Physiotherapy Practice and Research - Volume 43, issue 1

Authors: Svensdotter, Helene | Danielsson, Louise | Seferiadis, Aris

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: To investigate the association between forward head posture (FHP) and neck pain disability in patients with chronic whiplash associated disorders (WAD). METHODS: This study was a secondary analysis based on data from a randomized controlled study. The study involved patients with chronic WAD reporting their disability using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). FHP was measured with a goniometer. Analyses of correlations and logistic regressions were performed controlling for age, gender, duration of symptoms, WAD-grade (the Quebec Task Force on Whiplash-Associated Disorders classification), bodily pain (the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and kinesiophobia, an irrational fear of physical …movement and activity (the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-SV). RESULTS: The inclusion criteria was fulfilled by 113 patients (81 women, 32 men). Mean age 48.1 years. Mean duration of symptoms 9.7 years. There was no significant correlation between FHP and neck pain disability (rs  = 0.004, p  = 0.968). A logistic regression analysis showed no significance for FHP neither with (p  = 0.418) nor without (p  = 0.991) control for age, gender, duration of symptoms, WAD-grade, kinesiophobia and bodily pain. In the multiple model kinesiophobia (p  = 0.013) and bodily pain (p  = < 0.001) were the only significant predictors. Kinesiophobia was also significantly correlated with both neck pain disability (rs  = 0.467, p  < 0.001) and FHP (rs  = 0.202, p  = 0.047), thus being a confounder to the possible correlation between these variables. CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant correlation between neck pain disability and FHP for patients with chronic WAD. Results suggest that physiotherapists should increase their focus on kinesiophobia, since it is associated with both FHP and neck pain disability. Show more

Keywords: Whiplash injuries, neck pain, pain, intractable, posture, pain measurement

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-200460

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 81-90, 2022

Authors: Osama, Muhammad

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Even though studies have reported impaired postural stability (PS) and risk of fall in non-specific low back pain (LBP), evidence is relatively scarce in terms of discogenic LBP or in persons with degenerative disc disorders of the lumbar spine. OBJECTIVE: To determine the differences in terms of PS, fall risk and sensory integration of balance in persons with discogenic LBP as compared to healthy controls. METHODS: A cross sectional comparative study was conducted on 60 participants, out of which 30 had discogenic LBP and 30 were healthy controls. The variables of interest included PS, fall …risk score (FRS) and clinical test of sensory integration of balance (CTSIB), and the data was collected using Biodex Balance SystemTM SD, with higher scores signifying poorer outcomes. RESULTS: Persons with discogenic LBP scored significantly (p  < 0.05) higher in terms of overall PS index [Mean difference = 2.33 (95% CI 1.38, 3.28)], anteroposterior PS index [Mean difference = 1.87 (95% CI 0.84, 2.90)] and mediolateral PS index [Mean difference = 0.82 (95% CI 0.43, 1.21)], FRS [Mean difference = 2.92 (95% CI 2.36, 4.8)] and CTSIB [Mean difference = 1.67 (95% CI 1.28, 2.06)] as compared to healthy controls. Both healthy controls and persons with discogenic LBP revealed higher anteroposterior postural stability index as compared to mediolateral postural stability index (p  < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Persons with discogenic low back pain exhibit greater risk of fall and poorer postural stability and sensory integration of balance as compared to healthy controls. It is suggested that fall risk, postural stability and sensory integration of balance should be considered as outcome measures in clinical management of such patients. Show more

Keywords: Balance, disc prolapse, fall risk, low back pain, postural control, postural stability

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-210593

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 91-96, 2022

Authors: Mehta, Payal | Prabhakar, Ashish John | Eapen, Charu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite recent gain in popularity and the proposed theories of effectiveness of kinesio taping (KT), there remains a lack of sufficient literature on the effect of kinesio taping on maximal voluntary contraction, proprioception and upper limb reaction time. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of kinesio taping and fatigue on maximal voluntary contraction, proprioception of the shoulder and upper limb reaction time in recreational badminton players. PARTICIPANTS: 40 recreational badminton players were included in the study. METHODS: The subjects were randomly allocated into–1) the KT group and 2) Placebo group. Maximal voluntary contraction, proprioception …and reaction time was measured before the application of KT to the shoulder and after 35 minutes of playing badminton with KT. ANALYSIS: Wilcoxin signed rank test was used for within group comparison and Mann Whitney U test was used for between group comparison. RESULTS: For proprioception within group comparison showed a significant difference at 60° of flexion and 120° of abduction in the control group. On comparison of change in effect size, a significant difference was seen at 60°, 90° of flexion and at 90° of external rotation. For maximal voluntary contraction, between group comparison showed a significant difference in all muscle groups except for the internal rotators.For reaction time, a significant difference was seen on between group comparison. (p  < 0.05) CONCLUSION: Kinesio taping may help in maintaining proprioception and strength of the shoulder and improving reaction time in badminton players even after a fatiguing game. Show more

