Content reporting and effectiveness of therapeutic exercise in the management of massive rotator cuff tears: A systematic review with 490 patients.

Background: Massive rotator cuff tears (MRCT) account for a substantial fraction of tears above the age of 60 years. However, there are no clear criteria for prescription parameters within therapeutic exercise treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects and characteristics of therapeutic exercise treatments in patients with MRCT. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, SciELO, Scopus and EMBASE from inception to August 2022. Studies were included if they evaluated the effects of exercise on patients with MRCT. The risk of bias was evaluated and the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) was also used. A narrative synthesis without meta-analysis was performed. Results: One randomized controlled trial, two non-randomized studies, six non-controlled studies, one case series and four retrospective studies were included. They ranged from serious to moderate risk of bias. The CERT reflected a poor description of the exercise programmes. Studies showed a pattern of improvements in most patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) surpassing the MCID, and active elevation range of motion. Conclusions: There is limited evidence that exercise and co-interventions are effective in the management of some patients with MRCT, based on a systematic review without meta-analysis. Future research should improve content reporting. Level of evidence: IV.

Effectiveness of exercise versus arthroscopic partial meniscectomy plus exercise in the management of degenerative meniscal tears at 5-year follow-up: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: There are no meta-analytical data in the long term for comparing surgery and exercise for meniscal tear. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of exercise versus arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) plus exercise for degenerative meniscal tears (DMT) in knee function at 5-year follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, SciELO, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and Cochrane Library was performed. The studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials performed in patients aged ≥ 18 years with DMT, that compared physical therapy to APM at 5-year follow-up, and reported at least one outcome measure of knee function/disability. Risk of bias was analyzed with the Cochrane RoB-2 tool and certainty of evidence with GRADE recommendations. A random effects model meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: 3743 articles were identified and 4 met the criteria. Three had low risk of bias and one had some concerns. There were no significant between-group differences, in within-group changes from baseline to 5-year, on the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score pain (- 2.28; 95% CI - 5.41 to 0.84), symptoms (- 0.24; 95% CI - 4.13 to 3.64), activities of daily living (- 2.16; 95% CI - 6.16 to 1.83) and quality of life (- 3.98; 95% CI - 9.05 to 1.10). There was a significant difference in support of APM plus exercise for sport/recreation (- 9.28; 95% CI - 18.28 to - 0.29). Leave-one-out sensitivity analysis revealed a non-significant difference in sport/recreation (- 5.05; 95% CI - 12.04 to 1.94). There were no differences in other patient-reported outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Moderate certainty of evidence suggests that the addition of APM to an exercise program adds no benefits in knee function at 5-year follow-up.

Reliability and discriminative validity of real-time ultrasound elastography in the assessment of tissue stiffness after calf muscle injury.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the reliability and discriminative validity of real-time ultrasound elastography (RTE) measures of soft-tissue elasticity after calf muscle tear. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, intra/inter-examiner reliability and comparative validity study. SETTING: Department of Physical Therapy. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one recreational athletes were included and examined 6 weeks after sustaining a grade I-II calf musculature tear. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Soft-tissue elasticity was measured by two experienced assessors using RTE assessments in both the longitudinal and transverse planes of the athletes' injured and uninjured calf muscles. Elasticity was estimated by using the strain ratio (SR), which was calculated by dividing the strain (displacement) value taken at the medial gastrocnemius-soleus myotendinous junction (reference) by the strain value taken at the centre of the injury (index) as visualized on B-mode sonogram. Intra- and inter-observer reliability was estimated calculating intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) and standard error of measurement (SEM). Differences in elasticity between injured and healthy legs were assessed using t-tests or Wilcoxon tests for repeated measures. RESULTS: All RTE assessments in both planes showed ICC values ranging from 0.77 to 0.95 and SEM values ranging from 0.72 to 0.99. Additionally, RTE enabled both assessors to determine differences in elastic properties between injured and control legs (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: RTE measures of calf muscles demonstrated good reliability and were able to differentiate injured from non-injured muscle tissue. RTE may provide a fast and objective measure in sports medicine to improve the detection of risk factors for muscle injury related to alterations of the mechanical behaviour of soft tissues during healing process.

