Perception In Patients Research Articles

Impact of the digital health application ViViRA on spinal mobility, physical function, quality of life and pain perception in spondyloarthritides patients: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSpondyloarthritides (SpAs) are a group of common rheumatic diseases that often cause limited mobility and lower back pain. Physiotherapy is an integral part of treatment, but access to physiotherapy limits treatment success. Digital health applications (DHAs) enable home-based physiotherapy and could significantly improve access for SpAs patients. The aim is to investigate the clinical effects of the DHA ViViRA compared with those of standard physiotherapy.MethodsSpAs patients with chronic back pain were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial. The intervention group received ViViRA DHA, whereas the control group received standard physiotherapy. Pain (verbal rating scale, PAIN-Detect), quality of life (SF-36) and mobility (BASMI) were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks as the primary outcomes.ResultsData from 59 participants (71.2% female, mean age 45.2 years) were analyzed. The intervention group showed a significant improvement in mobility (average BASMI score: baseline: 1.1 [range 0.7–1.5]; follow-up: 1.0 [range 0.5–1.4]; p = 0.05), whereas the control group showed a significant decrease in mobility (baseline: 1.5 [range 1.1–1.9]; follow-up: 1.8 [range 1.4–2.2]; p = 0.00). The intervention group demonstrated lower pain intensity (VRS pain level at week 3.5 ± 2.8) than did the control group (VRS pain level at week 4.5 ± 2) after 12 weeks.ConclusionOur results highlight the efficacy of DHAs such as ViViRA in the treatment of lower back pain in SpAs patients. Compared with the current gold standard, physiotherapy, DHA use results in superior outcomes. However, further larger studies are needed to confirm these promising results.Trial registrationThe study is registered in the German clinical trial registry (DRKS) under the following ID: DRKS00031254.

Disease Perception, Stigma, Distress, Physical Symptom Experience and Quality of Life in Colorectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: This study investigated the impacts of disease perception, stigma, distress, and physical symptom experience on the quality of life of colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted on 127 colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy from June 2023 to November 2023. The collected data were analyzed using the t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients, and hierarchical regression analysis in SPSS 26. Results: The participants' occupation (β=.14, <i>p</i>=.002), religion (β=.11, <i>p</i>=.018), disease perception (β=-.24, <i>p</i><.001), stigma (β=-.12, <i>p</i>=.028), distress (β=-.44, <i>p</i><.001), and physical symptom experience (β=-.16, <i>p</i>=.004) were significant factors influencing the quality of life of colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, and the explanatory power of the model was found to be 78%. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest the need to prepare various intervention strategies to comprehensively manage disease perception, stigma, distress, and physical symptom experiences in colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, thereby improving their quality of life.

Quality of life improvement in Cochlear implant outpatients: a non-randomized clinical trial of an auditory music training program

Objective Research on Cochlear implant (CI) outcomes has been mainly focused on verbal communication, whereas music perception has been less extensively explored. This study evaluated a music rehabilitation program, based on the mobile phone app Meludia (Meludia, France) to improve quality of life (QoL) and verbal perception in CI patients. Design In this non-randomised clinical trial, the experimental group underwent 16 Meludia sessions, while controls did not receive any music-specific rehabilitation. Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures, including the MUSQUAV questionnaire and NCIQ domains, were utilised alongside Matrix speech perception tests (which measure speech understanding in noise). Study sample Forty patients with CI were considered: experimental group (21 patients) and control group (19 patients). Results Significant improvements (p = 0.017, and p < 0.001) in music-related PRO (MUSQUAV), and general CI PRO measures (NCIQ), respectively, were found in the experimental group. No significant differences were found in Matrix speech perception tests post-rehabilitation. Overall, 57% of participants in the experimental group reported subjective improvements in music perception. Conclusions This study showed the potential of home-based music rehabilitation in enhancing QoL for CI patients, supporting the possibility of implementing specific musical training programs in audiological care. Larger, randomised, controlled trials are necessary for further characterisation of this topic.

