Physiotherapy pain curricula in Finland: a faculty survey.

Background and aims Despite the recognition of pain as a global health problem and advancements achieved in what is known about effective pain management, pain education for undergraduate health care professionals remains insufficient. This study investigated the content of pain curricula and the time allocated to pain education on physiotherapy programs at bachelor's level at Universities of Applied Sciences (UASs) in Finland. Methods A web-based survey questionnaire was sent to the directors of the physiotherapy programs at all the Finnish UASs (n=15) where physiotherapy is taught at bachelor's level. The questionnaire consisted of 14 questions covering basic concepts and the science of pain, pain assessment, pain management, and the adequacy of pain curricula. Each UAS completed one questionnaire i.e. returned one official opinion. Results The response rate was 80% (n=12). The mean for the total number of contact hours of pain education was 74 (standard deviation 34.2). All UASs had integrated pain education. In addition to this 42% (n=5) of the UASs had a separate pain course. The UASs offering such a course over and above the integrated pain education had twice the amount of pain content education compared to those UASs that only had integrated pain education (mean 103 h vs. 53 h, p=0.0043). Most of the education was devoted to conditions where pain is commonly a feature, manual therapy, and electrical agents for pain control. The biopsychosocial model of pain, cognitive behavioral methods of pain management, physician management, and multidisciplinary management were the least covered topics. Five UASs (42%) payed attention to the International Association for the Study of Pain curriculum outline and only 33% (n=4) considered their pain education to be sufficient. Conclusions Our results indicate that more contact hours are devoted to pain education on the Finnish UASs' physiotherapy programs at bachelor's level, than has previously been reported in faculty surveys. A separate pain course is one way to ensure a sufficient amount of pain education. Overall, despite a sufficient time devoted to pain education, some essential pain contents were inadequately covered. Implications The study contributes information on how pain education can be organized on physiotherapy programs at undergraduate level. Besides a sufficient amount of pain education, which can be ensured by a separate pain course, attention should be paid to pain education content being up-to-date. This could help in estimating the different proportions of pain content needed in educational settings. Efforts should also be made at keeping integrated pain education well-coordinated and purposeful. There is a need for further research estimating the effectiveness of pain education according to the different ways in which it is organized. There is also a need to investigate whether more hours allocated to pain education results in better understanding and professional skills.

Isometric endurance test of the cervical flexor muscles - Reliability and normative reference values.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain reference values for the isometric endurance test (IET) of the cervical flexor muscles, investigate its reproducibility, and compare the results with the maximal isometric strength test (MIST) of the cervical flexor muscles. DESIGN: Cross-sectional non-comparative study with single group repeated measurements. METHODS: Altogether 219 healthy females aged 20-59 years volunteered to participate in the study. The IET was performed in the supine position and MIST seated. The reproducibility was evaluated by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and an analysis described by Bland and Altman. The relationship between the two measuring methods was evaluated by Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The mean (SD) IET time was 60 (33) seconds with no significant differences between the age groups of each decade. The ICC for intrarater repeatability was 0.80. However, the Bland-Altman analysis suggested moderate variation in repeated measurements. Pearson's correlation coefficient between the IET and MIST was 0.56. CONCLUSION: Normative reference values for the IET are presented. Although the ICC showed good repeatability, one should consider that the change at follow-up visits has to be considerable to be clinically relevant. The correlation between the endurance time and maximal flexion strength was moderate. Thus IET of the cervical flexor muscles may be used in the clinic like the Biering-Sorenson test has been used to assess fatigue of the trunk extensor muscles.

Does adding a 12-month exercise programme to usual care after a rotator cuff repair effect disability and quality of life at 12 months? A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare a 12-month home-based exercise programme with usual care for disability and health-related quality of life after rotator cuff repair. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Outpatient physical and rehabilitation medicine clinic. SUBJECTS: Consecutive patients (n=67, mean age 54 years) who underwent rotator cuff repairs were randomized into an experimental group (EG) or a usual care group (UCG). INTERVENTIONS: The UCG received ordinary postoperative instructions, while the EG were given advice and instructions on a shoulder muscle strengthening programme to be undertaken at home. MAIN MEASURES: Disability was assessed with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), and quality of life with the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). RESULTS: At the follow-up, no between-group differences were observed in any of the outcomes. The mean (SD) ASES score improved by 21 points (95% CI, 16 to 26, p<0.001) in the EG from the baseline 74 (14) and by 25 points (95% CI, 20 to 31, p<0.001) in the UCG from the baseline 70 (18). Both groups exhibited significant improvements (p<0.001) in the SF-36 physical component score. In the UCG, improvements were observed in the Social Functioning (p=0.034) and Role Emotional (p=0.003) dimensions. In the EG, 57% of the patients completed the exercises twice weekly for the first six months, after which training adherence declined. CONCLUSIONS: The home exercise programme and usual care were equally effective in improving disability and quality of life after rotator cuff repair. The extra time involved in teaching the home exercise programme is not warranted.

