Comparison of the effectiveness of peloid therapy and kinesiotaping in patients with unilateral plantar fasciitis: A prospective, randomized controlled study.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of peloid therapy and kinesiotaping for unilateral plantar fasciitis (PF). Patients and methods: In the randomized controlled study, a total of 114 patients (89 females, 25 males; mean age: 45.1±8.3 years; range, 27 to 65 years) diagnosed with unilateral PF between January 2021 and March 2023 were randomly divided into three equal groups: the peloid group (peloid therapy and home-based exercise + heel pad), the kinesiotaping group (kinesiotaping and home-based exercise + heel pad), and the control group (home-based exercise + heel pad). Peloid therapy was performed over two weeks for a total of 10 sessions. Kinesiotaping was applied four times over two weeks. Plantar fascia, calf, and Achilles stretching exercises and foot strengthening exercises were performed, and prefabricated silicone heel insoles were used daily for six weeks. Patients were evaluated three times with clinical assessment scales for pain, the Heel Tenderness Index, and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score before treatment, at the end of treatment, and in the first month after treatment. Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed for all parameters at the end of treatment and in the first month after treatment compared to the baseline in every group (p<0.001). No superiority was found between the groups. Conclusion: Peloid therapy or kinesiotaping, given as adjuncts to home-based exercise therapy and shoe insoles in patients with unilateral PF, did not result in additional benefits.

Which aerobic exercise is more effective in Parkinson's patients? Cycle ergometer versus body weight-supported treadmill.

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise applied with bodyweight-supported treadmill (BWSTT) or cycle ergometer (CE) in Parkinson's patients. Patients and methods: In the prospective single-blind study, 38 Parkinson's patients with Hoehn-Yahr Stage 1-3 were randomized into the CE and BWSTT groups between May 2019 and March 2020. Evaluations before and after six weeks of treatment included a six-min walking test with a software device as the primary outcome and functional balance tests (Tinetti balance and gait test, one-leg stance balance test) as secondary outcomes. Both groups received 40 min of aerobic exercise three days per week with conventional rehabilitation and various methods. CE and BWSTT groups were created. The aerobic exercise program was designed based on treatment recommendations for Parkinson's patients of the American College of Sports Medicine (CE test, with the Karvonen formula, 40-60% reserve). Posttreatment and pretreatment evaluations were compared within and between groups. Results: The six-week aerobic exercise program was completed by 16 participants (9 males, 7 females; mean age: 65.9±8.1; range, 47 to 78 years) in the CE group and 15 participants (9 males, 6 females; mean age: 62.5±7.5; range, 49 to 79 years) in the BWSTT group. The demographic characteristics of the patients were similar. Primary and secondary outcomes were significantly different after treatment than before treatment in both groups. There were no significant differences between the groups in outcomes. Conclusion: The results showed that both methods are effective and not superior to each other. Aerobic exercise programs led by experienced clinicians can benefit patients.

Multimodal therapeutic intervention program associated with photobiomodulation therapy for individuals with chronic nonspecific neck pain: protocol for a clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Neck pain is a prevalent global musculoskeletal issue, significantly contributing to the loss of years of healthy life due to disability. Chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNNP) involves diverse symptoms impacting mobility and quality of life. While therapeutic exercises demonstrate efficacy, the role of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) remains uncertain. This study aims to assess the additional effects of PBMT within a multimodal therapeutic intervention for CNNP. METHODS: A randomized, two-arm, controlled, blind clinical trial follows CONSORT and SPIRIT guidelines. Participants diagnosed with CNNP will receive a stand-alone multimodal therapeutic intervention or the same program with additional PBMT. The primary outcomes will be assessed by the functional disability identified through applying the NDI (Neck Disability Index). Secondary outcomes will be pain intensity during rest and active neck movement, catastrophizing and kinesiophobia, functionality, and disability assessed at baseline, after 8 weeks, and at a 4-week follow-up. Both groups receive pain education before personalized interventions, including resistance exercises, neuromuscular activities, mobility, and body balance. The PBMT group undergoes low-level light therapy. Intention-to-treat analysis, using linear mixed models, employs data presented as mean, standard deviation, and differences with a 95% confidence interval. Non-normally distributed variables transform. Statistical significance is set at 5%. DISCUSSION: This study addresses a critical gap in understanding the combined effects of PBMT and therapeutic exercises for CNNP. The findings aim to guide clinicians, researchers, and CNNP sufferers through rigorous methodology and diverse outcome assessments, offering valuable insights into evidence-based practices for CNNP management. Data confidentiality is maintained throughout, ensuring participant privacy during statistical analysis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Effects of adding photobiomodulation to a specific therapeutic exercise program for the treatment of individuals with chronic nonspecific neck pain, registration number: NCT05400473, on 2022-05-27.

