Exploring predictors of dysphagia in survivors of head and neck cancer: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of dysphagia in survivors of head and neck cancer (sHNC) and to identify the predictors contributing to the development of dysphagia. METHODS: We enrolled 62 sHNC in a cross-sectional study to check the prevalence of dysphagia in sHNC and to evaluate which factors were influencing the presence of this side effect. Besides dysphagia, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, oral symptoms, maximal mouth opening (MMO), sleep quality and physical condition were evaluated, and a linear regression analysis was performed to verify which of these outcomes impact dysphagia. RESULTS: Among all the sHNC, 85.5% presented dysphagia. The linear regression analysis confirmed that 44.9% of the variance in dysphagia was determined by coughing, MMO and sleep quality, being MMO the most powerful predictor, followed by coughing and sleep quality. CONCLUSION: Dysphagia affected the great majority of sHNC. Moreover, symptoms as coughing, reduced MMO and sleep disorders may act as predictors contributing to the development of dysphagia. Our results emphasize the importance of an early and proper identification of the symptoms as well as an adequate treatment strategy to address the cluster of symptoms that sHNC undergo.

Efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy combined with mobile health education in patients with head and neck cancer suffering from chronic xerostomia after radiotherapy: protocol for a three-arm, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study.

INTRODUCTION: The role of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy for oral tissue damage induced by cancer treatment is currently unclear, and there is low-quality to moderate-quality evidence supporting the use of this approach for treating xerostomia and/or hyposalivation. Consequently, patients with head and neck cancer increasingly turn to basic oral hygiene to alleviate salivary gland dysfunction, and their adherence can be improved by mobile health (mHealth) education. The primary objective of this study will be to analyse the effects of different doses of PBM therapy (7.5 J/cm2 vs 3 J/cm2) plus mHealth education on quality of life (QoL), oral health, salivary secretion and salivary gland ultrasound assessment at postintervention and at the 6-month follow-up in patients with head and neck cancer after radiotherapy compared with those in control group. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A prospective, three-arm, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study will be conducted among patients with head and neck cancer suffering from chronic xerostomia. A total of 20 patients per arm will be included and randomly assigned to receive 7.5 J/cm2 of PBM, 3 J/cm2 of PBM or placebo therapy. PBM therapy will be applied during 24 sessions at 22 points extra and intraorally two times per week for 3 months, combined with a mobile application (https://www.laxer.es). The assessments will be recorded at the beginning of the study, at postintervention and at the 6-month follow-up. The primary outcomes will be QoL, oral health, salivary secretion and salivary gland ultrasound. The pain pressure threshold, functional performance, mood and sleep quality will be secondary indicators. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study received ethics approval from the Andalusian Biomedical Research Ethics Portal (2402-N-21 CEIM/CEI Provincial de Granada) according to the Declaration of Helsinki for Biomedical Research. The results of this study will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05106608.

Swallowing after Oral Oncological Treatment: A Five-Year Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Swallowing rehabilitation in curative treated patients with oral cancer is still a challenge. Different factors may influence these patients' swallowing function. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with swallowing function up to 5 years after cancer treatment. METHODS: Swallowing duration and frequency of 5 mL water and 15 mL applesauce were measured in 123 patients treated for oral cancer. Mixed model analyses were performed to identify associated factors. RESULTS: Age influenced all measured swallowing outcomes. Assessment moment, gender, tumor location, maximum tongue force, and tactile sensory function of the tongue were associated with both water and applesauce swallowing duration, tumor classification was associated with water swallowing duration, and alcohol consumption was associated with applesauce swallowing duration. Assessment moment, cancer treatment, maximum tongue force, and tactile sensory function of the tongue were associated with water and applesauce swallowing frequency. CONCLUSION: Patients who are older at diagnosis, women, and patients who regularly consume alcohol before their treatment may have poorer swallow functioning after curative oral cancer treatment. Patients that fit these criteria should have their swallowing evaluated during clinical follow-ups and sent to swallowing therapy when needed. During this therapy, optimizing tongue function needs attention to maintain an optimal swallowing function.

