Stroke Recovery-Related Changes in Cortical Reactivity Based on Modulation of Intracortical Inhibition.

BACKGROUND: Cortical excitation/inhibition dynamics have been suggested as a key mechanism occurring after stroke. Their supportive or maladaptive role in the course of recovery is still not completely understood. Here, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-electroencephalography coupling to study cortical reactivity and intracortical GABAergic inhibition, as well as their relationship to residual motor function and recovery longitudinally in patients with stroke. METHODS: Electroencephalography responses evoked by TMS applied to the ipsilesional motor cortex were acquired in patients with stroke with upper limb motor deficit in the acute (1 week), early (3 weeks), and late subacute (3 months) stages. Readouts of cortical reactivity, intracortical inhibition, and complexity of the evoked dynamics were drawn from TMS-evoked potentials induced by single-pulse and paired-pulse TMS (short-interval intracortical inhibition). Residual motor function was quantified through a detailed motor evaluation. RESULTS: From 76 patients enrolled, 66 were included (68.2±13.2 years old, 18 females), with a Fugl-Meyer score of the upper extremity of 46.8±19. The comparison with TMS-evoked potentials of healthy older revealed that most affected patients exhibited larger and simpler brain reactivity patterns (Pcluster<0.05). Bayesian ANCOVA statistical evidence for a link between abnormally high motor cortical excitability and impairment level. A decrease in excitability in the following months was significantly correlated with better motor recovery in the whole cohort and the subgroup of recovering patients. Investigation of the intracortical GABAergic inhibitory system revealed the presence of beneficial disinhibition in the acute stage, followed by a normalization of inhibitory activity. This was supported by significant correlations between motor scores and the contrast of local mean field power and readouts of signal dynamics. CONCLUSIONS: The present results revealed an abnormal motor cortical reactivity in patients with stroke, which was driven by perturbations and longitudinal changes within the intracortical inhibition system. They support the view that disinhibition in the ipsilesional motor cortex during the first-week poststroke is beneficial and promotes neuronal plasticity and recovery.

Physical activity based on daily steps in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain: evolution and associated factors.

BACKGROUND: People with chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMSP) often have low physical activity. Various factors can influence the activity level. The aim of this study was to monitor physical activity, assessed by the number of steps per day, over time in people with CMSP and identify factors that could be associated with this activity feature. METHODS: This prospective study involved people undergoing rehabilitation following an orthopedic trauma that had led to CMSP. At entry, participants completed self-reported questionnaires assessing pain, anxiety, depression, catastrophyzing, kinesiophobia, and behavioural activity patterns (avoidance, pacing and overdoing). They also underwent functional tests, assessing walking endurance and physical fitness. To determine daily step counts, participants wore an accelerometer for 1 week during rehabilitation and 3 months post-rehabilitation. The number of steps per day was compared among three time points: weekend of rehabilitation (an estimate of pre-rehabilitation activity; T1), weekdays of rehabilitation (T2), and post-rehabilitation (T3). Linear regression models were used to analyze the association between daily steps at T2 and at T3 and self-reported and performance-based parameters. RESULTS: Data from 145 participants were analyzed. The mean number of steps was significantly higher during T2 than T1 and T3 (7323 [3047] vs. 4782 [2689], p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.769, and 4757 [2680], p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.693), whereas T1 and T3 results were similar (p = 0.92, Cohen's d = 0.008). Correlations of number of steps per day among time points were low (r ≤ 0.4). Multivariable regression models revealed an association between daily steps at T2 and pain interfering with walking, anxiety and overdoing behaviour. Daily steps at T3 were associated with overdoing behaviour and physical fitness. CONCLUSIONS: Despite chronic pain, people in rehabilitation after an orthopedic trauma increased their physical activity if they were given incentives to do so. When these incentives disappeared, most people returned to their previous activity levels. A multimodal follow-up approach could include both therapeutic and environmental incentives to help maintain physical activity in this population.

Differential Impact of Brain Network Efficiency on Poststroke Motor and Attentional Deficits.

