Back Pain Research Articles

Influence of sacroiliac joint variation on clinical features of axial spondyloarthritis: a comparative analysis

ObjectivesAnatomical variation of the sacroiliac (SI) joints is common and specific variants are associated with erosions and bone marrow oedema on imaging. Our investigation aims to evaluate whether anatomical variations...

Development of pain science education for chronic low back pain in India

ABSTRACT Background Pain Science Education (PSE) has been shown to reduce pain and disability in chronic low back pain (CLBP), a prevalent and disabling condition. PSE helps reconceptualize pain using aids like pictures, metaphors, and stories, and supports pain self-management. Due to variations in pain beliefs across different cultures, the PSE resources need to be customized to accommodate respective literacy levels, cultures and languages. Objective This study aimed to develop PSE booklets in three Indian languages: Bengali, Hindi and Kannada. Method Thirty chronic pain experts (i.e. physiotherapists, pain physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, public health professionals, nurses) independently examined the PSE booklet’s content and rated it under: (1) Content adequacy, (2) Simplicity and clarity, (3) Topical flow, (4) Metaphors’ appropriateness (5) Illustration suitability (6) Color scheme and (7) Culture-specific content. Five people with lived CLBP experience contributed. The content validity ratio (CVR) was used to rate the content of the PSE booklet in seven domains (e.g. cultural relevance). A priori criterion for acceptance of the content was set at 70%. Results Five booklet chapters were developed and were deemed acceptable. Cultural relevance domain received the highest score. Conclusion This is the first study to develop culturally relevant PSE booklets in Bengali, Hindi, and Kannada, which are likely to be useful in educating patients with CLBP. The new intervention needs to be tested for effectiveness in respective language-speaking samples.

Impact of exercise on musculoskeletal pain and disability in the postpartum period: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo examine the impact of exercise on musculoskeletal pain (low back pain (LBP), pelvic girdle pain (PGP), lumbopelvic pain (LBPP) and bodily pain) and kinesiophobia during the postpartum period.DesignSystematic review...

Effects of GDF6 on active protein synthesis by cells of degenerated intervertebral disc.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVD) is a leading cause of low back pain, a prevalent musculoskeletal condition. IVD degeneration is characterized by the degradation of nucleus pulposus (NP), annulus fibrosus (AF), and cartilage endplates (EP). Growth Differentiation Factor 6 (GDF6), part of the bone morphogenetic protein family, has demonstrated potential in maintaining disc integrity. However, its precise role in cellular protein synthesis during IVD degeneration remains unclear. This study employed Stable Isotope Labeling by Amino Acids in Cell Culture (SILAC) to investigate the effects of GDF6 on protein synthesis in NP, AF, and EP cells isolated from degenerated human IVDs. Cells were cultured in SILAC media with and without GDF6 treatment. The proteomic profiles were analyzed via mass spectrometry, comparing newly synthesized "heavy" proteins with pre-existing "light" proteins. GDF6 treatment altered protein synthesis in degenerated IVD cells. In NP cells, GDF6 reduced the synthesis of matrisome proteins, including collagens and proteoglycans, while promoting proteins associated with ECM stability, such as LOX, PCOLCE and HAPLN1/3. AF cells demonstrated an upregulation of ECM-stabilizing proteins like POSTN and FMOD. EP cells showed minimal changes, but GDF6 enhanced the synthesis of collagen type II, suggesting improved ECM integrity. Secretome analysis revealed that GDF6 modulated extracellular signalling by promoting ECM-stabilizing proteins and reducing inflammatory markers. GDF6 exerts compartment-specific effects on protein synthesis in degenerated IVDs, promoting ECM stability, reducing fibrosis, and potentially preserving hydration. These findings support the potential of GDF6 as a therapeutic agent in treating IVD degeneration, particularly in NP-targeted therapies. Future studies should optimize GDF6 dosing and delivery to maximize its regenerative potential.

