Bodily Pain Scores Research Articles

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Pain Management Models for Children with Malignant Tumors in Qinghai Region

Objective: To understand the current status of pain in children with tumors in Qinghai Province and its influencing factors, and to establish a pain management model suitable for Qinghai. Methods: A multidisciplinary pain management team was formed, consisting of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, volunteers, ethnic minority translators, and medical students, to implement multidimensional pain management. The effectiveness of this management model was statistically analyzed using questionnaires. Results: A total of 103 pediatric tumor patients were enrolled for the survey. The statistical analysis revealed the following results: 1) The intervention group's rates of regular pain assessment, pain assessment compliance, implementation and recording of analgesic measures, and pain management feedback were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). 2) Comparison of anxiety and depression scores between the two groups showed that after the intervention, the SAS and SDS scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (p < 0.05). 3) Comparing pain relief effectiveness and satisfaction with pain control between the two groups, the total effective rate of pain relief in the intervention group was 88%, higher than the 54% seen in the control group (p < 0.05); satisfaction with pain control was 72.7%, also higher than the control group's 48.8% (p < 0.05). 4) Quality of life comparison between the two groups: physiological function, bodily pain, social function, and mental health scores of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p<0.01). Conclusion: Pain management through the palliative care model can alleviate the suffering of pediatric cancer patients during treatment, extend their lifespan, and improve their quality of life. This study provides clinical theoretical and data support for cancer pain management.

Health-Related Quality of Life among Medical Students and Its Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: To assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and its associated factors among medical students residing in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Aziz Fatimah Medical and Dental College, Faisalabad, Pakistan from July 2023 to December 2023. All medical students aged 18 years and above were included. HRQOL was assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), covering eight domains: Physical Functioning, Role Limitations due to Physical Health, Role Limitations due to Emotional Problems, Vitality, Mental Health, Social Functioning, Bodily Pain, and General Health Perception. Each domain was scored from 0 (low) to 100 (high). Physical and Mental Component Summary scores were also calculated. Results: Of total 300 students, SF-36 domains showed higher mean scores in Bodily Pain and Physical Functioning i.e., 66.6 ±24.9 and 61.6 ±29.1. Males reported significantly higher mean scores in General Health Perception (pvalue < 0.001) and Vitality (p-value 0.013), while females had significantly higher Physical Functioning scores (pvalue <0.005). Students >21 years had significantly higher mean scores in Physical Functioning (p-value 0.017). Furthermore, day scholars showed significantly better mean scores in Physical Functioning (p-value <0.001), Bodily Pain (p-value 0.020), Social Functioning (p-value 0.030), and Physical Component Summary (p-value <0.001) than hostelites. Students who exercised (p-value 0.020), had strong family relationships (p-value 0.003), and faced no distressing family events (p-value <0.001) reported significantly higher SF-36 scores. Conclusion: Overall, SF-36 domains showed higher mean scores in Bodily Pain and Physical Functioning, with significant differences in HRQOL based on age, gender, residence, and lifestyle factors among medical students.

Clinical effect of indirect moxibustion with Taiyi moxa stick in treatment of back myofascitis: a randomized controlled trial

To observe the impact of indirect moxibustion with Taiyi moxa stick on pain severity and the quality of life in the patients with back myofascitis, and evaluate its clinical effect and safety. Seventy-two patients with back myofascitis were randomly divided into an observation group (36 cases, 1 cases dropped out) and a control group (36 cases, 3 cases dropped out). Three to six ashi points were selected using acupoint diagnosis methods. In the observation group, the indirect moxibustion with Taiyi moxa stick was operated at the ashi points, once every other day, three times a week. In the control group, the topical treatment with diclofenac sodium gel was given at ashi points, three times daily. The treatment was delivered consecutively for 2 weeks in the two groups. The scores of visual analogue scale (VAS) and the short-form McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ) were recorded before treatment, after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment, and after 4 weeks of treatment completion (follow-up visit) in the two groups separately. The difference value between VAS score after 2 weeks of treatment and that before treatment was taken as the primary outcome. The SF-36 score was observed before treatment, after 2 weeks of treatment and during the follow-up visit, and the safety was evaluated in the two groups. The difference value of VAS scores was (-4.57±1.50) points and (-2.40±1.31) points in the observation group and the control group, respectively, the reduction of the score in the observation treatment was larger than that of the control group (P<0.001). After 1 and 2 weeks of treatment and during the follow-up visit, VAS and SF-MPQ scores were reduced when compared with those before treatment (P<0.05) in the two groups, and VAS and SF-MPQ scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). In the follow-up visit, VAS and SF-MPQ scores in the observation group were dropped in comparison with those after 1 week of treatment (P<0.05), and these scores in the control group were elevated compared with those after 2 weeks of treatment (P < 0.05). After 2 weeks of treatment and during the follow-up visit, the score of each dimension and total score of SF-36 scale were increased in comparison with those before treatment in the observation group (P<0.05); and the scores of the dimensions except that of mental health of SF-36 scale were elevated in the control group (P<0.05). During the follow-up visit, in the control group, the scores of physical functioning, bodily pain, general health and role emotional were elevated when compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). After 2 weeks of treatment and during the follow-up visit, the score of every dimension and total score of SF-36 scale in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). During the follow-up visit, the score of bodily pain was increased when compared with that after 2 weeks of treatment in the observation group (P<0.05), while the scores of bodily pain and vitality were dropped in the control group (P<0.05). No adverse event happened in the two groups. The indirect moxibustion with Taiyi moxa stick effectively reduces pain severity and improves the quality of life in the patients with back myofascitis. This therapy presents the superior and persistent effect compared with topical application of diclofenac sodium gel.

