Limb Pain Intensity Research Articles

127 Durable Treatment of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy With 10 kHz Spinal Cord Stimulation

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 25% of people with diabetes experience painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN), but conventional medical management (CMM) is ineffective for many patients. We previously presented partial study results showing that high-frequency (10 kHz) spinal cord stimulation (SCS) provides substantial symptom relief. Here we report full study results through 24-month (24M) follow-up. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter RCT to evaluate 10 kHz SCS in PDN patients. Key study inclusion criteria were: PDN symptoms = 12M refractory to medications, lower limb pain intensity = 5cm (0-10 cm visual analog scale [VAS]), and hemoglobin A1c = 10%. Patients (n = 216) were randomized 1:1 to 10 kHz SCS plus CMM or CMM alone, with optional treatment crossover at 6M. RESULTS: Patients randomized to 10 kHz SCS experienced significantly greater pain relief at 6M than those treated with CMM alone (p < 0.001). For all patients who received 10 kHz SCS, at 24M post-implantation the average pain relief was 80% from pre-implantation (p < 0.001), and the treatment responder rate was 90%. Clinician-assessed sensory function showed significant improvements with 10 kHz SCS. At 6M, 59% of patients treated with 10 kHz SCS had sensory improvement versus 9% of those treated with CMM alone (p < 0.001). At 24M, 10 kHz SCS improved sensory function for 65% of patients. Patients receiving 10 kHz SCS also experienced significant improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQoL, p < 0.001). At 24M, the mean HRQoL improvement was 2.9-4.8 times the minimum clinically important difference for patients with type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that 10 kHz SCS provides significant, durable reductions in pain and improvements in sensory function and HRQoL. Sensory function improvements support the unique disease-modifying potential of 10 kHz SCS.

Immobilization Period for the Non-Operative Treatment of Proximal Humerus Fractures: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) are common fractures in the elderly and are typically treated conservatively with immobilization. However, there is no consensus on whether to choose early or late conventional mobilization, taking their outcomes into account. This paper reviews comparative studies on the clinical outcomes of one- and three-week immobilization periods in terms of limb function, pain intensity, and complications following the adoption of the non-surgical treatment of PHF. The current systematic review started with searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on PHF patients to compare the clinical outcomes between patients receiving the one-week mobilization (early mobilization) and those receiving the three-week mobilization (late mobilization). We also performed a meta-analysis to compare the two groups' limb function and pain levels at three and six months of follow-up. Five of the seven RCTs had adequate data to be included in the meta-analysis. The quantitative results showed that the early mobilized patients had improved limb function at three [weighted mean difference (WMD): 5.15 (CI 95%: 0.68-9.62)] and six [WMD: 3.51 (CI 95%: 0.43-6.60)] months, but not at 12 months of follow-up. At either three, six, or 12 months, there was no difference in pain intensity between the two groups. This review supports the adoption of early mobilization at one week for the non-operative management of PHFs. However, to compare the long-term effects, more clinical trials with longer follow-ups are needed.

Impact of spinal surgery on locomotive syndrome in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis in clinical decision limit stage 3: a retrospective study

BackgroundLocomotive syndrome (LS) is characterized by reduced mobility. Clinical decision limit (CDL) stage 3 in LS indicates physical frailty. Lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSS) is one of the causes of LS, for which lumbar surgery is considered to improve the CDL stage. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of lumbar surgery and independent factors for improving the CDL stage in patients with LSS.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at our University Hospital. A total of 157 patients aged ≥ 65 years with LSS underwent lumbar surgery. The 25-Question Geriatric Locomotive Function scale (GLFS-25) was used to test for LS, and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) was used to evaluate functional ability. Lower limb pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale. Patients with at least one improvement in the CDL stage following lumbar surgery were included in the improvement group. Differences in lower limb pain intensity between the groups were evaluated using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to determine correlations between Δ lower limb pain and Δ GLFS-25. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with improvement in LS.ResultsThe proportion of patients with improved CDL stage was 45.1% (improvement/non-improvement: 32/39). Δ Lower limb pain was significantly reduced in the improvement group compared with that in the non-improvement group (51.0 [36.3–71.0] vs 40.0 [4.0–53.5]; p = 0.0107). Δ GLFS-25 was significantly correlated with Δ lower limb pain (r = 0.3774, p = 0.0031). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that TUG and age were significantly associated with improvement in LS (odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval: 1.07–1.47).ConclusionsLumbar surgery effectively improved the CDL stage in patients with LSS. In addition, TUG was an independent factor associated with improvement in the CDL.

