Movement-Evoked Pain Versus Widespread Pain: A Longitudinal Comparison in Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain From the Delaware Spine Studies

It is currently unknown which pain-related factors contribute to long-term disability and poorer perceived health among older adults with chronic low back pain (LBP). This investigation sought to examine the unique influence of movement-evoked pain (MeP) and widespread pain (WP) on longitudinal health outcomes (ie, gait speed, perceived disability, and self-efficacy) in 250 older adults with chronic LBP. MeP was elicited with 3 standardized functional tests, while presence of WP was derived from the McGill Pain Map. Robust regression with HC3 standard errors was used to examine associations between these baseline pain variables and health outcomes at 12-month follow-up. Covariates for these models included age, sex, body mass index, resting and recall LBP intensity, LBP duration, depression, pain catastrophizing, and baseline outcome (eg, baseline gait speed). Greater MeP was independently associated with worse 12-month LBP-related disability (b = .384, t = 2.013, P = .046) and poorer self-efficacy (b = -.562, t = -2.074, P = .039); but not gait speed (P > .05). In contrast, WP and resting and recall LBP intensity were not associated with any prospective health outcome after adjustment (all P > .05). Compared to WP and resting and recall LBP intensity, MeP is most strongly related to longitudinal health outcomes in older adults with chronic LBP.PerspectiveThis article establishes novel independent associations between MeP and worse perceived disability and self-efficacy at 12-months in older adults with chronic LBP. MeP likely has biopsychosocial underpinnings and consequences and may therefore be an important determinant of health outcomes in LBP and other geriatric chronic pain populations.     

Gait asymmetry and variability in older adults during long-distance walking: Implications for gait instability

BackgroundPhysical exercise, such as walking, is imperative to older adults. However, long-distance walking may increase walking instability which exposes them to some fall risks.ObjectiveTo evaluate the influence of long-distance walking on gait asymmetry and variability of older adults.MethodSixteen physically active older adults were instructed to walk on a treadmill for a total of 60 min. Gait experiments were conducted over-ground at the baseline (before treadmill-walk), after first 30 min (30-min) and second 30 min (60-min) of the walk. In addition to spatiotemporal parameters, median absolute deviation of the joint angular velocity was measured to evaluate gait asymmetry and gait variability.FindingsThere were significant differences in the overall asymmetry index among the three time instances (Partial η² = 0.77, p < .05), predominantly contributed by the ankle (Partial η² = 0.31, p < .017). Long-distance walking significantly increased the average and maximum median absolute deviation of the ankle at both sides (W ≥ 0.19, p < .05), and knee at the non-dominant side (W = 0.44, p < .05).Interpretation.At 30-min, the older adults demonstrated a significantly higher asymmetry and variability at the ankle, which implied higher instability. Continue walking for an additional 30 min (60-min) further increased variability of the non-dominant limb at the knee joint. Walking for 30 min or more could significantly reduce walking stability.     

Association between vertebral fragility fractures,muscle strength and physical performance: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundFew studies have investigated the association between vertebral fragility fractures and lower limb muscle strength and physical performance in women with low bone mass.ObjectivesTo explore whether the presence of vertebral fracture is independently associated with poor physical performance and decreased lower limb muscle strength. To understand whether lower limb muscle strength is associated with physical performance in women with vertebral fracture.MethodsOlder women with low bone mass were divided into 2 groups: no vertebral fracture (NF) and presence of vertebral fragility fracture (VFF). Physical performance was evaluated using the Five Times Sit to Stand (5TSS) test, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and a 5m walk test (5MWT). Lower limb muscle strength was assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer.ResultsWe included 94 women with low bone mass (mean age 71.6 [SD 5.7] years, time since menopause 24.4 [7.1] years, mean BMI 27.5 [5.1] kgm^?2). VFF was only associated with low peak hip abductor torque (p = 0.001) after adjustments. In the VFF group (n= 47), each 1 Nmkg^?1 increase: in knee extensor torque was associated with improved 5MWT (p = 0.005), TUG (p = 0.002) and 5TSS (p = 0.005) performances; in knee flexor torque was associated with improved 5MWT speed (p = 0.003) and TUG time (p = 0.006); in hip abductor torque was associated with improved 5MWT speed (p = 0.003); and in hip extensor torque with improved TUG time (p = 0.046).ConclusionVFF was associated with reduced hip abductor strength in older women. However, the number of vertebral fractures influenced the association. Additionally, lower limb muscle strength was associated with physical performance, regardless of the clinical characteristics of the fractures. Therefore, strength and power training programs for the lower limbs could improve physical performance.     

Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Foot Reaction Time in Older Adults

This cross-sectional study examines the association between chronic musculoskeletal pain and foot reaction time (RT) among older community-living adults. Participants were 307 adults aged 71 years and older in the MOBILIZE Boston Study II. Pain severity, interference, and location were measured by the Brief Pain Inventory and a joint pain questionnaire. With participants seated, simple foot reaction time was measured as self-selected foot response time to an intermittent light, and choice foot reaction time was measured as response time to the light on the corresponding side of the sensored gait mat. We performed multivariable linear regression to determine associations of pain and foot RT, adjusted for sociodemographic and health characteristics, and serially adjusted for cognitive function (MMSE or Trail Making A). Pain severity and interference were associated with slower simple foot reaction time (P < .05). Pain severity and knee pain were associated with slower choice foot reaction time (P < .05). Adjustment for cognitive measures had little impact on the pain-RT relationship. This significant relationship was only observed among participants with less education. These results support the idea that chronic pain may lead to slower foot RT, thus could represent a fall hazard in older adults. Neuromotor mechanisms underlying the pain-fall relationship warrant further investigation.PerspectiveThis study provides insights on the mechanisms underlying the pain-fall relationship. Chronic pain may contribute to slower foot RT thus increase fall risk in older adults. This may help inform interventions such as stepping training to reduce fall risk in older adults living with chronic pain.     

Effects of Reflexology and Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Pain,Fatigue, and Quality of Life during Chemotherapy in Gynecologic Cancer Patients

PurposeOur aim was to investigate the effect of reflexology and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) exercises on pain, fatigue, and quality of life (QoL) of gynecologic cancer patients during chemotherapy.MethodsEighty participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: reflexology, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) exercises, both (reflexology + PMR), or a control group. Data were collected with a general data collection form, Brief Pain and Fatigue inventories, and Multidimensional Quality-of-Life Scale—Cancer.ResultsIn reflexology and reflexology + PMR groups, a significant decrease in pain severity and fatigue and an increase in QoL were found (p < .05). In the PMR alone group, pain severity and fatigue decreased significantly (p < .05), but there was no significant change identified in QOL (p > .05).ConclusionsReflexology and PMR exercises given to gynecologic cancer patients during chemotherapy were found to decrease pain and fatigue and increase QoL.     

Investigation of Factors Associated With Pain Intensity in Office Workers With Non-Specific Low Back Pain

BackgroundLow back pain is an important health problem causing serious physical, psychological, and economic losses in developed and developing countries.AimThe aim of this study is to investigate comprehensively the factors related to the intensity of pain in office workers with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP).MethodsThe study included 71 university office workers with NSLBP, aged 21-55 years. In addition to evaluating the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of office workers with NSLBP, visual analog scale (VAS), Short-Form 36 (SF-36), Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) outcome measurements were applied.ResultsThere was a statistically significant association between the intensity of pain and TUG test (p = .000), job satisfaction (p = .015), percentages of disability (p = .000), quality of life (role difficulty due to physical limitation, p = .010; pain, p = .000; social the function, p = .044), and depression (p = .004).ConclusionsWhile the functional performance, job satisfaction level, and quality of life in office workers with NSLBP with severe-intensity pain were lower, level of disability, depression were higher in office workers with NSLBP with mild-to-moderate-intensity pain.     

