Is the Absence of Manual Lymphatic Drainage-Based Treatment in Lymphedema after Breast Cancer Harmful? A Randomized Crossover Study.

(1) Background: Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), included within the complex decongestive therapy, as a therapy for the treatment of lymphedema has raised controversy about its benefits for lymphedema after breast cancer. The aim of this research is to test the effects of MLD on lymphedema after breast cancer during the treatment maintenance phase. (2) Methods: A randomized, single-blinded, controlled crossover trial was conducted to analyze the effects of a manual lymphatic drainage intervention compared to a control group without MLD intervention for the treatment of lymphedema. Arm volume measured by circumference measurement, subcutaneous tissue thickness measured by ultrasound, and the sensation of pain, heaviness, and swelling were evaluated as outcome measures. (3) Results: For the control group, an increase in volume was found in some of the circumference and subcutaneous tissue thickness measurements, in addition to a worsening of arm pain, swelling and heaviness. (4) Conclusion: The absence of treatment based on MLD in lymphedema after breast cancer worsens volume measurements, as well as arm heaviness. Therefore, it would be advisable to carry out this type of therapy as part of the maintenance treatment for lymphedema in breast cancer.

Effect of Hip Muscle Strengthening Exercises on Pain and Disability in Patients with Non-Specific Low Back Pain-A Systematic Review.

Low back pain (LBP) is a health problem that affects 70-80% of the population in Western countries. Because of the biomechanical relationship between the lumbar region and the hip, it is thought that strengthening the muscles of this joint could improve the symptoms of people with LBP. The objective of this study is to evaluate the current evidence on the efficacy of hip strengthening exercises to reduce pain and disability in people with LBP. Clinical trials were collected from the PubMed, PEDro, and Scopus databases published up to September 2022. Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and using CASP and PEDro tools for methodological quality assessment, we selected studies that included hip strengthening exercises as part of LBP treatment and measured pain and/or disability parameters. Among the 966 records identified in the search, a total of 7 studies met the established selection criteria. Overall, participants who performed hip strengthening exercises had significantly improved in pain and disability. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed as "good". In conclusion, the addition of hip muscle strengthening exercises iterating interacted with LBP, effectively improving pain and disability.

Efficacy of Therapeutic Exercise in Reversing Decreased Strength, Impaired Respiratory Function, Decreased Physical Fitness, and Decreased Quality of Life Caused by the Post-COVID-19 Syndrome.

In the current global scenario, many COVID-19 survivors present a severe deterioration in physical strength, respiratory function, and quality of life due to persistent symptoms and post-acute consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection. These alterations are known as post-COVID-19 syndrome for which there is no specific and effective treatment for their management. Currently, therapeutic exercise strategies (ThEx) are effective in many diseases by reducing the appearance of complications and side effects linked to treatment, and are consequently of great relevance. In this study, we review the effect of ThEX in reversing decreased strength, impaired respiratory function, decreased physical fitness, and decreased quality of life (QoL) caused by post-COVID-19 syndrome. A literature search was conducted through the electronic databases, Medline (PubMed), SciELO and Cochrane Library Plus for this structured narrative review for studies published from database retrieval up till 12 December 2022. A total of 433 patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome condition (60% women) were included in the nine studies which met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Overall, post-COVID-19 syndrome patients who followed a ThEx intervention showed improvements in strength, respiratory function, physical fitness and QoL, with no exercise-derived side effects. Thus, ThEx based on strength, aerobic and respiratory training could be an adjuvant non-pharmacological tool in the modulation of post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Ultrasonographic Changes of Abdominal Muscles in Subjects with and without Chronic Low Back Pain.

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent disfunction in the spine, affecting both women and men. The implication of the abdominal muscles in this disfunction has been studied, including wrong breathing patterns or inactivity of this area. However, there is a lack of studies examining changes in thickness of abdominal with ultrasonography. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyze the differences in the thickness of abdominal muscles at rest and during breathing between subjects with and without CLBP. A total of 72 subjects were divided in two groups: participants with CLBP (n = 36) and participants without CLBP (n = 36). In both groups, the thickness of the four abdominal muscles was measured and compared at rest and during breathing with ultrasonography. In TrA and IO there were no significant differences between groups, but those subjects with CLBP increased the muscle thickness more than participants without pain during breathing. In EO there were no differences in muscle thickness between groups and between rest and breathing. In RA, subjects with CLBP showed less muscle thickness than subjects without pain during breathing, but no changes were found at rest. In conclusion, the deepest abdominal muscles, TrA and IO, appear to increase their thickness and RA appear to decrease more in subjects with CLBP, in comparison with healthy participants.

