Comparison of muscle tightness between knees in individuals with unilateral osteoarthritis and its relationship with pain and function.

BACKGROUND: Unilateral osteoarthritis (OA) affects single knees and presents a unique scenario where individuals experience varying degrees of symptoms between their affected and unaffected knees. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate differences in muscle tightness between symptomatic and asymptomatic knees in individuals with unilateral knee OA while exploring the interplay among pain, functionality, and muscle tightness. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, thirty knee OA patients underwent assessments for hamstring (Active Knee Extension, Straight Leg Raise), iliotibial band (Ober Test), and quadriceps tightness (Modified Thomas Test). Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and functional limitations were evaluated via the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). RESULTS: A negative correlation was observed between participants' pain and AKE (p= 0.004, r=-0.515), ASLR (p= 0.27, r=-0.403), Ober (p= 0.010, r=-0.461) values. However, no significant correlation was found with the Modified Thomas value (p= 0.204, r=-0.239). There was also a negative correlation between participants' WOMAC scores and AKE (p= 0.019, r=-0.427), OBER (p= 0.004, r=-0.510), and Modified Thomas (p= 0.022, r=-0.416) values, while ASLR (p= 0.286, r=-0.202) values showed no significant correlation. Comparisons between AKE, Ober, and Modified Thomas values showed higher values in asymptomatic extremities (AKE: p= 0.025, Ober: p= 0.021, Modified Thomas: p= 0.030). CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the significance of muscle tightness in the symptomatic extremities of individuals with unilateral knee OA. The results indicate that increased muscle tightness makes pain worse and limits movement. It's crucial for healthcare providers treating OA to focus on improving muscle flexibility, reducing pain, and enhancing overall function.

The relationship between lower extremity muscle tightness and pain and disability in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain is a common health issue, and such pains are often associated with muscle tightness. Understanding the link between lower back pain and tight lower extremity muscles is essential for effective pain management and enhanced quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between lower extremity muscle tightness and pain and disability in individuals with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). METHODS: A total of 52 individuals with NSLBP were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Lower extremity muscle tightness was assessed using various clinical tests, including the Active Knee Extension Test, Active Straight Leg Raise, Ober Test, and Modified Thomas Test. Pain intensity and disability were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index, respectively. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess the correlation between muscle tightness, pain, and disability. RESULTS: The study found weak to moderate negative correlations between lower extremity muscle tightness and both pain intensity and disability in individuals with NSLBP (r: -0.287 to -0.526, p <  0.05). Dominant and non-dominant extremities exhibited differences in muscle flexibility, with the dominant extremity showing greater flexibility (p <  0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In individuals with NSLBP, lower extremity muscle tightness is closely related to pain severity and disability. These findings suggest that lower extremity muscle tightness plays a significant role in the severity of low back pain and disabilities. Additionally, the observed flexibility difference between dominant and non-dominant extremities warrants further investigation for more personalized treatment approaches.

The effects of dry needling and face yoga on pain, depression, function, and sleep quality in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction.

CONTEXT: Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) poses significant challenges due to its diverse symptoms and impact on patients' daily lives. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of two innovative interventions, dry needling and face yoga, in managing TMD-related issues such as pain, depression, and sleep quality. DESIGN AND STUDY PARTICIPANTS: Ninety patients with TMD symptoms were enrolled in a prospective randomized controlled trial. The patients were divided into three groups: dry needling, face yoga, and a control group. Various assessments, including Visual Analog Scale for pain, Beck Depression Inventory for depression, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for sleep quality, were conducted before and 6 weeks after the interventions. RESULTS: A decrease in pain levels and a statistically significant increase in jaw joint movements (mouth opening, protrusive movement, lateral movements) were observed in the dry needling and face yoga groups after treatment (p <0.05). Additionally, improvements in sleep quality were observed (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: Dry needling and face yoga interventions demonstrated efficacy in managing TMD symptoms, including pain relief and improved jaw movement. The findings suggest that these interventions can be valuable additions to the treatment regimen for patients suffering from TMD-related issues. However, further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects and mechanisms underlying these interventions in TMD management.