Efficacy of a 12-month, monitored home exercise programme compared with normal care commencing 2 months after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a delayed home exercise programme compared with normal care after primary total knee arthroplasty. DESIGN: Single-blind, prospective, randomized, controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 108 participants (61% females, mean age 69 years [standard deviation 8.7]), were randomized to a home-based exercise group (EG, n = 53) or to a control group (CG, n = 55). METHODS: Two months post-operatively, the EG received a home exercise programme, while the CG received no additional guidance. The outcome measurements were: pain and disability, measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC); health-related quality of life (HRQoL), measured using the Short Form-36 questionnaire (SF-36); maximal walking speed; isometric knee muscle strength; and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Measurements were made at baseline and at 12 months thereafter. RESULTS: At the 12-month follow-up, maximal walking speed (p < 0.001) and knee flexion strength (p = 0.009) were significantly greater in the EG. Both groups showed similar improvements in all of the WOMAC subscale scores, the SF-36 summary scores and the TUG time. CONCLUSION: Home-based training was not superior to normal care with regard to pain, disability or HRQoL, but resulted in greater improvement in objectively measured physical performance.

Effects of long-term home-based exercise on health-related quality of life in patients with chronic neck pain: a randomized study with a 1-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether long-term neck and upper body exercises conducted in economical community-based outpatient clinic and home-based settings could improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL)for individuals affected by chronic neck pain. The effect of baseline HRQoL and neck pain values on training adherence was also studied. METHODS: Subjects (n = 101, 91 women/10 men, mean age 41.0 ± 9.5 years) with chronic non-specific neck pain were randomized to a combined strength-training and stretching-exercise group (CSSG, n = 49) or to a stretching exercise group (SG, n = 52). HRQoL was assessed at baseline and after 12 months using the RAND-36 questionnaire. Comparisons between groups were performed using bootstrap-type analysis of covariance. The impact of HRQoL and neck pain values on training adherence, determined using participants' exercise logs, was studied using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: CSSG showed significant improvements in five and SG in four of eight of the HRQoL dimensions. There were no significant differences between the groups. Adherence to long-term training was only slightly affected by baseline-assessed HRQoL and neck pain values. CONCLUSIONS: The two training protocols were feasible and equally effective in improving HRQoL. Baseline HRQoL and pain values had only a minor effect on training adherence. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: • Long-term strength training and stretching are effective in improving HRQoL in people with chronic neck pain. • Baseline HRQoL and neck pain values have little effect on training adherence.

Neck muscle strength and mobility of the cervical spine as predictors of neck pain: a prospective 6-year study.

STUDY DESIGN: Follow-up study. OBJECTIVE: To study whether neck muscle strength or cervical spine mobility values could serve as predictors for future neck pain among originally pain-free working-age subjects during a long period. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Neck pain has been associated with weaker neck muscle strength and lower cervical spine mobility in several studies. However, causality between physical capacity and neck pain has not been shown. METHODS: Isometric neck muscle strength and passive range of motion of the cervical spine of 220 healthy female volunteers, aged 20 to 59 years, were measured. A postal survey was conducted 6 years later to determine whether any volunteers had experienced neck pain. The receiver operator characteristics curve was used to study how well the neck strength and mobility values in different movement planes at baseline served as predictors of future neck pain. RESULTS: Of the 192 (87%) responders, 37 (19%) reported neck pain for 7 days during the past year. In predicting neck pain, areas under the receiver operator characteristics curves (95% confidence intervals) in different movement planes were 0.52 to 0.56 (0.41-0.66) for isometric neck strength and 0.54 to 0.56 (0.44-0.76) for passive mobility of the cervical spine. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that neither isometric neck muscle strength nor passive mobility of cervical spine has predictive value for later occurrences of neck pain in pain-free working-age women. Thus, screening healthy subjects for weaker neck muscle strength or decreased mobility of the cervical spine may not be recommended for preventive purposes.

