Comparing the Scores of The Functional Movement Screen™ in Individuals with Low Back Pain versus Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: The Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) is widely used to assess functional movement patterns and illuminate movement dysfunctions that may have a role in injury risk. However, the association between FMS™ scores and LBP remains uncertain. Objective: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine functional movement scores among patients with low back pain (LBP) and healthy subjects with no LBP and review the validity of the FMS™ tool for screening functional movement among LBP patients. Methods: The systematic review and meta-analysis included papers assessing functional movement among adult patients with LBP using the FMS™ through a literature review of five databases. The search strategy focused used relevant keywords: Functional movement screen AND low back pain. The review included all papers assessing functional movement among LBP adult patients (>18 years old) using the FMS™ published between 2003 to 2023. The risk of bias in the involved studies was evaluated using the updated Cochrane ROB 2 tool. Statistical analysis was conducted using Review Manager software, version 5.4. The meta-analysis included the total FMS™ score and the scores of the seven FMS™ movement patterns. Results: Seven studies were included in this systematic review were considered to have low to unclear risk of bias. The meta-analysis revealed that the LBP group had a significantly lower total FMS™ score than the control group by 1.81 points (95% CI (-3.02, -0.59), p= 0.004). Patients with LBP had a significantly lower score than the control group regarding FMS™ movement patterns, the deep squat (p <0.01), the hurdle step (p <0.01), the inline lunge (P value <0.01), the active straight leg raise (p <0.01), the trunk stability push-up (p=0.02), and the rotational stability screens (p <0.01). Conclusion: Lower scores on the FMS™ are associated with impaired functional movement. Identifying the specific functional movement impairments linked to LBP can assist in the creation of personalized treatment plans and interventions. Further research is needed to assess the association of cofounders, such as age, gender, and body mass index, with the FMS™ score among LBP patients and controls. Level of evidence: 1.

Exposure to Meta-Analysis During Graduate and Postgraduate Trainings Predicts the Good Knowledge and Use of Randomized Controlled Trials, Systematic Reviews, and Meta-Analyses Among Nigerian Physiotherapists.

Background Evidence-based practice (EBP) is essential for physiotherapy as an integral part of the multidisciplinary rehabilitation team. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses are the gold standard in the hierarchy of evidence. However, the extent of knowledge, attitudes, and professional use of RCTs and meta-analyses among physiotherapists in Nigeria remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to describe and explore the predictors of Nigerian physiotherapists' knowledge, attitudes, and professional behaviors toward RCTs, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Methods In this observational study, an electronic version of an adapted questionnaire assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and professional use of RCTs and meta-analyses was shared across electronic platforms of Nigerian physiotherapy professional organizations. Results We found good overall knowledge (76 {80.8%}) and attitude (83 {88.3%}) toward the use of RCTs, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses for evaluating health interventions. Exposure to meta-analysis during graduate and postgraduate training (odds ratio {OR}, 7.102; 95% CI, 1.680-30.021; p = 0.008) and the presence of a medical library at the workplace (OR, 0.264; 95% CI, 0.070-0.997; p = 0.049) were significant predictors of good knowledge of RCTs, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Self-rated (OR, 56.476; 95% CI, 1.356-2357.430; p = 0.034) and overall levels of knowledge (OR, 0.013; 95% CI, 0.000-0.371; p = 0.011) predicted the good use of RCTs, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses among respondents. Discussion To equip physiotherapy practitioners with the requisite skill in using RCTs, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, graduate and postgraduate trainings should prioritize education on the use of RCTs, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses to inform clinical decisions and practice, while capable workplaces may set up medical libraries to ease access and enhance the use of RCTs, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.