Abstract 4143239: Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Improves Physical Outcomes and Quality of Life In Patients With Symptomatic Peripheral Arterial Disease: Results from a Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Introduction: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive procedure that may be useful to treat symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Trials comparing ESWT with control groups have shown promising results. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized controlled trials reporting the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy versus control in patients with symptomatic PAD. Data from eligible studies was analyzed using the Review Manager 5.4 software. Mean difference (MD) and 95% Confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for continuous outcomes. Inverse variance method and a random effects model were used for pooled estimates. A p-value &lt; 0.05 (Z-test) was considered significant. Results: 5 randomized controlled trials with 264 patients were included in our analysis. A significant increase in the mean walking distance (MD: 54.13, 95% CI 9.34 to 98.92, p=0.02), pain-free walking distance (MD: 54.13, 95% CI 14.19, 57.88, p= 0.001), SF-36 physical component summary (MD: 11.97, 95% CI 0.26 to 23.69, p=0.05), EQ-5D-3L index score (MD; 0.08, 95% CI: 0.00 to 0.15, p=0.05) and VascuQoL index ((MD: 0.48, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.92, p= 0.04) was seen with ESWT. A slightly higher ankle brachial pressure index was seen in the control group (MD: -0.01, 95% CI: -0.02 to -0.00, p=0.04). There was no difference in SF-36 physical functioning domain score (MD: 18.58, 95% CI: -0.29 to 37.45, p=0.05) and SF-36 bodily pain score (MD: 9.17, 95% CI: -2.885 to 21.19, p=0.13). Conclusions: There was significant improvement in walking distances, exertional symptoms, and quality of life with ESWT. However, ESWT did not translate to an increase in post-treatment ankle-brachial index which was slightly higher in the control group. There is a need for larger randomized controlled trials to substantiate the efficacy of ESWT in treating symptomatic PAD.

Greater recalled pain and movement-evoked pain are associated with longer 400-meter walk and repeat stair climb time: the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging.

Musculoskeletal pain frequently accompanies the development of mobility disability and falls in old age. To better understand this, we aimed to quantify the impact of different pain measures-recalled pain and movement-evoked pain-on 400-meter walk and stair climb time in older adults participating in the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA). In SOMMA (N=879, age=76.3 ± 5.0 years, 59% women, 84% Non-Hispanic White), participants completed usual pace 400m walk (avg=6.6 ± 1.2 min.) and repeat stair climb tests (avg=26.6 ± 7.2 sec.). Assessments of recalled pain included the Brief Pain Inventory short form (BPI- sf ), total lower body pain (lower back, hips, knees, feet/ankles), stiffness (hip or knee), and Neuropathy Total Symptom Score (NTSS-6). Movement-evoked pain was assessed separately before and after the 400m walk and repeat stair climb tasks. Multivariable linear regression modeled the associations of pain with time to complete the tasks, reported as β[95%CI] expressed per SD increment of pain measure or β[95%CI] per pain categories, adjusted for age, sex, race, ethnicity, body mass index, prescription medications, and depressive symptoms. Greater degree of any pain measure was associated with longer physical performance time, though intercorrelations between recalled pain measures varied (r=0.13-0.57, p <0.05 for all). For each SD increment in lower body pain, participants had longer walk time (by 10.5 sec [6.1, 14.8]) and stair climb (by 0.6 sec [0.1, 1.1]). Compared to participants with no change in pain upon movement, walk time was longer in those with more pain upon movement (19.5 sec [10.3, 28.7]) ( p <0.001) but not those with less pain upon movement; stair climb showed similar patterns. Recalled and movement-evoked pain measures were weakly correlated with one another but similarly associated with time to complete 400m walk and stair climb tests. Different pain assessments capture different functional domains of pain but have similar associations with physical performance in these older adults.