BACKGROUND: Most studies on stroke have been designed to examine one deficit in isolation; yet, survivors often have multiple deficits in different domains. While the mechanisms underlying multiple-domain deficits remain poorly understood, network-theoretical methods may open new avenues of understanding. METHODS: Fifty subacute stroke patients (7±3days poststroke) underwent diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and a battery of clinical tests of motor and cognitive functions. We defined indices of impairment in strength, dexterity, and attention. We also computed imaging-based probabilistic tractography and whole-brain connectomes. To efficiently integrate inputs from different sources, brain networks rely on a rich-club of a few hub nodes. Lesions harm efficiency, particularly when they target the rich-club. Overlaying individual lesion masks onto the tractograms enabled us to split the connectomes into their affected and unaffected parts and associate them to impairment. RESULTS: We computed efficiency of the unaffected connectome and found it was more strongly correlated to impairment in strength, dexterity, and attention than efficiency of the total connectome. The magnitude of the correlation between efficiency and impairment followed the order attention>dexterity ≈ strength (strength: |r|=.03, P=0.02, dexterity: |r|=.30, P=0.05, attention: |r|=.55, P<0.001). Network weights associated with the rich-club were more strongly correlated to efficiency than non-rich-club weights. CONCLUSIONS: Attentional impairment is more sensitive to disruption of coordinated networks between brain regions than motor impairment, which is sensitive to disruption of localized networks. Providing more accurate reflections of actually functioning parts of the network enables the incorporation of information about the impact of brain lesions on connectomics contributing to a better understanding of underlying stroke mechanisms.

The effect of the menstrual cycle on the circulating microRNA pool in human plasma: a pilot study.

STUDY QUESTION: Do ovarian hormone changes influence the levels of cell-free or circulating microRNA (cf-miRNA) across the menstrual cycle? SUMMARY ANSWER: This exploratory study suggests that fluctuations in hormonal levels throughout the menstrual cycle may alter cf-miRNAs levels. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: cf-miRNA levels vary with numerous pathological and physiological conditions in both males and females and are regulated by exogenous and endogenous factors, including hormones. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A prospective, monocentric study was conducted between March and November 2021. Since this was a pilot study, the sample size was based on feasibility as well as previous similar human studies conducted in different tissues. A total of 20 participants were recruited for the study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: We conducted an exploratory study where blood samples were collected from 16 eumenorrheic females in the early follicular phase, the ovulation phase and the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The levels of oestrogen, progesterone, LH and FSH were measured in serum by electrochemiluminescence. The levels of 174 plasma-enriched miRNAs were profiled using a PCR-based panel, including stringent internal and external controls to account for the potential differences in RNA extraction and reverse-transcription stemming from low-RNA input samples. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: This exploratory study suggests that cf-miRNAs may play an active role in the regulation of the female cycle by mediating the expression of genes during fluctuating hormonal changes. Linear mixed-models, adjusted for the relevant variables, showed associations between phases of the menstrual cycle, ovarian hormones and plasma cf-miRNA levels. Validated gene targets of the cf-miRNAs varying with the menstrual cycle were enriched within female reproductive tissues and are primarily involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis. LARGE SCALE DATA: All relevant data are available from the Mendeley database: LEGER, Bertrand (2022), 'MiRNA and menstrual cycle', Mendeley Data, V1, doi: 10.17632/2br3zp79m3.1. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Our study was conducted on a small participant cohort. However, it was tightly controlled for endogenous and exogenous confounders, which is critical to ensure robust and reproducible cf-miRNA research. Both adjusted and non-adjusted P-values are presented throughout the article. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Measures of ovarian hormones should be rigorously included in future studies assessing cf-miRNA levels in females and used as time-varying confounders. Our results reinforce the importance of accounting for female-specific biological processes in physiology research by implementing practical or statistical mitigation strategies during data collection and analysis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This study was supported by the Clinique romande de réadaptation, Sion, Switzerland. S.L. was supported by an Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship (FT10100278). D.H. was supported by an Executive Dean's Postdoctoral Research Fellowship from Deakin University. The authors declare no competing interests.

Should we separately measure the pain parameter of the Constant-Murley score in patients with chronic shoulder pain?