Persistent pain management in an oncology population through pain neuroscience education, a multimodal program: PaiNEd randomized clinical trial protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Pain is one of the most persistent symptoms after cancer treatment. The central nervous system can erroneously stay in its alarm phase, altering the pain experience of patients who have cancer. Pain neuroscience education (PNE) with multimodal approaches may benefit these patients. OBJECTIVE: This protocol aims to determine the effectiveness of a PNE tool on pain, physical function and quality of life, as a supplement to a multimodal rehabilitation (MR) program in patients who had breast cancer (BC). METHODS: An 8-week double-blinded randomized controlled trial will be conducted, including 72 participants who had BC and who have persistent pain, randomized into three groups: PNE program + MR program, traditional biomedical information + MR program and control group. The PNE program will include educational content that participants will learn through a mobile app and the MR program will include a concurrent exercise program and manual therapy. The primary outcome will be the perceived pain assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale and secondary outcomes are others related to pain, physical function and quality of life. All outcomes will be evaluated at baseline, at the end of the intervention and 6 months after the end of intervention. DISCUSSION: The proposed study may help BC patients with persistent pain improve their pain experience, quality of life and provide for more adaptive pain-coping strategies. This protocol could propose an action guide to implement different integral approaches for the treatment of sequelae. This treatment option could be offered to this patient profile and it could be easily implemented in the healthcare systems due to its low costs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04877860. (February18, 2022).

Effect of a Multimodal Supervised Therapeutic Exercise Program on Quality of Life, Pain, and Lumbopelvic Impairments in Women With Endometriosis Unresponsive to Conventional Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of "Physio-EndEA", a multimodal nine-week supervised exercise intervention, on quality of life, pain, and lumbopelvic impairments in women with endometriosis unresponsive to conventional therapy. DESIGN: Parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Outcomes were measured at baseline, post-intervention, and at 1 year. SETTING: Two Public University Hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: This trial included 31 women with endometriosis (N=31) randomly allocated to "Physio-EndEA" group (n=16) or control group (n=15). Four participants dropped out of the study for causes unrelated to the intervention. INTERVENTIONS: The "Physio-EndEA" program consisted of a 1-week lumbopelvic stabilization learning phase followed by an 8-week phase of stretching, aerobic, and resistance exercises focused on the lumbopelvic area. It was sequentially instructed and supervised by a trained physiotherapist (with volume and intensity progression) and adapted daily to the potential of each participant. Control group received the usual treatment stipulated by their gynecologist. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was quality of life. Secondary outcomes were pain intensity, pressure pain thresholds, pain-related catastrophic thoughts, abdominal and back strength, lumbopelvic stability, and muscle architecture. RESULTS: Adherence rate was 90.6% and mean (±standard deviation) satisfaction was 9.44±0.73 out of 10. No remarkable health problems were reported during the trial. In comparison with controls, the quality of life was improved post-intervention and at 1 year in the Physio-EndEA group with large effect sizes (d>0.80). This group also evidenced: a reduced intensity of dyspareunia, catastrophic thoughts; an increase in pelvic, lumbar, and distal pressure pain thresholds; increases in abdominal and back strength and lumbopelvic stability; and increased thickness of transversus abdominis (right side) and width of lumbar multifidus (left side). CONCLUSION: A 9-week program of multimodal supervised therapeutic exercise is a feasible and effective intervention to improve QoL in women with endometriosis. This program also offers benefits in terms of pain/sensitization and lumbopelvic impairments.

Correction: Burgos-Mansilla et al. Effect of Physical Therapy Modalities on Quality of Life of Head and Neck Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10, 4696.

In the original publication [...].

The effects of myofascial induction therapy in survivors of head and neck cancer: a randomized, controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: We aim to evaluate the effects of myofascial induction therapy (MIT) on the sequelae suffered by the survivors of HNC (sHNC). METHODS: We enrolled 46 sHNC in a randomized controlled trial (RCT), of whom 20 received a MIT protocol and 23 were placed on a waitlist while receiving the recommended treatment for 6 weeks. The MIT protocol included a total of 18 sessions, 3 days a week on alternate days for 6 weeks. Maximal mouth opening, the presence of temporomandibular dysfunction, cervical endurance, active range of motion (AROM), shoulder AROM, handgrip strength, and perceived physical fitness were assessed. RESULTS: Maximal mouth opening, temporomandibular dysfunction, cervical endurance, and AROM, affected shoulder abduction and unaffected shoulder flexion and external rotation significantly improved (p < .05) after an MIT protocol, but only cervical AROM and affected shoulder abduction changes were clinically meaningful. No statistically significant changes were observed in the other shoulder AROM, handgrip strength, or physical fitness perception (p > .05). CONCLUSION: A 6-week MIT protocol improves mouth opening, TMD, cervical function (endurance and AROM), affected shoulder abduction and unaffected shoulder flexion, and external rotation AROM in the sHNC. However, no changes were observed in most of the shoulder AROM, muscular strength, or perceived physical fitness. Future studies should perform longer follow-up designs, increase the sample size, and include multimodal treatments to address these sequelae in the sHNC.

