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Journal of Sports Science & Medicine Sep 2023Static stretching can increase the range of motion of a joint. Muscle-tendon unit stiffness (MTS) is potentially one of the main factors that influences the change in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Static stretching can increase the range of motion of a joint. Muscle-tendon unit stiffness (MTS) is potentially one of the main factors that influences the change in the range of motion after static stretching. However, to date, the effects of acute and long-term static stretching on MTS are not well understood. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of acute and long-term static stretching training on MTS, in young healthy participants. PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO published before January 6, 2023, were searched and finally, 17 papers were included in the meta-analysis. Main meta-analysis was performed with a random-effect model and subgroup analyses, which included comparisons of sex (male vs. mixed sex and female) and muscle (hamstrings vs. plantar flexors) were also performed. Furthermore, a meta-regression was conducted to examine the effect of total stretching duration on MTS. For acute static stretching, the result of the meta-analysis showed a moderate decrease in MTS (effect size = -0.772, Z = -2.374, 95% confidence interval = -1.409 - -0.325, p = 0.018, I = 79.098). For long-term static stretching, there is no significant change in MTS (effect size = -0.608, Z = -1.761, 95% CI = -1.284 - 0.069, p = 0.078, I = 83.061). Subgroup analyses revealed no significant differences between sex (long-term, p = 0.209) or muscle (acute, p =0.295; long-term, p = 0.427). Moreover, there was a significant relationship between total stretching duration and MTS in acute static stretching (p = 0.011, R2 = 0.28), but not in long-term stretching (p = 0.085, R < 0.01). Whilst MTS decreased after acute static stretching, only a tendency of a decrease was seen after long-term stretching.
Topics: Female; Male; Humans; Muscle Stretching Exercises; Tendons; Muscles; Hamstring Muscles
PubMed: 37711702
DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2023.465 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2023In recent years, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for osteoarthritis (OA) have been widely promoted in clinical practice, but their effectiveness is controversial....
BACKGROUND
In recent years, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for osteoarthritis (OA) have been widely promoted in clinical practice, but their effectiveness is controversial. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine the efficacy and safety of PRP injections for the treatment of OA.
METHODS
We searched databases including Embase, Web of Science, Medline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library for relevant studies. Two researchers (YQX and CG) performed literature screening, baseline data extraction, literature quality assessment, and heterogeneity analysis of RCTs from the retrieved studies. Based on the magnitude of heterogeneity , random-effects or fixed-effects models were selected for the meta-analysis.
RESULTS
We included 24 RCTs comprising 1344 patients with OA who met the inclusion criteria, with the main types of morbidity being knee osteoarthritis (KOA), hip osteoarthritis (HOA), ankle osteoarthritis (AOA), and temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA). Our results indicate that PRP injections were effective in improving Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores in patients with KOA, HOA, and AOA compared to controls (AOA, MD = -1.15, CI = 95% [-1.74, -0.56], = 40%, < 0.05; KOA, MD = -1.03, CI = 95% [-1.16, -0.9], = 87%, < 0.05; TMJOA, MD = -1.35, CI = 95% [-1.74, -0.97], = 92%, < 0.05) but showed no significant efficacy in patients with HOA (MD = -0.27, CI = 95% [-0.8, 0.26], = 56%, >0.05). Compared to controls, PRP injections were effective in improving Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), including the patient's pain symptoms, activities of daily living (ADL), and adhesion symptomatology, but not for that of sports function (KOOS-pain, MD = 2.77, CI = 95% [0, 5.53], = 0%, < 0.05; KOOS-symptoms, MD = 3.73, CI = 95% [0.76, 6.71], = 0%, < 0.05; KOOS-ADL, MD = 3.61, CI = 95% [0.79, 6.43], = 0%, < 0.05; KOOS-QOL, MD = 4.66, CI = 95% [0.98, 8.35], = 29%, < 0.05, KOOS-sport, MD = 0.48, CI = 95% [-3.02, 3.98], = 0%, > 0.05). PRP injections were effective in improving Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, including pain, stiffness, and functional joint motion, in patients with OA compared with the control group (WOMAC-pain, MD = -1.08, CI = 95% [-1.62, -0.53], = 87%, < 0.05; WOMAC-stiffness, MD = -1.17, CI = 88% [-1.72, -0.63], = 87%, < 0.05; WOMAC-function, MD = -1.12, CI = 95% [-1.65, -0.58], = 87%, < 0.05). In addition, subgroup analysis showed that leukocyte-poor (LP) PRP injections were more effective than leukocyte-rich (LR) PRP injections in improving pain symptoms in patients with OA (VAS, LR-PRP, MD = -0.81, CI = 95% [-1.65, -0.03], = 83%, = 0.06 > 0.05; LP-PRP, MD = -1.62, CI = 95% [-2.36, -0.88], = 92%, < 0.05). A subgroup analysis based on injection sites showed that no statistical difference in efficacy between intra-articular (IA) combined with intra-osseous (IO) simultaneous PRP injections. IA PRP injections only improved VAS pain scores in patients with OA (IA+IO PRP injections, MD = -0.74, CI =95% [-1.29, -0.18], = 61%, < 0.05; IA PRP injections, MD = -1.43, CI = 95% [-2.18, -0.68], = 87%, < 0.05, test for subgroup differences, > 0.05, = 52.7%).
