High‐dosage medical exercise therapy in patients with long‐term subacromial shoulder pain: a randomized controlled trial

Background and Purpose. Exercise therapy is a commonly used conservative therapy for long‐term subacromial pain. However, there is no consensus regarding what type of exercises and dosage is most effective. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two exercise programmes: 1) high‐dosage (HD) medical exercise therapy versus 2) low‐dosage (LD) exercise therapy programme for subjects with long‐term subacromial pain. Methods. This study used a randomized, controlled clinical trial with an intention‐to‐treat analysis. Sixty‐one subjects were randomly assigned by concealment either to an HD medical exercise therapy group (n = 31) or to an LD exercise therapy group (n = 30). Pain (visual analogue scale [VAS]) and function (Shoulder Rating Questionnaire [SRQ]) were measured at inclusion, at end of treatment and at 6 and 12 months follow‐up. Results. There were no differences between groups at inclusion (baseline) regarding any variables. During the three months treatment period, five subjects (8%) dropped out, and another seven (11%) dropped out at one‐year follow‐up. At the end of treatment, both pain and function had improved significantly in favour of the HD therapy, between‐group differences in VAS were ?2.7 (?3.9 to 0.9), and for activity limitations, the between‐group differences in the SRQ increased by 24.5 points (14.5–35.7). The differences between groups were both statistically and clinically significant at 6 and 12 months follow‐up. Conclusion. In subjects with long‐term subacromial pain syndrome, HD medical exercise therapy is superior to a conventional LD exercise programme. For clinicians to obtain similar positive results with HD medical exercise therapy, factors such as good communication skills, constant close personal supervision during exercise treatment and having from three to five subjects in a group setting are important. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effectiveness of low-level laser therapy on shoulder function in subacromial impingement syndrome

Purpose. To investigate the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in addition to exercise programme on shoulder function in subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS).

Method. Sixty-seven patients with SAIS were randomly assigned to either a group that received laser (n = 34) or a group that received placebo Laser (n = 26). Pain, functional assessment, disability and muscle strength of shoulder were assessed before and after a 3-week rehabilitation programme. Besides Laser or placebo Laser, superficial cold and progressive exercise programme were administered to both groups, 5 days a week, for 3 weeks. A progressive exercise programme that was done daily twice under supervision in clinic and at home was given to the patients.

Results. After the treatment, all outcome measurements had shown significant improvement except muscle strength in both the groups. When the parameters of the improvement were compared, there were no significant differences between the two groups after treatment.

Conclusion. We concluded that there is no fundamental difference between LLLT and placebo LLLT when they are supplementing an exercise programme for rehabilitation of patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.     

脉冲调整技术和关节松动术治疗肩峰下撞击综合征的临床疗效对比

目的:比较脉冲调整技术和关节松动术对肩峰下撞击综合征患者的临床疗效。方法:将38例肩峰下撞击综合征患者随机分为脉冲组(脉冲调整技术)和松动组(关节松动术)各19例。脉冲组进行脉冲调整技术治疗、常规理疗和运动训练,松动组进行关节松动术、常规理疗和运动训练。两组患者均进行12周治疗,并于治疗前和治疗第1周、第4周、第12周随访时采用VAS评分和CMS量表进行评估。结果:治疗后第1周、第4周、第12周脉冲组VAS分数分别为2.4±1.3、1.2±1.0、0.9±0.9,CMS总分分别为76.5±11.0、84.3±8.8、89.0±7.1;松动组VAS分数分别为3.5±1.3、2.1±1.3、1.4±1.2,CMS总分分别为69.4±13.1、82.9±6.7、88.5±6.8。两组VAS分数和CMS总分组内对比差异均有显著性意义(P0.01);治疗1周后,脉冲组VAS分数低于松动组,差异有显著性意义(P=0.008),脉冲组CMS评分中的疼痛得分、ADL得分均高于松动组,差异均有显著性意义(P=0.008,P=0.009);治疗4周后,脉冲组VAS分数低于松动组,差异有显著性意义(P=0.034),CMS评分中的疼痛得分高于松动组,差异有显著性意义(P=0.048)。结论:在常规理疗和运动训练基础上无论联合应用脉冲调整技术还是关节松动术,均能有效改善肩峰下撞击综合征患者肩部的疼痛和功能障碍。而脉冲调整技术与关节松动术相比,能在治疗早期更快地减轻疼痛并改善患者日常生活活动能力。     

