Development of an internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy program for use in combination with exercise therapy and education by patients at increased risk of chronic pain following total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 20% of patients experience chronic pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Due to the growing number of TKA procedures, this will affect an increasing number of people worldwide. Catastrophic thinking, dysfunctional illness perception, poor mental health, anxiety and depression characterize these non-improvers, and indicate that these patients may need individualized treatment using a treatment approach based on the bio-psycho-social health model. The present study developed an internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) program to be combined with exercise therapy and education for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) at increased risk of chronic pain after TKA. METHODS: The development process followed the first two phases of the UK Medical Research Council framework for complex interventions. In the development phase, the first prototype of the iCBT program was developed based on literature review, established iCBT programs and multidisciplinary workshops. The feasibility phase consisted of testing the program, interviewing users, condensing the program, and tailoring it to the patient group. A physiotherapist manual was developed and adapted to physiotherapists who will serve as mentors. RESULTS: The development process resulted in an iCBT program consisting of 10 modules with educational texts, videos and exercises related to relevant topics such as goalsetting, stress and pain, lifestyle, automatic thoughts, mindfulness, selective attention, worry and rumination. A physiotherapist manual was developed to guide the physiotherapists in supporting the patients through the program and to optimize adherence to the program. CONCLUSIONS: The iCBT program is tailored to patients at risk of chronic pain following TKA, and may be useful as a supplement to surgery and/or exercise therapy. A multicentre RCT will evaluate the iCBT program in combination with an exercise therapy and education program. This novel intervention may be a valuable contribution to the treatment of OA patients at risk of chronic pain after TKA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The RCT is pre-registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03771430 11/12/2018.

The effectiveness of exercise therapy and education plus cognitive behavioral therapy, alone or in combination with total knee arthroplasty in patients with knee osteoarthritis - study protocol for the MultiKnee trial.

BACKGROUND: One in five patients report chronic pain following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and are considered non-improvers. Psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), combined with exercise therapy and education may contribute to reduced pain an improved function both for patients with OA or after TKA surgery, but the evidence for the effectiveness of such interventions is scarce. This randomized controlled trial with three arms will compare the clinical effectiveness of patient education and exercise therapy combined with internet-delivered CBT (iCBT), evaluated either as a non-surgical treatment choice or in combination with TKA, in comparison to usual treatment with TKA in patients with knee OA who are considered candidates for TKA surgery. METHODS: The study, conducted in three orthopaedic centers in Norway will include 282 patients between ages 18 and 80, eligible for TKA. Patients will be randomized to receive the exercise therapy + iCBT, either alone or in combination with TKA, or to a control group who will undergo conventional TKA and usual care physiotherapy following surgery. The exercise therapy will include 24 one hour sessions over 12 weeks led by a physiotherapist. The iCBT program will be delivered in ten modules. The physiotherapists will receive theoretical and practical training to advise and mentor the patients during the iCBT program. The primary outcome will be change from baseline to 12 months on the pain sub-scale from the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Secondary outcomes include the remaining 4 sub-scales from the KOOS (symptoms, function in daily living, function in sports and recreation, and knee-related quality of life), EQ-5D-5L, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the 30-s sit-to-stand test, 40-m walking test and ActiGraph activity measures. A cost-utility analysis will be performed using QALYs derived from the EQ-5D-5L and registry data. DISCUSSION: This is the first randomized controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of exercise therapy and iCBT with or without TKA, to optimize outcomes for TKA patients. Findings from this trial will contribute to evidence-based personalized treatment recommendations for a large proportion of OA patients who currently lack an effective treatment option. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov : NCT03771430 . Registered: Dec 11, 2018.

