Pain sensitivity and shoulder function among breast cancer survivors compared to matched controls: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Persistent pain and loss of shoulder function are common adverse effects to breast cancer treatment, but the extent of these issues in comparison with healthy controls is unclear for survivors beyond 1.5 years after treatment. The purpose of this study was to benchmark differences in pressure pain thresholds (PPT), maximal isokinetic muscle strength (MIMS), and active range of motion (ROM) of females with persistent pain ≥1.5 years after breast cancer treatment (BCS) compared with pain-free matched controls (CON), and examine the presence of movement-evoked pain (MEP) during assessment of MIMS. METHODS: The PPTs of 18 locations were assessed using a pressure algometer and a numeric rating scale was used to assess intensity of MEP. Active ROM and MIMS were measured using a universal goniometer and an isokinetic dynamometer, respectively. RESULTS: A two-way analysis of variance revealed that PPTs across all locations, MIMS for horizontal shoulder extension/flexion and shoulder adduction, active ROM for shoulder flexion, horizontal shoulder extension, shoulder abduction, and external shoulder rotation were significantly lower for BCS compared with CON (P < 0.05). MEP was significantly higher for BCS and MEP intensity had a significant, negative correlation with PPTs (P < 0.01). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: BCS with persistent pain ≥1.5 years after treatment demonstrates widespread reductions in PPTs and movement-specific reductions in MIMS and active ROM of the affected shoulder, along with MEP during physical performance assessment. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: BCS with persistent pain ≥1.5 years after treatment shows signs of central sensitization and may benefit from individualized rehabilitation.

Resistance Training-Induced Acute Hypoalgesia in Women With Persistent Pain After Breast Cancer Treatment.

ABSTRACT: Fogh Rasmussen, GH, Madeleine, P, Arroyo-Morales, M, Voigt, M, and Kristiansen, M. Resistance training-induced acute hypoalgesia in women with persistent pain after breast cancer treatment. J Strength Cond Res 37(3): e16-e24, 2023-The aim of this study was to determine whether a single bout of resistance training (RT) produces acute exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) in breast cancer survivors (BCS) suffering from persistent pain ≥1.5 years after treatment. Twenty individuals with self-reported pain ≥3 on a 0-10 Numerical Rating Scale after treatment for breast cancer completed 3 experimental sessions, (a) familiarization; (b) 1 repetition maximum (1RM) normalization, and (c) training, consisting of 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 60% of 1 repetition maximum. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were measured before and after training for the dorsal and ventral shoulder regions of the affected side. Movement-evoked pain (MEP) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected immediately after each set. A p -value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The results demonstrated a significant increase in PPTs of the ventral shoulder region after a single bout of RT ( p ≤ 0.05), indicating a localized analgesic response for this area. By contrast, no change was detected in PPTs on the dorsal shoulder region. No significant differences were found in MEP between sessions despite a significant increase in load and RPE during 1RM assessment ( p ≤ 0.05), indicating that MEP was not affected by increase in absolute and relative intensity. In conclusion, a single bout of submaximal RT reduced PPTs for the ventral shoulder region of BCS with persistent pain after treatment and was well tolerated. Hence, RT may be a useful therapeutic tool for managing persistent pain after breast cancer treatment in clinical practice.

Foot and ankle ability measure: validación de la versión española de 29 ítems en el área de rehabilitación / Foot and ankle ability measure: Validation of a Spanish version with 29 items in rehabilitation setting

