Effect of Graded Sensorimotor Retraining on Pain Intensity in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: The effects of altered neural processing, defined as altering neural networks responsible for perceptions of pain and function, on chronic pain remains unclear. Objective: To estimate the effect of a graded sensorimotor retraining intervention (RESOLVE) on pain intensity in people with chronic low back pain. Design, Setting, and Participants: This parallel, 2-group, randomized clinical trial recruited participants with chronic (>3 months) nonspecific low back pain from primary care and community settings. A total of 276 adults were randomized (in a 1:1 ratio) to the intervention or sham procedure and attention control groups delivered by clinicians at a medical research institute in Sydney, Australia. The first participant was randomized on December 10, 2015, and the last was randomized on July 25, 2019. Follow-up was completed on February 3, 2020. Interventions: Participants randomized to the intervention group (n = 138) were asked to participate in 12 weekly clinical sessions and home training designed to educate them about and assist them with movement and physical activity while experiencing lower back pain. Participants randomized to the control group (n = 138) were asked to participate in 12 weekly clinical sessions and home training that required similar time as the intervention but did not focus on education, movement, and physical activity. The control group included sham laser and shortwave diathermy applied to the back and sham noninvasive brain stimulation. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was pain intensity at 18 weeks, measured on an 11-point numerical rating scale (range, 0 [no pain] to 10 [worst pain imaginable]) for which the between-group minimum clinically important difference is 1.0 point. Results: Among 276 randomized patients (mean [SD] age, 46 [14.3] years; 138 [50%] women), 261 (95%) completed follow-up at 18 weeks. The mean pain intensity was 5.6 at baseline and 3.1 at 18 weeks in the intervention group and 5.8 at baseline and 4.0 at 18 weeks in the control group, with an estimated between-group mean difference at 18 weeks of -1.0 point ([95% CI, -1.5 to -0.4]; P = .001), favoring the intervention group. Conclusions and Relevance: In this randomized clinical trial conducted at a single center among patients with chronic low back pain, graded sensorimotor retraining, compared with a sham procedure and attention control, significantly improved pain intensity at 18 weeks. The improvements in pain intensity were small, and further research is needed to understand the generalizability of the findings. Trial Registration: ANZCTR Identifier: ACTRN12615000610538.

Acupuncture for patients recovering from lacunar infarction: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Lacunar infarction (LI) is the mild type in the classification of ischemic stroke, mostly occurs in the middle-aged and elderly, with mild hemiplegia and partial sensory disorder as the main manifestations. In the treatment of LI, acupuncture is often regarded as dominant therapy in the convalescence period. However, acupuncture for treatment of LI in the recovery period lacks high-quality reports and evidence-based medical evidence. Thus, we aim to evaluate the curative effect and safety of acupuncture for LI objectively. METHODS: Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EBSCO, Springer, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Scientific and Technical Journals Database (VIP), Wan-fang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Science Citation Database, and other electronic databases will be retrieved from the inception to May, 2021. Randomized controlled trials related to this subject will be searched. The inclusion criteria are established and a detailed literature search strategy is designed through discussion. Article retrieval, screening, excluding repetitive studies, assessment of quality, and data processing will be conducted by 2 reviewers independently using EndNote (X9) and Review Manager (5.3.5). The outcome measures include primary outcome measures (total effective rate, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score, and Fugl-Meyer Assessment score), secondary outcome measures (blood pressure, plasma glucose, and blood lipid), and safety outcome measures. We will perform a meta-analysis, descriptive analysis, and subgroup analysis based on data conditions. RESULTS: The study of total effective rate, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score, Fugl-Meyer Assessment score, blood pressure, plasma glucose, blood lipid, and adverse effects will provide evidenced outcome for high-quality synthesis and descriptive analysis. CONCLUSION: This systematic review will kindly provide evidence of whether acupuncture is an effective and safe intervention for LI in the recovery period. INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202150060 (DOI:10.37766/inplasy2021.5.0060).

Physical therapy examination and management of a 48-year-old male with vertigo, cephalalgia, and cervicalgia secondary to unilateral vestibular hypofunction.

