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Journal of Functional Morphology and... Sep 2023The use of massage guns has become increasingly popular in recent years. Although their use is more and more common, both in a clinical and sports context, there is... (Review)
Review
The use of massage guns has become increasingly popular in recent years. Although their use is more and more common, both in a clinical and sports context, there is still little information to guide the practitioners. This systematic review aimed to determine the effects of massage guns in healthy and unhealthy populations as pre- and post-activity or part of a treatment. Data sources used were PubMed, PEDro, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science and Google Scholar, and the study eligibility criteria were based on "healthy and unhealthy individuals", "massage guns", "pre-activity, post-activity or part of a treatment" and "randomized and non-randomized studies" (P.I.C.O.S.). Initially, 281 records were screened, but only 11 could be included. Ten had a moderate risk of bias and one a high risk of bias. Massage guns could be effective in improving iliopsoas, hamstrings, triceps suralis and the posterior chain muscles' flexibility. In strength, balance, acceleration, agility and explosive activities, it either did not have improvements or it even showed a decrease in performance. In the recovery-related outcomes, massage guns were shown to be cost-effective instruments for stiffness reduction, range of motion and strength improvements after a fatigue protocol. No differences were found in contraction time, rating of perceived exertion or lactate concentration. Massage guns can help to improve short-term range of motion, flexibility and recovery-related outcomes, but their use in strength, balance, acceleration, agility and explosive activities is not recommended.
PubMed: 37754971
DOI: 10.3390/jfmk8030138 -
BMC Women's Health Jul 2023Dyspareunia is defined as the occurrence of pain during or after sexual intercourse, which directly affects physical, sexual, and mental health. This condition can lead... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Dyspareunia is defined as the occurrence of pain during or after sexual intercourse, which directly affects physical, sexual, and mental health. This condition can lead to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem in women who experience it.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions for the treatment of female dyspareunia.
DESIGN
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted.
METHOD
Search of publications was conducted in Scopus, Medline, Pubmed, Cinahl and Web of Science. Treatment effects were defined as standardized mean difference and their 95% confidence intervals. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using Crohan's Q test and quantified using the I index.
RESULTS
Of the 19 articles selected, six applied multimodal physiotherapy treatments; five, electrotherapy; three, Thiele's massage; two, interdisciplinary interventions or pelvic floor muscle training; and one, extracorporeal shockwave therapy. The meta-analysis showed significant results for the variables pain and quality of life with the interventions based on electrotherapy and electrotherapy combined with pelvic floor muscle training. These interventions did not show significant results for the improvement of sexual function.
CONCLUSIONS
Physiotherapy techniques are effective and procedures have been identified with reliable results in improving pain and quality of life in patients with dyspareunia. One of the most important aspects is the strengthening of the perineal musculature and the application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Furthermore, manual trigger point release therapy and Thiele massage, optimize and guarantee the reduction of pain intensity.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION
CRD42021236155.
Topics: Humans; Female; Dyspareunia; Quality of Life; Physical Therapy Modalities; Pain; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation
PubMed: 37482613
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02532-8 -
Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and... Oct 2023Natural childbirth is associated with the risk of damage to the perineum - a tears or a episiotomy. Adequate preparation of the woman for childbirth is essential to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Natural childbirth is associated with the risk of damage to the perineum - a tears or a episiotomy. Adequate preparation of the woman for childbirth is essential to minimize the occurrence of perinatal injuries.
AIM
The aim of the review is to assess and analyze the impact of APM (antental perineal massage) on perinatal perineal injuries and the development of pelvic pain and other complications in postpartum women, such as dyspareunia, urinary (UI), gas (GI), and fecal incontinence (FI).
METHODS
PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase were searched. Three authors independently searched databases and selected articles for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Next one author did Risk of Bias 2 and ROBINS 1 analyze.
FINDINGS
Of 711 articles, 18 publications were left for the review. All 18 studies examined the risk of perineal injuries (tearing and episiotomy), 7 pain in postpartum period, 6 postpartum urinary, gas/fecal incontinence and 2 described dyspareunia. Most authors described APM from 34 weeks of pregnancy until delivery. There were different techniques and times for doing APM procedures.
DISCUSSION
APM has many benefits for women during labor and the postpartum period (e.g. lower rate of perineal injuries and pain). However, it can be observed that individual publications differ from each other in the time of massage, the period and frequency of its performance, the form of obtaining instruction and control of patients. These components may affect the results obtained.
CONCLUSION
APM can protects the perineum from injuries during labor. It also reduces risk of fecal and gas incontinence in postpartum period.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Perineum; Fecal Incontinence; Dyspareunia; Parturition; Massage; Pelvic Pain; Urinary Incontinence
PubMed: 37414371
DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2023.102627 -
Medicine Jul 2023To critically evaluate the effects of massage therapy on cancer pain. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
To critically evaluate the effects of massage therapy on cancer pain.
METHODS
Nine Chinese and English databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, SCOPUS, Web of Science core, China Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP) were systematically searched from the inception of databases to November 2022 for randomized controlled trials. According to Cochrane Collaboration, 2 reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias and extracted data from the included studies. All analyses were performed with Review Manager 5.4.