Virtual reality and video games in cardiac rehabilitation programs. A systematic review.

PURPOSE: To carry out a systematic review about the information about the application of of virtual reality and videogames in cardiac rehabilitation. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted. Jadad scale was applied to evaluate the methodological quality of the articles included and the degree of evidence and the level of recommendation were determined through the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine. PRISMA guidelines statement for systematic reviews were followed. RESULTS: The total number of articles included in the present review was 10, with heterogeneity in the study populations, cardiac rehabilitation phases, technology used and protocols. Most of the studies showed an increase in heart rate, less pain, a greater ability to walk, higher energy levels, an increase in physical activity and improvements of motivation and adherence. The methodological quality of the studies was between acceptable and poor. CONCLUSIONS: The use of virtual reality and videogames could be considered as complementary tools of physical training in patients with cardiovascular diseases in the different phases of cardiac rehabilitation. However, it is also necessary to carry out studies with adequate methodological quality to determine the ideal technological systems, target populations and clearly protocols to study their effects in the short, medium and long-term assessments.Implications for rehabilitationThe use of virtual reality and videogames could be considered as complementary tools for physical training in patients with cardiovascular diseases.Interactive virtual reality using exergames may promote heart rate, fatigue perception, physical activity and reduce pain in patients with cardiovascular diseases.Virtual reality and videogames enhance motivation and adherence in cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Effects of Virtual Reality on Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs for Ischemic Heart Disease: A Randomized Pilot Clinical Trial.

(1) Background: The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of a virtual reality (VR) program, as a complementary tool to a conventional cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program in phase II of patients with ischemic heart disease compared to a conventional treatment group. (2) Methods: A single blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted. The patients were randomized to a control group (CG) or an experimental group (EG). The EG carried out a training based on VR of aerobic exercise using the XBOX ONE console and Kinect sensor. Ergometry, metabolic equivalents (METS), Functional Independence Measure, 6-min walk test (6MWT), the Short Form Health Survey-36 Questionnaire (SF-36), the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and the degree of satisfaction and adherence to treatment were used as outcome measures. (3) Results: Our results showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Statistical analysis within group for the EG showed statistically significant changes in the variables HR final ergometry, ergometry minutes, % ergometry, METS, final HR 6MWT, 6MWT distance, 6MWT number of laps, and for the SF-36 and Beck Depression Inventory-II. (4) Conclusion: A VR-based video game program, as an adjunct tool to a CR program, showed improvements in ergometry, METS, resistance to fatigue and health-related quality of life with excellent adherence and satisfaction perceived by patients with ischemic heart disease in phase II.

Recomendaciones para la prescripción de ejercicio físico en pacientes con espondiloartritis / Recommendations for the prescription of physical exercise for patients with spondyloarthritis

Objetivos: Desarrollar recomendaciones sobre la actividad física y el ejercicio para pacientes con espondiloartritis (EspA) basadas en la opinión de expertos. Métodos: Dos grupos de expertos, uno de fisioterapeutas, rehabilitadores y profesionales de la actividad física y deporte y otro de reumatólogos con interés en EspA, se reunieron para discutir los resultados de grupos focales con pacientes sobre barreras al ejercicio y de una encuesta a reumatólogos sobre ejercicio en EspA. A continuación se redactaron unas recomendaciones preliminares que fueron sometidas a la opinión de los expertos de ambos grupos mediante metodología Delphi a dos rondas. Resultados: Se emitieron 21 recomendaciones que cubren el ejercicio físico, la adaptación al paciente, el modo de dar los mensajes, el manejo del dolor, el tipo de ejercicios indicado y el seguimiento. El grado de acuerdo varía ligeramente entre los grupos de expertos pero en general fue alto. Los ítems discordantes o con poco acuerdo fueron eliminados del consenso. Conclusiones: Se han emitido recomendaciones sobre cuándo y cómo prescribir ejercicio físico y monitorizarlo en pacientes con EspA basadas en la opinión de expertos en espondilitis y en la prescripción de ejercicio. Deberemos confirmar si estas recomendaciones son útiles para la práctica clínica y tienen efecto en los pacientes con EspA atendidos por reumatólogos

