Effects Of Exercise Therapy Research Articles

Comprehensive management of gestational diabetes mellitus: practical efficacy of exercise therapy and sustained intervention strategies.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) affects 14.0% of pregnancies globally, with a 35% post-pregnancy relapse and a 60% risk of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) within 5-10 years. Challenges in long-term management, especially postpartum, include adherence and follow-up difficulties. This study, based on a systematic review and meta-analysis, examined the practical effects of exercise therapy in the prevention, treatment, and prevention of progression from Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) to Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Relevant research and clinical practices were retrieved from six major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Science Direct). After analyzing the intervention effects of exercise therapy at different stages, factors favorably influencing the effectiveness of exercise intervention were identified during the more effective stages. Finally, a long-term and efficient exercise implementation plan for the comprehensive management of GDM was proposed. In GDM prevention, exercise reduced the post-intervention risk by 37% compared to the control group (Relative Risk (RR)=0.63; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.54 to 0.72; p=0.01). Studies on GDM treatment showed improved glucose control in the exercise group post-intervention (Mean Difference (MD)=-0.10; 95% CI: -0.16 to -0.04; p=0.04/MD=-0.27; 95% CI: -0.36 to -0.19; p<0.0001). However, exercise therapy didn't significantly affect the incidence of T2D post-GDM (RR=0.88; 95% CI: 0.69 to 1.11; p=0.39) due to challenges in quantified exercise prescriptions and the complexity of postpartum programs. To enhance exercise therapy effectiveness in GDM management, the study recommends adopting an integrated model emphasizing personalized pregnancy plans, postpartum strategies, and long-term support. Leveraging frequent healthcare contact during pregnancy can establish and sustain exercise habits, fostering a lifelong pattern. While the study acknowledges limitations, this approach holds potential for improving glycemic metabolism and developing healthy exercise habits in subsequent generations. Future research should include longer follow-ups to validate the practical efficacy of this approach in preventing T2D after GDM. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42023463617.

Effects Of Exercise Therapy On Igf-1 Level And Body Tissue Health In Patients With Osteosarcopenia

Effects Of Exercise Therapy On Igf-1 Level And Body Tissue Health In Patients With Osteosarcopenia

Cross-cultural adaptation and test-retest reliability assessment of a Swedish version of the exercise adherence rating scale in patients after shoulder surgery

Background Adherence to prescribed home exercise is an important predictor for the long-term effectiveness of exercise therapy and therefore important to evaluate. The Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS) is a valid and reliable tool to assess exercise adherence behavior, but it is not translated into Swedish. This study aimed to translate EARS into Swedish and to explore the psychometric properties in terms of test-retest reliability, internal consistency as well and possible floor-/ceiling effects. Materials and Methods A translation and cultural adaptation process followed international guidelines and resulted in EARS-Sv. A total of 30 patients who had undergone shoulder surgery were included in the study and filled out EARS-Sv at two different time points. The test-retest reliability was evaluated through the weighted kappa coefficient and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess internal consistency. Floor-/ceiling effects were calculated. Results The test–retest reliability of the questionnaire was good with ICC (0.79, CI 95%) and moderate with weighted kappa-coefficient (MD= 0.58). Cronbach’s alpha was considered good (0.88). A ceiling effect was registered in all 6 items of EARS-Sv. Conclusion EARS-Sv has moderate to good test-retest reliability and good internal consistency in patients who have undergone shoulder surgery.

Ultrasound and Doppler Study in Assessing the Efficiency of Complex Rehabilitation in Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy

The aim of the work: to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise therapy, ozone therapy, physiotherapy equipment in outpatient rehabilitation and treatment of patients with diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities from the standpoint of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. When evaluating the effectiveness of a monthly course of rehabilitation treatment, changes in the vessels of the lower extremities are of great importance. We were able to prove a positive change in the vessels of the lower extremities after treatment with the rehabilitation complex using ultrasound Dopplerography. In the main group, an increase in the blood flow velocity in the vessels of the lower extremities by 20.5% was noted, and in the comparison group, an increase in the blood flow velocity of the lower extremities by 12.7% was noted. The effectiveness of rehabilitation was assessed based on a comparison of the achieved rehabilitation results with the initial indicators.

Exercise is medicine: how should medicine embrace exercise as a key therapeutic tool?