Somatotopic disruption of the functional connectivity of the primary sensorimotor cortex in complex regional pain syndrome type 1.

In complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), the representation area of the affected limb in the primary sensorimotor cortex (SM1) reacts abnormally during sensory stimulation and motor actions. We recorded 3T functional magnetic resonance imaging resting-state data from 17 upper-limb CRPS type 1 patients and 19 healthy control subjects to identify alterations of patients' SM1 function during spontaneous pain and to find out how the spatial distribution of these alterations were related to peripheral symptoms. Seed-based correlations and independent component analyses indicated that patients' upper-limb SM1 representation areas display (i) reduced interhemispheric connectivity, associated with the combined effect of intensity and spatial extent of limb pain, (ii) increased connectivity with the right anterior insula that positively correlated with the duration of CRPS, (iii) increased connectivity with periaqueductal gray matter, and (iv) disengagement from the other parts of the SM1 network. These findings, now reported for the first time in CRPS, parallel the alterations found in patients suffering from other chronic pain conditions or from limb denervation; they also agree with findings in healthy persons who are exposed to experimental pain or have used their limbs asymmetrically. Our results suggest that CRPS is associated with a sustained and somatotopically specific alteration of SM1 function, that has correspondence to the spatial distribution of the peripheral manifestations and to the duration of the syndrome.

Clinician perspectives on postamputation pain assessment and rehabilitation interventions.

The purpose of this study was to explore self-reported Veterans Affairs (VA) amputation clinician perspectives and clinical practices regarding the measurement and treatment for amputation-related pain. Cross-sectional survey with 73 VA rehabilitation clinicians within the VA Health Care System. The most frequent clinical backgrounds of respondents included physical therapists (36%), prosthetists (32%), and physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist (21%). Forty-one clinicians (56%) reported using pain outcome measures with a preference for average pain intensity numeric rating scale (generic) (97%), average phantom limb pain intensity numeric rating scale (80%), or Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System pain interference (12%) measures. Clinicians' most frequently recommended interventions were compression garments, desensitization, and physical therapy. Clinicians identified mindset, cognition, and motivation as factors that facilitate a patient's response to treatments. Conversely, clinicians identified poor adherence, lack of belief in interventions, and preference for traditional pain interventions (e.g., medications) as common barriers to improvement. We asked about the frequently used treatment of graded motor imagery. Although graded motor imagery was originally developed with 3 phases (limb laterality, explicit motor imagery, mirror therapy), clinicians reported primarily using explicit motor imagery and mirror therapy. Most clinicians who use standardized pain measures prefer intensity ratings. Clinicians select pain interventions based on the patient's presentation. This work contributes to the understanding of factors influencing clinicians' treatment selection for nondrug interventions. Future work that includes qualitative components could further discern implementation barriers to amputation pain rehabilitation interventions for greater consistency in practice.

