The effects of aquatic exercise on body composition and nonspecific low back pain in elderly males

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aquatic exercises on nonspecific low back pain (LBP) in elderly males. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-two elderly men aged 65 or older were recruited and randomly allocated to two groups: aquatic training (3 d/wk for 12 wk) or a control group. Body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (PBF), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and trunk muscle mass were measured before and after training. [Results] The results suggested that all obesity variables including BMI, WHR, and PBF of the aquatic training group were decreased significantly, while the trunk muscle mass of the aquatic training group was increased significantly. Furthermore, low back pain was decreased in the subjects after the intervention. [Conclusion] The water-based program improved LBP and body composition in the elderly men.Key words: Elderly, Low back pain, Body composition     

Neurologic and musculoskeletal effects of tilt-table standing on adults: a systematic review

[Purpose] Tilt table use is associated, most often, with the assessment of syncope. However, it also has applications for patients with neurologic and orthopedic problems. These applications do not appear to be widely applied. The purpose of this review, therefore, was to summarize the research literature addressing the use of tilt tables for treating specific musculoskeletal and neurologic impairments in adults. [Methods] Relevant literature was identified by searches of the PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus databases and hand searches (December 2018 and October 2020). The methodological quality of the identified research articles was assessed using the PEDro scale. [Results] Of 482 unique articles identified, 20 matched the eligibility criteria of the review and were included. The studies varied widely in the populations studied, procedures used, and responses reported. The studies provide limited support for tilt table standing as an intervention. [Conclusion] However, evidence that some patients with neurologic conditions may respond positively to tilt-table standing is available. Among such individuals are those with decreased ankle range of motion, positive neurologic signs in the lower limbs, and decreased levels of consciousness.     

脊柱手法治疗对慢性非特异性颈痛干预效果的Meta分析北大核心CSCD

目的运用世界卫生组织国际健康分类家族(WHO-FICs)的架构和知识体系,评价脊柱手法治疗(SMT)对慢性非特异性颈痛(CNSNP)的干预效果。方法检索PubMed、Web of Science、Cochrane Library、EMBASE、EBSCO、CBM和CNKI等中、英文数据库中有关SMT干预CNSNP的随机对照试验,检索时限为建库至2021年12月31日。至少两名研究者独立提取数据,采用Cochrane风险评估量表与物理治疗证据数据库量表进行纳入文献质量评价,分别采用Revman 5.4软件和Stata 16.0软件进行Meta分析和发表偏倚分析。结果最终纳入15篇文献,共1067例患者。在身体功能方面,与对照组相比,SMT可降低患者疼痛视觉模拟评分(MD=-0.85,95%CI-1.06~-0.63,P<0.001)和数字疼痛评分(MD=-0.92,95%CI-1.29~-0.55,P<0.001),提高压力疼痛阈值(SMD=0.67,95%CI 0.47~0.86,P<0.001)、颈椎关节屈/伸(SMD=0.51,95%CI0.33~0.68,P<0.001)和旋转(SMD=0.20,95%CI 0.01~0.38,P=0.04)活动度以及颈部肌肉肌电振幅均方根(MD=2.17,95%CI 0.06~4.29,P=0.04),对颈椎侧屈活动度(SMD=0.19,95%CI-0.00~0.38,P=0.06)、最大肌力(SMD=-0.18,95%CI-0.84~0.49,P=0.60)和肌耐力(SMD=0.18,95%CI-0.39~0.75,P=0.53)的干预效果不显著;在活动和参与方面,SMT能够显著降低颈椎功能障碍程度(MD=-0.96,95%CI-1.55~-0.38,P=0.001),对健康状态的改善效果无显著性(SMD=0.08,95%CI-0.03~0.20,P=0.15)。结论SMT有助于改善CNSNP患者的疼痛程度、疼痛敏感性、颈椎关节活动度和功能障碍程度,而在提高肌肉功能、本体感觉和健康状态方面的疗效尚不明确。     

Efficacy of the Pilates method for pain and disability in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Objective

To systematically review the available evidence on the efficacy of the Pilates method in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Method

Searches were performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PEDro, SciELO, LILACS, CINAHL and CENTRAL in March 2013. Randomized controlled trials that tested the effectiveness of the Pilates method (against a nontreatment group, minimal intervention or other types of interventions) in adults with chronic low back pain were included regardless the language of publication. The outcome data were extracted from the eligible studies and were combined using a meta-analysis approach.