Background: As chronic diseases and the aging population increase, exercise is becoming more and more essential along with medical treatment for recovering and maintaining individuals’ physical health. Furthermore, the demand for exercise-based interventions in this context is growing. Although most healthcare professionals recognize the effectiveness and necessity of exercise, the “Exercise is Medicine” initiative has not been established in clinical settings. We aim to discuss the effectiveness and importance of exercise in the treatment and management of diseases and how exercise should be considered a key therapeutic tool in medicine.Current Concepts: Exercise-related mechanisms and their influence on body structure and function should be considered in disease management. It is necessary to understand these interactions and monitor their effects on the entire body. During recovery after an injury, exercise rehabilitation is provided as program customized according to the phase and function levels, the clinical pathway of which is feasible and effective. Exercise programs for maintaining the functioning and physical and mental health of people with disabilities should be developed by considering individuals’ functional levels, disability types, and conditions. Correct posture, microbreaks, and regular exercise are key to managing musculoskeletal pain.Discussion and Conclusion: To ensure the effectiveness of the “Exercise is Medicine” initiative, exercise should be included in the National Health Insurance System after clarifying the indications and clinical effectiveness of exercise therapy and defining specific procedures. Furthermore, increased awareness and changes in the attitude of healthcare professionals and patients toward exercise are necessary. It is now time for the medical community to ponder over and pool its wisdom on how to adopt exercise as a key therapeutic tool.

Effects of a structured exercise therapy on health-related quality of life in pediatric stem cell transplantation

IntroductionThis randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of exercise therapy on cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and its association with health-related quality of life. The effect of exercise therapy on the quality of life of children after stem cell transplantation has not been extensively studied to date.MethodsSeventy-two children and adolescents after stem cell transplantation were randomly assigned to either an exercise therapy intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG). The children in IG received sports therapy, while the children in the CG engaged in concentration tasks, memory games, and quizzes.ResultsSignificant improvements in CRF were found in IG only after discharge from the hospital. The improved CRF correlated significantly with increased health-related quality of life. However, during the inpatient phase, there was a rapid increase in CRF initially, which was accompanied by a significant reduction in health-related quality of life.ConclusionsExercise therapy can help reduce CRF and, therefore, increase health-related quality of life after the inpatient phase.

The Effect of Exercise Therapy on Muscular Strength, Bone Mineral Density and Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review

The Effect of Exercise Therapy on Muscular Strength, Bone Mineral Density and Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review

People with short symptom duration of knee osteoarthritis benefit more from exercise therapy than people with longer symptom duration: An individual participant data meta-analysis from the OA trial bank

ObjectiveTo investigate whether duration of knee symptoms influenced the magnitude of the effect of exercise therapy compared to non-exercise control interventions on pain and physical function in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). MethodWe undertook an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis utilizing IPD stored within the OA Trial Bank from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing exercise to non-exercise control interventions among people with knee OA. IPD from RCTs were analysed to determine the treatment effect by considering both study-level and individual-level covariates in the multilevel regression model. To estimate the interaction effect (i.e., treatment x duration of symptoms (dichotomized)), on self-reported pain or physical function (standardized to 0-100 scale) a one-stage multilevel regression model was applied. ResultsWe included IPD from 1767 participants with knee OA from 10 RCTs. Significant interaction effects between study arm and symptom duration (≤1 year vs >1 year, and ≤2 years vs>2 years) were found for short- (~3 months) (Mean Difference (MD) -3.57, 95%CI -6.76 to -0.38 and -4.12, 95% CI-6.58 to -1.66, respectively) and long-term (~12 months) pain outcomes (MD -8.33, 95%CI -12.51 to -4.15 and -8.00, 95%CI -11.21 to -4.80, respectively), and long-term function outcomes (MD -5.46, 95%CI -9.22 to -1.70 and -4.56 95%CI -7.33 to-1.80, respectively). ConclusionsThis IPD meta-analysis demonstrated that people with a relatively short symptom duration benefit more from therapeutic exercise than those with a longer symptom duration. Therefore, there seems to be a window of opportunity to target therapeutic exercise in knee OA.

