Greater Improvement In Pain Intensity Research Articles

Comparison of Outcomes of Physical Therapy Exercises Combined with Either a Video-Based Smartphone Application System or a Written Exercise Program Handout in 34 Patients with Non-Specific Neck Pain.

BACKGROUND An exercise program was developed using risk factors for non-specific neck pain. This study aimed to compare the effects video-based versus image- and text-based remote home training performed using this exercise program in patients with non-specific neck pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS Among the 37 patients with non-specific neck pain recruited, 34 patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. The participants were randomized into the experimental (n=17) and control (n=17) groups. The patients in the experimental group performed exercises using a video-based application system, whereas those in the control group performed exercises using an image- and text-based printout. In-home training was implemented for 6 weeks in both groups. The neck pain intensity, disability index, active range of motion (aROM), forward head posture (FHP), and compensatory neck flexion were measured before and after the intervention. The within-group and between-group differences were analyzed at the end of the interventions. RESULTS Improvements in pain intensity, cervical ROM, disability index, FHP, and compensatory neck flexion were observed after in-home training in the experimental group (P.05). Between-group comparison revealed that the experimental group exhibited greater improvement in pain intensity, cervical ROM, and FHP than the control group (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study suggest that the video-based home exercise program improved pain intensity, aROM, neck disability index, FHP, and compensatory neck flexion in patients with non-specific neck pain.

ADHERENCE TO PRESCRIBED EXERCISE AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC NONSPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

BACKGROUND Exercise is widely accepted as a first-line treatment for chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP). However, the benefits of exercise diminish over time, as does adherence to exercise. It is unclear whether greater exercise adherence is associated with improvements in pain intensity (PI) and functional limitation (FL). We explored the relationship between exercise adherence and patient-reported outcomes in people with CNSLBP. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of the Cochrane systematic review, ‘Exercise therapy for chronic low back pain’, using a subset of 24 trials that measured exercise adherence compared to usual care. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed in R for PI and FL at the closest time point post-intervention. We used predefined subgroups of exercise adherence of ‘Good’ (90-100%), ‘Moderate’ (70-89%), or ‘Poor’ (14-69%) adherence. We used the risk of bias judgements provided by Cochrane. RESULTS All trials included were deemed low risk of bias. Compared to usual care, ‘Good’ adherence was associated with reduced PI by 17.83 points on a 100-point scale (95% CI -26.23 to -9.43; I2 = 81.7%) and FL by 9.69 points on a 100-point scale (95% CI -12.64 to -6.74; I2 = 18.9%). ‘Moderate’ adherence was associated with reduced PI by 6.93 points (95% CI -10.43 to -3.44; I2 = 18.3%) and FL by 3.80 points (95% CI -6.10 to -1.49; I2 = 0%). ‘Low’ adherence was associated with reduced PI by 7.50 points (95% CI -19.83 to -4.84; I2 = 89.7%) and FL by 3.35 points (95% CI -10.45 to -3.74; I2 = 82.7%). CONCLUSIONS Greater adherence to exercise is associated with greater improvements in PI and FL in adults with CNSLBP. Further research is needed to understand the causal effect of adherence on patient-reported outcomes. Better reporting of this potentially important exercise parameter in randomised trials is also needed.

