Demonstration of kinesio taping effect by ultrasonography in neck pain.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of kinesio taping in nonspecific neck pain and to assess whether ultrasonographic parameters of the upper trapezius muscle can be used in the follow-up of kinesio taping treatment. METHODS: This was a single-blind, prospective, randomized controlled trial study involving 60 participants with nonspecific neck pain. The participants were randomly assigned into two groups. Kinesio taping group (n=29) received a 4-week neck exercise program, with kinesio taping applied twice a week for a total of four times, and the exercise group (n=28) received a 4-week neck exercise program. Participants were evaluated according to pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), cervical range of motion, and disability (Neck Disability Index). Also, trigger point diameter and upper trapezius muscle thickness were evaluated with ultrasonography. Before and after the therapy, as well as the first month, all measures were taken by an investigator other than the practitioner of the treatment program. RESULTS: The results showed that the Visual Analog Scale and Neck Disability Index scores in the kinesio taping group were statistically significantly improved when compared to the exercise group (p<0.05). In addition, the thickness of the upper trapezius muscle and the diameter of the trapezius muscle trigger point were statistically significantly improved in the kinesio taping group compared to the exercise group (p<0.05). In the kinesio taping group, there was no statistical significance in cervical range of motion as compared to the exercise group. CONCLUSION: The combination of kinesio taping and exercise therapy was effective in reducing nonspecific neck pain and neck disability. Also, this study showed that ultrasonographic evaluation of the trapezius muscle could be used in the follow-up of kinesio taping therapy.

Demonstration of kinesio taping effect by ultrasonography in neck pain

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of kinesio taping in nonspecific neck pain and to assess whether ultrasonographic parameters of the upper trapezius muscle can be used in the follow-up of kinesio taping treatment. METHODS: This was a single-blind, prospective, randomized controlled trial study involving 60 participants with nonspecific neck pain. The participants were randomly assigned into two groups. Kinesio taping group (n=29) received a 4-week neck exercise program, with kinesio taping applied twice a week for a total of four times, and the exercise group (n=28) received a 4-week neck exercise program. Participants were evaluated according to pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), cervical range of motion, and disability (Neck Disability Index). Also, trigger point diameter and upper trapezius muscle thickness were evaluated with ultrasonography. Before and after the therapy, as well as the first month, all measures were taken by an investigator other than the practitioner of the treatment program. RESULTS: The results showed that the Visual Analog Scale and Neck Disability Index scores in the kinesio taping group were statistically significantly improved when compared to the exercise group (p<0.05). In addition, the thickness of the upper trapezius muscle and the diameter of the trapezius muscle trigger point were statistically significantly improved in the kinesio taping group compared to the exercise group (p<0.05). In the kinesio taping group, there was no statistical significance in cervical range of motion as compared to the exercise group. CONCLUSION: The combination of kinesio taping and exercise therapy was effective in reducing nonspecific neck pain and neck disability. Also, this study showed that ultrasonographic evaluation of the trapezius muscle could be used in the follow-up of kinesio taping therapy.

The reflex mechanism underlying the neuromuscular effects of whole-body vibration: Is it the tonic vibration reflex?

OBJECTIVES: Whole-body vibration (WBV) is applied to the sole of the foot, whereas local mechanical vibration (LMV) is applied directly to the muscle or tendon. The time required for the mechanical stimulus to reach the muscle belly is longer for WBV. Therefore, the WBV-induced muscular reflex (WBV-IMR) latency may be longer than the tonic vibration reflex (TVR) latency. The aim of this study was to determine whether the difference between WBV-IMR and TVR latencies is due to the distance between the vibration application point and the target muscle. METHODS: Eight volunteers participated in this study. The soleus reflex response was recorded during WBV, LMVs, and tendon tap. LMVs were applied to the Achilles tendon and sole of the foot. The latencies were calculated using the cumulative averaging technique. RESULTS: The latency (33.4±2.8 ms) of the soleus reflex induced by the local foot vibration was similar to the soleus TVR latency (30.9±3.2 ms) and T-reflex (32.0±2.4 ms) but significantly shorter than the latency of the soleus WBV-IMR (42.3±3.4 ms) (F(3,21)=27.46, p=0.0001, partial η2=0.797). CONCLUSIONS: The present study points out that the neuronal circuitries of TVR and WBV-IMR are different.

The efficacy of robot-assisted training for patients with upper limb amputations who use myoelectric prostheses: a randomized controlled pilot study.

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate whether a movement therapy robot can improve skills in using a myoelectric prosthesis by patients with upper limb amputations. This prospective randomized, controlled study included a total of eleven patients with upper limb amputations who use myoelectric prostheses. The patients were randomized into a robot-assisted exercise group (n = 6) and a control group (n = 5). The robot group received robot-assisted training. No training program was provided to the control group. The outcome measure was kinematic data (A-goal hand-path ratio, A-goal deviation, A-goal instability and A-move) evaluated by the Armeo®Spring movement therapy robot. Significant improvements were noted in the A-goal hand-path ratio; A-goal deviation and A-goal instability in the robot group after treatment while compared with control group. No significant changes in A-move scores. We concluded that robot-assisted training may improve myoelectric prosthesis use skills in patients with upper limb amputation.