Acute Effect of Brace Use on Upper-Extremity Functionality in Adolescent Individuals With Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

It is well known that scoliosis adversely affects the functions of the upper extremities. However, the acute effect of rigid braces, which are widely used in the conservative treatment of scoliosis, on upper-extremity functionality remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of a rigid thoracolumbosacral brace use on upper-extremity functionality in individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Thirty-eight individuals diagnosed with AIS participated in this cross-sectional study, with a mean age of 14.55 ± 1.90 years and a range of 10-18 years. The upper-extremity functionality was assessed using the Nine-Hole Peg Test and handgrip strength, with assessments conducted under both in-brace (with their own braces) and out-of-brace conditions. Nine-Hole Peg Test durations of the AIS patients for the nondominant side were significantly lower for in-brace conditions compared with out-of-brace conditions (p = .049, effect size = 0.136). The grip strength of the nondominant side was significantly higher for in-brace conditions compared with out-of-brace conditions (p = .025, effect size = 0.365). A weak negative correlation was found between the degree of curvature and the grip strength of the dominant side for in-brace conditions (r = -.323, p = .048). It was concluded that the brace had a positive effect on upper-extremity functionality on the nondominant side by both shortening the Nine-Hole Peg Test duration and increasing grip strength. In AIS patients, the brace may positively affect daily living by improving the functionality of the nondominant extremity.

The acute effects of brace use on lower extremity performance in individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

BACKGROUND: Braces have been a popular treatment option for scoliosis among healthcare professionals for many years. However, the effect of braces on scoliosis treatment remains a subject of ongoing debate and research. AIMS: Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of wearing a spinal brace on vertical jump, postural control, reach distance, and fall risk in patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). METHODS: We included 33 patients with AIS aged between 10 to 18 years old in our cross-sectional study. Patients were randomly subjected to vertical jump test, standing long jump test, timed up and go test, postural control, and forward reach test, while wearing and not wearing the scoliosis brace, respectively. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that patients wearing scoliosis braces had significantly lower vertical jumps (p = .001), standing long jumps (p < .001), and forward reach distances with their dominant (p = .002) and non-dominant limbs (p = .007) compared to those who did not wear the brace. However, there was no significant difference in postural control and timed up and go test between the two groups (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that wearing a scoliosis brace may negatively affect an individual's vertical and standing long jumps, and forward reach distances. However, wearing or not wearing the brace had no significant effect on postural control and timed stand-up test. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to evaluate the overall effectiveness of scoliosis braces in treating AIS.

Comparison and Relationship of Quadriceps Femoris Angle, Muscle Strength, and Balance in Athletes and Non-Athletes.

Objective: Q-angle is an important parameter to assess quadriceps muscle's function and its effect on knee. The present study aims to investigate the potential relationships between Q-angle, muscle strength, and balance in both athlete and non-athlete populations. Methods: Fifty-six athletes and non-athletes aged between 18 and 20 were included in this cross-sectional study. The Q-angle of each participant was measured using a universal goniometer. Muscle strength was evaluated using hand-held dynamometer, and static and dynamic balance were assessed using the one-leg stand test and Y balance test, respectively. Results: Our findings revealed that athletes had a significantly smaller Q angle than non-athletes (p < 0.05). Furthermore, male participants had both higher muscle strength and better static balance with eyes closed than female participants (p < 0.05). Similarly, athletes had both higher muscle strength and better static balance than non-athletes (p < 0.05). Moreover, we found that the dominant limb had a significantly smaller Q angle than the non-dominant limb (p < 0.05). However, we did not observe a significant relationship between Q angle and dynamic balance (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our study suggests that individuals who participate in sports have lower Q angle values than those who do not participate in sports. Additionally, gender differences may exist in muscle strength and static balance. Furthermore, the Q angle was found to be lower in the non-dominant extremity compared to the dominant extremity. Finally, our study revealed a significant association between Q angle and knee muscle strength and static balance. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these relationships.

Investigation of physical activity, fear of falling, and functionality in individuals with lower extremity lymphedema.

