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Toxins Feb 2024This article aims to provide a concise overview of the best available evidence for managing post-stroke spasticity. A modified scoping review, conducted following the... (Review)
Review
This article aims to provide a concise overview of the best available evidence for managing post-stroke spasticity. A modified scoping review, conducted following the PRISMA guidelines and the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), involved an intensive search on Medline and PubMed from 1 January 2000 to 31 August 2023. The focus was placed on high-quality (GRADE A) medical, rehabilitation, and surgical interventions. In total, 32 treatments for post-stroke spasticity were identified. Two independent reviewers rigorously assessed studies, extracting data, and evaluating bias using GRADE criteria. Only interventions with GRADE A evidence were considered. The data included the study type, number of trials, participant characteristics, interventions, parameters, controls, outcomes, and limitations. The results revealed eleven treatments supported by GRADE A evidence, comprising 14 studies. Thirteen were systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and one was randomized control trial. The GRADE A treatments included stretching exercises, static stretching with positional orthosis, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, peripheral magnetic stimulation, non-invasive brain stimulation, botulinum toxin A injection, dry needling, intrathecal baclofen, whole body vibration, and localized muscle vibration. In conclusion, this modified scoping review highlights the multimodal treatments supported by GRADE A evidence as being effective for improving functional recovery and quality of life in post-stroke spasticity. Further research and exploration of new therapeutic options are encouraged.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Muscle Spasticity; Stroke; Physical Therapy Modalities; Combined Modality Therapy
PubMed: 38393176
DOI: 10.3390/toxins16020098 -
Health Technology Assessment... Oct 2023Tendinopathy is a common, painful and functionally limiting condition, primarily managed conservatively using exercise therapy.
BACKGROUND
Tendinopathy is a common, painful and functionally limiting condition, primarily managed conservatively using exercise therapy.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
(i) What exercise interventions have been reported in the literature for which tendinopathies? (ii) What outcomes have been reported in studies investigating exercise interventions for tendinopathy? (iii) Which exercise interventions are most effective across all tendinopathies? (iv) Does type/location of tendinopathy or other specific covariates affect which are the most effective exercise therapies? (v) How feasible and acceptable are exercise interventions for tendinopathies?
METHODS
A scoping review mapped exercise interventions for tendinopathies and outcomes reported to date (questions i and ii). Thereafter, two contingent systematic review workstreams were conducted. The first investigated a large number of studies and was split into three efficacy reviews that quantified and compared efficacy across different interventions (question iii), and investigated the influence of a range of potential moderators (question iv). The second was a convergent segregated mixed-method review (question v). Searches for studies published from 1998 were conducted in library databases ( = 9), trial registries ( = 6), grey literature databases ( = 5) and Google Scholar. Scoping review searches were completed on 28 April 2020 with efficacy and mixed-method search updates conducted on 19 January 2021 and 29 March 2021.
RESULTS
- 555 included studies identified a range of exercise interventions and outcomes across a range of tendinopathies, most commonly Achilles, patellar, lateral elbow and rotator cuff-related shoulder pain. Strengthening exercise was most common, with flexibility exercise used primarily in the upper limb. Disability was the most common outcome measured in Achilles, patellar and rotator cuff-related shoulder pain; physical function capacity was most common in lateral elbow tendinopathy. - 204 studies provided evidence that exercise therapy is safe and beneficial, and that patients are generally satisfied with treatment outcome and perceive the improvement to be substantial. In the context of generally low and very low-quality evidence, results identified that: (1) the shoulder may benefit more from flexibility (effect size = 0.18 [95% CrI 0.07 to 0.29]) and proprioception (effect size = 0.16 [95% CrI -1.8 to 0.32]); (2) when performing strengthening exercise it may be most beneficial to combine concentric and eccentric modes (effect size = 0.48 [95% CrI -0.13 to 1.1]; and (3) exercise may be most beneficial when combined with another conservative modality (e.g. injection or electro-therapy increasing effect size by ≈0.1 to 0.3). - 94 studies (11 qualitative) provided evidence that exercise interventions for tendinopathy can largely be considered feasible and acceptable, and that several important factors should be considered when prescribing exercise for tendinopathy, including an awareness of potential barriers to and facilitators of engaging with exercise, patients' and providers' prior experience and beliefs, and the importance of patient education, self-management and the patient-healthcare professional relationship.
