Comprehensive Nonsurgical Treatment Versus Self-directed Care to Improve Walking Ability in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Randomized Trial

Objectives

To compare the effectiveness of a comprehensive nonsurgical training program to a self-directed approach in improving walking ability in lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Can Yoga or Physical Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain Improve Depression and Anxiety Among Adults From a Racially Diverse,Low-Income Community? A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo determine and compare the effect of yoga, physical therapy (PT), and education on depressive and anxious symptoms in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP).DesignSecondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.SettingAcademic safety net hospital and 7 community health centers.ParticipantsA total of 320 adults with CLBP.InterventionYoga classes, PT sessions, or an educational book.Outcome MeasureDepression and anxiety were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item Scale, respectively, at baseline, 12, and 52 weeks. We identified baseline and midtreatment (6-wk) factors associated with clinically meaningful improvements in depressive (≥3 points) or anxious (≥2 points) symptoms at 12 weeks.ResultsParticipants (female=64%; mean age, 46.0±10.7 years) were predominantly non-White (82%), low-income (<$30,000/year, 59%), and had not received a college degree (71%). Most participants had mild or worse depressive (60%) and anxious (50%) symptoms. At 12 weeks, yoga and PT participants experienced modest within-group improvements in depressive symptoms (mean difference [MD]=?1.23 [95% CI, ?2.18 to ?0.28]; MD=?1.01 [95% CI, ?2.05 to ?0.03], respectively). Compared with the education group, 12-week differences were not statistically significant, although trends favored yoga (MD=?0.71 [95% CI, ?2.22 to 0.81]) and PT (MD= ?0.32 [95% CI, ?1.82 to 1.18]). At 12 weeks, improvements in anxious symptoms were only found in participants who had mild or moderate anxiety at baseline. Independent of treatment arm, participants who had 30% or greater improvement in pain or function midtreatment were more likely to have a clinically meaningful improvement in depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR], 1.82 [95% CI, 1.03-3.22]; OR, 1.79 [95% CI, 1.06-3.04], respectively).ConclusionsIn our secondary analysis we found that depression and anxiety, common in this sample of underserved adults with CLBP, may improve modestly with PT and yoga. However, effects were not superior to education. Improvements in pain and function are associated with a decrease in depressive symptoms. More research is needed to optimize the integration of physical and psychological well-being in PT and yoga.     

Treatment of Neck Pain With Myofascial Therapies: A Single Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of myofascial release therapy vs a standard physical therapy program in patients with neck pain (NP).MethodsThis was a randomized controlled trial in which 54 participants with mechanical NP were randomly assigned into an experimental group (EG) or a comparison group (CG). The EG group (n = 27) received 5 therapy sessions of myofascial release therapy while the CG group (n = 27) received 10 sessions of massage, ultrasound therapy, and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation over a 2-week period. Outcome measures were the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and range of motion at the end of treatment and at 1-month follow-up.ResultsAt 1-month follow-up, between-group differences in change scores were found in the NPRS (mean = –1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] [–2.30 to –0.81]; P < .001), in the right thoracic PPT (mean = 0.35, 95% CI [0.03-0.66]; P = .031), and in both left (mean = 0.34, 95% CI [0.08-0.61]; P = .012) and right (mean = 0.29, 95% CI [0.04-0.54]; P = .026) suboccipital PPTs. The success rate was 63.0% in the CG and 92.6% in the EG. The number needed to treat was 3.38 (95% CI = 1.99-11.23).ConclusionsMyofascial release therapy could be better than a standard physical therapy program for improving pain and suboccipital PPTs in patients with NP. However, the difference between both treatments is less than the minimum detectable change of the NPRS.     

