Effectiveness of a Web-Guided Self-Managed Telerehabilitation Program Enhanced with Outdoor Physical Activity on Physical Function, Physical Activity Levels and Pain in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Telerehabilitation to guide self-management has been shown to be a feasible care strategy for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a blended web-based rehabilitation program enhanced with outdoor physical activity (BWR-OPA) and consultation versus an OPA (usual care) program in KOA patients. Methods: Forty-four KOA participants were prescribed to follow the programs five times/week for 6 weeks. The primary outcome was self-reported physical function, measured by the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). The secondary outcomes were pain, PA, function (timed up-and-go (TUG) test, 30 s chair rise test (30 s CRT)), psychological functioning and QoL. Results: There was a significant difference between the groups' KOOSs for pain and symptom subscales at the 6- and 12-week post-intervention assessments compared to baseline (p < 0.005) favoring the BWR-OPA group. There was a superior improvement in PA in the BWR-OPA training group (p < 0.05). Statistical and clinical improvements were found (p < 0.001) with effect sizes over 2.0 for objective measures of function. Similar improvements were recorded over time (p < 0.005) at 12 weeks for QoL, KOOS subscales for ADL, QoL and sports/recreation and psychological functioning for both groups. Conclusions: A blended web-based self-managed care program with outdoor PA was superior in many respects to usual care in KOA participants.

Preliminary Insights into the Diagnostic Accuracy of the Modified Arm Care Screen Test for Overhead Athletes: An On-Field Tool for Injury Prevention.

BACKGROUND: The Arm Care Screen was developed to detect musculoskeletal limitations that could affect performance or even increase the risk for shoulder injuries in overhead athletes. This study aimed to assess the discriminant validity of the modified Arm Care Screen in overhead athletes. METHODS: Sixty-two overhead athletes (mean age: 24.5 ± 4.2 years) were recruited. The athletes underwent a comprehensive Arm Care Screen evaluation, including reciprocal shoulder mobility, total body rotation, lower body diagonal reach, and rotary stability assessments. Ten different musculoskeletal measurements were independently measured by two physical therapists. RESULTS: The modified Arm Care Screen showed moderate to strong associations (phi values ranged from 0.273 to 0.905) with the respective musculoskeletal range of motion and balance measurements. Sensitivity ranged from 81.25% to 88.57%, indicating a high true positive rate, and specificity ranged from 43.75% to 94.44%, indicating a moderate to strong positive rate. Positive and negative likelihood ratios ranged from 1.48 to 15.92 and 0.12 to 0.38, respectively. The positive and negative predictive value ranged from 58.14% to 92% and from 73.68% to 93.18%, respectively. The accuracy of the modified ACS ranged from 62.90% to 91.94%. CONCLUSION: The modified Arm Care Screen demonstrated promising diagnostic accuracy in identifying significant movement restrictions.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Reliability, and Validity of the Greek Version of the Fremantle Shoulder Awareness Questionnaire (FreSHAQ-GR) in Patients with Chronic Shoulder Pain.

Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal pathologies. The association of shoulder pain with impaired proprioception and bodily self-awareness called for the cross-cultural adaptation of the Fremantle Shoulder Awareness Questionnaire (FreSHAQ) in Greek. The FreSHAQ is a relatively new self-assessment 9-item scale for impaired somatic awareness in patients with shoulder pain. The study included 100 participants (54 women) between 20 and 80 years old, with chronic shoulder pain (>3 months duration), able to comprehend and speak Greek, and recruited from three private physical therapy practices. The cross-cultural adaptation process was followed to develop the Greek version of the questionnaire (FreSHAQ-GR). Further testing for construct validity via exploratory factor analysis and correlational analysis with the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), the Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH), the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS), a pain intensity visual analog scale (PI-VAS) in the last week, and the demographic characteristics followed. Test-retest reliability of the FreSHAQ-GR in a sub-sample of patients (n = 25) was tested upon repeated completion of the scale after a week and examined with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), the standard error of the measurement (SEM), and the minimum detectable change (MDC) indices. The internal consistency of the scale was also assessed. The factor analysis revealed that the scale comprised one factor relevant to shoulder awareness but with fewer items (first 6 items) than the original FreSHAQ. Additionally, the FreSHAQ-GR (both versions) demonstrated statistically significant correlations (Spearman's r) with participants' age (r = -0.31/-0.29, p < 0.002), the PI-VAS (r = 0.54/0.52, p < 0.001), the SPADI total score and both of its subscales (r = 0.39-0.45/0.34-0.39, p < 0.001), the QuickDASH (r = 0.37/0.34, p < 0.001), and the PCS (r = 0.50/0.40, p < 0.001). The questionnaire's internal consistency (Cronbach's α/McDonald's ω) was 0.833/0.827 for the 9-item and 0.871/0.867 for the 6-item FreSHAQ-GR. Test-retest reliability was excellent for both versions of the FreSHAQ-GR (ICC2,1(95% CI) = 0.97/0.98 (0.91-0.99/0.94-0.99), and with a low error margin (SEM = 1.31/0.94 and MDC95% = 3.63/2.61). Therefore, the FreSHAQ-GR (6-item version) possesses very good measurement properties and can be administered to Greek-speaking patients with chronic shoulder pain.

Is manual therapy of the diaphragm effective for people with obstructive lung diseases? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Diaphragm dysfunction is common among people with obstructive lung disease (OLD). The effectiveness of manual therapy (MT) techniques specifically targeting this region remains unclear. The scope of this systematic review is to investigate the effectiveness of MT on the zone of apposition (ΖΟΑ) of the diaphragm in lung function, diaphragm excursion (DE), chest expansion, exercise capacity (EC), maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) and dyspnea in people suffering from OLD. METHODS: Key databases were systematically searched. Two independent reviewers screened the papers for inclusion. Methodological quality and the quality of evidence were assessed using the PEDro scale and the GRADE approach, respectively. RESULTS: Two studies were included. One showed that diaphragmatic stretching and the manual diaphragm release technique (MDRT) improved DE and CE (p<0.001, p<0.05, respectively). The other showed that MDRT improved DE and EC (p<0.05, p<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: This systematic review provides preliminary evidence on the effectiveness of MT on the ZOA of the diaphragm in people with COPD. Further research is needed in order for definitive conclusions to be drawn. REGISTRATION NUMBER IN PROSPERO: CRD42022308595.

Low-Intensity Blood Flow Restriction Exercises Modulate Pain Sensitivity in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review.

Low-intensity exercise with blood flow restriction (LIE-BFR) has been proposed as an effective intervention to induce hypoalgesia in both healthy individuals and patients with knee pain. Nevertheless, there is no systematic review reporting the effect of this method on pain threshold. We aimed to evaluate the following: (i) the effect of LIE-BFR on pain threshold compared to other interventions in patients or healthy individuals; and (ii) how different types of applications may influence hypoalgesic response. We included randomized controlled trials assessing the effectiveness of LIE-BFR alone or as an additive intervention compared with controls or other interventions. Pain threshold was the outcome measure. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro score. Six studies with 189 healthy adults were included. Five studies were rated with 'moderate' and 'high' methodological quality. Due to substantial clinical heterogeneity, quantitative synthesis could not be performed. All studies used pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) to assess pain sensitivity. LIE-BFR resulted in significant increases in PPTs compared to conventional exercise at local and remote sites 5 min post-intervention. Higher-pressure BFR results in greater exercise-induced hypoalgesia compared to lower pressure, while exercise to failure produces a similar reduction in pain sensitivity with or without BFR. Based on our findings, LIE-BFR can be an effective intervention to increase pain threshold; however, the effect depends on the exercise methodology. Further research is necessary to investigate the effectiveness of this method in reducing pain sensitivity in patients with pain symptomatology.