Effects of scapular treatment on chronic neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundChronic neck pain (CNP) is a common public health problem that affects daily living activities and quality of life. There is biomechanical interdependence between the neck and scapula. Studies have shown that shoulder blade function might be related to chronic neck pain. We therefore evaluated the effects of scapular targeted therapy on neck pain and function in patients with CNP.MethodsDatabases, including MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE (via Ovid), Ovid, Web of Science, and Scopus, were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials published in English investigating treatment of the scapula for CNP before July 16, 2023.ResultsA total of 313 participants were included from 8 RCTs. Compared with those in the control group, the intervention in the scapular treatment group exhibited greater improvement in pain intensity (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 2.55; 95% CI = 0.97 to 4.13; P = 0.002), with moderate evidence. Subgroup analysis for pain intensity revealed a significant difference between the sexes, with only the female population (SMD = 6.23, 95% CI = 4.80 to 7.65) showing better outcomes than those with both sexes (SMD = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.57 to 1.56) (p < 0.00001). However, moderate evidence demonstrated no improvement in neck disability after scapular treatment (SMD of 0.24[-0.14, 0.62] of Neck Disability Index or Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire). No effect of scapular treatment was shown on the pressure pain threshold (PPT). The cervical range of motion (CROM) and electromyographic activity of neck muscles could not be conclusively evaluated due to limited support in the articles, and further study was needed. However, the patient’s head forward posture appeared to be corrected after scapular treatment.ConclusionScapular therapy was beneficial for relieving pain intensity in patients with CNP, especially in women. Head forward posture might also be corrected with scapular therapy. However, scapular therapy may have no effect on the PPT or neck disability. However, whether scapular therapy could improve CROM and cervical muscle activation in patients with CNPs had not been determined and needed further study.

Age differences in acceptance and commitment therapy for chronic pain

ObjectiveChronic pain is prevalent and debilitating, especially among older adults. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based treatment for chronic pain that, in a prior study, has shown greater benefit among older adults. Critical questions remain regarding the time course and extent of age differences in ACT for chronic pain. The current study sought to inform clinical decision-making by addressing these remaining questions. MethodsThis study reanalyzed data from a prior trial of ACT for chronic pain in US Veterans. We estimated piecewise latent curve models to capture the time course of change in pain intensity, pain interference, pain acceptance, and depression during and after ACT. Then, we examined age as a moderator of longitudinal effects and used pick-a-point models to generate age-specific trajectory predictions. ResultsOlder age was associated with significantly greater improvement in pain intensity (p = .003) and marginally greater improvement in pain interference (p = .078) at posttreatment. However, during the six-month follow-up period, older adults relapsed on these outcomes (ps ≤ .029), whereas younger adults maintained their gains or even continued to improve. Older age was only marginally associated with greater depression improvement during the intervention (p = .069), and other moderation effects on depression and pain acceptance were nonsignificant. ConclusionOlder adults may experience greater initial improvement than younger adults during ACT for chronic pain. However, older adults may then need adjunctive maintenance treatment. Future studies are needed to characterize the mechanisms driving this moderation effect.

The effect of myofascial release of the physiological chains on the pain and health status in patients with fibromyalgia, compared to passive muscle stretching and a control group: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Objective To explore the potential effectiveness of myofascial release compared to passive muscle stretching and to a control group in modulating pain intensity and health status in adults diagnosed with fibromyalgia (FM). Materials and Methods A preliminary randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted, consisting of eight weekly sessions. The participants were divided into three groups: myofascial release group (RG = 13), a muscle stretching group (SG = 13), and a control group (CG = 12), which received advice from a rheumatologist. The outcomes measured were the visual analogue pain scale (VAS), the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) (representing health status), and the number of painful areas. Univariate analyzes of covariance (ANCOVA) were performed at baseline, after 4 weeks (during treatment), after 8 weeks (post-treatment), and after 12 weeks (follow-up). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) were included as covariates. Clinical trial registration number: NCT: 03408496. Results After eight weeks, the RG showed lower VAS scores compared to the CG (mean difference 95% CI: −5.10 to −1.26) and the SG (mean difference 95% CI: −4.9 to −0.23) with no difference between the SG and the CG. The total FIQ score for the RG was lower than the CG after 4 weeks (95% CI: −49.92 to −5.61), and 8 weeks (mean difference 95% CI: −52.72 to −15.73), although there was no difference between the RG and SG, as well as between the SG and CG, at both time points. The number of painful body areas was similar in all groups at the four time points. Conclusion Preliminary results suggest that the RG possibly showed greater improvements in pain intensity and health status compared to the CG, and possibly greater improvements in pain intensity compared to the SG.

