Evaluation of Abdominal Muscle Thickness Changes During Abdominal Hollowing Maneuver in Different Positions Using a Sphygmomanometer for People With Chronic Low Back Pain.

Objective: The aim of this present investigation was to compare changes in transverse abdominis (TrA) thickness in a functional position with those in a less functional but more supportive posture and to determine which posture showed greater changes in TrA thickness between rest and during abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) relative to external oblique (EO) and internal oblique (IO) muscles.

Methods: Thirty adult participants with chronic low back pain were included in this observational study. The abdominal muscle thickness was measured in the supine, crook lying, prone, quadruped, sitting, side bridge, and standing poitions on a tilt board using ultrasonography.

The effects of aerobic exercises compared to conventional chest physiotherapy on pulmonary function, functional capacity, sputum culture, and quality of life in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis: a study protocol for randomized controlled trial study.

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by abnormal function of the chloride ion channels and characterized by pancreatic insufficiency and chronic endobronchial airway infection. Pulmonary dysfunction is very common and could lead to a reduction in the quality of life. Airway clearance techniques (ACT) and physical exercises are introduced as one of the main components of treatment.

Reliability of B-mode ultrasonography to measure lumbar multifidus muscle dimensions in patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation.

Objectives: To evaluate Ultrasound Imaging (USI) reliability for measurement of lumbar multifidus (LMF) muscle thickness and cross sectional area (CSA) at rest and during contraction in patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation.

Setting: Laboratory.

Design: Reliability Study.

Relationships Between Hoffman Reflex Parameters, Trait Stress, and Athletic Performance.

This study evaluated the relationships between trait stress, Hoffman reflex, and performance among 36 healthy amateur male athletes. We first obtained a trait stress questionnaire from participants and then assigned them to high- and low-stress groups. We next recorded Hoffman reflex data from the soleus and lateral gastrocnemius muscles and then examined their athletic performance on testing protocols separated by a 72-hour washout period.

Effectiveness of mobilization with movement (Mulligan concept techniques) on low back pain: a systematic review.

Objective: To evaluate evidence on the effectiveness of Mulligan techniques on low back pain.

Data Sources: PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Ovid, CINAHL, Embase, PEDro, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 31 March 2018 for randomized clinical trials reporting outcomes of pain or disability in adult patients (⩾18 years) with low back pain.

Review Methods: Two authors screened the results and extracted data for use in this review.

Gender-Related Differences in Reliability of Thorax, Lumbar, and Pelvis Kinematics During Gait in Patients With Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain.

Objective: To evaluate test-retest reliability of trunk kinematics relative to the pelvis during gait in two groups (males and females) of patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (NCLBP) using three-dimensional motion capture system.

Methods: A convenience sample of 40 NCLBP participants (20 males and 20 females) was evaluated in two sessions. Participants were asked to walk with self-selected speed and kinematics of thorax and lumbar spine were captured using a 6-infrared-cameras motion-analyzer system.

Reliability of Real-time Ultrasound Imaging for the Assessment of Trunk Stabilizer Muscles: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Rehabilitative ultrasound (US) imaging is one of the popular methods for investigating muscle morphologic characteristics and dimensions in recent years. The reliability of this method has been investigated in different studies. As studies have been performed with different designs and quality, reported values of rehabilitative US have a wide range.

A protocol for clinical trial study of the effect of core stabilization exercises on spine kinematics during gait with and without load in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain.

Background: Non-specific chronic low back pain (NCLBP) is a major public health and global socioeconomic burden with a variety of symptoms such as gait abnormality. Trunk stiffness and deep trunk muscles dysfunction known as guarding mechanism in gait are factors leading to abnormal movement pattern of the spine. Anterior load carriage task during gait is also challenged the trunk stability and its movement pattern.

Test-retest reliability of sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit analysis in people with and without chronic non-specific low back pain.

Background: Sit-to-stand (STD) and stand-to-sit (SIT) analysis can provide information on functional independence in daily activities in patients with low back pain (LBP). However, in order for measurements to be clinically useful, data on psychometric properties should be available.

Objectives: The main purpose was to investigate intra-rater reliability of STD and SIT tasks in participants with and without chronic non-specific LBP (CNLBP).

Kinematics of the Spine During Sit-to-Stand Movement Using Motion Analysis Systems: A Systematic Review of Literature.

Context: Clinical evaluation of the spine is commonplace in musculoskeletal therapies, such as physiotherapy, physical medicine/rehabilitation, osteopathic, and chiropractic clinics. Sit-to-stand (STS) is one of the most mechanically demanding daily activities and crucial to independence. Difficulty or inability to perform STS is common in individuals with a variety of motor disabilities, such as low back pain (LBP).

A new iPhone application for measuring active craniocervical range of motion in patients with non-specific neck pain: a reliability and validity study.