Low-Load Resistance Training With Blood Flow Restriction Is Effective for Managing Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction (LLRT-BFR) when compared to LLRT with sham-BFR in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET). DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Forty-six patients with LET were randomly assigned to a LLRT-BFR or a LLRT with sham-BFR treatment group. All patients received soft tissue massage, supervised exercises with BFR or sham intervention (twice a week for 6 weeks), advice, and a home exercise program. The primary outcome measures were pain intensity, patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE) score, pain-free grip strength, and global rating of change, measured at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Between-group differences were evaluated using mixed-effects models with participant-specific random effects for continuous data. Global rating of change was analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Statistically significant between-group differences were found in favor of LLRT-BFR compared to LLRT with sham-BFR in pain intensity at 12-week follow-up (-1.54, 95% CI: -2.89 to -0.18; P = .026), pain-free grip strength ratio at 6-week follow-up (0.20, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.34; P = .005), and PRTEE at 6- and 12-week follow-up (-11.92, 95% CI: -20.26 to -3.59; P = .006, and -15.23, 95% CI: -23.57 to -6.9; P<.001, respectively). At 6- and 12-weeks, patients in the LLRT-BFR group had greater odds of reporting complete recovery or significant improvement (OR = 6.0, OR = 4.09, respectively). CONCLUSION: Low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction produced significantly better results compared to the LLRT with sham-BFR for all primary outcomes. Considering the clinically significant between-group improvement in function (>11 points in PRTEE) and the better success rates in the LLRT-BFR group, this intervention may improve recovery in LET. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2022;52(12):803-825. Epub: 14 September 2022. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.11211.

How effective is a blended web-based rehabilitation for improving pain, physical activity, and knee function of patients with knee osteoarthritis? Study protocol for a randomized control trial.

Due to the chronic nature of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) self-management is considered an essential part of therapy to improve physical function, activity, pain and quality of life (QoL). Web-based rehabilitation may be a potential innovative mode of patient' training to guide management compared to usual care, especially with the current restrictions pandemic imposed. Moreover, in order to alter KOA patients' behavior towards physical activity (PA), it may be more attractive and motivating to combine within their rehabilitation program, outdoor real life local activity that could feasible to be sustained in the future. Aim of the current study is to evaluate the effects of a blended web-based rehabilitation compared with structured PA alone in patients with KOA. This is a randomized multi-center study with two prospective arms. Fifty-six eligible participants with KOA will be recruited from the West Attica region (considered as structurally weak areas). After a comprehensive face-to face training session, participants will follow a 6-week web-based rehabilitation program, consisting of exercise, advice material enhanced outdoor structured PA. The control group will be encouraged to follow the outdoor structured PA alone. Baseline, 6-week and 12-week follow up assessments will be performed. The primary outcome is self-reported physical function as measured by the Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Secondary measures include pain, function (Timed Up and Go Test, Sit to Stand test), PA levels (Lower Extremity Activity Scale, Baecke Scale and pedometer), psychological perspective (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia) and health-related QoL (Short-Form 12). Baseline-adjusted Analysis of Variance will be used to test for group differences in the primary and secondary outcomes. The study will evaluate the blended web-based exercise and advice material, enhanced with outdoor PA in many respects compared to the outdoor PA alone so as to promote self-management care programs for KOA patients. Trial registration: Prospectively registered ISRCTN12950684 (27-09-2020).