Exercise therapy in the application of sleep disorders.

Sleep disorders often accompany neurological injuries, significantly impacting patient recovery and quality of life.The efficacy and adherence of traditional treatment methods have certain limitations. Exercise has been found to be a highly beneficial treatment method, capable of preventing and alleviating neurological injuries and sleep disorders. This article reviews relevant research findings from both domestic and international sources over the past few decades, systematically summarizing and analyzing the application of exercise therapy in sleep disorders,strategy of exercise intervention program and the potential molecular mechanisms by which exercise therapy improves sleep disorders. Shortcomings in current research and suggestions are presented, providing a reference for future in-depth studies on exercise interventions for sleep disorders.

Scapular morphology does not predict supraspinatus tendon tear propagation following an individualised exercise therapy programme.

Purpose: To determine whether scapular morphology could predict isolated supraspinatus tendon tear propagation after exercise therapy. We hypothesised that a larger critical shoulder angle (CSA) and type III acromial morphology predict a positive change in tear size. Methods: Fifty-nine individuals aged 40-70 years with isolated symptomatic high-grade partial or full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears were included. Individuals participated in a structured, individualised 12-week exercise therapy programme and underwent ultrasound to measure tear size at baseline and 12 months following therapy. Computed tomography images were segmented to create three-dimensional subject-specific bone models and reviewed by three trained clinicians to measure CSA and to determine acromion morphology based on the Bigliani classification. A binary logistic regression was performed to determine the predictive value of CSA and acromion morphology on tear propagation. Results: The CSA was 30.0 ± 5.4°. Thirty-one individuals (52.5%) had type II acromial morphology, followed by type III and type I morphologies (25.4% and 22.0%, respectively); 81.4% experienced no change in tear size, four (6.8%) individuals experienced tear propagation and seven (11.9%) individuals had a negative change in tear size. No significant difference in tear propagation rates based on CSA or acromion morphology (not significant [NS]) was observed. The model predicted tear size status in 81.4% of cases but only predicted tear propagation 8.3% of the time. Overall, CSA and acromion morphology only predicted 24.3% (R 2 = 0.243) of variance in tear propagation (NS). Conclusions: CSA and acromion morphology were NS predictors of tear propagation of the supraspinatus tendon 12 months following an individualised exercise therapy programme. Level of Evidence: II.

Investigation of muscle activation during kinetic chain based exercises in individuals with and without forward head posture.

BACKGROUND: The Band Pull-Apart (BPA) exercise is used to strengthen the periscapular muscles. It was recently stated that the lower extremity and trunk movements should be included in the shoulder rehabilitation programs to optimize an effective energy transfer throughout the kinetic chain. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of kinetic chain based BPA exercise on the muscle activations of the sternocleidomasteideous (SCM) and the trapezius muscles in individuals with and without forward head posture (FHP). METHODS: Eighteen individuals with FHP and 18 individuals without FHP were included. Photographic measurements were made to identify individuals with FHP. The muscle activations of SCM, Upper Trapezius (UT), Middle Trapezius (MT), and Lower Trapezius (LT) were measured with surface EMG. BPA exercise was performed in the standing, unipedal standing, squat, unipedal squat, and Bulgarian split squat (BSS). RESULTS: There was no Group × Exercise interaction for the SCM, UT, MT, LT muscle activations, or for the UT/MT and UT/LT ratios (p> 0.05). While there was a difference in the activation of all muscles between individuals with and without FHP (p< 0.05), both ratios were similar (p> 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between exercises for SCM, MT, and LT muscle activations (p< 0.000 for these muscles), UT/MT (p< 0.000) and UT/LT ratios (p= 0.004). SCM muscle activation in squat was lower than activation in standing (Mean Difference (MD) = 2.5% Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contractions (MVIC); p= 0.004) and in unipedal standing (MD = 2.1% MVIC; p= 0.002). MT muscle activation in squat was higher than activation in standing (MD = 9.7% MVIC), unipedal standing (MD = 7.8% MVIC), unipedal squat (MD = 6.9% MVIC) and BSS (MD = 9.4% MVIC; p< 0.000 for these positions). LT muscle activation in the squat was higher than activation in the standing (MD = 8.5% MVIC) and unipedal squat (MD = 8.1% MVIC; p< 0.004 for these positions). UT/MT ratio in the squat was lower than standing (MD = 0.3), unipedal standing (MD = 0.2) and BSS (MD = 0.3; p< 0.000 for these positions). UT/LT ratio in squat was lower than unipedal squat (MD = 0.5) and BSS (MD = 0.6; p= 0.002; for these positions). CONCLUSION: Performing the BPA exercise in the squat position is suggested in cases where lower SCM and UT muscle activation, lower UT/MT, and UT/LT ratios and higher MT and LT muscle activations are needed for individuals with and without FHP.