BACKGROUND: The Constant-Murley Score (CMS) is a relatively unique shoulder assessment tool because it combines patient-reported outcomes (pain and activity), performance measurement and clinician-reported outcomes (strength and mobility). With these characteristics, the effect of patient-related psychological factors on the CMS remains debated. We aimed to investigate which parameters of the CMS are influenced by psychological factors by assessing the CMS before and after rehabilitation for chronic shoulder pain. METHODS: This retrospective study screened all patients (18-65 years old) who were admitted for interdisciplinary rehabilitation for chronic shoulder pain (≥ 3 months) between May 2012 and December 2017. Patients with unilateral shoulder injuries were eligible. Exclusion criteria were shoulder instability, concomitant neurological injuries, complex regional pain syndrome (including Steinbrocker syndrome), heavy psychiatric issues, and missing data. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Pain Catastrophizing scale, and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia were administered before and after treatment. Regression models were used to estimate associations between psychological factors and the CMS. RESULTS: We included 433 patients (88% male, mean age 47±11 years) with a median duration of symptoms of 392.2 days (interquartile range: 266.5-583.5). Rotator cuff issue was present in 71% of patients. During interdisciplinary rehabilitation, patients were followed for a mean of 33.6±7.5 days. The mean CMS at entry was 42.8 ±15.5. The mean gain in CMS after treatment was 10.6 ±10.9. Before treatment, psychological factors were significantly associated with only the pain CMS parameter: -0.37 (95% CI: -0.46 to -0.28), p <0.001. After treatment, psychological factors were associated with the evolution of the four CMS parameters: -0.12 (-0.23 to -0.01) to -0.26 (95% CI: -0.36 to -0.16), p<0.05. CONCLUSIONS: This study raises the question of a distinct assessment of pain when assessing shoulder function with CMS in patients with chronic shoulder pain. The separation of the "pain parameter" from the overall CMS score seems illusory with this tool that is used worldwide. However, clinicians should be aware that psychological factors can negatively influence the evolution of all CMS parameters during follow-up, which argues for a biopsychosocial approach to patients with chronic shoulder pain.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the French version of the Spinal Cord Injury Pain Instrument (SCIPI).

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. OBJECTIVES: To assess the reliability and validity of the French version of the Spinal Cord Injury Pain Instrument (SCIPI) and to determine its performance versus "Douleur Neuropathique 4 questions" (DN4) in diagnosing neuropathic pain (NeuP). SETTING: Clinique romande de réadaptation, spinal cord injury (SCI) center in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. METHODS: Backward and forward translation in French of the 4-item SCIPI were performed by native speakers in both languages. Thirty persons with SCI were included in the validation study. Internal consistency was measured with the Kuder-Richardson (KR-20) coefficient. Cohen's kappa coefficients were used to assess the test-retest reliability and the agreement between SCIPI and DN4. Clinical assessment was used as the reference standard to diagnose NeuP. The area under the receiver operator characteristics curve (AUROC) was used to assess the performance of diagnostic tests. RESULTS: KR-20 coefficient of internal consistency was 0.50 (95% CI 0.26, 0.74). Test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.86 (95% CI 0.76, 0.95). The best cutoff value was 2 points, resulting a sensitivity of 88% (95% CI 69%, 98%) and a specificity of 92% (95% CI 75%, 99%). SCIPI had an AUROC of 0.90 (95% CI 0.82, 0.98), which was not significantly lower than the AUROC for DN4, 0.92 (95% CI 0.85, 0.99, p = 0.56). Agreement between SCIPI and DN4 was of 0.88 (95% CI 0.77, 1.00). CONCLUSION: The French version of the SCIPI is a reliable and valid tool that can identify the presence of NeuP in an individual with SCI.

The self-assessment INTERMED predicts healthcare and social costs of orthopaedic trauma patients with persistent impairments.

OBJECTIVE: To use the self-assessment INTERMED questionnaire to determine the relationship between biopsychosocial complexity and healthcare and social costs of patients after orthopaedic trauma. DESIGN: Secondary prospective analysis based on the validation study cohort of the self-assessment INTERMED questionnaire. SETTING: Inpatients orthopaedic rehabilitation with vocational aspects. SUBJECTS: In total, 136 patients with chronic pain and impairments were included in this study: mean (SD) age, 42.6 (10.7) years; 116 men, with moderate pain intensity (51/100); suffering from upper (n = 55), lower-limb (n = 51) or spine (n = 30) pain after orthopaedic trauma; with minor or moderate injury severity (severe injury for 25). MAIN MEASURES: Biopsychosocial complexity, assessed with the self-assessment INTERMED questionnaire, and other confounding variables collected prospectively during rehabilitation. Outcome measures (healthcare costs, loss of wage costs and time for fitness-to-work) were collected through insurance files after case settlements. Linear multiple regression models adjusted for age, gender, pain, trauma severity, education and employment contract were performed to measure the influence of biopsychosocial complexity on the three outcome variables. RESULTS: High-cost patients were older (+3.6 years) and more anxious (9.0 vs 7.3 points at HADS-A), came later to rehabilitation (+105 days), and showed higher biopsychosocial complexity (+3.2 points). After adjustment, biopsychosocial complexity was significantly associated with healthcare (ß = 0.02; P = 0.003; expß = 1.02) and social costs (ß = 0.03; P = 0.006, expß = 1.03) and duration before fitness-to-work (ß = 0.04; P < 0.001, expß = 1.04). CONCLUSION: Biopsychosocial complexity assessed with the self-assessment INTERMED questionnaire is associated with higher healthcare and social costs.