Dry needling in addition to standard physical therapy treatment for sub-acromial pain syndrome: a randomized controlled trial protocol

BackgroundTrigger point dry needling interventions are utilized by physical therapists to manage shoulder pain. Observational studies have shown positive short-term outcomes in patients with subacromial pain syndrome receiving trigger point dry needling. However, little research has been done to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of trigger point dry needling specifically as it compares to other commonly utilized interventions such as exercise and manual therapy. The purpose of this study is to assess the additive short and long-term effectiveness of trigger point dry needling to a standard physical therapy approach of manual therapy and exercise for patients with subacromial pain syndrome.MethodsThis multicenter randomized trial with 3 arms was designed following the standard protocol items for randomized interventional trials. Results will be reported consistent with the consolidated standards of reporting trials guidelines. 130 participants will be randomized to receive standard PT interventions alone (manual therapy and exercise), standard PT and trigger point dry needling or standard PT and sham trigger point dry needling. The primary outcome measures will be the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index and Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Systems (PROMIS-57) scores collected at baseline, 6-weeks, 6-months and one year. Healthcare utilization will be collected for 12 months following enrollment and groups analyzed for differences.DiscussionIt is not known if trigger point dry needling provides long-term benefit for individuals with subacromial pain syndrome. This study will help determine if this intervention provides additive benefits over those observed with the commonly applied interventions of exercise and manual therapy.Trial registrationIdentifier: NCT03442894 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03442894) on 22 February 2018.     

Intra-oral myofascial therapy for chronic myogenous temporomandibular disorders: a randomized, controlled pilot study

Objectives

Studies investigating the efficacy of intra-oral myofascial therapies (IMT) for chronic temporomandibular disorder (TMD) are rare. The objective of this randomized, controlled pilot study was to compare the effects of IMT and the addition of self-care and education over 6 months on four common TMD outcome measures: inter-incisal opening range, jaw pain at rest, jaw pain upon opening, and jaw pain upon clenching.

Participants

Thirty myogenous TMD participants between the ages of 18 and 50 years, experiencing chronic jaw pain of longer than 3-month duration, were recruited for the present study.

Intervention

Included patients were randomized into one of three groups: (1) IMT consisting of two treatment interventions per week for 5 weeks; (2) IMT plus ‘self-care’ involving education and exercises; and (3) wait list control.

Main outcome measures

Range of motion findings were measured in millimetres by vernier callipers and pain scores were quantified using an 11-point self-reported graded chronic pain scale. Measurements were taken at baseline, 6 weeks post-treatment, and 6 months post-treatment.

Results

The results showed statistically significant differences in resting, opening, and clenching pain and opening range scores (P<0.05) in both treatment groups compared to control at 6 months. No significant differences were observed between the two treatment groups during the course of the trial.

Conclusions

This study suggests that IMT alone or with the addition of self-care may be of some benefit in the management of chronic TMD over the short-medium term. A larger scale study over a longer term (1–2 years) may be of further value.     