A Telehealth-Based Cognitive-Adaptive Training (e-OTCAT) to Prevent Cancer and Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment in Women with Breast Cancer: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Many women with breast cancer experience a great number of side effects, such as cognitive impairment, during and after chemotherapy that reduces their quality of life. Currently, research focusing on the use of non-pharmacological, and specifically telehealth interventions to prevent or mitigate them has been insufficient. METHODS: This protocol describes a randomized controlled trial aimed at studying the preventive effects of a videoconferenced cognitive-adaptive training (e-OTCAT) program (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04783402). A number of 98 eligible participants will be randomized to one of the following groups: (a) the experimental group receiving the e-OTCAT program during 12 consecutive weeks since the beginning of chemotherapy; and (b) the control group receiving and educational handbook and usual care. The primary outcome will be the cognitive function. Secondary measures will be psychological distress, fatigue, sleep disturbance, quality of life and occupational performance. The time-points for these measures will be placed at baseline, after 12 weeks and six months of post-randomization. CONCLUSION: This trial may support the inclusion of multidimensional interventions through a telehealth approach in a worldwide growing population suffering from breast cancer, emphasizing the prevention of cognitive impairment as one of the side effects of cancer and its treatments.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Strength Recovery Measured by Isokinetic Dynamometer Technology after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Quadriceps Tendon Autografts vs. Hamstring Tendon Autografts or Patellar Tendon Autografts.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the isokinetic strength of the muscular knee joint between quadriceps tendon autografts (QTAs) and hamstring tendon autografts (HTAs) or patellar tendon autografts (PTAs) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction by determining the isokinetic angular velocity and follow-up time points. The functional outcomes and knee stability at the same time points were also compared using isokinetic technology. METHODS: Two independent reviewers searched the Medline (via PubMed search engine), Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases to include full text comparative studies that assessed isokinetic strength test following ACL reconstruction. The DerSimonian and Laird method was used. RESULTS: In total, ten studies were included; seven compared studies QTAs vs. HTAs, and three compared QTAs vs. PTAs. Five studies were included in the meta-analysis. Isokinetic strength data were reported 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after ACL reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The QTAs showed better and significant results with knee flexion compared with HTAs, similar results to PTAs at 6 and 12 months. While HTAs showed better and significant results with knee extension at 6 months and similar results at 12 months compared to QTAs. Furthermore, a standardized isokinetic strength test must be followed to achieve a more specific conclusion and better clinical comparison among participants.

Factors Influencing Quality of Life in Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer: A Preliminary Study.

OBJECTIVES: Time after diagnosis, survivors of head and neck cancer may perceive a decrease in their quality of life due to suffering from different sequelae. This preliminary study aims to describe which factors influence survivors of head and neck cancer quality of life. DATA SOURCES: A cross-sectional study was performed. Demographic and clinical factors, quality of life (global health status), pain (pressure pain thresholds), physical fitness (overall fitness), functional capacity, and fatigue were evaluated. A multiple regression model was undertaken to check which outcomes could impact quality of life. A total of 53 survivors of head and neck cancer participated in this study. Upper trapezius pressure pain threshold, overall fitness, and global fatigue were significant predictors of global health status, and when combined, they explained 42.10% of the variance in the global health status score. CONCLUSION: Quality of life perceived by survivors of head and neck cancer is influenced by pain, physical fitness, and fatigue reported. This association of outcomes may act as a symptom cluster for survivors of head and neck cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The knowledge of this symptom cluster may help developing symptom assessment and management strategies and improving quality of life for survivors of head and neck cancer.

'Physio-EndEA' Study: A Randomized, Parallel-Group Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Effect of a Supervised and Adapted Therapeutic Exercise Program to Improve Quality of Life in Symptomatic Women Diagnosed with Endometriosis.

