Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation - Volume 30, issue 4

Authors: Araujo, Amanda Costa | Filho, Rúben Negrão | Oliveira, Crystian B. | Ferreira, Paulo H. | Pinto, Rafael Z.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the low back pain (LBP) field, therapeutic alliance is considered a non-specific factor of interventions associated with improvements in clinical outcomes. However, there is a paucity of studies aimed to evaluate measurement properties of tools used to objectively quantify the alliance between therapist and patients, such as the Working Alliance Inventory (WAI) and Session Rating Scale (SRS). OBJECTIVE: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the short-form version of WAI - therapist and SRS into Brazilian Portuguese; to investigate the measurement properties, of the WAI-Patient, WAI-Therapist and SRS in patients with LBP and their physical therapists, …respectively. METHODS: One hundred patients with LBP and 18 physical therapists were recruited from physical therapy clinics in Brazil. Therapeutic alliance measures were collected at the initial assessment, prior to the second session, and at 2-month follow-up. The measurement properties investigated were reproducibility, internal consistency, ceiling/floor effects and responsiveness. RESULTS: Although WAI-Patient, WAI-Therapist and SRS were considered to have acceptable test-retest reliability (ICC2,1 > 0.70), these questionnaires showed problems with other measurement properties. WAI-Patient showed problems with internal consistency (i.e. Cronbach's alpha < 0.70 for all subscales). Presence of ceiling effect (i.e. > 15% of participants with the maximum score) and poor internal responsiveness were found for the WAI-Patient (Effect size = 0.15; 84% CI: 0.04 to 0.29) and for the SRS (Effect size = 0.05; 84% CI: -0.22 to 0.11). The WAI-Therapist revealed slightly better measurement properties. CONCLUSION: We identified psychometric limitations with most measurement properties of the WAI questionnaires and SRS. Future studies are needed to refine these tools. Show more

Keywords: Professional-patient relations, low back pain, physical therapy

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-160563

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 879-887, 2017

Authors: Petrofsky, Jerrold S. | Laymon, Michael | Alshammari, Faris | Khowailed, Iman Akef | Lee, Haneul

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: It has been well documented at heat reduces pain and increases healing by increasing blood flow in tissue. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to see if the use of low level continuous heat (LLCH) and Ibuprofen used as a home therapy between physical therapy sessions at a clinic resulted in better therapy outcomes in people with chronic neck pain. METHODS: Ninety-two patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain were randomly divided into 4 groups; LLCH group, LLCH with Ibuprofen (IP) group, sham LLCH with sham IP group, and controls. All subjects …underwent 45 minutes of conventional physical therapy twice a week for 2 weeks. the neck disability index (NDI), subjective pain, range of motion (ROM), strength of the neck, and home exercise compliance were measured. RESULTS: Both LLCH and IP significantly reduced pain and NDI score, and increased ROM (p< 0.01). Home exercise compliance in LLCH and LLCH with IP group was significantly higher than the placebo and control groups (p < 0.05). CONCUSION: The use of LLCH alone and LLCH with IP as an adjunct to conventional physical therapy for chronic neck pain significantly improved pain attenuation and it causes greater compliance for home. Show more

Keywords: Low level continues heat, pain, Ibuprofen, compliance, exercise

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-160577

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 889-896, 2017

Authors: Alkan, Gokhan | Akgol, Gurkan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Although vitamin D deficiency has been associated with osteoporosis, as well as fractures, in elderly men and women, the role of vitamin D deficiency in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) remains controversial. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin D deficiency on the functional status and disease prognosis of patients with knee osteoarthritis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our study comprised 100 patients that met the American College of Rheumatology criteria for a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis. Each patient underwent knee radiography, the results of which were graded according to Kellgren and Lawrence …radiographic grading scale; those that met the diagnostic criteria were included in the study. The visual analog scale (VAS), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Lequesne Knee Osteoarthritis Index were used to assess patients' pain, function and quality of life. Complete blood counts, sedimentation rates and serum C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid and thyroid hormone levels were routinely recorded for each patient. Vitamin D levels were analyzed in winter (between November and February) using high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Patients were divided into two groups, Group 1 and Group 2, according to the presence or absence of vitamin D deficiency. The groups did not differ significantly in terms of age, disease duration, sex distribution, presence of osteoporosis or radiographic stage of knee osteoarthritis (p = 0.793, 0.092, 0.250, 0.835 and 0.257, respectively). However, the NHP pain, physical activity, fatigue, social isolation, and emotional reactions subsets, WOMAC pain and physical function subsets and total score, Lequesne knee osteoarthritis index, and patient/physician VAS scores were significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study therefore suggests that vitamin D deficiency exacerbates pain, dysfunction and a poorer quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Further longer-term studies are needed to investigate the effects of vitamin D deficiency on OA-related symptoms. Show more