Objetivo: El Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) es un cuestionario extendido internacionalmente para patología de pie y tobillo. El propósito del estudio fue desarrollar y validar la versión española de 29 ítems del cuestionario FAAM para las subescalas de Actividades de la Vida Diaria (AVD) y DEPORTE en el área de rehabilitación. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional en dos fases. Primero, se hizo una adaptación transcultural del cuestionario FAAM con una traducción doble al español y doble traducción inversa al inglés. Posteriormente, se validaron las propiedades psicométricas. Los participantes (n = 147), con patología de pie y tobillo, completaron la versión española del FAAM para AVD y DEPORTE, el cuestionario SF-36 y la Escala Analógica Visual de Dolor (EVA). La muestra se empleó para determinar la estructura factorial, consistencia interna y validez convergente y, un subgrupo (n = 46), para determinar la fiabilidad a las 48-72 h. Resultados: La estructura factorial de la versión española del FAAM para AVD y DEPORTE fue unidimensional demostrando alta consistencia interna en ambas subescalas (AVD y DEPORTE, α = 0,97 y α = 0,93, respectivamente). Los valores de fiabilidad fueron de ICC = 0,90 y ICC = 0,76, respectivamente. La validez convergente del cuestionario FAAM con la EVA dolor (r = 0,50) y con la función física de la SF-36 (r = 0,64) se correlacionó moderadamente. Conclusiones: La versión española del FAAM de 29 ítems es un instrumento de medida válido para patologías de pie y tobillo con unas propiedades psicométricas similares a la versión original y a las versiones en otros idiomas.(AU)

Objective: The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is an internationally widely used outcome measure of foot and ankle disorders available in several languages. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a FAAM Spanish-version with 29 items of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and SPORT subscales in rehabilitation setting. Materials and methods: A two-stage observational study was conducted. The FAAM was cross-culturally adapted to Spanish through a double-forward translation and a double-backward translation; the psychometric properties were then validated. The participants (n = 147), with various chronic foot and ankle disorders, completed the Spanish version of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure ADL and SPORT, SF-36, and a pain intensity visual analogue scale (Pain VAS). The full sample was used to determine the factor structure, the internal consistency, and the convergent criterion validity, and a subgroup (n = 46) was used to determine the reliability at 48–72 h. Results: The factor structure of Spanish version of FAAM ADL and SPORT subscales were both one-dimensional, demonstrating high internal consistency (α = 0.97 and α = 0.93, respectively). The reliability values were ICC = 0.90 and ICC = 0.76, respectively. The convergent validity criterion of Spanish version of FAAM with the Pain VAS (r = 0.50) and Physical Function of SF-36 (r = 0.64) were moderately correlated. Conclusions: The Spanish version of FAAM with 29 items are a valid foot and ankle disorder outcome measure with similar psychometric properties to the original version and versions in other languages.(AU)

[Foot and ankle ability measure: Validation of a Spanish version with 29 items in rehabilitation setting]. / Foot and ankle ability measure: validación de la versión española de 29 ítems en el área de rehabilitación.

OBJECTIVE: The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is an internationally widely used outcome measure of foot and ankle disorders available in several languages. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a FAAM Spanish-version with 29 items of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and SPORT subscales in rehabilitation setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A two-stage observational study was conducted. The FAAM was cross-culturally adapted to Spanish through a double-forward translation and a double-backward translation; the psychometric properties were then validated. The participants (n = 147), with various chronic foot and ankle disorders, completed the Spanish version of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure ADL and SPORT, SF-36, and a pain intensity visual analogue scale (Pain VAS). The full sample was used to determine the factor structure, the internal consistency, and the convergent criterion validity, and a subgroup (n = 46) was used to determine the reliability at 48-72 h. RESULTS: The factor structure of Spanish version of FAAM ADL and SPORT subscales were both one-dimensional, demonstrating high internal consistency (α = 0.97 and α = 0.93, respectively). The reliability values were ICC = 0.90 and ICC = 0.76, respectively. The convergent validity criterion of Spanish version of FAAM with the Pain VAS (r = 0.50) and Physical Function of SF-36 (r = 0.64) were moderately correlated. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of FAAM with 29 items are a valid foot and ankle disorder outcome measure with similar psychometric properties to the original version and versions in other languages.