Objective: To develop expert-based recommendations on physical activity and exercise for patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). Methods: Two discussion groups, one of physical therapists, rehabilitation physicians, and professionals of physical activity and sports, and another of rheumatologists interested in SpA, were held to discuss the results of a survey of rheumatologists on exercise and two focus groups with patients on barriers to exercise. Preliminary recommendations were drafted. These were submitted to the opinion of the experts in both groups according to a two round Delphi methodology. Results: Twenty one recommendations covering general aspects of exercise, adaptation to patient, how to deliver messages, pain management, and type of exercise and monitoring were issued. The level of agreement varied slightly between expert groups but it was high overall. Items with poor agreement were removed from the consensus. Conclusions: We present recommendations on when and how to prescribe and monitor exercise in patients with SpA based on the opinion of experts in exercise and in SpA. We must now test whether these recommendations are useful for clinical practice and have an effect on patients with SpA seen by rheumatologists

Recommendations for the prescription of physical exercise for patients with spondyloarthritis. / Recomendaciones para la prescripción de ejercicio físico en pacientes con espondiloartritis.

OBJECTIVE: To develop expert-based recommendations on physical activity and exercise for patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). METHODS: Two discussion groups, one of physical therapists, rehabilitation physicians, and professionals of physical activity and sports, and another of rheumatologists interested in SpA, were held to discuss the results of a survey of rheumatologists on exercise and two focus groups with patients on barriers to exercise. Preliminary recommendations were drafted. These were submitted to the opinion of the experts in both groups according to a two round Delphi methodology. RESULTS: Twenty one recommendations covering general aspects of exercise, adaptation to patient, how to deliver messages, pain management, and type of exercise and monitoring were issued. The level of agreement varied slightly between expert groups but it was high overall. Items with poor agreement were removed from the consensus. CONCLUSIONS: We present recommendations on when and how to prescribe and monitor exercise in patients with SpA based on the opinion of experts in exercise and in SpA. We must now test whether these recommendations are useful for clinical practice and have an effect on patients with SpA seen by rheumatologists.

Revisión sistemática de los cuestionarios autocumplimentados adaptados al español para la valoración funcional de pacientes con patología de cadera / Systematic review of cross-cultural adaptations of hip-specific patient-reported outcome measures in Spanish

Objetivo: Realizar una revisión sistemática de la calidad de los procedimientos de adaptación y de las propiedades psicométricas de los cuestionarios autoadministrados de valoración funcional de cadera adaptados a la población española. Material y método: Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL y Web of Science (desde su inicio hasta junio de 2016) para localizar todas las escalas adaptadas al español y analizar las diferentes fases del proceso de adaptación y sus propiedades psicométricas. Resultados: Se identificaron 8 escalas que se agruparon en 3 apartados, según el tipo de patologías en las que se pueden utilizar, a) todo el miembro inferior: Lower Limb Functional Index (LLFI), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) y Arthrose des Membres Inférieurs et Qualité de vie (AMICAL); b) rodilla y/o cadera: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index, Osteoarthritis Knee and Hip Quality of Life (OAKHQOL) y Hip and Knee Questionnaire (HKQ), y c) exclusivas de cadera: Hip Outcome Score (HOS) e International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-33). El procedimiento de adaptación transcultural fue aceptable en todos los casos, aunque algo menos riguroso para las escalas HKQ y LLFI. Ningún estudio evaluó todas las propiedades psicométricas. Conclusión: Disponemos actualmente de 8 cuestionarios de valoración funcional de cadera adaptados al español con aceptables características psicométricas. Podemos medir la repercusión percibida por el paciente de su patología de cadera seleccionando, entre las diferentes opciones, aquellas alternativas que mejor se adapten a nuestros objetivos, ya sean clínicos o de investigación

Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the quality of the transcultural adaptation procedure and the clinimetric properties of the self-administered hip-disability functional assessment questionnaires adapted for the Spanish population. Material and method: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science databases (from inception until June 2016) to locate all the scales adapted to Spanish and to analyze the different phases of the adaptation process and its psychometric properties. Results: Eight scales were identified, and were grouped into three sections, according to the type of diseases in which they can be used: a) lower limb: Lower Limb Functional Index (LLFI), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and Arthrosis of Membres Inférieurs et Qualité de vie (AMICAL); b) knee and/or hip: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index, Osteoarthritis Knee and Hip Quality of Life (OAKHQOL) and Hip and Knee Questionnaire (HKQ); and c) specific for hip: Hip Outcome Score (HOS) and International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-33). The transcultural adaptation procedure was satisfactory in all cases, albeit somewhat less rigorous for the HKQ and LLFI than for the remaining questionnaires. No study evaluated all the psychometric properties. Conclusion: We currently have 8 hip-disability functional assessment questionnaires adapted to Spanish with satisfactory psychometric properties. We can measure the patient's perceived impact of his or her hip disease by selecting, among the different options, those alternatives that best fit our clinical or research objectives

Systematic review of cross-cultural adaptations of hip-specific patient-reported outcome measures in Spanish. / Revisión sistemática de los cuestionarios autocumplimentados adaptados al español para la valoración funcional de pacientes con patología de cadera.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the quality of the transcultural adaptation procedure and the clinimetric properties of the self-administered hip-disability functional assessment questionnaires adapted for the Spanish population. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science databases (from inception until June 2016) to locate all the scales adapted to Spanish and to analyze the different phases of the adaptation process and its psychometric properties. RESULTS: Eight scales were identified, and were grouped into three sections, according to the type of diseases in which they can be used: a) lower limb: Lower Limb Functional Index (LLFI), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and Arthrosis of Membres Inférieurs et Qualité de vie (AMICAL); b) knee and/or hip: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index, Osteoarthritis Knee and Hip Quality of Life (OAKHQOL) and Hip and Knee Questionnaire (HKQ); and c) specific for hip: Hip Outcome Score (HOS) and International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-33). The transcultural adaptation procedure was satisfactory in all cases, albeit somewhat less rigorous for the HKQ and LLFI than for the remaining questionnaires. No study evaluated all the psychometric properties. CONCLUSION: We currently have 8 hip-disability functional assessment questionnaires adapted to Spanish with satisfactory psychometric properties. We can measure the patient's perceived impact of his or her hip disease by selecting, among the different options, those alternatives that best fit our clinical or research objectives.

Assessment of cross-cultural adaptations of patient-reported shoulder outcome measures in Spanish: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to conduct a systematic review of self-administered shoulder-disability functional assessment questionnaires adapted to Spanish, analyzing the quality of the transcultural adaptation and the clinimetric properties of the new version. METHODS: A search of the main biomedical databases was conducted to locate Spanish shoulder function assessment scales. The authors reviewed the papers and considered whether the process of adaptation of the questionnaire had followed international recommendations, and whether its psychometric properties had been appropriately assessed. RESULTS: The search identified nine shoulder function assessment scales adapted to Spanish: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH), Upper Limb Functional Index (ULFI), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), Shoulder Disability Questionnaire (SDQ), Western Ontario Rotator Cuff index (WORC), Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index (WOSI) and Wheelchair Users Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI). The DASH was adapted on three occasions and the SPADI on two. The transcultural adaptation procedure was generally satisfactory, albeit somewhat less rigorous for the SDQ and WUSPI. Reliability was analyzed in all cases. Validity was not measured for one of the adaptations of the DASH, nor was it measured for the SDQ. CONCLUSIONS: The transcultural adaptation was satisfactory and the psychometric properties analyzed were similar to both the original version and other versions adapted to other languages.

Barreras y facilitadores para la práctica del ejercicio físico en pacientes con espondiloartritis: estudio cualitativo de grupos focales (EJES-3D) / Barriers and facilitators for the practice of physical exercise in patients with spondyloarthritis: qualitative study of focus groups (EJES-3D)