Reliability and validity study of the Finnish version 2.0 of the oswestry disability index.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical validation study. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to translate into Finnish and culturally adapt and study the psycho-metric properties of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) version 2.0. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The ODI is one of the most commonly reported back-specific disability questionnaires. It is widely used both in clinical work and in medical studies. To date, no validated Finnish version of the ODI version 2.0 has been reported. METHODS: The ODI version 2.0 was translated into the Finnish language. A total of 115 patients with back pain, referred by the primary care physician to the outpatient clinic of the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation, were recruited for this study. The patients answered a questionnaire package that included the Finnish ODI 2.0, Back Pain Questionnaire for Visual Analogue Assessment (Million-VAS), Visual Analogue Scales of back and leg pain (VASback, VASleg), the Depressions Scale, and a question on their subjectively perceived health. The package was administered twice; 2 weeks before and at the arrival to the clinic. RESULTS: Reproducibility of the ODI was 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.85-0.94) and the internal consistency was 0.86 (95% CI = 0.81-0.90). Factor analysis showed that the ODI was loaded on 2 factors, which explained 51% of the total variance. In testing convergent validity ODI correlated with Million-VAS, r = 0.75 (95% CI = 0.64-0.84); VASback, r = 0.48 (95% CI = 0.32-0.62); and VAS leg, r = 0.41 (95% CI = 0.23-0.57). CONCLUSION: The Finnish ODI version 2.0 proved to be a valid and reliable instrument that showed psychometric properties comparable with the original English version. Therefore, it can be used in assessing the disability among Finnish-speaking patients with back pain for both clinical and scientific purposes.

Effect of neck strength training on health-related quality of life in females with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled 1-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic neck pain is a common condition associated not only with a decrease in neck muscle strength, but also with decrease in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). While neck strength training has been shown to be effective in improving neck muscle strength and reducing neck pain, HRQoL among patients with neck pain has been reported as an outcome in only two short-term exercise intervention studies. Thus, reports on the influence of a long-term neck strength training intervention on HRQoL among patients with chronic neck pain have been lacking. This study reports the effect of one-year neck strength training on HRQoL in females with chronic neck pain. METHODS: One hundred eighty female office workers, 25 to 53 years of age, with chronic neck pain were randomized to a strength training group (STG, n = 60), endurance training group (ETG, n = 60) or control group (CG, n = 60). The STG performed high-intensity isometric neck strengthening exercises with an elastic band while the ETG performed lighter dynamic neck muscle training. The CG received a single session of guidance on stretching exercises. HRQoL was assessed using the generic 15D questionnaire at baseline and after 12 months. Statistical comparisons among the groups were performed using bootstrap-type analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with baseline values as covariates. Effect sizes were calculated using the Cohen method for paired samples. RESULTS: Training led to statistically significant improvement in the 15D total scores for both training groups, whereas no changes occurred for the control group (P = 0.012, between groups). The STG improved significantly in five of 15 dimensions, while the ETG improved significantly in two dimensions. Effect size (and 95% confidence intervals) for the 15D total score was 0.39 (0.13 to 0.72) for the STG, 0.37 (0.08 to 0.67) for the ETG, and -0.06 (-0.25 to 0.15) for the CG. CONCLUSIONS: One year of either strength or endurance training seemed to moderately enhance the HRQoL. Neck and upper body training can be recommended to improve HRQoL of females with neck pain if they are motivated for long-term regular exercise. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01057836.

Reliability and validity of the finnish version of the neck disability index and the modified neck pain and disability scale.

