Effectiveness of whole-body vibration exercise and core stabilization exercise in chronic non-specific low back pain: A randomized-controlled study.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) and core stabilization exercise (CSE) on pain, muscle strength, and functional recovery in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (NLBP). Patients and methods: Between June 2016 and July 2017, a total of 74 patients with NLBP (12 males, 62 females; mean age: 44.7±8.9 years; range, 24 to 64 years) were included in this prospective, randomized-controlled study. The patients were randomly assigned to WBVE group (WBVEG, n=25), CSE group (CSEG, (n=25), and home exercise group as the control group (CG, (n=24). All groups performed 24 sessions of exercise for a total of eight weeks. Clinical outcome was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), computerized isokinetic muscle strengths (IMS) and progressive isoinertial lifting evaluation (PILE) test. Results: The VAS and RMDQ scores in WBVEG and CSEG statistically significantly decreased (p<0.05). The difference between the pre-treatment and at three-month VAS scores during intense activity were significantly different in both WBVEG and CSEG than the CG (p<0.05). The IMS values, except for the isokinetic flexion total work (IKFTW), increased significantly in all three groups (p<0.05). The IKFTW values increased significantly in the WBVEG and CSEG (p<0.05). A statistically significant increase in the functional work performance with PILE was observed in all three groups (p<0.05). The differences between the pre-treatment and three-month PILE test (ground to back and back to shoulder) were significantly different in both WBVEG and CSEG than the CG (p<0.05). Conclusion: In the treatment of chronic NLBP, WBVE and CSE appear to be effective in pain and functionality. Although there was a significant improvement in muscle strength and functional work performance in all three groups, greater improvements were observed in the WBVEG and CSEG than the CG.

The Effects of Dextrose Prolotherapy in Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Objective: To investigate the effects of dextrose prolotherapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Design: A prospective, randomized-controlled interventional trial. Setting: An outpatient pain medicine clinic. Participants: The study included 66 patients aged 40-70 years with chronic knee pain refractory to conservative therapy and diagnosed as grade II or III KOA according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification. The patients were assigned to dextrose prolotherapy group (PG; n = 22), saline group (SG; n = 22), or control group (CG; n = 22). Interventions: The intra- and extra-articular dextrose prolotherapy and saline injections were administered to the PG and SG, respectively, at 0, 3, and 6 weeks. The patients were blinded to their injection group status. A home-based exercise program was prescribed for all patients in all three groups. Outcome measures: The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, activity pain, stiffness severity measured using a visual analog scale (VAS), and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores measured using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) subscales were recorded at the baseline, 6-week, and 18-week follow-ups. Results: The WOMAC-pain and VAS-activity pain scores decreased significantly in the PG compared to the SG (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively) and CG (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) at 18 weeks. The WOMAC-stiffness scores decreased in the PG compared to the CG at 18 weeks (p < 0.001). The WOMAC physical functioning scores were improved in the PG compared to the CG at 18 weeks (p < 0.001). The physical component scores of the HRQoL were significantly improved in the PG compared to the CG at 18 weeks (p = 0.016), but the mental component scores of the HRQoL showed no significant differences. Conclusions: These findings suggest that dextrose prolotherapy is effective at reducing pain and improving the functional status and quality of life in patients with KOA.

Effects of ergonomic intervention on work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders among computer workers: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to determine effects of ergonomic intervention on work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (WUEMSDs) among computer workers. METHODS: Four hundred computer workers answered a questionnaire on work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms (WUEMSS). Ninety-four subjects with WUEMSS using computers at least 3 h a day participated in a prospective, randomized controlled 6-month intervention. Body posture and workstation layouts were assessed by the Ergonomic Questionnaire. We used the Visual Analogue Scale to assess the intensity of WUEMSS. The Upper Extremity Function Scale was used to evaluate functional limitations at the neck and upper extremities. Health-related quality of life was assessed with the Short Form-36. After baseline assessment, those in the intervention group participated in a multicomponent ergonomic intervention program including a comprehensive ergonomic training consisting of two interactive sessions, an ergonomic training brochure, and workplace visits with workstation adjustments. Follow-up assessment was conducted after 6 months. RESULTS: In the intervention group, body posture (p < 0.001) and workstation layout (p = 0.002) improved over 6 months; furthermore, intensity (p < 0.001), duration (p < 0.001), and frequency (p = 0.009) of WUEMSS decreased significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group. Additionally, the functional status (p = 0.001), and physical (p < 0.001), and mental (p = 0.035) health-related quality of life improved significantly compared with the controls. There was no improvement of work day loss due to WUEMSS (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ergonomic intervention programs may be effective in reducing ergonomic risk factors among computer workers and consequently in the secondary prevention of WUEMSDs.

