Development of a Multimodal, Physiotherapist-Led, Vocational Intervention for People with Inflammatory Arthritis and Reduced Work Ability: A Mixed-Methods Design Study.

PURPOSE: Work ability of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is reduced, but underexamined as a clinical treatment target. The evidence on vocational interventions indicates that delivery by a single healthcare professional (HCP) may be beneficial. Physiotherapist (PT)-led interventions have potential because PTs are most commonly consulted by RA/axSpA patients in the Netherlands. The aim was to develop a PT-led, vocational intervention for people with RA/axSpA and reduced work ability. METHODS: Mixed-methods design based on the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions, combining a rapid literature review and six group meetings with: patient representatives (n = 6 and 10), PTs (n = 12), (occupational) HCPs (n = 9), researchers (n = 6) and a feasibility test in patients (n = 4) and PTs (n = 4). RESULTS: An intervention was developed and evaluated. Patient representatives emphasized the importance of PTs' expertise in rheumatic diseases and work ability. The potential for PTs to support patients was confirmed by PTs and HCPs. The feasibility test confirmed adequate feasibility and underlined necessity of training PTs in delivery. The final intervention comprised work-focussed modalities integrated into conventional PT treatment (10-21 sessions over 12 months), including a personalized work-roadmap to guide patients to other professionals, exercise therapy, patient education and optional modalities. CONCLUSION: A mixed-methods design with stakeholder involvement produced a PT-led, vocational intervention for people with RA/axSpA and reduced work ability, tested for feasibility and ready for effectiveness evaluation.

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a multimodal, physiotherapist-led, vocational intervention in people with inflammatory arthritis: study protocol of the Physiotherapy WORKs trial.

BACKGROUND: Although reduced work ability is a substantial problem among people with inflammatory arthritis (IA), work ability is an underexposed area in clinical practice. Evidence on vocational interventions in IA is limited, but favourable results of delivery by a physiotherapist (PT) warrant the need for further research. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the (cost-)effectiveness of a multimodal, PT-led, vocational intervention in (self-)employed people with IA compared to usual care. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial will include 140 people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) who are (self-)employed and have reduced work ability (Work Ability Index - Single Item Scale (WAS) ≤ 7/10) and/or RA/axSpA related sick leave (≤ 6 months). Participants will be randomized 1:1 to the intervention or control condition (usual care). The intervention, delivered by primary care PTs, will be personalized to each patient, consisting of 10 to 21 sessions over 12 months. The intervention will be multimodal, comprising of 1) exercise therapy and a physical activity plan, 2) education/self-management support, 3) work-roadmap to guide participants in finding relevant other care, with optionally 4) online self-management course and 5) workplace examination. Assessments will be performed at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome measure of effectiveness is work ability, as measured with the WAS at 12 months. For the cost-effectiveness analysis, the EuroQol (EQ-5D-5L), self-reported healthcare use, sick leave and productivity while at work will be used to estimate the trial based cost-utility from a societal perspective. A process evaluation, including assessments of adherence and treatment fidelity, will be undertaken using the registrations of the PTs and semi-structured interviews at 12 months follow-up in a random sample of the intervention group. DISCUSSION: The results of this study will provide insights in the (cost-)effectiveness of a multimodal, PT-led, vocational intervention in people with IA and a reduced work ability. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered in the International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (ICTRP) under number NL9343.

Development and internal validation of a machine learning prediction model for low back pain non-recovery in patients with an acute episode consulting a physiotherapist in primary care.

BACKGROUND: While low back pain occurs in nearly everybody and is the leading cause of disability worldwide, we lack instruments to accurately predict persistence of acute low back pain. We aimed to develop and internally validate a machine learning model predicting non-recovery in acute low back pain and to compare this with current practice and 'traditional' prediction modeling. METHODS: Prognostic cohort-study in primary care physiotherapy. Patients (n = 247) with acute low back pain (≤ one month) consulting physiotherapists were included. Candidate predictors were assessed by questionnaire at baseline and (to capture early recovery) after one and two weeks. Primary outcome was non-recovery after three months, defined as at least mild pain (Numeric Rating Scale > 2/10). Machine learning models to predict non-recovery were developed and internally validated, and compared with two current practices in physiotherapy (STarT Back tool and physiotherapists' expectation) and 'traditional' logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Forty-seven percent of the participants did not recover at three months. The best performing machine learning model showed acceptable predictive performance (area under the curve: 0.66). Although this was no better than a'traditional' logistic regression model, it outperformed current practice. CONCLUSIONS: We developed two prognostic models containing partially different predictors, with acceptable performance for predicting (non-)recovery in patients with acute LBP, which was better than current practice. Our prognostic models have the potential of integration in a clinical decision support system to facilitate data-driven, personalized treatment of acute low back pain, but needs external validation first.