Abstract #1399039: Treatment of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: 10 kHz SCS Provides Durable Pain Relief and Sensory Improvements

Of the 37 million Americans who have diabetes, up to 25% experience painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). While conventional medical management (CMM), which includes pharmacotherapies, can be ineffective for many patients, high-frequency (10 kHz) spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been shown to provide substantial symptom relief for PDN. Here we report durability of outcomes to 24 months (24M) months for 10 kHz SCS treatment of PDN. We conducted a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate 10 kHz SCS in PDN patients. Key inclusion criteria were: PDN symptoms ≥12M refractory to medications, lower limb pain intensity ≥5cm (0-10cm visual analog scale [VAS]), and hemoglobin A1c ≤10%. Patients (n=216) were randomized 1:1 to 10 kHz SCS plus CMM or CMM alone, with optional treatment group crossover at 6M. Patients randomized to 10 kHz SCS experienced average pain relief of 76% at 6M, while patients receiving CMM alone experienced average pain increase of 2%. After 6M, 93% of eligible CMM patients crossed over to 10 kHz SCS, while no 10 kHz SCS patients crossed over to CMM. At 24M, patients receiving 10 kHz SCS experienced durable pain relief, with average pain relief of 80%. Reductions in pain-associated sleep disturbance and pain interference with mood and daily activities were consistent with pain relief. At 6M, 10 kHz SCS provided substantial reductions vs. CMM. At 24M, patients receiving 10 kHz SCS experienced a 65% decrease in pain-associated sleep disturbance and a 67% decrease in pain interference with mood and daily activities. Clinician-assessed sensory function improvements in the feet and legs were observed with 10 kHz SCS. At 6M, improvements were observed in 59% of patients receiving 10 kHz SCS vs. only 9% of patients receiving CMM alone. Sensory improvements were durable as 65% of patients receiving 10 kHz SCS had improvements at 24M. In total, 154 patients received an SCS implant. There were eight (5.2%) study-related infections (n=3 resolved; n=5 (3.2%) explanted), which is within the range reported across all SCS patient populations (2.5-10%). The results of this RCT demonstrate that 10 kHz SCS provides durable reductions in pain and pain-associated effects on health-related quality of life with acceptable safety, now observed through 24-month follow-up. The durable sensory function improvements highlight the disease-modifying potential of 10 kHz SCS.

10 kHz SCS Provides Durable Pain Relief and Neurological Improvements for Patients with Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: 24-Month RCT Results (PL4.004)

10 kHz SCS Provides Durable Pain Relief and Neurological Improvements for Patients with Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: 24-Month RCT Results (PL4.004)

Brain Connectivity: A Journal of Clinical Neurology, Neuroscience, & Neuroimaging Advancing the Field of Neurology

Brain Connectivity: A Journal of Clinical Neurology, Neuroscience, & Neuroimaging Advancing the Field of Neurology

440 10 kHz Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) Provides Significant, Durable Pain Relief for Patients with Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (PDN): 24-Month Results

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 37 million Americans have diabetes, 1 with 25-30% experiencing PDN. 2 High-frequency (10 kHz) SCS has been shown to provide substantial symptom relief for PDN, 3 and here we report durability of these outcomes to 24 months (24M). METHODS: This prospective, multicenter, RCT evaluated 10 kHz SCS with these key inclusion criteria: PDN symptoms ≥12 M refractory to medications, lower limb pain intensity ≥5 cm (0-10 cm visual analog scale [VAS]), and hemoglobin A1c ≤ 10%. Patients (n = 216) were randomized 1:1 to 10 kHz SCS plus CMM or CMM alone, with optional crossover at 6M. RESULTS: At 6M, patients receiving 10 kHz SCS experienced average pain relief of 76.1% (95% CI: 70.5–81.6%), which increased to 82.0% (95% CI: 77.3–86.6%) at 24M. At 24M, 10 kHz SCS patients experienced 70% decreases in pain-associated sleep disturbance and interference with mood and daily activities. At 24M, neurological improvements were observed in 72% of patients receiving 10 kHz SCS. After 6M, 93% of eligible CMM patients elected to cross over to 10 kHz SCS, while zero 10 kHz patients crossed over. With 10 kHz SCS, both groups experienced similar, significant reductions in pain and pain-associated interference. There were zero device explants due to lack of efficacy and eight (5.2%) procedure-related infections (n = 3 resolved with antibiotics; n=5 explanted), which is within the range reported for SCS in non-diabetic patients (2.5-10%).4 CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest RCT to date for SCS management of PDN. The 24M results support that 10 kHz SCS can provide safe, durable pain and symptom relief for PDN. REFERENCES: 1 CDC. National Diabetes Statistics Report; 2022. 2 Finnerup et al. Lancet Neurol 2015; 14(2):162-73. 3 Petersen et al. Diabetes Care; 45(1):e3-e6. 4 Eldabe et al. Pain Med 2016; 17(2):325-36.