Alcohol,Tobacco and Psychotropic Drugs Use Among a Population with Chronic Pain in Southern Spain. A Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundSubstance use seems to be higher among populations with chronic pain.AimThe aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the quantity of alcohol, tobacco, and psychotropic drugs consumed and chronic pain among women and men.MethodLinear and logistic regression analyses were carried out using data from the 2015-2016 adults’ version of the Andalusian Health Survey which is a representative cross-sectional population-based study (n = 6,569 adults aged >16 years; 50.8% women; 49.2% men).ResultsDisabling chronic pain was statistically associated with higher tobacco consumption among men (β = –30.0, 95% confidenct interval [CI] –59.5 to –0.60; t = –2.0; p < .05). Regarding alcohol, non-disabling chronic pain and a higher quantity of alcohol consumed are statistically associated for both sexes (women: β = 30.4, 95% CI 2.3-58.6; t = 2.12; p < .05 vs. men: β = 164.2, 95% CI 24.3-340.1); t = 2.30; p < .05). For women and men, both disabling chronic pain (women: odds ratio [OR] = 8.7, 95% CI 6.0-12.7); p < .05 vs. men: OR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.5-8.2); p < .05) and non-disabling chronic pain (women: OR = 3.7, 95% CI 2.0-7.0); p <.05 vs. men: OR = 4.7, 95% CI 95% CI 1.5-14.9); p < .05) were statistically significantly associated with a higher consumption of psychotropic drugs.ConclusionsChronic pain may be related to the quantity of alcohol, tobacco, and psychotropic drugs consumed, and disability appears to be one of the factors that modulates this relationship.     

What is the influence of severity levels of knee osteoarthritis on gait initiation?

BackgroundThe anticipatory postural adjustments required for gait initiation have not yet been investigated in older adults with different levels of severity of knee osteoarthritis. This study aimed to evaluate the anticipatory postural adjustments adopted by older adults with different severity levels of knee osteoarthritis during gait initiation.MethodsSixty-seven older adults with knee osteoarthritis (mild, moderate, and severe levels) and 11 healthy older adults control were evaluated bilaterally with a force plate to analyze gait initiation. The center of pressure trajectory during gait initiation was divided into four phases: three anticipatory postural adjustments, and a locomotor phase. The length, duration, and velocity of each phase were calculated.FindingsThe results showed that during the right and left limbs swing forward, the severe and moderate knee osteoarthritis groups presented a significant reduction in the length of anticipatory postural adjustment phases, locomotion, duration, and velocity (P < 0.05). The severe knee osteoarthritis group presented a significantly higher body mass index (P < 0.003) than the other groups. However, just the healthy group presented a correlation between body mass index and anticipatory postural adjustments.InterpretationOur results demonstrated that older adults with severe and moderate levels of knee osteoarthritis adopt longer lasting and slower anticipatory postural adjustment phases, lower locomotion, and lower center of pressure displacement during gait initiation, suggesting that this population has adaptive strategy in performing gait initiation, which is significantly changed by the knee osteoarthritis severity level.     

Trunk movement compensation identified by inertial measurement units is associated with deficits in physical performance,muscle strength and functional capacity in people with hip osteoarthritis

BackgroundTrunk movement compensation characterized as ipsilateral trunk lean and posterior rotation with respect to pelvis during stance phase of walking is common in people with hip osteoarthritis and a biomarker of deficits in physical function in older adults. However, the relationship between trunk movement compensation on deficits in physical performance, muscle strength and functional capacity is unknown.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was used. Two inertial measurement units were used to assess trunk movement compensation during the six-minute-walk-test. Knee extension, knee flexion and hip abduction strength were measured using hand-held dynamometer. Multivariate regression models, controlling for self-reported hip pain, were used to regress trunk movement compensation onto six-minute-walk-test and muscle strength measures. Pairwise t-tests were used to evaluate the difference trunk movement compensation has on functional capacity by comparing the first and last minute of the six-minute-walk-test.FindingsThirty-five participants (63.3 ± 7.4 years, 57% male, 28.6 ± 4.5 kg/m²) were enrolled. Greater trunk movement compensation was related to poorer six-minute-walk-test (p = 0.03; r = −0.46). Greater hip abduction weakness was related to increased trunk movement compensation in both the sagittal (p = 0.05; r = −0.44) and frontal (p = 0.04; r = −0.38) planes. Participants demonstrated greater frontal plane trunk movement compensation during the last minute compared to the first minute of the six-minute-walk-test (p < 0.01).InterpretationTrunk movement compensation, identified by inertial measure units, is a clinically relevant measure and has a moderate-to-strong relationship on deficits in physical performance, muscle strength and functional capacity. Inertial measurement units can be used as a practical means of measuring movement quality in the clinical setting.     