Screening for depression, anxiety, and psychological distress associated with low back pain by musculoskeletal and spinal clinicians. A scoping review.

A biopsychosocial assessment of a person with low back pain (LBP) should include the detection of psychological risk factors. Pragmatically, clinicians often use their clinical impression rather than questionnaires to screen for psychological risk factors. This scoping review explores how accurately depression, anxiety, and psychological distress can be identified by musculoskeletal (MSK) or spinal clinicians using clinical impression alone. The study protocol was pre-registered on Open Science Framework (OSF) https://osf.io/pt3a6/ . A comprehensive search strategy using five databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, APA PsycInfo, APA PsycArticles) was conducted by two independent reviewers, with additional searching of references. Studies must have included adults with LBP, who were assessed by MSK or spinal clinician for depression, anxiety or psychological distress using their clinical impression as well as a reference standard questionnaire. Data were synthesised descriptively and thematically for each psychological factor separately. Eight studies involving MSK clinicians (n = 4) and spinal clinicians (n = 4) were eligible. Four different reference standard questionnaires were used. Overall MSK and spinal clinicians were not accurate at identifying depression, anxiety or psychological distress in adults with LBP using only clinical impression. Mean sensitivity for accurate identification of high reference standard questionnaire scores for depression, anxiety, and psychological distress ranged between 12.0% and 40.0%. Mean sensitivity was marginally higher when the threshold was reduced to analyse clinician ability to accurately capture any abnormal psychological state (34.0% to 54.1%). Mean specificity values acrosshigher thresholds ranged from 88.7% to 93.6%. Overall, clinician impression alone is insufficient for MSK and spinal clinicians to accurately identify depression, anxiety and psychological distress in adults with LBP. The general tendency of the clinicians was to underestimate their presence. Without formal assessment of the psychological status of patients with LBP, clinicians will have an incomplete understanding of concordant psychological factors, and may fail to notice the requirement to refer on for appropriate psychological management.

Robotic Distal Pancreatectomy with Celiac Axis Resection and SMA Divestment: A Step-by-Step Educational Video.

En-bloc celiac axis resection (CAR) was first proposed by Lyon H. Appleby in 1952 for gastric cancer and later modified for pancreatic resections with gastric preservation by Nimura et al. in 1976. CAR remains uncommon, performed in fewer than 0.2 cases annually. Advancements in preoperative imaging and anatomy understanding, ischemic complication management, and centralization of care have improved outcomes. This report presents a robotic distal pancreatectomy (DP) with CAR and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) divestment. A 65-year-old woman presented with back pain. Imaging revealed biopsy-proven pancreatic adenocarcinoma in the pancreatic body, encasing the celiac, splenic, and common hepatic arteries with SMA abutment. Following four cycles of neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX, follow-up imaging demonstrated stable disease without metastasis. The need for hepatic artery reconstruction was assessed intraoperatively, with alternative strategies detailed in the accompanying video. The patient underwent a distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy with class Ia CAR. Surgery was conducted in a caudal approach, lasted 420 minutes with minimal blood loss (100 ml). Laparoscopic ultrasound (lapUS) and indocyanine green (ICG) perfusion were used to assess resectability, vascular perfusion, and targeted blood vessels. The postoperative course was uneventful, except for a Grade B chyle leak managed conservatively. No liver or gastric ischemia occurred. Adjuvant chemotherapy was initiated two months postoperatively. Enhanced visualization, improved dexterity, and adjuncts including lapUS and ICG are potential benefits that are available to surgeons with the robotic platform when performing arterial divestment and CAR via a caudal approach.

