Effects of a progressive resistance exercise program in patients with hand osteoarthritis: A randomized, controlled trial with a blinded assessor.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a progressive resistance strength program on pain, function and strength in hand osteoarthritis patients. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTINGS: Outpatients, University Hospital. SUBJECTS: Sixty hand osteoarthritis patients were randomly allocated to exercise group (n = 30) or control group (n = 30). INTERVENTION: The exercise group performed a progressive resistance strength program for hand muscles over 12 weeks. Both groups had a single education session. MAIN MEASURES: The primary outcome was pain intensity (numeric pain scale). The secondary outcomes were - AUSCAN Hand Osteoarthritis Index, Cochin Hand Functional Scale for function and grip and pinch strength. A blinded evaluator performed the evaluations at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: The mean age were 68.9 (8.8) and 64.7 (8.9) for control and exercise groups, respectively. No significant differences between-group was observed for pain after 12 weeks (mean difference between groups was -1.30 (-0.02 to 2.62) for dominant hand and -1.33 (0.01-2.65) for non-dominant hand at T12, with P = 0.085 and 0.295, respectively). Regarding secondary outcomes, statistically significant differences between groups were found in exercise group: AUSCAN index - total score (P = 0.005), pain (P = 0.006), function (P = 0.047), and Cochin scale (P = 0.042) with the following mean difference between groups: -9.9 (4.07-15.73), -3.26 (1.06-5.46), -5.03 (1.20-8.86), and -6.27 (0.18-12.36), respectively. CONCLUSION: No difference was observed for pain (numerical pain scale) after the progressive resistance exercise program performed, however in exercise group, an improvement was observed on secondary outcomes such as pain during activities and function for patients with hand osteoarthritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1b.

Translation, cultural adaptation and reproducibility of a Portuguese version of the Functional Index for Hand OsteoArthritis (FIHOA).

BACKGROUND: The Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis (FIHOA) is a simple, reliable, and reproducible specific instrument to evaluate hand OA that can be applied both in clinical practice and research protocols. In order to be used in Brazil, FIHOA has to be translated into Portuguese, culturally adapted and have the reliability of the translated FIHOA version tested, which is the purpose of this study. METHODS: The FIHOA was translated into Brazilian Portuguese and administered to 68 patients with hand OA recruited between May 2019 and February 2020. The test-retest was applied to 32 patients and the reliability was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The internal consistency reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. External construction validity was assessed using the Spearman's correlation test between FIHOA and pain, assessed with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Cochin Hand Functional Scale (CHFS) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). RESULTS: The 30 participants that initially answered the translated version of the FiHOA did not report difficulties in understanding or interpreting the translated version. The test-retest reliability for the total score was strong (r = 0.86; ICC = 0.89). Mean differences (1.37 ± 0.68) using Bland Altman's analysis did not significantly differ from zero and no systematic bias was observed. Cronbach's alpha was also high (0.89) suggesting a strong internal coherence in the test items. There were also correlations between FIHOA and the CHFS (r = 0.88), HAQ (r = 0.64) and pain in the hands both at rest (r = 0.55) and in motion (r = 0.44). CONCLUSION: The translation of the FIHOA into Brazilian Portuguese proved a valid instrument for measuring the functional capacity of patients with hand OA who understand Brazilian Portuguese.

