Balancing act: Unraveling the link between muscle strength, proprioception, and stability in unilateral hip osteoarthritis.

The objectives of this study are to compare hip muscle strength, hip joint proprioception, and functional balance between individuals with unilateral hip OA and asymptomatic individuals and to examine the relationships among these variables in the hip OA population. In a prospective cross-sectional study, 122 participants (unilateral Hip OA: n = 56, asymptomatic: n = 56) were assessed at the CAMS/KKU musculoskeletal Physical Therapy laboratory. Ethical standards were upheld throughout the research, with informed consent obtained. Hip muscle strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer, hip joint proprioception with a digital inclinometer, and functional balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Hip OA individuals exhibited significantly lower muscle strength and proprioceptive accuracy, and poorer functional balance than controls (p < 0.003). Correlation analyses revealed a positive correlation between muscle strength and BBS scores (r = 0.38 to 0.42) and a negative correlation with TUG test times (r = -0.36 to -0.41). Hip joint reposition sense (JRS) in flexion showed a negative correlation with balance (r = -0.46), while JRS in abduction was positively correlated (r = 0.46). The study highlights the clinical importance of muscle strength and proprioception in functional balance among individuals with unilateral hip OA. The results support the incorporation of muscle strengthening and proprioceptive training in interventions to improve balance and mobility in this population.

Enhancing Functional Ability in Chronic Nonspecific Lower Back Pain: The Impact of EMG-Guided Trunk Stabilization Exercises.

BACKGROUND: Nonspecific lower back pain (NSLBP) is described as pain that is not caused by an identifiable, well-known disease, such as infection, tumor, osteoporosis, fracture, structural deformity, inflammatory condition, radicular syndrome, or cauda equina syndrome. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of EMG-guided trunk stabilization exercises on functional disability associated with LBP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-blinded pre- and post-test experimental comparative design was used for this study. Fifty individuals with chronic NSLBP were screened for inclusion criteria. Of these, forty were randomly grouped into the EMG group receiving trunk-stability exercises with electromyography biofeedback and non-EMG group receiving trunk-stabilization exercises without EMG biofeedback. Participants performed five trunk-stability exercises 3 days a week for 4 weeks. The intensity of pain, range of motion, functional disability, and balance were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks. RESULTS: Both techniques indicated a significant effect on chronic NSLBP; however, trunk-stability exercises combined with EMG biofeedback produced better results in alleviating the intensity of pain, increasing the range of motion, and improving functional disabilities and static balance. CONCLUSION: The present study confirms that trunk-stability exercises with EMG biofeedback can be practiced safely, contributes to a greater boost in neuromuscular efficiency in the lumbar flexors and extensors, and is effective in modifying functional disability for patients with NSLBP.

A Cross-Sectional Study Investigating Lumbar Proprioception Impairments in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Correlations with Glycated Hemoglobin Levels.

Impaired proprioception is a recognized complication in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), contributing to balance deficits and increased risk of falls. However, limited research has focused on lumbar proprioception in this population. This study aimed to investigate lumbar proprioception in individuals with T2DM, as well as healthy individuals. Additionally, this study aimed to examine the correlation between lumbar proprioception and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, which is a marker of long-term glycemic control in T2DM. A cross-sectional study was conducted, comparing lumbar joint reposition errors (JRE) between a T2DM group (n = 85) and a healthy group (n = 85). Lumbar JRE was assessed in flexion, extension, lateral bending left, and lateral bending right using a dual inclinometer device. HbA1c levels were measured as an indicator of glycemic control. Significant differences in lumbar JRE were found between the T2DM and healthy groups, with individuals with T2DM exhibiting larger JRE values, indicating impaired lumbar proprioception (p < 0.001). The correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between HbA1c levels and lumbar JRE. Higher HbA1c levels were correlated with greater joint JRE in flexion (r = 0.49, p < 0.001), extension (r = 0.51, p < 0.001), left lateral bending (r = 0.45, p < 0.001), and right lateral bending (r = 0.48, p < 0.001) in the T2DM group. This study provides evidence of impaired lumbar proprioception in individuals with T2DM, as evidenced by larger lumbar JRE compared to the healthy group.

Age-Related Decline in Cervical Proprioception and Its Correlation with Functional Mobility and Limits of Stability Assessed Using Computerized Posturography: A Cross-Sectional Study Comparing Older (65+ Years) and Younger Adults.

