The Effectiveness of Blue-Light-Emitting Glasses in Security Guards Exposed to Night Shift Work on Work-Related and General Fatigue: A Randomised Controlled Cross-Over Study.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of glasses that emit blue light in reducing the need for recovery, general fatigue, and stress levels in security guards who work night shifts. Light manipulation is seen as a promising strategy to mitigate complaints related to shift work, such as sleepiness and impaired cognitive performance. In a randomized controlled cross-over study design, 86 Dutch security guards used light-emitting glasses (exposure duration: 30 min) during night shifts in a five week period versus a five week control period without glasses. Measurements (Need for Recovery Scale; Checklist Individual Strength; stress level assessed by a fitness tracker) were performed at baseline, at five weeks, and again at 11 weeks. The chronotype was measured at baseline as a potential covariate. A mixed model for repeated measure analyses showed no significant reduction in the need for recovery, nor a reduction in general fatigue scores, during the intervention period. Paired Samples T-Test analyses showed no significant changes in stress levels for the intervention period. Conclusively, blue light exposure using light-emitting glasses for security guards during night shifts showed no directly measurable effect on the reduced need for recovery, overall fatigue, and stress levels.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Mid-portion and Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is used commonly to treat pain and function in Achilles tendinopathy (AT). The aim of this study was to synthesize the evidence from (non-) randomized controlled trials, to determine the clinical effectiveness of ESWT for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (mid-AT) and insertional Achilles tendinopathy (ins-AT) separately. METHODS: We searched PubMed/Medline, Embase (Ovid), and Cochrane Central, up to January 2021. Unpublished studies and gray literature were searched in trial registers (ACTRN, ChiCTR, ChiCtr, CTRI, DRKS, EUCTR, IRCT, ISRCTN, JPRN UMIN, ClinicalTrials.gov, NTR, TCTR) and databases (OpenGrey.eu, NARCIS.nl, DART-Europe.org, OATD.org). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized controlled clinical trials (CCTs) were eligible when investigating the clinical effectiveness of ESWT for chronic mid-AT or chronic ins-AT. We excluded studies that focused on treating individuals with systemic conditions, and studies investigating mixed cohorts of mid-AT and ins-AT, when it was not possible to perform a subgroup analysis for both clinical entities separately. Two reviewers independently performed the study selection, quality assessment, data extraction, and grading of the evidence levels. Discrepancies were resolved through discussion or by consulting a third reviewer when necessary. RESULTS: We included three RCTs on mid-AT and four RCTs on ins-AT. For mid-AT, moderate quality of evidence was found for the overall effectiveness of ESWT compared to standard care, with a pooled mean difference (MD) on the VISA-A of 9.08 points (95% CI 6.35-11.81). Subgroup analysis on the effects of ESWT additional to standard care for mid-AT resulted in a pooled MD on the VISA-A of 10.28 points (95% CI 7.43-13.12). For ins-AT, we found very low quality of evidence, indicating that, overall, ESWT has no additional value over standard care, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of - 0.02 (95% CI - 0.27 to 0.23). Subgroup analysis to determine the effect of ESWT additional to standard care for ins-AT showed a negative effect (SMD - 0.29; 95% CI - 0.56 to - 0.01) compared to standard care alone. CONCLUSIONS: There is moderate evidence supporting the effectiveness of ESWT additional to a tendon loading program in mid-AT. Evidence supporting the effectiveness of ESWT for ins-AT is lacking. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO Database; No. CRD42021236107.

Effectiveness of the blended-care lifestyle intervention 'PerfectFit': a cluster randomised trial in employees at risk for cardiovascular diseases.

