Reliability of the Wii balance board for static and dynamic balance assessment in total knee arthroplasty patients.

Purpose: Poor performance in practicing balance tasks is partly caused by the changes in the knee function and balance control activities following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of the static and dynamic balance measures using Wii Balance Board (WBB) in patients after TKA.

Design: Thirty-one TKA patients (6 males, 27 females, mean age 55 ± 5.

Evaluating pelvic floor muscle activity in chronic functional constipation: A transabdominal ultrasound study.

Introduction: Chronic functional constipation (CFC) is one of the most challenging types of constipation which negatively influences patients' quality of life. Recently, investigators mentioned pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) as an influential factor in the symptoms of patients with CFC, while its underlying mechanism is still unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the PFMs function in people with and without CFC using transabdominal ultrasound.

Kinematic Analysis of Pelvic and Lower Limb Joints during Stand-to-sit Movement in Individuals with Chronic Low Back Pain: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: It is crucial to investigate the daily functions commonly utilized by individuals with low back pain (LBP) due to their implications for recurrence and chronicity. Stand-to-sit (StTS) task is one of the more repetitive functions in human daily life. This study aims to evaluate pelvic and lower limb joint kinematics during the StTS task in individuals with Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain (NSCLBP) compared to a healthy control group.

The Correlation between Neck Pain and Disability, Forward Head Posture, and Hyperkyphosis with Opium Smoking: A Cross-Sectional Study from Iran.

Opium smoking has been a common practice in Iran for many years, with people often smoking for long hours. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in opium smoking due to false beliefs about its protective effects against COVID-19 infection. In this study, we aimed to examine the association between the non-ergonomic positions associated with traditional opium smoking in Iran and the development of neck pain and disability, forward head posture (FHP), and hyperkyphosis (HK).

The correlation between strength and range of motion of the neck muscles and opium smoking in Iran.

Objectives: Opium smoking is commonly practiced via traditional and novel routes in Iran. Both smoking methods are practiced in a non-ergonomic position. According to previous studies and our hypothesis, it can be potentially harmful to the cervical spine.

Intra-Rater Reliability of Ultrasound Measurements of Diaphragm Thickness and Contractility in Individuals with Nonspecific Chronic Neck Pain.

Objective: This study aimed to determine within-day intra-rater reliability of ultrasound measurements of the right and left hemidiaphragm thickness and contractility (quantified by percentage thickness change) in supine position during deep breathing in individuals with nonspecific chronic neck pain.

Methods: Seventeen volunteers (20-55 years of age) participated in this observational study. Bilateral diaphragm muscle thickness and contractility (percentage thickness change) were compared between 2 measurement sessions administered by a radiologist using B-mode real-time ultrasound (30 minutes apart).

Intrarater Reliability of Diaphragm Excursion and Resting Thickness Using Ultrasound Imaging in Subjects With Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish within-day intrarater reliability values of ultrasound measurements (excursion and resting thickness).

Methods: Seventeen volunteers met the inclusion criteria for this preliminary study. The right and left hemidiaphragm excursion and resting thickness were compared between 2 measurement sessions using M-mode and B-mode real-time ultrasound, respectively (30 min apart).

Diaphragm thickness, thickness change, and excursion in subjects with and without nonspecific low back pain using B-mode and M-mode ultrasonography.

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that respiratory dysfunction has a potential association with low back pain (LBP). Despite the role of the diaphragm for respiration and spinal stability, knowledge of the function of both sides of the diaphragm in subjects with LBP is still limited.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the structural integrity and function of the right and left hemidiaphragm by ultrasonography (USG) in subjects with and without nonspecific chronic low back pain (NS-CLBP).

The association between myofascial trigger points and the incidence of chronic functional constipation.

Introduction: Chronic functional constipation (CFC) is the most prevalent type of constipation. Considering the proven effect of pelvic floor muscles dysfunction in these patients' symptom and the fascial connection between pelvic floor and abdominal and lumbopelvic muscles, this study aimed to examine the possible relationship between this muscles and CFC.

Method: We conveniently selected 100 patients with CFC and 100 healthy participants based on the Rome IV criteria.

Altered ultrasonographic activity of abdominal muscles during breathing in males with and without nonspecific chronic low back pain.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the altered ultrasonographic activity of abdominal muscles during breathing in males with and without nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP).

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: Twenty males with NSCLBP and 20 males without NSCLBP were recruited.

The Effect of Respiratory Phase on Abdominal Muscle Activity During Stable and Unstable Sitting Positions in Individuals With and Without Chronic Low Back Pain.

Objective: The aim was to assess the abdominal muscle activities during inspiration and expiration at different sitting positions in individuals with and without chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Methods: This study was conducted on 36 participants (18 with CLBP and 18 healthy controls). Ultrasound imaging was used to assess thickness changes of the transverse abdominis, internal oblique, rectus abdominis, and external oblique muscles.

Lower limb kinematics in individuals with chronic low back pain during walking.

Several investigators have suggested the presence of a link between Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) and lower limbs kinematics that can contribute to functional limitations and disability. Moreover, CLBP has been connected to postural and structural asymmetry. Understanding the movement pattern of lower extremities and its asymmetry during walking can provide a basis for examination and rehabilitation in people with CLBP.

