Barriers and facilitators for implementing lifestyle-related treatment modalities in osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional study among primary and secondary healthcare professionals.

PURPOSE: To identify barriers and facilitators as perceived by primary and secondary healthcare professionals (HCPs) when implementing lifestyle-related treatment modalities (LRTMs) in patients with hip/knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: A cross-sectional study. A Dutch online survey was distributed among eight different disciplines of primary and secondary HCPs. Potential barriers and facilitators were identified based on participants' responses to 32 research-derived statements on implementing LRTMs, and presented as factors with "major agreement" (≥75%), "minor agreement" (60-75%) or "no agreement" (<60%). RESULTS: 213 participants completed the survey. Seven "barriers" and 20 "facilitators" were identified. There were three "major agreement barriers": organization of Dutch healthcare system, audits within organization, and lifestyle climate in Dutch society. The top three "major agreement facilitators" were: health effects on patients, safety of increasing physical activity, and personal attitude. The total number of "barriers" differed per HCP discipline, with the highest number (12) among orthopedic surgeons (or in-training) and the lowest number (4) among dieticians, physiotherapists, and lifestyle counselors. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that implementing LRTMs within OA care could be improved by focusing on societal rather than individual HCP factors. National preventive policies on health promotion could counteract the expected increase in healthcare demand and costs due to OA and other chronic diseases. Future research is needed to match relevant implementation strategies to all barriers identified.

Implementing lifestyle-related treatment modalities in osteoarthritis care: Identification of implementation strategies using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research-Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change matching tool.

AIMS: Despite recommendations in international clinical guidelines, lifestyle-related treatment modalities (LRTMs) are currently underutilised in the conservative treatment of patients with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis. This study aimed to identify implementation strategies in order to address barriers to implementing LRTMs from the perspective of healthcare professionals (HCPs). METHODS: The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR)-Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) Implementation Strategy Matching Tool was applied. First, previously identified influencing factors among primary and secondary HCPs were mapped onto the corresponding CFIR constructs/subconstructs by two researchers. Second, the CFIR-based barriers relevant for all HCPs were entered into the tool. Third, the CFIR-based barriers specific to one or more subgroups of HCPs served as additional input for the tool. Finally, a selection of ERIC implementation strategies was made based on the tool's output. RESULTS: Fourteen implementation strategies were selected. The strategy most endorsed by the tool was 'build a coalition'. Eight of the selected strategies belonged to the ERIC cluster 'develop stakeholder interrelationships'. Other strategies were part of the clusters 'use evaluative and iterative strategies' (n = 3), 'utilise financial strategies' (n = 2), and 'engage consumers' (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: The findings emphasise the importance of an interdisciplinary approach when addressing the implementation of LRTMs in osteoarthritis care. The final selection of implementation strategies forms the basis for a tailored implementation plan. Future work should focus on further operationalising the implementation strategies and evaluating the effectiveness of the resulting implementation plan.

High-demand tasks show that ACL reconstruction is not the only factor in controlling range of tibial rotation: a preliminary investigation.

BACKGROUND: Excessive range of tibial rotation (rTR) may be a reason why athletes cannot return to sports after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). After ACLR, rTR is smaller in reconstructed knees compared to contralateral knees when measured during low-to-moderate-demand tasks. This may not be representative of the amount of rotational laxity during sports activities. The purpose of this study is to determine whether rTR is increased after ACL injury compared to the contralateral knee and whether it returns to normal after ACLR when assessed during high-demand hoptests, with the contralateral knee as a reference. METHODS: Ten ACL injured subjects were tested within three months after injury and one year after reconstruction. Kinematic motion analysis was conducted, analysing both knees. Subjects performed a level-walking task, a single-leg hop for distance and a side jump. A paired t-test was used to detect a difference between mean kinematic variables before and after ACL reconstruction, and between the ACL-affected knees and contralateral knees before and after reconstruction. RESULTS: RTR was greater during high-demand tasks compared to low-demand tasks. Pre-operative, rTR was smaller in the ACL-deficient knees compared to the contralateral knees during all tests. After ACLR, a greater rTR was seen in ACL-reconstructed knees compared to pre-operative, but a smaller rTR compared to the contralateral knees, even during high-demand tasks. CONCLUSION: The smaller rTR, compared to the contralateral knee, seen after a subacute ACL tear may be attributed to altered landing technique, neuromuscular adaptation and fear of re-injury. The continued reduction in rTR one year after ACLR may be a combination of this neuromuscular adaptation and the biomechanical impact of the reconstruction. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered in the Dutch Trial Register (NTR: www.trialregister.nl , registration ID NL7686).