Results

The searches identified a total of 1,545 articles. From these, eight trials were considered eligible, and seven trials were combined in the meta-analysis. The comparison groups were as follows: Pilates versus other types of exercises (n=2 trials), and Pilates versus no treatment group or minimal intervention (n=4 trials) for short term pain; Pilates versus minimal intervention for short-term disability (n=4).We determined that Pilates was not better than other types of exercises for reducing pain intensity. However, Pilates was better than a minimal intervention for reducing short-term pain and disability (pain: pooled mean difference=1.6 points; 95% CI 1.4 to 1.8; disability: pooled mean difference=5.2 points; 95% CI 4.3 to 6.1).

Conclusions

Pilates was better than a minimal intervention for reducing pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain. Pilates was not better than other types of exercise for short-term pain reduction.     

Effectiveness of therapeutic physical exercise in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of conservative treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome with physical exercise. [Subjects and Methods] A computer-based review conducted of four databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Library, PEDro, and the University Library) was completed based on the inclusion criteria of patellofemoral pain syndrome patients treated with physical exercise methods and examination with self-reported pain and/or functional questionnaires. [Results] The findings of ten clinical trials of moderate to high quality were evaluated to determine the effectiveness of physical exercise as conservative management for patellofemoral pain syndrome. [Conclusion] The intervention programs that were most effective in relieving pain and improving function in patellofemoral pain syndrome included proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching and strengthening exercises for the hip external rotator and abductor muscles and knee extensor muscles.Key words: Patellofemoral pain syndrome, Physical exercise     

Effects of shoulder stabilization exercise on pain and function in patients with neck pain

[Purpose] The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of shoulder stability exercise on pain and function in neck pain patients. [Subjects] The study design consisted of a shoulder stability exercise group and a control group. [Methods] The effects of the therapies were evaluated using a visual analog scale of pain, a pressure pain threshold, neck disability index, cervical range of motion, and a closed kinetic chain test. Each group received treatment five times per week for 4 weeks. [Results] Pain levels showed no significant differences between groups, while pain threshold in all muscles, showed significant increases for both control groups. Neck disability significantly decreased for both groups and the differences between the groups were statistically significant. Ranges of motion and limb stability were measured before and after the exercise period. Flexion, extension, and right rotation were not significantly different between groups. The results showed no significant differences in shoulder stability between the groups. [Conclusion] The use of this exercise should have pronounced effects on pain reduction and functional improvement and should also improve the quality of life in patients with neck pain.Key words: Neck pain, Shoulder stabilization training, Neck stabilization training     

Clinical feasibility of cervical exercise to improve neck pain,body function,and psychosocial factors in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled trial

[Purpose] To investigate the effect of cervical exercise on neck pain, disability, and psychosocial factors in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. [Subjects] Thirty patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, who also complained of neck pain. [Methods] The cervical exercise group (n = 15) participated in cervical exercises for 30 min, 3 times/week for 6 weeks, and the control group (n = 16) underwent conventional physical therapy alone, without exercise. The exercises were performed in the following order: cervical relaxation, local muscle stabilization, and global muscle stabilization using a sling system. [Results] Compared to the control group, the cervical exercise group demonstrated significant decreases as follows: Visual analogue scale score, 4.2 vs. 1.0; Neck disability index, 3.9 vs. 1.9; and depression on the Symptom checklist-90-revised, 9.4 vs. 4.3 and on the Hopkins symptom checklist-25, 6.3 vs. 2.8. However, anxiety on the Symptom checklist-90-revised (3.1 vs. 1.3) was not significantly different. Effect sizes were as follows: Visual analogue scale score, 1.8; Neck disability index, 0.9; depression, 1.0; and anxiety on Symptom checklist-90-revised and Hopkins symptom checklist-25, 0.6 and 0.8, respectively. [Conclusion] Cervical exercise is effective in improving neck pain, disability, and efficacy of psychological treatment for depression in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder.Key words: Post-traumatic stress disorder, Neck pain, Psychosocial factors     

