The prevalence, characteristics, and associated factors of pain in individuals with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: The coexistence of pain and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is acknowledged, yet the pain prevalence and associated factors of the common pain area in the COPD population are unknown.

Objective: This study aims to examine the prevalence of pain in individuals with and without COPD and to explore the connections between common pain areas and related factors.

Methods: Data was gathered through spirometry tests and surveys, including demographics, pain characteristics, Shoulder Pain and DisabilityIndex (SPADI), Neck Disability Index (NDI), COPD assessment test, and dyspnea score.

Development and testing of the health information website evaluation tool on neck pain websites - An analysis of reliability, validity, and utility.

Objective: Online health information contributes to patient education and knowledge on disease management. The aims of this study were to design the Health Information Website Evaluation Tool (HIWET) to evaluate the quality of online information, and to investigate the reliability, validity, and utility of HIWET.

Methods: HIWET was developed by a literature search and small-scale pilot testing.

An investigation of the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal pain and related disability among poultry slaughterhouse workers: a cross-sectional study.

Purpose: The poultry slaughterhouse workers (PSW) are at substantial risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal pain (WMSP) at workplace due to their work. This study investigated the prevalence rate of WMSP and related disability among the PSW.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 78 PSW (40 women and 38 men) in the region of northern Thailand.

Test-Retest reliability and concurrent validity of novel nerve testing device for thermal detection and thermal pain thresholds.

Thermal threshold testing is important for evaluating the thermal function of small-fibre nerve types C and A-delta. This study investigated the reliability and validity of a novel nerve testing device (NNTD) in evaluating thermal detection and thermal pain thresholds. Test-retest reliability of the NNTD and its concurrent validity compared to the current technology (Medoc TSA-2, Advanced Thermosensory Stimulator, Israel) were investigated among 10 healthy participants.

Causal Relationship Between the Risk Factors and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Professional Drivers: A Systematic Review.

Objective: This review evaluates the evidence on the strength of causal relationship between categories of risk factors (RFs) and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among professional drivers.

Background: A compilation of evidence on the causal relationship between RFs and WRMSDs among professional drivers is lacking.

Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted in major electronic data bases that include Medline (1946 + via OvidSP), Embase (1974 + OvidSP), CINAHL (1982+), AMED, and Web of Science.

A Clinical Evaluation of Scapular Dyskinesis Among Professional Bus Drivers With Unilateral Upper Quadrant Musculoskeletal Pain.

Background: Professional bus drivers report a high prevalence of upper quadrant musculoskeletal pain which could be associated with scapular dyskinesis (SD). However, the evidence for valid and reliable screening methods for this condition is limited as SD among bus drivers is an emerging area of research. Therefore, the main aim of the study was to investigate the reliability of dynamic scapular motion test (DSMT) using video analysis as an accurate method to evaluate SD and to identify patterns of SD among bus drivers.

Are patient expectations associated with treatment outcomes in individuals with chronic low back pain? A systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

Aim: The importance of patient expectations (PEs) on treatment outcomes is poorly understood in clinical practice. The aim of this review is to investigate the evidence behind association between pre-treatment PEs and treatment outcomes such as pain intensity (PI), level of function (LF) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Methods: A systematic search was conducted for randomised controlled trials published between 1946 and May 2019 across major databases using the key MeSH terminologies.

Clinimetric properties of the one-leg sit-to-stand test in examining unilateral lower limb muscle strength among young adults.

Background: One-leg sit-to-stand (one-leg STS) test is a new clinical test developed to measure the unilateral lower limb (LE) muscle strength among young adults. This study examined the test-retest reliability and the criterion-concurrent validity of the one-leg STS.

Methods: Forty young adults (mean age ± SD, 28.

Outcome measures used in the smartphone applications for the management of low back pain: a systematic scoping review.

Purpose: Smartphone applications (SPApps) have become a key tool for the self-management of low back pain (LBP). However, the scientific evidence behind the outcome measures used in SPApps for LBP is never investigated before. Therefore, this systematic review firstly assess the quality of the free SPApps for LBP, secondly examines the outcome measures used and thirdly evaluates the outcome measures against the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) core set classifications for LBP.

Effects of Massage as a Combination Therapy with Lumbopelvic Stability Exercises as Compared to Standard Massage Therapy in Low Back Pain: a Randomized Cross-Over Study.

Background: Little is known about the effects of providing massage as a combination therapy (CT) with lumbopelvic stability training (LPST) in management of chronic nonspecific low back pain (CLBP) among elite female weight lifters. It is unclear whether massage therapy (MT) together with LPST has any additional clinical benefits for individuals with CLBP.