Subcutaneous tissue disinfection significantly reduces Cutibacterium acnes burden in primary open shoulder surgery.

BACKGROUND: Cutibacterium acnes is one of the major pathogens responsible for infection after shoulder surgery. Surgical dissection of the dermis may expose C acnes from sebum-producing hair follicles. Because of contact with the surgeon's gloves and instruments, further spread occurs throughout the surgical field. The purpose of this study was to determine whether subcutaneous tissue disinfection could reduce the C acnes culture rate in primary open shoulder surgery. METHODS: All patients eligible for primary open shoulder surgery by a deltopectoral approach were prospectively enrolled in our 2-arm, randomized, single-blinded clinical trial. In all patients, a skin swab of the operative field was taken prior to standard surgical skin preparation. After exposure of the deltoid fascia, the disinfection group received an additional preparation of the subcutaneous layer with povidone-iodine solution. Once the proximal humerus was completely exposed, 5 swabs from different sites were taken for microbiological examination according to a strict specimen collection protocol. All cultures were incubated in aerobic and anaerobic conditions for 14 days. RESULTS: Between February and December 2019, 108 patients were enrolled in the 2 groups: treatment (n = 70) and control (n = 38). The 2 groups did not show any significant difference in terms of sex, age, body mass index, or occurrence of diabetes. The subcutaneous disinfection protocol significantly reduced the positive culture rate of the operating field for all germs combined (P = .036) and specifically for C acnes (P = .013). The reduction of positive swabs for C acnes was significant for the surgeon's gloves (P = .041), as well as the retractors (P = .007). CONCLUSION: Disinfection of the subcutaneous tissue significantly reduced the C acnes culture rate during primary open shoulder surgery. We highly recommend this simple step as an adjunct to the current surgical practice to limit iatrogenic contamination of the surgical field. Future studies may observe a reduction in postoperative shoulder infection owing to this practice.

Determination of Perceived Levels of Physical Work Demand Thresholds, and Reliability and Responsiveness of the Modified-Spinal Function Sort Questionnaire in a Multidisciplinary Occupational Rehabilitation Setting.

PURPOSE: To determine the levels of perceived work demand capacity corresponding to the Modified Spinal Function Sort (M-SFS) score and precise reliability validity and responsiveness. METHODS: This prospective validation study included patients with chronic musculoskeletal impairments who underwent multidisciplinary occupational rehabilitation. After determining the percentiles of the work demand thresholds corresponding to the spinal function sort (SFS), the percentiles were transposed to the M-SFS. Reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient and limits of agreement. Correlations with other questionnaires and a lifting task were measured to assess validity. Responsiveness was determined using anchor- and distribution-based approaches. RESULTS: 288 patients were included. The following thresholds were obtained for the M-SFS: 0-43 points, minimal; 44-50, very light; 51-58, light; 59-64, light to medium; 65-70, medium; 71-76, heavy; and 77-80, very heavy. Reliability was confirmed. The correlation between the M-SFS and SFS scores was good at 0.89 (95% CI, 0.86-0.91) and moderate according to the PILE-test result of 0.60 (95% CI, 0.50-0.67). We could not calculate a valid anchor-based minimal clinically important difference. The standard error of measurement was 3.9 points, and the smallest detectable change was 10.8 points. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the comparison of the M-SFS and SFS scores, the M-SFS score can be interpreted in relation to the levels of work demand. This study confirms the good reliability and validity of the M-SFS questionnaire in assessing perceived physical capacity. Further studies are needed to determine its responsiveness.