Bodily pain and vitality are the key factors in the disability of chronic low back pain patients under Short Form 36 base study: a five-year cohort study

BackgroundChronic low back pain (CLBP), a significant cause of disability, is expected to increase with aging. Short Form 36 (SF-36) indicated higher baseline component scores predict CLBP disability at shorter follow-ups, with unexplored five-year associations. The study aimed to test the associations of the physical and mental subscales of the SF-36 at baseline with disability at the five-year follow-up point among patients with CLBP.MethodsPatients aged between 20 and 65 years with CLBP were enrolled at baseline and followed at the five-year point. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the physical functioning (PF) subscale of the SF-36, and self-reported total months of disability (TMOD) over the past five years were used as the indices of disability. The four physical and mental subscales of the SF-36 were used as independent factors, respectively. Multiple linear regression was used to compare the associations of the physical and mental subscales at baseline with disability at follow-up.ResultsTwo hundred twenty-five patients with CLBP were enrolled at baseline and 111 participated in followed at the five-year point. Among the SF-36 subscales, the scores of bodily pain (BP), vitality (VT), and social functioning (SocF) at baseline were significantly correlated with the three indices of disability at follow-up. After controlling for demographic and clinical variables, BP and VT at baseline were most strongly associated with the ODI and TMOD at follow-up among the four physical and mental subscales, respectively. PF at baseline was most strongly associated with itself at follow-up among the four physical subscales.ConclusionOur results demonstrated that both the physical and mental subscales of the SF-36 at baseline could predict disability at the five-year follow-up point among patients with CLBP. The BP and VT subscales were independent factors associated with disability among the physical and mental subscales, respectively.

Relationship among Childbirth, Onset of Lower Back Pain, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Female Patients with Lower Back Pain: A Retrospective Study.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between childbirth and lower back pain and determine the health-related quality of life of female patients with lower back pain. A total of 111 patients were divided into three groups: those who had given birth and developed lower back pain due to pregnancy, childbirth, or child-rearing movements (childbirth group, n=41), those who had given birth and developed lower back pain due to other causes (childbirth and other cause group, n=29), and those who were nulliparous (nulliparous group, n=41). A total of 22 physical therapists evaluated the patients during initial rehabilitation. Basic information and health-related quality of life were compared among the three groups using a one-way analysis of variance for the visual analog scale scores for lower back pain, summary scores (physical health [physical component summary] and mental health [mental component summary]), and subscales (physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, and mental health) of the Short Form-8 Health Survey. These values were also compared with the national standard values for health-related quality of life. The chi-square test of independence was used to compare distributions, and Fisher's exact probability test was used for cells with an expected value of <5. Most participants had physical component summary scores below the national standard values. The visual analog scale scores for lower back pain were significantly higher in the birth group than in the nonbirth group. The physical component summary, physical functioning, and general health scores were significantly lower in the birth group than in the nonbirth group. Moreover, bodily pain scores were significantly lower in the birth group than in the other groups. For female patients with lower back pain due to pregnancy, childbirth, or childcare activities, physical conditions unique to postpartum women should be considered, and if necessary, instructions for activities of daily living should be provided.

Health-related quality of life of people with type 1 diabetes: An IMI2 SOPHIA post hoc analysis of FUTURE and ADJUNCT-ONE.

To characterize and stratify health-related quality of life in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using body mass index (BMI) and clustering analysis. Baseline data on individuals with T1D were pooled from two studies. A post hoc analysis of health-related quality of life, measured using the 36-item Short-Form questionnaire, was performed, referenced to the 2010 US general population. Descriptive statistics were presented for the pooled cohort and per BMI category. K-means clustering was performed. One-way analysis of variance was conducted to examine differences in clinical characteristics between clusters. The pooled cohort consisted of 2256 individuals with T1D (age: 45.4 ± 15.0 years, BMI: 26.2 ± 4.6 kg/m2, diabetes duration: 22.7 ± 13.5 years). All quality-of-life domains were slightly lower than 50(the general population's mean), except for vitality. Individuals with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 reported lower scores for bodily pain, physical functioning, general health, and vitality. A first cluster with a high and a second cluster with a low quality of life were identified, with significant differences in the mental (Cluster 1: 53.8 ± 6.8 vs. Cluster 2: 39.5 ± 10.7; p < 0.001) and physical component summary scores (Cluster 1: 49.6 ± 6.3 vs. Cluster 2: 35.2 ± 12.0; p < 0.001), which exceeded differences found between BMI categories. In our population of people living with T1D, higher BMI may have adversely impacted physical domains of quality of life, but larger differences between the high- and low-quality-of-life cluster indicate that more factors play a role.