Facilitators and barriers for the implementation of exercise are medicine in routine clinical care in Dutch university medical centres: a mixed methodology study on clinicians' perceptions.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the many proven advantages of a physically active lifestyle in patient populations, prescription of exercise is currently not widely implemented in routine clinical practice. The aims of this study were twofold: (1) to assess perceptions of clinicians on the current practice of exercise is medicine (E=M) prescription in two Dutch university medical centres and (2) to determine their perceived barriers and facilitators for the implementation of E=M in routine clinical care in Dutch university medical centres. DESIGN: A mixed methodologies study, using both online questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. SETTING: Dutch university medical centres. PARTICIPANTS: Clinicians working within the departments of medical oncology, orthopaedics and rehabilitation medicine of two university medical centres. RESULTS: Forty-five clinicians (response rate of 51%) completed the questionnaire, and 19 clinicians were interviewed. The results showed that even though clinicians had a positive attitude towards prescribing E=M, only a few reported to regularly prescribe E=M to their patients. The 52 identified facilitators and barriers for implementation of E=M were categorised into four main themes: (1) beliefs toward the implementation of E=M (eg, clinicians knowledge and skills, and social support), (2) factors related to the patient perspective (eg, patient priorities or motivation), (3) factors related to the referral options (eg, knowledge of and trust in local referral options) and (4) practical considerations when implementing E=M (eg, time constraints). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that even though many clinicians have a positive attitude toward an active lifestyle, many are not prescribing E=M on a regular basis. In order for clinicians to effectively implement E=M, strategies should focus on increasing clinicians E=M referral skills, improving clinicians knowledge of E=M referral options and develop a support system to ensure that E=M is high on the priority list of clinicians.

Barriers and facilitators perceived by healthcare professionals for implementing lifestyle interventions in patients with osteoarthritis: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of barriers and facilitators that healthcare professionals (HCPs) perceive regarding the implementation of lifestyle interventions (LIs) in patients with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: Scoping review. DATA SOURCES: The databases PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception up to January 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Primary research articles with a quantitative, qualitative or mixed-methods design were eligible for inclusion if they reported: (1) perceptions of primary and/or secondary HCPs (population); (2) on implementing LIs with physical activity and/or weight management as key components (concept) and (3) on conservative management of hip and/or knee OA (context). Articles not published in English, German or Dutch were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Barriers and facilitators were extracted by two researchers independently. Subsequently, the extracted factors were linked to a framework based on the Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases checklist. RESULTS: Thirty-six articles were included. In total, 809 factors were extracted and subdivided into nine domains. The extracted barriers were mostly related to non-optimal interdisciplinary collaboration, patients' negative attitude towards LIs, patients' low health literacy and HCPs' lack of knowledge and skills around LIs or promoting behavioural change. The extracted facilitators were mostly related to good interdisciplinary collaboration, a positive perception of HCPs' own role in implementing LIs, the content or structure of LIs and HCPs' positive attitude towards LIs. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple individual and environmental factors influence the implementation of LIs by HCPs in patients with hip and/or knee OA. The resulting overview of barriers and facilitators can guide future research on the implementation of LIs within OA care. To investigate whether factor frequency is related to the relevance of each domain, further research should assess the relative importance of the identified factors involving all relevant disciplines of primary and secondary HCPs. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42019129348.

What affects the implementation of lifestyle interventions in patients with osteoarthritis? A multidisciplinary focus group study among healthcare professionals.

