The effect of visual feedback-based clinical monitoring application in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: No study has addressed the effect of patient-reported outcomes as a visual feedback tool during telerehabilitation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a visual feedback-based monitoring application PhysioAnalyst on pain, pain catastrophizing, physical functions, quality of life, usability, satisfaction, and exercise adherence in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP). METHODS: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 44 CLBP patients. Participants were randomized into two groups: the tele-assessment feedback group (TAFG) (n = 22) and the control group (CG) (n = 22). Participants were assessed before the intervention, at the 4th week and after the intervention. Individuals were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ), Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ), and Exercise Adaptation Rating Scale (EARS) via PhysioAnalyst. Individuals in the TAFG group received graph-based visual feedback on assessment data in week 4. RESULTS: The improvement in VAS, NHP, ODI, TUQ, TSQ, and EARS of individuals in TAFG was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Only ODI and PCS scores in CG showed significant improvement (p < 0.05). After the graphics-based visual feedback presented to the TAFG, the VAS, NHP-Emotional, NHP-Sleep, NHP-Total, PCS, TUQ, TSQ, ODI, and EARS scores gained more than CG (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results confirmed the additional contribution of telerehabilitation's graphics-based visual feedback in pain, pain catastrophizing, disability, quality of life, and exercise participation. Since the importance of continuity in long-term rehabilitation in patients with CLBP is comprehended, feedback to increase patient motivation can be added to telerehabilitation applications.

Investigation of grip strength, pain threshold, pain tolerance and function in smartphone users.

PURPOSE/AIM OF THE STUDY: Few studies have demonstrated the effects of smartphone use on grip strength and upper extremity function. The present study was purposed to compare smartphone users' grip/lateral pinch strength, pain threshold/tolerance and upper limb function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 241 individuals. Participants were divided into three groups with the cut-off values of the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS). The Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (EHI) was used to determine the dominant side. Thumb pain threshold and tolerance were evaluated with the algometer. A hand dynamometer measured the grip and lateral pinch strength. Upper extremity functions were evaluated with the Shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (Quick-DASH). RESULTS: Handgrip strength of the dominant/non-dominant extremities and Quick-DASH scores were higher in low-level smartphone users (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups on lateral pinch strength and pain threshold/tolerance (p > 0.05). Smartphone usage significantly affected dominant and non-dominant hand grip strength (Standardized ß1 = -0.15, ß2 = -0.15, p < 0.05). In addition, the smartphone use level negatively affected dominant lateral pinch strength (Standardized ß = -0.12, p = 0.05). On the other hand, smartphone use positively affected upper extremity function (Standardized ß = 0.17, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As smartphone addiction increases, standard handgrip strength and functionality decrease. Pain threshold/tolerance is not affected by smartphone use. Future studies should focus on fine motor skills to present a more comprehensive upper limb function evaluation.

Investigation of hand functions in individuals with cannabis and its derivatives use disorder.

BACKGROUND: The present study was aimed to compare the grip/pinch strengths and manual dexterity of individuals with and without the use of cannabis and its derivatives. METHODS: A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted with 66 individuals, including 33 cases with the use of cannabis (and its derivatives) and 33 age- and sex-matched controls. Grip and pinch strengths were evaluated with a dynamometer. The Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT), and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) were used to assess the hand function. RESULTS: The hand grip strength and dominant hand 2-point pinch (2PP) grip strength were less in individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) (p < 0.05). The 9HPT duration of the SUD patients was higher (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the MMDT insertion and rotation test results were different between the groups (p < 0.05). Grip strength was related with the MMDT insertion and rotation tests (r = -0.411 to -0.480). There was significant correlation between grip strength with dominant hand 9HPT (r = -0.370) and between dominant hand 3-point pinch (3PP) strength with MMDT insertion (r = -0.378). In addition, dominant hand 2PP strength was correlated with overall hand function of MHQ (r = 0.382). CONCLUSION: The individuals with cannabis use disorder showed reduced grip strength on both sides and decreased 2PP strength on the dominant side compared to healthy individuals. In addition, there is a decrease in the hand skills of individuals with cannabis use disorder. Decreased grip strength of individuals with cannabis use disorder affected their hand skills negatively.