Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation - Volume 37, issue 4

Authors: Hirota, Kento | Watanabe, Kota | Miyamoto, Hiroki | Negishi, Keisuke | Watase, Mako | Teramoto, Atsushi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The intrinsic foot muscles play an important role in medial longitudinal arch support, as well as several extrinsic foot muscles. While various strength training methods specific to intrinsic foot muscles have been conducted, these exercises are associated with certain concerns regarding their effectiveness and difficulty. We developed a new exercise for the intrinsic muscles (MTP flexion exercise). OBJECTIVE: The aim was to compare the shear modulus of the toe flexors as the muscle contraction activity during MTP flexion and short-foot exercises using ultrasound shear wave elastography. METHODS: Eleven healthy participants were included …in this study. The shear modulus of the toe flexor muscles was measured during MTP flexion and short-foot exercises using ultrasound shear wave elastography. The muscle shear modulus was statistically compared between the resting phase, and during the two exercises. RESULTS: The shear modulus during MTP flexion exercise was significantly greater than in the resting phase in the abductor hallucis, flexor hallucis brevis, flexor digitorum brevis, quadratus plantae, and flexor digitorum longus. The flexor digitorum longus showed greater shear modulus during MTP flexion exercise than during short-foot exercise. CONCLUSION: MTP flexion exercise showed equivalent or greater contraction activity in certain intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles when compared with short-foot exercise. This exercise is considered one of the training options for strengthening the intrinsic muscles of the foot. Show more

Keywords: Toe flexor strength, intrinsic foot muscle, foot exercise, shear modulus

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-230282

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 4, pp. 1041-1047, 2024

Authors: Jiménez-Sánchez, Carolina | Cordova-Alegre, Paula | Carpallo-Porcar, Beatriz | Burgos-Bragado, Jose Manuel | Sanjuan-Sánchez, Daniel | Brandín-de la Cruz, Natalia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Currently, the use of radiofrequency diathermy for the treatment of neck pain is booming. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Digital Capacitive Diathermy (DCD® ) on stiffness, pain, cervical range of motion, and cervical disability and to compare it with ultrasound (US) in patients with latent myofascial trigger point (MTrP) in the upper trapezius. METHODS: Nineteen participants with latent MTrPs in the upper trapezius were included in the assessor-masked, randomized, clinical crossover trial. Subjects were exposed to both interventions: US and DCD® and treatment effectiveness was measured …by myotonometric variables, pressure pain threshold (PPT), visual analog scale (VAS), cervical side-bending flexion ranges, and the neck disability index scale (NDI). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between US and DCD® interventions regarding changes in outcome measures. The US group achieved a statistically significant difference of 2.16 to 1.13 points (p = 0.005; r = 0.646) for the VAS. The DCD® intervention showed a statistically significant improvement of 1.11 points for the NDI at 1-week following intervention (95% CI 0.14–2.07; p = 0.27; d = 0.217). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that DCD® and US can both be considered effective modalities for the treatment of latent MTrPs, having a longer duration of action with DCD® therapy. Show more

Keywords: Ultrasound therapy, diathermy, radiofrequency, myofascial trigger point, upper trapezius

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-230296

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 4, pp. 1049-1058, 2024

Authors: Ikwuanusi, Stephanie | Tella, Abidemi | Akinbo, Sunday | Nwaedozie, Obianuju | Adje, Mishael

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Specific stabilisation exercises (SSE) can combat the debilitating effects of chronic non-specific low back pain (CLBP), improve disability, pain and fear-avoidance beliefs (FAB). OBJECTIVE: To elicit the determinants of outcome in patients with CLBP with associated FABs after treatment with SSE. METHOD: Twenty-nine patients (20 females) with CLBP were classified using FAB questionnaire into high or low Work and Physical Activity (PA) subscales. After 4-week treatment, evaluations were done for pain, disability and lumbar spine active range of motion (AROM). Data was analysed exploratory-descriptively with a significance level set at p < …0.05. RESULTS: Participants were aged 55.24 ± 11.91 years. They scored 19 (65.5%) and 5 (17.2%) respectively on Work and PA subscales. The post-intervention evaluation showed significant differences in all outcomes, but no significant difference between patients with high or low FAB scores for both subscales. PA scores correlated significantly with pain while work scores correlated significantly with disability. Participants’ gender predicted disability, pain and AROM with moderate to large effect sizes. CONCLUSION: SSE can potentially improve disability, pain and range of motion for patients with chronic low back pain regardless of FABQ status. Gender and baseline patient status are potential determinants of outcome of treatment using SSE. Show more