The effect of physical exercise therapy on autism spectrum disorder:a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Physical Exercise Therapy (PET) is increasingly applied in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), yet the empirical evidence supporting its efficacy remains ambiguous. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effectiveness of PET for individuals with ASD, providing evidence-based support for clinical and scientific research. METHODS: We systematically searched four international databases (Medline via PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Libraries, and Web of Science) and three Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP Libraries) up to July 31, 2023. The search was conducted in both English and Chinese for original research articles employing randomized-controlled-trial (RCT) designs to study PET's effects on individuals diagnosed with ASD according to DSM or other established criteria. Co-primary outcomes focused on the overall severity of autism, while secondary outcomes included measures of stereotyped behaviors, social deficits, social skills, and executive functioning. Data from the included studies were synthesized and analyzed using RevMan 5.4. This systematic review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023443951). RESULTS: A total of 28 RCTs comprising 1081 participants were analyzed. Of these, only three studies met high-quality standards. Compared to control groups, PET showed improvement in at least one core symptom of autism, including Motor Performance (SMD=1.72, 95%CI[1.01, 2.44], I2=90%), Restricted Repetitive Behaviors (SMD=-0.81, 95%CI[-1.00, -0.62], I2=0%), Social Dysfunction (SMD=-0.76, 95%CI[-1.06, -0.46], I2=47%). CONCLUSIONS: PET may offer benefits in reducing the overall severity and associated symptoms in individuals with ASD. However, given the high overall risk of bias in the included studies, these findings should be interpreted with caution.

Relationship between chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and physical activity in cancer survivors: A prospective longitudinal study.

Objective: The purpose of this research is to evaluate the relationship between the degree of peripheral neuropathy associated with treatment and physical activity through the use of objective indicators such as wristband activity tracker and subjective evaluations obtained through interviews. Methods: This study included 11 patients with gynecological cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and malignant lymphoma. Participants were requested to wear a wristband activity meter at two time points: early and mid-treatment. Activity-meter step counts were compared with factors such as energy expenditure and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General during early and mid-treatment. Interviews were analyzed qualitatively and inductively. Results: There was no difference in the number of steps taken by participants in the early and mid-treatment periods (P = 0.050), but they took more steps in the mid-treatment period than in the early period. Participants expended more energy during mid-treatment than early treatment, but these differences were not significant. We noted a correlation between the number of steps and energy expenditure in the mid-treatment period (r = 0.883). Comparisons between measures showed significant differences in "Impact" between early and mid-treatment on Distress and Impact Thermometer (P = 0.034). The impact of numbness on activity was assigned to three categories: loss of routine caused by numbness, coping with the numbness-related inconvenience using various resources, and acceptance of life with numbness with the support of others and self-strength. Conclusions: The participants devised strategies to maintain activities despite experiencing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity. The use of activity meters may enhance patient motivation, which in our opinion, is beneficial for self-care education.