Diagnostic accuracy of examination tests for lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) - A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Reviews on the diagnostic performance of the examination tests for lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) based on updated context-specific tools and guidelines are missing. PURPOSE: To review the diagnostic accuracy of examination tests used in LET. DESIGN: Systematic review following PRISMA-DTA guidelines. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PEDro, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library databases. The QUADAS-2 checklist was used to assess the methodological quality of the eligible studies. We included diagnostic studies reporting the accuracy of physical examination tests or imaging modalities used in patients with LET. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies with 1370 participants were identified reporting the diagnostic performance of Ultrasound Imaging (USI) (18 studies), physical examination tests (2 studies) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (4 studies). Most studies (97%) were assessed with "unclear" or "high risk" of bias. Sonoelastography showed the highest sensitivity (75- 100%) and specificity (85- 96%). Grayscale with or without Doppler USI presented poor to excellent values (sensitivity: 53%-100%, specificity: 42%-90%). MRI performed better in the diagnosis of tendon thickening and enthesopathy (sensitivity and specificity: 81%-100%). The Cozen's test reported high sensitivity (91%) while a grip strength difference of 5%-10% between elbow flexion and extension showed high sensitivity (78%-83%) and specificity (80%-90%). CONCLUSIONS: Cozen's test and grip strength measurement present high accuracy in the diagnosis of LET but are poorly investigated. USI and MRI provide variable diagnostic accuracy depending on the entities reported and should be recommended with caution when differential diagnosis is necessary. Substantial heterogeneity was found in inclusion criteria, operator/ examiner, mode of application, type of equipment and reference standards across the studies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO ID CRD42020160402.

The Effect of Body Position and the Reliability of Upper Limb Arterial Occlusion Pressure Using a Handheld Doppler Ultrasound for Blood Flow Restriction Training.

BACKGROUND: The precise calculation of arterial occlusive pressure is essential to accurately prescribe individualized pressures during blood flow restriction training. Arterial occlusion pressure in the lower limb varies significantly between different body positions while similar reports for the upper limb are lacking. HYPOTHESIS: Body position has a significant effect in upper limb arterial occlusive pressure. Using cuffs with manual pump and a handheld Doppler ultrasound can be a reliable method to determine upper limb arterial blood flow restriction. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized repeated measures design. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: Forty-two healthy participants (age mean ± SD = 28.1 ± 7.7 years) completed measurements in supine, seated, and standing position by 3 blinded raters. A cuff with a manual pump and a handheld acoustic ultrasound were used. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test with Bonferroni correction was used to analyze differences between body positions. A within-subject coefficient of variation and an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) test were used to calculate reproducibility and reliability, respectively. RESULTS: A significantly higher upper limb arterial occlusive pressure was found in seated compared with supine position (P < 0.031) and in supine compared with standing position (P < 0.031) in all raters. An ICC of 0.894 (95% CI = 0.824-0.939, P < 0.001) was found in supine, 0.973 (95% CI = 0.955-0.985, P < 0.001) in seated, and 0.984 (95% CI = 0.973-0.991, P < 0.001) in standing position. ICC for test-retest reliability was found 0.90 (95% CI = 0.814-0.946, P < 0.001), 0.873 (95% CI = 0.762-0.93, P < 0.001), and 0.858 (95% CI = 0.737-0.923, P < 0.001) in the supine, seated, and standing position, respectively. CONCLUSION: Upper limb arterial occlusive pressure was significantly dependent on body position. The method showed excellent interrater reliability and repeatability between different days. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Prescription of individualized pressures during blood flow restriction training requires measurement of upper limb arterial occlusive pressure in the appropriate position. The use of occlusion cuffs with a manual pump and a handheld Doppler ultrasound showed excellent reliability; however, the increased measurement error compared with the differences in arterial occlusive pressure between certain positions should be carefully considered for the clinical application of the method. STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATIONS TAXONOMY (SORT): B.

"Greek KOOS-Child: a valid, disease specific, diagnostically accurate and responsive PROM in children with knee-related pathology".

