Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation - Volume 32, issue 5

Authors: de Sousa, Vanessa Patrícia Soares | Cury, Alethéa | Eufrásio, Laiane Santos | de Sousa, Sara Estéfani Soares | Coe, Carolina Bezerra | de Souza Ramalho Viana, Elizabel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Low back and pelvic pain in pregnant women is a clinical condition of which the etiology is multifactorial. Thus, various variables can influence the low back and pelvic pain’s intensity. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of the gestational trimester, practice of physical activity and weight gain on the intensity of low back and pelvic pain in low risk pregnant women. METHODS: Two hundred and sixty-seven pregnant women participated in this study. The gestational age, body mass index, weight gain, physical activity practice and the low back …and pelvic pain were evaluated. RESULTS: We found a significant difference (P = 0.02) in pain intensity, when comparing active and sedentary pregnant women. No significant differences were found when comparing pain intensity between the gestational trimesters (2 nd versus 3 rd ; P = 0.60). There was no significant relation between the weight gain and pain intensity (r = 0.03 | P = 0.28). The multivariate analysis indicated that sedentary pregnant women have a higher risk (P = 0.001) of intense pain and the pain is not influenced by the weight gain (P = 0.08) and the gestational trimester (P = 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Sedentary pregnant women have 30% more chances to have higher pain intensities when compared to the active women, regardless of the gestational trimester and weight gain. Show more

Keywords: Pregnancy, low back pain, gestational age, exercises, body weight

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-171006

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 671-676, 2019

Authors: Gunay Ucurum, Sevtap

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Kinesiophobia is an important problem that increases neck pain and causes it to become chronic. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the relationship between pain, quality of life, and kinesophobia in non-specific chronic neck pain. METHODS: In total 87 patients were included in the study. Pain was assessed with Visual Analog Scale (VAS), kinesiophobia with Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS), and quality of life with Health Status Questionnaire Short Form-36 (SF-36). RESULTS: The median age was 50 (40–59) years and the median complaint duration was 12 (8–48) months. The median …value of VAS at rest was 4 (2–6) and the median value of VAS during the activity was 7 (5–8). The median TKS scores were 41 (39–45), the median SF-36 general health scores were 61 (45–75), and the median SF-36 mental health scores were 72 (52–80). There was a weak correlation between the TSK scores and gender, education level, and SF-36 general health scores (r = 0.206, p = 0.023; r = - 0.235, p = 0.004; r = 0.236/p = 0.027 respectively). There was no relationship between kinesiophobia and the other variables. CONCLUSION: TSK scores showed a correlation with gender, education level, and SF-36 general health scores. We conclude that as the education level decreases, kinesophobia scores increase, and as kinesophobia scores increase, the quality of life decreases. Show more

Keywords: Neck pain, kinesiophobia, quality of life

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-171095

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 677-683, 2019

Authors: Okamura, Kazunori | Kanai, Shusaku | Hasegawa, Masaki | Otsuka, Akira | Oki, Sadaaki

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The short foot (SF) exercise is a strengthening exercise for the intrinsic foot muscles that is difficult to master. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of three different electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback methods on learning the SF exercise. METHODS: Thirty-six healthy subjects were randomly allocated to the control group (CTG), EMG-controlled electrical stimulation group (ESG), visual EMG biofeedback group (VSG), and combination EMG-controlled electrical stimulation with visual EMG biofeedback group (CBG). The CTG practiced the SF exercise for 5 minutes using the conventional method. The other groups each used the EMG biofeedback method and …the conventional method. The EMG activity of the abductor hallucis (ABH), the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) angle, and the foot length during the SF exercise were measured before and after 5 minutes of practice. RESULTS: The EMG activity of the ABH in the VSG and CBG was significantly higher than that before practice. There were no intergroup differences in MLA morphology. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that visual EMG biofeedback is an effective method of increasing the EMG activity of the ABH during the SF exercise in a short practice time. Show more

Keywords: EMG biofeedback, short foot exercise, abductor hallucis, medial longitudinal arch