The association between patients’ personality traits and pain perception during orthodontic treatment: a systematic review

BackgroundOrthodontic treatment is frequently correlated with different levels of discomfort and pain, caused by the application of forces to move the teeth. The mechanism of orthodontic pain is based on the initially activation of sensory receptors in periodontal tissues which results in a cascade of nociceptive pain processing and transduction in both the central and peripheral nervous systems that is finally experienced by patients. The perception of pain is subjective and varies among people, as it is influenced by both general and individual elements. This systematic review aims to synthesize existing knowledge on the association between patients’ personality traits and pain perception during orthodontic treatment, and its influence on the success of orthodontic therapy.MethodsThe search strategy included the databases PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria were studies examining the correlation between personality traits and pain perception in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS).ResultsThe search strategy yielded 301 potential articles, with 10 papers meeting the inclusion criteria. Five studies were judged at a low risk of bias and another five studies were assessed as having a moderate risk of bias. Most of the studies reported relationship between personality traits and pain perception during orthodontic treatment, as well as treatment attitudes, and post-treatment satisfaction.ConclusionPatients’ psychological characteristics seems to affect pain perception and other factors associated with orthodontic treatment. Given that several studies were judged to have a moderate risk of bias, as well as high heterogeneity among studies, further research is needed.Systematic review registrationThe systematic review was registered in PROSPERO database (CRD42024537185).

Comparing spiritual wellbeing and illness perceptions between cancer patients from culturally and linguistically diverse and those from mainstream backgrounds in Australia.

Cancer presents a significant health challenge, particularly within culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations. Religious, spiritual, and personal beliefs regarding illness may mitigate its psychological and physical impacts, varying with CALD status. This study aims to assess illness perceptions in Australian cancer patients from both CALD and Anglo-Australian backgrounds and to explore the associations between spiritual wellbeing and illness perceptions within these groups. Cross-sectional study, involving 119 cancer patients from CALD backgrounds (Arabic, Chinese, and Greek) and 50 Anglo-Australians. Spiritual wellbeing and cancer perception were assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Spirituality, Religiousness, and Personal Beliefs questionnaire and the revised Illness Perception Questionnaire, respectively. Linear regression models analyzed associations. CALD patients perceived their cancer as less enduring (β - 4.74, 95%CI - 6.16, - 3.31) and symptoms as less predictable (- 4.96, 95%CI - 6.12, - 3.86) compared to Anglo-Australians. They had lower confidence in medical interventions (- 2.96, 95%CI - 3.36, - 1.22) and poorer illness understanding (- 4.66, 95%CI - 5.83, - 3.49). In Greek-speaking patients, an increase in spiritual wellbeing was associated with less favourable perceptions of treatment controllability (β - 2.25, 95%CI - 4.39, - 0.09). Conversely, for Chinese-speaking patients, an increase in spiritual wellbeing was associated with improved illness perception across all domains except for consequences and emotional representation. However, no significant association was observed for Arabic patients. Differences in illness perceptions exist among CALD and Anglo-Australians. Spiritual wellbeing appears linked to more favourable perceptions; however, differential effects emerged among groups, emphasizing the need for culturally tailored interventions to improve outcomes.

Is It a Mind Game? Do Visual and Psychological Perceptions Differ Between Aesthetic Surgery Patients and Healthy Controls?

Aesthetic plastic surgery allows for the reshaping of the human body. Most research on aesthetic surgery has focused primarily on improving self-confidence. In this study, we aimed to assess the visual perception, body appreciation, body image quality of life, and satisfaction with life among aesthetic surgery patients, and compare these outcomes with those of healthy controls. A total of 57 aesthetic surgery patients and 56 healthy controls, with no history of psychiatric disorders, were included in the study. All participants completed the Motor-Free Visual Perception Test (3rd Edition), the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS), the Body Image Quality of Life Inventory (BIQLI), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Participants with a history of psychiatric disorders and the surgeon's own revision patients were excluded. MVPT-3 scores were significantly lower in aesthetic surgery patients compared to healthy controls. Additionally, as the number of operations increased, MVPT-3 scores decreased. A similar trend was observed between MVPT-3 and BIQLI/BAS scores, where lower body image quality and appreciation were associated with reduced visual perception scores. Interestingly, satisfaction with life was not significantly affected. Evaluating visual perception in patients seeking multiple surgeries may help prevent negative outcomes and contribute to more positive surgical experiences. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Comparison of 2 Types of Local Anesthetic Techniques in the Reduction of Distal Radius Fracture: A Prospective Cohort Study.