Change in popliteal angle and hamstrings spasticity during childhood in ambulant children with spastic bilateral cerebral palsy. A register-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Muscle contractures are developing during childhood and may cause extensive problems in gait and every day functioning in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The aim of the present study was to evaluate how the popliteal angle (PA) and hamstrings spasticity change during childhood in walking children with spastic bilateral CP. METHODS: The present study was a longitudinal register-based cohort study including 419 children (1-15 years of age) with spastic bilateral CP, gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) level I, II and III included in the Norwegian CP Follow-up Program (CPOP). From 2006 to 2018 a total of 2193 tests were performed. The children were tested by trained physiotherapists yearly or every second year, depending on GMFCS level and age. The PA and the hamstrings spasticity (Modified Ashworth scale (MAS)) were measured at every time point. Both legs were included in the analysis. RESULTS: There was an increase in PA with age for all three GMFCS levels with significant differences between the levels from 1 up to 8 years of age. At the age of 10 years there was no significant difference between GMFCS level II and III. At the age of 14 years all three GMFCS levels had a mean PA above 40° and there were no significant differences between the groups. The hamstrings spasticity scores for all the three GMFCS levels were at the lower end of the MAS (mean < 1+), however they were significantly different from each other until 8 years of age. The spasticity increased the first four years in all three GMFCS levels, thereafter the level I and II slightly increased, and level III slightly decreased, until the age of 15 years. CONCLUSION: The present study showed an increasing PA during childhood. There were significantly different PAs between GMFCS level I, II and III up to 8 years of age. At the age of 14 years all levels showed a PA above 40°. The spasticity increased up to 4 years of age, but all the spasticity scores were at the lower end of the MAS during childhood.

Stretching and Progressive Resistance Exercise in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of stretching and progressive resistance exercise on range of motion and muscle strength in children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: Thirty-seven children with spastic bilateral cerebral palsy and Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I to III were randomized to an intervention and a comparison group. The intervention included stretching of hamstrings and progressive resistance exercise, targeting the lower extremities for 16 weeks, followed by a 16-week maintenance program. Passive and active popliteal angle and muscle strength were evaluated at 0, 16, and 32 weeks. RESULTS: After 16 weeks nonsignificant improvements were found in passive, active popliteal angle and quadriceps and hamstrings strength. CONCLUSION: A 16-week stretching and progressive resistance exercise program followed by a 16-week maintenance program showed nonsignificant improvements in passive, active popliteal angle and muscle strength for the intervention group.

Effect of a Combined Stretching and Strength Training Program on Gait Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy, GMFCS Level I & II: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background and objectives: Ambulant children with cerebral palsy (CP) often develop impaired gait, and reduced active knee extension is often a part of the problem. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a combined intervention program including stretching and progressive resistance exercise (PRE) targeting active knee extension on gait function, in children with spastic CP. Materials and methods: Thirty-seven children (21 boys, 16 girls, mean age 10.2 (±2.3) years), classified by Gross Motor Function Classification System I-III, were randomized to an intervention (n = 17) and a comparison group (n = 20). The intervention group received a 16-week combined exercise program (3 sessions per week) including stretching of hamstrings and PRE targeting the lower extremities, followed by a 16-week maintenance program (1 session per week). The comparison group received care as usual. Gait function was evaluated by three-dimensional gait analysis (3DGA); knee, hip and pelvic kinematics in the sagittal plane, step length and speed, Gait Deviation Index (GDI), and Six-Minute Walk test (6MWT) at 0, 16, and 32 weeks. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the intervention group and the comparison group for any of the gait parameters measured at 16 and 32 weeks. There was a significant increase in gait distance measured by 6MWT within both groups; however, no differences between the groups were found. Conclusion: A 16-week combined stretching and PRE program followed by a 16-week maintenance program did not improve gait function in ambulant children with CP.