The effect of exercise therapy as a tool for preventing and treating musculoskeletal disorders among school-aged children: a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundChildren spend a lot of time in school, and there are many ergonomic hazards and postural malalignments that put children at greater risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise therapy on preventing and treating musculoskeletal disorders among school-aged children.MethodThis randomised controlled trial included 212 (121 boys and 91 girls) school-aged children aged 13–15 years assigned to treatment (n = 106) and prevention (n = 106) groups, where the treatment group contained individuals with MSDs and prevention group contained individuals without MSDs. In each group, half of the individuals received exercise therapy (50 min per session, four times per week, for an 8-week), and others continued their daily lives. MSDs and physical activity were assessed by the Teen Nordic Musculoskeletal Screening Questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, respectively, at baseline and after the experimental protocol.ResultsThere was a statistically significant reduction in the frequency of MSDs in the treatment group and occurring MSDs in the prevention group (P ≤ .05). Also, there was significant improvement in all variables of walking, moderate physical activity, vigorous physical activity, and total in intervention groups spatially in students who received exercise therapy (P ≤ .05).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the effectiveness of exercise therapy in reducing and preventing MSDs and improving physical activity levels among school-aged children aged 13–15 years.Trial registrationsEthical Committee of Shahrekord University (IR.SKU.REC.1401.022) (registration date: 31/05/2022). Clinical Trail Registration (IRCT20220705055375N1), (registration date: 29/07/2022).

Effects of Exercise Therapy on Circadian Rhythm Regulation of Neutrophils

Abstract Background: Physical inactivity is recognized as a risk factor for numerous common illnesses, while exercise has been shown to be beneficial. Neutrophils are the first line of cell-mediated defense, with characterized by circadian rhythms. The liver is metabolically active organ that is strongly influenced by circadian regulation. The effects of exercise-induced circadian changes may modify the neutrophils phenotype and function. Methods: Male mice undergoing a four-week treadmill regimen for 1h at ZT3(3h after lights on). Bone marrow, blood and liver tissue were analyzed at different time points. Circadian genes and neutrophil subpopulations were assessed. Results: The circulating neutrophil numbers were fluctuated according to a circadian pattern with a peak at ZT3 and a nadir at ZT15. Rhythmicity analysis revealed that the circadian amplitude was increased, but the period and phase were unaltered. Mice subjected to exercise had fewer immature and higher mature neutrophils in bone marrow at ZT3. The expression of clock-related genes in liver, including Arntl and Clock, increased at ZT3, while others, like Per1 were decreased. The number of aged neutrophil follows diurnal patterns with a peak at ZT3, and exhibited a greater percentage and number of neutrophils with an aging phenotype in blood at Exercise group. Summary: Exercise modulates circadian-dependent neutrophils quiescence, promotes maturation of myeloid neutrophils and driven circulating neutrophil aging phenotype.

Effect of different exercise modalities on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Physical exercise intervention can significantly improve the liver of patients with Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but it is unknown which exercise mode has the best effect on liver improvement in NAFLD patients. Therefore, we systematically evaluated the effect of exercise therapy on liver and blood index function of NAFLD patients through network meta-analysis (NMA). Through systematic retrieval of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EBSCO, and CNKI (National Knowledge Infrastructure), two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies by means of databases from inception to January 2023. The NMA was performed using the inconsistency model. A total of 43 studies, 2070 NAFLD patients were included: aerobic training (n = 779), resistance training (n = 159), high-intensity interval training (n = 160), aerobic training + resistance training (n = 96). The results indicate that aerobic training + resistance training could significantly improve serum total cholesterol (TC) (Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) = 71.7), triglyceride (TG) (SUCRA = 96.8), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (SUCRA = 86.1) in patients with NAFLD including triglycerides. Aerobic training is the best mode to improve ALT (SUCRA = 83.9) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (SUCRA = 72.3). Resistance training is the best mode to improve aspartate transaminase (AST) (SUCRA = 81.7). Taking various benefits into account, we believe that the best modality of exercise for NAFLD patients is aerobic training + resistance training. In our current network meta-analysis, these exercise methods have different effects on the six indicators of NAFLD, which provides some reference for further formulating exercise prescription for NAFLD patients.

A multi-center randomized controlled trial to investigate potential effects of exercise therapy on renal function stratified by renal disorders and renal pathology: beneficial or harmful effect in immunoglobulin a nephropathy.

