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Although current lumbar stabilization exercises are beneficial for chronic mechanical low back pain, further research is recommended focusing on global spinal alignment normalization. This randomized, controlled, blinded trial was conducted to determine the effects of adding cervical posture correction to lumber stabilization on chronic mechanical low back pain. Fifty adult patients (24 males) with chronic mechanical low back pain and forward head posture received 12 weeks treatment of either both programs (group A) or lumbar stabilization (group B). The primary outcome was back pain. The secondary outcomes included the craniovertebral angle, Oswestry Disability Index, C7-S1 sagittal vertical axis, and sagittal intervertebral movements. The multivariate analysis of variance indicated a significant group-by-time interaction (P = .001, partial η2 = .609). Pain, disability, C7-S1 sagittal vertical axis, and l2-l3 intervertebral rotation were reduced in group A more than B (P = .008, .001, .025, and .001). Craniovertebral angle was increased in A when compared to B (P = .001). However, there were no significant group-by-time interactions for other intervertebral movements. Within-group comparisons were significant for all outcomes except for craniovertebral angle within patients in the control group. Adding cervical posture correction with lumber stabilization for management of chronic low back pain seemed to have better effects than the application of a stabilization program only.
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Terapia por Exercício , Dor Lombar/terapia , Postura , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Região Lombossacral , Masculino , Adulto JovemRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Mechanical neck dysfunction (MND) is a major health burden. Although postural correction exercises (PCEs) are commonly used for its treatment, efficacy of Kinesio Taping (KT) has received considerable attention. This study was conducted to determine the effect of KT and PCEs on levator scapula (LS) electromyography. METHODS: Ninety-one patients with MND were randomly assigned into 1 of 3 groups that received 4 weeks' treatment: group A, KT; group B, PCE; and group C, both interventions. Neck pain, LS root mean square (RMS), and median frequency (MDF) were measured pretreatment and post-treatment with the Numerical Pain Rating Scale and surface electromyography, respectively, by an assessor blinded to the patients' allocation. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis of variance indicates a statistically significant group-by-time interaction (Pâ¯=â¯.000). Pain intensity was significantly reduced in group C more than in group B (Pâ¯=â¯.001). Mean values of RMS were significantly reduced in group C compared to both group A (Pâ¯=â¯.001) and group B (Pâ¯=â¯.022), whereas MDF was significantly increased in group C compared to either group A (Pâ¯=â¯.00) or group B (Pâ¯=â¯.026), and in group B compared to group A (Pâ¯=â¯0.26). A paired t test revealed that there was a significant decrease in pain and RMS, and a significant increase in MDF in all groups (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Application of both KT and PCE combined can significantly reduce neck pain and normalize LS activities in patients with MND more than the application of either intervention.
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Fita Atlética , Eletromiografia/métodos , Terapia por Exercício/métodos , Dor Musculoesquelética/terapia , Cervicalgia/terapia , Postura/fisiologia , Escápula/fisiopatologia , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Lumbar stabilization exercises (LSEs) are beneficial for chronic mechanical low back pain (CMLBP). However, further research focusing on intervention combinations is recommended. This study examined the effect of kinesio tape (KT) with LSEs on CMLBP adult patients. METHODS: A randomized blinded clinical trial was conducted. Fifty CMLBP patients of both genders were assigned into one of two groups and received 8 weeks of treatment: group A (control): LSEs only, and group B (experimental): KT with LSEs. The primary outcome was back disability, measured by the Oswestry disability index. Secondary outcomes included pain intensity, trunk extensor endurance, and sagittal spinal alignment, as indicated by the visual analog scale, Sorensen-test, and C7-S1 sagittal vertical axis, respectively. The reported data was analyzed by a two-way MANOVA using an intention-to-treat procedure. RESULTS: Multivariate tests indicate statistically significant effects for group (F = 4.42, p = 0.005, partial η2 = 0.148), time (F = 219.55, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.904), and group-by-time interaction (F = 3.21, p = 0.01, partial η2 = 0.149). Univariate comparisons between groups revealed significant reductions in the experimental group regarding disability (p = 0.029, partial η2 = 0.049) and pain (p = 0.001, partial η2 = 0.102) without a significant difference in the Sorensen test (p = 0.281) or C7-S1 SVA (p = 0.491) results. All within-group comparisons were statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The combination of KT and LSEs is an effective CMLBP treatment option. Although patients in both groups displayed significant changes in all outcomes, the combined interventions induced more significant reductions in back disability and pain intensity.
