Clinical evaluation of micro-fragmented adipose tissue as a treatment option for patients with meniscus tears with osteoarthritis: a prospective pilot study.

PURPOSE: The management of knee pain secondary to meniscal tears with osteoarthritis is limited by the poor inherent healing potential of the meniscus. Previous studies have reported on the benefit of autologous micro-fragmented fat as a therapeutic for various knee pathologies. The goal of this prospective pilot study was to determine the safety and potential treatment effect of micro-fragmented adipose tissue injection for patients with knee pain secondary to osteoarthritis and meniscal tears who have failed conservative management. METHODS: Twenty subjects with knee pain secondary to osteoarthritis with associated meniscal tear after failed conservative management were enrolled in the study. Numeric Pain Scale (NPS) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scale (KOOS) following ultrasound-guided intra-meniscal and intra-articular micro-fragmented adipose tissue injections were examined at three, six and 12 months. RESULTS: The mean NPS revealed a significant decrease in patient pain at the 1-year time point compared with baseline (5.45 to 2.21, p < .001). Similarly, overall, mean KOOS symptoms significantly improved from 57.7 to 78.2 (p < .001), with all 4 KOOS subscales demonstrating significant improvement at the final one year follow-up. One subject developed uncomplicated cellulitis at the harvest site which was treated with oral antibiotics. Other complications were minor and mostly limited to adipose harvest. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that micro-fragmented adipose tissue injected directly into a torn meniscus and knee joint using ultrasound guidance represents a safe and potentially efficacious treatment option for patients with knee pain suffering from degenerative arthritis and degenerative meniscal tears. A larger, randomized, controlled trial is warranted to determine efficacy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.org Identifier: NCT03714659.

Changes in supraspinatus and biceps tendon thickness: influence of fatiguing propulsion in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: A quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design. OBJECTIVES: To identify acute changes in the supraspinatus and biceps tendon following fatiguing wheelchair propulsion and to associate tendon changes with risk factors associated with shoulder pain in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Biomechanical laboratory Swiss Paraplegic Research. METHODS: A population-based sample of 50 wheelchair users with SCI at lesion level T2 or below participated. Fatigue was measured by using the rate of perceived exertion and heart rate. Linear regression techniques were used to assess the association between the dependent and independent variables. Dependent variables included absolute differences in supraspinatus and biceps tendon thickness, contrast, and echogenicity ratio assessed with ultrasound before and after a fatiguing wheelchair propulsion intervention. Independent variables included susceptibility to fatigue (Yes/No), the acromio-humeral distance, sex, time since injury, activity levels, and body weight. RESULTS: A reduction in supraspinatus tendon thickness after fatiguing wheelchair propulsion (-1.39 mm; 95% CI: -2.28; -0.51) was identified after controlling for all potential confounders. Females who fatigued (n = 4) displayed a greater reduction in supraspinatus tendon thickness as compared with those who did not fatigue (n = 7). In contrast, higher body weight was associated with an increase in supraspinatus tendon thickness and a greater acromio-humeral distance before the intervention was associated with an increase in biceps tendon thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Acute changes in the supraspinatus and biceps tendon after fatiguing wheelchair propulsion may explain the high prevalence of tendon injuries in this population. Future research should determine the consequences of tendon changes and its relationship to tendinopathy.

A Cross-Sectional Study to Investigate the Effects of Perceived Discrimination in the Health Care Setting on Pain and Depressive Symptoms in Wheelchair Users With Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVES: In a sample of wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (SCI), the objectives were to investigate which participant characteristics are associated with greater perceived discrimination in the health care setting, and how such discrimination relates to health outcomes of pain and depressive symptoms. DESIGN: Survey, cross-sectional. SETTING: Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) Center. PARTICIPANTS: Full-time wheelchair users with SCI from 9 SCIMS centers (N=410), with data collected between 2011 and 2016. INTERVENTIONS: N/A. MAIN OUTCOMES: A 7-item questionnaire inquiring about perceived discrimination by hospital staff, self-reported pain severity over the past month using a 0-10 Numeric Rating Scale, and depressive symptoms using the 2-question Patient Health Questionnaire screener. RESULTS: Participants who were black or from the lowest income group were more likely to report experiencing more discrimination than those who were white or from the highest income group, respectively (incidence rate ratio=2.2-2.6, P<.01). Those who reported more perceived discrimination had greater risk of severe pain compared to no pain (relative risk [RR]=1.11; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.01-1.23; P<.05), mild depressive symptoms (RR=1.09; 95% CI, 1.02-1.17; P<.05), and severe depressive symptoms (RR=1.12; 95% CI, 1.04-1.21; P<.05) compared to no symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Wheelchair users with SCI who were from more disadvantaged groups (black, lower income levels) reported experiencing more discrimination in their health care setting. Furthermore, those who reported more discrimination were more likely to report worse mental and physical health outcomes. Attempts to reduce discrimination in health care settings may lead to better outcomes for people with SCI. These observations were correlational and not causal; a prospective analysis is necessary to prove causation. Future investigations should further explore the effect of discrimination on the many facets of living with an SCI.