CONCLUSION
PRP injection therapy can safely and effectively improve functional activity in patients with OA and produce positive analgesic effects in patients with KOA, TMJOA, and AOA. However, PRP injection therapy did not significantly reduce pain symptoms in patients with HOA. In addition, the analgesic effect of LP-PRP was greater than that of LR-PRP.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42022362066.
PubMed: 37441691
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1204144 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2023In order to examine the relationship between 25-hydroxyl vitamin D and knee osteoarthritis (KOA), a meta-analysis of 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) publications...
OBJECTIVE
In order to examine the relationship between 25-hydroxyl vitamin D and knee osteoarthritis (KOA), a meta-analysis of 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) publications was hereby performed.
METHODS
For the purpose of finding pertinent research, the databases of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched. Factors including tibial cartilage volume, joint space width (JSW), synovial fluid volume, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) were correspondingly evaluated, and the results were expressed using SMD and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS
The present meta-analysis evaluated the effects of vitamin D supplementation in patients with knee osteoarthritis, with 3,077 patients included. The results showed that vitamin D administration had a statistically significant impact on the amount of synovial fluid, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and tibial cartilage. The pain and function scales of the WOMAC scale presented a statistically significant difference, and there was no discernible difference between the vitamin D and placebo groups in the stiffness scale. Additionally, bone marrow lesions and alterations in the diameter of the joint space were not influenced by the administration of vitamin D, and according to a subgroup study, a daily vitamin D supplement containing more than 2,000 IU significantly slowed the development of synovial tissue.
CONCLUSION
Vitamin D supplementation did benefit those suffering from knee discomfort and knee dysfunction.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022332033, identifier: CRD42022332033.
PubMed: 37601800
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1200592 -
BMC Medicine Dec 2023Short-stay joint replacement programmes are used in many countries but there has been little scrutiny of safety outcomes in the literature. We aimed to systematically... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Short-stay joint replacement programmes are used in many countries but there has been little scrutiny of safety outcomes in the literature. We aimed to systematically review evidence on the safety of short-stay programmes versus usual care for total hip (THR) and knee replacement (KR), and optimal patient selection.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies including a comparator group reporting on 14 safety outcomes (hospital readmissions, reoperations, blood loss, emergency department visits, infection, mortality, neurovascular injury, other complications, periprosthetic fractures, postoperative falls, venous thromboembolism, wound complications, dislocation, stiffness) within 90 days postoperatively in adults ≥ 18 years undergoing primary THR or KR were included. Secondary outcomes were associations between patient demographics or clinical characteristics and patient outcomes. Four databases were searched between January 2000 and May 2023. Risk of bias and certainty of the evidence were assessed.
