Prehabilitation before total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review on the use and efficacy of stratified care

BackgroundPreoperative rehabilitation (hereafter called “prehabilitation”) has been proposed as a potentially effective treatment to target preoperative risk factors to prevent insufficient outcome after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).PurposeWe aimed to assess whether previous clinical trials of non-surgical, non-pharmacological prehabilitation in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) awaiting TKA focused on specific clinical phenotypes or specific individual characteristics and whether the content of the prehabilitation was stratified accordingly. Second, we aimed to summarize and compare the long-term effects of stratified and non-stratified care on pain, satisfaction, function and quality of life.MethodsA systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase was performed. All relevant articles published up to April 19, 2021 reporting “(randomized controlled) clinical trials or prospective cohort studies” (S) related to the key words “total knee arthroplasty” (P), “preoperative conservative interventions” (I), “pain, function, quality of life and/or satisfaction” (O) were included.ResultsAfter screening 3498 potentially eligible records, 18 studies were assessed for risk of bias. Twelve studies had low, 2 moderate, 3 serious, and one high risk of bias. The latter study was excluded, resulting in 17 included studies. Five studies investigated a“stratified prehabilitation care” and 12 “non-stratified prehabilitation care”. Stratified prehabilitation in 4 studies meant that the study sample was chosen considering a predefined intervention, and in the fifth study, the prehabilitation was stratified to individuals’ needs. No direct comparison between the 2 approaches was possible. We found weak evidence for a positive effect of biopsychosocial prehabilitation compared to no prehabilitation on function (stratified studies) and pain neuroscience education prehabilitation compared to biomedical education on satisfaction (non-stratified studies) at 6 months post-TKA. We found strong evidence for positive effects of exercise prehabilitation compared to no prehabilitation on pain at 6 months and on function at 12 months post-TKA (non-stratified studies).ConclusionMore research is needed of stratified prehabilitation care focusing on individual characteristics in people with KOA awaiting TKA.Registration numberThis systematic review was prospectively registered at PROSPERO on March 22, 2021 (no. CRD42021221098).     

Evolution of the thematic structure and main producers of physical therapy interventions research: A bibliometric analysis (1986 to 2017)

BackgroundBibliometric studies are used to analyse and map scientific areas, and study the scientific output and impact of institutes and countries.ObjectivesDescribe the thematic structure and evolution of the field of physical therapy interventions using articles indexed in Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). Also, identify and compare the main producers (countries, institutions) over time (research output, citation impact).MethodsEligible articles were those indexed in PEDro (1986-2017) and matched to Web of Science. VOSviewer software, bibliometric text mining, and visualisation techniques were used to evaluate the thematic structure of the included articles. We collected data about authors’ country and institutional affiliation, and calculated bibliometric indicators (production, citation impact).ResultsA total of 29 090 articles were analysed. Eight topics were identified: “neurological rehabilitation”; “methods”; “exercise for prevention and rehabilitation of lifestyle diseases”; “assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal pain”; “physical activity”, “health promotion and behaviour change”; “respiratory physical therapy”; “hospital, primary care and health economics”; “cancer and complementary therapies”. The most productive countries were United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. The most impactful countries were United States, France, Finland, and Canada. The most productive institutions were University of Sydney, VU University of Amsterdam, University of Queensland, and University of Toronto.ConclusionsThe thematic structure of physical therapy interventions has evolved over time with “neurological rehabilitation”, “methods”, “exercise related to lifestyle diseases”, and “physical activity” becoming increasingly important. Main producers of this research were traditionally located in North America and Europe but now include countries like China and Brazil.     