Investigating the Efficacy of Web-Based Transfer Training on Independent Wheelchair Transfers Through Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of a web-based transfer training module at improving transfer technique across 3 groups: web-based training, in-person training (current standard of practice), and a waitlist control group (WLCG); and secondarily, to determine subject factors that can be used to predict improvements in transfer ability after training. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trials. SETTING: Summer and winter sporting events for disabled veterans. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample (N=71) of manual and power wheelchair users who could transfer independently. INTERVENTIONS: An individualized, in-person transfer training session or a web-based transfer training module. The WLCG received the web training at their follow-up visit. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Transfer Assessment Instrument (TAI) part 1 score was used to assess transfers at baseline, skill acquisition immediately posttraining, and skill retention after a 1- to 2-day follow-up period. RESULTS: The in-person and web-based training groups improved their median (interquartile range) TAI scores from 7.98 (7.18-8.46) to 9.13 (8.57-9.58; P<.01), and from 7.14 (6.15-7.86) to 9.23 (8.46-9.82; P<.01), respectively, compared with the WLCG that had a median score of 7.69 for both assessments (baseline, 6.15-8.46; follow-up control, 5.83-8.46). Participants retained improvements at follow-up (P>.05). A lower initial TAI score was found to be the only significant predictor of a larger percent change in TAI score after receiving training. CONCLUSIONS: Transfer training can improve technique with changes retained within a short follow-up window, even among experienced wheelchair users. Web-based transfer training demonstrated comparable improvements to in-person training. With almost half of the United States population consulting online resources before a health care professional, web-based training may be an effective method to increase knowledge translation.

Wheelchair Breakdowns Are Associated With Pain, Pressure Injuries, Rehospitalization, and Self-Perceived Health in Full-Time Wheelchair Users With Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relation between wheelchair breakdowns, their immediate consequences, and secondary health complications after spinal cord injury. "Immediate consequences" occur when part of a wheelchair breaks and leaves an individual stranded or injured, or causes him or her to miss medical appointments, work, or school. DESIGN: Survey, cross-sectional. SETTING: Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Centers. PARTICIPANTS: Full-time wheelchair users (N=771) with SCI from 9 Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Centers, with data collected between 2011 and 2016. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of self-reported wheelchair breakdowns within the past 6 months that did or did not result in immediate consequences (ie, injury, being stranded, missing a medical appointment, or an inability to attend school/work); self-perceived health status scale; pain severity numerical rating scale; rehospitalizations; and self-reported pressure injury development within the past 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 610 participants with complete data sets were included in the analyses. When compared to those who reported no breakdowns, participants who reported 1 or more immediate consequences had worse secondary complications: higher self-perceived health status and pain scores (partial -η2=.009-.012, P<.05), and higher odds of rehospitalization (odds ratio: 1.86, P<.05) and pressure injury development (odds ratio: 1.73, P<.05). Secondary health complications were not different in those who reported no immediate consequences compared to those who reported no breakdown. CONCLUSIONS: Wheelchair breakdowns that resulted in injury, being stranded, missing medical appointments, and/or an inability to attend work/school appear to have far-reaching impacts on health and secondary injury. Preventing wheelchair breakdowns, through either better maintenance or manufacturing, may be a means of decreasing secondary disability.