Patients' and clinicians' experiences with stratified exercise therapy in knee osteoarthritis: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: We have developed a model of stratified exercise therapy that distinguishes three knee osteoarthritis (OA) subgroups ('high muscle strength subgroup', 'low muscle strength subgroup', 'obesity subgroup'), which are provided subgroup-specific exercise therapy (supplemented by a dietary intervention for the 'obesity subgroup'). In a large clinical trial, this intervention was found to be no more effective than usual exercise therapy. The present qualitative study aimed to explore experiences from users of this intervention, in order to identify possible improvements. METHODS: Qualitative research design embedded within a cluster randomized controlled trial in a primary care setting. A random sample from the experimental arm (i.e., 15 patients, 11 physiotherapists and 5 dieticians) was interviewed on their experiences with receiving or applying the intervention. Qualitative data from these semi-structured interviews were thematically analysed. RESULTS: We identified four themes: one theme regarding the positive experiences with the intervention and three themes regarding perceived barriers. Although users from all 3 perspectives (patients, physiotherapists and dieticians) generally perceived the intervention as having added value, we also identified several barriers, especially for the 'obesity subgroup'. In this 'obesity subgroup', physiotherapists perceived obesity as difficult to address, dieticians reported that more consultations are needed to reach sustainable weight loss and both physiotherapists and dieticians reported a lack of interprofessional collaboration. In the 'high muscle strength subgroup', the low number of supervised sessions was perceived as a barrier by some patients and physiotherapists, but as a facilitator by others. A final theme addressed barriers to knee OA treatment in general, with lack of motivation as the most prominent of these. CONCLUSION: Our qualitative study revealed a number of barriers to effective application of the stratified exercise therapy, especially for the 'obesity subgroup'. Based on these barriers, the intervention and its implementation could possibly be improved. Moreover, these barriers are likely to account at least partly for the lack of superiority over usual exercise therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Netherlands National Trial Register (NTR): NL7463 (date of registration: 8 January 2019).

How does hip osteoarthritis differ from knee osteoarthritis?

Hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) are leading causes of global disability. Most research to date has focused on the knee, with results often extrapolated to the hip, and this extends to treatment recommendations in clinical guidelines. Extrapolating results from research on knee OA may limit our understanding of disease characteristics specific to hip OA, thereby constraining development and implementation of effective treatments. This review highlights differences between hip and knee OA with respect to prevalence, prognosis, epigenetics, pathophysiology, anatomical and biomechanical factors, clinical presentation, pain and non-surgical treatment recommendations and management.

A consensus-based framework for conducting and reporting osteoarthritis phenotype research.

BACKGROUND: The concept of osteoarthritis (OA) heterogeneity is evolving and gaining renewed interest. According to this concept, distinct subtypes of OA need to be defined that will likely require recognition in research design and different approaches to clinical management. Although seemingly plausible, a wide range of views exist on how best to operationalize this concept. The current project aimed to provide consensus-based definitions and recommendations that together create a framework for conducting and reporting OA phenotype research. METHODS: A panel of 25 members with expertise in OA phenotype research was composed. First, panel members participated in an online Delphi exercise to provide a number of basic definitions and statements relating to OA phenotypes and OA phenotype research. Second, panel members provided input on a set of recommendations for reporting on OA phenotype studies. RESULTS: Four Delphi rounds were required to achieve sufficient agreement on 11 definitions and statements. OA phenotypes were defined as subtypes of OA that share distinct underlying pathobiological and pain mechanisms and their structural and functional consequences. Reporting recommendations pertaining to the study characteristics, study population, data collection, statistical analysis, and appraisal of OA phenotype studies were provided. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a number of consensus-based definitions and recommendations relating to OA phenotypes. The resulting framework is intended to facilitate research on OA phenotypes and increase combined efforts to develop effective OA phenotype classification. Success in this endeavor will hopefully translate into more effective, differentiated OA management that will benefit a multitude of OA patients.

