Physical training program for people at risk of cardiovascular disorders in the primary care setting: A randomized clinical trial

Background and Objective: The impact of a physical training program on moderate–vigorous physical activity is still poorly known in primary cardiovascular prevention. Our objective was to determine the efficacy of a physical training program to promote moderate–vigorous physical activity and exercise in individuals at risk of suffering a cardiovascular event.Patients and methodsRandomized, parallel group controlled trial performed from October 2014 to July 2016. Sedentary patients at risk of suffering a cardiovascular event were randomized to the control group (CG) (72) or the intervention group (IG) (75). Intervention consisted of a 2-month physical training program. The main outcome was the proportion of patients achieving a “relevant response to Physical Activity” (increase≥240METs-min/week in moderate–vigorous Physical Activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)). Secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients performing an “adequate amount of exercise” (≥360METs-min/week in moderate–vigorous exercise using the IPAQ).ResultsOf the 147 patients randomized, 132 (90%) completed the follow-up. Adherence to exercise performance was 91% and no adverse effects were recorded. The proportion of patients in the IG versus CG achieving the main outcome was 34.9% vs 11.6%; OR [95%CI]: 4.2 [1.7–10.4]. Furthermore, more patients in the IG performed an adequate amount of exercise (33.3% vs. 11.6%; OR: 4.1 [1.6–10.5]).ConclusionA short-duration physical training program performed in the primary care setting is efficacious and safe in promoting moderate–vigorous physical activity and exercise in the short-term, in a population at risk of suffering a cardiovascular event. (AU)

Antecedentes y objetivo: El impacto de programas de entrenamiento en actividad física moderada-vigorosa es poco conocido en prevención primaria cardiovascular. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar la eficacia de un programa de entrenamiento en promover la actividad física moderada-vigorosa y la práctica de ejercicio, en pacientes con riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares.Pacientes y métodoEnsayo clínico aleatorizado, paralelo, con grupo control (octubre 2014 a julio 2016). Pacientes sedentarios con riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares se aleatorizaron a un grupo control (GC) (72) o un grupo intervención (GI) (75). La intervención consistió en un programa de entrenamiento de 2meses. La variable pronóstica principal fue la proporción de pacientes que alcanzaron una «respuesta relevante en actividad física» (aumento≥240MET-min/sem actividad física moderada-vigorosa en el Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física [International Physical Activity Questionnaire, IPAQ]). Las variables pronósticas secundarias incluyeron la proporción de pacientes que realizaban una «adecuada cantidad de ejercicio»(≥360MET-min/sem ejercicio moderado-vigoroso en el IPAQ).ResultadosDe los 147 pacientes aleatorizados, 132 (90%) completaron el seguimiento. La adherencia a las sesiones fue del 91% y no se registraron efectos adversos. La proporción de pacientes en GI versus GC que alcanzaron el objetivo principal fue del 34,9% vs el 11,6%; OR: 4,2; IC 95%: 1,7-10,4. Significativamente más pacientes en el GI realizaron una adecuada cantidad de ejercicio (33,3% vs 11,6%; OR: 4,1; IC 95%: 1,6-10,5).ConclusiónUn programa de entrenamiento de corta duración realizado en atención primaria es eficaz y seguro a corto plazo en la promoción de la actividad física moderada-vigorosa y del ejercicio en una población con riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares. (AU)

Physical training program for people at risk of cardiovascular disorders in the primary care setting: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The impact of a physical training program on moderate-vigorous physical activity is still poorly known in primary cardiovascular prevention. Our objective was to determine the efficacy of a physical training program to promote moderate-vigorous physical activity and exercise in individuals at risk of suffering a cardiovascular event. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Randomized, parallel group controlled trial performed from October 2014 to July 2016. Sedentary patients at risk of suffering a cardiovascular event were randomized to the control group (CG) (72) or the intervention group (IG) (75). Intervention consisted of a 2-month physical training program. The main outcome was the proportion of patients achieving a "relevant response to Physical Activity" (increase≥240METs-min/week in moderate-vigorous Physical Activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)). Secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients performing an "adequate amount of exercise" (≥360METs-min/week in moderate-vigorous exercise using the IPAQ). RESULTS: Of the 147 patients randomized, 132 (90%) completed the follow-up. Adherence to exercise performance was 91% and no adverse effects were recorded. The proportion of patients in the IG versus CG achieving the main outcome was 34.9% vs 11.6%; OR [95%CI]: 4.2 [1.7-10.4]. Furthermore, more patients in the IG performed an adequate amount of exercise (33.3% vs. 11.6%; OR: 4.1 [1.6-10.5]). CONCLUSION: A short-duration physical training program performed in the primary care setting is efficacious and safe in promoting moderate-vigorous physical activity and exercise in the short-term, in a population at risk of suffering a cardiovascular event. TRIAL REGISTRATION: "Training Programme in Physical Activity". NCT03717363. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov.

Wrist flexion and extension strength in patients with work-related chronic elbow pain: the isokinetic effort factor and its implications.