Longitudinal Prediction of Quality-of-Life Scores and Locomotion in Individuals With Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVES: To examine (1) differences in quality-of-life scores for groups based on transitions in locomotion status at 1, 5, and 10 years postdischarge in a sample of people with spinal cord injury (SCI); and (2) whether demographic factors and transitions in locomotion status can predict quality-of-life measures at these time points. DESIGN: Retrospective case study of the National SCI Database. SETTING: Model SCI Systems Centers. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with SCI (N=10,190) from 21 SCI Model Systems Centers, identified through the National SCI Model Systems Centers database between the years 1985 and 2012. Subjects had FIM (locomotion mode) data at discharge and at least 1 of the following: 1, 5, or 10 years postdischarge. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: FIM-locomotion mode; Severity of Depression Scale; Satisfaction With Life Scale; and Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique. RESULTS: Participants who transitioned from ambulation to wheelchair use reported lower participation and life satisfaction, and higher depression levels (P<.05) than those who maintained their ambulatory status. Participants who transitioned from ambulation to wheelchair use reported higher depression levels (P<.05) and no difference for participation (P>.05) or life satisfaction (P>.05) compared with those who transitioned from wheelchair to ambulation. Demographic factors and locomotion transitions predicted quality-of-life scores at all time points (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that transitioning from ambulation to wheelchair use can negatively impact psychosocial health 10 years after SCI. Clinicians should be aware of this when deciding on ambulation training. Further work to characterize who may be at risk for these transitions is needed.

Transfer Technique Is Associated With Shoulder Pain and Pathology in People With Spinal Cord Injury: A Cross-Sectional Investigation.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate how transfer technique and subject characteristics relate to ultrasound measures of shoulder soft tissue pathology and self-reported shoulder pain during transfers in a sample of wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. SETTING: Research laboratory, national and local veterans' wheelchair sporting events. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of wheelchair users (N=76) with nonprogressive SCI. Participants were aged >18 years, >1 year postinjury, and could complete repeated independent wheelchair transfers without the use of their leg muscles. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Transfer pain items from the Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index; transfer technique assessed using the Transfer Assessment Instrument (TAI); and shoulder pathology markers examined using the Ultrasound Shoulder Pathology Rating Scale (USPRS). RESULTS: Better transfer technique (higher TAI) correlated with less injury (lower USPRS) (partial η(2)=.062, P<.05) and less pain during transfers (partial η(2)=.049, P<.10). Greater age was the strongest predictor of greater pathology (USPRS total: partial η(2)=.225, supraspinatus grade: partial η(2)=.174, P<.01). An interaction between technique and weight was found (P<.10): participants with lower body weights showed a decrease in pathology markers with better transfer technique (low weight: R(2)=.422, P<.05; middle weight: R(2)=.200, P<.01), while those with higher weight showed little change with technique (R(2)=.018, P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: Participants with better transfer technique exhibited less shoulder pathology and reported less pain during transfers. The relationship between technique and pathology was strongest in lower-weight participants. While causation cannot be proven because of study design, it is possible that using a better transfer technique and optimizing body weight could reduce the incidence of shoulder pathology and pain.

Evacuation preparedness in full-time wheelchair users with spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and evaluate the efficacy of evacuation plans described by individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Descriptive study from a convenience sample. SETTING: Outpatient population center in Pittsburgh, PA, USA. METHODS: Twenty-one individuals with SCI who previously indicated that they had a plan of evacuation from either their homes, places of work, or towns/cities were contacted via telephone and asked to describe their evacuation plans. The number of critical elements (scale of 0-10 with 10 indicating a more thorough plan) and assistive technology (AT) devices were recorded. OUTCOME MEASURES: The number of critical elements (scale of 0-10 with 10 indicating a more thorough plan) and AT devices were recorded. RESULTS: Median home and town/city evacuation scores were both 3.00 (ranges: 1.0-4.0 and 0.0-8.0, respectively). Median evacuation scores of individuals with paraplegia were higher in home (P = 0.05, r = 0.44) and town/city (P = 0.045, r = 0.63) than individuals with tetraplegia. Median evacuation scores of subjects who were employed were higher in home (P = 0.036, r = 0.47) and town/city (P = 0.064, r = 0.59) than unemployed. CONCLUSION: Low scores indicate that individuals with SCI who believe that they have plans are not adequately prepared for an emergency evacuation. Interventions are needed to improve evacuation readiness and lack of preparedness in a catastrophe should be considered by emergency personnel when responding.

A pilot study testing an Achilles tendinopathy human cadaver model using intratendinous injection of collagenase.