Evaluation of a group acceptance commitment therapy intervention for people with knee or hip osteoarthritis: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Objectives: The aim was to evaluate an Acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) intervention for people with knee or hip osteoarthritis; a related aim was to compare treatment effects from Rasch-transformed and standard scales. Methods: Participants were recruited from a research database and outpatient rheumatology and orthopaedic clinics at two hospitals. Eligible participants were randomly allocated to either intervention or usual care. Intervention comprised six-sessions of group ACT. Outcomes were assessed two and four months after randomization. Rasch-transformed and standard self-report measures were compared. Qualitative interviews also explored the acceptability of the intervention. Results: Of 87 people assessed for eligibility, 31 (36%) were randomized. The main reason for non-randomization was that participants received surgery. Of the 16 participants randomized to intervention, 64% completed ≥50% of the scheduled group sessions. Follow-up data was complete for 84% participants at two months and 68% at four months. Outcome analysis demonstrated important differences between the Rasch-transformed and standard scales. There were significant differences between the groups in pain. Qualitative interviews with seven participants suggested the intervention was acceptable. Conclusions: ACT for osteoarthritis is likely to be an acceptable treatment option for people with osteoarthritis. Progress to a definitive trial is warranted. Rasch-transformed outcome scales are preferable in clinical trials where possible.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• Acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) is an effective treatment for many pain conditions andcould be a useful intervention for people with osteoarthritis who have high levels of pain.

• Rasch analysis is a measurement technique that may enable greater precision in detectingmeaningful treatment effects in routine clinical outcomes.

• The ACT intervention was successful in reducing pain and sleep difficulties and there werenotable differences in effects between standard and Rasch-transformed scales.

• In a relatively small trial, ACT may to be an acceptable intervention for people with osteoarthritisand progress to a definitive trial is warranted.

     

Heightened pain sensitivity in individuals with signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and the relationship to clinical outcomes following a manual therapy intervention

Neurophysiological responses related to lessening of pain sensitivity are a suggested mechanism of manual therapy. Prior studies have observed generalized lower pain thresholds associated with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in comparison to healthy controls. The present study sought to determine whether similar findings were present in suprathreshold measures and measures specific to central integration of pain (temporal summation and after sensations). Additionally, we wished to determine whether measures of pain sensitivity were related to clinical outcomes in participants with signs and symptoms of CTS receiving a manual therapy intervention. Individuals with signs and symptoms of CTS reported greater pain sensitivity to suprathreshold measures of mechanical pain, temporal summation, and after sensation in comparison to healthy controls. Immediate lessening of mechanical pain sensitivity and after sensations in response to a manual therapy intervention and 3-week attenuation of temporal summation following a 3-week course of manual therapy were associated with 3-week changes in clinical pain intensity in participants with signs and symptoms of CTS. These findings suggest heightened pain sensitivity across several parameters may be associated with CTS. Furthermore, changes in mechanical pain, after sensation, and temporal summation may be related to improvements in clinical outcomes.     

Improved healing rates for chronic venous leg ulcers: pilot study results from a randomized controlled trial of a community nursing intervention

Venous leg ulcers are a frequent source of chronic ill-health and a considerable cost to health-care systems. This paper reports pilot study results from a randomized controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of a community-based 'Leg Club' environment on improving healing rates of venous leg ulcers. Leg Clubs offer a setting where people with similar problems can socialize in a supportive, information-sharing environment. A sample of 33 clients with a below-knee venous leg ulcer were randomized to treatment, either in their own homes or in a community Leg Club. Treatment was provided to all participants, whether in the control group or intervention group, by a team of trained wound-care nurses following evidence-based assessment and treatment guidelines. Data were collected on admission to the study and at 12 weeks from admission. Results showed a significant improvement in healing in the intervention group compared to the control group, as measured by ulcer area size and Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing scores. These results suggest that a community Leg Club environment provides benefits additional to wound care expertise and evidence-based care. Knowledge gained from this study provides evidence to guide service delivery and improve client outcomes.     