PURPOSE: The Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)-Child questionnaire is one of the frequently child-friendly measures used in pediatric studies. The aim of this study was to transculturally adapt the Greek version of KOOS-Child and evaluate its clinimetric properties in children with knee disorders. METHODS: Children visiting the Outpatients Orthopaedic Clinic of a Greek Paediatric General Hospital were considered eligible if they were aged 8-14 years, had a knee soft tissue injury and associated physical limitations. The transcultural adaptation was based on a multistage backward translation approach. Participants completed the KOOS-Child at their first visit to the orthopedic specialist (baseline), 2 weeks and 3 months after baseline. Content validity of the KOOS-Child was evaluated using general QoL measures (KIDSCREEN and Kid-KINDL) and construct validity was explored by correlating relevant items. Responsiveness was evaluated according to the children's response on the given orthopeadic treatment. RESULTS: Sample consisted of 59 children (30 males), aged: 11 ± 1.8 years. The KOOS-Child showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's a: 0.80-0.96). Adequate convergent validity with > 75% relevant a priori hypotheses was confirmed. Construct validity was moderate to strong (Pearson's r correlations between related KOOS and Kid-KINDL subdimensions: 0.54-0.62). KOOS and KIDSCREEN subdimensions correlations were fair (Pearson's r correlations: 0.32-0.65). KOOS-Child's diagnostic accuracy was high. Factor analysis extracted height factors accounting for 76.15% of the total variance, confirmed by the scree plot. Responsiveness was moderate to high with Cohen's d from 0.6 to 1.4. CONCLUSION: The Greek version of the KOOS-Child demonstrated excellent internal consistency, good construct validity, diagnostic accuracy and interpretability as well as good responsiveness. The measure could be used across Greek children with orthopaedic knee problems. Generalisability of findings is limited due to the relatively limited cohort. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Early initiation of home-based sensori-motor training improves muscle strength, activation and size in patients after knee replacement: a secondary analysis of a controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: There is accumulating evidence for the advantages of rehabilitation involving sensori-motor training (SMT) following total knee replacement (TKR). However, the best way in which to deliver SMT remains elusive because of potential interference effects amongst concurrent exercise stimuli for optimal neuromuscular and morphological adaptations. The aim of this study was to use additional outcomes (i.e. muscle strength, activation and size) from a published parent study to compare the effects of early-initiated home-based rehabilitative SMT with functional exercise training (usual care) in patients undergoing TKR. METHODS: A controlled clinical trial was conducted at the Orthopedic University Hospital of Rion, Greece involving allocation concealment to patients. Fifty-two patients electing to undergo TKR were randomised to either early-initiated SMT [experimental] or functional exercise training [control] in a home-based environment. Groups were prescribed equivalent duration of exercise during 12-weeks, 3-5 sessions of ~ 40 min per week of home-based programmes. Muscle strength and activation (peak force [PF]; peak amplitude [Peak Amp.] and root mean square of integrated electromyography [RMS iEMG]), muscular size (including rectus femoris muscle cross-sectional area [CSARF]), and knee ROM were assessed on three separate occasions (pre-surgery [0 weeks]; 8 weeks post-surgery; 14 weeks post-surgery). RESULTS: Patients undertaking SMT rehabilitation showed significantly greater improvements over the 14 weeks compared to control in outcomes including quadriceps PF (25.1 ± 18.5 N vs 12.4 ± 20.8 N); iPeak Amp. (188 ± 109.5% vs 25 ± 105.8%); CSARF (252.0 ± 101.0 mm2 vs 156.7 ± 76.2 mm2), respectively (p < 0.005); Knee ROM did not offer clinically relevant changes (p: ns) between groups over time. At 14 weeks post-surgery, the SMT group's and control group's performances differed by relative effect sizes (Cohen's d) ranging between 0.64 and 1.06. CONCLUSION: A prescribed equivalent time spent in SMT compared to usual practice, delivered within a home-based environment, elicited superior restoration of muscle strength, activation and size in patients following TKR. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN12101643 , December 2017 (retrospective registration).