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Fita Atlética , Terapia por Exercício , Dor Lombar , Humanos , Dor Lombar/terapia , Dor Lombar/reabilitação , Masculino , Feminino , Método Simples-Cego , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Terapia por Exercício/métodos , Medição da Dor , Avaliação da Deficiência , Região LombossacralRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Chronic mechanical low back pain (CMLBP) is one of the most prevalent and costly disorders. Determining its most effective treatment approach is a priority for researchers. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of including aerobic exercise within a conventional therapy regimen for young adults with CMLBP. METHODS: Fifty CMLBP patients (22 males and 28 females) were randomly and equally assigned to one of two groups to receive the prescribed treatment for 8 weeks. The control group received the traditional program only (infrared, ultrasound, burst TENS, and exercises); for the experimental group, an aerobic training program using a stationary bicycle was added. Back pain intensity was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included the Oswestry disability index, back extensor endurance measured by the Sorensen test, and physical performance indicated by the back performance scale and the 6-min walk test. A Two-way MANOVA was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Multivariate tests revealed statistically significant effects of group (p = 0.002, partial η2 = 0.182), time (p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.928), and group-by-time interaction (p = 0.01, partial η2 = 0.149). Univariate group-by-time interactions were significant for back disability (p = 0.043), extensor endurance (p = 0.023) and results of the 6-min walk test (p = 0.023) showing greater improvement in the experimental group. However, back pain intensity and the back performance scale revealed no significant group-by-time interactions. Within-group comparisons were significant for all measured variables in both groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although a traditional program of infrared, ultrasound, TENS, and exercises is beneficial for CMLBP treatment, adding aerobic exercises to the program leads to more beneficial outcomes.
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Dor Lombar , Feminino , Masculino , Adulto Jovem , Humanos , Dor Lombar/terapia , Exercício Físico , Terapia por Exercício , Desempenho Físico Funcional , PesquisadoresRESUMO
Background: Researchers are focusing on understanding the etiology and predisposing factors of chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP), a costly prevalent and disabling disorder. Related clinical, functional, and biomechanical variables are often studied, but in isolation. We aimed to identify key factors for managing CNSLBP by examining the relationship between back disability and related clinical, functional, and biomechanical variables and developed prediction models to estimate disability using various variables. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional correlational study on 100 recruited patients with CNSLBP. Clinical variables of pain intensity (visual analog score), back extensor endurance (Sorenson test), functional variables of the back performance scale, 6 min walk test, and the biomechanical variable C7-S1 sagittal vertical axis were analyzed to predict disability (Oswestry disability index). Results: All variables independently, as well as in multi-correlation, were significantly correlated to disability (p < 0.05). The bivariate regression models were significant between back disability and pain intensity (Y = 11.24 + 2.189x), Sorensen results (Y = 105.48 - 0.911x), the back performance scale (Y = 6.65 + 2.486x), 6 min walk test (Y = 49.20 - 0.060x), and sagittal vertical axis (Y = 0.72 + 4.23x). The multi-regression model showed significant contributions from pain (p = 0.001) and Sorensen results (p = 0.028) in predicting back disability, whereas no significant effect was found for other variables. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary approach is essential not only for the management of but also for the assessment of chronic nonspecific low back pain, including its clinical, functional, and biomechanical characteristics. However, special emphasis should be placed on clinical characteristics, including the intensity of pain and back extensor endurance.
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OBJECTIVE: A recent study was designed to ascertain the impact of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on upper trapezius trigger points in cervicogenic headaches patients. DESIGN: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial study, in which 50 participants (11 male and 39 female) aged between 20-40 with cervicogenic headache were subdivided with randomization to group (A), which received traditional physical therapy and sham shock wave therapy, and group (B), which received traditional physical therapy and actual shock wave therapy. All assessments were performed by a therapist before and after the treatment program (four weeks). RESULTS: Significant improvement of headache disability index, visual analogue scale scores, and upper trapezius electromyographic characteristics with p-value <.05 in both groups, in favor of the shock wave group. CONCLUSION: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) could be used for clinical and research concerns because it's positive effects on pain suppression, reduction of headache intensity, and restoration of muscle regular activity in cervicogenic headache patients.
