Combined Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Pain Neuroscience Education for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: Priming the neural circuity likely targeted by pain neuroscience education (PNE), using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may enhance the efficacy of PNE. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of active tDCS + PNE to sham tDCS + PNE on measures of pain, pain behaviors, and cognitive function in participants with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and high pain catastrophizing.

Methods: 20 participants were recruited and randomly allocated into the active tDCS + PNE (n = 10) or sham tDCS + PNE (n = 10) groups.

Comparisons of Clinical Competency and Job Responsibilities of Physical Therapists With and Without Postprofessional Training.

Introduction: Understanding how educational pathways may influence clinical competence and work responsibilities is important in providing guidance to academic and clinic stakeholders and physical therapists (PTs) on PT career development. The purpose of this paper was to compare perceived clinical competency and job duties between PTs with formal mentored postprofessional clinical education with PTs without formal postprofessional clinical education.

Review Of Literature: The understanding of self-perceived clinical competence of PTs overall in the United States is limited, especially as related to the impact of postprofessional education.

Effectiveness of Spinal Stabilization Exercises on Movement Performance in Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain.

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a musculoskeletal disorder that affects more than 80% of people in the United States at least once in their lifetime. LBP is one of the most common complaints prompting individuals to seek medical care. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of spinal stabilization exercises (SSEs) on movement performance, pain intensity, and disability level in adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Effectiveness of Spinal Stabilization Exercises on Dynamic Balance in Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain.

Background: Dynamic balance is a vital aspect of everyday life. It is important to incorporate an exercise program that is useful for maintaining and improving balance in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). However, there is a lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of spinal stabilization exercises (SSEs) on improving dynamic balance.