Minimal Clinically Important Differences in Hand Pain Intensity (Numerical Pain Rate Scale) and Related-Function (Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire) in Women With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

ObjectiveTo calculate the minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) for hand pain intensity and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) in a sample of women with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). DesignSecondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. SettingA Hospital Rehabilitation Unit. ParticipantsOne hundred twenty women with clinical and electromyographic diagnosis of CTS who were randomly assigned into 2 groups (N=120). InterventionsOne group received 3 sessions of manual physical therapy (n=60) and the other group received surgery (n=60). Main Outcome MeasuresMean and the worst pain intensity (numerical pain rate scale, 0-10 points) and functional status and symptoms’ severity subscales of the BCTQ questionnaire were assessed before and 1 month after treatment. The Global Rating of Change (GROC) was used as the anchor variable for determining the MCID. ResultsA change of 1.5 and 2.5 points in mean and the worst pain intensity represents the MCID for Numerical Pain Rating Scale, whereas a change of 0.23 and 0.64 points in functional status and symptoms’ severity represents the MCID for each subscale of the BCTQ. All variables showed acceptable discrimination between patients classified as “improved” and those classified as “stable/not improved” (area under the curve≥0.72). Mean pain intensity (Youden index, 0.53; sensitivity: 73.3%; specificity: 80%) and symptoms’ severity (Youden index, 0.69; sensitivity: 90%; specificity: 77.8%) showed the best discriminative ability expressed as a percentage of prediction. Participants classified as “improved” had significantly greater improvements in pain intensity, functional status, and symptoms’ severity compared with those classified as “stable/not improved”. ConclusionA change of 1.5 and 2.5 points in mean and the worst pain and a change of 0.23 and 0.64 points in functional status and symptoms’ severity represents the MCID for pain intensity and BCTQ in women with CTS 1 month after treatment.

Efficacy of Dry Needling Versus Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Patients With Neck Pain Due to Myofascial Trigger Points: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction Myofascial pain is defined as pain arising primarily in muscles and associated with multiple trigger points. Among the non-pharmacological methods, trigger point injection and electrotherapy are effective methods to treat myofascial pain syndrome. This study compares the effectiveness of dry needling (DN) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in reducing cervical pain intensity and improving cervical range of motion in patients with neck pain due to myofascial trigger points. Methods Fifty patients were enrolled and randomized into two groups. Patients in group A received dry needling, and those in group B received TENS. Patients were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) before the treatment and on days 14and 28 after the treatment. The unpaired t-test was used to evaluate quantitative data, except for VAS, where the Mann-Whitney U test was used. All quantitative variables had a normal distribution with a standard deviation except for pain intensity (VAS), which deviated from the normal distribution. The significance level was set at a P-value=0.05. Results Both DN and TENS groups showed significant improvement in VAS, NDI, and CROM between days 0 and 28 (p=<0.001). The DN group showed greater improvements in pain intensity from day 0 to day 28 (p=<0.001). Between days 0 and 28, there was no discernible difference in NDI changes between the groups (p = 0.157 and p = 0.799, respectively). Mixed results were obtained for CROM, with significant improvement of cervical flexion in the dry needling group (p=<0.008) and significant improvement of cervical rotation to the painful side in the TENS group (<0.001). Conclusion Both dry needling and TENS are effective in reducing pain and improving NDI and CROM in patients with neck pain due to myofascial trigger points. However, as dry needling is more effective in pain reduction, a single session of dry needling is more beneficial and cost-effective as compared to multiple sessions of TENS.

The effect of an anti-inflammatory in comparison with a low caloric diet on physical and mental health in overweight and obese women with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial.