Multisite Pain and Intensity were Associated with History Fall among Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: This study examined the independent associations among multisite pain, pain intensity, and the risk of falls, including a history of falls in the previous 12 months and frequent falls (≥ two falls vs one or two falls) among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional design from Wave 2 of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project was used. Data on pain intensity and location (45 sites) over the past 4 weeks were collected. Multisite pain was categorized into four groups: none, one, two, and three or more sites. The main outcomes of falls were a history of falls and frequent falls. The covariates included age, sex, race, body mass index, education, medications, and comorbidities. Results: Among 3,196 participants in Wave 2, 2,697 were included because of missing key variables related to pain and fall history. The prevalence of falls and frequent falls were 30.3% (n = 817) and 12.6% (n = 339), respectively. Multisite pain at ≥ three sites (odds ratio (OR) 2.04, confidence interval (CI) [1.62, 2.57]; p < 0.001) and two sites (OR 1.72, 95% CI [1.30, 2.27]; p < 0.001) was significantly associated with an increased risk of falls. An increase in pain intensity was significantly associated with an increased risk of fall (OR 1.28, 95% CI [1.15, 1.44], p < 0.001), independent of multisite pain. Multisite pain at ≥3 sites (OR 2.19, 95% CI [1.56, 3.07], p < 0.001) and 2 sites (OR 1.54, 95% CI [1.01, 2.34], p = 0.045) was associated with an increased risk of frequent falls. An increase in pain intensity was associated with risk of frequent falls (OR 1.64, 95% CI [1.40, 1.91], p < 0.001), independent of multisite pain. Conclusion: Multisite pain and pain intensity were associated with a history of falls and frequent falls among older adults, emphasizing the need for routine pain evaluation to develop fall prevention strategies in this population.

Current Rehabilitation Practices and Return to Sports Criteria After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Survey of Physical Therapists in Saudi Arabia.

CONTEXT: With the high prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament rupture among young and active individuals, rehabilitation after the injury and surgery should meet the current evidence-based recommendations to restore knee function and reduce the risk of further injury. This study aimed to investigate the current rehabilitation practices and return to sports (RTS) criteria after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) among physical therapists in Saudi Arabia. DESIGN: Online cross-sectional survey-based study. METHODS: A total of 177 physical therapists in Saudi Arabia participated in this survey. The survey included questions about the preferred postoperative timing and frequency of rehabilitation, current views on the importance of preoperative and postoperative rehabilitation to the overall outcomes, the timeframe of RTS, and the decision-making process to RTS. RESULTS: Most therapists (96.6%) believed preoperative rehabilitation was essential/important to postoperative outcomes. Two-thirds encouraged patients to start rehabilitation program within 1 to 4 days immediately post-ACLR. RTS was permitted 6 to 9 months post-ACLR by 60% of therapists if satisfied with patient progress and capacity. Factors considered before RTS included knee strength (72.9%), functional capacity (86.4%), lower limb and trunk mechanics (62.7%), and psychological readiness (42.2%). Knee strength was assessed by manual muscle testing (39%), handheld dynamometry (15.3%), and isokinetic dynamometer (13.6%). While 60% of the therapists used single-limbed hop for distance for evaluating functional capacity, only 27.1% used a hop test battery. CONCLUSIONS: The surveyed physical therapists in Saudi Arabia demonstrated variations in the current rehabilitation practices and RTS criteria post-ACLR. Over half of the surveyed therapists considered preoperative rehabilitation essential to postoperative outcomes. However, the therapists should update their perspective with current evidence-based practice regarding the RTS timeframe, psychological readiness assessment for RTS, and knee strength evaluation using objective measurements.

Self-Reported Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity: Its Association with Health-Related Quality of Life in a Large Cohort of People with Chronic Diseases.