Effectiveness of customized insoles in patients with Morton's neuroma: a randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of customized insole in patients with Morton's neuroma. DESIGN: Double-blind randomized controlled trial with intent-to-treat analysis. SETTING: Outpatients, University Hospital. SUBJECTS: A total of 72 patients with Morton's neuroma met the inclusion criteria and were randomly allocated to either the study group (n = 36) or the control group (n = 36). INTERVENTIONS: The study group was assigned to use a customized insole with metatarsal and arch support made of ethyl vinyl acetate and the control group received a flat insole of the same material, color, and density. MAIN MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was walking pain intensity measured by the visual analogue scale. The secondary outcomes were as follows: pain at rest, palpation, and paresthesia (visual analogue scale); functional disability (6-minute walk test, Foot Function Index, and Foot Health Status Questionnaire); quality of life (Health Survey Short Form-36 (SF-36)); and foot pressure (AM Cube FootWalk Pro program). RESULTS: In the comparison between the groups over time, a statistically significant difference, with improvement in favor of the experimental group, was found for pain during walking (P = 0.048); in the general health domains (P < 0.001) and physical activity (P = 0.025) of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire; in the general Foot Function Index score (P = 0.012); and in the functional capacity domain of the SF-36 questionnaire (P = 0.046). For the other parameters, no difference was found between groups. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that customized insole with metatarsal and arch support relieved walking pain and improved patient-reported measures of function in patients with Morton's neuroma.

Orthosis for rhizarthrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: investigating the effectiveness of orthosis for rhizarthrosis by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic review was carried out using eight electronic databases. The randomized controlled trials included were those presenting subjects using orthosis for rhizarthrosis compared with individuals without orthosis or other rehabilitation interventions, as well as studies that compared different types of orthosis. The systematic review was performed according to the Cochrane methodology. The statistical software Review Manager 5.3 was employed to analyze the data. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included in the review and three of them participated in the meta-analysis. The orthosis group had a reduction in pain in the long term as compared to the control group with a statistically significant difference, a medium effect size, and low-quality evidence [Effect size -0.52, Confidence Interval 95% -0.94 to -0.11, p = 0.01), I2 = 50%]. The orthosis group presented improvements regarding function in the long term as compared to control group, with a statistically significant difference, a medium effect size, and moderate quality of evidence [Effect size -0.44, Confidence Interval 95% -0.72 to -0.15, p = 0.002), I2 = 0%]. CONCLUSION: the orthosis for rhizarthrosis presents low-quality evidence for reducing pain in the long term and moderate evidence for an increase in function in the long term. Since imprecision and inconsistency of the data were aspects which influenced the quality of the evidence, future studies with larger samples and standardized data are needed.

Effectiveness of the Pilates Method in the Treatment of Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of the Pilates method on pain, function, quality of life, and consumption of pain medication in patients with mechanical neck pain. DESIGN: The design was a randomized controlled trial, with a blinded assessor and intention-to-treat analysis. SETTING: The study took place in the outpatient clinic of the rheumatology department, referral center. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=64) with chronic mechanical neck pain were randomly allocated to 2 groups: the Pilates group (PG) and a control group (CG). INTERVENTIONS: The PG attended 2 sessions of Pilates per week, for 12 weeks. The protocol included Pilates exercises performed on a mat and on equipment and was adapted depending on the physical fitness of each participant; the repetitions varied from 6 to 12, respecting patient reports of fatigue and pain, using a single series for each exercise. The CG received only the standard pharmacological treatment. Both groups were instructed to use acetaminophen 750 mg if necessary. Patients were evaluated at baseline after 45, 90, and 180 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We used the Numerical Pain Scale for pain, the Neck Disability Index for function, and the SF-36 questionnaire for quality of life. RESULTS: The groups were homogeneous at baseline, the only exception being body mass index (BMI), with the PG showing higher BMI. Regarding the assessment between groups over time, statistical differences were identified for pain (P<.001), function (P<.001) and the SF-36 (functional capacity, P=.019; pain, P<.001; general health, P=.022; vitality, P<.001; mental health, P=.012) with the PG consistently achieving better results. Drug consumption was lower in PG patients (P=.037). CONCLUSIONS: This trial demonstrated the effectiveness of the Pilates method for the treatment of chronic mechanical neck pain, resulting in improvement of pain, function, quality of life, and reduction of the use of analgesics.