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181155

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 685-691, 2019

Authors: ElDeeb, Abeer M. | Abd-Ghafar, Khaled S. | Ayad, Waled A. | Sabbour, Adly A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a significant problem that affects daily living activities in postpartum women. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of stabilizing exercises with or without pelvic floor muscles (PFM) training on pain, functional disability, trunk range of motion (ROM) and PFM strength in women with PGP. METHODS: Forty postpartum women participated in the study. Their age ranged from 25–35 years and their body mass index (BMI) was 25–29.9 kg/m 2 . They were randomly assigned into two groups equal in number. Group (A) received …local stabilizing exercises, while group (B) received stabilizing exercises and PFM training. Pain, functional disability, trunk ROM and PFM strength have been evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Schober test and Kegel periniometer respectively. RESULTS: Both groups (A and B) revealed a significant decrease (p = 0.001) in pain and functional disability and a significant increase (p = 0.001) in trunk ROM and PFM strength. However, group (B) showed a significant decrease (p = 0.001) in pain, and functional disability and a significant increase in PFM strength when compared with group (A). CONCLUSIONS: PFM training should be an essential part in rehabilitation programs of PGP postpartum. Show more

Keywords: Pelvic girdle pain, stabilizing exercise, pelvic floor muscles training, postpartum

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181258

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 693-700, 2019

Authors: Demir-Deviren, Sibel | Ozcan-Eksi, Emel E. | Sencan, Savas | Cil, Hemra | Berven, Sigurd

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Non-surgical treatment is the primary approach to degenerative conditions of the lumbar spine and may involve multiple modalities. There is little literature to guide an evidence-based approach to care. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of CNT (comprehensive non-surgical treatment) in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) and spondylolytic spondylolisthesis (SS), and to identify predictor variables for success of CNT in avoiding surgery. METHODS: All patients who underwent CNT for spondylolisthesis (n : 203) were included. CNT consisted of patient education, pain control with transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFEs) and/or medications, and …exercise programs. RESULTS: Surgical and non-surgical patients were similar in age, smoking status, comorbidity scores, facet joint widening, and translation of spondylolisthesis. After CNT, only 21.6% of patients with DS and 31.3% of patients with SS chose to have surgery in 3-years follow-up. The non-surgical group reported significantly better pain relief (73.6% vs 55%) after TFEs for a longer period (152.8 vs 45.6 days) and lower opioid use than the surgical group (28.2% vs 55.3%). CONCLUSIONS: CNT is effective in spondylolisthesis and more successful in DS than SS. CNT may decrease the need for surgery, particularly in patients who report pain relief greater than 70% for average five months after TFEs. Show more

Keywords: Spondylolisthesis, back pain, epidural, steroids, non-surgical treatment

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181185

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 701-706, 2019

Authors: Abdelmegeed, Mohamed | Lohman, Everett | Daher, Noha | Syed, Hasan M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to apply the Brief International Classification of Functioning (ICF) Core Set for Hand Conditions to the physical therapy outcome measures, and to evaluate the contribution of these measures to overall health in subjects with ulnar wrist pain. METHODS: Thirty-five subjects with ulnar wrist pain received a 4-week home-based treatment program including orthotics and strengthening exercises. Investigators measured pain, function, grip strength, and overall health four weeks post-intervention. Regression analysis was used to investigate the effect of these variables on overall health represented by the Short Form (SF-36) questionnaire. …RESULTS: Fifty-three percent of the variability in SF-36 physical health summary scores was explained by the studied variables with grip strength predicting 31% of the variability. CONCLUSIONS: The Brief ICF Core Set for Hand Conditions can be a useful abridged list of categories relevant to functioning and health in subjects with ulnar wrist pain. Show more

Keywords: Ulnar wrist pain, Brief International Classification of Functioning Core Set, hand conditions, physical therapy

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181181

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 707-715, 2019

Authors: Hakim, Iman Kamali | Takamjani, Ismail Ebrahimi | Sarrafzadeh, Javad | Ezzati, Kamran | Bagheri, Rasool