The treatment of distal radius fractures may require manipulation of the fracture assisted by finger traction, causing pain both at the fracture site and at the fingers. The usual type of anesthesia used does not anesthetize the fingers. We conducted a prospective cohort study with two groups, hematoma block (HB) and hematoma with associated median nerve block (MHB). Characteristic variables of the patients were collected. The main variable for the analysis was pain, measured using the Visual Analogical Scale (VAS). It was measured prior to the injection (VAS1), during fracture reduction (VAS2), and 30 minutes after the injection (VAS3) in both groups. The study included a total of 140 fractures (70 anesthetized with HB), 78% were women. There were no significant differences in the variables age, sex, Elixhauser index. and need for surgery between the groups. In the HB group, the VAS means were VAS1 5.23 cm (SD 2.31), VAS2 5.80 cm (SD 2.52), and VAS3 1.89 cm (SD 1.94); while in the MHB group, VAS1 5.13 cm (SD 2.36), VAS2 3.15 cm (SD 1.70), and VAS3 1.09 cm (SD 1.38). Area of greatest pain during fracture reduction in the HB group was finger traction in 78% cases (p < .05), while in the MHB group it was the manipulation of the fracture site in 71% cases (p < .05). The study demonstrates that the use of hematoma with associated median nerve block decreases pain perception in patients with distal radius fracture that needs closed reduction, when compared to HB alone.

The relationship between illness perception and vision-related quality of life among Chinese patients with diabetic retinopathy: the mediating role of resignation coping style

BackgroundMaladaptive illness perception and coping strategies have been linked to illness-related quality of life in patients with chronic diseases. However, the impact of illness perception and coping strategies on vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), a significant microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the associations among illness perception, coping styles, and VRQOL in Chinese patients with DR, and to explore the mediating role of coping styles in the relationship between illness perception and VRQOL.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 303 adult Chinese with DR recruited from a general Grade-A tertiary hospital in Hunan, China. All participants completed clinical and demographic questionnaires. The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), the National Eye Institute 25-Item Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25), and the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire were respectively adopted to assess the illness perception, VRQOL and coping styles. The BIPQ total scores were converted to logit scores using Rasch analysis. The NEI-VFQ-25 composite scores were converted to estimated person measures based on Rasch analysis and the method of successive dichotomizations. The relationships among these variables were assessed through independent-sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, correlation analyses and multiple linear regression analysis, while SPSS Process model and the bootstrap analysis were utilized to evaluate the mediating effect.ResultsIllness perception was positively correlated with resignation coping style (r = 0.33, P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with VRQOL (r = -0.43, P < 0.001). Resignation coping style was negatively correlated with VRQOL (r = -0.38, P < 0.001). Illness perception significantly predicted resignation coping style (t = 5.91, P < 0.001) and resignation coping style significantly predicted VRQOL (t = -5.30, P < 0.001). The mediating effect through resignation coping was − 0.49 (95% CI: -0.75 to -0.27), accounting for 21.08% of the total effect of illness perception on VRQOL.ConclusionThe study revealed that the resignation coping style partially mediated the relationship between illness perception and VRQOL among DR patients. Specifically, DR patients may accept their worsening circumstances without attempting to change them due to their perception that their illness is threatening and beyond control. This resignation coping strategy could, in turn, lead to poorer VRQOL. These findings suggest that interventions targeting the improvement of illness perception and coping strategies could enhance the VRQOL of DR patients.

