Combined Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Pain Neuroscience Education for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: Priming the neural circuity likely targeted by pain neuroscience education (PNE), using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may enhance the efficacy of PNE. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of active tDCS + PNE to sham tDCS + PNE on measures of pain, pain behaviors, and cognitive function in participants with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and high pain catastrophizing.

Methods: 20 participants were recruited and randomly allocated into the active tDCS + PNE (n = 10) or sham tDCS + PNE (n = 10) groups.

Effectiveness of Spinal Stabilization Exercises on Movement Performance in Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain.

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a musculoskeletal disorder that affects more than 80% of people in the United States at least once in their lifetime. LBP is one of the most common complaints prompting individuals to seek medical care. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of spinal stabilization exercises (SSEs) on movement performance, pain intensity, and disability level in adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Effectiveness of Spinal Stabilization Exercises on Dynamic Balance in Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain.

Background: Dynamic balance is a vital aspect of everyday life. It is important to incorporate an exercise program that is useful for maintaining and improving balance in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). However, there is a lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of spinal stabilization exercises (SSEs) on improving dynamic balance.

Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain Demonstrate Increased Lumbopelvic Muscle Stiffness Compared to Asymptomatic Controls.

Although lumbopelvic muscle stiffness is commonly clinically assessed in women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP), it has not been objectively quantified in this population, and its association with other pain-related impairments has not yet been established. To compare superficial lumbopelvic muscle stiffness in women with and without CPP. In addition, pressure pain threshold (PPT) was compared between groups and the associations between muscle stiffness and PPT were assessed in women with CPP.

Reliability and Validity of the Functional Movement Screen™ with a Modified Scoring System for Young Adults with Low Back Pain.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common complaints in individuals who seek medical care and is a leading cause of movement impairments. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) was developed to evaluate neuromuscular impairments during movement. However, the reliability and validity of the FMS™ have not yet been established for the LBP population because of a limitation of its original scoring system.

Validity and reliability of dry needle placement in the deep lumbar multifidus muscle using ultrasound imaging: an in-vivo study.

Objectives: To use ultrasound (US) imaging to determine the validity and reliability of needle placement of two dry needling (DN) protocols for the lumbar multifidus (LM) in individuals with a high body mass index (BMI).

Methods: Twenty-one participants with a BMI higher than 25 kg/m completed the study. A US scanner was used to determine the location of needle placement after a 100 mm long needle was inserted in the LM at L4 and L5 following two DN protocols for the deep LM muscle.

Reliability and Validity of the Y-balance Test in Young Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain.

Background: Individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) may demonstrate reduced ability to perform dynamic tasks due to fear of additional pain and injury in response to the movement. The Y-balance test (YBT) is a functional and inexpensive test used with various populations. However, the reliability and validity of the YBT used for assessing dynamic balance in young adults with CLBP have not yet been examined.

Short-term effects of two deep dry needling techniques on pressure pain thresholds and electromyographic amplitude of the lumbosacral multifidus in patients with low back pain - a randomized clinical trial.

: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of deep dry needling (DN) with and without needle manipulation on pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and electromyographic (EMG) amplitude of the lumbosacral multifidus (LM) in adults with low back pain (LBP). : Participants were randomized into two treatment groups: with needle manipulation (n = 21) and without needle manipulation (n = 21). All participants received a single session of the assigned DN intervention.

Psychometric Properties of Pressure Pain Thresholds Measured in 2 Positions for Adults With and Without Neck-Shoulder Pain and Tenderness.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of pressure pain threshold (PPT) testing in adults with and without neck-shoulder pain and tenderness and to compare the differences in PPT measurements between the seated and prone positions.

Methods: Thirty asymptomatic adults and 30 symptomatic patients with intermittent neck-shoulder pain and tenderness completed the study. A pressure algometer was used to assess PPTs at specific points on the middle deltoid, levator scapulae, and upper trapezius muscles of the dominant side of the asymptomatic individuals and the painful side of the patients.

The validity and reliability of the Vail Sport Test™ as a measure of performance following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Objectives: To determine the validity and inter-session reliability of the Vail Sport Test™.

Design: Cohort study-exploratory methodological research design.

Setting: Clinical Research Laboratory.

Effects of tactile feedback on lumbar multifidus muscle activity in asymptomatic healthy adults and patients with low back pain.

Background: Reduced lumbar multifidus (LM) muscle contraction has been observed in patients with low back pain (LBP). Clinicians often use various strategies to ensure LM activation, including tactile feedback and verbal instruction. However, the effects of tactile feedback on muscle activation have not been studied previously.

Head Control Changes After Headpod Use in Children With Poor Head Control: A Feasibility Study.

Purpose: To determine the feasibility of Headpod use to improve head control in children with cerebral palsy classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System level V.

Methods: Children (3-11 years) with poor head control were video recorded before and after 3 and 6 months of Headpod use. Head control without Headpod was measured by active time children could hold head upright and number of head bobs in 5 minutes.

Effects of different verbal instructions on change of lumbar multifidus muscle thickness in asymptomatic adults and in patients with low back pain.

Background: Spinal stabilisation exercise has been shown to be effective in the rehabilitation of low back pain (LBP). Due to the isometric nature of spinal stabilisation exercise, manual therapists use various verbal instructions to elicit lumbar multifidus muscle contraction.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess whether or not three verbal instructions would alter muscle thickness of the lumbar multifidus muscle differently in asymptomatic individuals and patients with LBP.