Objetivos. Explorar las barreras que los pacientes con espondiloartritis (EsA) tienen ante el ejercicio y proponer facilitadores. Métodos. Análisis cualitativo del discurso en grupos focales para identificar los elementos que configuran la realidad estudiada, describir las relaciones entre ellos y sintetizar el resultado mediante: 1) segmentación según criterios temáticos; 2) categorización en función de situaciones, relaciones, opiniones, sentimientos u otras; 3) codificación de las diversas categorías, y 4) interpretación de los resultados. Resultados. Se realizaron 2 grupos focales de una hora de duración cada uno con 11 pacientes con EsA reclutados a partir de asociaciones y redes sociales en Madrid y provincias colindantes (64% hombres, 72% entre 40 y 60años y 57% con enfermedad de más de 10años; el 80% realizaba algún tipo de ejercicio o actividad física). Se identificaron: 1) barreras al ejercicio, entre las que destacaron: desinformación, miedo, dolor, desconfianza y experiencias previas negativas; 2) aspectos que facilitan la realización de ejercicio: los complementarios a las barreras más regularidad y apoyo profesional y social; 3) ítems que pueden influir tanto positiva como negativamente, y 4) cuatro fases del afrontamiento del ejercicio o actividad física en la EsA. Conclusión. Aparte de reconocer la existencia de factores personales poco modificables, en general los pacientes reclaman mayor conocimiento y educación sobre el ejercicio y sobre los pros y contras en el contexto de su enfermedad, coherencia de mensajes recibidos y mejores monitores que les acompañen en su afrontamiento frente a la enfermedad y al ejercicio (AU)

Objectives. To explore barriers to exercise of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) and to propose facilitators. Methods. Analysis of the speech of focus groups. It included the identification the elements that shape the studied reality, description of the relationship between them and synthesis through: 1) Thematic segmentation, 2) Categorization according to situations, relationships, opinions, feelings or others, 3) Coding of the various categories and 4) Interpretation of results. Results. Two focus groups of one hour each with 11 patients recruited from associations and social networks in Madrid and surrounding provinces took place (64% men, 72% between 40 and 60 years, 57% with disease duration longer than 10 years, 80% performed some type of exercise or physical activity). The following were identified: 1) barriers to exercise, among which the following pointed out: disinformation, fear, pain, distrust, and prior negative experiences with exercise; 2) facilitators to exercise: the complementary to barriers plus regularity and social and professional support; 3) items that could influence in either way, negative or positively; and 4) four phases of coping with exercise or physical activity in SpA. Conclusion. Apart from recognizing the existence of some modifiable personal factors, patients generally demand: more knowledge and education on exercise, including the pros and cons in the context of their disease, and coherence of messages received, together with better monitors that accompany them in their coping with disease and exercise (AU)

Efficacy and safety of home-based exercises versus individualized supervised outpatient physical therapy programs after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of non-supervised home-based exercise versus individualized and supervised programs delivered in clinic-based settings for the functional recovery immediately after discharge from a primary TKA. METHODS: Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and PEDro databases were screened, from inception to April 2015, in search for randomized clinical trials (RCT) of home-based exercise interventions versus individualized and supervised outpatient physical therapy after primary TKA. Target outcomes were: knee range of motion (ROM), patient-reported pain and function, functional performance, and safety. Risk of bias was assessed with the PEDro scale. After assessing homogeneity, data were combined using random effects meta-analysis and reported as standardized mean differences or mean differences. We set a non-inferiority margin of four points in mean differences. RESULTS: The search and selection process identified 11 RCT of moderate quality and small sample sizes. ROM active extension data suitable for meta-analysis was available from seven studies with 707 patients, and ROM active flexion from nine studies with 983 patients. Most studies showed no difference between groups. Pooled differences were within the non-inferiority margin. Most meta-analyses showed significant statistical heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: Short-term improvements in physical function and knee ROM do not clearly differ between outpatient physiotherapy and home-based exercise regimes in patients after primary TKA; however, this conclusion is based on a meta-analysis with high heterogeneity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Barriers and Facilitators for the Practice of Physical Exercise in Patients With Spondyloarthritis: Qualitative Study of Focus Groups (EJES-3D). / Barreras y facilitadores para la práctica del ejercicio físico en pacientes con espondiloartritis: estudio cualitativo de grupos focales (EJES-3D).