RESULTS
Thirteen randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis, containing 1000 patients (498 in the massage therapy group and 502 in the control group). Massage therapy could significantly relieve cancer pain in patients (standardized mean difference = -1.16, 95% confidence interval [-1.39, -0.93], P < .00001), especially those in the perioperative period and those with hematological malignancies. Foot reflexology and hand acupressure had a moderate effect on cancer pain relief, with hand acupressure being more effective. Massage duration of 10 to 30 minutes and a program length of ≥1 week had a better effect and could significantly relieve pain. The occurrence of adverse events was reported in 4 of the 13 studies, all of which were no adverse events.
CONCLUSIONS
Massage therapy can be used as a complementary alternative therapy to relieve cancer pain in patients with hematological malignancies, breast cancer, and cancers of the digestive system. It is suggested that chemotherapy patients use foot reflexology, and perioperative period patients use hand acupressure. A massage duration of 10 to 30 minutes and a program length of ≥1 week is recommended to achieve better effects.
Topics: Humans; Female; Cancer Pain; Massage; Complementary Therapies; Breast Neoplasms; Hematologic Neoplasms
PubMed: 37417622
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000033939 -
BMC Women's Health Jul 2023Menopause is the time that marks passing 12 months after the last menstruation cycle in women between ages 40-50. Menopausal women often experience depression and...
BACKGROUND
Menopause is the time that marks passing 12 months after the last menstruation cycle in women between ages 40-50. Menopausal women often experience depression and insomnia that significantly impact their overall well-being and quality of life. This systematic review aims to determine the effects of different therapeutic physiotherapy modalities on insomnia and depression in perimenopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal women.
METHODOLOGY
After identifying our inclusion/exclusion criteria, we conducted a database search in Ovid Embase, MIDRIS, PubMed, Cochrane, and ScienceOpen, where 4007 papers were identified. By using EndNote software, we excluded duplicates, unrelated, and non-full text papers. Adding more studies from manual search, we finally included 31 papers including 7 physiotherapy modalities: exercise, reflexology, footbath, walking, therapeutic and aromatherapy massage, craniofacial message, and yoga.
RESULTS
Reflexology, yoga, walking and aromatherapy massage showed an overall significant impact on decreasing insomnia and depression in menopausal women. Most of exercise and stretching interventions also showed improvement in sleep quality but inconsistent findings regarding depression. However, insufficient evidence was found regarding the effect of craniofacial massage, footbath, and acupressure on improving sleep quality and depression in menopausal women.
CONCLUSION
Using non-pharmaceutical interventions such as therapeutic and manual physiotherapy have an overall positive impact on reducing insomnia and depression in menopausal women.
Topics: Female; Humans; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Postmenopause; Perimenopause; Depression; Quality of Life; Menopause; Physical Therapy Modalities
PubMed: 37422660
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02515-9 -
Journal of Integrative Neuroscience Aug 2023Pharmacological treatment is the primary approach in chronic migraine (CM), although non-drug interventions such as physical therapy are used as adjunct treatments. We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Pharmacological treatment is the primary approach in chronic migraine (CM), although non-drug interventions such as physical therapy are used as adjunct treatments. We aimed to review the efficacy of physical therapy and rehabilitation approaches for CM and their impact on quality of life (QoL) and disability.
METHODS
This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adults with CM. The primary outcomes were changes in intensity, frequency, duration of headache, disability, and QoL. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Data synthesis and quantitative analysis were conducted on relevant studies.
RESULTS
Seven RCTs were included in the narrative review, and five of them were eligible for quantitative analysis. Aerobic exercise (AE), osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), occipital transcutaneous electrical stimulation (OTES), acupressure, hydrotherapy, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), facial proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (FPNF), and connective tissue massage (CTM) were used in CM. AE combined with pharmacological therapy reduced the frequency, duration, and intensity of headache. OMT combined with medication improved QoL and reduced disability, intensity of pain, and migraine days per month. Hydrotherapy combined with medication also resulted in improvements in the intensity of headache, frequency, and overall QoL. IASTM and OTES reduced the intensity of headache, alleviated neck pain, and improved QoL, although there were conflicting findings following OTES alone on disability and intensity of headache. Both FPNF and CTM reduced the intensity of headache. Acupressure as an adjunct to medication did not show additional benefits on the intensity of headache and QoL. Quantitative analysis of the data showed that manual physical therapy combined with medication reduced the intensity of headache ( = 0.0796), and manual or AE combined with medication reduced the headache days per month ( = 0.047).
