Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation - Volume 33, issue 4
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Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation is a journal whose main focus is to present relevant information about the interdisciplinary approach to musculoskeletal rehabilitation for clinicians who treat patients with back and musculoskeletal pain complaints. It will provide readers with both 1) a general fund of knowledge on the assessment and management of specific problems and 2) new information considered to be state-of-the-art in the field. The intended audience is multidisciplinary as well as multi-specialty.
In each issue clinicians can find information which they can use in their patient setting the very next day. Manuscripts are provided from a range of health care providers including those in physical medicine, orthopedic surgery, rheumatology, neurosurgery, physical therapy, radiology, osteopathy, chiropractic and nursing on topics ranging from chronic pain to sports medicine. Diagnostic decision trees and treatment algorithms are encouraged in each manuscript. Controversial topics are discussed in commentaries and rebuttals. Associated areas such as medical-legal, worker's compensation and practice guidelines are included.
The journal publishes original research papers, review articles, programme descriptions and cast studies. Letters to the editors, commentaries, and editorials are also welcomed. Manuscripts are peer reviewed. Constructive critiques are given to each author. Suggestions for thematic issues and proposed manuscripts are welcomed.
Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Internet addiction (IA), defined as excessive, time consuming, uncontrollable use of the internet, has become a widespread problem. In this study, we investigated the impact of internet addiction on depression, physical activity level, and latent trigger point sensitivity in Turkish university students. METHODS: A total of 215 university students (155 females and 60 males) who were between 18–25 years of age participated in the study. Using the Addiction Profile Index Internet Addiction Form (APIINT), we identified 51 people as non-internet-addicted (non-IA) (Group 1: 10 male/41 female) and 51 as internet-addicted (IA) (Group 2:…7 male/44 female). APIINT, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short-Form (IPAQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were administered to both groups, and the pressure-pain threshold (PPT) in upper/middle trapezius latent trigger points area was measured. RESULTS: The internet addiction rate was 24.3% in our students. Compared with the non-IA group, the daily internet use time and BDI and NDI scores were higher (all p < 0.05), while the IPAQ walking (p < 0.01), IPAQ total (p < 0.05), and PPT values (p < 0.05) were lower in the IA group. CONCLUSIONS: IA is a growing problem. This addiction may lead to musculoskeletal problems and can have consequences involving the level of physical activity, depression, and musculoskeletal disorders, particularly in the neck.
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Abstract: BACKGROUND: Weakness of the trapezius and serratus anterior (SA) muscle may be a risk factor for unilateral neck pain. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the trapezius (upper, middle, and lower) and SA muscle strength ipsilateral and contralateral to the painful side in violinists with unilateral neck pain. METHOD: Twenty-six female violinists with unilateral neck pain participated in this study. Participants reported the pain intensity and duration and completed the Neck Disability Index (NDI). The strengths of the upper (UT), middle (MT), and lower (LT) trapezius and SA muscles were measured using a handheld dynamometer.…Paired t-test was used to compare the strength of the muscles between ipsilateral and contralateral to the painful side within subjects. The relationship between pain intensity, pain duration, and neck disability and strength deficit of the muscle was demonstrated by Pearson’s correlation and Spearman’s rank correlation. RESULTS: The strengths of the UT, MT, LT, and SA muscles were significantly decreased on the painful side compared with the contralateral side (P < 0.05). Except for correlations between pain intensity and percent strength deficit of the UT and between pain duration and percent strength deficit of the MT (P < 0.05), there were no significant associations between pain intensity, pain duration, or NDI and the percent strength deficit of the UT, MT, LT and SA muscles (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that decreased UT, MT, LT, and SA muscle strength on the side of the pain should be considered in the rehabilitation of violinists with unilateral neck pain.
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Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on oropharyngeal swallowing function according to 2 types of placement, acting as assistance and as resistance, in stroke patients with dysphagia. METHODS: Thirty-eight stroke patients with dysphasia were randomly assigned to the suprahyoid group (SMG), or infrahyoid muscle group (IMG); 26 patients completed the intervention and were included in the analysis. In the SMG, the electrodes were placed on the region between the jaw and the hyoid bone, whereas in the IMG, the electrodes were placed on the region below the hyoid for the targeted infrahyoid…muscles. Both groups received NMES for 30 min/d, 5 d/wk, for 4 weeks and conventional dysphagia therapy. Swallowing function was measured using the Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia Scale and Penetration-Aspiration Scale based on videofluoroscopic swallowing study. Oral dietary intake was measured using the Functional Oral Intake Scale. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvements in oropharyngeal function and level of functional oral intake, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. However, the SMG showed a more reduced penetration-aspiration, compared with the IMG. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, these data demonstrate that 2 types of NMES placements have a similar effect on improving swallowing function and oral diet intake in patients with dysphagia.