Development and validation of a functional disability index for chronic low back pain.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a valid and reliable functional disability scale for chronic low back pain (CLBP). METHODS: Inpatients and outpatients suffering from low back pain (LBP) for at least 3 months were selected randomly. Patients with inflammatory LBP were not recruited. Interrater reliability and Cronbach's α were examined. Face, content, convergent and divergent validities were investigated. Factor Analysis and pearson's correlation coefficients (r) were performed. RESULTS: 112 patients (71 females) with a mean age of 39.93 (SD: 12.92) answered the 66 questions on the provisional scale. Elimination left 18 daily activity questions. The interrater reliability of the scale was 0.79 and Cronbach's α was 0.90. Face and content validities were determined. It showed good convergence with the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (r: 0.82), the Oswestry Disability Index (r: 0.76), Waddell's Functional Index (r: 0.68), and the Visual Analog Scale of Handicap (VAS-handicap) (r: 0.49) The scale showed no significant or fair relationship (divergence) with VAS-lumbar, VAS-radicular, Beck Depression Inventory, morning stiffness, night pain, finger tip-ground distance, radicular pain duration, or modified Schöber's index. The scale had two main factors. First represents activities implicating forward bending and second represents standing activities. CONCLUSION: A practical functional disability scale for CLBP was developed and validated.

Clinimetric properties of the Turkish translation of a modified neck disability index.

BACKGROUND: Neck pain is a common problem that can greatly affect a person's activities of daily living. Functional status questionnaires are important in assessing this effect, and are used to follow up neck pain management programs. The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is the first-created scale for neck pain-related disability and is widely translated and in common used in many countries. Our aim is investigate to clinometric properties of a Turkish version of modified NDI and to give a choice in daily practise of versions to be used. METHODS: The modified NDI was applied to 30 patients for reliability. 185 patients participated in the validity study. All patients were recruited from the outpatient clinic of our department. The scale was translated by the forward and backward translation procedure according to the COSMIN criteria. The test was repeated at 48 hours interval for reliability study. SPSS-10.0, software was used for statistical analyses. The Intraclass correlation coefficient was used for the test- retest reliability of the modified NDI. Cronbach α was used for internal consistency. Factor analysis was used for construct validity. The validity of the modified NDI with respect to the SF-36, HAD, VAS pain, VAS disability was assessed using Spearman correlations. RESULTS: The Intraclass correlation coefficient between first and second (within 48 hours) evaluation of test (rs) was 0.92. Questions 1,4,6,8,10 were shown to have excellent reliability. (rs > 0.9). Question 10 was the most frequently challenged question because "recreational and social activities" do not have not the same meanings in Turkey than in western countries. This required that detailed explanations be provided by the investigators. Cronbach's alpha for the total index was 0.88. A single factor accounting for 80.2% of the variance was obtained. Validity studies demonstrated good and moderate correlations (rs) among NDI, HAD, VAS, physical function subtitle of SF 36 (0.62, 0.76, 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: The modified NDI-Turkish version is a reliable and valid test and is suitable for daily practise.

Muscular kinetics and fatigue evaluation of knee using by isokinetic dynamometer in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory disease that is observed with arthritis, sacroiliitis and disability. The aim of the study was to compare the strength and fatigue of knee extensor/flexor muscle group usage by isokinetic in patients with AS with controls. METHODS: Twenty-six AS diagnosed patients and twenty-six healthy volunteers with similar age, height, body weight and gender were included in this study. In both groups the isokinetic tests are conducted by isokinetic dynamometer for every subject. Knee extension/flexion patterns;peak torque, agonist/antagonist ratio and work fatigue isokinetic parameters were evaluated during the knee 60º/s, 180º/s and 240º/s angular velocities. RESULTS: Knee extension/flexion muscle strength in patient group was significantly lower compared to the control group in all angular velocities (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed knee muscle weakness and fatigue in patients with AS compared to the control group.

Efficacy of acupunture in patients with chronic neck pain--a randomised, sham controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of electroacupuncture and sham acupuncture in the treatment of patients with chronic neck pain. 31 patients with chronic neck pain were included in a randomised, controlled trial. Electric stimulation was given for 30 minutes at low frequency (1-4Hz), pulse width of 200 micros, interrupted wave form. Of the 29 patients who completed the therapy, 13 were assigned to conventional acupuncture and 16 to sham acupuncture groups, receiving 3 sessions a week for a total of 10 sessions, each lasting for 30 minutes. Patients were evaluated before and after therapy and 3 months later by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the bodily pain subscale of the Short Form Health Survey-36 scale. The treating physician was different from the evaluating physician who, like the patient, was blinded. VAS scores in both groups significantly reduced after therapy and at 3 months post-therapy, but the difference between groups was not significant. In respect of bodily pain, there was a significant improvement in the acupuncture group after therapy (P<0.01). Stimulation of conventional acupuncture points was not generally superior to needling ofnonspecific points on the neck, and both treatments were associated with improvement of symptoms. Needles inserted into the neck are likely to be an inappropriate sham control for acupuncture.