Sporadic multiple renal angiomyolipoma with lymph node involvement: a case report and literature review

Angiomyolipoma (AML) is a benign tumor that mainly occurs in the kidneys. Simultaneous involvement of the kidney and local regional lymph nodes is very rare and might be misdiagnosed as a metastasizing malignant cancer. In the present study, a 50-year-old woman was referred to our hospital after a routine health screening ultrasound. Sporadic multiple renal AML with lymph node involvement was suspected based on the clinical manifestations and radiologic features. Partial nephrectomy was performed and a para-inferior vena cava lymph node was removed. The pathologic results confirmed multiple AML with lymph node invasion. We also reviewed the English-language literature regarding renal AML with lymph node involvement. We found that middle-aged women were likely to develop this disease and that loin pain was the main presenting feature. Most patients had no history of tuberous sclerosis complex. Radical nephrectomy was the predominant treatment. No local recurrence or distant metastasis occurred in any patients after radical nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy. In conclusion, renal AML with lymph node involvement is rare but can occur in both patients with tuberous sclerosis complex and those with multiple sporadic AML. Partial nephrectomy should be the first-line treatment, after which further treatment is not necessary.     

Effect of neck exercise on sitting posture in patients with chronic neck pain

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Poor sitting posture has been implicated in the development and perpetuation of neck pain symptoms. This study had 2 purposes: (1) to compare change in cervical and thoracic posture during a distracting task between subjects with chronic neck pain and control subjects and (2) to compare the effects of 2 different neck exercise regimens on the ability of people with neck pain to maintain an upright cervical and thoracic posture during this task. SUBJECTS: Fifty-eight subjects with chronic, nonsevere neck pain and 10 control subjects participated in the study. METHOD: Change in cervical and thoracic posture from an upright posture was measured every 2 minutes during a 10-minute computer task. Following baseline measurements, the subjects with neck pain were randomized into one of two 6-week exercise intervention groups: a group that received training of the craniocervical flexor muscles or a group that received endurance-strength training of the cervical flexor muscles. The primary outcomes following intervention were changes in the angle of cervical and thoracic posture during the computer task. RESULTS: Subjects with neck pain demonstrated a change in cervical angle across the duration of the task (mean=4.4 degrees ; 95% confidence interval [CI]=3.3-5.4), consistent with a more forward head posture. No significant difference was observed for the change in cervical angle across the duration of the task for the control group subjects (mean=2.2 degrees ; 95% CI=1.0-3.4). Following intervention, the craniocervical flexor training group demonstrated a significant reduction in the change of cervical angle across the duration of the computer task. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study showed that people with chronic neck pain demonstrate a reduced ability to maintain an upright posture when distracted. Following intervention with an exercise program targeted at training the craniocervical flexor muscles, subjects with neck pain demonstrated an improved ability to maintain a neutral cervical posture during prolonged sitting.     

不同姿势颈部抗阻训练对慢性非特异性颈痛的干预研究

目的：比较不同姿势颈部抗阻训练对慢性非特异性颈痛（chronic non-specific neck pain,CNSNP）的干预效果,为CNSNP探寻一种更高效的运动疗法。方法：51例CNSNP患者（年龄41.0±5.0岁）随机分为3组：俯卧姿颈部抗阻训练组（A组,n=17）、坐姿颈部抗阻训练组（B组,n=17）和俯卧姿对照组（C组,n=17）。测试指标包括视觉模拟评分（visual analog score,VAS）、颈椎功能障碍指数（neck disability index,NDI）、颅颈角（craniocervical angle,CVA）、颈椎活动度（range of motion,ROM）和均方根振幅（root mean square,RMS）。所有指标均在干预前和干预4周后进行测量。结果：A组的干预效果优于B组和C组。A组的颈部疼痛评分（VAS）、颈椎功能障碍指数（NDI）、颅颈角（CVA）、颈椎屈曲活动度（ROM）、颈椎伸展活动度（ROM）、RMS（斜方肌上束,屈曲;胸锁乳突肌,静息;胸锁乳突肌,伸展）较B组和C组均存在显著性差异（P<0.05）。A组的RMS（...     