Enhanced nerve function recovery in radial nerve palsy patients with humerus shaft fracture: a randomized study of low-frequency pulse electrical stimulation combined with exercise therapy.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of low-frequency pulse electrical stimulation plus exercise therapy on nerve function recovery in patients with radial nerve palsy after humerus shaft fracture. Methods: A total of 110 patients with humerus shaft fracture and radial nerve injury admitted to our hospital from January 2017 to December 2021 were recruited. They were randomized to receive either conventional exercise therapy (control group) or conventional exercise therapy plus low-frequency pulse electrical stimulation (study group) according to the random number table method, with 55 cases in each. Clinical efficacy, muscle strength recovery, nerve conduction velocity (MCV), amplitude, wrist joint, and elbow joint activities of patients were analyzed and compared. Results: Patients with low frequency stimulation (LFS) showed significantly higher treatment effectiveness (89.09%) than those with exercise therapy only (69.09%). The incorporation of LFS with exercise therapy provided more enhancement in the muscle strength of wrist extensor and total finger extensor in patients when compared with a mere exercise intervention, suggesting better muscle function recovery of patients produced by LFS. Moreover, a significant increase in MCV and its amplitude was observed in all included patients, among which those receiving LFS showed a greater escalation of MCV and its amplitude. Following a treatment duration of 6 months, more patients in the LFS cohort were reported to achieve a wrist extension and elbow extension with an angle over 45° than the controls. There was no notable variance in adverse responses noted between the two patient groups. Conclusion: In patients afflicted with humerus shaft fracture and radial nerve injury, the amalgamation of exercise therapy with low-frequency pulse electrical stimulation can significantly improve clinical efficacy, promote nerve function, and muscle strength recovery, and features a high safety profile. Relevance to clinical practice: The combination of exercise therapy and low-frequency pulsed electrical stimulation can notably improve the promotion of neurologic function and muscle strength recovery in patients with humerus shaft fractures and radial nerve injuries with a high degree of safety.Clinical trial registration:https://www.researchregistry.com, identifier researchregistry9461.

Association between widespread pain and psychosocial factors in people with knee osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional study of patients from primary care in Denmark.

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between psychosocial factors and bodily pain in people with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is unclear. PURPOSE: To examine whether widespread pain was associated with poorer self-efficacy, more anxiety, depression, and kinesiophobia in people with KOA. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study based on data from Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark (GLA:D®). The association between widespread pain (multiple pain sites) and self-efficacy (Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale), anxiety and depression (item from the EQ-5D-5 L), and kinesiophobia (yes/no) was examined using multiple linear tobit or logistic regression models. RESULTS: Among 19,323 participants, 10% had no widespread pain, 37% had 2 pain sites, 26% had 3-4 pain sites, and 27% had ≥5 pain sites. Widespread pain was associated with poorer self-efficacy (-0.9 to -8.3 points), and the association was stronger with increasing number of pain sites (p-value <.001). Significant increasing odds ratios (ORs) were observed for having anxiety or depression with 3-4 pain sites (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.12; 1.49) and ≥5 pain sites (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.56; 2.07). Having 2 and 3-4 pain sites were associated with lower odds of kinesiophobia compared to having no widespread pain. CONCLUSION: Widespread pain was associated with lower self-efficacy and more anxiety and depression but also lower kinesiophobia in people with KOA.

Results of neck-specific exercise for altered postural sway in individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorders: a longitudinal case-control study.

Postural sway has not been investigated before or after a neck exercise intervention in individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WAD). The aim of the study was to investigate postural sway in individuals with chronic WAD grades 2 and 3: (a) compared with healthy matched controls at baseline; (b) after three months of neck-specific exercise and (c) to investigate the correlation between postural sway with self-reported dizziness during motion and balance problems/unsteadiness. This is a longitudinal prospective experimental case-control intervention study. Individuals with WAD (n = 30) and age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers (n = 30) participated. Postural sway was assessed using an iPhone application. Measurements were carried out at baseline, and for those with WAD a second measurement was performed at the three-month follow-up when neck-specific exercise intervention ended. The WAD group performed significantly worse than the healthy group in both pathway and ellipse area double stance eyes closed at baseline (main outcome), but not at the three-month follow-up. The WAD group significantly improved after rehabilitation in both pathway double stance eyes closed and pathway single stance eyes open. The correlation between postural sway and self-rated dizziness during motion and balance problems was low to moderate. One may conclude that postural sway was improved after a neck-specific exercise programme. The study results strengthen earlier findings that individuals with WAD have worse balance outcome when they have to rely on neck proprioception (eyes closed). The study results may be important for the development of improved rehabilitation methods for WAD.

Affordable web-based foot-ankle exercise program proves effective for diabetic foot care in a randomized controlled trial with economic evaluation.

