Chondrotoxicity of Intra-Articular Injection Treatment: A Scoping Review.

The purpose of this scoping review was to identify possible chondrotoxic effects caused by drugs usually used for intra-articular injections. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane were searched. Inclusion criteria required randomized controlled trials written in English that evaluate the toxic effect that damages the cartilage. The literature search resulted in 185 unique articles. 133 full-text articles were screened for inclusion, of which 65 were included. Corticosteroids, with the exception of triamcinolone, along with local anaesthetics, potentially excluding ropivacaine and liposomal bupivacaine, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, exhibited insufficient safety profiles to warrant casual use in clinical settings. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, appears to demonstrate safety while also mitigating risks associated with concurrent compounds, thereby facilitating therapeutic combinations. Additionally, there remains a paucity of data regarding platelet-rich plasma, necessitating further evaluation of its potential efficacy and safety. Overall, it seems that results are significantly influenced by the dosage and frequency of injections administered, observed in both human and animal studies.

Physiotherapeutic and non-conventional approaches in patients with chronic low-back pain: a level I Bayesian network meta-analysis.

Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is a major cause of disability and healthcare expenditure worldwide. Its prevalence is increasing globally from somatic and psychosocial factors. While non-pharmacological management, and in particular physiotherapy, has been recommended as a first-line treatment for cLBP, it is not clear what type of physiotherapeutic approach is the most effective in terms of pain reduction and function improvement. This analysis is rendered more difficult by the vast number of available therapies and a lack of a widely accepted classification that can effectively highlight the differences in the outcomes of different management options. This study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. In January 2024, the following databases were accessed: PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Embase. All the randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which compared the efficacy of physiotherapy programs in patients with cLBP were accessed. Studies reporting on non-specific or mechanical cLPB were included. Data concerning the Visual Analogic Scale (VAS) or numeric rating scale (NRS), Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Data from 12,773 patients were collected. The mean symptom duration was 61.2 ± 51.0 months and the mean follow-up was 4.3 ± 5.9 months. The mean age was 44.5 ± 9.4 years. The mean BMI was 25.8 ± 2.9 kg/m2. The Adapted Physical Exercise group evidenced the lowest pain score, followed by Multidisciplinary and Adapted Training Exercise/Complementary Medicine. The Adapted Physical Exercise group evidenced the lowest RMQ score followed by Therapeutic Exercises and Multidisciplinary. The Multidisciplinary group evidenced the lowest ODI score, followed by Adapted Physical Exercise and Physical Agent modalities. Within the considered physiotherapeutic and non-conventional approaches to manage nonspecific and/or mechanic cLBP, adapted physical exercise, physical agent modalities, and a multidisciplinary approach might represent the most effective strategy to reduce pain and disability.

Regenerative Medicine Solutions for Rotator Cuff Injuries in Athletes: Indications and Outcomes.

Rotator cuff (RC) injuries include a wide range of pathologic states. Athletes are perhaps the most susceptible to RC injuries ranging from tendinopathy to partial or full-thickness tears, due to functional overload and repetitive movements, causing abstention from sports for long periods. Regenerative medicine keeps giving us multiple choices to fight the disability caused by these pathologies. A literature search was performed, and findings related to the structure-function of rotator cuff units, pathophysiology of injuries, regenerative medicine treatments, and future strategies were outlined. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has a greater number of articles and clinical trials, accompanied by stem cells progenitor, prolotherapy, and new approaches such as microfragmented adipose tissue and exosomes. RC injuries in athletes can cause pain, functional impotence, and the risk of recurrence, and can lead them to stop playing sports. Regenerative medicine offers a range of treatments, but some of them need further studies to underline their actual validity.

Report and Abstracts of the 15th Congress of the Mediterranean Forum of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine: Rome, July 6-8, 2023.

The 15th Mediterranean Forum of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (MFPRM) Congress, held in Rome from 6 to 8 July 2023, brought together over 600 PRM specialists and residents from 51 countries and 5 continents to share knowledge, perspectives, and research findings. The Congress focused on the theme "Beyond COVID," highlighting the resilience and adaptability of PRM in the face of the pandemic. Presentations showcased the latest advancements in PRM across various subspecialties, including orthopedics and sports re-education, neurological disorders, pharmacotherapy and pain, pediatrics disorders, musculoskeletal disease, ergonomics and robotics, spasticity management, ICF and evaluation scales, spinal cord injury, musculoskeletal ultrasounds, rehabilitation of patients with cancers disease, post COVID-19 re-education, cardio-respiratory and urogynecological disorders, and traumatic brain injury. The congress successfully served as a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation in PRM, highlighting the importance of international cooperation and the resilience of PRM in adapting to emerging challenges.

