Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation - Volume 33, issue 5

Authors: Panhan, Ana Carolina | Gonçalves, Mauro | Eltz, Giovana Duarte | Villalba, Marina Mello | Cardozo, Adalgiso Coscrato | Bérzin, Fausto

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The co-contraction of the core muscles has been reported as the key mechanism towards spinal stability. Classic Pilates exercises aimed at these muscles are known to improve the stability and strength of the trunk without damaging the deep structures of the spine. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the co-contraction of the mobilizing (rectus abdominis; longissimus) and stabilizing (multifidus; internal oblique) trunk muscles during Pilates exercises – going up front, mountain climber, and swan. METHODS: Sixteen women, all Pilates practitioners, participated in the study. The stabilizing and mobilizing muscles of the trunk (right side) were …submitted to electromyography to calculate the percentage of co-contraction during the exercises. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to verify the difference in %COCON between stabilizers and mobilizers among the three exercises. The post-hoc Bonferroni test (P < 0.01) was applied when necessary. The paired t -test (P < 0.01) was used to verify the difference in %COCON between stabilizers and mobilizers separately for each exercise. RESULTS: The co-contraction values of the stabilizers were higher than those of the mobilizers for all exercises. The going up front (stabilizers) and the swan (mobilizers) exercises showed the highest %COCON values. CONCLUSIONS: The Pilates method is effective for either rehabilitating pathologies or training the trunk muscles in healthy individuals and athletes. Show more

Keywords: Pilates, EMG, core muscles, trunk

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181267

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 719-725, 2020

Authors: Kuwahara, Wataru | Nakanishi, Kazuyoshi | Kurumadani, Hiroshi | Shimada, Noboru | Asaeda, Makoto | Deie, Masataka | Adachi, Nobuo | Sunagawa, Toru

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Previous studies have indicated that the kinematics of the knee joint affect the trunk and pelvis during gait. However, the factors that influence trunk movement in knee osteoarthritis patients during gait after surgery remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on trunk movement during gait by comparing knee osteoarthritis patients with healthy controls. METHODS: Fourteen medial knee osteoarthritis patients who underwent initial unilateral TKA and 11 controls participated in this study. Knee and hip joint flexion and trunk and pelvic tilts during gait were acquired using a …three-dimensional motion analysis system. Knee joint range of motion, pain, and kinematic data were collected preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively for knee osteoarthritis patients. RESULTS: Knee extension limitation and pain significantly improved postoperatively compared with preoperative stages. Preoperatively, the peak anterior trunk tilt during the stance phase was significantly larger in osteoarthritis patients than in controls. The peak anterior trunk tilt during the stance phase was significantly smaller postoperatively than at preoperative stages. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that after TKA, the trunk movements of knee osteoarthritis patients were approximately equal to those of controls, with improvement in clinical outcomes such as knee extension limitation and pain. Show more

Keywords: Knee osteoarthritis, total knee arthroplasty, gait analysis, spinal alignment, pelvic alignment, sagittal alignment

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181383

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 727-734, 2020

Authors: Uysal, Irfan | Cetisli-Korkmaz, Nilufer | Cavlak, Ugur

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Balance and mobility impairments, declined musculoskeletal strength and performance, limited range of motion, and poor flexibility are fairly common among older adults. OBJECTIVES: To determine the lower extremity muscle force and to verify the correlation with the gait characteristics and balance in community dwelling older adults. METHODS: Seventy-five adults with a mean age of 75.07 ± 6.28 years were included in the study. All participants were evaluated with the following tests: half squat (HS), decline squat (DS), foot print analysis (step length, step wide, stride length, walking velocity and …cadence) and Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA). RESULTS: HS and DS test scores were significantly correlated with Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment scores and gait characteristics, except step wide (p < 0.01). The results of this study showed that the participants who have higher scores in the squat tests, showed higher scores in terms of POMA (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Appropriate and direct assessment of lower limb power and performance in balance and gait tests should be done to identify functioning of the older adults. Half and eccentric decline squat tests used in this study were useful, cheap and easy. The squat tests can be used to determine the relationship between balance and gait characteristics, in addition to predicting the musculoskeletal performance in older adults. Show more

Keywords: Half squat, decline squat, Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), foot print analysis, older adults