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most frequently occurring soft-tissue injuries. Despite decades of research, there is still much that is unknown about the progression of tendinopathy. Animal models, such as collagenase injection, allow researchers to gain insight into disease progression and investigate clinical interventions, yet are limited in their direct application to humans. Establishment of a cadaver model of tendinopathy would provide another method of investigating clinical interventions in human tissues. The purpose of this study is to develop such a model and evaluate biomechanical changes in cadaveric Achilles tendons using ultrasound elastography. METHODS: Achilles tendons of five female foot/ankle cadavers were injected with two different concentrations (three with 10 mg/mL, two 20 mg/mL) of collagenase and incubated for 24 h. Ultrasound elastography images were collected at baseline, 16 and 24 h post-injection. Elasticity of tendons was calculated using a custom image analysis program. FINDINGS: Elasticity decreased over time in both dosage groups. In the 10 mg/mL group, mean elasticity decreased from 642 ± 246 kPa at baseline to 392 ± 38.3 kPa at 16 h and 263 ± 87.3 kPa at 24 h. In the 20 mg/mL group, mean elasticity decreased from 628 ± 206 kPa at baseline to 176 ± 152 kPa at 16 h and 188 ± 120 kPa at 24 h. INTERPRETATION: Injection of collagenase into cadaveric Achilles tendons resulted in decreases in elasticity. Decreases were observed in tendons that received injections with both 10 and 20 mg/mL collagenase dosages. Further biomechanical and histological testing is needed to evaluate this cadaveric tendinopathy.

Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injection for the treatment of recalcitrant rotator cuff disease in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury: A pilot study.

Context/Objective: Wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (SCI) have a high risk of developing shoulder pain, caused by rotator cuff disease. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a potential treatment after conservative treatments fail and prior to surgical intervention; however, it has not been tested in wheelchair users who have recalcitrant shoulder pain associated with rotator cuff disease. The objective of this pilot project was to test the safety and potential treatment effect of an ultrasound-guided PRP injection for shoulder pain in the aforementioned population.Design: Prospective, quasi-experimental.Setting: Clinical research center.Participants: Six wheelchair users with SCI (3 paraplegia, 3 tetraplegia) who had chronic shoulder pain due to rotator cuff disease (presence of anterior shoulder pain, positive physical examination tests for rotator cuff disease, and tendinopathy demonstrated by ultrasound) and failed at least six months of conservative treatment.Interventions: Ultrasound-guided PRP injection into pathological shoulder tendons, targeting the supraspinatus. Subjects were provided a standardized stretching and strengthening program and were followed for 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks post-intervention with outcomes collected at each time-point.Outcome Measures: Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI); pain Numerical Rating Scale (NRS); physical and ultrasound examinations for supraspinatus tendinopathy; 5-point patient global impression of change (PGIC).Results: WUSPI (69.9%, P < 0.001), NRS (49.6%, P < 0.01), and physical exam scores (35.7%, P < 0.01) decreased 24 weeks after treatment. Participants reported overall improvement in their status as a result of the treatment. No adverse events were noted, and no changes in ultrasound markers for tendinopathy were observed.Conclusion: A single, ultrasound-guided PRP injection into the supraspinatus tendon, followed by a stretching and strengthening exercise program, was safe and provided improvements in shoulder pain outcome measures in this sample for 24 weeks. Lack of blinding, short-term follow-up, and a suitable control group warrant a larger randomized controlled trial.Trial Registration: NCT01355549.

A pilot study to evaluate micro-fragmented adipose tissue injection under ultrasound guidance for the treatment of refractory rotator cuff disease in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury.

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVES: Wheelchair users with chronic shoulder pain have few options after conservative treatments fail. This pilot study's purpose was to establish safety and treatment effects of micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) injections under ultrasound guidance for treatment of refractory shoulder pain caused by rotator cuff disease in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (SCI) to prepare for a larger trial. DESIGN: Pilot clinical trial. SETTING: Rehabilitation hospital outpatient clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Ten wheelchair users with chronic SCI who had moderate-to-severe shoulder pain caused by refractory rotator cuff disease (diagnosed via ultrasound) for greater than 6 months. INTERVENTIONS: Ultrasound-guided injections of MFAT into the pathologic rotator cuff tendons and other abnormal shoulder structures (e.g. acromioclavicular and glenohumeral joints; subacromial bursa). OUTCOME MEASURES: 6- and 12-month changes in 11-point Numerical Rating Scale (NRS); Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI); Brief Pain Inventory pain interference items (BPI-I7); Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC); ultrasound and physical exams; and adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant adverse events throughout the study period. WUSPI, NRS, and BPI-I7 scores were significantly lower 6 and 12 months post-procedure (P < .05). Of those who remained in the trial, clinically meaningful changes (≥30% decrease) in WUSPI, NRS, and BPI-I7 scores were observed in 77.8%, 77.8%, and 66.7% of participants, respectively. All but one participant reported improvement in clinical status. MFAT injection under ultrasound guidance is potentially a safe and efficacious treatment for refractory shoulder pain caused by rotator cuff disease in wheelchair users with SCI. A larger, randomized controlled trial has been initiated.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03167138.