To evaluate the effect of an anti-inflammatory compared to a low-calorie diet on the physical and mental health of patients with knee OA. In this randomized parallel clinical trial, participants were selected among overweight and obese women aged 40years or older with mild to moderate OA. Sixty women with a ratio of 1:1 were randomly assigned to receive either low-calorie or anti-inflammatory accompanied by a low-calorie diet for two months. The dietary intake and weight of participants were measured. Study variables were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Index (WOMAC), visual analog pain scale (VAS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI-I), and the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) to indicate the quality of life (QoL). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in demographic and baseline variables except for the emotional well-being subscale of QoL. There was significant difference in anti-inflammatory compared to low-calorie diet in terms of weight (MD (95% CI): -4.02kg (-6.77 to -1.28); p = 0.005), VAS (MD (95% CI): -0.97 (-1.53 to -0.41); p = 0.001), WOMAC-total score (MD (95% CI): -9.91 (-15.05 to -4.78); p < 0.001), WOMAC-pain subscale (MD (95% CI): -3.30 (-5.30 to -1.29); p = 0.002), WOMAC-physical function (MD(95% CI): -5.48 (-9.41 to -1.53); p = 0.007), depression (p = 0.003), anxiety (p = 0.011), QoL-physical functioning (0.041), and QoL-pain (0.010) after the intervention. An anti-inflammatory accompanied by a low-calorie diet resulted in greater weight loss and greater improvement in pain intensity, functional status, depression, anxiety, and some dimension of QoL in overweight and obese women with knee OA compared to the low-calorie diet. Trial registration number and date of registration: IRCT201610220030424N2; 2018-04-23.

Dry needling in active or latent trigger point in patients with neck pain: a randomized clinical trial

The purpose was to determine the efficacy of deep dry needling (DDN) applied on an active myofascial trigger point (MTrP) versus a latent-MTrP versus a non-MTrP location, on pain reduction and cervical disability, in patients with chronic neck pain. A randomized, double-blind clinical trial design was used. A sample of 65 patients was divided into non-MTrP-DDN, active-MTrP-DDN and latent-MTrP-DDN groups. The visual analog scale (VAS), reproduction of the patient’s pain, number of local twitch responses, pressure pain threshold (PPT) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were assessed before, during and after the intervention and up to 1 month post-intervention. The active-MTrP-DDN-group reduced pain intensity more than non-MTrP-DDN-group after a week and a month (P < 0.01), as well as showing the greatest improvement in tibialis muscle PPT. The treatment of both Active and Latent MTrPs was associated with the reproduction of the patient’s pain. The application of DDN on an active-MTrP in the upper trapezius muscle shows greater improvements in pain intensity after 1 week and 1 month post-intervention, compared to DDN applied in latent-MTrPs or outside of MTrPs in patients with neck pain.

Effectiveness of ischemic compression pressure versus spray and stretch technique in the management of active myofascial trigger points of trapezius muscle.

Background: Now, a days myofascial trigger points are tremendously occurring and become a stressful part of nearly any person at any time in a lifetime. This study compares the effects of ischemic compression pressure with spray and stretch technique to treat active myofascial trigger points of the trapezius muscle in patients with neck pain.&#x0D; Methodology: A comparative interventional study was conducted at Dow University of Health Sciences from December 2016 and May 2017. Seventy patients (35 in each group) with active myofascial trigger points of trapezius were randomly assigned to group A (ischemic compression pressure) and group B (vapocoolant spray and stretch technique). Baseline and last session assessment of pain intensity, pain pressure tolerance, cervical range of motion and functional disability were measured through numerical pain-rating scale, algometer, goniometer and neck disability index, respectively.&#x0D; Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in all dependent variables of study which were neck pain, cervical range of motion and pain pressure tolerance (p-value&lt;0.05). Group A showed greater improvement in pain intensity (p-value 0.015), pressure pain threshold (p-value 0.000) and cervical range of motion flexion, left side flexion and right-side flexion (p-value 0.002, 0.000 &amp; 0.004) than group B.&#x0D; Conclusion: Both ischemic compression pressure &amp; spray and stretch technique deactivated trigger points of upper fibers trapezius muscle in patients with neck pain, but the ischemic compression pressure was superior to the spray and stretch technique.