PURPOSE: To identify factors affecting the implementation of lifestyle interventions (LIs) in patients with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (OA) from the perspective of primary and secondary healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the Dutch healthcare system. METHODS: Multidisciplinary focus groups were composed. Data analysis was performed following thematic analysis. The Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases checklist was used to guide data analysis. RESULTS: Four focus groups meetings were conducted with 38 participating HCPs (general practitioners (or in-training), orthopedic surgeons (or in-training), physiotherapists, dieticians, a general practice assistant, lifestyle counselors, and nurse practitioners). Influencing factors were grouped into nine themes: (1) intervention factors; (2) individual HCP factors; (3) patient factors; (4) professional interactions; (5) incentives and resources; (6) capacity for organizational change; (7) social, political and legal factors; (8) patient and HCP interactions; and (9) disease factors. CONCLUSIONS: A wide variety of factors affecting the implementation of LIs was identified in this study, where the importance of effective interdisciplinary collaboration was emphasized by the multidisciplinary group of participants. This thorough analysis of influencing factors is an important first step toward improved implementation of LIs within OA care. Further research is required to identify the most significant targets for change in daily practice.Implications for RehabilitationThe implementation of lifestyle interventions (LIs) by healthcare professionals (HCPs) in patients with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (OA) is affected by both individual and environmental factors.The influencing factors identified in this study can support the development of interventions aimed at improving the implementation of LIs in OA care.A multilevel approach is required when developing interventions to improve the implementation of LIs in OA care.Continued efforts of both primary and secondary HCPs and policymakers are needed in order to promote the use of LIs within OA care.

Exploring patient satisfaction after operative and nonoperative treatment for midshaft clavicle fractures: a focus group analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the optimal treatment for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Several studies indicate superior patient satisfaction in favour of operative reconstruction. It is unknown what drives superior satisfaction in this treatment group. The aim of this study was to explore patient satisfaction and identify contributors to patient satisfaction after operative and nonoperative treatment for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures in adults using a focus group approach. METHODS: Four face-to-face and two web-based focus groups were hosted. A total of 24 participants who were treated nonoperatively (n = 14) or operatively (n = 10) agreed to participate. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, ensuring variation in gender, age, treatment complications and outcomes. A question script was developed to systematically explore patient expectations, attitudes and satisfaction with different dimensions of care. All focus groups were voice-recorded and transcribed at verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted on all face-to-face and web-based transcripts. RESULTS: The main emerging themes across treatment groups were; need for more information, functional recovery, speed of recovery and patient-doctor interaction. There was no difference in themes observed between operative and nonoperative focus groups. The lack of information was the most important complaint in dissatisfied patients. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that informing patients about their injury, treatment options and expectations for recovery is paramount for overall patient satisfaction after treatment for a displaced midshaft clavicle fracture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, focus group study.

Running a Marathon-Its Influence on Achilles Tendon Structure.

CONTEXT: Several studies have been conducted to better understand the effect of load on the Achilles tendon structure. However, the effect of a high cumulative load consisting of repetitive cyclic movements, such as those that occur during the running of a marathon, on Achilles tendon structure is not yet clear. Clinicians, coaches, and athletes will benefit from knowledge about the effects of a marathon on the structure of the Achilles tendon. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the short-term response of the Achilles tendon structure to running a marathon. DESIGN: Case series (prospective). SETTING: Sports medicine centers. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Ten male nonelite runners who ran in a marathon. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE(S): Tendon structure was assessed before and 2 and 7 days after a marathon using ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC), an imaging tool that quantifies tendon organization in 4 echo types (I-IV). Echo type I represents the most stable echo pattern, and echo type IV, the least stable. RESULTS: At 7 days postmarathon, both the insertional and midportion structure changed significantly. At both sites, the percentage of echo type II increased (insertion P < .01; midportion P = .02) and the percentages of echo types III and IV decreased (type III: insertion P = .01; midportion P = .02; type IV: insertion P = .01; midportion P < .01). Additionally, at the insertion, the percentage of echo type I decreased (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: We observed the effects of running a marathon on the Achilles tendon structure 7 days after the event. Running the marathon combined with the activity performed shortly thereafter might have caused the changes in tendon structure. This result emphasizes the importance of sufficient recovery time after running a marathon to prevent overuse injuries.