The aim of this study was to shed light on a crucial issue through a comprehensive evaluation of the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of a cutting-edge web-based foot-ankle therapeutic exercise program (SOPeD) designed for treating modifiable risk factors for ulcer prevention in individuals with diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy (DPN). In this randomized controlled trial, 62 participants diagnosed with DPN were assigned to the SOPeD software or received usual care for diabetic foot. Primary outcomes were DPN symptoms and severity, foot pain and function, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Between-group comparisons provided 95% confidence intervals. The study also calculated incremental cost-effectiveness and cost-utility ratios (ICERs), analyzed direct costs from a healthcare perspective, and performed a sensitivity analysis to assess uncertainty. The web-based intervention effectively reduced foot pain, improved foot function and showed favorable cost-effectiveness, with ICERs ranging from (USD) $5.37-$148.71 per improvement in different outcomes. There is a high likelihood of cost-effectiveness for improving DPN symptoms and severity, foot pain, and function, even when the minimum willingness-to-pay threshold was set at $1000.00 USD. However, the intervention did not prove to be cost-effective in terms of QALYs. This study reveals SOPeD's effectiveness in reducing foot pain, improving foot function, and demonstrating cost-effectiveness in enhancing functional and clinical outcomes. SOPeD stands as a potential game-changer for modifiable risk factors for ulcers, with our findings indicating a feasible and balanced integration into public health systems. Further studies and considerations are vital for informed decisions to stakeholders and the successful implementation of this preventive program on a larger scale.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04011267. Registered on 8 July 2019.

Efficacy of Plyometric and TheraBand FlexBar Exercises in Tennis Elbow Patients: A Comparative Study.

Background Lateral epicondylitis is a common condition involving the arm. It is caused by degenerative changes or overuse of the tendon connecting the elbow joint to the forearm muscle. Plyometric and TheraBand FlexBar (Theraband, Akron, OH, USA) exercises can relieve elbow discomfort, soreness, and weakness. This study examines the effects of plyometric and TheraBand FlexBar exercises with ultrasound on tennis elbow patients. Methodology It is an experimental study comprising a total of 30 participants, including individuals of both genders with age groups of 20-40 years were selected by specific criteria for inclusion and exclusion. The participants were randomly assigned into two groups. Group A received plyometric exercises with ultrasound, whereas Group B received TheraBand FlexBar exercises with ultrasound. The outcome measures utilized in this study include patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE) and visual analog scale (VAS) for evaluating the functional disability of the hand, arm, and shoulder. Results The results showed a substantial reduction in mean values in Group A compared to Group B, with a p-value of less than 0.001, indicating that plyometric exercises with ultrasound were more effective than TheraBand FlexBar exercises. Conclusion Plyometric exercises combined with ultrasound therapy demonstrated significant reductions in discomfort and improvements in function, with plyometric exercises showing superior efficacy compared to TheraBand FlexBar exercises.

Comparison of the efficacy of low intensity laser and peloid therapy in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.

The objective of this study was to compare the impact of peloid and low-level laser (LLLT) treatment in conjunction with a home exercise programme on short-term symptomatic pain, functional status and quality of life in individuals diagnosed with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). A total of 168 patients diagnosed with SIS were included in the study, with 56 receiving LLLT + exercise, 56 receiving peloidotherapy + exercise, and 56 receiving exercise only. Patients underwent clinical evaluations prior to treatment (first measurement), after treatment completion (second measurement), and one month post-treatment (third measurement). Pain was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Functional status was evaluated using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and quality of life was evaluated using the Short Form 36 (SF-36). Active range of motion of the shoulder was measured by the same investigator using a goniometer. Statistically significant improvements in VAS, SPADI, SF-36, and ROM parameters were achieved after treatment and at 1 month follow-up compared to pretreatment in both active treatment groups (p < .05). The third group showed significant improvements in ROM and SF-36 physical components after treatment and 1 month later (p < .05). Low-level laser therapy or peloid therapy given in addition to home exercise therapy for SIS were found to have similar short-term effects on pain, functional status, quality of life and ROM.

The effects of lumbar stabilization exercises with and without jaw movements in non-specific low back pain (A randomized controlled trial).