Investigating olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in patients with restless legs syndrome: A comparative analysis with healthy controls

Background/Aim: This study aims to examine the correlation between dopamine deficiency and olfactory dysfunction in patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS) and to juxtapose these findings with gustatory function. This comprehension of the relationship may illuminate the pathophysiology of RLS, suggesting possible therapeutic targets. Methods: We included a total of 100 male participants aged 40 and older, comprising 50 healthy volunteers and 50 patients with RLS. Participants were recruited from the Neurology Clinic at Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital between September 2016 and April 2017. We objectively assessed olfactory function using the Sniffin’ Sticks Test Battery, while gustatory function was evaluated using the Taste Strip test—participants identified the flavors presented to them. Results: The mean age of the RLS patient group was 52.5 years, while it was 52.7 years for the healthy group. Olfactory test scores were significantly lower in the RLS group compared to the healthy group (P&lt;0.05). Likewise, gustatory test scores were also significantly lower in RLS patients (P=0.032). A strong positive correlation was observed between the olfactory and gustatory test results (r=+0.72), indicating a significant decline in both sensory functions in RLS patients. Conclusion: This study reveals a significant association between dopamine deficiency, olfactory dysfunction, and impaired taste perception in RLS patients. These findings suggest that RLS may involve underlying neurodegenerative processes affecting sensory perception. Further research is crucial to shed light on RLS mechanisms, which remain partially understood, and guide the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.

Physiological response to pain in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders during physiotherapy

Pain assessment in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders during physiotherapy is a challenging yet desired task. Our study addresses two issues. First, we compare the pain perception in patients with TMJ disorders and a control group. The hand dynamometer is verified as an alternate pain self-report device in the second stage. For the dynamometer validation, we employed a cuff-pressure test to induce pain of various intensities. In the second stage, physiological signals (electrodermal activity and blood volume pulse) have been acquired during the physiotherapy in a control group and patients suffering from TMJ disorder. The linear mixed-effects modeling is carried out to find differences in pain and no pain states, considering subjects’ health condition. The main result of the present pilot study is that physiological reactions to painful physiotherapy do not differ between patients with chronic pain and the control group. This finding concludes that studies on TMJ disorder procedures may also be performed on healthy subjects.

Effects of visual neuroplasticity training on visual perception, visual quality, and macular blood flow in patients with strabismus.

To observe the effects of visual neuroplasticity training on visual perception, visual quality, and macular blood flow in patients with concomitant strabismus postoperatively. In total, 108 patients underwent binocular strabismus correction operation, and some patients underwent neuroplasticity training. All patients underwent clinical ophthalmic examination, including measurement of best-corrected visual acuity, spherical equivalent, axis length, optical coherence tomography angiography, optical quality analysis system, and visual perception examinations. A total of 78 patients received neuroplasticity training for 1 month postoperatively, and 30 patients did not receive training. All patients underwent a visual perception examination preoperatively and at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month postoperatively. Macular blood flow and visual quality were examined preoperatively and at 1 month postoperatively. Postoperative visual perception was better than preoperative visual perception ( P < 0.05). After neuroplasticity training, the visual perception of the trained subjects was better than that of the untrained subjects ( P < 0.05), and the blood flow in the macular area of the trained patients was lower than that of the untrained subjects ( P < 0.05). The visual quality of the untrained subjects was lower than that of the trained patients ( P < 0.05). Visual inspection system could accurately evaluate binocular visual perception in patients with concomitant strabismus. After surgical alignment of the strabismus patient, training can stimulate and integrate the formation of stereovision in a short period of time, maintain the visual quality of patients after surgery, and provide conditions for the formation of binocular visual signals and binocular stereovision, but in the short term, it will lead to the decrease of macular blood vessel density and perfusion density. However, the long-term effects of training have not been proven.

Symptom perception and coping in patients with primary biliary cholangitis: a qualitative study in the context of SOMA.LIV

Patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) suffer from a variety of physical complaints such as fatigue, itching or joint pain. Since little is known about the experience of symptoms and the corresponding coping strategies in this patient group, a qualitative study was conducted in which 15 patients with PBC were interviewed. The patients reported being burdened by numerous physical complaints, some of which require extensive coping and adaptation processes. By means of thematic analysis, two overarching themes could be generated from the data material: "Accepting limitations and shifting boundaries" describes the patients' challenge of redefining their own stress limits and adapting demands and expectations to their own capabilities. "Maintaining normality and reorienting" describes the tension between the desire to maintain normality and the challenge of integrating the symptoms as perceptible signs of their illness into their own self-image. The results illustrate the central role of physical symptoms in the everyday lives of many patients with PBC, the complexity of the experience of symptoms and the challenges of dealing with these symptoms. They also emphasize the supportive and mediating function of healthcare practitioners in individual symptom management.