PURPOSE: This case report presents evidence-based physical therapy assessments and interventions for a patient with unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH). UVH is the result of peripheral vestibular dysfunction in the inner ear. Case Description : The patient was a 48-year-old male with symptoms of dizziness, cephalalgia, and cervicalgia. The examination and treatment were focused on impaired cervical proprioception, which is a vital component of balance training in addition to visual, vestibular, and somatosensory re-education for patients with dizziness. Toward the end of the physical therapy episode of care, the patient was medically diagnosed with Chiari malformation, a congenital cerebellar tonsillar herniation. Outcomes : The patient made significant strides on the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Ten Meter Walk Test, Single Leg Stance, Balance Error Scoring System, Fukuda Stepping Test, Cervical Joint Position Error Sense Test, Convergence Distance, Global Rate of Change, and cervical range of motion assessments. The patient did not demonstrate comparable improvements on the Dynamic Visual Acuity Test. Conclusion : This case report demonstrates a physical therapy program for a patient with peripheral UVH-related symptoms. This approach may also be applicable for patients with the central cause of dizziness such as Chiari malformation. Future directions for research and clinical practice are also suggested in this report.

Severe Acquired Hypokalemic Paralysis in a Bodybuilder After Self-Medication With Triamterene/Hydrochlorothiazide.

BACKGROUND: Severe hypokalemia with severe neurological impairment and electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities due to the misuse of triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in a bodybuilder has not yet been reported. CASE REPORT: A 22-year-old bodybuilder developed acute generalized muscle cramps, sensory disturbance of the distal lower and upper limbs, quadriparesis, and urinary retention. These abnormalities were attributed to severe hypokalemia of 1.8 mmol/L (normal range 3.4-4.5 mmol/L) due to misuse of triamterene/HCTZ together with fluid restriction. He was cardiologically asymptomatic, but ECG revealed a corrected QT (QTc) interval of 625 ms. On intravenous application of fluids along with intravenous and oral substitution of potassium, his condition rapidly improved, such that the sensory disturbances, quadriparesis, and bladder dysfunction completely resolved within 2 days after admission. CONCLUSIONS: Self-medication with diuretics along with fluid restriction may result in severe hypokalemia, paralysis, and ECG abnormalities. Those responsible for the management of bodybuilding studios and competitions must be aware of the potential severe health threats caused by self-medication with diuretics and anabolic steroids. Although triamterene is potassium-sparing, it may enhance the potassium-lowering effect of HCTZ.

Long-Term Effects of a Multimodal Physiotherapy Program on the Severity of Somatosensory Tinnitus and Identification of Clinical Indicators Predicting Favorable Outcomes of the Program.

BACKGROUND: Tinnitus, the perception of sound in the absence of external auditory stimuli, is commonly associated with problems of the auditory system. Head and neck disorders can also be involved in tinnitus emergence. In such cases, the term somatosensory tinnitus is used. Physiotherapy treatments have been identified as a promising avenue in the treatment of somatosensory tinnitus. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to explore the effect of a physiotherapy program on the intensity and severity of somatosensory tinnitus and to identify the clinical characteristics of the patients who respond well to this treatment. RESEARCH DESIGN: Quasi-experimental pre-post single-group design. STUDY SAMPLE: Thirty-one adults with presumed somatosensory tinnitus. INTERVENTION: All participants received on average ten physiotherapy treatments over six weeks. Treatments included cervical and thoracic mobilizations, as well as muscular strengthening, stretching, postural instruction, and cervical stabilization. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Outcomes were measured at baseline, at the end of the physiotherapy program, and three months later. The primary outcomes were the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and visual analog scales for loudness and annoyance caused by tinnitus. After the last evaluation, participants were divided into two groups: improved and unimproved participants. Participants were considered improved if they (1) showed significant improvement in at least two of the three primary outcome measures and (2) indicated subjective improvement. Thereafter, the baseline characteristics that correctly identify participants susceptible to improve significantly following treatment were determined (Cohen's effect size d > 0.8). RESULTS: A significant improvement in tinnitus intensity was observed at the end of the program. Of the 31 participants, 14 experienced persistent improvement in the intensity of their tinnitus and were classified as improved. Baseline characteristics strongly associated with tinnitus improvement were no increase in tinnitus when exposed to noise (d = -1.57), no family history of tinnitus (d = -1.16), somatosensory modulation in response to the contraction used to resist pressure applied to the forehead (d = 1.20), and recent onset of tinnitus (d = 1.03). CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory study showed that a multimodal physiotherapy program is effective in decreasing the severity of tinnitus, principally in individuals presenting with somatosensory tinnitus in combination with specific clinical characteristics.

You or me? Disentangling perspectival, perceptual, and integrative mechanisms in heterotopagnosia.