Results of open reduction internal fixation versus percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation for unstable pelvic ring injuries: retrospective study of 36 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical stabilization of posterior pelvic ring fractures can be achieved by closed reduction and percutaneous fixation (CRPF) or by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The aim of the present study is to compare the clinical results of both methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical records of 36 patients consecutively operated for unstable pelvic ring injuries were retrospectively reviewed. We compared 22 patients treated with CRPF versus 14 patients stabilized by using ORIF between 2007 and 2017. The Majeed and Pohlemann scores were used to evaluate postoperative functional outcomes. Complications like blood loss, infection rate, Neurological injury, the operative time and the length of hospital stay were analyzed. RESULTS: The median Majeed pelvic score was 87 points for the CRPF technique compared with 69 points for the ORIF technique. The median Pohlemann score, operative time and length of hospitalization were similar between the two groups. The median blood loss for the CRPF technique was 300 ml compared to 500 ml for the ORIF technique. CRPF and ORIF procedure had each one neurological lesion. There was one case of infection in the ORIF group and none in the CRPF group. No measurements except for the blood loss have reached the significance threshold. CONCLUSION: The CRPF technique shows a clear decrease in blood loss. There was no statistically significant difference in the functional results, infection rate, neurological injury, operative time and hospital stay between both techniques.

"Minimal clinically important difference" estimates of 6 commonly-used performance tests in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain completing a work-related multidisciplinary rehabilitation program.

BACKGROUND: Functional tests are widely used to measure performance in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Our objective was to determine the Minimal Clinically Important Differences (MCID) for the 6-min walk test (6MWT), the Steep Ramp Test (SRT), the 1-min stair climbing test (1MSCT), the sit-to-stand test (STS), the Jamar dynamometer test (JAM) and the lumbar Progressive Isoinertial Lifting Evaluation (PILE) in chronic musculoskeletal pain patients. METHODS: A single-center prospective observational study was conducted in a rehabilitation center. Patients with upper-limb, lower-limb or neck/back lesions were included over a period of 21 months. We used the anchor-based method as a reference method, supplemented by the distribution-based and opinion-based approaches, to determine the MCIDs. RESULTS: 838 chronic musculoskeletal pain patients were included. The estimation method and thelesion location had a significant influence on the results. MCIDs were estimated at +75m and +60m for the 6MWT (lower-limb and neck/back lesions, respectively), +18 steps for the 1MSCT (lower-limb and neck/back lesions) and +6kg for the JAM (upper limb lesions). The anchor-based method could not provide valid estimations for the three other scales, but distribution and opinion-based methods provided rough values of MCIDs for the SRT (+39w to +61w), the STS (-5 sec to -7 sec) and the PILE (+4kg to +7kg). CONCLUSION: The above MCID estimations for the 6MWT, 1MSCT and JAM can be used in chronic musculoskeletal pain patients participating in vocational multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs or in therapeutic trials. The use of specific anchors might give better estimations of MCIDs for the three other scales in future research.

Influencing walking behavior can increase the physical activity of patients with chronic pain hospitalized for multidisciplinary rehabilitation: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Physical therapy and exercising are key components of biopsychosocial rehabilitation for chronic pain. Exercise helps reduce pain and improve physical functions. In addition, a high level of physical activity benefits quality of life and emotional well-being. However, the degree to which hospitalization for extensive rehabilitation effectively increases physical activity has not yet been studied. Therefore, we investigated the physical activity level and the walking behavior of inpatients with musculoskeletal pain. The objectives were 1) to compare physical activity level and walking with or without rehabilitation, 2) to evaluate whether pain site influences physical activity level, and 3) to measure the association between physical activity and pain-related interference with physical functioning. METHODS: During a rehabilitation stay, 272 inpatients with lower limb, spine, or upper limb pain wore an accelerometer over 1 week. We assessed the daily duration of the practice of moderate physical activity and walking. Weekend days, during which the participants went home (days off), were used as a reference for habitual activities. We also evaluated 93 patients before the hospitalization to validate the use of days off as a baseline. Pain interference was measured with the brief pain inventory questionnaire. Generalized linear mixed models analyzed the association between physical activity and walking levels, and 1) rehabilitation participation, 2) pain sites, and 3) pain interference. RESULTS: Weekend days during the stay have similar physical activity level as days measured before the stay (73 min / day at the clinic, versus 70 min / day at home). Rehabilitation days had significantly higher physical activity levels and walking durations than days off (+ 28 min [+ 37%] and + 32 min [+ 74%], respectively). Mixed models revealed 1) a negative association between physical activity and pain interference, and 2) no effect of pain sites. Overall, patients increased their physical activity level independently of reported pain interference. CONCLUSIONS: Despite their painful condition, the inpatients were able to engage themselves in a higher level of physical activity via increased participation in walking activities. We conclude that walking incentives can be a valid solution to help patients with chronic pain be more physically active.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire (WORQ) to French: A Valid and Reliable Instrument to Assess Work Functioning.