LIMITATIONS
Despite a large body of literature on exercise for tendinopathy, there are methodological and reporting limitations that influenced the recommendations that could be made.
CONCLUSION
The findings provide some support for the use of exercise combined with another conservative modality; flexibility and proprioception exercise for the shoulder; and a combination of eccentric and concentric strengthening exercise across tendinopathies. However, the findings must be interpreted within the context of the quality of the available evidence.
FUTURE WORK
There is an urgent need for high-quality efficacy, effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and qualitative research that is adequately reported, using common terminology, definitions and outcomes.
STUDY REGISTRATION
This project is registered as DOI: 10.11124/JBIES-20-00175 (scoping review); PROSPERO CRD 42020168187 (efficacy reviews); https://osf.io/preprints/sportrxiv/y7sk6/ (efficacy review 1); https://osf.io/preprints/sportrxiv/eyxgk/ (efficacy review 2); https://osf.io/preprints/sportrxiv/mx5pv/ (efficacy review 3); PROSPERO CRD42020164641 (mixed-method review).
FUNDING
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) HTA programme and will be published in full in HTA Journal; Vol. 27, No. 24. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
Topics: Humans; Shoulder Pain; Feasibility Studies; Exercise Therapy; Tendinopathy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37929629
DOI: 10.3310/TFWS2748 -
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases Jan 2024To develop treat-to-target (T2T) recommendations in giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).
OBJECTIVES
To develop treat-to-target (T2T) recommendations in giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).
METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted to retrieve data on treatment targets and outcomes in GCA/PMR as well as to identify the evidence for the effectiveness of a T2T-based management approach in these diseases. Based on evidence and expert opinion, the task force (29 participants from 10 countries consisting of physicians, a healthcare professional and a patient) developed recommendations, with consensus obtained through voting. The final level of agreement was provided anonymously.
RESULTS
Five overarching principles and six-specific recommendations were formulated. Management of GCA and PMR should be based on shared decisions between patient and physician recognising the need for urgent treatment of GCA to avoid ischaemic complications, and it should aim at maximising health-related quality of life in both diseases. The treatment targets are achievement and maintenance of remission, as well as prevention of tissue ischaemia and vascular damage. Comorbidities need to be considered when assessing disease activity and selecting treatment.
CONCLUSION
These are the first T2T recommendations for GCA and PMR. Treatment targets, as well as strategies to assess, achieve and maintain these targets have been defined. The research agenda highlights the gaps in evidence and the need for future research.
Topics: Humans; Giant Cell Arteritis; Polymyalgia Rheumatica; Quality of Life; Comorbidity
PubMed: 36828585
DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-223429 -
Arquivos de Neuro-psiquiatria Dec 2023Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common source of pain in primary care or pain clinics. There are many different ways to manage and treat MPS, such as physical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common source of pain in primary care or pain clinics. There are many different ways to manage and treat MPS, such as physical exercise, trigger points massage, and dry needling.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this overview is to highlight and discuss the evidence-based treatment of myofascial pain by dry needling in patients with low back pain.
METHODS
A systematic review was made based on meta-analysis (MA) and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to dry needling treatment for myofascial pain in patients with lumbar pain, published from 2000 to 2023.
RESULTS
A total of 509 records were identified at first. Seventy were published before 2000, so they were excluded. From the remaining 439 studies, ninety-two were RCTs or MA, of which 86 additional studies were excluded for the following reasons: not related to dry needling treatment (n = 79), not published in English (n = 4), duplicated (n = 1), project protocol (n = 1), and not related to myofascial pain (n = 1). So, this review was based on 4 RCTs and two MA. These studies compared dry needling efficacy to other treatments, such as acupuncture, sham dry needling, laser therapy, physical therapy, local anesthetic injection, ischemic compression, and neuroscience education. Despite outcomes and follow-up period varied between them, they showed that dry needling can decrease post-intervention pain intensity and pain disability.