Heterotopagnosia-without-Autotopagnosia (HwA) is characterized by the incapacity to point to body parts on others, but not on one's own body. This has been classically interpreted as related to a self-other distinction, with impaired visual representations of other bodies seen in third person perspective (3PP), besides spared own body somatosensory representations in 1PP. However, HwA could be impacted by a deficit in the integration of visual and somatosensory information in space, that are spatially congruent in the case of one's own body, but not for others' body. Here, we test this hypothesis in a rare neurological patient with HwA, H+, as well as in a control patient with a comparable neuropsychological profile, but without HwA, and in age-matched healthy controls, in two experiments. First, we assessed body part recognition in a new task where somatosensory information from the participant's body and visual information from the target body shown in virtual reality was never aligned in space. Results show that, differently from the flawless performance in controls, H+ committed errors for not only the body of others in 3PP, but for all conditions where the information related to the real and the target body was not spatially congruent. Then, we tested whether the integration between these multisensory bodily cues in space, as during visuo-tactile stimulation in the full-body illusion, improves the patient's performance. Data show that after the stimulation prompting visuo-tactile integration, but not in control conditions, the patient's abilities to process body parts improved up to normal level, thus confirming and extending the first findings. Altogether, these results support a new interpretation of HwA as linked to the matching between somatosensory inputs from one's body and visual information from a body seen at a distance, and encourage the application of multisensory stimulation and virtual reality for the treatment of body-related disorders.

Hand Pain and Sensory Deficits: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy and the Academy of Hand and Upper Extremity Physical Therapy have an ongoing effort to create evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for orthopaedic and sports physical therapy management and prevention of musculoskeletal impairments described in the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). This particular guideline focuses on hand pain and sensory deficits in carpal tunnel syndrome. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019;49(5):CPG1-CPG85. doi:10.2519/jospt.2019.0301.

COMbined Physical and somatoSEnsory training after stroke: Development and description of a novel intervention to improve upper limb function.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: After stroke, reach-to-grasp goal-directed movements are disrupted as a result of both residual motor and somatosensory impairments. This report describes the rationale and development of a new upper limb stroke rehabilitation intervention known as COMPoSE: "COMbined Physical and somatoSEnsory training," designed to improve somatosensory and motor deficits in the upper limb after stroke. A standardized training matrix has been developed to facilitate intervention delivery. METHODS: The COMPoSE intervention was developed through the following stages: (a) Definition and operationalization of somatosensory and motor variables used in training sensation and movement after stroke; (b) development of methods to give feedback to enhance skill acquisition; and (c) Combination of somatosensory and motor variables, and feedback, into a standardized training matrix. The reporting of the COMPoSE intervention adheres to the recommendations of the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist to facilitate replication of the intervention in the future. RESULTS: The essential features of COMPoSE include combined somatosensory-motor training variables (grasp pressure, distance, object size, crushability, surface texture, and friction), feedback, and calibration using a haptic device providing measures of grasp pressure, use of anticipation trials, and high-dose repetitive task practice. Ten treatment sessions are delivered over 3 weeks, using a standardized matrix for treatment delivery. CONCLUSION: COMPoSE is a new intervention that combines somatosensory and movement training, delivered synchronously, within the same intervention, and within the same task.

Recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia para el manejo del dolor neuropático (revisión de la literatura) / Evidence-based recommendations for the management of neuropathic pain (review of the literature)

Objetivo: Sintetizar, mediante una revisión de la literatura, las recomendaciones actuales en el manejo del dolor neuropático. Metodología: Revisión temática basada en una búsqueda de literatura altamente sensible para la identificación de guías de práctica clínica y revisiones sistémicas de la literatura enfocadas en diagnóstico y manejo del dolor neuropático, desde 2012 a 2017. De las referencias incluidas, se obtuvo información relacionada con definiciones, consideraciones relevantes, indicaciones y objetivos del tratamiento, tanto farmacológico como no farmacológico y criterios de remisión. Resultados: Se incluyeron 34 guías de práctica clínica relevantes para el manejo del dolor neuropático. Se realizó una síntesis de aspectos relevantes enfocados en: 1) las herramientas de tamización disponibles para la identificación y clasificación del dolor neuropático; 2) el diagnóstico y seguimiento de las pruebas de confirmación; 3) principios del manejo del dolor, así como el manejo farmacológico y no farmacológico de primera, segunda y tercera línea, de acuerdo con la localización de las lesiones; y 4) seguimiento. Los tratamientos de primera línea más comúnmente recomendados influyen los antidepresivos tricíclicos, α2δ-ligandos (pregabalina y gabapentina) y los inhibidores selectivos de la recaptación de serotonina/noradrenalina. Conclusión: El dolor neuropático es una condición común en la práctica clínica, donde el médico no especialista en dolor realizará el diagnóstico basado en una historia clínica detallada y examen físico dirigido. El tratamiento debe ser multidisciplinario e iniciarse precozmente con fármacos de primera línea

