Cross-sectional study.
This study aimed to investigate the association of Type D personality (TDP) with functional outcomes, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and neuropathic pain in persons ...with spinal cord injury (SCI), using dichotomous and continuous analysis methods.
Tertiary rehabilitation center.
This study included 105 persons with SCI. Independence level was determined using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM)-motor subscale. The Short Form-36 questionnaire (SF-36) was used to assess HRQoL. TDP (combined existence of negative affectivity and social inhibition) was assessed using Type D Scale-14 (DS-14). Presence of chronic pain was questioned and the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) Pain Scale was used to distinguish neuropathic pain from others.
In dichotomous method, the FIM-motor score was significantly lower in persons with TDP (41 persons, 39%) (p = 0.025). Persons with TDP had significantly lower scores in vitality, emotional role and mental health. There was no significant difference between the groups, regarding neuropathic pain and LANSS scores (p > 0.05 for all). Negative affectivity and total DS-14 scores had negative correlation with mental health and vitality. In continuous interaction method, TDP predicted mainly the mental health components of SF-36 (particularly, vitality and mental health). Negative affectivity was the driving factor. TDP was not associated with FIM-motor, VAS pain or LANSS scores.
Mental component of HRQoL is associated with Type D in persons with SCI in both analyses. Assessment of potential differences related with TDP may be beneficial to develop and apply person-specific goals in SCI rehabilitation.
The aim of this study was to perform a placebo-controlled assessment of the short- and long-term efficiency of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome ...(SAIS). Sixty-three patients (32 in HILT + exercise and 31 in sham HILT + exercise group) who were diagnosed with SAIS were included. The assessments were performed before (baseline, 0) and after treatment (3rd week/12th week). Active range of motion (ROM) with goniometric measurement, pain with visual analog scale (VAS), shoulder function with Constant-Murley score (CMS), quality of life with
SF-36
(short-form 36) health survey, muscle strength using isokinetic device (including peak torque level measurements at shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) at 120, 180, and 210 degrees) were assessed. Significant improvements were determined in the assessments at the 3rd and 12th week controls in both HILT and control groups. In the comparison of the values of the groups (3rd/12th week), the HILT group had a statistically significant improvement compared with the placebo group; in the active shoulder flexion, IR, and ER ROM measurements; in VAS scores; in CMS activities of daily living, ROM, strength and total scores; in all the sub-parameters of SF-36; and in IR 120,180, 210 and ER 120,180 degree/s peak torque values of isokinetic measurements. In the comparison of both groups, HILT + exercise treatment is more effective in reducing pain and increasing the ROM, functioning, quality of life, and the muscular strength assessed with isokinetic in the short and long term.
Many different treatment modalities have been tried in the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and different results have been reported. The aim of the study was to investigate and ...compare the effects of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy on the treatment of patients with TMJ disc displacement with reduction(DDWR).
Researchers conducted a prospective, single-blind, controlled clinical trial on patients with TMJ disc disease at a university's oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic. One hundred two patients were randomized into 3 groups (HILT, TENS and control group). The patients were evaluated in terms of maximum mouth opening (MMO), assisted MMO, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (pain), and VAS (function). In addition, the disability status of the patients with the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale-20 (JFLS-20) and the quality-of-life with the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) was evaluated.
At the start of the trial, in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, no significant differences existed between the groups. Significant improvements were seen in pain (VAS), MMO, total JFLS-20 and total OHIP-14 scores in the HILT and TENS groups compared to the control group. At week 4, the VAS pain score decreased significantly in the HILT group compared to the TENS group (48 and 25%, respectively), while the MMO was significantly increased (24 and 10%, respectively). In addition, there was a significant improvement in both the total JFLS-20 score and the total OHIP-14 score at weeks 4 and 12 in the HILT group compared to the TENS group (P < .05).
It was observed that the healing effect of pulsed Nd: YAG laser therapy was significantly higher than TENS in patients with DDWR. Therefore, HILT should be a priority option over TENS therapy in patients with disc displacement.