Use and perceived added value of patient-reported measurement instruments by physiotherapists treating acute low back pain: a survey study among Dutch physiotherapists.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore (i) physiotherapists' current use in daily practice of patient-reported measurement instruments (screening tools and questionnaires) for patients with acute low back pain (LBP), (ii) the underlying reasons for using these instruments, (iii) their perceived influence on clinical decision-making, and (iv) the association with physiotherapist characteristics (gender, physiotherapy experience, LBP experience, overall e-health affinity). METHODS: Survey study among Dutch physiotherapists in a primary care setting. A sample of 650 physiotherapists recruited from LBP-related and regional primary care networks received the survey between November 2018 and January 2019, of which 85 (13%) completed it. RESULTS: Nearly all responding physiotherapists (98%) reported using screening tools or other measurement instruments in cases of acute LBP; the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (64%) and the STarT Back Screening Tool (61%) are used most frequently. These instruments are primarily used to evaluate treatment effect (53%) or assess symptoms (51%); only 35% of the respondents mentioned a prognostic purpose. Almost three-quarters (72%) reported that the instrument only minimally impacted their clinical decision-making in cases of acute LBP. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey indicates that physiotherapists frequently use patient-reported measurement instruments in cases of acute LBP, but mostly for non-prognostic reasons. Moreover, physiotherapists seem to feel that current instruments have limited added value for clinical decision-making. Possibly, a new measurement instrument (e.g., screening tool) needs to be developed that does fit the physiotherapist's needs and preferences. Our findings also suggest that physiotherapist may need to be more critical about which measurement instrument they use and for which purpose.

Is a model of stratified exercise therapy by physical therapists in primary care feasible in patients with knee osteoarthritis? : a mixed methods study.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the feasibility of a newly developed model of stratified exercise therapy in primary care for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: Mixed method design (process, outcome and qualitative evaluation). SETTING: Six physical therapy practices in primary care around Amsterdam. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty eligible patients with knee OA, visiting one of the participating physical therapists (PTs). INTERVENTION: Patients were allocated to a subgroup based on a simple stratification tool and received subgroup-specific, protocolized, 4-month, exercise therapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Feasibility of this model of stratified exercise therapy was explored by multiple process parameters, outcome measures (physical functioning and knee pain; at baseline and 4-months follow-up) and experiences from patients and PTs. RESULTS: From 97 potentially eligible patients, fifty patients were included and allocated to the 'high muscle strength subgroup' (n=17), 'depression subgroup' (n=4), 'obesity subgroup' (n=6) or 'low muscle strength subgroup' (n=23). Three patients dropped out during the study period. PTs provided relatively low numbers of sessions (on average 10 sessions), although exceedance of the recommended maximum number of sessions did occur frequently. We found clinically relevant improvements on physical functioning and knee pain (P<0.001 for both) for the total group. In general, the model of stratified exercise therapy was considered to be easily applicable and of added value for daily practice. CONCLUSIONS: Our model of stratified exercise therapy seems to be feasible in primary care, although a number of limitations were reported. Future research should determine the (cost-)effectiveness of an adapted model, compared to usual, non-stratified exercise therapy.

Clinical phenotypes in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a study in the Amsterdam osteoarthritis cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and validate previously established phenotypes of knee osteoarthritis (OA) based on similarities in clinical patient characteristics. METHODS: Knee OA patients (N = 551) from the Amsterdam OA (AMS-OA) cohort provided data. Four clinical patient characteristics were assessed: upper leg muscle strength, body mass index (BMI), radiographic severity (Kellgren/Lawrence [KL] grade), and depressive mood (the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS] questionnaire). Cluster analysis was performed to identify the optimal number of phenotypes. Differences in clinical characteristics between the phenotypes were analyzed with ANOVA. RESULTS: Cluster analysis identified five phenotypes of knee OA patients: "minimal joint disease phenotype", "strong muscle strength phenotype", "severe radiographic OA phenotype", "obese phenotype", and "depressive mood phenotype". CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with knee OA, five phenotypes were identified based on four clinical characteristics. To a high degree, the results are a replication of earlier findings in the OA Initiative, indicating that these five phenotypes seem a stable, valid, and clinically relevant finding.