Conventional physical therapy combined with extracorporeal shock wave leads to positive effects on spasticity in stroke survivors: a prospective observational study.

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) and conventional physical therapy (CPT) protocol on the gait pattern in stroke survivors through a new gait analysis technology. Fifteen (n=15) stroke survivors took part in this prospective, observational study and were assessed clinically and through an instrumented treadmill before and after rESWT and CPT. Spasticity grade 95% CI 0.93 (0.79 +/- 1.08), pain intensity 95% CI 1.60 (1.19 +/- 2.01), and clonus score decreased significantly 95% CI 1.13 (0.72 +/- 1.54). The sensorimotor function 95% CI -2.53 (-3.42 +/- 1.65), balance 95% CI -5.67 (-6.64 +/- - 4.69), and gait parameters were enhanced at the end of the program. Step length 95% CI -3.47 (-6.48 +/- 0.46) and step cycle were improved 95% CI -0.09 (-0.17 +/- -0.01), and hip 95% CI -3.90 (-6.92 +/- -0.88), knee 95% CI -2.08 (-3.84 +/- -0.32) and ankle flexion-extension 95% CI -2.08 (-6.64 +/- -4.69) were augmented. Adding the quantitative analysis to the clinical assessment, we gained easy access to track progress and obtained an individualized therapeutic approach for stroke survivors.

Home pelvic floor exercises in children with non-neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Is fitball an alternative to classic exercises?

INTRODUCTION: Biofeedback with home pelvic floor exercises were recommended as non-pharmacologic treatment for non-neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) in children. Fitball is recommended to improve all-over flexibility, balance, and coordination, especially for pelvic floor. Aim of the study was to investigate efficacy of standard home pelvic floor exercises versus exercises using fitball. METHODS: From April 2021 to February 2022 to all children arrived in our clinic with non-neurogenic LUTS nonresponder at urotherapy, our pelvic floor rehabilitative program was proposed. During the rehabilitation children performed: standard urotherapy, pelvic floor animated biofeedback therapy and pelvic floor exercises in a standard way and using a fitball. After the first session, patients received prescription to repeat at home the same exercises performed at hospital. Children who chose classic exercises were enrolled in group A and they who chose fitball in group B. Continence rate, pelvic floor muscles activity, adherence and satisfaction were evaluated by means of bladder diary, external pubococcygeus test and Likert-type psychometric scale (from 1 = very unsatisfied to 5 = very satisfied) respectively. RESULTS: Twenty-six children affected by LUTS were enrolled: 13 in group A and 13 in B. At 4th control urinary incontinence was reduced by 72,5% in A and 71.4% in B. Pubococcygeus test increased in both groups. Adherence at home was 92% in group A and 62% in group B. Satisfaction with the treatment (4 or 5 points) was 95% in both groups. Four patients of group A and all of group B decided to maintain home exercises including fitball. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary study shows that efficacy of home exercises, with or without fitball, is comparable. Satisfaction with fitball is high, regardless results obtained, because parents and children have learned a new, interesting and stimulating way to manage urinary problems. The opportunity to perform these exercises using fitball, it's an important finding for pediatric population.

Telemedicine Technologies Selection for the Posthospital Patient Care Process after Total Hip Arthroplasty.

For many years, the importance of using telematic technologies in medicine has been growing, especially in the period of the coronavirus pandemic, when direct contact and supervision of medical personnel over the patient is difficult. The existing possibilities of modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) are not fully used. The aim of the study is to identify the telemedicine technologies that can be used in future implementation projects of the posthospital patient care process after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The literature search is reported according to PRISMA 2020. The search strategy included databases and gray literature. In total, 28 articles (EMBASE, PubMed, PEDro) and 24 records from gray literature (Google Search and Technology presentations) were included in the research. This multi-source study analyzes the possibilities of using different technologies useful in the patient care process. The conducted research resulted in defining visual and wearable types of telemedicine technologies for the original posthospital patient care process after THA. As the needs of stakeholders in the posthospital patient care process after THA differ, the awareness of appropriate technologies selection, information flow, and its management importance are prerequisites for effective posthospital patient care with the use of telemedicine technologies.

