperative complications, although a larger study is needed to achieve unequivocal results.

Hebrew adaptation and validation of a clinical-quantitative method of low back pain evaluation (the BADIX).

BACKGROUND: The BackAche Disability Index (BADIX) is a 2-section test: (a) the BackAche Index encompassing 5 active back movements, evaluated on a 4-point Likert-type rating scale; (b) the morning Back Stiffness Score, choosing the most fitting statement out of 6, upon awakening. OBJECTIVE: To perform a cross-cultural adaptation and evaluate the reliability and validity of the Hebrew version of BADIX. METHODS: Translation/retranslation of the English version of the BADIX was conducted, and the cross-cultural adaptation process performed. The Hebrew version BADIX was evaluated at two meetings, two weeks apart, in 51 female nurses (40 reported back pain and 11 reported no back problems). The Rolland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ) and The Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (MODQ) were also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 45.34±11.11 years. Internal consistency calculated by the Cronbach's α coefficient was very high (α>0.9). A high degree of test-retest reliability was found, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 95% CI) of 0.933 (0.839 - 0.973), and r=0.908. Concurrent validity of the BADIX domains with the RMQ and MODQ was found statistically significant and high (ρ=0.688, RMQ, and ρ=0.674, MODQ). CONCLUSIONS: The adapted and modified Hebrew version of the BADIX is reliable and measures the pain and mobility outcome of physical impairment and morning backache stiffness. It can be employed, in addition to self-reported outcome measures, by clinicians and researchers in quantitatively evaluating the clinical status and progression of patients with lower back pain in Hebrew-speaking populations.

The effect of a preoperative physical therapy education program on short-term outcomes of patients undergoing elective total hip arthroplasty: A controlled prospective clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a preoperative physical therapy education program on the shortterm outcomes of patients undergoing elective Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: A prospective, parallel-group controlled clinical trial was conducted from September 2016 to July 2018. Fifty patients who were scheduled for a first elective THA procedure were recruited and were equally allocated into one of two groups: intervention and control groups. While all patients received the routine preparation for the procedure, the intervention group underwent an additional structured physical therapy education session. Functional status was evaluated using The Oxford Hip Score (OHS) preoperatively and 6 weeks after the operation. Length of Hospital Stay (LOS) was recorded. State anxiety was measured by the state-anxiety portion of the Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire preoperatively and on the second postoperative day. Gait and balance abilities were assessed using Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) test on the second postoperative day. Pain at rest and during weight-bearing was measured by a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) on the postoperative second day. Satisfaction rates were evaluated by the NRS 6 weeks after the operation. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients completed the study. The intervention group consisted of 24 patients (10 males, 14 females; mean age = 64.29 ± 6.7 years), and the control group consisted of 23 patients (7 males, 16 females; mean age = 65.91 ± 10.19 years). The mean postoperative OHS was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (39.04 ± 3.99 vs 28.04 ± 7.23, P < 0.001). Both groups increased their functional abilities 6 weeks postoperatively; however, the intervention group showed a greater increase than the control group (P = 0.001). No significant difference was found in the LOS between the control (2.83 ± 0.71) and intervention groups (2.71 ± 0.62) (P = 0.551). Patients in the intervention group exhibited lower rates of anxiety two days after the operation compared with the controls (17.75 ± 6.50 vs 27.70 ± 10.32, P < 0.001). The intervention group showed higher postoperative POMA scores compared to the control group (19.67 ± 3.89 vs 15.39 ± 5.85, P = 0.005). Although no significant difference was observed in resting pain between groups (P = 0.105), the intervention group reported a lower pain intensity while walking compared to the control group (5.04 ± 1.68 vs 6.39 ± 2.62, P = 0.041). While both groups reported high satisfaction rates 6 weeks postoperatively, patients in the intervention group were more satisfied than those in the control group (9.67 ± 0.91 vs 8.35 ± 1.82, P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: A structured interactive preoperative physical therapy education program for patients undergoing a THA may reduce anxiety, generate a faster recovery, reduce pain, and promote higher satisfaction. We recommend this program for routine use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, Therapeutic Study.

Reliability of Trigger Point Evaluation in the Lower Leg Muscles.

BACKGROUND: Myofascial trigger point diagnosis is a clinical palpatory skill dependent on the patient's subjective response. The inter- and intra-rater reliability of trigger point physical evaluation in the lower leg muscles has rarely been reported. Previous reliability studies suffered from the Kappa paradox. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the inter- and intra-rater reliability of trigger point recognition in the lower leg muscles implying a specific method to overcome the first Kappa paradox. DESIGN: A reliability study with pre-second examiner exclusion to correct prevalence index. SETTING: Physical therapy outpatient clinic, Beer-Sheva, Israel. SUBJECTS: In sum, 86 soldiers aged 18-30 referred for physical therapy with a diagnosis of musculoskeletal pain consented to take part in this study; 26 were excluded for lacking trigger points, leaving 60 subjects for analysis (31 women, 29 men). METHODS: Both legs were evaluated, and the results were analyzed separately for symptomatic (N = 87) and asymptomatic legs (N = 31). Each subject was evaluated three times, twice by one examiner, and once by a second examiner. Dichotomous findings including palpable taut-band, tenderness, referred pain, and relevance of referred pain were recorded. RESULTS: Inter-rater reliability for active trigger points ranged from 0.49 to 0.75 (median: 0.52) and intra-rater reliability ranged from 0.41 to 0.84 (median: 0.65) and. For total trigger points intra-rater reliability ranged from 0.52 to 0.79 (median: 0.67), and inter-rater reliability ranged from 0.44 to 0.77 (median: 0.66). CONCLUSIONS: Physical examination is a reliable method of trigger point evaluation in lower leg muscles, and it can be used as a diagnostic method for trigger point evaluation.

Effect of physical activity levels on oncological breast surgery recovery: a prospective cohort study.

After breast cancer (BC) surgery, women may experience a physical decline. The effect of physical activity (PA) on the course of recovery after BC surgery has not yet been thoroughly examined. To analyze the impact of physical activity performed by women undergoing breast cancer surgery on measures of function, range of motion, and self-efficacy. A prospective study was carried out in 157 patients who underwent surgery for BC between October 2018 and April 2019, divided into four groups according to the intensity of PA with 6 months follow-up. 50 sedentary patients and 107 active patients were enrolled; the mean age was 52.6. Women who performed physical activity, moderate to vigorous, demonstrated lower function disabilities (QuickDASH 2.22) compared with inactivity or light physical activity (QuickDASH 7.0, p < 0.001), with better shoulder flexion (159.0° vs. 150.7°, p = 0.007) and abduction (159.5° vs. 152.2°, p = 0.008). Higher PA levels, displayed in higher self-efficacy reports (9.5 vs. 8.8, p = 0.002), and return to prior job status (0.005). The PA level does not influence pain at one, three and 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.278, p = 0.304 and p = 0.304 respectively). High PA levels increase the risk of axillary web syndrome (p = 0.041), although, it reduces the incidence of chronic pain (p = 0.007). Women who practice physical activity recover better from BC surgery than sedentary women. The higher the intensity and frequency of training, the better the results. Vigorous activity cause axillary web syndrome, despite, it has a beneficial effect on lowering the rate of chronic pain.