Time since onset might be of essence: A recommendation to assess the effects of combination of non-pharmacological neuromodulatory approaches at early stage since symptoms onset.

In the past decade researchers began to assess the potential beneficial effects of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) combined with a behavioral task as a treatment approach for various medical conditions. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the motor cortex combined with another treatment approach has been assessed as analgesic treatment in neuropathic and non-neuropathic pain conditions, and was found to exert only modest pain relief. Our group results show that combined tDCS and mirror therapy dramatically reduced acute phantom limb pain intensity with long-lasting effects, potentially preventing pain chronification. A review of the scientific literature indicates that our approach differs from that of others: We applied the intervention at the acute stage of the disease, whereas other studies applied the intervention in patients whose disease had already been established. We suggest that the timing of administration of the combined intervention is critical. Unlike in patients with chronic painful condition, in which the maladaptive plasticity associated with pain chronification and chronicity is well-consolidated, early treatment at the acute pain stage may be more successful in counterbalancing the not-yet consolidated maladaptive plasticity. We encourage the research community to test our hypothesis, both in the treatment of pain, and beyond.

This Month in Anesthesiology

This Month in Anesthesiology

Detangling the Structural Neural Correlates Associated with Resting versus Dynamic Phantom Limb Pain Intensity Using a Voxel-based Morphometry Analysis.

The management of phantom limb pain (PLP) is still challenging due to a partial understanding of its neurophysiological mechanisms. Structural neuroimaging features are potential biomarkers. However, only a few studies assessed their correlations with clinical severity and treatment response. This study aims to explore the association between brain gray matter volume (GMV) with phantom limb manifestations severity and PLP improvement after neuromodulatory treatments (transcranial direct current stimulation and mirror therapy). Voxel-based morphometry analyses and functional decoding using a reverse inference term-based meta-analytic approach were used. We included 24 lower limb traumatic amputees with moderate to severe PLP. We found that alterations of cortical GMV were correlated with PLP severity but not with other clinical manifestations. Less PLP severity was associated with larger brain clusters GMV in the non-affected prefrontal, insula (non-affected mid-anterior region), and bilateral thalamus. However, only the insula cluster survived adjustments. Moreover, the reverse inference meta-analytic approach revealed that the found insula cluster is highly functionally connected to the contralateral insula and premotor cortices, and the decoded psychological processes related to this cluster were "rating," "sustained attention," "impulsivity, " and "suffering." Moreover, we found that responders to neuromodulatory treatment have higher GMV in somatosensory areas (total volume of S1 and S2) in the affected hemisphere at baseline, compared to non-responders, even after adjustments.

Kinesiophobia and associated factors in patients with traumatic lower extremity amputation.

The study aimed to demonstrate the level of kinesiophobia in patients with traumatic lower limb amputation (LLA) and to investigate the correlation between kinesiophobia and associated factors. This cross-sectional study included 52 male patients (mean age: 37.8±8.7 years; range, 18 to 65 years) with traumatic LLA between March 2021 and July 2021. Kinesiophobia level was measured with the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. Pain intensity and prosthesis satisfaction were evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale. The Falls Efficacy Scale-International was used for the assessment of fear of falling. The Nottingham Health Profile was used to evaluate the quality of life. The percentage of the patients with a high level of kinesiophobia was 40.4%. Kinesiophobia was significantly correlated with residual limp pain intensity (r=0.317, p=0.022), the number of falls (r=0.284, p=0.041), fear of falling (r=0.495, p=0.001), and quality of life (r=0.512, p=0.001). No significant correlations between kinesiophobia and intact limb pain intensity, low back pain intensity, or prosthesis satisfaction were detected. Regression analysis showed that the physical activity subscale score of the Nottingham Health Profile was a statistically significant predictor of high kinesiophobia scores. The findings suggest that limitations in physical activity were independently associated with kinesiophobia in patients with traumatic LLA. Fear and avoidance behaviors, which may limit physical activity, should be considered in the evaluation of individuals with LLA.