CONCLUSION
Dry needling is an effective procedure for the treatment of myofascial pain in patients with acute and chronic low back pain. Further high-quality studies are needed to clarify the long-term outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Evidence-Based Practice; Low Back Pain; Myofascial Pain Syndromes; Percutaneous Collagen Induction; Trigger Points; Dry Needling
PubMed: 38157883
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777731 -
BMC Oral Health Aug 2023Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) is the most common non-dental pain complaint in the maxillofacial region, which presents a variety of symptoms and signs,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) is the most common non-dental pain complaint in the maxillofacial region, which presents a variety of symptoms and signs, including temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and masticatory muscle pain, joint noise, tinnitus, headaches, irregular or restricted mandibular function, masticatory difficulty, and restricted mouth opening. When comes to the relationship between obesity and TMD, it has remained controversial and inconsistent, therefore, we first conducted this meta-analysis to estimate the unclear relationship between obesity and TMD.
METHODS
Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Subjects were divided into five groups according to BMI level in this study, including the normal weight group: 18.5 ≤ BMI < 25, overweight group: 25 ≤ BMI < 30, obesity group: BMI ≥ 30, control group: BMI < 25, and overweight and obesity group: BMI ≥ 25. Statistics analyses were conducted using Stata (15.0). The number of PROSPERO was CRD42022368315.
RESULTS
Eight studies were included in this study, and six articles with a total of 74,056 participants were synthesized for meta-analysis. Compared to normal weight individuals, overweight and obesity together decreased the risk of TMD (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.46-0.95), and it was significantly decreased by obesity alone (OR = 0.58). Moreover, it was lower in obesity compared with control subjects (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.73-0.94). Furthermore, in overweight and obese individuals, it was much lower in obesity than in overweight (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.71-0.94).
CONCLUSIONS
Obesity is not a risk factor for TMD, and maybe a protective factor for TMD, of which patients with larger BMI are less likely to suffer from TMD pain. Therefore, the value of BMI should be taken into consideration in the assessment of TMD.
Topics: Humans; Overweight; Obesity; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Risk Factors; Pain
PubMed: 37644424
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03322-2 -
Autoimmunity Reviews Oct 2023Juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (JIIM) are a group of connective tissue disorders characterized by muscle inflammation and variable systemic involvement,... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (JIIM) are a group of connective tissue disorders characterized by muscle inflammation and variable systemic involvement, including interstitial lung disease (ILD). Available data on JIIM-associated ILD are very limited. We performed a systematic review of the available clinical, laboratory, and radiological features of JIIM-associated ILD.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement.
RESULTS
A total of 90 patients were identified, of whom 77.8% had JDM, 10% amyopathic JDM, 7.8% anti-synthetase syndrome, 3.3% overlap syndrome, and 1.1% juvenile polymyositis. Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA-5/CADM-140) was the most frequently reported myositis-specific antibody (32.2%). At diagnosis of ILD, 55.5% of patients had respiratory symptoms. Ground glass opacity was the most reported radiological feature (52.9%). Thirty-three % of patients developed rapidly progressive (RP) lung disease; 26.7% were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU); 28.9% died; all deaths were due to ILD, with a median interval of 2 months (IQR 1.5-4.7) between the onset of respiratory symptoms and death. Patients admitted to the ICU and who died of ILD were more likely to be male, to have a rapidly progressive pattern, progression of radiological features, and a higher level of KL-6.
CONCLUSIONS
MDA-5/CADM-14 is associated with RP-ILD. ILD is a rare but severe manifestation among the spectrum of systemic involvement associated with JIIM, with a high rate of ICU admission and mortality. Early recognition and aggressive treatment are needed to prevent a severe outcome.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Dermatomyositis; Myositis; Polymyositis; Lung Diseases, Interstitial; Lung; Autoantibodies; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37611886
DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103416 -
Rheumatology (Oxford, England) Oct 2023Dysphagia is a common debilitating clinical feature of IBM. However, the impact of dysphagia in IBM has been historically overlooked. This study aimed to identify,...
