Tag: pubmed

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2024 Apr;38:399-405. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.10.006. Epub 2024 Jan 16.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the effectiveness of aquatic physiotherapy and therapeutic exercise in the physical and functional performance of patients with chronic low back pain.

METHODS: Twenty-six participants were randomized into 3 groups, namely an aquatic physiotherapy group (AG), a therapeutic exercise group (EG), and a control group (CG). The pain, disability, and quality of life were compared before and after the exercise protocols for 2 months, twice a week, on alternate days, for 60 min. For statistical analyses, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to test the difference between the groups; the Wilcoxon test and the effect size were used for before-and-after comparisons.

RESULTS: Twenty participants completed the study. There was a significant difference improvement in pain between the AG and the EG (p = 0.004), between the EG and the CG (p = 0.05), and in social role functioning between the groups (p = 0.02). No differences were observed in the other analyzed variables between the groups. Compared to the pre-treatment state, there were significant improvements in the AG in terms of pain (p = 0.02), functionality (p = 0.03), and general health status (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION: The AG group showed significant and clinical improvement in pain, disability, and quality of life. Improvements related to social aspects were found in the EG compared to the CG. The water provides a safe environment that facilitates the onset of exercise, so aquatic physiotherapy could be considered the first recommendation for patients with low back pain.

PMID:38763585 | DOI:10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.10.006

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2024 Apr;38:350-367. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.01.025. Epub 2024 Jan 29.

ABSTRACT

Physical therapists and physiotherapists (PPTs) perform and repeat physical tasks that can lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). The aim was to study the main research concerning this problem, i.e. the risk factors, activities that exacerbate WMSD symptoms, alterations in work habits and the proposed responses, and to estimate mean value (±standard deviation, STD) for the most studied parameters. This review was conducted according to the PRISMA guideline. Five databases (Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Medeley and Science.gov) were scanned to identify works investigating the different aspects of WMSD among PPTs. Two reviewers independently selected relevant studies using inclusion/exclusion criteria, critically appraised, and extracted data. To homogenize the data, prevalence were reported to the total sample studied when necessary. Among the 9846 articles identified, 19 articles were included. The WMSD prevalence was over 50 %. The areas most affected were the lower back, neck and thumb. An exhaustive list of parameters were constructed for job risk factors (n = 19), activities that exacerbating symptoms (n = 13), altered work habits (n = 15), responses and treatments (n = 26). The mean prevalence (±STD) was calculated for the major parameters. Nine main job risk factors were extracted with an average prevalence of about 30 % and a relatively high variability. Seven activities exacerbating WMSD symptoms and five altered work habits were identified with a homogeneous rate (5-20 %). Three main responses and treatments were found with heterogeneous prevalence. This review provides useful results for the development of future protocols to prevent the occurrence of WMSD among PPTs and meta-analyses.

PMID:38763580 | DOI:10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.01.025

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2024 Apr;38:339-345. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.10.004. Epub 2024 Feb 5.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of Pilates exercises on lumbo-pelvic alignment in non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) patients.

METHODS: Twenty-two patients (Male:7; Female:15) with NSLBP aged 20-65 years were recruited and classified based on a modified O’Sullivan’s classification system into flexion pattern (FP) or active extension pattern (EP) groups. Oswestry Disability index (ODI), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) as well as radiographic lumbar global range of motion (ROM) and lumbo-pelvic alignment were measured Pre- and immediately post-intervention and at 6- and 12-month. The intervention included supervised six-weeks Pilates program with 60 min per session and up to two sessions per week.

RESULTS: Lumbar lordosis, sacral slope and sacral inclination were found to be significantly different between the FP and EP groups based on the O’Sullivan’s classification system. However, despite the significant changes in RMDQ (p = 0.001), no significant changes were found for any of the alignment parameters (p > 0.05) post intervention for both groups. For lumbar global ROM, a statistically significant change was observed for the EP group (p = 0.028) but not for the FP group (p = 0.249). No significant correlations were identified between any of the self-reported outcomes, radiographic alignment and ROM parameters.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients self-perceived long-term functional improvements based on responding to questionnaires after Pilates exercises were not reflected in significant changes in lumbo-pelvic alignment or lumbar ROM. This may be due to the current cohort demonstrating within normal ranges due to the lesser severity of their condition, but further research is needed for clarification.

PMID:38763578 | DOI:10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.10.004

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2024 Apr;38:289-298. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.01.017. Epub 2024 Jan 28.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Eutony, Holistic Gymnastics, and Pilates on hamstring flexibility and back pain in pre-adolescent girls.

METHODS: This randomized prospective quantitative clinical trial compared the effects of Eutony, Holistic Gymnastics, and Pilates on hamstring flexibility and back pain. The sample consisted of 80 pre-adolescent girls aged 10-13 years and divided into three groups: Eutony, with 26 girls; Holistic Gymnastics, 27 girls; and Pilates, 27 girls. The participants underwent ten 1-h weekly interventions. Hamstring flexibility was evaluated using fingertip-to-floor, sit-and-reach, and hip angle tests; back pain was evaluated using the Body Posture Evaluation Instrument questionnaire and the way they carried their backpack by the Layout for Assessing Dynamic Posture. Descriptive statistical analysis, analysis of variance, and Kruskal-Wallis test were performed at a 5 % significance level (p < 0.05).