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pain from myofascial trigger points is often treated by dry needling (DN). Empirical evidence suggests eliciting a local twitch response (LTR) during needling is essential. Muscle damage after eliciting LTR can increase the risk of tissue fibrosis in some cases. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare two methods of DN including with and without LTR on clinical parameters. METHODS: Twenty-six participants suffering from chronic non-specific neck pain with an active trigger point (TrP) in their upper trapezius muscles were recruited via the convenience sampling method. Participants were randomly assigned in DN with …LTR (control group) and without eliciting LTR or “de qi” (experimental group). Then, they received 3 sessions of dry needling, 3 days apart. We evaluated pain, pain pressure threshold, active cervical lateral flexion range of motion, and Neck Disability Index before the intervention and 4 weeks after the treatment. RESULTS: After the treatment, significant higher changes were seen in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.05) regarding pain, pain pressure threshold, and active cervical lateral flexion. However, there was no significant difference between groups according to the disability (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: DN without eliciting LTR has superiority over the DN along with eliciting LTR while the treatment aimed to receive long-term effects. Show more

Keywords: Trigger point, upper trapezius, dry needling, local twitch response, “de qi”

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181286

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 717-724, 2019

Authors: Ayub, Afsah | Osama, Muhammad | Shakil-ur-Rehman, | Ahmad, Shakeel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Neural mobilization is an effective technique in the management of cervical radiculopathy (CR). However, the difference between active versus passive upper extremity (UE) neural mobilization techniques in the management of cervical radiculopathy is not well established. OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of active versus passive UE neural mobilization in females with cervical radiculopathy. METHODS: A double blind randomized controlled trial was conducted at Shifa International Hospital from Sep 2016 to Feb 2017, and 44 females were included and randomized into 2 groups, receiving 12 treatment sessions in total. Group A received active …whereas Group B received passive UE neural mobilization, along with cervical traction and Unilateral Posterior Anterior (UPA) glide regardless of the group. Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI) and cervical range of motion (ROM) were used as outcome measurement tools. Non-parametric tests of significance were used for inter group and intra group comparison (Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon test). RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was observed between pre and post NPRS, NDI and ROM scores after 4 weeks of treatment for both groups (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in post treatment scores of active and passive neural mobilization groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both active and passive neural mobilization is effective in the management of cervical radiculopathy. One of the interventions is not superior to the other. Show more

Keywords: Manual therapy, neck pain, neural mobilization, neurodynamics, radiculopathy

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-170887

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 725-730, 2019

Authors: Czaprowski, Dariusz | Tyrakowski, Marcin | Bloda, Justyna | Waś, Jakub | Dembińska, Anna | Ewertowska, Paulina | Kotwicki, Tomasz

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Body height (BH) measurement is an important part of the clinical evaluation of children with idiopathic scoliosis (IS) as its progression is defined based on the observation of a growth spurt. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to assess diurnal variation of BH in children with IS. METHODS: BH was measured in 98 children with IS (Cobb angle: 10 ∘ –52 ∘ , mean 21.2 ∘ ± 9.9 ∘ ) both in standing and sitting position. The …measurements were performed 4 times a day – between: (1) 7:00 and 8:00; (2) 11:00 and 12:00; (3) 15:00 and 16:00 and (4) 19:00 and 20:00. RESULTS: A significant decrease in BH during the day was observed in both standing and sitting positions (p < 0.001). The highest decrease in height was observed between the measurements performed between 7:00 and 8:00 and measurements carried out in the evening (19:00–20:00). For standing, the mean loss of height was 0.7 cm (± 0.7), i.e. 0.43% of initial standing height, for sitting the mean decrease in height was 0.7 cm (± 0.7), i.e. 0.79% of initial sitting height. CONCLUSIONS: BH decreases in children with IS during daytime. Due to diurnal BH variation, the time of the day should be recorded when measuring patients with IS. Show more

Keywords: Idiopathic scoliosis, body height, diurnal variation, treatment, evaluation, progression

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-170948

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 731-738, 2019

Authors: Angarita-Fonseca, Adriana | Boneth-Collante, Milena | Ariza-Garcia, Claudia Lucia | Parra-Patiño, Javier | Corredor-Vargas, Julian David | Villamizar-Niño, Andrea Paola