Effects on Respiratory Pressures, Spirometry Biomarkers, and Sports Performance after Inspiratory Muscle Training in a Physically Active Population by Powerbreath®: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Sports performance in athletes can be limited by respiratory factors, so it is understandable to propose that inspiratory muscle training (IMT) can improve respiratory function and exercise performance. Power-Breathe® (PwB) is a sectorized respiratory muscle training tool that uses a resistive load to train IMT. There is currently a growing interest in respiratory muscle training, so we set out to systematically assess the effects of IMT with PwB on respiratory parameters and athletic performance in physically active, healthy adults. Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline, the Cochrane and PEDro scales to assess methodological quality, effect size using the Rosenthal formula, and the Cochrane tool for estimation of risk of bias, studies searchable in Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane. In addition, for the performance of the meta-analysis, the documentation and quantification of the heterogeneity in each meta-analysis were directed through the Cochran's Q test and the I2 statistic; in addition, a publication bias analysis was performed using funnel plots. Of the total of 241 studies identified in the search, 11 studies for the systematic review and nine for the meta-analysis met the exclusion and/or inclusion criteria. IMT, with PwB, showed significant improvements in maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and substantial improvements in forced vital capacity (FVC) in the meta-analysis results. Also, sports performance was significantly increased by IMT with PwB. In conclusion, the use of PwB is an IMT tool that improves respiratory and sports performance.

How Do the Abdominal Muscles Change during Hypopressive Exercise?

Background and objective: Prior studies have reported an activation of abdominal muscles during hypopressive exercises in women with pelvic floor disfunction. However, no previous research analyzed the effects of hypopressive exercise on abdominal muscles in healthy populations to understand the normal biomechanics of this area. The aim of this study was to examine the thickness of abdominal muscles at rest and during hypopressive exercise in supine and standing positions with ultrasound imaging in healthy adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 99 healthy university students. The thickness of the abdominal muscles at rest and during hypopressive exercise was assessed with ultrasound imaging in supine and standing positions. Results: During hypopressive exercise, there was a significant increase in the muscle thickness of transversus abdominis (p < 0.001) and internal oblique (p < 0.001) in supine and standing positions. External oblique only increased its thickness significantly in the standing position (p < 0.001) and rectus abdominis did not change during the hypopressive exercise in any position (p > 0.05). In conclusion, hypopressive exercises seem to increase the thickness of the deepest and most stabilized muscles such as transversus abdominis and internal oblique. Conclusions: These findings should be considered for future interventions with hypopressive exercises in healthy subjects.

Are There Any Differences in Abdominal Activation between Women and Men during Hypopressive Exercises?

This study analyzes the effects of hypopressive exercises on the abdominal thickness of healthy subjects and compares the performance between women and men. We conducted a transversal observational study in 98 subjects (63% women). The muscle thickness is analyzed in transversus abdominis, internal oblique, external oblique, and rectus abdominis with ultrasound imaging at rest and during the hypopressive exercise (HE) in supine and standing position. Comparisons between rest and hypopressive exercise are carried out in the two different positions and between women and men. In the supine position, there is a significant activation of the transversus abdominis and internal oblique during hypopressive exercise (p < 0.001), and it is similar in both sexes, the external oblique is only activated significantly by men (p < 0.001) and rectus abdominis had no significant activation (p > 0.05). Our results show that standing transversus abdominis and external oblique significantly increased their thickness during HE with higher effects in men. Internal oblique also increased significantly, but with higher effects in women, and rectus abdominis had no significant increase. Men had similar effects to women during HE, with an activation of the deepest abdominal muscles. The unequal anatomy and the position could explain the different results obtained between the sexes.

Ecografía pulmonar en neonatos / Lung ultrasound in newborns

Introducción: La ecografía pulmonar presenta diferentes ventajas con respecto a otras técnicas de imagen diagnóstica. Consiste en un procedimiento dirigido, rápido, menos costoso y que no expone a los pacientes a radiación ionizante. Objetivo: Comprobar la capacidad diagnóstica de la ecografía pulmonar en neonatos y su viabilidad como método diagnóstico alternativo a los principales métodos actuales. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las siguientes bases de datos y buscador de artículos: Medline, Cinahl, Scopus, Web of science, durante los meses de enero y febrero de 2018. Se localizaron 96 artículos, de los cuales se retiraron 80 tras aplicar los criterios de exclusión. La muestra quedó, por lo tanto, conformada por 16 artículos publicados en los últimos cinco años. Resultados: En 6 de los artículos seleccionados, se comparó la ecografía pulmonar con otras pruebas de diagnóstico por imagen, otros 6 evaluaron los hallazgos encontrados en pacientes ya diagnosticados y en los 4 restantes, los autores establecieron una clasificación según los signos ecográficos. Consideraciones finales: La ecografía pulmonar tiene resultados positivos en la totalidad de los estudios analizados, por ello, parece una herramienta diagnóstica de enfermedad pulmonar neonatal viable en un futuro próximo, que, además, tiene múltiples ventajas con respecto a otros métodos(AU)