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the added effect of jaw clenching on the efficacy of lumbar stabilization exercises to manage chronic non-specific low back pain. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (SIPM&R) Karachi from April 2021 to April 2023. Eighty patients with chronic non-specific low back pain participated in this study. Forty patients each were randomly allocated to the lumbar stability exercise (LSE) group' and the lumbar stability exercise with teeth clenching (LSETC) group. Patients in both groups performed respective exercises twice weekly for 12 weeks. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) were used to assess pain, disability, and muscle endurance respectively. Data were collected at the baseline, after six weeks and 12 weeks of intervention. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in pain, disability, and muscle endurance. Upon further stratification, participants aged 20-30 years in the LSETC group showed significantly higher scores than the LSE group for NPRS, RMDQ, and PBU after 12 weeks. Overall, the LSETC group showed relatively higher improvement in mean scores for NPRS, RMDQ, and PBU than the LSE group. Conclusion: Lumbar stabilization exercises with and without jaw movement are effective for the treatment of chronic non-specific low back pain. The addition of teeth clenching enhanced the effectiveness of lumbar stability exercises, especially in young adults. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04801212), Prospectively registered on March 16, 2021.

Substantial discrepancies exist between registered protocol and published manuscript in trials on exercise interventions for chronic low back pain: a meta-research study.

OBJECTIVES: Reporting bias, prevalent in biomedical fields, can undermine evidence credibility. Our objective was to evaluate the proportion of discrepancies between registered protocols and published manuscripts in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on exercise interventions for patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional meta-research study. STUDY SELECTION: We started from the 2021 'Exercise therapy for chronic low back pain' Cochrane Review to select all RCTs reporting a protocol registration on a primary register of the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) or in ClinicalTrials.gov. DATA EXTRACTION: We extracted data from both registered protocol and published manuscript of RCTs, collecting recruitment and administrative information (e.g., record dates) and details of trial characteristics (e.g., outcomes, arms, statistical analysis plan details). Independent pairs of reviewers assessed discrepancies between registered protocol and published manuscript for the reporting of primary and secondary outcomes domains, measurement instruments, time-points, number of arms and statistical analysis plans (if attached). Outcome discrepancies were characterized as addition, omission, upgrade or downgrade. RESULTS: We included 116 RCTs reporting an available protocol registration. Overall, 100 RCTs (86.2%) distinguished between primary and secondary outcomes. Of these, 39 RCTs (39.0%) reported one or more discrepancies in primary outcomes, and 78 RCTs (78.0%) reported one or more discrepancies in secondary outcomes. Focusing on discrepancies for the primary outcome, 64.5% of added, upgraded or downgraded outcomes favored statistically significant effects. Few RCTs (n=6) reported discrepancies in the number of arms. Statistical analysis plans were poorly reported in the registered protocols (n=3) for being compared to the publications. CONCLUSION: We found substantial outcome discrepancies comparing registered protocols and published manuscripts in RCTs assessing exercise interventions for patients with CLBP, with some impacting the statistical significance of the effects. Readers are encouraged to approach RCTs results in this field with caution.

Efficacy of Therapeutic Exercise in Reducing Pain in Instrumental Musicians: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Playing-related pain poses a significant health concern for musicians, often impacting their ability to perform. Therapeutic exercise emerges as a viable approach to alleviate these symptoms, offering a low-cost intervention with minimal side effects. This review seeks to examine and assess the efficacy of therapeutic exercise in reducing pain intensity among instrumental musicians. Three major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) were systematically searched from November 2023 to June 2024. The inclusion criteria required studies to be randomized clinical trials focusing on pain intensity in instrumental musicians, published in the last 10 years. Two independent researchers assessed the characteristics and methodological quality of the selected studies. Out of 305 identified studies, 15 underwent full-text reviews, with 5 ultimately included in the analysis. The total participant count was 273, with an average intervention duration of 32.5 min per session, twice weekly for eight weeks. Overall, therapeutic exercise interventions demonstrated favorable effects, with three studies exhibiting good methodological quality. The meta-analysis revealed significant positive results favoring exercise in reducing pain intensity, with positive responses observed across all clinical populations, so therapeutic exercise appears to be an effective approach for reducing pain intensity in musicians experiencing playing-related pain.

Exercise therapy in postoperative patients with temporomandibular joint internal derangement: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative patients with temporomandibular joint internal derangement (ID) often have problems such as limited mouth opening and pain. Exercise therapy can be advantageous for improving the recovery of patients following surgery. However, there is continuing discussion on the precise aspects of the exercise program, including the optimal timing, length, intensity, and use of assistive equipment. Hence, this study aimed to incorporate pre-existing exercise treatment regimens and investigate their impact. METHODS: Publications that detailed the clinical treatment of patients with temporomandibular joint ID who received postoperative exercise therapy interventions were included. Nine databases were searched until October 1st, 2023. The JBI critical appraisal tools were used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. RESULTS: Five studies were finally included for subsequent analysis; two were randomised controlled studies, and three were quasi-experimental. Exercises suitable for such patients encompass vertical, transverse, and horizontal stretching, among which vertical stretch can be divided into active and passive movements. The start time ranged from the first to the fifth week after surgery, with a duration of 1-6 months. Although the data in the studies could not be integrated and further analysed, preliminary results showed that maximum mouth opening and pain in patients improved significantly. The therapeutic effect of combining three exercise methods was best and was related to patient compliance. CONCLUSION: Exercise therapy positively affects postoperative rehabilitation in patients with temporomandibular joint ID. It is proposed that targeted, comprehensive studies be conducted to provide a basis for designing more sophisticated exercise therapy regimens and further confirm its curative effect.