BACKGROUND: Web-based lifestyle interventions at the workplace have the potential to promote health and work productivity. However, the sustainability of effects is often small, which could be enhanced by adding face-to-face contacts, so-called 'blended care'. Therefore, this study evaluates the effects of a blended workplace health promotion intervention on health and work outcomes among employees with increased cardiovascular risk. METHODS: In this multicentre cluster-randomised controlled trial (PerfectFit), 491 workers in 18 work units from military, police, and a hospital with increased cardiovascular risk were randomised into two intervention groups. The limited intervention (n = 213; 9 clusters) consisted of a web-based Health Risk Assessment with advice. In the extensive intervention (n = 271; 8 clusters), coaching sessions by occupational health physicians using motivational interviewing were added. One cluster dropped out after randomisation but before any inclusion of subjects. Primary outcome was self-rated health. Secondary outcomes were body weight, body mass index (BMI), work productivity, and health behaviours. Follow-up measurements were collected at 6 and 12 months. Effect sizes were determined in mixed effects models. RESULTS: At 12 months, the extensive intervention was not statistically different from the limited intervention for self-rated health (4.3%; 95%CI -5.3-12.8), BMI (- 0.81; 95%CI -1.87-0.26) and body weight (- 2.16; 95%CI -5.49-1.17). The within-group analysis showed that in the extensive intervention group body weight (- 3.1 kg; 95% CI -2.0 to - 4.3) was statistically significantly reduced, whereas body weight remained stable in the limited intervention group (+ 0.2 kg; 95% CI -1.4 to 1.8). In both randomised groups productivity loss and physical activity increased and excessive alcohol use decreased significantly at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: There were no effects on self-rated health, body weight, and BMI. However, within the group with web-based tailored Health Risk Assessment including personalized advice body weight reduced significantly. Adding motivational coaching is promising to reduce body weight. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered at the Netherlands Trial Registry with number NTR4894 , at Nov 14 2014.

Quality of motivational interviewing matters: the effect on participation in health-promotion activities in a cluster randomized controlled trial.

Objectives This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a "blended" workplace health-promotion intervention, alongside identification of key components beneficial for future implementation strategies. Methods Within a cluster randomized controlled trial, 491 employees at increased risk of cardiovascular disease were allocated to the limited (N=217; 9 clusters) or extensive (N=274; 8 clusters) intervention. The extensive intervention consisted of motivational interviewing (MI) within the framework of a web-based health risk assessment (HRA), a blended care approach. The limited intervention received solely the web-based HRA. Occupational health physicians (N=21) within three organizations delivered the intervention. Implementation components investigated included: HRA (reach and participation), newsletters (percentage read), and MI sessions (number and quality). MI quality was determined by scoring audiotaped MI sessions, using the MI treatment integrity code. After 6 and 12 months, effects on participation in health-promotion activities and its associations with components of implementation were determined by mixed-effects models. Results Over 80% of employees participated in health-promotion activities, with an additional 8% in the extensive compared to the limited group. In the extensive intervention, those with more or better quality MI sessions were more likely to participate in health-promotion activities. Increased MI quality was associated with sustained participation. Conclusions This study suggests that participation in health-promotion activities can be increased by adding MI to a web-based approach and improving the quality of the MI delivered. Interventions with MI should include optimized delivery and quality of MI sessions.

The effects of lumbar extensor strength on disability and mobility in patients with persistent low back pain.

BACKGROUND: It is assumed that low back pain patients who use pain-avoiding immobilizing strategies may benefit from specific back flexion and extension exercises aimed at reducing sagittal lumbar hypomobility. The aim of this study was to test this potential working mechanism in chronic low back pain patients undergoing lumbar extensor strengthening training. METHODS: A single-group prospective cohort design was used in this study. Patients with persistent low back complaints for at least 2 years were recruited at a specialized physical therapy clinics center. They participated in a progressive 11-week lumbar extensor strength training program, once a week. At baseline, sagittal lumbar mobility in flexion and extension was measured with a computer-assisted inclinometer. Self-rated pain intensity was measured using a visual analogue scale, back-specific functional status was assessed with the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale and the Patient Specific Complains questionnaire. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements were found in pain (28% decrease) and functional disability (23% to 36% decrease). Most progress was seen in the first 5 treatment weeks. Lumbar mobility in flexion showed non-significant increases over time (+12%). Pre-post treatment changes in flexion and extension mobility did not contribute significantly to the models. The retained factors together explained 15% to 48% of the variation in outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Specific lumbar strengthening showed clinically relevant improvements in pain and disability in patients with persistent chronic low back pain. These improvements did not necessarily relate to improvements in lumbar mobility. Parameters representing other domains of adaptations to exercise may be needed to evaluate the effects of back pain management.