Investigation of the effect of conservative interventions in thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to conduct a current review of randomized controlled trials regarding the effect of conservative interventions on pain and function in people with thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis (OA), perform a meta-analysis of the findings and summarize current knowledge. Method: Data were obtained from MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PEDro and CENTRAL databases from their inception to May 2014. Reference lists of relevant literature reviews were also searched. All published randomized trials without restrictions to time of publication or language were considered for inclusion. Study subjects were symptomatic adults with thumb CMC OA. Two reviewers independently selected studies, conducted quality assessment and extracted results. Data were pooled in a meta-analysis, when possible, using a random-effects model. Quality of the body evidence was assessed using GRADE approach. Results: Sixteen RCTs involving 1145 participants met the inclusion criteria. Twelve were of high quality (PEDro score?>?6). We found moderate quality evidence that manual therapy and therapeutic exercise combined with manual therapy improve pain in thumb CMC OA at short- and intermediate-term follow-up, and from low to moderate quality evidences that magneto therapy improves pain and function at short-term follow-up. Orthoses (splints) were found to improve function at long-term follow-up and pinch strength at short-term follow-up. Finally, we found from very low to low-quality evidence that other conservative interventions provide no significant improvement in pain and in function at short- and long-term follow-up. Conclusions: Some of the commonly performed conservative interventions performed in therapy have evidence to support their use to improve hand function and decrease hand pain. Additional research is required to determine the efficacy of other therapeutic interventions that are performed with patients with thumb CMC OA.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• Manual therapy and exercise are an effective means of improving pain and function at short-term follow-up by patients with thumb CMC OA.

• Magneto therapy, manual therapy, manual therapy and exercise and Orthoses (splints) were found to have clinically significant results.

• Very few of the included studies showed a clinically significant effect size in favor of treatment.

     

Limited scientific evidence supports the use of conservative treatment interventions for pain and function in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome: randomized control trials

Abstract

Background: Different conservative treatment interventions are often used to decrease pain and improve function in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS). However, the current evidence to support the use of these interventions has not been established.

Objectives: To determine the evidence for conservative treatment interventions regarding pain and function compared to any intervention for SAIS patients.

Methods: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials, published in English between 1 January 1999 and 31 May 2010, was performed using PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Library and manual searching. The methodological quality (PEDro scale) and evidence grade (SBU) were rated. Eight studies were of high quality, four were medium quality, and eight were low quality. Various conservative treatment interventions were evaluated: acupuncture, electrotherapy modalities, exercises, mixed modalities, changing posture, and use of a functional brace.

Results: Limited scientific evidence (LSE) indicates positive effects of exercise and mixed modalities regarding pain and function and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) regarding pain in SAIS patients. LSE also indicate no effect of electrotherapy modalities, apart from HILT, as treatment for SAIS.

Conclusions: The lack of high quality interventions limits the ability to draw conclusions regarding efficacy from several of the included studies. However, exercise may be as efficient as surgery, manual therapy in combination with exercise seems to be more effective than exercise alone and high-dose exercises seem to be more effective than low-dose exercises. Furthermore, there is contradictory evidence to support the use of acupuncture.     

Ageing well with chronic musculoskeletal pain: protocol for a systematic review of non-pharmacological interventions aimed at reducing pain in an ageing population

Background: Chronic musculoskeletal pain in the elderly is highly prevalent, with osteoarthritis, low back pain, neck pain and other musculoskeletal disorders as the leading contributors to pain chronicity and disability. Previous reviews identifying effective components of non-pharmacological interventions for treating chronic pain have either few studies or the included studies examine outcome over a limited time span. This systematic review will investigate the effectiveness and components of interventions associated with management of chronic musculoskeletal pain in older adults (≥65 years).

Methods/Design: This systematic review will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidance. Randomised controlled trials of non-pharmacological interventions aimed at reducing pain in older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain will be included. Articles will be identified through a comprehensive search of the following databases: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, AMED, Scopus, Web of Science and PEDro. Two review authors will independently screen articles retrieved from the search for eligibility, and extract relevant data on methodological issues. A narrative synthesis will be completed if there are insufficient data for a meta-analysis. The narrative synthesis will summarise the current state of knowledge, interventions, study designs and robustness of evidence.

Discussion: Findings of the study will inform support programs and interventions to assist people aging with pain, carers and other supporters and practitioners.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO 2017:CRD42017074173.     

Effect of Soft Braces on Pain and Physical Function in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: Systematic Review With Meta-Analyses