Changes in mental health and illness perception in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy referred to hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation in comparison to usual care - a randomised-control trial

Abstract Purpose Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a complex cardiac disorder, that influences patients' physical capacity and quality of life, as well as the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Patients with HCM often experience emotional distress due to the uncertainty of their condition and have a threatening illness perception (the way individuals make sense of their illness, which can have a significant impact on adherence to treatment). Current studies suggest that some HCM patients could benefit from hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation (HCTR) in terms of somatic and psychological status. This study is part of a research project investigating the safety and effectiveness of hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation for HCM patients. The specific focus of this part is to evaluate the changes in mental health status and illness perception of HCM patients who have been referred for cardiac telerehabilitation compared to those receiving usual care. Methods An RCT study was conducted, with the inclusion criteria for the study of being above 18 y.o., HCM without LVOT obstruction, NYHA Class II or III, LVEF ≥ 50%, and having CIED. The study involved telerehabilitation (HCTR) and control (CG) groups. Both groups were completing questionnaires assessing illness perception (Brief IPQ) and overall psychosocial distress (GHQ-28) with its 4 domains: somatic symptoms, anxiety, social impairment, and depression. Psychological assessment was performed at the beginning and at the end of telerehabilitation/outpatient care, and at 3, 6 and 12 months after the end of care (T1/T2/T3/T4/T5). Results There was a significant improvement in the overall distress level in the HCTR group (p=0.003) but not in the CG (p=0.559). It remained significant in the HCTR group for the T2 (p&amp;lt;0.001), T3 (p=0.008), and T4 (p&amp;lt;0.001). The positive change was observed in somatic symptoms only in the HCTR group: for T2 (p=0.025) and T3 (p=0.032) compared to the T1. The gradual decrease in anxiety level was observed in the HCTR group, but not in the CG, with a significant difference for T4 (p=0.013) compared to T1. Although there was an improvement in social impairment in both groups (p=0.049 for the CG, and p=0&amp;lt;0.001 for the HCTR group), only in the HCTR group it held a stable pattern after the intervention (p&amp;lt;0.001 for T2; p=0.013 for T3; p=0.032 for T4). There were no changes in the level of depressive symptoms in either of the compared groups. There were also no significant differences in the illness perception (p=0.200 for the HCTR group and p=0.090 for the CG), although the HCTR group showed short-term improvement after three months of HCTR (T2) (p=0.032). Conclusions There are significant benefits of hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation for mental health, level of distress, and illness perception in HCM patients. It is worth noticing that this improvement is short-term, and prolonged effects might require providing additional support during extended care.overall distress in HCTR vs CGsubscales of GHQ_28 in HCTR vs CG

Differences in time perception in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that occurs due to complete (apnea) and partial (hypopnea) obstruction in the upper airways during sleep. Hypoxia is one of the key factors contributing to the development of symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and OSA-related diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate time perception differences between patients with OSA and healthy individuals, as well as among different OSA severity groups. Twenty severe OSA, twenty moderate OSA, twenty mild OSA patients, and twenty healthy volunteers without OSA were included in the study. Scales were administered to the participants. Time perception tests were administered to evaluate perceptual timing. In the paced motor timing test, a difference was observed between the OSA ( +) group and the OSA (-) group. In the Time Estimation Test, a difference was observed between the OSA ( +) group and the OSA (-) group and their subgroups. The internal clock works slower in the OSA ( +) group. When subgroups were compared based on the degree of OSA, the internal clock worked slower as we transitioned from the OSA (-) group to the severe OSA group. It is considered that as you move from the OSA (-) group to the severe OSA group, the switch between pacemaker and accumulator is disrupted due to the decrease in attention. Recurrent hypoxia observed in OSA may alter the perception of time by affecting attention.