Foley catheter after ureteroscopy and JJ stent placement: a randomised prospective European Association of Urology Section of Urolithiasis-Young Academic Urologists (EULIS-YAU) endourology study.

To evaluate the effects of inserting a Foley catheter after ureteroscopy (URS) and JJ stent placement on pain scores, voiding patterns, biochemical parameters and postoperative complications. A randomised clinical trial (1:1) with adult patients following unilateral URS + JJ stent placement was planned. In Group A, no Foley catheter was placed, in Group B, a Foley catheter was placed following URS + JJ stent placement. The primary objective was to evaluate effect of placing a Foley catheter on International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Ureteric Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) score and postoperative biochemical parameters. The secondary objective was to evaluate postoperative complications. A total of 112 patients were included (56/group). A ureteric access sheath was used in each patient. Patients had similar demographic and surgical parameters. The pre- and postoperative biochemical analyses including white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and creatinine levels were similar between the two groups. The IPSS were similar between the two groups. All the subdomains of the USSQ were similar between two groups except Total Body Pain score, which was lower in Group B. The visual analogue scale scores were similar. Complications were all Clavien-Dindo Grade I and II, and the complication rate was 5.4% and 8.9% in Group A and B, respectively. Placing a Foley catheter following URS + JJ stent placement did not show significant effects on postoperative biochemical parameters and voiding symptoms. However, a Foley catheter lowered the Total Body Pain score on the USSQ without having significant effects on VAS scores. The practice of placing a Foley catheter following URS and JJ stent placement should be based on surgeon's preference keeping in mind the potential positive effect on pain scores.

Effect of collaborative nursing method based on RAM model on postoperative functional reconstruction, soft tissue pain and living quality in patients with femoral trochanter fracture

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of collaborative nursing based on Roy Adaptive Mode (RAM) on postoperative functional reconstruction, soft tissue pain and quality of life in patients with femoral intertrochanteric fracture.MethodsA retrospective matched control method was used in this study. A total of 96 patients with femoral intertrochanteric fracture admitted to our hospital from July 2018 to September 2021 were selected. According to different nursing methods, the patients were divided into a collaborative group and a routine group, with 48 cases in each group. Patients in both groups were treated with intramedullary nail surgery. The routine group was given routine perioperative nursing intervention, and the collaborative group was given collaborative nursing intervention on this basis. The hip function recovery and quality of life before and after the intervention were compared between the two groups. The preoperative and postoperative pain degree, and the perioperative complications of the two groups were recorded. Logistic multivariate regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the recovery of hip joint function in patients with femoral intertrochanteric fracture after operation, thereby constructing a risk prediction model. ROC curve was used to analyze the clinical value of influencing factors in predicting postoperative hip function recovery in patients with femoral intertrochanteric fracture.ResultsHarris score each dimension after intervention in the collaborative group was obviously higher than that of before intervention and the conventional group (P < 0.05). After intervention, the excellent and good rate of hip joint function the collaborative group was 83.33%, which was significantly higher than 60.42% in the routine group (P < 0.05). Postoperative VAS scores each time point in the collaborative group was obviously lower than that in the routine group (P < 0.05). After intervention, the scores of physiological function, physiological role, body pain and general health in the collaborative group were significantly higher than those in the routine group (P < 0.05). The incidence of complications in the collaborative group was 6.25%, which was significantly lower than 22.92% in the routine group (P < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences in age, preoperative ASA grade, internal fixation method, osteoporosis grade and perioperative nursing methods between the excellent hip recovery group and the poor hip recovery group (P < 0.05). Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that age, preoperative ASA grade, internal fixation method and osteoporosis grade were the risk factors affecting the recovery of hip joint function after operation, and perioperative nursing method was the protective factor (P < 0.05). Among the influencing factors, the internal fixation method and the grade of osteoporosis had certain clinical value in predicting the recovery of hip joint function in patients with femoral intertrochanteric fracture after operation.ConclusionThe RAM model-based collaborative nursing method may effectively restore the hip joint function of patients with femoral intertrochanteric fracture after operation, and may reduce the perioperative pain degree of patients, improve the quality of life of patients and reduce the incidence of complications, which can be popularized and applied in clinical practice. In addition, there are many factors influencing the recovery of hip joint function in patients with femoral intertrochanteric fracture after operation, and targeted measures should be taken according to the influencing factors to improve the effect of intramedullary nail treatment.