A randomized clinical trial comparing the McKenzie method and motor control exercises in people with chronic low back pain and a directional preference: 1-year follow-up

ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study was to compare the long-term (1-year follow-up) effects of the McKenzie method and motor control exercises on trunk muscle thickness in people with chronic low back pain (LBP) and a directional preference.DesignRandomized controlled trial.SettingA secondary public health facility in Sydney, Australia.ParticipantsSeventy adults with greater than 3-month history of LBP and a directional preference.InterventionsParticipants were randomized to receive 12 treatments of either the McKenzie method or motor control exercises over 8-weeks.Outcome measuresMuscle thickness of the transversus abdominis, obliquus internus, and obliquus externus measured from ultrasound images. Secondary outcomes included function, perceived recovery, and pain. Outcomes were collected at baseline, post intervention at 8-weeks, and at 1-year follow-up by blinded assessors. The current paper focuses on the 1-year follow-up.ResultsFifty-eight participants completed data collection for the primary outcome at 1-year. There were no significant between group differences for changes in trunk muscle thickness for any of the three investigated muscles: transversus abdominis [3%, 95% confidence interval (CI): ?5%, 11%], obliquus internus [?4%, 95% CI: ?9%, 2%] and obliquus externus [3%, 95% CI: ?4%, 11%]. Similarly, there were no significant differences between groups for the secondary outcomes of function, perceived recovery and pain.ConclusionTrunk muscle thickness, function, perceive recovery and pain are similar between patients receiving McKenzie method or motor control exercises at a 1-year follow-up in a population of people with chronic LBP and a directional preference.
Clinical Trials Registration number CTRN12611000971932.     

Long-term opioid therapy for chronic noncancer pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of efficacy and safety

Opioid therapy for chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) is controversial due to concerns regarding long-term efficacy and adverse events (including addiction). We systematically reviewed the clinical evidence on patients treated with opioids for CNCP for at least six months. Of 115 studies identified by our search of eleven databases (through April 7, 2007), 17 studies (patients [n]=3,079) met inclusion criteria. Studies evaluated oral (studies [k]=7; n=1,504), transdermal (k=3; n=1, 993), and/or intrathecal (k=8; n=177) opioids. Many patients withdrew from the clinical trials due to adverse effects (oral: 32.5% [95% confidence interval (CI), 26.1%-39.6%]; intrathecal: 6.3% [95% CI, 2.9%-13.1%]; transdermal: 17.5% [95% CI, 6.5%-39.0%]), or due to insufficient pain relief (oral: 11.9% [95% CI, 7.8%-17.7%]; intrathecal: 10.5% [95% CI, 3.5%-27.4%]; transdermal: 5.8% [95% CI, 4.2%-7.3%]). Signs of opioid addiction were reported in only 0.05% (1/2,042) of patients and abuse in only 0.43% (3/685). There was an insufficient amount of data on transdermal opioids to quantify pain relief. For patients able to remain on oral or intrathecal opioids for at least six months, pain scores were reduced long-term (oral: standardized mean difference [SMD] 1.99, 95% CI, 1.17-2.80; intrathecal: SMD 1.33, 95% CI, 0.97-1.69). We conclude that many patients discontinue long-term opioid therapy due to adverse events or insufficient pain relief; however, weak evidence suggests that oral and intrathecal opioids reduce pain long-term in the relatively small proportion of individuals with CNCP who continue treatment.     

Exercises and Dry Needling for Subacromial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Parallel-Group Trial

This randomized clinical trial investigated the effectiveness of exercise versus exercise plus trigger point (TrP) dry needling (TrP-DN) in subacromial pain syndrome. A randomized parallel-group trial, with 1-year follow-up was conducted. Fifty subjects with subacromial pain syndrome were randomly allocated to receive exercise alone or exercise plus TrP-DN. Participants in both groups were asked to perform an exercise program of the rotator cuff muscles twice daily for 5 weeks. Further, patients allocated to the exercise plus TrP-DN group also received dry needling to active TrPs in the muscles reproducing shoulder symptoms during the second and fourth sessions. The primary outcome was pain-related disability assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included mean current pain and the worst pain experienced in the shoulder during the previous week. They were assessed at baseline, 1 week, and 3, 6, and 12 months after the end of treatment. Analysis was according to intention to treat with mixed analysis of covariance adjusted for baseline outcomes. At 12 months, 47 patients (94%) completed follow-up. Statistically larger improvements (all, P < .01) in shoulder disability was found for the exercise plus TrP-DN group at all follow-up periods (post: Δ ?20.6 [95% confidence interval (CI) ?23.8 to ?17.4]; 3 months: Δ ?23.2 [95% CI ?28.3 to ?18.1)]; 6 months: Δ ?23.6 [95% CI ?28.9 to ?18.3]; 12 months: Δ ?13.9 [95% CI ?17.5 to ?10.3]). Both groups exhibited similar improvements in shoulder pain outcomes at all follow-up periods. The inclusion of TrP-DN with an exercise program was effective for improving disability in subacromial pain syndrome. No greater improvements in shoulder pain were observed.