Effects of sling-based manual therapy on cervicothoracic junction in patients with neck pain and forward head posture: A randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 4 weeks of sling-based manual therapy on the cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) area in patients with neck pain and forward head posture.DesignSingle-blind randomized controlled trial.SettingOutpatient, Chonbuk National University hospital, Republic of Korea.SubjectsA total of 22 participants with neck pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale >3) and forward head posture (craniovertebral angle <51) were randomly assigned to a CTJ group or a control group (n = 11 each).InterventionIn the control group, joint mobilization and motor control training was applied for the upper cervical spine (C0–C1). The CTJ group applied the same intervention to the upper cervical spine and cervicothoracic junction (C7-T3).Main measuresNumeric pain rating scale and neck disability index, craniovertebral angle, active range of motion, and muscle activity were evaluated before and after 4 weeks of intervention.ResultThe CTJ group participants showed significant improvement in the craniovertebral angle and cervical extension range after the intervention than the control group (P = 0.025, P = 0.001). While both groups presented significant differences after the intervention regarding Numeric pain rating scale, neck disability index, and muscle activity (sternocleidomastoid and anterior scalene muscle), there were no statistically significant differences between the groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionOur results suggest that the CTJ and the upper cervical region in patients with neck pain and forward head posture represent an area which if approached by manual therapy, improves cervical mobility and posture.     

Individualised manual therapy plus guideline-based advice vs advice alone for people with clinical features of lumbar zygapophyseal joint pain: a randomised controlled trial

Objectives

To determine whether individualised manual therapy plus guideline-based advice results in superior outcomes to advice alone in participants with clinical features potentially indicative of lumbar zygapophyseal joint pain.

Far-infrared ray patches relieve pain and improve skin sensitivity in myofascial pain syndrome: A double-blind randomized controlled study

ObjectiveMyofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common disorder characterized by muscle pain if myofascial trigger points (MTrP) are stimulated. This study evaluated the effectiveness of far-infrared ray (FIR) patches in reducing the severity of pain in patients with MPS.MethodsA double-blind, randomized controlled study involving 125 patients with MPS and 201 MTrPs located in the trapezius muscle. A FIR patch was applied to 98 MTrPs for 24 h in the intervention group (61 patients) and a placebo patch was applied to 91 MTrPs in the control group (57 patients) at the end. Pain intensity was measured using the visual analogue scale (V) while pressure pain threshold (P) and maximal pain tolerance (T) were measured using an algometer before and after treatment.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 37.16 years old and 67% were female. There was a positive correlation between P and T (p < 0.001). Older Age was associated with higher P and T due to poor skin sensitivity (p < 0.001). V improved significantly in both groups to a similar extent, but only in the intervention group, P and T decreased significantly (which implied better skin sensitivity) (p < 0.05). P and T decreased the most in the female group aged over 35, probably due to thinner skin in this subgroup.ConclusionsFIR and placebo patches were equally effective at relieving pain (with decreased V), but P and T dropped only in the intervention group with FIR patches. This probably resulted from FIR penetrated only to the skin layer and improved skin sensitivity with more blood circulation, but the muscle remained unaffected. Further studies should investigate the effect of longer exposure or higher energy applications.     

Music in mind, a randomized controlled trial of music therapy for young people with behavioural and emotional problems: study protocol

porter s., holmes v., mclaughlin k., lynn f., cardwell c., braiden h.-j., doran j. & rogan s. (2012)?Music in mind, a randomized controlled trial of music therapy for young people with behavioural and emotional problems: study protocol. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(10), 2349-2358. ABSTRACT: Aims. This article is a report of a trial protocol to determine if improvizational music therapy leads to clinically significant improvement in communication and interaction skills for young people experiencing social, emotional or behavioural problems. Background. Music therapy is often considered an effective intervention for young people experiencing social, emotional or behavioural difficulties. However, this assumption lacks empirical evidence. Study design. Music in mind is a multi-centred single-blind randomized controlled trial involving 200 young people (aged 8-16?years) and their parents. Eligible participants will have a working diagnosis within the ambit of International Classification of Disease 10 Mental and Behavioural Disorders and will be recruited over 15?months from six centres within the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services of a large health and social care trust in Northern Ireland. Participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive standard care alone or standard care plus 12 weekly music therapy sessions delivered by the Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust. Baseline data will be collected from young people and their parents using standardized outcome measures for communicative and interaction skills (primary endpoint), self-esteem, social functioning, depression and family functioning. Follow-up data will be collected 1 and 13?weeks after the final music therapy session. A cost-effectiveness analysis will also be carried out. Discussion. This study will be the largest trial to date examining the effect of music therapy on young people experiencing social, emotional or behavioural difficulties and will provide empirical evidence for the use of music therapy among this population. Trial registration. This study is registered in the ISRCTN Register, ISRCTN96352204. Ethical approval was gained in October 2010.     