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Background: Breast cancer surgeries affect the upper extremities and posture. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of muscle energy and Mulligan mobilization techniques on the upper extremities and posture after breast cancer surgery with axillary dissection. Methods: A total of 90 female participants who had undergone breast cancer surgery with axillary dissection were recruited and randomly assigned to three groups. Group A received a combination of the Mulligan and muscle energy techniques, while Groups B and C received either the Mulligan or muscle energy techniques for six weeks, respectively. The study measured the shoulders' range of motion, posture, and upper-extremity disabilities. Outcome measurements were taken at three different time points: baseline, post-intervention, and at eight-week follow-up. Results: All the interventions significantly improved the study outcomes. The combination of the Mulligan and muscle energy techniques was significantly better than a single intervention. Mulligan mobilization was superior to the muscle energy techniques in terms of improving the shoulders' range of motion and disability. The interventions showed a significant effect pre-post-treatment and pre-follow-up but not post-follow-up. Conclusions: The Mulligan mobilization and muscle energy techniques have been found beneficial in improving the postural changes and shoulder outcomes after breast cancer surgery with axillary dissection. The superior effectiveness of the combined interventions points out the importance of integrating multiple therapeutic approaches for optimal outcomes. Regular examination and long-term follow-up assessment are important for studying the effect of rehabilitation interventions in people after the late stages of breast surgery.
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BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is the most common knee injury among athletes, and can result in long-term complications and career-ending conditions for sportspeople. There is no consensus in the literature on the effectiveness of rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction, or the best protocol to follow for functional outcome improvement. OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of an accelerated rehabilitation protocol on knee functional outcomes in amateur athletes with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). DESIGN: Two-arm, parallel-group randomized comparative design. PATIENTS: A total of 100 amateur male athletes (mean age 22.01 ± 1.79 years) with ACLR were randomly divided into experimental and control groups (n = 50/group). METHODS: An accelerated rehabilitation protocol and a conventional rehabilitation protocol were used for the experimental group. In contrast, only the conventional rehabilitation protocol was used for the control group. The rehabilitation was delivered in 5 weekly sessions for 22 weeks. The primary outcome measure, knee pain, was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Extensive test batteries, for hop tests, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and knee effusion, were measured, aiming to add more objective criteria to determine functional performance. RESULTS: Both groups (n = 50/group) were well-matched (p = 0.816), with insignificant differences in their demographic characteristics (p > 0.05). A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) test showed no significant difference between the 2 groups (p = 0.781) at baseline. A 2-way MANOVA (2 × 2 MANOVA) of within- and between-group variations indicated overall significant treatment, time, and treatment × time interaction effects (p < 0.001) in favour of the accelerated rehabilitation group. CONCLUSION: The accelerated rehabilitation protocol was more effective in improving functional outcomes than a conventional rehabilitation protocol in amateur athletes with ACLR.
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Lesões do Ligamento Cruzado Anterior , Reconstrução do Ligamento Cruzado Anterior , Traumatismos do Joelho , Humanos , Masculino , Adulto Jovem , Lesões do Ligamento Cruzado Anterior/cirurgia , Reconstrução do Ligamento Cruzado Anterior/métodos , Atletas , Traumatismos do Joelho/cirurgia , Traumatismos do Joelho/reabilitação , Articulação do JoelhoRESUMO
(1) Background: Neck pain intensity, psychosocial factors, and physical function have been identified as potential predictors of neck disability. Machine learning algorithms have shown promise in classifying patients based on their neck disability status. So, the current study was conducted to identify predictors of neck disability in patients with neck pain based on clinical findings using machine learning algorithms. (2) Methods: Ninety participants with chronic neck pain took part in the study. Demographic characteristics in addition to neck pain intensity, the neck disability index, cervical spine contour, and surface electromyographic characteristics of the axioscapular muscles were measured. Participants were categorised into high disability and low disability groups based on the median value (22.2) of their neck disability index scores. Several regression and classification machine learning models were trained and assessed using a 10-fold cross-validation method; also, MANCOVA was used to compare between the two groups. (3) Results: The multilayer perceptron (MLP) revealed the highest adjusted R2 of 0.768, while linear discriminate analysis showed the highest receiver characteristic operator (ROC) area under the curve of 0.91. Pain intensity was the most important feature in both models with the highest effect size of 0.568 with p < 0.001. (4) Conclusions: The study findings provide valuable insights into pain as the most important predictor of neck disability in patients with cervical pain. Tailoring interventions based on pain can improve patient outcomes and potentially prevent or reduce neck disability.
