Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation - Volume 29, issue 3

Authors: Yıldırım, Pelin | Ofluoglu, Demet | Aydogan, Seda | Akyuz, Gulseren

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Regular exercise training is one of the core components of multifactorial fall-prevention programs. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of Tai Chi and combined exercise prescription that consists of three main components of an exercise prescription on static balance, dynamic balance, fear of falling and mood. METHODS: Sixty older adults aged 55-76 were randomly assigned to Group 1 (Tai Chi exercise) or Group 2 (combined exercise prescription). Exercise was performed three times a week over a period of 12 weeks. Single Leg-Stance-Eyes Open (SLS-EO), Single Leg-Stance Eyes Closed (SLS-EC), computerized balance measurements, the …Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Survey of Activities and Fear of Falling in the elderly (SAFFE), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and the Beck Depression Scale (BDS) were assessed before and after the final training session. RESULTS: Both exercise groups yielded better results in dynamic balance assessments (TUG and BBS) at the 12th week (p< 0.05). Group 1 also showed significant improvements in the measurements of SLS-EO, SLS-EC, SAFFE, GDS, and BDS during the post-intervention period (all p< 0.05). When the groups were compared, a significant difference was found between groups in favor of Group 1 in terms of the SLS-EO and SAFFE (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that Tai Chi may be a more successful exercise intervention for factors-related to falls in older people. Show more

Keywords: Tai Ji, Tai Chi, balance, frail elderly, falls

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-150645

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 493-501, 2016

Authors: Law, S.W. | Szeto, G.P.Y. | Chau, W.W. | Chan, Carol | Kwok, Anthony W.L. | Lai, H.S. | Lee, Ryan K.L. | Griffith, James F. | Hung, L.K. | Cheng, J.C.Y.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of the Multi-disciplinary Orthopaedics Rehabilitation Empowerment (MORE) Program on reducing chronic disability among injured workers and improving efficiency of work rehabilitation process. METHODS: A cohort of patients with workplace injuries in the lower back were recruited from orthopaedics clinics and assigned to either MORE group (n= 139) or control group (n= 106). Patients in MORE group received an early MRI screening and a coordinated multi-disciplinary management, while patients in the control group received conventional care. Outcome variables are time to return-to-work (RTW) from date of …injury, waiting time for MRI screening and time to medical assessment board (MAB). RESULTS: Patients in the MORE Program had significantly shorter duration for RTW (MORE: 6.1 months, Control: 12.8 months, p< 0.01), and more RTW cases (n= 64, 46.0%) compared to Control group (n= 29, 27.4%). The MORE group also had much shorter waiting time for MRI scans (91.85 vs. 309.2 days, p< 0.001) and MAB referral after MRI scans (97.2 vs. 178.9 days, p= 0.001) compared to Control group. CONCLUSIONS: The MORE Program which emphasizes early intervention and early MRI screening, is shown to be effective in shortening sick leave and improving RTW outcomes of injured workers. Show more

Keywords: Low back pain, return-to-work, case management, worker's compensation

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-150650

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 503-513, 2016

Authors: Mehdikhani, Mahboobeh | Behtash, Hamid | Ganjavian, Mohammad S. | Khalaj, Nafiseh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hyperkyphosis with unknown reason is common in teenagers and can be corrected by orthotic management. OBJECTIVES: Investigation of orthotic outcomes by Milwaukee brace. METHODS: Sixty-one patients with idiopathic hyperkyphosis (> 45 degrees) were given Milwaukee brace before skeletal maturity. Hyperkyphosis was measured during the first visit without brace, in-brace, at the end of full-time and part time duration of treatment. After treatment completion, participants were categorized in two groups: with hyperkyphosis of 45 degrees and less (Group I) and more than 45 degrees (Group II). These groups were compared to interpret the …treatment outcomes. RESULTS: The mean kyphotic curve was 60.1 (SD ± 7.7) and 71 (SD = 10.1) degrees in Group I and II, respectively. The mean kyphotic curve at the time of full time and part time duration of treatment showed no significant difference in patients successfully completed the treatment (P = 0.10) while there was a significant difference between mean kyphotic curve in full time and part time treatment duration for patients with hyperkyphosis of more than 45 degrees (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperkyphosis of less than 70 degrees can be treated if the in-brace correction is saved in part-time duration. Show more