Purpose The Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire (WORQ) is a patient-reported instrument to assess work related functioning in vocational rehabilitation (VR) and work, based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) core set for VR. The objective of this study was to cross-culturally adapt WORQ to French and to evaluate its psychometric properties. Methods The cross-cultural adaptation followed a dual-panel approach. Psychometrics was examined in one VR-centre in the French speaking part of Switzerland. Test-retest reliability was analyzed with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was determined by convergence to the self-reported general functioning scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales (HADS). The association of patient's return-to-work expectation within 6-months and having a case manager was examined. The usability of WORQ-French was tested in 10 VR patients. Results Eighty-nine patients with musculoskeletal injuries were included. WORQ-French showed excellent internal consistency (0.968) and a high test-retest reliability (0.935). WORQ-French was positively associated with self-reported general functioning (r = 0.662) and both HADS scales (r = 0.56-0.57). Neither the patient's return-to-work expectation nor having a case manager were significantly correlated with WORQ-French. Usability in terms of understandability of questions and response options was found to be good. Seven patients rated the length of WORQ-French as good, while two found the instrument a little too long and one found it too long. Conclusions WORQ French is a valid, reliable, and easy to administer instrument to assess self-reported work functioning given our study setting and sample characteristics.

Immediate and short-term effects of kinesiotaping on muscular activity, mobility, strength and pain after rotator cuff surgery: a crossover clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Kinesiotape (KT) is widely used in musculoskeletal rehabilitation as an adjuvant to treatment, but minimal evidence supports its use. The aim of this study is to determine the immediate and short-term effects of shoulder KT on muscular activity, mobility, strength and pain after rotator cuff surgery. METHODS: Thirty-nine subjects who underwent shoulder rotator cuff surgery were tested 6 and 12 weeks post-surgery, without tape, with KT and with a sham tape (ST). KT and ST were applied in a randomized order. For each condition, the muscular activity of the upper trapezius, three parts of the deltoid and the infraspinatus were measured during shoulder flexion, and range of motion (ROM) and pain intensity were assessed. At 12 weeks, the isometric strength at 90° of shoulder flexion, related muscular activity and pain intensity were also measured. Subjects maintained the last tape that was applied for three days and recorded the pain intensity at waking up and during the day. RESULTS: Modifications in muscle activity were observed with KT and with ST. Major changes in terms of decreased recruitment of the upper trapezius were observed with KT (P < 0.001). KT and ST also increased flexion ROM at 6 weeks (P = 0.004), but the differences with the no tape condition were insufficient to be clinically important. No other differences between conditions were found. CONCLUSIONS: Shoulder taping has the potential to decrease over-activity of the upper trapezius, but no clinical benefits of KT on ROM, strength or pain were noted in a population of subjects who underwent rotator cuff surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was retrospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov PRS ( NCT03379636 ) on 21st December 2017.

Predictive Value of the Fear-Avoidance Model on Functional Capacity Evaluation.

Purpose Measuring the predictive value of the Fear-Avoidance Model (FAM) on lifting tasks in Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE), and on reasons for stopping the evaluation (safe maximal effort, versus self-limited). Methods A monocentric prospective study was conducted on 298 consecutive inpatients. Components of the FAM were analyzed using the Cumulative Psychosocial Factor Index (CPFI: kinesiophobia, catastrophizing, depressive mood) and perceived disability (Hand/Spinal Function Sort: HFS/SFS). Floor-to-waist, waist-to-overhead and dominant-hand lifting tests were measured according to the FCE guidelines. Maximal safe performance was judged by certified FCE assessors. Analyses were conducted with linear multiple regression models. Results The CPFI was significantly associated with the 3 FCE lifting tests: floor-to-waist (ß = - 1.12; p = 0.039), waist-to-overhead (ß = - 0.88; p = 0.011), and dominant-handed lifting (ß = - 1.21; p = 0.027). Higher perceived disability was also related to lower performances: floor-to-waist (ß = 0.09; p < 0.001), waist-to-overhead (ß = 0.04; p < 0.001), and dominant-handed lifting (ß = 0.06; p < 0.001). The CPFI was not related to performances of patients with self-limited effort despite higher psychological scores, while a relationship was found for patients who achieved a safe maximal performance. Higher perceived disability was related to performances in both situations. Conclusions FAM components should be taken into account when interpreting maximal physical performance in FCE. This study also suggests that factors other than pain-related fears may influence patients with self-limited effort.

