Archives of physiotherapy最新文献

Introduction: Gait impairments are common in People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). Several studies have examined the clinometric properties of Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), with LDLJa identified as a robust metric for gait smoothness. However, its responsiveness and interpretability have not been explored.

Methods: This cross-sectional study at IRCCS Santa Lucia Hospital enrolled 44 PwMS (age: 28-71; EDSS: 0-6) and 43 age- and gait-speed-matched healthy participants (HP). Two physiotherapists conducted assessments with five synchronized IMUs during a 10-meter walk at participants' preferred speed. Data were collected at baseline (T0) and after 4 weeks of training (T1).

Results: Significant differences in log dimensionless jerk (LDLJa) were found between PwMS and HP in the AP (p < 0.001, d = 0.63), ML (p < 0.001, d = 1.08), and CC (p = 0.03, d = 0.68) directions. PwMS had lower LDLJaAP values (< -4.88) and LDLJaML values (< -5.40) with probabilities of 63% and 76%, respectively. ΔLDLJaML demonstrated good responsiveness to rehabilitation (AUC ~0.80), with improvements >4.02% representing the optimal MCID for clinical improvement in MiniBesTest.

Conclusion: Lower LDLJa values in the AP and ML directions characterize gait smoothness impairment in PwMS. LDLJa in the ML direction is responsive to balance-focused rehabilitation, highlighting its potential for tracking gait disorders and rehabilitation progress.

Introduction: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents a substantial global health challenge. While the disease is known to impact multiple systems, leading to long-term consequences that require monitoring and rehabilitation, its effects on the pelvic floor remain unclear.This study aims to explore COVID-19-related signs and symptoms affecting pelvic floor functions through a scoping review.

Methods: We conducted a scoping review following the Arksey and O'Malley framework. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase databases up to March 19, 2024, to identify studies examining pelvic floor-related signs and symptoms in COVID-19 patients. Two independent reviewers extracted the study and participant characteristics, areas involved (e.g., anorectal, sexual, urogenital), and signs and symptoms using an ad-hoc data extraction form. Signs and symptoms were classified as direct (e.g., directly impacting the pelvic floor) or indirect (e.g., indirectly affecting the pelvic floor with potential long-term consequences).

Results: We included 104 studies, primarily a systematic review (N = 40; 38.46%) and focused on adult populations (N = 80; 76.92%), investigating 140 signs and symptoms from various regions worldwide. Most (N = 124; 88.57%) were indirect signs and symptoms, while the minority were direct (N = 16; 11.43%). The most prevalent indirect symptom was diarrhea (n = 81; 70,43%) in the anorectal bowel area (n = 115). The most prevalent direct were lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) (n = 16; 84.21%) in the urogenital area (n = 19).

Conclusion: This study highlights the significant prevalence of both direct and indirect pelvic floor symptoms in COVID-19 patients. Clinicians should be aware of the potential link between COVID-19 and pelvic floor dysfunction.

This masterclass explores the increasing recognition of spirituality as a vital aspect of patient care, alongside other Social Determinants of Health (SDH) such as economic stability and education. The distinction between spirituality and religion is clarified, with spirituality described as a broader, more personal experience that can exist both within and outside of religious contexts. Research demonstrates that spirituality influences health in mostly positive ways, particularly in areas like mental health, resilience, and coping, making it a critical component of holistic, patient-centered care. In physical therapy, incorporating a patient's spirituality into their plan of care can enhance cultural competence and foster a more holistic care approach. However, many Physical Therapists (PTs) express uncertainty in addressing spiritual concerns, often due to limited training or unclear role expectations. The authors suggest that integrating tools like the Inclusive Spiritual Connection Scale (ISCS), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp), Spiritual Well-Being Questionnaire (SWBQ), the Spiritual Health and Life-Orientation Measure (SHALOM), or the Spiritual Transcendence Scale (STS), along with enhanced education, could help therapists incorporate spirituality into practice more seamlessly. Integration of spirituality enables PTs to deliver more complete, personalized care that addresses the whole person. Ultimately, the authors advocate for recognizing spirituality as a key determinant of health and an important component of healthcare to ensure more inclusive treatment.

Objective: The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is challenging, calling for therapeutic strategies other than pharmacological treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of Pilates exercises on IBS symptoms and severity, frequency of complete spontaneous bowel movements, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and body weight in women with IBS.

Methods: Sixty women with IBS, aged 20-45, completed this study. They were randomly assigned to two equal groups: a study group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). The study group received an 8-week Pilates exercise program (2 sessions per week) in addition to dietary advice, while the control group received dietary advice only. Inclusion criteria were women, IBS diagnosed based on Rome IV Diagnostic criteria, constipation-predominant IBS, and moderate to severe IBS. The outcome measures were the IBS severity scoring system (IBS-SSS), the frequency of complete spontaneous bowel movements, the modified fatigue impact scale (MFIS), hospital anxiety and depression (HADS) scale, and body weight (BW).