Thoracic Manual Therapy Improves Pain and Disability in Individuals With Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Compared With Placebo: A Randomized Controlled Trial With 1-Year Follow-up

ObjectiveTo investigate whether muscle energy technique (MET) to the thoracic spine decreases the pain and disability associated with shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS).DesignSingle-center, 3-arm, randomized controlled trial, single-blind, placebo control with concealed allocation and a 12-month follow-up.SettingPrivate osteopathic practice.ParticipantsThree groups of 25 participants (N=75) 40 years or older with SIS received allocated intervention once a week for 15 minutes, 4 consecutive weeks.InterventionsParticipants were randomly allocated to MET to the thoracic spine (MET-only), MET plus soft tissue massage (MET+STM), or placebo.Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcome measure: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures: Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) questionnaire; visual analog scale (VAS) (mm/100): current, 7-day average, and 4-week average; Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS); and Global Rating of Change (GROC). Measures recorded at baseline, discharge, 4-week follow-up, 6 months, and 12 months. Also baseline and discharge thoracic posture and range of motion (ROM) measured using an inclinometer. Statistical analysis included mixed-effects linear regression model for DASH, SPADI, VAS, PSFS, GROC, and thoracic posture and ROM.ResultsMET-only group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in pain and disability (DASH, SPADI, VAS 7-day average) than placebo at discharge (mean difference, DASH=?8.4; 95% CI, ?14.0 to ?2.8; SPADI=?14.7; 95% CI, ?23.0 to ?6.3; VAS=?15.5; 95% CI, ?24.5 to ?6.5), 6 months (?11.1; 95% CI, ?18.6 to ?3.7; ?14.9; 95% CI, ?26.3 to ?3.5; ?14.1; 95% CI, ?26.0 to ?2.2), and 12 months (?13.4; 95% CI, ?23.9 to?2.9; ?19.0; 95% CI, ?32.4 to ?5.7; ?17.3; 95% CI, ?30.9 to ?3.8). MET+STM group also demonstrated greater improvement in disability but not pain compared with placebo at discharge (DASH=?8.2; 95% CI, ?14.0 to ?2.3; SPADI=?13.5; 95% CI, ?22.3 to ?4.8) and 6 months (?9.0; 95% CI, ?16.9 to ?1.2; ?12.4; 95% CI, ?24.3 to ?0.5). For the PSFS, MET-only group improved compared with placebo at discharge (1.3; 95% CI, 0.1-2.5) and 12 months (1.8; 95% CI, 0.5-3.2); MET+STM at 12 months (1.7; 95% CI, 0.3-3.0). GROC: MET-only group improved compared with placebo at discharge (1.5; 95% CI, 0.9-2.2) and 4 weeks (1.0; 95% CI, 0.1-1.9); MET+STM at discharge (1.2; 95% CI, 0.5-1.9) and 6 months (1.2; 95% CI, 0.1-1.3). There were no differences between MET-only group and MET+STM, and no between-group differences in thoracic posture or ROM.ConclusionsMET of the thoracic spine with or without STM improved the pain and disability in individuals 40 years or older with SIS and may be recommended as a treatment approach for SIS.     