STUDY DESIGN: Translation and psychometric testing. OBJECTIVE: To cross-culturally adapt the Neck Disability Index (NDI) to the Finnish language and to assess the reliability and validity of the Finnish version of the Neck Disability Index (NDI-FI) and the modified Neck Pain and Disability Scale (mNPDS-FI) in Finnish patients with neck pain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Although largely used, no previous reports exist on the translation process or the testing of the psychometric properties of the Finnish version of the NDI or the mNPDS used in Finland. METHODS: The translation of the questionnaire from English into Finnish was done in accordance with the published guidelines. A total of 101 patients with neck pain participated in the study. The reliability of the questionnaires was tested using a test-retest procedure at 2-week intervals. Further psychometric testing was done by assessing the construct validity and internal consistency of the questionnaires. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients) was excellent for the NDI-FI (0.94) and mNPDS-FI (0.91). Factor analysis identified 1 factor for the NDI-FI and 3 factors for the mNPDS-FI; pain intensity, work ability, and activities of daily living. The internal consistency value (Cronbach alpha) for the NDI-FI was 0.85, and 0.84, 0.83, and 0.82, respectively, for the 3 factors of the mNPDS-FI. The correlation between neck pain and the NDI-FI was 0.58 (P < 0.001) and 0.72 for the mNPDS-FI (P < 0.001). A statistically significant linear relationship was observed between self-estimated coping and the outcomes of the NDI-FI and the mNPDS-FI. CONCLUSION: The NDI-FI and the mNPDS-FI are reliable, valid instruments for assessing disability among Finnish patients with neck pain.

Quantifying the effect of age on passive range of motion of the cervical spine in healthy working-age women.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: To assess age-related changes and determine reference values for passive range of motion of the cervical spine in healthy women of working age. BACKGROUND: Although cervical mobility is age dependent, the amount in which aging affects passive range of motion has not been previously reported. It is clinically important to know the effect of normal aging process on cervical motion to be able to separate and evaluate the possible effect of pathological processes. METHODS AND MEASURES: Two hundred twenty healthy women, aged 20 to 59 years, participated in the study. Passive range of motion of the cervical spine in flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and axial rotation was measured with the Cervical Measurement System. Measurements to calculate intrarater reliability were obtained on 22 subjects. RESULTS: Passive range of motion of the cervical spine diminished linearly with increasing age in all measured movement planes (P<.001 for all movements except for flexion which was P = .018). Mean body mass index adjusted reduction in passive range of motion was 0.5 degrees per 1-year increase in age. Intraclass correlation coefficients for intrarater reliability ranged from 0.79 to 0.92. CONCLUSION: A gradual age-related reduction in passive cervical range of motion was observed in women of working age.

Adsorption of benzene, phenol, propane and carbonic acid molecules on oxidized Al(111) and α- Al(2)O(3)(0001) surfaces: a first-principles study.

We present the results of ab initio calculations describing the adsorption of certain small organic molecules on clean and oxidized Al(111) surfaces as well as on the α- Al(2)O(3)(0001) surface. Our results show that adsorption of benzene on the clean and oxidized Al(111) surfaces is generally weak, the adsorption energy being at most around -0.5 eV per benzene molecule, and the molecule adsorbed at a considerable distance from the surfaces. The adsorption energy varies weakly at the different adsorption sites and as a function of the oxygen coverage. For the alumina surface, we find no benzene adsorption at all. We have also calculated for a phenol molecule on the aluminum and alumina surfaces, since it is similar to the benzene molecule. The results show a weak adsorption for phenol on the alumina surface and no adsorption on the aluminum or oxidized aluminum surfaces at all. For the propane molecule there is no adsorption on either the oxidized aluminum or the alumina surface, whereas the carbonic acid molecule binds strongly to the alumina but not to the aluminum surface.

Effect of manual therapy and stretching on neck muscle strength and mobility in chronic neck pain.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of manual therapy and stretching on neck function in women with chronic neck pain. METHODS: A total of 125 women were randomized into 2 groups. Group 1 received manual therapy twice a week for 4 weeks followed by stretching exercises. Group 2 performed stretching 5 times a week for 4 weeks followed by manual therapy. Neck function was assessed by isometric neck strength and mobility measurements, and spontaneous neck pain during the past week and strain-evoked pain during the neck strength trials using a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Both neck muscle strength (11-14%) and mobility (7-15%) improved similarly in both groups, with the exception of greater passive flexion-extension mobility (p = 0.019) in group 1 at week 4. Pain during the neck strength trials decreased from the baseline to week 4 by 26-35% and to week 12 by 39-61% similarly in both groups. Average neck pain during the past week decreased by 64% and 53% in groups 1 and 2, respectively, during the first 4 weeks, remaining rather stable thereafter. The decreases in neck pain during both the past week and strength trials showed association with the changes in neck strength results (r = 0.20-0.29). CONCLUSION: Both manual therapy and stretching were effective short-term treatments for reducing both spontaneous and strain-evoked pain in patients with chronic neck pain. It is possible that the decrease in pain reduced inhibition of the motor system and in part improved neck function. However, the changes in neck muscle strength were minor, showing that these treatments alone are not effective in improving muscle strength.