Association Between Systemic Neuroinflammation, Pain Perception and Clinical Status in Fibromyalgia Patients: Cross-Sectional Study.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic pain and a complex array of symptoms, with neuroinflammation implicated in its pathophysiology. This study aimed to explore the association between neuroinflammation, measured through interleukin levels (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8), and clinical outcomes in FM patients. Using a cross-sectional study design, blood levels of these interleukins were correlated with pain severity and disability, assessed via the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and pain measures. Results indicated that IL-6 and IL-8 may particularly serve as biomarkers for pain severity and disability in FM patients, showing significant associations with worse clinical outcomes. Elevated IL-8 levels, for instance, correlated strongly with increased pain perception and higher disability scores. These findings suggest that specific interleukins are not only elevated in FM but are actively involved in the modulation of pain and disability, underscoring the role of systemic neuroinflammation in the clinical severity of FM. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the inflammatory mechanisms in FM and underscores the potential of targeting interleukins in therapeutic strategies.

Investigating the Association between Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Gene Activity and Pain Perception in South African Patients with Different Temporomandibular Disorders Diagnoses.

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect a significant portion of the population, with profound psychological, behavioral, and social repercussions. Recent investigations have explored the genetic basis underlying pain perception in individuals with TMD, aiming to elucidate the role of specific genetic factors in modulating the condition. Notably, genetic variations have been implicated in the pathogenesis of TMD, particularly genes involved in pain perception pathways. One of the primary candidates is the Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) gene, which plays a crucial role in the catecholaminergic system and has been associated with the regulation of nociceptive processes. This study seeks to investigate the correlation between COMT gene activity and pain perception among South African patients diagnosed with varying forms of TMD. Methodology: In this study, a total of 196 participants were enrolled, comprising 97 patients diagnosed with TMD and 99 control participants. The control group was meticulously matched with the TMD group for age, gender, and ethnicity. Data collection involved clinical and radiological investigations, and saliva sampling. The English version of the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) Axis I was utilized to evaluate all TMD participants, focusing on standard diagnostic measures based on clinical signs and symptoms of TMD, which primarily describe common physical manifestations of the disorder. Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva samples, enabling the analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the COMT gene, specifically targeting polymorphisms rs165774, rs9332377, rs6269, rs4646310, rs165656, and rs4680. Results: The current study demonstrated a pronounced gender disparity, with 80.41% of the participants being female and 19.59% male, suggesting that women in South Africa either exhibit a higher susceptibility to TMD or are more likely to seek treatment for the condition compared to men. The highest prevalence of TMD was observed in the white population (58.76%). Additionally, over 65% of TMD patients were diagnosed with at least two Axis I diagnoses, a figure that increased to 89% for those diagnosed with three Axis I diagnoses. The findings further indicated significant associations between several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) gene-specifically rs165656, rs9332377, rs4646310, rs6269, and rs165774-and both TMD and TMD-related pain. Myofascial pain with referral and myalgia showed a strong association with the COMT SNPs rs9332377 and rs4646310. Furthermore, COMT SNP rs4646310 was also associated with disability related to TMD. Conclusions: This study substantiates the hypothesis that pain is prevalent in a considerable proportion of patients affected by TMD. Furthermore, the findings reveal a significant association between COMT gene activity and pain perception in South African patients diagnosed with TMD.

Assessment of Computer-Controlled Starpen Device and Conventional Aspirating Cartridge on Pain Perception in Paediatric Dental Patients – A Split-Mouth Crossover Study