Association Between Clinical and Imaging Outcomes After Therapeutic Loading Exercise in Patients Diagnosed With Achilles or Patellar Tendinopathy at Short- and Long-Term Follow-up: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between clinical and imaging outcomes after therapeutic loading exercise in Achilles tendinopathy (AT) and patellar tendinopathy (PT) populations at both short- and long-term follow-up. DATA SOURCES: The PUBMED and EMBASE databases were searched (up to June 2017) to identify articles that meet the inclusion criteria: (1) patients diagnosed with AT (insertional or midportion) or PT; (2) rehabilitation based on therapeutic loading exercise; and (3) assessment of clinical outcomes and tendon structure using an imaging modality. MAIN RESULTS: Two independent reviewers screened 2894 search results, identifying 21 suitable studies. According to the studies included in this review, clinical results showed significant improvements for patients with AT and PT after eccentric exercise (ECC) and heavy slow resistance (HSR) at short- and long-term follow-up. Imaging outcomes were not consistent. Moderate-to-strong evidence for patients with AT suggested an association between clinical outcomes and imaging outcomes (tendon thickness and tendon neovascularization) after ECC at long-term follow-up. For patients with PT, there was moderate evidence supporting an association between clinical outcomes (questionnaire score and pain) and imaging (tendon thickness and tendon neovascularization) after ECC at short-term follow-up. For both the AT and PT groups, there was moderate evidence for an association between clinical outcomes and tendon thickness and neovascularization after HSR exercise. Results related to the HSR exercise should be interpreted with caution because of the small number of studies. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of the present review, the use of imaging outcomes as a complementary examination to the clinical assessment was confirmed. Overall, an improvement in clinical outcomes seems to be associated with a reduction in tendon thickness and tendon neovascularization. Clinicians should be aware that during the interpretation of the imaging outcomes, factors such as tendinopathy location, exercise modality performed, and a follow-up period should be considered.

A Cross-sectional Analysis of Motivation and Decision Making in Referrals to Lifestyle Interventions by Primary Care General Practitioners: A Call for Guidance.

AIM: To explore (1) general practitioners' (GPs') motivations to refer to lifestyle interventions and to investigate the association between GPs' own lifestyle behaviors and their referral behavior and (2) patient indicators in the decision-making process of the GPs' referral to lifestyle interventions. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 99 Dutch primary care GPs. Their motivation to refer was assessed by beliefs regarding lifestyle interventions. GPs' referral behaviors were assessed-considering referral and self-reported actual referral-as well as their own lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, dieting, being overweight). Decision making regarding referring patients to lifestyle interventions was assessed by imposed patient indicators, spontaneously suggested decisive patient indicators, and case-based referring (vignettes). RESULTS: A substantial group of GPs was not motivated for referral to lifestyle interventions. GPs' referral behavior was significantly associated with their perceived subjective norm, behavioral control, and their own physical activity and diet. Most important, patient indicators in referral to lifestyle interventions were somatic indicators and patients' motivation for lifestyle interventions. CONCLUSIONS: GPs' motivation and referral behavior might be improved by providing them with tailored resources about evidence-based lifestyle interventions, with support from allied health professionals and with official guidelines for a more objective and systematic screening of patients.

Appropriate care for orthopedic patients: effect of implementation of the Clinical Practice Guideline for Diagnosis and Treatment of Subacromial Pain Syndrome in the Netherlands.

Background and purpose - The multidisciplinary Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) was created in 2012 by the Dutch Orthopedic Association. In brief, it stated that SAPS should preferably be treated nonoperatively. We evaluated the effect of the implementation of the guideline on the number of shoulder surgeries for SAPS in the Netherlands (17 million inhabitants). Patients and methods - An observational study was conducted with the use of aggregated data from the national database of the Dutch Health Authority from 2012 to 2016. Information was collected on patients referred to and seen at orthopedic departments. Data from the following Diagnoses Related Groupings were analyzed: 1450 (tendinitis supraspinatus) and 1460 (rotator cuff tear). Results - In 2016 fewer patients were diagnosed with tendinitis supraspinatus than in 2012-a decrease from 49,491 to 44,662 (10%). Of the patients diagnosed with tendinitis, 14% were treated surgically in 2012; this number dropped to 9% by 2016. More patients with a rotator cuff tear were diagnosed in 2016 than in 2012, an increase from 17,793 to 23,389 (32%), fewer were treated surgically: 30% in 2012, compared with 25% in 2016. Interpretation - After introducing the multidisciplinary Clinical Practice Guideline "Diagnosis and treatment of subacromial pain syndrome," a decrease in shoulder surgeries for related diagnoses was observed in the Netherlands. The introduction and dissemination of this guideline seems to have contributed to the implementation of more appropriate health care and prevention of unnecessary surgeries.