OBJECTIVES
Dysphagia is a common debilitating clinical feature of IBM. However, the impact of dysphagia in IBM has been historically overlooked. This study aimed to identify, evaluate and summarize the evidence regarding the assessment and management of dysphagia in persons with IBM undergoing treatment.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted using a multiengine search following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. Eligible studies had to employ an intervention for persons with IBM, report a swallowing outcome and be published in English. Quality assessments of the eligible studies were performed.
RESULTS
Of 239 studies found, 19 met the inclusion criteria. One study was rated as 'fair' and the rest as 'poor' quality, particularly due to the lack of published and validated swallowing assessment procedures and outcome measures. Cricopharyngeal (CP) dysfunction (12/19) was the most commonly reported swallowing abnormality. Interventions for disease management included pharmacological agents (10/19), followed by surgical (3/19), behavioral (1/19) and combined approaches (5/19). Interventions with immunosuppressants, botulinum toxin injection, balloon dilation and/or CP myotomy led to mixed and transient benefits. Few studies examining statins or behavioral therapies (primarily focused on respiratory function) showed no effects for dysphagia.
CONCLUSION
Various interventions have been reported to temporarily improve dysphagia in persons with IBM. However, these findings are based on limited and overall low-quality evidence. This study cautions against the generalization of these findings and emphasizes the need for further systematic research to improve the diagnosis and management of dysphagia in IBM.
Topics: Humans; Deglutition Disorders; Myositis, Inclusion Body; Pharyngeal Muscles; Endoscopy
PubMed: 37115631
DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead194 -
Sports Health 2023Many patients with osteoarthritis (OA) develop range of motion (ROM) restrictions in their affected joints (contractures), associated with worse outcomes and rising... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
CONTEXT
Many patients with osteoarthritis (OA) develop range of motion (ROM) restrictions in their affected joints (contractures), associated with worse outcomes and rising healthcare costs. Effective treatment guidance for lost ROM in OA-affected joints is lacking.
OBJECTIVE
A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness of stretching and/or bracing protocols on native (nonoperated) joint ROM in the setting of radiographically diagnosed OA.
DATA SOURCES
Seven databases, English-language.
STUDY SELECTION
Studies including participants with radiographically diagnosed OA in any native joint evaluating the effect of stretching or bracing on ROM.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level 2.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two reviewers independently screened articles for inclusion and assessed risk of bias in included trials. Primary outcomes were ROM, pain, and adverse events (AEs).
RESULTS
We identified 6284 articles. A total of 9 randomized controlled trials, all evaluating the knee, met eligibility criteria. For stretching, 3 pooled studies reported total ROM, which improved by mean difference (MD) of 9.3° (95% CI 5.0°,13.5°) versus controls. Two pooled studies showed improved knee flexion ROM (MD 10.8° [7.3°,14.2°]) versus controls. Five studies were pooled for knee extension with mean improvement 9.1° [3.4°,14.8°] versus controls. Seven pooled studies showed reduced pain (standardized MD 1.9 [1.2,2.6]). One study reported improved knee extension of 3.7° [2.9°,4.5°] with use of a device. No studies used orthoses. One study reported on AEs, with none noted. Performance bias was present in all included studies, and only 3 studies clearly reported blinding of outcome assessors. Strength of evidence for primary outcomes was considered moderate.
CONCLUSION
There was moderate-quality evidence that stretching is an effective strategy for improving knee total, flexion and extension ROM, and pain. Our findings suggest that stretching to regain joint ROM in OA is not futile and that stretching appears to be an appropriate conservative intervention to improve patient outcomes as part of a comprehensive knee OA treatment plan before arthroplasty.
Topics: Humans; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Braces; Exercise Therapy; Contracture; Pain
PubMed: 36691685
DOI: 10.1177/19417381221147281 -
Journal of Clinical Neuromuscular... Dec 2023Isaac syndrome (IS) is a condition characterized by peripheral nerve hyperexcitability caused by voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC)-complex antibodies. Muscle...