PURPOSE: To investigate the fear of falling, physical activity, and functionality in patients with lymphedema in the lower extremities. METHODS: Sixty-two patients who developed stage 2-3 lymphedema in the lower extremities due to primary or secondary causes (age: 56.03 ± 7.83 years) and 59 healthy controls (age: 54.61 ± 5.43 years) were included in the study. The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of all individuals included in the study were recorded. In both groups, fear of falling was evaluated with the Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale (TFES), lower extremity functionality with the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), and physical activity with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the demographic characteristics of the groups (p > 0.05). The primary and secondary lymphedema groups had similar LEFS (p = 0.207, d = 0.16), IPAQ (p = 0.782, d = 0.04), and TFES (p = 0.318, d = 0.92) scores. However, the TFES score of the lymphedema group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.01, d = 0.52), while the LEFS (p < 0.01, d = 0.77) and IPAQ scores (p = 0.001, d = 0.30) were significantly higher in the latter. There was a negative correlation between LEFS and TFES (r = -0.714, p < 0.001) and between TFES and IPAQ (r = -0.492, p < 0.001). LEFS and IPAQ were positively correlated (r = 0.619, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It was determined that individuals with lymphedema developed a fear of falling, and their functionality was negatively affected. This negative effect on functionality can be attributed to reduced physical activity and an increased fear of falling.

Acute effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization technique on pain and joint position error in individuals with chronic neck pain: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE/AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the acute effects of IASTM on cervical joint position error and pain in individuals with chronic neck pain. METHODS: A total of 39 individuals with chronic neck pain were included in this study. Participants were randomized into three groups: Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization(IASTM (n = 13), sham (n = 13), and control (n = 13). In the IASTM group, intervention was applied to the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles with an application time of 45 s and a frequency of 60 beats/min. In the sham group, IASTM was applied at a 90° angle without pressure. The control group did not receive any intervention. The pain severity and joint position error(JPE) were evaluated before and after the intervention, by using the visual analogue scale and a cervical range of motion device. RESULTS: The effects of time and treatment group on visual analogue scale(VAS) score were statistically significant (p = .001). Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization was more effective in VAS score than sham and control group (p < .001). Significant improvement was found in JPE in all range of motions of the cervical region in the instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization group (p < .05). In the sham group, significant improvements were observed in cervical extension, left rotation, and left lateral flexion movements in JPE during each cervical spine active movement (p < .05). Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization group was more effective in JPE all directions than sham and control group. CONCLUSIONS: Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization may be a useful technique in individuals with chronic neck pain. Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization decreases VAS and improves JPE. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04882397 (05 August 2021).

A randomized controlled trial on pain, grip strength, and functionality in lateral elbow pain: Mulligan vs muscle energy techniques.

BACKGROUND: Lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) is one of the most common lesions of the upper extremity. The level of evidence from studies on LET treatment protocols is insufficient. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of mobilization with movement (MWM) and muscle energy technique (MET) on pain, grip strength, and functionality in patients diagnosed with LET. METHODS: Forty-five patients with LET aged 30-55 years were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into three groups: MWM, MET, and control group. The control group received a 4-week home exercise program. In addition to the home exercise program in the MWM group, 12 sessions of MWM and 12 sessions of MET were performed in the MET group. Participants' pain, grip strength, and functionality were assessed before and after the study. RESULTS: After the treatment period, greater improvement in pain, grip strength, finger strength, and functionality were observed in the MWM and MET groups than in the control group (p< 0.05), but no statistically significant difference was found between the MWM and MET groups (p> 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that MWM and MET, used in addition to home exercises, can be used to relieve pain and increase grip strength, finger strength, and functionality.

Effect of Aerobic Exercise on the Levels of Pain, Quality of Life, and Alexithymia in Alexithymic Individuals With Chronic Pain: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on pain, degree of alexithymia, and quality of life in individuals with alexithymia and chronic pain. METHODS: A total of 40 participants who scored 61 or higher on the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20) were included in the study. The sample was subdivided into 2 groups using a computerized randomization program: an aerobic exercise group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). Participants in the aerobic exercise group underwent a 30-minute jogging protocol at 60% to 90% of maximum heart rate 3 days per week for 8 weeks under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Participants in the control group continued their daily physical activities. Outcome measures were the TAS-20, visual analog scale, Graded Chronic Pain Scale, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the demographics of the 2 groups (P > .05). There was a statistically significant improvement in TAS-20, Graded Chronic Pain Scale, visual analog scale, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores of the participants in the aerobic exercise group compared to the control group (P ˂ .05). CONCLUSION: Aerobic exercise had a positive effect on pain, quality of life, and degree of alexithymia in individuals with alexithymia and chronic pain.