Effectiveness of Additional or Standalone Corticosteroid Injections Compared to Physical Therapist Interventions in Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Importance: Rotator cuff tendinopathy represents the most prevalent cause of shoulder pain, the third most common musculoskeletal disorder after low back pain and knee pain.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of corticosteroid injection(s), alone or in combination with anesthetic injection or any other physical therapist interventions, compared to physical therapist interventions alone in adults with rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Design: This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on low back pain in computer using working adults.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for computer-users to work-from-home (WFH) has increased world-wide. This study aims to explore how the COVID-19 lockdown has affected pain in the lower-back of adult computer professionals. Individuals aged 20-55, both male and female, meeting inclusion criteria (computer/laptop WFH, worked more than an hour on a computer/laptop) were invited to participate voluntarily after providing informed consent.

Acute intermittent hypoxia in spinal cord injury gait rehabilitation: a systematic review of randomized trials.

Background: Gait impairments are one of the popular consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI). Acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) is an innovative treatment that has recently been used to enhance motor function in patients with neurological conditions. This review aims to examine the effects of AIH on gait post-SCI, verify who most likely would benefit from the treatment, and recognize the best treatment protocol, if possible.

The Role of Central Sensitization in Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: To investigate the central sensitization (CS) in patients with autoimmune connective tissue diseases (ACTDs) and its relationship with disease activity, laboratory findings, medical treatments, organ involvements, and comorbidity.

Methods: One hundred and eleven patients with ACTDs and 40 healthy individuals were included. All patients were divided into three groups in terms of their diseases: Sjögren's syndrome (SS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

The influence of rurality on self-reported physical therapy utilization among patients with severe chronic back pain in the United States.

Purpose: To examine the association of rurality and physical therapy utilization among a nationally representative sample of individuals with severe chronic back pain.

Methods: This study utilized a publicly available dataset from the 2019 National Health Information Survey (Adult Sample). Individuals with severe chronic back pain were identified based on survey items examining respondents' pain frequency and location.

Self-reported health, persistent symptoms, and daily activities 2 years after hospitalization for COVID-19.

Introduction: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, 775 million cases have been reported globally. While many individuals recover fully, a significant proportion develop persistent symptoms. Numerous studies have investigated the long-term symptoms of COVID-19; however, the full extent and impact of these symptoms remain inadequately understood.

The impact of different exercise modalities on chronic kidney disease: an umbrella review of meta-analyses.

Introduction: Exercise is widely recognized for its benefits to chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. However, the specific impact of different exercise modalities on CKD-related outcomes remains unclear. This study sought to summarize the effects of different exercise modalities on the main outcomes impacted by CKD.

Pulmonary function in swimmers exposed to disinfection by-products: a narrative review.

Swimming produces many psychophysiological effects, including blood, hormonal, enzymatic, pulmonary, cardiovascular and energetic adaptations. However, asthma and allergies are becoming increasingly prevalent medical issues among elite endurance-trained swimmers, where exercise-induced asthma or bronchospasm is frequently reported. Heavy endurance swimming training, especially under adverse conditions, stresses the airway mucosa, leading to inflammatory changes, as observed in induced sputum in competitive swimmers.

Case Report: Targeted plasticity in spinal cord injury-the role of focal muscle vibration and neurocognitive rehabilitation in adaptative synaptic change along sensory and motor circuit.

Purpose: The purpose of this case was to investigate objectively and quantitatively the effects of the application of repeated focal muscle vibration (fMV) associated with neurocognitive exercise on a 46-year-old patient with spastic paraparesis secondary to the surgical removal of a C5-C6 ependymoma.

Methods: We have evaluated gait parameters, spasticity, and pain with clinical scales. We have applied focal muscle vibration on quadriceps femoris, hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and iliopsoas muscles bilaterally.

Non-linear interactions of lower limb clinical measures associated with asymptomatic Achilles tendon pathology in ballet dancers.

Context: Tendon abnormalities on imaging are commonly observed in individuals with Achilles tendinopathy. Those abnormalities can also be present in asymptomatic individuals, which is an important risk factor for developing tendon symptoms. Ballet dancers are particularly vulnerable due to the high loads placed on their Achilles tendons.

Electroacupuncture Pretreatment Reduces Ischemic Brain Injury by Inhibiting the Lactate Production and Its Derived Protein Lactylation Formation.

Aim: Given that electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment inhibits lactate production and lactate-derived lysine lactation (Kla) aggravates ischemic brain injury, we aimed to investigate whether the formation of Kla protein is involved in EA pretreatment to alleviate ischemic brain injury.

Methods: EA was performed on the Baihui acupoint (GV20) of male C57BL/6J mice before receiving the permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) surgery. Western blot and immunofluorescent staining were used to observe neuronal survival, astrocyte activation, and protein Kla levels, and the lactate levels in ischemic brains were assayed with a commercial kit.

Effectiveness of Non-Nutritive Sucking on Sucking Performance in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Non-nutritive sucking (NNS) is commonly employed to assist in the development of preterm infants facing feeding challenges. The effectiveness of NNS interventions on sucking performance (suction and expression/compression component of sucking) in this population has not yet to be systematically explored.