Return to pivoting sport after ACL reconstruction: association with osteoarthritis and knee function at the 15-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the associations between return to pivoting sport following ACL reconstruction (ACLR) and knee osteoarthritis (OA), and self-reported knee symptoms, function and quality of life after 15 years. METHODS: Study sample included 258 participants with ACLR 15 years previously. Return to pivoting sport (handball, soccer and basketball) data were collected by interviews, and symptomatic OA was defined as Kellgren and Lawrence grade ≥2 plus almost daily knee pain in the last month. Self-reported symptoms, function and quality of life were assessed with the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Adjusted regression models were used to analyse the associations between return to pivoting sport and OA (present or not), and self-reported outcomes. P values ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Two hundred and ten (81%) participants (57% men) with a mean age of 39.1 (±8.7) years completed the 15-year follow-up, and 109 (52%) had returned to pivoting sport. Returning to pivoting sport was associated with less symptomatic OA (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.89) and radiographic OA (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.98), adjusted for age, sex, combined injury, self-reported knee function, and time between injury and surgery. Those who returned to pivoting sport had better function in activities of daily living (ADL). CONCLUSION: The participants with ACLR who returned to pivoting sport had lower odds of knee OA and better self-reported ADL function. Further investigation is required to understand the clinical significance of these findings.

Impaired motor competence in children with transplanted liver.

OBJECTIVES: Although reduced cognitive function has been demonstrated after liver transplantation in children, few data are available concerning motor competence. METHODS: Thirty-five children ages 4 to 12 years were tested using Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC) test at a median of 5.1 (3.9-6.9) years after liver transplantation and compared with reference material of healthy children. RESULTS: Children with transplantation had worse M-ABC score 8.0 (interquartile range 5.0-11.5), compared with healthy children 3.5 (1.0-6.0) (P < 0.0001). All of the subscores (manual dexterity [P < 0.0001], ball skills [P = 0.0037], and balance [P = 0.0032]) were significantly worse in the children with liver transplantation compared with the healthy reference group. Twenty-nine percent of the children with liver transplantation had impaired motor competence, compared with 9% of a healthy reference group. Seventeen of the patients with transplantation were retested 1 year later, and 11 were tested 4 years later with no changes in total M-ABC score. Ball skill competence was worse 4 years after first assessment (P = 0.013). For children with transplantation and cholestatic liver disease (n =26), renal function was a significant predictor for total M-ABC score (P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Children with liver transplantation had impaired motor competence compared with healthy children. Ball skills developed adversely several years after liver transplantation, and motor competence did not improve with time after transplantation. Renal function was a significant predictor for motor competence in children with liver transplantation and cholestatic liver disease.

Self-management strategies used by patients who are hypersensitive to cold following a hand injury. A prospective study with two years follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of the strategies used by patients with injuries of the hand to manage cold hypersensitivity should guide information given by health-care workers. PURPOSE: To explore the use of cold-associated self-management strategies in patients with severe hand injuries. METHODS: Seventy patients being cold hypersensitive following a hand injury, reported use of strategies to limit cold-induced symptoms in the injured hand(s) and the severity of cold-associated activity limitations one and two years after surgery. RESULTS: The patients used several strategies, including clothing (100%), use of own body (movement/use of muscles to produce heat or massage of the fingers) (94%), and heating aids (48%), but were still limited in valued cold-associated activities two years after surgery. The number of patients staying indoors, using heating aids and hand wear indoors and during summer-time increased with severity of cold hypersensitivity. Patients both implemented and discontinued different strategies after the first year, but for most strategies, the proportions of users were quite stable. CONCLUSION: The most common strategies used to limit cold-induced symptoms in the injured hand(s) were clothing and use of own body. Many patients also seemed to benefit from using heating aids. After one year, a number of patients still experimented in finding the best strategies and were still limited in valued cold-associated activities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.