Management of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid: a review

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is an uncommon malignancy of neuroendocrine origin derived from the parafollicular C cells. Although infrequent, the interest in this cancer exceeds its incidence owing to its distinctive features and its characteristic association with other endocrine tumors. Although the majority of MTCs are sporadic, hereditary varieties occur in isolation or as a part of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndrome (MEN 2). Currently, complete surgical resection of the tumor and nodal metastases with a curative intent remains the mainstay of therapy. The role of adjuvant therapy is limited, although radiotherapy and newer targeted therapies are routinely used for metastatic disease. The lack of consensus in the available guidance regarding the most appropriate diagnostic, therapeutic and follow-up strategies has caused substantial variability in clinical practice. Therefore, this review summarizes the latest available evidence and guidelines on the management of MTC with an emphasis on diagnosis, surgical treatment and follow-up.     

Acute spinal cord infarction after multilevel en bloc corpectomy: a case report and literature review

Spinal cord infarction (SCI) is a catastrophic neurologic deficit following spine surgery. Because of the opposite management regimens used for SCI and acute epidural hematoma, accurate diagnosis of SCI is of great importance to maximally reserve neurologic functions and improve outcomes. A 21-year-old man developed acute paralysis and sensory deficits of the bilateral lower limbs shortly after undergoing two-stage combined posterior and anterior multilevel en bloc corpectomy. An emergency second-look surgery revealed wide-spectrum blackness of the thecal sac with no signs of an epidural hematoma. The patient underwent anticoagulation therapy, ventilation support, microcirculation perfusion, and fluid optimization. He regained an ambulatory status without other severe complications. Upon discharge, his muscle strength had returned to grade 4 and his Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score had decreased to 0. At the final 48-month follow-up, the implants were in good position without local recurrence, and the patient was able to lead an independent life and work in his full capacity. An epidural hematoma did not appear to be the cause of SCI after spinal tumor surgery in this case; however, SCI was a possible reason for the acute paralysis. Anticoagulation treatment with adjuvant therapies may be an effective option in managing SCI.     

Exercise therapy for office workers with nonspecific neck pain: a systematic review

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of various types of exercise for prevention and cure of nonspecific neck pain in office workers.

Methods

Publications between 1980 and April 2010 were systematically searched in various databases (PubMed, CINAHL Plus with full text, The Cochrane Library, Science Direct, PEDro, ProQuest, PsycNet, and Scopus). The following key words were used: neck pain, cervical pain, exercise, strengthening, stretching, endurance, office workers, visual display unit, visual display terminal, and computer users. A hand search of relevant journals was also carried out. Relevant randomized controlled trials were retrieved and assessed for methodological quality by 2 independent reviewers. The strength of the evidence was based on methodological quality and consistency of the results.

Results

Nine randomized controlled trials were included in this review, of which 6 were rated as high-quality studies. No exercise type was identified as being effective in the prevention of nonspecific neck pain in office workers. Strong evidence was found for the effectiveness of muscle strengthening and endurance exercises in treating neck pain. Moderate evidence supported the use of muscle endurance exercise in reducing disability attributed to neck pain.

Conclusion

Literature investigating the efficacy of exercise in office workers with nonspecific neck pain was heterogeneous. Within the limitations, for treatment of neck pain, either muscle strengthening or endurance exercise is recommended, whereas for reduction of pain-related disability, muscle endurance exercise is suggested. Further research is needed before any firm conclusions regarding the most effective exercise programs for office workers can be reached.     