Purpose: The current study compares the therapeutic effects of CT against MT as a stand-alone intervention on pain intensity (PI), pain pressure threshold (PPT), tissue blood flow (TBF), and lumbopelvic stability (LPS) among elite weight lifters with CLBP.

Immediate Effects of Core Stabilization Exercise on β-Endorphin and Cortisol Levels Among Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Crossover Design.

Objective: The main objective of the study was to measure the levels of plasma β-endorphin (PB) and plasma cortisol (PC) under lumbar core stabilization exercise (LCSE), placebo and control conditions in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Methods: Twenty-four participants with chronic nonspecific low back pain participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover design study. There were 3 experimental exercise conditions: control condition (positioning in crook lying and rest), placebo condition (passive cycling in crook lying using automatic cycler), and LCSE on a Pilates device tested with a 48-hour interval between sessions by concealed randomization.

Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of total faulty breathing scale using visual observation and videogrammetry methods.

Faulty breathing is an aspect of alteration in the normal fundamental pattern of breathing. The available existence of scales in assessing faulty breathing has not frequently been used. Measurement errors in assessing and quantifying breathing patterns may originate from unclear directions and variation between observers.

Lumbopelvic Core Stabilization Exercise and Pain Modulation Among Individuals with Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain.

Background: Lumbopelvic stabilization training (LPST) may provide therapeutic benefits on pain modulation in chronic nonspecific low back pain conditions. This study aimed to examine the effects of LPST on pain threshold and pain intensity in comparison with the passive automated cycling intervention and control intervention among patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Methods: A within-subject, repeated-measures, crossover randomized controlled design was conducted among 25 participants (7 males and 18 females) with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Therapeutic effects of connective tissue manipulation on wound healing and bacterial colonization count among patients with diabetic foot ulcer.

This study investigated the therapeutic effects of connective tissue manipulation (CTM) in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). A total of 20 participants (10 in CTM group and 10 in conventional treatment group (CG)) with DFU underwent the conventional DFU treatment. In addition, the CTM group received CTM twice per week for 6 weeks.

Intra-Rater Reliability and Minimal Detectable Change of Vertical Ground Reaction Force Measurement during Gait and Half-Squat Tasks on Healthy Male Adults.

Background: The understanding of vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) during walking and half-squatting is necessary and commonly utilised during the rehabilitation period. The purpose of this study was to establish measurement reproducibility of VGRF that reports the minimal detectable changes (MDC) during walking and half-squatting activity among healthy male adults.

Methods: 14 male adults of average age, 24.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and related occupational causative factors among electricity linemen: A narrative review.

Occupational tasks of linemen are highly associated with the development of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs). Although linemen are prone to develop WRMDs, there is paucity of information on the prevalence of WRMDs and related occupational causative factors. Therefore, the present review was conducted to report on the prevalence of WRMDs and to outline causative risk factors within occupational tasks in the lineman profession.

Validity and reliability of Internet-based physiotherapy assessment for musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review.

Purpose The purpose of this review is to systematically explore and summarise the validity and reliability of telerehabilitation (TR)-based physiotherapy assessment for musculoskeletal disorders. Method A comprehensive systematic literature review was conducted using a number of electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and CINAHL, published between January 2000 and May 2015. The studies examined the validity, inter- and intra-rater reliabilities of TR-based physiotherapy assessment for musculoskeletal conditions were included.

Understanding the physiology of mindfulness: aortic hemodynamics and heart rate variability.

Data were collected to examine autonomic and hemodynamic cardiovascular modulation underlying mindfulness from two independent samples. An initial sample (N = 185) underwent laboratory assessments of central aortic blood pressure and myocardial functioning to investigated the association between mindfulness and cardiac functioning. Controlling for religiosity, mindfulness demonstrated a strong negative relationship with myocardial oxygen consumption and left ventricular work but not heart rate or blood pressure.

Effects of Document Holder on Postural Neck Muscles Activity among Computer Users: A Preliminary Study.

Background: Computer users are exposed to work related neck disorders due to repetitive movement and static posture for prolonged period. Viewing document and typing simultaneously are one of the contributing factors for neck disorders.

Methods: This preliminary study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the document holder on the postural neck muscles activity among computer users.

Prophylactic Effects of Sauna on Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness of the Wrist Extensors.

Background: High-intensity of exercise or unaccustomed eccentric exercise can cause the phenomenon of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage (EIMD) which usually results in cramps, muscle strain, impaired muscle function and delayed-onset muscle soreness.

Objectives: This study investigated the prophylactic effects of sauna towards the symptoms associated with muscle damage from eccentric exercises of wrist extensor muscle group.

Patients And Methods: A total of twenty-eight subjects (mean age 20.