Health-related physical fitness measures: reference values and reference equations for use in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE: To provide reference values and reference equations for frequently used clinical field tests of health-related physical fitness for use in clinical practice. DESIGN: Cross-sectional design. SETTING: General community. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of volunteers (N=370) between 18 and 90 years of age were recruited from a wide range of settings (ie, work sites, schools, community centers for older adults) and different geographic locations (ie, urban, suburban, rural) in southeastern Norway. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The participants conducted 5 clinical field tests (6-minute walk test, stair test, 30-second sit-to-stand test, handgrip test, fingertip-to-floor test). RESULTS: The results of the field tests showed that performance remained unchanged until approximately 50 years of age; after that, performance deteriorated with increasing age. Grip strength (79%), meters walked in 6 minutes (60%), and seconds used on the stair test (59%) could be well predicted by age, sex, height, and weight in participants ≥50 years of age, whereas the performance on all tests was less well predicted in participants <50 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: The reference values and reference equations provided in this study may increase the applicability and interpretability of the 6-minute walk test, stair test, 30-second sit-to-stand test, handgrip test, and fingertip-to-floor test in clinical practice.

The prevalence of patellofemoral osteoarthritis 12 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of patellofemoral osteoarthritis (OA) and to explore the association between radiographic patellofemoral OA and symptoms and function 12 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: The study participants (n = 221) were consecutively included at the time of an ACL reconstruction in the period from 1990 to 1997. Knee laxity (KT-1000), isokinetic quadriceps strength, triple jump, stair hop, and the Cincinnati knee score were measured 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 12 years after surgery. At the 12-year follow-up, visual analogue scale for pain, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, the Tegner activity scale, and radiographic examination (Kellgren and Lawrence score) were added. To analyse the association between patellofemoral OA, symptoms, and function, binary regression analyses presenting odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals were used. The analyses were adjusted for age, gender, and body mass index. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-one of the 221 subjects (82 %), including 76 females (42 %) and 105 males (58 %), were evaluated at the 12.3 ± 1.2-year follow-up. Mean age at the follow-up was 39.1 ± 8.7 years. Additional meniscal or chondral injuries at the time of reconstruction or during the follow-up period were detected in 116 subjects (64 %). Radiographic patellofemoral OA was found in 48 subjects (26 %), including 3 subjects with isolated patellofemoral OA (1.5 %). Those with patellofemoral OA were older, had more tibiofemoral OA, and had significantly more symptoms and impaired function compared with those without patellofemoral OA. CONCLUSIONS: Patellofemoral OA was found in 26 % 12 years after ACL reconstruction. Patellofemoral OA was associated with increased age, tibiofemoral OA, increased symptoms, and reduced function. It is of clinical importance to include functional and radiographic assessment of the patellofemoral joint in the examination of long-term consequences following an ACL reconstruction.

Body Mass Index, Quality of Life and Activity Limitation Trajectories over 2 Years in Patients with Knee or Hip Osteoarthritis: A Dual Trajectory Approach Based on 4265 Patients Included in the AktivA Quality Register.

(1) Background: Recent studies claim that weight-neutral approaches emphasizing physical activity might be as effective as weight-loss-centered approaches for improving pain and physical function in patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis. The objectives were to identify distinctive groups of individuals with similar BMI, quality of life and activity limitation trajectories over two years, to compare the overall differences between BMI trajectory groups for baseline variables and to explore the probabilities of the quality of life and activity limitation trajectory groups conditional on the BMI group. (2) Methods: Baseline data for age, gender, BMI, quality of life, activity limitations, pain, general health, knee or hip osteoarthritis and follow-up data on BMI, quality of life and activity limitations at 3, 12 and 24 months were retrieved from the "Active with osteoarthritis" (AktivA) electronic quality register. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify distinct trajectories for BMI, quality of life and activity limitations. (3) Results: 4265 patients were included in the study. Four distinct BMI trajectories were identified, normal weight (31%), slightly overweight (43%), overweight (20%) and obese (6%). At baseline, there were highly significant differences between all BMI groups, pain increased and age and general health decreased with higher BMI. Irrespective of weight category, minimal changes in BMI were found over the two-year follow-up period. Over 80% of the participants showed moderate-to-considerable improvements both in quality of life and activity limitations. (4) Conclusions: Almost 70% of the participants belonged to the overweight trajectories. Despite no significant weight reduction over the two years, eight in every 10 participants improved their quality of life and reduced their activity limitations after participating in the AktivA program.