Effect of Early Radial Shock Wave Treatment on Spasticity in Subacute Stroke Patients: A Pilot Study.

Background: Spasticity is a complication that can start immediately after stroke. Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) is a physical therapy tool used to manage chronic spasticity. However, the effect of rESWT's early use to treat spasticity after stroke is still not clearly investigated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of rESWT in improving poststroke spasticity of the upper limb in patients with a recent onset of spasticity compared to conventional physiotherapy alone. Methods: 40 stroke patients were randomly assigned to experimental (EG) or control group (CG). Both groups underwent two daily sessions of conventional rehabilitation therapy (CRT) 5 days per week; the EG underwent one rESWT session a week for 4 weeks. The modified Ashworth scale (MAS) tested at the shoulder, elbow, and wrist was used as outcome measure. MAS was evaluated at baseline, after 2 and 4 rESWT session, and one month after the last session (follow-up). Results: No significant differences between groups were found at baseline in terms of age, days from onset of spasticity after stroke, and MAS at each body segment. The sample lost eight drop-out patients. Except for the shoulder MAS values, the EG showed statistically significant lower MAS values already after the second rESWT session compared to CG. This significant difference was maintained until the follow-up. The CG showed a significant increase of wrist spasticity after the second evaluation, while the EG maintained constant MAS values throughout the observational period. The elbow spasticity was significantly higher in the CG at the follow-up evaluation. Conclusion: The rESWT combined with CRT seems to be effective in avoiding the increasing progression of spasticity after stroke.

Achilles Tendon Rupture and Dysmetabolic Diseases: A Multicentric, Epidemiologic Study.

Introduction: Achilles tendon ruptures are common. Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, thyroid disorders, and obesity, impair tendons health, leading to Achilles tendinopathy and likely predisposing patients to Achilles tendon ruptures. Materials and methods: Patients who visited the Orthopedic Outpatient Clinics and the Accident and Emergency Departments of five different hospitals in Italy were recruited. Through telephone interviews, we administered a questionnaire to all the patients who had undergone surgical ATR repair, evaluating their past medical history, sport- and work-related activities, drug use, and post-operative rehabilitation outcomes. Results: "Return to work activities/sport" was negatively predicted by the presence of a metabolic disorder (ß = -0.451; OR = 0.637) and 'open' surgery technique (ß = -0.389; OR = 0.678). "Medical complications" were significantly predicted by metabolic disorders (ß = 0.600 (0.198); OR = 1.822) and was negatively related to 'mini-invasive' surgery (i.e., not 'open' nor 'percutaneous') (ß = -0.621; OR = 0.537). "Immediate weightbearing" and "immediate walking without assistance" were negatively predicted by 'open' technique (ß = -0.691; OR = 0.501 and ß = -0.359 (0.174; OR = 0.698)). Conclusions: Metabolic conditions can strongly affect post-operative outcomes following surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon tears.

Responsiveness and Minimal Important Change of the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale in Italian patients with chronic low back pain undergoing multidisciplinary rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: There is still a lack of information concerning Minimal Important Change (MIC) of the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS), that limits its use for clinical and research purposes. AIM: Evaluating responsiveness and MIC of the QBPDS in Italians with chronic low back pain (LBP). DESIGN: This is a methodological research based on an observational study. SETTING: Outpatient rehabilitation hospital. POPULATION: Two hundred and one patients with chronic LBP. METHODS: At the beginning and end of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program, patients completed the QBPDS. At the end of treatment, they completed a 7-level global perceived effect (GPE) scale, which was split to obtain a dichotomous outcome (improved vs. stable). Responsiveness was calculated by distribution-based (effect size [ES]; standardized response mean [SRM]; minimum detectable change [MDC95]) and anchor-based methods (receiver operating characteristics [ROC] curves). ROC curves were also used to compute the MIC (based on QBPDS change score, both absolute and expressed as percentage). Correlations between the change score of the QBPDS and GPE were calculated. RESULTS: The ES was 0.29, the SRM was 0.43, and the MDC95 was 12 points. ROC analysis of the absolute change scores showed a MIC value of 6 points, with an area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.77-0.90), 77.7% and 80.8%, respectively. ROC analysis based on the percent change score from baseline revealed a MIC of 18% with an AUC, sensitivity and specificity of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.79-0.91), 80.6% and 80.8%, respectively. Correlation between change score of the QBPDS and GPE was ρ=-0.67. CONCLUSIONS: The QBPDS score change (expressed in both absolute value and percentage from baseline) was sensitive in detecting clinical changes in Italian subjects with chronic LBP undergoing multidisciplinary rehabilitation. In clinical practice, where absolute change is lower than MDC we recommend to rely on the MIC taking into account the percentage change from baseline condition. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The present study investigated the responsiveness and MIC of the QBPDS in a group of patients with chronic LBP. Our findings showed that the QBPDS score may classify with good to excellent discriminatory accuracy subjects who consider themselves as improved. Where examining change, we recommend considering both MICs we provided (expressing score change both in absolute value and as a percentage from baseline), and disregard values lower than MDC95, not being discernible from measurement error.

