Short-term effect of acupuncture dry needle in treatment of chronic mechanical low back pain: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: In today's industrialized world, between sixty and ninety percent of the working-age population experiences low back discomfort. Chronic mechanical low back pain (CMLBP), the most common ailment among working-age people in contemporary industrial society, causes a major economic burden due to the widespread use of medical services and the absence of work. For those suffering from persistent mechanical low back pain, this experiment aimed to assess the efficacy of using acupuncture dry needles in the short term. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our research included 30 individuals with nonspecific low back pain; their ages varied from 20 to 45. The participants were divided into two parallel groups using a random process: 15 individuals in group A had acupuncture treatment with a dry needle placed to specified locations on their backs, whereas 15 individuals in group B participated in muscle strengthening and stretching exercises. Both before and after therapy, researchers examined the lumbar range of motion (ROM) in four directions: flexion, extension, bilateral side bending, as well as pain intensity and functional impairment. RESULTS: We examined the data for normality and covariance homogeneity using the Shapiro-Wilk and Box's tests, respectively. The variables of interest that were investigated were compared across various test groups and measurement periods using a 2x2 mixed design-multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). We used a significance threshold of 0.05. When comparing the two groups after treatment, it was found that the flexion and extension range of motion increased significantly (p<0.05), while the pain intensity, bending to the right and left, and functional impairment decreased significantly (p<0.05). The results of multiple pairwise comparisons showed a noteworthy difference in pain severity, functional debility, and back ROM between the two groups before and after treatment (p<0.05), with group A showing an advantage over group B after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the study results, dry needle acupuncture may be a beneficial modality in treating chronic mechanical low back pain by relieving pain intensity, improving functional debility, and improving ROM.

Evaluation of shoulder pain, disability, mobility, and quality of life in patients with adhesive capsulitis following suprascapular nerve block combined with low-intensity laser therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Adhesive capsulitis is a common health concern affecting shoulder mobility, which targets around 5% of populations worldwide, consequently affecting their quality of life. The aim of this study was to ascertain the effects of combining suprascapular nerve block and low-power laser therapy on pain intensity, mobility, disability, and quality of life in adhesive capsulitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 2021 and June 2022, 60 patients with adhesive capsulitis were enrolled in the study. They were randomly allocated into three groups, 20 each. The first group was employed for laser therapy 3 sessions a week for 8 weeks (LT group). The second group was employed for nerve block one time (NB group). The third group was recruited for nerve block intervention one time in addition to laser therapy 3 sessions a week for 8 weeks (LT+NB group). VAS, SPADI, SF-36, and shoulder range of motion were assessed pre- and post-8-week intervention. RESULTS: Of 60 patients that started the study, 55 patients have completed the study program. No significant differences were noticed between LT, NB, and LT+NB groups before intervention (VAS at rest, p = 0.818, VAS at motion, p = 0.878, SPADI, p = 0.919, SF-36 (PCS), p = 0.731, SF-36 (MCS), p = 0.936, shoulder flexion, p = 0.441, shoulder abduction, p = 0.722, shoulder internal rotation, p = 0.396, and shoulder external rotation, p = 0.263). However, noteworthy differences were identified between LT, NB, and LT+NB groups (VAS at rest, p < 0.001, VAS at motion, p < 0.001, SPADI, p = 0.011, SF-36 (PCS), p = 0.033, SF-36 (MCS), p = 0.007, shoulder flexion, p < 0.001, shoulder abduction, p < 0.001, shoulder internal rotation, p < 0.001, and shoulder external rotation, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both treatment modalities whether low-power laser therapy or suprascapular nerve block have beneficial effects in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis. The combination of both interventional modalities has beneficial effects in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis more than laser therapy or suprascapular nerve block alone. Accordingly, this combination should be recommended in pain management of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly adhesive capsulitis.