Cervical proprioception and its implications on postural stability are crucial in older adults. Understanding their relationship is important in understanding and preventing falls in older adults. This research aims to evaluate the proprioceptive, functional mobility, and limits of stability (LOS) variables among two age groups: individuals aged 65 and above and those below 65. A secondary goal of the study is to analyze the relationship between cervical proprioception, functional mobility, and the LOS. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 100 participants each were included in the older and younger groups. Researchers employed the target reposition technique to assess cervical proprioception and measured the joint position error (JPE) in degrees. Functional mobility was estimated using the Berg balance scale (BBS) and timed up-and-go test (TUG). In addition, dynamic posturography was utilized to evaluate variables related to the LOS, including reaction time, maximum excursion, and directional control. RESULTS: The magnitudes of the mean cervical JPE are larger (p < 0.001), and functional mobility (p < 0.001) and the LOS (p < 0.001) are impaired in older individuals compared to the younger ones. The cervical proprioception is significantly associated with functional mobility (p < 0.001), and the LOS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In older adults aged above 65 years, cervical proprioception, functional mobility, and the LOS are impaired. Older adults with greater cervical JPE had more impaired functional mobility and LOS parameters. When evaluating or treating older adults with problems with their balance or falls, these factors should be considered.

Shoulder Proprioception and Its Correlation with Pain Intensity and Functional Disability in Individuals with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SAIS) is a common shoulder condition characterized by pain and functional impairment. Proprioception, the sense of joint position and movement, is crucial in maintaining joint stability and coordinating movements. The relationship between shoulder proprioception, pain intensity, and functional disability in individuals with SAIS remains unclear, with conflicting findings in the literature. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate shoulder proprioception, examine its correlation with pain intensity and functional disability, and contribute to our understanding of the clinical implications of proprioceptive deficits in individuals with SAIS. Forty-two individuals were diagnosed with SAIS, and an equal number of asymptomatic controls were recruited. Shoulder proprioception was assessed using a digital inclinometer, measuring joint position sense at various angles of flexion and rotation. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and functional disability was assessed using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Results: Individuals with SAIS exhibited significantly higher joint position error (JPE) values compared to asymptomatic controls in all measured angles of flexion and rotation (p < 0.001). Strong positive correlations were observed between JPE and pain intensity (r = 0.61 to 0.71, p < 0.01) and disability (r = 0.56 to 0.68, p < 0.01). These findings suggest impaired shoulder proprioception is associated with higher pain intensity and functional disability in SAIS. This study provides evidence of impaired shoulder proprioception in individuals with SAIS and its correlation with pain intensity and functional disability. The results highlight the clinical relevance of proprioceptive deficits in SAIS and emphasize the importance of incorporating proprioceptive assessment and targeted rehabilitation interventions into managing this condition. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies with larger and more diverse samples to further understand the underlying mechanisms and evaluate the effectiveness of proprioceptive interventions in improving outcomes for individuals with SAIS.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Mediating Effect of Chronic Pain on the Relationship between Cervical Proprioception and Functional Balance in Elderly Individuals with Chronic Neck Pain: Mediation Analysis Study.

(1) Background: Cervical proprioception maintains head orientation in space and contributes to maintaining bodily balance. Evaluating cervical proprioception in elderly individuals with chronic neck pain (CNP) and understanding how pain intensity mediates the relationship between proprioception and functional balance helps formulate treatment strategies for this population. The objectives of this study are to (a) compare the cervical proprioception and functional balance between CNP and asymptomatic, (b) investigate the relationship between cervical proprioception and functional balance ability in CNP individuals and (c) mediation effect of chronic pain on the relationship between cervical proprioception and functional balance tests (2) Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study recruited 60 elderly individuals with a diagnosis of CNP (mean age: 66.40 years) and 60 asymptomatic (mean age: 66.42 years). The cervical proprioception is measured using the target head repositing technique. The subjects were asked to close their eyes and reposition their head actively to the target position from the neutral position, and the reposition accuracy is estimated as joint position errors (JPE) in degrees. The cervical proprioception was measured in the directions of flexion, extension, and left and right rotation. The functional balance was assessed using the berg balance test (BBS) score and timed-up-and-go (TUG) test in seconds. (3) Results: The elderly individuals with CNP had increased cervical JPE compared to the asymptomatic group (p < 0.001) in all the directions tested, indicating that cervical proprioception is impaired in CNP patients. Moreover, the CNP individual functional balance is significantly impaired (p < 0.001) compared to asymptomatic. The BBS test scores were lower, and the TUG scores were higher in the CNP group. In CNP individuals, the cervical JPE showed a significant correlation with the BBS test scores (r = -0.672 to -0.732, p < 0.001) and TUG scores (r = 0.328 to -0.414, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Cervical proprioception and functional balance are impaired in elderly individuals with CNP. Physical therapists and rehabilitation professionals may consider these factors during the evaluation and development of treatment strategies in elderly adults with CNP.