Single leg landing kinematics in volleyball athletes: A comparison between athletes with and without active extension low back pain.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare kinematics of the lower extremity and lumbar spine during a single leg landing task between female volleyball athletes with and without persistent low back pain (LBP).

Methods: In this cross sectional study, 36 volunteer female volleyball athletes with (n = 18) and without (n = 18) LBP were recruited. Two specifically trained physical therapists selected only athletes with a specific movement-based subgroup of LBP for inclusion.

Chronic neck pain and muscle activation characteristics of the shoulder complex.

Introduction: Neck pain is a very common musculoskeletal complaint in industrialized countries. Theoretically, chronic neck pain is thought to possibly change biomechanics and muscle activation patterns of the shoulder complex, causing its pain and dysfunction in the long term.

Purpose: The present cross-sectional study was conducted to compare shoulder complex muscle activation characteristics in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain, compared to healthy participants.

Examination of Regional Interdependence Theory in Chronic Neck Pain: Interpretations from Correlation of Strength Measures in Cervical and Pain-Free Regions.

Objective: Impairments present in chronic pain conditions have been reported not to be limited to the painful region. Pain-free regions have also been proposed to be adversely affected as a cause or consequence of the painful condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between muscle strength in painful and pain-free regions and chronic neck pain.

Strength and Range of Motion in the Contralateral Side to Pain and Pain-Free Regions in Unilateral Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain Patients.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine whether strength and range of motion deficits are present in patients with unilateral chronic neck pain at contralateral side to pain and at other regions.

Design: Forty-nine patients with unilateral chronic neck pain and 98 asymptomatic subjects participated in this case-control study. Range of motion and muscle strength of the cervical, shoulder, trunk, and hip regions were assessed bilaterally using inclinometer and dynamometer, respectively.

Relationship Between Hip Extensor Strength and Back Extensor Length in Patients With Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between hip extensor strength and back extensor length in patients with low back pain (LBP) and healthy controls.

Methods: In 266 patients with LBP and 215 matched controls, back extensor length and hip extensor strength were measured and compared in the 2 groups using an independent t test. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine correlation between these 2 variables.

Stabilization exercise affects function of transverse abdominis and pelvic floor muscles in women with postpartum lumbo-pelvic pain: a double-blinded randomized clinical trial study.

Introduction And Hypothesis: Lumbo-pelvic pain (LPP) is a common disorder in women after pregnancy due to ligament laxity and postural changes. Transverse abdominis (TrA) and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) activity is important for lumbo-pelvic stability. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of stabilization exercise (SE) and general exercise (GE) on TrA and PFM muscle activity and pain intensity in women with postpartum LPP.

Dry needling versus trigger point compression of the upper trapezius: a randomized clinical trial with two-week and three-month follow-up.

: The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the long-term clinical effect of dry needling with two-week and three-month follow up, on individuals with myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. : A sample of convenience (33 individuals) with a trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle, participated in this study. The individuals were randomly assigned to two groups: trigger point compression ( = 17) or dry needling ( = 16).

Automatic activity of deep and superficial abdominal muscles during stable and unstable sitting positions in individuals with chronic low back pain.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess muscle thickness changes in the deep and superficial abdominal muscles, during sitting on stable and unstable surfaces in subjects with and without chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 40 participants (20 CLBP and 20 healthy). Ultrasound imaging was used to assess changes in the thickness of the Transversus abdominis (TrA), Internal Oblique (IO), Rectus abdominis (RA) and External oblique (EO) muscles.

Dry Needling in myofascial tracks in Non-Relaxing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A case study.

Objective: The aim of this case report is to describe the use of Dry Needling (DN) in myofascial tracks related to the pelvic floor (PF) in the management of a male with Non-Relaxing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (NRPFD).

Clinical Features: A 42-year-old man, with a 20-year history of frequent urination, was referred to the physical therapy clinic by a urologist with diagnosis of NRPFD. The patient was suffering from a sense of incomplete evacuation and difficulty to start urination.

Ultrasound measurement of abdominal muscles during clinical isometric endurance tests in women with and without low back pain.

Purpose: The present study investigated group differences between the thickness changes of the transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) muscles, during performance of the isometric supine chest raise and the supine double leg-straight leg raise tests in women with and without low back pain (LBP).

Method: Twenty women with LBP and 20 women without LBP participated in this case-control study. The thickness of the right TrA, IO, and EO muscles was measured using B-mode ultrasound (US) at rest, immediately at the beginning of performing the tests and when participants in both groups self-reported fatigue.

Relationship Between Proprioception and Endurance Functionality of the Cervical Flexor Muscles in Chronic Neck Pain and Asymptomatic Participants.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the relationship between flexion endurance capacity and joint position error in participants with or without chronic neck pain (CNP).

Methods: Sixty-one CNP and 60 asymptomatic volunteers participated in this cross-sectional, case-control, and correlational analysis study. The measured variables included absolute and constant joint repositioning errors in the sagittal and horizontal directions, clinical flexor endurance test score, pain intensity, and neck disability index.

Electromiography comparison of distal and proximal lower limb muscle activity patterns during external perturbation in subjects with and without functional ankle instability.

Ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries among athletes and the general population. Most ankle injuries commonly affect the lateral ligament complex. Changes in postural sway and hip abductor muscle strength may be generated after inversion ankle sprain.