Keywords: Hyperkyphosis, idiopathic hyperkyphosis, Milwaukee brace

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-150651

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 515-519, 2016

Authors: Lee, Dong-Rour | Jong-Soon Kim, Laurentius

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study is to analyze the effects of hand grip training on shoulder joint internal rotation (IR)/external rotation (ER) peak torque for healthy people. METHODS: The research was conducted on 23 healthy adults in their 20 s-30 s who volunteered to participate in the experiment. Hand grip power test was performed on both hands of the research subjects before/after the test to study changes in hand grip power. Isokinetic machine was used to measure the concentric IRPT (internal rotation peak torque) and concentric ERPT (external rotation peak torque) at the …velocity of 60°/sec, 90°/sec, and 180°/sec before/after the test. Hand grip training was performed daily on the subject's right hand only for four weeks according to exercise program. Finally, hand grip power of both hands and the maximum torque values of shoulder joint IR/ER were measured before/after the test and analyzed. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the hand grip power of the right hand, which was subject to hand grip training, after the experiment. Also, statistically significant difference for shoulder ERPT was found at 60°/sec. CONCLUSION: Hand grip training has a positive effect on shoulder joint IRPT/ERPT and therefore can help strengthen muscles around the shoulder without using weight on the shoulder. Consequently, hand grip training would help maintain strengthen the muscles around the shoulder in the early phase of rehabilitation process after shoulder surgery. Show more

Keywords: Hand grip training, grip power, shoulder joint internal rotation peak torque, shoulder joint external rotation peak torque

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-150652

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 521-525, 2016

Authors: Altuğ, Filiz | Ünal, Ayşe | Kilavuz, Gönül | Kavlak, Erdoğan | Çitişli, Veli | Cavlak, Uğur

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study is to examine the relationship between kinesiophobia (fear of movement), physical activity level and quality of life. METHODS: In this study, we assessed 112 patients consulting for low back pain (LBP) of ≥ 3 month's duration. We used Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for physical activity level, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale for perception of kinesiophobia, Oswestry Disability Index for disability status of low back. RESULTS: The results of this study, there was no statistically significant correlation between International Physical …Activity Questionnaire, duration of pain, intensity of pain at rest and Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (p> 0.05). It was found a statistically significant correlation between pain intensity at activity (p= 0.009), disability level (p= 0.000) and Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale. Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale were highly negative correlated with sub-scale of SF-36 Quality of Life Index (general health, physical function, social status, bodily pain, role limitations due to physical health) (p= 0.000). CONCLUSION: The kinesiophobia adversely affect the quality of life limiting the physical activity status of patients with chronic low back pain. Show more

Keywords: Chronic low back pain, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale, physical activity level, quality of life

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-150653

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 527-531, 2016

Authors: Murao, Masanobu | Tsuboi, Miki | Nakajima, Masaaki

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lumbar Multifidus (LM) exercise is a treatment in patients with low back pain. We designed a new exercise using device ``Core-Noodle'' (Copyright has been observed in Japan). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to record the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the lumbar multifidus during a novel exercise. METHODS: Twenty-one healthy young volunteers performed the LM exercise using Core-Noodle in three conditions: no-weight (NW), 1 kg weight (1W), 2 kg-weight (2W). This exercise was performed in supine with left shoulder abduct 90 degrees and right shoulder flexed 90 degrees. EMG activity was …recorded from surface electrodes on the LM and the thoracic part of the iliocostalis lumborum (ICLT), and normalized to values derived from maximal isometric trials (%MVIC). In addition, the ratio of the LM to ICLT (L/G ratio) was calculated to compare selectivity of LM activity. One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni method were used to draw comparisons among the three conditions. RESULTS: Muscle activation of LM was gradually increased in proportion to the loading dose. L/G ratio increased by weight loading significantly, but slightly decreased at 2W. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that characteristic EMG patterns of LM ``selective contraction'' and ``adjustment of load'' are obtained concurrently. Show more

Keywords: Lumbar multifidus (LM), low back pain (LBP), electromyography (EMG)