A new method to determine stretch reflex latency.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Motion artifact signals (MASs) created by the relative movement of intramuscular wire electrodes are an indicator of the mechanical stimulus arrival time to the muscle belly. This study proposes a method that uses wire electrodes as an intramuscular mechanosensor to determine the stretch reflex (SR) latency without lag time. METHODS: Gastrocnemius SR was induced by tendon tap, heel tap, and forefoot tap. The MASs recorded by intramuscular wire electrodes were extracted from background electromyographic activity using the spike-triggered averaging technique. Simultaneous recordings were obtained from multiple sites to validate the MAS technique. RESULTS: Using intramuscular wire electrodes, the MASs were successfully determined and extracted for all stimulus sites. In the records from the rectus femoris, MASs were also successfully extracted; thus, the reflex latency could be calculated. DISCUSSION: Wire electrodes can be used as an intramuscular mechanosensor to determine the mechanical stimulus arrival time to the muscle belly.

Sarcopenia in patients following stroke: an overlooked problem.

Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia in stroke patients, the relationship between sarcopenia detected with different low muscle mass (LMM) adjustment methods, and between stroke-related parameters. Eighty-one patients with chronic stroke who underwent inpatient rehabilitation were included. Spasticity was evaluated by modified Ashworth scale, Brunnstrom staging approach was used for motor function evaluation, physical independence was evaluated using Barthel Index, quality-of-life was evaluated by EQ-5D-3L, and the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale was used to measure multimorbidity. Muscle strength was evaluated by handgrip strength, muscle quantity through a bioelectric impedance analysis, and physical performance by gait speed and short physical performance battery. LMM was calculated through two different methods: Skeletal muscle mass (SMM)/height2, and SMM/BMI. For the definition of sarcopenia, we followed the EWGSOP2 recommendation. Associated sarcopenia factors were predicted by multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of probable sarcopenia was 32.1%. The prevalence of confirmed/sarcopenia when LMM was adjusted for BMI was higher than when adjusted for height2 (16 and 1.2%, respectively). Age was significantly higher in those with probable sarcopenia (P = 0.006). Stroke duration was shorter in those with probable or confirmed sarcopenia (P = 0.004, P < 0.001, respectively). EQ-5D-3L scores were significantly lower in those with confirmed sarcopenia (P = 0.050). The strongest associated factor with confirmed sarcopenia was stroke duration (OR: 0.77; 95% CI, 0.618-0.965). This study suggests that prevalence of sarcopenia after a stroke is significantly high. LMM adjusted for BMI comes in front as the adjustment method for LMM after a stroke.

Effectiveness of Combined Complex Decongestive Therapy and Resistance Exercises in the Treatment of Lymphedema Associated with Breast Cancer and the Effect of Pain on Treatment Response.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) accompanied by resistance exercises on extremity circumference, lymphedema volume, grip strength, functional status, and quality of life in the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) in patients with and without pain. Methods and Results: Fifty patients with unilateral BCRL were divided into groups: with pain (Group 1, n = 25) and without pain (Group 2, n = 25). Thirty minutes of manual lymphatic drainage and multilayered short-stretch bandaging were applied to all patients five times a week for 4 weeks. In addition, all patients were informed about skin care and given a supervised resistance exercise program throughout the treatment. During the 1-month follow-up period, patients were asked to use low-tension elastic garments and to continue their home exercise program. Differences in upper extremity circumference and volume; grip strength; Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast scores were evaluated at baseline, after treatment (week 4), and at 1-month follow-up. Moreover, the pain intensity of patients in Group 1 was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). Patients in both Group 1 and Group 2 showed a statistical improvement in all outcome measures after treatment and at follow-up (p < 0.05); however, no significant difference was observed between the groups (p > 0.05). In Group 1, a statistically significant decrease was observed in the VAS score both at the end of treatment (-1.7 ± 0.9) and at 1-month follow-up (-3.5 ± 1.2) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Combined CDT and resistance exercises appear to be effective in BCRL patients both with and without pain.