Association Between Clinical Tests Related to Motor Control Dysfunction and Changes in Pain and Disability After Lumbar Stabilization Exercises in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain

ObjectiveTo investigate whether clinical tests used to detect motor control dysfunction can predict improvements in pain and disability in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (LBP) who have undergone an 8-week lumbar stabilization exercise program.Study DesignA prospective cohort study.SettingOutpatient physical therapy university clinic.ParticipantsSeventy people with chronic nonspecific LBP were recruited, and 64 completed the exercise program (N=64).InterventionsThe lumbar stabilization program was provided twice a week for 8 weeks.Main Outcome MeasuresPain intensity (11-point numerical rating scale) and disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire) and clinical tests, such as the Deep Muscle Contraction (DMC) scale, Clinical Test of Thoracolumbar Dissociation (CTTD), and Passive Lumbar Extension (PLE) test. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used in the prediction analysis.ResultsMean changes in pain intensity and disability following the 8-week stabilization program were ?3.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], ?3.2 to ?4.4) and ?7.4 (95% CI, ?6.3 to ?8.5), respectively. Clinical test scores taken at baseline did not predict changes in pain and disability at 8-week follow-up.ConclusionOur findings revealed that the DMC scale, CTTD, PLE test, clinical tests used to assess motor control dysfunction, do not predict improvements in pain and disability in patients with chronic nonspecific LBP following an 8-week lumbar stabilization exercise program.     

Arthritis Prediction of Advanced Hepatic Fibrosis in HFE Hemochromatosis

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether arthritis predicts the likelihood of advanced hepatic fibrosis in HFE hemochromatosis.Patients and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of 112 well-characterized patients with HFE hemochromatosis and liver biopsy–validated fibrosis staging recruited between January 1, 1983, and December 31, 2013. Complete clinical, biochemical, hematologic, and noninvasive serum biochemical indices (aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index [APRI] and fibrosis 4 index [FIB4]) were available. Scheuer fibrosis stages 3 and 4, APRI greater than 0.44, or FIB4 greater than 1.1 were used to define advanced hepatic fibrosis. Comparisons between groups were performed using categorical analysis, unpaired or paired t test.ResultsMale (n=76) and female (n=36) patients were similar in age. Nineteen patients had advanced hepatic fibrosis, and 47 had hemochromatosis arthritis. Arthritis was significantly associated with the presence of advanced hepatic fibrosis as determined by liver biopsy (sensitivity, 84%, [95% CI, 62% to 95%]; negative predictive value, 95% [95% CI, 87% to 99%]; relative risk, 7.4 [95% CI, 2.5 to 23]; P<.001), APRI (sensitivity, 75% [95% CI, 55% to 88%]; negative predictive value, 91% [95% CI, 81% to 96%]; relative risk, 4.5 [95% CI, 2.0 to 10.2]; P<.001), or FIB4 (sensitivity, 61% [95% CI, 41% to 78%]; negative predictive value, 67% [95% CI, 68% to 90%]; relative risk, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.1 to 4.6]; P=.03). Mean cell volume values were significantly higher pretreatment in patients with F3-4 fibrosis (96.7±1.1 fL) compared with F0-2 fibrosis (93.4±0.5 fL; P=.004) and declined following treatment (F3-4, 93.2±0.9 fL, P=.01; F0-2, 91.7±0.6 fL, P=.01).ConclusionAdvanced hepatic fibrosis is strongly associated with arthritis in HFE hemochromatosis. The absence of arthritis predicts a low likelihood of advanced hepatic fibrosis, supporting its use as a clinical marker for advanced hepatic fibrosis in HFE hemochromatosis.     

A Double‐blind,Randomized, Prospective Study of Epidural Steroid Injection vs. The mild® Procedure in Patients with Symptomatic Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Background: Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are commonly used to treat low back pain, including symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Reports on LSS treatment with ESIs have not differentiated between neurogenic claudication, which is believed to result from nerve root compression, and lumbar radicular pain, thought to be caused by inflammation. While there is overlap between these groups, the clinical relevance of ESI treatment cannot be generalized between these 2 distinct diseases with completely different pathophysiological causes. Methods: This was a double‐blind, randomized, prospective study of ESI vs. the mild procedure in patients with symptomatic LSS, conducted at a single pain management center. Patient reported outcome measures included Visual Analog Scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ) patient satisfaction. Results: Thirty‐eight patients were randomized into 2 treatment groups, 21 in mild and 17 in ESI. At 6‐ and 12‐week follow‐up, patients treated with mild reported significantly greater pain decrease over time (P < 0.0001), and significantly greater functional mobility improvement over time (P < 0.0018) than ESI patients. At week 6, mild ZCQ patient satisfaction score of 2.2 indicated a higher level of satisfaction than for ESI with a score of 2.8. In addition, 12‐week ZCQ satisfaction score was 1.8, demonstrating sustained near‐term satisfaction in the mild group. No major mild or ESI device or procedure‐related complications were reported. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that in LSS patients suffering with neurogenic claudication, mild provides statistically significantly better pain reduction and improved functional mobility vs. treatment with ESI.     