No difference in 9-year outcome in CLBP patients randomized to lumbar fusion versus cognitive intervention and exercises.

PURPOSE: To compare the 9-year outcome in patients with chronic low back pain treated by instrumented lumbar fusion versus cognitive intervention and exercises. METHODS: The main outcome measure was the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Secondary outcome measures included pain, fear-avoidance beliefs, trunk muscle strength, medication, and return to work. RESULTS: One-third of the patients randomized to cognitive intervention and exercises had crossed over and been operated and one-third of the patients allocated to lumbar fusion had been re-operated. The intention-to-treat analysis detected no differences between the two groups. The mean adjusted treatment effect for ODI was 1.9 (95 % CI -7.8 to 11.6). Analysed according to the treatment received, more operated patients used pain medication and were out of work. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome at 9 years was not different between instrumented lumbar fusion and cognitive intervention and exercises.

Muscle Strength and Osteoarthritis Progression After Surgery or Exercise for Degenerative Meniscal Tears: Secondary Analyses of a Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate muscle strength changes following partial meniscectomy or exercise therapy for degenerative meniscal tears and the relationship between baseline muscle strength and osteoarthritis progression. METHODS: Secondary analysis of a randomized trial (n = 140 participants). Isokinetic quadriceps and hamstrings strength (peak torque [Nm/kg] and total work [J/kg]) were assessed at baseline, 3-month, 12-month, and 5-year follow-up. Between-group differences were analyzed using intent-to-treat linear mixed models. The relationship between baseline muscle strength and osteoarthritis progression (Kellgren/Lawrence ≥1 grade increase) were assessed using logistic regression models. RESULTS: We found statistically significant between-group differences favoring exercise therapy at 3 months (quadriceps -0.30 Nm/kg [95% confidence interval (95% CI) -0.40, -0.20]; hamstrings -0.10 Nm/kg [95% CI -0.15, -0.04]) and 12 months (quadriceps -0.13 Nm/kg [95% CI -0.23, -0.03]; hamstrings -0.08 Nm/kg [95% CI -0.14, -0.03]). At 5 years, between-group differences were -0.10 Nm/kg (95% CI -0.21, 0.01) for quadriceps and -0.07 Nm/kg (95% CI -0.13, -0.01) for hamstrings. Quadriceps muscle weakness at baseline was associated with knee osteoarthritis progression over 5 years, with adjusted odds ratio of 1.40 for every 0.2 Nm/kg decrease (95% CI 1.15, 1.71). The adjusted odds ratio for hamstrings was 1.14 (95% CI 0.97, 1.35) for every 0.1 Nm/kg decrease. CONCLUSION: Exercise therapy was effective in improving muscle strength at 3- and 12-month follow-up compared to partial meniscectomy, but the effect was attenuated at 5 years. Quadriceps muscle weakness at baseline was associated with higher odds of osteoarthritis progression over 5 years.

Postoperative changes in vertical ground reaction forces, walking barefoot and with ankle-foot orthoses in children with Cerebral Palsy.

BACKGROUND: Children with cerebral palsy often have problems to support the body centre of mass, seen as increased ratio between excessive vertical ground reaction forces during weight acceptance and decreased forces below bodyweight in late stance. We aimed to examine whether increasing ankle range of motion through surgery and restraining motion with ankle-foot orthoses postoperatively would have impact on the vertical ground reaction force in weight acceptance and late stance. METHODS: Ground reaction forces were recorded from 24 children with bilateral and 32 children with unilateral cerebral palsy, each measured walking barefoot before and after triceps surae lengthening. Postoperatively, the children were also measured walking with ankle-foot orthoses. Changes in vertical ground reaction forces between the three conditions were evaluated with functional curve and descriptive peak analyses; accounting for repeated measures and within-subject correlation. FINDINGS: After surgery, there were decreased vertical ground reaction forces in weight acceptance and increased forces in late stance. Additional significant changes with ankle-foot orthoses involved increased vertical forces in weight acceptance, and in late stance corresponding to bodyweight (bilateral, from 92% to 98% bodyweight; unilateral, from 94% to 103% bodyweight) postoperatively. INTERPRETATION: Our findings confirmed that surgery affected vertical ground reaction forces to approach more normative patterns. Additional changes with ankle-foot orthoses indicated further improved ability to support bodyweight and decelerate centre of mass in late stance.