Comparison of the Effect of 5 Different Treatment Options for Managing Patellar Tendinopathy: A Secondary Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Currently, no treatments exist for patellar tendinopathy (PT) that guarantee quick and full recovery. Our objective was to assess which treatment option provides the best chance of clinical improvement and to assess the influence of patient and injury characteristics on the clinical effect of these treatments. DESIGN: A secondary analysis was performed on the combined databases of 3 previously performed double-blind randomized controlled trials. PATIENTS: In total, 138 patients with PT were included in the analysis. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were divided into 5 groups, based on the treatment they received: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) (n = 31), ESWT plus eccentric training (n = 43), eccentric training (n = 17), topical glyceryl trinitrate patch plus eccentric training (n = 16), and placebo treatment (n = 31). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical improvement (increase of ≥13 points on the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Patella score) after 3 months of treatment. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (37.7%) improved clinically after 3 months of treatment. Odds ratios (ORs) for clinical improvement were significantly higher in the eccentric training group (OR 6.68, P = 0.009) and the ESWT plus eccentric training group (OR 5.42, P = 0.015) compared with the other groups. We found evidence that a high training volume, a longer duration of symptoms, and older age negatively influence a treatment's clinical outcome (trend toward significance). CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed the importance of exercise, and eccentric training in particular, in the management of PT. The role of ESWT remains uncertain. Further research focusing on the identified prognostic factors is needed to be able to design patient-specific treatment protocols for the management of PT.

The recovery after Achilles tendon rupture: a protocol for a multicenter prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is a common sports injury, with a rising incidence and significant impairments. Due to the lack of treatment guidelines, there is no consensus about diagnostic methods, primary treatment (non-surgical or surgical) and rehabilitation. It is hypothesized that this lack of consensus and guidelines leads to sub-optimal recovery and higher societal costs. The primary aim of this study is to give a broad insight into the recovery after ATR. Secondarily this study aims to explore factors contributing to recovery and gain insight into the cost-effectiveness of ATR management. METHODS: This multicenter prospective cohort study will include all adult (≥ 18 years) patients with an ATR treated at the three main hospitals in the Northern Netherlands: University Medical Center Groningen, Martini Hospital Groningen and Medical Center Leeuwarden. All subjects will be invited for three visits at 3, 6 and 12 months post-injury. The following data will be collected: patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), physical tests, imaging and economic questionnaires. At 3 months post-injury personal, injury, and treatment data will be collected through a baseline questionnaire and assessment of the medical file. The PROMs concern the Dutch version of the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score, EQ-5D-5 L, Oslo Sport Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire, Injury Psychological Readiness Return to Sport Scale, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, Expectations, Motivation and Satisfaction questionnaire and a ranking of reasons for not returning to sport. The administered physical tests are the heel-rise test, standing dorsiflexion range of motion, resting tendon length and single leg hop for distance. Ultrasound Tissue Characterization will be used for imaging. Finally, economic data will be collected using the Productivity Cost Questionnaire and Medical Consumption Questionnaire. DISCUSSION: This prospective cohort study will contribute to optimal decision making in the primary treatment and rehabilitation of ATRs by providing insight into (1) ATR recovery (2) novel imaging for monitoring recovery (3) (barriers to) return to sport and (4) cost-effectiveness of management. The analysis of these data strives to give a broad insight into the recovery after ATR as well as provide data on novel imaging and costs, contributing to individualized ATR management. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trialregister.nl. NTR6484 . 20/06/2017. 20/07/2017.