Effects of dynamic stabilization exercises and muscle energy technique on selected biopsychosocial outcomes for patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Low back pain is the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition, and causes activity limitations which result in reduced work productivity and high medical expenditure. The management of this condition has been challenging to both clinicians and researchers. While the use of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) as a potentially effective treatment strategy seems promising, studies examining MET combined with exercise therapy are scarce and studies with strong methodology are lacking. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effects of a combination of Dynamic Stabilization Exercises (DSE) and MET on selected biopsychosocial outcomes compared to DSE alone or conventional physiotherapy in the management of chronic non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). A total of 125 (80 male and 45 female) patients with chronic NSLBP were involved in this study, they were recruited from Rasheed Shekoni Teaching hospital and Federal Medical centre Birnin-Kudu, Jigawa State, Nigeria. A random number generator method was used to allocate patients to either DSE+MET (n=41), DSE alone (n=39) or conventional physiotherapy (n=45). Interventions were administered twice a week over 12 weeks. Outcome measures included pain intensity, lumbar (flexion and extension) range of motion, functional-disability, self-perceived health status, limitations in activities and participation restrictions. These were assessed at baseline, mid-intervention at six weeks, post-intervention at 12 weeks and long term follow-up at 24 weeks. Data was analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA to determine significance difference within groups and between groups. All intervention groups showed within-groups changes of the study outcomes over time (p<0.001). However, between-group comparisons showed greater improvements in pain intensity (F=7.91, p<0.001), lumbar ROM (flexion F=1.51, p<0.001; extension F=3.25, p<0.001), activity limitations/participation restrictions (F=3.7, p<0.001) and health status (F=10.9, p<0.001) for the intervention in which MET and DSE were combined. The MET plus DSE interventions were superior to DSE and convention physiotherapy for all outcome measures, except for functional disability (F=0.53, p=0.590). The data from this study showed MET combined with DSE had greater therapeutic benefits compared to DSE or conventional physiotherapy on selected biopsychosocial outcomes in patients with chronic NSLBP. The findings from the study show that the combination of MET with DSE is safe and has beneficial effects in the management of patients with chronic NSLBP. The study protocol has been registered with www.ClinicalTrial.gov with the registration number NCT3449810.

Multidisciplinary-based Rehabilitation (MBR) Compared With Active Physical Interventions for Pain and Disability in Adults With Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of multidisciplinary-based rehabilitation (MBR) in comparison with active physical interventions for adults with chronic pain. The review was conducted in line with the recommendations provided in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 8 electronic databases were searched from inception to November 2018. Only randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion. In total, 31 trials were identified, and most studies involved patients with chronic low back pain (25 trials). The main outcomes considered were pain intensity and disability at short-term follow-up (≤3 mo after treatment), medium-term follow-up (>3 and <12 mo), and long-term follow-up (≥12 mo). The quality of the evidence was assessed according to the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach RESULTS:: A total of 27 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Statistically significant differences in favor of MBR were found for pain intensity and disability at short-term follow-up (standardized mean difference=0.53 and 0.50) and long-term follow-up (standardized mean difference=0.56 and 0.77), but the quality of the evidence was low. There was no significant difference between MBR and active physical interventions in the medium-term follow-up. Overall, the results suggest that MBR may lead to greater improvements in pain intensity and disability compared with active physical interventions, and the effects appear to be sustained in the long term. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution in light of the low quality of the evidence, with all but one trial judged to be at high risk of bias. Further research is required to assess the effectiveness of MBR for people with chronic pain conditions other than low back pain.