Assessment of gesture behavior and knowledge on low back pain among nurses.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain is particularly problematic among nursing professionals. Education is part of the rehabilitation process for low back pain and has been heavily studied. In parallel, gestural behaviors play an important role during the evaluation of the low back pain, especially while performing the activities of daily living. The aim of the present study was to evaluate gesture behavior and knowledge on LBP among nurses with and without LBP and correlate these factors with pain, physical functioning and quality of life. METHODS: An observational, controlled, cross-sectional study was carried out in 120 female nurses: 60 with LBP and 60 without LBP. The two groups were matched for age. The measures used for the evaluation were the Gesture Behavior Test, LBP Knowledge Questionnaire, Numerical Pain Scale for LBP, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) to assess quality of life. RESULTS: Mean age in both groups was 31 years. In the group with LBP, the mean Numerical Pain Scale score was 5.6 cm and the mean score on the Roland Morris questionnaire was 2.7. No statistically differences between groups were found regarding the scores of the LBP Knowledge Questionnaire or Gesture Behavior Test (p = 0.531 and p = 0.292, respectively). Statistically lower scores were found in the group with LBP for the following SF-36 domains: physical functioning (p <  0.001), physical role (p = 0.015), pain (p = 0.001), general health perceptions (p = 0.015), vitality (p <  0.001) and mental health (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: No differences were found when comparing nurses with or without LBP regarding gesture behavior or knowledge on LBP. Nurses with LBP showed a decrease in some domains of quality of life.

Effectiveness of an overall progressive resistance strength program for improving the functional capacity of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of overall progressive resistance training in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial with blinded assessor and intention-to-treat analysis. SETTING: Outpatient clinics. SUBJECTS: Sixty patients with rheumatoid arthritis according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria, aged between 18 and 65 years old, under stable medication and not performing regular physical activity were randomized into two groups: intervention group (IG) and control group (CG). INTERVENTIONS: IG performed the progressive resistance strength training, twice a week, during 12 weeks. The training consists of exercising various muscle groups using a load of 50% and 70% of one repetition maximum. The load was reassessed and adjusted after six weeks of baseline. Both groups remained in conventional drug treatment during the study. MAIN MEASURES: Patients were evaluated at baseline and after 6, 12, and 24 weeks, using HAQ and SF-36 questionnaires and strength. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients in the CG and 27 in the IG were evaluated. The groups were homogeneous at baseline. Statistical and clinical improvement were found with better results for the IG in the HAQ questionnaire ( P=0.030), functional capacity (0=0.022) and pain ( P=0.027) domains of SF-36; and muscle strength for flexors of right and left knee ( P=0.005 and p=0.14), abductors of shoulder ( P=0.041) and extensors of right and left wrists ( P=0.003 and P= 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: This progressive resistance strength training improves physical function as well as grip and muscular strength of knee flexors, shoulder abductors and wrist extensors in patients with RA, without adverse effects.

Moberg Picking-Up Test in patients with hand osteoarthritis.

STUDY DESIGN: Clinical measurement. INTRODUCTION: The Moberg Pick-up Test (MPUT) was previously used to evaluate functional performance in patients with hand inflammatory disease. This is the first study using the MPUT in hand osteoarthritis (OA). PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Compare the functional performance (MPUT) in hand OA patients and healthy controls. METHODS: Fifty hand OA patients and 50 controls were assessed using the MPUT, AUSCAN and Cochin questionnaires, grip and pinch strength, pain using a visual analog scale and a Likert scale regarding difficulty to perform MPUT. RESULTS: In the MPUT evaluation, the OA group presented a statistically significant difference from the control group. The OA group spent more time executing test. The grip and pinch strength measurements showed higher values for the control group. The OA group reported a greater difficulty than the control group in performing the test. CONCLUSION: The MPUT is a short and easy to apply test, which can be safely used to assess the functional performance of the hand OA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Translation to Brazilian Portuguese, cultural adaptation and reproducibility of the questionnaire "Ankylosing Spondylitis: What do you know?" / Tradução para a língua portuguesa brasileira, adaptação cultural e reprodutibilidade do questionário "Ankylosing Spondylitis: What do you know?"

