Classification of paravertebral muscle trophism and its correlation with thoraco-lumbar fascia thickening in patients with chronic low back pain.

Objective: The aim of this work is to demonstrate how the chronicity of low back pain can modify the trophism of the paraspinal muscles, by performing an ultrasound and MRI evaluation of the paraspinal muscles in the lumbar spine and correlating it to the time of onset of low back pain.

Materials And Methods: An ultrasound evaluation was carried out in the lumbar area with a 5-17 MHz linear probe of the paraspinal muscles of the lumbar region, compared with the MRI of the lumbar spine, in patients presented to our attention for chronic low back pain (> 6 months), from January 2021 to January 2023. In each patient, two series of images were analyzed, in the coronal and sagittal planes.

Return to Sport After Partum in Patients With Diastasis of the Rectus Abdominis Muscles: Ultrasound Evaluation and Rehabilitation Protocol.

Background: Diastasis rectus abdominis is a condition in which the rectus abdominis muscles separate and move laterally, causing stretching of the linea alba tissue with weakness of the abdominal wall. Although it can lead to hernia of the abdominal viscera, diastasis rectus abdominis is not a hernia in itself. This condition is common among women during pregnancy and the postpartum period and can significantly affect their quality of life and their return to sports activity.

Can nCD64 and mCD169 biomarkers improve the diagnosis of viral and bacterial respiratory syndromes in the emergency department? A prospective cohort pilot study.

Purpose: Differentiating infectious from non-infectious respiratory syndromes is critical in emergency settings. This study aimed to assess whether nCD64 and mCD169 exhibit specific distributions in patients with respiratory infections (viral, bacterial, or co-infections) and to evaluate their diagnostic accuracy compared to non-infectious conditions.

Methods: A prospective cohort study enrolled 443 consecutive emergency department patients with respiratory syndromes, categorized into four groups: no infection group (NOIG), bacterial infection group (BIG), viral infection group (VIG), and co-infection group (COING).

The effects of teleconnections on water and carbon fluxes in the two South America's largest biomes.

Ecosystem services provided by terrestrial biomes, such as moisture recycling and carbon assimilation, are crucial components of the water, energy, and biogeochemical cycles. These biophysical processes are influenced by climate variability driven by distant ocean-atmosphere interactions, commonly referred to as teleconnections. This study aims to identify which teleconnections most significantly affect key biophysical processes in South America's two largest biomes: The Amazon and Cerrado.

Beyond water: 3D laser scanning offers a cutting-edge alternative for upper limb volume assessment.

Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and efficiency of a 3D laser scanner as a tool for volumetric measurement of the upper limbs, comparing it with the gold standard method of non-reflux water displacement. The study sought to determine whether the 3D scanner could serve as a reliable and time-efficient alternative in clinical settings, particularly for managing conditions like lymphedema.

Methods: A total of 30 healthy participants (18 women, 12 men) were recruited, and volumetric measurements were taken using both the 3D scanner and water displacement methods.

Focal Vibration Therapy for Motor Deficits and Spasticity Management in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation.

Background: Focal mechanical vibration therapy has gained attention as a potential intervention to improve motor function while decreasing spasticity and pain in post-stroke patients. Despite promising results, there remains variability in study designs and outcomes, warranting a review of its clinical efficacy.

Methods: A review was conducted to evaluate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of focal mechanical vibration therapy on post-stroke rehabilitation.

Maximizing Knee OA Treatment: A Comparative Look at Physiotherapy and Injections.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and disabling condition often managed with physiotherapy or intra-articular injections. However, the comparative effectiveness of these treatments remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of physiotherapy and intra-articular injections in managing knee OA.

Stepping towards relief: a scoping review on the impact of unstable footwear in chronic low back pain management.

Introduction: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent condition causing significant disability worldwide. Traditional treatments often have limited effectiveness, prompting research into alternative, non-invasive interventions. This review examines the impact of unstable footwear on CLBP management, exploring its potential to reduce pain and disability.

Manual Therapy vs. Surgery: Which Is Best for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief?

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition characterized by compression of the median nerve, leading to pain, numbness, and hand dysfunction. Both manual therapy and surgical decompression are widely used interventions, but their comparative effectiveness remains uncertain.

Methods: A systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted to compare the short- and long-term efficacy of manual therapy versus surgery for CTS.

Rebuilding Stability: Exploring the Best Rehabilitation Methods for Chronic Ankle Instability.

Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) is a common condition characterized by repeated episodes of ankle "giving way" and impaired balance, leading to functional limitations. Various rehabilitation techniques, including balance training, proprioceptive exercises, whole-body vibration (WBV), and novel approaches like stroboscopic vision, are used to address these deficits. This review evaluates the effectiveness of different rehabilitation interventions for CAI management.

Harnessing the Power of Water: A Scoping Review of Hydrokinesiotherapy as a Game-Changer in Knee Osteoarthritis Management.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition that significantly impairs pain, mobility, and quality of life. Hydrokinesiotherapy, a water-based exercise therapy, is gaining traction as a potential alternative to traditional land-based rehabilitation for managing knee OA symptoms. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of hydrokinesiotherapy compared to standard land-based physical therapy and self-administered exercise regimens in improving pain, joint mobility, quality of life, and physical function in patients with knee OA.

Educational therapy for caregivers of children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy: a scoping review.

Introduction: Obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP), a condition resulting from the stretching of nerve structures in an infant's upper limb during childbirth, necessitates early physiotherapy intervention. Continuation of rehabilitative activities at home is critical for optimal recovery, highlighting the need for effective caregiver education in managing this condition. This scoping review seeks to consolidate and examine existing research on physiotherapy treatments for OBPP, with a specific focus on the educational support provided to caregivers.

Is the continuity of the therapist-patient relationship relevant for the discharge outcome in orthopaedic physical rehabilitation?

Continuity of care has been linked to patient satisfaction and self-reported outcomes. Following hip fractures in the elderly, rehabilitation aims at restoring patients' mobility and independence at the pre-fracture level and at the earliest possible time. Despite the potential role of physiotherapists' continuity on functional outcomes, this correlation has not yet been studied in an acute orthopaedic setting.

To Operate or Not? Evaluating the Best Approach for First-Time Patellar Dislocations: A Review.

The optimal management of first-time patellar dislocations remains a subject of debate. While surgical intervention is often recommended to reduce the risk of redislocation, the benefits over conservative treatment regarding knee function and complication rates are not clearly established. This systematic review aims to compare the effectiveness of surgical versus conservative treatment in preventing redislocation and improving knee function, while also considering complication rates.

The Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Infiltrations Combined with Early Rehabilitation in the Management of Low Back Pain: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Low back pain is a prevalent condition affecting 60-85% of individuals during their lifetime. Despite various proposed mechanisms, the etiology of low back pain remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of combining ultrasound-guided infiltrations with early rehabilitation in reducing pain and improving functional limitations in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Breaking the Cycle of Pain: The Role of Graded Motor Imagery and Mirror Therapy in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic condition characterized by severe pain and functional impairment. Graded Motor Imagery (GMI) and Mirror Therapy (MT) have emerged as potential non-invasive treatments; this review evaluates the effectiveness of these therapies in reducing pain, improving function, and managing swelling in CRPS patients. A systematic review was conducted including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated GMI and MT in CRPS patients.