A Return-to-Work Prognostic Model for Orthopaedic Trauma Patients (WORRK) Updated for Use at 3, 12 and 24 Months.

Purpose Updating the Wallis Occupational Rehabilitation Risk (WORRK) model formula, predicting non-return to work (nRTW) at different time points (3 and 12 months) than in the validation study (2 years). Methods Secondary analysis of two samples was carried out (following orthopaedic trauma), including work status, the first at 3 months (428 patients) and the second at 12 months (431 patients) after discharge from rehabilitation. We used calibration (agreement between predicted probabilities and observed frequencies) and discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve) to assess performance of the model after fitting it in the new sample, then calculated the probabilities of nRTW based on the coefficients from the 2-year prediction. Finally, the intercepts were updated for both 3- and 12-month prediction models (re-calibration was necessary for the adjustment of these probabilities) and performance re-evaluated. Results Patient characteristics were similar in all samples (mean age 43 in both groups; 86% male at 3 months, 84% male at 12 months). The proportion of nRTW at 3 months was 63.8% and 53.4% at 12 months (50.36% at 2 years). Performance of the original WORRK for both 3- and 12-month prediction showed an AUC of 0.73, while statistically significant miscalibration was found for both time points (p < 0.001). After the updating of the intercept, calibration was improved and did not show significant miscalibration (p = 0.458 and 0.341). The AUC stayed at 0.73. Conclusion The WORRK model was successfully adapted by changing the intercept for 3- and 12-month prediction of nRTW, now available for use in clinical practice.

Clinician and Patient-reported Outcomes Are Associated With Psychological Factors in Patients With Chronic Shoulder Pain.

BACKGROUND: Validated clinician outcome scores are considered less associated with psychosocial factors than patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs). This belief may lead to misconceptions if both instruments are related to similar factors. QUESTIONS: We asked: In patients with chronic shoulder pain, what biopsychosocial factors are associated (1) with PROMs, and (2) with clinician-rated outcome measurements? METHODS: All new patients between the ages of 18 and 65 with chronic shoulder pain from a unilateral shoulder injury admitted to a Swiss rehabilitation teaching hospital between May 2012 and January 2015 were screened for potential contributing biopsychosocial factors. During the study period, 314 patients were screened, and after applying prespecified criteria, 158 patients were evaluated. The median symptom duration was 9 months (interquartile range, 5.5-15 months), and 72% of the patients (114 patients) had rotator cuff tears, most of which were work injuries (59%, 93 patients) and were followed for a mean of 31.6 days (SD, 7.5 days). Exclusion criteria were concomitant injuries in another location, major or minor upper limb neuropathy, and inability to understand the validated available versions of PROMs. The PROMs were the DASH, the Brief Pain Inventory, and the Patient Global Impression of Change, before and after treatment (physiotherapy, cognitive therapy and vocational training). The Constant-Murley score was used as a clinician-rated outcome measurement. Statistical models were used to estimate associations between biopsychosocial factors and outcomes. RESULTS: Greater disability on the DASH was associated with psychological factors (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Pain Catastrophizing Scale combined coefficient, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.25-1.03; p = 0.002) and social factors (language, professional qualification combined coefficient, -6.15; 95% CI, -11.09 to -1.22; p = 0.015). Greater pain on the Brief Pain Inventory was associated with psychological factors (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Pain Catastrophizing Scale combined coefficient, 0.076; 95% CI, 0.021-0.13; p = 0.006). Poorer impression of change was associated with psychological factors (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia coefficient, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.87-0.99; p = 0.026) and social factors (education, language, and professional qualification coefficient, 6.67; 95% CI, 2.77-16.10; p < 0.001). Worse clinician-rated outcome was associated only with psychological factors (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (depression only), Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia combined coefficient, -0.35; 95% CI, -0.58 to -0.12; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Depressive symptoms and catastrophizing appear to be key factors influencing PROMs and clinician-rated outcomes. This study suggests revisiting the Constant-Murley score. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic study.

Energy expenditure of extreme competitive mountaineering skiing.