OBJECTIVES: To explore barriers to exercise of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) and to propose facilitators. METHODS: Analysis of the speech of focus groups. It included the identification the elements that shape the studied reality, description of the relationship between them and synthesis through: 1) Thematic segmentation, 2) Categorization according to situations, relationships, opinions, feelings or others, 3) Coding of the various categories and 4) Interpretation of results. RESULTS: Two focus groups of one hour each with 11 patients recruited from associations and social networks in Madrid and surrounding provinces took place (64% men, 72% between 40 and 60 years, 57% with disease duration longer than 10 years, 80% performed some type of exercise or physical activity). The following were identified: 1) barriers to exercise, among which the following pointed out: disinformation, fear, pain, distrust, and prior negative experiences with exercise; 2) facilitators to exercise: the complementary to barriers plus regularity and social and professional support; 3) items that could influence in either way, negative or positively; and 4) four phases of coping with exercise or physical activity in SpA. CONCLUSION: Apart from recognizing the existence of some modifiable personal factors, patients generally demand: more knowledge and education on exercise, including the pros and cons in the context of their disease, and coherence of messages received, together with better monitors that accompany them in their coping with disease and exercise.

[What kind of health information search the spinal cord injured patients from Spain on the internet?]. / ¿Qué información sobre su salud buscan los lesionados medulares Españoles en Internet?

INTRODUCTION: Internet is an alternative for health education to the population. Spinal cord injured individuals usually consult the Internet about their health problems. AIM: To identify the health information sources, the more consulted items and the confidence in Internet information of a group of spinal cord injured individuals from Spain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A survey to spinal cord injured individuals from Spain was conducted, with a questionnaire in Google Drive. It was accessible with a link in ASPAYM-Asturias web page. The questionnaire included epidemiological data and information about Internet use and confidence in its contents. RESULTS: 121 individuals answered the survey, 64% male, with an average age of 45 years. The predominant aetiology was traumatic (70%) and 72% were paraplegics. 83% prefer to consult health care providers directly. More of 70% of the sample searches health problems on the Internet, mostly web pages in Spanish. The preferred item was 'orthopaedic materials and wheelchairs'. 27% of the sample trusts in the Internet information and 32% don't. CONCLUSIONS: This research provides information about Internet use of spinal cord injured individuals in Spain. Although we have to admit some bias in the study, more than 70% of the sample searches health problems on the Internet, mostly web pages in Spanish. About one in four individuals trust in information from Internet and most of the sample prefers recommendations directly from healthcare professionals.

TITLE: Que informacion sobre su salud buscan los lesionados medulares espanoles en Internet?Introduccion. Internet es una alternativa para la educacion sanitaria en la poblacion. Los lesionados medulares consultan la red sobre cuestiones de su salud. Objetivo. Conocer cuales son las fuentes de informacion, los temas sobre salud mas consultados y la confianza en el material obtenido de la red por un grupo de lesionados medulares espanoles usuarios de Internet. Pacientes y metodos. Realizamos una encuesta a lesionados medulares espanoles mediante un cuestionario en Google Drive. Se accedia a el mediante un enlace en la pagina de ASPAYM-Asturias. El cuestionario incluia datos epidemiologicos y cuestiones sobre Internet, fuentes de informacion y confianza en ellas. Resultados. Contestaron 121 lesionados medulares (el 64%, hombres), con una edad media de 45 anos. La etiologia predominante era la traumatica (70%), y en el 72%, las lesiones eran paraplejias. El 83% prefiere consultar al personal sanitario. Busca en Internet mas del 70% de la muestra, y lo hace en paginas web en espanol. El tema de mayor interes es el material ortopedico. El 27% confia mucho o bastante en la informacion de la red, mientras que el 32% lo hace poco o nada. Conclusiones. Los resultados nos aproximan al uso de Internet que hacen los lesionados medulares espanoles. Asumiendo el sesgo inherente en un estudio de este tipo, mas del 70% de la muestra consulta sobre su salud en la red, sobre todo en paginas web espanolas. El tema mas buscado es 'material ortopedico y sillas de ruedas'. Solo uno de cada cuatro confia en los contenidos de la red, y la mayoria prefiere consultar sus problemas de salud directamente con los profesionales sanitarios.

¿Qué información sobre su salud buscan los lesionados medulares españoles en Internet? / What kind of health information search the spinal cord injured patients from Spain on the internet?

