Effectiveness of Anapana, Body scan and Metta meditation techniques on chronic neck and shoulder region pain and disability in adult patients in Sri Lanka: study protocol for a cluster clinic-level randomised controlled trial.

Background: Chronic neck and shoulder region pain affects many people around the world. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of three 8-week meditation training programmes (each using a different meditation technique: Anapana, Body scan or Metta) on pain and disability in a patient population affected with chronic neck and shoulder region pain, with a usual care control group and with each other.

Methods: This four-arm parallel clinic-level randomised controlled trial will be conducted with male and female patients aged 18-65 years, who are affected with chronic neck and shoulder region pain, and who attend one of four clinics held on four different days of the week in a single medical centre in the Colombo North region, Sri Lanka.

The provision of NHS health checks in a community setting: an ethnographic account.

Background: The UK National Health Service Health Checks programme aims to reduce avoidable cardiovascular deaths, disability and health inequalities in England. However, due to the reported lower uptake of screening in specific black and minority ethnic communities who are recognised as being more at risk of cardiovascular disease, there are concerns that NHS Health Checks may increase inequalities in health. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of community outreach NHS Health Checks targeted at the Afro-Caribbean community.

The prevalence of latent myofascial trigger points and diagnostic criteria of the triceps surae and upper trapezius: a cross sectional study.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), specific diagnostic criteria and the association between gender and MTrP prevalence in the triceps surae and upper trapezius.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: University, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.

Myofascial trigger point therapy for triceps surae dysfunction: a case series.

Aims: The main aim of the case series was to inform further experimental research to determine the effectiveness of myofascial trigger point (MTrP) therapy for the treatment of triceps surae dysfunction.

Participants: Ten participants with triceps surae dysfunction were recruited (4 females and 6 males); mean age±standard deviation=43±7.1 years.

Empirical support for radiographic review: a follow-up study of total hip arthroplasty.

Routine post surgery surveillance of total hip arthroplasty (THA) is widely recommended to identify asymptomatic failure but inclusion of an x-ray adds to service costs. Evidence is needed to support orthopaedic opinion in order to identify what should be included in surveillance. An investigation was conducted to establish whether an x-ray is needed in addition to patient reported outcome measures.

Use of morphometry to quantify osteolysis after total hip arthroplasty.

Background: Progressive osteolysis threatens the longevity of hip arthroplasties and radiographic review is recommended. Measurement of osteolytic lesions in a clinical setting has not been achieved easily in the past. Other radiologic investigations provide accurate information but cost and risk to the patient prohibit their use in routine review.

Motivators and de-motivators for adherence to a program of sustained walking.

Objective: To investigate motivators, de-motivators and adherence to regular physical activity during and at six months after participation in a 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) of walking.

Design: Purposive sampling in a group of men who participated in a RCT of supported, home-based walking in Bristol, England, between December 2002 and June 2005.

Method: 38 sedentary, hypercholesterolemic men (54.

The effect of a home-based walking program on risk factors for coronary heart disease in hypercholesterolaemic men. A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Hypercholesterolaemia and physical inactivity significantly contribute towards risk of coronary heart disease. Increased physical activity may be an effective way to improve lipid profiles in hypercholesterolaemic individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a home-based physical activity program meeting current guidelines improved the lipid profile of hypercholesterolaemic men.