Sex differences in lifetime prevalence of low back pain: A multinational study of opposite-sex twin pairs.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is more likely to occur in people with a family history of this condition, highlighting the importance of accounting for familial factors when studying the individual risk of LBP. We conducted a study of opposite-sex twin pairs investigating sex differences in LBP while accounting for (genetic and shared environmental) familial factors. METHODS: We applied a matched co-twin control design to study 795 adult opposite-sex pairs from Australia, Spain, and the United States (US). We used mixed-effects logistic regression to assess the within-pair association between female sex and lifetime prevalence of LBP in unadjusted and adjusted models for body-mass-index, and depression, as well as interactions between female sex and age (

Foam Rolling Acute Effects on Myofascial Tissue Stiffness and Muscle Strength: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Glänzel, MH, Rodrigues, DR, Petter, GN, Pozzobon, D, Vaz, MA, and Geremia, JM. Foam rolling acute effects on myofascial tissue stiffness and muscle strength: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): 951-968, 2023-Foam rolling (FR) is widely used in rehabilitation and physical training. However, the effects of FR on myofascial tissue stiffness and muscle strength remain unclear. This study aimed to perform a systematic review with meta-analysis of trials that tested the FR acute effects during warm-up on the myofascial tissue stiffness and muscle strength in healthy adults or athletes. This systematic review (CRD42021227048) was performed according to Cochrane's recommendations, with searches performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and PEDro databases. Syntheses of included studies' data were performed, and the PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach. Twenty included studies assessed trunk and thigh fascial tissue stiffness, and thigh and calf muscle stiffness, whereas muscle strength was assessed in the knee extensors and flexors, and plantar flexors muscles. Qualitative analysis showed decreases in fascial ( n = 2) and muscle ( n = 5) stiffness after FR. However, the meta-analysis showed no effects of FR on myofascial tissue stiffness. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses showed no effects of FR on isometric muscle strength, eccentric torque, and rate of force development. However, the knee extensor concentric torque increased after FR. Foam rolling increases the knee extensor concentric torque, but it does not acutely change the myofascial tissue stiffness and isometric muscle strength. However, evidence of these studies provides low certainty to state that FR does not change these parameters. Therefore, high methodological quality studies should be performed to better ascertain the effects of FR on the myofascial tissue stiffness and muscle strength.

Center of pressure position in the touches of the star excursion balance test in healthy individuals.

BACKGROUND: The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is a clinical test that aims to assess postural control. Its interpretation is related to the understanding of the motor specificities required. Adjustments must be made to the center of pressure (COP) to maintain balance during testing movements. Comprehend the specifics of these adjustments for each direction can allow the development of more suitable exercises for balance training. The aim was to compare the positions of the COP on the different directions of the SEBT and correlate the reachs obtained in the SEBT with the distances from the COP to the borders of the base of support (BOS). METHODS: Sixteen healthy subjects participated in the study. Measurements were made by performing the SEBT over the force platform. The Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Bonferroni's post hoc test was used to compare directions. The Pearson correlation test was used to check the correlation of parametric variables and Spearman correlation test for the nonparametric ones. RESULTS: The position of the COP at the touch differs from the anterior direction to the other directions of the SEBT and the performance in this direction is correlated with the proximity of the COP to the anterior limit of the support base. The performances in the other directions did not correlate with the COP position. CONCLUSION: The requirements of the compensation mechanisms for postural control are different between the directions of the SEBT.

Technology-assisted rehabilitation following total knee or hip replacement for people with osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of technology-assisted rehabilitation following total hip/knee replacement (THR/TKR). METHODS: Six electronic databases were searched without language or time restrictions for relevant studies: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro); from inception to November 7th, 2018. Two reviewers independently applied inclusion criteria to select eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effectiveness of technology-based interventions, compared with usual care or no intervention for people undergoing THR/TKR. Two reviewers independently extracted trial details (e.g. patients' profile, intervention, outcomes, attrition and adverse events). Study methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Quality of evidence was critically appraised using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. RESULTS: We identified 21 eligible studies assessing telerehabilitation, game- or web-based therapy. There were 17 studies (N = 2188) in post-TKR rehabilitation and 4 studies (N = 783) in post-THR rehabilitation. Compared to usual care, technology-based intervention was more effective in reducing pain (mean difference (MD): - 0.25; 95% confidence interval (CI): - 0.48, - 0.02; moderate evidence) and improving function measured with the timed up-and-go test (MD: -7.03; 95% CI: - 11.18, - 2.88) in people undergoing TKR. No between-group differences were observed in rates of hospital readmissions or treatment-related adverse events (AEs) in those studies. CONCLUSION: There is moderate-quality of evidence showed technology-assisted rehabilitation, in particular, telerehabilitation, results in a statistically significant improvement in pain; and low-quality of evidence for the improvement in functional mobility in people undergoing TKR. The effects were however too small to be clinically significant. For THR, there is very limited low-quality evidence shows no significant effects.