Keywords: Kinesio taping, shoulder, maximal voluntary contraction, proprioception, upper limb, reaction time, recreational badminton players

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-210522

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 97-105, 2022

Authors: Paquete, Manuel | Ferreira, Ana | Meireles, Ana | Harry-Leite, Pedro | Goncalves-Lopes, Sónia | Lourenço, Joana | Soares, Denise

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: It is known, among the elderly population, the decrease in functional capacity to perform daily free-living activities, with the occurrence of falls quite frequently. The muscular component must be prepared for a better performance in motor tasks, reason why the application of Kinesio Taping™ band appears as an intervention to consider, so the aim of this study is to analyze the effect of the Kinesio Taping™ method on the balance of a senior group. METHOD: A sample of 28 subjects was divided into 2 groups: a control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG). The …balance was assessed using two scales: The Time-UP & Go Test (TUG) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). At first, individuals from both groups were assessed using both Scales. Subsequently, to the individuals belonging to EG, the Kinesio Taping™ method was applied (KT™ ), in the anterior tibial and peroneal in both lower limbs in CG KT™ was applied as a placebo. A day later, in a second visit, the performance of both groups was again evaluated using the mentioned scales. RESULTS: In CG, no statistically significant differences were observed in between testing days, (TUG day 1 vs TUG day 2: p  = 0.842); (BBS day 1 vs BBS day 2: p  = 0.157). On the other hand, statistically significant differences were observed in the experimental group, where TUG performance was faster after KT™ (p  = 0.001) and BBS was higher (p  = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that the Kinesio Taping™ application had positive effects on balance and these results could help the prevention of falls in the elderly. Show more

Keywords: Balance, muscle activation, anterior tibial, peroneal

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-210542

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 107-112, 2022

Authors: Cronin, Eimear | Hickey, Paula | Lynch, Peter | Monaghan, Kenneth

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Neuropilates, that is, the practice of pilates in a patient with a neurological condition, may benefit post stroke patients through improving their strength, postural control, alignment and stability, with previous studies showing significant improvements in balance and gait parameters post pilates interventions. This case study aimed to investigate the feasibility and outcomes of an online, remotely supervised one to one pilates class, once a week for 6 weeks with a post stroke patient. Outcomes measured included gait and balance through the “Timed Up and Go (TUG)” test, the “Five Times Sit to Stand (5TSTS)” test, the “Activities specific Balance Confidence …(ABC) scale” and the “Tinetti” balance and gait assessment. Quality of life was also measured by the “Stroke Specific Quality of Life (SSQOL)” Scale and muscle tone was measured through use of the “Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)”. Feasibility was assessed qualitatively based on information gathered from the client satisfaction questionnaire and the patient’s tolerance of the programme. Results demonstrated that the patient enjoyed and tolerated the programme well with modifications and that he would prefer online exercise training over face to face in the future. The patient improved his TUG score and his SSQOL score beyond the minimal detectable change. Smaller improvements were also seen in the 5TSTS test, the ABC scale and the Tinetti assessment. Mixed results were seen for muscle tone. Typical neuropilates exercise sets for post stroke patients in standing and seated positions are given as well as advice and protocols for ensuring high levels of safety with online exercising. Show more

Keywords: Pilates, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, stroke, telehealth

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-220641

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 113-124, 2022

Authors: Curtin, Kate | Walsh, Mary | Stow, Jacqui | Malone, Ailish

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: To determine if people who walked with a lower limb prosthesis on discharge from rehabilitation continued to 20 weeks after discharge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational cohort study design. People with major lower extremity amputation (LEA) who were discharged from rehabilitation using a prosthesis to walk and were due for prosthetic review appointment (20 weeks following discharge) during the period of data collection were eligible to be included. The primary outcome was the continuation of walking with a lower limb prosthesis at this time point (T2). Secondary outcome measures were: Timed Up and Go (TUG), Two Minute …Walk Test (2MWT), SIGAM score, Locomotor Capability Index-5 (LCI-5), and Orthotic Prosthetic User Survey- Quality of Life (OPUS-QOL). Secondary outcomes were assessed at time of discharge from rehabilitation (T1) and repeated at T2. Statistical analysis was carried out comparing the results of the secondary outcome measures at T1 and T2. RESULTS: 22/28 participants were still walking with their prostheses at T2. Five of the six who abandoned walking with their prostheses did so because of issues with the skin on their residuum or contralateral foot. Participants who continued to walk with their prostheses demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in TUG (5.01 seconds, p  < 0.01) and 2MWT (11.35 metres, p  < 0.01) between the two time points. No statistically significant difference was found in LCI-5 or OPUS QOL scores between the two time points. CONCLUSION: Most participants continued to walk with their prosthesis and experienced further improvements in their exercise tolerance and decrease in their risk of falls after discharge. Show more

Keywords: Prosthetic rehabilitation, prosthetic mobility, prosthetic limb abandonment, prosthetic outcomes

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-210618

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 125-132, 2022