RESULTS: The three body practices increased hamstring flexibility in all fingertip-to-floor (7.77 cm), hip angle (5.58°), and sit-and-reach evaluations (9.07 cm). Before the intervention, 66.25 % of participants complained of back pain. After the intervention, only 37.50 % continued with the complaint. Moreover, 25 % of pre-adolescent girls started to carry their school backpack correctly.

CONCLUSION: Eutony, Holistic Gymnastics, and Pilates increased hamstring flexibility, reduced back pain complaints, and incentivized the girls to carry the school backpack correctly.

REGISTRY OF CLINICAL TRIALS: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials ReBEC (RBR-25w6kk).

PMID:38763572 | DOI:10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.01.017

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2024 Apr;38:24-41. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.01.016. Epub 2024 Jan 22.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Various exercise programs are used to treat lateral abdominal muscle (LAM) impairments in people with low back pain. Factors comprising these programs include exercise type, session time, frequency, and program duration. However, specific clinical guidance about optimal exercise prescription is lacking.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a dose-response analysis on exercise prescription variables for LAM thickness and activation as measured by ultrasound imaging.

DESIGN: Systematic review METHOD: Databases were searched from their inception for studies examining the association between exercise interventions and LAM thickness/activation measured by ultrasound imaging in healthy individuals. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Brigg’s Institute critical appraisal tools. For each muscle, subgroup analyses were performed to determine the dose response of exercise prescription variables for LAM thickness and activation. Where there was insufficient data for subgroup analyses, data was narratively synthesised.

RESULTS: Fourteen studies comprising 395 participants were included. Statistical and narrative synthesis revealed specific local abdominal exercises, programs from four weeks duration, three sessions per week and sessions of ≥30 min were associated with greatest improvements to LAM thickness. Only the variables exercise type, program duration and session frequency showed a significant between groups difference for the subgroup analysis. The main limitation was inability to perform subgroup analyses for all variables across all muscles measured at rest and during contraction, due to non-reporting of data.

CONCLUSION: This review provides preliminary guidance to practitioners on how the LAM respond to different exercise dosages. Future research should trial these findings.

PMID:38763566 | DOI:10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.01.016

Soc Sci Res. 2024 May;120:103008. doi: 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2024.103008. Epub 2024 Mar 22.

ABSTRACT

This paper investigates the existence and mechanisms of segmentation in the welfare assimilation process of first-generation immigrants in the Netherlands. Using longitudinal administrative data (2007-2015) from Statistics Netherlands (CBS), we estimate the welfare utilization trajectories of migrants over the working-age life course vis-à-vis two reference groups representing different economic segments from the population, namely: average Dutch natives and Dutch natives with low education level. Empirical evidence shows a predominant trend of mainstream assimilation; however, two findings with more concerning implications should be highlighted. Welfare assimilation into the economically disadvantaged segment is found to concentrate among first-generation immigrants characterized by structural and human capital disadvantages, despite the notable extent of upward intragenerational mobility observed. In the worst-case scenario, there seems to be a lack of welfare assimilation to the comparison segments, raising concerns over the prospective emergence of marginalized ethnic groups at the bottom of the economic ladder. The implications of this finding are twofold. Firstly, automatic closing of the migrant-native gap over time should not be presumed in the absence of a level playing field for all regardless of their migration backgrounds. Secondly, systematic discrepancies observed between refugees and other types of migrants in terms of welfare assimilation patterns and determinants point to the need to have a clear distinction between immigration policy and refugee policy, which explicitly avoids bundling all migrants as one homogenous group.

PMID:38763542 | DOI:10.1016/j.ssresearch.2024.103008

Soc Sci Res. 2024 May;120:103013. doi: 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2024.103013. Epub 2024 Apr 5.

ABSTRACT

Subjective well-being (SWB) describes an individual’s life evaluation. Direct elicitation methods for SWB via rating scales do not force individuals to trade-off among life domains, whilst best-worst scaling (BWS) approaches only provide relative measures. This paper instead offers a dual-response BWS task, where respondents nominate areas of most and least importance and satisfaction with respect to 11 SWB domains, whilst also eliciting anchoring points to obtain an absolute measure of domain satisfaction. Combining domain satisfaction and importance produces a robust measure of individual SWB, but statistically unique relative to other life satisfaction measures utilizing single- and multi-item ratings, including global satisfaction and those aggregated over SWB domains, as well as eudemonia. Surveying 2500 Australians reveals anchored-BWS improves discrimination amongst domains in terms of importance and satisfaction, illustrating its value as a diagnostic tool for SWB measurement to focus services, policy, and initiatives in areas to most impact wellbeing. This includes highlighting a major discrepancy between health satisfaction and importance, whilst also reporting that SWB is significantly lower for Indigenous, unemployed, middle-aged, males and lower income groups.