BACKGROUND: The validity of isokinetic strength findings relating to forearm muscles in patients with chronic elbow pain and/or epicondylitis is not well established. Furthermore, given the nature of this disorder, ensuring maximal effort in performing the tests is an essential prerequisite. The isokinetic-based DEC parameter (defined as the difference between high- and low-velocity eccentric-to-concentric ratios of a given muscle) has been shown to efficiently detect maximal effort. The purpose of this study was therefore to assess the validity of isokinetic strength tests in patients with chronic elbow pain and/or epicondylitis. METHODS: A cohort consisting of 44 male patients with chronic elbow pain (average evolution time, 262 ± 193.04 days) was recruited. The wrist extensor and flexor concentric and eccentric isokinetic strength of the involved and uninvolved sides was measured. The involved-uninvolved and flexor-extensor (F/E) ratios, as well as the DEC (eccentric-concentric difference), were computed based on peak moment values. Work disability and relapse within the first year were registered. In maximal performers, associations between deficits, F/E ratios, work disability, and symptom relapse were explored applying multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Of the patients, 68.2% met the maximal-effort criteria, with the involved-side muscles being significantly weaker than their uninvolved-side counterparts in most cases. Although the mean deficit in this group was not associated with either work disability or relapse, patients with a relapse of symptoms within the first year had a significantly higher F/E ratio than those without relapse. CONCLUSION: In patients presenting with chronic elbow pain who perform at the maximal level of effort, high wrist F/E strength ratios may predict symptom relapse.

Patient Registry of Spasticity Care World: Data Analysis Based on Physician Experience.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to report physician experience-based "real-world" treatment patterns with botulinum toxin type A in patients with stroke and traumatic brain injury. DESIGN: A prospective, multicenter, international observational registry design was used. RESULTS: Six hundred twenty-seven participants with stroke and 132 participants with traumatic brain injury were assessed and treated by 17 more experienced physicians and 12 less experienced physicians. Due to the limited usage of abobotulinumtoxinA Dysport and incobotulinumtoxinA Xeomin, data were reported on onabotulinumtoxinA BOTOX only. Based on physician experience, onabotulinumtoxinA doses were statistically different with larger mean doses injected by more experienced physicians in the upper limb (59.9 [39.0], P = 0.001) and in the lower limb (101.8 [69.2], P < 0.001). Treated deformities significantly differed for both upper limb and lower limb (P < 0.001). More experienced physicians showed a larger mean change in Ashworth Scale scores from baseline for the equinovarus/equinus foot and stiff knee (P = 0.001 and 0.03). Less experienced physicians showed a larger mean change in Ashworth Scale scores from baseline for the adducted thigh (P = 0.05). Less experienced physicians had statistically significant larger change in hand pain scores for clenched fist deformity treatment at follow-up compared with more experienced physicians (P = 0.01). Physician experience demonstrated a significant difference on patients reported satisfaction toward their secondary goal with higher scores for more experienced physician (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: This international registry provides clinical nuances of treatment based on physician clinical experience in a robust sample size.

Standard and Short RoM Isokinetic Testing: Comparative Analysis in Identifying Submaximal Shoulder External Rotator Effort.

An isokinetic-related parameter termed the difference between eccentric-concentric strength ratios at two distinct test velocities (DEC) based on 60° (standard) range of motion (RoM) has been proven to be highly efficient detecting feigned muscular efforts. This study aimed to verify whether a DEC derived from a much shorter test RoM (20°) was equally useful than a long RoM-derived one. Eighteen healthy men (32.4 ± 6.4 years old) took part in a study focusing on shoulder external rotation isokinetic strength. Participants performed a genuine shoulder external rotator maximal effort (eight pairs of concentric and eccentric contractions at high and low velocities at short and long RoM) and then instructed to feign maximal effort. Contraction velocities were adjusted accordingly by applying a 1:4 gradient and peak moments registered. Both condition DEC was then calculated by subtracting the eccentric and concentric strength ratios at low velocities from those at high velocities. DEC scores in the feigned effort were significantly higher than maximal effort ones in both conditions in men. It enabled the setting of specific cutoff levels for separating the efforts. Both approaches revealed a coincident sensitivity (78%) whereas short RoM showed an even higher specificity: 88% versus 78%. Thus, the short RoM protocol provides clinically acceptable detection power.

Maximality of shoulder external rotation effort in patients presenting with work related injury: the clinical applicability of the DEC parameter.

The aim of the present study is to examine the applicability of the isokinetic DEC parameter for identifying submaximal effort in workers with potential weakness of the shoulder external rotators. A previous study indicated that the DEC was a powerful identifier of submaximal effort of shoulder external rotation in normal volunteers. Its applicability in shoulder injury patients is of specific interest. Thus, a retrospective study of 74 (33 female and 41 male) patients who claimed compensation for work-related shoulder injury was designed. 52 patients had their injured side DEC values within the normal range and were thus labeled as maximal performers. Ten patients had higher than cutoff DEC values, indicating submaximal effort whereas 12 patients had exceedingly low DEC values. Gender comparison showed a significantly different proportion of maximal performers. Strength deficits registered in patients demonstrating maximal performance correlated with the final outcome. The findings support the application of the DEC for determination of the extent of weakness of shoulder external rotators in male patients. In terms of shoulder external rotators status in male worker injury, the results support the application of isokinetic tests both in the clinical and medicolegal sense. However, the gender discrepancy warrants further research.