Absolute and relative reliability of pain sensitivity and functional outcomes of the affected shoulder among women with pain after breast cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer survivors (BCS) are often characterized by decreased pressure pain thresholds (PPT), range of motion (ROM) and strength in and around the shoulder affected by the treatment. This intra-rater reliability study was to establish the relative and absolute reliability of PPT's, active ROM and maximal isokinetic muscle strength (MIMS) of the affected shoulder in BCS with persistent pain after treatment. METHODS: Twenty-one BCS participated in the study. The PPTs of 17 locations and pain intensity were assessed using a pressure algometer and a numeric rating scale. The ROM was measured using a universal goniometer and MIMS was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Relative reliability was estimated using intra class correlation coefficient (ICC), and absolute reliability using standard error of measurement (SEM). Minimum detectable change (MDC) was calculated from SEM. RESULTS: The ICCs for PPTs ranged from 0.88-0.97, with SEM values ranging from 12.0 to 28.2 kPa and MDC ranging from 33.2 to 78.2 kPa. The ICCs for ROM ranged from 0.66-0.97, with SEM values ranging from 3.0 to 7.5° and MDC ranging from 8.4 to 20.8°. Finally, ICCs for MIMS ranged from 0.62-0.92, with SEM values ranging from 0.03 to 0.07 Nm/Kg FFM and MDC ranging from 0.09 to 0.19 Nm/kg FFM. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that PPTs, ROM and MIMS can be measured reliably on the affected shoulder in BCS with pain after treatment. This offer the possibility of using these measures to assess the effectiveness of interventions in this population.

Myofascial pain, widespread pressure hypersensitivity, and hyperalgesia in the face, neck, and shoulder regions, in survivors of head and neck cancer.

PURPOSE: Medical treatment for head and neck cancer may induce the presence of inflammation, pain, and dysfunction. The purpose of the current study was to assess the presence of myofascial trigger points (TrPs) and their relationship with widespread pressure hypersensitivity and hyperalgesia in survivors of head and neck cancer (sHNC). METHODS: TrPs and pressure-pain thresholds (PPTs) were quantified in different muscles/joints in the head and neck of 30 sHNC (59.45 ± 13.13 years) and 28 age- and sex-matched controls (58.11 ± 12.67 years). RESULTS: The sHNC had more TrPs in all muscles on the affected side (p < 0.05) than did the healthy controls, and in the temporalis, masseter, and suboccipitalis muscles on the unaffected side (p < 0.05). They also had lower PPTs in all places (p < 0.05) except for the temporalis muscle (p = 0.114) and C5-C6 joint (p = 0.977). The intensity of cervical pain correlated positively with the presence of upper trapezius TrPs. CONCLUSIONS: sHNC suffering cervical and/or temporomandibular joint pain have multiple active TrPs and experience widespread pressure hypersensitivity and hyperalgesia, suggestive of peripheral and central sensitization.

Redescubriendo el ejercicio terapéutico en Fisioterapia: regreso al futuro / Rediscovering the therapeutic exercise in Physiotherapy: Return to the future

No disponible

Validation and reliability of a Spanish version of Simple Shoulder Test (SST-Sp).

BACKGROUND: The Simple Shoulder Test (SST-Sp) is a widely used outcome measure. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a Spanish-version SST (SST-Sp). METHODS: A two-stage observational study was conducted. The SST was initially cross-culturally adapted to Spanish through double forward and backward translation and then validated for its psychometric characteristics. Participants (n = 66) with several shoulder disorders completed the SST-Sp, DASH, VAS and SF-12. The full sample was employed to determine factor structure, internal consistency and concurrent criterion validity. Reliability was determined in the first 24-48 h in a subsample of 21 patients. RESULTS: The SST-Sp showed three factors that explained the 56.1% of variance, and the internal consistency for each factor was α = 0.738, 0.723 and 0.667, and reliability was ICC = 0.687-0.944. The factor structure was three-dimensional and supported construct validity. Criterion validity determined from the relationship between the SST-Sp and DASH was strong (r = -0.73; p < 0.001) and fair for VAS (r = -0.537; p < 0.001). Relationships between SST-Sp and SF-12 were weak for both physical (r = -0.47; p < 0.001) and mental (r = -0.43; p < 0.001) dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: The SST-Sp supports the findings of the original English version as being a valid shoulder outcome measure with similar psychometric properties to the original English version.

