Which Multimodal Physiotherapy Treatment Is the Most Effective in People with Shoulder Pain? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses.

The study aimed to determine if combined physiotherapy treatments offer additional benefits over exercise-only programs for shoulder pain and to identify the most effective combined treatment. A systematic review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023417709), and meta-analyses were conducted. Quality analysis was performed using the PEDro scale on randomized clinical trials published from 2018 to 2023. Twenty articles met the inclusion criteria. The most commonly used combination was exercise plus manual therapy, without being statistically superior to exercise alone. The meta-analysis indicated that combining exercise with low-level laser therapy (mean difference of -1.06, 95% CI: -1.51 to -0.60) and high-intensity laser therapy (mean difference of -0.53, 95% CI: -1.12 to 0.06) resulted in the greatest reduction in SPADI scores. Adding manual therapy provided limited additional benefit (mean difference of -0.24, 95% CI: -0.74 to 0.27). Progressive exercise with advice or telerehabilitation yielded modest improvements. The multimodal meta-analysis for DASH scores showed significant improvement (mean difference of -1.06, 95% CI: -1.51 to -0.60). In conclusion, therapeutic exercise is the cornerstone of shoulder pain treatment, with the addition of laser therapy showing substantial benefits. Manual therapy and educational interventions offer some benefits but are not consistently superior. More rigorous studies are needed.

Effects of the menstrual cycle on the performance of female football players. A systematic review.

Background: Women's football has been booming for a few years now, which has led to an increase in the expectation of the players' performance, leading to a more detailed study of women's physiology in the field of sports. Objectives: To analyze the scientific evidence on the influence of menstruation on the performance of female footballers, as well as to analyze the methodological quality of the studies included in this review. Materials and methods: The possible hormonal effects of the menstrual cycle phases on the performance of female footballers were analyzed. The databases used to conduct the searches were Pubmed, Scopus, Virtual Health Library, Web of Science, EBSCO and the Cochrane Library. All included studies met the inclusion criteria. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used. This systematic review protocol was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42023390652). Results: A total of nine clinical trials were included in this review. A low quality of evidence was observed in the studies. Not all the results support the idea that the menstrual cycle phases can alter the performance of female footballers. Conclusion: This systematic review shows that there is a great deal of controversy about the influence of the menstrual cycle phases on the performance of female footballers. Studies are focused on solely biological factors and gender is normally no part of those studies. Further research with larger samples, and taking not only biological but also sociological factors, are necessary to determine the effects of menstruation on the performance of female footballers.

Association between elasticity of tissue and pain pressure threshold in the tender points present in subjects with fibromyalgia: a cross-sectional study.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a multicomponent illness and despite its worldwide prevalence, a complete understanding of its aetiology and pathogenesis remains unclear. The goal of the study is to analyze the level of association between elastic properties of tissue measured by strain elastography (SEL) and pain pressure threshold (PPT) in the characteristic painful points described in patients suffering from FM. This was a cross-sectional, observational study. A sample comprised of 42 subjects with FM was recruited from a private care centre. The occiput, low cervical, trapezius, supraspinatus, paraspinous, lateral pectoral, second rib, lateral epicondyle, medial epicondyle, gluteus, greater trochanter, knee, and anterior tibial PPTs were bilaterally assessed using a standard pressure algometer and elastic properties of tissue were evaluated by SEL. Linear regression analysis showed significant associations between SEL and dominant trapezius PPT (ß = 0.487, 95% CI [0.045, 0.930], p = 0.032) after adjustments for the age, body mass index, and menopause status (higher SEL and higher pain sensitivity). No significant associations between SEL and the other PPTs variables were found in women diagnosed with FM. The PPT of the dominant trapezius is associated with SEL measurements in subjects suffering from FM. More studies are required to fully explain the underlying mechanisms.

Adhesive Capsulitis of the Ankle (Frozen Ankle): An Infrequent Syndrome.

