An Epidemiological Study of Non-specific Low Back Pain in Non-professional Female Greek Classic Ballet Dancers.

AIM: Epidemiological study of the incidence of mechanical low back pain (LBP) in non-professional female Greek classic ballet dancers over a year and therapeutic interventions required to address symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six female classic ballet dancers members of preprofessional schools, aged 16-37 years (mean 28.8 ±5.44 yrs) practicing and training in classic dance for 6-40 hours/week (mean 10.8±6.68) and 2-27 years experience (mean 11.9±4.20 yrs) participated in an epidemiological study concerning the incidence of LBP episodes within the last year, the treatment they received, as well as the period of absence of training and performance due to LBP. A selfadministered questionnaire was employed. Information regarding incidence, duration, and intensity of mechanical low back pain was gathered as well as length of time away from practice or performance. A secondary aim was to investigate the type of conservative treatment that participants in this study received. RESULTS: Thirty-one (67.4%) participants in the study experienced 1-10 (mean 3.26±1.7) episodes of mechanical LBP in the previous 12 months. They had to refrain from dancing activities from 2 to 90 days (mean 16.9±16.22). Twenty one of the participants received some kind of conservative treatment. CONCLUSION: The incidence of LBP was found to be high among Greek amateur classic ballet dancers resulting in absence from dancing activities for a considerable length of time and raising the need for therapeutic intervention for a considerable percentage of the studied population. Effective prevention strategies of LBP are of vital importance, particularly in younger dancers.

Evidence-based evaluation and current practice of non-operative treatment strategies for lumbar stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: A number of non-operative treatment protocols have been proposed in the literature for lumbar stenosis. However, the available primary research describes inadequately the employed protocol. This causes difficulties in distinguishing which interventions are more effective in reducing symptoms. METHODS: We reviewed existing studies in order to promote the construction of an evidence-based strategy for non-operative treatment rehabilitation of lumbar stenosis patients. Randomized controlled trials describing insufficiently the non-operative treatment rehabilitation protocols were excluded since the results may not direct this review towards a favorable treatment plan. RESULTS: A protocol has been outlined to inform the clinician and to elucidate the effectiveness of non-operative treatment through randomized controlled trials. The results of this study indicate that a comprehensive exercise and manual therapy protocol is more effective in reducing symptoms than a less intensive exercise program. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive non-operative treatment comprising of flexion exercises, manual therapy and treadmill exercises appears to be more beneficial in reducing symptoms than a less vigorous program comprising of flexion exercises, treadmill training and home exercise.

Low-intensity electrical stimulation in wound healing: review of the efficacy of externally applied currents resembling the current of injury.

OBJECTIVE: Low-intensity currents (LIC) have gained popularity during the last years, and nowadays the majority of electrotherapy units may produce LIC. On wounding, the body produces a current, the current of injury, which promotes healing. Still, this current may gradually decrease resulting occasionally to delayed or limited wound healing. Thus, by applying the same LIC externally, healing may be accelerated by sustaining the LIC throughout the healing phases. The first review of research studies on the effect of LIC on wound healing is attempted, which can be considered useful for the practicing clinician, to provide an overview of current evidence on the effectiveness of LIC and provide protocols of treatment. METHODS: Comprehensive review of randomized-controlled trials investigating the effect of LIC on wound healing. RESULTS: The review revealed that LIC promote wound healing and appear to be effective in the range of 200-800 muA. The direct current may be continuous or pulsed and polarity may or may not be reversed. CONCLUSION: Research available indicates that LIC accelerate wound healing. Further research is required to clarify the healing effects of LIC on wounds.

Effectiveness of electromyographic biofeedback in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain.

Electromyographic biofeedback is a therapeutic modality used along with other interventions in the treatment of pain. This article presents a brief review of the effectiveness of electromyographic biofeedback in treating musculoskeletal pain. Electromyographic biofeedback may provide pain relief for chronic musculoskeletal pain due to cumulative trauma, and may be proposed as an additional intervention to exercise in patellofemoral pain syndrome and acute sciatic pain. Electromyographic biofeedback is comparable to cognitive behavioral treatment and relaxation techniques. When added to an exercise program in patients with patellofemoral pain or acute sciatic pain, no further pain reduction is achieved. Electromyographic biofeedback promotes active participation and thus may motivate patients to adopt an active role in establishing and reaching goals in rehabilitation. Further research is required to investigate its effect on musculoskeletal pain.