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Abstract: BACKGROUD: Although the effect of exercise in patients during the subacute and/or chronic subacromial impingement syndrome has been reported, only a few studies have examined the effect of pain free exercise in the acute phase of this disorder. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of training using the Neurac technique which combines body segments suspension and vibration vs. manual therapy, on various relevant outcome parameters in patients with acute subacromial impingement syndrome (PASIS). METHOD: Twenty-six patients underwent a 4 week intervention program. Using random assignment, half of the patients were treated using the Neurac…device while the other half was treated using manual therapy. The outcome parameters consisted of shoulder pain, shoulder function, range of motion (ROM) and the isokinetic strength of the external and internal rotators at 60 and 180 ∘ /s. RESULTS: Following either modes of interventions, the pain, function, and ROM improved significantly compared to pre-intervention levels in both groups. Time-by-group interaction was observed for the rotational strength which increased significantly and exclusively in the Neurac group. CONCLUSIONS: Given its positive effect on shoulder pain, function, ROM and the isokinetic strength of the external and internal rotators, we recommend the application of the Neurac technique in PASIS.
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Abstract: BACKGROUND: Respiratory muscle training (RMT) has been recommended to mitigate impacts of spinal cord injuries (SCI), but the optimal dosage in terms of the frequency, intensity, time, and type (FITT principle) to promote health in SCI individuals remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To discuss research related to the effects of RMT on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness in athletes and non-athletes with SCI, presenting the FITT principle. METHODS: We performed a systematic review. PubMed, Lilacs, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, SciELO and Cochrane databases were searched between 1989 and August 2018. Participants…were athletes and non-athletes with SCI. RESULTS: 4,354 studies were found, of which only 17 met the eligibility criteria. Results indicated that RMT is associated with beneficial changes in pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength and endurance among athletes and non-athletes, whereas no effect was reported for maximal oxygen uptake. It was not possible to establish an optimal RMT dose from the FITT principle, but combined inspiratory/expiratory muscle training seems to promote greater respiratory changes than isolated IMT or EMT. CONCLUSION: The use of RMT elicits benefits in ventilatory variables of athletes and non-athletes with SCI. However, it remains unclear which RMT type and protocol should be used to maximize benefits.
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Abstract: BACKGROUND: Leaning forward has been accepted as a foundational approach to facilitate trunk-stabilizing muscles in the abdominal and lumbopelvic regions for patients with back pain during rehabilitation. However, how trunk muscles are activated and recruited during leaning forward performed under dynamic upper-extremity motion conditions is not completely understood. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether activation of selected trunk muscles changes depending on shoulder movements during leaning forward exercise in healthy young adults. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy adults (6 men and 18 women) participated in this study. The participants performed 3 types of leaning forward exercises: leaning forward…alone (leaning forward 1), leaning forward with horizontal shoulder abduction (leaning forward 2), and leaning forward with shoulder flexion (leaning forward 3). Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to record activation of the erector spinae (ES), multifidus (MF), rectus abdominis (RA), and internal oblique (IO) on the dominant side. RESULTS: There was a significant main effect of exercise type on the activation of the IO, RA, and MF muscles. Activation of the IO and MF during leaning forward 1 was significantly decreased compared to activation in leaning forward 2 and 3; the activation of IO and RA showed the greatest increase during leaning forward 3. Furthermore, the IO/RA ratio was significantly increased during leaning forward 2 and 3 in comparison to leaning forward 1; the MF/ES ratio was also significantly increased during leaning forward 3, compared with leaning forward 1. CONCLUSION: The integration of shoulder movements during leaning forward exercises could be effective in the facilitation of EMG activity of IO and MF muscles, especially with shoulder flexion.