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181283

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 735-741, 2020

Authors: Sadeghifar, A.R. | Karbalaeikhani, A. | Saied, A.R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The effect of the absence or presence of the Palmaris longus tendon on pinch and grip strength was investigated in this study. Similarly, the effect of the presence or absence of the fifth superficial flexor digitorum on grip strength in the hand was studied. The aim of the present study was to assess the combined effect of these anatomical variations on pinch and grip strength. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 523 volunteers and their 1046 hands were enrolled. Each hand was assessed for the presence or absence of the Palmaris longus tendon and …for variations in the fifth superficial flexor digitorum function. Then the grip and pinch power of the hands were measured with the Jammar Dynamometer. RESULTS: The presence or absence of Palmaris longus had no effect on grip strength in the individuals studied. Likewise, variations in fifth superficial flexor digitorum function had no effect on grip and pinch strengths. But the results of statistical testing showed the effect of the presence of Palmaris longus on pinch strength (25.38 lbs in hands with Palmaris present vs 24.43 lbs in hands without Palmaris). Pinch and grip power was higher in men than in women and in the right hand than in the left. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of the present study, it seems that absence of the Palmaris longus tendon is associated with a reduction in pinch strength but has no effect on grip strength, and the variations in the fifth superficial flexor digitorum (flexor digitorum superficialis, or FDS) have no effect on pinch and grip strengths. Show more

Keywords: Palmaris longus, fifth superficial flexor digitorum (FDS), grip strength, pinch strength

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-170916

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 743-747, 2020

Authors: Togha, Mansoureh | Bahrpeyma, Farid | Jafari, Mehdi | Nasiri, Azadeh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cervicogenic headache (CeH) is among the common types of headache which has an undesirable influence on the quality of life. The myofascial trigger point (MTrP) within the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is one of the most important causes of CeH. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of dry needling (DN) and ischemic compression (IC) on the headache symptoms as well as MTrP-related features in subjects with CeH originating from MTrPs of the SCM muscle using a sonographic method. METHODS: A total of 29 female subjects aged 35.34 ± …12.19 on average with a clinical diagnosis of CeH originating from MTrP in the SCM muscle were randomly divided into the DN, IC, and control groups. Both DN and IC groups received 4 treatment sessions. Headache intensity, duration, frequency, MTrP elastic modulus, MTrP area, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) were assessed 2 weeks before and after treatments. RESULTS: In both DN and IC groups, a significant improvement was found in the headache intensity, duration, frequency, PPT, and MTrP area (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between DN and IC (P > 0.05). Pearson correlation revealed a significant correlation between headache intensity and the MTrP elastic modulus (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both interventions could reduce headache symptoms, PPT, and MTrP area. Neither intervention was found to be superior to the other in short-term follow-up. IC may be preferred since it has fewer unwanted side effects compared to DN. Based on the data, it may be concluded that some MTrP biomechanical features such as stiffness may influence the produced headache symptoms. Show more

Keywords: Cervicogenic headache, myofascial trigger point, physiotherapy, stiffness, ultrasonography

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-171077

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 749-759, 2020

Authors: Kim, Yongwook | Kang, Seungmook

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Few studies have explored the relationship between muscle strength, range of motion (ROM), and balance in the horizontal plane of the hip joint using three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis. OBJECTIVE: We investigate the relationships of hip internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) ROM, measured using a 3D motion capture system, with hip internal and external rotator strength and single-leg standing balance. METHODS: The participants were 40 healthy adults. Kinematic data on hip ROM were collected using an eight-camera motion analysis system. Hip rotational strength measurements were obtained using hand-held isometric dynamometry. A …Single-leg standing test and a pendular test were conducted to evaluate static and dynamic balance ability using BioRescue. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between hip strength and each variable measured during hip ROM assessments (p < 0.05). Significant positive correlations were found between the hip IR/ER strength ratio and the IR/ER ROM ratio (r = 0.72, p < 0.01). The subgroup with a normal IR/ER ratio of hip rotator strength and ROM showed significantly better dynamic balance ability than the subgroup with a hip rotator muscle imbalance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant relationship between hip IR/ER strength and IR/ER ROM with a normal hip IR/ER strength and ROM ratio positively affecting dynamic balance ability. Show more