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-150654

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 533-539, 2016

Authors: Genç, Arzu | Kahraman, Turhan | Göz, Evrim

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The musculoskeletal problems (MSP) vary among different occupations since they had different characteristics and physical workloads. Therefore, it is important to know the difference between the occupational groups to design preventing physiotherapy interventions. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence differences of MSPs and related physical workload among hospital staff. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 416 hospital staff completed the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire for MSP and Physical Workload Questionnaire for assessing the physical workload. RESULTS: One-year prevalence of low back, neck, upper back, and shoulders were 73.8%, 59.9%, 59.4%, and 52.2%, …respectively. The most preventing MSPs from work found in the low back (39.2%), upper back (26.7%), and the neck (24.5%). MSP of low back impacted nurses the most with a 1-year prevalence of 81.3% and 57.1% of nurses were prevented from working. Nurses, service and cleaning staff had significantly more physical workload than secretaries and physicians. CONCLUSIONS: MSP of low back had the highest prevalence among hospital staff and it was the leading cause which prevented from working. Nurses were the most in danger in terms of MSPs among hospital staff. Physical workload was significantly higher in nurses, service and cleaning staff than secretaries and physicians. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal pain, healthcare providers, occupational health, workload, nurses, physicians, low back pain

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-160655

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 541-547, 2016

Authors: Petersen, Shannon M. | Domino, Nathan A. | Cook, Chad E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with neck pain often present with weakness in the scapulothoracic muscles. Few studies have examined lower trapezius (LT), middle trapezius (MT) and serratus anterior (SA) muscle strength in individuals with neck pain, nor compared strength to asymptomatic individuals. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine LT, MT and SA muscle strength in individuals with chronic neck pain. METHODS: Descriptive cross sectional design. Twenty two individuals with chronic neck pain and 17 asymptomatic individuals were included. Participants were asked to complete a screening questionnaire, Neck Disability Index, and underwent manual …muscle testing for the LT, MT, and SA muscles bilaterally. Data analyses included paired and comparative independent t-tests. RESULTS: For individuals with neck pain, significant within subject differences in strength between sides for the LT (P< 0.01) and MT (P< 0.01) were present. In contrast, no within subject difference between sides for the asymptomatic group was found for any muscle. Individuals with neck pain were significantly weaker than asymptomatic individuals for the LT (p= 0.02), MT (p= 0.03), and SA (p= 0.01) on their side of neck pain, but not on their non-painful side. CONCLUSIONS: Significant within subject differences were found between sides for the LT and MT while significant between group differences were identified for all three muscles tested. Show more

Keywords: Axioscapular, dyskinesis, serratus anterior, scapula, trapezius

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-160656

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 549-555, 2016

Authors: Ashnagar, Zinat | Shadmehr, Azadeh | Hadian, Mohammadreza | Talebian, Saeed | Jalaei, Shohreh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Whole Body Vibration (WBV) has been reported to change neuromuscular activity which indirectly assessed by electromyography (EMG). Although researches regarding the influence of WBV on EMG activity of the upper extremity muscles are in their infancy, contradictory findings have been reported as a result of dissimilar protocols. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of WBV on electromyography (EMG) activity of upper extremity muscles in static modified push up position. METHODS: Forty recreationally active females were randomly assigned in WBV and control groups. Participants in WBV group received …5 sets of 30 seconds vibration at 5 mm (peak to peak) and 30 Hz by using vibratory platform. No vibration stimulus was used in the control group. Surface EMG was recorded from Upper Trapezius (UT), Serratus Anterior (SA), Biceps Brachii (BB) and Triceps Brachii (TB) muscles before, during and after the vibration protocol while the subjects maintained the static modified push up position. EMG signals were expressed as root mean square (EMGrms) and normalized by maximum voluntary exertion (MVE). RESULTS: EMGrms activity of the studied muscles increased significantly during the vibration protocol in the WBV group comparing to the control group (P ≤ 0.05). The results indicated that vibration stimulus transmitting via hands increased muscle activity of UT, SA, BB and TB muscles by an average of 206%, 60%, 106% and 120%, respectively, comparing to pre vibration values. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that short exposure to the WBV could increase the EMGrms activity of the upper extremity muscles in the static modified push-up position. However, more sessions of WBV application require for a proper judgment. Show more

Keywords: Electromyography, whole body vibration, upper limb muscles, modified push up