The Underappreciated Placebo Effects and Responses in Randomized Controlled Trials on Neck Pain: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo quantify placebo effects and responses in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on neck pain and explore how they would influence the treatment of neck pain.Data SourcesWe searched MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform from the inception of August 15, 2021, to identify relevant RCTs.Study Selection and Data ExtractionThe abstracts and full texts of potential studies were independently screened, and data extraction was also independently performed by 2 researchers. Scales of the score measuring neck pain and the scores both at baseline and the endpoint were extracted.Data SynthesisA total of 60 RCTs were included. The mean improvement in the pain score after placebo treatment was 15.65 (mean difference [MD]=-15.65, 95% confidence interval; CI [-19.19, -12.12]; P<.05), which we defined as the placebo response. In the active groups, it was 25.91 (MD=-25.91, 95% CI [-29.15, -22.68]; P<.05), and in the no-treatment groups, it was 5.80 (MD=-5.80, 95% CI [13.28, 1.69]; P=.13). Using the 3 MDs from the 3 groups, the placebo effect was calculated to account for 38.0% of the pain score improvement in the active group.ConclusionsThe pain scores of patients with neck pain were reduced after treatment with placebos, but the magnitude of pain score reduction was not clinically significant enough. The 38.0% amount of pain score reduction in patients treated with active interventions was caused by placebo. Interventions with considerable clinically significance for neck pain were still required.     

Does adding hip strengthening exercises to manual therapy and segmental stabilization improve outcomes in patients with nonspecific low back pain? A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe literature is unclear on the need for hip strengthening in persons with low back pain (LBP).ObjectivesTo investigate the effectiveness of hip strengthening exercises when added to manual therapy and lumbar segmental stabilization in patients with chronic nonspecific LBP.MethodsSeventy patients with chronic nonspecific LBP were randomly assigned to either the manual therapy and lumbar segmental stabilization group or the manual therapy and lumbar segmental stabilization plus specific hip strengthening group. A 10 cm visual analogue scale and the Rolland-Morris Questionnaire were the primary clinical outcome measures at baseline, at the end of treatment (posttreatment), and 6- and 12-months posttreatment. Hip strength and kinematics were measured as secondary outcomes .ResultsWhile within-group improvements in pain, disability, and hip extensors strength occurred in both groups, there were no significant between-group differences at posttreatment or follow-ups. Mean difference in changes in pain level between groups at posttreatment and at 6- and 12-month follow-up were 0.5 points (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.5, 1.5), 0.3 points (95% CI: -0.9, 1.5), and 0.0 points (95% CI: -1.1, 1.1), respectively. The mean differences in changes in disability were 0.8 points (95% CI: -1.3, 2.7), 0.0 points (95% CI: -2.4, 2.4), and 0.4 points (95% CI: -2.0, 2.8), respectively. Finally, we did not observe any between-group differences for any of the other outcomes at any timepoint.ConclusionThe addition of specific hip strengthening does not appear to result in improved clinical outcomes for patients with nonspecific LBP.     