Effects of iliotibial band syndrome on pain sensitivity and gait kinematics in female runners: A preliminary study

BackgroundRunners with iliotibial band syndrome display symptoms similar to chronic tendinopathy and distinct gait patterns compared to healthy controls. Although altered pain processing has been demonstrated in chronic tendinopathies, central pain processing and its relationship to motor control has not been measured in iliotibial band syndrome. The purpose of this study was to examine pain sensitivity, hip strength, and gait kinematics in runners with and without iliotibial band syndrome.MethodsNine female runners with iliotibial band syndrome and eight healthy controls participated. Subjective pain was reported and pressure pain threshold measured at the bilateral foot, tibialis anterior, contralateral hand. Isometric hip strength was assessed. Three-dimensional joint angles were collected while running. Differences in pain and strength were determined using 1-way ANOVAs. Discrete hip and knee joint angles during stance phase were calculated and waveform analysis performed.FindingsRunners with iliotibial band syndrome exhibited bilaterally diminished pain at the foot (injured-limb: 1.54 (SD = 0.51); non-injured limb: 1.54 (SD = 0.55); control: 4.01 (SD = 2.30) kg, P < .001) and ipsilateral tibialis anterior (injured-limb: 2.33 (SD = 1.10); control: 6.13 (SD = 4.89) kg, P = .03). Hip strength was not different between groups. Runners with iliotibial band syndrome had greater hip adduction at touchdown, knee internal rotation during loading, and knee abduction and flexion at toe-off than controls.InterpretationRunners with iliotibial band syndrome demonstrated expanded somatic pain sensitivity without hip strength differences, but concomitant with altered gait patterns. Bilateral pain symptoms and gait deviations exist in runners with iliotibial band syndrome even with unilateral symptoms, highlighting the importance of bilateral assessment.     

A multiple regression normalization approach to evaluation of gait in total knee arthroplasty patients

BackgroundGait features characteristic of a cohort may be difficult to evaluate due to differences in subjects' demographic factors and walking speed. The aim of this study was to employ a multiple regression normalization method that accounts for subject age, height, body mass, gender, and self-selected walking speed in the evaluation of gait in unilateral total knee arthroplasty patients.MethodsThree-dimensional gait analysis was performed on 45 total knee arthroplasty patients and 31 aged-matched controls walking at their self-selected speed. Gait data peaks including joint angles, ground reaction forces, net joint moments, and net joint powers were normalized using subject body mass, standard dimensionless equations, and a multiple regression approach that modeled subject age, height, body mass, gender, and self-selected walking speed.FindingsNormalizing gait data using subject body mass, dimensionless equations, and multiple regression approach resulted in a significantly lower knee adduction moment and knee extensor power in total knee arthroplasty patients compared to controls (p < 0.05). In contrast to normalization using body mass and dimensionless equations, multiple regression normalization greatly reduced variance in gait data by minimizing correlations with subject demographic factors and walking speed, resulting in significantly higher peak hip extension angles and peak hip flexion powers in total knee arthroplasty patients (p < 0.05).InterpretationTotal knee arthroplasty patients generate greater hip extension angles and hip flexor power and have a lower knee adduction moment than healthy controls. This gait pattern may be a strategy to reduce muscle and joint loading at the knee.     

Association of Sleep Quality Status With Worsening Low Back or Knee Pain During The COVID-19 State of Emergency Among Old-Old Adults

BackgroundPoor sleep quality has a negative effect on pain among older adults. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) state of emergency, lifestyle changes can cause psychologic stressors and lead to poor sleep quality.AimThis study examined whether sleep quality status was associated with low back or knee pain changes during the COVID-19 state of emergency among community-dwelling Japanese old-old adults.DesignCross-sectional investigation.MethodsIn July 2020, during the COVID-19 epidemic, we conducted a postal survey for old-old adults aged ≥77 years and collected data on 597 participants. For those who had low back or knee pain at the time of the survey (in July), characteristics such as low back pain, knee pain, changes in pain status, and sleep quality status during the COVID-19 state of emergency (in March) were assessed.ResultsData from 597 participants showed the prevalence of low back pain (50.6%) and knee pain (40.7%) in July. Of those with low back or knee pain, 374 had pain changes during the state of emergency, with 12.3% worsening. Of these, 23.9% had poor sleep quality in March compared to non-change (p = .008). In a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for potential confounders, poor sleep quality was significantly associated with pain worsening (odds ratio 2.80, 95% confidence interval 1.26-6.22).ConclusionsDuring the COVID-19 state of emergency, poor sleep quality was associated with worsening low back or knee pain. This may indicate the need to pay attention to poor sleep quality to prevent the exacerbation of pain among old-old adults.     

Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Ketoprofen Plaster and Diclofenac Plaster for Osteoarthritis-Related Knee Pain: A Multicenter,Randomized, Active-Controlled,Open-Label,Parallel-Group,Phase III Clinical Trial

PurposeTo compare the efficacy and safety of ketoprofen plasters and diclofenac plasters after 3 weeks of administration in patients with osteoarthritis-related knee pain.MethodsThis multicenter, randomized, active-controlled, open-label, parallel-group, noninferiority phase III study randomized 236 adults with osteoarthritis-related knee pain for 3 weeks with ketoprofen plaster 30 mg twice daily (n = 118) or diclofenac plaster 15 mg once daily (n = 118). The primary efficacy end point was the mean change from baseline to week 3 in the mean knee pain intensity score during walking, as measured by a 100-mm visual analog scale with a predefined noninferiority margin of 10.0 mm. Secondary end points included changes in knee pain intensity score during walking (weeks 1 and 2) and at rest (weeks 1, 2, and 3), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Patient Global Impression of Improvement scale assessments, and frequency of rescue medication use after 2 and 3 weeks of treatment.FindingsA total of 223 patients (115 in the ketoprofen group and 108 in the diclofenac group) were included in the per-protocol analysis. After 3 weeks of treatment, the least squares mean change from baseline in knee pain intensity scores during walking was −35.9 (95% CI, −39.7 to −32.2) in the ketoprofen group and −31.7 (95% CI, −35.5 to −27.9) in the diclofenac group, with noninferiority found (least squares mean difference, −4.2; 95% CI, −9.6 to 1.1). Ketoprofen significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the pain intensity score at rest after 2 and 3 weeks of treatment compared with diclofenac. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of changes in pain intensity score during walking at weeks 1, 2, and 3. The mean Patient Global Impression of Improvement score was statistically significant (P < 0.001) in favor of ketoprofen after 2 and 3 weeks of treatment. In addition, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score improved in both groups, and no statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of frequency of rescue medication use. The overall adverse event profile of the groups was similar, and no difference was found in skin reaction rates between the 2 groups.ImplicationsKetoprofen plasters can be effectively and safely administered to patients with osteoarthritis-related knee pain.     

Pain Catastrophizing and Pain-Related Fear in Osteoarthritis Patients: Relationships to Pain and Disability

This study examined the degree to which pain catastrophizing and pain-related fear explain pain, psychological disability, physical disability, and walking speed in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Participants in this study were 106 individuals diagnosed as having OA of at least one knee, who reported knee pain persisting for six months or longer. Results suggest that pain catastrophizing explained a significant proportion (all Ps ≤ 0.05) of variance in measures of pain (partial r² [pr²] = 0.10), psychological disability (pr² = 0.20), physical disability (pr² = 0.11), and gait velocity at normal (pr² = 0.04), fast (pr² = 0.04), and intermediate speeds (pr² = 0.04). Pain-related fear explained a significant proportion of the variance in measures of psychological disability (pr² = 0.07) and walking at a fast speed (pr² = 0.05). Pain cognitions, particularly pain catastrophizing, appear to be important variables in understanding pain, disability, and walking at normal, fast, and intermediate speeds in knee OA patients. Clinicians interested in understanding variations in pain and disability in this population may benefit by expanding the focus of their inquiries beyond traditional medical and demographic variables to include an assessment of pain catastrophizing and pain-related fear.     