Keywords: Hip rotator muscle, hip rotation range, dynamic balance

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181299

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 761-767, 2020

Authors: Kabała, Tomasz | Giemza, Czesław

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Restoration of functionality in patients with low back pain is one of the most important rehabilitation and societal problems. The aim of this study was to verify the results of the DBC (Documentation Based Care) method used in elderly men. METHOD: This study evaluated the efficiency of DBC treatment on the basis of spinal mobility in sagittal, frontal and transverse planes and a subjective assessment of pain. There were two research groups: one with 187 men over the age of 65, and the other with 187 men under the age of 65. The patients in …the study were carefully selected. All subjects suffered from chronic, non-specific low back pain lasting for a period of at least three months. CONCLUSION: The conducted analyses confirmed that a functional restoration process improved spinal mobility in all planes of movement, decreased pain and functional limitations, and reduced the level of depression. Show more

Keywords: Spine disorders, active therapy, back pain, elderly people, DBC method

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-171072

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 769-775, 2020

Authors: Skowron, Marta | Kociuga, Jerzy | Domzalski, Marcin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is a wide range of rehabilitation protocols after knee arthroscopic procedures, mainly based on specialist exercises. They comprise of specific stages and key moments but should also be individualized and adjusted to the patient’s needs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the BodyFlow device impact on physical and psychological functioning of the subjects after knee arthroscopy. METHODS: Ninety three patients were randomly divided into the study and control group. Each study group subject performed mild electrostimulation using the BodyFlow device for three weeks, five times a day for …20 minutes along with the standard rehabilitation protocol. Control group subjects were treated according to the standard rehabilitation protocol after knee arthroscopy. Healthy and operated lower limb size, a range of the knee joint motion, and the flexor and extensor strength were measured 3, 6, and 9 weeks after arthroscopy. At each measurement, the SF-36 and KOOS surveys were collected. RESULTS: On study day 21, a positive, statistically significant, difference in the knee joint size, range of flection and extension, flexor and extensor strength as well as all KOOS survey subscales and physical functioning categories included in the SF-36 survey was observed. On study day 63, positive effects persisted and significant differences in other categories included in the SF-36 survey were observed. CONCLUSION: Application of mild electrostimulation using the BodyFlow device has a positive impact on the swelling in the knee joint region, range of motion, extensor and flexor strength as well as physical, psychological, and social functioning. Show more

Keywords: Electrostimulation, arthroscopy, knee, surgery

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-170917

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 777-783, 2020

Authors: Alaca, Nuray | Kaba, Hande | Atalay, Ayce

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading forms of chronic pain and is among the leading causes of pain and disability. In this study, we investigated the associations between the severity of disability and fear of movement and pain beliefs as well as the impact of the fear of movement and pain beliefs on the quality of life in patients with chronic LBP. METHODS: A total of 89 patients (42.29 ± 16.05 years) with chronic low back pain were included in the study. The instruments used in the assessments include …the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS), the Pain Belief Questionnaire (PBQ), and the SF 36-Short Form. Patients were assigned into three groups by disability severity based on ODI scores. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 15. RESULTS: No statistically significant intergroup differences were found in TKS and PBQ scores (p > 0.05). A positive correlation was found between TKS scores, age (r : 0.227/p < 0.05), PBQ organic (r : - 0.250/p < 0.05) scores. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed high levels of kinesiophobia and similar pain beliefs, independent of the severity level of disability. We believe that cognitive-behavioral therapy that may reduce fear-avoidance behaviors and convert negative pain beliefs into positive ones should be added to rehabilitation procedures for LBP. Show more

Keywords: Low back pain, kinesiophobia, pain belief, disability, quality of life

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-171039

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 785-791, 2020

Authors: Zhong, Houyong | Eungpinichpong, Wichai | Wang, Xingze | Chatchawan, Uraiwan | Wanpen, Sawitri | Buranruk, Orawan | Wang, Cuimei

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many previous studies have explored the effects of manual massage on back muscle fatigue, and most of the mechanical massage techniques imitate manual massage. However, it is unknown whether mechanical and manual massage have the same functions for exercise-induced back muscle fatigue. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of mechanical bed massage on the biochemical markers of exercise-induced back muscle fatigue in male collegiate athletes. METHODS: Twenty-eight male collegiate athletes who met the experimental criteria were recruited in this randomized controlled trial, and randomly assigned to a mechanical bed massage group (experimental group) …or resting group (control group). The subjects performed eight bouts of reverse sit-up in the prone position and received 20 minutes of the intervention. Creatine kinase, blood lactate, and serum cortisol levels were measured at baseline, after fatigue, after intervention, and after 24 hours. RESULTS: The level of serum cortisol of the control group was significantly higher than that of the experimental group after the intervention (p < 0.05). The comparison of the two groups for blood lactate levels showed no significant differences at any of the measurement time-points (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in creatine kinase levels immediately after the intervention (p > 0.05), but a significant difference in creatine kinase level was observed between the two groups 24 hours later (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences were observed between mechanical bed massage and rest condition on serum cortisol and creatine kinase for exercise-induced muscle fatigue. Therefore, mechanical bed massage may reduce stress and muscle damage for the athlete after training or competition. Show more