The effects of exercise therapy (ET) on renal function in chronic kidney disease (CKD) remain unclear. In a randomized controlled trial (UMIN-CTR number: UMIN000038415), we investigated whether ET affects renal function in CKD; eligible patients had undergone renal biopsy in the past 3months. We stratified patients by disease (immunoglobulin A [IgA] nephropathy, n = 16; diabetic nephropathy, n = 4; benign nephrosclerosis, n = 13; and other CKD types, n = 13) and randomized them to 12weeks' observation and 24weeks' ET comprising home-based aerobic exercise 3×/week and resistance training 2×/week (intervention group) or usual care (non-intervention group). Primary endpoint was creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or serum cystatin C-based eGFR (eGFRcys). Secondary endpoints included urinary protein and exercise tolerance. Seventy patients were enrolled, 50 fulfilled the inclusion criteria, but 4 discontinued before randomization. No items significantly differed between week 0 to 24 in either group (intervention group, n = 23; non-intervention group, n = 23) or between groups at week 24 (intention-to-treat population) in the total study population. The eGFRcys slope showed no significant intergroup difference in the observation period, but eGFRcys improved significantly in IgA nephropathy patients (n = 16) in the intervention group (stratified comparison; week 0, 48.3 ± 18.2; week 24, 51.6 ± 17.6; p = 0.043). In these patients, urinary protein was significantly worse at week 24 in the non-intervention group (p = 0.046) and worsened significantly less in the intervention group (p = 0.039). ET did not improve renal function overall in CKD patients but might help maintain renal function in patients with IgA nephropathy.

Effects and Mechanisms of Exercise on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Levels and Clinical Outcomes in People with Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Exercise therapy may increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and improve clinical outcomes in people living with Parkinson's disease (PD). This systematic review was performed to investigate the effect of exercise therapy on BDNF levels and clinical outcomes in human PD and to discuss mechanisms proposed by authors. A search on the literature was performed on PubMed up to December 2023 using the following key words: Parkinson's disease AND exercise, exercise therapy, neurological rehabilitation AND brain-derived neurotrophic factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor/blood, brain-derived neurotrophic factor/cerebrospinal fluid AND randomized clinical trial, intervention study. Only randomized clinical trials comparing an exercise intervention to treatment as usual, usual care (UC), sham intervention, or no intervention were included. A meta-analysis of BDNF outcomes with pooled data from five trials (N = 216 participants) resulted in a significant standardized mean difference (SMD) of 1.20 [95% CI 0.53 to 1.87; Z = 3.52, p = 0.0004, I2 = 77%], favoring exercise using motorized treadmill, Speedflex machine, rowing machine, and non-specified exercise. Significant improvements were found in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), UPDRS-III, 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Methodological quality of trials was categorized as "good" in three trials, "fair" in one trial, and "poor" in one trial. Key results of this systematic review are that exercise therapy is effective in raising serum BDNF levels and seems effective in alleviating PD motor symptoms. Exercise therapy confers neuroplastic effects on Parkinson brain, mediated, in part, by BDNF.

The Effect of a Six-Week Home Exercise Program on Pain and Disability in UltrasoundDiagnosed Patients with Subacromial Subdeltoid Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background &amp; Objectives: There is conflicting evidence regarding the effects of exercise on shoulder impingement syndrome. Exercise therapy is one of the methods used to reduce pain and increase muscle strength in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. There are several exercise therapy programs available in this area. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of exercise therapy on pain and disability in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. Materials &amp; Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in 25 patients with impingement syndrome from the Dastgheib Yasaei Pain Clinic in Fasa. Patients were randomized to receive medication (n=13) or medication plus exercise therapy (n=12). The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Verbal Numeric Rating Scale were used to measure disability and pain intensity before and after the intervention. Patient satisfaction was measured using the Likert scale. Independent and paired t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-squared were performed at a significant level of P≤0.05. Analyses were performed with SPSS software (version 25.0). Results: There were no differences between groups in pre-intervention demographics (P&gt;0.05), pain intensity (P=0.16), and ODI scores (0.93). Post-intervention pain and ODI scores were significantly higher in the medication group than in the medication-exercise group (P=0.06, P=0.03, respectively). There was a significant difference in pain and ODI scores at post-intervention compared to pre-intervention in both groups (P&lt;0.001). The difference in pain intensity between pre- and post-intervention in both groups was also statistically significant (P=0.006). There was a significant difference in patient satisfaction between groups (P=0.03). Conclusion: These results suggest that a regular exercise program, along with medication, may be effective in reducing pain and disability in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.