Prospective, Single-blind, Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Effectiveness of a Digital Exercise Therapy Application Compared With Conventional Physical Therapy for the Treatment of Nonoperative Knee Conditions.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and adherence of a home exercise therapy program using a digital exercise therapy application (DETA) compared with conventional physical therapy (PT). DESIGN: Parallel group, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Two clinics in a tertiary care academic center. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N=60) were enrolled within 1 week after a provider visit for knee pain. Inclusion criteria: age 18-75 years, knee pain diagnosis, and clinician-prescribed PT. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomized to complete either an 8-week intervention of conventional PT (enrolled n=29; complete n=26) or the DETA (enrolled n=31; completed n=24). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Interference (PI) and Physical Function (PF) scores implemented via computer adaptive tests; number of exercise sessions completed per week (adherence). RESULTS: Compared with the PT group, the DETA group reported significant decreases in PROMIS-PI scores (-6.1±6.7 vs -1.5±6.6, P<.05, d=0.78) and increases in PROMIS-PF scores (6.0±6.6 vs -0.8±5.8, P<.01, d=0.89) after 8 weeks. No group differences in adherence were observed (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: Use of this DETA resulted in greater pain and functional improvements compared with PT, with no differences in adherence. It is possible this application may be a viable alternative to conventional PT in certain cases. A larger sample from various geographic locations is needed to improve generalizability and for subgroup analysis. Further investigation is warranted to determine the factors responsible for the differences observed between the groups.

Start-up propulsion biomechanics changes with fatiguing activity in persons with spinal cord injury.

Objective: Shoulder pathology is a common condition in wheelchair users that can considerably impact quality of life. Shoulder muscles are prone to fatigue, but it is unclear how fatigue affects start-up propulsion biomechanics. This study determines acute changes in start-up wheelchair propulsion biomechanics at the end of a fatiguing propulsion protocol. Design: Quasi-experimental one-group pretest-postest design. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory. Participants: Twenty-six wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (age: 35.5 ± 9.8 years, sex: 73% males and 73% with a paraplegia). Interventions: Protocol of 15 min including maximum voluntary propulsion, right- and left turns, full stops, start-up propulsion, and rests. Outcome measures: Maximum resultant force, maximum rate of rise of applied force, mean velocity, mean fraction of effective force, and mean contact time at the beginning and end of the protocol during start-up propulsion. Results: There was a significant reduction in maximum resultant force (P < 0.001) and mean velocity (P < 0.001) at the end of the protocol. Also, contact time was reduced in the first stroke of start-up propulsion (P < 0.001). Finally, propelling with a shorter contact time was associated with a greater reduction in performance (maximum velocity) at the end of the protocol. Conclusion: There are clear changes in overground propulsion biomechanics at the end of a fatiguing propulsion protocol. While reduced forces could protect the shoulder, these reduced forces come with shorter contact times and lower velocity. Investigating changes in start-up propulsion biomechanics with fatigue could provide insight into injury risk.

Autologous, micro-fragmented adipose tissue as a treatment for chronic shoulder pain in a wheelchair using individual with spinal cord injury: a case report.

Introduction: Shoulder pain is common in persons with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI), with a prevalence reported as high as 70%. Current treatment of shoulder pain includes conservative measures such as physical therapy, pain medications, patient education, injections, and assistive devices. When conservative treatments fail, shoulder surgery is often the next option. Unfortunately, outcomes after shoulder surgery in persons with SCI are limited and conflicting. Case presentation: This is a case of a 54-year-old right-handed male with T10 complete SCI (duration of injury = 10 years) who had a complaint of right-sided shoulder pain for 3 years. The individual used a manual wheelchair as his primary means of mobility and was an avid weight-lifter. Physical examination and MRI demonstrated a rotator cuff tear and degenerative changes of the acromioclavicular joint. He was previously managed conservatively with physical therapy and intermittent corticosteroid injections but failed to improve. He was enrolled in an IRB approved study and underwent an ultrasound-guided injection with autologous, micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) and ultimately received improvements in pain and function that were maintained a year after treatment. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of treatment of chronic refractory shoulder pain in a person with SCI using MFAT. Complete relief from pain was maintained at the 1-year follow-up. Injection of MFAT under ultrasound guidance is an effective and promising treatment for chronic refractory shoulder pain in upper limb-dependent persons with SCI and warrants further research.