Global, regional, and national burdens of low back pain in women of childbearing age from 1990 to 2021: an analysis based on the global burden of disease study 2021

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is very common in women of child bearing age (WCBA) and is a major burden on individuals and society, but studies about it have not been reported.MethodsTrend analyses were based on data from the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021. We investigated global trends in the number of prevalence cases, prevalence and the years lived with disability (YLDs), and the YLDs rate for LBP in the WCBA. We used joint point regression analyses to report average annual changes and identify the most variable years in the global trend. Simultaneously, we further analyzed these trends by stratifying them by the region, nation, and age.ResultsGlobally, the number of the prevalence and the YLDs for LBP increased substantially from 1990 to 2021(the prevalence: 39.65%) (the YLDs: 39.53%), whereas the prevalence and the YLDs rate of WCBA LBP decreased (the prevalence: AAPC: -0.1355 [95% CI -0.1419 to -0.1288) (the YLDs: AAPC: -0.1365 [95% CI -0.1427 to -0.1302]). Regionally, the prevalence and the YLDs rate of LBP among WCBA in the medium socio-demographic index region showed an increasing trend(the prevalence: AAPC: 0.1291 [95% CI: 0.118 to 0.1396]) (the YLDs: AAPC: 0.1371 [95% CI: 0.1251 to 0.1499]). Nationally, Thailand and Vietnam were the countries with the largest increases in YLD rates(Thailand: AAPC: 0.7742 [95% CI: 0.7589 to 0.7904]) (Vietnam: AAPC: 0.7364 [95% CI: 0.7263 to 0.7468]). In age patterns, the highest prevalence and YLDs rates of LBP were found among women in the 45–49 age group(the prevalence: 14,412.77 per 100,000 in 2021 [95% UI: 10,482.27 to 19,077.3]) (the YLDs: 1,639.56 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 1,035.24 to 2,494.9]).ConclusionDespite declines in the prevalence and YLDs of WCBA LBP, the burden remains high. Age- and region-specific prevention and healthcare strategies should be optimized to meet the needs of WCBA and reduce the burden of disease.

Posterior vertebral column resection for recurrent tethered cord syndrome: a 10-year case series.

Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is a significant cause of debilitation in patients with spinal dysraphisms or tumors. Management of TCS has historically centered on intradural detethering surgery, which is associated with a substantial risk of retethering, symptom recurrence, and repeat surgery. Vertebral column resection (VCR) has recently gained popularity as a treatment option via spinal shortening, but the literature on long-term outcomes is sparse. The objective of this study was to explore long-term clinical outcomes in a series of patients undergoing VCR for recurrent TCS. A retrospective review was conducted of all consecutive patients undergoing VCR for recurrent TCS at a single center between 2014 and 2024. Demographic and radiological characteristics were recorded, including spinal column height reduction as well as symptom improvement rates regarding sensorimotor dysfunction, pain, and incontinence at the latest follow-up. Intra- and postoperative complications were noted, and pre- and postoperative symptomology was compared using McNemar's test at a significance level of p < 0.05 to identify improvements. Twenty surgeries in 19 patients (median age 19 years) involving 10 males (52.6%) were assessed. The most common etiology of TCS was lipomyelomeningocele (n = 7, 36.8%), followed by lipoma (n = 6, 31.6%). Patients underwent a mean of 3.4 previous detethering procedures. Osteotomy was most commonly performed at the L1 level (n = 11, 55.0%), and the mean spinal column height reduction was 16.5 mm. At a mean follow-up of 43.1 (range 12-101) months, resolution of symptoms was observed in 10 patients with back pain (71.4%; p = 0.043), 10 patients with leg pain (66.7%; p = 0.004), 9 patients with lower extremity weakness (75.0%; p = 0.008), 4 patients with urinary incontinence (44.4%; p = 0.371), and 1 patient with fecal incontinence (33.3%; p > 0.99). Complications included a CSF leak in 1 patient and repeat VCR in 1 patient. These results suggest that in select patients with recurrent TCS, VCR represents a treatment option with high rates of symptomatic improvement and a relatively low risk of retethering as observed over several years of follow-up. These results add to the body of literature supporting VCR and provide a compelling basis for future prospectively designed studies.