Effectiveness of Exercise Therapy as A Conservative for Treatment for Scapulohumeral Dyskinesia in Overhead Athletes. A Systematic Review

Effectiveness of Exercise Therapy as A Conservative for Treatment for Scapulohumeral Dyskinesia in Overhead Athletes. A Systematic Review

Adherence to ACSM exercise guidelines and its influence on Fibromyalgia treatment outcomes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a multifaceted chronic pain disorder that exerts a substantial impact on the overall state of health and quality of life of patients. Investigate the effects of exercise therapy and adherence to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines on treatment outcomes in FMS patients. The literature search, which concluded in October 2023, encompassed studies investigating the impact of exercise interventions on patients diagnosed with FMS and providing adequate data for calculating standardized mean difference (SMD). The primary outcome measures encompassed the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), while secondary outcome measures comprised pain levels, sleep quality, fatigue, and mental health. Among 4,008 records, 19 studies (patients = 857) were eligible for qualitative synthesis. The meta-analysis revealed that the SMD for overall state of health impact was -0.94 (95%CI -1.26, -0.63), and the pooled SMD for the subgroup with high adherence to ACSM guidelines was -1.17 (95%CI -1.65, -0.69). The SMD for the subgroup with low or uncertain adherence was -0.73 (95%CI -1.12, -0.34). The overall effects included a -1.21 (95%CI -1.62, -0.79) SMD for pain relief, with high adherence achieving a -1.32 (95%CI -2.00, -0.64) SMD and low adherence a -1.06 (95%CI -1.55, -0.57) SMD. Mental health improvements showed a -0.95 (95%CI -1.32, -0.57) overall SMD, with high and low adherence subgroups at -0.96 (95%CI -1.62, -0.30) and -0.94 (95%CI -1.29, -0.60), respectively. Sleep quality impact was -1.59 (95%CI -2.31, -0.87) overall, with high adherence at -1.71 (95%CI -2.58, -0.83) and low adherence at -1.11 (95%CI -1.88, -0.33). Fatigue impact had a -1.55 (95%CI -2.26, -0.85) overall SMD, with -1.77 (95%CI -3.18, -0.36) for high adherence and -1.35 (95%CI -2.03, -0.66) for low adherence. Exercise therapy can improve the overall state of health, pain, sleep, and fatigue of FMS patients, particularly when adhering to ACSM guidelines. However, adherence levels do not affect mental health gains, indicating a need for future research on psychological impact. https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2024-3-0106/, identifier INPLASY202430106.

A Review on Effects of Exercises Therapy for Office Workers with Chronic No Specific Low Back Pain

Study Design: A literature review was conducted in order to provide an overview of the effect of exercise therapy for office workers with chronic Non-specific low back pain. Review provides a summary of large bodies of evidence and reviews help to explain differences among studies. Objectives: The aim of this study is to review exercises therapy for office workers with chronic nonspecific low back pain treatment. Background: Low back pain is a common syndrome that causes disability and absence from work. Although there are several causes, the most common type of back pain is nonspecific. Exercises are often used to treat back pain, but there is controversy regarding its effectiveness. Exercise therapy is widely used as an intervention in low back pain. Low back pain is defined as discomfort that develops above the posterior glutelines and below the costal edge of the final ribs, with or without lower limb pain(1).Between 60 and 85% of people experience it at some point throughout their lives(2). Methods: Search strategy: Relevant articles were identified by engines such as SCIENCE DIRECT, PUBMED, GOOGLESCHOLAR, and COCHRANE DATA BASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEW (www.cochrane.org), and CINALE.Website like physiopedia (www.physiopedia.com) was searched and published texts were `also reviewed in these studies.

Effect of Exercise Therapy on Incident Admission in Patients with Type 2Diabetes Mellitus Undergoing Inpatient Diabetes Self-manageme ntEducation and Support.