ObjectivesTo systematically review and synthesize the effects of soft braces on pain and on self-reported and performance-based physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.Data SourcesThe following electronic databases were searched from inception to April 20, 2016: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and PEDro.Study SelectionRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized controlled trials (non-RCTs), such as controlled clinical trials, crossover studies, and case-control studies, were included. Two reviewers independently screened articles and determined inclusion through predefined criteria.Data ExtractionData related to participant demographics, study design and methods, interventions, and outcomes, including numerical means and SDs, were extracted by 1 reviewer. Methodological quality assessment was independently performed by 2 reviewers.Data SynthesisEleven studies were identified, including 6 RCTs and 5 non-RCTs. The methodological quality of included RCTs was low. There was a moderate improvement in pain (standardized mean difference [SMD]=.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], .14–.89; P=.007; 284 participants) in favor of wearing a brace compared with not wearing a brace for the immediate, within-group comparison. There was a moderate improvement in pain (SMD=.61; 95% CI, .33–.89; P<.001; 206 participants) and a small to moderate improvement in self-reported physical function (SMD=.39; 95% CI, .11–.67; P=.006; 206 participants) in favor of patients receiving a soft brace versus standard care for the prolonged effect, between-group comparison.ConclusionsCurrently available evidence indicates that soft braces have moderate effects on pain and small to moderate effects on self-reported physical function in knee osteoarthritis. These findings highlight the importance of soft braces as a technique to improve pain and physical function in both the short- and long-term. Additional high-quality studies are warranted to improve confidence in the findings.     

Non-pharmacological interventions for spasticity in adults: An overview of systematic reviews

ObjectivesSpasticity causes significant long-term disability-burden, requiring comprehensive management. This review evaluates evidence from published systematic reviews of clinical trials for effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for improved spasticity outcomes.MethodsData sources: a literature search was conducted using medical and health science electronic (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library) databases for published systematic reviews up to 15th June 2017. Data extraction and synthesis: two reviewers applied inclusion criteria to select potential systematic reviews, independently extracted data for methodological quality using Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR). Quality of evidence was critically appraised with Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).ResultsOverall 18 systematic reviews were evaluated for evidence for a range of non-pharmacological interventions currently used in managing spasticity in various neurological conditions. There is “moderate” evidence for electro-neuromuscular stimulation and acupuncture as an adjunct therapy to conventional routine care (pharmacological and rehabilitation) in persons following stroke. “Low” quality evidence for rehabilitation programs targeting spasticity (such as induced movement therapy, stretching, dynamic elbow-splinting, occupational therapy) in stroke and other neurological conditions; extracorporeal shock-wave therapy in brain injury; transcranial direct current stimulation in stroke; transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for other neurological conditions; physical activity programs and repetitive magnetic stimulation in persons with MS, vibration therapy for SCI and stretching for other neurological condition. For other interventions, evidence was inconclusive.ConclusionsDespite the available range of non-pharmacological interventions for spasticity, there is lack of high-quality evidence for many modalities. Further research is needed to judge the effect with appropriate study designs, timing and intensity of modalities, and associate costs of these interventions.     

Effect of Resistance Exercise on Body Structure and Function,Activity, and Participation in Individuals With Parkinson Disease: A Systematic Review

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of resistance exercise (RE) on body structure and function, activity, and participation in individuals with Parkinson Disease (PD) in the mild to moderate stages.Data SourcesMedline, Embase, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Lilacs, and PEDro were searched from inception until June 2020 using the terms “Parkinson Disease,” “Exercise,” “Resistance Training,” “Muscle Strength,” “Cardiorespiratory Fitness,” “Postural Balance,” “Gait,” and “Quality of Life.”Study SelectionWe included studies conducted in individuals with PD involving RE compared with a control group. Two independent reviewers performed the selection process based on titles, abstracts, and full-text reading. In total, 270 individuals with PD were included from 10 selected studies.Data extractionTwo reviewers independently extracted characteristics related to participants, intervention and control types, and results. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality, and the level of evidence was analyzed and synthesized using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach.Data SynthesisThe level of evidence for body structure and function was low and without effect for lower limb muscle strength; very low and with effect for upper limb muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and postural balance; and very low and without effect for flexibility after RE training. For activity, the evidence was very low and with effect for gait and very low and without effect for mobility. For participation (ie, quality of life) the evidence was very low and without effect.ConclusionsAlthough the level of evidence was low to very low, RE was shown to promote improvements in body structure and function (upper limb muscle strength, cardiovascular function, postural balance) and activity (gait). In contrast, RE did not significantly improve participation (quality of life). However, based on the present findings, the practice of RE can be recommended for individuals with PD in the mild to moderate stages.     