To evaluate the 3-month effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) in the treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS).
Planned analysis of a randomized controlled trial with 4- ...and 12-week follow-ups.
Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic, treatment unit.
Of the 250 individuals screened for eligibility, participants with a diagnosis of SIS (N=80) were randomized to intervention or control groups.
The first group received PEMF + exercise and the second group received sham PEMF + exercise 5 days a week for a total of 20 sessions.
Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Constant Murley Score (CMS), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Short Form-36 (SF-36) Quality of Life Questionnaire, and shoulder muscle strength measurement with an isokinetic dynamometer. Evaluations were performed before treatment (T0), after treatment (T1), and 12th week (T2).
Evaluation at T1 and T2 showed improvement in most parameters in both groups compared with baseline. In the comparison between the 2 groups at T1 and T2, more improvement was found in the PEMF group in most parameters.
In our study, PEMF was found to be superior to sham PEMF in terms of pain, ROM, functionality, and quality of life at the first and third months.
Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a common disorder that causes pain on the outside of the elbow, as well as pain and weakness during gripping. In this prospective, randomized, controlled, ...assessor-blinded trial, we planned to investigate the effects of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in patients with LE and to compare these results with those of a brace and placebo HILT. Patients were randomly assigned to three treatment groups. The first group was treated with HILT. The second group (sham therapy group) received placebo HILT, while the third group (brace group) used the lateral counterforce brace for LE. The patients were assessed for grip strength, pain, disability, and quality of life. Outcome measurements and ultrasonographic examination of the patients were performed before treatment (week 0) and after treatment (after 4 and 12 weeks). HILT and brace groups showed significant improvements for most evaluation parameters (pain scores, grip strength, disability scores, and several subparts of the short-form 36 health survey (physical function, role limitations due to physical functioning, bodily pain, general health, and vitality)) after treatment (after 4 and 12 weeks). However, the improvements in evaluation parameters of the patients with LE in HILT and brace groups were not reflected to ultrasonographic findings. Furthermore, comparison of the percentage changes of the parameters after treatment relative to pretreatment values did not show a significant difference between HILT and brace groups. We conclude that HILT and splinting are effective physical therapy modalities for patients with LE in reducing pain and improving disability, quality of life, and grip strength.
The aim of the study was to investigate and compare short and long-term effects of occlusal splints (OS), ultrasound (US), and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in patients with painful ...temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement with reduction (DDWR). This prospective, randomised, single-blinded, controlled clinical study was conducted on patients with DDWR at a university oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic. A total of 140 patients were allocated randomly to four groups (OS, US, HILT, and control), with 35 patients in each. Patients were evaluated for pain, range of motion of the jaw, disability, and quality of life. A total of 132 patients completed the study. In all treatment groups (OS, US, and HILT), a significant improvement was observed in terms of pain, function, disability, and quality of life, at both weeks four and 12 compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Improvements in VAS pain and maximum mouth opening were not significantly different between the treatment groups. However, compared with the OS group, there was a significant improvement in the HILT and US groups in terms of total Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and Jaw Functional Limitation Scale-20 (JFLS-20) scores at week four, but no difference between the groups at week 12. The results of this study show that OS, US, and HILT are effective treatments for pain and functional jaw movements in patients with DDWR. HILT, a new method, can be an alternative treatment in cases of TMD.
This study was a prospective, randomized, controlled study.
To compare the effectiveness of aquatic exercise interventions with land-based exercises in the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP).
...Land-based exercise and physiotherapy are the main treatment tools used for CLBP. Clinical experience indicates that aquatic exercise may have advantages for patients with musculoskeletal disorders.
A total of 65 patients with CLBP were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive aquatic exercise or land-based exercise treatment protocol. Aquatic exercise program consisted of 20 sessions, 5 x per week for 4 weeks in a swimming pool at 33 degrees C. Land-based exercise (home-based exercise) program were demonstrated by a physiotherapist on one occasion and then they were given written advice The patients were assessed for spinal mobility, pain, disability, and quality of life. Evaluations were performed before treatment (week 0) and after treatment (week 4 and week 12).