On a Trajectory for Success-9 in Every 10 People With a Degenerative Meniscus Tear Have Improved Knee Function Within 2 Years After Treatment: A Secondary Exploratory Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To identify trajectories of patient-reported knee function over 5 years in patients with degenerative meniscal tears, and to explore whether baseline characteristics were associated with trajectories of sport and recreational function. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: We conducted a secondary exploratory analysis of the Odense-Oslo Meniscectomy Versus Exercise randomized controlled trial. Patient-reported knee function was assessed with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at baseline, 3 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years. We used group-based trajectory modeling to identify subgroups of patients who followed distinctive patterns of change. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the associations of patient demographics, knee function, and disease-related factors with KOOS sport and recreational function subscale trajectories. RESULTS: The analysis of data from a sample of 140 participants identified 3 trajectories for all KOOS subscales: (1) low, minimal improvement (10%-12% of the participants), (2) moderate, gradual improvement (20%-36%), and (3) high, early improvement (53%-70%). Baseline prognostic factors for deteriorating function in sport and recreational activities were higher body mass index, poorer mental health, greater knee pain, lower perceived knee function, poorer quadriceps and hamstrings muscle strength, poorer functional performance, more meniscal extrusion, and radiographic signs of knee osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: We found 3 distinct trajectories of patient-reported knee function over 5 years: (1) low, minimal improvement, (2) moderate, gradual improvement, and (3) high, early improvement. Nine in every 10 participants improved at least gradually over 2 years after diagnosis of a degenerative meniscal tear. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021;51(6):289-297. Epub 10 May 2021. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.10025.

Four-year follow-up of surgical versus non-surgical therapy for chronic low back pain.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the long-term effectiveness of surgical and non-surgical treatment in patients with chronic low back pain. METHODS: Two merged randomised clinical trials compared instrumented transpedicular fusion with cognitive intervention and exercises in 124 patients with disc degeneration and at least 1 year of symptoms after or without previous surgery for disc herniation. The main outcome measure was the Oswestry disability index. RESULTS: At 4 years 14 (24%) patients randomly assigned to cognitive intervention and exercises had also undergone surgery. 15 (23%) patients assigned fusion had undergone re-surgery. The mean treatment effect for the primary outcome was 1.1; 95% CI -5.9 to 8.2, according to the intention-to-treat analysis and -1.6; 95% CI -8.9 to 5.6 in the as-treated analysis. There was no difference in return to work. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term improvement was not better after instrumented transpedicular fusion compared with cognitive intervention and exercises.

Arm/shoulder problems in breast cancer survivors are associated with reduced health and poorer physical quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Except for lymphedema, the consequences of arm/shoulder problems (ASPs), at long-term in breast cancer survivors (BCSs) have hardly been studied. We examined demography, lifestyle, quality of life (QoL) and somatic morbidity in BCSs with and without ASPs. We also compared the associations of restricted shoulder abduction and lymphedema with QoL. METHODS: We used a cross-sectional case-control design. A sample of 256 BCSs all with lymph node metastases were examined at a mean of 4.1 (SD 0.9) years post-surgery. Based on objective examinations and self-rating the sample were separated into 81 BCSs (32%) with definite ASP (ASP+ group) and 175 (68%) with minimal or no ASP (ASP- group). The self-rating contained among other schedules the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and the Kwan's arm/shoulder problem scale (KAPS). RESULTS: In univariate analysis ASP+ was associated with not being employed, having had mastectomy, longer follow-up time, radiotherapy to axilla, poorer self-rated health and physical condition, minimal physical activity, increased body mass index, regularly intake of analgesics, and poorer physical QoL. Multivariate analysis showed that mastectomy, longer follow-up time, minimal physical activity and poorer physical QoL were associated with belonging to ASP+ group. All domains of the SF-36 were significantly associated with having impaired shoulder abduction (> or = 25 degrees difference) while none of the associations with lymphedema were significant. DISCUSSION: In BCSs, at four years after treatment, having ASP was associated with mastectomy, minimal physical activity and poorer physical QoL. Poor physical QoL is strongly associated with reduced shoulder abduction rather than with lymphedema.