MODIFYING MARCHING TECHNIQUE IN MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS WITH CHRONIC EXERTIONAL COMPARTMENT SYNDROME: A CASE SERIES.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The long-term effectiveness of both operative and non-operative management approaches for Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome of the lower legs (CECS) is moderate at best. Positive outcomes have recently been reported on modifying running technique in individuals with CECS. The purpose of this case series was to evaluate a training program aimed at changing marching technique in individuals with CECS, based on principles that aim to eliminate heel strike and decrease impact during foot strike. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Six service members with CECS underwent a five-week training program aimed at modifying marching technique. The program was comprised of foot/lower leg strengthening exercises, perception drills, and treadmill/outdoor marching bouts. Self-assessed leg condition, march endurance performance, and kinematic/kinetic measurements were assessed at baseline (T0), post-treatment (T5), and nine months post-intervention (T40). RESULTS: Moderate to fair pre- to post improvements on the self-assessed leg condition outcomes were demonstrated for most participants (4% to 73% improvements). These scores continued to improve until the 9 months follow-up. Marching performance improved during the intervention period in all but one subject, ranging from 6% to 38% improvement in marching time. Kinematic and kinetic data showed pre- to post-intervention changes that were reflective of the marching technique modification in most subjects. Post-intervention pain profiles of participants during marching showed that, in most subjects, the onset of leg pain was delayed compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: A five-week intervention aimed at altering marching technique has demonstrated moderately promising results in a group of service members with CECS of the lower legs who had previously undergone other conservative management interventions without success. Due to the relatively small sample size and the variability in subject outcomes, further research is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

The Effectiveness of a 6-Week Intervention Program Aimed at Modifying Running Style in Patients With Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome: Results From a Series of Case Studies.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported on the promising effects of changing running style in patients with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) using a 6-week training program aimed at adopting a forefoot strike technique. This study expands that work by comparing a 6-week in-house, center-based run training program with a less extensive, supervised, home-based run training program (50% home training). HYPOTHESIS: An alteration in running technique will lead to improvements in CECS complaints and running performance, with the less supervised program producing less dramatic results. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Nineteen patients with CECS were prospectively enrolled. Postrunning intracompartmental pressure (ICP), run performance, and self-reported questionnaires were taken for all patients at baseline and after 6 weeks of running intervention. Questionnaires were also taken from 14 patients (7 center-based, 6 home-based) 4 months posttreatment. RESULTS: Significant improvement between preintervention and postintervention rates was found for running distance (43%), ICP values (36%), and scores on the questionnaires Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE; 36%), Lower Leg Outcome Survey (LLOS; 18%), and Patient Specific Complaints (PSC; 60%). The mean posttreatment score on the Global Rating of Change (GROC) was between +4 and +5 ("somewhat better" to "moderately better"). In 14 participants (74%), no elevation of pain was reported posttreatment, compared with 3 participants (16%) at baseline; in all these cases, the running test was aborted because of a lack of cardiorespiratory fitness. Self-reported scores continued to improve 4 months after the end of the intervention program, with mean improvement rates of 48% (SANE), 26% (LLOS), and 81% (PSC). The mean GROC score improved to +6 points ("a great deal better"). CONCLUSION: In 19 patients diagnosed with CECS, a 6-week forefoot running intervention performed in both a center-based and home-based training setting led to decreased postrunning lower leg ICP values, improved running performances, and self-assessed leg condition. The influence of training group was not statistically significant. Overall, this is a promising finding, taking into consideration the significantly reduced investments in time and resources needed for the home-based program.

The effects of dynamic isolated lumbar extensor training on lumbar multifidus functional cross-sectional area and functional status of patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective single-arm trial. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether dynamic isolated resistance training of global lumbar extensor muscles leads to changes in lumbar multifidus (LM) morphology in terms of cross-sectional muscle, and, if so, whether these changes are associated with observed changes in self-experienced functional status of chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: LM morphology is associated with the recurrence of CNSLBP. METHODS: Sixteen male patients underwent a dynamic isolated resistance-training program for the lower back muscles of approximately 10 sessions in 12 weeks. In the next 12 weeks, frequency of training was tailored to the patients' need. Participants underwent lumbar magnetic resonance imaging at baseline (T0), after 12 weeks (T12), and after 24 weeks (T24). Functional cross-sectional area was obtained by analyzing the magnetic resonance images. Functional status was assessed using the patient-specific functional scale, Roland-Morris disability questionnaire, and global perceived effect scale. RESULTS: Roland-Morris disability questionnaire and patient-specific functional scale scores showed significant and clinically relevant improvements between baseline and T12, with 44% and 39%, respectively. Between T12 and T24, these scores did not change significantly. Seven participants (44%) reported clinically relevant improvements in global perceived effect at T12. At T24, 1 more participant reported a relevant global perceived effect improvement, whereas 2 participants (13%) reported worsening of their condition. The magnetic resonance imaging analysis showed minor nonsignificant changes in functional cross-sectional area. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that 10 weeks of dynamic isolated training of the lumbar extensors, once a week, leads to clinically relevant improvements in functional status of men with CNSLBP, without accompanying improvements in functional cross-sectional area of LM. These findings suggest that improvement in LM morphology is not a critical success factor in restoring functional status of patients with CNSLBP, at least in the short term (6 mo).