Keywords: Disability, kinesiophobia, chronic pain, lumbar stabilisation exercises

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-230312

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 4, pp. 1059-1069, 2024

Authors: Çalışkan, Zehra | Alaca, Nuray | Kablan, Nilüfer

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In individuals with transfemoral amputation (TFA), adaptations caused by prosthesis use may adversely affect contractile/noncontractile structures. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the immediate effect of the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) kinesiology taping (KT) on the tone and stiffness of the fascia, low back pain (LBP) and standing balance in individuals with TFA. METHODS: Syrian male participants with TFA were enrolled in the prospective, single-blind, randomised controlled trial. Participants were divided into two groups: Experimental (EG with KT, n = 15) and Control (CG with sham KT, n = …14). A 6-minute walk test (6MWT) was performed, after which KT was applied. Measurements were taken at baseline, immediately after the 6MWT and 30 minutes after KT. RESULTS: Although pain decreased below baseline in both groups at 30 minutes post intervention (p < 0.001), the rate of pain reduction was significantly higher in the EG (p = 0.016). Anterior-posterior sway with eyes open improved significantly 30 minutes after KT application only in the EG (p = 0.010). In the eyes closed condition, anterior-posterior and medio-lateral sway decreased significantly compared to baseline 30 minutes after taping in the EG (p = 0.010- 0.032). CONCLUSION: KT can be used as an effective method to support standing balance and reduce LBP in individuals with TFA. Show more

Keywords: Amputation, fascia, low back ache, standing balance

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-230314

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 4, pp. 1071-1081, 2024

Authors: Ogrodzka-Ciechanowicz, Katarzyna | Kurzeja, Piotr | Sorysz, Tomasz

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Due to the systematically increasing number of shoulder replacement procedures among older people, the need to assess their quality of life is becoming more and more important. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to functionally assess the shoulder joint and the quality of life of patients before and after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). METHODS: The observational study included 15 patients after the rTSA procedure (randomly selected). The quality of life and shoulder joint function before and after rTSA were assessed using the following scales: SF-36, Constant-Murley Score, Disabilities of the …Arm, Shoulder and Hand Scale (DASH) and the University of California-Los Angeles Shoulder Rating Scale (UCLA scale) and Simple Shoulder Test (SST). RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) between measurements in the overall scores of the SF-36 questionnaire. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) were found between measurements in terms of the Constant-Murley, DASH, UCLA and SST scales results. CONCLUSIONS: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty significantly improved the patients’ quality of life and the functional condition of the operated limb. Show more

Keywords: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, quality of life, pain

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-230347

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 4, pp. 1083-1090, 2024

Authors: Zhoua, Xiao-Bin | Guan, Jian

Article Type: Case Report

Abstract: BACKGROUND: To effectively address severe deformities at the fracture site in patients, meticulous preoperative preparation is essential. This involves ensuring the restoration of the normal structural force line of the affected area and prevention of any residual deformities. By utilizing E3D technology prior to surgery, creating models based on individual patient image data and performing osteotomy, the required surgical parameters can be measured, thereby reducing surgical risks and enhancing precision. CASE PRESENTATION: This article documents a case involving a fractured femoral shaft resulting in femoral deformation. In this case, computer-aided design technology was employed for preoperative …planning and data measurement to guide the corrective osteotomy and fracture fixation procedures. CONCLUSION: The E3D software utilizes advanced techniques such as customized osteotomy, virtual reduction and internal fixation insertion technology. This enables the software to accurately pre-select the correction of femoral deformities and determine the appropriate specifications and types of internal implants. As a result, the software can create precise, rational, and personalized repair plans tailored to each patient’s needs. Show more

Keywords: Computer-aided technology, corrective osteotomy, digital modeling, fracture reduction

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-230235

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 4, pp. 1091-1096, 2024

Authors: Demoulin, Christophe | Timmermans, Annick | Grosdent, Stéphanie | Danneels, Lieven

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-230401

Citation: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 4, pp. 1097-1098, 2024