Painful lateral knee condyle bone marrow edema after treatment with lateral wedged insole.

A 50-yr-old man arrived at our department for a rehabilitation prescription after a right knee medial collateral ligament sprain. Magnetic resonance imaging showed medial collateral ligament partial rupture and medial femoral condyle increased signal intensity indicating bone edema. After treatment, the patient still complained of weight-bearing knee medial compartment pain. A lateral wedged insole was prescribed to decrease medial compartment compression forces. Initial response to insole use was good, but soon after, the patient complained of severe worsening knee pain. On examination, the lateral joint line and condyle palpation were tender. Insole use discontinuation was recommended, and another magnetic resonance imaging scan was performed. It showed an high T2-weighted signal intensity, representing bone marrow edema comprising a volume of 5 x 5 x 4.5 cm of lateral femoral condyle. Discontinuation of orthosis use relieved the pain, and the edema disappeared. To our knowledge, lateral femoral condyle painful bone marrow edema after lateral wedged insole use has not been previously described. The findings of this case report indicate that lateral wedged insole prescription should be carefully evaluated.

Influence of botulinum toxin type A treatment of elbow flexor spasticity on hemiparetic gait.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether walking velocity could be improved in patients with disorders related to upper-motor neuron syndrome (UMNS) by treating elbow flexor spasticity with botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA). DESIGN: This was a prospective, open-label, multicenter, interventional evaluation. The study group of 15 patients (mean age, 51.3 yrs; ten men, five women) were independent ambulators with residual hemiparesis attributable to stroke or traumatic brain injury of at least 18-mo duration. Patients were injected with 120-200 units of BoNTA (BOTOX, Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA) to the affected biceps, brachialis, and/or brachioradialis. Modified Ashworth scores and gait velocity were assessed before and after BoNTA treatment. An untreated control group was employed to assess the potential impact of time on test-retest reliability of the selected temporal spatial gait parameters. RESULTS: The BoNTA group demonstrated a statistically significant increase in walking velocity from 0.56 m/sec before treatment to 0.63 m/sec after treatment (P = 0.037). The mean modified Ashworth score was significantly reduced from 2.6 before BoNTA treatment to 1.4 after treatment (P = 0.00003). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of upper-limb spasticity may be an important adjuvant treatment for patients with gait disturbance related to the UMNS.

Identification of feigned maximal shoulder external rotation effort.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficiency of the difference between the isokinetic eccentric to concentric strength ratios at high and low velocities (DEC) for identifying feigned maximal shoulder external rotation effort. BACKGROUND: Previous studies have indicated that the DEC is a powerful identifier of feigned maximal effort. However comparison of maximal versus feigned maximal shoulder external rotation effort has not been undertaken. Due to the high prevalence of rotational shoulder disorders and their chronic ramifications in terms of occupational disability such a study is of specific interest. DESIGN: Maximal and feigned maximal shoulder external rotation isokinetic efforts were compared. SETTING: Functional evaluation unit at an occupational rehabilitation centre. SUBJECTS: Seventeen healthy male volunteers aged between 20 and 40 years old. MAIN MEASURE: Concentric and eccentric isokinetic tests at 30 degrees /s and 120 degrees /s in maximal and feigned maximal experimental conditions. DEC was calculated by subtracting the 30 degrees /s eccentric/concentric peak torque ratios from the 120 degrees /s ones for both experimental conditions. RESULTS: A case-by-case analysis revealed that the DEC scores derived from the feigned effort were significantly greater than their maximal counterparts in all cases, leading to a cut-off value (0.81) which could distinguish between maximal and feigned performances. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that the DEC is highly effective in identifying feigned shoulder external rotation effort in normal subjects.

Use of botulinum toxin type A on orthopedics: a case report.

Botulinum toxin type A is effective in treating neurologic entities with increased muscle tone. Few reports show the benefits of this treatment for orthopedic conditions. We present the case of a 54-year-old man who manifested bilateral pectoralis major stiffness and bilateral shoulder pain; he had a score of 6 on a visual analog scale (VAS). Complex regional pain syndrome (type I) after cardiac surgery, which had already been resolved, was significant in the patient's clinical background. On examination, neither increases in muscle tone nor signs of tendinous or joint pathology was found. However, the patient experienced significant pain when both pectorals were stretched. The patient's Constant score, a validated scale of shoulder function, was 45/100 on the right shoulder and 41/100 on the left. The patient's shoulder stiffness and pain neither responded to rehabilitation (stretching exercises, passive mobilization, electrostimulation) nor to oral medication (alprazolam, gabapentin). Despite the lack of increased muscle tone, we decided to administer botulinum toxin type A to control pain. Subsequently, pain intensity was reduced to 4 on a VAS on both sides, and functionality improved (Constant scale score, 62 on the right side; 60 on the left). This improvement enabled the patient to resume his job as a building supervisor, which required active involvement in physical construction work.