Myofascial pain syndrome and SARS-CoV-2: a case series.

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus that has caused a plethora of dysfunctions and changes in the human body. Our goal in this case study series was to demonstrate the relationship that coronavirus has had in newly diagnosing patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MFPS). Medical records were obtained from a pain clinic that demonstrated the effects of this virus on patients who developed MFPS between March 2020 and December 2020. Chart reviews were performed and demonstrated patients who had a history of chronic pain had subsequent episodes of worsening exacerbations of pain, more specifically trigger points, after being diagnosed with coronavirus. MFPS and SARS-CoV-2 are proposed to be correlated amongst chronic pain patients. Potential pathological mechanisms include coronavirus-induced hypoxic muscle dysfunctions as well as psychological stress triggering pain receptors, leading to myofascial pain syndrome.

COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, may cause many problems and changes in the human body. In this case series, we propose a relationship between COVID-19 and myofascial pain syndrome (MFPS), a kind of chronic muscle pain affecting connective tissue in the muscles. Medical records of people who developed MFPS after a diagnosis of COVID-19 between March 2020 and December 2020 were obtained from a pain clinic. Chart reviews demonstrated that the three people with chronic pain included in this case series had episodes of worsening pain, more specifically in focal points, after being diagnosed with COVID-19. COVID-19 is suggested to have affected the development of MFPS in these chronic pain patients. Potential mechanisms of this relationship include different types of stress leading to MFPS.

Comparing bystander response to a sudden cardiac arrest using a virtual reality CPR training mobile app versus a standard CPR training mobile app.

BACKGROUND: Using a mobile virtual reality (VR) platform to heighten realism for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training has the potential to improve bystander response. OBJECTIVES: We examined whether using a VR mobile application (mApp) for CPR training would improve bystander response compared with a standard mApp CPR training. METHODS: We randomized lay bystanders to either our intervention arm (VR mApp) or our control arm (mApp). During a post-intervention skills test, we collected bystander response data (call 911, perform CPR, ask for an automated external defibrillator (AED)), along with CPR quality (chest compression (CC) rate and depth). Wilcox rank sum was used to analyze CC rate and CC depth as they were not normally distributed; Pearson's Chi-square was used to analyze Chain of Survival variables. RESULTS: Between 3/2018 and 9/2018, 105 subjects were enrolled: 52 VR mApp and 53 mApp. Mean age was 46 ± 16 years, 34% were female, 59% were Black, and 17% were currently CPR trained (≤2 years). Bystander response was significantly higher in the VR mApp arm: called 911 (82% vs 58%, p = 0.007) and asked for an AED (57% vs 28%, p = 0.003). However there was no difference in CPR performed (98% vs 98%, p = NS) and the application of the AED (90% vs 93%, p = NS). When comparing the VR mApp to the mApp, mean CC rate was 104 ± 42 cpm vs 112 ± 30 cpm (p = NS), and mean CC depth was 38 ± 15 mm vs 44 ± 13 mm (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of the VR mApp significantly increased the likelihood of calling 911 and asking for an AED, however, CC depth was decreased.