Microdialysis to Quantify Inflammatory Cytokines in the Glenohumeral Joint: A Brief Methods Report.

Microdialysis quantifies in vivo soft-tissue biochemical concentrations via passive diffusion of interstitial molecules through a porous membrane into a dialysate. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate a technique to measure inflammatory cytokines associated with rotator cuff tendinopathy by inserting a microdialysis catheter into the posterior glenohumeral joint. The technique was tested in a convenience sample of six pain-free, able-bodied veterans. Complete dialysate samples were collected in two participants. Two participants' sample volumes were smaller than what was required for analysis (30 µl) and thus were diluted. Catheter failures in two participants prevented collection altogether. Three cytokine concentrations were quantified: interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, interleukin 8, and regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted. Microdialysis is not recommended for use in the glenohumeral joint, yet quantification of glenohumeral joint cytokines could yield valuable information to better understand pathophysiology of the joint and its surrounding tissues. Another technique, such as joint lavage, may be a more attractive alternative to overcome the limitations of microdialysis in the glenohumeral joint.

Relationship between linear velocity and tangential push force while turning to change the direction of the manual wheelchair.

Wheelchair propulsion is a major cause of upper limb pain and injuries for manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Few studies have investigated wheelchair turning biomechanics on natural ground surfaces. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between tangential push force and linear velocity of the wheelchair during the turning portions of propulsion. Using an instrumented handrim, velocity and push force data were recorded for 25 subjects while they propel their own wheelchairs on a concrete floor along a figure-eight-shaped course at a maximum velocity. The braking force (1.03 N) of the inside wheel while turning was the largest of all other push forces (p<0.05). Larger changes in squared velocity while turning were significantly correlated with higher propulsive and braking forces used at the pre-turning, turning, and post-turning phases (p<0.05). Subjects with less change of velocity while turning needed less braking force to maneuver themselves successfully and safely around the turns. Considering the magnitude and direction of tangential force applied to the wheel, it seems that there are higher risks of injury and instability for upper limb joints when braking the inside wheel to turn. The results provide insight into wheelchair setup and mobility skills training for wheelchair users.

Acute Response of the Infraspinatus and Biceps Tendons to Pitching in Youth Baseball.

PURPOSE: Youth baseball frequently results in repetitive strain injuries. Quantitative ultrasound allows real-time imaging with the ability to identify acute markers of tendon change. The study objective was to determine acute quantitative ultrasound changes in the long head of the biceps and infraspinatus tendons of the throwing and nonthrowing shoulders during a pitching performance. We hypothesized the tendons of the pitching arm would exhibit an increased width and decreased echogenicity after pitching and that tendons of the nonpitching arm would not demonstrate such changes. METHODS: Fifty youth baseball players, ages 9-14 yr, engaged in a simulated pitching performance that consisted of 50 pitches. Subjects underwent serial quantitative ultrasound imaging of the infraspinatus and the long head of the biceps before pitching and after 25 and 50 pitches were thrown. RESULTS: Testing of the change in tendon width revealed the infraspinatus (0.21 mm) and long head of the biceps tendons (0.18 mm) in the throwing shoulder had statistically significant increases (P = 0.03) in tendon width as an acute response to throwing 50 pitches, without such changes in the nonthrowing shoulder (P > 0.05). No tendon width change was found at 25 pitches in either arm or tendon (P > 0.05). No associated changes in echogenicity were found at any time point (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that pitching acutely increases tendon width in two biomechanically important tendons of the shoulder as early as the 50 pitch mark. This change could be a normal physiological response or a potential warning sign of future pathology and requires further study.

Transfer component skill deficit rates among Veterans who use wheelchairs.