Effectiveness of Dry Needling Therapy on Pain,Hip Muscle Strength,and Physical Function in Patients With Hip Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo investigate the short-term effects of dry needling (DN) on physical function, pain, and hip muscle strength in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA).DesignA double-blind, placebo-control, randomized controlled trial.SettingPrivate practice physiotherapy clinic.ParticipantsPatients with unilateral hip OA (N=45) were randomly allocated to a DN group, sham DN group, or control group.InterventionsPatients in the DN and sham groups received 3 treatment sessions. Three active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) were treated in each session with DN or a sham needle procedure. The treatment was applied in active MTrPs of the iliopsoas, rectus femoris, tensor fasciae latae, and gluteus minimus muscles.Main Outcome MeasuresPhysical function was assessed with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) physical function subscale, the timed Up and Go test, and the 40-meter self-paced walk test. Intensity of hip pain related to physical function was evaluated using the visual analog scale and WOMAC pain subscale. The maximal isometric force of hip muscles was recorded with a handheld dynamometer.ResultsSignificant group by time interactions were shown for physical function, pain, and hip muscle force variables. Post hoc tests revealed a significant reduction in hip pain and significant improvements in physical function and hip muscle strength in the DN group compared with the sham and control groups. The DN group showed within- and between-groups large effect sizes (d>0.8).ConclusionsDN therapy in active MTrPs of the hip muscles reduced pain and improved hip muscle strength and physical function in patients with hip OA. DN in active MTrPs of the hip muscles should be considered for the management of hip OA.     

Physical exercise and reduction of pain in adults with lower limb osteoarthritis: a systematic review

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. The knee and hip joints are the most frequently affected. Treatments fall into three main categories: pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and surgical. Treatments can be applied alone or in combination. In the last few years, within the non-pharmacological category have been a growing importance of physical exercise programs aimed to reduce pain in knee and hip joints. The purpose of this review was to summarize evidence for the effectiveness and structure of exercise programs on pain in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis. To that end, several databases were searched, retrieving 33 studies that evaluated the influence of different exercise programs on pain. These studies were grouped according to the characteristics of the exercise program: land-based intervention (strength program, Tai Chi, aerobic program), aquatic intervention (hydrotherapy), and mixed exercise programs. The main conclusions drawn were: (i) despite recommendations for the use of exercise programs as pain therapy in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis, very few randomized clinical studies were conducted; (ii) the structure of the exercise programs (content, duration, frequency and duration of the session) is very heterogeneous; (iii) on overall, exercise programs based on Tai Chi have better results than mixed exercise programs, but without clear differences.     

Influence of weight bearing visual feedback on movement symmetry during sit to stand task

BackgroundWeight-bearing asymmetry is common in individuals with hip osteoarthritis and after total hip arthroplasty. Including symmetry training to the rehabilitation programs may normalize movement strategies during dynamic tasks. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immediate influences of real-time visual feedback of weight distribution on the interlimb movement symmetry during the sit-to-stand task, before and after total hip arthroplasty, and to determine whether physical impairments affect the response to visual feedback.MethodsSubjects before and after total hip arthroplasty participated in three- dimensional motion analysis. Subjects completed 3 trials of sit-to-stand task in two conditions; “without visual feedback” and “with visual feedback”. Outcome measures were the interlimb symmetry of vertical ground reaction force, and joint kinematics and kinetics. Pain and strength of lower limbs were assessed.FindingsCompared to “without visual feedback” condition, subjects moved with greater symmetry of vertical ground reaction force and joint kinetics when visual feedback was received. However, subjects continued to demonstrate interlimb difference for joint kinetics and vertical ground reaction force in the visual feedback condition. The increase in symmetry was not strongly influenced by physical impairments and subjects before and after total hip arthroplasty responded similarly to the feedback.InterpretationsWe concluded that in a single session, the visual feedback of weight bearing distribution had a positive immediate effect on movement symmetry during the sit-to-stand task. Future studies that assess long-term retention and functional benefits are warranted before visual feedback is incorporated in rehabilitation for this patient population.     