Introducción. Internet es una alternativa para la educación sanitaria en la población. Los lesionados medulares consultan la red sobre cuestiones de su salud. Objetivo. Conocer cuáles son las fuentes de información, los temas sobre salud más consultados y la confianza en el material obtenido de la red por un grupo de lesionados medulares españoles usuarios de Internet. Pacientes y métodos. Realizamos una encuesta a lesionados medulares españoles mediante un cuestionario en Google Drive. Se accedía a él mediante un enlace en la página de ASPAYM-Asturias. El cuestionario incluía datos epidemiológicos y cuestiones sobre Internet, fuentes de información y confianza en ellas. Resultados. Contestaron 121 lesionados medulares (el 64%, hombres), con una edad media de 45 años. La etiología predominante era la traumática (70%), y en el 72%, las lesiones eran paraplejías. El 83% prefiere consultar al personal sanitario. Busca en Internet más del 70% de la muestra, y lo hace en páginas web en español. El tema de mayor interés es el material ortopédico. El 27% confía mucho o bastante en la información de la red, mientras que el 32% confía poco o nada. Conclusiones. Los resultados nos aproximan al uso de Internet que hacen los lesionados medulares españoles. Asumiendoel sesgo inherente en un estudio de este tipo, más del 70% de la muestra consulta sobre su salud en la red, sobre todo en páginas web españolas. El tema más buscado es ‘material ortopédico y sillas de ruedas’. Sólo uno de cada cuatro confía en los contenidos de la red, y la mayoría prefiere consultar sus problemas de salud directamente con los profesionales sanitarios (AU)

Introduction. Internet is an alternative for health education to the population. Spinal cord injured individuals usually consult the Internet about their health problems. Aim. To identify the health information sources, the more consulted items and the confidence in Internet information of a group of spinal cord injured individuals from Spain. Patients and methods. A survey to spinal cord injured individuals from Spain was conducted, with a questionnaire in Google Drive. It was accessible with a link in ASPAYM-Asturias web page. The questionnaire included epidemiological data and information about Internet use and confidence in its contents. Results. 121 individuals answered the survey, 64% male, with an average age of 45 years. The predominant aetiology was traumatic (70%) and 72% were paraplegics. 83% prefer to consult health care providers directly. More of 70% of the sample searches health problems on the Internet, mostly web pages in Spanish. The preferred item was ‘orthopaedic materials and wheelchairs’. 27% of the sample trusts in the Internet information and 32% don’t. Conclusions. This research provides information about Internet use of spinal cord injured individuals in Spain. Although we have to admit some bias in the study, more than 70% of the sample searches health problems on the Internet, mostly web pages in Spanish. About one in four individuals trust in information from Internet and most of the sample prefers recommendations directly from healthcare professionals (AU)

Multiple active myofascial trigger points reproduce the overall spontaneous pain pattern in women with fibromyalgia and are related to widespread mechanical hypersensitivity.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the local and referred pain from active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) reproduce the overall spontaneous fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) pain pattern and whether widespread pressure hypersensitivity is related to the presence of widespread active MTrPs in FMS. METHODS: Forty-four women with FMS (mean age: 47±8 y) and 50 comparable healthy women (age: 48±7 y) participated in the study. MTrPs in the temporalis, masseter, upper trapezius, splenius capitis, sternocleidomastoid, suboccipital, levator scapulae, scalene, pectoralis major, extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor digitorum communis, gluteus maximus, piriformis, vastus medialis, and tibialis anterior muscles were explored. Pressure pain thresholds over 18 tender points specified in the 1990 American College of Rheumatology for FMS were also assessed by an assessor blinded to the condition of the participants. RESULTS: The mean±SD number of MTrPs for each woman with FMS was 11±3, of which 10±2 were active MTrPs and the remaining 1±1 were latent. Healthy controls only had latent MTrPs (mean±SD: 2±1). The combination of the referred pain patterns from active MTrPs fully reproduced the overall spontaneous clinical pain area in patients with FMS. Patients with FMS had significant lower PPT compared with controls (P<0.001). Within FMS, a significant positive correlation was found between the number of active MTrPs and spontaneous pain intensity (rs=0.455; P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The local and referred pain elicited from widespread active MTrPs fully reproduced the overall spontaneous clinical pain area in patients with FMS. Widespread mechanical pain hypersensitivity was related to a greater number of active MTrPs. This study suggests that nociceptive inputs from active MTrPs may contribute to central sensitization in FMS.

Effect of pregabalin in the treatment of refractory neck pain: cost and clinical evidence from medical practice in orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation clinics.