Adhesive capsulitis, characterized by progressive fibrosis, causes a gradual, painful loss of both active and passive articular motion, leading to the final contracture of the joint capsule. The condition commonly referred to as "frozen ankle" (FA), which Goldman was the first to use, relates to the ankle joint and is challenging to both diagnose and treat. Data acquired from people who suffer from this type of damage in other joints such as the shoulder, hip, and wrist also exists. Despite the fact that a well-defined model for the medical management of FA does not exist, a wide spectrum of local treatments, both surgical and non-surgical, exist. This review gives an overview of the current scientific position of the frozen ankle in terms of evolutionary factors, etiology, the different mechanisms of action involved, current treatment options, and other possible interventions based on recent discoveries of pathophysiological mechanisms. The application of extracorporeal shockwave therapy, stretching exercises, and corticosteroid injections combined with physical therapy modalities that enhance pain management, range of motion, and functional capacity is highly advisable for the treatment of adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as "frozen joints". Furthermore, the addition of interventions both impacting and analyzing chronic hypoxia, low-grade inflammation, and sedentary life is proposed.

Patellar Tendon Elasticity and Temperature Following after a 448 Kilohertz Radiofrequency Intervention on Active Healthy Subjects: An Open Controlled Clinical Trial.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes in the elasticity and temperature of the patellar tendon produced by the application of a radiofrequency at 448 kHz (CRMR) just after and 7 days after the intervention. An open controlled clinical trial was used with participants being recruited from a private clinic. The experimental group (n = 22) received a 448 kHz CRMR treatment while the control group (n = 22) did not receive any type of intervention. Quantitative ultrasound strain elastography (SEL) and thermography were used to collect data from 4 different areas of the patellar tendon. These areas were measured at the start (T0), just after (T1), and seven days after (T2) the intervention. There were thermal changes immediately after the intervention (p < 0.001). In addition, when the measurements were collected just after the intervention and seven days after they were analyzed, significant changes (p < 0.001) in temperature were observed in the tendons of both groups. Finally, a low but significant association (r = 0.434, p < 0.04) was observed between the elastic properties of the tendon at its insertion in the patella and thermal changes just after the 448 kHz intervention.

Ultrasound Strain Elastography Reliability in the Assessment of the Plantar Fascia and Its Relationship with the Plantar Thickness in Healthy Adults: An Intra and Interobserver Reliability Study in Novice Evaluators.

PURPOSE: This study was aimed at verifying both the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of measuring plantar fascia stiffness for a given image in healthy active adults. METHODOLOGY: This study is reported following the Guidelines of Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies. A total of 20 plantar fascia from healthy volunteers were analyzed. The thickness of the plantar fascia was measured vertically from the anterior edge of the inferior calcaneal border to the inferior border of the plantar fascia and the ultrasound elastography measurement was taken at the calcaneal insertion of the plantar fascia with the region of interest one centimeter away from the insertion. RESULTS: The ultrasound strain elastography measurements: the right intraobserver 1 showed an ICC value of 0.9 and the left intraobserver 1 showed an ICC value of 0.78, while the right intraobserver 2 showed an ICC value of 0.91 and the left intraobserver 2 showed an ICC value of 0.83. Interobserver measurements showed excellent reliability with a right ICC value of 0.8 and a left ICC value of 0.9 for the plantar fascia thickness measurements. DISCUSSION: The results of this study showed a strong correlation between left and right plantar fascia thickness. The intraobserver reliability was excellent for both plantar fascia ultrasound strain elastography and thickness measurements, with interobserver measurements showing excellent reliability.

Efficacy of Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Treatment of Pain and Inflammation: A Literature Review.

The main objective of this literature review was to analyze the efficacy of (PBM) therapy application on subjects with chronic pain and inflammation, and furthermore, to evaluate the methodological quality of the collected literature. The search was conducted using five databases: PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro. The keywords "low level laser therapy", "chronic pain", and "inflammation" provided the selection of RCTs that were published within the last 5 years, conducted in humans, and written in English. The PEDro Internal Validity Scale (IVS) checklist was used to evaluate the risk of bias in the included studies. A total of 11 articles were selected, all of them RCTs. Of the articles, five showed that PBM positively influences chronic pain, while another showed the same but only in the short term. In two other articles, the patient's inflammation improved markedly. In one article there was no improvement in chronic pain and in another, there was no improvement in inflammation. Four articles demonstrated that PBM is beneficial in acute pain. Furthermore, six studies were given an "excellent" score and the remaining five a "good" score based on the IVS. Photobiomodulation has beneficial effects on chronic pain and inflammation, although more research needs to be completed in this line for this to be clarified as the existence of RCTs on this subject is limited.