Development and proof of concept of a blended physiotherapeutic intervention for patients with non-specific low back pain

ObjectiveTo develop a blended physiotherapeutic intervention for patients with non-specific low back pain (e-Exercise LBP) and evaluate its proof of concept.DesignFocus groups with patients, physiotherapists, and eHealth and LBP experts were conducted to investigate values according to the development of e-Exercise LBP. Proof of concept was evaluated in a multicentre study.SettingDutch primary care physiotherapy practices (n = 21 therapists).ParticipantsAdults with non-specific LBP (n = 41).Interventione-Exercise LBP was developed based on clinical LBP guidelines and the focus groups, using the Center for eHealth Research Roadmap. Face-to-face physiotherapy sessions were integrated with a web application consisting of 12 information lessons, video-supported exercises and a physical activity module with the option to gradually increase individuals’ level of physical activity. The intervention could be tailored to patients’ risk of persistent disabling LBP, according to the STarT Back Screening Tool.Main outcome measuresFunctional disability, pain, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and fear-avoidance beliefs, measured at baseline and 12 weeks.ResultsAfter 12 weeks, improvements were found in functional disability [Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale: mean difference (MD) ?12.2/100; 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.3 to 16.1], pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale: MD ?2.8/10; 95% CI 2.1 to 3.6), subjective physical activity (Short Questionnaire to Assess Health Enhancing Physical Activity: MD 11.5 minutes/day; 95% CI ?47.8 to 24.8) and objective sedentary behaviour (ActiGraph: MD ?23.0 minutes/day; 95% CI ?8.9 to 55.0). Small improvements were found in objective physical activity and fear-avoidance beliefs. The option to gradually increase physical activity was activated for six patients (15%). On average, patients received seven face-to-face sessions alongside the web application.ConclusionsThe results of this study provide the first indication of the effectiveness of e-Exercise LBP, particularly for disability and pain among patients with LBP. Future studies will focus on end-user experiences and (cost-) effectiveness.     

Long-term follow-up of neurodegenerative phenomenon in severe traumatic brain injury using MRI

BackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) lesions are known to evolve over time, but the duration and consequences of cerebral remodelling are unclear. Degenerative mechanisms occurring in the chronic phase after TBI could constitute “tertiary” lesions related to the neurological outcome.ObjectiveThe objective of this prospective study of severe TBI was to longitudinally evaluate the volume of white and grey matter structures and white matter integrity with 2 time-point multimodal MRI.MethodsLongitudinal MRI follow-up was obtained for 11 healthy controls (HCs) and 22 individuals with TBI (mean [SD] 60 [15] months after injury) along with neuropsychological assessments. TBI individuals were classified in the “favourable” recovery group (Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended [GOSE] 6–8) and “unfavourable” recovery group (GOSE 3–5) at 5 years. Variation in brain volumes (3D T1-weighted image) and white matter integrity (diffusion tensor imaging [DTI]) were quantitatively assessed over time and used to predict neurological outcome.ResultsTBI individuals showed a marked decrease in volumes of whole white matter (median -11.4% [interquartile range -5.8; -14.6]; p < 0.001) and deep grey nuclear structures (-17.1% [-10.6; -20.5]; p < 0.001). HCs did not show any significant change over the same time period. Median volumetric loss in several brain regions was higher with GOSE 3–5 than 6–8. These lesions were associated with lower fractional anisotropy and higher mean diffusivity at baseline. Volumetric variations were positively correlated with normalized fractional anisotropy and negatively with normalized mean diffusivity at baseline and follow-up. A computed predictive model with baseline DTI showed good accuracy to predict neurological outcome (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.82 [95% confidence interval 0.81–0.83])ConclusionsWe characterised the striking atrophy of deep brain structures after severe TBI. DTI imaging in the subacute phase can predict the occurrence and localization of these tertiary lesions as well as long-term neurological outcome.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00577954. Registered on October 2006.     

Bidirectional Association Between Sleep Quality and Low Back Pain in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Observational Study

ObjectiveTo investigate the bidirectional relationship by determining whether baseline sleep quality predicts pain intensity and whether baseline pain intensity predicts sleep quality in older individuals with chronic low back pain (LBP).DesignA prospective longitudinal cohort study with a 6-month follow-up period.SettingCommunity.ParticipantsOlder adults with LBP aged 60 years or older (N=215).InterventionNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresData collection occurred at baseline and at 6 months. Pain intensity and sleep quality were measured in both time points of assessment using the numeric pain rating scale (range, 0-10) and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index. At baseline, we also collected information on demographic anthropometric variables, cognitive status, depression, and comorbidities. Multivariable linear regression analyses adjusted for potential covariates were performed.ResultsA total of 215 individuals with LBP were recruited. Poor sleep quality at baseline predicted high pain intensity at 6 months (β coefficient, 0.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07-0.30). High pain intensity at baseline predicted poor sleep quality 6 months later (β coefficient, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.01-0.26).ConclusionOur findings give some support to the bidirectional relationship between pain and sleep quality in older individuals with LBP. This bidirectional relationship may be used as prognostic information by clinicians when managing patients with LBP.     

