Effectiveness of deep tissue massage therapy, and supervised strengthening and stretching exercises for subacute or persistent disabling neck pain. The Stockholm Neck (STONE) randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of deep tissue massage, supervised strengthening and stretching exercises, and a combined therapy (exercise followed by massage) (index groups), with advice to stay active (control group).

Methods: Randomized controlled trial of 619 adults with subacute or persistent neck pain allocated to massage (n = 145), exercise (n = 160), combined therapy (n = 169) or advice (n = 147). Primary outcomes were minimal clinically important improvements in neck pain intensity and pain-related disability based on adapted questions from the Chronic Pain Questionnaire.

Spinal alignment, mobility of the hip and thoracic spine and prevalence of low back pain in young elite cross-country skiers.

This study investigated the association between spinal alignment, mobility of the hips and the thoracic spine and low back pain in adolescent cross-country skiers. Cohort of 51 elite cross-country skiers from a cross-country skiing high school in Sweden participated in the study. Sagittal spinal alignment, active range of motion in flexion, extension and rotation of the thoracic spine as well as passive and active extension of the hips were measured.

The effect of massage therapy and/or exercise therapy on subacute or long-lasting neck pain--the Stockholm neck trial (STONE): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Neck pain is a major health problem in populations worldwide and an economic burden in modern societies due to its high prevalence and costs in terms of health care expenditures and lost productivity. Massage and exercise therapy are widely used management options for neck pain. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence regarding their effectiveness for subacute and long-lasting neck pain.

A care pathway for patients with oesophageal cancer.

A well-functioning care pathway for oesophageal cancer patients is particularly important in view of the need for a multidisciplinary approach and of the complex diagnostic procedures, extensive treatment, increasing volume of patients at fewer centres, and poor prognosis. Nevertheless, the literature regarding organization of care pathways for cancer patients is sparse. We therefore present our newly developed care pathway for oesophageal cancer patients, created to optimize the organization, coordination and supportive care.

The influence of needle catheter jejunostomy on weight development after oesophageal cancer surgery in a population-based study.

Aims: We aimed to assess whether needle catheter jejunostomy (NCJ) influences the weight development or discharge from hospital after oesophageal cancer surgery in an unselected and prospectively collected series of patients.

Methods: Data regarding patients who underwent oesophageal cancer surgery between April 2001 and October 2004 and were followed up until April 2005 were collected from the Swedish Esophageal and Cardia Cancer Register. Details of patient characteristics, including preoperative body weight and length, tumour characteristics, surgical procedures, including NCJ insertion, complications and ward time were obtained.