PMID:38763532 | DOI:10.1016/j.ssresearch.2024.103013

J Health Econ. 2024 May;95:102876. doi: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2024.102876. Epub 2024 Mar 20.

ABSTRACT

Prior research has found that a high level of residential racial segregation, or the degree to which racial/ethnic groups are isolated from one another, is associated with worsened infant health outcomes, particularly among non-Hispanic (NH) Black infant populations. However, because exposure to segregation is non-random, it is unclear whether and to what extent segregation is causally linked to infant health. To overcome this empirical limitation, we leverage exogenous variation in the placement of railroad tracks in the 19th century to predict contemporary segregation, an approach first introduced by Ananat (2011). In alignment with prior literature, we find that residential segregation has statistically significant associations with negative birth outcomes among Black infant populations in the area. Using OLS methods underestimates the negative impacts of segregation on infant health. We fail to detect comparable effects on health outcomes among NH White infant populations. Further, we identify several key mechanisms by which residential segregation could influence health outcomes among Black infant populations, including lower access to prenatal care during the first trimester, higher levels of anti-Black prejudice, greater transportation barriers, and increased food insecurity. Given that poor birth outcomes have adverse effects on adults’ health and well-being, the findings suggest that in-utero exposure to residential segregation could have important implications for Black-White inequality over the life course.

PMID:38763530 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhealeco.2024.102876

Clin Exp Optom. 2024 May 19:1-6. doi: 10.1080/08164622.2024.2352501. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Scientific evidence on the burden of visual impairment, its causes, and associated factors are essential to monitor progress in eye health, identify priorities and develop strategies and policies that meet the needs of the population, towards the eradication of preventable blindness.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of visual impairment, its causes and associated factors in adults living in suburban communities in Nampula.

METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted from November 2019 to February 2020. Eye examinations were performed on adults aged ≥18 years covered by the Lúrio University program, ‘one student, one family’. The odds ratio (OR) and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) were calculated to study the association between the dependent variable (presenting visual impairment) and independent variables (gender, age, school level, residence, family income and systemic diseases), with a 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS: Distance and near presenting visual impairment had a prevalence of 16.3% and 21.1%, respectively, and were statistically associated with the age groups between 45-65 (OR:4.9) and >65 years (OR: 29.1), illiterate (OR:13.8), primary (OR:4.8) and secondary (aOR:37.5) school level, farmer (OR:32.8) and retired (OR:14.3) occupation, and presence of systemic diseases (OR :3.3). The main causes of presenting visual impairment were uncorrected refractive error and cataract.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of presenting visual impairment is relatively high, given the enormous effort undertaken within the framework of VISION 2020: The Right to Sight global initiative. There is a need to develop intervention plans targeted at the highest risk groups, with a view to achieving the ‘one student, one family’ program goals with respect to eye health.

PMID:38763525 | DOI:10.1080/08164622.2024.2352501

Med J Aust. 2024 May 19. doi: 10.5694/mja2.52309. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine the national burden of working time lost to occupational injury and disease in Australia compensable by workers’ compensation schemes; to characterise the distribution of time lost by age, sex, and injury and disease type.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective population-based study; analysis of National Dataset for Compensation-based Statistics (NDS) data.

SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: Granted workers’ compensation claims by people aged 15-100 years including payment of wage replacement benefits for time off work lodged in Australia, 1 July 2012 – 30 June 2017.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Working years lost (WYL) per annum (total number of years of wage replacement benefits paid to injured and ill workers), overall and by sex, age, and injury and disease type; WYL per 10 000 fulltime equivalent (FTE) years worked.

RESULTS: A total of 755 330 eligible claims with complete data for analysis variables by people aged 15-100 years were identified, for compensable injuries and disease that led to 41 194 (95% confidence interval [CI], 41 020-41 368) WYL/year. The annual WYL number and rate were each higher for men (25 367 [95% CI, 25 230-25 503] WYL/year; 42.6 [95% CI, 42.1-43.1] WYL/10 000 FTE years) than for women (15 827 [95% CI, 15 720-15 935] WYL/year; 38.8 [95% CI, 38.2-39.4] WYL/10 000 FTE years). Workers aged 45-100 years made 66 742 claims per year (44.1% of all claims) but incurred 21 763 WYL/year (52.8% of all WYL). Traumatic joint and muscle injuries led to 16 494 WYL/year (40.0% of all WYL), musculoskeletal disorders to 8547 WYL/year (20.7%), mental health conditions to 5361 WYL/year (13.0%), fractures to 4276 WYL/year (10.4%), and wounds and lacerations to 3449 WYL/year (8.4%).

CONCLUSIONS: Occupational injury and disease covered by workers’ compensation result in lost working time in Australia equivalent to more than 41 000 fulltime jobs. Distribution of the burden reflects the greater labour force participation of men, slower recovery of older workers, and the impact of common occupational injuries and diseases. Population-based monitoring of lost working time could support effective occupational health surveillance and allocation of resources for protecting the health of Australian workers.

PMID:38763522 | DOI:10.5694/mja2.52309