Exercise therapy is the key to preventing admission of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, a few studies have examined the effects of exercise therapy on patients with T2DM undergoing inpatient diabetes self-management education and support (IDSMES). This study investigated whether exercise therapy influenced the incidence of admission after discharge in patients with T2DM undergoing IDSMES. This retrospective cohort study included patients with T2DM who underwent IDSMES between June 2011 and May 2015. Overall, 258 patients were included in this study. The exercise therapy program was implemented in June 2013. Accordingly, patients diagnosed between June 2011 and May 2013 were categorized as the non-exercise therapy program group, while those diagnosed between June 2013 and May 2015 were categorized as the exercise therapy program group. Outcomes were incident diabetes-related and all-cause admissions within 1 year of discharge. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the exercise therapy program's impact on the outcomes. Within 1 year of discharge, 27 (10.5%) patients underwent diabetes-related admissions and 62 (24.0%) underwent all-cause admissions. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed a significant association of the exercise therapy program with incident diabetes-related and allcause admissions [OR: 0.22 (95% CI: 0.08-0.59) and 0.44 (95% CI: 0.22-0.86), respectively]. Exercise therapy programs significantly lowered the incidences of diabetes-related and all-cause admissions. This indicates that implementing exercise therapy during hospitalization may be important for preventing admissions of patients with T2DM receiving IDSMES.

Effects of exercise therapy using elastic bands on strength and pain in women with non-specific neck pain: A randomised controlled trial

BackgroundCervical pain has a high incidence and worldwide socio-economic effect. Its incidence is lower in men than in women. Conservative and non-pharmacological therapeutic options include strength training. Elastic bands are commonly used in physiotherapy clinics for strength work in patients. Consequently, the objective of this research was to analyse the efficacy of an exercise therapy programme using elastic bands on decreasing pain and increasing strength of the neck flexor musculature, cervical extensor, and scapular stabilizing musculature in women suffering from non-specific cervical pain. MethodsA randomised clinical trial was carried out with 35 subjects with non-specific neck pain (age = 51.7 ± 9.5 and baseline intensity of pain in Visual Analogue Scale = 52.4 ± 9.6). The experimental group (n = 18) performed the exercise programme with elastic bands, consisting of a total of 16 sessions that lasted 45 min. The control group, consisting of 27 participants, reported that they maintained their usual lifestyle throughout the study. The evaluation tools used in this research included the Visual Analogue Scale, Neck Flexor Endurance Test, Neck Extensor Muscle Endurance Test, and Scapular Muscle Endurance Test. ResultsThe experimental group obtained significant improvements in the measurements taken using the Visual Analogue Scale (p < 0.001, d = 4.2), the Neck Flexor Endurance Test (p < 0.001, d = 3.4), the Neck Extensor Endurance Test (p < 0.001, d = 6.3), in the Scapular Muscle Endurance Test (p = 0.016, d = 0.9). ConclusionsThe assessed exercise therapy program utilizing elastic bands demonstrated favorable outcomes in managing non-specific neck discomfort. This intervention resulted in pain reduction and enhanced endurance of the cervical flexor and extensor muscles, along with improved endurance of the scapular stabilizing muscles.Protocol registration in ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05433649 (registered prospectively, date of registration: June 27, 2022).

Evidence for exercise therapy in patients with hand and wrist tendinopathy is limited: A systematic review

BackgroundSeveral studies reported the efficacy of exercise therapy in hand and wrist tendinopathy. However, no systematic review synthesized the effect of exercise therapy on these patients. PurposeThis study aimed to perform a systematic review to summarize evidence if exercise therapy may be considered an effective treatment in conservative management for patients with hand and wrist tendinopathy. Study DesignThis was a systematic review. MethodsA literature search in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, PEDro, and Embase was conducted from their inception until April 10, 2022. Two independent reviewers included the studies administering exercise therapy in patients with hand and/or wrist tendinopathy in the review and extrapolated the data. Methodological quality was assessed using the framework developed by Murad et al for case reports and case series and the PEDro score for clinical trials. ResultsSeven case reports, 3 case series, and 2 randomized controlled studies were included and methodologically evaluated, obtaining a low score for all the analyzed studies. The total number of included patients in the analyzed studies was 106, of which 54 were female, 13 were male, and 39 were not specified. The type of exercise was widespread and often not really well described: it varies from eccentric forearm training to mobilization with movement, passing through strengthening exercises, grip proprioception training, and self-management exercises according to the McKenzie method. The dosage was often not precise, making it difficult to reproduce the therapeutic proposals. Exercise therapy was always administered together with different treatments; therefore, its efficacy alone is difficult to distinguish, although in some cases, the patients improved pain and functionality. ConclusionsEvidence on the efficacy of exercise therapy in patients with hand and wrist tendinopathies is limited. Future research is strongly recommended to determine the appropriate dosage of the exercise therapy to determine clinical changes in these patients.