Results: The study group showed more significant improvements than the control group in total IBS-SSS score (Cohen d = 0.73, p < 0.001), frequency of complete spontaneous bowel movements (Cohen d = 0.50, p < 0.001), total MFIS score (Cohen d = 0.74, p < 0.001), anxiety (Cohen d = 0.56, p < 0.001), and depression (Cohen d = 0.64, p < 0.001). The study group also showed a significant reduction in body weight compared to baseline (p < 0.05). The control group showed significant improvements in all outcomes, except body weight, compared to baseline (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Pilates exercises, used in addition to dietary advice, may significantly improve IBS symptoms and severity, frequency of complete spontaneous bowel movements, and alleviate fatigue, anxiety, and depression moderately more than dietary advice alone in women with constipation-predominant IBS. Nevertheless, dietary advice alone may also significantly improve these outcomes in this cohort.

Objective: Virtual reality (VR) therapies have increasingly been adopted across medical fields, including neurorehabilitation for stroke recovery. Evidence from several systematic reviews (SRs) was explored, covering different aspects. We aim to explore overlaps, gaps, and trends of SRs focusing on VR stroke rehabilitation providing a foundation for improving the field and addressing current limitations.

Materials and methods: We moved from a recent overview of reviews, searching multiple databases for all published SRs and the international database of prospectively registered SRs (PROSPERO) for ongoing SRs. Data extraction of study characteristics and methodological quality of SRs using AMSTAR 2 were obtained from a recent overview of reviews. Two independent reviewers conducted data analysis and visualization by the trend over time of published SRs with their included primary studies and ongoing SRs, methodological quality and other SR characteristics.

Results: The data set consisted of 58 SRs, including 345 primary studies and 45 ongoing SRs, published between 2007 and 2022. The number of published and ongoing SRs significantly increased over time (R² = 0.8654; R² = 0.747, respectively). In the last three years, Asia accounts for the majority of publications (31%). Overall, the main outcome assessed over time was upper extremity function and activity in 67.2% of SRs. Most of the published SRs were judged "critically low" (77.6%). The number of included studies increased over time reaching a median of 17 studies with a median of 493 participants.

Conclusions: In stroke rehabilitation, the published and ongoing SRs on VR have risen over time in terms of the number of publications, with some concerns about methodological quality and representation of countries around the world.

Introduction: Physiotherapists exhibit different degrees of adherence to clinical guidelines for low back pain (LBP). The preferences and expectations of their patients significantly influence physiotherapists' adherence to these guidelines. Therefore, it is crucial to have a comprehensive analysis of the patients' perspectives, which can identify the factors that prevent the implementation of an active approach.

Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with patients suffering from non-specific chronic LBP (CLBP). We transcribed the semi-structured interviews verbatim and conducted an inductive thematic analysis to uncover themes related to the participants' expectations and experiences of consultations with physiotherapists for CLBP.

Results: In total, we interviewed thirty-three individuals, with 14 women and 19 men (mean age 53 + 12 years). Our thematic analysis discovered six overarching themes that are relevant to patients' expectations and experiences. We identified several sub-themes under the "physiotherapist-related factors" and "patient-related factors" themes. Additional themes recognized were guideline-related factors, institution-related factors, healthcare-related factors, and health information. A significant number of participants expressed dissatisfaction with the short timeframe allocated by the physiotherapist.

Conclusions: Multiple participants expressed dissatisfaction with their experience, particularly about the quality of explanations and the nature of the exercises provided. This emphasizes the importance of patient education, and physiotherapists should consider suggesting active interventions that the family, society, and culture can more easily accept. Accordingly, the formulation of future guidelines for nations like India should take into account these patient expectations and perspectives.

Introduction: While adverse events related to physiotherapy are possible, the type of adverse event and the area of physiotherapy practice in which they occur are not well understood. The purpose of this scoping review was to establish adverse events related to physiotherapy practice and understand the nature of these events and the circumstances in which they occurred.

Methods: Relevant literature from January 2014 to February 2024 was gathered from five electronic databases. Studies reporting adverse events within any physiotherapy practice (intervention or assessment) were eligible. Two reviewers independently assessed title and abstract, and full texts. Findings were synthesised by clinical streams.