Do Psychological Factors Influence the Elastic Properties of Soft Tissue in Subjects with Fibromyalgia? A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

Nowadays, there is evidence related to the impact that psychological factors have on symptoms, specifically vegetative ones, and on the autonomic nervous system in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). However, there are no studies to correlate the level of association between psychological factors and the elastic properties of tissue in the FM population. Elastic properties of soft tissue reflect age- and disease-related changes in the mechanical functions of soft tissue, and mechanical failure has a profound impact on morbidity and mortality. The study has a cross-sectional observational design with 42 participants recruited from a private clinic and rehabilitation service. The Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale and Self-Efficacy Scale were used to assess psychological factors. The elastic properties of the tissue in the characteristic painful points, which patients suffering from FM described, were assessed by strain elastography. A low and significant level of association was found between pain catastrophising scale (PCS) and the non-dominant lateral epicondyle (r = -0.318; p = 0.045). Kinesiophobia was found to be related to the dominant lateral epicondyle (r = 0.403; p = 0.010), the non-dominant knee (r = -0.34; p = 0.027) and the dominant forearm (r = 0.360; p = 0.010). Self-Efficacy showed a low level of association with the non-dominant supraspinatus (r = -0.338; p = 0.033) and the non-dominant medial epicondyle (r = -0.326; p = 0.040). Psychological factors and the elastic properties of tissue seem to be associated in patients suffering from FM. The most profound association between psychological factors and non-dominant parts of the body could be related to neglect and non-use of those parts of the body.

Variabilidad circadiana de la efectividad de la técnica de reperfusión y del pronóstico del infarto de miocardio con elevación del ST tratado mediante angioplastia primaria / Circadian variation in the effectiveness of reperfusion therapy in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary angioplasty and circadian associations with prognosis

Objetivo: Estudiar la presencia de un patrón de variabilidad circadiana en la efectividad del tratamiento con angioplastia coronaria transluminal percutánea (ACTPp) del infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST), así como su relación con la extensión del infarto y la presencia de complicaciones intrahospitalarias. Método: Estudio observacional de cohortes retrospectivo que incluyó a pacientes con IAMCEST tratados con ACTPp en un hospital terciario universitario entre marzo 2003 y agosto 2009. La variable de estudio fue la hora de inicio de los síntomas del IAMCEST, agrupando en periodos de riesgo cronobiológico de 6 horas. La variable de resultado principal fue la efectividad de ACTPp. Las variables de resultado secundarias fueron la extensión del infarto y la presencia de complicaciones intrahospitalarias. Resultados: Se incluyeron 522 pacientes con una edad media de 62,3 (DE 13,6) años, de los cuales 404 (77,4%) fueron hombres. La franja horaria entre las 6-12 h fue la que presentó una mayor frecuencia de IAMCEST tratado con ACTPp (201 casos, 38,5%) (p < 0,001). Del total, 122 casos (23,4%) mostraron una ACTPp no efectiva. La franja horaria de 6-12 h fue un factor independiente de ACTPp no efectiva (OR 1,79; IC95% 1,09-2,94; p = 0,012). Además, se asoció con la extensión del infarto, aunque no con la presencia de complicaciones durante el ingreso hospitalario. Conclusiones: La hora de inicio de infarto de miocardio, en la franja de 6-12 h, es un predictor independiente de ACTPp no efectiva y de una mayor extensión del infarto, pero no de complicaciones intrahospitalarias (AU)

Objectives: To explore circadian variation in the effectiveness of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) to treat ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) To explore the effects of circardian variation on infarct extension and in-hospital complications. Methods: Observational retrospective cohort study including patients with PTCA-treated STEMI in a tertiary care university hospital between March 2003 and August 2009. The independent variable of interest was the time of onset of STEMI symptoms, grouped in 6-hour time frames. The main outcome variable was PTCA effectiveness. Secondary outcome variables were infarct extension and the presence of in-hospital complications. Results: A total of 522 patients records were studied. The mean (SD) age was 62.3 (13.6) years and 404 (77.4%) were men. The largest proportion of PTCA-treated STEMI cases first experienced symptoms between 6 AM and 12 PM (201 cases, 38.5%) (P<.001). PTCA was ineffective in 122 (23.4%). The 6 AM to 12 PM time frame was an independent predictor of PTCA ineffectiveness (odds ratio, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.09–2.94; P=.012). Onset in this interval was also associated with infarct extension but not with in-hospital complications. Conclusions: A time of onset of STEMI between 6 AM and 12 PM predicts the ineffectiveness of PTCA and greater infarct extension but not in-hospital complications (AU)

[Circadian variation in the effectiveness of reperfusion therapy in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary angioplasty and circadian associations with prognosis]. / Variabilidad circadiana de la efectividad de la técnica de reperfusión y del pronóstico del infarto de miocardio con elevación del ST tratado mediante angioplastia primaria.