Keywords: Knee osteoarthritis, vitamin D deficiency, quality of life

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-160589

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 897-901, 2017

Authors: Shanb, Alsayed Abdelhameed | Youssef, Enas Fawzy | Muaidi, Qassim Ibrahim | Alothman, Abdullah Ahmed

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis usually develops gradually and progresses without significant signs and symptoms. It is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions associated with aging. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) or magnetic therapy in addition to standard pharmacological treatment on bone mineral density (BMD) in elderly individuals being treated for osteoporosis. METHODS: Eighty-five participants, 60–75 years of age, were randomly divided into three groups. All three groups received the same standard pharmacological treatment comprised of vitamin D, calcium, and alendronate sodium. In Group I, thirty participants were also exposed to …WBV for 25 minutes in each session with two sessions per week for 4 months. In Group II, thirty participants were exposed to magnetic therapy for 50 minutes in each session with two sessions per week for 4 months. In Group III, twenty-five participants received only pharmacological treatment. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure BMD of the lumbar spine and femoral heads before and after interventions. Venus blood sample was drawn for analysis of calcium and vitamin D. RESULTS: An ANOVA test detected significant (p < 0.05) differences in BMD after treatment among the three groups with no significant difference was detected between patients receiving WBV and magnetic therapy. Statistical t-tests detected significant (p < 0.05) increases in BMD after application of WBV or magnetic therapy in combination with pharmacological treatment, but no significant increase after pharmacological treatment alone. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of either WBV or magnetic therapy to standard pharmacological treatment for osteoporosis significantly increased BMD in elderly subjects. No significant difference in effectiveness was detected between these two alternative therapy modalities. Consequently, either WBV or magnetic therapy could be effectively applied in conjunction with pharmacological treatment to increase BMD in elderly osteoporotic patients. Show more

Keywords: Vibration, magnetic therapy, osteoporosis, elderly individuals

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-160607

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 903-912, 2017

Authors: Kim, Kyung-Hee | Suh, Jung-Woo | Oh, Ki Young

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Local administration of opioids causes effective analgesia without adverse effects related to the central nervous system. After the beneficial demonstration of peripheral opioid receptors in joint synovia, intra-articular opioid injections were used for pain treatment. Clinical studies have reported the safety and efficacy of hyaluronate injection in the shoulder joint of patients with osteoarthritis, periarthritis, rotator cuff tears, and adhesive capsulitis. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the efficacy of intra-articular hyaluronate and tramadol injection for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder compared with that of intra-articular hyaluronate injection alone. METHODS: Thirty patients with adhesive capsulitis …of the shoulder were randomized to the hyaluronate group (n = 16) or the tramadol group (n = 14). Hyaluronate group members were administered five weekly intra-articular hyaluronate injections; tramadol group members were administered three weekly intra-articular hyaluronate and tramadol injections and then two weekly intra-articular injections of hyaluronate. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), passive range of motion (PROM) of the shoulder joint, and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores were assessed at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 after the initial injection. RESULTS: A significant improvement was observed in VAS, PROM, and SPADI scores between time points in both groups. In comparison in both groups at weeks 1 and 2 after the initial injection the VAS scores of the tramadol group were significantly lower than those of the hyaluronate group. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-articular hyaluronate with tramadol showed more rapid and strong analgesic effects than intra-articular hyaluronate alone and did not induce any adverse effects. Show more