Abstract Background: Local anaesthesia (LA) is the cornerstone for pain management of invasive dental procedures, but the process of delivering it may itself induce anxiety, especially in paediatric patients that can affect the pain perception. Advances such as the computer-controlled LA delivery system have expanded the horizons of LA and can serve as an alternative for painless injections. Objective: To examine the pain perception and anxiety reduction along with patient preference between computer-controlled Starpen device and conventional aspirating cartridge in LA administration for inferior alveolar nerve block. Materials and Methods: The patients were randomly allotted into two groups: Starpen and Septodont syringe where the LA injections were given using both the methods in the 1st week. After a washout period of 1 week, the crossover was performed and the other mode of LA administration was performed in the 2nd week. Pain scores were objectively recorded by the observer using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability (FLACC) scale during LA administration and extraction. Patients were asked to record the pain scores using the Visual Analogue Scale at three phases: (a) mucosa perforation, (b) needle insertion and (c) solution injection. The effect of pain perception on the vital parameters and the preference between the two techniques were assessed. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0, Armonk, NY, USA: IBM Corp was used for statistical analysis, and Mann–Whitney U-test and unpaired t-test were utilised to compare the mean difference of two groups at significance level of 0.05. Results and Observations: Intergroup differences among the Starpen and Septodont syringe groups were found to be statistically significant (P &lt; 0.001) during both LA and extraction when pain was objectively assessed using FLACC. Conclusion: Computerised devices such as Starpen offer controlled release of local anaesthetics, effectively decreasing pain perception in paediatric patients and can form a mainstay for the behaviour management of young patients.

Disease perception in patients with type 2 diabetes

Disease perception in patients with type 2 diabetes

Does cognitive function affect functional capacity and perceived fatigue severity after exercise in patients with coronary artery disease?

Successful execution of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programs, an important branch of physiotherapy in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD), depends on adequate cognitive abilities. It has been identified that coronary microvascular dysfunction, marked by reduced coronary flow reserve, is associated with impaired cerebral blood flow, affecting haemodynamic and cognitive performance. This study aimed to investigate how cognitive function influences functional capacity and differences in fatigue perception in CAD patients. Fifty CAD patients, with an average age of 59.40±6.58years, were evaluated for comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity index), number of CAD risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, smoking, and physical inactivity), cognitive performance (Montreal cognitive assessment scale [MoCA]), functional capacity (incremental shuttle walk test [ISWT]), exercise-induced fatigue (Modified Bourg Scale), and physical activity (PA) levels (international physical activity questionnaire-short form). Analyses focused on the links between MoCA scores and CRF, ISWT outcomes, and differences in fatigue perception. Findings revealed a strong positive link between MoCA scores and ISWT performance (r=0.83, p<0.001), and a strong inverse relationship between CRF and MoCA scores (r=-0.95, p<0.001). In addition, MoCA score was positively correlated with differences in fatigue perception (r=0.88, p<0.001). These results highlight the critical role of cognitive function in determining functional capacity and managing fatigue in CAD patients. They also suggest that cognitive interventions may be a potential adjunctive approach in physiotherapy programmes.

Pain Perception, Knowledge, Attitude, and Diet Diversity in Patients Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Treatment: A Pilot Study.

This study aimed to determine the correlation between pain perception and knowledge, attitude, and diet diversity in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. A total of 103 patients (15-40 yrs.; 67 females, 36 males) undergoing orthodontic treatment with a 0.022-inch slot (MBT prescription) in both arches were recruited. Information on pain perception, knowledge, attitude, and diet diversity scores was collected through validated questionnaires using visual analogue scale and close-ended questions at one time point. The correlation between variables was analyzed using the Pearson's correlation coefficient. Of the patients, 48.5% were aged 15 to 19 years old, with 65% females and 73.8% of Chinese ethnicity. Approximately 90% of the orthodontic patients perceived low levels of pain from orthodontic treatment, and 98% had a positive attitude toward orthodontic treatment. The patients had a good level of knowledge (Mean: 6±0.65). Approximately 49.5% of patients reported having moderate diet diversity. No significant correlation was found between pain perception and knowledge, or pain perception and diet diversity (r=0.062, p=0.534). However, a significant weak negative correlation (r=-0.289, p<0.05) between pain perception and attitude was observed. Patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment presented with overall low pain perception, a positive attitude, and good knowledge about their treatment with moderate diet diversity. Informing the patient in advance about different orthodontic procedures encourages a positive attitude and facilitates patient cooperation. An interprofessional approach involving nutritionists can provide a holistic patient approach during orthodontic treatment.