AIM: The 'Physio-EndEA' study aims to explore the potential benefits of a therapeutic exercise program (focused on lumbopelvic stabilization and tolerance to exertion) on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of symptomatic endometriosis women. DESIGN: The present study will use a parallel-group randomized controlled trial design. METHODS: A total of 22 symptomatic endometriosis women will be randomized 1:1 to the Physio-EndEA or usual care groups. The 'Physio-EndEA' program will consist of a one-week lumbopelvic stabilization learning phase followed by an eight-week phase of stretching, aerobic and resistance exercises focused on the lumbopelvic area that will be sequentially instructed and supervised by a trained physiotherapist (with volume and intensity progression) and adapted daily to the potential of each participant. The primary outcome measure is HRQoL. The secondary outcome measures included clinician-reported outcomes (pressure pain thresholds, muscle thickness and strength, flexibility, body balance and cardiorespiratory fitness) and patient-reported outcomes (pain intensity, physical fitness, chronic fatigue, sexual function, gastrointestinal function and sleep quality). DISCUSSION: Findings of this study will help to identify cost-effective non-pharmacological options (such as this exercise-based intervention) that may contribute to the improvement of HRQoL in symptomatic endometriosis women.

Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy With PRESIONA, a Therapeutic Exercise and Blood Flow Restriction Program: A Randomized Controlled Study Protocol.

OBJECTIVE: This trial will analyze the acute and cumulative effects of a tailored program called PRESIONA that combines therapeutic exercise and blood flow restriction to prevent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in individuals with early breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: PRESIONA will be a physical therapist-led multimodal exercise program that uses blood flow restriction during low-load aerobic and strength exercises. For the acute study, only 1 session will be performed 1 day before the first taxane cycle, in which 72 women will be assessed before intervention and 24 hours post intervention. For the cumulative study, PRESIONA will consist of 24 to 36 sessions for 12 weeks following an undulatory prescription. At least 80 women will be randomized to the experimental group or control group. Feasibility will be quantified based on the participant recruitment to acceptance ratio; dropout, retention, and adherence rates; participant satisfaction; tolerance; and program security. In the efficacy study, the main outcomes will be CIPN symptoms assessed with a participant-reported questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-CIPN20). In addition, to determine the impact on other participant-reported health and sensorimotor and physical outcomes, the proportion of completed scheduled chemotherapy sessions will be examined at baseline (t0), after anthracycline completion (t1), after intervention (t2), and at the 2-month (t3) and 1-year follow-ups (t4). CONCLUSION: The proposed innovative approach of this study could have a far-reaching impact on therapeutic options, and the physical therapist role could be essential in the oncology unit to improve quality of life in individuals with cancer and reduce side effects of cancer and its treatments. IMPACT: Physical therapists in the health care system could be essential to achieve the planned doses of chemotherapy to improve survival and decrease the side effects of individuals with breast cancer. The prevention of CIPN would have an impact on the quality of life in these individuals, and this protocol potentially could provide an action guide that could be implemented in any health care system.

Therapeutic Benefits of Balneotherapy on Quality of Life of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory rheumatic disease. RA symptoms make the disease disabling and strongly impact the quality of life of patients. Among the available forms of treatment, balneotherapy seems to be one of the most common forms of nonpharmacological treatment for rheumatic disease. The aim was to explore the effectiveness of balneotherapy for improving the quality of life of patients with RA. METHODS: Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and The Cochrane library were searched for randomized or clinical controlled trials published in English or Spanish until May 2021. Risk of bias of included articles were assessed using the Cochrane tool. A total 535 records were retrieved, and seven met the inclusion criteria. All the included studies showed statistically significant improvements in the quality of life of patients who received balneotherapy treatment despite differences in treatment administration. Sessions should be approximately 20 min long and use natural mineral waters enriched with elements, or mud, at a water temperature between 35-38 °C. CONCLUSIONS: Balneotherapy benefits the quality of life of people with RA. The obtained results show positive effects for both mineral bathing and immersion in sand or mud on the quality of life of people who suffer from RA.

Limitations in Activities of Daily Living Among Spanish Women Diagnosed With Endometriosis.