PURPOSE: Multi-hour ski mountaineering energy balance may be negative and intake below recommendations. METHODS: Athletes on the 'Patrouille des Glaciers' racecourses (17 on course Z, 27 km, +2,113 m; 11 on course A, 26 km, +1,881 m) volunteered. Pre-race measurements included body mass, stature, VO2max, and heart rate (HR) vs VO2 at simulated altitude; race measurements HR, altitude, incline, location, and food and drink intake (A). Energy expenditure (EE) was calculated from altitude corrected HR derived VO2. RESULTS: Race time was 5 h 7 min ± 44 min (mean ± SD, Z) and 5 h 51 min ± 53 min (A). Subjects spent 19.2 ± 3.2 MJ (Z), respectively, 22.6 ± 2.9 MJ (A) during the race. Energy deficit was -15.5 ± 3.9 MJ (A); intake covered 20 ± 7 % (A). Overall energy cost of locomotion (EC) was 9.9 ± 1.3 J m(-1) kg(-1) (Z), 8.0 ± 1.0 J m(-1) kg(-1) (A). Uphill EC was 11.7 ± 1 J m(-1) kg(-1) (Z, 13 % slope) and 15.7 ± 2.3 J m(-1) kg(-1) (A, 19 % slope). Race A subjects lost -1.5 ± 1.1 kg, indicating near euhydration. Age, body mass, gear mass, VO2max and EC were significantly correlated with performance; energy deficit was not. CONCLUSIONS: Energy expenditure and energy deficit of a multi-hour ski mountaineering race are very high and energy intake is below recommendations.

Analgesic consumption in a large sample of people in musculoskeletal rehabilitation: A descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Consumption of opioids is increasing worldwide in people with chronic non-cancer pain, although their effectiveness is debated. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to evaluate analgesic consumption and its association with different variables (demographic variables, pain, anxiety/depression, catastrophism, and kinesiophobia), in the field of musculoskeletal rehabilitation, where no data are available. METHODS: This was a retrospective study over a period of 8 years on people hospitalised for rehabilitation after injury. Participants were classified into 3 categories: no analgesics (NA), non-opioid analgesics (NOA), and opioid analgesics (OPA). ANOVA or chi-squared tests were used to compare the 3 groups. RESULTS: A total of 4,350 people (84% men; mean [SD] age, 44 [11] years) were included. In total, 20% were taking OPA, 40% NOA and 40% NA. In the OPA group, tramadol was mainly used, and the morphine equivalent median dose was 8.3 mg/day. In the NOA group, paracetamol and ibuprofen were mostly used. Symptoms increased progressively across the 3 groups (NA/NOA/OPA), with increased levels of pain severity/interference, anxiety/depression and catastrophizing, and a higher prevalence of neuropathic pain in the OPA group versus the others. CONCLUSIONS: These results are consistent with those found in groups of people with chronic pain taking larger doses of opioids and following opioid reduction or cessation programs. Opioid prescription did not increase over the 8 years, which was reassuring. These factors are important to emphasise because they can be modified in the rehabilitation setting with interdisciplinary management. REGISTRATION: Our database was registered on Mendeley Data.

Disruption of skeletal muscle mitochondrial network genes and miRNAs in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction is believed to play a role in the progression and severity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The regulation of transcriptional co-activators involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and function in ALS is not well known. When compared with healthy control subjects, patients with ALS, but not neurogenic disease (ND), had lower levels of skeletal muscle peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) mRNA and protein and estrogen-related receptor-α (ERRα) and mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) mRNA. PGC-1ß, nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) and Mfn1 mRNA as well as cytochrome C oxidase subunit IV (COXIV) mRNA and protein were lower in patients with ALS and ND. Both patient groups had reductions in citrate synthase and cytochrome c oxidase activity. Similar observations were made in skeletal muscle from transgenic ALS G93A transgenic mice. In vitro, PGC-1α and PGC-1ß regulated Mfn1 and Mfn2 in an ERRα-dependent manner. Compared to healthy controls, miRNA 23a, 29b, 206 and 455 were increased in skeletal muscle of ALS patients. miR-23a repressed PGC-1α translation in a 3' UTR dependent manner. Transgenic mice over expressing miR-23a had a reduction in PGC-1α, cytochome-b and COXIV protein levels. These results show that skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction in ALS patients is associated with a reduction in PGC-1α signalling networks involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and function, as well as increases in several miRNAs potentially implicated in skeletal muscle and neuromuscular junction regeneration. As miR-23a negatively regulates PGC-1α signalling, therapeutic inhibition of miR-23a may be a strategy to rescue PGC-1α activity and ameliorate skeletal muscle mitochondrial function in ALS.