Does group-based high-intensity aerobic interval training improve the inflammatory status in patients with chronic heart failure?

BACKGROUND: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a multifaceted syndrome associated with endothelial dysfunction and increased inflammation. Despite the existing controversies regarding the appropriate training modality, it is widely accepted that supervised cardiac rehabilitation (CR) interventions lead to proinflammatory biomarkers reduction and cellular adhesion molecules in patients with CHF. AIM: The aim of the study was to quantify the effects of 12-week group-based high-intensity aerobic interval training (HIAIT)/modified group-based HIAIT intervention (m-Ullevaal) vs. moderate continuous training (MICT) on serum levels of proinflammatory biomarkers. DESIGN: Single-blind, two-arm, prospective randomized controlled trial conducted on CHF outpatients performing group-based CR interventions throughout a 12-week period. SETTING: The setting of the study was the Medical Center of Outpatient Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Plovdiv, Bulgaria. POPULATION: The population included a total of 120 outpatients of both genders, mean age of 63.73±6.68 years, with stable CHF (NYHA classes II to IIIB, were randomly assigned to HIAIT/ m-Ullevaal (N.=60) or to MICT (N.=60) group. METHODS: Functional exercise capacity (FEC) of the eligible subjects was evaluated through 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and peak oxygen uptake. Blood samples were drawn at baseline, after 12 weeks follow-up for analyses of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and cellular adhesion molecules (CAM). RESULTS: Significant decreases in the serum levels of CRP (P=0.029), TNF-α (P=0.036), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) (P=0.040), were observed after 48 training sessions in the group-based HIAIT/m-Ullevaal intervention, except for intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), which was higher in the MICT (P=0.034). FEC was significantly inversely related to CRP (r=-0.72, P<0.05), and the levels of VCAM-1 (r=-0.68, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both group-based CR interventions (HIAIT/m-Ullevaal and MICT) significantly reduced the serum levels of CRP, TNF- α, ICAM-1 and VCAM in patients with CHF. However, selected proinflammatory biomarkers changes and CAMs favorably decreased in the group-based HIAIT/m-Ullevaal intervention. The responses on serum levels of proinflammatory biomarkers and CAMs are dependent upon the type, intensity, and CR intervention duration. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The group-based high-intensity aerobic interval training reduces significantly the proinflammatory biomarkers and cellular adhesion molecules in patients with chronic heart failure.

Telerehabilitation during COVID-19 lockdown and gross motor function in cerebral palsy: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) refers to a mainly respiratory disease, caused by a new SARS-CoV-2 virus predominantly transmitted through direct or indirect contact with mucous membranes of eyes, mouth, or nose. The main control measures are physical distancing, use of specific protective devices, hand hygiene and disinfection of environments and tools. During this health emergency, telemedicine and telerehabilitation guaranteed patients to receive continuity of care through a virtual support while maintaining physical distance. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of telerehabilitation on gross motor skills in children with cerebral palsy (CP) during COVID-19 lockdown. DESIGN: This is an observational study. SETTING: Pediatric Outpatient Neurorehabilitation Service. POPULATION: Fifty-three children with cerebral palsy aged between 6 months and 12 years classified according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). METHODS: Variation on the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66) Score calculated before and after the telerehabilitation period was analyzed. RESULTS: After telerehabilitation there was a statistically significant increase in the median value of GMFM scores both on the total sample (from 54.82% to 63.18%, P=0.000005) and in the subgroups. Specifically, in children classified as level I and II at the GMFCS, this value increased more after the telerehabilitation period. Only the GMFCS level V group did not show statistically significant changes and only in two cases a decrease in the GMFM Score after the telerehabilitation phase occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Telerehabilitation can be considered an efficient tool that can temporarily replace the in-person therapy. It can allow the patient or caregiver to acquire skills in performing home exercises and to integrate and implement activity carried out at the Rehabilitation Center. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: This study shows a positive effect of telerehabilitation on gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy.