Improvement in upper leg muscle strength underlies beneficial effects of exercise therapy in knee osteoarthritis: secondary analysis from a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Although exercise therapy is effective for reducing pain and activity limitations in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), the underlying mechanisms are unclear. This study aimed to evaluate if improvements in neuromuscular factors (i.e. upper leg muscle strength and knee proprioception) underlie the beneficial effects of exercise therapy in patients with knee OA. DESIGN: Secondary analyses from a randomised controlled trial, with measurements at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 38 weeks. SETTING: Rehabilitation centre. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and fifty-nine patients diagnosed with knee OA. INTERVENTION: Exercise therapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in pain [numeric rating scale (NRS)] and activity limitations [Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) physical function subscale and get-up-and-go test] during the study period. Independent variables were changes in upper leg muscle strength and knee joint proprioception (i.e. motion sense) during the study period. Longitudinal regression analyses (generalised estimating equation) were performed to analyse associations between changes in upper leg muscle strength and knee proprioception with changes in pain and activity limitations. RESULTS: Improved muscle strength was significantly associated with reductions in NRS pain {B coefficient -2.5 [95% confidence interval (CI) -3.7 to -1.4], meaning that every change of 1 unit of strength was linked to a change of -2.5 units of pain}, WOMAC physical function (-8.8, 95% CI -13.4 to -4.2) and get-up-and-go test (-1.7, 95% CI -2.4 to -1.0). Improved proprioception was not significantly associated with better outcomes of exercise therapy (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Upper leg muscle strengthening is one of the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of exercise therapy in patients with knee OA.

Is the severity of knee osteoarthritis on magnetic resonance imaging associated with outcome of exercise therapy?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate associations between severity of knee osteoarthritis (OA) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and treatment outcomes in knee OA patients treated with exercise therapy in an exploratory study. METHODS: Ninety-five participants with knee OA in a 12-week exercise program had obtained 3.0T MRI scans of the knee joint prior to treatment. MRI data were systematically assessed for OA severity of multiple features (cartilage integrity, bone marrow lesions, osteophyte formation, effusion/synovitis, and meniscal abnormalities) according to the Boston Leeds Osteoarthritis Knee Score method. Regression analyses were performed to analyze associations between OA severity on MRI (for the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral [PF] compartments) and outcome of exercise therapy, i.e., changes in activity limitations (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index physical function; primary outcome), pain and upper leg muscle strength, and treatment response (Outcome Measures in Rheumatology/Osteoarthritis Research Society International criteria). RESULTS: Improvements of 24%, 34%, and 21% on average in activity limitations, pain, and muscle strength, respectively, after 12-week exercise therapy were found (P < 0.001). Severity of abnormalities in PF cartilage integrity was significantly associated with fewer improvements in both activity limitations (P = 0.01) and muscle strength (P = 0.04). Severity of PF osteophyte formation was significantly associated with fewer improvements in muscle strength (P < 0.01). All other features on MRI were not associated with treatment outcome. CONCLUSION: Effectiveness of exercise therapy seems to be independent of OA severity on MRI, except for abnormalities in cartilage integrity and osteophyte formation, both in the PF compartment. Our study suggests that all grades of OA severity on MRI can benefit from professionally supervised exercise therapy, although the effects might be reduced in patients with advanced PF OA.

Knee joint stabilization therapy in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether an exercise program, initially focusing on knee stabilization and subsequently on muscle strength and performance of daily activities is more effective than an exercise program focusing on muscle strength and performance of daily activities only, in reducing activity limitations in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and instability of the knee joint. DESIGN: A single-blind, randomized, controlled trial involving 159 knee OA patients with self-reported and/or biomechanically assessed knee instability, randomly assigned to two treatment groups. Both groups received a supervised exercise program for 12 weeks, consisting of muscle strengthening exercises and training of daily activities, but only in the experimental group specific knee joint stabilization training was provided. Outcome measures included activity limitations (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index - WOMAC physical function, primary outcome), pain, global perceived effect and knee stability. RESULTS: Both treatment groups demonstrated large (∼20-40%) and clinically relevant reductions in activity limitations, pain and knee instability, which were sustained 6 months post-treatment. No differences in effectiveness between experimental and control treatment were found on WOMAC physical function (B (95% confidence interval - CI) = -0.01 (-2.58 to 2.57)) or secondary outcome measures, except for a higher global perceived effect in the experimental group (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Both exercise programs were highly effective in reducing activity limitations and pain and restoring knee stability in knee OA patients with instability of the knee. In knee OA patients suffering from knee instability, specific knee joint stabilization training, in addition to muscle strengthening and functional exercises, does not seem to have any additional value. Dutch Trial Register (NTR) registration number: NTR1475.