Prognostic factors for perceived recovery or functional improvement in non-specific low back pain: secondary analyses of three randomized clinical trials.

The objective of this study was to report on secondary analyses of a merged trial dataset aimed at exploring the potential importance of patient factors associated with clinically relevant improvements in non-acute, non-specific low back pain (LBP). From 273 predominantly male army workers (mean age 39 +/- 10.5 years, range 20-56 years, 4 women) with LBP who were recruited in three randomized clinical trials, baseline individual patient factors, pain-related factors, work-related psychosocial factors, and psychological factors were evaluated as potential prognostic variables in a short-term (post-treatment) and a long-term logistic regression model (6 months after treatment). We found one dominant prognostic factor for improvement directly after treatment as well as 6 months later: baseline functional disability, expressed in Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire scores. Baseline fear of movement, expressed in Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia scores, had also significant prognostic value for long-term improvement. Less strongly associated with the outcome, but also included in our final models, were supervisor social support and duration of complaints (short-term model), and co-worker social support and pain radiation (long-term model). Information about initial levels of functional disability and fear-avoidance behaviour can be of value in the treatment of patient populations with characteristics comparable to the current army study population (e.g., predominantly male, physically active, working, moderate but chronic back problems). Individuals at risk for poor long-term LBP recovery, i.e., individuals with high initial level of disability and prominent fear-avoidance behaviour, can be distinguished that may need additional cognitive-behavioural treatment.

Isolated lumbar extensor strengthening versus regular physical therapy in an army working population with nonacute low back pain: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of specific lumbar extensor training compared with regular physical therapy (PT) in workers with nonspecific nonacute low back pain (LBP). DESIGN: A multicenter randomized controlled trial with 1-year follow-up. SETTING: PT department in (military primary care) health centers. PARTICIPANTS: Predominantly male soldiers (N=129) with 4 weeks or more of low back complaints who were referred by the health center's general practitioner for PT (mean age, 35.9+/-10.8 y; range, 20-56 y), of whom 127 randomized participants were included in the analyses. One patient withdrew because of adverse effects during treatment. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were assigned to 1 of 2 treatment programs: (1) a 10-week device-supported isolated lumbar extension training, twice a week, or (2) regular PT, mainly consisting of exercise therapy and aerobic activities. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Functional status (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, Patient-Specific Functional Scale) and global perceived effect were assessed in the short term (5 wk, 10 wk) and long term (6 mo, 12 mo). RESULTS: Both groups showed a favorable development in main outcomes over time: short-term improvements (after 10 weeks of treatment) remained stable or even slightly increased throughout the 12-month follow-up. No significant differences between the 2 groups were shown for any of the outcome measures, at any time. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with prior evidence, specific back strengthening does not seem to offer incremental benefits in LBP management compared with regular PT care that mainly consists of general exercise therapy. (ISRCTN identifier ISRCTN19334317.)

Exercise therapy and low back pain: insights and proposals to improve the design, conduct, and reporting of clinical trials.