IMPORTANCE: Understanding the impact of endometriosis symptoms on patients' activities of daily living (ADLs) is a priority to establish effective and personalized intervention programs. OBJECTIVE: To explore limitations in ADLs and instrumental ADLs (IADLs) and their association with pelvic pain (PP), chronic fatigue, and pain-catastrophizing thoughts among women with endometriosis. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred thirty women with endometriosis. Outcomes and Measures: Information regarding performance of ADLs (Barthel Index) and IADLs (Lawton-Brody questionnaire), PP intensity (Numeric Rating Scale), chronic fatigue (Piper Fatigue Scale), and pain-catastrophizing thoughts (Pain Catastrophizing Scale) was gathered. Multivariate regression analyses were created, and mediating effects of fatigue and pain-catastrophizing thoughts on the association between PP and ADL and IADL limitations were assessed. RESULTS: The prevalence of limitations in at least one ADL and one IADL was 22.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] [17.2, 28.1]) and 39.1% (95% CI [32.8, 45.5]), respectively. Limitations in bowel continence, housework, shopping, and meal preparation were reported most frequently. Women reporting severe PP showed higher risk for ADL (odds ratio [OR] = 3.33, 95% CI [1.10, 10.10]) and IADL (OR = 7.99, 95% CI [2.86, 22.34]) limitations. Chronic fatigue and pain-catastrophizing thoughts were also positively related to ADL-IADL limitations, showing a mediating effect on the association between PP and ADL-IADL limitations. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study reveals the widespread presence of difficulties in ADL-IADL performance among women with endometriosis, with some symptoms underlying these difficulties in occupational performance. This study points to the need for cost-effective occupational therapy interventions for affected women. What This Article Adds: This research shows that the occupational performance of women with endometriosis is frequently impaired; therefore, the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions should be addressed in the near future.

Myofascial Induction Therapy Improves the Sequelae of Medical Treatment in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors: A Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Cross-Over Study.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Yet, less than 60% of HNC survivors receive adequate therapy for treatment-related sequelae. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of myofascial induction therapy (MIT) in improving cervical and shoulder pain and range of motion, maximal mouth opening, and cervical muscle function in HNC survivors. This crossover, blinded, placebo-controlled study involved 22 HNC survivors (average age 56.55 ± 12.71) of which 13 were males (59.1%) who received, in a crossover fashion, both a single 30-min session of MIT in the form of manual unwinding and simulated pulsed shortwave therapy (placebo), with a 4-week washout interval between the two. Cervical and shoulder pain (visual analogue scale) and range of motion (cervical range of motion device and goniometer), maximum mouth opening (digital caliper), and cervical muscle function (deep cervical flexor endurance test) were measured before and after the treatment and placebo sessions. A single session of MIT improved cervical and affected side shoulder pain, cervical range of motion, maximum mouth opening, and cervical muscle function. The associated effect sizes ranged from moderate to large. The present study suggests that MIT, in the form of manual unwinding, improves cervical (-3.91 ± 2.77) and affected-side shoulder (-3.64 ± 3.1) pain, cervical range of motion (flexion: 8.41 ± 8.26 deg; extension: 12.23 ± 6.55; affected-side rotation: 14.27 ± 11.05; unaffected-side rotation: 11.73 ± 8.65; affected-side lateroflexion: 7.95 ± 5.1; unaffected-side lateroflexion: 9.55 ± 6.6), maximum mouth opening (3.36 ± 3.4 mm), and cervical muscle function (8.09 ± 6.96 s) in HNC survivors.

Effect of Physical Therapy Modalities on Quality of Life of Head and Neck Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

The objective was to describe the effectiveness of different physical therapy modalities to improve Quality of Life (QoL) in Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) survivors. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized clinical controlled trials published until 30 April 2020. Risk of bias assessment and meta-analysis were conducted using the Cochrane tools. A total of 251 records were retrieved, and 10 met the inclusion criteria. Interventions whose parameters focus on a 12-week exercise programs of aerobic activity (walking) or Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) for the whole body are effective and safe modalities improving QoL in HNC survivors. Electrophysical agents did not show significant results between groups. As for the assessment of methodological quality, 4 of the 10 articles included had a high risk of overall bias. Only five articles provided sufficient information to conduct a meta-analysis for exercise program intervention on QoL, showing a tendency in favor of intervention group, even when the global results did not show statistically significant improvements (pooled Cohen's d 0.15; 95% CI: -0.25 to 0.54; I2 45.87%; p heterogeneity = 0.10). The present review and meta-analysis identified meaningful benefits of exercise on QoL of HNC survivors; this has been confirmed in a meta-analysis. This review adds evidence supporting exercise interventions on Head and Neck Cancer population whose opportunities for successful recovery after medical treatment are more limited.