Objective: To synthesize, through a literature review, the current recommendations in the management of neuropathic pain. Methodology: Thematic review based on a highly sensitive literature search for the identification of clinical practice guidelines and systematic reviews, focused on diagnosis and management of neuropathic pain, from 2012 to 2017. From the included references, it was obtained information related to definitions, relevant considerations, indications and objectives of treatment, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, as well as remission criteria. Results: We included 34 relevant clinical practice guidelines for the management of neuropathic pain. The synthesis of relevant aspects focused on: 1) the screening tools available for identification and classification of neuropathic pain; 2) diagnosis and follow-up of confirmation tests; 3) pain management principles, as well as pharmacological and non-pharmacological management as first, second and third line, according to the location of lesions; and 4) follow-up. The most commonly recommended first-line treatments include tricyclic antidepressants, α2δ-ligands (pregabalin and gabapentin), and selective serotonin / noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors. Conclusion: Neuropathic pain is a common condition in clinical practice, where the non-pain specialist will perform the diagnosis based on a detailed clinical history and directed physical exam. The treatment must be multidisciplinary and begin early with first-line drugs

Efectividad de los miniplatos inestables para la mejora del equilibrio en pacientes geriátricos institucionalizados con síndrome de desequilibrio posterior. Ensayo clínico aleatorizado / Effectiveness of unstable mini-boards to improve balance in institutionalised elderly people diagnosed with backward disequilibrium syndrome. Randomised controlled trial

Introducción y objetivos: El síndrome de desequilibrio posterior es un problema común entre los adultos mayores que los predispone a sufrir caídas. El objetivo del estudio es comprobar si el tratamiento con miniplatos inestables propuesto mejora la marcha y el equilibrio en pacientes geriátricos institucionalizados y diagnosticados de síndrome de desequilibrio posterior. Materiales y métodos: Ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado, con ciego simple y 2 grupos. Los participantes fueron ancianos institucionalizados de entre 68 y 97 años diagnosticados de síndrome de desequilibrio posterior (n=77). La intervención consistió en un protocolo de ejercicios de propiocepción y equilibrio durante 12 semanas. El grupo control recibió el tratamiento habitual que venía recibiendo en el centro hasta el momento. La medición de resultados se basó en la escala del test Timed Up and Go (TUG), cuyos resultados se registraron al inicio y a las 6, 8 y 12 semanas de la intervención. Resultados: Se obtuvo una muestra equilibrada respecto a todos los factores del análisis de 48 individuos para el grupo de miniplatos y 29 para el grupo control. El tratamiento con miniplatos ofreció como media una disminución en el TUG de 2,80s respecto al método de tratamiento habitual. Conclusiones: Los miniplatos se han mostrado como un método más eficaz que el tratamiento convencional, siendo mayor la mejora del equilibrio. La mejora del tiempo de ejecución del TUG es satisfactoria dadas las características de la población diana. Las puntuaciones bajas de partida en el test TUG han condicionado una menor capacidad de mejora del equilibrio

Introduction and objectives: Backward disequilibrium syndrome is a postural disorder that involves a posterior shift of a person's centre of gravity relative to their base of support, which increases falling risks. This study aimed to determine whether a specific protocol with the use of unstable mini-boards can improve balance and motion in institutionalised elderly people diagnosed with backward disequilibrium syndrome. Materials and methods: Single-blinded, 2-group, randomised controlled clinical trial. The patients were institutionalised adults, aged between 68 and 97, diagnosed with backward disequilibrium syndrome (n=77). The intervention group underwent a specific 12-week proprioception and balance exercise programme. The control group continued receiving the treatment they had been receiving so far. Outcomes were assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) scale, at baseline, weeks 6, 8 and 12. Results: Size was 48 for the intervention group and 29 for the control group, which was considered well-balanced, for all the analysis factors. The results showed a mean reduction of 2.80s for the TUG in the intervention group in comparison with the control group. Conclusions: The use of mini-boards proved to be a more effective method of treatment than conventional therapy, achieving greater improvements in balance. Results for TUG were satisfactory, given the characteristics of the target population. The low baseline TUG ratings determined less capacity to improve balance