OBJECTIVES: To explore circadian variation in the effectiveness of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) to treat ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) To explore the effects of circardian variation on infarct extension and in-hospital complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational retrospective cohort study including patients with PTCA-treated STEMI in a tertiary care university hospital between March 2003 and August 2009. The independent variable of interest was the time of onset of STEMI symptoms, grouped in 6-hour time frames. The main outcome variable was PTCA effectiveness. Secondary outcome variables were infarct extension and the presence of in-hospital complications. RESULTS: A total of 522 patients records were studied. The mean (SD) age was 62.3 (13.6) years and 404 (77.4%) were men. The largest proportion of PTCA-treated STEMI cases first experienced symptoms between 6 AM and 12 PM (201 cases, 38.5%) (P<.001). PTCA was ineffective in 122 (23.4%). The 6 AM to 12 PM time frame was an independent predictor of PTCA ineffectiveness (odds ratio, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.09-2.94; P=.012). Onset in this interval was also associated with infarct extension but not with in-hospital complications. CONCLUSION: A time of onset of STEMI between 6 AM and 12 PM predicts the ineffectiveness of PTCA and greater infarct extension but not in-hospital complications.

OBJETIVO: Estudiar la presencia de un patrón de variabilidad circadiana en la efectividad del tratamiento con angioplastia coronaria transluminal percutánea (ACTPp) del infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST), así como su relación con la extensión del infarto y la presencia de complicaciones intrahospitalarias. METODO: Estudio observacional de cohortes retrospectivo que incluyó a pacientes con IAMCEST tratados con ACTPp en un hospital terciario universitario entre marzo 2003 y agosto 2009. La variable de estudio fue la hora de inicio de los síntomas del IAMCEST, agrupando en periodos de riesgo cronobiológico de 6 horas. La variable de resultado principal fue la efectividad de ACTPp. Las variables de resultado secundarias fueron la extensión del infarto y la presencia de complicaciones intrahospitalarias. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 522 pacientes con una edad media de 62,3 (DE 13,6) años, de los cuales 404 (77,4%) fueron hombres. La franja horaria entre las 6-12 h fue la que presentó una mayor frecuencia de IAMCEST tratado con ACTPp (201 casos, 38,5%) (p < 0,001). Del total, 122 casos (23,4%) mostraron una ACTPp no efectiva. La franja horaria de 6-12 h fue un factor independiente de ACTPp no efectiva (OR 1,79; IC95% 1,09-2,94; p = 0,012). Además, se asoció con la extensión del infarto, aunque no con la presencia de complicaciones durante el ingreso hospitalario. CONCLUSIONES: La hora de inicio de infarto de miocardio, en la franja de 6-12 h, es un predictor independiente de ACTPp no efectiva y de una mayor extensión del infarto, pero no de complicaciones intrahospitalarias.

[Cardiovascular risk factors in the circadian rhythm of acute myocardial infarction]. / Factores de riesgo cardiovascular en el ritmo circadiano del infarto agudo de miocardio.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors on the circadian rhythm of acute myocardial infarction. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We analyzed a retrospective cohort of 54,249 patients from a multicenter study of acute myocardial infarction (the Spanish ARIAM study). The variables were time of onset of symptoms, age, sex, previous ischemic heart disease, coronary unit discharge status, previous stroke, familial antecedents of ischemic heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, and reinfarction. To verify the presence of circadian rhythm, we developed a simple test of equality of time series based on cosinor analysis of multiple sinusoid curves. Three sinusoids (24, 12 and 8 hour periods) were used. RESULTS: The time of onset of pain showed a circadian rhythm (P< .01), with a peak at 10:07 am and a trough at 4:46 am. All subgroups categorized according to the presence of the variables analyzed here showed a circadian rhythm, with a sinusoid curve after adjustment. In patients with diabetes or reinfarction or who were smokers, the sinusoid curve was bimodal. CONCLUSIONS: Time of onset of symptoms in patients with acute myocardial infarction follows a circadian rhythm. Diabetes, smoking and reinfarction can modify the standard circadian rhythm of onset of myocardial infarction.