Keywords: Mechanical bed massage, exercise-induced back muscle fatigue, biochemical markers

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181347

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 793-800, 2020

Authors: Löfvander, Monica | Rosenblad, Andreas

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mortality rates among immigrant patients undergoing rehabilitation for musculoskeletal backache are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To study the association between marital status, severe psychosocial strain, receiving long-term time-limited sickness allowance (TLSA) and all-cause mortality (ACM) in a cohort of immigrants aged 20–45 years with long-standing backache in Sweden. METHODS: We studied 318 patients (92% foreign-born, 76% non-European) of known marital status on sick-leave for musculoskeletal backache. They were followed up for ACM until 2015. Socio-demographic data, TLSA and psychosocial strain, including major depression, severe psychosocial stressors and pessimistic thoughts, were analysed using multiple-imputation Cox …regression. RESULTS: Over a mean (standard deviation) follow-up time of 15 (5.0) years, 11 (3.5%) participants died. At baseline, 34% were unmarried, 19% were receiving TLSA, and 71% had ⩾ 1 psychosocial strain component (38% depression; 47% severe stressors; 35% pessimistic thoughts). After concomitant risk factors were adjusted for, being unmarried and receiving TLSA were associated with higher mortality by factors of 6.2 (p = 0.005) and 5.8 (p = 0.006), respectively. Psychosocial strain was only significantly associated with higher mortality in the unadjusted analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Being unmarried and receiving TLSA were associated with significantly higher ACM in this highly marginalized group of immigrant patients. Show more

Keywords: Chronic pain, sickness allowance, psychosocial stressors, depression, illness attitudes, immigrants, rehabilitation, all-cause mortality, primary care

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181273

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 801-809, 2020

Authors: Safari, Maedeh | Shojaei, Shahrokh | Tehrani, Pedram | Karimi, Alireza

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The main responsibility of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is to restore normal knee kinematics and kinetics. Although so far different research has been carried out to measure or quantify the stresses and strains in the ACL experimentally or numerically, there is still a paucity of knowledge in this regard under different flexion angles of the tibiofemoral knee joint. OBJECTIVE: Understanding the stresses and strains within the ACL under various loading and boundary conditions may have a key asset for the development of an optimal surgical treatment of ACL injury that can better restore normal …knee function. This study aimed to calculate the stresses and strains within the ACL under different flexion angles using a patient-specific finite element (FE) model of the human tibiofemoral knee joint. METHODS: A patient-specific FE model of the human tibiofemoral knee joint was established using computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging data to calculate the stresses and strains in the ACL under different flexion angles of 0, 10, 20, 30, and 45 ∘ . RESULTS: Although the role of the flexion angle in the induced stresses and strains of the ACL was insignificant, the highest stress and strain were observed at the flexion angle of 0 ∘ . The concentration of the stresses and strains regardless of the flexion angles were also located at the proximal end of the ACL, where the clinical reports indicated that most ACL tearing occurs there at the femoral insertion site. CONCLUSIONS: The results have implications not only for understanding the stresses and strains within the ACL under different flexion angles, but also for providing preliminary data for the biomechanical and medical experts in regard of the injuries which may occur to the ACL at relatively higher flexion angles. Show more

Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament, tibiofemoral, flexion angle, von Mises stress, finite element analysis

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-191505

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 811-815, 2020

Authors: Pawłowska, Katarzyna Maria | Bochyński, Rafał | Pawłowski, Jakub | Jerzak, Leszek | Grochulska, Agnieszka

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint disorders. It causes pain, stiffness and a decreased range of motion which have a significant impact on daily activities and gait, consequently leading to disability. OBJECTIVE : The aim of this study is to compare hip mobilization with non-weight bearing exercises. METHODS: A total of 57 females aged between 55–65 were divided into 2 groups. In the control group non-weight bearing exercises were conducted, whereas the research group received hip mobilization. RESULTS: The Lequesne index significantly improved in the research group as …compared with the control group. Hip function improved both in the control and research groups. Active hip extension increased by 0.54, while active abduction rose by 2.14 after non-weight bearing exercises. In the control group after mobilization both passive and active hip extension increased significantly by 3.53, active abduction by 5 and passive by 4.41, while active and passive internal rotation by 3.82 and 4.56, respectively. In both groups pain decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Mobilization increases hip range of motion, decreases pain and improves hip function more than non-weight bearing exercises. Show more