The comparative effects of spinal manipulation, myofascial release and exercise in tension-type headache patients with neck pain: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of two manual treatment methods on pain, disability, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) in tension-type headache (TTH) patients with and neck pain. METHODS: Forty-five patients with TTH were randomly assigned to one of three groups and received eight sessions treatment: manipulation plus exercise (manipulation), suboccipital inhibition plus exercise (myofascial release), and exercise only (control). Headache frequency, pain severity (VAS-headache, VAS-neck pain) and headache and neck disability (HIT-6 and NDI, respectively) were measured at baseline, posttreatment, and at the third month follow-up. PPT was also evaluated on the temporalis muscle. RESULTS: Manipulation group was statistically better than myofascial release group in terms of headache frequency, headache severity, and PPT scores. Also, manipulation group showed statistically significant improvements in all outcome criteria when compared control group. CONCLUSIONS: Manipulation and exercise, in addition to pharmacologic treatment in TTH patients with cervical dysfunction appear to be a promising approach.

Comparison of the effectiveness of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy and supervised exercises with neuromuscular inhibition technique in lateral epicondylitis: A randomized-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) and supervised exercises with neuromuscular inhibition (NMI) technique in improving pain, function, and grip strength in the treatment of patients with lateral epicondylitis (LE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 50 patients with LE (11 males, 30 females; median age: 46 years; range, 23 to 57 years) whose symptoms persisted for at least three months between February 2015 and August 2015 were included in the prospective, randomized-controlled, clinical study. The patients were divided into two groups as the rESWT group (n=25) receiving a total of three rESWT sessions (once per week with 1.8 bar pneumatic pressure, 10 Hz frequency, and with 2,000 pulses) and the exercise group (n=25) receiving supervised exercises with NMI (three times per week for three weeks). Pain and function were evaluated using Visual Analog Scale, the total Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation, the Roles and Maudsley score, while the grip strength was evaluated using a hand dynamometer at one and three months after treatment compared to baseline. RESULTS: A significant improvement was observed in all outcome criteria at one and three months after treatment, compared to baseline, in both the rESWT and exercise groups (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in terms of the changes in the outcome criteria between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The rESWT seems to provide no significantly superior benefit than supervised exercises with NMI at least until the three months in the treatment of LE.

A spontaneous cervical spinal epidural hematoma in a male patient receiving treatment for acute coronary syndrome: A case report.

Although spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma is a rare entity with an unknown origin, it may occur secondary to the use of anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet agents, which are particularly used for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Since it occurs rarely and its initial symptoms are usually non-specific, early and accurate diagnosis can be challenging which affects survival rate and the quality of life. Herein, we present a 65-year-old male case who developed acute severe neck pain and headache on the third day of acute coronary syndrome treatment, followed by neurological deficits in bilateral upper and lower extremities.

Sleep quality in individuals with short-duration chronic spinal cord injury.

The aim of the study is to estimate the association between spinal cord injuries related medical factors and subjective sleep disturbance in individuals with short-duration chronic spinal cord injury. Seventy-nine individuals with traumatic spinal cord injuries were included in our study and evaluated using the Beck Depression Index for severity of depressive symptoms, Short-Form Health Survey for quality of life, Douleur Neuropathique 4 score for neuropathic pain severity, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for subjective sleep disturbances in a tertiary rehabilitation center. Associated subjective sleep disturbance factors were predicted using multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. Subjective sleep disturbance frequency was 74.7 %, and significantly higher in individuals with paraplegia (P = 0.025, odds ratio, 9.74, 95% confidence interval, 1.21-78.14). Intermittent nighttime catheterization frequency and neuropathic pain severity levels were significantly higher in individuals with subjective sleep disturbance, and quality of life and depressive symptoms were significantly worse in individuals with subjective sleep disturbance. Poor-sleep quality was associated significantly with shorter spinal cord injury duration. The strongest associated factors for sleep disturbance were paraplegic involvement, severity of depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Index score), and quality of life (Short-Form Health Survey general health perceptions score) (odds ratio: 95% confidence interval, 29.75; 1.66-534.36, 1.47; 1.11-1.95, and 0.91; 0.85-0.97, respectively). Our study suggests that paraplegic involvement, low quality of life, and depressive mood are related to sleep disturbance in individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury.

Effects of whole body vibration training on isokinetic muscular performance, pain, function, and quality of life in female patients with patellofemoral pain: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) training on isokinetic muscular performance, pain, function, and quality of life in patients with patellofemoral pain (PFP). METHODS: Forty women with PFP were included in this study and assigned to either a WBV group that received WBV training plus home exercise or a control group that performed home exercise only. A supervised WBV training was performed in 24 sessions on a synchronous vertical vibration platform three times a week for eight weeks. The home exercise program in the control group was identical to that in the WBV group. Isokinetic measurements were performed at baseline and post-treatment. In addition, patients were assessed after 6 months using a visual analog scale (VAS), Kujala Patellofemoral Score (KPS), and Short Form-36 (SF-36). RESULTS: Total work of knee extensors and VAS improved significantly post-treatment in the WBV group compared to the control group (P=0.041, P=0.003, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between groups at the 6-month follow-up (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present findings recommended that eight weeks of WBV training plus home exercise can more effectively reduce pain and improve the endurance of the knee extensors than that of home exercise of patient with PFP.