BACKGROUND: The study aims to prospectively analyze the effect of adding pregabalin upon costs and consequences in the treatment of refractory neck pain under routine medical practice. METHODS: A secondary analysis was carried out including patients over 18 years, with 6-month chronic neck pain refractory from a prospective, naturalistic, 12-week two-visit study. The analysis compared patients adding pregabalin to its therapy vs. usual care. Severity of pain, healthcare resources utilization, lost workday equivalents (LWDE) because of pain, and related cost-adjusted reductions were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 312 patients (65.3% women, age 54.2 [12.1] years), 78.2% receiving pregabalin, were analyzed. Adding pregabalin was associated with higher adjusted reduction in pain severity: -3.2 (1.8) points, 55.4% responders (≥50% baseline pain reduction) vs. -2.3 (2.0) and 38.2%, respectively; P<0.001, yielding a higher reduction in mean LWDE: 20.1 (23.1) vs. 8.2 (22.4); P=0.014, which produced significant reductions in the indirect components of cost: €1,041.0 (1,222.8) vs. €457.3 (1,132.1), P=0.028. The costs of pregabalin (€309.8 [193.2] vs. €26.4 [79.6], P<0.001) was offset by higher numerical reductions in the other components of costs, producing similar direct cost reductions in both groups at the end of the study: €66.8 (1,080.8) and €143.5 (1,922.4), respectively; P=0.295. CONCLUSION: Compared with usual care, the addition of pregabalin to treat refractory neck pain seems to be associated with a higher reduction in pain severity and lost work-days equivalents, which in turn results in a greater reduction of the indirect components of cost while maintaining similar healthcare cost levels despite its higher price.

A cost-consequence analysis of pregabalin versus usual care in the symptomatic treatment of refractory low back pain: sub-analysis of observational trial data from orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation clinics.

BACKGROUND: low back pain is one of the most common reasons for outpatient consultation in both the primary-care and specialized-care settings. However, few studies have explored the effect of pregabalin in this context. OBJECTIVE: to prospectively analyse the effect of adding pregabalin on costs and consequences in the treatment of refractory low back pain in routine medical practice. METHODS: a secondary analysis was carried out in patients aged >or=18 years with a 6-month history of chronic refractory low back pain who had participated in a previous prospective, naturalistic, 12-week, two-visit study (RADIO study). The analysis compared patients receiving pregabalin with those receiving usual care. Severity of pain, healthcare resources utilization, lost workday equivalents due to pain, and related cost-adjusted reductions were assessed. The year of costing for all cost data reported in the study was 2007. RESULTS: data from a total of 683 patients (49.5% women, mean age 55.0 years), 82.6% of whom were receiving pregabalin, were analysed. Pregabalin was associated with a higher covariable-adjusted reduction in severity of pain, i.e. mean (SD) -3.4 (2.0) compared with -2.0 (2.1) points with usual care on a 10-point neuropathic pain questionnaire (p < 0.001), and a 61.6% response rate (defined as >/=50% reduction in pain from baseline) compared with 37.3% with usual care (p < 0.001). This resulted in fewer lost workday equivalents in the pregabalin group versus usual care (27.8 vs 34.6, p = 0.002), which produced more significant adjusted reductions in indirect costs, i.e. mean (SD) -euro961.8 (euro1242.9) compared with -euro625.8 (euro1169.2) with usual care (p = 0.004). The cost of pregabalin, i.e. mean (SD) euro303.8 (euro175.8) compared with euro37.1 (euro97.0) for usual care (p < 0.001), was offset by larger reductions in the other cost components. While the adjusted total costs were substantially reduced in both groups, pregabalin-treated patients showed more significant reductions, i.e. mean (SD) -euro991.5 (euro1702.3) compared with -euro579.3 (euro2410.3) with usual care (p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: compared with usual care, addition of pregabalin to existing therapy for refractory low back pain was associated with a larger reduction in pain severity and lost workday equivalents. The acquisition cost of pregabalin was offset by a higher reduction in the indirect components of cost, resulting in a significant decrease in total costs.

¿Debemos implicarnos en el desarrollo de vías clínicas? / Should we become involved in the development of the clinical channels?

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