Early self-managed focal sensorimotor rehabilitative training enhances functional mobility and sensorimotor function in patients following total knee replacement: a controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of early self-managed focal sensorimotor training compared to functional exercise training after total knee replacement on functional mobility and sensorimotor function. DESIGN: A single-blind controlled clinical trial. SETTING: University Hospital of Rion, Greece. SUBJECTS: A total of 52 participants following total knee replacement. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the Timed Up and Go Test and the secondary outcomes were balance, joint position error, the Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale, and pain. Patients were assessed on three separate occasions (presurgery, 8 weeks post surgery, and 14 weeks post surgery). INTERVENTION: Participants were randomized to either focal sensorimotor exercise training (experimental group) or functional exercise training (control group). Both groups received a 12-week home-based programme prescribed for 3-5 sessions/week (35-45 minutes). RESULTS: Consistently greater improvements ( F2,98 = 4.3 to 24.8; P < 0.05) in group mean scores favour the experimental group compared to the control group: Timed Up and Go (7.8 ± 2.9 seconds vs. 4.6 ± 2.6 seconds); balance (2.1 ± 0.9° vs. 0.7 ± 1.2°); joint position error (13.8 ± 7.3° vs. 6.2 ± 9.1°); Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale (44.2 ± 11.3 vs. 26.1 ± 11.4); and pain (5.9 ± 1.3 cm vs. 4.6 ± 1.1 cm). Patterns of improvement for the experimental group over time were represented by a relative effect size range of 1.3-6.5. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the magnitude of improvements in functional mobility and sensorimotor function endorses using focal sensorimotor training as an effective mode of rehabilitation following knee replacement.

Greek Physiotherapists' Perspectives on Rehabilitation Following Total Knee Replacement: a Descriptive Survey.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In Greece, as in many countries, there is a scarcity of evidence in the type of physiotherapy services offered for the rehabilitation of total knee replacement (TKR). Despite the number of TKRs annually performed in Greece (over 10,000), there are no available clinical guidelines as to the content of best physiotherapy practice. The aim of this nationwide survey undertaken by physiotherapists treating TKR patients post-operatively was to record standard practice and services available in Greece. METHODS: Design: cross-country survey Ten per cent of all registered physiotherapists working in public/private sectors were recruited. The developed survey comprised of questions regarding therapists' profile, protocols implemented at different stages of rehabilitation and the aims and modalities used. RESULTS: A 58.7% response rate was achieved, where 36% (47/132) of respondents were treating patients in the inpatient phase and 64% (85/132) after hospital discharge. Patients in Greece are discharged with a home-based exercise program (56.7%) and, to a lesser extent, are referred to rehabilitation centres (13.3%). Strengthening, range of movement and functionality seemed to be the primary goals especially in the inpatient phase, whereas in the outpatient phase, apart from the larger differences identified, functionality and balance training were more frequently reported. CONCLUSIONS: No significant variations in practice were found during inpatient rehabilitation, whilst there seemed to be diversity across outpatient physiotherapy programs. The current survey suggests that patient's general health and psychological and behavioural issues are the criteria by which physiotherapists select the volume of implemented exercise and progression. However, no specific guidelines were followed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Cross-cultural translation and validation of the Greek version of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) in patients with total knee replacement.

PURPOSE: Aim of this study is to assess the psychometric properties of the developed Greek version of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) in total knee replacement (TKR) patients. METHODS: Psychometric properties of the Greek version of KOOS were evaluated according to the Consensus-based Standards Measurements Instruments (COSMIN) checklist. Patients' pre-operative clinical status and post-operative outcomes at two occasions (at discharge and 10-12 days post-operatively) were evaluated using the KOOS, KOS-ADL and SF-12 Health Survey. RESULTS: A comprehensive Greek KOOS was piloted and well accepted by patients and therefore administered to 60 consecutive TKR patients (mean age 72.2 ± 7.2 years, 39 women). Excellent Internal consistency, good test-retest reliability of KOOS and KOOS 5 subdomains, respectively [ICC(2-1) 0.76, 95% CI = 0.235-0.902 and 0.89, 95% CI = 0.843-0.927] was yielded. A priori hypotheses for construct validity were confirmed with KOOS score and subdomains for pain, symptoms and Everyday Living function (ADL) correlating moderately with KOS-ADL. Responsiveness for KOOS subdomains of Pain and Symptoms yielded moderate effect size (ES = 0.4). CONCLUSION: The Greek KOOS was found to be a practical and comprehensible self-reported measure for TKR patients with acceptable psychometric properties. It is therefore, recommendable for usage in future clinical trials and clinical practice. Implications for Rehabilitation The Greek version of KOOS is an essential assessment scale to evaluate not only acute injuries but also chronic knee associated conditions in a holistic perspective. The Greek KOOS has been found to be a practical and comprehensible self-reported measure for TKR patients with acceptable psychometric properties, recommendable for usage in future clinical trials and clinical practice. KOOS Greek version (downloadable at the official site http://www.koos.nu/koosgreek.pdf ) was used in the validity study.