Prevalence of Phantom Phenomena in Congenital and Early-Life Amputees

Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a common consequence of the amputation of a limb. Persons with congenital limb absence (congenital amputees) or an acquired limb amputation at an early age seem to rarely experience PLP. However, the number of available studies and their sample sizes are low. In the present cross-sectional study, we assessed the presence of several phantom phenomena in a sample of 99 adult unilateral congenital amputees (con) of whom 34 had a limb correction later in life (limbc) and 153 adult participants with a unilateral amputation before the age of 6 years (subgroups: amputation between birth and 2 years (0-2y; n = 48), 3-4 years (3-4y; n = 46), and 5 to 6 years (5–6y; n = 59)). We found a higher prevalence and intensity of PLP in the 5-6y group compared to the other groups. Residual limb pain (RLP) intensity was higher in the 3 to 4 y and 5 to 6 y groups compared to the con group. Non-painful phantom limb sensation (PLS) intensity and telescoping intensity were higher in the 5 to 6 y group compared to the con and 0 to 2 y groups. Our results indicate that PLP prevalence as well as intensity is low when the limb loss happened before the age of 5 years. PerspectiveThe prevalence of phantom limb pain, residual limb pain, and non-painful phantom limb sensation in congenital amputees and participants with an amputation early in life is low. This might be due to the missing or reduced nociceptive input from the residual limb to the brain and higher development-associated adaptability of the somatosensory system.

Post-Stroke Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Upper Limb Inactivity in Hemiplegic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and to examine the characteristics of inactivity status of the upper limb in post-stroke CRPS patients. In addition, as a sub-analysis, the association between the upper limb inactivity status and pain intensity was investigated in post-stroke CRPS patients.Patients and MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 102 patients with first-ever stroke between April 2019 and February 2020. Each patient was allocated into one of two groups based on the presence or absence of CRPS. Demographic data (age, sex, stroke etiology, lesion side, and number of days since stroke onset) were collected. The following evaluations were performed in all patients: Fugl–Meyer Assessment (FMA), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and Motor Activity Log (MAL). The numerical rating scale (NRS) to determine pain intensity was assessed only in patients with post-stroke CRPS.ResultsNineteen and 83 patients were assigned to the post-stroke CRPS and control group, respectively. The prevalence of post-stroke CRPS was 18.6% (19/102). FMA, ARAT, and MAL scores were significantly lower in patients with post-stroke CRPS than those without it. FMA and ARAT scores were significantly correlated with NRS scores, but MAL was almost zero-scored in patients with post-stroke CRPS.ConclusionThe study results indicated that activity status of the affected upper limb was severely deteriorated, and more inactivity of the upper limb was associated with higher pain intensity in patients with post-stroke CRPS. Thus, our results suggest that post-stroke CRPS may be influenced by the degree of upper limb inactivity after stroke.