The purpose of this study was to quantify the deficit rates for transfer component skills in a Veteran cohort and explore the relationship between deficit rates and subject characteristics. Seventy-four men and 18 women performed up to four transfers independently from their wheelchair to a mat table while a therapist evaluated their transfer techniques using the Transfer Assessment Instrument. The highest deficit rates concerned the improper use of handgrips (63%). Other common problems included not setting the wheelchair up at the proper angle (50%) and not removing the armrest (58%). Veterans over 60 yr old and Veterans with moderate shoulder pain were more likely to set up their wheelchairs inappropriately than younger Veterans (p = 0.003) and Veterans with mild shoulder pain (p = 0.004). Women were less likely to remove their armrests than men (p = 0.03). Subjects with disabilities other than spinal cord injury were less inclined to set themselves up for a safe and easy transfer than the subjects with spinal cord injury (p ≤ 0.001). The results provide insight into the disparities present in transfer skills among Veterans and will inform the development of future transfer training programs both within and outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Ultrasonographic Median Nerve Changes After Repeated Wheelchair Transfers in Persons With Paraplegia: Relationship With Subject Characteristics and Transfer Skills.

BACKGROUND: Wheelchair users with spinal cord injuries are susceptible to peripheral neuropathies from overuse, yet no studies have established a relationship between median neuropathy and wheelchair transfers. A more thorough understanding of how transfers and technique contribute to pathologic conditions may guide interventions that curtail its development. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of repeated transfers on ultrasound markers for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in people with spinal cord injuries and to relate changes to subject characteristics and transfer skills. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, repeated measures. SETTING: Research laboratory and national wheelchair sporting events. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 30 wheelchair users with nonprogressive paraplegia were recruited via research registries and at the 2013 National Veterans Wheelchair Games and 2014 Paralyzed Veterans of America Buckeye Games. Participants were older than 18 years and could complete transfers independently within 30 seconds without use of their leg muscles. METHODS: Demographic questionnaires and physical examinations for CTS were completed. Quantitative ultrasound techniques were used to measure changes in the median nerve after a repeated-transfers protocol. The Transfer Assessment Instrument (TAI) was completed to quantify transfer ability. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Median nerve cross-sectional area at the level of the pisiform (PCSA) and swelling ratio (SR), transfer quality, and skills via the TAI. RESULTS: PCSA increased after repeated transfers (P < .025). Participants who used safe hand positions had a lower baseline SR (ß = -0.728; P < .01). Participants with a higher body weight had a lower baseline SR provided they performed higher quality transfers. Participants who scooted to the front of the seat prior to transferring (TAI item 7; ß = 0.144; P < .05) and who weighed more (ß = 0.142; P < .05) exhibited greater increases in PCSA in response to transfers. CONCLUSIONS: An acute increase was observed in median nerve CSA at the pisiform after repeated wheelchair transfers. Changes were greater in persons with higher body weight and in persons who did not perform certain transfer skills correctly (according to the TAI). It is possible that these factors contribute to chronic injury and possibly CTS.

Cross-Sectional Investigation of Acute Changes in Ultrasonographic Markers for Biceps and Supraspinatus Tendon Degeneration After Repeated Wheelchair Transfers in People With Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this work were to investigate how wheelchair transfers influence acute changes in ultrasound markers for biceps and supraspinatus tendon degeneration and to determine how such changes correlate with transfer technique and demographic characteristics. DESIGN: Participants underwent quantitative ultrasound examinations for markers of biceps and supraspinatus tendon degeneration (tendon width, echogenicity, variance, and contrast) before and after a stressful repeated-transfers protocol. The Transfer Assessment Instrument was completed for each participant to identify transfer skills. Linear regression tested whether demographics and transfer skills correlated with ultrasound measures. RESULTS: Sixty-two wheelchair users with spinal cord injury were included (39 with paraplegia and 23 with tetraplegia). Biceps tendon width increased after repeated transfers (P < 0.001). Participants with greater body weight experienced greater increases in biceps width after transfers (ß = 0.109, P < 0.05). Skills evaluating body position relative to the target surface and safe and stable hand and arm positions affected changes in biceps and supraspinatus width and echogenicity (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Repeated transfers caused measurable changes in biceps tendon width in a subset of participants. Changes in biceps and supraspinatus ultrasound measures were related to body weight and performance of specific transfer skills. Further testing is needed to confirm whether the clinical meaning of the observed relationships and whether using certain transfer skills and reducing body weight can attenuate the development of tendinopathy.