In both groups, statistically significant improvements were detected in all outcome measures (except modified Schober test) compared with baseline. However, improvement in modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability questionnaire and physical function and role limitations due to physical functioning subpart of Short-Form 36 Health Survey were better in aquatic exercise group (P < 0.05).
It is concluded that a water-based exercises produced better improvement in disability and quality of life of the patients with CLBP than land-based exercise.
To evaluate the effect of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in patients with calcaneal spur. The patients were randomized to receive either HILT + exercise (
n
= 21) (five times a week for a ...period of 3 weeks) or placebo HILT + exercise (
n
= 21) (five times a week for a period of 3 weeks). Pain severity (with visual analog scale (VAS) and with Roles and Maudsley score (RMS)), functionality (with Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS)), plantar pressure measurement, and quality of life (with short form-36 (SF-36)) of the patients were evaluated at baseline, at 4 weeks, and 12 weeks. A significant improvement in the VAS (
p
< 0.001), RMS (
p
< 0.001), and most of the SF-36 subgroup scores (
p
< 0.05) and most of the FAOS subgroup scores (
p
< 0.05) at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment was achieved in both groups. Besides, there was no significant difference in VAS (
p
> 0.05) and RMS (
p
> 0.05) between the groups. FAOS symptoms (
p
= 0.022) and quality of life (
p
= 0.038) subgroups were higher in the placebo group at 12 weeks. Significant improvements were observed in dynamic pedographic measurements in the HILT group (
p
< 0.05), and dynamic measurement values were significantly higher in the HILT group compared to placebo group (
p
< 0.05). Although the evaluation parameters, except dynamic pedographic measurements, have improved in both groups, our study results showed no superiority of HILT over placebo. To conclude, when the main complaint is pain in patients, only exercise therapy can be an economical, practical, and reliable treatment.
The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in the short and long term in the treatment of patients with the myogenic temporomandibular joint ...disorder(TMD).
This prospective, double-blind, controlled clinical study was conducted on patients with myogenic TMD at a university's oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic. Seventy-six patients were randomized into two groups (HILT, and control group), including 38 patients in one group. The patients were evaluated for pain, the range of motion of the jaw, disability, and quality of life. Assessments were performed before therapy (week 0) and after therapy (weeks 4 and 12). Data were evaluated using SPSS-20 and the level of significance was set at p <0.05.
There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of socio-demographic characteristics of the groups at the beginning of the study. In the 4th week, the VAS pain score was significantly decreased in the HILT group (47%) compared to the placebo HILT group (4%) (p <0.001). The maximum mouth opening was significantly increased in the HILT group (27%) compared to the placebo HILT group (4%) at week 12 (p <0.001). The HILT group showed a significant improvement in Jaw Functional Limitation Scale 20 (JFLS-20) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) compared to the placebo HILT group (p <0.001 and p <0.005 respectively).
As a result of the study, it was concluded that HILT is a highly effective, non-invasive therapeutic method for patients with myogenic TMD.
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) of the trapezius muscle is one of the main causes of neck pain. In this randomized, double-blind study, we evaluated the effects of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) ...in female patients with chronic MPS of the trapezius muscle. The patients were assigned to two groups. The HILT group was treated with HILT and exercise, and the sham therapy group was treated with placebo HILT and exercise. The patients were assessed for pain, cervical active range of motion, disability, and quality of life. Evaluations were performed before treatment (week 0) and after treatment (weeks 4 and 12). Both groups showed significant improvement in all parameters at weeks 4 and 12. However, in a comparison of the percentage changes in the parameters at weeks 4 and 12 relative to pretreatment values, the HILT group showed greater improvement in pain scores, the neck disability index, and several subparts of the short-form 36 health survey (SF-36) (physical functioning, role limitations due to physical functioning, bodily pain, general health perceptions, social functioning, and role limitations due to emotional problems) than did the sham therapy group. We conclude that HILT is an effective therapeutic method in the treatment of patients with chronic MPS of the trapezius muscle.