Effect of noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation in community-dwelling elderly people: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Balance disorders are a risk factor for falls in the elderly. Although noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) has been reported to improve balance in young people, randomised control trials targeting community-dwelling elderly people have not been conducted to date. We aimed to assess the influence of nGVS on COP sway in the open-eye standing posture among community-dwelling elderly people in a randomised controlled trial. METHODS: A randomised controlled trial of 32 community-dwelling elderly people randomly assigned to control (sham stimulation) and an nGVS groups. All participants underwent centre of pressure (COP) sway measurements while standing with open eyes at baseline and during stimulation. The control group underwent sham stimulation and the nGVS group underwent noise stimulation (0.4 mA; 0.1-640 Hz). RESULTS: In the nGVS group, sway path length, mediolateral mean velocity and anteroposterior mean velocity decreased during stimulation compared with baseline (P < 0.01). The effect of nGVS was large in participants with a high COP sway path length at baseline, but there was no significant difference in COP sway in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that nGVS decreases the COP sway path length and mean velocity of community-dwelling elderly people when standing with open eyes. This suggests that nGVS could be effective for treating balance dysfunction in the elderly.

Intermittent theta-burst stimulation for upper-limb dysfunction and spasticity in spinal cord injury: a single-blind randomized feasibility study.

STUDY DESIGN: Single-blind, sham-controlled, crossover randomized feasibility study OBJECTIVES: (1) Assess the feasibility of a full-scale trial of intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) for upper-limb sensorimotor dysfunction following spinal cord injury (SCI). (2) Determine the safety and tolerability of iTBS over primary motor cortex on upper-limb function in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Large Tertiary Spinal Injuries Centre METHODS: Participants with incomplete SCI, suffering with upper-limb spasticity were recruited and randomized to receive active/sham iTBS over the hand representation of the primary motor cortex. The intervention was delivered in 10 sessions over a 2-week period, followed by a 2-week washout, before being crossed over to receive the alternative intervention for the same number of sessions. Feasibility was assessed by pre-specified criteria which included recruitment rate of 3 participants per month, 10 completed interventions and 10 complete data sets for 15 recruited participants with no serious adverse events. Secondary outcomes included preliminary data collection for spasticity, pain and sensorimotor function. RESULTS: Twelve participants were recruited over 10 weeks (i.e., 4.8 per month), with 11 randomized and 10 completing the intervention protocol with no serious adverse events. Eight complete data sets were obtained as two participants failed to attend follow-up. Data from 10 participants were analyzed, with one early dropout due to an unrelated adverse event. CONCLUSIONS: It is safe and feasible to conduct a full-scale trial. Whilst iTBS has shown promising results, further research optimizing the intervention is required to improve anticipated clinical efficacy.

Un algoritmo de tratamiento farmacológico para el dolor neuropático localizado / A pharmacological treatment algorithm for localised neuropathic pain

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Changing practice in the assessment and treatment of somatosensory loss in stroke survivors: protocol for a knowledge translation study.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of somatosensory loss in the upper limb after stroke has been historically overshadowed by therapy focused on motor recovery. A double-blind randomized controlled trial has demonstrated the effectiveness of SENSe (Study of the Effectiveness of Neurorehabilitation on Sensation) therapy to retrain somatosensory discrimination after stroke. Given the acknowledged prevalence of upper limb sensory loss after stroke and the evidence-practice gap that exists in this area, effort is required to translate the published research to clinical practice. The aim of this study is to determine whether evidence-based knowledge translation strategies change the practice of occupational therapists and physiotherapists in the assessment and treatment of sensory loss of the upper limb after stroke to improve patient outcomes. METHOD/DESIGN: A pragmatic, before-after study design involving eight (n = 8) Australian health organizations, specifically sub-acute and community rehabilitation facilities. Stroke survivors (n = 144) and occupational therapists and physiotherapists (~10 per site, ~n = 80) will be involved in the study. Stroke survivors will be provided with SENSe therapy or usual care. Occupational therapists and physiotherapists will be provided with a multi-component approach to knowledge translation including i) tailoring of the implementation intervention to site-specific barriers and enablers, ii) interactive group training workshops, iii) establishing and fostering champion therapists and iv) provision of written educational materials and online resources. Outcome measures for occupational therapists and physiotherapists will be pre- and post-implementation questionnaires and audits of medical records. The primary outcome for stroke survivors will be change in upper limb somatosensory function, measured using a standardized composite measure. DISCUSSION: This study will provide evidence and a template for knowledge translation in clinical, organizational and policy contexts in stroke rehabilitation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) retrospective registration ACTRN12615000933550 .