Physical impairments and quality of life of colorectal cancer survivors: a case-control study.

The aim of the study is to determine the physical performance, quality of life and fatigue in colorectal cancer survivors compared with healthy controls. Twenty-three colorectal cancer survivors and 22 matched controls were recruited for this case-control study. Fitness level (muscle trunk flexor endurance test, 6-min walk test, chair sit and reach test and flamingo test) was assessed in both groups. Participants completed the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer, the Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30), the Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS) and the International Fitness Scale (IFIS). Significant differences between groups were found for all fitness parameters (P < 0.05). In addition, the anova revealed significant differences in all of the IFIS scores (P < 0.001), PFS (P < 0.01) and functioning scores of the QLQ-C30 (P < 0.05) between colorectal cancer survivors and the control group. The Mann-Whitney U-test showed a significant increase in symptom scores such as fatigue, dyspnoea and diarrhoea in the cancer survivors (P < 0.05). This study shows the existence of perceived and objective deterioration of health-related fitness level, presence of moderate cancer fatigue and reduced perceived quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors compared with healthy controls.

Spinal cord infarction in carriers of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase-polymorphism-like unique risk factor: report of two cases.

STUDY DESIGN: A case report. OBJECTIVE: To present two cases of spinal cord infarction (SCI) in carriers of the C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism. SETTING: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Section for Rehabilitation and Traumatology, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain. METHODS: Two cases are presented, one with SCI at the C7 level American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) A and one at the C5 level (ASIA A). One patient presented an acute onset of tetraplegia and the other a centromedular syndrome. In both cases the patients were carriers of the MTHFR polymorphism, which is a unique risk factor. RESULTS: Increased blood levels of homocysteine related to mutation of the MTHFR gene increase the risk of a thrombotic episode, triggering the development of SCI. These two cases increase the limited number reported in the recent literature regarding MTHFR polymorphism carriers suffering from thrombotic SCI. CONCLUSION: MTHFR mutation can be considered a risk factor for thrombotic SCI, but it is not the sole risk factor. We propose that a consensus regarding the inclusion of anticoagulation treatment after confirmation of the diagnosis in these patients is needed.

Fisioterapia y cáncer: cruce de caminos / Physiotherapy and cancer: Crossroads

No disponible

Analyzing the research in Integrative & Complementary Medicine by means of science mapping.

OBJECTIVES: The research in the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) field is analyzed according to the journals indexed in ISI Web of Science. Science Mapping Analysis (SMA) is used to provide and overview of the conceptual evolution of the CAM field. METHODS: The software SciMAT is used to detect and visualize the hidden themes and their evolution over a consecutive span of years. It combines SMA and performance analysis. Twenty one journals related to CAM were analyzed, in four consecutive periods from 1974 to 2011. RESULTS: Strategic diagrams and the thematic evolution of CAM, together with performance indicators (h-index), were obtained. The results show that CAM research has focused on seven main thematic areas: MEDICINAL-PLANTS, CHIROPRACTIC-AND-LOW-BACK-PAIN, ACUPUNCTURE-AND-PAIN, CELL-PROCESSES-AND-DISEASES, LIPID-PEROXIDATION and DIABETES-AND-INSULIN. CONCLUSION: The research output could be used by the scientific community to identify thematic areas on which interest is focused.

Agreement between telerehabilitation involving caregivers and face-to-face clinical assessment of lymphedema in breast cancer survivors.