Prognostic factors of nonsurgical intervention outcomes for patients with frozen shoulder: a retrospective study

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the correlation between mental and physical health-related quality of life and the outcomes of conservative treatment in patients with frozen shoulder (FS). Methods This was a two-center retrospective study. It included 84 consecutive patients who underwent a 3-month treatment comprising education, physical therapy, and corticosteroid-anesthetic injections. Changes in range of motion (ROM) and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores, measured at baseline and after 3 months, were selected as dependent variables. Data on age, sex, Body Mass Index, duration of symptoms, dominant affected limb, and Short Form-36 (SF-36) subscales were gathered at baseline and investigated as prognostic factors. Backward stepwise regression models were used to identify significant associations. Results At 3-month follow-up, all the patients showed significant improvement. Higher SF-36 General Health, Mental Health and Social Functioning scores at baseline were associated with a greater beneficial change in ROM and SPADI. In contrast, lower SF-36 Bodily Pain and Role Emotional scores were found to be associated with greater improvement. Conclusion The study findings indicate that the self-perceived mental and physical health of patients have a significant impact on both subjective and objective clinical outcomes and healthcare professionals should take these aspects into account. Level of Evidence Prognostic Level II

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus conservative management for adults with uncomplicated symptomatic gallstones: the C-GALL RCT.

Gallstone disease is a common gastrointestinal disorder in industrialised societies. The prevalence of gallstones in the adult population is estimated to be approximately 10-15%, and around 80% remain asymptomatic. At present, cholecystectomy is the default option for people with symptomatic gallstone disease. To assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of observation/conservative management compared with laparoscopic cholecystectomy for preventing recurrent symptoms and complications in adults presenting with uncomplicated symptomatic gallstones in secondary care. Parallel group, multicentre patient randomised superiority pragmatic trial with up to 24 months follow-up and embedded qualitative research. Within-trial cost-utility and 10-year Markov model analyses. Development of a core outcome set for uncomplicated symptomatic gallstone disease. Secondary care elective settings. Adults with symptomatic uncomplicated gallstone disease referred to a secondary care setting were considered for inclusion. Participants were randomised 1: 1 at clinic to receive either laparoscopic cholecystectomy or observation/conservative management. The primary outcome was quality of life measured by area under the curve over 18 months using the Short Form-36 bodily pain domain. Secondary outcomes included the Otago gallstones' condition-specific questionnaire, Short Form-36 domains (excluding bodily pain), area under the curve over 24 months for Short Form-36 bodily pain domain, persistent symptoms, complications and need for further treatment. No outcomes were blinded to allocation. Between August 2016 and November 2019, 434 participants were randomised (217 in each group) from 20 United Kingdom centres. By 24 months, 64 (29.5%) in the observation/conservative management group and 153 (70.5%) in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group had received surgery, median time to surgery of 9.0 months (interquartile range, 5.6-15.0) and 4.7 months (interquartile range 2.6-7.9), respectively. At 18 months, the mean Short Form-36 norm-based bodily pain score was 49.4 (standard deviation 11.7) in the observation/conservative management group and 50.4 (standard deviation 11.6) in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group. The mean area under the curve over 18 months was 46.8 for both groups with no difference: mean difference -0.0, 95% confidence interval (-1.7 to 1.7); p-value 0.996; n = 203 observation/conservative, n = 205 cholecystectomy. There was no evidence of differences in quality of life, complications or need for further treatment at up to 24 months follow-up. Condition-specific quality of life at 24 months favoured cholecystectomy: mean difference 9.0, 95% confidence interval (4.1 to 14.0), p < 0.001 with a similar pattern for the persistent symptoms score. Within-trial cost-utility analysis found observation/conservative management over 24 months was less costly than cholecystectomy (mean difference -£1033). A non-significant quality-adjusted life-year difference of -0.019 favouring cholecystectomy resulted in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £55,235. The Markov model continued to favour observation/conservative management, but some scenarios reversed the findings due to uncertainties in longer-term quality of life. The core outcome set included 11 critically important outcomes from both patients and healthcare professionals. The results suggested that in the short term (up to 24 months) observation/conservative management may be a cost-effective use of National Health Service resources in selected patients, but subsequent surgeries in the randomised groups and differences in quality of life beyond 24 months could reverse this finding. Future research should focus on longer-term follow-up data and identification of the cohort of patients that should be routinely offered surgery. This trial is registered as ISRCTN55215960. This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (NIHR award ref: 14/192/71) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 28, No. 26. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Examination of Pain, Quality of Life, Disability, and Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Disc Surgery with and without COVID-19