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There are no Colombian studies published that assess non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) risk factors in children. OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors associated with NSLBP in 73 children (19.2% girls) aged 10–12 years in one military school in Bucaramanga, Colombia. METHODS: A questionnaire was used to obtain information of risk factors. Subsequently, children’s weight and height were measured. The backpack was weighed at the beginning of each day from Monday to Friday. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios were calculated, with their respective 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The one-month …prevalence of NSLBP was 39.7% (95% CI 28.4–51.9). In the multivariate analysis, carrying backpacks wearing between 12% and 20% of body weight, having a perception that the backpack is very heavy, and being a passive smoker increase the likelihood of NSLBP, while being 11-year-old compared to 10-year-old decreases the likelihood of having NSLBP, adjusted for gender, body mass index, and history of LBP in parents. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of low back pain was found in children between 10 and 12 years old. The study of the decisive factors of low back pain is important to identify children at risk, as well as to develop efficient primary prevention programs. Show more

Keywords: Backpack, children, low back pain, risk factors

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-160561

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 739-747, 2019

Authors: Strikovic, Viktor | Krasnik, Rastislava | Zvekic-Svorcan, Jelena | Demesi Drljan, Cila | Kuhajda, Danijela | Ivanic, Jelena | Vuklis, Dragana

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Back pain often develops in early childhood and becomes more frequent during adolescence. The aim of this study was to determine potential risk factors and the therapy effects on back pain in children. METHODS: This retrospective study included 96 boys and girls treated for back pain in outpatient and hospital setting in the 1.1.2016–31.12.2016 period at the Institute of Child and Youth Health Care of Vojvodina, Serbia. The influence of sex, age, physical activity and presence of concomitant locomotor system deformities, as well as applied therapies, on the back pain in children was analyzed using …SPSS ver. 21. RESULTS: The studied sample comprised of 56.3% girls. The average age of the subjects was 14.64 years, 43 (44.8%) of the children were physically active. In children suffering from back pain, spinal column deformities were also noted, mostly scoliosis (27.1%) and kyphosis (20.8%). Chronic pain was diagnosed in 54 children (56.3%). The average pain intensity, as measured on the VAS, was 5.72 and 0.92 before and after therapy, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Among the analyzed parameters, only lumboishialgia was a significant factor in the onset of back pain, which declined following ergonomic education and physical therapy. Show more

Keywords: Low back pain, children, physical activity

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181380

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 749-754, 2019

Authors: So, Billy C.L. | Ng, Joseph K.-F. | Au, Ken C.K.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of a 4-week community aquatic physiotherapy program with Ai Chi or the Bad Ragaz Ring Method (BRRM) on pain and disability in adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP). METHODS: Adults with CLBP (n = 44; mean ± SD age, 52.6 ± 5.5 y; 37 women) were assigned to either an Ai Chi (n = 23) or BRRM (n = 21) program (4 weeks, twice weekly). RESULTS: Both …the Ai Chi (- 1.4; 95% CI - 2.6 to - 0.2; p = .025) and BRRM (- 2.0, 95% CI - 3.1 to - 0.8; p = 0.003) groups demonstrated significant pre- to post-treatment decreases in Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire scores and improvements in prone bridge duration (Ai Chi: 11.7 s; 95% CI 1.6 to 21.8; p = 0.025; BRRM: 19.0 s; 95% CI 6.1 to 31.8; p = 0.006). The Ai Chi group revealed a significant improvement in single-leg stand test duration (2.9 s; 95% CI 0.1 to 5.7; p = 0.045) and the BRRM group reported significant decrease in pain intensity (- 11.6; 95% CI - 19.1 to - 4.2; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: A 4-week aquatic physiotherapy program with Ai Chi or BRRM resulted in significant pre- to post-treatment improvements in disability and global core muscle endurance. Ai Chi appeared to have an additional benefit of improving single-leg standing balance and BRRM an additional benefit of reducing pain. Show more