Lymphedema is a lifetime complication of breast cancer survivors that can limit their participation in recreational or strenuous daily activities. Follow-up of lymphedema using an Internet application could help patients to determine the influence on their condition of these activities and adapt them accordingly. We aimed to determine the level of agreement between lymphedema assessment by telerehabilitation and by the traditional face-to-face method. Thirty breast cancer survivors participated in a descriptive study of repeated measures using a crossover design. Patients attended a session for clinical face-to-face and real-time online telerehabilitation assessments of lymphedema. There was a 120-min interval between these two sessions. The order of sessions was randomly selected for each patient. A caregiver (relative or friend) conducted the telerehabilitation assessment using a system that includes a specific tool based on an arm diagram for measuring the participant's arm circumferences via a telehealth application. All outcome measures showed reliability estimates (α) ≥ 0.90; the lowest reliability was obtained for the total volume on the non-affected side (α = 0.90). The diagnosis of lymphedema by the two methods also showed good inter-rater reliability (Rho = 0.89). These preliminary findings support the use of an Internet-based system to assess lymphedema in breast cancer survivors, offering carers a useful role in helping patients to follow up this lifetime health problem.

A multimodal physiotherapy programme plus deep water running for improving cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in breast cancer survivors.

The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of aquatic-based exercise in the form of deep water running (DWR) as part of a multimodal physiotherapy programme (MMPP) for breast cancer survivors. A controlled clinical trial was conducted in 42 primary breast cancer survivors recruited from community-based Primary Care Centres. Patients in the experimental group received a MMPP incorporating DWR, 3 times a week, for an 8-week period. The control group received a leaflet containing instructions to continue with normal activities. Statistically significant improvements and intergroup effect size were found for the experimental group for Piper Fatigue Scale-Revised total score (d = 0.7, P = 0.001), as well as behavioural/severity (d = 0.6, P = 0.05), affective/meaning (d = 1.0, P = 0.001) and sensory (d = 0.3, P = 0.03) domains. Statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups were also found for general health (d = 0.5, P < 0.05) and quality of life (d = 1.3, P < 0.05). All participants attended over 80% of sessions, with no major adverse events reported. The results of this study suggest MMPP incorporating DWR decreases cancer-related fatigue and improves general health and quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Further, the high level of adherence and lack of adverse events indicate such a programme is safe and feasible.

Influence of physical inactivity in psychophysiological state of breast cancer survivors.

Physical inactivity has been postulated as mediator of the relationship between cancer-related symptoms and psychoneurobiological alterations. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of physical inactivity level on mood state, fitness level as well as on salivary markers of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (cortisol) and the SNS (α-amylase) in breast cancer survivors. One hundred and eight breast cancer survivors (stages I-IIIa) participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were gathered on the following: Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire, profile of mood state, 6-min walk test, force handgrip, blood pressure, salivary cortisol concentration and salivary α-amylase activity. For our analysis, two groups were formed based on physical activity level measured as energy expenditure during diary leisure activities of the participants at the moment of the study, a physical inactivity level group (<3 METs × h/week) and an adequate physical activity level group (>3 METs × h/week). Fitness level was significantly higher in the active than the inactive group, while anger, fatigue, depression, confusion, mood disturbance, diastolic blood pressure and salivary α-amylase activity were significantly greater in the inactive than the active group. These results suggest that physical inactivity induces a worse psychoneurobiological state in inactive than in active breast cancer survivors.

Psychometric properties of the QuickPIPER: a shortened version of the PIPER Fatigue scale.

This paper proposes 'QuickPIPER', a 15-item, validated one-dimensional model representing cancer-related fatigue, based on factor analysis testing of the Piper Fatigue Scale-revised (R-PFS). One hundred and eleven breast cancer survivors participated in this prospective, observational study of the QuickPIPER validation. Participants completed the R-PFS and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) Fatigue and Vigor subscales. The questionnaires were tested concurrently before and after a multimodal exercise programme trial. Psychometric characteristics assessed from the sample included internal consistency and factor analysis, concurrent criterion validity and predictive ability. The results shows that the correlation matrix for the QuickPIPER questionnaire was determined as suitable with the Kaiser-Meyer-Oklin values (0.89) and Bartlett's Test of Sphericity (P < 0.001). The total cumulative variance explained was 65.32%. The goodness-of-fit indices of confirmatory factor analysis were satisfactory (normed fit index = 0.91 and comparative fit index = 0.92). Test-retest reliability was very good (r = 0.947, P < 0.001). The QuickPIPER scores correlated with POMS Fatigue (r = 0.800) and POMS Vigor (r = -0.352) subscales. Predictive ability showed that the area under the curves for the screening questionnaires was 0.743 (95% confidence interval 0.579-0.906). The 15-item QuickPIPER possesses similar properties to the 22-item R-PFS and offers the important advantage of brevity.