Aims: To review the literature on the effects of NNS on sucking performance in preterm infants.

Efficacy and safety of non-invasive low-frequency tibial nerve stimulator in overactive bladder.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a non-invasive low-frequency tibial nerve stimulator (TNS-01) vs sham control in relieving the symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) patients.

Patients: Participants who were diagnosed with primary OAB or exhibited at least one OAB symptom. All participants underwent three 30-min intervention sessions weekly.

Health profession students' perceptions of ChatGPT in healthcare and education: insights from a mixed-methods study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of health profession students regarding ChatGPT use and the potential impact of integrating ChatGPT in healthcare and education.

Background: Artificial Intelligence is increasingly utilized in medical education and clinical profession training. However, since its introduction, ChatGPT remains relatively unexplored in terms of health profession students' acceptance of its use in education and practice.

A qualitative exploration of feedback experience among final-year physiotherapy students using activity theory.

Background: Feedback is an important part of learning, however, it often does not have the desired effect. Much work has been done exploring students' engagement with feedback and factors which may impact engagement. Mutual understanding of feedback and feedback practice on the part of the student and educator is essential.

The effects of TECAR therapy on pain, range of motion, strength and subscale of HAGOS questionnaire in athletes with chronic adductor related groin pain: a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Groin pain is a common issue among athletes. Adductor-related pain is known as the most common cause of groin pain. Although, non-operative treatments have limited efficacy, Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR), can be used in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.

Development and Implementation of Automated Referral Triaging System for Spinal Cord Stimulation Procedure in Pain Medicine.

Effective referral triaging enhances patient service outcomes, experience and access to care especially for specialized procedures. This study presents the development and implementation of an automated triaging system to predict patients who would benefit from Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) procedure for their pain management. The proposed triage system aims to improve the triage process by reducing unnecessary appointments before SCS assessment, ensuring appropriate pain management care.

CTNNB1 syndrome mouse models.

CTNNB1 syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder, affecting children worldwide with a prevalence of 2.6-3.2 per 100,000 births and often misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy.

Current trends in pain management: A bibliometric analysis for the 1980-to-2023 period.

There is currently no bibliometric analysis available regarding pain management (PM). The aim of this study was to monitor the advancement of the PM research field, demonstrate global productivity, identify the most highly cited studies, delineate collaborations between research areas and countries, and uncover new research topics and intriguing trends. A total of 16,216 articles on the subject of PM published between 1980 and 2023 were downloaded from the Web of Science database and analyzed using various bibliometric analysis methods.

The Efficacy of Boxing Training on Patients with Parkinson's Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: This study aimed to systematically review the available evidence on the effects of boxing interventions on people with Parkinson disease.

Methods: Four electronic databases were searched systematically from their inception until December 2023. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database and Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies scales.

Comfortable knowing little about lymphoedema? A qualitative study of medical interns in Australia.

Objectives: Knowledgeable doctors are needed for timely assessment, diagnosis and management of lymphoedema. This qualitative study explored the thoughts and feelings of Australian interns (medical graduates in their first postgraduate year) towards (i) their understanding of the lymphatic system and lymphoedema, (ii) curricula pertaining to lymphoedema within their Australian medical degree and (iii) how they perceive that their understanding and medical training in lymphoedema influence their clinical practice.

Study Design And Methods: Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted with interns employed within their first postgraduate year in Australia.

High-intensive physical rehabilitation approach in children and adolescents with acquired brain injury during subacute phase (REHABILITY): a feasibility study protocol.

Introduction: While principles of neuroplasticity and motor learning emphasise the potential of high dosage of physical rehabilitation in children and adolescents with acquired brain injury (ABI) during the subacute phase, we lack empirical evidence to demonstrate its impact in terms of meaningful outcomes. Clinical research is needed to investigate adequate dosage of physical rehabilitation and its effects on outcomes with reliable and validated outcome measurements. In this study we will investigate the feasibility of a highly intensive physical rehabilitation intervention and outcomes with reliable and valid outcome measurements.

Relationship between apathy/post-stroke depression and gait training in patients with stroke.

Background: We examined the effect of gait training on apathy/post-stroke depression (PSD) in patients with walking disorders after stroke, and the effect of apathy/PSD on gait reacquisition in subacute stroke.

Methods: Fifty-five participants with gait disorders after stroke underwent gait training for 6 weeks. Outcome measurements included Apathy Scale (AS), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Mini-Mental State Examination, Lower Extremity Function of Stroke Impairment Assessment Set, and Functional Independence Measure-TRANSFER and -WALK scores.

Cluster randomised controlled trial on the effects of long-term home-based exercise for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with recent exacerbation: research protocol of the Project.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a highly prevalent respiratory disease associated with significant health decline and economic burdens. Pulmonary rehabilitation is an effective intervention, but securing adherence to exercise is difficult, particularly for frail and disabled patients, challenged by leaving their home. Home-based exercise is an emerging alternative for persons with COPD, but long-term adherence is unclear.