Core Stability and Hip Exercises Improve Physical Function and Activity in Patients with Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Approximately 90% of low back pain (LBP) diagnoses are non-specific (NSLBP; i.e. with unknown cause). In NSLBP patients, the hamstrings, iliopsoas, piriformis, and tensor fasciae latae are overactive due to weak hip abductor, extensor, and core muscles. Core stability is essential for proper load balance within the pelvis, spine, and kinetic chain, and core stability exercise (CSE) is an exercise treatment regimen for LBP conditions. We investigated how core stability and hip muscle stretching exercises affected NSLBP patients' physical function and activity. Patients were randomly allocated to three groups. The Stretch group (n = 24) performed exercises for hip muscle stretching for maximal motion; the Strengthen group (n = 22) performed exercises for hip muscle strengthening while maintaining the maximal isometric contraction. The Sham group (n = 20) received gentle palpation of the skin. Therapy was conducted thrice weekly for 6 weeks. Pain intensity, lower back instability, and hip muscle flexibility were measured to assess physical function. Disability level, balance ability, and quality of life were measured to assess physical activity. Data were collected prior to intervention and at 6-week follow-up. There were significant within-group changes for all measurements (P < 0.05). The Stretch and Strengthen groups had greater improvements in pain intensity, disability level, balance ability, and quality of life than the Sham group. Lower back instability and hip muscle flexibility had the greatest improvement in the Stretch group. In conclusion, CSE and hip muscle stretching are effective at improving physical function and activity in NSLBP patients.

Optimal duration of stretching exercise in patients with chronic myofascial pain syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of variable durations of stretching on neural function, pain, and algometric pressure in patients with chronic myofascial pain syndrome.DesignRandomized controlled trial.PatientsA total of 100 participants diagnosed with chronic myofascial pain syndrome were randomly assigned to a control group or 1 of 3 intervention groups.MethodsThe 3 experimental groups received different durations of cervical spine stretching: 15, 30 or 60 s. The control group did not stretch. Primary outcome measures included peak-to-peak somatosensory-evoked potential for dermatomes C6, C7 and C8. Secondary outcome measures included central somatosensory conduction time (N13–N20), pain intensity, and pressure-pain threshold algometric measurements. All outcome measures were assessed immediately after and 2 h after the treatment session.ResultsPost hoc analysis indicated that stretching for 60 s significantly decreased the dermatomal amplitude for C6, C7 and C8 (p < 0.001) and significantly increased the central conduction time, indicating negative effect (p < 0.001). Stretching for 30 and 60 s resulted in greater improvement in pain intensity and algometric pressure than stretching for 15 s or no stretch (control) p < 0.001.ConclusionStretching cervical muscles involved in chronic myofascial pain syndrome for 30 s was optimal in achieving stretching benefits and minimizing the negative effects on the neural function of the involved nerve roots and central nervous system.LAY ABSTRACTThis study measured the effect of different durations of stretching (15 s, 30 s, 60 s and no stretching) of the muscles around the neck and shoulders in 100 participants with chronic myofascial pain syndrome. The outcome measures assessed the effect on neural function. The results show that stretching for 30 s was the optimal time, for achieving stretching benefits and minimizing the negative effects on the neural function of the involved nerve roots and central nervous system. Stretching for a longer time negatively affected the neural function, but decreased the pain level, while stretching for a shorter time did not achieve the optimal muscle length after stretching.

Moderators of Mindfulness Meditation, Cognitive Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Test of the Limit, Activate, and Enhance Model

This study examined psychosocial pain treatment moderation in a secondary analysis of a trial that compared cognitive therapy (CT), mindfulness-meditation (MM), and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for chronic low back pain (CLBP). The Limit, Activate, and Enhance (LA&E) model of moderation provided a framework for testing a priori hypotheses. Adult participants (N = 69) with CLBP completed a pretreatment assessment of hypothesized moderators: pain catastrophizing, brain state as assessed by electroencephalogram, mindful observing, and nonreactivity. Outcomes were pain interference, characteristic pain intensity, physical function, and depression, assessed at pre- and post-treatment. Moderation analyses found significant interaction effects, specifically: 1) higher and lower baseline pain catastrophizing was associated with greater improvement in pain intensity in MM and MBCT, respectively; 2) higher baseline theta power was associated with greater improvement in depression in MBCT and interfered with response to CT; 3) lower baseline nonreactivity was associated with greater improvement in physical function in MM while higher nonreactivity was associated with greater improvement in MBCT. The findings support the possibility that different patients are more or less likely to benefit from various treatments. Theory-driven moderation research has the capacity to inform the development of patient-treatment matching algorithms to optimize outcome. PerspectiveThis study presents preliminary findings from theory-driven tests of the moderators of mindfulness meditation, cognitive therapy, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for chronic low back pain. The results of such analyses may inform the understanding of for whom various evidence-based psychosocial pain treatments may engender the most meaningful benefits.

