Efficacy of resistance training with elastic bands compared to proprioceptive training on balance and self-report measures in patients with chronic ankle instability: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Proprioceptive training and resistance training are physiotherapy treatment methods for Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI). OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of proprioceptive training to resistance training with elastic bands for treating CAI as measured by the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT). METHOD: Our systematic study and meta-analysis was based on the PICOS and PRISMA protocols. The PubMed, PEDro, and ScienceDirect databases were searched for randomized clinical trials on proprioceptive and resistance training. Risk of bias was assessed according to Cochrane guidelines and quality of evidence was reported using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach (GRADE). RESULTS: Five studies involving 259 patients were included in the review. According to the findings of the meta-analysis, proprioceptive training was similarly effective with resistance training in SEBT and FAAM measures. Compared with resistance exercise, proprioceptive training demonstrated some benefits in CAIT scores (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -2.21, 95% CI = -4.05-0.36), but these intervention results were not clinically significant (MDC, MCID score >3 points). CONCLUSION: Low-quality evidence from studies showed that neither of the interventions was superior on the SEBT or the FAAM scores in individuals with CAI because no clinically significant differences were found. More high-quality studies comparing the two interventions are needed to draw firm conclusions.

Short-Term Effects of Manual Therapy plus Capacitive and Resistive Electric Transfer Therapy in Individuals with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study.

Background and Objectives: Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is defined as back pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks. Capacitive and resistive electric transfer (TECAR) therapy utilizes radiant energy to generate endogenous heat and is widely used for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of manual therapy (MT) program combined with TECAR therapy in individuals with CNSLBP. Materials and Methods: Sixty adults with CNSLBP were randomly divided equally into three groups. The first group followed an MT protocol in the lumbar region (MT group), the second group followed the same MT protocol combined with TECAR therapy (MT + TECAR group) using a conventional capacitive electrode as well as a special resistive electrode bracelet, and the third group (control group) received no treatment. Both intervention programs included six treatments over two weeks. Pain in the last 24 h with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), functional ability with the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), pressure pain threshold (PPT) in the lumbar region with pressure algometry, and mobility of the lumbo-pelvic region through fingertip-to-floor distance (FFD) test were evaluated before and after the intervention period with a one-month follow-up. Analysis of variance with repeated measures was applied. Results: In the NPRS score, both intervention groups showed statistically significant differences compared to the control group both during the second week and the one-month follow-up (p < 0.001). Between-group differences were also noticed between the two intervention groups in the second week (p < 0.05). Differences in the RMDQ score were detected between the intervention groups and the control group in the second week and at the one-month follow-up (p < 0.001), while differences between the two intervention groups were only detected at the one-month follow-up (p < 0.001). Regarding the PPT values, differences were found mainly between the MT + TECAR group and the control group and between the MT + TECAR group and the MT group (p < 0.05), with the MT + TECAR group in most cases showing the greatest improvement compared to the other two groups, which remained statistically significant at the one-month follow-up (p < 0.05). Finally, both intervention groups improved the mobility of the lumbo-pelvic region at both time points compared to the control group without, however, statistically significant differences between them (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The application of an MT protocol with TECAR therapy appeared more effective than conventional MT as well as compared to the control group in reducing pain and disability and improving PPT in individuals with CNSLBP. No further improvement was noted in the mobility of the lumbo-pelvic region by adding TECAR to the MT intervention.

Efficacy of percutaneous needle electrolysis versus dry needling in musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Physical therapists use dry needling (DN) and percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) to treat musculoskeletal pain. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of PNE vs. DN in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis was based on the PICOS and PRISMA protocols. The PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar databases were searched for randomized clinical trials measuring pain intensity in various musculoskeletal syndromes using PNE and DN. Pain outcome measures were the visual analog scale or the numerical pain rating scale. Risk of bias was assessed according to Cochrane guidelines and quality of evidence was reported using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach (GRADE). Standardized mean differences were calculated using random effects models. RESULTS: The meta-analysis of the six included studies showed that the overall effect of PNE vs. DN for pain reduction was statistically significant at -0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.34 to -0.14) with a large effect size (SMD =-0.41; 95% CI, -0.75 to -0.08), albeit clinically insignificant in the short, medium, and long term. Risk of bias was generally low with moderate-level evidence due to the overall effect heterogeneity and the small sample. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate-quality evidence showed that PNE is slightly more effective than DN in reducing pain. However, because the results were not clinically significant, we cannot recommend the application of PNE over DN. More high-quality studies comparing the two interventions are needed to draw firm conclusions.

Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Against Cutibacterium acnes Implant-Associated Infections: An in Vitro Trial.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic management of low-virulent implant-associated infections induced by Cutibacterium acnes may be compromised by multi-drug resistance development, side effects, and increased cost. Therefore, we sought to assess the effects of shock wave therapy against the above pathogen using an in vitro model of infection. METHODS: We used a total of 120 roughened titanium alloy disks, simulating orthopedic biomaterials, to assess the results of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) against C. acnes (ATCC 11827) biofilms relative to untreated control. In particular, we considered 1.6 to 2.5 Bar with a frequency ranging from 8-11 Hz and 95 to 143 impulses per disk to investigate the antibacterial effect of rESWT against C. acnes planktonic (free-floating) and biofilm forms. RESULTS: Planktonic bacteria load diminished by 54% compared to untreated control after a 1.8-bar setting with a frequency of 8 Hz and 95 impulses was applied (median absorbance (MA) for intervention vs. control groups was 0.9245 (IQR= 0.888 to 0.104) vs. 0.7705 (IQR = 0.712 to 0.864), respectively, p = 0.001). Likewise, a statistically significant reduction in the amount of biofilm relative to untreated control was documented when the above setting was considered (MA for treatment vs biofilm control groups was 0.244 (IQR= 0.215-0.282) and 0.298 (IQR = 0.247-0.307), respectively, p = 0.033). CONCLUSION: A 50% biofilm eradication was documented following application of low-pressure and low-frequency radial shock waves, so rESWT could be investigated as an adjuvant treatment to antibiotics, but it cannot be recommended as a standalone treatment against device-associated infections induced by C. ances.

Comparison of knee flexion isokinetic deficits between seated and prone positions after ACL reconstruction with hamstrings graft: Implications for rehabilitation and return to sports decisions.

OBJECTIVES: Hamstrings grafts are commonly used in ACL reconstruction, however, the effect of graft harvesting on knee flexion strength has not been longitudinally evaluated in functional positions. We hypothesized that greater deficits in knee flexion strength exist in the prone compared to the seated position and these deficits remain as rehabilitation progresses. DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Forty-two consecutive patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with a hamstrings graft were followed prospectively for 9 months. Isokinetic knee flexion strength at a slow and a fast speed were collected at 3, 4, 6, and 9 months in two different positions: conventional (seated) and functional (0° of hip flexion). RESULTS: Peak torque knee flexion deficits were higher in the prone position compared to the seated position by an average of 6.5% at 60°/s and 9.1% at 180°/s (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Measuring knee flexion strength in prone demonstrates higher deficits than in the conventional seated position. Most athletes would not be cleared to return to sports even at 9 months after surgery with this method.

Socioeconomic impact of e-Health services in major joint replacement: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: e-Health is a widespread healthcare practice in the medical community, supported by technology-based applications aiming to deliver health services in an efficient manner, improving the quality of life and providing a wide range of health and socio-economic benefits to patients. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of e-Health and mobile applications for the follow-up of major joint arthroplasty patients and the socio-economic impact of e-Health services on arthroplasty patients. METHODS: Studies published after 2000 in English language, enrolling patients who underwent total knee or hip replacement, applying e-Health solutions and highlighting the economic benefits obtained by patients, doctors and healthcare systems were considered for inclusion in the present study. RESULTS: Five studies satisfied our inclusion criteria and were included in qualitative analysis. In this paper, the use of e-Health for the follow-up of major joint arthroplasty patients and the positive impact in terms of cost, time and hospital visits reduction by applying e-Health solutions on arthroplasty patients are reviewed in detail as reported in the included studies. CONCLUSION: The majority of the included studies reported a positive impact in terms of cost, time and hospital visits reduction.

Quadriceps and hamstrings prelanding myoelectric activity during landing from different heights among male and female athletes.

ACL tear is a major concern among athletes, coaches and sports scientists. More than taking the athlete away from training and competition, ACL tear is a risk factor for early-onset of knee osteoarthritis, and, therefore addressing strategies to avoid such injury is pertinent not only for competitive athletes, but for all physically active subjects. Imbalances in the prelanding myoelectric activity of the hamstrings and quadriceps muscles have been linked to ACL injuries. We investigated the effect of landing from different heights on prelanding myoelectric activity of the hamstrings and quadriceps muscles in recreational athletes. Thirty recreational athletes (15 male and 15 female) performed three bilateral drop jumps from two different heights; 20cm and 40cm while myoelectric activity of the vastus medialis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris and medial hamstrings were collected. When increasing the height of drop landing tasks prelanding normalized myoelectric activity of the quadriceps was increased by 15-20% but no significant changes were found for the hamstrings. Female athletes exhibited higher activity of the medial hamstrings compared to their male counterparts. We concluded that increasing the height of drop landing tasks is associated with increased myoelectric activity of the quadriceps but not the hamstrings in recreational athletes. These differences in muscle activity may be related to increased risk for ACL injury when the height is increased. Female athletes demonstrated higher recruitment of the medial hamstrings.