Return to self-reported physical activity level after an event of acute low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity participation is known to promote better mobility and coordination. Although previous research has established that lack of physical activity participation may increase the risk of developing low back pain, the role of physical activity as a predictor of recovery among symptomatic individuals remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether: (i) the level of physical activity participation before an acute episode of low back pain predicts recovery within 12 months following the acute pain episode (i.e. index episode); and (ii) participants return to their pre-pain level of physical activity participation 12 months from the index episode. DESIGN: This study used longitudinal data from the TRIGGERS case-crossover study. SETTING: This study was conducted through over-the-phone interviews to participants that presented to 300 primary care clinics with a new episode of acute low back pain. PARTICIPANTS: This study included 999 consecutive patients, aged 18 years or older. Follow-up assessment was completed at 12 months following the index episode. METHODS: This is a cohort study where consecutive patients, aged 18 years or older, that presented with a new episode of acute low back pain were recruited between October 2011 and November 2012. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Self-reported level of physical activity participation. RESULTS: A total of 830 participants completed the study. When comparing participants who reported pain at 12 months follow-up with those without pain, all participants reported similar levels of physical activity participation one week before (p = 0.449), one week after (p = 0.812) and 12 months after the index episode (p = 0.233). The level of physical activity participation before the index episode was not a reliable predictor of presence of pain at either 3 or 12 months follow-up (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.993 to 1.003; p = 0.523 and OR 1; 95% CI 0.992 to 1.008; p = 0.923, respectively). CONCLUSION: Physical activity participation did not predict recovery from the pain episode. Also all participants returned to their pre-pain level of physical activity participation after 12 months.

Is there an association between diabetes and neck and back pain? A systematic review with meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Approximately half of the population will experience either low back pain or neck pain, at some point in their lives. Previous studies suggest that people with diabetes are more likely to present with chronic somatic pain, including shoulder, knee and spinal pain. This study aimed to systematically review and appraise the literature to explore the magnitude as well as the nature of the association between diabetes and back, neck, or spinal (back and neck) pain. DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT: A systematic search was performed using the Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Web of Science electronic databases. Studies which assessed the association between diabetes and back or neck pain outcomes, in participants older than 18 years of age were included. Two independent reviewers extracted data on the incidence of pain and reported associations. RESULTS: Eight studies were included in the meta-analyses. Meta-analyses showed that people with diabetes are more likely to report low back pain [5 studies; n: 131,431; odds ratio (OR): 1.35; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.20 to 1.52; p<0.001] and neck pain (2 studies; n: 6,560; OR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.47; p = 0.01) compared to those without diabetes. Results from one longitudinal cohort study suggested that diabetes is not associated with the risk of developing future neck, low back or spinal pain. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes is associated with low back and neck individually, and spinal pain. The longitudinal analysis showed no association between the conditions. Our results suggest that diabetes co-exists with back pain; however, a direct causal link between diabetes and back pain was not established. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration CRD42016050738.