Evaluation of sympathetic response in cases with failed back surgery syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate whether sympathetic skin response (SSR) was affected in cases with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). METHODS: Twenty-nine cases admitted to our department and diagnosed as FBSS were recruited for the study. All the cases had back, leg or back and leg pain in the months or in one year following spinal surgery. The control group consisted of 13 healthy hospital personnel. Electrophysiologic nerve conduction studies and SSR recordings were applied on the symptomatic side (29 legs) in study cases and both sides (26 legs) in the control group. SSRs of the study group were compared with those of the sex-, body mass index- and age-matched control group of 13 people. Patients having peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes, peripheral vascular disease, neurologic or psychiatric disease, alcoholism, or drug abuse were excluded from the study. Pain intensity was recorded by visual analog scale (VAS) and depression was recorded by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: Latency duration in SSR in the study group was significantly higher (p=0.006) when compared with the healthy controls. There was no SSR in 4 patients and there was a positive correlation between BDI and SSR (r=0.46). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the sympathetic nervous system is affected in FBSS patients with changes in SSR, and that the dysfunction of the sympathetic nervous system may contribute to the intensity and chronicity of pain states in this group of patients.

Bilateral tonsillolithiasis: a case report.

Although tonsilloliths are reported to be fairly common, florid cases casting distinct radiopaque shadows on panoramic radiographs are not often reported. This report illustrates such a case as an incidental finding in an asymptomatic 38-year-old female dental patient. Panoramic radiography revealed distinct radiopaque shadows over the ascending rami of the mandible bilaterally. These radiopacities were localized to the palatine tonsils by computerized tomographic inspection. Tonsillectomy was performed and tonsillolithiasis was confirmed by histopathologic examination.

The effectiveness of exercise programmes after lumbar disc surgery: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two different exercise programmes versus a control group, after lumbar disc surgery. DESIGN: A prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled study. SETTING: Outpatient clinic of Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. SUBJECTS: Sixty patients diagnosed as having single level lumbar disc herniation with clinical examination and MRI evaluation and who had undergone lumbar discectomy (post-operative first month) at a single level. Patients with serious pathologies involving the cardiac and respiratory systems that could prevent them from doing exercises were excluded. INTERVENTION: The patients were randomly split into three groups. The first group received an intensive exercise programme and back school education while the second group received a home exercise programme and back school education. The third group was defined as the control group and did not receive education or exercise. MAIN MEASURES: The patients were evaluated at the beginning and end of the treatment with clinical parameters, pain levels, endurance tests and weight-lifting tests, modified Oswestry Disability Index, Beck Depression Inventory, Low Back Pain Rating Scale and return to work. RESULTS: The groups doing exercises experienced a decrease in the severity of pain and disability, also functional parameters showed better improvement than the control group. The intensive exercise programme was better than the home exercise programme. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that intensive exercise is more effective in reduction of pain and disability, but whether it is cost-effective is not clear.

Factors affecting one year mortality and functional outcome after first ever ischemic stroke in the region of Antalya, Turkey (a hospital-based study).

In order to establish good health politics for stroke survivors, regional differences in factors affecting the outcome of patients have to be known. For this purpose we investigated factors affecting 1 year mortality and functional outcome in patients with first-ever-in a lifetime stroke in the region of Antalya, Turkey. One-hundred and forty-seven patients with a first ever stroke were included and followed up for at least one year. The modified Rankin Scale was used for evaluation of handicap. Several factors known to affect prognosis such as demographic features, socioeconomic status, stroke subtype, neurological findings and stroke risk factors were compared between patients who died during follow-up and survivors. Of the 147 patients 35 (23.8%) died during the course of the study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only illiteracy, being single or widowed and presence of urinary incontinence were significant predictors of being dead at the end of 1 year. In the survivors factors independently affecting dependence at the end of one year were age, presence of coma on admission and urinary incontinence. Our results suggest that not only stroke severity but also socioeconomic variables are important in determining the prognosis of stroke patients.

The effectiveness of intensive group exercise on patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare, in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), the effectiveness on pain, functional and psychological status of an intensive group exercise programme under the supervision of a physiotherapist and a home physiotherapy programme. DESIGN: Fifty-one patients with AS were randomly allocated into study and control groups. The study was designed as a prospective, double-blind study. SETTING: Outpatient department, Istanbul Medical Faculty. SUBJECTS: Patients who consulted with complaints of pain, morning stiffness and restricted range of movement with a confirmed diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis. INTERVENTIONS: Before exercise, both groups were given an education programme about AS. For group I patients an intensive exercise programme was organized under the supervision of a physiotherapist for six weeks. Group II patients had to practise exercises individually at home. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Both groups were evaluated and compared for pain, functional and psychological status before treatment, at the end of treatment and three months after treatment using a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Beck Depression Scale and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI). RESULTS: Six patients withdrew, four from group I. Results from the remaining 45 showed more positive changes in the patients undertaking group exercise at six weeks and three months after treatment. Values showed a statistical significant difference in favour of group I. CONCLUSION: Group exercise in hospital may be more effective than home-based exercises at reducing impairment associated with ankylosing spondylitis.