Sensitive skin: review of an ascending concept.

Sensitive skin is a condition characterized by stinging, burning and itching sensations. The diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment of sensitive skin are still under discussion. In the last years, studies on its epidemiology have been performed, showing a high prevalence and impact on quality of life. Brazilian population was also considered in these studies. Cosmetics, climate changes and skin barrier impairment are the main factors that contribute for skin hyperreactivity. New studies are trying to bring new knowledge about the theme. This review will describe data on epidemiology, triggering factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment.

Sensitive skin: review of an ascending concept

Abstract: Sensitive skin is a condition characterized by stinging, burning and itching sensations. The diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment of sensitive skin are still under discussion. In the last years, studies on its epidemiology have been performed, showing a high prevalence and impact on quality of life. Brazilian population was also considered in these studies. Cosmetics, climate changes and skin barrier impairment are the main factors that contribute for skin hyperreactivity. New studies are trying to bring new knowledge about the theme. This review will describe data on epidemiology, triggering factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment.

[Somatoparaphrenia].

Somatoparaphrenia (SP) typically occurs after a right-hemisphere stroke, where the patient refers to his/her hemiplegic left hand as belonging to someone else. In this report, we review the literature for the brain structures affected in SP. We also report three cases with varying degrees of SP: a typical case, one case where SP affected the visceral sensations, and one case where a concurring psychiatric condition lead to a very complex, bizarre delusion.

Using Plantar Electrical Stimulation to Improve Postural Balance and Plantar Sensation Among Patients With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized Double Blinded Study.

OBJECTIVE: People with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) often exhibit deteriorations in motor-performance mainly due to lack of plantar-sensation. The study explored effectiveness of plantar electrical-stimulation therapy to enhance motor-performance among people with DPN. DESIGN AND METHODS: Using a double-blinded model, 28 volunteers with DPN (age: 57.8 ± 10.2 years) were recruited and randomized to either intervention (IG: n = 17) or control (CG: n = 11) group. Both groups received identical plantar-stimulation devices for six weeks of daily use at home; however, only the IG devices were set to deliver stimulation. Balance (ankle, hip, and center of mass [COM] sway) and gait (stride velocity [SV], stride time [ST], stride length [SL], and cadence) were measured using validated wearable sensors. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at six-week. Clinical assessment including vascular as measured by ankle-brachial-index (ABI) and plantar-sensation as quantified by vibratory plantar threshold (VPT) were also measured at baseline and six weeks. RESULTS: No difference were observed between groups for baseline characteristics ( P > .050). Posttherapy, ankle and COM sway with eyes open were significantly improved ( P < .05, Cohen's effect size d = 0.67-0.76) in the IG with no noticeable changes in CG. All gait parameters were significantly improved in the IG with highest effect size observed for cadence ( d = 1.35, P = .000). Results revealed improvement in VPT ( P = .004, d = 1.15) with significant correlation with stride velocity improvement ( r = .56, P = .037). ABI was improved in the IG in particulate among those with ABI>1.20 ( P = .041, d = 0.99) Conclusion: This study suggests that daily home use of plantar electrical-stimulation may be a practical means to enhance motor-performance and plantar-sensation in people with DPN.

Effect of a patellar strap on the joint position sense of the symptomatic knee in athletes with patellar tendinopathy.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a patellar strap on the proprioception of the symptomatic leg in PT. Secondary aims were to investigate a possible difference in effectiveness between athletes with high and low proprioceptive acuity, and whether predictors of effectiveness could be found. DESIGN: Randomised cross-over pilot study. METHODS: 24 athletes with PT (age 27.3±9.0, VISA-P 50.6±11.2) performed a joint position sense test with and without a patellar strap. The difference between both conditions was analysed using linear mixed-model analysis. RESULTS: No improvement in the joint position sense using the strap for the whole group was found, while those classified as having low proprioceptive acuity did improve using the strap (p=0.015, 17.2%). A larger knee girth, longer duration of symptoms and more tendon abnormalities were negatively associated with the strap's effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a patellar strap improves the knee joint proprioception - measured with joint position sense - of the symptomatic leg in athletes with poor proprioceptive acuity. Especially athletes with relatively small knee girth, short duration of symptoms and small tendon abnormalities might benefit from the strap. As proprioception plays an important role in motor control, and deficits in proprioception may put an athlete at risk for (re-)injury, these findings may be relevant for prevention as well as rehabilitation purposes in those PT athletes with low proprioceptive acuity.