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-160657

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 557-563, 2016

Authors: Tan, Boon-Kiang | Burnett, Angus | Hallett, Jonathan | Ha, Amy | Briggs, Andrew M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether questionnaires measuring psychosocial constructs related to low back pain (LBP) that were originally designed for adults are suitable for adolescents, and if paper and web-versions have similar measurement properties. OBJECTIVES: To examine selected psychometric properties for the paper- and web-based Back-Beliefs Questionnaire (BBQ) and the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ-phys) among adults and adolescents in two diverse countries and to determine whether differences existed between countries and pain groups. METHODS: A sample of 156 adults (Hong Kong, n= 75; Australia, n= 81) and 96 adolescents (Hong Kong, …n= 61; Australia, n= 35) participated in this cross-sectional study. RESULTS: Main effects for country and administration mode were observed in adult BBQ scores, where Australian adults reported significantly higher BBQ scores than Hong Kong adults (mean difference (MD); 95% CI: 2.85; 0.96-4.74) and significantly higher scores were recorded on the web mode compared to the paper mode (MD 0.74; 0.10-1.38). Similarly, Hong Kong adults and adolescents reported higher FABQ-phys scores than Australian adults and adolescents (MD; 95% CI: 3.40; 1.37-5.43 and 4.88; 0.53-9.23, respectively). Internal consistency values were mostly acceptable (α ≥ 0.7). CONCLUSION: Differences exist between cultures for LBP-related beliefs. The BBQ and FABQ-phys have acceptable measurement properties in both administration modes. Show more

Keywords: Psychometrics, adult, adolescent, beliefs, low back pain

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-160658

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 565-574, 2016

Authors: Dandinoğlu, Taner | Karadeniz, Murat | Yılmaz, Volkan | Tekin, Levent | Dinçer, Ümit

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the neuropathic symptoms after local steroid injection in CTS. Since 2001, neuropathic pain scales have been used in the assessment and follow-up of neuropathic pain. DN4 and LANSS pain questionnaires have been applied to groups, mostly consisted of radiculopathy and polyneuropathy cases, before and after various treatments and the results have been compared with the electrophysiologic findings. However to our knowledge there is yet no such study focusing on neuropathic complaints and the relationship between neuropathic pain and electrophysiological findings before and after local corticosteroid injection. METHODS: …Forty-one patients aged 22-65 years and diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome by nerve conduction studies who were also found to have neuropathic symptoms were included in the study. All patients received local steroid injection into the carpal tunnel while the questionnaires and nerve conduction studies were performed before and 2 months after the injection. RESULTS: Local steroid injection was found effective on clinical and electrophysiologic parameters as well as on DN4 and LANSS scores in CTS patients (p< 0.05). Electrophysiologic severity exhibited no statistically significant relationship with DN4 and LANSS scores, before and after treatment (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggests that the treatment of neuropathic complaints should be planned independently from the electrophysiologic findings and minimally invasive local steroid injection appears to be effective with regard to clinical and electrophysiologic aspects in CTS patients with neuropathic complaints. Show more

Keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome, neuropathic pain, DN4, LANSS

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-160660

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 575-580, 2016

Authors: Xu, W.B. | Chen, S. | Fan, S.W. | Zhao, F.D. | Yu, X.J. | Hu, Z.J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many studies have explored the relationship between facet tropism and facet joint osteoarthritis, disc degeneration and degenerative spondylolisthesis. However, the associations between facet orientation and tropism, and paraspinal muscles have not been studied. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the associations between facet orientation and tropism, and parameters of paraspinal muscles in patients with chronic low back pain. METHODS: Ninety-five patients with chronic low back pain were consecutively enrolled. Their facet joint angles were measured on computed tomography (CT) while gross cross-sectional area (GCSA), functional cross-sectional area (FCSA) and T2 signal intensity of lumbar …paraspinal and psoas muscle were evaluated on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: The GCSA and FCSA were significantly smaller for multifidus muscle (P< 0.001), but significantly larger for erector spinae and psoas muscles (P< 0.001), in coronally-orientated group than those in sagittally-orientated group. The differences of bilateral GCSA and FCSA of multifidus muscle were significantly larger in facet tropism group than those in no facet tropism group (P= 0.009 and P= 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Muscular asymmetries may develop in the lumbar region of the spine, which are associated with facet asymmetry in patients with chronic low back pain. Longitudinal studies are needed to understand the causal relationship between facet orientation and tropism and muscular asymmetry in future. Show more

Keywords: Facet orientation, facet tropism, paraspinal muscle, multifidus, erector spinae, psoas major, cross-sectional area, T2 signal intensity, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-160661