Introduction: Lung ultrasound has different advantages in respect to other imaging diagnosis techniques. It is a directed, quick, less expensive technique and in which the patient is not exposed to ionizing radiation. Objective: To confirm the diagnosis ability of lung ultrasound in newborns and its feasibility as a diagnosis method to alternate with the current main procedures. Methods: It was carried out a bibliographic search in databases and articles searchers as Medline, Cinahl, Scopus, Web of science during January and February 2018. 96 articles were found but 80 of them were removed after implementing the exclusion criteria. Therefore, the sample was formed by 16 articles published in the last five years. Results: In 6 of the selected articles it was compared lung ultrasound with other imaging diagnosis tests; other 6 articles assessed the findings in already diagnosed patients, and in the other 4 patients it was established a classification according to the echographic signs. Final considerations: Lung ultrasound has positive results in all the studies assessed, so, it looks like a viable tool in the near future for the diagnosis of neonatal lung disease, and in addition it has multiple advantages with respect to other methods(AU)

Early 3-month treatment with comprehensive physical therapy program restores continence in urinary incontinence patients after radical prostatectomy: A randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: The objective of this study is to ascertain whether an early three-month treatment with electrotherapy and biofeedback restores continence in urinary incontinence patients after radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: Design: The study performed a randomized, controlled trial of parallel and open groups. Configuration: Secondary care, urology department of a university hospital complex. PARTICIPANTS: Patients sent for RP due to prostate cancer (n = 60), 47 patients finally completed the study. INTERVENTIONS: The treatment group (TG) received physiotherapy consisting of electrotherapy and biofeedback, 3 days a week for 3 months, while the control group (CG) received no specific treatment. Both groups received a guide to perform pelvic floor exercises at home. The measurement instruments used were the 1- and 24-hour pad tests and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short-Form. The recording method used was a micturition (urinary) diary. RESULTS: The results of the 1-hour pad test (PT) show statistically significant differences between groups at 3 months (P = .001) and 6 months (P = .001), in favor of those in the TG. Sixty-four percent of patients in the TG recovered continence as against 9.1% in the CG after 3 months in the 1-hour PT, in line with the objective of this study. CONCLUSIONS: An early physiotherapy program helps RP patients with urinary incontinence recover continence after 3 months. Moreover, they lead a better quality life.

Influencia de las variables sociodemográficas y socioeducativas en el rendimiento académico de alumnos del Grado en Fisioterapia / Influence of socio-demographic-educational variables on the academic performance of students of the Physical Therapy Degree

Objetivo: Conocer la influencia de las variables sociodemográficas y socioeducativas sobre el rendimiento académico de los alumnos del Grado en Fisioterapia. Sujetos y métodos: La muestra estaba formada por 151 alumnos matriculados en el Grado en Fisioterapia de la Universidad de Vigo en el curso 2010-2011. Mediante una encuesta se obtuvieron los datos necesarios relativos a las variables sociodemográficas y socioeducativas; para medir el rendimiento académico se tuvo en cuenta, además de la nota media, la tasa de rendimiento, la tasa de intento y la tasa de éxito. Se aplicaron contrastes estadísticos bivariantes para la correlación de dichas variables. Resultados: Variables sociodemográficas como la edad, la residencia, el compaginar estudios y trabajo o tener otras obligaciones, además de los estudios, influyen sobre el rendimiento académico. En cuanto a las variables socioeducativas, se ha comprobado que el curso, la vía de ingreso, la primera opción de matrícula o ser repetidor son variables que se correlacionan con el rendimiento académico. Conclusiones: Existen numerosas variables que afectan al rendimiento académico, pero tan sólo la residencia durante el curso, el curso académico y la vía de ingreso a los estudios afectan finalmente a la nota media

Aim: To determine the influence of socio-demographic and socio-educational variables on the academic performance of students of the Physical Therapy Degree. Subjects and methods: The population was comprised of 151 students enrolled in the Physical Therapy degree. Through a survey, we have obtained the necessary data on socio-demographic and socio-educational variables. In order to measure the academic performance, it has been taken into account, in addition to the grade point average, the rate of return, the rate of attempts and the success rate. Results: Socio-demographic variables such as age, residence, combining studies and work or having other obligations in addition to the studies, impact on academic performance in terms of socio-educational variables. We have found out that the course, the route of entry, the first enrollment option or being a student repeating a year are variables that correlate with academic performance. Conclusions: There are many variables that affect academic performance, however, only the residence during the course, the academic course and the entrance road to the studies ultimately affect the average mark