Kinematic risk factors for lower limb tendinopathy in distance runners: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Abnormal kinematics have been implicated as one of the major risk factors for lower limb tendinopathy (LLT). OBJECTIVE: To systematically review evidence for kinematic risk factors for LLT in runners. METHODS: Individual electronic searches in PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science were conducted. Two reviewers screened studies to identify observational studies reporting kinematic risk factors in runners with LLT compared to healthy controls. The Down and Black appraisal scale was applied to assess quality. A meta-analysis was performed provided that at least two studies with similar methodology reported the same factor. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies were included: Achilles tendinopathy (AT) (9), iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) (17), plantar fasciopathy (PF) (2), patellar tendinopathy (PT) (1), posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) (1). Eighteen studies were rated high-quality and ten medium-quality. The meta-analyses revealed strong evidence of higher peak knee internal rotation, moderate evidence of lower peak rearfoot eversion and knee flexion at heel strike and greater peak hip adduction in runners with ITBS. Very limited evidence revealed higher peak ankle eversion in runners with PF and PTTD or higher peak hip adduction in PT. SIGNIFICANCE: Peak rearfoot eversion was the only factor reported in all included LLTs; it is a significant factor in ITBS, PT and PTTD but not in AT and PF. More prospective studies are needed to accurately evaluate the role of kinematic risk factors as a cause of LLT. Taken together, addressing rearfoot kinematic and kinematic chain movements accompanied by peak eversion should be considered in the prevention and management of LLT.

Surveying the management of Achilles tendon ruptures in the Netherlands: lack of consensus and need for treatment guidelines.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe and analyse usual care of Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs) by orthopaedic surgeons and trauma surgeons in the Netherlands. METHODS: A nationwide online survey of ATR management was sent to all consultant orthopaedic and trauma surgeons in the Netherlands, requesting participation of those involved in ATR management. Data on individual characteristics and the entire ATR management (from diagnosis to rehabilitation) were gathered. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% agreement on an answer. RESULTS: A total of 91 responses (70 orthopaedic surgeons and 21 trauma surgeons) were analysed. There was consensus on the importance of the physical examination in terms of diagnosis (> 90%) and a lack of consensus on diagnostic imaging (ultrasound/MRI). There was consensus that non-surgical treatment is preferred for sedentary and systemically diseased patients and surgery for patients who are younger and athletic and present with larger tendon gap sizes. There was consensus on most of the non-surgical methods used: initial immobilisation in plaster cast with the foot in equinus position (90%) and its gradual regression (82%) every 2 weeks (85%). Only length of immobilisation lacked consensus. Surgery was generally preferred, but there was a lack of consensus on the entire followed protocol. Orthopaedic and trauma surgeons differed significantly on their surgical (p = 0.001) and suturing techniques (p = 0.002) and methods of postoperative immobilisation (p < 0.001). Orthopaedic surgeons employed open repair and Bunnell sutures more often, whereas trauma surgeons used minimally invasive approaches and bone anchors. Rehabilitation methods and advised time until weight-bearing and return to sport varied. Orthopaedic surgeons advised a significantly longer time until return to sport after both non-surgical treatment (p = 0.001) and surgery (p = 0.002) than trauma surgeons. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to describe the entire ATR management. The results show a lack of consensus and wide variation in management of ATRs in the Netherlands. This study shows that especially the methods of the perioperative and rehabilitation phases were inconclusive and differed between orthopaedic and trauma surgeons. Further research into optimal ATR management regimens is recommended. In addition, to achieve uniformity in management more multidisciplinary collaboration between Dutch and international surgeons treating ATRs is needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Cross-sectional survey, Level V.

Effects of age and sex on shoulder biomechanics and relative effort during functional tasks.

Age-related decline in muscle strength can compromise shoulder function, which could increase the effort needed to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine for the first time the relative shoulder effort during ADLs in healthy young and older adults. Ten healthy young adults and ten healthy older adults were tested for maximal isokinetic torque and on a set of ADL tasks. Using inverse dynamics, the shoulder torques during ADLs were referenced to the maximal isokinetic torque and relative effort was determined. Older compared to younger adults had >40% lower isokinetic shoulder abduction strength. The ratio of peak joint torque during six ADLs over the maximal isokinetic torque, i.e., relative effort, was higher in old (∼52%) compared with young adults (∼22%, p < 0.05). Relative effort in older adults was over 40% in overhead activities and particularly high in abduction and reaching tasks, over 60%. Healthy older compared with younger adults perform most ADL tasks involving the shoulder joint with nearly twice the level of relative effort. The concomitant reductions in maximal shoulder isokinetic torque and increases in relative effort may be related to the high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and shoulder dysfunction in old age reported in epidemiological studies.