Keywords: Hip osteoarthritis, mobilization, manual therapy, therapeutic exercises

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181118

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 817-822, 2020

Authors: Cavalcanti, Isabela Franco | Antonino, Gabriel Barreto | Monte-Silva, Katia Karina do | Guerino, Marcelo Renato | Ferreira, Ana Paula de Lima | das Graças Rodrigues de Araújo, Maria

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Spinal pain is an important public health issue that brings biopsychosocial problems. Global Postural Re-education (GPR) is one of its treatments. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of GPR on pain, flexibility, and posture of individuals with non-specific low back pain and/or neck pain for more than six weeks. METHODS: The study enrolled 18 individuals, which were randomized into two groups: GPR group (GPRG; n = 09), submitted to 10 sessions of GPR and control group (CG; n = 09), not submitted to any …technique. The evaluations were done before and after the GPRG sessions, for pain perception (Visual Analogue Scale – VAS), flexibility (finger-floor test) and posture (SAPO). The re-evaluation was done in the GPRG after the end of 10 treatment sessions and, in the GC, after the time equivalent to 10 sessions. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: This pilot study has no homogeneity between groups. GPRG presented improvement in pain and flexibility, but showed no changes in posture. In the CG, there was no difference in the variables evaluated in this study. CONCLUSION: GPR had positive effects on pain and flexibility, but did not present a significant effect on posture. Show more

Keywords: Low back pain, neck pain, flexibility, posture, Global Postural Re-education

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181371

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 823-828, 2020

Authors: Denteneer, Lenie | Van Daele, Ulrike | De Hertogh, Willem | Truijen, Steven | Deckers, Kristiaan | Stassijns, Gaetane

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: For patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain (CLBP), exercise therapy is stated to be the most effective intervention strategy but it is unclear which kind of exercise therapy is most beneficial. OBJECTIVE: To identify preliminary prognostic indicators that predict outcome for exercise therapy in patients with nonspecific CLBP. METHODS: Patients were recruited in two hospitals and received 18 intervention sessions: stabilization therapy, isometric training therapy or a combination therapy. The primary outcome measure was the change in the Modified Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire after nine weeks. RESULTS: …A total of 59 patients completed the study which represents a statistical power of 90%. In total, 30 patients were categorized as having treatment success and 29 as treatment failure. After using regression analyses to determine the association between standardized examination variables and treatment response status, prognostic indicators were identified for predicting therapy success (positive likelihood ratio [LR], 3.8) and failure (negative LR, 0.19). CONCLUSIONS: The most important variables were the prone instability test, pelvic tilt test, straight leg raise, body weight, visual analogue scale and the short form 36 health survey. Show more

Keywords: Classification, prognosis, prediction, clinical examination, exercise therapy, nonspecific, chronic, low back pain, rehabilitation, physical therapy

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181370

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 829-839, 2020

Authors: Park, Sun Ja | Kim, Young Mi | Yang, Sung Rae

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Trunk stabilization contributes to the efficient control of body movements in daily life, and it plays an important role in maintaining the proper alignment of the body and preventing low back pain. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the effectiveness of breathing exercises and lumbar segmental exercises on the vital capacity of lumbar instability patients. METHOD: Fifty-nine patients suffering from chronic low back pain participated in this study. They were randomly divided into three groups: experiment group 1 performed breathing and segmental stabilization exercises (n = 20), …experiment group 2 performed segmental stabilization exercises (n = 20), and the control group performed the modality treatment (n = 19). The measurements were assessed on vital capacity. RESULTS: The difference in the forced vital capacity, maximal expiratory pressure, and maximal inspiratory pressure at pre- and post-intervention was significant in the RE+ LSSE and LSSE groups (p < 0.05) and among all groups (p < 0.05). The difference in the forced expiratory volume at one second of each group was significant (p < 0.05) but was not significant among groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the lumbar segmental stabilization exercise activates the deep muscle and improves the respiratory function and respiratory pressure, when used for chronic low back pain patients with segmental instability. Show more