The Active with OsteoArthritis (AktivA) Physiotherapy Implementation Model: A Patient Education, Supervised Exercise and Self-Management Program for Patients with Mild to Moderate Osteoarthritis of the Knee or Hip Joint. A National Register Study with a Two-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Recent systematic reviews and international guidelines recommend patient education, exercises, and weight control (if overweight) as first-line treatment for patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA). The Active with osteoArthritis (AktivA) program is a physiotherapy model for the implementation of these guidelines into clinical primary care practice. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the long-term effects of and adherence to the AktivA program for patients with mild to moderate knee or hip OA. METHODS: The AktivA program includes three modules: a physiotherapy certification course, a patient education and exercise program and an electronic quality register. An electronic questionnaire including questions about, pain, quality of life, physical activity, self-efficacy and satisfaction with the AktivA program are sent to the participants at inclusion and after 3, 12 and 24 months. A linear mixed model for repeated measurements was used to assess the difference between the follow-up times. RESULTS: Until January 2020, 6245 patients were included in the register. The response rates were 98%, 86% and 63% at 3, 12 and 24 months, respectively. After participating in the AktivA program, the patients reported decreased pain and increased health-related and disease-specific quality of life at three months and the positive effect was maintained up to two years after inclusion. The proportion of patients reporting to be inactive or having a low physical activity level was reduced from 43% to 22%. After two years, more than 80% of the participants reported to use what they have learned from the AktivA program at least once a week. CONCLUSIONS: Two years after inclusion in the AktivA physiotherapy program, the patients still report reduced pain, increased quality of life and higher activity levels.

Autologous chondrocyte implantation to repair knee cartilage injury: ultrastructural evaluation at 2 years and long-term follow-up including muscle strength measurements.

Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) usually results in improvement in clinical scores. However, long-term isokinetic muscle strength measurements have not been reported. Biopsies from the repair tissue have shown variable proportions of hyaline-like cartilage. In this study, 21 consecutive patients were treated with autologous cartilage implantations in the knee. Mean size of the lesions was 5.5 cm(2). Follow-up arthroscopy with biopsy was performed at 2 years in 19 patients. The biopsies were examined with both light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques including immunogold analysis of collagen type 1. Patient function was evaluated with modified 10-point scales of the Cincinnati knee rating system obtained preoperatively and at 1 and 8.1 years. Isokinetic quadriceps and hamstrings muscle strength testing was performed at 1, 2 and 7.4 years. Light microscopy and TEM both showed predominately fibrous cartilage. The immunogold analysis showed a high percentage of collagen type I. At 7.4 years, the total work deficits when compared with the contra-lateral leg for isokinetic extension were 19.1 and 11.4%, and for isokinetic flexion 11.8 and 8.5% for 60 and 240 masculine/s, respectively. Mean pain score improved from 4.3 preoperatively to 6.3 at 1 year (p = 0.031) and 6.6 at 8.1 years (p = 0.013). Overall health condition score improved from 4.1 preoperatively to 6.1 at 1 year (p = 0.004) and 6.5 at 8.1 years (p = 0.008). Three patients later went through revision surgery with other resurfacing techniques and are considered failures. In summary, the formation of fibrous cartilage following ACI was confirmed by TEM with immunogold histochemistry. Although the functional scores were generally good, strength measurements demonstrated that the surgically treated leg remained significantly weaker.