Comparing Patient-Reported Outcomes of Lateral to Paramedian Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Propensity Score-Matched Observational Study.

To investigate patient-reported outcomes following lumbar discectomy in patients with lateral lumbar disc herniation (LDH) compared with patients with paramedian LDH. Data on patients with lateral and paramedian LDH operated on between 2017 and 2020 at a single public spine unit were extracted from the National Danish Spine Registry, DaneSpine. A propensity score-matched, case-control analysis was conducted to compare the 2 groups. Subgroup analysis was done by further dividing the lateral LDH group into foraminal and extraforaminal groups. Patient demographics, Oswestry Disability Index visual analog scale (VAS) leg and back pain (0-100), EuroQol-5D questionnaire, and measures of patient improvement and satisfaction were collected at baseline and 1 year postoperatively. Of 887 eligible patients, baseline and 1-year follow-up data were available for 525 patients with paramedian LDH and 68 patients with lateral LDH. Following propensity score matching, the 2 groups were similar in terms of all baseline characteristics (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences between groups in Oswestry Disability Index, VAS leg pain, VAS back pain, and EuroQol-5D 1 year postoperatively. Both groups improved in all outcomes from inclusion to follow-up (P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that patients with foraminal LDH compared with extraforaminal LDH had a significantly greater improvement in VAS leg pain (P=0.016) with a larger number of patients with clinically significant leg pain improvement (P=0.03). Patients with lateral and paramedian LDH reported similar postsurgical outcomes. Spine surgeons should be less hesitant to operate on patients with lateral LDH. Patients with extraforaminal LDH experienced the least relief of leg pain.

The causal effects between low back pain and cerebrospinal fluid metabolites: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

BackgroundObservational studies have shown an association between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metabolites and low back pain (LBP), but the causal relationship between these factors remains unclear.MethodsWe performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to examine whether there is a causal relationship between CSF metabolites and LBP. We applied several MR methods, including inverse variance weighting, weighted median, MR-Egger, Wald ratio, and MR-PRESSO, to test the causal relationship and conducted a sensitivity analysis to assess the robustness of the results.ResultsWe identified a total of 12 CSF metabolites significantly associated with LBP, of which Bilirubin, 5,6-dihydrothymine, Erythronate, Mannitol/sorbitol, and Butyrate have a potential inhibitory causal effect on LBP risk (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, 2-hydroxyadipate, Gamma-glutamyl-alpha-lysine, Indoleacetate, N-acetylputrescine, Palmitoyl dihydrosphingomyelin, S-methylcysteine, and 2,3-dihydroxy-5-methylthio-4-pentenoate play a causal role in increasing the risk of LBP (p < 0.05). No significant estimates of heterogeneity or pleiotropy were detected.ConclusionOur study emphasizes the causal relationship between CSF metabolites and LBP risk, providing reference for clinical treatment and prognosis of LBP.

Continuity and volume of bone cement and anti osteoporosis treatment were guarantee of good clinical outcomes for percutaneous vertebroplasty: a multicenter study

BackgroundAs the most prevalent fragility fracture caused by osteoporosis, increasing attention was paid to vertebral compression fractures (VCF) day by day. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) had unique advantages in treatment of VCF and was used widely. However, there were still part patients suffering from residual or unrelieved pain after the surgery. The purpose of our study was to identified the associated factors for good clinical outcomes and provide evidence for surgical strategy.Material and methods186 patients who underwent PVP from January 2021 to January 2023 were reviewed retrospectively in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to clinical outcomes. Preoperative general data and surgical data were collected for statistical analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and the receiver operating characteristic curve were used to identify the associated factors with good clinical outcomes.ResultsThere were statistically significant differences between two groups in volume of bone cement (p = 0.012), standardized treatment for osteoporosis (p = 0.004) and bone cement continuity (p = 0.006). The associated factors with good clinical outcomes after PVP were continuous bone cement (OR = 2.237, 95% CI = 1.191–4.201, p = 0.012), standardized treatment for osteoporosis (OR = 2.105, 95% CI = 1.089–4.068, p = 0.027) and volume of bone cement > 5.5 ml (OR = 1.271, 95% CI = 1.023–1.579, p = 0.030).ConclusionPVP effectively released the back pain of patients and was worthy of promotion. However, postoperative residual pain was an important factor that reduced the clinical outcomes. Continuous bone cement and standardized treatment for osteoporosis were guarantee of good clinical outcomes for PVP and injected bone cement > 5.5 ml might be a guarantee.

