Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation - Volume 25, issue 4

Authors: Dıraçoğlu, Demirhan | Vural, Meltem | Karan, Ayşe | Aksoy, Cihan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background and objectives: To test the hypothesis that dry needling is more effective than sham dry needling in relieving myofascial pain of the temporomandibular muscles. Material and method: Fifty-two subjects with established myofascial trigger points were randomized into two groups; study group (N: 26) and placebo group (N: 26). Dry needling was applied using acupuncture needles. Sham dry needling was applied to the placebo group. Pain pressure threshold was measured with pressure algometry, pain intensity was rated using a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS) and the unassisted jaw opening without pain measurement was performed. Evaluations were done by …a physician blinded to the data. Results: Of 52 patients assigned, 50 completed the study. Mean algometric values were significantly higher in the study group when compared to the placebo group (p values being less than 0.05). There were no differences between the two groups in terms of VAS and unassisted jaw-opening without pain values. Conclusion: Dry needling appears to be an effective treatment method in relieving the pain and tenderness of myofascial trigger points. Show more

Keywords: Myofascial pain, temporomandibular joint, dry needling, pressure algometry

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-2012-0338

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 285-290, 2012

Authors: Shi, Dong-liang | Li, Jing-long | Zhai, Hua | Wang, Hui-fang | Meng, Han | Wang, Yu-bin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injury has continued to increase over the last two decades. This injury is associated with abnormal gait patterns and osteoarthritis of the knee. In order to accelerate recovery, the introduction of core stability exercises into the rehabilitation program is proposed. The theory underlying the use of core stability exercise relates to the neuroplasticity that follows anterior cruciate ligament injury. Neuroplasticity in lumbar, thoracic, cervical and brain regions diminish activation in the contralateral thalamus, postparietal cortex, SM1, basal ganglia–external globus pallidus, SII, cingulated motor area, premotor cortex, and in the ipsilateral cerebellum and SM1 and …increase activation in pre-SMA, SIIp, and pITG, indicating modifications of the CNS. In addition, the neuroplasticity can regulate the movement of trunk muscles, for example, sternocleidomastoid and lower trapezius muscles. Core stability also demonstrates a negative correlation with the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injury. Therefore, we propose that core stability exercises may improve the rehabilitation of anterior cruciate ligament injuries by increasing core motor control. Specialized core stability exercises aimed at rectifying biomechanical problems associated with gait and core stability may play a key role in the management of anterior cruciate ligament injury. Show more

Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament, core stability, neuroplasticity

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-2012-0345

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 291-297, 2012

Authors: Popovac, Hrvoje | Bojanic, Ivan | Smoljanovic, Tomislav

Article Type: Letter

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-2012-0356

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 299-300, 2012

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-2012-25414

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 301-304, 2012

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-2012-25415

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 305-306, 2012