Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation - Volume 37, issue 3

Authors: Yalfani, Ali | Abedi, Mitra | Raeisi, Zahra | Asgarpour, Azadeh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is known as an important debilitating health condition among older women. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of eight-week virtual reality training (VRT) exercises on postural sway and physical function performance (PFP) among older women suffering from CLBP. METHODS: Twenty-seven older women presenting with CLBP were randomized into experimental and control groups. The experimental group was instructed to perform 30-minute VRT exercises three times a week for eight weeks. Plantar pressure variables [sway velocity (SV) and anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) fluctuations of the center …of pressure (CoP)], 30-second chair stand test (30CST), and timed up and go (TUG) test were recorded. RESULTS: The VRT group exhibited significant decreases in SV (p = 0.002), AP (p = 0.008), and ML (p = 0.02) fluctuations. Also, the performance of the VRT group in the 30CST and TUG tests significantly improved after the exercises (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: According to the results, VRT and the program used in this study should be used to enhance balance and PFP in older women with CLBP who mostly prefer activities that are accessible and feasible in low-risk environments. Show more

Keywords: Aging, balance, exergaming, virtual reality exercises, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-230260

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 761-770, 2024

Authors: Scaturro, Dalila | de Sire, Alessandro | Vitagliani, Fabio | Lo Nardo, Davide | Tomasello, Sofia | Ammendolia, Antonio | Letizia Mauro, Giulia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Muscle injuries are common traumatic events in the clinical practice of the rehabilitation field. There is still a gap in the scientific literature on the effectiveness of physical agent modalities in the management of muscle injuries in athletes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of cryo plus ultrasound therapy com-pared to diathermy in combination with high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) for pain relief in professional footballers with muscle injuries. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted on 31 professional footballers with a muscle injury of the lower limbs. Of these, …17 patients, assigned to a Group A (AG), were treated with HILT and cryoultrasound therapy; the remaining 14 patients, assigned to a Group B (BG), underwent HILT and diathermy. We assessed the extent of the pain, the size of the muscle injury, frequency of recurrence and number of days to recovery, at the time of recruitment, at the end of the rehabilitation and 3 months after the injury. RESULTS: Group A athletes had a greater benefit on pain (4.65 ± 0.61 vs 3.24 ± 0.63; p < 0.05) and muscle injury recurrence. The return to play in the athletes of group A took place 4.73 days earlier. CONCLUSION: HILT and cryo plus ultrasound therapy, in combination with therapeutic exercise, rep-resent a valid strategy in the treatment of muscle injuries in professional footballers. Show more

Keywords: Athletic injuries, physical therapies, rehabilitation, muscle performance, football

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-230265

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 771-780, 2024

Authors: Öztürk, Nazan | Öter, Emine Gerçek | Abacıgil, Filiz | Ersungur, Ecem

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Prolonged sitting and poor posture can contribute to musculoskeletal pain and have a negative effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among young adults. Any prolonged posture leads to static loading of soft tissues and causes discomfort. Seated posture leads to inactivity causing an accumulation of metabolites, accelerating disk degeneration and musculoskeletal pain. Regular exercise has major contributions to the prevention and treatment of some health problems such as musculoskeletal disorders. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the impact of online posture exercises on musculoskeletal pain and health related quality of life among university students …receiving distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial involved 72 students divided into intervention (n = 35) and control (n = 37) groups. The intervention group followed an 8-week online stretching and posture exercise program. Baseline and 8-week results were measured using the SF-36 QoL Questionnaire and Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). RESULTS: Students spent an average of 5.4 ± 2.5 hours daily at computers. While there was no difference between the scores of any region in the CMDQ in the control group, there was a decrease in the neck, right shoulder, left shoulder, waist, left upper leg, right lower leg, and left lower leg discomfort scores in the intervention group (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the total score of SF-36 and the sub-dimensions of vitality and mental health (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The online posture exercise program led to notable reductions in musculoskeletal pain and improvements in QoL among university students. Examining the effectiveness of online exercise programs in different age groups is important for health benefits during quarantines. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal pain, quality of life, posture, exercise