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Keywords: Leaning exercise, trunk stability, upper-extremity movement
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: We developed an innovative exercise device for the abdominal trunk muscles (ATMs) that has a built-in system to measure muscle strength. We aimed to examine the reliability of the strength measurement as well as the effect of strengthening using the device. METHODS: Twenty healthy adults participated in a reliability study of the muscle strength measurement. The first and second measurement were done in one day with an hour rest interval by raters 1 and 2, and the third by rater 1 following a one-week interval. We calculated the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Another seven healthy…men participated in a training program using the device, consisting of strengthening twice a week for 5 weeks. ATM strength was measured before and after the training period, and a positron emission tomography (PET) scan series was performed, consisting of examinations during rest before training (control condition) and during exercise after training (training condition). RESULTS: The intra-rater (ICC = 0.95) and inter-rater (ICC = 0.99) reliability of the strength measurement were excellent. ATM strength was significantly higher after training than before. 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose accumulation within the diaphragm, abdominal rectus, abdominal external and internal oblique, transverse abdominal, and levator ani muscles was significantly higher in the training condition than in the control. CONCLUSIONS: Our innovative device showed excellent reliability to quantify ATM strength. Strengthening using the device increased strength and activated the abdominals, diaphragm, and pelvic floor muscles.
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Abstract: BACKGROUND: Recent technologies, such as the iPod, are often equipped with an accelerometer and magnetometer, which, through software applications, can perform various inclinometric functions. These applications have the potential to measure and quantify range of motion (ROM). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to estimate the iPod “Gyroscope” application intra- and inter-rater reliability as well as its criterion validity in healthy participants lumbar ROM assessment. METHODS: The sample consisted of 29 healthy participants. For the estimation of intra- and inter-reliability, two examiners measured the lumbar ROM of each participant twice using the…iPod. To estimate the criterion validity, the measures were compared to those obtained with the Back Range of Motion Device (BROM; lateral flexion) and the double inclinometer (flexion and extension). Reliability and validity were then established using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: We observed a moderate to high intra-rater reliability (ICCs = 0.67–0.91) and a moderate to high inter-rater reliability for each movement (ICCs = 0.72–0.89). For the criterion validity, the ICCs were all high (ICCs = 0.65–0.89). CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidence that the iPod “Gyroscope” application can be used to assess lumbar ROM for all movements.
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Keywords: Range of motion, outcome measures, reliability, criterion validity, iPod, lumbar spine, digital inclinometer
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is one of the most common disorders of the knee. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is often assumed by clinicians to be an effective adjunctive therapy to quadriceps strengthening. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of superimposed NMES combined with strengthening exercises to improve the recovery of quadriceps strength and function in patients with PFP. METHODS: This study was planned as a single blind randomized controlled pilot study. A total of twenty-seven patients diagnosed with PFP were randomly assigned into 2 groups. Patients received superimposed…NMES in addition to the standardized program (Group I) or only the standardized program (Group II). The patients in both groups were treated 3 times a week for 6 weeks and followed at 12 weeks. Primary outcome measure was quadriceps isokinetic muscle strength. The changes in dependent variables before treatment, 6 th , and 12 th weeks were analyzed using a 2 × 3 mixed-model analysis of variance. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in the within groups statistics of all parameters for both groups (p < 0.05). No differences in quadriceps strength, Kujala and Lysholm scores between groups were found at the different time points [F (2, 21) = 0.86; p = 0.12, F (2, 21) = 0.001; p = 0.97, F (2, 21) = 0.12; p = 0.73, respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that superimposed NMES combined with the standardized rehabilitation program has no clinically significant superiority to standardized rehabilitation program alone.
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Abstract: BACKGROUND: Regular exercise activities affect blood cells. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the seasonal evaluation of some hematological and biochemical parameters of the Olympic Greco-Roman wrestlers. METHODS: A total of three measurements were performed on wrestlers: immediately before the training period, three months and six months after the training session. Hematological and biochemical parameters were analyzed by taking sufficient blood samples from the athletes before and after exercise. RESULTS: The total leukocyte, lymphocyte, and neutrophil values were found to be significantly higher (p <…0.05) in all three measures (beginning, 3rd and 6th months) in comparison with the values before exercise. When biochemical analyses were examined, blood glucose levels were significantly decreased after exercise in all three measures compared to before exercise. Post-exercise HDL cholesterol concentrations significantly increased (p < 0.05) while LDL cholesterol concentrations significantly decreased (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: On all three measures fatigue exercise has significantly increased the total leukocyte, lymphocyte and neutrophil values of wrestlers, while other, hematological parameters were not affected evenly. Fatigue exercise also significantly reduced blood glucose levels and LDL cholesterol concentrations, while HDL cholesterol concentrations were increased. The six-month period training did not have a significant effect on both hematologic and biochemical parameters in all three measurements.
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Keywords: Biochemical parameters, exercise, hematological parameters, skeletal muscle damage, wrestling