The effects of foam rolling on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in healthy adults: A systematic literature review

BackgroundReduced ankle dorsiflexion is associated with lower limb injury and dysfunction, with static stretching mostly used to increase ankle range of motion. Foam rolling is an alternative intervention, shown to immediately increase ankle range of motion, while the long-term application has conflicting evidence.AimsTo assess the effects of single and multiple foam rolling interventions on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in healthy adults and appraise the methodological quality of the included studies.DesignSystematic literature review.MethodsFive electronic databases were systematically searched to identify randomised controlled trials reporting the effects of foam rolling on ankle dorsiflexion. Data was extracted from studies that met the inclusion criteria and independently appraised by each reviewer using the PEDro scale.ResultsThirty-two articles were identified; six studies included foam rolling compared to other interventions on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. Five of the six studies reported a significant increase (p < 0.05) in ankle dorsiflexion within groups compared to baseline measurements, after a single foam rolling intervention. One study found a significant within group increase in long-term effects after foam rolling on ankle dorsiflexion over seven weeks. The mean PEDro score for all studies was 6/10 indicating a high-quality level of evidence.ConclusionThere is strong evidence suggesting that foam rolling may be effective in increasing range of motion in a healthy adult population in the short term up to 30 min; however, definitive conclusions on long-term effects cannot be drawn due to a lack of evidence, with further research recommended.     

Evidence-based practice in the management of lower limb lymphedema after gynecological cancer

Purpose: Lower limb lymphedema (LLL) is characterized as a physical-functional chronic complication that impacts the quality of life of women who have gone through treatment for gynecological cancer. The present study aims to check the conservative treatments available for lymphedema after gynecological cancer in the context of evidence-based practice. Methods: The selection criteria included papers from May 1993 discussing treatment protocols used in LLL after treatment for gynecological cancer. The search was performed until October 2014 in MEDLINE, SciVerse, and PEDro using “rehabilitation,” “treatment outcome,” “therapeutics,” “clinical protocol,” “gynecologic surgery,” “lower extremity,” “lower limb,” and “lymphedema” as keywords, focused on women with a previous diagnosis of gynecological cancer who received radiation and/or chemotherapy and/or surgery and/or lymphadenectomy as part of their treatment. Results: From 110 studies found, 3 articles that used the complex decongestive therapy (CDT) as a treatment protocol were selected. There were no randomized clinical trials associated with the conservative treatment of LLL post-treatment of gynecological cancer. The three selected articles are retrospective, and had the same outcome – decreased volume of the affected limb lymphedema. Conclusions: Although LLL is more or as frequent and detrimental as upper limb lymphedema post-cancer treatment, there are only a few studies about this subject. Publications are even scarcer when considering studies with interventional approach. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to support rehabilitation resources on lymphedema post-gynecological cancer treatment.     

Effectiveness of hip muscle strengthening in patellofemoral pain syndrome patients: a systematic review

Introduction:

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is characterized by anterior knee pain, which may limit the performance of functional activities. The influence of hip joint motion on the development of this syndrome has already been documented in the literature. In this regard, studies have investigated the effectiveness of hip muscle strengthening in patients with PFPS.

Objectives:

The aims of this systematic review were (1) to summarize the literature related to the effects of hip muscle strengthening on pain intensity, muscle strength, and function in individuals with PFPS and (2) to evaluate the methodological quality of the selected studies.

Method:

A search for randomized controlled clinical trials was conducted using the following databases: Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PEDro, LILACS, and SciELO. The selected studies had to distinguish the effects of hip muscle strengthening in a group of patients with PFPS, as compared to non-intervention or other kinds of intervention, and had to investigate the following outcomes: pain, muscle strength, and function. The methodological quality of the selected studies was analyzed by means of the PEDro scale.

Results:

Seven studies were selected. These studies demonstrated that hip muscle strengthening was effective in reducing pain. However, the studies disagreed regarding the treatments'' ability to improve muscle strength. Improvement in functional capabilities after hip muscle strengthening was found in five studies.

Conclusion:

Hip muscle strengthening is effective in reducing the intensity of pain and improving functional capabilities in patients with PFPS, despite the lack of evidence for its ability to increase muscle strength.     

Change in gait biomechanics after total ankle replacement and ankle arthrodesis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to determine the change in gait biomechanics after total ankle replacement and ankle arthrodesis for end-stage osteoarthritis.MethodsElectronic databases were searched up until May 2019. Peer-reviewed journal studies including adult participants suffering from end-stage ankle osteoarthritis and reporting pre- and post-operative kinematics, kinetics and spatio-temporal effects of total ankle replacement and ankle arthrodesis during walking were included with a minimum of 12 months follow-up. Seventeen suitable studies were identified and assessed according to methodological and biomechanical qualities. Meta-analysis was performed by calculating the effect size using standard mean differences between pre- and post-operative gait status.FindingsSeventeen studies with a total of 883 patients were included. Meta-analysis revealed moderate evidence of an improvement in lower limb kinematics, kinetics and spatio-temporal parameters after total ankle replacement. Moderate evidence indicated an increase in ankle moment, hip range of motion and walking speed after ankle arthrodesis.InterpretationThe currently available evidence base of research papers evaluating changes in gait biomechanics after total ankle replacement and ankle arthrodesis is limited by a lack of prospective research, low sample sizes and heterogeneity in the patho-etiology of ankle osteoarthritis. Following total ankle replacement, improvements were demonstrated for spatio-temporal, kinematic and kinetic gait patterns compared to the pre-operative measures. Improvements in gait mechanics after ankle arthrodesis were limited to walking speed and ankle moment. Increased hip range of motion after ankle arthrodesis could represent a sign of compensation for the lack of ankle motion.     