22-LB: 24-Month Results for 10-kHz Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) in Treating Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (PDN)

Background and aims: PDN can lead to severe deterioration in quality of life. While published data demonstrate 10kHz SCS provides substantial refractory pain relief and neurologic improvement for PDN patients1, here we report durability of these outcomes. Methods: Prospective, multicenter, RCT to document the impact of 10kHz SCS on PDN. Participants had PDN symptoms ≥12 months (M) , refractory to medications, lower limb pain intensity ≥5cm (0-10cm visual analog scale [VAS]) , and hemoglobin A1c ≤10%. Patients (N=216) were allocated 1:1 to 10kHz SCS (Nevro Corp.) plus conventional medical management (CMM) or CMM alone with optional crossover at 6 M. Results: The 10kHz SCS patients maintained substantial pain relief from 3 M, averaging 81.9% (95%CI 77.3 - 86.5) decrease at 24 M. At 6 M follow up, 0% of 10kHz SCS participants but 93% of eligible CMM patients elected to crossover. After SCS, both groups reported similar significant improvements in pain, sleep disturbance, and in pain interference with mood and daily activities (see Figure 1) . There were no stimulation-related neurological deficits and 6 total explants (3.9%) , 5 due to procedure-related infections and 1 as a precaution for endocarditis. Conclusions: The largest RCT to date of SCS management of PDN demonstrates safety, durable pain relief and neurologic improvement over 24 months with 10 kHz SCS. Disclosure E. Petersen: Consultant; Abbott, Biotronik, Boston Scientific Corporation, Medtronic, Nalu, Neuros Medical, Nevro Corp., Presidio, Saluda Medical, Vertos Medical Inc., Research Support; Medtronic, Neuros Medical, Nevro Corp., ReNeuron, Saluda Medical, SPR, Stock/Shareholder; neuro42, SynerFuse. C. Yu: Consultant; Boston Scientific Corporation, Nevro Corp., Research Support; Nevro Corp. A. Nairizi: Consultant; Nevro Corp. D. G. Patterson: Advisory Panel; AIS, Consultant; Pajunk Medical, Other Relationship; Abbott, CornerLoc, Flowonix, Saluda Medical, Vertiflex, Vertos, Vivex Biologics, Research Support; Nevro Corp., Speaker’s Bureau; AbbVie Inc., Lundbeck. V. Galan: None. R. Bundschu: None. N. Mehta: Consultant; Nevro Corp. D. Sayed: Consultant; Nevro Corp. D. Dibenedetto: None. K. A. Sethi: None. P. W. Wu: None. T. G. Stauss: None. C. Argoff: Consultant; Nevro Corp. C. E. Nasr: Advisory Panel; Exelixis, Horizon Therapeutics plc, Neurogastrx, Nevro Corp., Research Support; Siemens. R. Taylor: Consultant; Nevro Corp. D. L. Caraway: Employee; Nevro Corp. J. A. Scowcroft: Research Support; Boston Scientific Corporation, Nevro Corp., Saluda Medical. E. Brooks: Employee; Nevro Corp., Presidio Medical, Stock/Shareholder; Nevro Corp., Presidio Medical. J. L. White: Advisory Panel; Nevro Corp. S. M. Sills: None. K. Amirdelfan: Consultant; Nevro Corp. M. Guirguis: Advisory Panel; Averitas Pharma, Inc., Boston Scientific Corporation, Pacira BioSciences, Inc., Consultant; Avanos Medical, Inc., Nevro Corp., OmniaMed, Saluda Medical. J. Xu: None. Funding Nevro Corp.

Relationship between Lower Limb Pain Intensity and Dynamic Lumbopelvic-Hip Alignment in Patients with Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in a single hospital. To clarify the relationship between lower limb pain intensity and dynamic lumbopelvic-hip alignment in patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSS), using a three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis system. Although it is well known that leg symptoms have a close relationship with posture in patients with LSS, the relationship under dynamic conditions, such as gait, remain unclear. Thirty patients with LSS scheduled for spine surgery participated in this study. Lower limb pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the patients were divided into two groups based on the mean scores (patients with scores above and below the mean were classified as the high-VAS and low-VAS groups, respectively). The kinematics of the spine, pelvis, and hip joints during gait were then measured using a 3D motion analysis system. Student paired t -tests were used to compare the angles of the spine, pelvis, and hip during gait between the two groups. Compared to those in the low-VAS group, the spine was significantly extended and bent toward the more painful lower limb side, and the pelvis was significantly anteriorly tilted among individuals in the high-VAS group. Patients with LSS experiencing severe pain in their lower limb tend to keep the spine in a more extended position, bend laterally toward the painful side, and have an anteriorly tilted pelvic posture. The dynamic spinal and pelvic alignment was closely related to the intensity of the lower limb pain.