Diagnostic and therapeutic particularities of a case admitted for low back pain and sciatica

Diagnostic and therapeutic particularities of a case admitted for low back pain and sciatica

An evidence-based review of the current surgical treatments for chronic low-back pain: rationale, indications, and novel therapies.

This review analyzes the current surgical strategies and management modalities for chronic low-back pain (CLBP). In this study, the authors provide a structured review of the current state of surgical treatments for CLBP, including the rationale for surgery, indications, and novel therapies. An extensive review of the literature on the surgical management of CLBP was performed using the MEDLINE, Cochrane, Google Scholar, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from March 1993 to May 2024. Terms used in the search were ("low back pain/surgery" [MeSH] AND "chronic" AND "lumbar") and ("chronic" AND "low back pain" AND "lumbar spine" AND "surgery"). The search produced 1951 articles, of which 167 were removed as duplicates, leaving 1784 for screening. Of these, 1593 articles were excluded, and 191 were retrieved to evaluate eligibility. After this evaluation, 76 articles were included in the review. No statistical analysis was performed. This structured review revealed a range of surgical interventions available for CLBP. These interventions included fusion, stabilization, posterior interspinous devices, and nonoperative management, such as intensive rehabilitation and cognitive behavioral therapy. The evidence suggests that although spinal fusions are not superior in terms of Oswestry Disability Index function or pain level, they do outperform nonoperative management without intensive rehabilitation therapy. This finding is significant because it highlights the potential of surgical strategies to complement other treatments, such as pharmacological and noninterventional procedures, in managing CLBP. The current evidence strongly advocates for a comprehensive approach to the management of CLBP. Patients with CLBP should be evaluated for surgical approaches when anatomical causes have been identified and multidisciplinary strategies have been implemented. It is reassuring to note that emerging multimodal strategies are beginning to complement neurosurgery care, and they should be integrated into the treatment plan as more substantial evidence becomes available. This emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach underscores the importance of considering all available strategies in CLBP management.

Discrepancies in safety reporting for chronic back pain clinical trials: an observational study from ClinicalTrials.gov and publications

IntroductionChronic back pain (CBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is commonly managed with pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and procedural interventions. However, adverse event (AE) reporting for these therapies often lacks transparency, raising concerns about the accuracy of safety data. This study aimed to quantify inconsistencies in AE reporting between ClinicalTrials.gov and corresponding randomized controlled trial (RCT) publications, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive safety reporting to improve clinical decision-making and patient care.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed Phase 2–4 CBP RCTs registered on ClinicalTrials.gov from 2009 to 2023. Extracted data included AE reporting, trial sponsorship, and discrepancies in serious adverse events (SAEs), other adverse events (OAEs), mortality, and treatment-related withdrawals between registry entries and publications. Statistical analyses assessed reporting inconsistencies, following STROBE guidelines.ResultsA total of 114 registered trials were identified, with 40 (35.1%) corresponding publications. Among these, 67.5% were industry-sponsored. Only 4 (10%) publications fully reported adverse events (AEs) without discrepancies, while 36 (90%) contained at least one inconsistency compared to ClinicalTrials.gov. Discontinuation due to AEs was explicitly reported in 24 (60%) of ClinicalTrials.gov entries and in 30 (75%) of publications, with discrepancies in 16 trials (40%). Serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported differently in 15 (37.5%) publications; 80% reported fewer SAEs than ClinicalTrials.gov. Other adverse events (OAEs) showed discrepancies in 37 (92.5%) publications, with 43.2% reporting fewer and 54.1% reporting more OAEs.DiscussionThis study highlights pervasive discrepancies in AE reporting for CBP trials, undermining the reliability of published safety data. Inconsistent reporting poses risks to clinical decision-making and patient safety. Adopting standardized reporting guidelines, such as CONSORT Harms, and ensuring transparent updates in publications could enhance the accuracy and trustworthiness of safety data. Journals and regulatory bodies should enforce compliance and future efforts should develop mechanisms to monitor and correct reporting inconsistencies, enhancing the trustworthiness of safety data in clinical research.