Keywords: Lumbar segmental stabilization exercise, breathing exercises, vital capacity, chronic low back pain

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-181202

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 841-848, 2020

Authors: Zwierzchowska, Anna | Tuz, Jacek | Grabara, Małgorzata

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: One of the complications of obesity is low back pain, frequently associated with postural disorders. Body adiposity index (BAI) can be calculated without weighing, which may be rendered useful in settings where measuring accurate body weight is problematic. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare two indices of somatic structure, i.e., BAI and BMI regarding their accuracy (specific and sensitive) in predicting postural aberrations. METHODS: The study group comprised of 1281 participants aged 20–22 years, who were students from universities in southern Poland. Anteroposterior spinal curvatures were measured using the Rippstein …plurimeter. All subjects were measured for body height (BH) and mass, waist and hip circumference (WC and HC, respectively). RESULTS: In both male and female groups classified according to BAI cut-off points, a significant linear relationship was noted for the lumbar lordosis angle, i.e., the latter increased along with the BAI increase. The analysis of variance confirmed statistically significant differences in lordosis angles in both groups (women f = 19.6, p < 0.001; men f = 21.18, p < 0.001). These data evidenced a weak relationship between LL and the BAI. Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between LL and BAI was 0.2 and 0.21 for men and women, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that, contrary to BAI, BMI value did not indicate a significant difference in lumbar lordosis angle between normal weight and obese participants (women and men). Show more

Keywords: Body adiposity index, Rippstein plurimeter, thoracic kyphosis, increments of angles spine

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-170982

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 849-855, 2020

Authors: Ha, Sun-Young | Shin, DooChul

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The curl-up exercise is widely used in clinical practice for strengthening abdominal muscles, but has been applied without a systematic method. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the most effective method considering the angle and muscle contraction direction during the curl-up exercise. METHODS: Fourteen healthy males performed the curl-up exercise according to contraction direction (concentric and eccentric) and angle (30 ∘ , 60 ∘ , and 90 ∘ ). The muscle activity of the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), …internal oblique (IO), and iliopsoas (IP) was measured using electromyography (EMG), and the muscle thickness of transversus abdominis (TrA) was measured using ultrasonography. RESULTS: The activities of the abdominal muscles (RA, EO, and IO) decreased with increasing angles (30 ∘ , 60 ∘ , and 90 ∘ ) (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between eccentric and concentric contractions. The thickness ratio of TrA was the largest at an eccentric curl-up at 30 ∘ , and the smallest at a concentric curl-up at 30 ∘ (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The most effective angle for curl-up was 30 ∘ . Although there is no difference in the direction of muscle contraction, eccentric curl-up at 30 ∘ could be considered the most effective posture for abdominal strengthening considering the importance of TrA. Show more

Keywords: Abdominal muscles, electromyography, ultrasonography

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-191558

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 857-863, 2020

Authors: Burelo-Peregrino, Elena Guadalupe | Salas-Magaña, Marisol | Arias-Vázquez, Pedro Iván | Tovilla-Zarate, Carlos Alfonso | Bermudez-Ocaña, Deysi Yadira | López-Narváez, María Lilia | Guzmán-Priego, Crystell Guadalupe | González-Castro, Thelma Beatriz | Juárez-Rojop, Isela Esther

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Up to now there is not enough evidence that supports the use of electrotherapy in the treatment of Bell’s palsy. OBJECTIVE: Through a systematic review, we aimed to verify whether the use of electrotherapy is effective for treating Bell’s palsy or peripheral paralysis. METHODS: Publications were searched in PubMed, EBSCO and Web of Science. The present systematic review included studies that analyzed the electrotherapy as a therapeutic method for treating individuals with Bell’s palsy, in order to recover the function of facial muscles. RESULTS: Seven studies involving a total …of 131 cases and 113 controls were included in this systematic review. In the studies analyzed, patients received electrotherapy combined with other treatments such as hot-wet facial napkins, massages and muscle reeducation. Although the effect of electrotherapy alone was not evaluated, the use of electrotherapy combined with other treatments produced a significant improvement in the individuals evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the diverse methodologies used and the small number of individuals included in the studies, we could not fully prove the efficacy of electrotherapy for treating Bell’s Palsy. Future studies with larger samples and homogenous populations should be performed to obtain conclusive results. Show more

Keywords: Bell’s palsy, peripheral paralysis, electrotherapy

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-171031

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 865-874, 2020