Aquatic exercise in a chest-high pool for hormone therapy-induced arthralgia in breast cancer survivors: a pragmatic controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of aquatic exercise on pressure pain threshold in breast cancer survivors with hormone therapy-associated arthralgia. DESIGN: Single-blind, controlled trial. SETTING: Two major metropolitan hospitals and a Sport and Spa Club in Granada, Spain. SUBJECTS: Forty women aged 29-71 years with stage I-III breast cancer who reported arthralgia. INTERVENTION: Patients were allocated alternately to either aquatic exercise in a chest-high pool or usual care while on the waiting list; control patients received treatment later. The two-month hydrotherapy intervention consisted of 24 sessions 3 days per week. Each session included 5 minutes of warm-up, 15-20 minutes of aerobic exercise, 15 minutes of mobility exercise and 20 minutes of recovery techniques. MAIN MEASURES: Pressure pain threshold at neck, shoulder, hand and leg were evaluated as primary outcomes. Cancer-related fatigue, as measured by the Piper Fatigue Scale, body mass index and waist circumference were secondary outcomes. A 2 × 2 repeated-measure ANCOVA was used in this study. RESULTS: No adverse events or development of worsening of pain was observed. Almost all the participants in the intervention group (89%) adhered to the hydrotherapy programme. Participants experienced a decrease in pressure pain threshold measured in neck, hand, shoulder and leg, as measured by algometry pressure, and waist circumference; all P < 0.05. Cancer-related fatigue (P = 0.06) and body mass index (P = 0.42) did not show significant improvement. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that hydrotherapy in a chest-high pool may reduce the pain threshold and waist circumference in breast cancer survivors with hormone therapy-associated arthralgia.

Elite swimmers with and without unilateral shoulder pain: mechanical hyperalgesia and active/latent muscle trigger points in neck-shoulder muscles.

Our aim was to investigate the presence of mechanical hypersensitivity and active trigger points (TrPs) in the neck-shoulder muscles in elite swimmers with/without unilateral shoulder pain. Seventeen elite swimmers with shoulder pain; 18 swimmers without shoulder pain; and 15 elite athletes matched controls were recruited. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were assessed over the levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius, infraspinatus, scalene, subscapularis and tibialis anterior muscles. TrPs in the levator scapulae, upper trapezius, infraspinatus, scalene, sternocleidomastoid and subscapularis muscles were also explored. Swimmers with shoulder pain showed significant lower PPT in all muscles compared with controls (P<0.01). No differences in PPT were found between swimmers with and without shoulder pain, underlining widespread mechanical hypersensitivity. The mean number of TrPs for elite swimmer with and without shoulder pain was, respectively, 4.7 ± 1 (2.1 ± 1.5 active; 2.6 ± 1.4 latent) and 4.7 ± 1.3 (1.3 ± 1.3 active; 3.4 ± 1.5 latent), whereas healthy athletes only showed latent TrPs (2.4 ± 1.2). Elite swimmers with shoulder pain showed higher number of active TrPs than swimmers without pain, whereas it was the opposite for the number of latent muscle TrP (P<0.05). The reported mechanical hypersensitivity suggests that active TrPs play a role in the development of shoulder pain in elite swimmers.