Facilitators, barriers and support needs to GLA:D exercise adherence - a mixed method study.

BACKGROUND: Knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) are among the most common musculoskeletal joint diseases worldwide. International guidelines recommend exercise and education as first-line interventions for their management. The Good Life with osteoArthritis Denmark (GLA:D) programme aims to achieve self-management using group exercise and education sessions. It also encourages participants to stay physically active and perform GLA:D exercises (GE) twice weekly after programme end. This study investigated the participants' self-reported level of physical activity (PA) and self-reported adherence to the GE between five and 17 months after completion of the GLA:D programme and also explored the barriers, facilitators and support needs to achieve long-term adherence to GE. METHODS: A mixed method study using an exploratory sequential design was performed. A qualitative phase, involving semi-structured interviews and a focus group, led to the development of a questionnaire on participants' level of PA, as well as ratings of the barriers, facilitators and support needs for the achievement of long-term adherence to GE. In a second quantitative phase, the survey was conducted online with former GLA:D participants from Switzerland. Descriptive statistical analysis and a group comparison between adherent and non-adherent participants to the GE were performed using Fisher's exact test, odds ratio, and confidence interval. RESULTS: Eleven former GLA:D participants attended the interviews and focus group, and former GLA:D participants (30% response rate) participated in the survey. Of these, 84% (n = 285) reported to reach the recommended level of PA and 53% (n = 178) GE adherence. The top barrier to GE adherence was no/little self-discipline to perform GE (40%, n = 112) and the top facilitator was GE are easy to perform (93%, n = 300). The top 3 items regarding support needs to enhance GE adherence were a shortened version (max. 30 min) of the GE home programme (75%, n = 255), monthly continuation of small GE groups under GLA:D physiotherapists' supervision (65%, n = 221), and monitoring with regular testing of individual progress (65%, n = 221). CONCLUSIONS: The top barriers and facilitators should be considered by those responsible for the GLA:D programme and may need to be specifically addressed during and after the programme. The development of a shortened version of the GLA:D programme, a post-GLA:D group, and monitoring with regular testing seem crucial for enhancing GE adherence. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: not applicable.

A Comparison Between the Effectiveness of Tepurak Therapy Versus Deep Tissue Massage Stretching on Low Back Function in Nonspecific Low Back Pain.

Introduction: The research carried out is a large research project that examined two different massage methods on many variables so that they can determine their effect on variables on a wider scale, namely pain, range of movement (ROM), and low back function. Pain and ROM variables have been published in different journals, and their acute effects are only known after treatment and the results are effective. This study examined the low back function variable 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Tepurak and deep tissue massaging with stretching (DTMS) on low back function in nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) and conduct a comparison of the effectiveness of Tepurak versus DTMS for low back function in NSLBP. Methods: This research is a quasi-experiment using a pre-test/post-test design to determine the difference in scores before and after treatment. The variable measured involved the low back function using the Oswestry Disability Index. Measurements were carried out four times at pre-test, 24, 48, and 72 hours after the treatments. This study used two different sample groups. The research sample consisted of 42 NSLBP sufferers who were randomly divided into two groups, A and B. Group A received Tepurak treatment, while Group B received DTMS treatment. These treatments were carried out in one treatment session. Results: The results of the different treatments for the low back function variables in the Tepurak treatment have a p-value of 0.000. The results of the low back function variables in the DTMS treatment have a p-value of 0.000. The results of the comparison test of Tepurak versus DTMS therapy for the low back function variable had a p-value of 0.771. Conclusion: Both Tepurak and DTMS are effective in improving low back function in NSLBP cases. In comparison between Tepurak and DTMS, there was no significant difference in the effectiveness in improving low back function in NSLBP cases.