RESULTS
Forty-nine studies were included. Based upon low certainty RCT evidence, short-stay programmes may not reduce readmission (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.12-7.43); blood transfusion requirements (OR 1.75, 95% CI 0.27-11.36); neurovascular injury (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.01-7.92); other complications (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.26-1.53); or stiffness (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.53-2.05). For registry studies, there was no difference in readmission, infection, neurovascular injury, other complications, venous thromboembolism, or wound complications but there were reductions in mortality and dislocations. For interrupted time series studies, there was no difference in readmissions, reoperations, blood loss volume, emergency department visits, infection, mortality, or neurovascular injury; reduced odds of blood transfusion and other complications, but increased odds of periprosthetic fracture. For other observational studies, there was an increased risk of readmission, no difference in blood loss volume, infection, other complications, or wound complications, reduced odds of requiring blood transfusion, reduced mortality, and reduced venous thromboembolism. One study examined an outcome relevant to optimal patient selection; it reported comparable blood loss for short-stay male and female participants (p = 0.814).
CONCLUSIONS
There is low certainty evidence that short-stay programmes for THR and KR may have non-inferior 90-day safety outcomes. There is little evidence on factors informing optimal patient selection; this remains an important knowledge gap.
Topics: Male; Adult; Female; Humans; Venous Thromboembolism; Patient Selection; Hemorrhage; Interrupted Time Series Analysis
PubMed: 38129857
DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03219-5 -
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023Biomechanical studies play an important role in understanding the pathophysiology of sleep disorders and providing insights to maintain sleep health. Computational... (Review)
Review
Biomechanical studies play an important role in understanding the pathophysiology of sleep disorders and providing insights to maintain sleep health. Computational methods facilitate a versatile platform to analyze various biomechanical factors in silico, which would otherwise be difficult through in vivo experiments. The objective of this review is to examine and map the applications of computational biomechanics to sleep-related research topics, including sleep medicine and sleep ergonomics. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Research gaps were identified through data synthesis on variants, outcomes, and highlighted features, as well as evidence maps on basic modeling considerations and modeling components of the eligible studies. Twenty-seven studies ( = 27) were categorized into sleep ergonomics ( = 2 on pillow; = 3 on mattress), sleep-related breathing disorders ( = 19 on obstructive sleep apnea), and sleep-related movement disorders ( = 3 on sleep bruxism). The effects of pillow height and mattress stiffness on spinal curvature were explored. Stress on the temporomandibular joint, and therefore its disorder, was the primary focus of investigations on sleep bruxism. Using finite element morphometry and fluid-structure interaction, studies on obstructive sleep apnea investigated the effects of anatomical variations, muscle activation of the tongue and soft palate, and gravitational direction on the collapse and blockade of the upper airway, in addition to the airflow pressure distribution. Model validation has been one of the greatest hurdles, while single-subject design and surrogate techniques have led to concerns about external validity. Future research might endeavor to reconstruct patient-specific models with patient-specific loading profiles in a larger cohort. Studies on sleep ergonomics research may pave the way for determining ideal spine curvature, in addition to simulating side-lying sleep postures. Sleep bruxism studies may analyze the accumulated dental damage and wear. Research on OSA treatments using computational approaches warrants further investigation.