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) generates inflammation and pain in entheses, peripheral joints and the spine. Education regarding AS can improve patients' disability. Thus, it is important to assess patients' knowledge. There is no instrument in the literature for assessing knowledge of AS in Portuguese. The aim here was to translate to the Brazilian Portuguese language, culturally adapt and test the reliability of the questionnaire "Ankylosing Spondylitis: What do you know?" and to correlate the findings with other factors. DESIGN AND SETTING: Original article regarding validation of questionnaire, produced at the Federal University of Sao Paulo (Unifesp). METHODS: For translation and cultural adaptation, Guilleman methodology was used. After the first phase, the reliability was tested on 30 patients. Correlations between these scores and other factors were examined. RESULTS: In the interobserver assessment, the Pearson correlation coefficient and Cronbach's alpha were 0.831 and 0.895, respectively. In the intraobserver evaluation, the intraclass correlation coefficient and Cronbach's alpha were 0.79 and 0.883, respectively. At this stage, the score for area of knowledge A showed correlations with ethnicity and education; the score for area D, with age; the total score and scores for areas A and B with "social aspects" of SF-36; and the score for area D with "pain", "vitality" and "emotional aspects" of SF-36. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of the questionnaire "Ankylosing Spondylitis: What do you know?" was created. It is reproducible and correlates with education level, ethnicity and the SF-36 domains "social aspects" and "emotional aspects".

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A espondilite anquilosante (EA) gera inflamação e dor em enteses, articulações periféricas e coluna vertebral. A educação na EA pode melhorar a incapacidade dos pacientes. Assim, é importante avaliar o conhecimento do paciente. Não há na literatura instrumento que avalie o conhecimento da EA na língua portuguesa. O objetivo foi traduzir para a língua portuguesa brasileira, realizar a adaptação cultural e testar a confiabilidade do questionário Ankylosing Spondylitis: What do you know? e relacionar os resultados com outros fatores. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Artigo original de validação de questionário realizado na Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp). MÉTODOS: Para tradução e adaptação cultural, foi utilizada a metodologia de Guilleman. Depois da primeira fase, a confiabilidade foi testada em 30 pacientes. Correlações entre esses escores e outros fatores foram avaliadas. RESULTADOS: Na avaliação interobservador, o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson e o alpha de Cronbach foram de 0,831 e 0,895, respectivamente. Na avaliação intra-observador, o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse e o alpha de Cronbach foram de 0,79 e 0,883, respectivamente. Nesta etapa, foram encontradas correlações entre etnia e escolaridade e a área de conhecimento A, e entre idade e a área D; entre o escore total e escores das áreas A e B e "aspectos sociais" do SF-36 e entre a área D e "dor", "vitalidade" e "aspectos emocionais" do SF-36. CONCLUSÃO: Foi criada a versão brasileira do questionário "Ankylosing Spondylitis: What do you know?", que é reprodutível e se correlaciona com escolaridade, etnia e os domínios "aspectos sociais" e "aspectos emocionais" do SF-36.

Translation to Brazilian Portuguese, cultural adaptation and reproducibility of the questionnaire "Ankylosing Spondylitis: What do you know?"

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE:: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) generates inflammation and pain in entheses, peripheral joints and the spine. Education regarding AS can improve patients' disability. Thus, it is important to assess patients' knowledge. There is no instrument in the literature for assessing knowledge of AS in Portuguese. The aim here was to translate to the Brazilian Portuguese language, culturally adapt and test the reliability of the questionnaire "Ankylosing Spondylitis: What do you know?" and to correlate the findings with other factors. DESIGN AND SETTING:: Original article regarding validation of questionnaire, produced at the Federal University of Sao Paulo (Unifesp). METHODS:: For translation and cultural adaptation, Guilleman methodology was used. After the first phase, the reliability was tested on 30 patients. Correlations between these scores and other factors were examined. RESULTS:: In the interobserver assessment, the Pearson correlation coefficient and Cronbach's alpha were 0.831 and 0.895, respectively. In the intraobserver evaluation, the intraclass correlation coefficient and Cronbach's alpha were 0.79 and 0.883, respectively. At this stage, the score for area of knowledge A showed correlations with ethnicity and education; the score for area D, with age; the total score and scores for areas A and B with "social aspects" of SF-36; and the score for area D with "pain", "vitality" and "emotional aspects" of SF-36. CONCLUSION:: The Brazilian version of the questionnaire "Ankylosing Spondylitis: What do you know?" was created. It is reproducible and correlates with education level, ethnicity and the SF-36 domains "social aspects" and "emotional aspects".