Can obesity and physical activity predict outcomes of elective knee or hip surgery due to osteoarthritis? A meta-analysis of cohort studies.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature to identify whether obesity or the regular practice of physical activity are predictors of clinical outcomes in patients undergoing elective hip and knee arthroplasty due to osteoarthritis. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCE AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: A systematic search was performed on the Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE and Web of Science electronic databases. Longitudinal cohort studies were included in the review. To be included, studies needed to have assessed the association between obesity or physical activity participation measured at baseline and clinical outcomes (ie, pain, disability and adverse events) following hip or knee arthroplasty. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent reviewers extracted data on pain, disability, quality of life, obesity, physical activity and any postsurgical complications. RESULTS: 62 full papers were included in this systematic review. From these, 31 were included in the meta-analyses. Our meta-analysis showed that compared to obese participants, non-obese participants report less pain at both short term (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.43; 95% CI -0.67 to -0.19; P<0.001) and long term post-surgery (SMD -0.36; 95% CI -0.47 to -0.24; P<0.001), as well as less disability at long term post-surgery (SMD -0.32; 95% CI -0.36 to -0.28; P<0.001). They also report fewer postsurgical complications at short term (OR 0.48; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.91; P<0.001) and long term (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.41 to 0.74; P<0.001) along with less postsurgical infections after hip arthroplasty (OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.18 to 0.59; P<0.001), and knee arthroplasty (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.78; P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Presurgical obesity is associated with worse clinical outcomes of hip or knee arthroplasty in terms of pain, disability and complications in patients with osteoarthritis. No impact of physical activity participation has been observed. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42016032711.

Vivências esportivas e percepção da imagem corporal dos adolescentes do ensino médio de escolas privadas / Sports experiences and perceptionsof body image of adolescents of private high schools

Introdução: A adolescência é uma fase marcada por transformações psíquicas, sociais, afetivas e biológicas. Na busca constante para o corpo ideal, devido aos padrões que a mídia apresenta, a vida dos adolescentes e sua imagem corporal são influenciadas. Objetivo: para este estudo pretendeu-se analisar a relação entre as vivências esportivas e a percepção da imagem corporal de adolescentes estudantes do ensino médio de escolas particulares. Método: para tanto, realizou-se uma pesquisa de caráter quantitativo, cuja amostra foi composta por 37 adolescentes com idades entre 16 e 18 anos. Utilizou-se para coleta de dados o instrumento de teste das figuras de Stunkard et al. (1983) e do questionário das vivências em atividades físicas (ETCHEPARE e PEREIRA, 2004). Resultados e Discussão: os resultados obtidos mostraram que o nível de insatisfação com sua imagem corporal foi maior no grupo masculino. Dividiu-se em insatisfação pelo excesso de peso e pela magreza, com 37 por cento de insatisfação pelo excesso de peso, sendo 16,2 por cento masculina e 21,7 por cento feminina e 27 por cento de insatisfação pela magreza, sendo 24,3 por cento masculina e 2,7 por cento feminina. A silhueta real mais frequente para o sexo feminino foi a de número quatro e a ideal a de número três, para o sexo masculino a silhueta real que dominou foi a de número três e a ideal a de número quatro. Conclusão: os dados nos mostraram que a insatisfação pelo excesso de peso é maior entre o sexo feminino, e a insatisfação pela magreza é maior no sexo masculino. Nas praticas esportivas, o sexo masculino se sobressai nos esportes coletivos principalmente em futsal e futebol e o sexo feminino na dança e nas ginásticas.

Introduction: The adolescence is a period marked by psychological, social, emotional and biological transformations. In the constant search for the ideal body, because of the patterns used by the media, the lives of adolescents and their body image are influenced. Objective: the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between sporting experiences and perceptions of body image of adolescents, high school students in private. Methods: to this end, we carried out a quantitative research study, the sample consisted of 37 adolescents aged between 16 and 18 years. Was used for data collection the test instrument of the figures Stunkard et al. (1983) and the questionnaire of experiences in physical activities (ETCHEPARE e PEREIRA, 2004). Results and discussion: the results showed that the level of dissatisfaction with their body image was higher in male group. Divided into dissatisfaction by excess weight and thinness, with 37 per cent of dissatisfaction by excess weight, and 16.2 per cent male and 21.7 per cent female and 27 per cent of dissatisfaction by the thin, being 24.3 per cent male and 2.7 per cent female. The most frequent real silhouette for women was the number four and the ideal number three, for males the real silhouette that dominated was the number three and the ideal to number four. Conclusion: the data showed that the dissatisfaction in the excess weight is higher among the females, the thinness and dissatisfaction is greater in males. In sports, the male is out in collective sports especially in futsal and football and females with the dance and gymnastics.