CONCLUSIONS
A limited number of RCTs investigating the efficacy of physical therapy and rehabilitation approaches show promise in improving headache symptoms, reducing disability, and enhancing QoL in CM. Meta-analysis of the data also supported favorable outcomes for both intensity and headache days per month. Further research is needed to better understand the efficacy, optimal duration, and safety of physical therapy and rehabilitation approaches for CM, and to explore alternative interventions.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Physical Therapy Modalities; Migraine Disorders; Headache; Pain; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 37735140
DOI: 10.31083/j.jin2205126 -
Palliative Care and Social Practice 2024Palliative care patients desire more symptom management interventions that are complementary to their medical treatment. Within the multi-professional team, nurses could... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Palliative care patients desire more symptom management interventions that are complementary to their medical treatment. Within the multi-professional team, nurses could help support pain management with non-pharmacological interventions feasible for their practice and adaptable to palliative care patients' needs.
OBJECTIVES
The objective was to identify non-pharmacological interventions feasible in the nursing scope of practice affecting pain in palliative care patients.
DESIGN
A systematic review.
DATA SOURCES AND METHODS
A defined search strategy was used in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Embase. Search results were screened double-blinded. Methodological quality was double-appraised with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. Data were extracted from selected studies and the findings were summarized. The methodological quality, quantity of studies evaluating the same intervention, and consistency in the findings were synthesized in a best-evidence synthesis to rank evidence as strong, moderate, limited, mixed, or insufficient.
RESULTS
Out of 2385 articles, 22 studies highlighted non-pharmacological interventions in the nursing scope of practice. Interventions using massage therapy and virtual reality demonstrated most evidentiary support for pain management, while art therapy lacked sufficient evidence. Mindful breathing intervention showed no significant reduction in pain. Hypnosis, progressive muscle-relaxation-interactive-guided imagery, cognitive-behavioral audiotapes, wrapped warm footbath, reflexology, and music therapy exhibited promising results in pain reduction, whereas mindfulness-based stress reduction program, aromatherapy, and aroma-massage therapy did not.
CONCLUSION
Despite not all studies reaching significant changes in pain scores, non-pharmacological interventions can be clinically relevant to palliative care patients. Its use should be discussed for its potential value and nurses to be trained for safe practice. Methodologically rigorous research for non-pharmacological interventions in nursing scope of practice for pain relief in palliative care patients is necessary.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The protocol for this study is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Review (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020196781).
PubMed: 38223744
DOI: 10.1177/26323524231222496 -
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 -
Health Services Research and Managerial... 2024Over the past few years, a growing number of studies have explored massage robots. However, to date, a dedicated systematic review focused solely on robot-assisted... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Over the past few years, a growing number of studies have explored massage robots. However, to date, a dedicated systematic review focused solely on robot-assisted massage has not been conducted.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically identify and summarize evidence from studies concerning robot-assisted massage in healthcare settings.
METHODS
An extensive literature search, involving electronic databases Ovid and Scopus, was conducted from the inception of the databases up to March 2023. This systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, and relevant papers were chosen based on the predefined inclusion criteria. Given the substantial methodological diversity among the included studies, a qualitative analysis was conducted.
RESULTS
Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 15 preliminary trials, one quasi-experimental study, and one randomized controlled trial. Approximately 29% of the studies focused on the application of robotic massage for patients, 24% targeted both healthy volunteers and patients, and the remaining 47% were preclinical trials assessing the effectiveness of robotic massage solely on healthy volunteers. Primary interventions included robotic massage for oral rehabilitation, scalp massage, low back massage, shoulder massage, and full-body massage. All studies provided evidence that robotic massage interventions can enhance health and well-being, indicating a promising future for the integration of robotics in the field of massage therapy.
CONCLUSIONS
In general, robotic massage interventions offer physical and mental health benefits. Robot-assisted massage may be integrated into care provision as an adjunct to enhance human well-being. Nonetheless, further research is needed to confirm these findings.
PubMed: 38379713
DOI: 10.1177/23333928241230948 -
Sports (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023Although different strategies have been implemented to manage recovery-fatigue status in athletes, there is still a lack of consensus on which recovery protocols have... (Review)
Review
Although different strategies have been implemented to manage recovery-fatigue status in athletes, there is still a lack of consensus on which recovery protocols have the greatest impact and effectiveness when implemented with basketball players, including both physiological and psychological recovery methods. Thus, the purpose of this systematic review is to: (a) determine which recovery methods attain the greatest benefit in restoring the process of attenuating fatigue and (b) provide sports practitioners with guidelines on how some of the most effective recovery strategies can be used to optimize athletes' recovery and ultimately enhance their performance. Using the PRISMA guidelines, a total of 3931 research reports were obtained through four database searches (i.e., PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science), from which only 25 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The recovery protocols analyzed in this systematic review were: sleep, nutrition, hydration, ergogenic aids, cold-water immersion, compression garments, massage, acupuncture, tapering, mindfulness, and red-light irradiation. The results revealed that all recovery strategies are capable of attenuating fatigue and enhancing recovery in basketball players to a certain degree. However, an individualized approach should be promoted, where a combination of proactive recovery modalities appears to result in the most rapid rates of recovery and athletes' ability to maintain high-level performance. Recovery should be programmed as an integral component of training regimens. Also, cooperation and communication between coaches, players, and the rest of the team staff members are essential in minimizing the risk of non-functional overreaching or injury and optimizing basketball players' on-court performance.
PubMed: 37999447
DOI: 10.3390/sports11110230