Effectiveness of an extension-oriented treatment approach in a subgroup of subjects with low back pain: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this multicenter randomized clinical trial was to examine the effectiveness of an extension-oriented treatment approach (EOTA) in a subgroup of subjects with low back pain (LBP) who were hypothesized to benefit from the treatment compared with similar subjects who received a lumbar spine strengthening exercise program. METHODS: Subjects with LBP and symptoms distal to the buttocks that centralized with extension movements were included. Forty-eight subjects were randomly assigned to groups that received an EOTA (n=26) or a strengthening exercise program (n=22). Subjects attended 8 physical therapy sessions and completed a home exercise program. Follow-up data were obtained at 1 week, 4 weeks, and 6 months after randomization. Primary outcome measures were disability (modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire) and pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale). RESULTS: Subjects in the EOTA group experienced greater improvements in disability compared with subjects who received trunk strengthening exercises at 1 week (mean difference between groups from baseline=8.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.0, 15.9), 4 weeks, (mean difference=14.4, 95% CI=4.8, 23.9), and 6 months (mean difference=14.6, 95% CI=4.6, 24.6). The EOTA group demonstrated greater change in pain at the 1-week follow-up only. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: An EOTA was more effective than trunk strengthening exercise in a subgroup of subjects hypothesized to benefit from this treatment approach. Additional research is needed to explore whether an EOTA may benefit other subgroups of patients.     

Effect of the Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors on Inflammatory Markers: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

ObjectiveTo synthesize more conclusive evidence on the anti-inflammatory effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).MethodsPubMed, Scopus, and Embase were searched from inception until March 1, 2021. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effect of ACEIs or ARBs, compared with placebo, on any of the following markers: C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), or tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Mean changes in the levels of these markers were pooled as a weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% CI.ResultsThirty-two RCTs (n=3489 patients) were included in the final analysis. Overall pooled analysis suggested that ACEIs significantly reduced plasma levels of CRP (WMD, ?0.54 [95% CI, ?0.88 to ?0.21]; P=.002; I²=96%), IL-6 (WMD, ?0.84 [95% CI, ?1.03 to ?0.64]; P<.001; I²=0%), and TNF-α (WMD, ?12.75 [95% CI, ?17.20 to ?8.29]; P<.001; I²=99%). Moreover, ARBs showed a significant reduction only in IL-6 (WMD, ?1.34 [95% CI, ?2.65 to ?0.04]; P=.04; I²=85%) and did not significantly affect CRP (P=.15) or TNF-α (P=.97) levels. The lowering effect of ACEIs on CRP levels remained significant with enalapril (P=.006) and perindopril (P=.01) as well as with a treatment duration of less than 24 weeks (WMD, -0.67 [95% CI, ?1.07 to -0.27]; P=.001; I²=94%) and in patients with coronary artery disease (WMD, ?0.75 [95% CI, ?1.17 to ?0.33]; P<.001; I²=96%).ConclusionBased on this meta-analysis, ACEIs showed a beneficial lowering effect on CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α, whereas ARBs were effective as a class in reduction of IL-6 only.     