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INTRODUCTION: Although current rehabilitation protocols following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are based on the graft remodeling process, there is uncertainty about its time schedule. Moreover, there are individual differences in neuromotor learning and flexibility after ACLR. The current study was conducted to investigate the functional outcomes of the criterion-based rehabilitation protocol in amateur athletes following ACLR. METHODS: Fifty amateur male athletes who had ACLR were assigned randomly into two equal groups. The experimental group received a criterion-based rehabilitation protocol. The control group received a conventional physical therapy program. Both groups had five treatment sessions per week for six months. The primary outcome was pain intensity measured by VAS. Secondary outcomes included functional assessments measured by the limb symmetry index (LSI) of the hop test battery, knee effusion, and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). RESULTS: Mixed-design-MANOVA indicated significant treatment, time, and treatment × time interaction. The interaction was significant for all outcome measures in favor of subjects who received a criterion-based rehabilitation protocol. Within-group analysis revealed a significant reduction in pain in both groups and improvements in all variables related to the KOOS or LSI of the hop test battery. Knee effusion was significantly reduced post-treatment in patients who received a criterion-based protocol when compared to their controls. CONCLUSIONS: Although application of a criterion-based rehabilitation protocol for 6 months after ACLR is more effective than a conventional program, its duration should be expanded beyond this period to allow patients to reach their return to play goals.
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Lesões do Ligamento Cruzado Anterior , Reconstrução do Ligamento Cruzado Anterior , Humanos , Masculino , Lesões do Ligamento Cruzado Anterior/cirurgia , Atletas , Músculo Quadríceps , Volta ao EsporteRESUMO
Partial foot amputation (PFA) is a common surgical loss of part of either the forefoot or mid-foot. It is usually the sequel to a cascade of physiological foot dysfunction such as peripheral neuropathy (PN). The gait compensation mechanisms associated with these foot disorders aren't well understood yet. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate pathological gait compensation mechanisms in PFA due to PN versus PN alone through a comprehensive gait analysis. METHODS: Plantar pressure, GRF, load distribution, footprint length and area, foot progression angle, step length, percentage of double limb support, and stance time were measured on 53 participants assigned into two well-matched groups: (A) 25 subjects with healed unilateral PFA and (B) 28 subjects with PN without ulcer. The gait analysis was conducted at a self-preferred walking speed using the FREEMED baropodometric platform and FREESTEP software. RESULTS: The PFA group showed a significant decrease in load over the remaining toes and metatarsal heads compared to the PN group (p = .001 and p = .003, respectively). Conversely, the PFA group showed a significant increase in load over the mid-foot and peak plantar pressure during mid-stance (p = .007 and p = .016, respectively). All other measured variables showed no significant difference between the two groups (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Individuals with PFA and PN or PN alone tend to shift their body loads posteriorly and redistribute their loads to compensate for the insufficient support from the forefoot. The PFA group was worse than the PN group. Furthermore, the PFA may not be the primary cause of the altered gait but rather the underlying systemic disease. The PFA surgery only worsens the compensatory mechanism.
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Marcha , Doenças do Sistema Nervoso Periférico , Humanos , Marcha/fisiologia , Pé/fisiologia , Dedos do Pé , Amputação CirúrgicaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Abnormal posture creates abnormal stress and strain in many spinal structures which are considered predisposing factors for chronic mechanical low back pain. PURPOSE: To examine the relationships among pain intensity, forward head posture (decreased craniovertebral angle) and lumbopelvic sagittal alignment (pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, and lumbar lordosis) in chronic mechanical low back pain patients. METHODS: A cross-section correlational study was conducted on one hundred patients. A numerical-pain-rating scale was used to determine pain intensity. Standardized standing lateral radiographs were analyzed to measure the spinopelvic angles. Reported data were analyzed using correlation coefficients, and regression analyses. RESULTS: Lumbar lordosis had very strong positive correlations with each pain intensity and sacral slope. Pain intensity had a strong positive correlation with sacral slope. Moderate positive correlations highlighted between pelvic tilt and craniovertebral angle. Moreover, the pelvic incidence had weak positive correlations with each sacral slope and pelvic tilt. Negative correlations were strong between pelvic tilt and each of pain intensity, lumbar lordosis and sacral slope. Craniovertebral angle had moderate negative correlations with each of pain, lumbar lordosis, and sacral slope. However, the pelvic incidence had no relations with pain, craniovertebral angle lumbar lordosis. Overall, an association of demographic data and measured variables had a significant effect on the pain multi-regression equation prediction model. They accounted for 76.60% of the variation in pain. CONCLUSION: Abnormal spinopelvic posture relates to chronic mechanical low back pain. There are significant associations among pain intensity, FHP and lumbopelvic sagittal alignment in chronic mechanical low back pain patients.