Translation, cultural adaptation and reproducibility of the Oxford Shoulder Score questionnaire for Brazil, among patients with rheumatoid arthritis / Tradução, adaptação cultural e reprodutibilidade do questionário Oxford Shoulder Score para o Brasil em pacientes com artrite reumatoide

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE Although shoulder questionnaires validated for Brazil do exist, none of them are aimed at populations with rheumatic disease. We believe that the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) may be useful in this population. The objective of this study was to translate the OSS, adapt it to Brazilian culture and test its reproducibility. DESIGN AND SETTING Validation study conducted in university outpatient clinics. METHODS The OSS was translated into Portuguese by two English teachers and was then retranslated into English by two native English teachers. These translations were reviewed by a committee to establish the version of OSS-Brazil to be administered to 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and shoulder pain, in order to test the cultural adaptation. The validity and reproducibility was tested among another 30 patients with RA and shoulder pain, of both genders and aged 18 to 65 years. The internal consistency and reproducibility were analyzed. The following instruments were evaluated: OSS-Brazil; a numerical scale for shoulder pain; DASH; HAQ and SF-36. RESULTS The internal consistency was 0.957 and the intra and inter-rater reproducibility was 0.917 and 0.861, respectively. A high level of correlation was found between OSS-Brazil and the following: HAQ (-0.663), DASH (-0.731) and the SF-36 domains of functional capacity (0.589), physical aspects (0.507), pain (0.624), general state of health (0.444), vitality (0.634) and mental health (0.578). CONCLUSION OSS-Brazil was successfully translated and adapted, and this version exhibited good internal consistency, reliability and construct validity.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO Apesar de existirem questionários de ombro validados para o Brasil, nenhum deles é voltado para a população com doenças reumáticas. Acreditamos que o Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) possa ser útil nessa população. O objetivo deste estudo foi traduzir, adaptar à cultura brasileira e testar a reprodutibilidade do OSS. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL Estudo de validação realizado nos ambulatórios da universidade. MÉTODOS Foi realizada a tradução para o português por dois professores de inglês e depois a retradução para o inglês por dois professores nativos da língua inglesa. Essas traduções foram revisadas por um comitê para estabelecer a versão do OSS-Brasil, que foi aplicada em 30 pacientes com artrite reumatoide (AR) e dor no ombro para testar a adaptação cultural. A validade e a reprodutibilidade foram testadas em outros 30 pacientes com AR e dor no ombro de ambos os gêneros com idade entre 18 a 65 anos. Foram analisadas a consistência interna e a reprodutibilidade. Foram avaliados os seguintes instrumentos: OSS-Brasil; escala numérica de dor no ombro; DASH; HAQ e SF-36. RESULTADOS A consistência interna foi 0,957 e a reprodutibilidade intra-avaliador e interavaliador foi 0,917 e 0,861, respectivamente. Foi observado alto nível de correlação do OSS-Brasil com HAQ (-0,663), DASH (-0,731) e os domínios do SF-36: capacidade funcional (0,589); aspectos físicos (0,507); dor (0,624); estado geral de saúde (0,444); vitalidade (0,634); saúde mental (0,578). CONCLUSÃO O OSS-Brasil foi traduzido e adaptado com sucesso, com boa consistência interna, confiabilidade e validade de construção.