PubMed: 37627802
DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10080917 -
PloS One 2023Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory, systemic and chronic disease that mainly affects the joints. It is characterized mainly by pain, edema and joint stiffness,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory, systemic and chronic disease that mainly affects the joints. It is characterized mainly by pain, edema and joint stiffness, which can lead to significant loss of functional capacity and quality of life. Several physical therapy resources are used in the treatment of AR, such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the efficacy of LLLT in AR is still controversial. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy in adults with RA. Methods and findings: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PEDro, LILACS, IBECS, CUMED, SCIELO and ClinicalTrials.gov. Two researchers independently selected studies, extracted data, evaluated the risk of bias and assessed the certainty of evidence using GRADE approach. Disagreements were resolved by a third author. Meta-analyses were performed. Currently available evidence was from 18 RCTs, with a total of 793 participants. We found low-quality evidence suggesting there may be no difference between using infrared laser and sham in terms of pain, morning stiffness, grip strength, functional capacity, inflammation, ROM, disease activity and adverse events. The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of red laser compared to sham in pain, morning stiffness. The evidence is also very uncertain about the effects of laser acupuncture compared to placebo in functional capacity, quality of life, range of motion and inflammation. Conclusions: Thus, infrared laser may not be superior to sham in RA patients. There is insufficient information to support or refute the effectiveness of red laser, laser acupuncture and reflexology for treating patients with RA.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Low-Level Light Therapy; Quality of Life; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Inflammation; Pain; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37683021
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291345 -
Inconsistency in Shoulder Arthrometers for Measuring Glenohumeral Joint Laxity: A Systematic Review.Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023There is no consensus on how to measure shoulder joint laxity and results reported in the literature are not well systematized for the available shoulder arthrometer... (Review)
Review
There is no consensus on how to measure shoulder joint laxity and results reported in the literature are not well systematized for the available shoulder arthrometer devices. This systematic review aims to summarize the results of currently available shoulder arthrometers for measuring glenohumeral laxity in individuals with healthy or injured shoulders. Searches were conducted on the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases to identify studies that measure glenohumeral laxity with arthrometer-assisted assessment. The mean and standard deviations of the laxity measurement from each study were compared based on the type of population and arthrometer used. Data were organized according to the testing characteristics. A total of 23 studies were included and comprised 1162 shoulders. Populations were divided into 401 healthy individuals, 278 athletes with asymptomatic shoulder, and 134 individuals with symptomatic shoulder. Sensors were the most used method for measuring glenohumeral laxity and stiffness. Most arthrometers applied an external force to the humeral head or superior humerus by a manual-assisted mechanism. Glenohumeral laxity and stiffness were mostly assessed in the sagittal plane. There is substantial heterogeneity in glenohumeral laxity values that is mostly related to the arthrometer used and the testing conditions. This variability can lead to inconsistent results and influence the diagnosis and treatment decision-making.
PubMed: 37508826
DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10070799 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Nov 2023Ilizarov method has become one of primary methods for treating bone defects. Currently, there is growing trend in the application of modified Ilizarov methods (e.g.,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Ilizarov method has become one of primary methods for treating bone defects. Currently, there is growing trend in the application of modified Ilizarov methods (e.g., applying unilateral external fixators or with flap tissue) and its combined methods (e.g., Ilizarov method with antibiotic spacer or internal fixation) to manage bone defects. However, there is a lack of studies with systematical evaluation of the clinical effects of these evolving methods. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis for overall evaluating the clinical effects on long bone defects of lower extremity in Ilizarov methods and its combined methods.
METHODS
Studies were identified in three electronic databases (Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Library) from the earliest indexing year through November 01, 2022, and relevant data were extracted subsequently. The total number of participants, number of participants with bone unions, bone result or functional result, and related complications including pin infection, pin loosening, pain, refracture, limb discrepancy, malalignment, joint stiffness, recurrent infection, and amputation were extracted in this study. Then, union rate (defined as the proportion of patients who achieved bone unions) and specific complication incidence rate (defined as the proportion of patients who experienced specific complication) were pooled estimated respectively. Relative risk (RR) was used for comparing the clinical effects among various Ilizarov technique.
RESULTS
Sixty-eight case series studies, 29 comparative studies, and 3 randomized clinical trials were finally included. The union rate of Ilizarov methods was 99.29% (95% CI: 98.67% ~ 99.86%) in tibial defects and 98.81% (95% CI: 98.81% ~ 100.00%) in femoral defects. The union rate of Ilizarov method with antibiotic spacer and intramedullary nail in tibial defects was 99.58% (95% CI: 98.05% ~ 100.00%) and 95.02% (95% CI: 87.28% ~ 100.00%), respectively. Compared to the Ilizarov methods, the union rate of the Ilizarov method with antibiotic spacer in tibial defects increased slightly (RR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01 ~ 1.04). Meanwhile, compared to Ilizarov methods, we found lower excellent rate in bone result in Ilizarov method with antibiotic spacer, with the moderate to high heterogeneity. Compared to the Ilizarov method, lower rate of pin infection, higher rate of recurrent infection and amputation were observed in Ilizarov method with intramedullary nail, however, the findings about the comparison of pin infection and recurrent infection between the two groups were presented with high degree of statistical heterogeneity.