Chronic neck pain and postural rehabilitation: A literature review

Chronic Neck Pain is a major disease leading to disability in individuals around the world. Various rehabilitative approaches are being used worldwide to treat neck pain. This literature review highlights efficacy of those techniques used in correcting posture in chronic neck pain. In total 17 articles are included in this review (10 articles on exercises, Pilates 3, global postural re-education (GPR) 1, patient education 2, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation 1). The effects of the techniques were examined on individual outcomes (pain, disability), quality of life (QoL), and psychological aspects and the targeted aspects of physical function (muscle strength, mobility and endurance). Most of the techniques are effective compared to control group and few techniques in combination with other interventions like exercise and education had better improvements in outcomes, few techniques compared to one another found to be equally significant on reducing pain and disability. To date, it was challenging to affirm superiority of one technique over other. Further high quality research is needed to confirm the effect of these techniques with appropriate evaluation methods.     

The effects of prone bridge exercise on trunk muscle thickness in chronic low back pain patients

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effects of prone bridge exercise on trunk muscle thickness. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-seven chronic low back pain patients participated in this study. Each participant was randomly assigned to one of three exercise groups, namely, a prone bridge exercise group, supine bridge exercise on a Swiss ball group, and supine bridge exercise group. The thicknesses of the transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) were measured using ultrasound. [Results] After eight weeks of training, the three groups showed significant increases in the thicknesses of the TrA, IO, and EO. Among the groups, TrA and IO showed significantly different muscle thicknesses. [Conclusion] The prone bridge exercise significantly affected the thicknesses of the TrA, IO, and EO unlike the supine bridge exercises. Based on the results of this study, the prone bridge exercise is a more effective method to improve trunk stability than conventional supine bridge exercises.Key words: Bridge exercise, Muscle thickness, Chronic low back pain     

Manual therapy and exercise for neck pain: A systematic review

Manual therapy is often used with exercise to treat neck pain. This cervical overview group systematic review update assesses if manual therapy, including manipulation or mobilisation, combined with exercise improves pain, function/disability, quality of life, global perceived effect, and patient satisfaction for adults with neck pain with or without cervicogenic headache or radiculopathy. Computerized searches were performed to July 2009. Two or more authors independently selected studies, abstracted data, and assessed methodological quality. Pooled relative risk (pRR) and standardized mean differences (pSMD) were calculated. Of 17 randomized controlled trials included, 29% had a low risk of bias. Low quality evidence suggests clinically important long-term improvements in pain (pSMD-0.87(95% CI:?1.69,?0.06)), function/disability, and global perceived effect when manual therapy and exercise are compared to no treatment. High quality evidence suggests greater short-term pain relief [pSMD-0.50(95% CI:?0.76,?0.24)] than exercise alone, but no long-term differences across multiple outcomes for (sub)acute/chronic neck pain with or without cervicogenic headache. Moderate quality evidence supports this treatment combination for pain reduction and improved quality of life over manual therapy alone for chronic neck pain; and suggests greater short-term pain reduction when compared to traditional care for acute whiplash. Evidence regarding radiculopathy was sparse. Specific research recommendations are made.     

Therapeutic exercise in chronic neck and back pain.

Research regarding the effect of exercise on chronic benign axial pain is reviewed. Both chronic low back pain (LBP) and chronic neck pain are associated with weakness of the trunk and neck musculature; however, it is unknown whether weakness is a cause or effect. The relationship between incoordination of the neck or trunk musculature and chronic pain is unclear. Exercise is associated with improved strength and endurance and decreased pain in subjects with LBP but the literature is very sparse with respect to chronic neck pain. Range-of-motion is also diminished in those with LBP and improves with exercise, and is associated with abatement in symptoms. No evidence could be found regarding the effect of exercise on segmental motion. Exercise is also associated with improved function, however the mechanism whereby either pain report or function improves is unclear. A greater understanding of the role of exercise will require more specific studies of strength, coordination, motion, function, and pain.