Neurotoxicity prevention with a multimodal program (ATENTO) prior to cancer treatment versus throughout cancer treatment in women newly diagnosed for breast cancer: Protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

A current challenge in breast cancer (BC) patients is how to reduce the side effects of cancer and cancer treatments and prevent a decrease in quality of life (QoL). Neurotoxic side effects, especially from chemotherapy, are present in up to 75% of women with BC, which implies a large impact on QoL. There is a special interest in the preventive possibilities of therapeutic exercise (TE) for these neurological sequelae, and the benefits of TE could be improved when it is combined with vagal activation techniques (VATs). This superiority randomized controlled trial aims to examine the feasibility and efficacy of an 8-week multimodal intervention (ATENTO) based on moderate-vigorous intensity and individualized TE (aerobic and strength exercises) and VAT (myofascial and breathing exercises), on neurotoxicity prevention in women with BC before starting adjuvant chemotherapy (ATENTO-B) versus throughout adjuvant chemotherapy (ATENTO-T). A sample of 56 women newly diagnosed with BC, as calculated with a power of 85%, will be randomly allocated into these two groups. This study could provide an impetus for the introduction of early multimodal intervention methods to prevent neurotoxicity and consequently avoid the QoL deterioration that BC patients presently suffer throughout their treatments.

Effectiveness of Antalgic Therapies in Patients with Vertebral Bone Metastasis: A Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

There is no systematic review that has identified existing studies evaluating the pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention for pain management in patients with bone metastasis. To fill this gap in the literature, this systematic review with meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different antalgic therapies (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) in the improvement of pain of these patients. To this end, this protocol has been written according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020135762). A systematic search will be carried out in four international databases: Medline (Via PubMed), Web of Science, Cochrane Library and SCOPUS, to select the randomized controlled clinical trials. The Risk of Bias Tool developed by Cochrane will be used to assess the risk of bias and the quality of the identified studies. A narrative synthesis will be used to describe and compare the studies, and after the data extraction, random effects model and a subgroup analyses will be performed according to the type of intervention, if possible. This protocol aims to generate a systematic review that compiles and synthesizes the best and most recent evidence on the treatment of pain derived from vertebral metastasis.

Impact of symptom burden on work performance status in Spanish women diagnosed with endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore work performance status in Spanish women with endometriosis and to identify those endometriosis-related symptoms that potentially contribute to the reduced work performance. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Spain. POPULATION: Women with endometriosis working at enrolment (n = 148). METHODS: Work performance status was assessed through the Work Role Functioning Questionnaire (WRFQ). Endometriosis-related symptoms (pelvic pain, catastrophizing thoughts related to pain, chronic fatigue, sleep quality, mood status, gastrointestinal discomfort and social support) were also evaluated through validated scales. Statistical analyses were performed through multivariate linear regression analyses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Work performance status. RESULTS: Median WRFQ score was 72.0, with the lowest scores found in demands related to worker's needs to manage the workday from beginning to end and those dynamic and static physical loads required in the conduct of work duties. Severe pelvic pain, depressive mood and poorer sleep quality was inversely related to work performance status (p-values <0.020). Finally, self-perceived social support was borderline associated with better work performance (p = 0.057). Considered together, these four psychosocial factors were responsible to explain the 37.9 % of the limitations on work performance observed in our study sample. CONCLUSIONS: Spanish women with endometriosis reported lower WRQF scores (predominantly in work scheduling and physical demands) in comparison with previous studies on Spanish healthy adults. Psychosocial factors, including pelvic pain, sleep quality and depressive mood are related with work performance status. Thus, the effectiveness of physical and psychological rehabilitation programs in work productivity in women with endometriosis should be evaluated in the close future.

Widespread Pain Hypersensitivity and Lumbopelvic Impairments in Women Diagnosed with Endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore hypersensitivity to pain and musculoskeletal impairments in the lumbopelvic area in women with and without endometriosis. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 66 women (41 women with endometriosis and 25 healthy women). Pain and related catastrophizing thoughts were assessed through a numeric rating scale, pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), the slump test, and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale. Lumbopelvic muscles were evaluated through ultrasound imaging, flexor/extensor resistance tests, and the lumbopelvic stability test. RESULTS: Women with endometriosis showed increased self-reported intensity of current pelvic pain (CuPP), reduced local PPTs (42.8-64.7% in the affected area, P-value <.001) and higher prevalence of lumbar nerve root impingement/irritation pain and catastrophizing thoughts (P-value ≤.002). Moreover, affected women showed decreased thickness of transversus abdominis, reduced resistance of flexor and extensor trunk muscles and lower lumbopelvic stability (P-values <.030). Endometriosis stage and severity of CuPP were related to worse results in these parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of pain sensitization signs and lumbopelvic impairments, more pronounced in patients with stage IV endometriosis and moderate/severe CuPP, warrants the development of rehabilitation interventions targeting pain and lumbopelvic impairments in women with endometriosis.