Chronic back pain patients with poor sleep quality had higher pain intensity, functional limitation, and psychosocial factors than their counterparts

Chronic back pain patients with poor sleep quality had higher pain intensity, functional limitation, and psychosocial factors than their counterparts

Occupational Hazards and Environmental Consequences of Sandstone Mining: A Case Study from Soorsagar, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Mining plays a crucial role in the economic growth and supports national development. However, it also raises significant concerns due to its environmental impact and health risks, particularly in the nearby areas. In India’s sandstone mines, both mechanical and manual methods are employed. Mining operations rely heavily on equipment such as trucks, dumpers, compressors, drills for blasting, and cranes for lifting heavy blocks. These activities generate large amounts of dust containing high levels of silica, which poses severe health risks. Prolonged inhalation of silica dust can lead to silicosis, a preventable but serious disease characterized by dyspnoea (shortness of breath) and persistent cough, and is sometimes associated with lung cancer and tuberculosis. Silicosis is one of the most common occupational diseases globally and has a significant impact on workers' health in developing countries like India. The use of heavy machinery and vehicles also creates high levels of noise and vibration in the surrounding. Prolonged exposure to noise can result in occupational hearing loss due to neurosensory deafness. Additionally, continuous exposure to whole-body vibrations leads to degenerative spinal conditions, including chronic back pain. Although stone quarrying near Soorsagar, Jodhpur, contributes to both the rural and national economies, its environmental consequences are considerable. Unplanned and haphazard quarrying has resulted in environmental degradation, and unauthorized mining activities have further worsened the local ecological balance.

Modic changes: From potential molecular mechanisms to future research directions (Review).

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Although not all patients with Modic changes (MCs) experience LBP, MC is often closely associated with LBP and disc degeneration. In clinical practice, the focus is usually on symptoms related to MC, which are hypothesized to be associated with LBP; however, the link between MC and nerve compression remains unclear. In cases of intervertebral disc herniation, nerve compression is often the definitive cause of symptoms. Recent advances have shed light on the pathophysiology of MC, partially elucidating its underlying mechanisms. The pathogenesis of MC involves complex bone marrow‑disc interactions, resulting in bone marrow inflammation and edema. Over time, hematopoietic cells are gradually replaced by adipocytes, ultimately resulting in localized bone marrow sclerosis. This process creates a barrier between the intervertebral disc and the bone marrow, thereby enhancing the stability of the vertebral body. The latest understanding of the pathophysiology of MC suggests that chronic inflammation plays a significant role in its development and hypothesizes that the complement system may contribute to its pathological progression. However, this hypothesis requires further research to be confirmed. The present review we proposed a pathological model based on current research, encompassing the transition from Modic type 1 changes (MC1) to Modic type 2 changes (MC2). It discussed key cellular functions and their alterations in the pathogenesis of MC and outlined potential future research directions to further elucidate its mechanisms. Additionally, it reviewed the current clinical staging and pathogenesis of MC, recommended the development of an updated staging system and explored the prospects of integrating emerging artificial intelligence technologies.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Anatomy of the Conus Medullaris: Variations of Location and Morphology.