Evaluation of the Combined Application of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Volitional Contractions on Thigh Muscle Strength,Knee Pain,and Physical Performance in Women at Risk for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundKnee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability that is associated with quadriceps weakness. However, strengthening in people with or with risk factors for knee OA can be poorly tolerated.ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of a 12-week low-load exercise program, using a hybrid training system (HTS) that uses the combination of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and volitional contractions, for improving thigh muscle strength, knee pain relief, and physical performance in women with or with risk factors for knee OA.DesignRandomized, single-blinded, controlled trial.SettingExercise training laboratory.ParticipantsForty-two women 44-85 years old with risk factors for knee OA.InterventionsParticipants randomized to 12 weeks of biweekly low-load resistance training with the HTS or on an isokinetic dynamometer (control).OutcomesMaximum isokinetic knee extensor torque. Secondary measures included maximum isokinetic knee flexor torque, knee pain (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score), and timed 20-m walk and chair stand tests.ResultsThe HTS and control treatments resulted in muscle strengthening, decreased knee pain, and improved physical performance. HTS group quadriceps and hamstring strength increased by 0.06 ± 0.04 Nm/kg (P > .05) and 0.05 ± 0.02 Nm/kg (P = .02), respectively. Control group quadriceps and hamstring strength increased by 0.03 ± 0.04 Nm/kg (P > .05) and 0.06 ± 0.02 Nm/kg (P = .009), respectively. Knee pain decreased by 11.9 ± 11.5 points (P < .001) for the HTS group and 14.1 ± 15.4 points (P = .001) for the control group. The 20-m walk time decreased by 1.60 ± 2.04 seconds (P = .005) and 0.95 ± 1.2 seconds (P = .004), and chair stand time decreased by 4.8 ± 10.0 seconds (P > .05) and 1.9 ± 4.7 seconds (P > .05) in the HTS and control groups, respectively. These results did not differ statistically between the HTS and control groups.ConclusionsThese results suggest the HTS is effective for alleviating pain and improving physical performance in women with risk factors for knee OA. However, the HTS does not appear to be superior to low-load resistance training for improving muscle strength, pain relief, or physical function.Clinical trial registration number: NCT02802878.Level of EvidenceI     

Efficacy and Practicality of Opioid Therapy in Japanese Chronic Noncancer Pain Patients

BackgroundMany Japanese adults suffer from chronic pain. However, 50% of these individuals discontinue treatment despite the persistence of pain. Both clinicians and patients in Japan tend to be concerned about the safety and efficacy of opioid therapy, and the use of opioids in chronic non-cancer pain remains less common in Japan than elsewhere.AimsThis study examined the effects of opioid therapy on the daily lives of patients with chronic noncancer pain in Japan, where use of opioids for this type of pain remains uncommon.DesignProspective cross-sectional questionnaire study.SettingData were collected over two periods, between March and April 2014 at one hospital, and between February and April 2015 at the other hospital. Subjects were recruited at the respective clinics by the study interviewer between March 1, 2014 and April 15, 2014 and between February 1, 2015 and April 15, 2015.Participants/SubjectsThis study included 34 outpatients with chronic non-cancer pain who were being treated with opioid analgesics at pain clinics in two hospitals in Sapporo.MethodsThirty-four Japanese patients receiving opioid medications for chronic noncancer pain in outpatient pain clinics were enrolled. Participants underwent interviews and completed the Japanese versions of the Short Form 36 (SF-36v2) and the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ).ResultsSleep disruption, claiming compensation for work-related accidents, and current pain level were negatively correlated with opioid effectiveness (p < .05). Additionally, opioid effectiveness was negatively correlated with the catastrophizing subscale of the CSQ (r = −0.50, p < .01). The effects of opioid therapy had a low positive correlation with the emotional functioning role subscale of the SF-36v2 (r = 0.38, p < .05). Daily equivalent morphine dose was positively correlated with opioid therapy duration, interference with appetite, and current pain intensity. Morphine dose was also positively correlated with scores for the catastrophizing subscale of the CSQ (r = 0.36, p < .05) and negatively correlated with scores in all subdomains of the SF-36v2.ConclusionsIt is important to focus on adaptive, cognitive, and emotional factors, such as emotional role functioning, to determine the efficacy of opioid treatment for chronic noncancer pain. Moreover, patients with catastrophizing significantly increased their morphine doses, resulting in an increased risk of overdose.     