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 581-586, 2016

Authors: Babina, R. | Mohanty, P.P. | Pattnaik, M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Altered respiratory function has been found to be associated with back pain. Limited chest excursion in subjects with chronic low back pain (CLBP) may be due to co-contraction or bracing of erector spinae and abdominal muscles; their flexed spinal posture; and/or their compromised spinal stability resulting from dysfunctional transversus abdominis. OBJECTIVE: To check for the effects of thoracic mobilization on respiratory parameters in subjects with chronic non-specific low back pain. METHODS: Sixty-two subjects (excluding 11 dropouts) with CLBP of age group 30-60 were randomly allocated to two groups. Both groups received individualized …treatment for low back pain (LBP) and HEP (home exercise program) regime of breathing exercises. In addition, group 1 received Maitland's Central postero-anterior vertebral pressure for thoracic spine (T1 -T8 ). Total treatment duration was 10 sessions in 2 weeks (5 sessions/week). RESULTS: Results showed significant improvement in respiratory parameters viz. Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Sustained Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (SMIP) and Chest Wall Expansion (CWE) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) in both groups (p< 0.05) at end of 2 weeks of intervention. However, improvement was significantly more in group 1 (p < 0.05) receiving additional thoracic mobilization. CONCLUSION: Subjects with non-specific chronic low back pain with or without radiation to lower limbs when treated with thoracic central PA mobilization, in addition to LBP specific treatment and breathing exercises, show an improvement in respiratory parameters and reduction in disability. Show more

Keywords: Chronic low back pain, thoracic mobilization, respiration

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-160679

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 587-595, 2016

Authors: Baskan, Emre | Yağci, Nesrin | Telli Atalay, Orçin | Aslan Telci, Emine

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The musculoskeletal pain is one of the leading health problems among employed women. The aim of our study was to examine musculoskeletal pain, depression and quality of life (QOL) among employed women and find out the differences with unemployed women. METHODS: A hundred and fifty employed women and 151 housewives were included in our study. We used visual analog scale (VAS) for the assessment of pain, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for the depressive symptoms and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) for the assessment of QOL. RESULTS: The …ratio of musculoskeletal pain among employed women and unemployed women were found as 42.5% and 57.5% respectively. A mild level of depression was found among employed women whereas moderate and vigorous level of depression were found among unemployed women. There were significant differences in terms of depression and QOL parameters. When the correlations of pain, depression and QOL were analyzed, significant high positive relationships between spinal, lower extremity, upper extremity pain levels and BDI and NHP were found only in housewives. CONCLUSIONS: Lower levels of depression among employed women can give the idea that social ambience at work place, focusing at work and economic independence play a role in decreasing depression. Show more

Keywords: Employed women, musculoskeletal pain, depression

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-160682

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 597-601, 2016

Authors: Lee, Hee Song | Kim, Dae Jin | Oh, Yoongul | Min, Kyunghoon | Ryu, Ju Seok

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is no evidence that one exercise program is better than another for rehabilitation of patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). OBJECTIVE: To identify the safety and efficacy of a gradable stabilization exercise protocol in patients with CLBP. METHODS: This study is a retrospective cohort study with 65 patients. The exercise group received the gradable stabilization exercise protocol for 3 weeks over 6-8 visits, while the control group did not receive any exercise protocol. All subjects were evaluated with the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Fear-Avoidance Belief Questionnaire …(FABQ), the active sit-up test (AST), side support test (SST), and extensor endurance test (EET). RESULTS: After gradable stabilization exercise, the exercise group showed significant improvement in VAS, FABQ-W, ODI, AST, SST and EET (p< 0.05). And the exercise group showed better improvement than the control group in VAS, FABQ-W, ODI, AST, SST and EET (p< 0.05). The rate of treatment success was 77.1% among patients assigned to the exercise group, as compared with 12.0% among those assigned to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the gradable stabilization exercise protocol has the possibility to improve clinical and physical findings. Show more

Keywords: Low back pain, exercise therapy, questionnaires, physical examination

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-160724

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 603-610, 2016

Authors: Kotan, Dilcan | Kaymak, Kamil | Gündogdu, Aslı Aksoy

Article Type: Brief Report

Abstract: The diaphragm pacing system (DPS) is a life quality improving operation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients who need mechanical ventilation or have chronic respiratory insufficiency. This procedure is gaining in popularity, and the number of centers implanting diaphragm pacing systems (DPS) is increasing. DPS delays the need for a ventilation machine in the early stages of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease. In this case study, we present a young female ALS patient. A DPS was implanted after respiratory insufficiency began. In the one-year follow-up period following her operation, her need for ventilatory support disappeared.

Keywords: ALS, diaphragm pacing system, respiratory insufficiency

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-150637

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 611-612, 2016