Results: A total of 58 studies met the inclusion criteria. Common adverse events described in musculoskeletal physiotherapy involving manual therapy, exercise and electrotherapy were increased pain and stiffness. Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy interventions involving early mobilisation, exercise and airway clearance therapy reported desaturation and haemodynamic instability. Neurological physiotherapy studies reported falls and fatigue during gait and balance training and exercise. Oncology and aged care interventions involving exercise, balance training and lymphoedema management reported increased pain and muscle strain while studies including pelvic floor muscle training reported the adverse event of vaginal discomfort.

Conclusion: This review identified adverse events occurring during physiotherapy interventions or assessment procedures. Increased monitoring and proactive safety measures may be necessary to ensure patient safety during these treatments.

Introduction: The modified shuttle test-15 (MST-15) is a valid alternative for assessing exercise capacity when a cardiopulmonary exercise testing is not feasible. This study aims to describe the percentage of healthy and cystic fibrosis (CF) children and adolescents reaching the MST-15 ceiling. Additionally, it examines associations between MST-15 distance and demographic, anthropometric, and lung function data.

Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study involved 286 healthy volunteers (11.5 ± 3.3 years) and 70 CF patients (11.9 ± 4.4 years). Data on age, gender, weight, height, body mass index, lung function, and MST-15 were collected. The ceiling effect was determined by the absolute and relative number of participants reaching the 15th level. Univariate linear regression and correlation analyses were conducted to explore associations with MST-15 distance.

Results: A ceiling effect for the MST-15 was found in 19 healthy participants (6.6%) and 1 CF patient (1.4%). The ceiling effect was correlated with age (r = 0.777 for healthy; r = 0.538 for CF), with no cases under 10 years and reaching 25% in healthy participants aged 17-19. Regression analysis showed significant associations between age and MST-15 distance in healthy participants (β = 53.6) and CF patients (β = 32.1). Additionally, sex was significantly associated with MST-15 distance in healthy participants (β = 107.0), and FEV₁ with MST-15 distance in CF patients (β = 31.0).

Conclusions: The ceiling effect on the MST-15 is age-dependent, with no occurrences observed in children under 10 years and a gradual increase in incidence as participants age.

Introduction: Frozen shoulder (FS) is a musculoskeletal disorder affecting the glenohumeral joint. This condition leads to disability and a worsening in quality of life. Despite its considerable impact on patients and its economic burden, research on the psychological and social implications of FS-as well as patients' perspectives and needs-is limited. This study aims to explore the perspectives, perceptions, and expectations of individuals suffering from FS, providing a comprehensive understanding of their experiences and needs.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted following STROBE guidelines. A 59-question survey was administered to Italian individuals diagnosed with FS from April 1 to July 1, 2023.

Results: All 110 participants completed the survey. Most preferred an experienced and empathetic physiotherapist (73.64%) and relied primarily on physiotherapy (49.09%) for FS management. Additionally, 45.45% were open to a multidisciplinary approach. Subjects reported reducing night pain (71.82%) and achieving full range of motion (ROM) recovery (70.91%) as their top priorities. Participants reported a notable shift in their mood from "pre" to "post" FS, with many experiencing fear and catastrophizing thoughts and perceiving a lack of social support. Furthermore, 27.27% were open to cortisone use, while 25.45% considered electrophysical agents beneficial for managing the painful phase of FS.

Conclusion: These results underscore a strong preference for empathetic physiotherapists and the value of a multidisciplinary approach. Addressing night pain and restoring ROM are crucial priorities-emphasizing the need for tailored and shared decision-making. Additionally, these findings highlight the importance of addressing psychological well-being alongside physical symptoms.

Introduction: We conducted a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines to identify red flags for serious pathologies in neck pain mentioned in clinical practice guidelines, to evaluate agreement in red flag recommendations across guidelines, and to investigate the level of evidence including what study type the recommendations are based on.

Methods: We searched for guidelines focusing on specific and nonspecific neck pain in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PEDro up to June 9, 2023. Additionally, we searched for guidelines through citation tracking strategies, by consulting experts in the field, and by checking guideline organization databases.

Results: We included 29 guidelines, 12 of which provided a total of 114 red flags for fracture (n = 17), cancer (n = 21), spinal infection (n = 14), myelopathy (n = 15), injury to the spinal cord (n = 1), artery dissection (n = 7), intracranial pathology (n = 3), inflammatory arthritis (n = 2), other systemic disease (n = 6), or unrelated to a specific condition (n = 19). Overall, there is very little agreement (median Fleiss' kappa of 0) between guidelines on the red flags to screen for serious pathologies.

Conclusion: Red flags were mainly supported by expert opinions. We also observed a general lack of consensus among guidelines regarding which red flags to endorse. Considering the current limitations of the evidence, specific recommendations on which red flags to use cannot be provided, except for using the Canadian C-Spine rule for screening posttraumatic fractures.