The aim of this study was to investigate the dose-response relationship between physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a large population-based sample of people with chronic disease. We analysed the data of 29,271 adults (15,315 women) who were diagnosed with chronic diseases and participated in the Welsh Health Survey (Wales, UK; data collection 2011-2015). Participants were classified, based on their weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), into four groups as follows: inactive (no MVPA), insufficiently active (<150 min/week), sufficiently active (≥150-<300), and very active (≥300). The main outcome was HRQoL measured via the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). This study found a curvilinear association between MVPA and HRQoL and a dose-response relationship for the perception of general health and vitality domains. Compared to inactive participants, those who were very active had higher HRQoL scores (coefficient = 12.54; 95% confidence interval [CI] 11.39-13.70), followed by sufficiently active (coefficient = 11.70; 95% CI 10.91-12.49) and insufficiently active (coefficient = 9.83; 95% CI 9.15-10.51) participants. The fully adjusted regression model showed curvilinear associations between MVPA and the domains of SF-36. Future research should find ways to motivate people with chronic diseases to engage in physical activity. The evidence to support regular exercise in individuals with chronic diseases in all age groups is strong and compelling, and patients should be encouraged to regularly devote more time to physical activity in order to improve their health and well-being.

Hypertension Is Associated with Joint Pain Severity Among Individuals with Osteoarthritis.

Previous studies have reported an association between hypertension (HTN) and osteoarthritis (OA). However, limited research has examined the association between HTN and symptoms, such as pain severity, in people with OA. Therefore, the aim was to investigate the prevalence of HTN in individuals with OA and the association between HTN and pain severity in this population. This study was cross-sectional and included participants aged 50 years and older from the community. Demographic data were included and self-reported history of chronic illnesses including diabetes, HTN, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, anemia, osteoporosis, neurological disease, and back pain were obtained. Numerous medications and chronic diseases were included. A subsample of people who self-reported osteoarthritis was included in this study. Pain severity was measured over the past 7 days using a pain numeric rating scale. Multiple linear regression was used after adjusting for covariates. A total of 82 participants with OA were included, and the prevalence of HTN among individuals with OA was 28.91%. Hypertension was significantly associated with increased joint pain severity in this population after adjustments for covariates (B=1.81; 95% CI, 0.65, 2.97; p = .003). Hypertension is prevalent in individuals with OA and is significantly associated with pain severity in this population. Future research should consider the effect of HTN control and medication on symptoms in people with OA. Clinicians may implement screening for HTN among individuals with OA because of the association between HTN and symptoms, such as pain, in this population.

Using the Y-balance Test as a Predictor Tool for Evaluating Non-contact Injuries in University League Football Players: A Prospective Longitudinal Study.

Background Football is a highly competitive sport, and participants can experience various contact and non-contact sports injuries in the sporting process. In any elite sport, screening players using different scientific tools is an important injury prevention strategy. The Y- Balance test (YBT) was found to be a predictive tool for non-contact injury. However, the use of criteria from these tests to predict injuries has not been substantiated and should be further investigated. Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the predictors for injury among athletes using baseline YBT, number of matches, and minutes of physical activity; the cutoff scores for predictors of injury, including baseline YBT, number of matches, and minutes of physical activity; and the clinical prediction rules for predicting injury in this population. Methods A total of 39 young student football players were included in this study. The mean age was 20.28 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 23.83 kg/m2. A baseline assessment of the participant's characteristics was taken and each participant performed the YBT once before starting the league. After the university league football players had finished their tournament, we asked them questions related to non-contact injuries. Results The results showed that the prevalence of injury was 17.95% among this population. An increase in the YBT score was significantly associated with a decrease in the odds of having an injury [odds ratio (OR) 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.94 (0.88, 0.99), p = 0.047). In addition, the number of matches was significantly associated with an increase in the odds of having an injury p = 0.012. However, the minutes of physical activity were not statistically significant p = 0.065. The highest Youden index was ≤97.89, with a sensitivity of 87.50% and specificity of 71.43%, for the posterior medial reach and ≤92.88, with a sensitivity of 90.62% and specificity of 57.14%, for the posterior lateral reach. The clinical prediction rule was an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.88. Conclusions The results of the study provide evidence for the potential utility of the YBT as a predictor tool for evaluating non-contact injuries in university league football players. By identifying players with lower YBT scores who were at higher risk for injury, targeted interventions could be implemented to address functional movement deficits and potentially reduce injury risk.