Evaluation of a bibliotherapy manual for reducing psychological distress in people with depression: a randomized controlled trial

Aim. This article reports a study to evaluate the efficacy of a self‐help manual in reducing psychological distress in individuals with moderate depression. Background. The prevalence of depression in Thailand is increasing markedly (e.g. from 56–197 per 100,000 population between 1997–2007). Design. We conducted a randomized controlled trial with 54 outpatients with depression in Chiang Mai Province in Thailand. Method. Participants were assigned randomly to an intervention or control group. The intervention group participants were given a self‐help manual in addition to standard care and treatment while the control group received standard care and treatment. Psychological distress was measured with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Data were collected between October 2007–April 2008. Results. The findings showed statistically significant differences between both groups in their levels of psychological distress (e.g. tiredness, hopelessness, restlessness). At post‐test, the distress scores of the intervention group were lower than those in the control group. Between post‐test and 1‐month follow‐up, distress scores continued to decrease steadily in the intervention group but only decreased slightly in the control group. Conclusion. The findings affirm the benefits of bibliotherapy or self‐help therapy in book form in helping to reduce psychological distress in people with moderate depression. The approach is easy to use and can be incorporated as an adjunct to standard care and treatment. Bibliotherapy can be used by community mental health nurses and other clinicians to reduce psychological distress and promote recovery in people with moderate depression.     

Effectiveness of standard cervical physiotherapy plus diaphragm manual therapy on pain in patients with chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLiterature concerning the effect of diaphragm treatment to reduce neck pain symptoms is scarce. Aim of this trial was to investigate the effects of diaphragm manual therapy associated with standard physiotherapy treatment on pain in patients with Chronic Neck Pain (CNP).MethodsIn a private practice clinic, subjects with CNP were randomly assigned to receive three 30-min treatment sessions of standard cervical physiotherapy and Diaphragm Manual Therapy (DMT) or Sham Diaphragm Technique (SDT). Participants and assessors were blinded to the assignment. Primary outcome was pain, secondary outcomes were cervical active range of motion, pain pressure threshold, disability and quality of life measured at baseline, before and after each session, at 3 and 6-months. Adverse events were monitored. A non-parametric multivariate approach (combined permutation test) was applied to assess the effect of the treatment on all the outcomes. An intention to treat analysis was performed.ResultsForty patients were randomly allocated to DMT and SDT groups. Combined permutation test showed a significant higher improvement in DMT group compared to SDT group (p-value = 0.0002). The between-group comparisons on single outcomes showed a statistically significant improvement only for pain pressure threshold on upper trapezius (adjusted p-value = 0.029). No adverse events related to the intervention were registered.ConclusionsIn patients with CNP, addition of diaphragm manual techniques to standard cervical treatment seems to give a better global outcome, but this improvement is of unclear clinical relevance; the primary outcome seems not to have a role. Further studies are needed to confirm and clarify these results.Trial registrationRelease Date: July 18, 2017 Registered in ClinicalTrial.gov database ID: NCT03223285A.     

Medium term effects of including manual therapy in a pulmonary rehabilitation program for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a randomized controlled pilot trial.

Study design: Randomized clinical trial.

Objective: To investigate the effect of including manual therapy (MT) in a pulmonary rehabilitation program for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Background: The primary source of exercise limitation in people with COPD is dyspnea. The dyspnea is partly caused by changes in chest wall mechanics, with an increase in chest wall rigidity (CWR) contributing to a decrease in lung function. As MT is known to increase joint mobility, administering MT to people with COPD carries with it the potential to influence CWR and lung function.