CONCLUSION
Our study confirmed the reliable treatment of Ilizarov methods and its combined technique on long bone defects, and founded there were significant differences on some complications rate between Ilizarov methods and its combined technique. However, the findings need to be confirmed by further studies.
Topics: Humans; Ilizarov Technique; Reinfection; Treatment Outcome; Tibia; External Fixators; Lower Extremity; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Retrospective Studies; Tibial Fractures
PubMed: 37968675
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-07001-9 -
Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Sep 2023Spinal osteoarthritis is difficult to study and diagnose, partly due to the lack of agreed diagnostic criteria. This systematic review aims to give an overview of the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Spinal osteoarthritis is difficult to study and diagnose, partly due to the lack of agreed diagnostic criteria. This systematic review aims to give an overview of the associations between clinical and imaging findings suggestive of spinal osteoarthritis in patients with low back pain to make a step towards agreed diagnostic criteria.
DESIGN
We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL from inception to April 29, 2021 to identify observational studies in adults that assessed the association between selected clinical and imaging findings suggestive of spinal osteoarthritis. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale and the quality of evidence was graded using an adaptation of the GRADE approach.
RESULTS
After screening 7902 studies, 30 met the inclusion criteria. High-quality evidence was found for the longitudinal association between low back pain (LBP) intensity, and both disc space narrowing and osteophytes, as well as for the association between LBP-related physical functioning and lumbar disc degeneration, the presence of spinal morning stiffness and disc space narrowing and for the lack of association between physical functioning and Schmorl's nodes.
CONCLUSIONS
There is high- and moderate-quality evidence of associations between clinical and imaging findings suggestive of spinal osteoarthritis. However, the majority of the studied outcomes had low or very low-quality of evidence. Furthermore, clinical and methodological heterogeneity was a serious limitation, adding to the need and importance of agreed criteria for spinal osteoarthritis, which should be the scope of future research.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Osteoarthritis, Spine; Low Back Pain; Lumbar Vertebrae; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration; Intervertebral Disc Displacement
PubMed: 37150286
DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2023.04.014 -
PloS One 2024Hand osteoarthritis poses a significant health challenge globally due to its increasing prevalence and the substantial burden on individuals and the society. In current... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Hand osteoarthritis poses a significant health challenge globally due to its increasing prevalence and the substantial burden on individuals and the society. In current clinical practice, treatment options for hand osteoarthritis encompass a range of approaches, including biological agents, antimetabolic drugs, neuromuscular blockers, anti-inflammatory drugs, hormone medications, pain relievers, new synergistic drugs, and other medications. Despite the diverse array of treatments, determining the optimal regimen remains elusive. This study seeks to conduct a network meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness and safety of various drug intervention measures in the treatment of hand osteoarthritis. The findings aim to provide evidence-based support for the clinical management of hand osteoarthritis.
METHODS
We performed a comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted until September 15th, 2022, to identify relevant randomized controlled trials. After meticulous screening and data extraction, the Cochrane Handbook's risk of bias assessment tool was applied to evaluate study quality. Data synthesis was carried out using Stata 15.1 software.
RESULTS
21 studies with data for 3965 patients were meta-analyzed, involving 20 distinct Western medicine agents. GCSB-5, a specific herbal complex that mainly regulate pain in hand osteoarthritis, showed the greatest reduction in pain [WMD = -13.00, 95% CI (-26.69, 0.69)]. CRx-102, s specific medication characterized by its significant effect for relieving joint stiffness symptoms, remarkably mitigated stiffness [WMD = -7.50, 95% CI (-8.90, -6.10)]. Chondroitin sulfate displayed the highest incidence of adverse events [RR = 0.26, 95% CI (0.06, 1.22)]. No substantial variation in functional index for hand osteoarthritis score improvement was identified between distinct agents and placebo.
CONCLUSIONS
In summary, GCSB-5 and CRx-102 exhibit efficacy in alleviating pain and stiffness in HOA, respectively. However, cautious interpretation of the results is advised. Tailored treatment decisions based on individual contexts are imperative.
Topics: Humans; Osteoarthritis; Network Meta-Analysis; Treatment Outcome; Hand; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38722915
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298774