Investigation of the effects of a centrally applied lumbar sustained natural apophyseal glide mobilization on lower limb sympathetic nervous system activity in asymptomatic subjects.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a manual mobilization technique on indirect measures of sympathetic nervous system activity. METHODS: Forty-five healthy volunteers participated in this randomized, single-blinded, parallel-group 3-arm design (experimental, sham [placebo], and control group), comprising 15 subjects each. For the experimental group, lumbar mobilization involving an active movement, the Mulligan sustained natural apophyseal glide (SNAG), was applied on L4 spinous process by an experienced manual therapist. Sustained natural apophyseal glides were performed in sitting with active flexion (6 times × 3 sets). The sham technique simulated the SNAG without applying any force. In the control group, participants were placed in a static sitting position throughout the experiment. Measures of skin conductance in the lower limbs (L4 dermatome) were recorded to reflect sympathetic nervous system activity in the preintervention, periintervention, and postintervention periods. Differences in percentage change of skin conductance were analyzed with analysis of variance and post hoc tests. RESULTS: Lumbar SNAG produced sympathoexcitation compared with the control group in the intervention period (P = .04). No significant difference was found between SNAG and sham groups, and no statistically significant difference was found between groups in the final rest period. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that, in asymptomatic participants, both lumbar SNAG and sham techniques performed on L4/5 intervertebral joint with active flexion induced a sympathoexcitatory response in lower limbs compared with the control group.

The effects of the Mulligan Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glide (SNAG) mobilisation in the lumbar flexion range of asymptomatic subjects as measured by the Zebris CMS20 3-D motion analysis system.

BACKGROUND: Mulligan's mobilisation techniques are thought to increase the range of movement (ROM) in patients with low back pain. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the application of the Mulligan's Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glide (SNAG) technique on lumbar flexion ROM. The secondary aim was to measure the intra- and inter-day reliability of lumbar ROM employing the same procedure. METHODS: 49 asymptomatic volunteers participated in this double-blinded study. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either SNAG mobilisation (n = 25), or a sham mobilisation (n = 24). The SNAG technique was applied at the L3and L4 spinal levels with active flexion in sitting by an experienced manual therapist. Three sets of 10 repetitions at each of the two spinal levels were performed. The sham mobilisation was similar to the SNAG but did not apply the appropriate direction or force. Lumbar ROM was measured by a three dimensional electronic goniometer (Zebris CMS20), before and after each technique. For the reliability, five measurements in two different days (one week apart) were performed in 20 healthy subjects. RESULTS: When both interventions were compared, independent t tests yielded no statistically significant results in ROM between groups (p = 0.673). Furthermore no significant within group differences were observed: SNAG (p = 0.842), sham (p = 0.169). Intra- and inter-day reliability of flexion measurements was high (ICC(1,1) > 0.82, SEM < 4.0 degrees , SDD<16.3%) indicating acceptable clinical applicability. CONCLUSION: While the Zebris proved to be a reliable device for measuring lumbar flexion ROM, SNAG mobilisation did not demonstrate significant differences in flexion ROM when compared to sham mobilisation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials NCT00678093.