Awareness and knowledge of breast cancer rehabilitation among Saudi Arabia physical therapists.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the physical therapists' knowledge and awareness of breast cancer, treatment modalities, contraindications, and clinical guidelines. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2020 to May 2021 in Saudi Arabia. The sample size was determined using the Raosoft sample size calculator, which indicated the need for 67 participants. All physical therapists of both sex in private and public hospitals in Ha'il and non-Ha'il regions were included in the study. Data was collected by a structured Google form questionnaire, consisting of 4 main domains with a maximum score of 43. RESULTS: 57 physical therapists participated in the current study, out of which 31 were from the Ha'il region (42.1% male, 57.9% female) with a mean age of 29±7 years and a mean experience 6±7years. The referral of breast cancer patients was only 22.8%. Interestingly only 22.8% of the hospital has specific setups for oncology rehabilitation, and 12.3% have reported positive about continuing professional development (CPDs) workshops for breast cancer organized by their hospitals. 5.3% of patients with breast cancer are aware of the benefit of oncology rehabilitation, while 22.8% of patients come for follow-up sessions in the rehabilitation department. According to multiple regression, only gender was statistically significant for prediction, p<0.05. Females increased the mean score by 5.996 more than males. Female therapists are 38.2% more aware than males. CONCLUSIONS: Although physical therapists have a low level of knowledge and an average level of awareness, with a higher number of women than men, attitudes toward physical therapy are quite high, and the profession is practiced exceptionally well.

Analyzing the influence of the combination of monochromatic infrared energy and tai chi exercise improve balance in community-dwelling older adults with lower-extremity disease: a double-blinded randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a combination of MIRE exposure and Tai Chi exercise on balance and fall risk in community-dwelling older adults with lower-extremity disease (LED). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this double-blinded randomized controlled study, 49 older adults were randomly allocated into the MIRE group (n=25), in which the participants were exposed to 30 min of MIRE and performed 40-45 min of Tai Chi exercise, three sessions/week; and the sham group (n=24), in which the participants only performed the Tai Chi exercise. We measured the ankle/brachial index (ABI), as well as scores of the Berg balance scale (BBS), Tinetti clinical scale (TCS), and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) before and after 3-months of intervention. RESULTS: A significant increase in ABI and scores of BBS, and TCS, was observed, along with a significant decrease in TUG scores in the MIRE group. The sham group showed a significant increase in the ABI, and TCS score, and a significant decrease in the TUG score, with a non-significant change in the BBS score. Comparison between both study groups illustrated that the patients in the MIRE group experienced improved balance and decreased fall risk. CONCLUSIONS: Three months of MIRE exposure and Tai Chi exercise improved balance and reduced the risk of falls in community-dwelling older adults with LEDs.

Effect of twelve-week concurrent aerobic and resisted exercise training in non-dialysis day on functional capacity and quality of life in chronic kidney disease patients.

OBJECTIVE: Several researchers have evaluated the impact of exercise training on patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, few studies have evaluated the impact of concurrent training (aerobic and resisted exercise) on non-dialysis days on the functional capacity and quality of life (QOL) of such patients. Our current study evaluated the effects of concurrent training on functional capacity and QOL of patients with CKD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-three patients, aged ≥ 25 years, were recruited in this randomized study. They were divided into intervention and control groups (22 per group). The intervention group received concurrent aerobic and resistance exercises (three sessions per week for twelve weeks on alternative days). The control group continued their regular lifestyle practices and medical treatment without any exercise intervention. Before and after twelve weeks of training, the participant's functional capacity and quality of life (QOL) were measured. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the intervention group displayed a significant improvement in the distance walked in the 6-minute walk test and sit-to-stand test (STS1/s and STS-60) with p<0.001; furthermore, a significant improvement was observed in physical function, body pain, general health, role functioning/physical, vitality, and social functioning (p<0.05) of QOL assessed with the SF-36 questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: The twelve-week concurrent aerobic and resistance exercise training had a positive impact on functional capacity and QOL in CKD patients. Concurrent exercise training should be recommended as an interventional modality in physical therapy and rehabilitation protocols in CKD patients.