Aim: This study aims to examine pain, disability, anxiety, and quality of life in patients undergoing lumbar disc herniation (LDH) surgery with and without COVID-19. Material and Method: Eighty patients who were diagnosed with LDH and planned surgery between March and September 2023 were included in the study. 50% of the patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 for at most six months, according to the positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. 50% of the patients had no symptoms of COVID-19, ranging from mild to severe, and the PCR test was negative (-). The patients' pain level, disability, anxiety, and quality of life were evaluated and compared between the groups with and without COVID. Results: The mean scores of physical roles, physical function, mental health, body pain, and social function on the SF-36 quality of life scale in the LDH+COVID-19 (+) patient group were significantly lower than those in LDH+COVID-19 (-) (p

Acupoint application for Hashimoto's thyroiditis with liver-qi stagnation: a randomized controlled trial

To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of acupoint application for Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) with liver-qi stagnation. One hundred and fifty patients of HT with liver-qi stagnation were randomly divided into an acupoint application group (75 cases, 11 cases were excluded, 5 cases dropped out) and a control group (75 cases, 12 cases excluded, 3 cases dropped out). Based on the health education combined with conventional western medicine treatment, the patients in the acupoint application group were treated with acupoint application, while the patients in the control group were treated with placebo acupoint application. Shenque (CV 8), bilateral Yongquan (KI 1), Yeshi, and ashi point were selected in both groups, with Yeshi treated once a week and the remaining acupoints treated every other day, for a total of 4 weeks. The serum levels of thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), as well as the thickness of thyroid left lobe, right lobe, and isthmus, TCM symptom score, hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) score, and MOS 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Adverse reactions in both groups were observed. Compared with before treatment, in the acupoint application group, the serum levels of TgAb and TPOAb were reduced after treatment (P<0.05), and the scores of role physical (RP), body pain (BP), vitality (VT), role emotional (RE), and mental health (MH) in SF-36 were increased after treatment (P<0.01, P<0.001). The thickness of the thyroid isthmus after treatment was smaller than that before treatment (P<0.05), and the TCM symptom scores and HADS anxiety (HADS-A) scores after treatment were lower than those before treatment (P<0.001, P<0.01) in both groups. In the control group, the scores of physical function (PF), RP, BP, VT, and RE in SF-36 after treatment were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in serum FT3, FT4, and TSH levels within the groups (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the above indexes between the two groups (P>0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the acupoint application group and the control group was 20.0% (15/75) and 10.7% (8/75) respectively, with skin allergy being the main adverse reaction. Acupoint application could reduce the serum levels of TgAb and TPOAb in patients of HT with liver-qi stagnation, alleviate thyroid enlargement, improve TCM symptoms and anxiety, and improve quality of life, with safe and reliable clinical efficacy.

Comparing the effects of pulsed and radiofrequency catheter ablation on quality of life, anxiety, and depression of patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia: a single-center, randomized, single-blind, standard-controlled trial

BackgroundRadiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) may lead to decreased quality of life (QOL) and increased anxiety and depression in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), possibly due to the lack of selectivity of the ablation tissue and the long ablation time. In recent years, pulsed field ablation (PFA) has been used for the first time in China to treat PSVT patients because of its ability to ablate abnormal tissue sites in a precise and transient manner. This study was conducted to compare the effects of PFA and RFCA on QOL and psychological symptoms of PSVT patients.MethodsWe have designed a single-center, randomized, single-blind, standard-controlled trial. A total of 50 participants who met the eligibility criteria would be randomly allocated into the PFA group or RFCA group in a 1:1 ratio. All participants were assessed using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at pre-procedure (T0), post-procedure (T1), and 3 months post-procedure (T2). The SPSS 21.0 software was used to analyze the data through Wilcoxon and Fisher’s exact tests and repeated measures ANOVA.ResultsTwenty-five in the PFA group and 24 in the RFCA group completed the trial. SF-36: (1) Between-group comparison: At T1, PFA group had significantly higher SF-36 scores on physiological function (PF) and general health (GH) than RFCA group, with a treatment difference of 5.61 points and 18.51 points(P < 0.05). (2) Within-group comparison: We found that in the PFA and RFCA groups, T2 showed significant improvement in the remaining 6 subscales of the SF-36 scale compared to T1 and T0 (P < 0.05), except for body pain (BP) and social function (SF) scores. HADS: (1) Between-group comparison: no significant difference (P > 0.05). (2) Within-group comparison: The HADS scores of the PFA and RFCA groups were statistically significant at T2 compared to T0 and T1 (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur study provided new and meaningful evidence that PFA was effective in significantly improving QOL and decreasing anxiety and depression in PFA patients.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2200060272.