Effects of motor imagery on strength,range of motion,physical function,and pain intensity in patients with total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundIn the early stages of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) rehabilitation, in which physical function in general can be affected, motor imagery (MI) might play a relevant role.ObjectiveTo assess the impact of MI on strength, active range of motion (ROM), pain intensity, and physical function in patients with TKA.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Pooled effects were calculated as standardised mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the relevant outcomes using random effects model. The certainty of evidence was assessed with GRADE approach.ResultsThis review included 7 articles. The addition of MI to standard therapy, based on low quality of evidence, showed a moderate increase in quadriceps strength (4 studies; SMD: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.42, 1.34) and a small reduction in pain intensity (SMD: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.08, 1.19). It is unclear whether MI can provide beneficial effects for active ROM and function.ConclusionsThere is low to very low-quality evidence that adding an MI intervention to standard rehabilitation for patients with TKA may improve quadriceps strength and pain intensity, but the effects of MI on ROM and physical function is unclear.     

Effects of Kinesio Taping on breast cancer-related lymphedema: A meta-analysis in clinical trials

Background: Lymphedema is known as a secondary complication of breast cancer treatment, caused by reduction on lymphatic flow and lymph accumulation on interstitial space. The Kinesio Taping (KT) has become an alternative treatment for lymphedema volume reduction. The objective of the study was to evaluate the literature through a systematic review on KT effects on lymphedema related to breast cancer.

Methods: Search strategies were performed by the following keywords: “Kinesio Taping,” “Athletic Tape,” “Cancer,” “Neoplasm,” “Lymphedema,” and “Mastectomy” with derivations and different combinations. The following databases were accessed: SCIELO, LILACS, MEDLINE via PubMed, and PEDro, between 2009 and 2016. Studies published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish were considered for inclusion. The studies’ methodological quality was assessed by the PEDro scale.

Results: Seven studies were identified by the search strategy and eligibility. All of them showed positive effect in reducing lymphedema (perimeter or volume) before versus after treatment. However, with no effects comparing the KT versus control group or others treatments (standardized mean difference = 0.04, confidence interval 95%: ?0.24; 0.33), the average score of the PEDro scale was 4.71 points.

Conclusions: KT was effective on postmastectomy lymphedema related to breast cancer; however, it is not more efficient than other treatments.     

Myofascial component of cancer pain review

BackgroundPain is a common complaint of cancer patients, experienced by 38%–85% of patients. Some studies have shown a high incidence of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) in cancer patients.Aims1) To estimate the prevalence of MPS in cancer patients; 2) to examine the efficacy of current treatment options for MPS in cancer patients.MethodsNarrative review. PubMed, CINAHL, PEDro, and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception until November 2017, for the keywords: cancer; cancer pain; breast cancer; mastectomy; lumpectomy; myofascial pain; trigger points. Trials of any methodological quality were included. All published material with an emphasis on randomized control trials was analyzed.ResultsMPS is prevalent in cancer patients who suffer from pain, with a prevalence of between 11.9% and 44.8% in those diagnosed either with neck or head or breast cancer. Clinical studies showed conflicting results. Four interventional studies found that specific treatment for MPS may reduce the prevalence of active myofascial trigger points and therefore decrease pain level, sensitivity, and improve range of motion (in shoulder) in cancer patients. Two recent randomized control trials showed that pressure release of trigger points provides no additional beneficial effects to a standard physical therapy program for upper limb pain and function after breast cancer surgery.ConclusionsWe recommend including the evaluation of myofascial pain in routine clinical examination of cancer patients suffering from pain. Future studies are needed to investigate the long- and short-term effect of MPS treatments in cancer patients.