Comparative Study of Pain Relief in Two Non-Pharmacological Treatments in Patients with Partial Rotator Cuff Tears: A Randomized Trial.

BackgroundPain induction is the primary characteristic of a rotator cuff tear while muscle weakness appears as a secondary feature, leading to further disability.ObjectivesThe study aimed to determine the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic interventions through transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or microcurrent electrical nerve stimulation (MENS) in conjunction with kinesiotherapy in patients with partial thickness rotator cuff tear.MethodsThis was a blinded randomized prospective study. The study recruited 42 outpatients with partial rotator cuff tear under conservative treatment selected from the 401 General Military Hospital of Athens and the University General Hospital ‘Attikon’ during 2015 - 2017. Patients were assessed for pain and disability using the SPADI (shoulder pain and disability index), a numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain, and the EuroQoL-5 questionnaire for the evaluation of the quality of life. The first group received TENS and kinesiotherapy while the second group received MENS and kinesiotherapy. Three measurements were recorded. The first assessment was performed during the initial patient visit; the second after completion of the physiotherapeutic sessions, and the third one three months after the initial assessment. A follow-up ultrasound scan was performed three months after the completion of the therapeutic sessions to assess the anatomical healing of the rotator cuff tear.ResultsRepeated measurements analysis indicated a significant improvement in pain scores, functionality, and patients’ quality of life (P value < 0.001). Comparison of the two treatment methods did not reveal any significant differences (P value > 0.05) despite the fact that the MENS was associated with a greater improvement in pain intensity and TENS with a greater improvement in functionality and quality of life.ConclusionsUsing MENS and TENS appears to be equally effective in terms of pain relief, functional improvement, and quality of life enhancement in patients.

Electroacupuncture for the treatment of supraspinatus calcific tendonitis

BackgroundConservative treatment of calcific tendonitis includes rest, medications, and physical therapy. Several physiotherapy interventions such as shockwave therapy are commonly used. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of an electrotherapy method called electroacupuncture, in the treatment of calcific tendonitis. Methods40 patients with calcific tendonitis were randomly divided to receive either a combination of medications and electroacupuncture, or just a course of medications. Evaluated outcomes included pain using the visual analog scale, shoulder range of motion with the use of goniometer, and quality of life along with functional status using the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IAOLDS) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Radiological evaluation for the progression of the calcific deposits was also performed. All these evaluations were performed before and at the end of treatment. A final interview with the patients regarding any recurrent episodes was performed 18–24 months after the end of treatment. ResultsThe intervention group showed greater improvement in pain intensity (2.8 points), range of motion (forward flexion, +30; abduction +29) when compared with the control group (for all, P < .05) while there was no statistically significant difference regarding the quality of life (IOLDS +0.2; BDI 0). Radiological evaluation demonstrated total or nearly total absorption of calcific deposits in 15 patients of the intervention group and in 8 patients of the control group. ConclusionThe successful clinical results of electroacupuncture and the regression of calcific depositions after treatment showed that electroacupuncture may have a role as a treatment modality in calcific tendonitis.

A Role of Complementary Medicine in Rehabilitation of Military Traumatic Brain Injuries