Barrier-belief lifestyle counseling in primary care: A randomized controlled trial of efficacy.

OBJECTIVE: Intervening on barrier beliefs (BBs) may inhibit the role of barriers as mediating factors in lifestyle behavior. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a barrier-belief counseling intervention (BBCI) on physical activity (PA) and healthy food intake. METHODS: An RCT was conducted in a primary care setting among adults (aged 18-70), with two interventions: a BBCI (n = 123) and a standardized lifestyle group intervention (SLI) (n = 122). A non-treated hanging control group (n = 36) received no intervention. Outcomes on PA (accelerometer and SQUASH) and fruit and vegetable intake (self-report) were measured with follow-ups at 6, 12 and 18 months, and analyzed using multiple regression. RESULTS: The BBCI was more effective on PA compared with the SLI (p < .01): in the short term all PA outcomes improved (p < .05), in the long term moderate-to-vigorous PA outcomes improved (p < .05), all with small effect sizes. No differences between interventions were found on fruit and vegetable intake. None of the outcomes in the control group changed over time. CONCLUSIONS: BBCI in primary care improves PA compared with SLI. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The customized BB approach seems promising for implementation in healthcare practice to stimulate PA.

Clinical outcomes and predictors of patient satisfaction in displaced midshaft clavicle fractures in adults: Results from a retrospective multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures (Robinson Type 2B1 & 2B2) in adults remains controversial. Little is known about patient satisfaction with treatment for this type of injury. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes and explore predictors of patient satisfaction after nonoperative and direct-operative treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures in adults. METHODS: A retrospective multicentre study was conducted. Clinical data were retrieved from electronic patient charts. A questionnaire informing on current subjective function (QuickDASH), pain levels (VAS), health-related quality of life (Eq-5D-5L), impact on employment and satisfaction with treatment results was sent to all patients. Univariate and multivariate linear regression was performed to identify predictors of satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 278 patients were identified (nonoperative n=150, direct-operative n=128). 67% of eligible patients returned the questionnaire. Median questionnaire follow-up was 2.1 years. No differences were found between groups for QuickDASH, Eq-5D-5L or pain VAS scores. Impaired union was observed in 13.2% of nonoperative cases vs. 2.3% in the direct-operative group. Patients in the nonoperative group could resume work after a median of 30.0days, compared to 13.5days in the direct-operative group. Patient satisfaction was higher in the direct-operative group, 8/10 vs. 7/10 for overall treatment results respectively. Patients' rating for the level of shared decision-making was the main predictor of overall satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Direct-operative management led to higher patient satisfaction, despite similar long-term patient reported outcomes with nonoperative treatment. Patients' rating for the level of shared decision-making was the main predictor of overall satisfaction. This study highlights the need to enhance communication to facilitate shared decision-making.

Effect of a patellar strap on the joint position sense of the symptomatic knee in athletes with patellar tendinopathy.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a patellar strap on the proprioception of the symptomatic leg in PT. Secondary aims were to investigate a possible difference in effectiveness between athletes with high and low proprioceptive acuity, and whether predictors of effectiveness could be found. DESIGN: Randomised cross-over pilot study. METHODS: 24 athletes with PT (age 27.3±9.0, VISA-P 50.6±11.2) performed a joint position sense test with and without a patellar strap. The difference between both conditions was analysed using linear mixed-model analysis. RESULTS: No improvement in the joint position sense using the strap for the whole group was found, while those classified as having low proprioceptive acuity did improve using the strap (p=0.015, 17.2%). A larger knee girth, longer duration of symptoms and more tendon abnormalities were negatively associated with the strap's effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a patellar strap improves the knee joint proprioception - measured with joint position sense - of the symptomatic leg in athletes with poor proprioceptive acuity. Especially athletes with relatively small knee girth, short duration of symptoms and small tendon abnormalities might benefit from the strap. As proprioception plays an important role in motor control, and deficits in proprioception may put an athlete at risk for (re-)injury, these findings may be relevant for prevention as well as rehabilitation purposes in those PT athletes with low proprioceptive acuity.