Effect of gait retraining on segment coordination and joint variability in individuals with patellofemoral pain

BackgroundGait retraining is advocated for the management of patellofemoral pain. This case series examined changes in lower limb variability following 6-weeks of gait retraining in individuals with patellofemoral pain.MethodsSix runners with patellofemoral pain completed a 6-week physiotherapist-guided gait retraining program using minimalist footwear and increased cadence. Approximate entropy joint variability and segment coordination variability were calculated across the entire gait cycle during running at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks and compared using repeated measures analysis of variance and the standardised mean difference (SMD).FindingsCompared to baseline, there were large increases in hip joint transverse plane kinematic variability at 6 (SMD = 1.7) and 12 weeks (SMD = 1.3). Moderate increases in hip joint frontal plane and knee joint sagittal plane kinematic variability were also observed at 6 (SMD = 1.1 & 0.96) and 12 weeks (SMD = 1.1 & 0.89). Knee joint frontal plane and hip joint transverse plane kinetic variability demonstrated large increases from baseline at 6 (SMD = 1.3 & 0.9) and 12 weeks (SMD = 0.9 & 1.0). There was no main effect of time for segment coordination variability. All participants had clinically meaningful improvements in pain (visual analogue change score > 20 mm).InterpretationGait retraining increased joint kinematic and kinetic variability in those with patellofemoral pain and these changes persisted over 12 weeks. Increased variability was observed in joint kinematics and kinetics known to influence patellofemoral joint stress, which may vary patellofemoral joint loading patterns and partly explain the clinical effect.     

Effects of Auricular Acupressure on Hip Flexibility and Pain in Taekwondo Participants: Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundIn sports, hip flexibility is essential to reduce injuries and improve performance.AimThis study aimed to examine the effects of auricular acupressure on hip flexibility and pain in Taekwondo participants.MethodThis randomized controlled trial was performed in the Republic of Korea from January 2021 to August 2021. The Numeric Rating Scale for Pain and Hip Flexibility was used. Twenty-one participants received auricular pressure once weekly for six weeks, while 17 participants did not receive any intervention. Auricular acupressure was applied to the hip (AH13), Shinmun, and auricular acupressure points associated with the pain areas reported by the participants.ResultsAuricular acupressure improved hip flexibility (t = 2.67, p = .011) and back pain (t = 2.11, p = .043). The mean difference in post-pretest hip flexibility in the experimental group was 16.24 degrees (±13.63), whereas that in the control group was 4.77 degrees (±15.07). The mean difference in the experimental group's pre-post-test scores of back pain was 1.24 (±2.64), whereas that in the control group was 0.18 (±1.41).ConclusionsThe results of this study showed that auricular acupressure could be used to treat pain and improve hip flexibility.     

The role of knee joint moments and knee impairments on self-reported knee pain during gait in patients with knee osteoarthritis

BackgroundThe association between high mechanical knee joint loading during gait with onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis has been extensively studied. However, less attention has been given to risk factors related to increased pain during gait. The purpose of this study was to evaluate knee joint moments and clinical characteristics that may be associated with gait-related knee pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis.MethodsSixty-seven participants with knee osteoarthritis were stratified into three groups of no pain (n = 18), mild pain (n = 27), or moderate/severe pain (n = 22) based on their self-reported symptoms during gait. All participants underwent three-dimensional gait analysis. Quadriceps strength, knee extension range of motion, radiographic knee alignment and self-reported measures of global pain and function were also quantified.FindingsThe moderate/severe pain group demonstrated worse global pain (P < 0.01) and physical function scores (P < 0.01) compared to the no pain and the mild pain groups. The moderate/severe pain group also walked with greater knee flexion moments during the midstance phase of gait compared to the no pain group (P = 0.02). Additionally, the moderate/severe pain group demonstrated greater varus knee malalignment (P = 0.009), which was associated with higher weight acceptance peak knee adduction moments (P = 0.003) and worse global pain (P = 0.003) and physical function scores (P = 0.006).InterpretationGreater knee flexion moment is present during the midstance phase of gait in patients with knee osteoarthritis and moderate/severe pain during gait. Additionally, greater varus malalignment may be a sign of increased global knee joint dysfunction that can influence many activities of daily living beyond gait.