Caracterización del dolor en pacientes con síndrome del túnel del carpo según criterios electromiográficos de gravedad / Characterisation of pain in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome according to electromyographic severity criteria

Introducción. Los síntomas del síndrome del túnel del carpo (STC) son muy variados y pueden depender de la gravedad del cuadro. Objetivos. Realizar una caracterización de la descripción y autopercepción del dolor en una muestra de pacientes con STC y determinar si esa percepción del dolor es diferente entre los pacientes atendiendo a criterios electrodiagnósticos de gravedad. Pacientes y métodos. Se incluyeron 92 mujeres con STC. Se las clasificó en STC leve, moderado o grave atendiendo a los criterios electrodiagnósticos. Se utilizó una escala numérica (0-10) para evaluar la intensidad del dolor, el cuestionario de McGill para clasificar los descriptores que representan la cualidad del dolor y el cuestionario de gravedad de los síntomas y de discapacidad de Boston. Resultados. Los descriptores más representativos fueron la presencia de hormigueos (92%), pesadez (67%) y sensación de hinchazón (64%). Las mujeres con STC leve mostraron una historia de dolor más larga que aquéllas con STC moderado y grave (p < 0,05). No existieron diferencias significativas entre la intensidad del dolor, el cuestionario de discapacidad y la mayoría de descriptores del cuestionario de McGill entre STC leve, moderado o grave. Las mujeres con STC grave describían el dolor como periódico, repetitivo y terriblemente molesto en mayor medida que aquéllas con STC leve o moderado (p < 0,05). Conclusiones. La presencia de hormigueos y la sensación de pesadez parecen ser los síntomas más prevalentes en el STC. No existen grandes diferencias en la cualidad del dolor entre STC leve, moderado o grave (AU)

Introduction. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) vary greatly and can depend on the severity of the clinical symptoms. Aims. To characterise the description and self-perception of pain in a sample of patients with CTS and to determine whether that perception of pain differs among the patients on the basis of electrodiagnostic severity criteria. Patients and methods. The sample consisted of 92 females with CTS, who were classified as having mild, moderate or severe CTS, bearing in mind electrodiagnostic criteria. Different instruments were used in the study: a numerical scale (0-10) to evaluate the intensity of the pain, the McGill questionnaire to classify the descriptors that represent the quality of the pain, and the Boston questionnaire for assessing symptom severity and disability. Results. The most representative descriptors were the presence of tingling (92%), heaviness (67%) and a feeling of swelling (64%). The women with mild CTS showed a longer history of pain than those with moderate and severe CTS(p < 0.05). There were no significant differences among the intensity of the pain, the disability questionnaire and most of the descriptors on the McGill questionnaire between the different groups of mild, moderate or severe CTS. The women with severe CTS described the pain as being periodic, repetitive and terribly unpleasant more often than those with mild or moderate CTS (p < 0.05). Conclusions. The presence of tingling and the feeling of heaviness are the most prevalent symptoms of CTS. There are no great differences in the quality of the pain among cases of mild, moderate or severe CTS (AU)

Deep water running and general practice in primary care for non-specific low back pain versus general practice alone: randomized controlled trial.

There is equivocal evidence regarding the benefits of aquatic aerobic exercise for non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) in addition to standard care in general practice consisting of education and advice. The purpose of this study was to compare the addition of deep water running (DWR) to standard general practice (GP) on NSCLBP versus GP care alone on pain, physical and mental health and disability. In this single-blind randomised controlled trial, 58 subjects with NSCLBP were recruited from primary care. The control group received GP care consisting of a physician's consultation and educational booklet only. The experimental group received additional 30-min sessions of DWR three times a week for 15 weeks at the individualized aerobic threshold. Measurements were made pre- and post-intervention and at 1-year follow-up. Both groups showed improvement. The difference between treatment effects at longest follow-up of 1 year was -26.0 (-40.9 to -11.1) mm on the VAS (p < 0.05), -2.5 (-5.7 to -0.2) points in RMQ for disability (p < 0.05), 3.3 (10.0 to 24.7) points on physical health in the physical summary component of the Spanish Short Form 12 (SF-12; p < 0.05) and 5.8 (8.6 to 34.7) points on the mental summary component of the SF-12 (p < 0.05), in favour of the DWR group. For patients with NSCLBP, the addition of DWR to GP was more effective in reducing pain and disability than standard GP alone, suggesting the effectiveness and acceptability of this approach with this group of patients.