Translation, cultural adaptation and reproducibility of the Oxford Shoulder Score questionnaire for Brazil, among patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE Although shoulder questionnaires validated for Brazil do exist, none of them are aimed at populations with rheumatic disease. We believe that the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) may be useful in this population. The objective of this study was to translate the OSS, adapt it to Brazilian culture and test its reproducibility. DESIGN AND SETTING Validation study conducted in university outpatient clinics. METHODS The OSS was translated into Portuguese by two English teachers and was then retranslated into English by two native English teachers. These translations were reviewed by a committee to establish the version of OSS-Brazil to be administered to 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and shoulder pain, in order to test the cultural adaptation. The validity and reproducibility was tested among another 30 patients with RA and shoulder pain, of both genders and aged 18 to 65 years. The internal consistency and reproducibility were analyzed. The following instruments were evaluated: OSS-Brazil; a numerical scale for shoulder pain; DASH; HAQ and SF-36. RESULTS The internal consistency was 0.957 and the intra and inter-rater reproducibility was 0.917 and 0.861, respectively. A high level of correlation was found between OSS-Brazil and the following: HAQ (-0.663), DASH (-0.731) and the SF-36 domains of functional capacity (0.589), physical aspects (0.507), pain (0.624), general state of health (0.444), vitality (0.634) and mental health (0.578). CONCLUSION OSS-Brazil was successfully translated and adapted, and this version exhibited good internal consistency, reliability and construct validity.

Avaliação isocinética do tornozelo de pacientes com artrite reumatoide / Isokinetic assessment of ankles in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

RESUMOIntroduçãoO pé e o tornozelo na artrite reumatoide passam por sinovite altamente destrutiva, com perda de força muscular.ObjetivoAvaliar a força muscular do tornozelo de pacientes com artrite reumatoide com base em parâmetros da dinamometria isocinética.Materiais e métodosForam estudados 30 pacientes com diagnóstico de artrite reumatoide. O estudo envolveu 30 indivíduos saudáveis (grupo controle) pareados por idade, sexo, etnia, índice de massa corporal e dominância de membro inferior. Todos os indivíduos foram submetidos a avaliação da flexão dorsal, flexão plantar, inversão e eversão com o dinamômetro isocinético Cybex Norm. As variáveis foram comparadas entre os grupos artrite reumatoide e controle e entre os tornozelos direito e esquerdo. Foi determinada a relação de força muscular flexores dorsais/flexores plantares e inversores/eversores.ResultadosOs pacientes com artrite reumatoide tiveram resultados estatisticamente piores no teste de dinamometria isocinética para todos os movimentos do tornozelo. A relação de força muscular entre flexores dorsais e flexores plantares foi diferente nos dois grupos. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas na relação entre inversores e eversores. Nos dois grupos, os músculos flexores plantares eram estatisticamente mais fortes do que os flexores dorsais.ConclusãoOs pacientes com artrite reumatoide têm pior desempenho na dinamometria isocinética em todos os movimentos do tornozelo do que os indivíduos do grupo controle. Foram observados resultados semelhantes no teste isocinético para o lado direito e esquerdo, em ambos os grupos, com poucas exceções. A avaliação isocinética não representou risco adicional, como dor importante ou atividade inflamatória, em pacientes com artrite reumatoide.