Keywords: Adhesive capsulitis, analgesia, intraarticular injection, opioids

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-160641

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 913-920, 2017

Authors: Peña-Salinas, Marta | Oliva-Pascual-Vaca, Jesús | Heredia-Rizo, Alberto Marcos | Rodriguez-Blanco, Cleofás | Ricard, François | Oliva-Pascual-Vaca, Ángel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Upper rib manipulative therapy appears to be effective on primary complaint of shoulder pain, but its efficacy has not been evaluated in subjects with whiplash-associated disorders. OBJECTIVE: To assess the immediate changes on neural and muscular mechanosensitivity after first-rib manipulation in patients with neck or cervicobrachial pain secondary to cervical whiplash (CW). METHODS: A single-blind (evaluators were blinded to subject allocation) randomized trial was conducted. Fifty-three (N = 53) subjects, 34.7 (SD 10.8 years; 56.6% females), with cervical or cervicobrachial pain following CW, were distributed into two groups. The experimental group (n …= 27) underwent a single first-rib high-velocity low-amplitude manipulation technique, while the control group (n = 26) received a sham placebo intervention. Outcome measures were taken at baseline and immediately after intervention, of the pressure pain threshold over the trigeminal, median and ulnar nerves, and over the area described for the location of tense bands in the upper trapezius, masseter, biceps brachii and triceps brachii muscles. RESULTS: No significant differences in mechanosensitivity values were observed after intervention in the between-groups comparison (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of a sole first-rib thrust technique has no immediate effect on neural or muscular mechanosensitivity, when compared to placebo, in subjects with cervical or cervicobrachial pain after CW. Show more

Keywords: Brachial plexus, manual therapy, pain threshold, ribs, whiplash injuries

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-160645

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 921-928, 2017

Authors: de Melo-Neto, João Simão | de Campos Gomes, Fabiana | de Morais, Dionei Freitas | Tognola, Waldir Antonio

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury (SCI) has a negative impact on quality of life and healthcare costs. In recent years with the age pyramid inversion, there has been a high prevalence of SCI in the elderly. These patients must be studied in order to invest in the prevention and treatment of SCI in these patients. OBJECTIVE: To identify the characteristics and clinical aspects of spinal cord injury (SCI) in the elderly. METHODS: Retrospective study of elderly patients (≥ 60 years of age) with a clinical diagnosis of SCI. Clinical and socio-demographic variables were …collected from medical records. RESULTS: Sixty-two elderly patients were studied (56% men). The patients were analyzed according to gender. Women presented compression fractures associated with thoracolumbar transition, while men presented with listhesis associated with cervical lesions and increased complications. It was found that the need for surgical intervention was higher in men. Among many characteristics that differed between the elderly and younger people (< 60 years; n = 259), in the morphological diagnosis, we observed that compression fractures and dislocation fractures were more highly associated with ages ≥ 60 and < 60, respectively. After SCI, the elderly have a higher risk for late hemodynamic instability. CONCLUSION: Elderly individuals with SCI have distinct characteristics and clinical factors related to gender and age. Show more

Keywords: Aging, spinal injuries, spinal fractures, epidemiology

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-169686

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 929-936, 2017

Authors: Moustafa, Ibrahim Moustafa | Diab, Aliaa Attiah Mohamed | Hegazy, Fatma A. | Harrison, Deed E.

Article Type: Brief Report

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that improvement of cervical lordosis in cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) will improve cervical spine flexion and extension end range of motion kinematics in a population suffering from CSR. METHODS: Thirty chronic lower CSR patients with cervical lordosis < 25° were included. IRB approval and informed consent were obtained. Patients were assigned randomly into two equal groups, study (SG) and control (CG). Both groups received stretching exercises and infrared; the SG received 3-point bending cervical extension traction. Treatments were applied 3 × per week for 10 weeks, care was terminated and …subjects were evaluated at 3 intervals: baseline, 30 visits, and 3-month follow-up. Radiographic neutral lateral cervical absolute rotation angle (ARA C2-C7) and cervical segmental (C2-C7 segments) rotational and translational flexion-extension kinematics analysis were measured for all patients at the three intervals. The outcome were analyzed using repeated measures one-way ANOVA. Tukey's post-hoc multiple comparisons was implemented when necessary. Pearson correlation between ARA and segmental translational and rotational displacements was determined. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated statistically significant increases in segmental motion at the 10-week follow up; but only the SG group showed a statistically significant increase in cervical lordosis (p < 0.0001). At 3-month follow up, only the SG improvements in segmental rotation and translation were maintained. CONCLUSION: Improved lordosis in the study group was associated with significant improvement in the translational and rotational motions of the lower cervical spine. This finding provides objective evidence that cervical flexion/extension is partially dependent on the posture and sagittal curve orientation. These findings are in agreement with several other reports in the literature; whereas ours is the first post treatment analysis identifying this relationship. Show more

Keywords: Cervical spine, lordosis, flexion and extension, traction, spondylotic radiculopathy

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-150464

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 937-941, 2017