S1 Guidelines on Bone Impairment in Spinal Cord Injury.

During the acute and chronic phase of spinal cord injury (SCI) bone turnover and structure are affected. Bone mineral density of lower limbs is decreased up to 28%-50% below that of age-matched peers at 12-18 mo post injury. Coexisting secondary etiologies of osteoporosis may be present, and during ageing additional loss of bone occurs. All these compose a complex canvas of bone impairment after spinal cord injury and make the therapeutical approach challenging. The risk of fragility fractures is increased after the 2nd decade post SCI affecting the functionality and quality of life of individuals with SCI. Diagnostic flaws, lack of a ranking system to categorize the degree of bone impairment similar to the one of World Health Organization, and evidence-based clinical guidelines for management in SCI requires interdisciplinary cooperation and appropriate planning of future research and interventions. Spinal Cord Section of Hellenic Society of Physical Rehabilitation Medicine convened an expert panel working group on bone and spinal cord injury at the Pan-Hellenic Congress 2018 of PRM in Athens Greece, to establish an evidence-based position statement for bone loss in individuals with SCI of traumatic or non-traumatic etiology. This was reviewed by an International Task Force and used to create S1 Guidelines. This first version S1 guideline will work towards to provide help with prophylactic basic osteoporosis therapy diagnostic and therapeutic decisions in acute and chronic phase and rehabilitation countermeasures against osteoporosis related with spinal cord injury.

Role of Cachexia and Fragility in the Patient Candidate for Cardiac Surgery.

Frailty is the major expression of accelerated aging and describes a decreased resistance to stressors, and consequently an increased vulnerability to additional diseases in elderly people. The vascular aging related to frail phenotype reflects the high susceptibility for cardiovascular diseases and negative postoperative outcomes after cardiac surgery. Sarcopenia can be considered a biological substrate of physical frailty. Malnutrition and physical inactivity play a key role in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia. We searched on Medline (PubMed) and Scopus for relevant literature published over the last 10 years and analyzed the strong correlation between frailty, sarcopenia and cardiovascular diseases in elderly patient. In our opinion, a right food intake and moderate intensity resistance exercise are mandatory in order to better prepare patients undergoing cardiac operation.

Italian versions of the Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7: translation and validation in women with urinary incontinence.

PURPOSE: To culturally adapt and validate the Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 (short forms) for use in Italian-speaking women with urinary incontinence. METHODS: We developed Italian versions of the two questionnaires through forward-backward translation, expert review and cognitive interviews. We then administered them to 100 women with urinary incontinence (mean age 58.02 ± 11.9 years) to assess the internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient), standard error of measurement, minimum detectable change, and construct validity by hypothesis testing. RESULTS: No difficulties in acceptability emerged. Internal consistency was 0.61 for Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 and 0.88 for Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7. Test-retest reliability was respectively 0.79 and 0.91. The minimum detectable change was respectively 22.9 and 18.1 points (on a 0-100 scale). Nine out of 10 a priori hypotheses regarding construct validity were confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: The Italian versions of the Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 showed reliability levels in line with the literature and good construct validity. Thus, we think that the present study extends the evidence for both questionnaires as useful tools for assessing women with urinary incontinence.Implications for rehabilitationThe Italian versions of the short forms of the Urogenital Distress Inventory and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire have never been validated in Italian-speaking women with urinary incontinence.After translation and cross-cultural adaptation, the Italian versions of these two questionnaires showed reliability levels in line with the literature and good construct validity.The Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 produces a summary index of overall symptom distress, whereas the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 is a unidimensional questionnaire measuring the adverse effects of urinary incontinence on health-related quality of life.

Dual-Task Performance in Multiple Sclerosis' Patients: Cerebellum Matters?