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe foot and ankle in rheumatoid arthritis undergo highly destructive synovitis with loss of muscle strength.ObjectiveTo evaluate the muscle strength of ankles in patients with rheumatoid arthritis based on isokinetic dynamometry parameters.Materials and methodsThirty patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis involving the ankle(s) and 30 healthy subjects (control group) matched for age, gender, race, body mass index and lower limb dominance were studied. Dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion and eversion were evaluated in all subjects on an isokinetic Cybex Norm dynamometer. The variables were compared between the rheumatoid arthritis and control groups and between the right and left ankles, and the dorsiflexor/plantar flexor and invertor/evertor muscle strength ratio was determined.ResultsPatients with rheumatoid arthritis performed statistically worse in the isokinetic dynamometry test for all ankle movements. The muscle strength ratio between dorsiflexors and plantar flexors was different in the two groups. No significant differences were observed in the invertor and evertor ratios. In the two groups the plantar flexor musculature was statistically stronger than dorsiflexors.ConclusionWe conclude that patients with rheumatoid arthritis perform worse in isokinetic dynamometry regarding all ankle movements than control subjects, with similar isokinetic test results being observed for the right and left side in both groups, with few exceptions. Isokinetic evaluation posed no additional risk such as important pain or inflammatory activity to patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Effect of a muscle stretching program using the global postural reeducation method for patients with chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of a muscle stretching program using the global postural reeducation (GPR) method for patients with chronic low back pain. METHODS: A randomized, controlled, clinical trial with a single blinded examiner and intention-to-treat analysis was conducted. Sixty-one patients with chronic low back pain were randomly allocated to either the GPR group or a control group. Patients in the GPR group underwent one weekly 60-minute session of GPR for a period of 12 weeks. The control group remained on the waiting list under drug treatment, with no physical intervention. The following parameters were evaluated: pain (VAS), function capacity (Roland-Morris Questionnaire [RMQ]), quality of life (SF-36) and depressive symptoms (Beck Inventory). The evaluations were performed by a single blinded examiner at baseline, three and six months after the initial evaluation. RESULTS: The GPR group demonstrated statistical improvements (P<0.05) in the VAS and RMQ as well as the pain, emotional aspects, limitation in physical functioning, vitality and mental health subscales of the SF-36 immediately after the intervention (three months), which were maintained through to the six-month evaluation. DISCUSSIONS: Based on the findings, a stretching program using the GPR method showed effective at improving pain, function, some quality of life aspects (emotional, limitations in physical functioning, vitality and mental health) and had no effect on depressive symptoms in patients with chronic low back pain.

Effectiveness of total contact insoles in patients with plantar fasciitis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of total contact insoles (TCI) in patients with plantar fasciitis (PF). METHODS: A double-blind randomized controlled trial was carried out with intention-to-treat analysis. Seventy-four patients were randomly allocated to use a TCI made of ethylene vinyl acetate (study group, n = 37) or a flat insole (control group, n = 37). The following assessment tools were used: visual analog scale for pain while walking and at rest, Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) for quality of life, Foot Function Index and Foot Health Status Questionnaire for foot function, 6-min walk test (6MWT), and baropodometer FootWalk Pro for plantar pressure analysis. The groups were evaluated by a blinded assessor at baseline and after 45, 90, and 180 days. RESULTS: The groups were homogeneous for the majority of variables at baseline. The over-time comparisons show a statistical difference between the groups for pain while walking (p = 0.008) and the 6MWT (p = 0.010). Both groups showed significant improvements in pain at rest, foot function, and some quality of life variables (physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality, and social functioning), with no significant statistical differences between them. The baropodometer recorded no changes from the use of the insoles. CONCLUSION: A TCI can be used to reduce pain while walking and to increase walking distance in individuals with PF.

[Isokinetic assessment of ankles in patients with rheumatoid arthritis]. / Avaliação isocinética do tornozelo de pacientes com artrite reumatoide.