Keywords: Chronic low back pain, disability, Ai Chi, Bad Ragaz Ring Method, aquatic physiotherapy, water exercise

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-171059

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 755-767, 2019

Authors: Green, Christopher E. | Pastore, Anthony | Cronley, Leah | Walker, Merritt D. | Thigpen, Charles A. | Cook, Chad E. | Givens, Deborah L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Direct access physical therapy (DAPT) may result in improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. Prognostic factors associated with spine-related outcomes and insurance claims with DAPT are needed. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors that predict variations in outcomes for spine pain and insurance claims using DAPT. METHODS: Individuals (N = 250) with spine pain were analyzed. Outcomes were classified into High, Low, or Did Not Meet minimal clinically important difference (MCID) scores. Claims were categorized into low, medium, or high tertiles. Prognostic variables were identified from patient information. …RESULTS: Females were more likely to meet High MCID (odds ratio [OR] 2.84 (95% CI = 1.32, 6.11) and Low MCID (OR 2.86, 95% CI = 1.34, 6.10). Higher initial ODI/NDI scores were associated with High MCID (OR 1.04, 95% CI = 1.07, 1.22) and Low MCID (OR 0.91, 95% CI = 0.77, 1.07). Odds of a high claim were lowered by the absence of imaging (OR 0.04, 95% CI = 0.02, 0.09) and an active versus passive treatment (OR 0.38, 95% CI = 0.18, 0.80). CONCLUSION: Females and higher initial disability predicted favorable outcomes. The novel introduction of claims into the prognostic modeling supports that active interventions and avoiding imaging may reduce claims. Show more

Keywords: Prognosis, low back pain, neck pain, health care costs, direct access

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-171074

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 769-777, 2019

Authors: Jankowski, Roman | Misterska, Ewa | Latuszewska, Joanna | Bogajewska, Barbara | Glowacki, Jakub

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Clinical, psychological and demographic variables have been investigated to determine factors involved in quality of life of patients with chronic pain. It has been stressed that chronic pain is more associated with beliefs about pain, than with pain intensity. OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to examine differences between postoperative beliefs about pain control, perception of pain and mood disturbances in patients treated operatively due to neck or lumbar discopathy and degenerative spine disease. METHODS: Forty-four patients treated operatively due to lumbar and forty-one patients treated surgically due …to cervical discopathy filled in the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-PL) and Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ-PL). Patients with lumbar and cervical discopathy additionally completed disease-specific outcome measures. RESULTS: The patient groups do not differ significantly in regards to BPCQ-PL, BDI-PL or VAS. Both study samples differ in regards to dependencies related to beliefs that pain is controlled by powerful others and about internal control of pain. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive-behavioral interventions, concerning depression and beliefs about pain control, may be appropriate for both lumbar and cervical surgical populations, to improve post-surgical functioning. Show more

Keywords: Lumbar discopathy, cervical discopathy, beliefs about pain control, surgical treatment

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181178

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 779-795, 2019

Authors: Park, Du-Jin | Park, Se-Yeon

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Various forms of trunk exercise have been used for increasing abdominal strength. The plank exercise and bilateral leg raise exercise are one of these trunk exercises. However, there are few studies that compared the effects of these exercise variations. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate how effectively the trunk muscles during plank and bilateral leg raise exercises are activated. METHOD: Surface electromyography responses of the rectus abdominis, internal oblique, and erector spinae muscles were investigated during the plank and bilateral leg raise exercise with different hip position. A total of 18 …healthy, physically active female volunteers completed the normal plank exercise, plank exercise with placing the lower leg in a horizontal condition, bilateral leg raise exercise, and bilateral leg raise with lower leg as horizontal condition. RESULTS: The horizontal condition caused significant increases in activity of the internal oblique muscles compared with the general condition (p < 0.05). The bilateral leg raise exercise showed significantly greater activation in the rectus abdominis compared to the plank exercise (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study showed that the horizontal condition had the advantage of activating the internal oblique muscles, and the leg raise exercise is effective in strengthening global muscle such as the rectus abdominis. Show more