Body Part Pain Affects Subjective and Objective Handball Performance in Japanese Male National Athletes-Results of Short-Term Practical Monitoring of Athletes' Conditions.

This short-term survey examined the effect of body part pain on subjective and objective handball performance in Japanese male national handball athletes. Fourteen athletes participated in this study. Assessments of pain in 10 body parts and subjective performance (concentration and satisfaction with body movement) were performed using a visual analog scale from 0 to 10 over four consecutive training days. Monitoring of heart rate and body acceleration during training was also performed to quantify the objective performance. Path analysis and linear mixed modeling were employed to assess the relationship between body pain scores and subjective/objective handball performance. Over the four days of the study period, the body part in which most athletes reported pain was the dominant shoulder (6 of 14 athletes), followed by the dominant knee, the dominant elbow, the dominant ankle joint, and the non-dominant ankle joint (3 of 14 athletes). The path analysis revealed that pain in the dominant elbow negatively correlated with concentration (standardized path coefficient = -0.644, p = 0.00), which was associated with satisfaction with body movement (standardized path coefficient = 0.704, p = 0.00). No significant effect of body pain on objective performance (heart rate and body acceleration) was found among the athletes in this study. The results suggested that the elite athletes were practicing with pain. Even if pain does not physically affect athletes' objective performance, pain in the upper extremities, associated with the primary handball movement of throwing, may reduce the quality of practice by lowering athletes' subjective performance.

Occupation-based intervention for instrumental activities of daily living in people with disabilities: a single-blinded randomised controlled trial

Background/Aims Instrumental activities of daily living are meaningful and purposeful activities that contribute meaning to people's lives and reflect their values and cultures in the community. This study investigated the effects of an occupation-based intervention for instrumental activities of daily living on stress levels, quality of life, and participation in instrumental activities of daily living in people with disabilities. Methods A total of 18 people with different types of disabilities (intervention group n=9, control group n=9) were recruited. The occupation-based intervention took place in 45-minute sessions, with a total of 16 sessions held twice a week for 8 weeks. The measurement tools used were the Lawton–Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale and the Waisman Activities of Daily Living Scale to evaluate activities of daily living, the Mini-Mental State Examination to examine cognitive status, the 36-item Short Form Survey questionnaire to assess quality of life, the Perceived Stress Scale to examine stress level, and the Community Integration Questionnaire to evaluate participation in the community were used. Results After 8 weeks, there were significant improvements in performance and participation in instrumental activities of daily living, stress and quality of life in the intervention group intervention group had significant increases in instrumental activities of daily living (z=−2.6, P=0.008), vitality (z=−0.5, P=0.041), role emotional (z=−2.7, P=0.008), role physical (z=−2.3, P=0.020), general health (z=−3.3, P=0.001) and participation (z=−1.3, P=0.023). There were also significant reductions in stress (z=−2.8, P=0.005) and bodily pain (z=−3.2, P=0.001) scores compared to the control group Conclusions The occupation-based intervention reduced the stress levels of people with a range of disabilities and increased their ability to perform activities of daily living], participation in activities of daily living and improved their quality of life. Implications for practice Occupational therapists could use occupation-based interventions to reduce the stress levels of people with disabilities and increase their performance and participation in activities of daily living and improve their quality of life.

Effect of Nail Disorders on Quality of Life Scale Scores: A Prospective, Cross-sectional Study from a Tertiary Referral Center.