Background Context: Measurement of cervical spine range of motion (ROM) is often considered to be an essential component of cervical spine physiotherapy assessment.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of an iPhone application (app) (Goniometer Pro) for measuring active craniocervical ROM (ACCROM) in patients with non-specific neck pain.

Study Design/setting: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the musculoskeletal biomechanics laboratory located at Iran University of Medical Sciences.

The Effect of Core Stabilization Exercise on the Kinematics and Joint Coordination of the Lumbar Spine and Hip During Sit-to-Stand and Stand-to-Sit in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain (COSCIOUS): Study Protocol for a Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

Background: Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) is among the most prevalent health problems. Lumbar spine and hips kinematics and coordination can be affected in CNLBP. The effects of exercises on the kinematics and coordination of lumbar spine and hips during sit-to-stand (STS) and its reverse have not been evaluated.

Reliability and concurrent validity of a new iPhone goniometric application for measuring active wrist range of motion: a cross-sectional study in asymptomatic subjects.

Measurement of wrist range of motion (ROM) is often considered to be an essential component of wrist physical examination. The measurement can be carried out through various instruments such as goniometers and inclinometers. Recent smartphones have been equipped with accelerometers and magnetometers, which, through specific software applications (apps) can be used for goniometric functions.

Intratester and intertester reliability of the movement system impairment-based classification for patients with knee pain.

Background: The methods to standardize the test items used for classification of patients with knee pain based on the movement system impairment (MSI) approach have been established. To our knowledge, no study has concentrated on establishing reliability for proposed classification for knee pain problems.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess intra- and intertester reliability of the knee MSI classification in patients with knee pain.

Motor control exercise for symptomatic lumbar disc herniation: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common condition in adults and can impose a heavy burden on both the individual and society. It is defined as displacement of disc components beyond the intervertebral disc space. Various conservative treatments have been recommended for the treatment of LDH and physical therapy plays a major role in the management of patients.

Reliability and validity of an iPhone(®) application for the measurement of lumbar spine flexion and extension range of motion.

Background: Measurement of lumbar spine range of motion (ROM) is often considered to be an essential component of lumbar spine physiotherapy and orthopedic assessment. The measurement can be carried out through various instruments such as inclinometers, goniometers, and etc. Recent smartphones have been equipped with accelerometers and magnetometers, which, through specific software applications (apps) can be used for inclinometric functions.

Validation of the movement system impairment-based classification in patients with knee pain.

Background: Categorizing patients with knee pain problems based on pathoanatomical sources has not proved to be the most effective method for directing physical therapy interventions. Movement system impairment (MSI) classification system may be an alternative in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of patients with knee pain. No previous study has been conducted to validate the proposed system in these patients.

The effect of core stability and general exercise on abdominal muscle thickness in non-specific chronic low back pain using ultrasound imaging.

Background: There is a controversy regarding whether core stability exercise (CSE) is more effective than general exercise (GE) for chronic LBP. To compare different exercises regarding their effect on improving back strength and stability, performance of abdominal muscles is a useful index. Ultrasound imaging for measuring muscle thickness could be used to assess muscle performance.

Does core stability exercise improve lumbopelvic stability (through endurance tests) more than general exercise in chronic low back pain? A quasi-randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: The aim was to compare core stability and general exercises (GEs) in chronic low back pain (LBP) patients based on lumbopelvic stability (LPS) assessment through three endurance core stability tests. There is a controversy about preference of core stability exercise (CSE) over other types of exercise for chronic LBP. Studies which have compared these exercises used other outcomes than those related to LPS.

Relationship between flexion-rotation test and ultrasound thickness measurement of the abdominal muscles.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between flexion-rotation test and ultrasound (US) thickness measurement of the antero-lateral abdominal muscles.

Design: Following ethical approval, a convenience sample of 55 subjects between the ages of 20 and 30 years participated in this study. Endurance of the abdominal muscles was measured using the flexion-rotation test in all subjects.

Effects of static stretching of knee musculature on patellar alignment and knee functional disability in male patients diagnosed with knee extension syndrome: A single-group, pretest-posttest trial.

Background: Knee extension (Kext) syndrome is based on movement system impairments and is described as knee pain associated with quadriceps stiffness.

Objective: To investigate the effects of 3 times per week for 4 weeks static stretching of knee musculature on patellar alignment and knee functional disability in male Kext syndrome patients.

Design: A single-group, pretest-posttest clinical trial.

Work related neck pain in Iranian dentists: an epidemiological study.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for neck pain in dentists of Tehran province and to analyze the association of neck pain with individual and occupational characteristics.

Design: Following ethical approval, a cross sectional study was conducted on 300 randomly selected dentists at Tehran city. Different questionnaires were used to collect personal and occupational characteristics as well as the prevalence and risk factors of neck pain.