STUDY DESIGN: A report on plenary presentations and discussions of an expert panel and workshop ("Exercise as a treatment for subacute low back pain") that was held at the Amsterdam Forum VIII on Low Back Pain Research in Primary Care. OBJECTIVE: To highlight important issues regarding the design, conduct, and reporting of exercise trials and to provide suggestions for improvement in each domain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Despite improvements in the methodologic quality of randomized clinical trials on low back pain (LBP), current trials on exercise therapy still show methodologic flaws in the design and reporting of studies. METHODS: Important issues in the design, conduct, and reporting of exercise trials for LBP were introduced by 4 presenters, and this was followed by a group discussion among 40 attendees. Conclusions and recommendations were extracted by the workshop panelists and summarized in this paper. RESULTS.: Workshop discussion led to the following recommendations: (1) specify a theoretical framework for exercise therapy for designing the intervention and selecting appropriate treatment efficacy measures; (2) to overcome blinding problems in exercise trials, include sham interventions and assess the success of blinding; (3) evaluate the role of patient-provider interactions through the use of self-report or observational measures; (4) to assure quality of treatment, use exercise interventions that reference existing exercise guidelines; (5) use subgroup analyses to identify subgroups of patients most likely to benefit; (6) in reporting exercise trials, include an extensive description of the study population, a detailed exercise protocol, and some measure of patient compliance; (7) further categorization of exercise interventions is needed, in terms of concept, mode, intensity, duration, frequency, and length; and (8) trial;1>registration and publication of detailed study protocols may help to strengthen the evidence-based concerning exercise therapy for LBP. CONCLUSION: By paying proper attention to issues concerning the design and reporting of exercise protocols when conducting future exercise trials, research may provide a stronger evidence basis for recommending or not recommending various exercise therapies for LBP.

A high-intensity lumbar extensor strengthening program is little better than a low-intensity program or a waiting list control group for chronic low back pain: a randomised clinical trial.

QUESTION: Is eight weeks of high-intensity strengthening of the isolated lumbar extensors more effective than low-intensity strengthening or no strengthening? Are any gains maintained 16 weeks later? DESIGN: Randomised, three-arm trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding, and intention-to-treat-analysis. Participants in the waiting list control group were randomised again, after the first 8 weeks, to either the high-intensity or the low-intensity strengthening program. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-five army personnel with non-specific chronic low back pain. INTERVENTION: The high-intensity training group received 10 sessions of 15 to 20 repetitions for the isolated lumbar extensor muscles. The low-intensity training group received a nonprogressive, low-intensity resistance protocol. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were global perceived effect and disability. Secondary outcomes were health-related quality of life, fear of movement/(re-)injury, and isometric lumbar extensor muscle strength. Measures were taken before and after the training and 16 weeks later. RESULTS: At eight weeks, SF-36 overall score was on average 7% (95% CI 1 to 13) greater in the high-intensity training group compared with the low-intensity training group and the waiting list control group, and self-assessed decrease of back symptoms was on average 39% (95% CI 14 to 64) greater in the high-intensity training group compared with the waiting list control group. There was no difference in improvement between the groups for any other outcome at 8 weeks or 24 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Although some beneficial effects were found, the results of this high-intensity strengthening program of the isolated lumbar extensor muscles do not clearly support the generally-claimed beneficial influence of exercise for chronic non-specific low back pain.

Rationale and design of a multicenter randomized controlled trial on a 'minimal intervention' in Dutch army personnel with nonspecific low back pain [ISRCTN19334317].

BACKGROUND: Researchers from the Royal Netherlands Army are studying the potential of isolated lumbar extensor training in low back pain in their working population. Currently, a randomized controlled trial is carried out in five military health centers in The Netherlands and Germany, in which a 10-week program of not more than 2 training sessions (10-15 minutes) per week is studied in soldiers with nonspecific low back pain for more than 4 weeks. The purpose of the study is to investigate the efficacy of this 'minimal intervention program', compared to usual care. Moreover, attempts are made to identify subgroups of different responders to the intervention. METHODS: Besides a baseline measurement, follow-up data are gathered at two short-term intervals (5 and 10 weeks after randomization) and two long-term intervals (6 months and one year after the end of the intervention), respectively. At every test moment, participants fill out a compound questionnaire on a stand-alone PC, and they undergo an isometric back strength measurement on a lower back machine. Primary outcome measures in this study are: self-assessed degree of complaints and degree of handicap in daily activities due to back pain. In addition, our secondary measurements focus on: fear of movement/(re-) injury, mental and social health perception, individual back extension strength, and satisfaction of the patient with the treatment perceived. Finally, we assess a number of potential prognostic factors: demographic and job characteristics, overall health, the degree of physical activity, and the attitudes and beliefs of the physiotherapist towards chronic low back pain. DISCUSSION: Although a substantial number of trials have been conducted that included lumbar extension training in low back pain patients, hardly any study has emphasized a minimal intervention approach comparable to ours. For reasons of time efficiency and patient preferences, this minimal sports medicine approach of low back pain management is interesting for the population under study, and possibly for comparable working populations with physical demanding job activities.