Effectiveness of supervised physiotherapy versus home exercise in subjects with rotator cuff disorders treated surgically: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim is to determine the effectiveness of supervised Physiotherapy (PT) versus a home exercise program for functional outcomes in patients with rotator cuff (RC) disorders treated surgically. TYPE: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. An electronic search was performed in the MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, PEDro, LILACS, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases. The eligibility criteria for selecting studies included randomized clinical trials that compared supervised PT versus home exercises in functional outcomes, such as shoulder or upper limb function, pain intensity, and range of motion, in subjects older than 18years with RC disorders treated surgically. Six trials met the eligibility criteria, and for the quantitative synthesis, five studies were included. At 3months, the mean difference (MD) for the Constant-Murley questionnaire (0-100 points) was -0.76 points (95% confidence interval (CI)=-15.64 to 14.12, p=0.92), while the MD for the visual analog scale (0-10cm) was -0.87cm (95% CI=-2.8 to 1.06, p=0.38). These differences were neither clinically nor statistically significant. There was very low quality of evidence towards no better benefits in shoulder pain and function of supervised PT over home exercises programs in patients older than 18years with RC disorders treated surgically. CRD42020185805.

Thirty Minutes Identified as the Threshold for Development of Pain in Low Back and Feet Regions, and Predictors of Intensity of Pain during 1-h Laboratory-Based Standing in Office Workers.

This study with 40 office workers investigated (a) the effect of time spent standing on low- back and lower limb pain during a 1-h laboratory-based task; (b) the standing time after which a significant increase in pain is likely; and (c) the individual, physical and psychosocial factors that predict pain. The primary outcome was bodily location of pain and pain intensity on a 100-mm Visual Analogue Scale recorded at baseline and every 15 min. Physical measures included trunk and hip motor control and endurance. Self-report history of pain, physical activity, psychosocial job characteristics, pain catastrophizing and general health status were collected. Univariate analysis and regression models were included. The prevalence of low-back pain increased from 15% to 40% after 30 min while feet pain increased to 25% from 0 at baseline. The intensity of low-back and lower limb pain also increased over time. A thirty-minute interval was identified as the threshold for the development and increase in low-back and feet pain. Modifiable factors were associated with low-back pain intensity—lower hip abductor muscle endurance and poorer physical health, and with feet symptoms—greater body mass index and less core stability.

Effectiveness of Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Visual Feedback Balance Training on Lower Limb Post-Stroke Spasticity, Trunk Performance, and Balance: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of disability in adults, and lower limb spasticity, affected stance, and balance impact everyday life and activities of such patients. Robotic therapy and assessment are becoming important tools to clinical evaluation for post-stroke rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to determine in a more objective manner the effects of visual feedback balance training through a balance trainer system and radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT), along with conventional physiotherapy, on lower limb post-stroke spasticity, trunk control, and static and dynamic balance through clinical and stabilometric assessment. The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. The experimental group underwent conventional physiotherapy, visual feedback balance training, and rESWT. The control group underwent conventional physiotherapy, visual feedback training and sham rESWT. The statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Software and MATLAB. Primary clinical outcome measures were The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), passive range of motion (PROM), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Clonus score. Secondary outcome measures were trunk performance, sensorimotor, and lower limb function. Stabilometric outcome measures were trunk control, static balance, and dynamic balance. Visual feedback training using the Prokin system and rESWT intervention, along with conventional physiotherapy, yielded statistically significant improvement both on clinical and stabilometric outcome measures, enhancing static and dynamic balance, trunk performance, sensorimotor outcome, and limb function and considerably diminishing lower limb spasticity, pain intensity, and clonus score in the experimental group.