The association between reduced knee joint proprioception and medial meniscal abnormalities using MRI in knee osteoarthritis: results from the Amsterdam osteoarthritis cohort.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is characterized by pain and activity limitations. In knee OA, proprioceptive accuracy is reduced and might be associated with pain and activity limitations. Although causes of reduced proprioceptive accuracy are divergent, medial meniscal abnormalities, which are highly prevalent in knee OA, have been suggested to play an important role. No study has focussed on the association between proprioceptive accuracy and meniscal abnormalities in knee OA. OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between reduced proprioceptive accuracy and medial meniscal abnormalities in a clinical sample of knee OA subjects. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in 105 subjects with knee OA. Knee proprioceptive accuracy was assessed by determining the joint motion detection threshold in the knee extension direction. The knee was imaged with a 3.0 T magnetic resonance (MR) scanner. Number of regions with medial meniscal abnormalities and the extent of abnormality in the anterior and posterior horn and body were scored according to the Boston-Leeds Osteoarthritis Knee Score (BLOKS) method. Multiple regression analyzes were used to examine whether reduced proprioceptive accuracy was associated with medial meniscal abnormalities in knee OA subjects. RESULTS: Mean proprioceptive accuracy was 2.9° ± 1.9°. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected medial meniscal abnormalities were found in the anterior horn (78%), body (80%) and posterior horn (90%). Reduced proprioceptive accuracy was associated with both the number of regions with meniscal abnormalities (P < 0.01) and the extent of abnormality (P = 0.02). These associations were not confounded by muscle strength, joint laxity, pain, age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and duration of knee complaints. CONCLUSION: This is the first study showing that reduced proprioceptive accuracy is associated with medial meniscal abnormalities in knee OA. The study highlights the importance of meniscal abnormalities in understanding reduced proprioceptive accuracy in persons with knee OA.

Proprioception in knee osteoarthritis: a narrative review.

OBJECTIVE: To give an overview of the literature on knee proprioception in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients. METHOD: A literature search was performed and reviewed using the narrative approach. RESULTS: (1) Three presumed functions of knee proprioception have been described in the literature: protection against excessive movements, stabilization during static postures, and coordination of movements. (2) Proprioceptive accuracy can be measured in different ways; correlations between these methods are low. (3) Proprioceptive accuracy in knee OA patients seems to be impaired when compared to age-matched healthy controls. Unilateral knee OA patients may have impaired proprioceptive accuracy in both knees. (4) Causes of impaired proprioceptive accuracy in knee OA remain unknown. (5) There is currently no evidence for a role of impaired proprioceptive accuracy in the onset or progression of radiographic osteoarthritis (ROA). (6) Impaired proprioceptive accuracy could be a risk factor for progression (but not for onset) of both knee pain and activity limitations in knee OA patients. (7) Exercise therapy seems to be effective in improving proprioceptive accuracy in knee OA patients. CONCLUSIONS: Recent literature has shown that proprioceptive accuracy may play an important role in knee OA. However, this role needs to be further clarified. A new measurement protocol for knee proprioception needs to be developed. Systematic reviews focusing on the relationship between impaired proprioceptive accuracy, knee pain and activity limitations and on the effect of interventions (in particular exercise therapy) on proprioceptive accuracy in knee OA are required. Future studies focusing on causes of impaired proprioceptive accuracy in knee OA patients are also needed, taking into account that also the non-symptomatic knee may have proprioceptive impairments. Such future studies may also provide knowledge of mechanism underlying the impact of impaired proprioceptive accuracy on knee pain and activity limitations.

Global pollution of surface waters from point and nonpoint sources of nitrogen.

Global 0.5- by 0.5-degree resolution estimates are presented on the fate of nitrogen (N) stemming from point and nonpoint sources, including plant uptake, denitrification, leaching from the rooting zone, rapid flow through shallow groundwater, and slow flow through deep groundwater to riverine systems. Historical N inputs are used to describe the N flows in groundwater. For nonpoint N sources (agricultural and natural ecosystems), calculations are based on local hydrology, climate, geology, soils, climate and land use combined with data for 1995 on crop production, N inputs from N fertilizers and animal manure, and estimates for ammonia emissions, biological N fixation, and N deposition. For point sources, our estimates are based on population densities and human N emissions, sanitation, and treatment. The results provide a first insight into the magnitude of the N losses from soil-plant systems and point sources in various parts of the world, and the fate of N during transport in atmosphere, groundwater, and surface water. The contribution to the river N load by anthropogenic N pollution is dominant in many river basins in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Our model results explain much of the variation in measured N export from different world river basins.