Short-term functional and clinical outcomes after ACL reconstruction with hamstrings autograft: transtibial versus anteromedial portal technique.

PURPOSE: Several studies have suggested that drilling the femoral tunnel through an anteromedial arthroscopic portal during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction allows more anatomic placement of the graft. However, no studies have investigated whether the anteromedial approach results in better outcomes compared to the traditional transtibial drilling approach when a hamstring autograft is used. The purpose of the present study is to investigate short-term functional and clinical outcome differences between male patients recovering from anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a hamstring autograft using the transtibial femoral tunnel drilling approach versus the anteromedial approach. METHODS: Lysholm score, functional test and isokinetic data were collected at 3 and 6 months after surgery in 51 male patients who received a standardized rehabilitation in a large outpatient facility. Multivariate and univariate analyses of variance were used to assess group, time and interaction effects. RESULTS: All outcomes except isokinetic knee flexion at 180°/s improved from 3 to 6 months for both groups (p ≤ 0.05). The anteromedial approach group had better Lysholm scores at 3 months (p ≤ 0.05) and better performance in the timed lateral movement functional tests at 3 and 6 months (p ≤ 0.05). No other comparisons were significant (n.s). CONCLUSIONS: Both groups had comparable outcomes on most measures. The differences in the Lysholm score and lateral movement functional tests may suggest a quicker return of function and performance for the anteromedial approach group. Clinicians should take into consideration the surgical technique as they progress patients recovering from ACL reconstruction through the different phases of the rehabilitation protocol. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level II.

A randomized trial of isokinetic versus isotonic rehabilitation program after arthroscopic meniscectomy.

BACKGROUND: Although both isotonic and isokinetic exercises are commonly used in the rehabilitation of patients after arthroscopic meniscectomy no studies have compared their effect on strength recovery and functional outcomes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two rehabilitation programs (isotonic and isokinetic) on muscle strength and functional performance after partial knee meniscectomy. A secondary purpose was to assess the correlation between isokinetic strength deficits and hop test performance deficits. METHODS: Twenty male patients who underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy volunteered for the study. Both isotonic and isokinetic training were performed with the same equipment thereby blinding subjects to the mode of exercise. Main outcome measures were collected on the 14th and 33rd postoperative days and included isokinetic strength of the knee extensors and flexors, functional performance (single, triple, and vertical hopping) and the Lysholm questionnaire. Multivariate and univariate analyses of variance were used to assess the effects of the independent variables on the isokinetic variables, functional tests, and Lysholm score. Pearson's correlation was used to assess the relationship between isokinetic strength deficits and functional performance deficits. RESULTS: Isokinetic measures, functional tests, and the Lysholm score all increased between initial and final assessment (p≤0.003). However, there were no group or group*time effects on any of the outcome variables (p≥0.33). Functional tests were better predictors of isokinetic deficits in the 14(th) compared to the 33(rd) postoperative day. CONCLUSION: No differences were found in the outcomes of patients treated using an isokinetic and an isotonic protocol for rehabilitation after arthroscopic meniscectomy. More than half of patients did not meet the 90% criterion in the hop tests for safe return to sports five weeks after meniscectomy. There were correlations between the hop tests and isokinetic deficits two weeks after meniscectomy but not at the fifth week. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1b.

Lumbosacral transitional vertebra causing Bertolotti's syndrome: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Lumbosacral transitional vertebra is an anatomical variation of the fifth lumbar vertebra in which an enlarged transverse process can form a joint or fusion with the sacrum or ilium. The association of that variant with low back pain and the change in the biomechanical properties of the lumbar spine is called Bertolotti's syndrome. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 40-year-old male patient with chronic low back pain extending to the left buttock, just above the ipsilateral sacroiliac joint. Radiographic investigation revealed an anomalous enlargement of the left transverse process of the fifth lumbar vertebra forming a pseudarthrosis with the infrajacent ala of the sacrum. CONCLUSION: In young patients with back pain the possibility of Bertolotti's syndrome should always be taken in account.