OBJECTIVES
Isaac syndrome (IS) is a condition characterized by peripheral nerve hyperexcitability caused by voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC)-complex antibodies. Muscle twitching, stiffness, hypertrophy, and dysautonomic characteristics, such as hyperhidrosis, are common manifestations. The syndrome can be autoimmune or paraneoplastic, with thymoma being a common cause of paraneoplastic IS. Furthermore, this condition could be handed down from one generation to another. However, there is limited information regarding outcomes, relapses, associated syndromes, associated malignancies (other than thymoma), and treatment options. Despite its rarity, there remains a need for effective management strategies for patients with IS. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review to summarize the most common and effective treatments of IS in immunomodulatory agents and symptomatic medications, as well as to describe outcomes, relapses, and associated malignancies. Altogether, this review serves to guide clinical practice recommendations for IS and highlight areas for further research.
METHODS
We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol to conduct a systematic review of cases reposted through the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The terms "Isaac Syndrome" and "Acquired Neuromyotonia" were used. The Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies.
RESULTS
We identified 61 case reports and 4 case series, comprising a total of 70 patients with IS (mean age at onset: 42.5 ± 18 years, and 69% were males). Fourteen cases reported relapses. Thymoma was the most common malignancy associated with IS, followed by lymphoma. Among various serum antibodies, voltage-gated potassium channel-complex antibodies were the most reported antibodies elevated in IS (reported in 38 patients and elevated in 21 patients [55.2%]), followed by acetylcholine ganglionic receptor antibodies, which were reported in 30% of patients (n = 21) and were elevated in 5 cases. The most common electromyography findings were myokymic discharges (n = 22), followed by fasciculations (n = 21) and neuromyotonia (n = 19). For treatment, combining anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine with immunotherapy therapy showed the best results in controlling the symptoms. Among immunotherapy therapies, the combination of plasma exchange plus intravenous high-dose steroids achieved the best results in the acute treatment of IS ([n = 6], with improvement noted in 83.3% [n = 5] of cases). Among the symptomatic treatments with anticonvulsants, carbamazepine was the most efficacious anticonvulsant in treatment of IS, with an average effective dosing of 480 mg/day (carbamazepine was used in 32.3% of acute treatment strategies [n = 23], with improvement noted in 73.9% [n = 17] of cases).
CONCLUSIONS
IS a rare neuromuscular syndrome that tends to affect middle-aged men. These patients should be screened for thymoma and other malignancies such as lymphomas. The management of IS symptoms can be challenging, but based on our review, the combination of multiple immunosuppressives such as IV steroids and plasmapheresis with anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine seems to achieve the best results.
Topics: Male; Middle Aged; Humans; Female; Isaacs Syndrome; Thymoma; Anticonvulsants; Thymus Neoplasms; Autoantibodies; Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated; Carbamazepine; Receptors, Cholinergic; Steroids; Recurrence
PubMed: 37962197
DOI: 10.1097/CND.0000000000000460 -
Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and... Nov 2023To evaluate the prevalence of chronic widespread pain (CWP) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in TMD patients and the prevalence of TMDs in patients with FMS. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To evaluate the prevalence of chronic widespread pain (CWP) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in TMD patients and the prevalence of TMDs in patients with FMS.
METHOD
A systematic search was performed in electronic databases. Studies published in English examining the prevalence of comorbid TMDs and CWP/FMS were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess study quality, and meta-analyses using defined diagnostic criteria were conducted to generate pooled prevalence estimates.
RESULTS
Nineteen studies of moderate to high quality met the selection criteria. Meta-analyses yielded a pooled prevalence rate (95% CI) for TMDs in FMS patients of 76.8% (69.5% to 83.3%). Myogenous TMDs were more prevalent in FMS patients (63.1%, 47.7% to 77.3%) than disc displacement disorders (24.2%, 19.4% to 39.5%), while a little over 40% of FMS patients had comorbid inflammatory degenerative TMDs (41.8%, 21.9% to 63.2%). Almost a third of individuals (32.7%, 4.5% to 71.0%) with TMDs had comorbid FMS, while estimates of comorbid CWP across studies ranged from 30% to 76%.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite variable prevalence rates among the included studies, the present review suggests that TMDs and CWP/FMS frequently coexist, especially for individuals with painful myogenous TMDs. The clinical, pathophysiologic, and therapeutic aspects of this association are important for tailoring appropriate treatment strategies.
Topics: Humans; Fibromyalgia; Chronic Pain; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Prevalence
PubMed: 37975782
DOI: 10.11607/ofph.3260