Manipulative Therapy in Addition to Usual Care for Patients With Shoulder Complaints: Results of Physical Examination Outcomes in a Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the effect of manipulative therapy on the shoulder girdle, in addition to usual care provided by the general practitioner, on the outcomes of physical examination tests for the treatment of shoulder complaints.MethodsThis was a randomized controlled trial in a primary care setting in the Netherlands. A total of 150 participants were recruited from December 2000 until December 2002. All patients received usual care by the general practitioner. Usual care included one or more of the following depending on the needs of the patient: information/advice, oral analgesics or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, exercises, and massage. In addition to usual care, the intervention group received manipulative therapy, up to 6 treatment sessions in a 12-week period. Twenty-four physical examination tests were done at baseline and after 6, 12, and 26 weeks. Factor analysis was done to reduce the number of outcome measures.ResultsThe factor analysis resulted in 4 factors: “shoulder pain,” “neck pain,” “shoulder mobility,” and “neck mobility.” At 6 weeks, no significant differences between groups were found. At 12 weeks, the mean changes of all 4 factors favored the intervention group; the factors “shoulder pain” and “neck pain” reached statistical significance (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.1-2.1). At 26 weeks, differences in the factors “shoulder pain” (95% CI, 0.0-2.6), “shoulder mobility” (95% CI, 0.2-1.7), and “mobility neck” (95% CI, 0.2-1.3) statistically favored the intervention group.ConclusionIn this pragmatic study, manipulative therapy, in addition to usual care by the general practitioner, diminished severity of shoulder pain and neck pain and improved shoulder and neck mobility.     

Short-term Effects of Mulligan's Mobilization With Movement on Pain,Function, and Emotional Aspects in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Case Series

ObjectiveTo evaluate the short-term effects of Mulligan's mobilization with movement (MWM) on pain, physical function, emotional aspects, and proprioceptive acuity after a 2-week treatment period and throughout a 3-week follow-up period.MethodsA single group of 30 participants (60.96 ± 5.16 years) with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (KOA) was evaluated. The protocol involved 5 evaluations moments, before (baseline) and after 2 weeks of intervention (24 hours after the last session), and at 3-week follow-up. The intervention included 3 Mulligan's MWM techniques. The variables evaluated were pain (pressure pain threshold and Visual Numeric Scale), physical function (range of motion, proprioceptive acuity, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) and emotional aspects (Beck Depression Inventory). Analysis of variance for repeated measures was used considering a significance level of 5%.ResultsAt the second evaluation (after intervention), the pressure pain threshold presented higher values for rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, and patellar tendon sites and reduced values for the Visual Numeric Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index compared with baseline. Also, during the follow-up period, all variables returned close to baseline levels. Proprioceptive acuity and range of motion did not present significant changes.ConclusionScores for pain relief, physical function, and emotional aspects improved after a course of MWM in this single group of individuals with KOA. Mobilization with movement had limited outcome during follow-up. It suggests that future clinical trials on the use of MWM for KOA should be considered.     

In-Hospital Complications in Pregnant Women With Current or Historical Cancer Diagnoses

ObjectiveTo assess the temporal trends, characteristics and comorbidities, and in-hospital cardiovascular and obstetric complications and outcomes of pregnant women with current or historical cancer diagnosis at the time of admission for delivery.MethodsWe analyzed delivery hospitalizations with or without current or historical cancer between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2014, from the US National Inpatient Sample database.ResultsWe included 43,132,097 delivery hospitalizations with no cancer, 39,118 with current cancer, and 67,336 with historical diagnosis of cancer. The 5 most common types of current cancer were hematologic, thyroid, cervical, skin, and breast cancer. Women with current and historical cancer were older (29 years and 32 years vs 27 years) and incurred higher hospital costs ($4131 and $4078 vs $3521) compared with women without cancer. Most of the cancer types were associated with preterm birth (hematologic: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.48 [95% CI, 1.35 to 1.62]; cervical: aOR, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.32 to 1.63]; breast: aOR, 1.93 [95% CI, 1.72 to 2.16]). Current hematologic cancer was associated with the highest risk of peripartum cardiomyopathy (aOR, 12.19 [95% CI, 7.75 to 19.19]), all-cause mortality (aOR, 6.50 [95% CI, 2.22 to 19.07]), arrhythmia (aOR, 3.82 [95% CI, 2.04 to 7.15]), and postpartum hemorrhage (aOR, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.11 to 1.54]). Having a current or historical cancer diagnosis did not confer additional risk for stillbirth; however, metastases increased the risk of maternal mortality and preterm birth.ConclusionWomen with a current or historical diagnosis of cancer at delivery have more comorbidities compared with women without cancer. Clinicians should communicate the risks of multisystem complications to these complex patients.