Background: Military service members and veterans face health issues related to traumat-ic brain injury (TBI), especially during combat, use of heavy equipment, and exposures to environmental hazards and explosives. There were 1.000 TBIs reported in deployed Ukra-nian troops during Russian-Ukranian war in 2014–2017. Studies have indicated that some manual therapies could be helpful for treating patients who have post-concussive syndrome.&#x0D; Objective: This case series report de-scribes the effects of CranioSacral Therapy (CST), Visceral Manipulation (VM), and Neu-ro-muscular Manipulation (NM) modalities for treating patients who have post-concussion syndrome. The goal of this study was to evalu-ate these effects on immobility, pain intensity, quality of life, sleep disorders, and cognition in these patients.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This single-blind-ed case series was conducted at the Volunteer rehabilitation center, Dnipro, Ukraine. The pa-tients were 45 male participationers of Ukra-nian military forces who had been medically diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. Each participant received a morning and af-ternoon 1-hour session of these three spe-cific manual therapies, which were capable of accessing and addressing the structural, vascular, and neuro-muscular tissues of the Cranium, Neck, Diafragm, Peritoneal bag and brain-as well addressing far-reaching ramifi-cations throughout the body following trauma. The main outcome measures were scores on the: Impact Neurocognitive Test; Blood Oxigen Saturation Test; Short Form-36 Quality of Life Survey, Headache Impact Test, a numeric pain rating scale; orthopedic range of motion tests (ROM); and vestibular testing. Hours of sleep were also checked. These outcome measures were registered at baseline, after treatment, and after a 3–6-month follow up.&#x0D; Results: Statistically significant differenc-es were seen with a decrease in overall pain rating scale scores (P = 0.034), and cranio-cer-vicogenic pain levels decreased (P = 0.047). There were statistically significant increases of blood oxigen saturation (P = 0.033), Mem-ory Test (P = 0.017) scores, and cervical ROM scores (P = 0.036). Hours of sleep averaged 1 hours on the first day of treatment and in-creased to 2.0 hours at the end of treatment. Results were continuing to increase, as noted at a 5-month evaluation.&#x0D; Conclusions: Six sessions of specific CST/VM/NM therapy resulted in statistically great-er improvements in pain intensity, ROM, mem-ory, cognition, blood oxigen saturation and breathing in concussed patients.

Effects of Exercise Training Combined with Increased Physical Activity to Prevent Chronic Pain in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective With the aim of developing a chronic pain prevention program, this randomized controlled trial examined whether exercise training combined with increased physical activity more effectively improves pain and physical activity than exercise training alone in community-dwelling older adults without chronic pain. Methods We randomized 76 older adults without chronic pain into an intervention group (n=38) involving exercise training combined with increased physical activity and a control group (n=38) involving exercise training alone. The exercise training comprised weekly 60-min sessions for 12 weeks. The program to increase physical activity required participants to record their daily step counts using pedometers. Pain intensity, total number of pain sites, and physical activity were assessed before and 12 weeks after the intervention. Results A time-by-group interaction was found for physical activity, with the intervention group showing significant improvement (p < 0.05). The intervention group also showed greater improvement in pain intensity and total number of pain sites at 12 weeks after intervention than the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions In older adults without chronic pain, exercise training combind with increased physical activity improves key outcome indicators more effectively than exercise training alone. “This trial is registered with UMIN000018503.”

Effects of a psychosocial intervention programme combined with exercise in community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain: A randomized controlled trial.

Although researchers have recommended exercise training and psychosocial intervention to manage chronic pain, an effective intervention for Japanese community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain has not been established. This randomized controlled trial examined whether exercise training combined with psychosocial intervention more effectively improves pain, psychological status and physical activity than does exercise training alone in this population. We randomized 128 older adults with chronic pain to either an intervention group (n=64) involving exercise training combined with psychosocial intervention, or a control group (n=64) involving only exercise training. Exercise training comprised weekly 60-min sessions for 12weeks. Psychosocial intervention involved changing participants' focus on pain using self-management education and cognitive behavioural therapy, and participants recorded their daily pain intensity and step counts. Pain intensity, psychological status and physical activity were assessed before and 12weeks after the intervention. A time-by-group interaction emerged for psychological status (p=0.003) and physical activity (p<0.001), both favouring the intervention group. The intervention group also showed greater improvement in pain intensity at 12weeks than did the control group (p=0.007). Exercise training combined with psychosocial intervention improves key outcome indicators more effectively than does exercise training alone in older adults with chronic pain. Although research has shown that combined exercise and psychosocial intervention is optimal for managing chronic pain, our study is the first, to the best of our knowledge, to test a specific intervention of this type in community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain in Japan.