INTRODUCTION: The foot and ankle in rheumatoid arthritis undergo highly destructive synovitis with loss of muscle strength. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the muscle strength of ankles in patients with rheumatoid arthritis based on isokinetic dynamometry parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis involving the ankle(s) and 30 healthy subjects (control group) matched for age, gender, race, body mass index and lower limb dominance were studied. Dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion and eversion were evaluated in all subjects on an isokinetic Cybex Norm dynamometer. The variables were compared between the rheumatoid arthritis and control groups and between the right and left ankles, and the dorsiflexor/plantar flexor and invertor/evertor muscle strength ratio was determined. RESULTS: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis performed statistically worse in the isokinetic dynamometry test for all ankle movements. The muscle strength ratio between dorsiflexors and plantar flexors was different in the two groups. No significant differences were observed in the invertor and evertor ratios. In the two groups the plantar flexor musculature was statistically stronger than dorsiflexors. CONCLUSION: We conclude that patients with rheumatoid arthritis perform worse in isokinetic dynamometry regarding all ankle movements than control subjects, with similar isokinetic test results being observed for the right and left side in both groups, with few exceptions. Isokinetic evaluation posed no additional risk such as important pain or inflammatory activity to patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Pilates improves pain, function and quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of pilates method on patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (LBP). METHOD: A randomized controlled trial was carried out in sixty patients with a diagnosis of chronic non-specific LBP. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Experimental Group (EG) that maintained medication treatment with use of NSAID and underwent treatment with the pilates method and Control Group (CG) that continue medication treatment with use of NSAID and did not undergo any other intervention. A blinded assessor performed all evaluations at baseline (T0), after 45, 90, and 180 days (T45, T90 and T180) for: pain (VAS), function (Roland Morris questionnaire), quality of life (SF-36), satisfaction with treatment (Likert scale), flexibility (sit and reach test) and NSAID intake. RESULTS: The groups were homogeneous at baseline. Statistical differences favoring the EG were found with regard to pain (P < 0.001), function (P < 0.001) and the quality of life domains of functional capacity (P < 0.046), pain (P < 0.010) and vitality (P < 0.029). Statistical differences were also found between groups regarding the use of pain medication at T45, T90 and T180 (P < 0.010), with the EG taking fewer NSAIDs than the CG. CONCLUSIONS: The pilates method can be used by patients with LBP to improve pain, function and aspects related to quality of life (functional capacity, pain and vitality). Moreover, this method has no harmful effects on such patients.

Progressive resistance exercise in women with osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a progressive resistance exercise (PRE) program on women with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. METHODS: Eligible subjects included women aged 40 to 70 years with pain between 3 and 8 on a 10-cm pain scale. Among the 144 subjects screened, 60 met the eligibility criteria and were randomized to the experimental group (EG) or control group (CG). Subjects in the EG participated in a 12-week PRE program twice a week and CG remained on a waiting list for physical therapy. The PRE program consisted of strengthening exercises for knee extensors, knee flexors, hip abductors and hip adductors, all performed with 50% and 70% of the one-repetition maximum (1RM) using machines with free weights. Resistance was reevaluated every two weeks. Assessments of pain, muscle strength, walking distance, function and quality of life were performed at baseline, six weeks and 12 weeks by a blinded assessor. RESULTS: Twenty-nine female subjects were randomly assigned to the EG and 31 were randomly assigned to the CG. Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significantly better results in the EG pain (from 7.0±1.3 to 4.3±3.1 in the EG and from 7.0±1.2 to 6.6±1.5 in the CG - p<0.001), function (p<0.001), some domains of quality of life (physical function: p=0.002; physical role limitation: p=0.002; and pain: p=0.044) and muscle strength (extensors: p<0.001; flexors: p=0.002; and abductors: p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The PRE program was effective in reducing pain and improving function, some quality of life domains and strength in women with OA of the knee.

Assessment of light touch sensation in the hands of systemic sclerosis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic sclerosis is a relatively rare connective tissue disorder characterized by severe and progressive fibrosis of the skin. Due to the current lack of available information on this subject, the aim of the present study was to assess light touch sensations in the hands of patients with systemic sclerosis. METHODS: We completed a cross-sectional comparative study. Light touch sensations were evaluated in 30 individuals, including 15 patients with systemic sclerosis who exhibited changes in the dermis of their hands without loss of the distal phalanx and 15 subjects who did not exhibit changes in the upper limbs (control group). The groups were age- and sex-matched. Tactile sensory evaluations were performed using the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and the two-point discrimination test. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between groups in the monofilament test. The study group had lower scores across all points of the hand when compared with the control group. Differences were also found when dominant and non-dominant hands were compared (p<0.05). Statistically significant differences were found between groups for a subset of the assessed points in the two-point discrimination test. CONCLUSIONS: The results of a monofilament test showed that tactile sensation, specifically light touch and deep pressure sensations, is altered in the hands of systemic sclerosis patients.