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-230279

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 781-791, 2024

Authors: Cihan, Emine | Şahbaz Pirinççi, Cansu | Leblebicier, Merve Akdeniz

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a pathology that frequently affects the geriatric population. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the extent to which pain, functionality, and quality of life change over the progression of OA grades. METHOD: The study included 161 patients with bilateral OA, whose disease stages ranged from 1 to 4 according to the Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic classification system. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functionality using the two-minute walk test and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire, and quality of life using the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). RESULTS: …There were significant differences between the groups in terms of age, weight, and body mass index. The VAS, two-minute walk test, and WOMAC scores also significantly differed between the groups (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the groups in all domains of the NHP, except for energy (p < 0.05). The two-minute walk test score was negatively correlated with all the remaining evaluation parameters (p < 0.05). No correlation was found between the energy domain of the NHP and body mass index, the VAS score, the two-minute walk test distance, or the total WOMAC score (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: After grade 1, the functional impacts of OA on patients increased by an average of four times. Pain was one of the most basic symptoms, the severity of which started to increase in grade 2. With the added effect of diminishing walking capacity over time, the reduction in the quality of life of the patients accelerated as the OA grade progressed. Show more

Keywords: Osteoarthritis grade, function, pain, quality of life

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-230293

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 793-799, 2024

Authors: Sekine, Chie | Yamamoto, Mayu | Hirabayashi, Ryo | Yokota, Hirotake | Edama, Mutsuaki

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lumbar stabilization exercises (LSE) provide dynamic trunk stability, promote muscle strength and endurance, and improve low back pain rehabilitation and performance. OBJECTIVE: To clarify the differences in trunk muscle activity during LSEs on stable and different unstable surfaces. METHODS: Fifteen healthy males performed three exercises (elbow-toe, hand-knee, and side bridge) on stable (floor) and unstable surfaces. Muscle activity of the bilateral rectus abdominis, internal oblique, external oblique, and erector spinae were recorded. Data were compared using the Friedman test. Pairwise comparisons were performed using Wilcoxon’s signed rank test if significant differences were …observed. RESULTS: In the elbow-toe exercise, muscle activity of the rectus abdominis and right internal oblique increased in the following order: floor, low-difficulty, and high-difficulty unstable surface. In the hand-knee exercise, muscle activity of the internal oblique on the lower-extremity elevated side, external oblique, and erector spinae on the upper-extremity elevated side were greater on unstable surface exercise performance. In the side bridge exercise, rectus abdominis muscle activity was highest on a high-difficulty unstable surface. CONCLUSION: Trunk muscle activity increased during exercise on unstable surfaces. Since the effects of unstable surfaces vary depending on muscle and exercise types, exercise difficulty and surface stability must be considered accordingly. Show more

Keywords: Spine, electromyography, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-230297

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 801-809, 2024

Authors: Silver, Jacob | Mancini, Michael | Pavano, Colin | Bauer, Jordan | Barkay, Gal | Moss, Isaac | Mallozzi, Scott

Article Type: Case Report

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Distinguishing between cervical nerve root and intrinsic shoulder pathology can be a difficult task given the overlapping and often coexisting symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to highlight the often-complicated presentation of these symptoms and the subsequent potential for delay in care regarding this subset of patients. METHODS: A total of 9 patients, managed by one of two different surgeons, were identified with a history of C5 nerve root palsy. A chart review was conducted, and the following information was recorded: presenting complaint, time from symptom onset to diagnosis, time from …symptom onset to presentation to a spine surgeon, first specialist seen for symptoms, non-spinal advanced imaging and treatment conducted before diagnosis, preoperative and postoperative exam, time to recovery, and type of surgery. RESULTS: We observed an average time from onset of symptoms to presentation to a spine surgeon to be 31.6 weeks. These patients’ time to full recovery after cervical decompression was 15 weeks. CONCLUSION : We observed a critical delay to presentation in this series of patients with C5 nerve palsy. C5 nerve palsy should remain an elemental part of the differential diagnosis in the setting of any shoulder or neck pain presenting with weakness. Show more

Keywords: C5 palsy, cervical radiculopathy, shoulder pain, neck pain, spine surgery

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-230182

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 811-815, 2024