Keywords: Abdominal strengthening, electromyography, prone bridge, training

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181122

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 797-802, 2019

Authors: Matejka, Jiri | Zeman, Jaroslav | Belatka, Jaroslav | Zeman, Petr | Matejka, Tomas

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Histological and histochemical analyses of muscle samples were used to determine the intensity of paraspinal muscle injury during open (OPEN) and minimally invasive (MIS) procedures due to spinal trauma. OBJECTIVE: A randomised prospective study design was chosen. According to our hypothesis, OPEN procedures will lead to more intensive microscopic changes than MIS. METHODS: Muscle samples were collected during the primary surgery – fracture surgery (FRS) from the left and during material extraction (EXS) from the right side. Complete samples were acquired from 17 OPEN and 18 MIS subjects. We compared them …histochemically and histologically; muscle fibre typing and statistical analysis were performed. RESULTS: We statistically confirmed that the increase in fibrosis in the OPEN EXS sample was significantly higher than in the MIS EXS sample, with p < 0.05 (p = 0.000322453). Fibre types in MIS did not differ almost at all in both samples; the changes were statistically insignificant. In OPEN samples, the number of type I fibres differed significantly. In EXS, it was significantly lower (46.23%) than in FRS (60.63%), at a statistically significant level, p < 0.05 (p = 0.0234375000) especially with the increase of the type IIA fibres, less in IIB fibres. CONCLUSIONS: These microscopic findings provide a statistically significant confirmation that OPEN procedures in spinal fracture lead, in most cases, to significant changes in the structure of the corset muscle at the fracture site and surgical access point than MIS procedures. Show more

Keywords: Spine fracture, spine muscles, miniinvasive spine surgery, histology, histochemistry

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181159

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 803-810, 2019

Authors: Manafnezhad, Javad | Salahzadeh, Zahra | Salimi, Mehdi | Ghaderi, Fariba | Ghojazadeh, Morteza

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Chronic neck pain is associated with various myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). OBJECTIVE: A single-blind randomized clinical trial was designed to compare the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) with dry needling (DN) techniques on the upper trapezius muscle trigger point in patients with non-specific neck pain (NSNP). METHODS: Seventy patients with NSNP and active MTrPs of the upper trapezius muscle were randomly divided into two groups: an ESWT group (n = 35) and a DN group (n = 35). Treatment sessions …were performed for three weeks and all participants received related intervention once a week. The outcome measures were pain intensity, measured by a numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), pain pressure threshold (PPT), measured with a digital algometer, and functional disability, evaluated by using the neck disability index (NDI). RESULTS: NPRS and NDI were significantly decreased in the DN group and ESWT group (P < 0.05). Also, the PPT was significantly increased in the DN group and ESWT. However, there was no significant difference in pain intensity, NDI, and the PPT between the two groups (P ⩾ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both ESWT and DN can be employed to treat MTrPs of the upper trapezius muscle in patients with NSNP. Show more

Keywords: Neck pain, myofascial trigger point, dry needling, extracorporeal shock wave

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181289

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 811-818, 2019

Authors: Doğan, Nesibe | Şengül, İlker | Akçay-Yalbuzdağ, Şeniz | Kaya, Taciser

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although a number of therapeutic interventions for trigger-point inactivation have been studied, it remains controversial which intervention is better. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of the kinesio taping and dry needling methods in patients with trigger-point related myofascial pain syndrome of the upper trapezius muscle. METHODS: A total of 42 patients were randomly allocated to the kinesio taping group (n = 23) and dry needling group (n = 19). The patients were assessed for pain, pressure pain threshold (PPT), cervical range of …motion (CROM), and function at baseline, at short- and medium-term stages after treatment. To investigate the effects of the interventions over time, two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in pain intensity at rest and cervical motion, in the PPT readings (p < 0.05), in CROM (p < 0.05), and in function (p < 0.05) in both groups, with no superiority either (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Kinesio taping may be a choice of trigger point inactivation in patients who do not want to be needled or who show contraindication(s) to treatments other than kinesio taping. Show more

Keywords: Myofascial pain, trigger point, dry needling, kinesio taping

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181162

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 819-827, 2019