Isometric strength of the cervical flexor, extensor, and rotator muscles in 220 healthy females aged 20 to 59 years.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive study. OBJECTIVES: To determine the maximal isometric strength of the flexor, extensor, and rotator muscles of the cervical spine in healthy females of working age to document reference values for diagnostic and rehabilitation purposes. BACKGROUND: Reference values for the isometric strength of the cervical muscles have often been based on small samples. To date, reference values for rotator muscles of the cervical spine have not been published. METHODS AND MEASURES: The group consisted of 220 volunteer healthy females in 4 age groups (20-29 years, n = 57; 30-39 years, n = 51; 40-49 years, n = 51; 50-59 years, n = 61) from Jyadskyla, Finland. Isometric cervical muscle strength in flexion, extension, and rotation was evaluated with a specially designed measurement system. RESULTS: Across all age groups, mean (+/-SD) maximal isometric neck strength was 73.8 +/- 20.0 N in flexion and 190.8 +/- 31.3 N in extension. Mean (+/-SD) rotation strength was 8.1 +/- 2.3 Nm to the right and 7.9 +/- 2.3 Nm to the left. Absolute strength values did not differ among the age groups. A weak but significant correlation between body mass and neck flexion (r = 0.31, P<.01) and extension (r = 0.25, P<.01) strength was found. Intratester reliability varied from 0.87 to 0.96. CONCLUSIONS: Women aged 20 to 59 years appear to have similar absolute isometric neck muscle strength levels. Thus these values can be used as reference for the working-age female population.

Decreased isometric neck strength in women with chronic neck pain and the repeatability of neck strength measurements.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate neck flexion, extension, and, especially, rotation strength in women with chronic neck pain compared with healthy controls and to evaluate the repeatability of peak isometric neck strength measurements in patients with neck pain. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTINGS: Rehabilitation center and physical and rehabilitation medicine department at a Finnish hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one women with chronic neck pain and healthy controls matched for sex, age, anthropometric measures, and occupation. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Peak isometric strength of the cervical muscles was tested in rotation, flexion, and extension. RESULTS: Significantly lower flexion (29%), extension (29%), and rotation forces (23%) were produced by the chronic neck pain group compared with controls. When the repeated test results were compared pairwise against their mean, considerable variation was observed in the measures on the individual level. Intratester repeatability of the neck muscle strength measurements was good in all the 4 directions tested in the chronic neck pain group (intraclass correlation coefficient range,.74-.94). The coefficient of repeatability was 15N, both in flexion and extension, and 1.8 Nm in rotation. On the group level, improvement up to 10% due to repeated testing was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The group with neck pain had lower neck muscle strength in all the directions tested than the control group. This factor should be considered when planning rehabilitation programs. Strength tests may be useful in monitoring training progress in clinical settings, but training programs should be planned so that the improvement in results is well above biologic variation, measurement error, and learning effect because of repeated testing.

Decreased strength and mobility in patients after anterior cervical diskectomy compared with healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether patients acquired normal physical function after cervical disk prolapse and surgery compared with healthy matched controls. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Hospital in central Finland. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-three patients with cervical diskectomy and 53 healthy matched controls. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative physical function was studied by measuring muscle strength and range of motion (ROM) values of the neck and grip strength. Disability was assessed by the neck and shoulder pain index and by the Oswestry index, mood by the Short Depression Inventory; and pain on a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: Most patients recovered well after the operation. Forty-three percent of the patients still experienced moderate or high pain (VAS score, >30mm). Subjective pain and disability were associated with decreased neck movement and strength. Both ROM and cervical muscle strength values were significantly lower (P<.001) in all the measured directions in cervical disk surgery patients compared with healthy controls. ROM was mostly confined in extension (25%). Muscle strength of the neck was mostly confined in both rotation directions (38%). No statistically significant difference in grip strength was found between the groups. CONCLUSION: The loss of muscle strength and ROM is clearly visible postoperatively and thus the effectiveness of the early identification and rehabilitation of these deficits merits further studies.