Is postural control associated with mental functioning in the persistent postconcussion syndrome?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether balance is associated with mental functioning after mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). DESIGN: Experimental two-group design. SETTING: Outpatient rehabilitation department. PATIENTS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS: From a consecutive sample of referred MTBI patients, 15 subjects who complained of imbalance were included (8 men and 7 women, age 35.9+/-8.6yrs). Subjects with detectable neurologic impairments were excluded. Twenty healthy control subjects of the same age group also were tested. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: In both groups, a force platform recorded center-of-pressure (CP) fluctuations during standing and weight shifting in different conditions. For the patients, attention and mental speed were assessed with the Symbol-Digit Substitution Test of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (Dutch version), verbal learning and memory were assessed with the 15-Words Test, and emotional distress was assessed with the Symptom Checklist-90. RESULTS: Compared with controls, patients showed an overall increase of 60% in CP velocity and an overall weight-shifting speed 25% slower (p < .005), indicating static and dynamic postural instability. Only performance on the Symbol-Digit Substitution Test was associated with both static and dynamic balance (p < .02), giving an explained variance of over 40%. CONCLUSION: The results indicate a possible association of balance with cognitive performance but not with emotional well-being after MTBI, suggesting an organic rather than a functional cause of postural instability. Further research is needed to assess the possible clinical implications.

Effect of BMI, insulin dose and number of injections on glycaemic control in insulin-using diabetic patients. Studygroup Diabetes Rijnmond (SDR).

BACKGROUND: Strict glucose control is essential to the prevention of diabetic complications. The level of glycaemic control in insulin-treated patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in a routine clinical setting is not known. METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey comprising 8 hospitals in the Rijnmond area, The Netherlands, age, body mass index (BMI), insulin dose, number of injections, and HbA1c were scored in 712 patients with insulin-dependent DM (IDDM) and 462 patients with non-insulin-dependent DM (NIDDM). RESULTS: In IDDM and NIDDM patients, respectively, age (mean +/- SD) was 40 +/- 17 and 65 +/- 12 years, BMI was 24.1 +/- 3.5 and 27.3 +/- 4.1 kg/m2, daily insulin dose was 49 +/- 18 and 44 +/- 18 U (P < 0.001). Intensive therapy (> or = 4 injections or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion) was used in 59% of IDDM and 13% of NIDDM patients. HbA1c below the upper normal limit was achieved in 11% of the patients, and within 20% above the upper normal limit in 37%. Obesity was positively associated with HbA1c in NIDDM patients (P < 0.01). A higher insulin dose was associated with higher HbA1c in both IDDM and NIDDM patients (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Good glycaemic control was established in 37% of our patients. Intensive insulin treatment and higher insulin dose did not improve glucose regulation. Obesity is a risk factor for poor glycaemic control.

Identification of static and dynamic postural instability following traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: Quantitative evaluation of static and dynamic aspects of postural instability as a long-term consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI). DESIGN: Experimental two-group design. SETTING: Outpatient rehabilitation department. PATIENTS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS: From a consecutive sample of TBI patients at least 6 months after trauma, 20 subjects were selected who complained of reduced gross motor skills but showed no sensorimotor impairments in a standard neurological examination (11 men, 9 women; mean age 36.2 +/- 10.7 years). Thirteen patients had sustained mild, 2 moderate, and 5 severe TBI. Twenty healthy controls were matched for age and gender. INTERVENTION: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A dual-plate force platform recorded the amplitude and velocity of the center-of-pressure fluctuations in the anteroposterior (AP) and lateral (LAT) sway directions during quiet standing. Also, the speed and fluency of weight shifting using visual feedback was registered. Both balance tasks were combined with an arithmetic task, whereas quiet standing was also tested with visual deprivation. RESULTS: Compared to controls, TBI patients showed an increase of over 50% in AP and LAT sway, and a weight-shifting speed 20% lower. Dual-task interference was never significant. Visual deprivation was most detrimental for the TBI patients, particularly for LAT sway control. CONCLUSION: A long-term overall reduction in both static and dynamic control of posture can be present after TBI, even in patients without clear neurological deficits. Force-plate recordings can identify such (latent) balance problems. Visual deprivation during quiet standing appears a simple, sensitive test for postural instability related to sensory integration deficits.