To investigate the relationships among nail disorders, various clinical factors, and commonly used quality of life scales. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 188 patients older than 18 years who applied to the Dermatology and Venereology Department of Ufuk University Hospital (Ankara, Turkey). The Turkish Quality of Life instrument, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey were used for the analyses. Eight groups were formed based on 1) sex, 2) age (18-45 years, >45 years), 3) duration of nail disease (≤1 year, >1 year), 4) number of affected nails (1, 2, ≥3), 5) type of nail disease (nail thickening, ingrown toenail, pincer nail, and other nail diseases), 6) presence of onychomycosis, 7) fingernail involvement, and 8) pain score (0-5, 6-10), and the quality of life scales were compared between these groups. In addition, correlation analyses were performed between age, number of affected nails, duration of disease, presence of onychomycosis, chronic diseases and medications, and body mass index and the quality of life scale scores. Nail disorders were associated with decreased quality of life in affected individuals. Moreover, age, duration of disease, type of nail disorder, body mass index, comorbid conditions, and pain scores had significant effects on quality of life scale scores. Management of nail disorders is challenging, and generally, a long period is necessary to achieve favorable outcomes. Both physcians and patients should be persistent during the treatment process. In addition, emotional and social support should be provided to patients.

Novel Antireflux “RELIEF” Stent to Prevent Vesicoureteral Reflux

ObjectiveTo assess efficacy, comfort, & symptoms of a novel ureteral stent (RELIEF) substituting the distal semirigid coil of a traditional double-J (DJ) for a floating, monofilament tether allowing coaptation of the ureteral orifice. Ureteral instrumentation notoriously cause discomfort, urgency, frequency, dysuria & hematuria; prolonged morbidity is likely related to stent-associated vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). We hypothesized this design would eliminate VUR, be safe & provide comfort following intervention. Methods28 patients within a single institution were enrolled. Passive cystography was performed pre- & post-stent placement assessing VUR. Patients completed Ureteric Stent Symptoms Questionnaires (USSQ) before placement (baseline), post-op day 1, & day of removal. Results20 RELIEF stents were placed (11 female and 9 male). 95% demonstrated no VUR following placement. No unexpected adverse complications occurred; 1 patient opted for early stent removal for significant discomfort. Average total USSQ scores demonstrated statistically significant improvement between first and third surveys (p<0.001). Statistically significant improvement in body pain, general health & work performance scores were noted as well (p<0.05). ConclusionsThe RELIEF stent eliminates VUR with similar stent-related morbidity and overall well-tolerance. RELIEF associated USSQ scores were below published mean symptom scores for standard DJ stents and appear safe in this preliminary clinical trial.

Relationship between paravertebral muscle function, pelvic incidence, and health-related quality of life in patients with degenerative spinal deformity

BackgroundPatients with degenerative spinal deformity often experience symptoms that seriously affect their quality of life, such as low back pain and dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between paravertebral muscle function and pelvic incidence (PI) and their effect on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with degenerative spinal deformity.MethodsA total of 112 patients with degenerative spinal deformity in Southwest Hospital (Chongqing, China) were enrolled. They were divided into groups according to PI angle: high (PI > 60°, n = 37), normal (PI 50°–60°, n = 31), and low (PI < 50°, n = 44). Paravertebral muscle strength and endurance were assessed using the prone external fixation test frame. The sagittal vertical axis (SVA) was measured on X-rays of the spine in an anterolateral position, and all subjects were assessed with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Roland–Morris questionnaire (RMQ), and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Pearson or Spearman coefficients were used to assess the relationship of paravertebral muscle function with SVA, PI, and health-related quality of life.ResultsMaximal voluntary exercise (MVE) in the high-PI group was significantly lower than the MVE of both the normal- and low-PI groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in MVE between the normal- and low-PI groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in endurance time, SVA, ODI, RMQ, and SF-36 among the three groups. Paravertebral muscle MVE was negatively correlated with PI, SVA, ODI, and RMQ (r = − 0.193, − 0.210, − 0.283, − 0.277, p < 0.05). Endurance time of paravertebral muscle was also negatively correlated with SVA, ODI, and RMQ (r = − 0.200, − 0.420, − 0.348, p < 0.05) and positively correlated with SF-36 (r = 0.245, p < 0.05). In addition, paravertebral muscle MVE was positively correlated with the physical functioning score of the SF-36 (r = 0.251, p < 0.05), and the endurance time of paravertebral muscle was positively correlated with the physical functioning, physical role, bodily pain, and social function scores of the SF-36 (r = 0.342, 0.230, 0.209, 0.256, p < 0.05).ConclusionsHigh PI may serve as a risk factor for decreased paraspinal muscle strength in patients with degenerative spinal deformities. Early and targeted exercises focusing on paraspinal muscle strength and endurance could potentially be of positive significance in slowing down the progression of sagittal imbalance, alleviating functional disorders, and increasing health-related quality of life in patients with degenerative spinal deformity.