Therapeutic Efficacy of a Formulation Prepared with Linum usitatissimum L., Plantago ovata Forssk., and Honey on Uncomplicated Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Analyzed with Machine Learning Techniques.

A single-blind double-dummy randomized study was conducted in diagnosed patients (n = 66) to compare the efficacy of Linseeds (Linum usitatissimum L.), Psyllium (Plantago ovata Forssk.), and honey in uncomplicated pelvic inflammatory disease (uPID) with standard drugs using experimental and computational analysis. The pessary group received placebo capsules orally twice daily plus a per vaginum cotton pessary of powder from linseeds and psyllium seeds, each weighing 3 gm, with honey (5 mL) at bedtime. The standard group received 100 mg of doxycycline twice daily and 400 mg of metronidazole TID orally plus a placebo cotton pessary per vaginum at bedtime for 14 days. The primary outcomes were clinical features of uPID (vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain (LAP), low backache (LBA), and pelvic tenderness. The secondary outcomes included leucocytes (WBCs) in vaginal discharge on saline microscopy and the SF-12 health questionnaire. In addition, we also classified both (pessary and standard) groups using machine learning models such as Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Logistic Regression (LR), and AdaBoost (AB). The pessary group showed a higher percentage reduction than the standard group in abnormal vaginal discharge (87.05% vs. 77.94%), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)-LAP (80.57% vs. 77.09%), VAS-LBA (74.19% vs. 68.54%), McCormack pain scale (McPS) score for pelvic tenderness (75.39% vs. 67.81%), WBC count of vaginal discharge (87.09% vs. 83.41%) and improvement in SF-12 HRQoL score (94.25% vs. 86.81%). Additionally, our DT 5-fold model achieved the maximum accuracy (61.80%) in the classification. We propose that the pessary group is cost-effective, safer, and more effective as standard drugs for treating uPID and improving the HRQoL of women. Aucubin, Plantamajoside, Herbacetin, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, Secoisolariciresinol Monoglucoside, and other various natural bioactive molecules of psyllium and linseeds have beneficial effects as they possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. The anticipated research work is be a better alternative treatment for genital infections.

Effect of manual physical therapy on sleep quality and jaw mobility in patients with bruxism: A biopsychosocial randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of deep-stripping and trigger-point pressure release massage on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), jaw mobility, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) of masticatory muscles in patients with sleep bruxism. A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 45 patients diagnosed with sleep bruxism. The patients were randomly assigned to three groups. Group I was the control group and included five men and 10 women; Group II was the deep-stripping massage group, which included two men and 13 women; and Group III was the pressure release group, which involved four men and 11 women. Patients were tested two times, before and after 6 weeks. Group I received transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and passive stretching; Group II received a deep-stripping massage; and Group III received a trigger-point pressure release massage. Findings revealed significant improvements in PSQI (p = 0.0001), jaw opening (p = 0.0001), jaw protrusion (p = 0.0001), jaw left lateral movement (p = 0.004), jaw retraction (p = 0.0001), right temporalis PPT (p = 0.0001), left temporalis PPT (p = 0.0001), right master PPT (p = 0.001), left master PPT (p = 0.001), right lateral pterygoid PPT (p = 0.001), left lateral pterygoid PPT (p = 0.001), right digastric muscle PPT (p = 0.001), and left digastric muscle PPT (p = 0.001) in the post-test condition in Group II compared with Group I and Group III. Deep-stripping massage improved PSQI, jaw mobility, or PPT of the masticatory muscles compared with trigger-point pressure release massage and traditional treatment techniques in patients with sleep bruxism.