In adults, the conus medullaris (CM) tip usually terminates at the mid aspect of the L1 vertebra. However, variations exist. Beside the location, differences in the CM's shape are believed to be closely related to neurological conditions. This was a prospective observational study. We enrolled consecutive patients with nontraumatic complaints of lower back pain and/or sciatica. Two observers independently performed the measurements and determined the location and shape of the CM. The length of each vertebral body was divided into 3 equal lengths. The shape of the CM was determined according to Moon etal. into 3 types: A, B, and C. A total of 1000 patients met the inclusion criteria. The age was 42.72 ± 13.14 years and 556 were males (55.6%). Overall, the most frequent location of the CM was the lower third of the L1 vertebral body, with some variations according to the age category. The level of agreement according to location was good (κ= 0.787). Overall, the most frequent shape of the CM was type B, followed by type C and type A. The level of agreement was very good. No correlations could be found between the shape and location of the CM. The majority of participants had the CM at the caudal level of L1. We did not observe any highly positioned CM above T12. There is good reliability of interobserver agreement of the current methods for description of the location and shape of CM.

Physical activity and motivational readiness for physical activity behavior change in adults with non-communicable diseases in Germany: a trend analysis of two cross-sectional health surveys from the German GEDA study 2014/2015 and 2019/2020

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is a cornerstone in maintaining a healthy lifestyle as well as in the prevention and rehabilitation of non-communicable diseases (NCD). First analysis of PA showed lower activity rates in adults with NCD compared to the general population. To improve health monitoring and to address World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations to systematically identify and track efforts to reduce inequalities in PA participation, trend analysis of PA in adults with NCD was performed for the period 2014/15 to 2019/20 for Germany. Furthermore, motivational readiness for PA behavior change was analysed based on the transtheoretical model (TTM).MethodsBased on two population-based cross-sectional health surveys (GEDA 2014/15-EHIS and GEDA 2019/20-EHIS) for Germany (N = 46,724), the prevalence of meeting WHO PA guidelines was analysed for adults with certain NCD compared to the general population. PA was assessed by self-report via the European Health Interview Survey– Physical Activity Questionnaire (EHIS-PAQ). Trend analyses and logistic regression models were performed to calculate disease specific Odds Ratios (OR) for fulfilment of PA recommendations. Motivational readiness for PA was assessed with the stages of change according to the TTM with data of GEDA 2014/15-EHIS.ResultsReporting any NCD is associated with lower fulfilment of health-enhancing aerobic PA in both surveys for almost all NCD, with lowest levels among adults reporting stroke, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity and coronary heart disease. Sufficient muscle-strengthening was higher in adults with musculoskeletal diseases like osteoarthritis, lower back pain and neck pain compared to adults without these diseases. The prevalence of meeting WHO PA recommendations among adults with NCD remains at a low level. Sufficient health-enhancing aerobic PA tend to decrease in adults with NCD from 2014/15 to 2019/20, while sufficient muscle-strengthening increased in the same period. Motivational readiness for PA is lower for most adults with NCD, compared to the general adult population.ConclusionLower rates of WHO PA recommendation fulfilment is recognized for most NCD groups compared to the population without NCD for both surveys, but the proportion of adults with NCD who meet the WHO PA recommendations differ widely between NCD groups. A positive trend from 2014/15 to 2019/20 can only be seen for adults with osteoarthritis. Based on our findings the implementation of PA promotion particular with regards to motivational readiness and disease specific PA measures is strongly recommended to improve prevention and ambulatory health care for adults with NCD.

Does dynamic taping affect pain, muscle strength, work-related endurance, and fear avoidance in semiconductor engineers with repetitive low back pain?

Does dynamic taping affect pain, muscle strength, work-related endurance, and fear avoidance in semiconductor engineers with repetitive low back pain?