Methods: Thirty-three participants with COPD, aged between 55 and 70 years (mean?=?65·5±4 years), were randomly assigned to three groups: pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) only, soft tissue therapy (ST) and PR, and ST, spinal manipulative therapy (SM), and PR. Outcome measures including forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (FEV₁), forced vital capacity (FVC), 6-minute walking test (6MWT), St. George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ), and the hospital anxiety and depression (HAD) scale were recorded at 0, 8, 16, and 24 weeks.

Results: There was a significant difference in FVC between the three groups at 24 weeks (P?=?0·04). For the ST+SM+PR group versus PR only the increase was 0·40 l (CI: 0·02, 0·79; P?=?0·03). No major or moderate adverse events (AE) were reported following the administration of 131 ST and 272 SM interventions.

Discussion: The increase in FVC is a unique finding. Although the underlying mechanisms responsible for this outcome are not yet understood, the most likely explanation is the synergistic effect resulting from the combination of interventions. These results support the call for a larger clinical trial in the use of MT for COPD.     

Occupational therapy in accident and emergency departments: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: The National Service Framework for Older People published in 2001 requires action to improve the discharge process of older people from hospital. Currently, many older people released from accident and emergency departments are unable to perform basic activities of daily living. This could delay recovery and increase demand for emergency primary care services. AIMS: To evaluate the potential for an occupational therapist in an accident and emergency department to reduce unmet functional needs after releasing patients aged 75 years or more with a primary diagnosis of limb, rib or back trauma. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was employed, with the intervention group receiving an occupational therapy assessment and given, or arrangements made, for appropriate treatments and equipment before release. Controls received routine care. All patients were reassessed at home, 7 days later. RESULTS: Of 72 patients, 39 were recruited with 19 randomized to the intervention group and 20 to the control group. The median age was 81 years (75-92 years) and 31 (79%) were female. At baseline, 20 (51.2%) patients had problems in performing one or more of four basic activities assessed. At the follow-up assessment, in the intervention group the proportion of patients having no problems with these activities increased by 54% over and above the change in the control group, compared with that at baseline (P < 0.001). No effect on anxiety or demand for primary care was observed. CONCLUSIONS: In our local hospital, over 50% of older patients with limb, rib or back trauma would have left the accident and emergency department unable to perform basic activities of daily living. This might be overcome by employing occupational therapists to assess and meet the functional needs of these patients before sending them home. These results need confirming in a larger study.     

Long-term effects of routine morphine infusion in mechanically ventilated neonates on children's functioning: five-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial

Newborns on ventilatory support often receive morphine to induce analgesia. Animal experiments suggest that this may impair subsequent cognitive and behavioral development. There are sparse human data on long-term effects of neonatal morphine. We aimed to investigate the effects of continuous morphine administered in the neonatal period on the child’s functioning. We conducted a follow-up study among 5-year-olds who, as mechanically ventilated neonates, had participated in a placebo-controlled trial on effects of morphine administration on pain and neurologic outcome. They were now tested on intelligence, visual motor integration, behavior, chronic pain, and health-related quality of life. Univariate analyses showed significantly lower overall intelligence quotient (IQ) scores for children who earlier had received morphine, that is, mean 94 (SD 14.5) versus 100 (SD 12.9) for those who received placebo (P = 0.049). Other between-group differences in outcomes were not found. The statistical difference disappeared after correction for treatment condition, open-label morphine consumption over the first 28 days, and a propensity score for clinically relevant co-variables in multiple regression analyses. However, scores on one IQ subtest, “visual analysis,” were significantly negatively related to having received morphine and to open-label morphine consumption the first 28 days. The finding of a significant effect of morphine on the “visual analysis” IQ subtest calls for follow-up at a later age focusing on the higher-order neurocognitive functions.