OBJECTIVE: Gait, cognitive impairments, and their mutual influence in dual tasking (cognitive-motor dual tasking, CM-DT) are important to address therapeutic approaches in patients with multiple sclerosis (PMS). CM-DT correlates have been widely investigated with variable and dissimilar results, due to differences in methods. However, although the cerebellum has recently shown to be involved in both motor and cognitive functions, few studies have explored its role in the integration of the concurrent execution of gait and cognition. This case-control study aims to explore the effects of adding a cognitive task to walking in PMS and to investigate the role of the cerebellum in the interfering process. METHODS: In total, 20 patients and 18 healthy controls (HC) underwent clinical assessments, dual task (DT), and 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). DT was composed by three 2-min trials requiring fast walking. In 2 of them 2 different cognitive tasks were added. RESULTS: Both groups evidenced the presence of cognitive-motor interference (CMI) for both cognitive conditions with a greater effect of word list generation task in PMS. Analysis of variance between HC and patients with high or low performances showed a significantly increased volume in Vermis lobules VIIIa and IX of high performers compared with HC. CONCLUSION: Our results show that CMI is also present in healthy individuals but is significantly more disabling in PMS. Furthermore, MRI data point to the existence of an initial mechanism of cerebellar reorganization in PMS with lower interference. Subsequently, the failure of this mechanism due to the progression of disability leads to a more evident expression of symptoms.

Early balance training with a computerized stabilometric platform in persons with mild hemiparesis in subacute stroke phase: A randomized controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Along with conventional therapy, novel tools are being developed in balance training for the rehabilitation of persons with stroke sequelae. The efficacy of Computerized Balance Training thus far been the object of studies only in persons with chronic stroke. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of an early Computerized Balance Training on balance, walking endurance and independence in activities of daily living, in persons with mild hemiparesis in subacute phase. METHODS: Thirty-two persons with a recent hemiparesis (within 4 weeks from stroke onset), able to maintain a standing position for at least 30 seconds, were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. The control group (CG) were administered conventional physiotherapy of 40 minutes twice a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks, while the experimental group (EG) underwent conventional physiotherapy 40 minutes once a day and Computerized Balance Training once a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. Outcomes were evaluated by means of Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Tinetti Balance Scale (TBS), Two Minutes Walk Test (2MWT), Barthel Index (BI) and stabilometric tests. RESULTS: Twelve participants for each group completed the training. Each group experienced 8 dropouts. The mean age (years) was 58.1±20.4 for EG and 59.7±14,7 for CG; the days from stroke were respectively 27.9±15.5 and 20±11.7. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant in experimental group for BBS (p = 0.003), for TBS (p = 0.028), for Sensory Integration and Balance tests performed with closed eyes on steady (p = 0.009) or instable surface (p = 0.023). and for 2MWT (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Computerized Balance Training is an effective therapeutic tool for balance and gait endurance improvement in persons with stroke in subacute phase.

The Technique of Intradiscal Injection: A Narrative Review.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common spine diseases and represents the most frequent cause of absence from work in developed countries. Approximately 40% of chronic LBP is related to discogenic origin. The goal of the study is producing a review of literature to describe analytically the techniques of intradiscal injections. METHODS: PubMed database was searched for clinical studies with the different key terms: "intradiscal", "injection", "steroid" "procedures", "techniques", "CT", "MRI", "fluoroscopy", "fluoroscopic", "guidance", "ozone", "ultrasound", "images". Only studies written in English, French, or Italian in which the intradiscal injection represents the main procedure for the low back discopathy treatment on humans were considered. We excluded the articles that do not mention this procedure; those which indicated that the intradiscal injection had happened accidentally during other treatments; those reporting the patient's pain was determined by other causes than the discopathy (facet joint syndrome, tumor, spondylodiscitis). RESULTS: Thirty-one articles dated from 1969 to 2018 met the criteria. The examined population was 6843 subjects, 52.3% male and 47.7% female, with a mean age of 45.9±10.1 years. The techniques are highly variable in terms of procedure: different operators, needle guidance, injection sites, drugs, tilt angle of the needle). CONCLUSION: The efficacy and the safety of the intradiscal procedures are not easily comparable due to different types of studies and their limited number. Further studies are needed to standardize the intradiscal injection technique/procedure to improve safety, repeatability and effectiveness, and last but not least to reduce peri- and postoperative care and health-care costs.